BookTok DEPRAVITY Gets Pushed on The Masses

Mainstream Adaptations and The Fourth Wing

The presenters argue that mainstream adaptations are bringing sexually explicit fantasy romance to wider audiences, sometimes with marketing that may make the material seem suitable for younger readers. They contrast The Love Hypothesis, which they describe as a relatively mild rom-com adapted from Reylo fanfiction, with Rebecca Yarros’s The Fourth Wing, whose synopsis sounds like a dark fantasy adventure.

They claim The Fourth Wing includes graphic sexual material, sexual violence, kink, and scenes involving sexual connections between humans and dragons. They argue that the book is inappropriate for children and criticize its placement and promotion alongside young-adult books.

The presenters also express concern that Amazon’s planned TV adaptation, with Esther McGregor as Violet and Emilio Sakraya as Xaden, could make the material seem more mainstream without clearly signaling its nature to potential viewers.

Broader Views on “Spicy” Fiction

The presenters view the popularity of “spicy” BookTok fiction as a form of pornographic consumption whose effects deserve scrutiny, even when the material is written rather than visual. They argue that society treats erotic fiction differently from visual pornography, focusing more on the exploitation of performers than on possible effects on readers.

They also suggest Hollywood is pursuing the growing female audience for such books, citing Morning Glory Milking Farm and Wuthering Heights as examples of a wider trend.

These are the presenters’ opinions and characterizations of the books.

Presenters and Contributors

Brett Dasovic and Mary (Mary Archived).