A Court of Cortisol and Chaos

Before we begin, we want to name that this episode discusses character death, gendered violence in storytelling, and the concept of fridging. We’re approaching this as a literary discussion, not a definitive statement, and we’re interested in exploring multiple interpretations. This episode is us thinking out loud, challenging each other, and engaging thoughtfully with complex ideas.In this episode of A Court of Cortisol and Chaos, we’re joined by special guest Antoinette (@antoinettecealopesreads). We start with a lighthearted Kiss, Marry, Kill before moving into a deeper conversation about Eo from Red Rising.We discuss Eo’s role in the narrative, her function as a symbolic catalyst, comparisons to a Lucretia figure, the concept of fridging, and how her death shapes Darrow and the broader story.Our goal isn’t to arrive at one definitive interpretation, but to examine how these storytelling choices function and what questions they raise about narrative structure and character motivation.Check out Antoinette’s Podcast: The Literary Guillotine@AntoinetteCeaLopes ✨ Fable Book Club — Read & Yap with ACOCACFebruary Book Club: Legendborn by Tracy Deonnhttps://fable.co/club/read-yap-with-acocac-with-acourtofcortisolchaospodcast-514859046979🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube, Spotify, and Facebook🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts🔗 Follow us & find everything in one place:https://linktr.ee/acourtofcortisolandchaosTikTok & Instagram: @ACourtofCortisolandChaos📩 Contact us: ACourtofCortisolandChaos@gmail.comThanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR.

It’s Galentines Day, and we’re doing what we do best: talking books and gently roasting each other.In this episode of A Court of Cortisol and Chaos, we play bookish superlatives and share our all-time favorite couples, found families, underrated ships, and the characters we’ll defend forever—mostly from the Sarah J. Maas universe, with a few side quests along the way.It’s a laid-back, friendship-forward episode full of fandom opinions, laughs, and very strong feelings about fictional people.Our Galentines Bookish SuperlativesLindsayAll-Time Favorite CoupleAelin and Rowan – Throne of Glass, Sarah J. MaasFavorite Found FamilyDramione Slytherins – Harry Potter fanfictionThrone of Glass crew – Throne of Glass, Sarah J. MaasMost Underrated CouplesRuhn and Lidia – Crescent City, Sarah J. MaasChaol and Yrene – Throne of Glass, Sarah J. MaasFavorite ShipDain and Sloane – The Empyrean Series, Rebecca Yarros⸻AmyAll-Time Favorite CoupleBryce and Hunt – Crescent City, Sarah J. MaasFavorite Found FamilyNesta and the Valkyries – A Court of Silver Flames, Sarah J. MaasMost Underrated CouplesLilith and Zahariev – Terror at the Gates, Scarlett St. ClairSybil and Rory – The Knight and the Moth, Rachel GilligFavorite ShipCelaena, Dorian, and Chaol – Throne of Glass, Sarah J. Maas⸻DominiqueAll-Time Favorite CoupleDarien and Loren – City of Gods and Monsters, Kayla EdwardsFavorite Found FamilyFor Whom the Belle Tolls – Jaysea LynnMost Underrated CouplesLilith and Zahariev – Terror at the Gates, Scarlett St. ClairSybil and Rory – The Knight and the Moth, Rachel GilligFavorite ShipsCelaena and Dorian – Throne of Glass, Sarah J. MaasRowan and Lorcan – Throne of Glass, Sarah J. Maas⸻AddyAll-Time Favorite CoupleDorian and Manon – Throne of Glass, Sarah J. MaasFavorite Found FamilyPlaying for Keeps – Becka MackMost Underrated CouplesNesryn and Sartaq – Throne of Glass, Sarah J. MaasRook and Regan – Rook & Rebel, Kate CrewIris and Roman – Divine Rivals, Rebecca RossJory, Ky, and Asher – Warrior Princess Assassin, Brigid KemmererFavorite ShipDarrow and Mustang – Red Rising, Pierce BrownIf you love romantasy, messy fandom opinions, and Galentines energy, this one’s for you.✨ February Fable Book Club Pick: Legendborn by Tracy DeonnRead along with us in Read & Yap with ACOCAC:https://fable.co/club/read-yap-with-acocac-with-acourtofcortisolchaospodcast-514859046979📌 Follow us & find everything in one place🔗 https://linktr.ee/acourtofcortisolandchaosTikTok & Instagram: @ACourtofCortisolandChaos🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube, Spotify, and Facebook🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts📩 Contact us: ACourtofCortisolandChaos@gmail.comThanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR!

February kicks off with a Galentines/Valentines-inspired episode—and yes, we start with a little controversy.In this week’s episode of A Court of Cortisol and Chaos, we talk about overrated book boyfriends (respectfully… mostly), then move into romance-forward recommendations for every kind of February reader:One Valentine’s Day readOne Galentines Day pickOne BIPOC / LGBTQ+ recommendationWe also get personal—sharing stories about our own relationships, how we met our significant others, and why romantasy as a genre matters so deeply to us.Books Mentioned:LindsayDraco Malfoy and the Mortifying Ordeal of Being in Love - isthisselfcareYes Please - Amy PoehlerSeven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo - Taylor Jenkins ReidAmyDeep End by Ali HazelwoodButcher & Blackbird by Brynne WeaverAn Ancient Witches Guide to Modern Dating by Cecilia Edward Red White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuistonAddyTourist Season - Brynne WeaverUntamed - Glennon Doyle Give me more - Sara Cate Daydream - Hannah Grace DominiqueThe Love Hypothesis - Ali HazelwoodThe Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo - Taylor Jenkins ReidHouse of Rayne - Harley LaRouxBig Gay Wedding - Byron Lane✨ February Fable Book Club Pick: Legendborn by Tracy DeonnJoin Read & Yap with ACOCAC on Fable:https://fable.co/club/read-yap-with-acocac-with-acourtofcortisolchaospodcast-514859046979📌 Follow us + find everything in one place🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/acourtofcortisolandchaosTikTok & Instagram: @ACourtofCortisolandChaos🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube, Spotify, and Facebook🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you get your podcasts📩 Contact us: ACourtofCortisolandChaos@gmail.comThanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR!

⚠️ This episode contains spoilers for Red Rising ⚠️In Season 2, Episode 5, we’re sharing our full spoiler reactions to Red Rising by Pierce Brown. We break down our thoughts on the characters, major plot points, and the moments that completely shifted our opinions—plus whether we’re ready to keep going with the series.We also talk about what we loved, what didn’t fully land for us, and what we’re hoping to see in the next books.If you’ve finished Red Rising and need to process it with someone, this episode is for you.Hoodies provided by MadebyMoorelight:madebymoorelight.etsy.com📚 Join our Fable Book Club — Read and Yap with ACOCACJanuary: Red Rising by Pierce BrownFebruary: Legendborn by Tracy Deonn🔗 https://fable.co/club/read-yap-with-acocac-with-acourtofcortisolchaospodcast-514859046979📌 Follow usTikTok & Instagram: @ACourtofCortisolandChaos🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more:https://linktr.ee/acourtofcortisolandchaos📩 Contact us:ACourtofCortisolandChaos@gmail.com📚 Book Discussed:• Red Rising — Pierce Brown💫 Thanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR!

Emily (@emily.reads.alot) is back for Part 3 of our Alchemised miniseries, and this episode dives headfirst into one of the most complicated conversations in modern fandom.We talk about Alchemised and Manacled, the legacy of Harry Potter, and whether works inspired by that universe still have a place at the table. This is a nuanced discussion about fanfiction, fandom culture, transformative works, and how readers navigate loving stories while grappling with the harm tied to their origins.This episode is thoughtful, honest, and rooted in conversation—not conclusions.📚 Join our Fable Book Club — Read and Yap with ACOCACWe’re currently reading Red Rising by Pierce BrownFebruary's book will be Legendborn by Tracy Deonn🔗 https://fable.co/club/read-yap-with-acocac-with-acourtofcortisolchaospodcast-514859046979📌 Follow usTikTok & Instagram: @ACourtofCortisolandChaos🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more:https://linktr.ee/acourtofcortisolandchaos📩 Contact us:ACourtofCortisolandChaos@gmail.com💫 Thanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR!

We’re officially kicking off our Red Rising era.In this episode, we share our non-spoiler expectations and first impressions as we start reading Red Rising by Pierce Brown for our January Fable Book Club. We talk about what drew us to the book, what surprised us early on, and how it’s hitting so far—without giving anything away.If you’re reading along with us or still deciding whether to pick it up, this episode is the perfect place to start.📚 Join our Fable Book Club — Read and Yap with ACOCACWe’re currently reading Red Rising by Pierce Brown🔗 https://fable.co/club/read-yap-with-acocac-with-acourtofcortisolchaospodcast-514859046979📌 Follow usTikTok & Instagram: @ACourtofCortisolandChaos🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more:https://linktr.ee/acourtofcortisolandchaos📩 Contact us:ACourtofCortisolandChaos@gmail.com💫 Thanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR!

This week, we’re diving into one of the most fascinating figures in the Maasverse: the Viper Queen of Crescent City.In this villain deep dive, we break down her background, power, and presence within Crescent City—pulling apart what we know, what’s implied, and what’s still hidden. From her history and influence to the quotes that make her so memorable, we explore why the Viper Queen looms so large despite often staying in the shadows.📚 Join our Fable Book Club — Read and Yap with ACOCACWe’re currently reading Red Rising by Pierce Brown🔗 https://fable.co/club/read-yap-with-acocac-with-acourtofcortisolchaospodcast-514859046979📌 Follow usTikTok & Instagram: @ACourtofCortisolandChaos🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more:https://linktr.ee/acourtofcortisolandchaos📩 Contact us:ACourtofCortisolandChaos@gmail.com💫 Thanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR!

Season 2 starts here—& we’re kicking things off with our very own Book Wrapped.In this New Year’s Day premiere, each of us shares our worst read of 2025, our best book from each month, and the reads that surprised, disappointed, or completely consumed us along the way. We also talk about what kind of readers we’re hoping to be in 2026 and what’s already sitting at the top of our TBRs.📚 January Fable Book Club Pick: Red Rising by Pierce BrownJoin Read and Yap with ACOCAC here:https://fable.co/club/read-yap-with-acocac-with-acourtofcortisolchaospodcast-514859046979📌 Follow usTikTok & Instagram: @ACourtofCortisolandChaos🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more:https://linktr.ee/acourtofcortisolandchaos📩 Contact us:ACourtofCortisolandChaos@gmail.com💫 Thanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR!Lindsay:Worst Book of the year: God of Malice by Rina KentBest books of each month:Jan- Onyx Storm: Rebecca YarrosFeb- Throne of Glass: Sarah J MaasMar- Heir of Fire: Sarah J MaasApr- Kingdom of Ash: Sarah J MaasMay- Iron Flame: Rebecca YarrosJune- Silver Elite: Dani FrancisJuly- Crescent City House of Earth & Blood: Sarah J Maas Aug- Crescent City House of Flame & Shadow: Sarah J MaasSept- Terror at the Gates: Scarlett St ClairOct- Alchemised: SenLinYuNov- Green Light: serene musafirDec- Draco Malfoy & the Mortifying Ordeal of Being in Love: isthisselfcareMost anticipated reads of 2026:Red Rising: Pierce BrownRose in Chains: Julie SotoSecrets & Masks: Emerald SlytherinAll the Young Dudes: MsKingBean89A Tongue So Sweet & Deadly: Sophia St GermainPlated Prisoner: Raven KennedyHeavenly Bodies: Imani ErriuBury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil: VE Schwab Bride/Mate: Ali HazelwoodIrresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy: Brigitte KnightleyThree Pianos: Andrew McMahonNora McInerny Amy:Worst book of the year: •The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle JensenMost anticipated new releases of 2026: •The Knave and The Moon by Rachel Gillig•Harvest Season by Brynne Weaver •Daemonic by Kaylie Smith •Coiled at the Roots by Scarlett St. ClairMost anticipated:•Legendborn by Tracy Deonn•Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig•The Poppy War by R.F Kuang•The Book of Azrael by Amber V. NicoleJanuary: Onyx Storm by Rebecca YarrosFebruary Deep End by Ali HazelwoodKingdom of Ash by Sarah J MaasMarch: Crescent City House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J MaasApril:A Promise so Bold and Broken by Sophia St. GermainMay:Phantasma by Kaylie SmithThe Golden Rose of Valenul by Enna HawthornJune: The Knight and The Moth by Rachel Gillig July: Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuistonAugust:Till Summer Do Us Part by Meghan QuinnSeptember: Terror at the Gates by Scarlett St. Clair October: Alchemised by SenLinYuNovember:Mate by Ali Hazelwood December: One Dark Window by Rachel GilligDominiqueJanuary- The Mindf*ck Series: S.T. AbbyFebruary- Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, Onyx Storm: Rebecca YarrosMarch- Phantasma: Kaylie SmithApril- Spark of the Everflame: Penn ColeMay- Throne of Glass: Sarah J. Maas, Feathers So Vicious: Liiv ZanderJune- The Bond that Burns: Briar BoleynJuly- Problematic Summer Romance: Ali Hazelwood, Crown of Midnight: Sarah J. MaasAugust- Knight and the Moth: Rachel Gillig, Terror at the Gates: Scarlett St. Clair, Shield of Sparrows: Deveny PerrySeptember- City of Gods and Monsters: Kayla EdwardsOctober- Mate: Ali HazelwoodNovember- For Whom the Belle Tolls: Jaysea LynnDecember- Silvercloak: L.K. StevenWorst Book of 2025- Skyshade: Alex AsterMost anticipated sequels of 2026:April- Rites of Starling June- Harvest Season September- The Knave and the MoonOctober- Coiled at the RootsNovember- Captive Traitor King Most anticipated reads 2026:Red Rising: Pierce BrownThe Bloodsworn Saga: John GwynneProject Hail Mary: Andy WeirThe Farseer Trilogy: Robin HobbMistborn: Brian SandersonThe Will of the Many: James Islington

We’ve reached the final episode of the year 🤍For Episode 25 of A Court of Cortisol and Chaos, we’re sharing Christmas and Holiday wishes, gratitude, and a little surprise for the new year.We’re so thankful for every listen, comment, and bit of support we’ve received this year and have so much appreciation for this incredible community—and we cannot wait to see what 2026 brings!🔗 Join Read and Yap with ACOCAC on Fable:https://fable.co/club/read-yap-with-acocac-with-acourtofcortisolchaospodcast-514859046979📚 January Book Club Read: Red Rising by Pierce Brown📌 Follow usTikTok & IG: @ACourtofCortisolandChaosListen on Spotify, Apple & more: https://linktr.ee/acourtofcortisolandchaos✨ Subscribe for weekly chaos in the new year🔔 Hit the bell so you don’t miss what’s coming next📩 Contact: ACourtofCortisolandChaos@gmail.com💫 Thanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR!

This week we’re diving into A Court of Frost and Starlight—the ACOTAR book that often gets brushed off as “just a novella,” but actually does a lot of quiet, important work.We break down the key moments, character beats, and subtle setup happening beneath the cozy, holiday-themed surface. From healing and grief to relationships shifting and future conflicts brewing, this book is less about action and more about what happens after the war.In this episode, we talk about:❄️ Why ACOFAS is a necessary pause in the series❄️ Feyre, Rhys, and the emotional aftermath of war❄️ Nesta, Elain, and the cracks starting to show❄️ Small details that feel insignificant now—but won’t be later❄️ Theories about what ACOFAS is quietly setting up for the rest of the MaasverseIf you’ve ever felt unsure about where A Court of Frost and Starlight fits into the series, this episode is for you.📩 Contact us: ACourtofCortisolandChaos@gmail.com💫 Thanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR!

We’re back with Part 2 of our Brimstone series, and this time we’re getting a little more chaotic.We kick things off with a quick chat about whether we prefer audiobooks or physical books, then dive deeper into the plot of Brimstone and start spiraling into theories.Important context: Amy is the only one who has finished the book, so we’re balancing spoiler-aware reactions with full-blown unhinged predictions.In this episode we cover:🎧 Audiobooks vs. physical reading debates🖤 Deeper plot breakdowns of Brimstone by Callie Hart🧠 Theories, foreshadowing, and chaotic predictions👀 The tension of having one fully-informed reader in the groupJoin us as we spiral just a little further inside this story.📩 Contact us: ACourtofCortisolandChaos@gmail.com📚 Join our Fable book club:https://fable.co/club/read-yap-with-acocac-with-acourtofcortisolchaospodcast-514859046979💫 Thanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR!

This week we’re diving into Brimstone by Callie Hart—the plot, the vibes, the characters, and everything that pulled us in.But we’re also addressing the editing controversy that’s sparked a lot of conversation in the romance community.In this episode we cover:- What Brimstone does well- The characters and dynamics we were drawn to- The editing issues readers have raised- How the situation reflects bigger conversations about author support, accessibility, and quality control in indie publishing- Our honest thoughts—respectfully, thoughtfully, and without dogpilingThis is a balanced chat about craft, storytelling, and the realities of publishing, with plenty of ACOCAC chaos sprinkled in.📩 Contact us: ACourtofCortisolandChaos@gmail.com💫 Thanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR!

Welcome to our Friendsgiving Special!With so many new listeners joining the chaos, we wanted to slow down, cozy up, and let you in on our story—how we met, how this podcast came to be, and why this little corner of bookish chaos means so much to us.In this episode we share:How four SJM-obsessed girls became friendsThe chaotic birth of A Court of Cortisol and ChaosOur unhinged early conversations that should have warned us we’d end up hereWhy we’re genuinely so grateful—for each other, and for YOUA sprinkle of theories and inevitable SJM spiraling (because of course)✨ Plus shoutouts to some incredible bookish creators you should absolutely be followingThis one is warm, messy, heartfelt, and full of the friendship energy that started it all.📩 Contact us: ACourtofCortisolandChaos@gmail.com💫 Thanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR!

Emily (@emily.reads.alot) is BACK, and in honor of Kaine Ferron, we’re kicking off today’s episode by sharing our favorite non-typical book boyfriends—the quietly dangerous, morally questionable, emotionally complex men who live rent-free in our brains.Then we shift into the heart of the episode: diving deep into the plot and themes of Alchemised by SenLinYu.This week, we explore:✨ Healthcare burnout and the emotional cost of caretaking✨ Generational trauma and how it shapes identity✨ Mental health representation—especially when healing isn’t linear✨ The invisible labor of women and the weight they carry without recognitionBooks mentioned:📚 Tongue So Sweet and Deadly by Sophia St. Germain (Compelling Fates Saga)📚 Alchemised by SenLinYuThis is a grounded, heartfelt conversation about the emotional architecture of Alchemised and why its themes resonate so deeply with readers navigating the complexities of real life.📩 Contact us: ACourtofCortisolandChaos@gmail.co💫 Thanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR!

We’re kicking off our Alchemised miniseries with our first-ever guest—Emily (@emily.reads.alot)! This week, we begin our deep dive into Alchemised by SenLinYu, exploring the book’s overarching story, core themes, and the concept of alchemy itself.This episode focuses on the holistic story and background of Alchemised: what makes it so emotionally complex, the symbolism of transformation, and why this fan work continues to resonate deeply with readers.Your favorite SJM-obsessed hosts (joined by Emily!) discuss:✨ The emotional and thematic depth of Alchemised✨ What alchemy means within the story—and symbolically✨ The historical and mythological roots of its worldbuilding✨ Why Alchemised has become a defining piece of transformative fiction📚 A thoughtful start to our 3-part Alchemised series.👑 Subscribe & join the conversation—this one’s for readers who love layered stories and big feelings.📩 Contact us: ACourtofCortisolandChaos@gmail.com💫 Thanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR

It’s officially cozy season! For the first week of November, we’re kicking off the holidays SJM-style with a game of “What Would We Gift These Characters?” From Rhysand to Aelin (and maybe even Tamlin 👀), we’re getting creative with holiday presents for our favorite fantasy icons.Then we shift from fictional shopping lists to real-life holiday book recommendations—for both adults and kids. Whether you’re gift shopping or just want to curl up with something festive, we’ve got you covered.Your favorite SJM-obsessed hosts talk through:✨ The most unhinged (and perfect) SJM character gifts✨ Holiday book recs for cozy adult reads & magical kid picks✨ What’s on our bookish wish lists this season✨ A healthy dose of chaos, warmth, and holiday spirit📚 Weekly bookish chaos, fandom spirals, and cozy seasonal vibes.👑 Subscribe & join the chaos—it’s giving fae Christmas morning.📩 Contact us: ACourtofCortisolandChaos@gmail.comThanks for spiraling with us, now get back to your TBR!📚 Books Mentioned:Alaskan Holiday- Debbie MacomberStarry Night- Debbie MacomberRoyal Holiday- Jasmine GuilloryThe Christmas Tree Farm- Laurie GilmoreEight dates and Nights- Betsy AldredgeBullets and Mistletoe- CJ Lucci The Matzah Ball- Jean Meltzer Frostfully Yours- Breanne Bergie Three Holidays and a Wedding- Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa StapleyFive More Sleeps Till Christmas- Jimmy Fallon Merry Christmas You Filthy Animal- Meghan Quinn Holiday Ever After- Hannah Grace Good Spirits- BK BorisonSugar and Sin- Nova B Quinn Mistletoe Missus- Breanne BergieThe Very Hungry Caterpillar's, Peekaboo Christmas How My Neighbor Stole Christmas- Meghan Quinn You’re My Little Pumpkin Pie- Natalie Marshall You’re My Little Christmas Cookie- Natalie MarshallThere Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow- Lucille ColandroPoke a Dot the Night Before ChristmasOur Table- Peter H ReynoldsWreck the Halls- Tessa BaileyLittle Blue Truck’s Christmas- Alice SchertleA Court of Frost and Starlight- Sarah J MaasHarry Potter- JK RowlingThe Snowy Day- Ezra Jack KeatsSanta Bruce- Ryan T HigginsThe Polar Express- Chris Van AllsburgTen Ways to Hear Snow- Cathy Camper

We’re getting into the spooky spirit! Episode 17 is a cozy (and slightly unhinged) chaos episode where we talk about the scary movies that absolutely traumatized us as kids—and shaped us into the delightfully unhinged adults we are today.And because no A Court of Cortisol and Chaos episode is complete without it, we’re finishing off with some delulu Maasverse headcanons that would make even SJM raise an eyebrow.Your favorite SJM-obsessed hosts discuss:✨ Childhood horror movies that lived rent-free in our nightmares✨ How we became the well-adjusted adults we definitely are✨ The most unhinged Maasverse crossover theories yet✨ The perfect balance of spooky and delulu energy📚 Weekly deep dives, fandom spirals, and chaos disguised as conversation.👑 Subscribe & join the chaos—it’s giving haunted book club.Thanks for spiraling with us, now get back to your TBR!

Episode 16 is a quick minisode packed with chaos and strong opinions. We’re touching on the Throne of Glass rankings that our views gave us crap about (because of course we are), chatting about our reading journeys, and checking in on our emotional stability after Alchemised. Spoiler: it’s questionable.Your favorite SJM-obsessed hosts break down:✨ Our Throne of Glass rankings—prepare to be shocked✨ How our reading journeys have evolved (and unhinged)✨ A quick Alchemised update—Amy’s finished, Lindsay’s almost there📚 Weekly deep dives into fantasy books, fandom spirals, and bookish chaos.👑 Subscribe & join the chaos—especially if Alchemised also broke your brain.Thanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR!

Episode 15 is dedicated to a book that completely wrecked us (in the best way): Terror at the Gates by Scarlett St. Clair. This one snuck up on us, landed in everyone’s top reads of the year, and honestly? It deserves way more recognition than it’s getting.We’re breaking down what made this story so powerful- from its world-building and romance to the emotional gut punches that left us staring at the wall afterward.Your favorite SJM-obsessed hosts talk through:✨ Why Terror at the Gates hit harder than we expected✨ The moments that broke (and healed) us✨ Why this book deserves more hype✨ A little chaos, a lot of feelings, and zero chill📚 Weekly deep dives into fantasy books, fandom spirals, and unfiltered friendship.👑 Subscribe & join the chaos- this one’s a love letter to underrated fantasy greatness.Thanks for spiraling with us- now get back to your TBR!

In Episode 14 of A Court of Cortisol and Chaos, we take a thoughtful look at the conversation surrounding Alchemised- a recently published book with origins in fanfiction. We discuss whether we plan on reading it, whether we read Manacled, what this means for fan creators, and how J.K. Rowling’s harmful transphobic views continue to affect both fandom spaces and the publishing world.This episode explores:• The connection and distinctions between Alchemised and Manacled• The ethics of transformative works in fandom• How J.K. Rowling’s rhetoric has reshaped the conversation around fanfiction• Whether or not we plan to read AlchemisedWe approach this discussion with care, compassion, and a commitment to standing with the LGBTQIA+ community.Disclaimer:While we’re discussing fan works inspired by the Harry Potter universe, we do not support J.K. Rowling or her transphobic views.If you’re a trans or nonbinary listener—or someone looking to learn and support—we’ve included resources in the description from organizations doing vital work for the LGBTQIA+ community worldwide:🌈 United States• The Trevor Project — Crisis intervention & suicide prevention for LGBTQIA+ youthhttps://www.thetrevorproject.org• Trans Lifeline — Peer support hotline run by and for trans peoplehttps://translifeline.org🇨🇦 Canada• Trans Lifeline Canada — Support line available to trans people in Canadahttps://translifeline.org/clarifying-misinformation-about-our-hotline-number/• Egale Canada — Promoting LGBTQIA+ inclusion and rightshttps://egale.ca🇬🇧 United Kingdom• Mermaids UK — Support for transgender and gender-diverse youth & familieshttps://mermaidsuk.org.uk• Stonewall — Campaigning for LGBTQIA+ equality across the UKhttps://www.stonewall.org.uk🇸🇪 Sweden• RFSL — The Swedish Federation for LGBTQIA+ Rightshttps://www.rfsl.se/en/• Transammans — Organization supporting trans people and their familieshttps://transammans.seThank you for joining us for this important conversation. However you choose to engage with these works, we encourage compassion, awareness, and active support for the trans community.Trans rights are human rights. Always. 🌈— Adrianna, Amy, Dominique & Lindsay✨ Subscribe for weekly bookish chaos, SJM spirals, and unfiltered friendship.🔔 Hit the bell so you never miss an episode.📌 Follow usTikTok & IG: ACourtofCortisolandChaosListen on Spotify, Apple & more: https://linktr.ee/acourtofcortisolandchaos📌 Listen on Spotify, Apple, & everywhere you get your bookish chaos.Thanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR.