Episode 109 - A Conspiracy of Kings, by Megan Whalen Turner

We continue Megan Whalen Turner’s impeccable Queen’s Thief series with A Conspiracy of Kings! We discuss the appeal of sweet Sophos as a protagonist, the portrayal of slavery within fantasy series, and whether the gods are Just Jerks (copyright Madeleine). This is a long one, but in between the sister squabbling, points are made! The main point being that we could talk about MWT’s work for the rest of our lives and still have so much to explore.

Thanks to all our listeners who requested The Thief in the first place, and supported us in continuing on with the series! We will be finishing it in its entirety (if the sun doesn’t burn out first). That’s the Dragon Babies promise.

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Adorable Sophos and Eddis fanart by Emily B. Martin

Episode 108 - Wyrd Sisters, by Terry Pratchett

It’s back to Discworld with Wyrd Sisters, by Terry Pratchett! We join the titular trio of Nanny Ogg, Granny Weatherwax, and Magrat Garlick as they meddle their way across space and time (within reasonably witchy limits, of course). Review your Shakespeare, work up your best lil ghosty sounds and make sure you’re in good standing with the Fool’s Guild - then join us.

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The excellent audiobook cover:

Episode 107 - The Headless Cupid, by Zilpha Keatley Snyder

We’re so excited to round out the ZKSHT (Zilpha Keatley Snyder Holy Trinity) with The Headless Cupid. Along with The Egypt Game and The Witches of Worm, this book developed Grace’s little brain into a spooky kid mystery machine. Madeleine’s jonesing for a trip to the Winchester Mystery House and is very upset with Amanda; we’re both reminiscing about the power of playing pretend. Join in the glory of ZKS’ unparalleled work - articulating children’s inner monologues with such specificity and zero condescension.

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The first edition cover, and some of Alton Raible’s magnificent illustrations.

Episode 106 - Mossflower, by Brian Jacques

It’s Badgerin’ Time. We return to the joyous, violent, and feast-laden world of Redwall with Mossflower, by Brian Jacques! Grace breaks down the reasons why this is her favorite of his works, we continue the great “Humans in Mossflower???” debate, and Bella and Boar become our gods. Grab your candied chestnuts and join us.

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Some wonderful Redwall coverage by The Toast.

The Redwall Cookbook by Brian Jacques and Christopher Denise

Depressing Redwall Netflix adaptation news

I knew everyone loves cottagecore but may I present to you a marvelous subset... crittercore pic.twitter.com/foYNf3fkOK

— kei 🔜 fwa ✨ (@faintsun) May 11, 2020

Episode 105 - Magic's Pawn, by Mercedes Lackey

We’re heading back to Valdemar with Magic’s Pawn, by Mercedes Lackey! This absolute doozy of an episode showed us that we could talk about this book for the rest of our lives. Vanyel and Tylendel’s love story, revenge mission and subsequent Bad But Life-Changing Stuff are at turns stirring, sweet, cathartic and crushing. Tune up your mind speech and listen in - and let us know if you have a concrete internal monologue along the way.

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

CW - Mentions of suicide. To reach the suicide hotline, call or text 988 (in the US).

There is a wee bit of static on this episode, we will vanquish it next time (and are only recording separately for 4 more months thank god).

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Our Arrows of the Queen episode