ARCHIVE: Pet by Akwaeke Emezi
In anticipation of our upcoming show about Bitter by Akwaeke Emezi, we’re re-releasing our 47th episode about Emezi’s earlier novel Pet. The following conversation originally aired in February 2021. Stay magical, bbs!! 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 recommends Emezi’s…
Episode 62: Fireborne by Rosaria Munda
Greetings, coven! In this episode we’re discussing Fireborne by Rosaria Munda, Book 1 of the Aurelian Cycle. Kelly calls this book Game of Thrones meets How to Train Your Dragon (there are some GOT spoilers ahead, but it’s an old show at this point so….) Please excuse our faulty memories on this one — there’s a lot going on in the world and we read the book a few weeks ago. And with that rousing captatio benavolentae, on to the show notes! Thank you to the person on social media who suggested that we read Fireborne. We don’t remember you’re name, so if this was you, get in touch 🙂 And let it never be said that we…
Episode 58: Shadowshaper by Daniel José Older
In this episode, we’re transported to a magical Brooklyn in Daniel José Older’s novel Shadowshaper, the first in the Shadowshaper Cypher series. Congratulations to Daniel, who has the esteemed honor of being the first (and so far only) cis-dude we’ve read for the show. In Shadowshaper, we follow Sierra, a Black Puerto Rican Brooklyn-ite, who discovers she has powers to suffuse her art with spirits who then become corporeal. Sierra teams up with Robbie, a young Haitian guy who teaches her about shadowshaping, and the two must stop a bad white guy from messing up the whole world! Recommend if you like… Bruja Born by Zoraida Córdova (episode 38) A…
Episode 57: Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger
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)…
Episode 56: A Heart So Fierce and Broken by Brigid Kemmerer
Welcome back! In this episode, we chat about A Heart So Fierce and Broken by Brigid Kemmerer. We share thoughts on such topics as special editions, disability as a disguise, the trope of naming dudes “Hawk,” and whether “Iisak” is pronounced “eye-sack.” And be ye warned, there are some ACOTAR and Star Wars spoilers ahead. Check out our episode on the first book, A Curse So Dark and Lonely! a warm “hello <3” to our newest patron, Emily! 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!…
Episode 55: Vicious Spirits by Kat Cho
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…
Episode 54: We Free the Stars by Hafsah Faizal
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…
Episode 52: The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna
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…
Episode 50: A Sky Beyond the Storm by Sabaa Tahir
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…
Interview with Ashaye Brown, author of Dream Country
We’re thrilled to bring you this interview with author Ashaye Brown (she/her) whose debut novel, Dream Country,will be released on April 27, 2021. Aka next week (!!) for those of you listening when the episode drops. This will be the first in a mini-series of three author interviews we will be releasing in the lead up to our next season of the podcast. You can order Dream Country directly from Onwe — do it soon to get a limited edition, signed version!! I mean, behold the beautiful bookplates. Follow Ashaye on twitter @AshayeBrown for amazing content. Really, tho, follow her! (listen to the episode to hear why Jessie and Kelly rave about…
Episode 48: Deathless Divide by Justina Ireland
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…
Episode 44: Blanca & Roja by Anna-Marie McLemore
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…
Episode 42: Wayward Witch by Zoraida Córdova
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…
Episode 41: Nocturna by Maya Motayne
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…
Episode 38: Bruja Born by Zoraida Córdova
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…
Episode 37: A Curse so Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
Greetings to all you magical beings out there! This fortnight, we’re discussing A Curse so Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer. We immensely enjoyed Kemmerer’s spin on the whole Beauty and the Beast tradition, and we found Harper to be one of the most relatable and badass protagonists! There’s so much about this novel that we found relevant to our pandemic times– especially re: disability, medical debt, . Also, J & K happen to be on different ships this time! Hope you enjoy and learn things and teach us things! Content warning: terminal illness and parental death, rape and sexual assault (mins 20-22). Call to action: This week we’re encouraging y’all to “crip”…
Episode 36: Crier’s War by Nina Varela
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!…
Episode 35: Queen of Nothing by Holly Black
hello, everyone! We’re excited to bring you this episode about The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black, the final installment of the Folk of the Air series (after The Cruel Prince and The Wicked King– which we discuss in episode 8 and episode 16, respectively). In the novel, we finally get to find out what happens to Jude and Cardan, and we see everything that unfolds after Jude was banished to the mortal world. In the episode, J & K somehow both forget that Cardan turns into a giant snake. hope you enjoy (and add to) the conversation! *Call to action* J and K have feelings about our podcast name and the common association with she-who-shall-not-be-named…
Episode 34: Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi
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…
Episode 29: Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo
Hello, magical folx! This week we’re discussing Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo, the second book in the Six of Crows series. Check out our Six of Crows episode for a refresher on what happened in the last book! Side Note & Content Warning: We know we’ve been gone for a bit, and we appreciate you patience as we get back in the swing of things. We recorded this episode in November, and a lot has changed in the world since then. This could be a difficult episode to listen to if the current pandemic is taking a toll on your mental health. Obviously, we had no idea where the world would be…
Episode 27: Kingdom of Souls by Rena Barron
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…
Episode 25 House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig (slash an entire year of the show!!)
Have you ever imagined what Downton Abbey would be like if it took place in the Iron Islands and was actually a supernatural murder mystery inspired by a Brothers Grimm story?? Well, House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig is all that and much more! Tune in for K’s double entendres and puns and stay for J’s incisive comments about mental illness and ability, along with discussions of numerous other important topics (e.g., whiteness, gender, heteronormativity, class). Before we send you off into the wonderful world of links, let’s do a bit of housekeeping. We have been making this podcast for a year…WHAT!?! Time flies when you are…
Episode 17: Descendant of the Crane by Joan He
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…
Episode 16: The Wicked King by Holly Black
Happy Spring, listeners! In Episode 16 we discuss The Wicked King by Holly Black, the much-awaited sequel to The Cruel Prince. Content warning: emotional and physical child abuse. ChildHelp – Child Abuse Assistance – Call 1-800-422-4453 if you or someone you know is the victim of child abuse Below you can find links to all of the topics and references that came up in our conversation. And 10 points to Gryffindor if you can count the number of times K say the word “fascinating”. Is it the shiny, new replacement for “interesting”?? Only time will tell. If, like us, you’ve ever had a hard time distinguishing between an anti hero…
Episode 12: A Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
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…
Episode 11: Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan
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…
Episode 9: Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo
In episode 9 we are discussing Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo For the first time, J & K have quite different feeling about the ships in this book, but we are both very excited about the upcoming King of Scars, which will be released on 29 January 2019. Content Warning: In this episode we discuss sexual assault and self harm If you or someone you know are the victim of sexual assault and would like assistance, please call RAINN (Call 800-856-4619 or visit their website for assistance) or if you are a member of the LGBTQIA community in crisis, and would like someone to talk to, please contact The Trevor Project. (1-866-488-7386, text 678678, or visit…
Episode 8: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
J & K thoroughly enjoyed the dark and twisty world of The Cruel Prince by Holly Black. Episode 8 features not one but TWO of K’s now infamous research rabbit holes. #RavenclawFTW. Content Warning: physical, mental, and emotional abuse If you or someone you know has been the victim of child abuse, please call ChildHelp 1-800-422-4453 for assistance The first is about all the different kinds of faeries. If you want to know more about sprites, dryads, nymphs, selkies, kelpies, banshees, elves, gnomes, goblins, pixies, etc. etc. etc., you can find an encyclopedic list here (complete with illustrations!). And while we’re at it, have another resource. The second research rabbit hole is decidedly…
Episode 7: A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir
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…
Episode 6: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
In episode 6 J & K are discussing City of Bones by Cassandra Clare which K is reading for the first time! As always, we found many things interesting, because apparently that’s what we do. Content warning: In this episode we discuss child abuse. If you or someone you know needs help, there are resources for you. Please consider contacting the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 or ChildHelp 1-800-422-4453 for assistance Around 4-5 minutes, you may hear a cat in the background, because Lainey, the podcat, wanted some attention. There is also a season 1 spoiler of Riverdale in this episode (not that big of a spoiler since it’s about Hermione and Hiram).…
Episode 5: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo
J & K talk about book 2 of the Grisha Trilogy, Siege and Storm, by Leigh Bardugo. We forget Fyodor’s name and find many things “interesting” (should we find new descriptors? probably). Content warning: discussion of sexual assault If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact RAINN Call 800-856-4619 or visit their website for assistance Sorry for the late posting! K was finishing a dissertation chapter draft the muggle way….hence the delay. Thanks for your patience! Transcript to come Spring 2021 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 4: An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
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…
Episode 2: Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
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…
Episode 1 (!!!) Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Hey, listeners! We are so excited to share our first ever episode with you, where we discuss Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo. We scrapped the original idea of an hour-long podcast because our conversation just kept going, and well, we do what we want. After banishing official podcat Lainey to the other room. we sat together for 3 hours to record this episode (probably too close to our microphones, but it’s our first one sooooo yeah, we’re kinda winging it). Growth mindset, amirite?! Episode breakdown for easier listening: 2:40 . Through the Wardrobe: talking about worldbuilding, like Imperial Russia as the touchstone and Grisha Hogwarts 14:13 . “Wands Out!”:…
