Reading Materials

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

This week, we’re diving into Favourite Daughter by Morgan Dick—a novel that had us flipping pages and raising eyebrows. Join Corrie and Lucia as we unpack complicated mother-daughter dynamics, messy characters that felt a little too real, and the hazy line between bad choices and full-on disaster. From addiction to manipulation, this one gave us a lot to talk about—and even more to side-eye. Thank you to Viking and Penguin Random House for sending us advanced reader copies of this book! Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Life Updates 01:45 - Spoiler Warning 02:00 - Author Biography 04:05 - Book Blurb 05:30 - Our Discussion of Favourite Daughter 01:06:30 - Next Episode 01:07:15 - Outro

In this week's bonus episode we are joined by author Morgan Dick, whose debut novel Favourite Daughter was published on May 1st, 2025. Join us as we talk inspiration, writer's block, Morgan's advice to authors just starting and where she finds her next read. Thank you to Penguin Random House for sending us an advanced reader copy of Favourite Daughter, and thank you so much to Morgan for being our guest!

In this week's bonus episode, Corrie and Lucia sit down to discuss Emily Henry's newest release - Great Big Beautiful Life. Join us for our thoughts on advanced reader copies, similarities to other books, believable characters and heart-wrenching final chapters. Thank you to Viking and Penguin Random House for sending us advanced reader copies of this book! Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:30 - Life Updates 07:40 - Spoiler Warning 08:30 - The Blurb 09:20 - Our Discussion of Great Big Beautiful Life 47:10 - Next Time on Reading Materials 49:15 - Outro Other Books Mentioned: You and Me on Vacation / People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry Funny Story by Emily Henry The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Lucia and Maria are half-way through their re-read of the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas. In this week's episode, Aelin has accepted her destiny as the rightful Queen of Terrasen and returns to Rifthold to enact revenge upon Arobynn... Join us for our discussion of Queen of Shadows and hear our thoughts on Aelin’s masterminding, Lysandra’s powers, Aedion’s comedic relief, Rowan’s mixed feelings, Manon’s humanity, Dorian’s fate, Chaol’s double standards, Arobynn’s downfall and more! Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:25 - Spoiler Warning 01:30 - The Blurb 02:25 - Summary of Queen of Shadows 05:40 - Our Discussion of the Book 01:59:00 - Outro

Lucia and Maria are half-way through their re-read of the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas. In this week's episode, we leave Rifthold behind as Celaena travels to Wendlyn, confronts her past and ultimately decides her future... Join us for our thoughts on Celaena's magical training, Rowan's grouchiness, Dorian's new relationship, Chaol's changing allegiances, rebellious generals and wing leaders! Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:25 - Spoiler Warning 01:20 - The Blurb 02:10 - Summary of Heir of Fire 05:40 - Our Discussion of the Book 01:38:20 - Outro

Lucia and Maria have embarked upon a re-read of the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas. In this week's episode, the plot thickens in Crown of Midnight, as Celaena is now the King's champion and must decide where her loyalties lie... Join us for our thoughts on Celaena's morality, Dorian's powers, Nehemia's betrayal, Chaol's loyalty and more! Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:30 - Spoiler Warning 03:00 - The Blurb 04:15 - The Summary of Crown of Midnight 06:20 - Our Discussion of the Book 01:40:55 - Outro

Lucia and Maria continue their re-read of the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas. After the harrowing events of the previous book, Celaena is called to the castle to take part in a deadly competition where the prize is her freedom. Join us this week for our thoughts on crown princes, the captain of the guard, love triangles, secret plots and more! Episode timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:45 - Spoiler Warning 01:45 - The Blurb 02:30 - Our Discussion of Throne of Glass 01:48:50 - Outro

We raved about A Court of Thorns and Roses, then raged about Crescent City … it was perhaps inevitable that we would round-off our deep dive into Sarah J. Maas’s works by discussing the Throne of Glass series. Maria returns once again as co-host for this season and she has a lot to say! Join us for our thoughts on young assassins, first loves, pirates, betrayals and more! Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 03:45 - Spoiler Warning 05:40 - The Blurb 06:20 - Our Discussion of The Assassin’s Blade 39:15-40:15 - SPOILER WARNING for rest of series 01:29:50 - Outro