Reading Materials

In this episode of the Reading Materials Podcast, we journey to the Southern Continent with Tower of Dawn and dive deep into the revelations and relationships that redefine the series. We unpack the bombshell twist that Maeve is Valg, we vent our continuing frustration with Chaol as his healing arc tests everyone’s patience, and we talk through why Yrene’s choices left us more disappointed than inspired. From political intrigue to personal upheaval, we explore how this installment expands the world, reframes key characters, and sets the stage for the explosive finale to come. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:35 - Spoiler Warning 00:50 - Life Updates 02:00 - The Blurb 03:15 - What Actually Happened in Tower of Dawn 06:30 - Our Discussion 01:03:50 - Next Time on Reading Materials 01:05:00 - Outro

In this episode of Reading Materials, we dive into The Treasures by Harriet Evans (released June 12, 2025), exploring its richly drawn dual settings in 1950s London and 1960s New York. We unpack our love/hate relationship with cliffhangers, chat about how surprisingly dark the story becomes, and reflect on how these layered timelines reshape the family drama at its core. Thank you for Viking for sending us ARCs of the book. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Life Updates 02:30 - An Introduction to Harriet Evans 05:10 - Spolier Warning 05:40 - The Blurb 06:30 - Our Discussion of the Book 01:09:45 - Outro

In this episode of Reading Materials, we’re joined by author H. R. Cole to discuss her debut adult fantasy novel Daughter of the Void, published in August 2025. H. R. shares her thoughts on the bias women face in the fantasy genre, what it takes to craft a truly captivating enemies-to-lovers romance, and how her background in medical journalism shaped her approach to writing. It’s an engaging and insightful conversation about resilience, romance, and breaking boundaries in fantasy fiction.

In this episode of Reading Materials, we’re joined by author Ross Montgomery to talk about his latest release, The Murder at World’s End, published on October 30, 2025. Ross shares insights into his career as a beloved children’s author, what it was like transitioning to writing murder mysteries for adults, and the books he read as a child that completely blew his mind. It’s a fun and fascinating conversation about creative evolution, storytelling across genres, and the stories that shape us.

In this episode of Reading Materials, we dive into To Love a Liar by L. V. Matthews, released on September 11, 2025. We chat about the joy of exploring different genres, our feelings about Jackson the dog, and which characters had us second-guessing their every move. It’s a lively discussion full of twists, suspicions, and the thrill of a well-crafted mystery. Thank you to Penguin for sending us advanced reader copies of To Love a Liar. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Brief Life Updates 02:00 - Introduction to L. V. Matthews 05:05 - Spoiler Warning 05:40 - The Blurb 06:00 - Our Discussion of To Love a Liar 01:03:55 - Next Time on Reading Materials 01:05:00 - Outro

In this episode of Reading Materials, we’re joined by author Serra Swift to talk about her upcoming fantasy novel Kill the Beast, out October 14, 2025. Serra shares her thoughts on navigating the pitfalls of professional jealousy, the differences between YA and adult fantasy from the author's perspective, and how to strike the balance between being a great writer and a great storyteller. It’s a candid and inspiring conversation about creativity, perseverance, and the craft of writing fantasy. Thank you to Tor Books for sending us advanced copies of Kill the Beast! Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Interview with Serra Swift 01:04:50 - Outro

In this episode of Reading Materials, we’re joined by author Nuala Ellw0od, also known as Iris Costello, to talk about her newest novel The Paris Bookshop Secret, released in July 2025. Nuala shares how a haunted Georgian mansion inspired her current project, the power of books to help readers process grief, and the rituals she uses to get into the writing zone. It’s a rich and reflective conversation about creativity, emotion, and the healing power of storytelling. Thank you to Penguin to sending us proofs of The Paris Bookshop Secret. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Our interview with Nuala Ellwood 01:05:00 - Outro

In this week's episode we dive into Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher (released August 19th, 2025). Join us as we share why Anja quickly became one of our favourite heroines, dig into what makes a retelling succeed (or stumble), and chat about why we’d happily return to this darkly magical world for more. Thank you to Tor for sending us an advanced reader copy of this book! Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:30 - Life Updates 02:20 - A Brief Introduction to T. Kingfisher 06:25 - Spoiler Warning 07:00 - The Blurb 07:40 - Our Discussion of 'Hemlock & Silver' 01:01:35 - Next Time on Reading Materials 01:02:35 - Outro

In this episode of Reading Materials, we sit down with L. V. Matthews to discuss her gripping new thriller To Love A Liar, out September 11, 2025. We explore the art of plotting twists that keep readers guessing, the secrets behind her book dedications, and how she manages to write chilling mysteries while raising two children. Join us for a conversation full of insight, intrigue, and a peek behind the curtain of a masterful storyteller. Thank you to Viking and Penguin for sending us advanced copies of To Love a Liar.

In this episode of Reading Materials, we discuss Rie Qudan's Sympathy Tower Tokyo (released on August 21st, 2025). We enter into a deep discussion about the ins and outs of judicial systems, ponder the differences between Eastern and Western culture, and explore language and its evolution, including the use of AI in literature. Join us for an interesting exploration of this translation of Rie Qudan's Tōkyō-to Dōjō Tō, originally published in 2024 in Japan, and winner of the Akutagawa Prize. Thank you to Penguin for sending us advanced copies of this book! Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:19 - Life Updates 08:21 - Spoiler Alert 05:44 - A Brief Introduction to the Author 08:21 - Spoiler Alert 08:51 - The Blurb 10:11 - Our Discussion of Sympathy Tower Tokyo 01:11:10 - Next Time on the Reading Materials Podcast 01:12:06 - Outro

In this episode of Reading Materials, we discuss Carissa Broadbent’s The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk (released on August 5th, 2025). We unpack our frustrations with the lack of chemistry between the main characters, the repetitiveness of the plot compared to the first book in the duology, and our lingering confusion around the world-building. Join us for an honest conversation about what worked for us—and what didn’t—in this much-anticipated sequel. Thank you to Tor and Pan Macmillan for sending us advanced copies of this book! Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Life Updates 02:35 - Spoiler Alert 03:30 - A Brief Introduction to the Author 08:50 - The Blurb 09:50 - Our Discussion of The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk 53:15 - Next Time on the Reading Materials Podcast 53:55 - Outro

In this episode we dive into Josie Silver’s Slow Burn Summer. We share our honest reactions to the novel, from the lack of real chemistry between the main love interests to some of the over-the-top moments that pulled us out of the story. We also reflect on the challenge of giving critical reviews, especially when we’ve had the chance to speak directly with the author. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Life Updates 07:10 - Spoiler Alert 07:25 - An Introduction To the Author 12:00 - The Blurb 13:20 - Our Discussion of Slow Burn Summer 54:20 - Next Time on Reading Materials 55:15 - Outro

In this episode, we unpack The Other Wife - the sharp, intimate debut by Jackie Thomas-Kennedy (published July 17th) Join us for a conversation about unlikeable characters, its ambiguous title and cover, and how it made us reflect on our own lives in unexpected ways. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 01:15 - Life Updates 03:00 - A Brief Introduction to Jackie Thomas-Kennedy 05:35 - Spoiler Alert 06:05 - The Blurb 06:50 - Our Discussion of 'The Other Wife' 56:40 - Next Time on Reading Materials 57:45 - Outro

We are so excited to welcome our eighth author to our podcast! In this episode we speak with debut author Sarah Hamdan about her powerful first novel, 'What Will People Think?', released in May 2025. Sarah shares how her own life experiences shaped the narrative, the vital role characters and setting play in telling authentic stories, and her hope to shine a light on Palestinian culture through fiction. Join us for a thoughtful conversation about identity, storytelling, and writing with purpose.

In this week's episode, we chat with bestselling author Josie Silver about her latest novel, Slow Burn Summer, released on July 17th. Josie opens up about the experience of writing under pseudonyms, how fleeting real-life moments can spark entire stories, and what’s next on her horizon—including a delightful shift into cosy paranormal romance.

In this episode, we dig into The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst — where the plants have opinions, the family reunions come with emotional baggage, and the magic is as warm as a fresh-baked honey cake. Join us as we talk about sentient flora, hark back to our love of The Spellshop, and why the greenhouses were more confusing than magical. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Life Updates 02:30 - An Introduction to the Author 05:00 - A Brief Chat About 'The Spellshop' 07:55 - The Blurb 09:15 - Our Discussion of 'The Enchanted Greenhouse' 58:30 - Next Time on the Reading Materials Podcast 59:30 - Outro

Maria is back this week as co-host to continue diving into the Throne of Glass series with Lucia. This week, we are tackling the gut-wrenching Empire of Storms. Join us for our thoughts on Aelin’s epic trust issues, that long-awaited “we’re mates” moment with Rowan, and the sizzling slow burn between Dorian and Manon. Plus—Elena, the gods, and that cursed lock that ruined everything. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Spoiler Warning 01:50 - The Blurb 02:55 - What actually happened in Empire of Storms 06:45 - Our Discussion 01:47:50 - Outro

In this week's episode, we sit down with author Jackie Thomas-Kennedy, whose debut novel The Other Wife hits shelves on July 15th. Jackie shares the journey of transforming short stories into a full-length novel, the intricacies of crafting character-driven narratives, and how she explores the texture of time in her writing. We dive into how reading books at the start of her writing sessions fuels her creativity and how poetry can inspire. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:30 - Interview with Jackie Thomas-Kennedy 47:45 - Outro

In this week's bonus episode we are so excited to be talking to New York Times Bestselling author Sarah Beth Durst, whose newest novel The Enchanted Greenhouse will be published on July 15th, 2025. Join us as we talk finding joy, sentient plants, writing for different age groups and ... bunnies? Thank you to Pan MacMillan for sending us an advanced reader copy of The Enchanted Greenhouse, and thank you so much to Sarah Beth for being our guest!

In this episode, we sink our teeth into Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab. From the haunting pull of vampire lore to the raw portrayal of anxiety and mental health, we explore how Schwab reshapes the gothic tradition. We ask: How would this story shift if its characters were older? What role does the setting play in how we perceive the vampires? Join us as we unearth the buried fears, subtle power dynamics, and tender monstrosities that make this story linger like a whisper in the dark. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:15 - Life Updates 02:50 - Spoiler Warning 03:20 - Introduction to V. E. Schwab 05:10 - The Blurb 06:30 - Our Discussion of Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil 01:17:35 - Next Time on Reading Materials 01:18:15 - Outro