Paperback Ponderings

This week, Sarah and Kyla are chatting about all the books they read and loved in April. Tune in to hear about a brand new dark academia release, the two series they're currently obsessed with, and more! This episode is spoiler-free. [01:08] Royal Assassin[08:12] Morning Star[16:15] An Arcane Study of Stars[23:18] Stranger Skies & Infinite Shores[29:02] The Hobbit[36:12] The Sun Blessed Prince

This week, Sarah and Kyla sit down with Lindsey Byrd to chat about her queer political fantasy book, The Sun Blessed Prince, and its newly released sequel, The Moon Blessed King! Tune in to hear about how the pandemic and the question of what it would be like if nurses could heal with a single touch inspired the story, along with the real-world location that influenced the story's physical setting. Lindsey also discusses her favourite character in the story, and why the less likeable characters play such an important role. This episode contains minor spoilers for the first book (no major events), and no spoilers for the second book.

This week, Sarah and Kyla are discussing Golden Son, the second book in the Red Rising series by Pierce Brown. Tune in for a full spoilery discussion of all the major plot points and character arcs in this crazy ride of a book, along with some theories for what's to come!

This week, Sarah and Kyla sit down with Juliette Cross to discuss her Roman-inspired, dragon shifter romantasy book, Firebird, and its newly released sequel, Bloodsinger! Tune in to hear about Juliette’s research into Ancient Rome and the myths she incorporated into the story. We also talk about the story’s exploration of oppression and female empowerment, along with which of the two magical abilities and male leads Juliette would choose for herself if she could. She also shares advice for new authors and an exciting teaser for book three!This episode contains no major plot spoilers, but it does reveal the who the POV characters for Bloodsinger are. 

This week, Sarah and Kyla team up with Ammie and Paul from Spells From the Shelf Podcast to discuss Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb, the first book in the iconic Farseer trilogy! The first section of the episode is spoiler-free.

This week, Sarah and Kyla are chatting about all the books they read and loved in March. Tune in for a spoiler-free synopsis of each book, along with their general thoughts and ratings, and if they recommend it![01:18] Vows & Ruins[07:17] Rose in Chains[16:12] Firebird & Bloodsinger [20:06] Tough Guy[25:20] The Witch Collector [31:42] Julie Chan is Dead[37:42] Golden Son[42:19] Assassin’s Apprentice[52:17] The Princess Knight

This week, Sarah and Kyla are giving you a rundown of all the major fantasy book releases coming out from April to June of 2026. Tune in for a list in order of release date, a short spoiler-free synopsis of each book, and whether or not the girls plan on reading it![01:23] Infinite Shores[06:17] Rites of the Starling[09:59] Bloodsinger[13:31] The Tempest Blade[16:48] Blood Bound[20:06] An Arcane Study of Stars[24:53] Fury Bound[28:13] Verity Guild[33:02] The Tapestry of Fate[35:42] Broken Dove[40:50] The Ballad of Falling Dragons[43:02] Light Wielder[46:28] The Raven at the Ash Door[49:04] Night Witch[53:12] This Blade of Ours

This week, Sarah and Kyla had the pleasure of interviewing Catherine Walsh about her newly released rom com, How To Write a Love Story. They got to chat about everything from Catherine's writing process to the difficulty of balancing an exploration of grief with comedy in the story, and the side characters her readers love so dearly. They also discuss the pride behind being a romance author, what it's like to write spice scenes, and the burning question everyone has been asking about whether Maddie and Shane are getting a spinoff story of their own! This episode is spoiler-free.

This week, Sarah and Kyla are discussing Daggermouth by H.M. Wolfe, their February book club pick and the book that has been all over BookTok and Bookstagram lately. Tune in to hear their thoughts and ratings, a breakdown of that crazy ending, and some solid theories for what's to come in book two! [12:11] Spoilers start

This week, Sarah and Kyla are going over their February reads, sharing a short synopsis and their spoiler-free thoughts on each of them. This was a month of finally reading some hugely popular books, so tune in to hear whether the girls think they're worth the hype. Plus, they also reveal the details of the next upcoming author interview on the podcast![01:21] Heated Rivalry[08:23] Mistborn[19:23] Red Rising[26:06] The Ragpicker King[32:59] Brimstone[38:18] Firebird[42:10] How to Write a Love Story

This week, Sarah and Kyla are diving into the first book in the Red Rising series by Pierce Brown, the book that may have cured Sarah's endless reading slump! Tune in for a full plot discussion and their predictions for what's coming next.[15:07] Spoilers start

This week, Sarah and Kyla are deep diving into Brimstone by Callie Hart, the hugely anticipated sequel to Quicksilver. Tune in to hear their thoughts on everything from Kingfisher's true name to the unexpected cliffhanger ending, and more! The girls also review the audiobook narration experience. The first 15 minutes of this episode are general spoiler-free thoughts. After that, they'll tell you when to leave if you haven't read it yet. [15:29] Spoilers start   

This week, Sarah and Kyla are discussing The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson, and this episode is spicier than usual because for the first time in a while, the girls had some pretty diverging opinions! Tune in to hear why Kyla loved it and Sarah didn't, and to dive into the nitty gritty of all those plot twists and side stories. As always, the first section of the episode is spoiler-free for anyone still deciding if they want to read it.[01:06] Synopsis[04:24] Spoiler-free thoughts  [26:51] Spoilers begin 

This week, Sarah and Kyla are sharing some highlights from the books they read in December and January. Tune in for a spoiler-free synopsis of each book, along with their thoughts and ratings![00:30] The Endless War [06:30] Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales[12:14] The Mindfuck series [23:39] Realm of Thieves[31:12] Our Perfect Storm[39:05] Hot For Slayer 

Join Sarah and Kyla for Part 3 of their Goodreads Choice Awards mini-series where they go over the top 5 winners in the YA Fantasy & SciFi category for 2025! They'll give a short synopsis of each book, along with whether they've read it, what their general thoughts are, and if they think it deserves its spot in the standings. This episode is completely spoiler-free.[00:47] Fifth Place: Watch Me[08:31] Fourth Place: Oathbound[11:59] Third Place: Rebel Witch[15:19] Second Place: Fearless[19:36] Winner: Sunrise on the Reaping

Join Sarah and Kyla for Part 2 of their Goodreads Choice Awards mini-series where they go over the top 5 winners in the Fantasy category for 2025! They'll give a short synopsis of each book, along with whether they've read it, what their general thoughts are, and if they think it deserves its spot in the standings. This episode is completely spoiler-free.[01:36] Fifth Place: The Sirens[06:48] Fourth Place: Alchemy of Secrets [11:30] Third Place: Wind and Truth[15:42] Second Place: Katabasis[21:22] Winner: Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil

Join Sarah and Kyla for Part 1 of their Goodreads Choice Awards mini-series where they go over the top 5 winners in the Romantasy category for 2025! They'll give a short synopsis of each book, along with whether they've read it, what their general thoughts are, and if they think it deserves its spot in the standings. This episode is completely spoiler-free.[01:14] Fifth Place: Shield of Sparrows[06:58] Fourth Place: Mate[10:44] Third Place: The Knight and the Moth[16:32] Second Place: Alchemised[20:29] Winner: Onyx Storm

This week, Sarah and Kyla are going over all the upcoming fantasy book releases coming out between January-March 2026. Tune in for a chronological list with release dates, a short description of what each book is about, and whether or not the girls will be reading it! [00:50] Graceless Heart [05:16] King of Ravens [07:27] Dawn of the North[11:58] Cinder Vale [15:13] Throne of Nightmares[20:21] Half City[22:54] Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter[27:28] The Trident and the Pearl [32:26] To Cage a Wild Bird[36:00] The Wings that Bind[38:50] Innamorata[42:57] Heir of Twisted Lies[46:00] Starside

The end of the year is here, so let's talk favourites! Join Sarah and Kyla this week for an awards-style episode where they present nominees and winners for all the relevant categories of a favourite book. From Best Romantic Tension and Coolest Magic System, to Top 3 Overall Books of the Year, the girls are getting into the nitty gritty of their favourite books of 2025 and you're guaranteed to add some new reads to your TBR after listening! [00:40] Best Romantic Tension[05:15] Best Found Family [09:09] Favourite Female Main Character[13:39] Favourite Male Main Character[19:53] Best Side Character{25:23] Most Exciting Plot [29:50] Coolest Magic System[35:55] Best Atmosphere/Setting[41:18] Favourite New Author [45:11] Favourite New Series[49:07] Favourite 2025 Release[51:52] Favourite 2025 Debut[55:12] Top 3 Overall Books of the Year

This week, Sarah and Kyla sit down with V.L. Bovalino to talk about her adult fantasy debut, The Second Death of Locke. Tune in to hear about the inspiration behind this lady knight, childhood best friends to lovers story, what went into crafting the magic system, characters, and yearning, and how V.L. transitioned from the YA horror genre to adult fantasy. She also shares exciting new details about the upcoming standalone sequel to The Second Death of Locke that you do not want to miss! [03:03] Inspiration and early drafts[07:44] Transitioning from YA to Adult writing[13:18] Writing process[15:49] Evolution of the story from first draft to final publication [20:04] Developing the characters[27:58] Creating the yearning between Kier and Grey[36:35] Severin and Lot [40:24] What to expect from book two[48:35] Power dynamics within the magic system[01:00:26] Easy and difficult characters to write[01:03:57] Writing a series of standalones rather than a regular series[01:12:18] V.L.’s favorite books of 2025

This week, Sarah and Kyla are chatting about all the books they read and loved in November. Tune in to hear about some highly anticipated sequels, the new lady knight book that stole their hearts, a recommendation for Addie LaRue lovers, and more! As always, this episode is spoiler-free. [00:49] Ledge & Chasm[09:11] Our Infinite Fates [17:58] Fallen Stars [24:48] Red, White, & Royal Blue [32:55] The Second Death of Locke[43:19] Bonds of Hercules[50:30] Dungeon Crawler Carl

This week, Sarah and Kyla sit down with author Laura R. Samotin to discuss the Cursed Crown duology, made up of The Sins on their Bones and The Lure of their Graves. Tune in to hear about Laura's inspirations and creative process behind writing these books, as well as a deeper discussion on accurately depicting abusive relationships in fiction, writing villains you can empathize with, and the Russian and Jewish inspirations behind the world she created. Laura also shares her personal favourite and least favourite characters in the story, as well as exciting news about the books she has coming out next![02:55] Sympathizing with villains[05:04] Writing abusive and toxic relationships [14:12] Early drafts[19:20] Abusive relationships continued[23:43] The publishing process[29:06] Fantasy name pronounciation and audiobook narration[31:14] Russian and Jewish worldbuilding influences[42:46] Laura’s favorite character[50:10] Laura’s least favorite character [51:38] Laura’s upcoming books[54:41] The co-writing experience[1:00:00] Writing in different genres[1:03:35] Books Laura has loved recently

This week, Kyla is giving you a full plot recap of Quicksilver by Callie Hart to get you ready for the release of the sequel, Brimstone, on November 18th! If you don't have time to reread Quicksilver, this episode is for you. Tune in for a recap of all the major plot points and character details that you'll need to know going into Brimstone. [00:59] Intro in Zilvaren[4:42] Saeris wakes in the Winter Palace in Yvelia[18:26] Kingfisher’s family home at Cahlish[25:25] On the front lines at the war camp [39:00] Final climax at Gillethrye 

This week, Sarah and Kyla are chatting about To Cage a Wild Bird by Brooke Fast, an exciting new dystopian romance debut. Tune in to hear their thoughts on the prison system where the rich hunt the inmates to the death for sport, along with the moral questions of a prison guard x prisoner relationship and theories for where the next book will go! The first section of this episode shares the girls' spoiler-free thoughts and ratings, and they'll let you know when the spoilers are starting. [18:38] Spoilers begin

This week, Sarah and Kyla are chatting about all the books they read and loved in October. Tune in to hear their thoughts on several very hyped new releases, some long-awaited sequels, and a book about cannibalism?! As always, this episode is spoiler-free. [00:47] Alchemised[09:45] The Sins on their Bones[16:27] Mate [23:11] A Scar in the Bone[29:28] Tender is the Flesh[38:55] Accomplice to the Villain

This week, Sarah and Kyla are playing a fun game where they try to guess the title of a book after only hearing the first line. Play along and see if you can guess any of these books better than they did!

This week, Sarah and Kyla are discussing A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan! Tune in for a breakdown of the Peaky Blinders comparisons, the crazy plot twists, and theories about what direction the story will go in the sequel. As always, the beginning of the episode is spoiler-free while they share their general thoughts and ratings, but they'll let you know when the spoilers are starting. [04:20] Spoiler-Free Thoughts and Ratings[16:35] Spoilery Discussion

This week, Sarah and Kyla are chatting about all the books they read and loved in September. Tune in for some gothic fantasy and paranormal rom-com recommendations for spooky season, as well as a Handmaid's Tale-esque reverse harem, and Kyla's latest 5 star read! This episode is spoiler-free. [00:36] Anathema [07:29] The Nightshade God [14:15] Atmosphere[19:47] Your Knife, My Heart[25:25] Red City[30:32] The Female [36:40] Fan Service

We all know autumn is the best time for reading books with a cozy academy setting, so this week Sarah and Kyla are sharing a list of fantasy book recommendations featuring magical academies, almost all of which were released within the last year! Tune in for a short description of what each is about and whether we liked it or plan on reading it. This episode is completely spoiler-free. [00:39] Arcana Academy[04:05] Blood Oath[10:02] Immortal Consequences[14:18] Iron & Embers[19:17] Spellcaster[23:57] On Wings of Blood

This week, Sarah and Kyla are joined by Taylor from @one.more.chapter.tk on bookstagram for a game of Bang, Marry, Kill with the characters from the Blood and Ash and Flesh and Fire series by Jennifer L. Armentrout. Tune in to hear their choices in a number of fun categories, from the favourite male leads to the shifters and villains, along with some minor theorizing about what's coming next in the series! **This episode contains spoilers for both the Blood and Ash and Flesh and Fire series, but it does NOT contain spoilers for The Primal of Blood and Bone.**[02:59] The MMCs: Casteel, Nyktos, Kieran[06:50] Nektas, Nyktos, Kieran[12:25] The Ladies: Poppy, Sera, Millicent[19:20] The Shifters: Nektas, Kieran, Delano[25:14] The Villains: Isbeth, Kolis, Malec[33:39] Ambiguous Characters: Millicent, Malik, Callum[42:47] Primals: Nyktos, Kolis, Poppy

This week, Sarah and Kyla are chatting about all the books they read and loved in August. Tune in to hear about kilt-wearing wolf shifters, a love triangle with two fae brothers, the dark forces books that have left the girls feral, and more! This episode is spoiler-free. [00:23] The Jasad Heir [08:48] A Kingdom of Stars and Shadows[16:08] The Wolf King[23:47] Caught Up[29:26] One Golden Summer[35:02] Rebel Witch[39:40] Indigo Ridge[44:04] Leave Me Behind[46:42] Your Knife, My Heart

This week, Sarah and Kyla are back with the second half of the major fantasy releases scheduled for fall 2025 (October 15th-December 31st). Tune in for a chronological list with release dates, a short description of what each is about, and whether or not the girls will be reading it. Don't forget to catch Part 1 if you haven't already! [00:23] Bonds of Hercules[04:48] The Wrath of the Fallen[08:26] Fallen City [13:49] Coldwire[17:54] Between Two Kings[23:18] The Strength of the Few[26:48] Brimstone[33:02] Fallen Stars

This week, Sarah and Kyla are going over all the major fantasy book releases coming out in the first half of fall 2025 (September 1st-October 15th). Tune in for a chronological list with release dates, a short description of what each is about, and whether or not the girls will be reading it. Don't miss Part 2 (covering October 15th-December 31st) coming next week! [00:56] Wild Reverence[06:35] Eldritch[09:29] Among the Burning Flowers[17:21] Alchemised[20:36] Mate[26:34] Alchemy of Secrets[30:26] A Scar in the Bone[35:03] Red City

This week, Sarah and Kyla are discussing one of their favourite books of the year so far, Dire Bound by Sable Sorensen. Tune in for a breakdown all the major events in the book, theories for the sequel, and comparisons between Dire Bound and other fantasy books they loved! The first section of the episode is spoiler-free for anyone still deciding if they want to read it, but they'll let you know when the spoilers are starting.

This week, Sarah and Kyla are getting into all the books they read and loved in July (and there were a LOT)! Tune in to hear about some fantasy new releases this month, as well as the dark romance that converted Kyla, and the cowboy romance that made Sarah a believer (in cowboys). This episode is spoiler-free. [00:35] The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy[08:10] Blood of Hercules[13:26] Caught Up & Play Along[20:08] Shadows So Cruel[26:59] Leave Me Behind[33:52] Blood Over Bright Haven[41:17] The Things We Leave Unfinished[44:33] Fearless[50:26] A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping[54:03] Eight Seconds to Fly

This week, Sarah and Kyla are discussing Silver Elite by Dani Francis, the new dystopian romance book that took the internet by storm over the past few months. Tune in for a full breakdown of the major plot twists and theories about the Uprising, the secrets of the Prime leadership, the mystery of the Fractured, and more! The girls will also be addressing the controversy around the author's pen name and secret identity. As always, the first section of the episode is spoiler-free for our general thoughts and ratings, and then we'll let you know when the spoilers are starting! [04:19] General Thoughts and Addressing Controversy [15:57] Spoiler Discussion Starts[40:36] Future Directions

This week, Sarah and Kyla are deep diving into Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry! This book took the internet by storm when it released this spring, and the girls are breaking down everything from crux migration theories to the missed opportunity for a juicy love triangle and where the story might be going next. They also share recommendations for books with similar vibes to help your book hangover while you wait for the sequel! As always, there is a spoiler-free section at the beginning of the episode where they share their general overall thoughts and ratings, but they'll let you know when the spoilers are starting.

This week, Sarah and Kyla are chatting about all the books they read and loved in June. Tune in to hear about an urban fantasy to rival Crescent City, the dystopian fantasy with an anonymous author that's currently taking the internet by storm, a dark why-choose romance about raven shifters that even Sarah found intense, and more! This episode is spoiler-free.

This week, Sarah and Kyla are sharing their favourite books of 2025 so far! Through several fun categories like Best Sequel, Best New Release, and more, you'll find out which specific books outshone the 40+ books they've each read this year so far. Get ready to grow your TBR! *This episode is spoiler-free*

This week, Sarah and Kyla are going over all the major fantasy and romantasy book releases coming out in July and August. Tune in for a spoiler-free synopsis of each, and whether or not the girls will be reading them!

This week, Sarah and Kyla are discussing the celestial enemies-to-lovers story, Heavenly Bodies by Imani Erriu. Tune in to hear about the whimsical worldbuilding, strong found family setup, and steamy romance that has them eager to dive into the sequel this fall! As always, the first section of the episode is spoiler-free for anyone who hasn't read it yet.

This week, Sarah and Kyla are chatting about all the books they read and loved in May. From the new fantasy book that will fill the Fourth Wing void, to stalker romances and Dramione fanfiction, this episode is a mixed bag of great reads! Tune in for a spoiler-free synopsis and thoughts on each.

This week, Sarah and Kyla are switching it up from their usual fantasy content to chat about summery romance books! This episode covers four of the most popular authors in the genre, giving you a synopsis of each of their top two highest rated and most widely read books, as well as Sarah and Kyla's spoiler-free thoughts on them.

This week, Sarah and Kyla are deep diving into Ava Reid's newest dystopian sapphic romance, Fable for the End of the World, which she describes as her love letter to The Hunger Games. Tune in to hear our thoughts on the dystopian society she created and the differences between a revolutionary versus literary fiction lens on dystopian stories. As always, the first section of the episode is spoiler-free for anyone still deciding if they want to read it, and we'll let you know when the spoilers are starting.

This week, Sarah and Kyla are chatting about all the books they read and loved in April. Tune in for a short synopsis and their spoiler-free thoughts on each book, from the mega popular bully romance fae school, to a viking romantasy, several great new debuts, and more!

This week, Kyla is giving you a full plot recap of A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen to prep you for the release of the sequel, A Curse Carved in Bone, coming out May 13th! This episode is full spoilers, as we'll be covering all the major details and characters you'll need to remember going forward.

This week, Sarah and Kyla are welcoming the lovely Shalini Abeysekara to the podcast to celebrate the release of her debut romantasy novel, This Monster of Mine! Tune in to hear about how her former career as a lawyer helped to inspire the legal system and characters within the story, as well as how she crafted the unique lightning-based magic system, and what we can expect from the sequel of this exciting new duology.

This week, Sarah and Kyla are diving into March's book club pick, A Fire in the Sky by Sophie Jordan. Tune in to hear about this Khal Drogo and Daenerys-esque romance, the marriage consummation ceremony that had us on the edge of our seats, and the dragon lore that left us wanting more! As always, the first section of this episode is spoiler-free for anyone still deciding if they're interested in reading it. After that, we'll let you know when the spoilers are starting!

This week, Sarah and Kyla are filling you in on all the fantasy books they read and loved in March. Tune in to learn about the book that will break your heart, the series Kyla is currently obsessed with, and the most unhinged smut Sarah has read in a LONG time! As always, this episode is spoiler-free.

This episode is for all the fantasy newbies out there! If you've been hearing about Fourth Wing everywhere, or maybe you've dipped your toes in with ACOTAR, and now you're wondering what else the fantasy and romantasy genres have to offer, we've got you covered with a list of great books to start with. We all know fantasy books can sometimes have complex magic systems which, for someone just trying it out, could end up being confusing. Our recommendations are all fantastic books with compelling plots and romances, but with fairly simple fantasy elements or magic systems that make them easy to understand. Perfect for transitioning into the genre!