Episode 116 - The Boggart, by Susan Cooper

Be an ageless entity, do crimes - we’re discussing The Boggart, by Susan Cooper! This wonderfully weird book has it all and is the perfect playful Halloween read for all ages. Cooper pulls off the ultimate middle grade fantasy bait and switch - leading readers to think we’re in for a spooky Scottish castle stay and then immediately heading to Toronto (the Boggart accidentally in tow). Grace and Madeleine ponder why this book brings up such specific, forgotten childhood memories and wonder how far they’d go for a handful of peanut butter or hot fudge. Happy Halloween!

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Incredible Susan Cooper fansite

First edition cover by Trina Schart Hyman (she also did the first Ronia cover!)

A nice new friend for you to meet:

Episode 115 - A College of Magics, by Caroline Stevermer

We’re attending A College of Magics, by Caroline Stevermer! An episode almost as long as college itself, we’re resplendent with big feelings about this subtle, gorgeously written book. Faris Nallaneen comes into herself and her power through the people and ideas she encounters at Greenlaw College, a magic school where you’re not actually allowed to do magic. Set at the turn of the 20th century, the European setting and Victorian turns of phrase build out the book’s sweet metaphysical center. Join us!

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Other episodes mentioned -

Sorcery and Cecilia, by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer

The Forgotten Beasts of Eld, by Patricia A. McKillip

Witch Week, by Diana Wynne Jones

Episode 114 - Lionboy, by Zizou Corder

Brush up on your Cat as we enter the world of Lionboy, by Zizou Corder. Mother and daughter author team (Louisa Young and Isabel Adomakoh Young) craft a Romp in which we travel into a dystopian future. Steampunky advances (and limitations) in technology, a mysterious parental kidnapping, and the ability to talk to cats have led protagonist Charlie Ashanti onto a magnificent circus ship heading from Ghana to Paris. His goal? Set the circus’ captive lions free, find his parents, and leave his teen nemesis some threatening voicemails - and he does it all in adorable style. Americans are the worst, cats are the best, and your mother is a banana - join us!

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