Episode 44 - Mister Monday, by Garth Nix

We’re heading to The House to dive into Mister Monday, book one of The Keys to the Kingdom by Garth Nix! Reading Mister Monday for this episode was our introduction to the series, and though we think we need to explore additional books before we’re able to get a true feel for the series, we thoroughly enjoyed this wild ride. Our discussion ranges far and wide, with extended reflections on Arthur’s relatability, fantasy’s fixation on horrible gym class teachers and Garth Nix’s talent for creating truly terrifying monsters inside elaborate worlds.

This episode was a listener request - thanks, Marina! If you’d like to request a book or series, get in touch at dragonbabiespodcast@gmail.com.

EPISODE MEDIA

Truly bonkers alternate cover:

Other Dragon Babies episodes mentioned:

• Episode 1 - Sabriel, by Garth Nix

• Episode 11 - So You Want to Be a Wizard, by Diane Duane

• Episode 24 - A Tale of Time City, by Diana Wynne Jones

• Episode 31 - Lirael, by Garth Nix

Angel Sanctuary by Kaori Yuki

Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch

The Works of Robin McKinley and Why Fantasy Should Seem Real, by Vivian Shaw

MINI EPISODE - Rewatching The Princess Bride

This is a miniature episode in which we rewatch the film adaptation of The Princess Bride with our brother, Patrick! Check out our book episode for an in-depth discussion of William Goldman's source material.

Have fun storming the castle!

Episode 43 - The Princess Bride, by William Goldman

We’re rereading The Princess Bride, by William Goldman! We tackle all the sweeping satire, unique literary devices and ultimately heartwarming friendships that make Florin such a weird, fun place to return to. This book showcases plenty of passions - but is it ultimately an earnest story? Grace does her best to convince Madeleine of its subtly heartfelt approach, and Madeleine identifies Fezzig and Inigo’s friendship as the true love story.

Mini episode covering the film adaptation coming out soon!

EPISODE MEDIA

The Princess Bride read by Jessica Woodward

Map of Florin & Guilder:

Episode 42 - Artemis Fowl, by Eoin Colfer

Whether you’re one of the Mud Men or the People, there’s a whole lot to unpack with our rereading of Artemis Fowl, by Eoin Colfer. We were both big fans of this book when young, and haven’t revisited it for quite a while - and we (and our world) are very different now! We engage in an extended comparison of the LEP & Terry Pratchett’s Thud!, break down why a female-fronted action story was so appealing to our young minds, and get seriously annoyed by Artemis’ character. Join us!

Episode 41 - Sorcery and Cecelia, by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer

An epistolary novel set during the Regency with an established magical society, you say? And it has a CHOCOLATE POT on the cover?? It will come as a surprise to none of our listeners that we are big fans of Sorcery and Cecelia, by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer. Join in as we discuss the joys of fictional letters, learn about gaslamp fantasy and revel in all the grumpy romance. Are you more of a Cecelia or Kate? And can you tell which author wrote which character? Come on in, the chocolate is hot!

This episode was a listener request - thanks, Dan! If you’d like to request a book for coverage, email us at dragonbabiespodcast@gmail.com.