Literary Quest

This week we're discussing The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang. Rin, a war orphan from the southern region of Nikara, is determined to get out of Tikany and the marriage her aunt has arranged for her. She scores astonishingly high on a national test and is accepted at Sinegard, a highly respected military academy in the north. At school she excels, despite the doubts of many, and her path leads her to study shamanism. Nikara's tentative peace with the Federation of Mugen grows shakier every day, and Rin's gifts may be the only way to save her people. Join us!

This week we discuss Apprentice to the Villain, the second in Hannah Nicole Maehrer's Villain series. The Villain has been captured by the Valiant Guard and King Benedict is determined to unmask him. However, Evie and The Villain's guards are plotting to save him. In this book Evie and The Villain must navigate their feelings while also trying to solve the mystery of her mother and try to stop the King from fulfilling a prophecy. If they are unsuccessful, magic may be gone from the Kingdom forever...

This week, we're discussing Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer. Evie Sage would never have guessed that literally falling into Rennedawn's notorious Villain would result in the most stable and fulfilling job she's ever had. It's not without it's risks though--a bombing, dead bodies on her desk, and a burgeoning crush on her boss. When a mole infiltrates the ranks of Massacre Manor and thwarts the Villain's efforts to exact revenge on King Benedict, Evie is determined to set things back to order. Join us!

This episode we discuss Ensnared by Tiffany Roberts! The first in an alien romance series with spider-type aliens. Ivy was part of a mission to start a new colony on a new planet. However, when the ship crashes onto an alien planet she, and several other humans, remain in their cryo-chambers. Until Ketahn, a male Vrix, stumbles upon the ship. When he accidently releases Ivy from her slumber, things get interesting. Ivy has quite a bit of adjusting to do on a strange alien planet but with the help of Ketahn she begins to settle in. They slowly begin to develop feelings for each other but are their differences too much to overcome? This book surprised both of us and was a delight to read!

This week, we discuss Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett. Emily Wilde, professor of dryadology, journeys to a quiet village in the north to complete the research for her book by studying the Hidden Ones, or the fae, of Ljosland. Things start rough between Emily and the townfolk, but the appearance of academic rival, Wendell Bambleby, serves to create chaos while also endearing her to the people of Hrafnsvik. Emily and Wendell form a partnership that serves to further her data collection, while also driving her into greater danger.

Join us this week while we discuss What the River Knows by Isabel Ibanez. When Inez's parents die on an expedition in Egypt, she is suspicious. Determined to find out the truth she travels to Egypt but encounters many obstacles. Her uncle and his attractive but questionable "assistant" Whit, try desperately to convince her to return to Argentina. Inez is persistent though and manages to join them in their search for Cleopatra's tomb. Luckily for Inez, she has the ability to sense magic which will make the find easier. As she starts to get closer to the truth, things become more dangerous. Will Inez discover what really happened to her parents or will she be forced to return to Argentina with more questions than answers? A fantastic read for anyone who is a fan of The Mummy!

Join us for Onyx Storm, the third installment in the Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros. Violet Sorrengail is faced with the impossible seeming task of finding the seventh breed of dragons, who disappeared from the continent many years ago. Their hope rides on obtaining the dragons help to re-establish the wards around Aretia while also with saving the lives of thousands of civilians as the threat of the venin to the rest of the continent grows. Will she and her squadmates be able to pull off one of their most challenging missions yet?

This week we discuss The Marriage Hex by Sarah Blue. When Violet turns 30 a hex she accidently cast on herself and her former friend Silas starts to push them together. Unfortunately, Violet is now a witch in the Celestial Coven and Silas is the Alpha of the Moon Walker Pack, which has a long and fraught history with her coven. Their quest to find a way to break the hex reminds them why they had feelings for each other in the first place. Will they be able to overcome their differences? Can shifters and witches ever mingle? Will Violet's grand-mere sabotage everything? Find out on this episode of Literary Quest!

This week we're discussing Blood and Steel by Helen Scheurer. Althea Zoltair dreams of becoming a war sword, a famed protector of the Mid Realms. Though women are no longer permitted to wield weapons or fight in her country, a chance encounter results in her taking up shield bearer training with the men in Thezmarr. Thea must face the scorn of several of the men she trains with, as well as the threat of monsters escaping through the magical veil in their world, bringing death and chaos. Thea will need the help of her friends, as well as the skilled war sword, Wilder Hawthorne, to become a guardian of the mid-realms. Join us this week!

In this episode we revisit Zoey Draven's Horde King world, only it is is 200 years in the future. This is the start of a new series set in the same universe. Despite being the daughter of the Dothikar, Klara has spent her life as an outcast, hiding her visions from everyone. When she's presented with the opportunity to travel to a new continent she barely hesitates. Being a queen to a fierce people who have dragons was not in her plans but she is ready to face the challenge head on. Sarkin never intended to take a wife, but when he see's Klara's scar, he knows she is marked for him. He believes that she can help with the diminishing power of the heart stone. He had to fight for his position as king and prove himself to his people, so bringing in a foreign queen is a risk. He is determined to help Klara succeed but does not believe he is capable of love. Can they work together to solve the heart stone problem? Or will they be unable to overcome their differences?

This week, we're discussing the Songbird and the Heart of Stone, the newest addition to the Crowns of Nyaxia series by Carissa Broadbent. Mische desperately seeks redemption from her god Atroxus, who abandoned her when she was turned into a vampire. The opportunity to redeem herself arrives when she is saved from execution by Asar, prince of the Shadow born vampires, who needs her for his own mission given to him by the goddess Nyaxia. Asar must resurrect Nyaxia's husband Alarus, but he cannot do it without Mische's help. What he does not realize is that Mische has a mission of her own from Atroxus to murder Alarus once he's been resurrected. Their missions will take them on a path to the Underworld and on a path to self-discovery. Join us!

This episode we discuss Bride by Ali Hazelwood. Misery is a vampire living among humans after leaving the vampire community at 18. Her best friend Serena goes missing and in order to find her, Misery agrees to marry the alpha of the werewolves - Lowe Moreland. Tension is high between the weres and vampires so this is very risky. Will Misery be able to find Serena? Will her new husband accept her and help? Or will she be left alone in enemy territory?

This week we're discussing Born of Blood and Ash, the final installment in the Flesh and Fire series by Jennifer L. Armentrout. Sera and Ash are determined now more than ever to craft the life they want, free of Kolis' obsession. With fate and time working against them, they must call together friends and form new alliances to end Kolis' tyrannical reign. Will it be enough, though? **Trigger warning for discussions of SA**

This week we dive into The Inadequate Heir by Danielle L. Jensen, the gripping third book in the Bridge Kingdom Saga. Join us as we explore the intricate world of politics, magic, and forbidden love. Keris is the future king of Maridrina but he does not want to continue the Endless War with the Valcottans. When he has a chance encounter with Zarrah, the general and future Empress of Valcotta, he helps open her eyes to the possibility of ending the war. Can they bring peace to their world before their predecessors destroy it completely? Or are they doomed to follow the endless cycle of war and violence?

We wrap up Monster Mash October with the Morning Wood Tree by Siggy Shade. Millie's dreams of a future filled with love come crashing down on her wedding day when she discovers her fiance in a compromising position with his mother. Discovering this family secret endangers Millie's life. She never would have guessed that her savior would be an ancient, man-eating tree with a taste for her sap. Join us this week!

We're continuing Monster Mash with Shots and Barbs by Lily Mayne. This is the second installment of the Deep Earth Dating series. Nuni Var Rorik is having a celebration for his architecture firm and needs an event planner. Anita Chaudhary is a one of the best event planners and is assigned to work with Nuni to organize his event. Anita and Nuni are immediately attracted to each other but their personalities clash. As they spend more time together the attraction grows. Will they remain professional or give in to their desires?

Happy Monster Mash October! We're kicking off our month of monster romances with Moth by Lily Mayne. Charlie had planned to return to the military, but a pit stop at the raider camp in Nebraska derails his plans. He ends up on a long journey with a prickly companion, Moth, who is half human/half monster, deadly with a sword, and lacking in conversation skills. Their path takes them in search of someone missing from the Nebraska camp, and along the way Charlie and Moth discover a growing attraction between themselves. However, Moth has some secrets, and years of rejection and shame keep him from wanting to share all with Charlie. Danger looms for Moth though. Will Moth's secrets keep them apart?

In this episode we discuss Quicksilver by Callie Hart. Saeris has spent her life living in the third ward and fighting for survival. When a theft goes wrong and she gets caught she finds herself sucked into a new world, full of the fae and new types of danger. Especially, since she is the first alchemist who can manipulate quicksilver in a long time. She meets the mysterious and grumpy Kingfisher who seems to hate her. Together, they must work to stop a war that has been going on for centuries. Can Saeris find a way to manipulate the quicksilver and win the war? Will the differences between her and Kingfisher be too much or will they give in to the obvious tension between them?

This week, we discuss two books from the Chronicles of Narnia series. In the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the Pevensie children go through a wardrobe and discover a magical world called Narnia that is coated in snow. They are tasked with rescuing a kind faun from the self-proclaimed queen of Narnia, Jadis, who has cursed Narnia to be always winter but never Christmas. The Pevensie children must work together with the residents of Narnia and its high king, Aslan, to end the curse on the land and free its citizens. In The Horse and His Boy, Shasta, a young boy, works together with a talking horse, Bree, to free themselves from their owners and escape to Narnia. On the way, they meet Aravis, a young Tarkheena, and Hwin, a talking mare, who are on a similar mission. Their path through Calormen to Narnia brings them through many obstacles, including a plot to bring war to Archenland and to force a queen of Narnia into an undesired marriage. Join us this week!

This episode we're talking about mermen! Whispers of the Deep by Emma Hamm is the first in her new series about merpeople and their humans. Ever since humans developed colonies in the oceans, the undine (merpeople), have been their enemies. Humans destroyed parts of the ocean to create new homes, angering the creatures already in the sea. Argus is given the task of kidnapping a human to learn their secrets so they can find a way to destroy the humans once and for all. Mira, an engineer living in Beta is his target. As they get to know each other, they realize that perhaps humans and the undine could get along. Will they be able to overcome decades of hate? Or will their differences prove to be too much?

This week we're discussing The Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett. Twoflower, a tourist, takes a break from his job as an insurance adjuster to explore Ankh-Morpork, a destination that he has read and heard so much about. He wants to see the famed heroes, dragons, bar fights, and have an adventure! However, Twoflower has no idea of the danger that he is in, and Rincewind, a mediocre, sort-of wizard, is tasked with keeping him safe. Rincewind and Twoflower's travels take them through an inferno of a city, into the temple of the Soul Eater, across a land populated by dragons before reaching the very edge of the world, narrowly escaping Death each time. Join us!

Join us for the final book in Scarlett St. Clair's Hades and Persephone retelling - A Touch of Chaos. Hades has been captured and put in the labyrinth by Theseus, Persephone has recently killed her mother, and Theseus has let out a few Titans. Theseus remains committed to his goal of destroying all the gods and has the support of mortals and demi-gods. Will Hades and Persephone be able to stop him from succeeding or will Theseus destroy the gods and the world? TW: Discussion of sexual assault/rape.

For our second Pride Month read, we're discussing So This Is Ever After by F.T. Lukens. The evil ruler of the Kingdom of Ere was dethroned and killed by Arek, as was prophesied. Now what? Arek really just wants to confess his love for his best friend Matt, but agrees to take on the role as interim king of Ere until the heir to throne can be found. However, Arek and his friends must pivot their plans when they discover the heir is dead. Not only is Arek bound to his role as king, but he must also find someone to soul bond with him in the next three months, or he will die. None of this was part of the prophecy, and this ever after was not what any of them expected. Join us this week!

We kick off pride month with Peter Darling by Austin Chant. Peter returns to Neverland 10 years later and finds that not everything is the same as before. His fights with Captain Hook stir something inside of him. Will they remain enemies or overcome their differences to return to the real world?

This week, we're discussing Ruling Sikthand by Victoria Aveline. As political tensions on Clecania rise, King Sikthand must make difficult decisions. One of the most difficult decisions he has had to make yet is figuring out what to do with Sophia, the human he planned to keep his distance from but who he is endlessly drawn to. Despite Sophia's best escape attempts, she ends up the hostage of King Sikthand, the grumpy, ridiculously hot ruler of Vrulatica. While they begin with a rough start, a shift in the political landscape in Tremanta gives them little choice but to work together. Danger is around every corner though. As the threat to both of their lives rises, will they be able to resist the rising tension between them? Join us this week!

This week we're discussing Eragon by Christopher Paolini! Eragon discovers a dragon egg but when it hatches he becomes a target. After the death of his uncle he vows revenge and travels the kingdom with his dragon, mentor, and friend. Will Eragon be able to evade the king or will the pressure prove to be too much for him?

Rooksgrave Manor, a house of ill repute, caters to a certain kind of clientele…monsters. While Esther Reed seeks employment from it's keeper, Magdalena Mortimer, with the prospect of lots of sexy encounters and stability in mind, she gains so much more than expected from the men who become her lovers.

This episode we discuss The Lightning Thief, book one in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan. Percy Jackson is a 12 year old boy who is considered "trouble". When he gets kicked out of his most recent school, he discovers camp half-blood. While he is there he learns that the Greek gods and goddesses are real. He is given a quest, find and return Zeus' lightning bolt and prevent war between the gods. Will Percy be able to complete his quest? Or will the monsters determined to kill him, make it impossible?

This week, we're discussing The Atlas Paradox, the second installment in the Atlas series by Olivie Blake. Initiation to the Society comes with a price, one that each of the magicians in this story will pay in different ways. Attachments that formed in the Atlas Six will be tested—some will deteriorate and new relationships will form but all will ask themselves how far they'll go to obtain power and knowledge from the world's greatest library. Join us this week!

In this episode, we discuss Berries and Greed by Lily Mayne! It is the first installment of her series Deep Earth Dating. Beryl is a 35 year old human who has spent most of her life as part of a cult that worships the demiurgus, a species from deep within the Earth. Beryl has never bought into the idea that the demiurgus are somehow gods, but the cult has provided her with safety. One day, a demiurgus named Greid comes to visit, the cult believes he is looking for a mate. However, he is just there to find a roommate. Beryl is interested in the outside world and takes him up on the offer. Slowly, they begin to develop feelings for each other. Will they overcome their differences, or is a relationship between a demiurgus and a human impossible?

This week, we're discussing Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by JK Rowling. Harry Potter, an 11 year old boy, discovers something shocking: magic is real, he's a wizard and he's famous in the wizarding world for something he has no memory of. He begins school at Hogwarts, where he makes friends quickly, but also realizes that despite vanquishing the dark wizard, Lord Voldemort, as an infant, there are people in his world who would like to see the Dark Lord return, and would do anything to make it happen. Join us this week!

This week we cover the anticipated 3rd book is Sarah J. Mass's Crescent City series - The House of Flame and Shadows. Bryce is in Prythian and is not getting a warm welcome. Meanwhile, Ruhn, Hunt, and Baxian are being tortured by the Asteri. Will Bryce find what she needs in Prythian? Will she and Hunt be reunited or will the Asteri get their way?

This week, we're discussing Twilight by Stephenie Meyer! Bella Swan thinks moving to Forks, Washington to live with her father, Charlie, is going to be THE WORST. She certainly doesn't expect to be captivated by her classmate, Edward Cullen, but she soon finds, while living in Forks, the supernatural myths are real. Join us this week!

This episode we discuss Redwall by Brian Jacques! Matthias is a small but mighty mouse at the Redwall Abbey. Even though the abbey is peaceful, the rat Cluny, and his rat army want to take over. When faced with the evil rat, Cluny, will Matthias be able to save his friends?

This week, we're discussing Chasm by Stacey McEwan. The start of this book sees Dawsyn Sabar, former resident of the Ledge and attempted savior of the Ledge folk, awaiting her end as prisoner of the queen's of Terrsaw, mourning the loss of her lover and friend Ryon, while also struggling with her feelings of anger and betrayal after his actions at the end of the previous book. A harrowing rescue attempt saves Dawsyn from execution and she works with her friends, new and old, to secure a future for the people of the Ledge and rebuild broke relationships. Join us this week! **CW: discussions of r@pe at approximately 54:35 in the recording.

It's our holiday episode! We're discussing Holly Jolly Mess by C.M. Nascosta. This takes place in the same universe as Morning Glory Milking Farm. We get to meet some new couples. Ava and Kenta have a great relationship. However, they need to have an important conversation soon. Charlie is new to town and runs into Tris at the grocery store. They have instant chemistry, but is Charlie ready to move on after her previous relationship?

This week we're discussing Craving in His Blood, the second installment in the Brides of Kylorr series by Zoey Draven. Kythel, ruler of Erzos, is dedicated to serving his people, and that duty has him planning an engagement that will secure him access to precious metal, guaranteeing a supply of weapons for his people in the oncoming war. However, his plans get sidetracked when he meets Millie Seren, a mysterious human whose blood calls to him. Pursuing her jeopardizes all of his carefully laid plans, but he cannot seem to resist being near her. Will he choose duty or love?

In this episode we discuss Iron Flame, the sequel to Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. Violet is reeling from the revelations in the last book and is still furious at Xaden, who is determined to make things right. However, there is war brewing on multiple fronts. Will Violet, Xaden, and the rest of the rebels be able to defend themselves from multiple attacks? Will Violet be able to get wards up to protect them or will they be overrun by the enemy?

This week, we discuss A Fire in the Flesh by Jennifer L. Armentrout. The third installment of the Fire in the Flesh series sees our main characters, Sera and Nyktos, grapple with being held captive by Kolis, the false primal of life, who is convinced that Sera is his reincarnated love, Sotoria. Sera works to arrange Nyktos's freedom and convince Kolis that she could love him eventually, all while delaying the inevitable: her ascension, and likely, her death. But first, she has to get free. Join us this week!

We're back from our break with a Halloween Special! We are discussing the erotic novellas in the book Hollow by C.M. Nacosta. Ichabod Crane is fascinated by Brom Bones and his thick thighs. While Katrina Van Tassel finds herself drawn to a seasonal sexy ghost. Will they find love? Or at least get a few orgasms? Join us to find out! But beware, this episode details explicit sexual content.

Join us this week for The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake. When six brilliant magicians are approached to be candidates for entry into the Alexandrian Society, and granted access to the wealth of knowledge in the library of Alexandria, they all accept, knowing one of them will be eliminated at the end of the year. Developing greater power may come with a great and terrible cost—one they may not be willing to pay.

In this episode your hosts discuss The Ashes and the Star Cursed King by Carisa Broadbent. This is the conclusion to the duology but not the end of the Crown of Nyaxia world. We pick up where the first book left off. Raihn is struggling to enforce his role as king during a civil war. Oraya is struggling with her grief and the knowledge that she is an Heir. Soon however, it becomes clear that they will need to work together. Despite Raihn's heartbreaking betrayal in the previous book Oraya agrees to assist him. Septimus and the blood-born vampires are a problem and in order to get them out of The House of Night, Oraya needs to help Raihn find god-blood. Since it is suspected that her father and previous king, Vincent, knew of this Oraya is crucial to this journey. Only she can access and understand the clues Vincent left behind. Is she ready to uncover the secrets her father left? Can she overcome Raihn's betrayal? Or is she only helping so that she can take her rightful place on the throne?

This week, we're discussing The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent. Oraya has spent her entire life feeling like prey as a human and the adopted daughter of the king of the Nightborn vampires. She has trained for nearly as long to compete in the Kejari, a tournament honoring their goddess Nyaxia, with the intention of winning and gaining a wish granted to the Victor by Nyaxia herself. Oraya's goal: to be able to share in her father's power and finally feel safe in a world full of predators. Her plans get a complicated though when she meets Raihn Ashraj, a fellow competitor in the Kejari who offers to ally with her for part of the tournament. By all accounts, he should be her enemy and Oraya should keep her distance, but what alarms her more than staying in a palace with a horde of vampires, who want to kill her, is her growing attraction to the sexy vampire who wants to keep her alive. Join us this week!

This week your hosts discuss Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir. Gideon Nav has spent her life as an indentured servant for Harrowhark, when her plan to escape fails, she agrees to be Harrow's cavalier. She and Harrow travel to the first house for a competition between the other houses to find out who will become lyctors. Soon, strange events happen that result in the deaths of the necromancers from the other houses. Will Gideon and Harrow fall prey to the unknown force or can the previous enemies work together and survive?

This week, we discuss A Soul of Ash and Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout. This is the fifth installment in the From Blood and Ash series, and in the book, Casteel recounts the events in From Blood and Ash from his perspective, while he, Kieran, and their trusted friends guard Poppy who has slipped into stasis to complete the culling. Join us for our discussion!

In this episode we discuss Ruby Dixon's 4th book in the Ice Planet Barbarian Series - Barbarian Mine. When Harlow finds herself captured by a large blue alien she must quickly adapt. Rukh was left an orphan at 7 years old and since then has been on his own. When his kuhi resonates with Harlow, he wastes no time taking her. He is unable to speak English or the common language so they must find other ways to communicate. It is difficult and there are times of misunderstandings but Rukh and Harlow work hard getting to know each other. When Harlow has a difficult pregnancy, Rukh must decide if it worth the risk of bringing her back to communal cave to seek help. Will Harlow be okay? Will Rukh leave her to return to his nomadic ways? Or can they find a way to stay together?

This week, we're discussing Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. Violet Sorrengail has not had an easy life. Between being injury prone due to a connective tissue disorder, siblings who were born to be dragon riders, and her mother, the general of Navarre's armies, Violet just wants to pursue a relatively safe life as a scribe. However, her mother refuses to allow it, forcing her to become a dragon rider and putting her in the path of a number of fellow students who want Violet dead—none more so than Xaden Riorson. Does Violet have what it takes to not just become a rider, but to survive her classmates' bloodlust?

We wrap up pride month with The Fate of Stars by SD Simper. When Tallora, a mermaid saves the disgraced princess of Solvira, she is not expecting to be captured instead of thanked. Dauriel, the disgraced princess, is constantly seeking her mother's approval and she believes that kidnapping a mermaid for a pet would be appreciated. However, it does not go as planned when Tallora and Dauriel begin to develop feelings towards each other. Can Tallora forgive her captor? Will Dauriel outgrow her need for her mother's affection? TW: Infertility.

For our first Pride Month read, we're discussing Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune. For Wallace Price, death is just a beginning. When he is brought to Charon's Cross, a tea shop and way station for the dead, he meets and befriends several people, including ferryman and proprietor of the tea shop, Hugo, who help him to realize that it's never to late to develop compassion, empathy, or to be brave. We have previously discussed House in the Cerulean Sea by the same author and were delighted to read another of his books. Happy Pride!

In this episode we discuss Beyond the Highland Mist. Adrienne is hurled back in time to 1513 to be the wife of Hawk, who believes he is marrying someone else. Adrienne has sworn off men but Hawk is determined to win her over. However, forces beyond their control are working against them. Will Adrienne return to 1997 or has she found a new home? Can two people centuries apart fall in love? Find out in this episode of Literary Quest!

This week we discuss Dark Lover, the first installment of the Black Dagger Brotherhood by JR Ward and we are joined by our resident horse expert, Sydney! Wrath, the last remaining purebred vampire, skillfully leads his brothers in the Black Dagger Brotherhood, destroying leaders who would seek to eliminate all vampires. When one of his oldest friends is killed by a lesser, his duties become even more daunting as he takes on the task of seeing his friend's daughter, Beth, through her transition where she will become a vampire. Beth Randall does not know vampires are real, and has the shock of her life when she learns that not only are they real, but also her dad and Wrath, who she's tremendously attracted to, are vampires and she will also shortly become one. Wrath and Beth are undeniably drawn to each other, but dating the vampire king comes with threats that neither of them are prepared for. Join us this week!