The Library Coven

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

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

    Episode 82: Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko

    June 6, 2023 /

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

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    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
    A paperback copy of A CURSE SO DARK AND LONELY by Brigid Kemmerer sits on top of a brown wood desk. A small succulent in a tiny navy teacup/saucer with gold trim sits to the left. To the right, a half-finished sock on double-pointed knitting needles rests by a ball of yarn (variegated blues and purples)

    Episode 37: A Curse so Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

    September 22, 2020
    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
  • Hardcover version of BoP surrounded by orange, green, and teal skeins of yarn, sits on top of a white cloth and blue marble background
    Episodes

    Episode 80: Beasts of Prey by Ayana Gray

    May 9, 2023 /

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

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    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

    Episode 50: A Sky Beyond the Storm by Sabaa Tahir

    June 1, 2021
    A Magic Steeped in Poison surrounded by 4 skeins of warm colored yarn in reds and oranges. A white cloth and blue marbled surface make up the background.

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

    June 27, 2023
    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
  • Bitter on a while cloth surrounded by 4 skeins of teal, red, and multi-colored yarn.
    Episodes

    Episode 78: Bitter by Akwaeke Emezi

    April 4, 2023 /

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

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    book, The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna on a blueish grey background

    Episode 52: The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna

    June 29, 2021
    The Witch King on a white cloth surrounded by 4 blue, purple, and cream colored yarn skeins

    Episode 79: The Witch King by H.E. Edgmon

    April 25, 2023
    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
  • Episodes

    ARCHIVE: Pet by Akwaeke Emezi

    March 14, 2023 /

    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…

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

    Episode 36: Crier’s War by Nina Varela

    September 8, 2020
    A Magic Steeped in Poison surrounded by 4 skeins of warm colored yarn in reds and oranges. A white cloth and blue marbled surface make up the background.

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

    June 27, 2023
    The Cruel Prince by Holly Black on top of a fuzzy blue blanket

    Episode 8: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

    December 3, 2018
  • Fireborne held aloft by a light brown hand with black nail polish. bright red leaves and trees in the background
    Episodes

    Episode 62: Fireborne by Rosaria Munda

    December 14, 2021 /

    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…

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

    Episode 36: Crier’s War by Nina Varela

    September 8, 2020
    The Witch King on a white cloth surrounded by 4 blue, purple, and cream colored yarn skeins

    Episode 79: The Witch King by H.E. Edgmon

    April 25, 2023
    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, Shadowshaper on a blue and grey background
    Episodes

    Episode 58: Shadowshaper by Daniel José Older

    September 29, 2021 /

    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…

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

    Episode 16: The Wicked King by Holly Black

    March 26, 2019
    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
    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
  • 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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    Bitter on a while cloth surrounded by 4 skeins of teal, red, and multi-colored yarn.

    Episode 78: Bitter by Akwaeke Emezi

    April 4, 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

    Episode 81: The Final Strife by Saara El-Arifi

    May 23, 2023
    Novel A TORCH AGAINST THE NIGHT with grass and fallen leaves

    Episode 7: A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir

    November 18, 2018
  • A Heart So Fierce and Broken on a blue and white background
    Episodes

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

    August 24, 2021 /

    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!…

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

    Episode 75: Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn

    December 20, 2022
    cartoon characters in costumes and bright clothing (artwork from Ship It)

    Episode 3: Ship It by Britta Lundin

    September 25, 2018
  • 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 Justina Ireland's novel Dread Nation on a wooden desk

    Episode 18: Dread Nation by Justina Ireland

    April 21, 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

    Episode 50: A Sky Beyond the Storm by Sabaa Tahir

    June 1, 2021
    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
  • 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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    Highlighted section of text (Descendant of the Crane by Joan He) on a black kindle. A sunflower sits on top of the kindle

    Episode 17: Descendant of the Crane by Joan He

    April 8, 2019
    Paperback version of Rena Barron's KINGDOM OF SOULS lies on bright green grass

    Episode 27: Kingdom of Souls by Rena Barron

    December 3, 2019
    A paperback copy of A CURSE SO DARK AND LONELY by Brigid Kemmerer sits on top of a brown wood desk. A small succulent in a tiny navy teacup/saucer with gold trim sits to the left. To the right, a half-finished sock on double-pointed knitting needles rests by a ball of yarn (variegated blues and purples)

    Episode 37: A Curse so Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

    September 22, 2020
  • 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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    Cover art of RUIN AND RISING

    Episode 9: Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo

    December 17, 2018
    Paperback copy of Blanca & Roja rests on background of purple and navy flowers

    Episode 44: Blanca & Roja by Anna-Marie McLemore

    December 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
  • 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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    Highlighted section of text (Descendant of the Crane by Joan He) on a black kindle. A sunflower sits on top of the kindle

    Episode 17: Descendant of the Crane by Joan He

    April 8, 2019
    light purple stationary items, pens, Washi tape beside an iPhone with the screen showing The Burning God on audiobook

    Episode 59: The Burning God by R.F. Kuang

    October 19, 2021
    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

    Episode 81: The Final Strife by Saara El-Arifi

    May 23, 2023
  • Bonus Episodes,  Interview

    Interview with Ashaye Brown, author of Dream Country

    April 20, 2021 /

    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…

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    close-up view of a croissant for pasty week great British bake off.

    BONUS! Great British Bake Off (5) Pastry Week

    November 6, 2020
    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
    Kelly smiles with a mug of butter beer in her hand

    Episode 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

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

    Episode 75: Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn

    December 20, 2022
    book, Legendborn, on a grayish blue background with fairy lights at the top and bottom

    Episode 51: Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

    June 15, 2021
  • 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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    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
    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
    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
  • 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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    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
    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 version of Rena Barron's KINGDOM OF SOULS lies on bright green grass

    Episode 27: Kingdom of Souls by Rena Barron

    December 3, 2019
  • 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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    Novel GIRLS OF PAPER AND FIRE surrounded by three candles

    Episode 11: Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan

    January 14, 2019
    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
    The Cruel Prince by Holly Black on top of a fuzzy blue blanket

    Episode 8: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

    December 3, 2018
  • 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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    Lost in the Never Woods rests on a blue marble background between four skeins of variegated blue and purple yarn

    Episode 68: Lost in the Never Woods by Aiden Thomas

    April 19, 2022
    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
    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
  • A paperback copy of A CURSE SO DARK AND LONELY by Brigid Kemmerer sits on top of a brown wood desk. A small succulent in a tiny navy teacup/saucer with gold trim sits to the left. To the right, a half-finished sock on double-pointed knitting needles rests by a ball of yarn (variegated blues and purples)
    Episodes

    Episode 37: A Curse so Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

    September 22, 2020 /

    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”…

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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
    Hardcover copy of Mackenzi Lee's A Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue sits on a dark wood desk next to a white mug with a "k" on it. Bookshelves in the backgroud

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

    January 28, 2019
    A Song of Wraiths and Ruin on a blue, white and gold marbled background

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

    October 20, 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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    Hardcover of Justina Ireland's novel Dread Nation on a wooden desk

    Episode 18: Dread Nation by Justina Ireland

    April 21, 2019
    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
    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
  • hardcover of the Queen of Nothing on a black marble background
    Episodes

    Episode 35: Queen of Nothing by Holly Black

    August 25, 2020 /

    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…

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    J & K in matching t-shirts in front of Hogwarts Castle

    2019: Year in Review

    December 31, 2019
    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
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    Episode 59: The Burning God by R.F. Kuang

    October 19, 2021
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    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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    January 26, 2021
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    December 17, 2018
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    Episode 10 (!): A Reaper at the Gates by Sabaa Tahir

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    Episodes

    Episode 29: Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

    June 2, 2020 /

    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…

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    October 18, 2022
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    Episode 73: Sia Martínez and the Moonlit Beginning of Everything by Raquel Vázquez Gilliland

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    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 70: Witchlings by Claribel A. Ortega

    September 20, 2022
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    June 30, 2020
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    Episodes

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

    August 7, 2019 /

    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…

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    November 18, 2018
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    February 23, 2021
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    Episodes

    Episode 16: The Wicked King by Holly Black

    March 26, 2019 /

    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…

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    September 25, 2018
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    2022 Year In Review

    December 31, 2022
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    Episode 9: Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo

    December 17, 2018
  • Hardcover copy of Mackenzi Lee's A Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue sits on a dark wood desk next to a white mug with a "k" on it. Bookshelves in the backgroud
    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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    September 14, 2021
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    August 26, 2018
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    Episode 5: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

    October 23, 2018
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    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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    July 29, 2020
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    Episode 40: Wicked Fox by Kat Cho

    November 3, 2020
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    Episode 27: Kingdom of Souls by Rena Barron

    December 3, 2019
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    Episodes

    Episode 9: Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo

    December 17, 2018 /

    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…

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

    June 5, 2019
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    Episode 76: The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake

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    January 26, 2021
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    Episodes

    Episode 8: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

    December 3, 2018 /

    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…

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    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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    July 4, 2019
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    Episodes

    Episode 6: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

    November 5, 2018 /

    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).…

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    November 3, 2020
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    Episode 69: The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

    September 6, 2022
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    Episode 33: Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

    July 29, 2020
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    Episodes

    Episode 5: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

    October 23, 2018 /

    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…

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    November 15, 2022
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    January 28, 2019
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    Episode 37: A Curse so Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

    September 22, 2020
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    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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    February 25, 2019
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    Episode 59: The Burning God by R.F. Kuang

    October 19, 2021
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    June 1, 2021
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    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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    August 25, 2020
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    October 4, 2022
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    Episode 31: A Dream So Dark by L.L. McKinney

    June 30, 2020
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    Episodes

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

    August 26, 2018 /

    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!”:…

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    Episode 74: The Lost Dreamer by Lizz Huerta

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