Episode 92 - A Wizard of Earthsea, by Ursula K. Le Guin

January 20, 2022 by Grace Harnois

We’re back! And we’re venturing across the Archipelago, snuggled onto Ged’s shoulder alongside Hoeg. It’s time to discuss A Wizard of Earthsea, by Ursula K. Le Guin!

Much like Ged, we were plagued by a cruel shadow that forced us to record remotely. But that didn’t keep us from wondering at all the beauty and insight contained within the introduction to Earthsea and Ged’s internal battles; his tangible and intangible demons. We conclude our unorthodox non-chronological Earthsea coverage by looking back on what we’ve gained from rereading the series and pondering the inherent evil of the name Jasper. Join us!

Thanks to everyone who listened to our Earthsea episodes and encouraged us to continue! You are our otaks, nudging us back to life.

EPISODE MEDIA

An excerpt from Le Guin’s excellent afterword (if you haven’t seen it before, highly recommend picking up a library copy to read the entire thing!)

Our other Earthsea episodes:

Magnificent Ged & Hoeg fanart:

Episode 91 - The Graveyard Book, by Neil Gaiman

December 08, 2021 by Grace Harnois

Get all dressed up in your best grey sheet - it’s time to discuss The Graveyard Book, by Neil Gaiman! We’re Shifting through the cemetery gates to hang out with Nobody (Bod) Owens, a sweet boy raised by spirits after his family is murdered. Join us as we celebrate Bod’s love of learning, thwart the Sleer’s crushing grasp and appreciate Miss Lupescu’s culinary talents.

We’re also excited to be joined by special guest Justis Phillips! She shares her perspective as a lifecycle doula in our discussion of Gaiman’s approach to death.

Grab your partner and hop into the danse macabre!

EPISODE MEDIA

Alternate cover:

Some of our favorite Dave McKean illustrations:

Unofficial Graveyard Book soundtrack by Justis:

Acclaimed storyteller Odds Bodkin has a Zoom show coming up if you’d like to check him out!

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

November 15, 2021 by Grace Harnois

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.

EPISODE MEDIA

Some of the incredible cover art for different editions:

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

October 18, 2021 by Grace Harnois

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!

EPISODE MEDIA

So many Bobbys:

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

September 20, 2021 by Grace Harnois

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.

EPISODE MEDIA

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

A coracle: