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Welcome back to The Trial of the Tomes! This week, Murder Mystery Thriller authors take the test in the following categories: first impressions, design, writing style, general plot, characters, and our critical and enjoyment scores. Who's on the chopping block? Six Stories: A Thriller, a USA best seller, by Matt Wesolowski for the Men and Listen for the Lie, A Good Morning America Book Club pick, by Amy Tintera for the Not -Men! Who will make it out of these trials alive?! 

Welcome back to The Trial of the Tomes! This week, Romantasy or just Romance Fantasy authors take the test in the following categories: first impressions, design, writing style, general plot, characters, and our critical and enjoyment scores. In one corner for men, we have Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark, and in the other corner for the NOT-Men is What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez. P. Djèlí Clark is award-winning, with the Nebula Award for Best Novel. Isabel Ibañez is a USA Today, Indie, Sunday Times, and #1 New York Times bestselling author of whimsical historical fantasies for teens and adults.  Who will come out on top?! 

Let the trials begin! This week, we are putting Romance to the test in the following categories: first impressions, design, writing style, general plot, characters, and our critical and enjoyment scores. In one corner for men, we have Thunderstruck by Carter Blake, and in the other corner for the NOT-Men is Jackson by Nyssa Kathryn. Carter Blake writes novellas about steamy alpha romances. Nyssa Kathryn writes suspenseful romances of alpha men in small-town romances. Who will come out on top?! 

Welcome to the Trials! Our introductory episode to our new series, The Trial of the Tomes, where we look at the data of publishing, popularity, quality, and more, comparing gender, genre, and race. The General Hypothesis: "Men do it best," the idea that the public's opinion is that men write better than women or the lgbtqia. We are reviewing the factual data across multiple sources, introducing the genres we are reviewing, and the rubric we have constructed to be as non-biased as possible.   

Nesta, Emerie, and Gwyn are improving and bonding through training. Nesta is growing more confident in herself and taking on more roles in the Night Court particularly the one to discover more information about Eris, the human queen Braillyn, the final item of the trove, and more. Cassian as always is being a support partner, for the most part. With tension building in every direction, all the plot points coming together we are excited for this part of Silverflames.

Against the sweeping backdrop of a world seared by war and plagued with uncertainty, Nesta and Cassian battle monsters from within and without as they search for acceptance and healing in each other's arms. Nesta is battling her demons and has been assigned the task to find cauldron-made items but along the way, she begins to build bonds with Gwyn, a fae siren, and Emerie a female Illyrian. 

With the Inner Circle experiencing true peace and happiness for the first time Sarah J Maas takes on an alternative story featuring our smut reading, the brutally honest, goddess of death: Nesta Archeron. Megan and Natalie would like EVERYONE to know we do NOT hate Nesta we think SJM rushed her story and she deserves at least 2 novels to tell her badass healing Valkyrie story so unlike Sarah here is Part One of Silverflames! Nesta is battling her trauma in the only way she knows - self-destruction. Cassian and Feyre have other plans for her wether she likes it or not! Welcome to Nesta vs 10,000 steps.  

We have made it to the novella of all things sweet, happy, and a little more! We agree that this novella truly sets up the next wave of Sarah's A Court of blank and blank with a whole new crew of characters coming forward to have their story told BUT we cant overlook our love for the annual snowball fight, Feyre, Cassian, and Azriel decorating, Elaine and Feyre having a moment. All so sweet in frost and starlight! 

Megan and Natalie are so hyped about this section of AOCWAR. Feyre is beyond epic! Cassian and Azriel are just *chefs kiss* Everything, everything! Like we think this section of AOCWAR might be better than chapter 55 (this might only be Natalie's opinion) As war bears down upon them all, Feyre endeavors to take her place amongst the High Fae of the land, balancing her struggle to master her powers-both magical and political-and her love for her court and family. Amidst these struggles, Feyre and Rhysand must decide whom to trust amongst the cunning and lethal High Lords, and hunt for allies in unexpected places.

Megan and Natalie are going to war in the third book of the epic romantic fantasy A Court of Wings and Ruin. We unanimously agree Feyre is a badass, Ianthe is a bitch, Tamlin is a dick, and Lucien deserves more. Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's actions and learn what she can about the invading king threatening to bring her land to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit. One slip could bring doom not only for Feyre, but for everything-and everyone-she holds dear. Come back tomorrow for part two Cursebreaker!! 

"When you spend so long trapped in darkness, you will find that the darkness begins to stare back." -Feyre This EPIC finale to the fan-loved, the chosen one, the superior novel in the ACOTAR series. Did you see that coming?! Because sure didn't! Feyre and Rhysand are up to no good but Tamlin is up to something way worse! This book had everything you could want in a novel and more! 

The plot keeps thickening and thickening and Megan and Natalie can't stop eating it up with a spoon! We continue to obsess over Feyre's growth and magic in these chapters. As well as all the new characters Sarah has brought to the table. Feyre might just be the key to stopping it, but only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future-and the future of a world in turmoil.

This novel is such a deep pool of amazing moments that we can't not stop and talk about every single detail with you guys. We continue our journey with Feyre as her marriage to Tamlin approaches, Feyre's hollowness and nightmares consume her. She finds herself split into two different one who upholds her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court, and one who lives out her life in the Spring Court with Tamlin. While Feyre navigates a dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms.

Natalie and Megan have made it to what many claim Sarah's best book or the fan favorite in all her writing. Debatable but for sure in our top 3 SJM books of all time. We are starting off we are with Feyre, she has been made new again and in the Spring Court after many months of trama Under the Mountain. Feyre has undergone more trials than one human woman can carry in her heart. Though she's now been granted the powers and lifespan of the High Fae, she is haunted by her time Under the Mountain and the terrible deeds she performed to save the lives of Tamlin and his people.

Probably the most epic moments of this series is Under the Mountain. Megan and Natalie go through the trials, riddles, and banter of the final part of A Court of Thorns and Roses. Like most people, this novel leaves off with the expectation for so much more to happen in Feyre's story. The journey continues next week with our episode of ACOMAF.

We are physically unable at this point to turn an SJM book into a single episode. There are just so many details! Plus Megan and Natalie are going in with a new set of eyes, looking, searching for clues to the Avenger-esque lead-up. As she adapts to her new home, her feelings for the faerie, Tamlin, transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie she’s been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But something is not right in the faerie lands. An ancient, wicked shadow is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it, or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

We have finally made it to the book that started it all well that being our podcast. A Court of Thorns and Roses has had everyone in an absolute chokehold for years now and we are getting into it! When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a terrifying creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not truly a beast, but one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled her world. It's been a minute since we have enjoyed ACOTAR what a nostalgic feeling! 

Megan and Natalie have finished Throne of Glass and are diving into theories this week. We tried our best to keep it straight to TOG but no promises. If you haven't read ACOTAR stop and go read it now! Its been a wild ride through this 1/3 of Sarah J Maas works. How many of our unhinged fan theories are right??

To whatever end. Megan and Natalie have made it to the final saga of the Throne of Glass series. Kingdom of Ash, 998 pages of highs and lows. We laughed, we cheered, we cried, we loved, and we lose. This will be a three-part episode to just barely scratch the surface of this epic fantasy finale. The Queen has returned to Terrasen to fight Earwan and Mauve on the final battlefield surrounded by friends and great sacrifices. 

Megan and Natalie have made it to the final saga of the Throne of Glass series. Kingdom of Ash, 998 pages of highs and lows. We laughed, we cheered, we cried, we loved, and we lose. This will be a three-part episode to just barely scratch the surface of this epic fantasy finale. Halfway through the novel and there is so much happening. Aelin and Rowan have been reunited. Anielle is under siege, Aedion is struggling on the war front, and Dorian is growing into his princely powers with the help of the 13.

Megan and Natalie have made it to the final saga of the Throne of Glass series. Kingdom of Ash, 998 pages of highs and lows. We laughed, we cheered, we cried, we loved, and we lose. This will be a three-part episode to just barely scratch the surface of this epic fantasy finale. Aelin is in Maeve's clutches, Rowan and his cadre plus Elide are searching the ends of the world for her. Dorian and Manon are reunited with old bloodlines. Chaol and Yrene are bringing the whole southern continent with them and Aedio and Lysandra are holding the front against Morath. "You do not yield"

Part two of Tower of Dawn is out! We all know SJM likes to hold out till those last 100 pages and boy does she do it in this book! The plot twist and grand reveals are wild ya'll! This week's two-part episode follows the surly Chaol to the southern continent to be healed by Yrene. With war looming over them Nesryn and Chaol have to convince them to join the war but has the war already arrived without them knowing? Unlikely pairings discover game-changing information that Aelin and Dorian need on the battlefront. Megan and Natalie will begrudgingly admit that this book was better than they hoped for. We are a Yerne stan account. 

Megan and Natalie sit in divided camps on our love or hate for Lord Chaol Westfall BUT do not get our words twist Yrene Towers is LIFE! This week's two-part episode follows the surly Chaol to the southern continent to be healed by Yrene. With war looming over them Nesryn and Chaol have to convince them to join the war but has the war already arrived without them knowing? Unlikely pairings discover game-changing information that Aelin and Dorian need on the battle front. Megan and Natalie will be grudgingly admit that this book was better than they hoped for. We are a Yerne stan account. 

This book literally is everything and this part two episode proves it! At this point, it is ALL rising action and we can't get enough of Empire of Storms especially, Fireheart! Megan and Natalie are diving into the Maas Effect, the SJM world, and everything in-between. As the books get longer the more we have to say! How SJM fits all the action in, is beyond us! The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius as war looms on the horizon. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those who don't. Megan and Natalie thought ACOTAR had them in a chokehold it seems like Throne of Glass might do one better! 

Megan and Natalie are diving into the Maas Effect, the SJM world, and everything in-between. This week we are finally getting to the very anticipated novel Empire of Storms! As the books get longer the more we have to say! How SJM fits all the action in, is beyond us! This will be a TWO part episode. The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius as war looms on the horizon. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those who don't. Megan and Natalie thought ACOTAR had them in a chokehold it seems like Throne of Glass might do one better! 

You were probably like wait Megan and Natalie that's not the whole story! Where is the epic end?! Don't you worry we covered it in great detail in our part 2 Queen of Shadows episode!  As the books get longer the more we have to say! Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she's, at last, returned to the empire-for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past. She has embraced her identity as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight. Megan and Natalie are back in the action and obsessed with all the new characters and where this story is going! 

Megan and Natalie are diving into the Maas Effect, the SJM world, and everything in-between. This week we are taking on Queen of Shadows, the 4th book in the series. As the books get longer the more we have to say! How SJM fits all the action in, is beyond us! This will be a TWO part episode.  Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she's, at last, returned to the empire-for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past. She has embraced her identity as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight. Megan and Natalie are back in the action and obsessed with all the new characters and where this story is going! 

Megan and Natalie are diving into the Maas Effect, the SJM world, and everything in-between. This week we are diving into the prequel, Assassin's Blade. A prequel to Throne of Glass, this collection of five novellas offers readers a deeper look into the history of this cunning assassin and her enthralling and deadly world. Celaena Sardothien is her kingdom's most feared assassin. Though she works for the powerful and ruthless Assassin's Guild, Celaena yields to no one and trusts only her fellow killer for hire, Sam. Megan and Natalie are going based on the "romantic" reading order of the series. This pause in action was just what we needed this week! 

Megan and Natalie are diving into the Maas Effect, the SJM world, and everything in-between. This week we are diving into book three, Heir of Fire. Celaena has survived deadly contests and shattering heartbreak but at an unspeakable cost. Now, she must travel to a new land to confront her darkest truth…a truth about her heritage that could change her life and her future forever. Meanwhile, brutal and monstrous forces are gathering on the horizon, intent on enslaving her world. Will Celaena find the strength to not only fight her inner demons but to take on the evil that is about to be unleashed? One of Natalie's favorites and honestly a fan favorite!!

Megan and Natalie are diving into the Maas Effect, the SJM world, and everything in-between. This week we are diving into book two,  Crown of Midnight. Assassin Celaena Sardothien won a brutal contest to become his Champion. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown. She hides her secret vigilantly; Nehemia hides her secret plans, Chaol hides his secret meetings, and Dorian hides his secret life change abilities. So many secrets so little time and it all means life or death for them all. One of Megan's favorites, this book pushes all our characters to their breaking point. 

Megan and Natalie are diving into the Maas Effect, the SJM world, and everything in-between. This season starts with Throne of Glass, book one of the series. Sarah J. Maas' first novel. In a land without magic, where the king rules with an iron hand, an assassin is summoned to the castle. She comes not to kill the king, but to win her freedom. If she defeats twenty-three killers, thieves, and warriors in a competition, she is released from prison to serve as the king's champion. Her name is Celaena Sardothien.

In our season finale episode of book reviews Megan and Natalie break down Megan's #3 pick for best reads of 2021. This epic heist fantasy novel really one-ups the rest in this series. We are excited to break down Leigh Bardugo's planning and writing of this one-of-a-kind heist of the century but make it *magical* with lots of YA angst and that plot twist at the end!! WOW

Megan and Natalie take you through this two-part episode week of Natalie's favorite series to date Savage Lands by Stacey Marie Brown. This 2 part episode holds NOTHING back, full of sidebars, spoilers, and spice! Savage Lands is a six-book paranormal fantasy romance with alpha asshole men, strong-headed women, and spice galore! This series breaks our favorite characters down and builds them back up. 

Megan and Natalie take you through this two-part episode week of Natalie's favorite series to date Savage Lands by Stacey Marie Brown. This 2 part episode holds NOTHING back, full of sidebars, spoilers, and spice! Savage Lands is a six-book paranormal fantasy romance with alpha asshole men, strong-headed women, and spice galore! This series breaks our favorite characters down and builds them back up. 

SPOILERS These super soldiers might not be fighting the likes of Commander Hylar but trust us they just might have bigger problems! If you like sexy alpha men, small-town romances, suspenseful plots, high-stakes missions, and strong women this series is for you! Megan and Natalie rank these military men based on their love and their plot. 

Blue Halo is an 8-book series- unfortunately only 6 of the 8 are out. That just means Megan and Natalie will have to do a part 2 at a later date! This is a spin-off series from Nyssa Kathryn's debut series Project Arma. These super soldiers might not be fighting the likes of Commander Hylar but trust us they just might have bigger problems! If you like sexy alpha men, small-town romances, suspenseful plots, high-stakes missions, and strong women this series is for you! Megan and Natalie rank these military men based on their love and their plot. 

Project Arma is an 8-book series that has Natalie and Megan in a chokehold. This episode is part 5 or 9, no spoilers, but plenty of teasers! If you like sexy alpha men, small-town romances, suspenseful plots, high-stakes missions, and strong women this series is for you! Megan and Natalie rank these military men based on their love and their plot. Nyssa Kathryn knocked it out of the park with the debut series! 

Project Arma is an 8-book series that has Natalie and Megan in a chokehold. This episode is part 5 or 9, no spoilers, but plenty of teasers! If you like sexy alpha men, small-town romances, suspenseful plots, high-stakes missions, and strong women this series is for you! Megan and Natalie rank these military men based on their love and their plot. Nyssa Kathryn knocked it out of the park with the debut series! 

Jams and spoilers for Project Arma books 1-4 by Nyssa Kathryn. Megan and Natalie pitch Nyssa their jam brand, discuss the interlocking plot, and all the spice in between! This spoilers episode goes into detail about Nyssa's military, suspense, action-packed, romance series! Talk about spice with plot!  

Project Arma is an 8-book series that has Natalie and Megan in a chokehold. This episode is part 1 or 4, no spoilers, but plenty of teasers! If you like sexy alpha men, small-town romances, suspenseful plots, high-stakes missions, and strong women this series is for you! Megan and Natalie rank these military men based on their love and their plot. Nyssa Kathryn knocked it out of the park with the debut series! 

In this season of book reviews, Megan and Natalie continue with The Bliss List by Piper James. She wrote YA paranormal romance for 6 years under the name Wendi Wilson before giving into her desire to write spicy romcoms, and it was the best career decision she’s ever made! We talk about Piper, her completed works both romantic and paranormal, and everything good, bad, and cheesy in The Bliss List.

A surprise episode this week! Megan and Natalie go into detail about the lore behind St. Patrick's Day, why leprechauns are the least of your worries, and share the true stories of amazing legends from Irish, and Celtic lore.

In this new season of book reviews, Megan and Natalie start season seven with My Killer Vacation by Tessa Bailey. New York Times Bestselling author Tessa Bailey can solve all problems except for her own, so she focuses those efforts on stubborn, fictional blue-collar men and loyal, lovable heroines. We talk about Tessa, her completed works, and everything good, bad, and dirty in My Killer Vacation.

One of the biggest events all year on the podcast, at least to Natalie, ranking their Top 5 books of the year. In this episode, Megan and Natalie share their books for seats 2 and 1 with an honorable mention. There are like always many side quests, but ultimately we share why we love these books so much. Come back for Season 7 starting March 7th!

Will you be my Valentine? Megan and Natalie pour a glass of wine and rank fantasy book boyfriends from Mates to It should have been you not Finnick. Do you agree or disagree with our ranking? 

One of the biggest events all year on the podcast, at least to Natalie, ranking their Top 5 books of the year. In this episode, Megan and Natalie share their books for seats 5,4, and 3. There are like always many side quests, but ultimately we share why we love these books so much. Come back for the reveal of TOP 2 and an honorable mention.

Megan and Natalie see if they met their 2022 goals and reading challenges...hint hint they did not. As well as exposing all their dirty secrets by going through their Storygraph accounts, it's like Goodreads but it tells you so much more! While also going into their goals and top 10 To Be Read Books of 2023.

Megan and Natalie see if they met their 2022 goals and reading challenges...hint hint they did not. As well as exposing all their dirty secrets by going through their Storygraph accounts, it's like Goodreads but it tells you so much more! While also going into their goals and top 10 To Be Read Books of 2023.

Megan and Natalie are back with a whole new set of questions to ask each other! Welcome to our Get to Know us Again part 2 season premiere-ish episode of Season Six! As usual, Megan and Natalie are all over the place and their true unfiltered selves. Enjoy the bookish ride on this new year and new season! 

Megan and Natalie are back with a whole new set of questions to ask each other! Welcome to our Get to Know us Again part 1 season primer episode of Season Six! As usual, Megan and Natalie are all over the place and their true unfiltered selves. Enjoy the bookish ride on this new year and new season!