The Library Coven

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Episodes

Episodes

Episode 45: Queen of the Conquered by Kacen Callender

In this episode we’re discussing Queen of the Conquered Kacen Callender (they/them), the first book in the Islands of Blood and Storm series. The book takes place in a Caribbean-inspired fantasy world and follows our main character, Sigourney, as she Read more…

By the library coven, 2 weeks2 weeks ago
a stack of books sits in front of a blue and black marble background. From top to bottom: Class Act by Jerry Craft, Blanca & Roja by Anna-Marie McLemore, Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X Kendi, Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas, Legendborn by Tracey Deon, Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi, Party of Two by Jasmine Guillory and Queen of Nothing by Holly Black
Bonus Episodes

2020 Year in Review

Let’s take a look back at all the wonderful things we loved in this shit show of a year– most of them book-related, although we chat about film/TV a fair amount too. We want to share our favs with y’all Read more…

By the library coven, 3 weeks1 month ago
Episodes

Episode 44: Blanca & Roja by Anna-Marie McLemore

Hello, coven! And welcome to one of the last episodes of the shit show that has been 2020! This week we’re discussing Blanca & Roja by Anna-Marie McLemore. Let’s talk about some swans!   What is magical realism? We talked Read more…

By the library coven, 4 weeks1 month ago
Episodes

Episode 43: The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang

Hello everyone, and most especially to Saidah, who emailed us in December 2019 asking about when we were going to record an episode about R.F. Kuang’s The Dragon Republic. Saidah, we’re only a year late, but that time is now! If Read more…

By the library coven, 1 month1 month ago
Bonus Episodes

BONUS! Great British Bake Off (10) The Final!

And just like that series 11 (or collection 8 for us folks in the US) is over. It was so much fun to have this during this fairly terrible time, and we hope you’ve all enjoyed listening to our ramblings Read more…

By the library coven, 1 month2 months ago
hardcover of Joanne Chang's PASTRY LOVE lays on top of a wood plank background
Bonus Episodes

BONUS! Great British Bake Off (9) The Semi-Final and Patisserie!

Tune in for our ramblings on the chaos that was patisserie week! Alas, this season of GBBO is almost over *crying emoji*  Almost no notes this time! But here’s that tweet Kelly mentions. 

By the library coven, 2 months2 months ago
Episodes

Episode 42: Wayward Witch by Zoraida Córdova

Hello, coven! This week we’re discussing Wayward Witch, the third and final (?) book in the Brooklyn Brujas series by Zoraida Córdova. You can check out our episodes about Labyrinth Lost and Bruja Born if you need a refresher about what happened in the Read more…

By the library coven, 2 months2 months ago
A golden brown chocolate & walnut babka loaf rests on top of a wire cooling rack and sage green tea towel
Bonus Episodes

BONUS! Great British Bake Off (8) Dessert Week

Hello, Coven! We’re at week eight of Great British Bake Off, and where did the time go!? This week, it’s all things desserts, and a very unusual technical. Who do you think is making it to the final? Just a Read more…

By the library coven, 2 months2 months ago
Bonus Episodes

BONUS! Great British Bake Off (7) 80s Week

ahoy, bakers and reader/listeners! This season of GBBO is nearly over (NOOOOOO), but we’re still excited to share this bonus ep with y’all. We talk quiche, donuts, and ice cream cake. Oh, and Jessie gives us a lesson on air Read more…

By the library coven, 2 months2 months ago
Hardcover version of Nocturna sit on a bright red background
Episodes

Episode 41: Nocturna by Maya Motayne

hiya, coven! This week we’re coming at you with a discussion of Nocturna by Maya Motayne. We both loved this book and didn’t realize how complex the world building and magical system were until we came together in conversation (aka we’re both Read more…

By the library coven, 2 months2 months ago
Bonus Episodes

BONUS! Great British Bake Off (6) Japanese Week

We are more than half way through this season of GBBO, and I am so sad! Here’s to the first ever Japanese week! What were your thoughts?

By the library coven, 2 months2 months ago
close-up view of a croissant for pasty week great British bake off.
Bonus Episodes

BONUS! Great British Bake Off (5) Pastry Week

Hi, everyone! We can’t believe that it’s already halfway through this season of GBBO. Tune-in for our discussion of the much-anticipated pastry week. Visit The Traveller Movement website , check out this op-ed in the Guardian  about antiziganism/racism, or this handy “GRT Representation: Media Read more…

By the library coven, 3 months2 months ago
Episodes

Episode 40: Wicked Fox by Kat Cho

Hello, Coven! This week we’re coming at you with a discussion of Wicked Fox by Kat Cho. We really enjoyed reading some urban fantasy that took place in South Korea. What are your thoughts about this book? We’re a bit Read more…

By the library coven, 3 months2 months ago
Bonus Episodes

BONUS! Great British Bake Off (4) Chocolate Week

We’re coming at you this week to talk about all things episode 4 of series 11 or Chocolate Week! This week was a wild ride, so prepare yourselves! Here is the  article J mentioned about GBBO [a gif of the Read more…

By the library coven, 3 months3 months ago
A light-skinned Black person holds a slice of sourdough in her left hand. A cutting board, blue and white gingham cloth and serrated knife lie below.
Bonus Episodes

BONUS! Great British Bake Off (3) Bread Week

It’s finally time for Bread Week! Here is our third bonus episode in the GBBO series. [actual footage of Jessie and Kelly preparing for recording this episode] As always, we’d love to be in discussion with you, magical folx. Post Read more…

By the library coven, 3 months3 months ago
Episodes

Episode 39: A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown

hey, magical beings! This fortnight we’re bringing you a conversation about A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown, the first in a planned duology. The second/final installment, A Psalm of Storms and Silence is due out in early 2021. Content Warning for Read more…

By the library coven, 3 months3 months ago
Bonus Episodes

BONUS! Great British Bake Off (2) – Biscuit Week

Time for biscuits and episode 2 of our very special bonus episodes about GBBO! What did you think of biscuit week? How are you feeling about the season? As always, we’d love to be in discussion with you, magical folx. Read more…

By the library coven, 3 months3 months ago
Novel CEMETARY BOYS by Aidan Thomas rests on a wood plank background. A white plate sits beside the book with a cinnamon roll that has black and orange striped icing
Bonus Episodes

BONUS! Ep 1 of Our New Series on Great British Bake Off

Greetings, dear coven. We are excited to introduce our new series of bonus episodes following each new episode of Great British Bake Off! The program is also known as the Great British Baking Show on Netflix/in the USA ( because Read more…

By the library coven, 4 months3 months ago
Episodes

Episode 38: Bruja Born by Zoraida Córdova

Hello, coven! This is one of the last few episodes where we refer to ourselves as JK, It’s Magic. We hope you like our new name, and that you feel like you’re part of the coven. This week we’re talking Read more…

By the library coven, 4 months2 days ago
Bonus Episodes

BONUS! Umbrella Academy

We’re coming at you with a super special bonus episode discussing all things about the first two seasons of Umbrella Academy! If you enjoy this episode, let us know, and let us know about any other bonus episode things you’d Read more…

By the library coven, 4 months3 months ago
A paperback copy of A CURSE SO DARK AND LONELY by Brigid Kemmerer sits on top of a brown wood desk. A small succulent in a tiny navy teacup/saucer with gold trim sits to the left. To the right, a half-finished sock on double-pointed knitting needles rests by a ball of yarn (variegated blues and purples)
Episodes

Episode 37: A Curse so Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

Greetings to all you magical beings out there! This fortnight, we’re discussing A Curse so Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer. We immensely enjoyed Kemmerer’s spin on the whole Beauty and the Beast tradition, and we found Harper to be one Read more…

By the library coven, 4 months4 months ago
Episodes

Episode 36: Crier’s War by Nina Varela

Hello, magical folx! This fortnight we’re discussing Crier’s War by Nina Varela! This book is fantasy adjacent, and leans a bit more toward science fiction, but we have lots of world building and robot things to talk about! Call to action: This Read more…

By the library coven, 5 months4 months ago
Bonus Episodes

BONUS! 2 years of the podcast

Hello, magical friends! We’ve got a bonus episode for you! We recently celebrated 2 years of the podcast! We are so excited to have been in communication with you for the last two years! The time has really flown by. Read more…

By the library coven, 5 months3 months ago
hardcover of the Queen of Nothing on a black marble background
Episodes

Episode 35: Queen of Nothing by Holly Black

hello, everyone! We’re excited to bring you this episode about The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black, the final installment of the Folk of the Air series (after The Cruel Prince and The Wicked King– which we discuss in episode 8 and episode 16, Read more…

By the library coven, 5 months4 months ago
Picture of Children of Virtue and Vengeance on a white comforter
Episodes

Episode 34: Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi

Hello, magical friends! This fortnight we’re coming at you with a discussion of Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi, the second book in the Legacy of Orïsha series. If you need a recap of the story or what we talked Read more…

By the library coven, 6 months4 months ago
Book Gods of Jade and Shadow on a black marble background
Episodes

Episode 33: Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Hey, magical folx! In this episode we discuss Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, which is *NOT* YA. We gotta say this at the top because its some sexist bs that women/femme adult fantasy writers get miscategorized as YA (read Read more…

By the library coven, 6 months4 months ago
We Hunt the Flame on a white blanket
Episodes

Episode 32: We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal

Hello, magical ppl! In this episode we dive into We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal, which J & K both enjoyed immensely. Join us for a conversation about how much we <3 enemies-to-lovers ships, badass protags like Zafira and Kifah, Read more…

By the library coven, 6 months4 months ago
Episodes

Episode 31: A Dream So Dark by L.L. McKinney

Hello, magical folx! This week we’re discussing A Dream so Dark by L.L. McKinney, the second book in the Nightmare-verse series! In this episode we’re making predictions about the future books in the series, talking about “urban” fantasy, and coming at Read more…

By the library coven, 7 months4 months ago
Paperback copy of The Marrow Thieves held in J's left hand. A natural landscape of greens and browns is in the background.
Episodes

Episode 30: The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline

Hey, magical folx! This fortnight we discuss The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline, a prolific author who is a member of the Georgian Bay Metis Community. Hope you enjoy and learn something(s). BLACK LIVES MATTER. Content warning for discussions of sexual violence and Read more…

By the library coven, 7 months4 months ago
Episodes

Episode 29: Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

Hello, magical folx! This week we’re discussing Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo, the second book in the Six of Crows series. Check out our Six of Crows episode for a refresher on what happened in the last book! Side Note & Content Read more…

By the library coven, 8 months4 months ago
J & K in matching t-shirts in front of Hogwarts Castle
Episodes

2019: Year in Review

Happy New Year! With 2020 upon us, we wanted to take a look back at 2019. In this very special episode, we’re looking back at some of our favorite books, TV shows, movies, and other things from 2019, and talking Read more…

By the library coven, 1 year4 months ago
Map from Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Cordova
Episodes

Episode 28: Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Córdova

Hello, magical listeners! We’re coming at you this week with a discussion of Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Córdova, the first in the Brooklyn Brujas series. J & K discuss the failed system of incarceration and the implications of those systems Read more…

By the library coven, 1 year2 months ago
Paperback version of Rena Barron's KINGDOM OF SOULS lies on bright green grass
Episodes

Episode 27: Kingdom of Souls by Rena Barron

Oh hello again, magical listeners! J had the pleasure of reading an ARC of Rena Barron’s Kingdom of Souls, and we’re finally bringing you our conversation about this expansive, thrilling novel. It has one of the the most complex magical Read more…

By the library coven, 1 year4 months ago
Book The Infinite Noise by Lauren Shippen in a pile of brown and reddish leaves and green grass
Episodes

Episode 26: The Infinite Noise by Lauren Shippen

Hello, magical listeners, and welcome back! We are starting season 2 by reading The Infinite Noise by Lauren Shippen. We’re talking science fiction, mental health, and sexist school norms in this fortnight’s episode. *We received this book as an ARC Read more…

By the library coven, 1 year4 months ago
Episodes

Episode 25 House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig (slash an entire year of the show!!)

Have you ever imagined what Downton Abbey would be like if it took place in the Iron Islands and was actually a supernatural murder mystery inspired by a Brothers Grimm story?? Well, House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Read more…

By the library coven, 1 year4 months ago
Episodes

Episode 24: Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim

Hello, dear listeners! This fortnight we’re reading Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim, a new retelling of Mulan. We found some pretty problematic areas in the book, but found the story quite captivating overall. As a note, we did receive Read more…

By the library coven, 2 years4 months ago
Photo of City of Brass book cover
Episodes

Episode 23: The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty

Magical listeners! We’re taking a break from YA this fortnight to bring you an episode about the incredible fantasy novel The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty. The show notes happen to be long this time — why not Ravenclaw-it-up Read more…

By the library coven, 2 years4 months ago
Hardcover copy of Six of Crows in front of a winding dirt road. Background is snowy mountains and bright blue sky
Episodes

Episode 22: Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

This fortnight we’re discussing Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo. The first book in the Six of Crows duology and the fourth book in the Grishaverse series. We discussed a wide range of topics including slavery, sex work, and stereotypes Read more…

By the library coven, 2 years4 months ago
Hardcover copy of A Court of Mist and Fury with bus seats in the background
Episodes

Episode 21: A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

Finally, the ACOMAF episode is here! J & K both adore ACOMAF, and in the spirit of that affection, we don’t shy away from dredging up the novel’s problematic aspects. Generous and loving critique is, after all, what our podcast Read more…

By the library coven, 2 years4 months ago
Episodes

Episode 20: Interview with Kelly

Hey listeners, welcome to the second (and final) installment of our interview mini-sodes! In this episode, Kelly fields questions from Jessie about a plethora of extremely important topics including superpowers, fur babies, astrology, and books (#obvi). Like Jessie did for Read more…

By the library coven, 2 years4 months ago
Episodes

Episode 19: Interview with Jessie

Hey, everyone! We’ve decided to do something different and interview each other for the next two episodes so you can get to know us better! In this first interview, Kelly is interviewing Jessie. Is there anything you were surprised to Read more…

By the library coven, 2 years4 months ago
Hardcover of Justina Ireland's novel Dread Nation on a wooden desk
Episodes

Episode 18: Dread Nation by Justina Ireland

This fortnight we’re discussing Dread Nation by Justina Ireland, one of the most intersectional books we’ve read yet! We talked about the intersectionality of race, class, gender, and colonialism. We chatted about shipping, impostor syndrome, and many many other things. Read more…

By the library coven, 2 years4 months ago
Highlighted section of text (Descendant of the Crane by Joan He) on a black kindle. A sunflower sits on top of the kindle
Episodes

Episode 17: Descendant of the Crane by Joan He

This week we’re discussing Descendant of the Crane by Joan He. We received this book for free from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review (which we promise to always provide). We discussed monarchies, constitutions, colorism, and magic this week, Read more…

By the library coven, 2 years4 months ago
Two hardcover copies of the The WIcked King on top of a navy and green crocheted blanket
Episodes

Episode 16: The Wicked King by Holly Black

Happy Spring, listeners! In Episode 16 we discuss The Wicked King by Holly Black, the much-awaited sequel to The Cruel Prince. Content warning: emotional and physical child abuse. ChildHelp – Child Abuse Assistance – Call 1-800-422-4453 if you or someone Read more…

By the library coven, 2 years4 months ago
The Poppy War by RF Kuang against the backdrop of a snowy landscape
Episodes

Episode 15: The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

This fortnight J & K are discussing The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang. We’re diverting a bit from our usual YA Fantasy books. This book is definitely for adults, and not for the faint of heart! The characters are complicated, the story Read more…

By the library coven, 2 years4 months ago
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas in front of the snowy CO front range
Episodes

Episode 14: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Listeners, the time has finally come to talk about A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas, the first book in one of our favorite series. We saved the rest of the series spoilers for a special end segment that begins around 1:11:45. Read more…

By the library coven, 2 years4 months ago
Episodes

Episode 13: A Blade So Black by L.L. McKinney

This fortnight we’re discussing A Blade So Black by L.L. McKinney, and there were a ton of Alice in Wonderland puns from K, as this is a modern retelling of the story. Don’t expect to get any hints about this Read more…

By the library coven, 2 years4 months ago
Hardcover copy of Mackenzi Lee's A Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue sits on a dark wood desk next to a white mug with a "k" on it. Bookshelves in the backgroud
Episodes

Episode 12: A Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

Hello esteemed listeners! We adored A Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee*!! What a delightful romp of a book*. Below you’ll find plenty of links and resources to complement our discussion. **We want to recognize that Mackenzi Lee Read more…

By the library coven, 2 years4 months ago
Episodes

Episode 11: Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan

Happy New Year, Listeners! We are excited to read and discuss new (and old) book with this year. Any suggestions for books you’d like to read with us? This fortnight we’re discussing Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan . J & Read more…

By the library coven, 2 years4 months ago
Episodes

Episode 10 (!): A Reaper at the Gates by Sabaa Tahir

Listeners, we made it to Episode 10! A Reaper at the Gates by Sabaa Tahir made J & K fear for the fate of our favorite characters and ships in upcoming 4th book of the Ember in the Ashes Series. At one point we Read more…

By the library coven, 2 years4 months ago
Episodes

Episode 9: Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo

In episode 9 we are discussing Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo For the first time, J & K have quite different feeling about the ships in this book, but we are both very excited about the upcoming King of Scars, which will Read more…

By the library coven, 2 years4 months ago
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black on top of a fuzzy blue blanket
Episodes

Episode 8: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

J & K thoroughly enjoyed the dark and twisty world of The Cruel Prince by Holly Black. Episode 8 features not one but TWO of K’s now infamous research rabbit holes. #RavenclawFTW. Content Warning: physical, mental, and emotional abuse If you or someone Read more…

By the library coven, 2 years4 months ago
Episodes

Episode 7: A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir

Reading A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir  led to discussions of the prison system, mythology, and accountability. We loved how exciting a prison break can be. And this book had surprises around every corner, which had K reading the book Read more…

By the library coven, 2 years4 months ago
Hand holding hardcover edition of City of Bones against a backdrop of Pacific Northwest forest
Episodes

Episode 6: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

In episode 6 J & K are discussing City of Bones by Cassandra Clare which K is reading for the first time! As always, we found many things interesting, because apparently that’s what we do. Content warning: In this episode we discuss Read more…

By the library coven, 2 years4 months ago
Sea dragon/whip on the cover of Siege and Storm
Episodes

Episode 5: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

J & K talk about book 2 of the Grisha Trilogy, Siege and Storm, by Leigh Bardugo. We forget Fyodor’s name and find many things “interesting” (should we find new descriptors? probably). Content warning: discussion of sexual assault If you or someone Read more…

By the library coven, 2 years4 months ago
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir surround by red maple leaves
Episodes

Episode 4: An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

Episode 4 already!?! We can’t believe it either! This week we’re talking subverting your government, assassin schools, terrible mothers, and rape culture in Sabaa Tahir’s An Ember in the Ashes. An Ember in the Ashes was fact paced, violent, and Read more…

By the library coven, 2 years4 months ago
cartoon characters in costumes and bright clothing (artwork from Ship It)
Episodes

Episode 3: Ship It by Britta Lundin

Hello, listeners! Episode 3 is our first fantasy-adjacent mini-sode (that didn’t actually turn out so “mini”) in which we discuss Ship It by Britta Lundin. This conversation got pretty meta since we dove headlong into discussions of fandom, capitalism’s co-opting of diverse Read more…

By the library coven, 2 years4 months ago
CBB on top of red journal next to "brave wizards" candle
Episodes

Episode 2: Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

We loved Children of Blood and Bone  by Tomi Adeyemi so very much. This book is  powerful and poignant and we couldn’t recommend it more. Hope you enjoy! Content Warning: in this episode, we discuss a lot of really difficult Read more…

By the library coven, 2 years4 months ago
Shadow and Bone on grey and white wool blanket
Episodes

Episode 1 (!!!) Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Hey, listeners! We are so excited to share our first ever episode with you, where we discuss Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo. We scrapped the original idea of an hour-long podcast because our conversation just kept going, and well, Read more…

By the library coven, 2 years4 months ago
Recent Posts
  • Episode 45: Queen of the Conquered by Kacen Callender
  • 2020 Year in Review
  • Episode 44: Blanca & Roja by Anna-Marie McLemore
  • Episode 43: The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang
  • BONUS! Great British Bake Off (10) The Final!
Recent Comments
  • Episode 43: The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang – The Library Coven on Episode 15: The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
  • Episode 42: Wayward Witch by Zoraida Córdova – The Library Coven on Episode 28: Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Córdova
  • Episode 39: A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown – The Library Coven on Episode 11: Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan
  • Episode 35: Queen of Nothing by Holly Black – The Library Coven on Episode 16: The Wicked King by Holly Black
  • Episode 35: Queen of Nothing by Holly Black – The Library Coven on Episode 8: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
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