Episode 113 - The Moorchild, by Eloise McGraw

Oops, we’ve been swapped out with changelings - time to discuss The Moorchild, by Eloise McGraw! We take to the moor to consider the many virtues of Irish bagpipes and revel in the atmospheric melancholy of Saaski’s tale. This deceptively complex book contrasts humanity’s darkness alongside the Folk’s lively, fleeting nihilism. Where does a girl who fits into neither world belong? We may not find the answer, but we do have a wonderful time in the fae dance (and Grace ate a glamoured orange, dangit). Join us!

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Irish bagpipes vs. Scottish bagpipes

Detail of "The Legend of St. Stephen" by Martino di Bartolomeo:

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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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Adorable Sophos and Eddis fanart by Emily B. Martin