Reading Materials

In this week’s episode we read another young adult fantasy novel and encounter flamenco dancing and dragon fighting in Together We Burn by Isabel Ibañez.

Join us for our discussion of the author’s inclusion of Spanish culture, dragons as metaphors and multiple red herrings.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:20 - Life Updates

02:00 - An Introduction to the Author

04:50 - Spoiler Warning

05:20 - The Blurb

06:50 - Our Discussion of Together We Burn

45:15 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time

47:30 - Outro

Other Books Mentioned:

Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

Links:

In this week's episode we spend some time with the political and magical intrigue of The Brilliant Death by A. R. Capetta.

Join us in exploring the world of Vinalia, family politics, loyalty and secrets, as well as some soul-searching about what being a "young adult" actually means.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:20 - Life Updates

02:22 - An Introduction to the Author

04:16 - The Blurb

07:05 - Spoiler Warning

07:30 - Our Discussion of The Brilliant Death

53:11 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time

01:15:40 - Outro

Other Books Mentioned:

In this week's episode we get a glimpse at the glamour of old-school Hollywood in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

Join us to hear out thoughts on this bestselling and award-winning novel as we discuss Ernie, Don, Mick, Rex, Harry, Max and Robert, and ultimately find out who was the love of Evelyn's life.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:15 - Life Updates

02:30 - An Introduction to the Author

05:50 - The Blurb

07:05 - Spoiler Warning

07:30 - Our Discussion of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

01:15:00 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time

01:15:40 - Outro

Other Books Mentioned:

In this week's episode we journey to the fantastical lands of Ralia and Tithena in the queer love-story A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows.

Join us for our discussion of political intrigue, the book's exploration of gender identity and the author's clever use of language.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:15 - Life Updates

06:45 - An Introduction to the Author

08:30 - The Blurb

09:50 - Our Discussion of 'A Strange and Stubborn Endurance'

20:25-24:35 - Trigger Warning for Discussion of Rape

24:45 - Trigger Warning for Discussion of Suicide Attempt

01:03:20 - The Book We Will Be Reading Next Time

01:04:10 - Outro

Books Mentioned:

Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling

His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas

Pucking Around by Emily Rath

The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. LeGuin

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Links:

We return this week to tackle our first Greek mythology retelling as we discuss the heart-breaking The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller.

Forget what you know from the Hollywood and Disney versions, it’s time to go back to the source as we discuss prideful heroes and gods, understated but beautiful writing, and gut-punch endings. There is even a cameo from baby Edward at the end of the episode!

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:15 - Life Updates

02:25 - An Introduction to the Author

07:45 - Spoiler Warning

09:20 - The Blurb

10:00 - Our Discussion of 'The Song of Achilles'

01:02:20 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time

01:03:45 - Outro

Other Books Mentioned:

We step away from fantasy this week to discuss Torrey Peters' bestselling debut about gender, parenthood, love and trans life - Detransition, Baby.

Tune in for our thoughts on Reece, Ames (or Amy before her detransition) and Katrina as they navigate relationships, grapple with gender identity and ultimately decide what to do about a surprise pregnancy.

Please note that this episode deals with topics that some listeners might find upsetting - please check the Episode Timepoints for trigger warnings.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:20 - Life Updates

03:10 - Trigger Warnings

04:10 - Introduction to the Author

07:45 - The Blurb

09:05 - Spoiler Warning

09:20 - Disclaimer

10:30 - Our Discussion of Detransition, Baby

01:18:15 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time

01:19:00 - Outro

Books Mentioned:

We continue Season 7 with a sequel to one of our favourite books from Season 3 - Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo.

Join us as we journey with Galaxy Stern to hell and discuss character development, vampires, bunnies and of course - Darlington's glow-stick.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:20 - Life Updates

06:00 - The Blurb for Hell Bent

08:10 - Brief Summary of the Book

12:00 - Our Discussion of Hell Bent

01:20:00 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time

01:21:10 - Outro

Other Books Mentioned:

We kick off Season 7 with Happy Place, the latest in Emily Henry's growing set of feel good novels, published in April 2023. Corrie is back from maternity leave, Lucia is fresh from an in-depth exploration of ACOTAR, and we reunite with one of our favourite authors as we find out what happens during Lobster Season in Maine when six friends, three secrets, and the harsh reality of growing up, coincide one summer's week.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:20 - Life updates

04:23 - An Introduction to Season Seven

06:18 - Introduction to Happy Place

07:55 - The Blurb

09:25 - Our Discussion of "Happy Place"

17:00 - Belated spoiler alert

01:46:30 - Outro

Other Books Mentioned:

We took some time in late October to chat to another author, the wonderful Foz Meadows.

Foz is an Australian fantasy author, blogger and poet. In anticipation of the release of their next novel "All the Hidden Paths" on December 5th, 2023, we chatted all things writing, tackling language in fiction, a bit of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and a myriad of other things!

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:48 - Interview with Foz Meadows

37:07 - Trigger warning: Sexual Assault

01:01:26 - Outro

Foz's books:

After 4 months we have made it to the end of our A Court of Thorns and Roses re-read! What a journey it has been…

Join us for this series wrap-up episode in which Maria returns and we discuss the series as a whole and share our predictions for Crescent City and the next ACoTaR books.

Episode Timepoints

00:00 - Intro

40:00 - Spoiler Warning for Crescent City

58:30 - Outro

Books Mentioned:

Lucia and Jess have reached the end of their journey through the A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas. This episode discusses chapters 61 through 80 of A Court of Silver Flames.

Join us as we share our final thoughts on the book and talk about the Rite, Nesta’s bargain with the Mother and our issues with Feyre’s pregnancy.

Episode Timepoints

00:00 - Intro

00:20 - Spoiler Warning

00:40 - The Story So Far

02:30 - Our Discussion of Chapters 61 - 80 of A Court of Silver Flames

24:20 - Trigger Warning

48:00 - Outro

Books Mentioned:

Lucia and Jess continue their deep-dive into the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. This episode discusses chapters 41 through 60 of A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas. We also discuss the bonus Azriel and Elain chapter which was included in the Books-a-Million Exclusive Edition of this book.

Join us for our thoughts on Nesta hitting rock bottom, mating bonds snapping into place and training to become a Valkyrie.

Episode Timepoints

00:00 - Intro

00:20 - Spoiler Warning

01:00 - The Story So Far

02:00 - Our Discussion of Chapters 41 - 60 of A Court of Silver Flames

01:12:00 - Outro

Books Mentioned:

Lucia and Jess continue their deep-dive into the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. This episode discusses chapters 21 through 40 of A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas.

Join us for our thoughts on Nesta and Cassian’s developing relationship, Feyre’s big reveal and creepy kelpies.

Episode Timepoints

00:00 - Intro

0:20 - Spoiler Warning

00:35 - The Story So Far

01:10 - Our Discussion of Chapters 21 - 40 of A Court of Silver Flames

01:01:15 - Outro

Books Mentioned:

The war with Hybern may be over, but for Nesta the nightmares continue and on the continent, a new evil is stirring...

Lucia and Jess continue their deep-dive into the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. This episode discusses chapters 1 through 20 of A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas. Join us for our thoughts on snarling, subplots and sexual tension you can cut with a knife.

Episode Timepoints

00:00 - Intro

00:25 - Spoiler Warning

01:00 - The Story So Far

02:30 - Our Discussion of Chapters 1 - 20 of A Court of Silver Flames

42:30-49:30 - Spoilers for Crescent City series

49:30 - Spoilers for Throne of Glass series

01:06:00 - Outro

Books Mentioned:

It's the Winter Solstice, which means it's time for shopping, hot chocolate and endless descriptions of snowy landscapes...

Lucia and Jess continue their deep-dive into Sarah J. Maas’s best-selling series, this time with their discussion of the novella A Court of Frost and Starlight. Hear their thoughts on characters not acting quite like themselves, Mor’s tendency to keep secrets from those she loves most, and the general lack of a point to this book.

Episode Timepoints

00:00 - Intro

00:50 - Spoiler Warning

01:10 - The Story So Far

02:30 - Our Discussion of A Court of Frost and Starlight

52:30 - Outro

Books Mentioned:

We continue our journey through A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas. This episode discusses chapters 61 through 80.

Join us as we talk about revelations, plot twists and sacrifices, as the original trilogy comes to a dramatic close.

Episode Timepoints

00:00 - Intro

00:45 - Spoiler Warning

01:10 - The Story So Far

02:00 - Our Discussion of Chapters 61-80 of A Court of Wings and Ruin

58:50 - Spoiler Warning for Crescent City

01:26:00 - Outro

Books Mentioned:

We continue our journey through A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas. This episode discusses chapters 41 through 60.

Join us as we talk about the melodrama of the High Lords’ meeting, contemplate what mental walls actually look like and question whether Jurian can teleport.

Episode Timepoints

00:00 - Intro

00:30 - Spoiler Warning

01:00 - The Story So Far

02:30 - Our Discussion of Chapters 41-60 of A Court of Wings and Ruin

57:00 - Outro

Books Mentioned:

We continue our exploration of A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas. This episode discusses chapters 21 through 40.

Join us as we talk about Nesta and Amren’s unlikely friendship, Elain’s new powers and Tarquin’s lack of gratitude after the attack on Adriata.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:25 - Spoiler Warning

00:40 - The Story So Far

01:05 - Our Discussion of Chapters 21-40 of A Court of Wings and Ruin

54:10 - Outro

54:35 - Blooper

Books Mentioned:

War in Prythian is imminent as the King of Hybern rallies his troops and sets his sight on the Wall and the human lands beyond. Still reeling from their last encounter with the King, Feyre and the rest of the Court of Dreams must go to new extremes to find as many allies as possible...

We are super excited to present our very first author interview - thank you so much to Emily Rath for being our guest!

Emily Rath is an author of fantasy and romance. Her works include the Amazon international bestselling Jacksonville Rays Hockey series and the Second Sons Regency romance series. Join us as we talk queer why choose romance, politics, the writing process and more.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

02:30 - Interview with Emily Rath

01:34:40 - Outro

Upcoming Appearances:

Lucia is joined by Maria and Jess to continue their deep-dive into the A Court of Thorns and Roses series.

This episode discusses chapters 47 through 69 of A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas. Join us as we talk about mating bonds, betrayals and cliffhangers.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:20 - Spoiler Warning

00:35 - The Story So Far

01:06:50 - Outro

Books Mentioned:

We continue our exploration of A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas. This episode discusses chapters 24 through 46.

Join us as we talk about Court politics, Feyre’s new powers and the developing relationship between Rhysand and Feyre.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:20 - Spoiler Warning

00:30 - The Story So Far

01:20 - Our Discussion

01:05:30 - Outro

01:05:55 - Blooper

Other Books Mentioned:

Amarantha has been defeated but across the sea, the King of Hybern is preparing to wage war against Prythian and the human world. To be able to stop him, Feyre must come to terms with the creature she has become and learn to harness her new powers, while also making true on her bargain with Rhysand, the High Lord of the Night Court...

In this episode Lucia, Jess and Maria discuss chapters 1 through 23 of A Court of Mist and Fury, book 2 in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas. Join us for our thoughts on Feyre's mental health, the evolution of Tamlin's character, and the newest creepy characters - the Bone Carver and the Weaver.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:15 - Spoiler Warning

00:40 - The Story So Far

01:30 - Our Discussion

01:14:50 - Outro

Books Mentioned:

We continue our exploration of A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. This episode discusses chapters 24 through 46 of the first book.

Join us as we talk about bargains, riddles, villains and our frustrations with a certain High Lord.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:20 - Spoiler Warning

01:49:00 - Outro

Other Books Mentioned:

We're off to Prythian!

Corrie is on maternity leave, so Lucia is joined by Maria and Jess for a deep-dive into one of their favourite book series - A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. This episode discusses chapters 1 through 23 of the first book.

It's a chunky one as we introduce all of the characters and talk about traumatic backstories, the most beautiful man and Feyre's unending patience towards pretty much everyone.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:30 - Spoiler Warning

01:49:50 - Outro

Other Books Mentioned:

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

In a break from our usual format, Lucia is joined this season by her friends Jess and Maria for a deep dive into one of their favourite series - A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. This opening episode serves as an introduction to the new co-hosts, as well as to the new format of the season.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:45 - Introduction to the New Co-Hosts

21:45 - The Plan for Season 6

22:30 - Outro

Books Mentioned:

Corrie dips her toe back into the podcasting world for our mid-year freakout. Join us as we take stock of our reading so far in 2023 with our favourite books and characters, and look ahead with new reading goals and episode formats.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:30 - Life Updates

04:00 - Number of Books Read

06:30 - Best Book Read

13:30 - Best Sequel Read

15:00-16:00 - SPOILER WARNING for Outlander series

16:45 - New Release That We Haven't Read But Want To

18:20 - Most Anticipated Release

22:30 - Biggest Disappointment

26:45 - Biggest Surprise

31:25 - New Favourite Author

33:20 - New Fictional Crush

34:00 - New Favourite Character

34:50 - A Book That Made Us Cry

38:55 - A Book That Made Us Happy

44:05 - New Reading Goals

49:15 - Outro

Books Mentioned:

First published in 1939 under a different and highly controversial title, And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie is the world's best-selling mystery. Join us as we round off our season of classics with our special guest, Madina, as we talk about red herrings, rhymes and recent TV adaptations.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:20 - An Introduction to Our Special Guest

05:35 - Spoiler Warning

06:00 - An Introduction to the Author

11:55 - Content Warning: Use of the N Word (From the original title of the book!)

20:55 - The Blurb

21:55 - Our Discussion of And Then There Were None

01:46:30 - Outro

Other Books Mentioned:

First published in 1920, The Story of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting follows a world-famous animal doctor and his voyage to Africa to save the monkeys from a mysterious disease. Tune in this week to hear our thoughts on animal names, the history of vaccines and the importance of full disclosure when books are revised for modern audiences.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:20 - Life Updates

02:45 - Spoiler Warning

03:00 - Introduction to the Author

05:45 - The Blurb

06:15 - Our Discussion of the Book

01:18:05 - The Book We Will Be Reading Next Time

01:18:55 - Outro

Other Books Mentioned:

First published in 1911, The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett tells the story of orphaned girl Mary who comes to live in an English country house and discovers a magical garden. Celebrate our podcast 2 year anniversary with us and hear our thoughts on friendship, character development and the restorative properties of the Yorkshire Moors.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:25 - Life Updates

02:00 - Spoiler Warning

05:40 - An Introduction to the Author

12:40 - The Blurb

13:40 - Our Discussion of The Secret Garden

01:23:30 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time

01:24:10 - Outro

01:24:35 - Blooper

Other Books Mentioned:

First published in 1864, The Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne is a sci-fi adventure novel about a geology professor and his nephew, who set off across Iceland to find a route to the Earth's core. Join us for our discussion of this classic and hear our thoughts on the difference between a mile and a Danish mile, the loyalty of Hans and the feasibility of surviving a volcanic eruption.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:20 - Life Updates

01:30 - Spoiler Warning

01:50 - Introduction to the Author

08:25 - The Blurb

09:10 - Our Discussion of the Book

01:17:10 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time

01:18:25 - Outro

Other Books Mentioned:

First published in 1927, To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf follows the lives of the Ramsay family beginning with their trip to the Isle of Skye. Join us as we continue our season of classics and hear our thoughts on strained familial relationships, the stream-of-consciousness style of writing and the significance of the letter Q.

Full disclosure - we really didn’t like this book.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:20 - Life Updates

02:45 - An Introduction to the Author

07:00 - Spoiler Alert

08:30 - The Blurb

09:00 - Our Discussion of To The Lighthouse

53:40 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time

56:45 - Outro

Other Books Mentioned:

First published in 1815, Emma is the last novel by Jane Austen to be released during her lifetime. Join us for our discussion of this ‘comedy of manners’ and hear our thoughts on unlikeable characters, riddles and relationships in Georgian-Regency England.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:15 - Life Updates

07:00 - An Introduction to the Author

15:50 - Spoiler Alert

22:35 - The Blurb

23:00 - Our Discussion of Emma

01:20:35 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time

01:21:05 - Outro

Other Books Mentioned:

First published in 1903 in a serialized format, The Call of the Wild by Jack London tells the story of Buck, a dog stolen from his home in California and sold into service as a sled dog in Alaska during the 1890’s Klondike Gold Rush. Join us as we discuss this moving story of survival and Buck’s return to primitivism, and hear our thoughts on how this book explores human nature, its depiction of violence and whether or not it has stood the test of time.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:20 - Life Updates

08:45 - Spoiler Warning

09:00 - Introduction to the Author

18:10 - The Blurb

18:35 - Our Discussion of The Call of the Wild

01:03:50 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time

01:05:10 - Outro

Other Books Mentioned:

Published in 1890, The Picture of Dorian Gray was a scandalous book that gained further notoriety when it was used against the author - Oscar Wilde - himself as evidence in court. Join us as we unpack this gothic novel and hear our thoughts on abridged editions of books, amorality and how this story of decadence and leading a double life is still relevant today.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:20 - Life Updates

07:00 - An Introduction to the Author

11:10 - Spoiler Warning

12:45 - The Blurb

13:45 - Our Discussion of The Picture of Dorian Gray

01:20:50 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time

01:21:55 - Outro

Other Books Mentioned:

We continue our season of classics with Dodie Smith’s coming of age story ‘I Capture the Castle.’ Published in 1948, it is the most recently released book we will be covering this season. Join us to hear our thoughts on young love, marrying for money, writer’s block and romantic depictions of the British countryside.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:35 - Life Updates

02:20 - Spoiler Warning

02:45 - An Introduction to the Author

06:30 - The Blurb

07:00 - Our Discussion of I Capture the Castle

01:08:00 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time

01:08:30 - Outro

Other Books Mentioned:

We kick off our season of classics with Lewis Carroll’s beloved children’s stories ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ and ‘Through the Looking Glass.’ Join us to hear our thoughts on mad hatters, hookah-smoking caterpillars, beheadings and whether literary nonsense is anything more than just literally nonsense.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:20 - Life Updates

03:00 - Intro to Season 5

06:20 - Spoiler Warning

07:40 - An Introduction to the Author

13:00 - Blurb

13:35 - Discussion Of the Stories

01:22:45 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time

01:24:40 - Outro

Other Books Mentioned:

Happy New Year! 2022 went by in a blur of books - a combined 123 books, in fact. In this bonus episode we reflect on our reading journeys in 2022 and look ahead at what 2023 has in store. Join us to hear about our favourite books, characters, podcast moments and more!

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:20 - Life Updates

03:10 - Our 2022 Podcast Stats

07:45 - Our 2022 Reading Goals

11:40 - Our Favourite Podcast Book of 2022

16:35 - Our top 3 Non-Podcast Books of 2022

31:10 - Our Least Favourite Podcast Book of 2022

34:00 - The Most Disappointing Podcast Books of 2022

37:45 - The Biggest Surprise (Podcast Books) of 2022

42:20 - Our Least Favourite Non-Podcast Books of 2022

52:40 - Our Favourite Podcast Moments of 2022

56:00 - Our Favourite Characters of 2022

59:25 - Our Least Favourite Book Scenes of 2022

01:01:20 - 01:02:05 - SPOILER WARNING for Ninth House / Trigger Warning for Sexual Assault of a Minor

01:03:20 - 01:03:50 - SPOILER WARNING for Book Lovers / Trigger Warning for Pregnancy Complication

01:04:10 - Our Favourite Season of 2022

01:08:25 - Our Most Anticipated New Releases in 2023

01:09:40 - Our Reading Goals for 2023

01:13:05 - Coming Up on Reading Materials in 2023

01:20:05 - Outro

01:20:30 - Blooper

Books Mentioned:

QualityLand by Mark Uwe Kling

The Night Ship by Jess Kidd

A Face Like Glass by Frances Hardinge

Emma by Jane Austen

Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Only A Monster by Vanessa Len

The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang

The Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

The Diamond Hunters by Wilbur Smith

Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon

Rachel's Holiday by Marianne Keyes

The Wind Singer by William Nicholson

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

The Bone Orchard by Sara Mueller

The Last White Man by Mohsin Hamid

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke

Luxuria by Colette Rhodes

The Call of the Wild by Jack London

The Half-Orc's Maiden Bride by Ruby Dixon

The Guilty Wife by Nina Manning

Sugar Daddies by Jade West

Seven Days in June by Tia Williams

A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik

The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake

Atlas Paradox by Olivie Blake

You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi

Kiss Her Once For Me by Allison Cochrun

Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo

Happy Places by Emily Henry

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Links:

Published in November 2022, Kiss Her Once For Me by Alison Cochrun is a queer Christmas romance full of family, snow and second chances. So pour yourself a mug of hot chocolate (or mulled wine), bite into a cookie and cosy up with us as we share our thoughts on fake dating, Christmas traditions, family dynamics and diversity in books.

Happy holidays, everyone, and as always - thank you for listening!

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:30 - Life Updates

03:40 - An Introduction to Alison Cochrun

05:35 - Spoiler Warning

06:10 - Blurb

09:15 - Our Discussion of Kiss Her Once For Me

01:36:10 - Outro

Other Books Mentioned:

Published in June 2022, This Vicious Grace is the debut Y. A. Fantasy novel by Emily Thiede. Join us for our discussion of this story of good versus evil and hear our thoughts on the Chosen One, the resurrection trope and the inclusion of sex scenes in Y. A. novels.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:15 - Life Updates

01:45 - Spoiler Warning

02:20 - An Introduction to the Author

05:40 - Blurb

06:50 - Discussion of This Vicious Grace

48:40 - Spoiler Warning for A Court of Thorns and Roses

56:15 - On the Next Episode of the Reading Materials Podcast

58:35 - On the Next Season of the Reading Materials Podcast

01:00:30 - Outro

Other Books Mentioned:

Published in September 2020, Susanna Clarke's novel Piranesi was highly recommended to us by multiple people, so we have finally taken the jump! Join us as we explore a labyrinthine world where solitude, friendship and the nature of home and self are explored. 

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:19 - Life Updates

01:32 - Spoiler Alert

02:18 - Introduction to Susanna Clarke

07:56 - Blurb

09:00 - Discussion of Piranesi

01:16:40 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time

01:18:35 - Outro

Other Books Mentioned:

Published in May 2022, Holly Black's debut adult fantasy novel Book of Night introduces us to a world where shadows can become sentient. Join us for our discussion of this layered and dark story - released just in time for Halloween - as we try to untangle the complex magic-system and hear our thoughts on sisterly relationships, dodgy father figures and compelling male leads.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:15 - Life Updates

01:25 - Introduction to Holly Black

03:26 - Spoiler Alert

03:55 - Blurb

05:25 - Discussion of Book of Night

45:20 - Trigger Warning for mention of Self-Harm

01:19:40 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time

01:20:35 - Outro

Other Books Mentioned:

Published in August 2022, Mohsin Hamid's "The Last White Man" tackles the topics of race, grief, challenging societal norms and managing major life-changing events. Join us as we wrap our head around the themes of the book, the way it is written, relationships between all the characters, and how we feel about this interesting recently published novel.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

01:18 - Spoiler Warning

02:27   - An Introduction to the Author

06:37 - Blurb

07:42 - Discussion of The Last White Man

56:11 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time

57:27 - Outro

Other Books Mentioned in This Episode:

Published in March 2022, The Bone Orchard is the debut gothic by Sara A. Mueller. Join us for our discussion of this dense novel, full of strong female characters, political intrigue, supernatural abilities, mind control and coming to terms with past traumas.

Other Books Mentioned:

Published in April 2022, 'Luxuria' by Colette Rhodes explores illicit fantasies, arranged marriage and a romance like no other in a world where the things that live in the shadows really are monsters - and they can be kinda hot. This episode is rated 18+ due to the mature nature of the content discussed.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

07:07 - An Introduction to the Author

08:00 - Spoiler Warning

08:32 - Blurb

09:33 - Discussion of Luxuria

01:01:28 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time

01:11:45 - Outro

Other Books Mentioned in This Episode:

Published in April 2022, Emily St. John Mandel's speculative fiction novel 'Sea of Tranquility' tells a story across centuries and space. Join us as we wrap our heads around pandemics, time-travel and simulation theory.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

03:10 - Spoiler Warning

03:30 - An Introduction to the Author

08:20 - Blurb

10:00 - Discussion of Sea of Tranquility

01:11:10 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time

01:11:45 - Outro

Other Books Mentioned in This Episode:

Continuing the theme of recent publications, Akwaeke Emezi's new book "You Made A Fool of Death With Your Beauty" gives us some real food for thought as we grapple with some interesting issues through the medium of a rather unexpected romance! Described on Emezi's Instagram account as "horny bisexual chaos", we certainly had some Thoughts and Feelings - join us to discover this rather unusual novel and see if you agree with our assessment!

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:18 - Life Updates

03:00 - Spoiler Warning

15:32 - The Blurb

17:02 - Discussion of You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty

48:30 - Expletive warning

01:31:05 - The Book We Will Be Reading Next Time

51:00 - Outro

Other Books Mentioned: