The Library Coven

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

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  • Library copy of The City Beautiful on a white cloth, three skeins of yarn surround it and a red sweater lays to the left
    Episodes

    72. The City Beautiful by Aden Polydoros

    October 18, 2022 /

    Today we’re discussing an historical fantasy novel, The City Beautiful by Aden Polydoros. Set in Chicago in the late 1800s, Romanian Jewish immigrant Alter Rosen is swept up in a city-wide mystery after his bestie and crush Yakov is killed (spoiler! Sorry not sorry but if you didn’t guess it was queer then what show do you even think you’re listening to?!). There’s an anarchist side kick, some possession, and lots of chaos! This book was suggested by the wonderful roro_suri on instagram, who always has really strong book recs. Many thanks to them and our Patrons for these book recommendations to start us off for Season 5.  Content warning…

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    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
    Map from Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Cordova

    28. Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Córdova

    December 23, 2019
    Trail of Lightning held by a light brown hand with black nail polish. gold autumn leaves in the background

    61. Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse

    November 30, 2021
  • A light brown hand holds Zahrah the Windseeker in front of a lush forest
    Episodes

    71. Zahrah the Windseeker by Nnedi Okorafor

    October 4, 2022 /

    This week we’re discussing Zahrah the Windseeker by Nnedi Okorafor. This story follows Zahrah, a 13 year old girl who is born with special hair called dadalocks. When her best friend falls into a coma after a snake bite, Zahrah, who is scared of pretty much everything, has to take a journey through the jungle to find a cure. This is Okorafor’s debut from back in 2005 if you can believe it. The world building is NEXT LEVEL, our MC is feisty and relatable, and there’s a beautiful friendship at the core of the story. What’s not to love? This was the book choice of our wonderful Patreon patron Grey from@grey_reads.…

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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
    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
    Hardcover of Justina Ireland's novel Dread Nation on a wooden desk

    18. Dread Nation by Justina Ireland

    April 21, 2019
  • Witchlings on a white cloth surrounded by blue and orange skeins of yarn
    Episodes

    70. Witchlings by Claribel A. Ortega

    September 20, 2022 /

    You aren’t ready for the cute puns and shenanigans of the Spare Coven! In Episode 70 we discuss Witchlings by Claribel A. Ortega, a middle grade novel full of friendship, magic, and toads. Jessie and kelly reveal the shape their familiars would take and think about what their names might be prophecies for. Recommend if you like… Pet* by Akwaeke Emezi – which deals with some more overt societal issues, but I think they both have strong young girls at their core who are fighting for a more just society The Halloweentown movies New Kid by Jerry Craft Brooklyn Brujas* These books all skew towards younger readers and are overflowing with…

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    Novel CITY OF BRASS on multicolored fabric

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

    July 4, 2019
    paperback copy of Queen of the Conquered on top of a purple and white decorative paper

    45. Queen of the Conquered by Kacen Callender

    January 12, 2021
    A Song of Wraiths and Ruin on a blue, white and gold marbled background

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

    October 20, 2020
  • Hardcover of The Jasmine Throne on top of a light cloth and surrounded by 4 bright orange skeins of yarn
    Episodes

    69. The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

    September 6, 2022 /

    AND WE’RE BACK! Season 5 begins with our discussion of The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri, the first book in the Burning Kingdoms series. This book is a multi-POV tale that mostly follows Priya, a young adult with magical powers who’s entire adopted family has been killed, and Malini, an exiled princess who is trying to steal the throne from her evil brother.  The books for this first series of episodes were will be releasing were all chosen by our wonderful patrons! If you need some bookish camaraderie, join our Patreon! It’s a pay-what-you-can model starting at $1/month. In other news: Dr k uses they/them/their pronouns and has for a…

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

    3. Ship It by Britta Lundin

    September 25, 2018
    Shadow and Bone on grey and white wool blanket

    1. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

    August 26, 2018

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