The Library Coven

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

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  • 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

    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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    A Heart So Fierce and Broken on a blue and white background

    56. A Heart So Fierce and Broken by Brigid Kemmerer

    August 24, 2021
    Novel CITY OF BRASS on multicolored fabric

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

    July 4, 2019
    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
  • 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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    Hardcover of Justina Ireland's novel Dread Nation on a wooden desk

    18. Dread Nation by Justina Ireland

    April 21, 2019
    The Poppy War by RF Kuang against the backdrop of a snowy landscape

    15. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

    March 11, 2019
    Book The Infinite Noise by Lauren Shippen in a pile of brown and reddish leaves and green grass

    26. The Infinite Noise by Lauren Shippen

    November 5, 2019
  • 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

    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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    Witchlings on a white cloth surrounded by blue and orange skeins of yarn

    70. Witchlings by Claribel A. Ortega

    September 20, 2022
    A Heart So Fierce and Broken on a blue and white background

    56. A Heart So Fierce and Broken by Brigid Kemmerer

    August 24, 2021
    Paperback copies of The Fifth Season, The Stone Sky and The Obelisk Gate stacked on blue fabric

    46. The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin

    January 26, 2021
  • Book cover of Daughters of Nri on a yellowish gold background. Reni. K Amayo is written in calligraphy in the top left, and interview is written 3 times in a circle in the upper right.
    Bonus Episodes,  Interview

    Interview with Reni K. Amayo, author of Daughters of Nri

    May 18, 2021 /

    Final interview episode coming at you with Reni K. Amayo, author of The Return of the Earth Mother series and founder of Onwe! The first book in the series, Daughters of Nri is available now, and you can pre-order the forthcoming book in the series, Decedents of the First, which is available October 5th! You can find Reni on Instagram or Twitter, and we highly recommend checking out her books! Onto the notes! Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman Dorothy Koomson Take the character quiz mentioned in the episode! Check out Onwe’s podcast SUBTEXTing The Read podcast Reni is listening to Game of Thrones audiobook, watching Modern Family and WandaVision, and reading Dream Country…

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    Front cover of Girl in the Walls on a mauve background

    Interview with Katy Michelle Quinn, author of The Girl in the Walls

    May 4, 2021
    pile of books on a blue marble background

    2021 Year in Review

    December 31, 2021
    Kelly smiles with a mug of butter beer in her hand

    20. Interview with Kelly

    May 20, 2019
  • Book, Deathless Divide on a purple background with the Knight of Swords tarot card to the right
    Episodes

    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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    Hardcover of The Dragon Republic lays on top of decorative paper with anatomical heart drawings

    43. The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang

    December 15, 2020
    Paperback copy of The Marrow Thieves held in J's left hand. A natural landscape of greens and browns is in the background.

    30. The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline

    June 17, 2020
    We Hunt the Flame on a white blanket

    32. We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal

    July 14, 2020
  • Paperback copies of The Fifth Season, The Stone Sky and The Obelisk Gate stacked on blue fabric
    Episodes

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

    69. The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

    September 6, 2022
    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
    Hardcover of Justina Ireland's novel Dread Nation on a wooden desk

    18. Dread Nation by Justina Ireland

    April 21, 2019
  • Hardcover of The Dragon Republic lays on top of decorative paper with anatomical heart drawings
    Episodes

    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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    Picture of Children of Virtue and Vengeance on a white comforter

    34. Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi

    August 11, 2020
    Novel CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE on top of red journal next to "brave wizards" candle

    2. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

    September 10, 2018
    Hardcover copy of A Court of Mist and Fury with bus seats in the background

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

    June 5, 2019
  • Wayward Witch with fairy lights around it
    Episodes

    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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    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
    Light brown hand with purple nail polish holding The Magnolia Sword against a backdrop of orange, yellow, and red fallen leaves

    Season 6 begins! 85. The Magnolia Sword by Sherry Thomas

    November 14, 2023
    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

    81. The Final Strife by Saara El-Arifi

    May 23, 2023
  • Hardcover of Wicked Fox on a maroon background
    Episodes

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

    3. Ship It by Britta Lundin

    September 25, 2018
    book Bruja Born on a white background with skulls

    38. Bruja Born by Zoraida Córdova

    October 6, 2020
    Cover art of RUIN AND RISING

    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

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

    15. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

    March 11, 2019
    Picture of Children of Virtue and Vengeance on a white comforter

    34. Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi

    August 11, 2020
    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

    54. We Free the Stars by Hafsah Faizal

    July 27, 2021
  • Picture of Children of Virtue and Vengeance on a white comforter
    Episodes

    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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    Sea dragon on the cover of Siege and Storm

    5. Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

    October 23, 2018
    A library copy of Brooms held aloft by a light brown hand with golden leaves in the background

    87. Brooms by Jasmine Walls and Teo Duvall

    December 12, 2023
    Book Gods of Jade and Shadow on a black marble background

    33. Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

    July 29, 2020
  • Book Gods of Jade and Shadow on a black marble background
    Episodes

    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 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
    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
    Fireborne held aloft by a light brown hand with black nail polish. bright red leaves and trees in the background

    62. Fireborne by Rosaria Munda

    December 14, 2021
  • Light-skinned brown hand holds novel A DREAM SO DARK. Shelves of library books in the background.
    Episodes

    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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    A Heart So Fierce and Broken on a blue and white background

    56. A Heart So Fierce and Broken by Brigid Kemmerer

    August 24, 2021
    light streaks across a copy of Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn on top of a white cloth and blue marble background

    75. Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn

    December 20, 2022
    Hardcover version of BoP surrounded by orange, green, and teal skeins of yarn, sits on top of a white cloth and blue marble background

    80. Beasts of Prey by Ayana Gray

    May 9, 2023
  • Ereader with SPIN THE DAWN on top of a red book next to a cup of coffee
    Episodes

    24. Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim

    July 16, 2019 /

    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 this book as an ARC, but our feelings and reactions to the story are honest. Content Warning: This book deals with some heavy violence issues. It comes up briefly in the episode. First, we would like to point out that we talked about there being a “miracle cure” for a disability in the book. Apparently, this was changed in the final book, but there are still issues of ableism and…

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    Book The Infinite Noise by Lauren Shippen in a pile of brown and reddish leaves and green grass

    26. The Infinite Noise by Lauren Shippen

    November 5, 2019
    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

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

    March 29, 2022
    Bitter on a while cloth surrounded by 4 skeins of teal, red, and multi-colored yarn.

    78. Bitter by Akwaeke Emezi

    April 4, 2023
  • Highlighted section of text (Descendant of the Crane by Joan He) on a black kindle. A sunflower sits on top of the kindle
    Episodes

    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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    Novel A TORCH AGAINST THE NIGHT with grass and fallen leaves

    7. A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir

    November 18, 2018
    Book Pet on a teal background with dog paws coming in from the right side of the frame

    47. Pet by Akwaeke Emezi

    February 9, 2021
    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

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