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In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi takes listeners on an emotional and thought-provoking journey through two compelling novels: Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez and Queen of the Darkness by Anne Bishop.
Brandi explores the emotional intricacies of love, the weight of family responsibilities, and the strain of distance in contemporary romance. She also examines how dreams are uniquely used as a narrative device in speculative fiction. With a keen focus on character development and authentic relationships, Brandi highlights why these stories deeply resonate with readers.
Whether you're a fan of heartfelt romance or rich, fantastical worlds, this episode offers insightful commentary on what makes these books unforgettable.
Key Takeaways:

• Say You’ll Remember Me captures the emotional complexities of modern romance and the struggles of navigating young love and family expectations.
• Queen of the Darkness uses dreams as a powerful narrative tool, adding depth and mystery to its speculative world.
• Character development and emotional authenticity are what make both novels stand out to readers.
• Brandi highlights the role of emotional stakes in keeping readers invested across genres.
• There’s a powerful intersection between fantasy and romance that reveals universal human experiences.

Chapters:
00:00 – Intro & What We're Reading
03:12 – Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez: A Contemporary Romance Breakdown
11:45 – Emotional Stakes and Character Realism
16:30 – Queen of the Darkness by Anne Bishop: Dreams, Power, and Speculative Depth
25:10 – Comparing Emotional Arcs in Romance and Fantasy
30:00 – Why These Books Resonate So Strongly
35:25 – Final Thoughts & What’s Coming Next