Podcasts about fantasy books

It's finally time for House of Reads! Jo discusses the best books she's read this year, the series that she's into, her must-read authors, and more! Plus, Anthony Jeselnik joins the pod to give some sci-fi/fantasy book recommendations! (00:00) Intro(02:46) Best Books Jo's Read This Year(10:15) A Series Affair(17:12) Must-Read Authors(32:09) Most Recommended(44:01) House of R Classics(46:35) Origin Stories(52:17) Sci-fi/fantasy book recommendations with Anthony Jeselnik Jo's Book Recommendations:- 'Everlasting' by Alix Harrow- 'Raven's Scholar' by Antonia Hodgson- 'Dead Beat' by Leigh Bardugo- 'The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy' by Brigitte Knightley- 'The Exquisite Torment of Loving Your Enemy' by Brigitte Knightley- 'A Court of Splintered Harmony' by Sarah J. Maas- 'Threshing Day' by Rebecca Yarros- 'Ana and Din Mysteries' Series by Robert Jackson Bennett- 'The Hierarchy' Series by James Islington- 'Scion' by James Islington- 'The Gates of Midnight' by Helene Wecker- 'Blacktongue' Series by Christopher Buehlman- 'Piranesi' by Susanna Clarke- 'Simon Snow' Series by Rainbow Rowell- 'Swordheart' by T. Kingfisher- 'Katabasis' by R. F. Kuang- 'The Familiar' by Leigh Bardugo- 'Victorious' by V. E. Schwab- 'Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil' by V. E. Schwab- 'Starling House' by Alix Harrow- 'Slade House' by David Mitchell Listener Recommendations:- 'Red Rising' by Pierce Brown- 'Dungeon Crawler Carl' by Matt Dinniman- 'Gideon the Ninth' by Tamsyn Muir- 'Canon' by Paige Lewis- 'Mistborn' Series by Brandon Sanderson- 'This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me' by Robin Hobb- 'Blood Over Bright Haven' by M. L. Wang- 'Realm of the Elderlings' Series by Robin Hobb- 'The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet' by Becky Chambers- 'Exit Party' by Emily St. John Mandel- 'Into the Blue' by Emma Brodie- 'Broken Earth' Series by N.K. Jemisin- 'The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi' by S. A. Chakraborty- 'The Incandescent' by Emily Tesh House of R Classics:- 'The House in the Cerulean Sea' by TJ Klune- 'Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow' by Gabrielle Zevin- 'The Song of Achilles' by Madeline Miller- 'Circe' by Madeline Miller- 'All the Birds in the Sky' by Charlie Jane Anders Origin Stories:- 'Hero and the Crown' by Robin McKinley- 'Night Watch' by Sir Terry Pratchett- 'The Neverending Story' by Michael Ende- 'The Dragon Lance Chronicles' by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman- 'Graceling' by Kristin Cashore Host: Joanna RobinsonGuest: Anthony JeselnikProducer: Carlos ChiribogaStudio Production: Jacob CornettSocial: Jomi AdeniranAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Leigh Bardugo sits down with Jenna Bush Hager to talk about creativity, success and the challenges of protecting your voice in the age of social media. The author of “Shadow and Bone” and “Ninth House” reflects on finding her purpose, saying goodbye to characters she loves, the reality of adapting her books for Netflix and why artists need to step outside the algorithm to create something that truly surprises them. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us Fan MailHannah and Laura are thrilled to be chatting with author K.R. Lockhaven about his new book, Fool! They discuss the book's characters and themes, writing a shocking twist, and the role that humor can play in books. Be sure to pick up Fool, which released on September 14th!You can follow Kyle and find his works at:Website: KRRLockhaven.comInstagram: @authorkrlockhavenBluesky: @krlockhaven.bsky.socialMedia Mentions:Fool by K.R. LockhavenMrs. Covington's by K.R.R. LockhavenThe Azure Archipelago series by K.R.R. LockhavenThe Conjuring of Zoth-Avarex by K.R.R. LockhavenZoth-Avarex's Escape Plan by K.R.R. LockhavenThe Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott LynchJujutsu Kaisen by Gege AkutamiWe Break Immortals by Thomas Howard RileyTokyo Ghoul---HuluFelix Ortiz's worksSupport the showBe sure to follow OWWR Pod!www.owwrpod.com YouTube: @owwrpodBlueSky: @OwwrPodTikTok: @OwwrPodInstagram: @owwrpodThreads: @OwwrPodSend us an email at: owwrpod@gmail.comCheck out OWWR Patreon: patreon.com/owwrpodOr join OWWR Discord! We'd love to chat with you!You can follow Hannah at:Instagram: @brews.and.booksThreads: @brews.and.booksTikTok: @brews.and.booksYou can follow Laura at:Instagram: @goodbooksgreatgoatsBlueSky: @myyypod

Mid 20's and $250,000 in debt. Gripped by a gambling addiction. How do you recover?

Send us Fan MailHannah and Laura are FINALLY wrapping up the "Year of the Dresden" 2026 edition. They do their best to discuss the characters and themes of Changes by Jim Butcher and speculate on how the series will be going forward. They also chat about a movie Laura didn't enjoy, a book Hannah thought handled motherhood in a nuanced way, and their thoughts on the latest series of Taskmaster (so far).*This episode contains SPOILERS for Changes by Jim Butcher. Spoiler section begins at: 41 min 20 secs. ***CW for the episode: discussions of sexism, misogyny, motherhood, sex workers, sex, pregnancy, infertility, drug use, vampires, wizard Media Mentions:Changes by Jim Butcher Tenet Hoppers---Disney+ X-Men---Disney+Wingspan board gameCascadia board gameRiver Valley Glassworks board gameA Gentle Rain board gameMargo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe Bridget & Gabe Are Not Okay by Lex Croucher Taskmaster---YouTubeWhat We Do in the Shadows From Justin to Kelly---Prime Video The Cruel Gods trilogy by Trudie SkiesSupport the showBe sure to follow OWWR Pod!www.owwrpod.com YouTube: @owwrpodBlueSky: @OwwrPodTikTok: @OwwrPodInstagram: @owwrpodThreads: @OwwrPodSend us an email at: owwrpod@gmail.comCheck out OWWR Patreon: patreon.com/owwrpodOr join OWWR Discord! We'd love to chat with you!You can follow Hannah at:Instagram: @brews.and.booksThreads: @brews.and.booksTikTok: @brews.and.booksYou can follow Laura at:Instagram: @goodbooksgreatgoatsBlueSky: @myyypod

Send us Fan MailHannah and Laura are delving further into Changes by Jim Butcher and doing their best to figure out what is actually happening. Laura is delighted to know that her plot prediction skills are improving and Hannah enjoys sharing some Jim Butcher/Dresden Files factoids. They also chat about some movies that Laura loved watching recently, an interesting sci-fi book they are both connected to, and Hannah's participation on a panel at Mitchell Street Arts.*This episode contains SPOILERS for Changes by Jim Butcher. Spoiler section begins at: 31 min 56 secs. ***CW for the episode: discussions of violence, murder, death, blood, rituals, monsters, vampires, sex, weapons, mental illness, pregnancyMedia Mentions:Changes by Jim ButcherIchiro by Ryan Inzana Practical Magic---HBO Max Interstellar---Prime Video Ludwig---Brit Box Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser The Felicity Complex by August Clarke Widow's Bay---AppleTV The Thirteenth Hour by Trudie SkiesFool by K.R. LockhavenSupport the showBe sure to follow OWWR Pod!www.owwrpod.com YouTube: @owwrpodBlueSky: @OwwrPodTikTok: @OwwrPodInstagram: @owwrpodThreads: @OwwrPodSend us an email at: owwrpod@gmail.comCheck out OWWR Patreon: patreon.com/owwrpodOr join OWWR Discord! We'd love to chat with you!You can follow Hannah at:Instagram: @brews.and.booksThreads: @brews.and.booksTikTok: @brews.and.booksYou can follow Laura at:Instagram: @goodbooksgreatgoatsBlueSky: @myyypod

Send us Fan MailHannah and Laura feel like they are following a man who is going everywhere, and yet, accomplishing nothing. Yes, they are covering the middle portion of Changes by Jim Butcher and they are still confused. They also chat about some great audiobooks, some of their favorite moments on WILTY, and authors making the jump from non-fiction to fiction.*This episode contains SPOILERS for Changes by Jim Butcher. Spoiler section begins at: 27 min 55 secs ***CW for the episode: discussions of death, violence, sex, police, vampires, kidnapping, racism, gore **Media Mentions:Changes by Jim Butcher Cherry Blossoms After Winter by Bamwoo The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins  Ancillary Justice by Anne Leckie  The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Trick-Taking GameWould I Lie to You? ---YouTube Let Us Descend by Jesmyn WardAnother Brooklyn by Jacqueline WoodsonHalf His Age by Jennette McCurdyTaskmaster---YouTube Fool by KR LockhavenThe Cruel Gods series by Trudie SkiesSupport the showBe sure to follow OWWR Pod!www.owwrpod.com YouTube: @owwrpodBlueSky: @OwwrPodTikTok: @OwwrPodInstagram: @owwrpodThreads: @OwwrPodSend us an email at: owwrpod@gmail.comCheck out OWWR Patreon: patreon.com/owwrpodOr join OWWR Discord! We'd love to chat with you!You can follow Hannah at:Instagram: @brews.and.booksThreads: @brews.and.booksTikTok: @brews.and.booksYou can follow Laura at:Instagram: @goodbooksgreatgoatsBlueSky: @myyypod

Luke Tulloch is one of my favourite communicators of evidence-based hypertrophy training.Luke returns to talk about how becoming a parent forced him to rethink his training, remove low-value habits, and focus on what actually produces results.We discuss:• How parenthood changed Luke's training for the better• Why constraints can improve your program• Cutting non-essential training and tracking• How many sets it really takes to build muscle• Low-volume training myths• Diminishing returns from adding more volume• Condensing workouts without sacrificing results• Specialization phases and supersets• Training effectively with a strict time limit• Practical exercise selection• Why machines can be ideal when setup time matters• Reducing the mental load of training• Whether there is actually a “best” training split• What should determine your training split• Flexible programming around real life• How beliefs about genetic potential may influence outcomes• Fearmongering around fatigue• How to minimize the negative effects of alcohol• Zero-percent beer and preserving the social ritual• And much moreFollow Luke on Instagram:@_luketullochCHAPTERS00:54 Parenthood and Training Constraints03:50 Luke's Early Training Lessons06:11 Low-Volume Training Myths09:54 Cutting Low-ROI Tracking and Habits14:26 How Many Sets Build Muscle?17:13 Diminishing Returns Explained20:34 How to Condense Your Workouts22:55 Specialization Phases and Supersets30:03 Training With a Hard Time Limit30:59 Practical Exercise Selection31:15 Why Machines Save Time31:59 Treating the Gym Like an Equipment Playground33:24 Reducing the Mental Load of Training34:03 Why Training Splits Don't Matter That Much37:45 Practical Rules for Choosing a Split39:01 Drag-and-Drop Programming40:02 How Expectations Shape Performance43:13 Fearmongering Around Fatigue47:19 Alcohol Without Derailing Your Gains51:50 Zero-Percent Beer and Keeping the Ritual55:26 Fantasy Books and Luke's Favourites58:48 Where to Find LukeSUPPORT THE SHOW• Subscribe and check out more episodes• Share the episode and tag @andrewcoatesfitness• Send it to someone who says they don't have enough time to trainFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP STRENGTH APPUse code COATESRP:https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJUST BITE ME MEALSUse code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off:https://justbitememeals.comMACROSFIRST — FREE PREMIUM TRIALDownload MacrosFirst and enter ANDREW when asked how you heard about the app.KNKG BAGS — 15% OFFhttps://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676VERSA GRIPPShttps://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC — FREE 90-DAY TRIALhttps://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive or email trials@trainheroic.com and tell them Andrew sent you.L1 BIOMECHANICS AND ASSESSMENT COURSEUse code COATES:https://pro.activelifeprofessional.com/assessmentworkshopevents

Send us Fan MailHarry Dresden is going through a ton of changes and Hannah and Laura aren't prepared. They struggle through the first third of Changes by Jim Butcher, chat about a memoir that Laura wants everyone to talk about, a historical fiction book that has interesting themes, and a great album from one of Hannah's favorite artists.**This episode contains SPOILERS for Changes by Jim Butcher. Spoiler section begins at: 44 min 15 secs. ***CW for the episode: discussions of racism, politics, homophobia, transphobia, immigration, death, illness, sex, children, kidnapping, violence, vampires, gore, guns, explosionsMedia Mentions:Changes by Jim Butcher Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism by Sarah Wynn-Williams The Drama---HBO Max American Psycho---Hulu Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson  Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz Sara Bareilles' Good Grief Double Jeopardy---Tubi The Cruel Gods Series by Trudie SkiesFool by K.R. LockhavenSupport the showBe sure to follow OWWR Pod!www.owwrpod.com YouTube: @owwrpodBlueSky: @OwwrPodTikTok: @OwwrPodInstagram: @owwrpodThreads: @OwwrPodSend us an email at: owwrpod@gmail.comCheck out OWWR Patreon: patreon.com/owwrpodOr join OWWR Discord! We'd love to chat with you!You can follow Hannah at:Instagram: @brews.and.booksThreads: @brews.and.booksTikTok: @brews.and.booksYou can follow Laura at:Instagram: @goodbooksgreatgoatsBlueSky: @myyypod

Send us Fan MailPenn Cole returns to Besties and the Books Podcast returns to Besties to prepare us for all things Burn of the EverFlame! The final installation in her New York Times bestselling Kindred's Curse Saga drops EVERYWHERE on September 8th! That means that exactly one short week from today we will all know how Diem and Luther's journey ends… for better or for worse. How high on The Cryometer™ should you expect to get? We'll tell ya! This interview is completely spoiler free so we hope that it gets you excited for book four, and if you're new here, or to this series, that it'll encourage you to go pick it up! We have deep dives on Spark, Glow, AND Heat if you need a refresher, and a previous Penn Cole interview in which we ask her completely different questions than the ones we dive into today! Today we'll talk about how Penn handled the pressure to get this book out, how Burn is different than the previous three books, what the overarching themes and tropes are, and the unexpected POV's! Penn explains how important redemption and growth are to this story and how the heroine's journey often can look very different from the hero's experience, and why this is important. We also get the tea on whether or not this story is truly finished, what's next on Penn's horizon, and… the Hulu adaptation! Stick around for all of this, PLUS an unexpected smash or pass, Penn Cole style. And make sure to follow Penn @authorpenncole and at PennCole.com!

Send us Fan MailHannah and Laura are entering into their TENTH Indie Intermission and in order to celebrate they are choosing a completed independently published SERIES to cover on the podcast!! In today's episode they work through a bracket of listener submitted book series and give brief descriptions of all of the contenders. Be sure to check out all of the authors/series mentioned in today's episode!!Find out more about the indie series in our bracket at: IndieMission X – On Wednesdays We Read PodcastMedia Mentions:The Triempery Revelations Series by L.L. StephensThe Lost Humanity Series by H.S. KallingerThe Cruel Gods Trilogy by Trudie SkiesThe Gus Chronicles by Karryn NagelThe Obsidian Path Series by Michael R. FletcherThe Dragon Spirits Trilogy by L.L. MacraeLearn to Howl Trilogy by Jennifer R. DonohueMennik Thorn Series by Patrick SamphireIamos Trilogy by Lyssa ChiavariMysterious Fields Series by Celia LakeThe Hex Files by Kelly GarciaSongs of Sefate Series by Sarah ChornSupport the showBe sure to follow OWWR Pod!www.owwrpod.com YouTube: @owwrpodBlueSky: @OwwrPodTikTok: @OwwrPodInstagram: @owwrpodThreads: @OwwrPodSend us an email at: owwrpod@gmail.comCheck out OWWR Patreon: patreon.com/owwrpodOr join OWWR Discord! We'd love to chat with you!You can follow Hannah at:Instagram: @brews.and.booksThreads: @brews.and.booksTikTok: @brews.and.booksYou can follow Laura at:Instagram: @goodbooksgreatgoatsBlueSky: @myyypod

Send us Fan MailHannah and Laura are working through their many feelings about the events in Jim Butcher's book Turn Coat, and as a result Laura has decided to start writing Dresden Files fan fiction. They also chat about more BOOOOMM movies, a book Hannah read because Laura wouldn't stop talking about it, and a very funny Apple TV show.*This episode contains SPOILERS for Turn Coat by Jim Butcher. Spoiler section begins at: 53 min 48 secs. ***CW for the episode: discussions of death, violence, sexual assault, childhood trauma, family trauma, horror, sexism, racism, misogyny, aliens, vampires, ableism, gore, consent, sexMedia Mentions:Turn Coat by Jim Butcher Saga by Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples Dunkirk Inception Magic Puzzle Company Earthlings by Sayaka Murata  The Vegetarian by Han KangThe Forest Brims Over by Maru AyaseThe Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne Last One Laughing UK---Prime VideoSchmigadoon---AppleTVSupport the showBe sure to follow OWWR Pod!www.owwrpod.com YouTube: @owwrpodBlueSky: @OwwrPodTikTok: @OwwrPodInstagram: @owwrpodThreads: @OwwrPodSend us an email at: owwrpod@gmail.comCheck out OWWR Patreon: patreon.com/owwrpodOr join OWWR Discord! We'd love to chat with you!You can follow Hannah at:Instagram: @brews.and.booksThreads: @brews.and.booksTikTok: @brews.and.booksYou can follow Laura at:Instagram: @goodbooksgreatgoatsBlueSky: @myyypod

Send us Fan MailAt this point we think most of us are willing to admit that romance and fantasy novels saved publishing. We watched Barnes & Noble come back from the brink of collapse, Target bring back their book section, and movies made from book adaptations like Wuthering Heights and The Housemaid bring people back to theaters. If you don't believe us, maybe you'll believe math - just go look it up. These genres have historically been diminished in seriousness and importance because women not only see themselves in these stories, but experience joy and pleasure from reading and watching this content. And nothing makes the patriarchy more angry than women having a good time and critiquing the system in the process. So today, in that similar vein, we will be talking about serious and not-so-serious things that we've learned from this community and “kinks” we've unlocked because of the books we've read in the fantasy, romance, and romantasy genres. Because of the tenacity, intelligence, perseverance and all out badassery of the women who came before us, we're able to talk about tentacles, flavored “juices,” tactical pants, mafia men, stalkers, and spicy audio on a public platform. WHAT A DAY TO BE ALIVE!And then we take it even further to random pieces of useful information we (and others) have learned from reading these books, and why this community is so important. Everything from the difference between a Wyvern and a dragon, to bodies preserved in bogs, to how to load a canon are on the table, with an overarching theme of: YOU ARE NOT (AND NEVER) ALONE. We promise. This community has taught us that much.Stick around for all of this, a fave and fail movie edition, and a smash or pass upcoming MMC edition. Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | *  https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it's like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNENikki St. Crowe, the queen of spicy fairy tale retellings chats with us about diving into the land of Oz with West of Wicked! https://youtu.be/wwFYSDKcbtE?si=X6iNmUVAE6Xhmv7B____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing: Discontinued Crescent City NecklaceLiz is wearing : Obey Me Tee from @darkanddisturbed shop | CODE: VEGAN10 https://darkanddisturbedshop.com/products/obey-tee?_pos=2&_sid=259fdc487&_ss=rAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

We rank all the Hugo nominees, plus tell you about seven more amazing books that deserve to be in contention for the best speculative fiction novels of the year.  No spoilers at all in this episode. Join the Hugonauts book club on discord Or you can watch our episodes on YouTube if you prefer video If you want to jump around, here are the timestamps for the episode: 00:00 Intro 01:03 6 The Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor 02:37 5 The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson 05:20 4 The Incandescent by Emily Tesh 07:30 3 Shroud by Adrian Tchaikovsky 14:40 2 A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett 16:56 1 The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow 19:05 Thank you for 100 episodes! 20:11 The Devils by Joe Abercrombie 23:05 The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones 24:37 Sour Cherry by Natalia Theodoridou 25:21 Slow Gods by Claire North 29:02 The Goodreads miss list 30:44 The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami 33:32 There is No Antimemetics Division by QNTM

Send us Fan MailHannah and Laura are covering the final third of Jim Butcher's Turn Coat and are trying to decide if certain events needed to have taken place. They also discuss Hannah's hatred for Christopher Nolan movies, some recent non-fiction reads they loved, and a documentary that goes off the rails.**This episode contains SPOILERS for Turn Coat by Jim Butcher. Spoiler section begins at: 36 min 15 secs. ***CW for the episode: discussions of death, memory loss, sexism, racism, poverty, violence, sex, blood, vampires, magic, drugsMedia Mentions:Turn Coat by Jim Butcher I See You've Called in Dead by John Kenney Strong Female Character by Fern Brady Following---Kanopy Memento---PeacockA Little Devil in America by Hanif Abdurraqib  The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren A Toxic Love Story---Netflix Support the showBe sure to follow OWWR Pod!www.owwrpod.com YouTube: @owwrpodBlueSky: @OwwrPodTikTok: @OwwrPodInstagram: @owwrpodThreads: @OwwrPodSend us an email at: owwrpod@gmail.comCheck out OWWR Patreon: patreon.com/owwrpodOr join OWWR Discord! We'd love to chat with you!You can follow Hannah at:Instagram: @brews.and.booksThreads: @brews.and.booksTikTok: @brews.and.booksYou can follow Laura at:Instagram: @goodbooksgreatgoatsBlueSky: @myyypod

Send us Fan MailHannah and Laura are covering the middle portion of Turn Coat by Jim Butcher in today's episode, and friends, things get very zany! They also discuss some romance novels that didn't "hit" for them, a beautiful children's book, and Hannah's first foray into Alfred Hitchcock's works.*This episode contains SPOILERS for Turn Coat by Jim Butcher. Spoiler section begins at: 36 min 11 secs. ***CW for the episode: discussions of violence, sex, guns, gore, blood, sexism, vampires, racism, sexism, immigration, climate change, incarceration, death, murderMedia Mentions:Turn Coat by Jim Butcher Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry Barbed Wire Between Us by Mia Wenjen Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World Shell, by Shattered Shell by Sy Montgomery There, There by Tommy OrangeSomething Wilder by Christina Lauren Dial M for Murder---Tubi Support the showBe sure to follow OWWR Pod!www.owwrpod.com YouTube: @owwrpodBlueSky: @OwwrPodTikTok: @OwwrPodInstagram: @owwrpodThreads: @OwwrPodSend us an email at: owwrpod@gmail.comCheck out OWWR Patreon: patreon.com/owwrpodOr join OWWR Discord! We'd love to chat with you!You can follow Hannah at:Instagram: @brews.and.booksThreads: @brews.and.booksTikTok: @brews.and.booksYou can follow Laura at:Instagram: @goodbooksgreatgoatsBlueSky: @myyypod

Send us Fan MailHannah and Laura are covering the first third of Turn Coat by Jim Butcher and are struggling to understand why Harry Dresden is helping out a certain terrible warden. They also chat about the impact of an incredibly popular book, Hannah's journey into The Righteous Gemstones, and a book that Laura is adding to her favorites list.**This episode contains SPOILERS for Turn Coat by Jim Butcher. Spoiler section begins at: 47 min 21 secs. ***CW for the episode: discussions of racism, sexism, politics, climate change, death, violence, blood, gore, immigration, police, sex, drugs *Media Mentions:Turn Coat by Jim Butcher Holler: A Graphic Memoir of Rural Resistance by Denali Sai NalamalapuHeartstopper, Vol. 6 by Alice Oseman Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke The Righteous Gemstones---HBO Max Support the showBe sure to follow OWWR Pod!www.owwrpod.com YouTube: @owwrpodBlueSky: @OwwrPodTikTok: @OwwrPodInstagram: @owwrpodThreads: @OwwrPodSend us an email at: owwrpod@gmail.comCheck out OWWR Patreon: patreon.com/owwrpodOr join OWWR Discord! We'd love to chat with you!You can follow Hannah at:Instagram: @brews.and.booksThreads: @brews.and.booksTikTok: @brews.and.booksYou can follow Laura at:Instagram: @goodbooksgreatgoatsBlueSky: @myyypod

MINI SERIES! Pretty Kitty's Pussycat Lounge is a spin-off mini series I created for my Brisbane era. I turned a shed into a boudoir style creative space for me to live and make art in and it was SO FUN!THANK YOU VIVI FOR COMING ON THE SHOW! You're hilarious and I could laugh about artist life, men and everything with you until the sun comes up. Follow her @v.hxss Follow me @esthers_universeContact: esthersuniverse222@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailHannah and Laura are welcoming back to the podcast one of their favorite authors, Travis Baldree!!! Travis discusses his most recent release, Brigands & Breadknives, digging into how he finds comedy in his characters and seeing what he can "get away with" in his writing. He also shares some details about upcoming graphic novel editions of his works and what to expect from his new LitRPG.*This episode contains MILD SPOILERS for Brigands & Breadknives by Travis Baldree. *You can follow Travis online at:Website: Travis BaldreeInstagram: @travis_baldreeMedia Mentions:Legends & Lattes by Travis BaldreeBookshops & Bonedust by Travis BaldreeBrigands & Breadknives by Travis BaldreeTales from the Territory by Travis BaldreeFour Bastards and a Baby by Travis BaldreeWidow's Bay---AppleTVSupport the showBe sure to follow OWWR Pod!www.owwrpod.com YouTube: @owwrpodBlueSky: @OwwrPodTikTok: @OwwrPodInstagram: @owwrpodThreads: @OwwrPodSend us an email at: owwrpod@gmail.comCheck out OWWR Patreon: patreon.com/owwrpodOr join OWWR Discord! We'd love to chat with you!You can follow Hannah at:Instagram: @brews.and.booksThreads: @brews.and.booksTikTok: @brews.and.booksYou can follow Laura at:Instagram: @goodbooksgreatgoatsBlueSky: @myyypod

Send us Fan MailHannah and Laura are wrapping up their discussion on Jim Butcher's Small Favor by discussing the characters and themes. Laura also shares some worries about an upcoming book to movie adaptation and Hannah returns to a fantasy world that she said she would never go back to.*This episode contains SPOILERS for Small Favor by Jim Butcher. Spoiler section begins at: 51 min 38 secs. ***CW for the episode: discussions of sexual assault, chronic illness, mental illness, violence, blood, death, consent, vampires, werewolves, magic, sexMedia Mentions:Small Favor by Jim ButcherKlara and the Sun by Kazuo IshiguroClakson's Farm---Prime VideoCustodians of Wonder by Eliot SteinTwo Twisted Crowns by Rachel GilligTrust Me: The False Prophet---NetflixSupport the showBe sure to follow OWWR Pod!www.owwrpod.com YouTube: @owwrpodBlueSky: @OwwrPodTikTok: @OwwrPodInstagram: @owwrpodThreads: @OwwrPodSend us an email at: owwrpod@gmail.comCheck out OWWR Patreon: patreon.com/owwrpodOr join OWWR Discord! We'd love to chat with you!You can follow Hannah at:Instagram: @brews.and.booksThreads: @brews.and.booksTikTok: @brews.and.booksYou can follow Laura at:Instagram: @goodbooksgreatgoatsBlueSky: @myyypod

Can Zach guess the fantasy book in just five clues?

Juli Bierwirth, co-creater of Mantis Falls and co-owner of Distant Rabbit Games, talks with John and Jamie about how her past, present, and future hopes in the game industry. Together, they discuss Japan's move to invest in the "geeky" market, and how Nintendo reports Pokemon's new initiative to stop scalping. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Game Development06:02 The Creation of Mantis Falls08:38 Challenges and Triumphs of Game Publishing11:30 Kickstarter and the Board Game Industry20:04 Impact of COVID-19 on Board Gaming28:19 The Unique Gameplay of Mantis Falls36:49 The Evolution of Below the Falls39:02 Game Expansion and Sequel Plans44:08 Sustainability in the Board Game Industry01:00:30 Japanese Government's Support for Entertainment Industry01:11:08 Pokemon Card Scalping Issues01:11:51 Collectible Card Game Market01:31:27 Impact of Tariffs on Board Game Industry01:45:41 Transformers and Scooby-Doo Crossover01:48:47 Gaming Reviews and Critiques01:51:28 New Releases and RPGs02:05:12 Fantasy Books and Graphic Novels02:06:51 Movies and TV Shows

Send us Fan MailCivilization doesn't fade out. It collapses at 2 AM. Anything with a roof becomes a death trap, and the only “safe” option is a doorway into a world dungeon run by aliens who package human survival as binge-worthy reality TV. We're unpacking Dungeon Crawler Carl (Book 1, Floors 1 and 2) and why it lands as both laugh-out-loud comedy and genuinely unsettling post-apocalyptic sci-fi.We talk through Carl's impossible starting conditions, the tutorial vibes that feel like a video game you can't pause, and the moment the series fully clicks: Princess Donut becomes sentient and instantly starts working the crowd like a born celebrity. From there, we dig into the AI's achievement system, the creepy humor, and the way the book turns “loot and levels” into a weaponized incentive structure. If you've been looking for a LitRPG recommendation or wondering whether the Dungeon Crawler Carl audiobook is worth it, we also get into what Jeff Hays brings to the narration and why the fandom treats it like the definitive version.The conversation gets real when we debate moral survival choices, including Frank and Maggie and the “kill or be killed” paranoia that the dungeon actively encourages. We also sit with the Hoarder scene and what it says about exploitation, audience complicity, and why Carl's anger feels like the beginning of a rebellion. Finally, we geek out over Carl's strategy and game-exploit thinking, plus standout supporting characters like Mordecai, Zev, and Odette.If you're enjoying the show, subscribe, share this with a friend who loves dystopian fiction and game mechanics, and leave us a five-star review so more crawlers can find us.Twitter handles:Project Geekology: https://twitter.com/pgeekologyAnthony's Twitter: https://twitter.com/odysseyswowDakota's Twitter: https://twitter.com/geekritique_dakInstagram:https://instagram.com/projectgeekology?igshid=1v0sits7ipq9yYouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@projectgeekologyGeekritique (Dakota):https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBwciIqOoHwIx_uXtYTSEbASupport the show

Always the bridesmaid, never the bride. Our last episode of Season 4!  What better way to say until next time than with the film 27 Dresses?! Our faces were hurting for days following this recording for all the laughter. On this episode you will hear strong opinions on the bouquet toss, analog living, and a particularly important safe word. We hope you have enjoyed Season 4 of the Tongue In Cheek Podcast.Head over to our socials and let us know what you would like to hear during Season 5.  August is just a short 6 weeks away. Until next time....Send us Fan MailSupport the showConnect with usInstagram: https://bit.ly/ourIGpageTikTok: https://bit.ly/ourTiktokpageIntro and Outro music, Sexy Fashion Beat from Coma-Media 

We are incredibly fortunate to have author Sheila Masterson join us on the podcast to discuss her latest romantasy novel The Poison Daughter.  This book has it all. Arranged marriage, wedding rituals that illustrate the importance of communication "show me", and let us not forget...the ability to still speak your safe word when tiny undergarments are in your mouth.Sheila has written a story that speaks to deep realities we face in relationships. Whether it is the family we are born into or one we create. Everyone lies.  The body and mind can withstand more than it ever should have to for one person.The story of Harlow invites you to explore surviving at any cost. Sheila gives us insights into her own journey of suffering with migraines. The power of women righting others wrongs...even if it is with a deadly kiss. We could not be more grateful for the time spent in conversation with a talented author such as Sheila Masterson.*spoilers aheadSend us Fan MailSupport the showConnect with usInstagram: https://bit.ly/ourIGpageTikTok: https://bit.ly/ourTiktokpageIntro and Outro music, Sexy Fashion Beat from Coma-Media 

Send us Fan MailWe're fiiine. Totally fiiine. We hope you're fiiine too! Here's your reminder to go read The Ballad of Falling Dragons by Sarah A Parker. Book two in the Moonfall Series, the follow up to When the Moon Hatched, and what we now know to be the “middle book” in the trilogy hits hard and scores high on our Cry-ometer (IYKYK

Send us Fan MailHannah and Laura are welcoming back to the pod their friend, author Adrian M. Gibson, to talk about his newest release, A Murder Most Fungal! Adrian delves into how his experience working in restaurants helped him create characters, the responsibility writers have for the information they put out to their readers, and how he tries to capture the lived truth of ordinary experiences. *CW for the episode: discussions of food, racism, politics, colonialism, death, murder, violence, language barriers, ableism, resident schools, genocide *Be sure to follow Adrian online at:Adrian M. Gibson | Author & PodcasterInstagram: @adrianmgibsonMedia Mentions:A Murder Most Fungal by Adrian M. GibsonMushroom Blues by Adrian M. GibsonSFF Addicts PodcastThe Book of Spores AnthologyThe Blackfire Blade by James LoganHaruki Murakami's worksSupport the showBe sure to follow OWWR Pod!www.owwrpod.com YouTube: @owwrpodBlueSky: @OwwrPodTikTok: @OwwrPodInstagram: @owwrpodThreads: @OwwrPodSend us an email at: owwrpod@gmail.comCheck out OWWR Patreon: patreon.com/owwrpodOr join OWWR Discord! We'd love to chat with you!You can follow Hannah at:Instagram: @brews.and.booksThreads: @brews.and.booksTikTok: @brews.and.booksYou can follow Laura at:Instagram: @goodbooksgreatgoatsBlueSky: @myyypod

If you are a parent who cannot unschool or homeschool your PDA child, or who needs practical support navigating the school system, this episode is for you. I am joined by Dr. Destiny Huff, a licensed professional counselor, non-attorney special education advocate, and neuro-affirming trainer who is also late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD and a mother of neurodivergent children.Dr. Huff shares the most common patterns she sees as PDA families navigate schools, how she frames the nervous system lens in IEP meetings, the specific accommodations she advocates for most consistently, her approach to functional behavioral assessments, and practical steps parents can take right now.Key TakeawaysTwo Patterns Dr. Huff Sees Advocating for PDA Families | 00:05:06 The first is families who have learned about PDA but are still defaulting to the demand avoidance frame when explaining it to schools, which makes it easy for administrators to push back by saying the child just needs to deal with demands. The second is schools latching onto the term PDA itself, either saying they do not recognize it or using it superficially, without understanding the nervous system mechanisms underneath it. Dr. Huff's approach is to move past the label entirely and focus on the root cause: what is happening in the nervous system, what does dysregulation look like for this specific learner, and what changes in the environment and approach can support access and safety.How to Frame the Conversation in an IEP Meeting | 00:13:53 Dr. Huff focuses on three areas that school staff are almost never formally trained on: sensory needs, communication access when regulated and dysregulated, and executive functioning, of which regulation is a component. She always starts with a profile letter that describes the whole learner before getting into accommodations or concerns, and she prefers working with teachers directly because they are often the most unheard people in the room and the most open to trying something new when asked what they are actually seeing.Accommodations Dr. Huff Advocates for Most Consistently | 00:29:43 The first is declarative language, documented with a concrete example of what it actually looks like in practice, because most teams have heard the term but are not using it correctly. The second is a nonverbal communication plan, for when the learner is dysregulated, that could include a designated safe space and trusted person, identified by the learner rather than assigned by the school, paired with a low-profile signal like a hand gesture or an email so the learner can access that space without drawing attention.Her Approach to Functional Behavioral Assessments | 00:40:11 Dr. Huff sees FBAs as useful primarily because they reveal the school's perception of the learner, even when the terminology reflects a behavioral lens she does not share. Once she understands what the school believes is driving the behavior, she goes into rewrite mode with her families: adjusting the language, shifting the approach toward relationship, safety and trust, and pushing back on behavior intervention plans that default to token economies and compliance strategies.What to Do When a Child Is Too Burned Out to Access School | 00:37:27 Dr. Huff has successfully advocated for truncated days and reduced schedules. Her consistent position is that a reduced schedule does not let the school off the hook for providing free and appropriate public education, but it does acknowledge where the child's nervous system is right now and creates a starting point that can be adjusted over time based on what is actually working.Relevant ResourcesYour FBA Is a Fantasy — Book by Rick and Doris Bowman on how to approach functional behavioral assessments through a trauma-informed, neuro-affirming lens rather than a behavior modification lens, recommended directly by Dr. Huff in this episode.Collaborative & Proactive Solutions — Ross Greene's framework for addressing the root causes of challenging behavior through collaboration rather than compliance, referenced by Dr. Huff as a resource for reframing FBAs.The Affirming Village Podcast — Podcast hosted by Dr. Destiny Huff and Lisa Baskin Wright on neuro-affirming approaches to education and parenting.Neuro-Affirming Special Education Handbook — Dr. Huff's book on navigating special education in the US from a neuro-affirming standpoint, including guidance on IEPs, FBAs, and supporting PDA learners.Advocacy and Consultation With Dr. Destiny Huff — Dr. Huff's direct services for families, including IEP meeting attendance, drafting parent input statements, and consultation on supporting PDA and neurodivergent learners in schools.Dr. Destiny Huff on Instagram — Follow Dr. Huff for ongoing content on neuro-affirming special education advocacy, IEP navigation, and supporting neurodivergent learners in schools.Paradigm Shift Program — My signature program for parents of PDA children and teens taught across twelve weeks of live coaching.

We are breaking down the entire short-list and ranking, review, and digging into the 2026 Nebula Novel nominees from worst to best. We dive deep into the writing styles, the structure, the highs, the frustratingly bad endings, and reveal exactly who took home the final trophy. Are these books actually masterclasses in modern sci-fi and fantasy, or did the hype train leave the tracks?  Here is our definitive 2026 Nebula breakdown:  7. Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor  You should read it if: You love deep-dives into African culture, Ibo and Yoruba roots, and tech concepts like futuristic exoskeleton legs. You shouldn't read it if: You require a persistent central conflict, cohesive subplots, or a "story-within-a-story" that actually goes somewhere. 6. Wearing the Lion by John Wiswell You should read it if: You want a cozy Hercules retelling where Hera calls Zeus a "dipshit" and Heracles tries to befriend mythological monsters instead of fighting them. You shouldn't read it if: You get annoyed by overly preachy or cloying endings, repetitive quest structures, or confusing second-person POV shifts. 5. Katabasis by R. F. Kuang  You should read it if: You are obsessed with dark academia themes, the dangers of academic flow states, and complex, highly allusional world-building. You shouldn't read it if: You need to deeply connect with your protagonists or get easily annoyed by writing that feels a little too self involved. 4. When We Were Real by Daryl Gregory You should read it if: You love quick, humorous POV switches, AGI, simulation theory, and brain emulation concepts. You shouldn't read it if: You are looking for a groundbreaking, deeply unique masterpiece—this one is cute, but a bit unspecial. 3. Sour Cherry by Natalia Theodoridou You should read it if: You like heavy foreshadowing, experimental voice-switching (shifting to 2nd person), and intense meta-narratives. You shouldn't read it if: You hate a massive buildup that doesn't actually come together or stick the landing at the end. 1. (TIED) The Incandescent by Emily Tesh You should read it if: You want adult-oriented cozy fantasy in a magic boarding school featuring a workaholic, middle-aged bisexual teacher and casual, biscuit-eating printer demons. You shouldn't read it if: A rushed, abrupt ending with a thin villain motivation is going to completely sour your overall enjoyment of a great setup. 1. (TIED & WINNER) The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones You should read it if: You want a beautifully written, highly literary Native American Blackfoot vampire revenge story set in the brutal landscape of the American West. You shouldn't read it if: You get bored by a monotonous middle section where the central premise loses steam and repeats itself. No spoilers anywhere in this episode. Join the Hugonauts book club on discord Or you can watch our episodes on YouTube if you prefer video All the books, plus timestamps: 00:00 Intro  00:46 Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor  02:26 Wearing the Lion by John Wiswell  05:29 Katabasis by R. F. Kuang  09:30 When We Were Real by Daryl Gregory  12:57 Sour Cherry by Natalia Theodoridou  16:30 The Incandescent by Emily Tesh  20:08 The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones

You asked and we have delivered. Today we are discussing the romantasy standalone The Poison Daughter by Sheila Masterson. This book has poisonous lips, sisters, and Emily's favorite...a bratty FMC. Harlow Carrenwell enters into an arranged marriage (Lizzy's favorite) where the wedding rituals are essentially various levels of vulnerability: physical, mental, and emotional. We share which would be the hardest of the three to perform. Emily shares what her limited capacity for physical touch would be. Author pintrest boards, trust no one, and taking the dog. Did we mention the worlds worst parents? There is an abundance to choose from. Send us Fan MailSupport the showConnect with usInstagram: https://bit.ly/ourIGpageTikTok: https://bit.ly/ourTiktokpageIntro and Outro music, Sexy Fashion Beat from Coma-Media 

Joline, Joline You Are A Wandering WomanIntro (00:06)Outline (00: 56)View From Dragonmount (1:56)What Shook Your Willow (35:02)A Good Egeanin (44:01)You Isam You Lose Some (1:02:54)Coplin of the Week (1:15:08)Who Leveled Up (1:18:52)Conclusion (1:12:11)

Send us Fan MailSo, here's the thing… Today we're bringing you a spoiler free, homework free, judgement free (kinda) episode where we ruin fantasy books for you by being naysayers. We're bringing light to what we're calling “Fantasy Probs,” aka those things in our favorite books that pull us right out of the story because… well, they're just not realistic. And hey, if you like this go check out our first ruining fantasy episode for more! Believe us, we know this sounds completely insane when we have no problems accepting hidden realms, magical creatures, and hidden powers. But there are just certain things we can't deny that stand out as simply unbelievable. Like, shadow daddies almost never eat… anything other than you know what… or the fact that no one has a day job, inns with one bed exist around every remote corner, and everyone's wielding swords after slashing their palms left and right. Things are just not adding up. We've got spicy time with no showers, MMCs winking and giving us the icks, medieval settings with modern names and phrases, and the undeniable fantasy urge to trust a person in their teens or early twenties to literally save the planet. We're bringing you all of this, plus a weekly fave and fail about a lost diamond and “going into the woods…” and a smash or pass “petty reasons why I dnf-ed a book” edition. Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | *  https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it's like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNENikki St. Crowe, the queen of spicy fairy tale retellings chats with us about diving into the land of Oz with West of Wicked! https://youtu.be/wwFYSDKcbtE?si=X6iNmUVAE6Xhmv7B____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing a Bryce Starborn Crescent City Shirt from @caffeineandCurses | https://caffeineandcurses.com/collections/crescent-city-merch/products/bryce-quinlan-t-shirt-crescent-city?variant=43137855357128Liz is wearing our Besties Pullover Color Anti Social Crow Design | https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.com/products/pullover-hoodie-besties-color-anti-social-crowAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailDid you see that we got to interview Nikki St. Crowe?! When the Queen of spicy fairytale reimaginings calls, you answer and promptly cover her new book West of Wicked!  We thought we'd made it out of the Oz universe alive and *relatively* unscathed but “spoiler alert* we got sucked right back in. Are we happy about it? Listen on to find out. West of Wicked is book one in the Great and Terrible Land trilogy, with book one out now, and book two East of Envy scheduled to release on November third of this year! So buckle up for a whole new take on Dorothy, the witches, and her most beloved companions. Oz is creepier and dark, Dorothy is an older and more powerful badass, the Scarecrow is tall, dark and handsome, the Tin Man is a mercenary with a bionic arm, and the Lion and Wizard… you'll just have to read to see. Stick around for our spoiler free reviews, spice ratings, deep dive summary (brought to you by Ashley this time!) and a lovely side tangent where Liz plays “the cups.” We apologize in advance for the chaos. But listen, we're not in Kansas anymore.

Send us Fan MailRites of the Starling, Rites of the Starling, Rites of the Starling…if you say it three times, does The Guardian appear?

Send us Fan MailHannah and Laura are wrapping up this indie intermission by chatting about The Heavenly Sword with the author herself! Alice Poon delves into the characters and themes of the book, her writing inspirations, and shares what readers can expect from the second book in the duology, The Earthly Blaze. Be sure to follow Alice online at:Blog: Alice Poon 潘慧嫻Instagram: @alicepoonauthorThreads: @alicepoonauthorBluesky: Alice Poon 潘慧嫻 (@alicepoonauthor.bsky.social) — BlueskyMedia Mentions:The Heavenly Sword by Alice PoonThe Earthly Blaze by Alice PoonThe Green Phoenix by Alice PoonTales of Ming Courtesans by Alice PoonFated and Fateless by Alice PoonLand and the Ruling Class in Hong Kong by Alice PoonJourney to the West by Wu Cheng'enWater Margin by Nai'an ShiInvestiture of the Gods by Xu ZhonglinLeo Tolstoy's worksHilary Mantel's worksC.W. Gortner's worksConn Iggulden's worksAn Unofficial History of a Female Immortal by Lu XiongThe Condor Heroes trilogy by Jin YongCrouching Tiger Hidden Dragon---Prime VideoSupport the showBe sure to follow OWWR Pod!www.owwrpod.com YouTube: @owwrpodBlueSky: @OwwrPodTikTok: @OwwrPodInstagram: @owwrpodThreads: @OwwrPodSend us an email at: owwrpod@gmail.comCheck out OWWR Patreon: patreon.com/owwrpodOr join OWWR Discord! We'd love to chat with you!You can follow Hannah at:Instagram: @brews.and.booksThreads: @brews.and.booksTikTok: @brews.and.booksYou can follow Laura at:Instagram: @goodbooksgreatgoatsBlueSky: @myyypod

Send us Fan MailSo what happened in Shield of Sparrows? Well, we will tell ya! We're not sure about you, but we know that when we love a book… like five star love… infinity star obsession-level love… we forget absolutely everything that happened. It's a black out phenomenon that cannot be explained. Which is exactly what we both experienced last year when we read Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry for the first time. Go check out our live Besties & the Book Club playback (linked below) and our ongoing Fable chats for even more SOS content!So here we are almost a year later after a full reread, and this time we're prepared! Because we want to help all of you recap this amazing book in preparation for our deep dive into the second installment (out now!) Rites of the Starling, which drops in just one week! And eventually we'll need to look back when book three comes out next year… boy are these NOT the books to go into without thorough recaps!Today we'll give our spoiler free star and spice ratings and then get into a full spoiler-y recap, notable characters, creatures, places, lore, and Easter eggs so you have an easy go-to guide to prepare. Then of course we dive into tropes, characters, reviews, the audiobook, and even fancasting! Because, why not? It's becoming a movie after all! We're bringing you all of this, plus a weekly fave and fail and a bear related smash or pass!Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | *  https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it's like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNE____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing a tye dye Skelton Peace Sign Hoodie from @Etsy | * https://go.magik.ly/ml/3rhwa/Liz is wearing a light grey “WIFE”? sweaterAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us Fan MailIt's still indie intermission time!! Hannah and Laura are covering the second half of The Heavenly Sword by Alice Poon, digging into the characters and themes. In other news, Hannah is doing some investigative work into Pedro Pascal's career and Laura is delving into a new anime.**This episode contains SPOILERS for The Heavenly Sword by Alice Poon. Spoiler section begins at: 31 min 50 secs. ***CW for the episode: discussions of violence, death, blood, gore, religion, sex, neurodivergence, ableism, racism, war, politics, infertility, pregnancy, family estrangement, abandonment, cloning, sexual assault, rape, weaponsMedia Mentions:The Heavenly Sword by Alice Poon Demon Slayer---Netflix The Office---PeacockHow I Met Your Mother---Netflix Tilly in Technicolor by Mazey Eddings Calico the board game Yellowface by R.F. Kuang The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent---NetflixFantastic Four---Disney+ Support the showBe sure to follow OWWR Pod!www.owwrpod.com YouTube: @owwrpodBlueSky: @OwwrPodTikTok: @OwwrPodInstagram: @owwrpodThreads: @OwwrPodSend us an email at: owwrpod@gmail.comCheck out OWWR Patreon: patreon.com/owwrpodOr join OWWR Discord! We'd love to chat with you!You can follow Hannah at:Instagram: @brews.and.booksThreads: @brews.and.booksTikTok: @brews.and.booksYou can follow Laura at:Instagram: @goodbooksgreatgoatsBlueSky: @myyypod

In previous episodes, we've discussed how some genres are more aesthetic-driven (like sci fi & fantasy) and others are more structure-driven (like romance and mystery). So how do subgenres within SFF play with elements of both? How can we blend tropes and reader expectations to put fresh spins on familiar subgenres? Four-time guest and friend of the podcast Fonda Lee joins us to explore the possibilities and potential pitfalls. A lot of "genre" is really about marketing and packaging, so we also discuss the effects of knowing that end result on the process itself. How is it different if we start out with an idea of "I am going to write This Subgenre Thing" versus starting out with less of that marketing-minded specificity? How much do we play into or subvert a reader's expectations? Navigating that can be a high-wire act, trying to present new things that will delight and surprise a reader without knocking them out of the story. And what do we do if the packaging, which authors often have no control over, doesn't quite paint the right picture of the actual book? We also talk about some recent trends and shifts within SFF subgenres. [Transcript TK] Our Guest:  Fonda Lee is the award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of the Green Bone Saga, consisting of the novels Jade City, Jade War, and Jade Legacy, along with a prequel novella The Jade Setter of Janloon and a short story collection, Jade Shards. Her newest book is the science fiction novel The Last Contract of Isako. She is also the author of the fantasy novella, Untethered Sky and several young adult novels: Zeroboxer, the Exo duology, and the Breathmarked duology, co-written with Shannon Lee. Fonda is a winner of the World Fantasy Award, the Locus Award, and a six-time winner of the Aurora Award (Canada's national science fiction and fantasy award), as well as a multiple finalist for the Hugo Award and the Nebula Award. Her novels have garnered multiple starred reviews and appeared on Best of Year lists from NPR, Barnes & Noble, Syfy Wire, and others. Jade City has been translated into fifteen languages, named to TIME Magazine's Top 100 Fantasy Books of All Time, and optioned for television development. She has also written acclaimed short fiction and been an instructor at writing workshops including Clarion West, Viable Paradise, and Aspen Words. Fonda is a former corporate strategist and black belt martial artist who loves action movies and Eggs Benedict. Hailing from Canada and the Pacific Northwest, she now resides in the Boston area.

Send us Fan MailHannah and Laura are on indie intermission, covering the first half of The Heavenly Sword by Alice Poon!! They also chat about a complicated TV show, a beautiful literary fiction, and Laura gives Hannah some career advice.**This episode contains SPOILERS for The Heavenly Sword by Alice Poon. Spoiler section begins at: 41 min 40 secs. ***CW for the episode: discussions of sex, sexual assault, religion, violence, politics, family trauma, death *Media Mentions:The Heavenly Sword by Alice PoonThe Boys---Prime VideoDark AngelSupernatural---PeacockSmallville---HuluTaskmaster---YouTubeMonster by Naoki Urasawa Pluto by Naoki Urasawa River Valley Glassworks board game Eager: The Surprising Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter by Ben Goldfarb Real Americans by Rachel Khong Veronica Mars---Hulu Support the showBe sure to follow OWWR Pod!www.owwrpod.com YouTube: @owwrpodBlueSky: @OwwrPodTikTok: @OwwrPodInstagram: @owwrpodThreads: @OwwrPodSend us an email at: owwrpod@gmail.comCheck out OWWR Patreon: patreon.com/owwrpodOr join OWWR Discord! We'd love to chat with you!You can follow Hannah at:Instagram: @brews.and.booksThreads: @brews.and.booksTikTok: @brews.and.booksYou can follow Laura at:Instagram: @goodbooksgreatgoatsBlueSky: @myyypod

Send us Fan MailToday Hannah and Laura are chatting with author, David Quantick, about his new novella, Imagine a Friend!  They talk about David's writing background and publishing experience, creating a voice for characters, and writing surrealism. Be sure to follow David online at:davidquantick.comBluesky: @quantick.bsky.socialAnd pick up Imagine a Friend, today!Media Mentions:Imagine a Friend by David QuantickThe Hyena by David QuantickVEEP---HBO MaxCS Lewis's worksDiary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff KinneyThe Mitchells vs. the Machines---NetflixStars & Sabers publishingJendia Gammon's worksFor All Mankind---AppleTVThe Cinderella Story by Neil PhilipSupport the showBe sure to follow OWWR Pod!www.owwrpod.com YouTube: @owwrpodBlueSky: @OwwrPodTikTok: @OwwrPodInstagram: @owwrpodThreads: @OwwrPodSend us an email at: owwrpod@gmail.comCheck out OWWR Patreon: patreon.com/owwrpodOr join OWWR Discord! We'd love to chat with you!You can follow Hannah at:Instagram: @brews.and.booksThreads: @brews.and.booksTikTok: @brews.and.booksYou can follow Laura at:Instagram: @goodbooksgreatgoatsBlueSky: @myyypod

Send us Fan MailHannah and Laura are welcoming Oli Schmitz, a bookseller at Boswell Book Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to answer some of our burning questions about independent bookstores! Indie Bookstore Day 2026 is April 25th! Go support your local indie bookstore!You can find Oli online at:Oli's Staff Recommendations | Boswell Book Companyand be sure to see them in person for book recommendations at Boswell Book Company! Media Mentions:Legends & Lattes by Travis BaldreeThe Raven Scholar by Antonia HodgsonRemarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van PeltThe Music of Bees by Eileen GarvinThe Boy and the Dog by Seishu HaseAll the Lonely People by Mike GayleHank Green's worksN.K. Jemisin's worksJohn Green's worksKatee Robert's worksJames Patterson's worksHer Hidden Fire by Cliodhna O'SullivanBetween Two Fires by Christopher BuehlmanWarrior Cats series by Erin HunterColleen Hoover's worksDonna Tart's worksFreida McFadden's worksMadeline Miller's worksRainbow Rowell's worksNghi Vo's worksThe City in Glass by Nghi VoSarah Dessen's worksNotes from a Regicide by Isaac FellmanThe Felicity Complex by August ClarkeAmal El-Mohtar's worksTamsyn Muir's worksSupport the showBe sure to follow OWWR Pod!www.owwrpod.com YouTube: @owwrpodBlueSky: @OwwrPodTikTok: @OwwrPodInstagram: @owwrpodThreads: @OwwrPodSend us an email at: owwrpod@gmail.comCheck out OWWR Patreon: patreon.com/owwrpodOr join OWWR Discord! We'd love to chat with you!You can follow Hannah at:Instagram: @brews.and.booksThreads: @brews.and.booksTikTok: @brews.and.booksYou can follow Laura at:Instagram: @goodbooksgreatgoatsBlueSky: @myyypod

Send us Fan MailHannah and Laura are closing the case on the Dublin Murder Squad series by Tana French. They share some final thoughts on the series as a whole, talk about some of the more challenging moments depicted in the books, and do their best to decide which of the characters were their favorites to read about. Hannah and Laura also reflect on previous seasons of OWWR pod and throw out some ideas for potential book series to cover in the future.**This episode contains SPOILERS for all books in Tana French's Dublin Murder Squad series. ***CW for the episode: discussions of murder, blood, violence, police, detectives, sexual assault, familial trauma, poverty, sexism, racismMedia Mentions:In the Woods by Tana FrenchThe Likeness by Tana FrenchFaithful Place by Tana FrenchBroken Harbor by Tana FrenchThe Secret Place by Tana FrenchThe Trespasser by Tana FrenchThe Heavenly Sword by Alice PoonThe Dresden Files by Jim ButcherImagine a Friend by David QuantickSupport the showBe sure to follow OWWR Pod!www.owwrpod.com YouTube: @owwrpodBlueSky: @OwwrPodTikTok: @OwwrPodInstagram: @owwrpodThreads: @OwwrPodSend us an email at: owwrpod@gmail.comCheck out OWWR Patreon: patreon.com/owwrpodOr join OWWR Discord! We'd love to chat with you!You can follow Hannah at:Instagram: @brews.and.booksThreads: @brews.and.booksTikTok: @brews.and.booksYou can follow Laura at:Instagram: @goodbooksgreatgoatsBlueSky: @myyypod

Kissed by the Gods indeed. We are joined by author Caty Rogan. She is here to chat about her series The Eternal Wars. From page one we have feminine rage, female characters that break the mold, and sacrifice. Lots of sacrifice. Did I mention male leads that are softer? Caty shares challenges and struggles that can come from writing a series. Especially with a Gods system. Turns out when you make the rules you are then bound to them.Of course we go deep. Chills are felt and revelations are illuminated. And some "never have I ever shared" moments. There will be spoilers and mention of miscarriage. This is part 1 or 2 with Caty. Tune in next week for part 2.Send us Fan MailSupport the showConnect with usInstagram: https://bit.ly/ourIGpageTikTok: https://bit.ly/ourTiktokpageIntro and Outro music, Sexy Fashion Beat from Coma-Media 

The month of April (Lizzy's birthday month) kicks off with one of our favorite human beings, who happens to also be an indie author AND podcast host. B.A. Pepper joins Lizzy to talk about her debut book Daughter of Stone. Welsh lessons are given. B takes over all pronunciation as a kindness to Lizzy. This story is compelling right out of the gate, a mixture of emotions, intrigue, and sadness. Like another famously controversial FMC, she turns to sex, drugs, and alcohol to cope. Everyone is beautiful, which is kind of rude. More nipple piercings! And let's not even, scratch that, LET'S get into a new kink unlocked involving a water sphere. Trials ensue...what can we say, read the book. Listen to this episode. Then find us and tell us your thoughts.You can find B on instagram and TikTok @b.a.pepperauthorSend us Fan MailSupport the showConnect with usInstagram: https://bit.ly/ourIGpageTikTok: https://bit.ly/ourTiktokpageIntro and Outro music, Sexy Fashion Beat from Coma-Media 

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Romantasy before it was cool? In this episode, I sit down with Elly Blake to talk about her journey writing fantasy romance—and how the genre has completely transformed over the years.We chat about the evolution from YA fantasy to adult romantasy, what readers really want (hint: it's the romance), and how Elly built her newest Thirstwood series from fairy tales, folklore, and a haunting “bloodthirsty forest” idea. If you love enemies-to-lovers, forbidden romance, and magical worlds with high emotional stakes, this episode is for you.

Send us Fan MailWe are delighted to be setting sail with "salty scoundrels," because in today's episode they are discussing The Curse of Dragon Tail Island by Jonathan Nevair!! They dig into the book's world building, some of their favorite moments, and their appreciation for well-written characters. They also chat about revisiting anime and a videogame that is hitting just right.**This episode contains SPOILERS for The Curse of Dragon Tail Island by Jonathan Nevair. **Be sure to pick up The Curse of Dragon Tail Island by Jonathan Nevair!! You can follow Jonathan and learn more about his works at: Jonathan Nevair | Science Fiction AuthorMedia Mentions: The Curse of Dragon Tail Island by Jonathan NevairShake Out the Ghosts by Al Hess The Prince of Tennis---Crunchyroll Anaconda---Netflix Slay the Spire 2 videogame Stellar Instinct by Jonathan NevairThe Heaven Sword by Alice PoonThe Dresden Files by Jim Butcher*********You can follow Fiction Fans podcast online at:Podcast | Fiction Fans@fictionfanspod.bsky.social — BlueskyFiction Fans (@fictionfanspod) • Instagram photos and videosFiction Fans - YouTubeSupport the showBe sure to follow OWWR Pod!www.owwrpod.com YouTube: @owwrpodBlueSky: @OwwrPodTikTok: @OwwrPodInstagram: @owwrpodThreads: @OwwrPodSend us an email at: owwrpod@gmail.comCheck out OWWR Patreon: patreon.com/owwrpodOr join OWWR Discord! We'd love to chat with you!You can follow Hannah at:Instagram: @brews.and.booksThreads: @brews.and.booksTikTok: @brews.and.booksYou can follow Laura at:Instagram: @goodbooksgreatgoatsBlueSky: @myyypod

This week we say a fond farewell to Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy. We wish it hadn't happened in our time… just kidding. We're so lucky to be alive when it did! On this epic conclusion to One Scene to Rule Them All, we're tying off loose threads, answering listener questions, sharing some thoughts on WAR OF THE ROHIRRIM, and announcing our next miniseries! Next week, it's our long-awaited Eye of 2025 year-in-review. And a celebration of five years of podcasting! Join the conversation on our Discord at https://discord.com/invite/RssDc3brsx and get more Eye of the Duck on our Patreon show, After Hours https://www.patreon.com/EyeoftheDuckPod Credits: Eye of the Duck is created, hosted, and produced by Dom Nero and Adam Volerich. This episode was edited by Michael Gaspari. This episode was researched by Parth Marathe. Our logo was designed by Francesca Volerich. You can purchase her work at francescavolerich.com/shop The "Adam's Blu-Ray Corner" theme was produced by Chase Sterling. Assistant programming and digital production by Nik Long. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Letterboxd or join the conversation at Eye of the Discord. Learn more at eyeoftheduckpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Municipalities, start your engines!! Or… get ready to eat each other? We're finishing off our Rings series today with the final (?) major live action narrative production from Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, and the whole WETA gang. It may not be Tolkien-related, but hey, Hugo Weaving wields a blade in it! It's tragic that the film didn't start a new era for Jackson, and we're sorting through its disastrous box office fallout this week along with some predictions for what the future has in store for WETA. Next week, we close the book on Tolkien once and for all with our series finale (including some thoughts on WAR OF THE ROHIRRIM) and an announcement for what comes next! Join the conversation on our Discord at https://discord.com/invite/RssDc3brsx and get more Eye of the Duck on our Patreon show, After Hours https://www.patreon.com/EyeoftheDuckPod References: Cinefex #163 Production History Richard Armitage Turns Down the Engine Mortal Engines Production Notes Christian Rivers & Peter Jackson Reddit AMA The Film Pie Christian Rivers Interview The Hollywood Reporter JunkieXL Interview The Hollywood Reporter Peter Jackson Interview Peter Jackson on Loss of Andrew Lesnie Credits: Eye of the Duck is created, hosted, and produced by Dom Nero and Adam Volerich. This episode was edited by Michael Gaspari. This episode was researched by Parth Marathe. Our logo was designed by Francesca Volerich. You can purchase her work at francescavolerich.com/shop The "Adam's Blu-Ray Corner" theme was produced by Chase Sterling. Assistant programming and digital production by Nik Long. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Letterboxd or join the conversation at Eye of the Discord. Learn more at eyeoftheduckpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Okay, Hobbitses, it's our last journey through Middle Earth! And Bilbo's first! Dom's back, and so is Peter Jackson, Philippa Boyens, Fran Walsh, Ian McKellan, Andy Serkis, Elijah Wood, and… Radagast the Brown?! Although this is our only episode on the Hobbit trilogy, we're not just covering UNEXPECTED JOURNEY this week. Listen in for some cross examination of the two (troubling) sequels, the many fan edits (especially the one from Maple Films), and Guillermo Del Toro's greatest unmade production. A very special thanks from Dom to all the listeners who reached out with support during his absence. And thanks to Stephen Hilger for pinch hitting! Next week, it's Jackson's final (?) narrative film, MORTAL ENGINES (2018) from director Christian Rivera. Join the conversation on our Discord at https://discord.com/invite/RssDc3brsx and get more Eye of the Duck on our Patreon show, After Hours https://www.patreon.com/EyeoftheDuckPod References: Special Features The Journey Back to Middle-Earth Riddles in the Dark - Gollum's Cave An Unexpected Party - Bag End A Short Rest - Rivendell & London The Battle of Moria Edge of the Wilderland Durin's Folk: Creating the Dwarves The People and Denizens of Middle-Earth Realms of the Third Age - Hobbiton Realms of the Third Age - Goblin Town The Songs of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Mr. Baggins: The 14th Member The Epic of Scene 88 Home is Behind, The World Ahead Maverick Movies: New Line Cinema and the Transformation of American Film by Daniel Herbert Cinefex #132 Production History Peter Jackson/Guillermo Del Toro Party Chat Legal Issues Settled for The Hobbit Comingsoon.net Guillermo del Toro Interview Lord of the Rings Writing Team Onboard TheOneRing.net Guillermo del Toro Interview Philipa Boyens on Guillermo del Toro's Hobbit Guillermo del Toro Officially Leaves The Hobbit Peter Jackson Wings The Hobbit Guillermo del Toro Gets Haunted The Hobbit Destroys New Zealand Film Industry Lindsay Ellis The Hobbit: The Desolation of Warners (3/2) Video A New Hobbit Film is Born Guillermo del Toro's Version of Bilbo Moviedrone Howard Shore Interview MGM Financial Troubles Imperil The Hobbit A Message From Guillermo Credits: Eye of the Duck is created, hosted, and produced by Dom Nero and Adam Volerich. This episode was edited by Michael Gaspari. This episode was researched by Parth Marathe. Our logo was designed by Francesca Volerich. You can purchase her work at francescavolerich.com/shop The "Adam's Blu-Ray Corner" theme was produced by Chase Sterling. Assistant programming and digital production by Nik Long. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Letterboxd or join the conversation at Eye of the Discord. Learn more at eyeoftheduckpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This steampunk fantasy world has everything: dæmons, talking polar bears, Daniel Craig with a snow leopard, and Nicole Kidman in her villain era!  Attempting to replicate the success of THE LORD OF THE RINGS, New Line Cinema tries to kick off a new trilogy by adapting Philip Pullman's The Golden Compass, but it… doesn't quite work out. Stephen Hilger returns to help us figure out why! Next week: DOM IS BACK!!! Our king returns just in time for us to talk THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY! Join the conversation on our Discord at https://discord.com/invite/RssDc3brsx and get more Eye of the Duck on our Patreon show, After Hours https://www.patreon.com/EyeoftheDuckPod References: Special Features Production Design: The Emotional Fabric of a Parallel World Armoured Bears: The Panserbjørne of Svalbard Music The Adaptation of Writer/Director Chris Weitz Finding Lyra Belacqua: Introducing Dakota Blue Richards The Alethiometer: Creating the Truth Measure Maverick Movies: New Line Cinema and the Transformation of American Film by Daniel Herbert The Golden Compass: The Official Illustrated Movie Companion by Brian Sibley Cinefex #112 Production History StarLog #362 Production History The Golden Compass Production Notes Fate of New Line Cinema Rests on The Golden Compass Newsweek Production History The Wrap Chris Weitz Interview Variety Chris Weitz Interview Wired Production History The Atlantic Production History The New York Times Production History Slate Philip Pullman Interview Credits: Eye of the Duck is created, hosted, and produced by Dom Nero and Adam Volerich. This episode was edited by Michael Gaspari. This episode was researched by Parth Marathe. Our logo was designed by Francesca Volerich. You can purchase her work at francescavolerich.com/shop The "Adam's Blu-Ray Corner" theme was produced by Chase Sterling. Assistant programming and digital production by Nik Long. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Letterboxd or join the conversation at Eye of the Discord. Learn more at eyeoftheduckpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.