Episode 112 - The Lost Years of Merlin, by T.A. Barron

It’s Merlin time! We head to Fincayra with a ragtag crew including a boy who without a past, a girl raised by trees, a tiny giant who loves honey and a bird you’ll want to keep around. The Lost Years of Merlin by T.A. Barron is a soothing, nature-focused journey through a magical wood that adds a new perspective to the many Merlin myths. The experience of rereading and discussing us left us in the best moods, almost as if we’d found some ambrosia bread of our own. Join us!

Note - the title for this book is now Merlin Book 1: The Lost Years.

EPISODE MEDIA

Current edition’s cover

Episode 111 - Black Hearts in Battlesea, by Joan Aiken

We’re continuing on in Joan Aiken’s alternate history, wolf-ridden England with Black Hearts in Battersea! If your spirits need a boost (and whose don’t), irresistible Cockney urchin Dido Twite is here to entrance and delight. We absolutely adored this book and wish it had come into our lives sooner. Puzzle over Grace’s mental picture of mince pies and join Madeleine’s affable league of helpful art students - join us!

Thanks to all the listeners who have requested the Wolves Chronicles, we’re obsessed with this series!

EPISODE MEDIA

I (Grace) figured out the series from my youth I so vaguely described - All-of-a-Kind Family

Episode 110 - Legendborn, by Tracy Deonn

We’re exploring the Arthurian legend through a southern Black lens with Legendborn, by Tracy Deonn! Join 16-year-old protagonist Bree as she enters an early college program at UNC Chapel Hill and discovers more than one type of magic is waiting. She learns about her dead mother’s secrets, her own latent abilities, and the pull of various Hot Boys (both golden and broody). This was our first time experiencing this incredible book and we wholeheartedly recommend it - pick up a copy and join us!

EPISODE MEDIA

Shondaland interview with Tracy Deonn

Our Susan Cooper episodes - Over Sea, Under Stone and The Dark is Rising

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.

EPISODE MEDIA

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.

EPISODE MEDIA

The excellent audiobook cover: