Reading Materials

In this week’s episode we read another young adult fantasy novel and encounter flamenco dancing and dragon fighting in Together We Burn by Isabel Ibañez. Join us for our discussion of the author’s inclusion of Spanish culture, dragons as metaphors and multiple red herrings. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Life Updates 02:00 - An Introduction to the Author 04:50 - Spoiler Warning 05:20 - The Blurb 06:50 - Our Discussion of Together We Burn 45:15 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time 47:30 - Outro Other Books Mentioned: Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross Links: Isabel Ibañez on Goodreads Reading Materials on Goodreads Lucia on Goodreads Corrie on Goodreads Reading Materials on Instagram

In this week's episode we spend some time with the political and magical intrigue of The Brilliant Death by A. R. Capetta. Join us in exploring the world of Vinalia, family politics, loyalty and secrets, as well as some soul-searching about what being a "young adult" actually means. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Life Updates 02:22 - An Introduction to the Author 04:16 - The Blurb 07:05 - Spoiler Warning 07:30 - Our Discussion of The Brilliant Death 53:11 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time 01:15:40 - Outro Other Books Mentioned: ⁠The Brilliant Death⁠ by A. R. Capetta Together We Burn by Isabel Ibanez Links: A. R. Capetta⁠ on Goodreads ⁠Reading Materials⁠ on Goodreads ⁠Lucia⁠ on Goodreads ⁠Corrie⁠ on Goodreads ⁠Reading Materials⁠ on Instagram

In this week's episode we get a glimpse at the glamour of old-school Hollywood in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Join us to hear out thoughts on this bestselling and award-winning novel as we discuss Ernie, Don, Mick, Rex, Harry, Max and Robert, and ultimately find out who was the love of Evelyn's life. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:15 - Life Updates 02:30 - An Introduction to the Author 05:50 - The Blurb 07:05 - Spoiler Warning 07:30 - Our Discussion of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo 01:15:00 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time 01:15:40 - Outro Other Books Mentioned: The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton Forever, Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid The Brilliant Death by A. R. Capetta Links: Taylor Jenkins Reid on Goodreads Reading Materials on Goodreads Lucia on Goodreads Corrie on Goodreads Reading Materials on Instagram

In this week's episode we journey to the fantastical lands of Ralia and Tithena in the queer love-story A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows. Join us for our discussion of political intrigue, the book's exploration of gender identity and the author's clever use of language. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:15 - Life Updates 06:45 - An Introduction to the Author 08:30 - The Blurb 09:50 - Our Discussion of 'A Strange and Stubborn Endurance' 20:25-24:35 - Trigger Warning for Discussion of Rape 24:45 - Trigger Warning for Discussion of Suicide Attempt 01:03:20 - The Book We Will Be Reading Next Time 01:04:10 - Outro Books Mentioned: Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas Pucking Around by Emily Rath The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. LeGuin The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid Links: Foz Meadows on Goodreads Reading Materials on Goodreads Lucia on Goodreads Corrie on Goodreads Reading Materials on Instagram

We return this week to tackle our first Greek mythology retelling as we discuss the heart-breaking The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. Forget what you know from the Hollywood and Disney versions, it’s time to go back to the source as we discuss prideful heroes and gods, understated but beautiful writing, and gut-punch endings. There is even a cameo from baby Edward at the end of the episode! Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:15 - Life Updates 02:25 - An Introduction to the Author 07:45 - Spoiler Warning 09:20 - The Blurb 10:00 - Our Discussion of 'The Song of Achilles' 01:02:20 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time 01:03:45 - Outro Other Books Mentioned: Circe by Madeline Miller The Illiad / The Odyssey by Homer A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows Links: Madeline Miller on Goodreads Madeline Miller on Instagram Madeline Miller’s website Reading Materials on Goodreads Lucia on Goodreads Corrie on Goodreads Reading Materials on Instagram

We step away from fantasy this week to discuss Torrey Peters' bestselling debut about gender, parenthood, love and trans life - Detransition, Baby. Tune in for our thoughts on Reece, Ames (or Amy before her detransition) and Katrina as they navigate relationships, grapple with gender identity and ultimately decide what to do about a surprise pregnancy. Please note that this episode deals with topics that some listeners might find upsetting - please check the Episode Timepoints for trigger warnings. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Life Updates 03:10 - Trigger Warnings 04:10 - Introduction to the Author 07:45 - The Blurb 09:05 - Spoiler Warning 09:20 - Disclaimer 10:30 - Our Discussion of Detransition, Baby 01:18:15 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time 01:19:00 - Outro Books Mentioned: Infect Your Friends and Loved Ones by Torrey Peters The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller Links: Torrey Peters' website Torrey Peters on Goodreads Reading Materials on Goodreads Lucia on Goodreads Corrie on Goodreads Reading Materials on Instagram

Today we venture down the dusty halls of the libraries of Austermeer in Margeret Rogerson's "Sorcery of Thorns". Grimoires, sorcerers, demons and feisty teenage girls abound - join us in our discussion of this fun jaunt through the hallways of ancient libraries, enchanted houses and demon-infested mansions. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:16 - Life Updates 05:26 - The Blurb for Sorcery of Thorns 06:43 - Our Discussion of Sorcery of Thorns 01:05:41 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time 01:08:37 - Outro Other Books Mentioned: Northern Lights by Phillip Pullman The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab Crescent City Series by Sarah J. Maas Tomorrow Will Be Different: Love, Loss, and the Fight for Trans Equality by Sarah McBride Links: ⁠Margaret Rogerson⁠ on Goodreads Margaret Rogerson on ⁠Instagram⁠ Margaret Rogerson's ⁠website⁠ ⁠Reading Materials⁠ on Goodreads ⁠Lucia⁠ on Goodreads ⁠Corrie⁠ on Goodreads ⁠Reading Materials⁠ on Instagram

We continue Season 7 with a sequel to one of our favourite books from Season 3 - Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo. Join us as we journey with Galaxy Stern to hell and discuss character development, vampires, bunnies and of course - Darlington's glow-stick. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Life Updates 06:00 - The Blurb for Hell Bent 08:10 - Brief Summary of the Book 12:00 - Our Discussion of Hell Bent 01:20:00 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time 01:21:10 - Outro Other Books Mentioned: Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson The Aurora Cycle by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff Links: Leigh Bardugo on Goodreads Leigh Bardugo on Instagram Leigh Bardugo's website Reading Materials on Goodreads Lucia on Goodreads Corrie on Goodreads Reading Materials on Instagram

We took some time in late October to chat to another author, the wonderful Foz Meadows. Foz is an Australian fantasy author, blogger and poet. In anticipation of the release of their next novel "All the Hidden Paths" on December 5th, 2023, we chatted all things writing, tackling language in fiction, a bit of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and a myriad of other things! Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:48 - Interview with Foz Meadows 37:07 - Trigger warning: Sexual Assault 01:01:26 - Outro Foz's books: A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows All the Hidden Paths by Foz Meadows Links: ⁠Foz Meadows ⁠Foz Meadows⁠ on Instagram Foz Meadows⁠ on X (formerly known as Twitter) ⁠Reading Materials⁠ on Goodreads ⁠Lucia⁠ on Goodreads ⁠Corrie⁠ on Goodreads ⁠Reading Materials⁠ on Instagram

We kick off Season 7 with Happy Place, the latest in Emily Henry's growing set of feel good novels, published in April 2023. Corrie is back from maternity leave, Lucia is fresh from an in-depth exploration of ACOTAR, and we reunite with one of our favourite authors as we find out what happens during Lobster Season in Maine when six friends, three secrets, and the harsh reality of growing up, coincide one summer's week. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Life updates 04:23 - An Introduction to Season Seven 06:18 - Introduction to Happy Place 07:55 - The Blurb 09:25 - Our Discussion of "Happy Place" 17:00 - Belated spoiler alert 01:46:30 - Outro Other Books Mentioned: Dead in Devon⁠ by Stephanie Austin Pucking Around by Emily Rath Beyond the Wand by Tom Felton Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff The Night Ship by Jess Kidd Doctor Doolittle by Hugh Lofting Beach Read by Emily Henry People We Meet on Vacation/You and Me on Vacation by Emily Henry Book Lovers by Emily Henry Funny Story by Emily Henry Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo Links: ⁠Emily Henry⁠ on Goodreads ⁠Reading Materials⁠ on Goodreads ⁠Lucia⁠ on Goodreads ⁠Corrie⁠ on Goodreads ⁠Reading Materials⁠ on Instagram

After 4 months we have made it to the end of our A Court of Thorns and Roses re-read! What a journey it has been… Join us for this series wrap-up episode in which Maria returns and we discuss the series as a whole and share our predictions for Crescent City and the next ACoTaR books. Episode Timepoints 00:00 - Intro 40:00 - Spoiler Warning for Crescent City 58:30 - Outro Books Mentioned: A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout Links: Sarah J. Maas on Goodreads Reading Materials on Goodreads Lucia on Goodreads Corrie on Goodreads Reading Materials on Instagram

Lucia and Jess have reached the end of their journey through the A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas. This episode discusses chapters 61 through 80 of A Court of Silver Flames. Join us as we share our final thoughts on the book and talk about the Rite, Nesta’s bargain with the Mother and our issues with Feyre’s pregnancy. Episode Timepoints 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Spoiler Warning 00:40 - The Story So Far 02:30 - Our Discussion of Chapters 61 - 80 of A Court of Silver Flames 24:20 - Trigger Warning 48:00 - Outro Books Mentioned: A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling Links: Sarah J. Maas on Goodreads Reading Materials on Goodreads Lucia on Goodreads Corrie on Goodreads Reading Materials on Instagram

Lucia and Jess continue their deep-dive into the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. This episode discusses chapters 41 through 60 of A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas. We also discuss the bonus Azriel and Elain chapter which was included in the Books-a-Million Exclusive Edition of this book. Join us for our thoughts on Nesta hitting rock bottom, mating bonds snapping into place and training to become a Valkyrie. Episode Timepoints 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Spoiler Warning 01:00 - The Story So Far 02:00 - Our Discussion of Chapters 41 - 60 of A Court of Silver Flames 01:12:00 - Outro Books Mentioned: A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas Links: Sarah J. Maas on Goodreads Reading Materials on Goodreads Lucia on Goodreads Corrie on Goodreads Reading Materials on Instagram

Lucia and Jess continue their deep-dive into the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. This episode discusses chapters 21 through 40 of A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas. Join us for our thoughts on Nesta and Cassian’s developing relationship, Feyre’s big reveal and creepy kelpies. Episode Timepoints 00:00 - Intro 0:20 - Spoiler Warning 00:35 - The Story So Far 01:10 - Our Discussion of Chapters 21 - 40 of A Court of Silver Flames 01:01:15 - Outro Books Mentioned: A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling Links: Sarah J. Maas on Goodreads Reading Materials on Goodreads Lucia on Goodreads Corrie on Goodreads Reading Materials on Instagram

The war with Hybern may be over, but for Nesta the nightmares continue and on the continent, a new evil is stirring... Lucia and Jess continue their deep-dive into the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. This episode discusses chapters 1 through 20 of A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas. Join us for our thoughts on snarling, subplots and sexual tension you can cut with a knife. Episode Timepoints 00:00 - Intro 00:25 - Spoiler Warning 01:00 - The Story So Far 02:30 - Our Discussion of Chapters 1 - 20 of A Court of Silver Flames 42:30-49:30 - Spoilers for Crescent City series 49:30 - Spoilers for Throne of Glass series 01:06:00 - Outro Books Mentioned: A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling Links: Sarah J. Maas on Goodreads Reading Materials on Goodreads Lucia on Goodreads Corrie on Goodreads Reading Materials on Instagram

It's the Winter Solstice, which means it's time for shopping, hot chocolate and endless descriptions of snowy landscapes... Lucia and Jess continue their deep-dive into Sarah J. Maas’s best-selling series, this time with their discussion of the novella A Court of Frost and Starlight. Hear their thoughts on characters not acting quite like themselves, Mor’s tendency to keep secrets from those she loves most, and the general lack of a point to this book. Episode Timepoints 00:00 - Intro 00:50 - Spoiler Warning 01:10 - The Story So Far 02:30 - Our Discussion of A Court of Frost and Starlight 52:30 - Outro Books Mentioned: A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas Links: Sarah J. Maas on Goodreads Reading Materials on Goodreads Lucia on Goodreads Corrie on Goodreads Reading Materials on Instagram Thank you for listening! You can send your feedback, thoughts, questions and book recommendations to us at reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com.

We continue our journey through A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas. This episode discusses chapters 61 through 80. Join us as we talk about revelations, plot twists and sacrifices, as the original trilogy comes to a dramatic close. Episode Timepoints 00:00 - Intro 00:45 - Spoiler Warning 01:10 - The Story So Far 02:00 - Our Discussion of Chapters 61-80 of A Court of Wings and Ruin 58:50 - Spoiler Warning for Crescent City 01:26:00 - Outro Books Mentioned: A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling Links: Sarah J. Maas on Goodreads Reading Materials on Goodreads Lucia on Goodreads Corrie on Goodreads Reading Materials on Instagram

We continue our journey through A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas. This episode discusses chapters 41 through 60. Join us as we talk about the melodrama of the High Lords’ meeting, contemplate what mental walls actually look like and question whether Jurian can teleport. Episode Timepoints 00:00 - Intro 00:30 - Spoiler Warning 01:00 - The Story So Far 02:30 - Our Discussion of Chapters 41-60 of A Court of Wings and Ruin 57:00 - Outro Books Mentioned: A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas Links: Sarah J. Maas on Goodreads Reading Materials on Goodreads Lucia on Goodreads Corrie on Goodreads Reading Materials on Instagram

We continue our exploration of A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas. This episode discusses chapters 21 through 40. Join us as we talk about Nesta and Amren’s unlikely friendship, Elain’s new powers and Tarquin’s lack of gratitude after the attack on Adriata. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:25 - Spoiler Warning 00:40 - The Story So Far 01:05 - Our Discussion of Chapters 21-40 of A Court of Wings and Ruin 54:10 - Outro 54:35 - Blooper Books Mentioned: A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling Links: Sarah J. Maas on Goodreads Reading Materials on Goodreads Lucia on Goodreads Corrie on Goodreads Reading Materials on Instagram

War in Prythian is imminent as the King of Hybern rallies his troops and sets his sight on the Wall and the human lands beyond. Still reeling from their last encounter with the King, Feyre and the rest of the Court of Dreams must go to new extremes to find as many allies as possible... In this episode Lucia, Jess and Maria discuss chapters 1 through 20 of A Court of Wings and Ruin, book 3 in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas. Join us to hear our thoughts on court politics, slightly cringe writing and Feyre’s manipulations. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Spoiler Warning 00:40 - The Story So Far 01:20 - Our Discussion 01:05:30 - Outro 01:05:55 - Blooper Books Mentioned: A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling Twilight by Stephenie Meyer Links: Sarah J. Maas on Goodreads Reading Materials on Goodreads Lucia on Goodreads Corrie on Goodreads Reading Materials on Instagram