Happy Pride Month! This episode we're discussing The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow! This is a tale of three sisters who must come together to fight against the misogynistic Gideon Hill, who wants to rid the world of witches. They each have their own struggles to overcome, June is young and filled with unchanneled rage, Agnes is isolated and pregnant, while Bella hides her true nature. Can they overcome their challenges to unite the women and witches in New Salem? Or will old prejudices and fear be their downfall?

This week we're discussing Wings of Life, the first book in the Dragonbound Chronicles, with the author, Meghan Le Fay! In this episode, Meghan shares about the inspiration for her novel and delves into her characters with us.

Serae has been a constant challenge to her parents. She is curious and intelligent, which her father typically laments, until the opportunity for her to serve as spy for Inra presents itself. Her betrothal to the High Dane of Rihtlond's son offers the best circumstance for her to gather information about Rihtlond's secrets. The Riht do not easily accept Serae. In working to prove herself as worthy of the High Dane's son, she gains the trust of a group of people who she comes to care deeply for, including their weaponmaster. Not only does she discover the hidden magic of Rihtlond, but she also discovers herself and her own magic.

Join us this week!

This episode we're discussing Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry. This is the sequel to Shield of Sparrows. Odessa and Evie have been separated from Ransom. They plan to meet up with him in Quentis, but encounter quite a few issues along the way. When they do finally arrive, it is not a warm welcome, they are attacked on multiple occasions and even framed for crimes. It all seems connected to the Vosters. Will Odessa, Evie, and Ransom be able to survive the journey and figure out the secret behind the Vosters magic before the Lyssa overtakes Ransom?

A new character is also introduced - Caspia. She is from a different continent and is traveling to avenge her sister's death. However, when she meets Andreas and falls in love, her plans must change. Will she be able to complete her quest? Or will the responsibility fall on Andreas?

This week, we're discussing Of Blades and Wings by Eliza Raine. Princess Madivia of the Ice Court never expected to be chosen to attend Featherblade, a training school for future Valkyries, not only because her magic has never been as strong as her Freydis, her sister, but also because a medical condition causes Maddy to pass out unexpectedly. Each fainting episode may mean the end of her life. However, to the surprise of everyone, Maddy is selected to train among Odin's remaining elite Valkyrie. Though she has felt like an outsider for most of her life, Maddy feels excited about the opportunity to develop her power and get her wings. However, there are bullies among her fellow rooks, and a grumpy fire fae, Kain, who can't keep his eyes off her. This is a slow burn, enemies to lovers, romantasy novel inspired by Norse mythology. Join us this week!

This episode we discuss Thief of Night by Holly Black! It is the second and final book in the Charlatan Duology. Charlie Hall agreed to be tethered to her shadow boyfriend Vince and become the Hierophant to save his life. However, Vince no longer remembers her or even being Vince. He now goes by Red, he remembers being the shadow of Remy Carver but has lost about a year's worth of memories. He is distrustful of Charlie and their relationship is tense. When Charlie is approached by the new head of the puppeteers to investigate a murder, secrets start to be revealed. Will Charlie and Red be able to work together? Or is Red's inability to take Charlie at her word going to cost them everything?

This week we're discussing When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker. Raeve, as assassin for a rebel group in the Fade, merely seeks to complete her missions, do what she can to help those less fortunate than her, and live her life. However, a cloaked male, who Raeve believes to be a bounty hunter, crosses her path and despite her efforts, she cannot shake him...not even from her jail cell. When Kaan Vaegor, King of the Burn, recognizes Raeve, a female from his past, nothing will stop him from ensuring her safety, even to his own detriment.

Our discussion starts at 12:45 into this recording.

This week we discuss the second book of Heather Fawcett's Emily Wilde Series - Map of the Otherlands. Emily and Wendell are searching for a way into the otherlands and Wendell's kingdom. They are joined by Emily's niece, Ariadne, and the head of the dyradology department Dr. Ferris Rose. The crew follow clues and make their way to Austria to investigate Danielle De Grey's last known location. De Grey was searching for and likely found a nexus and her research is their best chance at finding Wendell a way back to his kingdom. However, his evil step mother is determined to keep her throne and tries to thwart Wendell through attacks and even with poison. Will Emily and Wendel find the nexus before it's too late?

This week, we have a special guest! Brigid Kemmerer, author of Warrior, Princess, Assassin, joined us for our discussion of her book! We are so grateful for her time!

To dive straight into our discussion with Brigid and skip the character and plot summary, jump ahead to 11:20 in this episode.

Princess Jory of Astranza faces the difficult reality of becoming engaged to a king, Maddox Kyronan of Incendar, or risk placing the safety and future of her kingdom at risk. Ky's fire magic is rumored to be terribly destructive, which is extremely effective against the enemies, the Draegonis. However, the rumors also suggest that Ky has used such power against his own people. Jory seeks comfort from her only friend, Asher, an assassin for hire and her childhood love. Dark dealings by men in power unexpectedly drive Asher, Ky, and Jory together, and while they ally together out of necessity initially, their attraction to each other draws them even closer. Join us this week!