The Library Coven

A bi-weekly podcast in which two besties read young adult fantasy through a critical lens

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  • Book, A Sky Beyond the Storm on a blue and grey marble background with a red sweater underneath the book on the left, and a pair of vintage scissors on the right
    Episodes

    Episode 50: A Sky Beyond the Storm by Sabaa Tahir

    June 1, 2021 /

    Hello, beautiful coven! We’re back for season 4 with all new episodes, and we’re starting out strong with A Sky Beyond the Storm by Sabaa Tahir, the final book in An Ember in the Ashes series. If you want to check out the other books’ discussions you can find them here: An Ember in the Ashes, A Torch Against the Night, & A Reaper at the Gates. A quick reminder: we still have a survey going on, and it is helping to shape the future of the show! Please take it if you have a chance. You can also support the show by becoming a member on Patreon, tipping us on Ko-Fi, or purchasing…

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    Light-skinned brown hand holds novel A DREAM SO DARK. Shelves of library books in the background.

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

    June 30, 2020
    A light brown hand holds Zahrah the Windseeker in front of a lush forest

    Episode 71: Zahrah the Windseeker by Nnedi Okorafor

    October 4, 2022
    An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir surround by red maple leaves

    Episode 4: An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

    October 7, 2018
  • White hand holds A REAPER AT THE GATES with lush forest in the background
    Episodes

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

    December 31, 2018 /

    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 discuss the possible importance of the Nightbringer’s true name and wonder if true names “are a thing” with fae. Further research confirms that true names are indeed “a thing”. Episode notes are short this time because it’s New Year’s Eve, and I (K) am about to go make a hazelnut and chocolate crepe cake. Happy New Year! We can’t wait to read more wonderful books in 2019 and keep sharing…

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    Paperback copies of The Fifth Season, The Stone Sky and The Obelisk Gate stacked on blue fabric

    Episode 46: The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin

    January 26, 2021
    Novel GIRLS OF PAPER AND FIRE surrounded by three candles

    Episode 11: Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan

    January 14, 2019
    Paperback copy of The Marrow Thieves held in J's left hand. A natural landscape of greens and browns is in the background.

    Episode 30: The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline

    June 17, 2020
  • Novel A TORCH AGAINST THE NIGHT with grass and fallen leaves
    Episodes

    Episode 7: A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir

    November 18, 2018 /

    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 immediately after finishing the first. Question: Are Avitas and Elias full or half siblings? Below are some articles and information about topics discussed in this fortnight’s episode: There are lots of different types of mythology out there, not just Greek mythology, but we talked specifically about Persephone and Hades in this episode. If you aren’t already, we highly recommend following Rachel Cargle on Instagram. She does a lot of work…

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    cartoon characters in costumes and bright clothing (artwork from Ship It)

    Episode 3: Ship It by Britta Lundin

    September 25, 2018
    The Final Strife lays on top of a white cloth and blue marble background, flanked by 2 skeins of blue yarn and one skein of orange yarn

    Episode 81: The Final Strife by Saara El-Arifi

    May 23, 2023
    Lost in the Never Woods rests on a blue marble background between four skeins of variegated blue and purple yarn

    Episode 68: Lost in the Never Woods by Aiden Thomas

    April 19, 2022
  • An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir surround by red maple leaves
    Episodes

    Episode 4: An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

    October 7, 2018 /

    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 exceptionally amazing! Content Warning for discussions of rape and child death.  Full transcript below or access the PDF version of the episode transcript As always, we’d love to be in discussion with you, magical folx. Post or tweet about the show using #criticallyreading. Let us know what you think of the episode, anything we missed, or anything else you want us to know by dropping a line in the comments…

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    book, Legendborn, on a grayish blue background with fairy lights at the top and bottom

    ARCHIVE: Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

    November 8, 2022
    Oculta on a blue marble background, flanked by skeins of blue, teal and white yarn

    Episode 65: Oculta by Maya Motayne

    February 22, 2022
    Paperback version of Rena Barron's KINGDOM OF SOULS lies on bright green grass

    Episode 27: Kingdom of Souls by Rena Barron

    December 3, 2019

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