Episode 90 - Archer's Goon, by Diana Wynne Jones

We’re investigating the machinations of 7 sometimes-evil wizards with Archer’s Goon, by Diana Wynne Jones! Howard Sykes and his family are thrown into a maelstrom when one of their town’s behind-the-scenes leaders, Archer, sends his titular Goon to make the family obey his demands. Madeleine and Grace break down the twists and turns of this hilarious and surprisingly contained adventure and discuss why it’s ultimately an ode to sibling relationships. We also take a deep dive into unearthed memories about middle school band, ponder the relative lack of animal characters in DWJ’s work, and tackle The Problem with Fifi. Join us!

Thanks to all the listeners who requested Archer’s Goon! If you’d like to make a request, leave a comment or email us at dragonbabiespodcast@gmail.com.

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Some of the incredible cover art for different editions:

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Archer’s Goon BBC adaptation still from The Medium Is Not Enough:

The first episode is also on Youtube!

Episode 89 - The Merchant of Death, by D.J. MacHale

The Merchant of Death is a violent, action-packed, breakneck introduction to D.J. MacHale’s long-running Pendragon series. We’re leaping into the nearest flume face-first to follow along with Bobby on his adventure - call us the Mark Dimond and Courtney Chetwynde of the YA fantasy recap world. Learn why little Madeleine adored this series and how it helped her through difficult adolescent experiences. We also touch on Bosco sticks, The Green Knight and D.J. MacHale’s illustrious TV writing career. No subject is off-limits when you’re a literary Traveler!

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So many Bobbys:

Episode 88 - The Seer and the Sword, by Victoria Hanley

A crystal with a penchant for showing a presumed-dead princess the not-so-certain future. A legendary sword of peace never to be used in conflict. Daring midnight arson of a pirate fleet! The Seer and the Sword by Victoria Hanley has everything you could want in your YA fantasy. We discuss the epic coming of age portrayals of naive princess Torina and exiled prince Landen as their destinies cross and diverge. At turns rollicking and grim, this novel’s scope and twisting plot have something for every reader. Join us!

This episode was a listener request - thanks, Erin and Donley! If you’d like to share a request, leave a comment below.

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Mrs. Readerpants’ thoughts on young readers’ perception of the cover

A coracle:

Episode 87 - East, by Edith Pattou

We’re heading to Greenland on a ship helmed by an ale-sotted captain named Thor! East by Edith Pattou is a gorgeous retelling of Norwegian fairy tale East of the Sun and West of the Moon. At turns poetic and action-packed, both gentle and bracing, this is a lovely book about finding joy in all the little particulars of living out daily life, wrapped in a sweeping fairy tale. Our protagonist Rose seeks the mysterious white bear (who is most definitely not just a bear) whom she spent a year living with in a stone castle - until the troll queen showed up. Her journey takes her across freezing lands and near-impassible bridges, through weeks-long blizzards and ice forests, into Niflheim itself. Brush off your 16th century Norwegian and join us!

Thank you so much for the recommendation, Hannah! If you’d like to request a book for us to cover, leave a comment or email us at dragonbabiespodcast@gmail.com.

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The Snow Queen, by Mary Engelbreit

Edith Pattou’s polar bear gallery

Rømmegrøt recipe

Norwegian reality show clip:

Episode 86 - Trickster's Choice, by Tamora Pierce

Hope you’ve been practicing your spy tricks, because we’re rereading Trickster’s Choice, by Tamora Pierce! Madeleine and Grace explore the ways in which Pierce succeeds and fails in realizing a colonialist fantasy society built on slavery, and laying out the uprising percolating beneath. The spoiled but practical Aly is our guide as we get to know the Copper Isles and its enslaved indigenous people looking to the half-Raka noble sisters Dove and Sarai as signs of a prophecy nearing actualization. Trickster god Kyprioth is teasing us throughout, and the throne changes hands entirely too often. Political intrigue, Alanna & George’s questionable parenting, and a hot crow-man everyone wants to kiss - how can you resist?

Thanks to all our listeners who have requested more Tamora Pierce!

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(FOR NAWAT FANS ONLY, AVERT YOUR EYES IF YOU DON’T LIKE A CROW-PERSON AND PERSON-PERSON RELATIONSHIP) — Some choice Nawat fan art for you to enjoy.

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Maseiya