Episode 6 - Emperor Mage, by Tamora Pierce

Yes, it's our first repeat author - and who could it possibly be other than Tamora Pierce? We're discussing Emperor Mage, book 3 of Madeleine's favorite YA fantasy series, the Immortals. Protagonist Daine's wild magic and communication with animals (not to mention international intrigue and plenty of poison) lead us into discussions of animal rights, failing political systems in fantasy worlds, and how Grace once accidentally stabbed herself with an arrow. Fall in line with the Badger God and Graveyard Hag and rouse your own dinosaur skeleton army - Daine is here to solve all your problems! Also - an actual baby dragon is one of the main characters, so. You know how happy we are.

EPISODE MEDIA

Interview about Daine & Numair's age difference -https://tpwords.wordpress.com/2009/04/29/dainenumair-and-reactions/

Hark! A Vagrant Nemesis comics by Kate Beaton - http://www.harkavagrant.com/index.php?id=327

Grace's face shortly after she stabbed herself with an arrow - censored for those who might not be into seeing her blood.

Episode 5 - The Last Unicorn, by Peter S. Beagle

We're getting a little serious this week with The Last Unicorn, but these are dark times, for humans and unicorns alike. Take this chance to pine for immortal beauty and mentally escape the mortal coil. We discuss fantasy and depression, reading books before you're ready, and whether we've ever believed in unicorns. Plus, a Shel Silverstein gem that Grace has mentally linked to this book since childhood.

Whether you're a person struggling through the muck or an eternal being with nothing to lose, there's something here for you.

Episode 4 - Dealing with Dragons, by Patricia C. Wrede

This is a fun one!! Dealing with Dragons not only shaped our dragon worldviews, it inspired Grace to write, Madeleine to envision her own fantasy worlds, and both of us to appreciate the scholar (and warrior) within. Revisit the Mountains of Morning and the Enchanted Forest, and wonder: why are wizards such jerks? What IS cherries jubilee? And how can I live in this world forever?

Plus: early-aughts pre-adolescent phenomena like Neopets and The Very Secret Diaries. Defining mousse vs. ganache. Being a revolutionary in a fairy tale world.

Episode 3 - Howl's Moving Castle, by Diana Wynne Jones

We could talk about how great Diana Wynne Jones is for days - but can you listen for an hour?? We'll admit that this episode about Howl's Moving Castle is particularly positive, but there's not much bad to say about this joyful take on traditional fairy tales. Grace loved this book as a kid and Madeleine read it way back when but has been more invested in the Miyazaki adaptation. Learn how the original work has held up, and whether we're actually able to podcast after a workday - lots of sibling squabbling within.

Sophie, Calcifer, Howl, and Michael could be your new friends.

Episode 2 - Alanna: The First Adventure, By Tamora Pierce

Following up Madeleine's Forever-Hero with Grace's, it's time to discuss Alanna: The First Adventure, by Tamora Pierce! The first book in the Song of the Lioness quartet, this novel introduces us to the pert Alanna/Alan as she gets her gender-swap-enabled schooling underway and starts learning how to be Tortall's eternal savior.

Note - some minor spoilers for other Song of the Lioness books, but if you're here, you've read them all, right? ;-) Also, ongoing and significant pronunciation apologies.