Pluribus fans, you can now read Carols Bloodsong of Wycaro
In a delightful twist of fiction and reality, the new sci-fi series *Pluribus*, created by Vince Gilligan and streaming on Apple TV, introduces viewers to the fictional world of *Bloodsong of Wycaro*, a made-up romantasy novel penned by the show’s character Carol Sturka, portrayed by Rhea Seehorn. The premiere of *Pluribus* reveals that *Bloodsong of Wycaro* is the fourth book in Sturka’s bestselling *Winds of Wycaro* trilogy, which has captivated a dedicated fanbase eager to follow the tumultuous romance between Captain Lucasia and corsair Raban. Despite Carol’s disdain for her own work and the fandom surrounding it, the series cleverly plays with the idea of fictional authorship and the impact of fan culture on storytelling.
In a surprising move, Apple Books has released a free excerpt from *Bloodsong of Wycaro*, reuniting Lucasia and Raban in a dramatic setting within an island cave. The excerpt is filled with fantastical elements and vivid descriptions, showcasing Sturka’s unique style, even as she expresses her own frustration with the genre and its tropes. A particularly engaging aspect of the excerpt is a letter from Carol herself, addressing the “Rabasia” shippers—fans who support the romantic pairing of Raban and Lucasia. In her letter, Carol acknowledges her aversion to spoilers but also recognizes the diverse preferences of her readers, humorously reflecting on the challenges of pleasing a passionate fanbase. This meta-narrative adds a layer of depth to the story, particularly as Carol navigates her own impending transformation in the hive-mind world of *Pluribus*.
The release of *Bloodsong of Wycaro* serves as a clever promotional tool while simultaneously enriching the narrative of *Pluribus*. As Carol approaches the conclusion of her book tour, she is acutely aware that her time as an unaffected individual is dwindling, adding a sense of urgency and foreboding to her character’s arc. This intertwining of stories not only captivates viewers but also invites them to explore the themes of creativity, fandom, and the sometimes chaotic relationship between authors and their audiences. With new episodes of *Pluribus* airing every Friday, fans of the show—and now the fictional *Bloodsong of Wycaro*—are in for a treat as they dive deeper into this imaginative universe. The excerpt from *Bloodsong of Wycaro* is available for free on Apple Books, allowing readers to experience the enchanting world that has captured the attention of both fictional characters and real-life fans alike.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgL1h7jmfas
Dreams really can come true. In some cases, that looks like landing the job you’ve always wanted, or finding the love of your life. In my case, that looks like reading an excerpt of a made-up romantasy novel from a TV show.
That show is Vince Gilligan and Apple TV’s sci-fi series,
Pluribus
, and that novel is none other than
Bloodsong of Wycaro
by Carol Sturka
(played by Rhea Seehorn).
SEE ALSO:
‘Pluribus’ review: I can’t tell you much about Vince Gilligan’s sci-fi series, but what I can say is glowing
As viewers learn in the
Pluribus
premiere,
Bloodsong of Wycaro
is “the fourth book in [Carol’s]
Winds of Wycaro
trilogy.” The series as a whole is a bestselling phenomenon, with diehard fans eager to see how the high-stakes romance between Captain Lucasia and corsair Raban unfolds. Carol hates the fans
and
her work, but that didn’t stop me from
hoping the
Wycaro
books could somehow become a reality
.
And now they have! Kind of.
Apple Books has released a free chapter from
Bloodsong of Wycaro
, one that reunites Lucasia with Raban in an island cave. The entire excerpt is a spot-on pastiche of historical fantasy, complete with otherworldly jargon and overly descriptive passages. You can imagine Carol rolling her eyes at herself as she writes about sandy cyclocanes and painful moonsburn. Still, though, it’s tough not to get sucked into Lucasia and Raban’s story, even without the context of three other books to guide us.
SEE ALSO:
Carol’s books in ‘Pluribus’ aren’t real, but I need them to be
However, the most fascinating part of the
Bloodsong of Wycaro
excerpt is the letter from Carol at the beginning. In the letter, Carol reveals that she’s releasing this excerpt to appease the hordes of “Rabasia” shippers who are angry that Raban (presumed dead after walking the plank) is not on the cover.
“You know I am on record for despising ‘spoilers’ in any form, that my preference would be to let events unfold in their own time through Lucasia’s anguished eyes. But I also understand that’s not everyone’s preference,” Carol writes in the letter. “Different strokes for different folks. How hellish would the world be if we all thought exactly the same?!”
Of course, the entire world thinking the same is
precisely
the hell that awaits Carol in
Pluribus
, where she is one of the sole humans unaffected by the happiness hive mind. That line is a darkly tongue-in-cheek reminder of what’s to come for her. The same goes for the beginning of the letter, which reveals that Carol is finishing up the final leg of the
Bloodsong of Wycaro
tour. In
Pluribus
, the worldwide joining of the hive mind happens right after finishing the tour, which means that as of writing this letter and publishing the excerpt, Carol only has a short amount of time left before the world as she knows it vanishes.
For more foreshadowing and excellent fantasy parody, check out the full excerpt from
Bloodsong of Wycaro
.
Bloodsong of Wycaro
is free to download on Apple Books.
Pluribus
is now streaming on Apple TV, with a new episode every Friday.
