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Fortress Fiction

by MJ Munoz

MJ is an aspiring author. He loves stories of transformation and heroism, but the craft of stringing sentences together to make someone feel something they know isn't real has a charm all its own. Join him as he studies stories and chronicles his creative endeavors. Visit MJMunoz.com for more analysis, art and fiction.

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Episodes

  1. The Book of Three Chapter 11: Taran Grows Up

    Chapter 11 of The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander isn’t the most exciting chapter in the book, but it may be one of the most important. After everything that’s happened, Taran finally has a moment to reflect. Gwydion is presumed dead, the companions are starving, and the journey forward feels...

  2. How to Defeat a Demon King in Ten Easy Steps Book Chat

    I usually dislike first person narration in fantasy books. But Andrew Rowe’s How to Defeat a Demon King in Ten Easy Steps completely won me over. In this Fortress Fiction book chat, I talk about why this Zelda-style fantasy parody works so well, and what it taught me about two different styles of...

  3. The Book of Three Chapter 10 On Lore and Lineage

    Chapter 10 of The Book of Three is packed so densely with lore, lineage, and quiet setup that I had to listen to it three times—and I still found more to unpack. BONUS CONTENT - https://mjmunoz.com/2026/02/06/the-book-of-three-chapter-by-chapter-10/ In just one chapter, Lloyd Alexander weaves…

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  4. Is The Nixie's Song Off Key? - Beyond The Spiderwick Chronicles Book 1 |FF 18

    The Nixie’s Song by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi is the first book in the sequel series to The Spiderwick Chronicles. It brings back the magic, mystery, and fae creatures—but does it go too far with its tone? In this episode of Fortress Fiction, I explore what worked, what didn’t, and why one...

  5. Kid-Lit Audit: 30+ Middle Grade Books Reviewed: What I Loved, Loathed, and Would Never Give to a Kid

    Looking for clean, powerful, age-appropriate books for your kids or students? Author and parent MJ Muñoz shares his personal audit of 30+ middle grade books—including classics, modern titles, and unexpected picks. Books that inspire. Books that disturb. Books that should come with a warning…

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  6. The Hidden Peril of Wing of Fire - Wings of Fire Book 1 The Dragonet Prophecy |FF 16

    What did you think of Wings of Fire Book 1 The Dragonet Prophecy by Tui T. Sutherland? #amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #FOTRESSFICTION #Fantasy #WingsofFire SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2025/07/14/ff16/ SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

  7. The Book of Three Chapter by Chapter 9 |CXC44

    What did you think of The Book of Three Chapter 9 by Lloyd Alexander? #amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ChapterXChapter #TheBookof Three #FOTRESSFICTION SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2025/04/24/cxc44/ SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

  8. The Book of Three Chapter by Chapter 8 |CXC43

    What did you think of The Book of Three Chapter 8 by Lloyd Alexander? #amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ChapterXChapter #TheBookof Three #FOTRESSFICTION SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2025/04/18/cxc43/ SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

  9. The Secret Garden: Where Magic and Science Become One - Fortress Fiction 15

    Does Frances Hodgson Burnett hold a place of honor or scorn in the Fortress Fiction? What do you think and why? #amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ChapterXChapter #TheSecretGarden #FOTRESSFICTION SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2025/04/11/ff15/ SOE CATALOG -...

  10. The Book of Three Chapter by Chapter 7 |CXC42

    What did you think of The Book of Three Chapter 7 by Lloyd Alexander? #amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ChapterXChapter #TheBookof Three #FOTRESSFICTION SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2025/04/04/cxc42/ SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

  11. The Book of Three Chapter by Chapter 6 |CXC41

    What did you think of The Book of Three Chapter 6 by Lloyd Alexander? #amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ChapterXChapter #TheBookof Three #FOTRESSFICTION SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2025/03/21/cxc41/ SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

  12. The Book of Three Chapter by Chapter 5 |CXC40

    What did you think of The Book of Three Chapter 5 by Lloyd Alexander? #amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ChapterXChapter #TheBookof Three #FOTRESSFICTION SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2025/03/07/cxc40/ SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

  13. The Book of Three Chapter by Chapter 4 |CXC39

    What did you think of The Book of Three Chapter 4 by Lloyd Alexander? #amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ChapterXChapter #TheBookof Three #FOTRESSFICTION SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/12/13/cxc39/ SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

  14. The Secret Garden Chapter by Chapter 11 |CXC38

    What did you think of The Secret Garden Chapter 10 by Frances Hodgson Burnett? #amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ChapterXChapter #TheSecretGarden #FOTRESSFICTION SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/11/18/cxc38/ SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

  15. The Book of Three Chapter by Chapter 3 |CXC37

    What did you think of The Book of Three Chapter 3 by Lloyd Alexander? #amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ChapterXChapter #TheBookof Three #FOTRESSFICTION SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/11/15/cxc37/ SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

  16. The Secret Garden Chapter by Chapter 10 |CXC36

    What did you think of The Secret Garden Chapter 10 by Frances Hodgson Burnett? #amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ChapterXChapter #TheSecretGarden #FOTRESSFICTION SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/11/14/cxc36/ SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

  17. The Secret Garden Chapter by Chapter 9 |CXC35

    What did you think of The Secret Garden Chapter 9 by Frances Hodgson Burnett? #amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ChapterXChapter #TheSecretGarden #FOTRESSFICTION SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/11/13/cxc35/ SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

  18. The Secret Garden Chapter by Chapter 8 |CXC34

    What did you think of The Secret Garden Chapter 8 by Frances Hodgson Burnett? #amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ChapterXChapter #TheSecretGarden #FOTRESSFICTION SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/11/12/cxc34/ SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

  19. The Secret Garden Chapter by Chapter 7 |CXC33

    What did you think of The Secret Garden Chapter 7 by Frances Hodgson Burnett? #amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ChapterXChapter #TheSecretGarden #FOTRESSFICTION SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/11/11/cxc33/ SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

  20. The Book of Three Chapter by Chapter 2 |cxc32

    What did you think of The Book of Three Chapter 2 by Lloyd Alexander? #amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ChapterXChapter #TheBookof Three #FOTRESSFICTION SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/11/08/cxc32/ SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

  21. The Secret Garden Chapter by Chapter 6 |CXC31

    What did you think of The Secret Garden Chapter 6 by Frances Hodgson Burnett? #amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ChapterXChapter #TheSecretGarden #FOTRESSFICTION SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/11/07/cxc31/ SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

  22. The Secret Garden Chapter by Chapter 5 |CXC30

    What did you think of The Secret Garden Chapter 4 by Frances Hodgson Burnett? #amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ChapterXChapter #TheSecretGarden #FOTRESSFICTION SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/11/06/cxc30/ SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

  23. The Secret Garden Chapter by Chapter 4 |CXC29

    What did you think of The Secret Garden Chapter 4 by Frances Hodgson Burnett? #amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ChapterXChapter #TheSecretGarden #FOTRESSFICTION SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/11/05/cxc29/ SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

  24. The Secret Garden Chapter by Chapter 3 |CXC28

    What did you think of The Secret Garden Chapter 3 by Frances Hodgson Burnett? #amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ChapterXChapter #TheSecretGarden #FOTRESSFICTION SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/11/04/cxc28/ SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

  25. The Book of Three Chapter by Chapter 1 |cxc27

    What did you think of The Book of Three Chapter 1 by Lloyd Alexander? #amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ChapterXChapter #TheBookof Three #FOTRESSFICTION SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/11/01/cxc27/ SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

  26. The Secret Garden Chapter by Chapter 2 |CXC26

    What did you think of The Secret Garden Chapter 2 by Frances Hodgson Burnett? #amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ChapterXChapter #TheSecretGarden #FOTRESSFICTION SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/10/31/cxc26/ SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

  27. The Secret Garden Chapter by Chapter 1 |CXC25

    What did you think of The Secret Garden Chapter 1? #amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ChapterXChapter #TheSecretGarden #FOTRESSFICTION SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/10/30/cxc25/ SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

  28. UPDATE - Fortress Fiction 14.5 |SOE 062.5

    I am pivoting FF a bit again. Look forward to week by week, chapter by chapter coverage of Lloyd Alexander's The Book of Three, and more. #amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #Fantsy #ChapterXChapter #FOTRESSFICTION SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/10/24/ff-update-3/ SOE CATALOG -...

  29. Kamudo 1.1 Preview

    How did you like Kamudo 1.1? #Manga #Fantasy #Viz #Kamudo #AkiraHimekawa LINK - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/10/25/stc-83/ SHOW CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/stc/ PODCASTS - https://mjmunoz.com/podcasts/ Fortress Fiction - https://www.youtube.com/@fortressfiction

  30. Maniac Magee Chapter by Chapter 6 |CXC 24

    What did you think of Maniac Magee Chapter 6? #amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ChapterXChapter #ManiacMagee #FOTRESSFICTION SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/10/01/cxc24/ SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

  31. Maniac Magee Chapter by Chapter 5 |CXC 23

    What did you think of Maniac Magee Chapter 5? #amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ChapterXChapter #ManiacMagee #FOTRESSFICTION SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/09/30/cxc23/ SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

  32. Maniac Magee Chapter by Chapter 4 |CXC 22

    What did you think of Maniac Magee Chapter 4? #amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ChapterXChapter #ManiacMagee #FOTRESSFICTION SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/09/27/cxc22/ SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

  33. Maniac Magee Chapter by Chapter 3 |CXC 21

    What did you think of Maniac Magee Chapter 3? #amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ChapterXChapter #ManiacMagee #FOTRESSFICTION SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/09/26/cxc21/ SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

  34. Maniac Magee Chapter by Chapter 2 |CXC 20

    What did you think of Maniac Magee Chapter 2? #amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ManiacMagee #FOTRESSFICTION SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/09/24/cxc19/ SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

  35. Maniac Magee Chapter by Chapter 1 |CXC19

    What did you think of Maniac Magee Chapter 1? #amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ManiacMagee #FOTRESSFICTION SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/09/24/cxc19/ SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

  36. Maniac Magee Chapter by Chapter Introduction |CXC18

    What did you think of the introduction to Maniac Magee? #amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #ChapterXChapter #ManiacMagee #FOTRESSFICTION SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/09/23/cxc18/ SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

  37. Peter Pan - Fortress Fiction 14 |SOE 062

    Does JM Barrie's Peter Pan hold a place of honor or scorn in the Fortress Fiction? What do you think and why? #amreading #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #Fantsy #ChapterXChapter #PeterPan #FOTRESSFICTION SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/09/20/ff014/ SOE CATALOG -...

  38. Keruv: Midnight Angel |Short Story

    What did you think of my noir superheroine Keruv? #Keruv #MJMunoz #FOTRESSFICTION #ShortStory #Noir #Superhero SOURCE - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/09/18/mjmss1/

  39. Chapter by Chapter Peter Pan 17

    What did you think of Peter Pan Chapter 17?How do you like the ending? Is it what you expected? Show notes - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/09/17/cxc17/ #amreading #PeterPan #chapterbychapter #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #FOTRESSFICTION SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

  40. Chapter by Chapter Peter Pan 16

    What did you think of Peter Pan Chapter 16? Does JM Barrie dislike children or does he just understand them? Show notes - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/09/16/cxc16/ #amreading #PeterPan #chapterbychapter #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #FOTRESSFICTION SOE CATALOG -...

  41. Chapter by Chapter Peter Pan 15

    What did you think of Peter Pan Chapter 15? Did the Lost Boys win only by a fluke? Show notes - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/09/13/cxc15/ #amreading #PeterPan #chapterbychapter #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #FOTRESSFICTION SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

  42. Chapter by Chapter Peter Pan 14

    What did you think of Peter Pan Chapter 14? Are you intrigued by Hook's past? Show notes - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/09/12/cxc14/ #amreading #PeterPan #chapterbychapter #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #FOTRESSFICTION SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

  43. Chapter by Chapter Peter Pan 13

    What did you think of #PeterPan Chapter 13? Is this book too dark or just dark enough? Show notes - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/09/11/cxc13/ #amreading #PeterPan #chapterbychapter #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #FOTRESSFICTION SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

  44. Chapter by Chapter Peter Pan 12

    What did you think of #PeterPan Chapter 12? Are the "Savages" the real civilized ones among us? Show notes - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/09/10/cxc12/ #amreading #PeterPan #chapterbychapter #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #FOTRESSFICTION SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

  45. Chapter by Chapter Peter Pan 11

    What did you think of Peter Pan Chapter 11? Does this make Peter a tragic figure? Is he a warning to children? Show Notes - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/09/09/cxc11/ #amreading #PeterPan #chapterbychapter #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #FOTRESSFICTION SOE CATALOG -...

  46. Chapter by Chapter Peter Pan 10

    In Peter Pan Chapter 10 Barrie gives us a lovely cozy scene of family fun. Then he hints at the sorrow to come, effectively creating tension by warning us of the coming danger. Show Notes - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/09/08/cxc10/ #amreading #PeterPan #chapterbychapter #middlegrade #bookreview #Book...

  47. Chapter by Chapter Peter Pan 9

    While Chapter 9 is brief, it's packed with Barrie's signature mix of whimsy, danger, and moral lessons. It also showcases his ability to craft beautiful, evocative prose even in action-packed moments. Show Notes - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/09/07/cxc9/ #amreading #PeterPan #chapterbychapter...

  48. Chapter by Chapter Peter Pan 8

    Chapter 8 sees Peter Pan, Wendy and the Lost Boys facing the greatest dangers yet. As I thought about this chapter, it occurs to me that Hook may have come to Neverland because the island WANTED him to reach it. Show Notes - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/09/06/cxc8/ #amreading #PeterPan...

  49. Chapter by Chapter Peter Pan 7

    Show Notes - https://mjmunoz.com/2024/09/05/cxc7/ #amreading #PeterPan #chapterbychapter #middlegrade #bookreview #Book #FOTRESSFICTION SOE CATALOG - https://mjmunoz.com/category/podcast/soe/

  50. Chapter by Chapter Peter Pan 6

    Chapter 6 beautifully balances action, emotion, and whimsy. It deepens our understanding of the characters while moving the story forward in engaging ways. What did you think of this chapter? Are you enjoying the blend of reality and fantasy in Neverland? Let me know in the comments! Show Notes -...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

MJ is an aspiring author. He loves stories of transformation and heroism, but the craft of stringing sentences together to make someone feel something they know isn't real has a charm all its own. Join him as he studies stories and chronicles his creative endeavors.

Visit MJMunoz.com for more analysis, art and fiction.

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MJ Munoz

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Fortress Fiction have?

Fortress Fiction currently has 156 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Fortress Fiction about?

MJ is an aspiring author. He loves stories of transformation and heroism, but the craft of stringing sentences together to make someone feel something they know isn't real has a charm all its own. Join him as he studies stories and chronicles his creative endeavors. Visit MJMunoz.com for more...

How often does Fortress Fiction release new episodes?

Fortress Fiction publishes regularly with 156 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to Fortress Fiction?

You can listen to Fortress Fiction on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Fortress Fiction?

Fortress Fiction is created and hosted by MJ Munoz.
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