The Library Coven

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

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  • Elatsoe on a blue and white marble background
    Episodes

    Episode 57: Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger

    September 14, 2021 /

    hey, coven! we’re excited to bring you this discussion of Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger.  J & K both loved this book and are gonna recommend it widely going forward. *ALERTA* Darcie has a new book coming out November 9th, A Snake Falls to Earth. We’re definitely pre-ordering and/or requesting from the library!! Please take our survey if you haven’t already! We’ve already implemented some of your suggestions, so we’d love to know what else you’re looking for in the show. Recommend if you like… RL Stine, Goosebumps, etc.  Paranormal investigator/mystery stuff (X-files, Fringe, Lovecraft Country)  DOGGOS  What We Do in the Shadows (tv show or movie)  Reservation Dogs (tv series, FX on Hulu)…

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    Light-skinned black hand holds HOUSE OF SALT AND SORROWS

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

    August 7, 2019
    The Cruel Prince by Holly Black on top of a fuzzy blue blanket

    Episode 8: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

    December 3, 2018
    Hardcover of The Dragon Republic lays on top of decorative paper with anatomical heart drawings

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

    December 15, 2020
  • book, Vicious Spirits on a blueish gray background
    Episodes

    Episode 55: Vicious Spirits by Kat Cho

    August 10, 2021 /

    Hello, beautiful ones! This fortnight we’re discussing Vicious Spirits by Kat Cho, the second book in the Gumiho series. Join us to find out how Somin, Junu, Miyoung and Jihoon deal with grief and magical/inter-dimensional disruption. There’s romance. There’s banter. What’s not to love? Check out Episode 40 for our discussion of Wicked Fox (Gumiho #1) Stay magical, bbs! We still have a survey going on, and we’d really appreciate if you took it! We’ve already implemented some of your suggestions, so we’d love to know what else you’re looking for in the show! Recommend if you like… Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas Legendborn by Tracy Deonn Almost American Girl: An…

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    Hardcover of The Jasmine Throne on top of a light cloth and surrounded by 4 bright orange skeins of yarn

    Episode 69: The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

    September 6, 2022
    Novel GIRLS OF PAPER AND FIRE surrounded by three candles

    Episode 11: Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan

    January 14, 2019
    Shadow and Bone on grey and white wool blanket

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

    August 26, 2018
  • Book, We Free the Stars on a bluish grey background with a beige sweater under the book on the left and a pair of decorative scissors in the upper right
    Episodes

    Episode 54: We Free the Stars by Hafsah Faizal

    July 27, 2021 /

    Hello, wonderful Coven! This week we’re bringing you a discussion of We Free the Stars by Hafsah Faizal, the second and final (maybe?) book in the Sands of Arawiya series (Check out episode 32, where we discuss the first book, We Hunt the Flame). We had a great time reading this one, and we will read anything Hafsah writes in the future (really looking forward to her new upcoming book, Tempest of Tea). Stay magical, friends! Content warning for discussions of child abuse at 49 minutes – 51:14  We still have a survey going on, and we’d really appreciate if you took it! We’ve already implemented some of your suggestions, so we’d…

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    Hard cover copy of Circe on blue marble background

    Episode 63: Circe by Madeline Miller

    January 25, 2022
    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
    Novel A TORCH AGAINST THE NIGHT with grass and fallen leaves

    Episode 7: A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir

    November 18, 2018
  • book, The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna on a blueish grey background
    Episodes

    Episode 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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    The Poppy War by RF Kuang against the backdrop of a snowy landscape

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

    March 11, 2019
    Elatsoe on a blue and white marble background

    Episode 57: Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger

    September 14, 2021
    Book Gods of Jade and Shadow on a black marble background

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

    July 29, 2020
  • 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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    book, Vicious Spirits on a blueish gray background

    Episode 55: Vicious Spirits by Kat Cho

    August 10, 2021
    Book, Shadowshaper on a blue and grey background

    Episode 58: Shadowshaper by Daniel José Older

    September 29, 2021
    Book, We Free the Stars on a bluish grey background with a beige sweater under the book on the left and a pair of decorative scissors in the upper right

    Episode 54: We Free the Stars by Hafsah Faizal

    July 27, 2021
  • Book, Deathless Divide on a purple background with the Knight of Swords tarot card to the right
    Episodes

    Episode 48: Deathless Divide by Justina Ireland

    February 23, 2021 /

    Hello, Coven! How is your winter going? We’re excited to bring you a new episode discussing Deathless Divide by Justina Ireland and finishing up the Dread Nation series. If you need a recap of what in the first book, you can check out our episode about Dread Nation! Please consider taking our supporter survey! It should require only 5-10 minutes and it will help us get to know our audience and get your feedback about the content we create. http://bit.ly/LibraryCovenSurvey This episode features some animals trying to make themselves heard in the episode. Sorry not sorry. Now on to the notes! Racist history of gynecology from Wear Your Voice  Anti-Blackness in…

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

    Episode 51: Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

    June 15, 2021
    A light brown hand with dark nail polish holds aloft the hardcover of A Psalm of Storms and Silence. Trees with bright red autumn leaves and a cloudy sky form the background

    Episode 67: A Psalm of Storms and Silence by Roseanne A. Brown

    March 29, 2022
    A Heart So Fierce and Broken on a blue and white background

    Episode 56: A Heart So Fierce and Broken by Brigid Kemmerer

    August 24, 2021
  • Book Pet on a teal background with dog paws coming in from the right side of the frame
    Episodes

    Episode 47: Pet by Akwaeke Emezi

    February 9, 2021 /

    Please consider taking our supporter survey! It should require only 5-10 minutes and it will help us get to know our audience and get your feedback about the content we create. http://bit.ly/LibraryCovenSurvey Greetings, coven! In this episode we discuss Pet by Akwaeke Emezi, their debut young adult novel. It’s a pretty quick read that deals with some heavy issues in ways that are accessible to younger audiences (i.e., middle grade) as well as teen and adult readers. Pet was a finalist for the 2019 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature  – after reading it, we understand why! Content warning for discussions child physical and sexual abuse.  On to some (brief) notes! Kelly highly…

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    White hand holds A REAPER AT THE GATES with lush forest in the background

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

    December 31, 2018
    Hand holding hardcover edition of City of Bones against a backdrop of Pacific Northwest forest

    Episode 6: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

    November 5, 2018
    Novel A BLADE SO BLACK surrounded by a circle of playing cards

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

    February 11, 2019
  • Paperback copies of The Fifth Season, The Stone Sky and The Obelisk Gate stacked on blue fabric
    Episodes

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

    January 26, 2021 /

    Hold on to your hats, folks! This fortnight we’re reading The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin, the first book in The Broken Earth Trilogy. And no matter how many people talk about their love for this book, it was not our cup of tea! We spent a lot of time being confused, and maybe had more questions than answers in this episode. What are your thoughts on this book? Content Warning for discussions of murder, torture, child abuse, and cannibalism On to the notes, which are quite short this week! The Witcher season 1 – slight spoilers about the timeline in that show K brings up Avatar: The Last Airbender (as she is…

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    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
    Hardcover of The Jasmine Throne on top of a light cloth and surrounded by 4 bright orange skeins of yarn

    Episode 69: The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

    September 6, 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
  • paperback copy of Queen of the Conquered on top of a purple and white decorative paper
    Episodes

    Episode 45: Queen of the Conquered by Kacen Callender

    January 12, 2021 /

    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 makes a bid for power as the only Black person in contention to rule the islands that have been colonized by the white Fjern. When all those in line to the throne are gathered for the storm season and start to be killed off one by one, chaos ensues. As it does. Content warning for discussions of rape and white supremacist violence.  Callender also wrote Felix Ever After. It’s on our TBR!…

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    Hardcover copy of A Court of Mist and Fury with bus seats in the background

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

    June 5, 2019
    We Hunt the Flame on a white blanket

    Episode 32: We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal

    July 14, 2020
    The Poppy War by RF Kuang against the backdrop of a snowy landscape

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

    March 11, 2019
  • Paperback copy of Blanca & Roja rests on background of purple and navy flowers
    Episodes

    Episode 44: Blanca & Roja by Anna-Marie McLemore

    December 29, 2020 /

    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 (they/them). Let’s talk about some swans! What is magical realism? We talked a bit about being Latinx and white. There have been lots of great discussions about this, and here are 2 videos that explain it better than K or I did What is White Latinx and White Passing Privilege? Can Latinos Benefit from White Privilege? K mentioned Arrested Development TV show J recommended the movie Practical Magic for people who want stories about sisters, magic, and curses Transcript below or access the…

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    son of a trickster held up by a light brown hand in front of a white/snowy background

    Episode 66: Son of a Trickster by Eden Robinson

    March 8, 2022
    A Heart So Fierce and Broken on a blue and white background

    Episode 56: A Heart So Fierce and Broken by Brigid Kemmerer

    August 24, 2021
    Oculta on a blue marble background, flanked by skeins of blue, teal and white yarn

    Episode 65: Oculta by Maya Motayne

    February 22, 2022
  • Hardcover of The Dragon Republic lays on top of decorative paper with anatomical heart drawings
    Episodes

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

    December 15, 2020 /

    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 y’all need to recap the first book in the series, you can check out Episode 15 of the podcast in which we discussThe Poppy War.  Full disclosure: this series is not YA and Kelly uses verbal air quotes an embarrassing number of times in the episode. You’ve been warned. Enjoy! Content Warning for discussions of genocide, sexual assault, drug use and other instances of extreme violence.  This isn’t the first time…

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    Elatsoe on a blue and white marble background

    Episode 57: Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger

    September 14, 2021
    A light brown hand with dark nail polish holds aloft the hardcover of A Psalm of Storms and Silence. Trees with bright red autumn leaves and a cloudy sky form the background

    Episode 67: A Psalm of Storms and Silence by Roseanne A. Brown

    March 29, 2022
    Book Pet on a teal background with dog paws coming in from the right side of the frame

    Episode 47: Pet by Akwaeke Emezi

    February 9, 2021
  • Wayward Witch with fairy lights around it
    Episodes

    Episode 42: Wayward Witch by Zoraida Córdova

    December 1, 2020 /

    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 earlier books! Which was your favorite of the series? What would be your sinmago power be? Full episode transcript below or access the transcript PDF And now, onward to the notes (of which there are very few this week)! The audiobook was narrated by Almarie Guerra “When people show you who they are” quote is from Dr. Maya Angelou The Body Keeps the Score [gif of Thor looking intense and…

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    Book Pet on a teal background with dog paws coming in from the right side of the frame

    Episode 47: Pet by Akwaeke Emezi

    February 9, 2021
    Book Gods of Jade and Shadow on a black marble background

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

    July 29, 2020
    Trail of Lightning held by a light brown hand with black nail polish. gold autumn leaves in the background

    Episode 61: Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse

    November 30, 2021
  • Hardcover version of Nocturna sit on a bright red background
    Episodes

    Episode 41: Nocturna by Maya Motayne

    November 17, 2020 /

    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 a little befuddled, and that’s fine!). Motayne’s debut novel is full of relatable characters and exquisite writing. Oh, and there’s magical texting and pining. Have we convinced you to put this on your TBR yet?! Content Warning: this book deals with some heavy topics like emotional and physical abuse, which we discuss at length (although in general terms). Please take this into account when deciding whether to dive into this episode. Call…

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    paperback copy of Queen of the Conquered on top of a purple and white decorative paper

    Episode 45: Queen of the Conquered by Kacen Callender

    January 12, 2021
    Novel CITY OF BRASS on multicolored fabric

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

    July 4, 2019
    Book, We Free the Stars on a bluish grey background with a beige sweater under the book on the left and a pair of decorative scissors in the upper right

    Episode 54: We Free the Stars by Hafsah Faizal

    July 27, 2021
  • Hardcover of Wicked Fox on a maroon background
    Episodes

    Episode 40: Wicked Fox by Kat Cho

    November 3, 2020 /

    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 light on notes, because we actually stuck to the book more than usual! Call to action: It’s November 3, and if you haven’t already, be sure to go vote! K watched Itaewon Class to get ready to talk about this book and get more familiar with K-dramas J recommends Explained episode on K-pop Healthcare in South Korea The sequel, Viscous Spirits, is out now, and we can’t wait to read it! Transcript below or…

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

    Episode 24: Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim

    July 16, 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
    Cover art of RUIN AND RISING

    Episode 9: Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo

    December 17, 2018
  • A Song of Wraiths and Ruin on a blue, white and gold marbled background
    Episodes

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

    October 20, 2020 /

    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 discussions of parent death, panic attacks, and child abuse. ChildHelp  Call 1-800-422-4453 for assistance Call to Action: take care of yourselves! The interactive “you feel like shit self care guide flowchart” is a good resource. here is the source K used when researching the meaning of different day names. Various fact-based news sources have documented widespread evidence that the United States’s carceral immigration system (including deportation flights) is spreading COVID-19.…

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    Book Gods of Jade and Shadow on a black marble background

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

    July 29, 2020
    Faith Taking Flight by Julie Murphy on dark blue marbled background

    Episode 64: Faith: Taking Flight by Julie Murphy

    February 8, 2022
    Jessie holding a mug of butterbeer

    Episode 19: Interview with Jessie

    May 5, 2019
  • book Bruja Born on a white background with skulls
    Episodes

    Episode 38: Bruja Born by Zoraida Córdova

    October 6, 2020 /

    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 about Bruja Born by Zoraida Córdova, were we get to know a lot more about Lula! If you need a recap about what happened in the last book, check out our Labyrinth Lost episode. Call to Action: This week, we’re asking that people learn more about ways they can lend a hand to those experiencing homelessness. One place you can start is The National Alliance to End Homelessness. Full Transcript Below (or…

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    Book, Shadowshaper on a blue and grey background

    Episode 58: Shadowshaper by Daniel José Older

    September 29, 2021
    several library books strewn about (including Bloodmarked, Iveliz Explains it All, Parable of the Sower, Heartstopper, Algorithms of Oppression, The Weight of Blood, and Dear America)

    2022 Year In Review

    December 31, 2022
    Paperback copy of Blanca & Roja rests on background of purple and navy flowers

    Episode 44: Blanca & Roja by Anna-Marie McLemore

    December 29, 2020
  • Crier's War audiobook pulled up on an iphone screen with sunflowers draped across the phone, and headphones surrounding the phone and flowers
    Episodes

    Episode 36: Crier’s War by Nina Varela

    September 8, 2020 /

    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 week we’re educating ourselves on how the various technologies we use impact BIPOC and disabled people. Here are two books that can help with our collective education: Race After Technology: Abolitionist Tools for the New Jim Code by Ruha Benjamin Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Racism by Safiya Umoja Noble This is just the start of our education. Please let us know any other sources you found helpful!…

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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 A BLADE SO BLACK surrounded by a circle of playing cards

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

    February 11, 2019
    Map from Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Cordova

    Episode 28: Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Córdova

    December 23, 2019
  • Picture of Children of Virtue and Vengeance on a white comforter
    Episodes

    Episode 34: Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi

    August 11, 2020 /

    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 about in the first book, check out episode 2 (so long ago!!!) about Children of Blood and Bone. First up, let me say there is a bit of a sound issue on my part (J), that I apologize for. I accidentally recorded from my webcam instead of my microphone, but hopefully, I wont let that happen again in the future! Call to action: this week we asked that you take…

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    Hardcover of The Jasmine Throne on top of a light cloth and surrounded by 4 bright orange skeins of yarn

    Episode 69: The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

    September 6, 2022
    Jessie holding a mug of butterbeer

    Episode 19: Interview with Jessie

    May 5, 2019
    Sea dragon on the cover of Siege and Storm

    Episode 5: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

    October 23, 2018
  • Book Gods of Jade and Shadow on a black marble background
    Episodes

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

    July 29, 2020 /

    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 about how sexism impacts genre categorization). *Call to action* This fortnight, we’re urging our magical community to learn more about abolishing borders, abolishing ICE and migrant justice as well as to support organizations doing this work. Watch/listen to the final plenary from this year’s Allied Media Conference, “From Dreams to Practice: Abolition in Our Lifetimes”. The panel features a TON of rad ppl doing abolitionist work, including Miski Noor, Tawana “Honeycomb” Petty,…

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    Hardcover version of Nocturna sit on a bright red background

    Episode 41: Nocturna by Maya Motayne

    November 17, 2020
    Hardcover of Wicked Fox on a maroon background

    Episode 40: Wicked Fox by Kat Cho

    November 3, 2020
    Paperback copy of Blanca & Roja rests on background of purple and navy flowers

    Episode 44: Blanca & Roja by Anna-Marie McLemore

    December 29, 2020
  • We Hunt the Flame on a white blanket
    Episodes

    Episode 32: We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal

    July 14, 2020 /

    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, Faizal’s impressive world-building, and much more. Content Warning for discussions of child abuse. ChildHelp  – Call 1-800-422-4453 for assistance And now, links! The sequel, We Free the Stars, is scheduled for release on January 19, 2021. If you have some time, professor Edward Said teaches about Orientalism in this interview (appx. 40 minutes). If you are short on time, this video is a good primer about Orientalism and Said’s work on the…

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    hardcover of the Queen of Nothing on a black marble background

    Episode 35: Queen of Nothing by Holly Black

    August 25, 2020
    Hardcover of Justina Ireland's novel Dread Nation on a wooden desk

    Episode 18: Dread Nation by Justina Ireland

    April 21, 2019
    Novel GIRLS OF PAPER AND FIRE surrounded by three candles

    Episode 11: Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan

    January 14, 2019
  • Light-skinned brown hand holds novel A DREAM SO DARK. Shelves of library books in the background.
    Episodes

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

    June 30, 2020 /

    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 you with some major Star Wars: Rise of the Skywalker spoilers (you’ve been warned!). For a refresher for what happened in the last book, check out our episode on A Blade So Black. Here are all the things mentioned in this week’s episode! Let’s start with a question! What are you wearing when you feel your most powerful? We mentioned The Neverending Story Dr. Martens – the badass shoe of choice! Ship It…

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

    Episode 24: Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim

    July 16, 2019
    Novel CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE on top of red journal next to "brave wizards" candle

    Episode 2: Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

    September 10, 2018
    The Lost Dreamer surrounded by 4 skeins of grey, maroon, gold, and teal yarn on a white cloth and blue marble background.

    Episode 74: The Lost Dreamer by Lizz Huerta

    November 29, 2022
  • 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

    June 17, 2020 /

    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 addiction. RAINN – Anti-sex violence assistance. Call 800-856-4619 or visit their website for assistance.  Calls to Action Follow, support, and learn from Indigenous peoples now and always! In the words of Eve Tuck and K. Wayne Yang, “Decolonization is not a metaphor,” but rather requires return of stolen lands. If you have the resources to make financial contributions, here are some places to contribute: Indigenous Environmental Network‘s Mutual Aid fund…

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    Sea dragon on the cover of Siege and Storm

    Episode 5: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

    October 23, 2018
    Ereader with SPIN THE DAWN on top of a red book next to a cup of coffee

    Episode 24: Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim

    July 16, 2019
    Book, Deathless Divide on a purple background with the Knight of Swords tarot card to the right

    Episode 48: Deathless Divide by Justina Ireland

    February 23, 2021
  • Map from Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Cordova
    Episodes

    Episode 28: Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Córdova

    December 23, 2019 /

    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 on brown people, beautiful world building, and Latin American folklore. There may also be a few tangents along the way… And there are some spoilers for the movie Coco. There aren’t a ton of show notes this week. See you in a fortnight! Full transcript included below. Or access the pdf version.  We talked a bit about diversity in YA, but here are the stats from 2018, which includes children’s…

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    Episode 55: Vicious Spirits by Kat Cho

    August 10, 2021
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    Episode 50: A Sky Beyond the Storm by Sabaa Tahir

    June 1, 2021
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    Episode 15: The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

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  • Paperback version of Rena Barron's KINGDOM OF SOULS lies on bright green grass
    Episodes

    Episode 27: Kingdom of Souls by Rena Barron

    December 3, 2019 /

    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 systems of anything we’ve read for the podcast so far. Enjoy! Content warning: we briefly discuss sexual violence in this episode. Here is a resource for those who need help: RAINN – Anti-sex violence assistance. Call 800-856-4619 or visit their website for assistance. Take care, listeners. Please excuse the erratic release schedule lately – J & K are both in grad school and the struggle is real. And now…links! You…

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    Episode 64: Faith: Taking Flight by Julie Murphy

    February 8, 2022
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    Episode 23: The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty

    July 4, 2019
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    Episode 14: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

    February 25, 2019
  • Novel CITY OF BRASS on multicolored fabric
    Episodes

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

    July 4, 2019 /

    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 research-it-up and check out the links to learn some stuff? About magic, fiction, history, religion, language: The author has curated a reading list of narrative sources, primary sources, and folktales about the “early Islamic world” (a very broad term) for those who are interested in learning more. Book 2 of the Daevabad trilogy, The Kingdom of Copper, came out in January 2019 (we can’t wait to read it!). The Empire of…

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    Episode 64: Faith: Taking Flight by Julie Murphy

    February 8, 2022
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    Episode 60: Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-García

    November 9, 2021
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    2022 Year In Review

    December 31, 2022
  • Hardcover of Justina Ireland's novel Dread Nation on a wooden desk
    Episodes

    Episode 18: Dread Nation by Justina Ireland

    April 21, 2019 /

    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. We adored this book, and we can’t wait to see what Justina Ireland has in store for us next! As always, we had a bunch of things we talked about, and you can find that information in the show notes below (these may be our longest show notes yet!). Justina Ireland also provided a list of book resources, and those are also listed below. Let’s start with the resources Justina…

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    Episode 30: The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline

    June 17, 2020
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    Episode 52: The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna

    June 29, 2021
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    Episode 31: A Dream So Dark by L.L. McKinney

    June 30, 2020
  • 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

    April 8, 2019 /

    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, as well as many other topics. Below are links to all the resources and things we had to look up, some of which included looking things up while we were recording, I left it in, because I think it’s cool to see the process. And J is back to calling everything interesting… Cranes were mentioned in the title, but they are often mentioned throughout the story. Turns out, they’re pretty…

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    Episode 30: The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline

    June 17, 2020
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    Episode 68: Lost in the Never Woods by Aiden Thomas

    April 19, 2022
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    Episode 69: The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

    September 6, 2022
  • The Poppy War by RF Kuang against the backdrop of a snowy landscape
    Episodes

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

    March 11, 2019 /

    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 is complex and violent, and there is a ton of action. Content Warning: In this episode we discuss drug use, rape, genocide, and other instances of extreme violence.  ChildHelp – Child Abuse – Call 1-800-422-4453 for assistance We apologize ahead of time for any mispronounced words, names, and/or places. As is usual, we referenced quite a few things, and you can find more information below! Shamanism Drug traditions from around the world and hallucinogenic drugs The history of The War on Drugs in the US K…

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    Episode 45: Queen of the Conquered by Kacen Callender

    January 12, 2021
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    Episode 38: Bruja Born by Zoraida Córdova

    October 6, 2020
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    Episode 62: Fireborne by Rosaria Munda

    December 14, 2021
  • Novel A BLADE SO BLACK surrounded by a circle of playing cards
    Episodes

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

    February 11, 2019 /

    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 story because you read the original. This is a whole new take! As always, there were a ton of outside sources mentioned, and hopefully we caught them all to add to the show notes. If you have any questions or suggestions, we’d love to hear from you! Sweet potato pie or pumpkin pie? Which do you prefer? For many African Americans sweet potato pie wins every time, but where did…

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    Episode 24: Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim

    July 16, 2019
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    Episode 36: Crier’s War by Nina Varela

    September 8, 2020
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    November 17, 2020
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    Episodes

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

    January 28, 2019 /

    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 has been pretty problematic as a person and author, and we while we did enjoy this book at the time, we will not be reading or podcasting about her books in the future.  Content Warning: In this episode we discuss emotional and physical abuse as well as addiction.  If you or someone you know are the victim of sexual assault and would like assistance, please call RAINN (Call 800-856-4619 or…

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    Episode 71: Zahrah the Windseeker by Nnedi Okorafor

    October 4, 2022
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    Episode 39: A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown

    October 20, 2020
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    December 31, 2022
  • Novel GIRLS OF PAPER AND FIRE surrounded by three candles
    Episodes

    Episode 11: Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan

    January 14, 2019 /

    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 & K have some mixed feeling about this book. We loved the elaborate back story and well fleshed out setting, but had some difficulty with the pacing. And obvi, we were excited to have many different kinds of representation in this book. What were your thoughts about this story? Content Warning: In this episode we discuss sexual assault and rape  If you or someone you know are the victim of sexual…

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    Episode 51: Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

    June 15, 2021
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    Episode 23: The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty

    July 4, 2019
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    Episode 27: Kingdom of Souls by Rena Barron

    December 3, 2019
  • 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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    February 23, 2021
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    Episode 18: Dread Nation by Justina Ireland

    April 21, 2019
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    Episode 40: Wicked Fox by Kat Cho

    November 3, 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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    Episode 39: A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown

    October 20, 2020
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    Episode 3: Ship It by Britta Lundin

    September 25, 2018
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    Episode 57: Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger

    September 14, 2021
  • 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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    Episode 19: Interview with Jessie

    May 5, 2019
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    Episode 50: A Sky Beyond the Storm by Sabaa Tahir

    June 1, 2021
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    Episode 15: The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

    March 11, 2019
  • Novel CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE on top of red journal next to "brave wizards" candle
    Episodes

    Episode 2: Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

    September 10, 2018 /

    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 topics including racialized violence, torture, and abuse. If you or someone you know is the victim of child abuse, please contact ChildHelp 1-800-422-4453 for assistance Here’s a list of the resources we mention throughout the episode. There are more that we did not talk about and so many that we probably don’t know exist. But we commit to keep learning. Please contact us with other resource recommendations. Legacies of slavery…

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    Episode 65: Oculta by Maya Motayne

    February 22, 2022
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    Episode 56: A Heart So Fierce and Broken by Brigid Kemmerer

    August 24, 2021
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    Episode 15: The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

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