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Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson will appear in 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.' Here's everything we know about the film.

Curly-haired traveler with a backpack stands in a misty forest among red flowers and sunlit trees.
"The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping" will premiere in November 2026.

Courtesy of Lionsgate

  • Suzanne Collins' "Sunrise on the Reaping," published in 2025, is a prequel to "The Hunger Games."
  • It's being adapted into a film, based on Haymitch's experience as a tribute from District 12.
  • Jennifer Lawrence confirmed on Wednesday that she will reprise her role as Katniss Everdeen in the film.

A new dawn is rising in "The Hunger Games" universe (literally).

"The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping" is set to hit theaters on November 20, taking fans back into the world of Panem. This time, they will see it through the eyes of a young Haymitch Abernathy as he competes as a District 12 tribute 24 years before the events of Suzanne Collins' original trilogy.

Fans have been eagerly awaiting the film since it was first announced in 2024, before the novel it is based on was even published.

Now, a little under a month before it premieres, the film's arrival is feeling more and more real. Tickets finally went on sale on Wednesday, and the same day, Jennifer Lawrence confirmed she'll be reprising her role as Katniss Everdeen in the film, alongside Woody Harrelson and Josh Hutcherson.

Here's everything we know about the movie so far.

'Sunrise on the Reaping' hits theaters in November 2026

"Sunrise on the Reaping" was published in March 2025, and it is the second prequel to Collins' immensely popular dystopian series, following the 2020 release of "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes." Like "Ballad," the latest installment reveals key lore about the world of Panem, while staying true to the heart of Collins' original works.

Lionsgate announced it would adapt the story into a feature film, following the success of the "Ballad" adaptation, in conjunction with the novel's June 2024 announcement.

"Sunrise on the Reaping" by Suzanne Collins.
"Sunrise on the Reaping" by Suzanne Collins.

Scholastic

At the time, Deadline reported that the film, "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping," would be released on November 20, 2026. The film officially premieres on the 20th, though some fans were able to secure advanced screening tickets for November 18 and 19 at select theaters.

Francis Lawrence, the filmmaker who helmed every movie in the series except the 2012 original, directed the movie from a script adapted by Billy Ray.

Nina Jacobson and her producing partner, Brad Simpson, returned to produce the prequel under their Color Force banner. Jacobson told Variety in March 2025 that her team already had "a great draft" of the script and set filming locations before the book was even released.

Filming started in the summer of 2025

"Sunrise on the Reaping" has a massive cast, largely because Haymitch is reaped into the second Quarter Quell. The 50th Hunger Games has twice as many tributes competing, meaning 48 children from the districts are sent to the arena instead of 24.

In addition, the novel introduces readers to characters in District 12 with connections to the other books in the series and features appearances by "Hunger Games" favorites such as Effie Trinket and Plutarch Heavensbee.

Lionsgate revealed the film's cast on social media, showing snippets of the characters' introductions in the novel as they burst into flame, revealing the actors portraying them.

The 'Sunrise on the Reaping' cast includes:

  • Haymitch Abernathy: Joseph Zada
  • Lenore Dove Baird: Whitney Peak
  • President Snow: Ralph Fiennes
  • Effie Trinket: Elle Fanning
  • Caesar Flickerman: Kieran Culkin
  • Plutarch Heavensbee: Jesse Plemons
  • Beetee Latier: Kelvin Harrison Jr.
  • Wiress: Maya Hawke
  • Mags Flanagan: Lili Taylor
  • Maysilee Donner: Mckenna Grace
  • Wyatt Callow: Ben Wang
  • Louella McCoy: Molly McCann
  • Lou Lou: Iona Bell
  • Magno Stift: Billy Porter
  • Drusilla Sickle: Glenn Close
  • Panache: Jhaleil Swaby
  • Ampert: Percy Daggs IV
  • Silka: Laura Marcus
  • Wellie: Rada Rae
  • Maritte: Sky Frances
  • Clayton: Salimou Thiam
  • Ringina: Tatyana Muzondo
  • Buck: John Doeble
  • Kerna: Alina Reid
  • Hull: Kaine Buffonge
  • Willamae: Kara Tointon
  • Sid: Smylie Bradwell
  • Clerk Carmine: Jeffrey Hallman
  • Woodbine: Serafin Mishiev

The film's star, Zada, is a relative newcomer with a handful of roles to his name. In March 2025, Jacobson told Variety her team was looking for an actor who could bring the same "mischief" Woody Harrelson brought to the role in the original trilogy without "impersonating" him.

Curly-haired person in a white jacket looks upward near futuristic spires against a mountainous landscape.
Joseph Zada stars as Haymitch Abernathy.

Courtesy of Lionsgate

"You want somebody who very credibly feels like they could be a young version of this character, before the trauma and grief and rage that the fallout of the Games create," Jacobson said. "Nobody can be Woody Harrelson, but Woody Harrelson."

Of the roles announced, Fiennes' and Fanning's castings arguably generated the most buzz.

Fiennes, who is no stranger to film franchises after playing Voldemort in the "Harry Potter" films, will be offering the third cinematic iteration of President Coriolanus Snow.

Ralph Fiennes as Coriolanus Snow stands in a red coat before blurred guards and monumental walls.
Ralph Fiennes is picking up the mantle as President Snow.

Courtesy of Lionsgate

Donald Sutherland originated the role of the aging villain in the three original "Hunger Games" films, and fans saw Tom Blyth's portrayal of Snow as a young man in the first prequel. Snow is the primary antagonist in "Sunrise on the Reaping," as he is in the original trilogy, and he makes some chilling appearances in the novel.

Elizabeth Banks played Effie Trinket, Katniss and Peeta's handler from the Capitol, in the original "Hunger Games" trilogy, and the character appears as a young stylist in "Sunrise on the Reaping." Fans were eager to see who would step into Banks' shoes because her performance was so beloved in the films, and Fanning's casting was met with overwhelming excitement.

Costumed group stands indoors as Elle Fanning as Effie Trinket with a decorative headpiece gestures toward the camera.
Elle Fanning will play Effie Trinket.

Murray Close/Lionsgate/

Plemons will take over the role of Plutarch for Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Jeffrey Wright played Beetee Latier before Kelvin Harrison Jr. Interestingly, both Plemons and Harrison previously played Hoffman's and Wright's children in other projects. Plemons was Hoffman's son in the 2012 film "The Master," and Harrison was Wright's son in "Monster," released in 2018.

Lawrence announced that filming for the project was set to begin in July 2025 at CinemaCon in April 2025, and Zada and Grace were spotted together in Spain that month.

Lionsgate released the most enlightening trailer for the movie yet in September 2026

On November 20, 2025, Lionsgate shared an official teaser trailer for the film to celebrate one year until its release.

It gave viewers a glimpse of the arena for the 50th Hunger Games, showing Zada as Haymitch standing on a podium alongside his fellow tributes in a picturesque, hilly countryside.

Importantly, the teaser showed Lenore Dove giving Haymitch a striker with a bird on one end and a snake on the other. The striker plays an important role in the book, was illustrated on the book's cover, and was unveiled as the official logo for the film in a teaser clip released in April 2025, making its appearance exciting for fans of the text.

Both the teaser trailer and teaser clip ended with Harrelson's voice saying, "I think these games are gonna be different."

On April 13, 2026, Lionsgate released the first full-length trailer for the film. It offered a more comprehensive look at the film's plot, focusing on Haymitch's reaping and his time at the Capitol before the Hunger Games actually begin.

Clips of some of the book's biggest moments appeared in the trailer, including a chariot crash during the parade of tributes, Haymitch's live TV interview before he enters the arena, and a private conversation between Haymitch and President Snow.

The trailer is also stacked with appearances from the star-studded cast. It features Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, the role Stanley Tucci played in the original trilogy, and Maya Hawke as a younger, less traumatized version of Wiress, an ally to Katniss in the 75th Quarter Quell and a mentor to Haymitch in the 50th.

Hawke as Wiress offers one of the most chilling lines in the trailer: "The arena, it's a killing machine. But all machines can be broken."

Lionsgate also released a video introducing Haymitch to viewers on July 4, which is both Reaping Day in the "Hunger Games" universe and Haymitch's birthday. It includes clips from the movie, as well as commentary from Lawrence, Jacobson, and Zada on Haymitch as a character.

Finally, the studio shared a second full-length trailer for the movie on September 16, a little over two months before the film's premiere. "Witness the beginning of a revolution," the official "The Hunger Games" Instagram account captioned the trailer.

The trailer gives a closer look at Haymitch's experience in the Capitol and the arena after he is reaped for the Games, showing glimpses of his disastrous tribute parade and his work to dismantle the arena from the inside as he competes.

It also tees up his conflict with President Snow more directly than the other trailers. In one clip, Haymitch looks directly at Snow and claps in a silent stadium, the lone voice of dissent as Capitol loyalists look on in horror at this small act of rebellion (and, in Plutarch Heavensbee's case, in awe).

Alongside the trailer, Lionsgate also released two posters for the film, coining the slogan, "Challenge authority. Capitalize power."

Split promotional poster for "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping" shows opposing groups beneath smoky skies.
Lionsgate released two posters for the film.

Courtesy of Lionsgate

The tributes from District 12 pose under "challenge authority," while people from the Capitol, like Snow and Heavensbee, are on the "capitalize" poster.

The 'Sunrise on the Reaping' epilogue

Since the book the movie is based on was released, fans have wondered if the film will include the epilogue from "Sunrise on the Reaping."

The epilogue takes place in District 12 after the events of "Mockingjay," with Haymitch telling Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark about his childhood and time in the arena.

In December 2025, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson would be reprising their roles as Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark in "Sunrise on the Reaping," though the outlet didn't say whether Harrelson would return alongside them or how they would appear in the film.

On October 28, Lawrence confirmed she will appear in the film, alongside Hutcherson and Harrelson, to the delight of fans.

Actors Josh Hutcherson, (L) Elizabeth Banks (M) and Jennifer Lawrence (R) on the set of the film, "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire", Atlanta, USA, 2012.
Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Banks, and Jennifer Lawrence in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire."

Murray Close/Getty Images

On the "Call Her Daddy" podcast, host Alex Cooper asked Lawrence what it was like to step into Katniss' shoes again, and Lawrence replied that it was "unbelievable."

"It was so crazy because it was the same crew," she said. "It was the same camera guys, the same AD, who I've worked with a million times too because I love him, and Josh and Woody."

"It was so emotional. Josh and I, like, didn't walk to the bathroom without our arms around each other," she added. "And Woody obviously came through the window of my hotel room uninvited cause it would not be the same. It wouldn't be the same if he listened to boundaries and used a door."

Lawrence didn't reveal any details about her appearance in the film, but "Hunger Games" adaptations have historically been fairly loyal to Collins' book, making it safe to assume the trio will be depicted in some form of the epilogue.

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Beyoncé and Jay-Z own one of the most expensive mansions in California history. See all the homes in their real-estate empire.

Jay-Z and Beyoncé pose together in formal attire before a branded event backdrop with Deloitte and Disney logos.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z have built a six-figure portfolio of real estate properties.

Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images

  • Beyoncé and Jay-Z purchased a home that set a record for the priciest home in California in 2023.
  • The $190 million Malibu mansion is just one of the many properties they own around the country.
  • Here are the homes they're linked to, from a former church in New Orleans to a Hamptons estate.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z break music records — and real-estate records.

The couple, whose combined net worth is nearly $4 billion as of publication, according to Forbes, is linked to numerous partnerships and deals, including Jay-Z's upcoming Super Bowl halftime performance, as well as several multimillion-dollar homes across the United States.

In 2023, they bought a 42,000-square-foot Malibu estate with a minimalist concrete aesthetic, designed by famed Japanese architect Tadao Ando. The price? $190 million — one of the largest sums in California history.

In New Orleans, the "Cowboy Carter" singer and the rapper-turned-entrepreneur have been linked to a former Presbyterian church that has been transformed into a mansion.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z's impressive property portfolio also includes another mansion in the Los Angeles area and several homes in New York. They are also reportedly in talks to purchase a 58-acre plot of land in the Cotswolds that they plan to develop in the future.

Take a look at Beyoncé and Jay-Z's homes across the country.

Beyoncé came from humble beginnings in Houston.
One of Beyonce's Houston area childhood homes.
One of Beyonce's Houston area childhood homes.

Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images

Beyoncé's rise to stardom began in a modest, middle-class neighborhood in Houston's Third Ward.

2414 Rosedale Street has three bedrooms and three bathrooms over 8,640 square feet, according to the listing from 2019.

According to the Associated Press, the Knowles family purchased the home in 1982, not long after Beyoncé was born, and moved out when she was about 5.

In 2019, the home was listed for sale for about $500,000. Because Texas is a non-disclosure state, it's unclear how much it sold for.

Beyoncé was spotted taking photos of the home in September 2023 during the Houston stop of her Renaissance World Tour, the AP reported.

The couple is linked to a Tribeca penthouse, where they married in 2008.
A streetview of 195 Hudson Street.
Jay-Z made one of his first large real estate purchases at 195 Hudson Street.

Business Insider/Julie Zeveloff

In September 2004, Jay-Z, who voiced his aspirations for success in his hit rap song 'Big Pimpin', made one of his first big real-estate purchases.

The native New Yorker, who was about 34 at the time, spent $6.85 million on a penthouse at 195 Hudson Street in the downtown Manhattan neighborhood of Tribeca.

Architectural Digest reported that the 8,000-square-foot apartment has an additional 3,000 square feet of outdoor terrace space. It's in a 27-unit building that was converted from a 1929 brick warehouse in 1999, real-estate listings site StreetEasy reported.

In 2008, he and Beyoncé held an intimate wedding ceremony at the penthouse, with 40 people in attendance. Architectural Digest reported in 2024 that the couple is believed to still own the home.

The couple rented out a Los Angeles mansion for $150,000 a month
A panoramic and aerial view of the Los Angeles skyline.
Los Angeles.

Michelle Smith/Getty Images

In 2014, the Carters house-hunted on the East Coast, considering several properties. One was an eight-bedroom, 15-bathroom Beverly Hills mansion that they were outbid for by Markus Persson, the billionaire creator of the video game Minecraft. (Persson listed the mansion for sale in October 2026 for $70 million.)

After being outbid on several other properties, the couple decided to rent a home in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Holmby Hills, Architectural Digest reported. The 20,000-square-foot estate was valued at $4 million in 2015, according to Realtor.com. At the time, the couple paid a whopping $150,000 a month in rent. When the property was eventually sold in 2015, they moved on.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z are also linked to a home in New Orleans that used to be a church.
An old newspaper image of La Casa de Castille.
La Casa de Castille was previously a Presbyterian church before being transformed into a residence decades later.

IMAGE VIA TIMES-PICAYUNE ARCHIVE"

Louisiana is where Beyoncé's mother, fashion designer Tina Knowles, was born and raised.

In 2015, multiple news outlets reported that the couple purchased a Spanish Baroque-style mansion in New Orleans' Garden District. The house on Harmony Street, locally known as La Casa de Castille, was listed for $2.6 million at the time of its purchase, but the exact sales purchase price remains a mystery due to Louisiana's non-disclosure policy.

NOLA.com outlined how the church became a residence: In the 1920s, Westminster Presbyterian Church built it, and 38 members of the Ku Klux Klan allegedly attended its groundbreaking ceremony. Following years of vacancy, dancer Harvey Hysell transformed it into a ballet theater in 1977. Finally, in the early 2000s, it was purchased and extensively renovated.

According to the old Zillow listing, it still has 16-foot ceilings and stained-glass windows. The 13,300-square-foot, three-story property, made up of a main residence and three separate apartments, has a total of seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and a rooftop garden.

In 2021, there was a fire on the property, and it was listed for sale shortly after at $3.5 million, later increased to $4.45 million, TMZ reported. However, it was later taken off the market, according to Architectural Digest.

On Google Maps' Street View, La Casa de Castille is blurred, suggesting that it may still be a private residence.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z own a home in the Hamptons.
Pond House Rear Exterior

Jeffrey Collé

Beyoncé and Jay-Z have a New York state of mind when it comes to real estate.

In addition to the Tribeca penthouse and a midtown Manhattan condo — which Beyoncé owned prior to their marriage and sold in 2017 for $10 million — they have rented and owned several homes in the Hamptons.

In 2012, the year their daughter Blue Ivy was born, they leased a 31,000-square-foot vacation home in Bridgehampton for $400,000 a month.

Beyond the standard luxuries like a bar, a pool, and a tennis court, that mansion also featured a bowling alley, rock climbing wall, and skateboard half-pipe, according to Architectural Digest.

In 2017, the couple purchased the Pond House in East Hampton for $26 million.

Located at 81 Briar Patch Road, the 12,000-square-foot mansion with seven bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and a separate cottage was designed by architect Stanford White, whose work includes the arch in Washington Square Park.

The couple's waterfront property sits across from Georgica Pond and a 17-acre meadow preserve, offering unparalleled privacy.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z purchased a 34,000-square-foot estate in Bel Air in 2017.
An aerial photo of Beyoncé and Jay-Z's Bel Air mansion, showing several houses from above with swimming pools, separated by winding roads and greenery
An aerial view of Beyoncé and Jay-Z's Bel Air mansion, pictured in the center of the image with the round driveway, just above the semicircular construction site.

USGS Explorer

Also in 2017, Beyoncé and Jay-Z bought an $88 million mansion in Bel Air. They welcomed twins Rumi and Sir that year, too.

The ultramodern 34,000-square-foot estate has eight bedrooms, 20 bathrooms, and a 90-foot infinity pool, according to its Zillow listing.

It has more than 10,000 square feet of outdoor living space and offers panoramic views of the Angeles National Forest.

In 2023, Beyoncé and Jay-Z bought the most expensive home in California history.
A sky view of 27712 Pacific Coast Highway.
A sky view of 27712 Pacific Coast Highway, the priciest residential property ever sold in California.

Anthony Barcelo

In 2023, Beyoncé and Jay-Z purchased a 40,000-square-foot mansion in Malibu's exclusive Paradise Cove neighborhood, which some have dubbed "Billionaires' Beach," for $190 million.

The sale set a record at the time for the most expensive property transaction in California. It was also the largest residential sale nationwide that year.

The estate's record-breaking price tag is attributed in part to its high-pedigree design and extensive array of amenities.

According to Architectural Digest, it took the previous owners, art collectors Bill Bell and his wife Maria Bell, a decade and a half to complete the building.

Spanning more than 8 acres, the compound is designed in the Japanese minimalist style for which its architect, Tadao Ando, is known.

According to E! News, the main residence has 8 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, while its living room features custom-made fixtures imported from Italy. Outside, there are four separate pools, a bar, and a private helipad.

The couple is reportedly in talks to purchase a 58-acre plot of land in the Cotswolds in England.
Stone village with a church tower sits among trees and green hills in a rural landscape.
The Cotswolds.

by Marc Guitard/Getty Images

The Cotswolds, a picturesque region spanning parts of southwestern and south-central England, is known for its rolling green hills, centuries-old villages, and historic estates.

With luxury properties often commanding multimillion-pound prices, the area has earned the nickname "the Hamptons of England." It has long attracted prominent British residents, including David and Victoria Beckham, actress Elizabeth Hurley, and supermodel Kate Moss.

More recently, the Cotswolds have also attracted wealthy Americans. Beyoncé and Jay-Z are reportedly among them, The Times reported in September.

According to the publication, the Carters are considering a £7.5 million ($8.54 million) 58-acre property in Wigginton, a village with fewer than 200 residents. Owain Jones, who is handling the sale, told The Times that their plans to develop the land could bring the project's total cost to about £18 million (or about $20. 5 million).

Should the Carters move forward with the purchase, they would not be far from the Beckhams and Simon Cowell, who reportedly own homes in the nearby village of Great Tew.

However, the proposed construction has upset some Wigginton residents, who are concerned about preserving the village's peace and quiet, House & Garden reported.

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Elizabeth Holmes' most famous photo started with a simple request from a photographer

Elizabeth Holmes in a black turtleneck holding a pill.
The iconic 2014 photo of Elizabeth Holmes shot by Ethan Pines.

Ethan Pines/Forbes Collection/Contour by Getty Images

  • Ethan Pines shot Elizabeth Holmes for a Forbes cover story in 2014.
  • The photo of Holmes holding a blood vial has become synonymous with the disgraced Theranos founder.
  • Pines spoke to Business Insider about meeting Holmes and his thoughts on "You Can See Everything."

As photographer Ethan Pines drove to the Theranos offices in Silicon Valley, all he could think about was how to make his shoot with its founder, Elizabeth Holmes, stand out.

It was 2014, and the hype around Holmes' health technology company, which boasted it could run hundreds of medical and diagnostic tests using only a few drops of blood, had hit its zenith. The 30-year-old Holmes was on the verge of becoming the youngest self-made female billionaire with a net worth of $4.5 billion.

Pines had photographed CEOs before, and he was racking his brain for ways to make the visuals for Holmes' Forbes cover story memorable.

He never could have predicted that his shot of Holmes would become the symbol of the now-disgraced CEO's meteoric rise and spectacular fall, not to mention imitated on TV series, put on billboards, and discussed in a popular documentary.

Twelve years later, Pines' photo of Holmes has re-entered the zeitgeist thanks to Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim's hit documentary, "You Can See Everything," which chronicles the life of Holmes and her partner, Billy Evans, in the final weeks before Holmes reports to prison for defrauding investors.

Pines' famous shot is brought up several times in the doc. At one point, while having her body scanned to create an AI hologram, Holmes breaks down, recalling how her image has become a symbol of duplicity in the press.

Elizabeth Holmes holding up a vial of blood on the poster for "The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley."
The poster for Alex Gibney's 2019 documentary on Holmes.

HBO

This isn't the first time Pines' photo of Holmes has gone viral. The shot was used on the poster for Alex Gibney's 2019 documentary on Holmes, "The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley." The shot is also re-created in the 2022 Hulu miniseries "The Dropout," which stars Amanda Seyfried as Holmes. But Pines said "You Can See Everything" has brought an even larger wave attention to his work.

"I posted on my Instagram the entire shoot in a flipbook motion piece, and it has a million views," Pines said. "My posts don't get anywhere near that."

The making of an iconic shot

Amanda Seyfried as Elizabeth Holmes holding a vial of blood next to her face
Amanda Seyfried as Elizabeth Holmes in "The Dropout."

Hulu

When Pines arrived on set that day in 2014, he knew he wanted to take photographs that functioned as both a portrait of a young founder and a showcase of her invention.

"In my mind, I pictured a tight shot with her holding something up," Pines told Business Insider.

Halfway through the shoot, he asked Holmes' team if there was a suitable object they could use. They obliged with a small vial of blood (well, fake blood; the real stuff, he was told, was in a temperature-controlled lab down the hall).

Once Holmes held the vial up to her face, everything clicked into place.

"Sometimes when you're shooting, you're thinking to yourself, 'This is a gift,'" Pines recalled. "With her big eyes and that intimate, interesting expression, I felt we had something."

Ethan Pines in a dark jacket with a light flair behind him
Ethan Pines.

Ethan Pines

Unlike the typical photoshoot with a CEO, where Pines would only get around 10 to 20 minutes to photograph his subject before they rushed off to attend to other matters, Holmes was generous with her time.

Over a couple hours, Pines said he took a total of 220 shots — 52 of her holding the blood vial — in three different setups. What stood out to him the most was Holmes' persona. She was relaxed and down to earth, chatting it up with Pines and his assistant. She'd done her own hair and makeup for the shoot.

Pines recognized a similar easy charisma on display in "You Can See Everything."

Elizabeth Holmes in "You Can See Everything."
Elizabeth Holmes in "You Can See Everything."

A24

"I cannot say if she's being real in this movie or putting on a facade to Nathan Fielder, but it reminded me of my experience," he said. "I felt she was really approachable; she's humble, makes a lot of eye contact, and doesn't come across as cocky or uptight. Oblivious to everything going on around her." 

With the doc a hit at the box office, Pines doesn't think the Holmes hype will die down anytime soon. He's constantly seeing reminders of his iconic photo.

"I was at a Halloween carnival for my daughter's school, and there were at least two people dressed as Elizabeth Holmes with the little blood vial," he said. "The whole thing is a trip." 

"You Can See Everything" is in theaters now.

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Details you might've missed in Sarah J. Maas' 'A Court of Splintered Harmony'

A headshot of Sarah J. Maas in front of a printed wallpaper.
The sixth "A Court of Thorns and Roses" novel is out.

Alexandra Genova / SAINT LUCY Represents

  • Sarah J. Maas' "A Court of Splintered Harmony" came out on Tuesday.
  • The book largely sets the scene for future installments, but it's full of important details.
  • Readers learned more about Azriel's shadows and Nesta's possible connections to the prison.

It's "ACOTAR" time, people.

On Tuesday, Sarah J. Maas released "A Court of Splintered Harmony," the sixth book in the "A Court of Thorns and Roses" series. The book is the first volume in a larger story arc within the world of "ACOTAR," which Maas has titled "The Valkyrie Cycle."

Maas took readers back to Prythian in the novel, picking up after the events of "A Court of Silver Flames" and "House of Flame and Shadow," the third book in her "Crescent City" series. High Lord Rhysand, High Lady Feyre, and their Inner Circle are working to protect humans and keep Koschei, a death god, from escaping the enchanted lake where he's trapped. There's plenty of turmoil for the Inner Circle at home, too, though, from power struggles to love triangles.

Luckily, parts two and three of "The Valkyrie Cycle" come out in January 2027 in one volume called "A Court of Forgotten Melody," so fans won't have to wait too long to see what happens next in "ACOTAR."

In the meantime, "ACOSH" was packed with plot twists and shocking reveals, so read on for a look at the most important details you may have missed.

Spoilers for Maas' works ahead.

Bright pink and orange book cover for “A Court of Splintered Harmony” by Sarah J. Maas.
"A Court of Splintered Harmony."

Bloomsbury

Koschei the Deathless

Koschei was positioned as the looming villain in Maas' latest novel, though the character has yet to physically appear on page. (He made a brief appearance in a shadowy form in "A Court of Silver Flames.")

In "ACOSH," Vassa, a human queen trapped by Koschei, tells Feyre and Rhysand that he projects his voice to others rather than allowing anyone to get close to him, with the notable exception of Feyre's father, according to Lucien.

Vassa also shared that all the women Koschei keeps as prisoners are distant descendants of the fae warrior who initially trapped him at the lake.

It's not the first time Maas has alluded to the mysterious female fae who trapped Koschei and his sister Stryga. The Bone Carver, their brother, spoke of her to Feyre and Cassian, Rhysand's general, in "A Court of Wings and Ruin," saying, "Clever, that fae warrior. Her bloodline is long gone now — though a trace still runs through some human line." He also said she could have been his "salvation," though he doesn't explain how.

The Bone Carver said her name had been forgotten to history, but perhaps Koschei will reveal her identity in future Maas works.

The Bone Carver also said he and his siblings came from another world, much like the Asteri (known as the Daglan in Prythian). It's possible they originate from the world on which Maas' "Throne of Glass" series takes place, considering Maas has been tying her three fantasy worlds together in her recent works.

Azriel's shadows

"ACOSH" offers readers a more in-depth look at Azriel's shadows. Through his narration, Maas reveals that the shadows are sentient, exploring the world for Azriel and telling him everything from the weather to how people are feeling.

Sarah J. Maas in a red dress sits on a studio couch against colorful purple and teal lighting.
Sarah J. Maas.

Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

They also display feelings toward different characters throughout the novel, investigating intruders in the Night Court or avoiding others, such as the shadow creature Erebos.

They seem either unable or unwilling to come anywhere near Elain Archeron. They won't enter any room she is in, whether that be a dining room or a temple.

Azriel thinks his shadows' disappearance is "a gift," but their absence puts him in danger twice in "ACOSH."

First, he does not sense the creature Bryaxis approaching during baby Nyx's naming ceremony, thinking to himself that his shadows weren't there because "Elain had chased them away." Bryaxis was able to attack the Inner Circle in part because Azriel didn't feel her coming.

Hours later, Azriel's shadows do not warn him that Lucien, Elain's mate, is outside her bedroom, as they had "fled the moment he'd sought out Elain," again leading to trouble for the Shadowsinger. He and Lucien physically fight during the interaction, and Rhysand kicks Azriel out of the house. Morrigan, Rhysand's third and the object of Azriel's longing for years, also scolds him, and the interaction marks the last time he sees Elain in the novel, who ends up fleeing Prythian in the aftermath.

In contrast, his shadows are thrilled to see someone else a few pages later: Gwyn. Azriel ventures to the House of Wind to retrieve some of his belongings after the incident, and when he hears singing, his shadows "surged past his feet, a black tide racing ahead," sprinting to Gwyn. The shadows then gather at Gwyn's feet, watching her until Azriel summons them back.

Perhaps Maas will explore what Azriel's shadows know about each female in future works.

Nesta and the prison

As she is in "A Court of Silver Flames," Nesta Archeron is central to the plot of "ACOSH," quarreling with the Inner Circle and ultimately saving them when Bryaxis comes back to town.

The cover of "A Court of Silver Flames" by Sarah J. Maas.
"A Court of Silver Flames" by Sarah J. Maas.

Bloomsbury

She is also drawn to the prison throughout the novel, which she explored extensively with Bryce Quinlan in "House of Flame and Shadow." During their journey there, they discovered that the prison had once been an eighth court that could have served as the Dusk Court.

Maas leans into dusk imagery each time Nesta visits. During one trip to the prison, she looks "to the purpling eastern sky. To the first star of evening. To the darkness, the night growing beyond it."

She also sees that the prison is along "that northern horizon, stained with a dazzling blend of encroaching night and lingering day."

It also appears that Nesta and Rhysand may share a connection to the prison. When Nesta tries to winnow to the island, she almost drowns and sees something "glimmering" on the floor below, believing it is calling, "Find me," to her. Rhysand saves her, telling Nesta he heard her mentally scream, "Find me," to him.

It's possible Nesta was confused and shouting out mentally for aid, but it's also possible Nesta and Rhysand were being beckoned by the same Made object. Rhysand controls the prison through his bloodline, so it's plausible that a Made object associated with it is calling to them both.

In addition to the dusk imagery she associates with her, Maas also ties Nesta to the word "splintered," which appears in the novel's title. Nesta asks her house for guidance on her relationship with Cassian, and the house offers her a pile of splinters from a punching block she broke during her training. For Nesta, the demonstration is meaningful.

"The House couldn't have chosen a better symbol of where she and Cassian stood," she thinks to herself. "The training, the determination, the love that had grown between them — all shattering not due to some outside force, but because of her."

The splinters lead her to open up to Cassian about her feelings, but they also may indicate that "Splintered Harmony" in the title has a lot to do with Nesta and Cassian.

Other imagery

Nesta isn't the only character Maas associates with specific imagery throughout the book.

Maas repeatedly associates Elain with spring. Azriel describes Elain as "a whisper of spring" and "as lovely as a spring dawn." Lucien says she has a "floral scent," and she is seen tending flowers and decorating Nyx's naming ceremony with them in the book.

Maas also introduces the concept of Feyre and her son, Nyx, as a flash of silver in the night court.

Clotho made "a braided, silvery piece of fabric" for Feyre and Rhysand to use during Nyx's naming ceremony, telling Nesta it was one of a kind as she gave it to her to pass on to the High Lord and Lady. Later, when Lucien is dining at their home, he notices a tapestry Feyre has hung on the wall, saying his magical eye can see the silver thread moving in it.

During his chapter, Lucien also says his magic eye has shown him a silver aura around Feyre since the moment he met her, describing it as a "silvery brightness" that intensified as Feyre found love and joy at the Night Court.

Gwyn's power

During both passages in which Gwyn appears in the novel, she is singing, which seems significant given the musically themed titles of books six and seven in the "ACOTAR" series.

Book cover for "A court of Forgotten Melody" by Sarah J. Maas with ornate insect-like line art.
"A Court of Forgotten Melody" by Sarah J. Maas.

Bloomsbury

Maas gives indications that Gwyn's music may have magical properties.

Nesta notices that Gwyn's singing voice is more powerful than the voices of her fellow choir singers, saying, "Gwyn could have carried the entirety of the song herself, that mezzo-soprano voice so rich and resonant that it seemed to effortlessly burst from her."

Likewise, Azriel describes Gwyn's voice as "otherworldly" and "strange and yet familiar," adding that "starlight spilled down the steps, almost in answer to the song" as she sang.

Maas also seems to liken Gwyn to light, particularly when she's singing.

When Nesta watches Gwyn sing, she notes that she "shone" and seemed to "radiate light," thinking to herself that "the candlelight seemed to bend toward" her friend. Similarly, when Azriel sees Gwyn at the House of Wind, he describes her hair as "shining in the starlight," remarks on her "bright gaze," and notes that her eyes were lit by the stars above.

Similarities between Azriel and Gwyn

Throughout "ACOSH," Azriel describes himself as a monster because of his shadow-wielding abilities and talent at extracting information from enemies. He says he was often called a monster or a demon in his youth, and he came to think of himself that way.

"He was a monster — merely a creature," Azriel thinks of himself in the text. "Best left skulking in shadows. Most suited to collecting information through subterfuge or pain."

Other characters in "ACOTAR" have said people think of them as monsters, like Rhysand, but the only other character in "ACOSH" who seems to genuinely think of herself as monstrous is Gwyn.

In a chapter told from her perspective, Gwyn reveals that she has been avoiding training with the Valkyrie and the world outside the temple because she relished killing enemies during the Blood Rite. Her chapter ends with her thinking she hears Bryaxis laughing at her, "like it knew it wasn't the only monster down here."

Maas also highlights parallels between Azriel's and Gwyn's powers in "ACOSH."

Azriel talks about his Siphons, which help control his magic, repeatedly in the book. He notes that they are all "a cobalt bordering on turquoise," for a reason he has never known.

Later, Gwyn throws her Invoking Stone at Azriel when he startles her, which he says "glittered with turquoise fire." Gwyn's eyes are a similar shade, described as teal throughout Maas' works.

In addition to the similar coloring of the Siphons and the Invoking Stone, Azriel notes that the Stone has a similar magical feel, thinking he "never realized how much presence it seemed to have, like his Siphons, but wholly different," he said.

Azriel quickly returns the Stone to Gwyn after their brief interaction, but Maas may explore the similarities between the two down the line.

Parallels with Mor

At the end of "ACOSH," Elain begs Mor to take her with her to Vallahan, and Mor agrees, seeing that Elain needs space from Azriel, Lucien, and the Inner Circle to figure out what she wants.

It's not the first time Mor has helped an Archeron sister get some distance from a male causing her problems.

In "A Court of Mist and Fury," Mor whisks Feyre away from males twice. First, she rescues Feyre from the Spring Court after Tamlin traps her in his house. Later, Mor winnows Feyre to the cabin after she discovers that Rhysand had been keeping the fact that they were mates a secret.

The cover of "A Court of Mist and Fury" by Sarah J. Maas.
"A Court of Mist and Fury" by Sarah J. Maas.

Bloomsbury

She does the same for Nesta in "A Court of Silver Flames," winnowing Nesta to Emerie's home when she needs a break from Cassian. She brings Gwyn to the house, too, so Nesta has the support she needs during her turmoil.

For Feyre and Nesta, that time away allowed them to figure out how they felt about the males in their lives, positive or negative. Hopefully, Elain gets the same clarity from her space.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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19 books like Rebecca Yarros' 'Fourth Wing' to read while you wait for the next 'Empyrean' novel

The covers of "Heartless Hunter" and "The Serpent and the Wings of Night."
Fans of Rebecca Yarros can read other romantasy books while they wait for the next "Fourth Wing" book.

Wednesday Books/Bramble

  • Rebecca Yarros fans are waiting for the fourth "Empyrean" novel to be released.
  • Yarros hasn't announced when she'll publish the next book in the "Fourth Wing" universe.
  • Luckily, there are plenty of other romantasy and fantasy books fans can read while they wait.

Patience is the name of the game for "Fourth Wing" fans these days.

"Fourth Wing" introduced readers to Violet Sorrengail, a student at Basgiath War College training to be a dragon rider as war looms outside the school. The 2023 novel was an instant bestseller for author Rebecca Yarros, who has since written two additional installments in the "Empyrean" series, as well as a novella (more on that in a minute).

After it was published in January 2025, "Onyx Storm," the third book in the series, became the fastest-selling adult novel published in the past 20 years, with over 2.7 million copies sold in one week.

The "Empyrean" series is set to have five books in total, and the fourth will hopefully resolve the cliffhangers Yarros left in "Onyx Storm." However, while Yarros has confirmed she started writing book four, she has yet to announce a publication date for the novel.

It will be a while before the next "Fourth Wing" book hits bookshelves, but luckily, fans can read similar novels, like those with fantasy settings or enemies-to-lovers romances.

"Threshing Day" by Rebecca Yarros
The cover of "Threshing Day" by Rebecca Yarros.
"Threshing Day" by Rebecca Yarros.

Red Tower

Ahead of the release of the next "Fourth Wing" novel, Yarros published "Threshing Day" in September, a collection of stories set in the "Empyrean" universe.

Each chapter in the collection tells the story of a different character's experience on Threshing Day, when riders are selected by a dragon during their training at Basgiath in a process that is often dangerous for participants. Violet doesn't have a chapter in the book, as her Threshing Day is covered in "Fourth Wing," but the 13 chapters are all told by her fellow riders, including her partner, Xaden Riorson, and her siblings, Brennan and Mira.

The collections span multiple years, and the book is chock-full of lore about dragons and their riders, answering some questions readers had about the "Fourth Wing" universe. It's the perfect appetizer to hold readers over while they wait for the fourth "Empyrean" novel.

"A Court of Mist and Fury" by Sarah J. Maas
The cover of "A Court of Mist and Fury" by Sarah J. Maas.
"A Court of Mist and Fury."

Bloomsbury

If you've read "Fourth Wing," you're probably already familiar with Sarah J. Maas' "A Court of Thorns and Roses" series about faeries.

The second book in Maas' series feels most similar in tone to the "Empyrean" series.

In "A Court of Mist and Fury," Feyre Archeron is adjusting to her newfound life as a faerie after she almost died under the mountain — as well as coming to terms with the deal she made with Rhysand, the High Lord of the Night Court, to spend a week with him every month. Despite it all, she got what she wanted: an immortal life with Tamlin, the High Lord of the Spring Court.

However, Feyre's life in the Spring Court starts feeling more claustrophobic by the second, especially when Tamlin forbids her from leaving the house. To her shock, she finds refuge with Rhysand, where she uncovers truths about the Night Court, Rhys, and herself that will change everything she thought she knew.

"A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire" by Jennifer L. Armentrout
The cover of "A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire."
"A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire."

Blue Box Press

"A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire" is the second book in Jennifer L. Armentrout's "Blood and Ash" series, and protagonist Poppy is reckoning with the realization that nothing in her world is what she thought it would be in the sequel to "From Blood and Ash."

Poppy was raised as the Maiden, believing it was her divine duty to sacrifice herself to the Ascended, the immortal beings that rule over her world. After falling in love with her new guard, Hawke, and running away with him, she realizes she's been betrayed by the Ascended — and Hawke.

Poppy doesn't know who to trust, but Hawke is determined to protect her — especially as Poppy develops powers that could change their world.

"The Magicians" by Lev Grossman
Red book cover for Lev Grossman's "The Magicians" featuring a blue moth and celestial moon illustrations.
"The Magicians" by Lev Grossman.

Penguin Random House

If you're a fan of the magical school setting in Yarros' series, you will love "The Magicians" by Lev Grossman (which was also turned into a Syfy series of the same name).

At the top of the trilogy, Quentin Coldwater feels apathetic about the future, though his aptitude for math could get him into any college he wants. Instead, he still longs for the simplicity of his favorite fantasy series, taking comfort in the magical world of Fillory whenever he can.

When he gets accepted into a secret magical college, Quentin feels like his dreams are coming true. Then, he accidentally taps into a darker side of his power and starts a chain of events that puts him and his classmates in danger — and opens the doors to Fillory.

"Divine Rivals" by Rebecca Ross
"Divine Rivals" by Rebecca Ross.
"Divine Rivals."

Macmillan

"Divine Rivals" has the enemies-to-lovers fun and secrecy of Yarros' series, though Rebecca Ross sets her fantasy story against the backdrop of a newsroom instead of a war college.

Iris Winnow is desperate to get promoted to columnist at the Oath Gazette. Her mother has fallen into alcoholism since her brother left to fight in a war of the gods, and Iris feels like she is one missed paycheck away from falling into ruin.

She's competing for the promotion against Roman Kitt, her infuriatingly handsome coworker who makes her feel small every time she sees him. As Roman continues to succeed, her chances of success grow slimmer with each passing day.

Iris' only comfort is writing letters to her brother on her grandmother's old typewriter. She doesn't know where he is, so she slips the letters under her wardrobe, where they disappear. Iris is hopeful her letters are somehow reaching her brother — until a stranger writes back.

Ross' story evolves into a fantasy full of romance and longing, which continues in its sequel, "Ruthless Vows."

"The Serpent and the Wings of Night" by Carissa Broadbent
"The Serpent and the Wings of Night" by Carissa Broadbent.
"The Serpent and the Wings of Night" by Carissa Broadbent.

Bramble

You'll love the first book in Carissa Broadbent's "Crowns of Nyaxia" series, "The Serpent and the Wings of Night," if Violet's perseverance drew you to the "Empyrean" series as much as her romance with Xaden did.

Oraya has spent every moment of her life fighting to stay alive since her father, the Nightborn vampire king, adopted her after his forces killed her entire human family when she was a child.

Oraya is sick of being mortal in a world of vampires ready to kill her, so she decides to enter the Kejari, a tournament where the winner gets a wish granted to them by the goddess it's named for.

She plans to avoid the vampires competing against her at all costs, but when she is forced into an alliance with Rhain, a handsome vampire she knows nothing about, Oraya will have to trust someone besides her father for the first time in years.

The competition is deadly, especially as war looms beyond the arena, but Oraya's attraction to Rhain may be an even bigger danger.

"Divergent" by Veronica Roth
The cover of "Divergent" by Veronica Roth.
"Divergent."

HarperCollins

If you somehow missed the "Divergent" craze when Veronica Roth's books or the films based on them were released, it's the perfect series to binge while you wait for the fourth "Empyrean" book.

In the first installment of the series, readers are introduced to 16-year-old Beatrice Prior, a girl on the precipice of changing her life forever. Beatrice lives in a society divided into factions based on people's aptitudes, and it's her turn to take a test that will tell her which faction she belongs to.

Beatrice's results put her entire society's system at risk, and the only way she can survive is to keep her results a secret. She abandons her home faction of Abnegation to join Dauntless, hoping she can hide in the group that values bravery and strength above all else. But she's not the only one with secrets.

"One Dark Window" by Rachel Gillig
The cover of "One Dark Window" by Rachel Gillig.
"One Dark Window."

Hachette

Those drawn to the romantic tension of the "Empyrean" series might want to put "One Dark Window" by Rachel Gillig at the top of their to-be-read list.

The only thing keeping Elspeth Spindle safe in her home of Blunder, a land cursed with darkness, is the monster she calls Nightmare, a spirit trapped in her mind.

Elspeth's long-kept secret falls apart when she has a run-in with a highwayman, who turns out to be the king's nephew and captain of the guard working in secret to overthrow his uncle. Elspeth agrees to help the captain and his family in their quest to end the dark magic that rules their kingdom once and for all, even if it puts her own life at risk and forces her to face the Nightmare's power over her.

Elspeth and the captain are on a time crunch to accomplish their mission, particularly as the Nightmare threatens to take her mind over for good. Still, they can't ignore the attraction between them, no matter the dangers coming their way.

"His Majesty's Dragon" by Naomi Novik
The cover of "His Majesty's Dragon" by Naomi Novik.
"His Majesty's Dragon."

Penguin Random House

If the dragons in Yarros' fictional world were the most exciting part of "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" for you, you may want to give Naomi Novik's "His Majesty's Dragon" a try.

The novel is set in the 1800s during the Napoleonic Wars. Will Laurence is a normal captain in the British forces until he captures a dragon egg. When it hatches, he bonds with Temeraire and becomes a rider, fighting in the skies.

Laurence will have to learn how to fly and fight in the middle of the war — or risk his and Temeraire's lives.

"Eragon" by Christopher Paolini
The cover of "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini.
"Eragon."

Penguin Random House

"The Inheritance Cycle" series by Christopher Paolini may fall into the young-adult category, but the high-fantasy writing and the emotional coming-of-age journey the hero goes on throughout the series will make it just as exciting for adults as for younger readers.

In the series opener, Eragon is just a teenager living a simple life on a farm with his family until he stumbles upon a blue stone, which turns out to be the first dragon hatchling born in his country in a century.

Eragon immediately becomes a Dragon Rider when his dragon, Seraphina, hatches. The only living rider is supposed to be king, setting Eragon on a path of magic and danger.

Like Yarros' series, "The Inheritance Cycle" is an epic journey of dragons and their riders, full of magic, romance, and adventure.

"A Promise of Fire" by Amanda Bouchet
The cover of "A Promise of Fire" by Amanda Bouchet.
"A Promise of Fire."

Sourcebooks Casablanca

Amanda Bouchet's "The Kingmaker Chronicles" is a three-part series full of magic, gods, and romance that will appeal to Yarros fans drawn to Violet's powerful signet and Xaden's dedication to her.

In the first installment, "A Promise of Fire," Cat Fisa has been on the run for years. She was born with the ability to tell when people are lying, a once-in-a-generation power that makes her the "Kingmaker." Cat wants nothing to do with her power — or her family in the North that would use her for it — so she stays hidden, pretending to be a soothsayer in a traveling circus in the South.

When Griffin, the general of a newly established human kingdom, sees her, he knows what Cat is immediately and takes her in the hopes of protecting his family's throne. Cat won't go down without a fight, though, and Griffin's hostage becomes even harder to control when powerful family members come looking for her.

As they make their way toward his family's castle, Griffin will have to convince Cat his family is worth working with — a task that becomes even more difficult when he realizes he doesn't want Cat to just work with him; he wants her to be his wife.

"House of Earth and Blood" by Sarah J. Maas
The cover of "House of Earth and Blood" by Sarah J. Maas.
"House of Earth and Blood,"

Bloomsbury

If you liked the modern flair in the "Empyrean" series, you'll love Sarah J. Maas' steamy "Crescent City" series.

In "House of Earth and Blood," half-fae Bryce Quinlan thrives after graduating from Crescent City University, living with her best friend, the werewolf and alpha of the Pack of Devils, Danika Fendyr.

Bryce has everything she wants — until she comes home to find Danika and the Pack of Devils murdered by a demon. She thinks the culprit was arrested, but a year later, similar murders start up again in the city.

Because she's the only one who saw the demon that killed her friends, Bryce teams up with Hunt Athalar, a Fallen angel enslaved to work for the Archangels who run Crescent City, to solve the mystery. As the investigation progresses and Bryce and Hunt's attraction to each other grows, the unlikely pair will discover secrets about Crescent City that could upend their world as they know it.

To date, Maas has published three books in the series, including "House of Flame and Shadow" in January 2024.

"Neon Gods" by Katee Robert
The cover of "Neon Gods" by Katee Robert.
"Neon Gods."

SourceBooks

As Violet was raised to hate Xaden Riorson, Persephone Dimitriou's fear of Hades was instilled in her from childhood in "Neon Gods" by Katee Robert.

Trusting Hades feels like Persephone's only option after her mother promises her hand in marriage to Zeus, the leader of the 13 houses in Olympus, whose wives mysteriously end up dead.

Persephone decides to run away from the city rather than marry Zeus, seeking refuge with Hades, a man she wasn't even certain existed until she found herself on his doorstep. Luckily, Hades wants revenge on Zeus, too, and they agree that making him jealous is the best way to do it.

Hades and Persephone decide to put on a show, but neither expects the real, palpable attraction that develops between them.

"Throne in the Dark" by A.K. Caggiano
The cover of "Throne in the Dark."
"Throne in the Dark."

A.K. Caggiano

A.K. Caggiano's "Villains & Virtues" trilogy has all the magic and enemies-to-lovers fun of the world of "Fourth Wing" with a heap of slow-burn tension and a lighter tone than Yarros' work.

In "Throne in the Dark," Damien Maleficus Bloodthorne is determined to free his demon father from his magical imprisonment and take over the world by his side. There's just one problem: a beautiful, sickeningly sweet human named Amma, who accidentally becomes one with the magical weapon he needs to bring down the mortal powers that be.

Damien has no choice but to travel the realm with Amma to find a way to separate her from the weapon. He could kill her, but Amma proves to be surprisingly helpful — and to his horror, she isn't the worst travel companion he could imagine.

Amma has secrets of her own, though, and she and Damien must work together to get through their respective missions unscathed. And worst of all, as he spends more time with Amma, Damien starts to wonder if what he truly wants is the human by his side.

"Bride" by Ali Hazelwood
The cover of "Bride" by Ali Hazelwood.
"Bride" by Ali Hazelwood.

Penguin Random House

Ali Hazelwood is best known for her New York Times bestselling, STEM-centered romance books. Still, her first paranormal novel, "Bride," can help "Empyrean" fans with their book hangover after they finish "Onyx Storm."

In "Bride," vampire Misery Lark is about to marry Lowe Moreland, the Alpha of the Weres, as part of a historic peace deal. Most vampires would be afraid of agreeing to bind themselves to their natural enemies, but after spending most of her childhood as an emissary among the humans, Misery is ready to take on the risk — especially since she needs the Weres' resources to try to track down Serena, her human foster sister who went missing without a trace.

Misery plans to avoid Lowe as much as possible, but from the moment they meet at their wedding, Misery seems to perplex and infuriate Lowe for reasons she can't understand (aside from their species' century-long feud). Soon, he's keeping a closer eye on her than she would like, but she might not mind his presence as much as she thought.

"The Dead Romantics" by Ashley Poston
Book cover for "THE DEAD ROMANTICS" by Ashley Poston with illustrated readers, flowers, and Good Morning America Book Club badge.
"The Dead Romantics" by Ashley Poston.

Berkley

If reading Yarros' work makes you yearn for a little magic in your day-to-day life, you might like the magical realism in Ashley Poston's "The Dead Romantics."

Florence Day's first meeting with her new editor is a disaster. After a breakup leaves her with a serious bout of writer's block, Florence desperately needs an extension on the novel she's ghostwriting. Ben, who is inconveniently handsome and charming, refuses, leaving Florence more frustrated than ever.

Then, her father dies unexpectedly, and Florence must return to her Southern hometown and her family's funeral parlor and face the actual ghosts she has always been able to see, an ability that left her alienated for much of her childhood.

Once she makes it home, it's not surprising that a ghost shows up seeking her help, but it is a shock when the specter turns out to be Ben. He needs Florence's help handling his unfinished business: her.

"A Fate Inked in Blood" by Danielle L. Jensen
The cover of "A Fate Inked in Blood" by Danielle L. Jensen.
"A Fate Inked in Blood."

Penguin Random House

The first installment in the "Saga of the Unfated" duology, "A Fate Inked in Blood," offers an enemies-to-lovers romance set against the backdrop of Norse mythology.

Freya spent her childhood dreaming of becoming a warrior, but at 20, she is married to a man she hates, trapped in her fishing village, and guarding her most closely kept secret: She is a shield maiden, possessing magic that can protect her and others from attacks.

Freya's years of secret-keeping come to an end when her husband betrays her to the local jarl. After she uses her magic to survive a fight against his son Bjorn, the jarl sees Freya as what her father always feared she could become: a weapon. The jarl magically binds Freya to him, enlisting Bjorn to keep her safe.

Freya must prove herself as a magic-wielder and warrior to stay alive, but her pull toward Bjorn may put her at greater risk than her magic ever could.

"Heartless Hunter" by Kristen Ciccarelli
The cover of "Heartless Hunter" by Kristen Ciccarelli.
"Heartless Hunter" by Kristen Ciccarelli.

Wednesday Books

By day, Rune Winters is a vapid socialite. By night, she's the Crimson Moth, a witch trying to single-handedly save those like her that her government is determined to wipe out.

When her vigilante efforts put her at risk, Rune needs a cover story, and none could be better than Gideon Sharpe, a witch hunter known for his dedication to the cause. If he falls for her, Gideon could offer the perfect protection, but Rune has no idea Gideon is onto her, happy to get close to Rune to find the witch he believes she is associating with.

Rune and Gideon are lying to each other at every turn, but the feelings they develop along the way might be the one truth they can't deny. Book one in Kristen Ciccarelli's "The Crimson Moth" series, "Heartless Hunter," is packed with dizzying magic, political rebellion, and decadent enemies-to-lovers tension.

"Quicksilver" by Callie Hart
The cover of "Quicksilver" by Callie Hart.
"Quicksilver" by Callie Hart.

Grand Central Publishing

If you loved the adventurous elements of the "Empyrean" series as much as the romance, Callie Hart's "Quicksilver" will be right up your alley.

Saeris Fane is trying to keep her brother alive in their desert world, where water is nearly impossible to come by. She'll starve herself, steal from the Undying Queen, and use her illegal alchemical powers to do it, even if it puts her own life at risk.

When she's finally caught for her thievery, Saeris is saved when she accidentally opens a portal, and a beautiful and intimidating fae named Kingfisher takes her to his homeland, where ice and magic abound. However, she'll find the fae are just as dangerous as the Queen, and after she makes a binding agreement to Kingfisher, she'll have to live among them until she can use her alchemy to fulfill her half of the deal.

Saeris wants to get their bargain over with, desperate to get home to check on her brother. Yet it might be the magnetic pull she feels toward Kingfisher that derails her.

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