What happens when fantasy readers get a microphone and zero fear about controversial casting?

In this episode of FanCastic, we fan cast The Shepherd King, the dark romantasy duology by Rachel Gillig — including One Dark Window and Two Twisted Crowns.

From bold casting picks for Elspeth, Ravyn, and the Nightmare to a few unexpected choices that might divide the fandom, we debate which actors could bring the eerie magic, gothic romance, and haunting atmosphere of this beloved romantasy series to life on screen.

We’re also sharing highlights from our time at Romantasy Con LA, including convention moments, fan energy, and what it’s like attending a romantasy convention in Los Angeles.

If you love romantasy books, fantasy fan casting, BookTok favorites, and chaotic reader discussions, this episode is for you.

⚠️ Series spoilers for The Shepherd King duology

Join the conversation:
Who would you cast in a Shepherd King adaptation?

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HOLY CRAP! Be still our beating hearts!! Are we all still okay!?

Emyli & Loretta RAN to their studio minutes after the surprise Call Her Daddy episode with Sarah J. Maas drop on Wednesday, 3/4 to bring you this very special bonus episode!! Hit play to hear all of our thoughts and reactions to the BIG NEWS of more ACOTAR coming October 27th & January 12!! Everyone say "THANK YOU SARAH"!

PLUS! We did a a little teaser of who we would fan cast in the TV/Film adaptation of Crescent City-- fun!! Spontaneous! What a wild ride, right book girlies?!

All art featured is made by the following incredible artists:

Pins of Marvel and Magic
MERMAIDTALESLOJA
brunojlopez
Jemlincreations
Gemini Rising - bookishkoda

#sarahjmaas #acotar #acotarseries #fancast #alexcooper #crescentcity

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The wait is over! We hope you forgive us for leaving you hanging ... but, as promised, we are back with a strictly fan cast episode of Gild & Glint.

Join us (Loretta & Emyli) as we fan cast various characters in The Plated Prisoner series, including Aurren, King Midas, Queen Malina, Digby, and sweet Summer child Sail. We take time highlighting character traits and the actors we envision bringing them to life while also discussing the complexities of characters like Rissa, Polly, and Commander Rip.

This episode contains MAJOR spoilers for the series and talks of SA and abuse so please be mindful while listening.

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Xoxo,

Loretta & Emyli

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Join us (Loretta and Emyli) as we celebrate the long awaited... The Plated Prisoner series day! Hang out while we discuss our favorite moments of the first two books, 'Gild' & 'Glint' and the characters within it. We delve into the intricate world of Raven Kennedy's acclaimed fantasy series, discussing the magical laws governing kingdoms, character development, and the emotional trauma faced by the protagonist, Auren. This conversation explores the dynamics of power, manipulation, and the impact of trauma, so please take care while listening.

We also address the most recent controversy surrounding the cancellation of a certain book event, highlighting the community's response and support for affected authors and vendors.

Follow us on Instagram for more FanCastic & leave us a comment here to let us know you're listening!

Xoxo,

Loretta & Emyli

🎙 Subscribe to FanCastic for weekly episodes about fantasy books, fandom culture, and dream book-to-screen adaptations.

Happy "Love Day" listeners!!!

Loretta and Emyli are covering everything from the Super Bowl recaps to swoony (and not-so-swoony) cutsie romance novels in this jam packed episode.

From its fan fiction beginnings to its character dynamics, your hostesses critically explore how romance novels handle emotional complexity, tropes, and representation. They compare it to The Hating Game, debate casting choices, and even fan-cast their ideal adaptations.

Expect thoughtful critique, playful banter, and honest takes on modern romance storytelling.

The episode also includes:
Current reads & fresh book recommendations
A Valentine’s Day conversation centered on self-love
A cut-throat review of The Love Hypothesis

If you enjoy conversations about book adaptations, rom-com comparisons, character chemistry, and representation in fiction, this episode belongs in your queue.

Subscribe, like, and review to support the show. 💕

Xoxo,
Loretta & Emyli

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HAPPY SUPERB OWL DAY! MAY THE BEST OWL WIN!

Just kidding, guys... we know ball-- football, and we are bringing you a fun one!

In this episode, Loretta and Emyli are truly putting the fantasy in fantasy football as they blend sports talk, literary fandom, and sharp cultural commentary into one lively conversation. As usual, we kick things off with our personal reading check-ins before shifting into a this weeks theme of fantasy football, the NFL, and the culture surrounding the Super Bowl.

Then comes the main event; our VERY imaginative fan casting, where football players are paired with beloved characters from our favorite fantady, romantasy, and fiction books—proving that fantasy football isn’t just about stats, but storytelling too.

Loretta and Emyli dive into prop bets, game-day traditions, and the pageantry of football fandom, all while keeping the conversation playful and accessible for fans of both books and sports. Perfect for listeners who love fantasy football, NFL culture, bookish conversations, and smart humor, this episode offers a fresh take on the game—one where imagination, analysis, and fun collide.

Anyways, enjoy the Bad Bunny concert!! See you next week!

Xoxo,

Loretta & Emyli

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FanCastic is back! After an extended break, Loretta returns with an exciting update: Emyli officially joins the show as co-host 🎉 Together, they catch up on holiday reads, talk about discovering new books, and dig into how narration can make or break the audiobook experience.

The conversation expands into what’s ahead in the world of stories, from highly anticipated book adaptations to major film releases slated for 2026. Loretta and Emyli share their thoughts on everything from Heated Rivalry,The Odyssey, & Sunrise on the Reaping to yet another Narnia adaptation—and debate whether we really need another Sense and Sensibility.

Along the way, they reflect on why personal experience matters in storytelling, how adaptations shape our relationship with books, and why literature has always been deeply political. The episode wraps with a powerful reminder of the role stories play in activism, awareness, and responding to the world around us.

FanCastic proudly stands with Minnesota and the efforts to abolish ICE.

The links below can help our home state & people in need. Please consider donating.

https://mnnoice.com/

https://www.standwithminnesota.com/

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Ho ho hold up... its Holiday break time already?!

Well then, Happy Holidays from FanCastic! We gift thee...a new Post Credits, back with a special holiday-themed episode!

In this festive episode, we share our holiday season reads, reveal who was voted "naughty" and "nice", and play a spirited round of the book cover game “Neigh or Sleigh”where covers get judged with holiday flair!

We also reveal our 10 Before the End list, counting down the Top 10 Reads of 2025 that truly defined our year.

Whether you’re relaxing for the holidays or sneaking in a few extra chapters, this bonus episode is the perfect way to wrap up the year with FanCastic.

Thank you for a lovely 2025. Your support, listens, and love for all things fan casting made this debut year so special.

See you in 2026!

🎙 Subscribe to FanCastic for weekly episodes about fantasy books, fandom culture, and dream book-to-screen adaptations.