Episode 49 - Fire and Hemlock, by Diana Wynne Jones

Hold on to your memories - it’s time to enter the complex, trippy fantasy of Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones! Grace and Madeleine found the painful, realistic tale of admirable hero-in-training Polly to be all the more effective as adults. We discuss how the story supports girls who say no, and the connection between Polly’s cursed memories and her loss of childhood. Enjoy a debate on uncomfortable age gaps in fantasy relationships, and say hey to a new set of absolutely atrocious fictional parents. Plus: the joys of coffee and ice cream (together as one). Head to Hunsdon House and join us!

This episode was a listener request - thank you, Amy! If you’d like to request a book, leave a comment or email us at dragonbabiespodcast@gmail.com.

EPISODE MEDIA

Our preferred Fire and Hemlock cover, featuring the titular work of art:

Check out our other Diana Wynne Jones episodes:

• Episode 3 - Howl’s Moving Castle

• Episode 14 - Witch Week

• Episode 24 - A Tale of Time City

• Episode 39 - Dark Lord of Derkholm

Episode 48 - Good Omens, by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman

Things are looking apocalyptic around here, which makes it the perfect opportunity to cover Good Omens, by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman! We’re celebrating the release of the Amazon Prime adaptation by revisiting Crowley, Aziraphale, Agnes, Anathema and all our other impeccably named favorites as they do their best to stave off the end times. Madeleine and Grace discuss their own apocalypse anxiety, and wish for a couple of prophecies to guide us through our own troubled times. Learn more about Pratchett and Gaiman’s cowriting process, and witness a possible bad omen take place during this very recording session. Save the whales!!

If you’re a Pratchett and/or Gaiman fan, check out our other episodes covering their work:

• Episode 8 - Mort, by Terry Pratchett

• Episode 13 - The Wee Free Men, by Terry Pratchett

• Episode 35 - Thud!, by Terry Pratchett

• Episode 38 - Hogfather, by Terry Pratchett

• Episode 32 - Coraline, by Neil Gaiman

• Episode 37 - Stardust, by Neil Gaiman

Episode 47 - Daja's Book, by Tamora Pierce

We’re leaving Tortall and journeying to Emelan! Grace and Madeleine continue to explore the Tamora Pierce ouvre with Daja’s Book, number three in the Circle of Magic Quartet. Discussion ranges from the unique appeal of a slower-paced series to reasons why it’s so uncomfortable eating in front of strangers. Dive into Trader culture, narcissist mages and the deep bonds that form between young outcasts. Plus some parting words of wisdom: “this isn’t Captain Planet.”

Thanks to every listener who has requested the Circle of Magic! If you would like to make a request, email us at dragonbabiespodcast@gmail.com - or leave a comment on this post.

Grace is also considering making a mini follow-up after she rereads Briar’s Book - let us know if that’s something you would be interested in hearing!

Episode 46 - Dragon's Blood, by Jane Yolen

It’s time to revisit Austar IV’s brutal society and beautiful dragons! Madeleine and Grace discuss just how their perceptions of Dragon’s Blood have changed as adults - and why this is a great reread. Slavery and dragon battling may not make this the most YA-friendly material but maybe the pits are more like Pokémon than dog fighting?… Also: disgruntled audiobook listeners. Upsetting pretend food. Drakk are really gross.

Thanks for listening! If you would like to request a book for us to cover, please email us at dragonbabiespodcast@gmail.com or leave a comment.