Episode 118 - The Seven Songs of Merlin, by T.A. Barron

We’re continuing to explore the Lost Years with The Seven Songs of Merlin, by T.A. Barron! Our wee Merlin advances to his Emo Protagonist era as he shirks the main quest in favor of finding/saving his mama. Grace and Madeleine discuss the plot’s video game structure, the joys of a melancholy bard (Bumblewy forever), and why we’re more sympathetic to Merlin’s weight of responsibility as adults. Plus the mysterious wonders of BREAD TOWN + THE GOLDEN STARTER FOUNTAIN. Join us!

(Alternate title for current edition: Merlin Book 2: The Seven Songs).

Our last episode on the series - The Lost Years of Merlin

Episode 117 - Cart and Cwidder, by Diana Wynne Jones

Strum your cwidder and make the mountains walk 🎵 We’re reading Cart and Cwidder by Diana Wynne Jones! Murderers, spies, magical instruments, and vengeance driven by the love of a horse - would you expect anything less from DWJ? This opener to the Dalemark Quartet introduces Moril, Brid and their family of wandering troubadours. In a nation plagued by civil war, the songs of old can serve as battle cries - and the kids are quickly in over their heads. Join us in pondering approaches to memory, Fully Realized Horses and magical storytelling.

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If you’re craving another troubadours in peril story - Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (not YA).

Our Book of Enchantments episode mentioned is actually on our Babetreon - just $3/month to join and get access to all our past episodes!

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!