Episode 118 -- The Romantasy Boom

In this groundbreaking work, Judith Lewis Herman places individual experiences of trauma within a political frame, drawing parallels between private horrors like child abuse and public horrors like war. The book details a three-stage sequence of trauma treatment and recovery: establishing safety, working through the trauma, and reconnecting with oneself and the world. Herman emphasizes the importance of community in healing and the need for a secure base for recovery. The book includes a new epilogue assessing changes in understanding and treating trauma over the last three decades.

This book follows Nesta Archeron, Feyre's sister, as she struggles to find her place in the world of the High Fae after the war with Hybern. Forced to train with Cassian, a battle-scarred warrior, Nesta must confront her past traumas and the growing feelings between her and Cassian. Meanwhile, the treacherous human queens forge a new alliance, threatening the peace in Prythian, and Nesta and Cassian's relationship becomes crucial in halting this danger. The story delves into themes of self-forgiveness, mental healing, and the deepening emotional and physical bond between Nesta and Cassian.

In this book, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma reshapes both the body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores various treatments, including neurofeedback, meditation, sports, drama, and yoga, which activate the brain’s natural neuroplasticity to aid in recovery. The book emphasizes the power of relationships in both causing and healing trauma and offers hope through descriptions of novel approaches to treatment. It is based on Dr. van der Kolk’s own research and that of other leading specialists in the field.

In this novel, Feyre Archeron, a young huntress, kills a wolf that turns out to be an immortal faerie. As punishment, she is taken to the faerie realm of Prythian by Tamlin, a High Lord of the Spring Court. Initially hostile, Feyre's feelings for Tamlin transform into a fiery passion as she adapts to her new home. However, an ancient, wicked shadow threatens the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it to save Tamlin and his world. The book is a retelling inspired by fairy tales such as 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'Tam Lin', and it combines elements of romance, adventure, and high fantasy.

Published in 1991, 'Outlander' is the first novel in the 'Outlander' series by Diana Gabaldon. The story follows Claire Randall, a former combat nurse during WWII, who on a second honeymoon in Scotland with her husband Frank, touches an ancient stone and is transported back in time to 1743. There, she encounters the dashing Jamie Fraser and becomes embroiled in the lives of the Scottish Clan MacKenzie. As Claire navigates her new surroundings, she must balance her loyalty to her husband in the 20th century with her growing feelings for Jamie. The novel blends elements of historical fiction, romance, adventure, and fantasy, and has been praised for its detailed historical settings and compelling characters.

Twilight Eyes follows Slim Mackenzie, a 17-year-old on the run after killing his uncle, who possesses 'twilight eyes' that allow him to see evil beings called Goblins. Slim joins the Sombra Carnival and becomes embroiled in a plot to prevent a catastrophic event involving the carnival and a town infested with Goblins. The novel is divided into two parts, with the first half set in the carnival and the second half focusing on Slim and his allies investigating and battling the Goblins.

In 'Fourth Wing,' twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail is forced by her mother, a commanding general, to join the elite dragon riders at Basgiath War College. Despite her physical weaknesses due to a chronic illness similar to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Violet must use her intelligence and wit to survive the competitive and deadly environment. She faces numerous challenges, including sparring matches, the Gauntlet climbing challenge, and battles in the War Games. Alongside her struggles, Violet uncovers secrets about the leadership and forms complex relationships with her peers, including the ruthless but charismatic wingleader Xaden Riorson. The book is part of the Empyrean series and combines elements of fantasy, adventure, and romance.

In 'The Mists of Avalon', Marion Zimmer Bradley reimagines the Arthurian legend through the eyes of key female figures such as Morgaine (Morgan le Fay), Gwenhwyfar (Guinevere), Viviane, Morgause, and Igraine. The novel explores the conflict between the old pagan religions and the rising influence of Christianity in Britain. Morgaine, a priestess of the Mother Goddess, is the central character, and her story spans generations, detailing her training in Avalon, her relationships, and her battles to preserve the pagan way of life. The book also delves into the complex love triangles and the political and spiritual upheavals of the time, offering a nuanced and feminist perspective on the traditional Arthurian tale.