The Library Coven

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

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  • That Self-Same Metal held aloft by a light brown hand with black nail polish in front of a tree with blazing red autumn foliage.
    Episodes

    92. That Self-Same Metal by Brittany N. Williams

    March 12, 2024 /

    Y’all, we’re on a winning streak with the books this season! That Self-Same Metal by Brittany N. Williams is the first book in the Forage and Fracture Saga, and it’s set in 1600s England.. It’s got Fae, Orisha, Shakespeare, a cool magical system, and a gorgeous cover! Get thee to the library for a copy! Recommend if you like… Legendborn and Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn (Episode 51 and Episode 75, respectively) Folk of the Air series by Holly Black (Episode 8, Episode 16, and Episode 35) Shakespeare stuff, including adaptations Children of Blood and Bone by Toni Adeyemi (Episode 2) The Great White Bard: How to Love Shakespeare While Talking About Race by Farah Karim-Cooper “A…

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    book Witches Steeped in Gold on a bluish grey background

    53. Witches Steeped in Gold by Ciannon Smart

    July 13, 2021
    A light brown hand holds To Shape a Dragon's Breath in front of a light blue marble background

    94. To Shape a Dragon’s Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose

    April 9, 2024
    Book, Shadowshaper on a blue and grey background

    58. Shadowshaper by Daniel José Older

    September 29, 2021
  • A light brown hand holds A Crown So Cursed in front of a blazing red tree.
    Episodes

    88. A Crown So Cursed by L.L. McKinney

    January 16, 2024 /

    In this episode about A Crown so Cursed, we’re back in the world of the Nightmare-verse in the final (we think?) installment of the series that we started reading all the way back in the show’s first season. Alice is facing a new types of nightmares, learning new histories about her family, and trying to protect both our world and wonderland. Chaos obviously ensues! Recommend if you like… Previous Nightmareverse books – A Blade So Black (Episode 13) and A Dream So Dark (Episode 31) Legendborn by Tracey Deonn (Episode 51) I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast is Me by Jamison Shea (coming later this season) House…

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    The Witch King on a white cloth surrounded by 4 blue, purple, and cream colored yarn skeins

    79. The Witch King by H.E. Edgmon

    April 25, 2023
    Skin of the Sea on a white cloth surrounded by orange, yellow, green, and light blue skeins of yarn.

    84. Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen (and the end of Season 5!)

    July 11, 2023
    Hardcover copy of Raybearer on a white cloth, surrounded by 4 skeins of jewel-toned yarn on each corner

    82. Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko

    June 6, 2023
  • Skin of the Sea on a white cloth surrounded by orange, yellow, green, and light blue skeins of yarn.
    Episodes

    84. Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen (and the end of Season 5!)

    July 11, 2023 /

    We’re finishing out Season 5 strong with this discussion of Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen. Simidele has been transformed into a Mami Wata (aka mer-person) by the orisa Yemoja, tasked with gathering souls of Africans who fall, jump, or are thrown into the sea from enslavers’ ships. Chaos ensues when Simidele strays from the brief and rescues Adekola (or Kola for short) from drowning. There’s a quest, a trickster figure, cool side characters, and the book is bursting with magic inspired by various African folklores, mythologies, and cultures.  We both loved this book, from the unique premise and character development to the expansive world building that completely immersed us (no water…

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    A light brown hand with dark nail polish holds a paperback of Fit for the Gods in front of a blazing orange tree and blue sky.

    89. Fit for the Gods: Greek Mythology Reimagined edited by S. Zainab Williams and Jenn Northington

    January 30, 2024
    Two hardcover copies of the The WIcked King on top of a navy and green crocheted blanket

    16. The Wicked King by Holly Black

    March 26, 2019
    We Hunt the Flame on a white blanket

    32. We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal

    July 14, 2020
  • Hardcover copy of Raybearer on a white cloth, surrounded by 4 skeins of jewel-toned yarn on each corner
    Episodes

    82. Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko

    June 6, 2023 /

    Episode 82 is dedicated to Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko, which follows Tarisai, a half-ehru half-human, girl who is bound by choices her mysterious and mostly absent mother has made. We discuss empire and the imperative to assimilate, fantasy parenting fails, and ofc we have thoughts about magical travel technologies!  We LOVE a duology (yay brevity!), and the sequel, Redemptor, is already out. Have you read it? Should we read it in a future season? let us know! Drop us a line in the comments or reach out to us onInstagram (@thelibrarycoven) or via email (thelibraycoven@gmail.com). Please consider supporting this work on Patreon for early episodes and a direct line to J &…

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    Hardcover version of Nocturna sit on a bright red background

    41. Nocturna by Maya Motayne

    November 17, 2020
    A light brown hand holds A Crown So Cursed in front of a blazing red tree.

    88. A Crown So Cursed by L.L. McKinney

    January 16, 2024
    A Magic Steeped in Poison surrounded by 4 skeins of warm colored yarn in reds and oranges. A white cloth and blue marbled surface make up the background.

    83. A Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy I. Lin

    June 27, 2023
  • Hardcover version of BoP surrounded by orange, green, and teal skeins of yarn, sits on top of a white cloth and blue marble background
    Episodes

    80. Beasts of Prey by Ayana Gray

    May 9, 2023 /

    It’s episode 80!! That means we’ve done 80 of these long-form book reviews and discussions over the past 5+ years. Whether you’re just finding the show or have been here since the early days, we’re glad to be in your orbit.  In this episode, we discuss Beasts of Prey by Ayana Gray. Koffi, an indentured beastkeeper with hidden powers, and Ekon, a warrior-in-training with an empathetic side, decide to work together to find the shetani, a dangerous and powerful beast living in the jungle. Of course, what they’ve been told by society is complete BS, and the two teens have to choose between old dreams and their new understandings/relationships. Recommend if…

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    Crier's War audiobook pulled up on an iphone screen with sunflowers draped across the phone, and headphones surrounding the phone and flowers

    36. Crier’s War by Nina Varela

    September 8, 2020
    A light brown hand with dark nail polish holds The Wicked Bargain aloft in front of a blazing red maple tree

    93. The Wicked Bargain by Gabe Cole Novoa

    March 26, 2024
    book, A Snake Falls to Earth, on a white scarf surrounded by 4 skeins of yarn

    77. A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger

    February 21, 2023
  • Bitter on a while cloth surrounded by 4 skeins of teal, red, and multi-colored yarn.
    Episodes

    78. Bitter by Akwaeke Emezi

    April 4, 2023 /

    Hey, book lovers! It’s been busy over here in our respective worlds – hence the episode delay 🙂 We hope you enjoy this conversation about Bitter by Akwaeke Emezi, one of our fav contemporary authors. Better late than never, right?! In the novel, we follow our MC, Bitter (who we know as Jam’s mother from the first book Pet), as she learns the various ways to be part of a social movement, falls in love, and tries to help the city of Lucille.  Both of us listened to the audiobook, which is narrated FABULOUSLY by Bahni Turpin. Recommend if you like…   Pet by Akwaeke Emezi  – it is the prequel after all (episode…

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    Ereader with SPIN THE DAWN on top of a red book next to a cup of coffee

    24. Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim

    July 16, 2019
    A light brown hand holds Zahrah the Windseeker in front of a lush forest

    71. Zahrah the Windseeker by Nnedi Okorafor

    October 4, 2022
    A light brown hand with dark nail polish holds a copy of Sia Martinez in front of a cornfield

    73. Sia Martínez and the Moonlit Beginning of Everything by Raquel Vázquez Gilliland

    November 15, 2022
  • light streaks across a copy of Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn on top of a white cloth and blue marble background
    Episodes

    75. Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn

    December 20, 2022 /

    It’s finally here, y’all! Our discussion of Bloodmarked by Tracey Deonn, the eagerly anticipated and long awaited sequel to Legendborn. This book picks up right where we left off in Legendborn. There are lots of weird politics, tons of racism, and so much tension between Sel and Bree that it made J’s cold, dead heart very happy. So let’s get into it! A note on scheduling: we’re taking a wee winter break! That means after our year-in-review episode, you can expect new, fortnightly shows beginning on February 7th. Content Warning for anti-Black racism. Recommend if you like… The Kaz/Inej tension of Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo** Arthurian…

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    A light brown hand with dark nail polish holds a copy of Sia Martinez in front of a cornfield

    73. Sia Martínez and the Moonlit Beginning of Everything by Raquel Vázquez Gilliland

    November 15, 2022
    Paperback copy of Blanca & Roja rests on background of purple and navy flowers

    44. Blanca & Roja by Anna-Marie McLemore

    December 29, 2020
    Paperback version of Rena Barron's KINGDOM OF SOULS lies on bright green grass

    27. Kingdom of Souls by Rena Barron

    December 3, 2019
  • book, Legendborn, on a grayish blue background with fairy lights at the top and bottom
    Episodes

    ARCHIVE: Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

    November 8, 2022 /

    In honor of Bloodmarked‘s publication day, The Library Coven re-presents you with this episode from our archive! Originally aired in June 2021, here is our take on Legendborn by Tracy Deonn. Content warning for discussions of racism, slavery, and parental death interested in reading along with us? Check out the upcoming books for Season 5 on our future episodes page. behold, (the original) show notes! Shoutout to our new patron, Veronica! we <3 u   Recommend if you like (RIYL): Arthurian legend stuff; any of L.L. McKinney’s Nightmare-verse books (A Blade so Black, A Dream so Dark, A Crown so Cursed) J mentions the John Oliver episode about the confederacy (and why we have white…

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    Hand holding hardcover edition of City of Bones against a backdrop of Pacific Northwest forest

    6. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

    November 5, 2018
    light purple stationary items, pens, Washi tape beside an iPhone with the screen showing The Burning God on audiobook

    59. The Burning God by R.F. Kuang

    October 19, 2021
    hardcover of the Queen of Nothing on a black marble background

    35. Queen of Nothing by Holly Black

    August 25, 2020
  • book Witches Steeped in Gold on a bluish grey background
    Episodes

    53. Witches Steeped in Gold by Ciannon Smart

    July 13, 2021 /

    This fortnight, the amazing debut novel streak continues! We’re discussing Witches Steeped in Gold by Ciannon Smart. Tune in for a deep dive into a nuanced magical system and some close reading of Smart’s excellent wordsmithing. Also, we have a good time trolling each other in the “Real Talk” segment. Content warning for brief discussions of rape, sexual assault and child death. Survey link is still live!! Help shape the direction of the podcast, por favor. Recommend if you like… …rebellions: Sabaa Tahir’s An Ember in the Ashes series (which we’ve discussed in episodes 4, 7, 10, and 50) and Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen series …epic characterization and chemistry: Killing Eve (Hulu) …other amazing YA books from writers of the…

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    Picture of Children of Virtue and Vengeance on a white comforter

    34. Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi

    August 11, 2020
    A light brown hand with dark nail polish holds a paperback of Fit for the Gods in front of a blazing orange tree and blue sky.

    89. Fit for the Gods: Greek Mythology Reimagined edited by S. Zainab Williams and Jenn Northington

    January 30, 2024
    Paperback copy of Blanca & Roja rests on background of purple and navy flowers

    44. Blanca & Roja by Anna-Marie McLemore

    December 29, 2020
  • book, The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna on a blueish grey background
    Episodes

    52. The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna

    June 29, 2021 /

    Hello, Coven! This week we’re coming at you with a discussion of The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna. We had such an amazing time reading this debut novel, and we can’t wait to see what happens with the future of the series! On to the notes! Content warning for discussions of rape, sexual assault, violence,  parental death, and mentions of Harry Potter. Survey link if you want to help shape how the direction of the podcast Recommend if you like… Legendborn by Tracy Deonn (which we discussed in Episode 51) Derry Girls (Netflix) Daughters of Nri by Reni K. Amayo (we interviewed Reni in this episode) Dream Country by Ashaye Brown (we interviewed Ashaye in…

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    Two hardcover copies of the The WIcked King on top of a navy and green crocheted blanket

    16. The Wicked King by Holly Black

    March 26, 2019
    A light brown hand with dark nail polish holds The Girl from the Sea in front of a small lake with fall foliage

    91. The Girl from the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag

    February 27, 2024
    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

    50. A Sky Beyond the Storm by Sabaa Tahir

    June 1, 2021
  • book, Legendborn, on a grayish blue background with fairy lights at the top and bottom
    Episodes

    51. Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

    June 15, 2021 /

    Hey, everyone! We’re so incredibly excited to share this episode about Legendborn by Tracy Deonn.  It’s a captivating, innovative and insightful riff on Arthurian legend set in contemporary North Carolina. Jessie and Cynthia’s (of @cynthiasreadinglist) campaign to get everyone to read this book continues! Content warning for discussions of racism, slavery, and parental death A quick reminder: we still have a survey going on, and it is helping to shape the future of the show! It only takes 5-7 minutes, so please consider taking it. interested in reading along with us? Check out the rest of the books in the upcoming season on our future episodes page. behold, show notes! Shoutout to…

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    That Self-Same Metal held aloft by a light brown hand with black nail polish in front of a tree with blazing red autumn foliage.

    92. That Self-Same Metal by Brittany N. Williams

    March 12, 2024
    The Cruel Prince by Holly Black on top of a fuzzy blue blanket

    8. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

    December 3, 2018
    book Witches Steeped in Gold on a bluish grey background

    53. Witches Steeped in Gold by Ciannon Smart

    July 13, 2021

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Recent Posts

  • 97. A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal
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  • 95. House of Marionne by J. Elle
  • 94. To Shape a Dragon’s Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose
  • 93. The Wicked Bargain by Gabe Cole Novoa