Once Upon a Time Zone: A Bookish Podcast

Books & social media bring us both SO much happiness... but we need to just take a second to talk about the current state of BookTok, the anti-intellectualism debate, online hate and more. Let's get into it.Books Discussed:Jade Legacy - Fonda LeeA Song to Drown Rivers - Ann LiangLight Bringer - Pierce BrownThe Favorites - Layne FargoThe Ice Queens - Layne FargoFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jaime's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(09:15) layne fargo's new book!(10:21) olympics catchup(14:13) cosmere film rights(18:32) booktok & anti-intellectualism(23:45) quality of recent books & publishing(24:59) fix your algorithm(27:16) negativity thrives on social media(31:19) the reality of hate comments(38:13) judging popular books on shelves(41:52) let's keep it to books(44:58) girl books vs boy books(48:42) booktok vs booktube vs bookstagram(56:50) how to make social media a better space(01:00:42) sneak peak ahead

In this episode, we chat with the beautiful Emmy Rosam and battle it out to find the ultimate popular romantasy read!Emmy's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@emmyrosamhttps://www.tiktok.com/@whatemmyreadshttps://www.instagram.com/whatemmyreadssBooks Discussed:Heated Rivalry - Rachel ReidChain of Gold - Cassandra ClareThe Night We Lost Him - Laura DaveThe Future Saints - Ashley WinsteadZodiac Academy - Caroline Peckham and Susanne ValentiA Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) - Sarah J MaasOnce Upon a Broken Heart - Stephanie GarberThe Serpent and the Wings of Night - Carissa BroadbentDivine Rivals - Rebecca RossFourth Wing - Rebecca YarrosPowerless - Lauren RobertsThrone of Glass - Sarah J MaasSpark of the Everflame - Penn ColeA Fate Inked in Blood - Danielle L JensenWhen the Moon Hatched - Sarah A ParkerPhantasma - Kaylie SmithMetal Slinger - Rachel SchneiderHeavenly Bodies - Imani ErriuQuicksilver - Callie HartDIrebound - Sable SorensenFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jaime's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(12:21) romantasy book bracket rules(13:47) qualifying rounds(51:54) quarterfinals(56:44) semifinals(57:36) finals

Let's wrap up our January reading month & talk about what we're looking forward to in February!Books Discussed:The Fellowship of the Ring (Lord of the Rings) - JRR TolkienClockwork Angel - Cassandra ClareOathbringer - Brandon SandersonDark Age - Pierce BrownJade City - Fonda LeeAn Offer from a Gentleman - Julia QuinnTo Bleed a Crystal Bloom - Sarah A ParkerUs Against You - Fredrik BackmanBeartown - Fredrik BackmanWild Dark Shore - Charlotte McConaghyThe Bright Years - Sarah DamoffFinding Grace - Loretta RothschildAnd Now, Back to You - BK BorisonAgnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter - Heather FawcettA Stage Set for Villains - Shannon J SpannVow of Eternal Night - Lily CrozierFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jaime's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(12:03) how january went(18:31) january reading highs(32:42) january reading lows(41:36) fable reading summaries(43:35) february new releases & tbr(53:20) the olympics!(59:20) trying to send freya a gift

We love fictional characters, let's talk about some of our favourite book characters we've ever read! Books Discussed:The Lord of the Rings (The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King) - JRR TolkienOathbringer - Brandon SandersonBeartown / Us Against You - Fredrik BackmanReady or Not - Cara BastoneRed Rising - Pierce BrownThe Hunger Games - Suzanne CollinsA Darker Shade of Magic - VE SchwabAs Long as the Lemon Trees Grow - VE SchwabThe Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants - Ann BrasharesBelladonna - Adalyn GraceJade City - Fonda LeeThe Favorites - Layne FargoThe Knight and the Moth - Rachel GilligBinding 13 - Chloe WalshSix of Crows - Leigh BardugoKing of Scars - Leigh BardugoThe Lighting Thief (Percy Jackson) - Rick RiordanOnce Upon a Broken Heart - Stephanie GarberThe Way of Kings - Brandon SandersonThe Prison Healer - Lynette NoniFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jaime's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(12:43) our fav characters(12:56) samwise gamgee(14:21) shep(16:02) shannon & johnny, aoife & joey(21:31) sevro & ragnar(24:30) jesper(26:30) finnick(30:09) annabeth(34:05) alucard & holland(37:16) jacks(39:31) salama(42:34) merry & pippin(45:32) lena(49:27) luna lovegood(51:57) anden, benji, garrett & gargoyle(53:08) blythe(55:24) nikolai(57:35) syl

You asked, we answered... hope you enjoy this chatty episode as we discuss our habits as readers, what we do outside of reading & more!Books Discussed:Us Against You - Fredrik BackmanVow of Eternal Night - Lily CrozierThe Scholar and the Last Faerie Door - HG ParryA Man Called Ove - Fredrik BackmanPeople We Meet on Vacation - Emily HenryBridgerton (An Offer from a Gentleman) - Julia QuinnThe Love Haters - Katherine CenterYours Truly - Abby JimenezFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jaime's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(10:09) people we meet on vacation movie debrief(19:28) would we write a book?(23:59) drinks & snacks while reading(29:46) secret dance history(33:13) will we ever meet or film in person?(35:36) favourite tv shows(41:23) are special editions overconsumption?(42:57) how did we start podcasting together?(44:42) do we remember subscribers who comment?(46:53) favourite music artists or bands(50:59) do we listen to music while reading?(53:41) thoughts on the new bridgerton season(57:46) our partners as love interests

Let's talk about books being adapted to screen, whether to TV series or movie! Books Discussed:Midnight on the Celestial - Julia AlexandraA Reaper at the Gates - Sabaa TahirJade City - Fonda LeeJade War - Fonda LeeThe Lord of the Rings - JRR TolkeinOne Dark Window - Rachel GilligAkarnae - Lynette NoniThe Favorites - Layne FargoProject Hail Mary - Andy WeirThe Nightingale - Kristin HannahFourth Wing - Rebecca YarrosPeople We Meet on Vacation - Emily HenryVerity - Colleen HooverAnxious People - Fredrik BackmanThe Bodyguard - Katherine CenterThe Wedding People - Alison EspachFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jaime's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(13:04) book to screen adaptations(13:12) the lord of the rings(20:03) animated movies(22:06) the nightingale(25:18) anxious people(29:08) verity(32:10) the bodyguard(37:21) project hail mary(40:59) the wedding people(43:21) books we want to be adapted

Are these popular booktok books overhyped... or actually worth it? Let's find out!Books Discussed:The Love Hypothesis - Ali HazelwoodThe Song of Achilles - Madeline MillerShatter Me - Tahereh MafiNormal People - Sally RooneyPeople We Meet on Vacation - Emily HenryThe God of the Woods - Liz MooreThe Inheritance Games - Jennifer Lynn BarnesThe Secret History - Donna TarttThe Perfect Son - Freida McFaddenHouse of Flame and Shadow - Sarah J MaasIron Gold - Pierce BrownFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jaime's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(08:52) taylor swift's audiobook(11:48) the love hypothesis(16:33) the song of achilles(21:34) shatter me(25:50) normal people(31:16) olympics sidebar(33:26) people we meet on vacation(40:59) the god of the woods(46:29) the inheritance games(51:13) the secret history

Let's wrap up our December reading month & talk about our 2026 reading goals! Books Discussed:The Strength of the Few - James IslingtonHouse of Flame and Shadow - Sarah J MaasA Day of Fallen Night - Samantha ShannonThe Fellowship of the Ring (Lord of the Rings) - JRR TolkeinThe Bright Years - Sarah DamoffIron Gold - Pierce BrownThe Stormlight Archive - Brandon SandersonOathbringer - Brandon SandersonA Sea of Unspoken Things - Adrienne YoungThe Unmaking of June Farrow - Adrienne YoungA Sky Beyond the Storm - Sabaa TahirBroken Country - Clare Leslie HallFallen City - Adrienne YoungThe Ex-Wives Club - Sally HepworthThe Poet Empress - Shen TaoThe Elsewhere Express - Samantha Shannon YambaoPeople We Meet on Vacation - Emily HenryThe Housemaid - Frieda McFaddenFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jaime's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(12:36) december recap(30:06) 2026 reading goals(53:47) january news

2025 wrapped! Let's talk about the best and worst books we read this year, going month to month. THANK YOU for listening this year, and can't wait for more episodes to come in 2026!Books Discussed:The Strength of the Few - James IslingtonOathbringer - Brandon SandersonRed Rising - Pierce BrownThe Favourites - Layne FargoLove in the Time of Serial Killers - Alicia ThompsonBlood Over Bright Haven - ML Wang Pumpkin Spice Cafe - Laurie GilmoreSunrise on the Reaping - Suzanne CollinsDeep End - Ali HazelwoodWild Reverence - Rebecca RossImmortal Dark - Tigest GirmaUs Against You - Fredrik BackmanFirefly Lane - Kristin HannahAtmosphere - Taylor Jenkins ReidThe Summer We Ran - Audrey IngramJade War - Fonda LeeWe'll Always Have Summer - Jenny HanJade Legacy - Fonda LeeEmily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales - Heather FawcettProject Hail Mary - Andy WeirMetal Slinger - Rachel SchneiderWords of Radiance - Brandon SandersonMate - Ali HazelwoodRed City - Marie LuThe Poet Empress - Shen TaoMorning Star - Pierce BrownHeartstopper - Alice OsemanHero of Ages - Brandon SandersonHis and Hers - Alice FeeneyThe Blood Traitor - Lynette NoniAll I Ever Wanted Was to be Hot - Lucinda PriceReckless - Lauren RobertsHolding the Reins - Paisley HopeA Familiar Stranger - AR TorreA Torch Against the Night - Sabaa TahirSave Me - Mona KastenThe Raven Scholar - Antonia HodgsonOur Infinite Fates - Laura StevenThe Way of Kings - Brandon SandersonWild Side - Elsie SilverKingdom of Copper - SA ChakrabortyRegretting You - Colleen HooverThe Will of the Many - James IslingtonPeople Watching - Hannah Bonam YoungThe Defender - Ana HuangThe Cursed Melodies - Connie GlynnFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jaime's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(15:22) year in review(27:42) january(36:28) february(45:35) march(48:16) april(52:55) may(56:55) june(01:00:58) july(01:07:53) august(01:12:29) september(01:15:02) october(01:20:01) november(01:23:48) final thoughts & happy holidays!

Let's go over the Goodreads Choice Awards nominees and winners of 2025! Why is the romantasy category so confusing...?Books Discussed:Just Friends - Haley PhamOf Flame and Fury - Mikayla BridgeThe Princess Knight - Cait JacobsThe Ballad of Falling Dragons - Sarah A ParkerWhen the Moon Hatched - Sarah A ParkerFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jaime's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(09:27) wicked: for good debrief(16:12) the ballad of falling dragons announcement(19:15) fiction(27:18) historical fiction(31:04) mystery thriller(34:40) romance(39:20) romantasy(47:14) fantasy(54:29) sci-fi(56:18) horror(57:35) debut(58:51) audiobooks(59:12) YA fantasy(01:03:27) YA fiction(01:05:08) nonfiction(01:09:17) final thoughts

Time to talk about the BEST reads of 2025! In this episode, we go over YOUR top 10 books that you read this year. Thank you everyone for submitting your favs, hope you enjoy!Books Discussed:We Three Heroes - Lynette NoniWe Were Liars - E LockhartAtmosphere - Taylor Jenkins ReidSunrise on the Reaping - Suzanne CollinsBlood Over Bright Haven - ML WangProject Hail Mary - Andy WeirThe Will of the Many - James IslingtonThe Strength of the Few - James IslingtonOnyx Storm - Rebecca YarrosThe Knight and the Moth - Rachel GilligOnce Upon a Broken Heart - Stephanie GarberThe Poppy War - RF KuangThe Invisible Life of Addie LaRue - VE SchwabFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jaime's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(02:55) the will of the many movie adaptation(06:27) sunrise on the reaping trailer(09:58) current reads(15:06) rental family(18:10) top 10 books!(18:40) 10th place(23:03) 9th place(24:44) 8th place(27:23) 7th place(33:14) 6th place(36:36) 5th place(40:11) 4th place(46:31) 3rd place(50:59) 2nd place(56:45) 1st place

Let's talk about the hard truth of publishing with Sarah Mughal Rana, author of debut fantasy Dawn of the Firebird. From her experience with writing an immersive and unique fantasy story in an age of romantasy, to her experience with defamation & review bombing, to social media marketing - join us in this fun chat with our first ever guest! Books Discussed:Dawn of the Firebird - Sarah Mughal RanaEdgedancer - Brandon SandersonWords of Radiance - Brandon SandersonThe Defender - Ana HuangStories of Your Life and Others - Ted ChiangFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jaime's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(08:25) welcome sarah mughal rana!(10:39) sarah's current read(13:45) life while publishing a book(16:48) social media marketing & PR(17:31) what is dawn of the firebird about?(19:39) the journey of writing a book(23:56) building a rich world filled with culture & FOOD(26:12) love to australian readers(26:51) high fantasy in a world of romantasy(29:13) a strong, flawed female protagonist(33:22) crafting the perfect fight scene(38:37) making readers cry(39:38) review bombing & defamation while publishing(52:04) rapid fire this or that(54:12) what can we look forward to in the sequel?

Let's talk about some bookish habits and trends that we just want to leave behind in 2025... and forget about as we move into 2026!Books Discussed:Words of Radiance - Brandon SandersonThe Vanishing Half - Brit BennettFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jaime's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(07:27) not letting goodreads ratings determine what to read(10:45) getting book recs from hype only(13:53) continuing series I don't like(18:50) picking up series in the wrong order(22:20) stop taking breaks in between series(27:00) reading comments on viral videos(34:52) reading books I think I should vs what I actually crave(38:30) letting reviews influence my rating after I've read the book(42:49) stressful 24 hour readathons(46:10) putting off reading an intimidating book(49:50) feeling guilty about buying books(57:08) sticking to familiar authors only

Let's talk about some of those hidden gem books that we all forgot about... but we would still highly recommend!APOLOGIES for some of the audio quality in this episode, we had some technical difficulties this week 😭 Hope you're still able to enjoy this one! Books Discussed:Violet Thistlewaite is Not a Villain Anymore - Emily KrempholtzWarbreaker - Brandon SandersonSix of Crows - Leigh BardugoPachinko - Min Jin LeeSabriel - Garth NixFive Feet Apart - Rachael LippincottThe Name of the Wind - Patrick RothfussTomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow - Gabrielle ZevinRed, White and Royal Blue - Casey McQuistonLessons in Chemistry - Bonnie GarmusRenegades - Marissa MeyerCarrie Soto is Back - Taylor Jenkins ReidNorthern Lights - Phillip PullmanFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jaime's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(08:07) six of crows re-edits?(12:09) sabriel(14:48) pachinko(18:33) the name of the wind(24:48) five feet apart(28:52) red, white & royal blue(32:13) tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow(36:48) renegades(38:51) on the topic of palate cleansers(41:25) lessons in chemistry(44:24) northern lights(47:48) carrie soto is back

Let's talk about the books (series) that we gave up on and DNF'd... but also chat about some series we are SO excited to start!Books Discussed:Direbound - Sable SorensenThe Raven Scholar - Antonia HodgsonLegendborn - Tracy DeonnRed Queen - Victoria AveyardThe House in the Cerulean Sea - TJ KluneHaunting Adeline - HD CarltonTwisted Love - Ana HuangZodiac Academy - Caroline Peckham and Susanne ValentiThe Deal - Elle KennedyThe Witcher - Andrej SapkowskiThe Fifth Season - NK JemisinThe Jasad Heir - Sara HashemRed City - Marie LuThis Kingdom Will Not Kill Me - Ilona AndrewsThe Will of the Many - James IslingtonVicious - VE SchwabThe Fragile Threads of Power - VE SchwabLady of Darkness - Melissa K RoehrichJade City - Fonda LeeThe Poppy War - RF KuangFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jaime's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(06:20) series we dnf'd(06:53) cat and mouse(10:00) the legendborn cycle(14:07) twisted(17:15) red queen(21:43) zodiac academy(25:47) cerulean chronicles(29:31) off campus(31:45) powerless(35:37) series we want to start(35:49) hierarchy(36:25) villains(39:37) the witcher(43:05) threads of power(46:09) the broken earth(48:16) lady of darkness(50:31) the scorched throne(52:40) the green bone saga(56:07) red city(58:10) the poppy war(01:00:13) maggie the undying

Let's create our ULTIMATE Fantasy stories! This episode just confirmed we should NOT be authors, but we had fun doing it anyways! 😂The Will of the Many Bonus Chapter:https://d1hbl61hovme3a.cloudfront.net/assets_us/interlude-confessiones-ad-mortuos.pdf?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaf2xFmz8pt_wyrplgvh8jxL2qxgze2T8JM4GhiB7U-uwIzLLUvHOhzYK4hznw_aem_eZlx6ZYwt7SnX_OsLup1ngBooks Discussed:The Astonishing Color of After - Emily XR PanThe Will of the Many - James IslingtonFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jaime's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(13:00) a jacks and evangeline novella!(14:35) rf kuang's next novel (taipei story)(16:43) our fantasy survival skills(18:47) our subgenres(21:21) who is writing our fantasy?(26:08) who is the protagonist(28:12) the magic system(34:16) world building(39:14) magical creatures(43:30) our plot tropes(48:57) romance subplots(53:39) putting it all together... our final plots

Today, we are going to give you our book recs for ALL your very specific moods. Hope you love this one!(We apologize for the audio quality in the last 2 minutes, we had some technical difficulties <3)Books Discussed:The Intruder - Freida McFaddenAlchemised - SenLinYuKatabasis - RF KuangAlchemy of Secrets - Stephanie GarberMasters of Death - Olivie BlakeShark Heart - Emily HabeckImmortal Consequences - IV MarieWater Moon - Samantha Sotto YambaoA Harvest of Hearts - Andrea EmmesMadwoman - Chelsea BiekerBlood Over Bright Haven - ML WangFirefly Lane - Kristin HannahJust for the Summer - Abby JimenezA Study in Drowning - Ava ReidRecursion - Blake CrouchA River Enchanted - Rebecca RossMagnolia Parks - Jessa HastingsBinding 13 - Chloe WalshTo Kill a Kingdom - Alexandra ChristoThe Sirens - Emilia HartTress of the Emerald Sea - Brandon SandersonOnce Upon a Broken Heart - Stephanie GarberA Winters Promise - Christelle DabosBelladonna - Adalyn GraceKiss of Deception - Mary E PearsonFive Broken Blades - Mai CorlandA Song to Drown Rivers - Ann LiangFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jaime's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(11:19) book to screen adaptation announcements(15:08) the animal companion is kind of a jerk(19:06) something that feels like a liminal space(23:01) makes you think about life, death, right and wrong, while also making you feel all the feels(25:58) queer dark academia with a twist(28:14) you're bundled up in a cozy cabin sipping coffee while it rains(32:31) a girl goes insane(36:14) summer nights when it is late and you and your friend are the only ones awake watching the stars(39:29) literally like walking into a storm(45:22) everyone thinks is spicy, but is actually low key(48:25) with sirens, mermaids and pirates(51:17) running barefoot through a castle wearing a flowy dress(54:46) a fantasy, set in a kingdom, no magic, enemies to lovers, betrayal and arranged marriage

Let's talk about reading order for some of our FAVOURITE authors! We'll talk about our fav books from each, as well as where to start with them. RF Kuang video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPMmm4ikRgU/Books Discussed:Fake Skating - Lynn PainterAlchemised - SenLinYuSix of Crows: A Darker Shore (Letters from Ketterdam) - Leigh BardugoThe Poppy War - RF KuangBabel - RF KuangKatabasis - RF KuangYellowface - RF KuangShadow and Bone - Leigh BardugoSix of Crows - Leigh BardugoKing of Scars - Leigh BardugoNinth House - Leigh BardugoThe Familiar - Leigh BardugoThe Invisible Life of Addie LaRue - VE SchwabA Darker Shade of Magic - VE SchwabVicious - VE SchwabThe Fragile Threads of Power - VE SchwabGallant - VE SchwabBury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil - VE SchwabCity of Bones - Cassandra ClareClockwork Angel - Cassandra ClareChain of Gold - Cassandra ClareThe Bane Chronicles - Cassandra ClareLady Midnight - Cassandra ClareSword Catcher - Cassandra ClareBeartown - Fredrik BackmanA Man Called Ove - Fredrik BackmanAnxious People - Fredrik BackmanMy Friends - Fredrik BackmanAtmosphere - Taylor Jenkins ReidCarrie Soto is Back - Taylor Jenkins ReidAfter I Do - Taylor Jenkins ReidOne True Loves - Taylor Jenkins ReidMalibu Rising - Taylor Jenkins ReidForever, Interrupted - Taylor Jenkins ReidEvidence of the Affair - Taylor Jenkins ReidDaisy Jones and the Six - Taylor Jenkins ReidThe Seven Husbands of Evelyn HugoFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jaime's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(12:45) six of crows announcement!(16:48) we aren't qualified to discuss brandon sanderson(17:38) rf kuang(22:21) leigh bardugo(29:13) ve schwab(36:15) cassandra clare(45:07) fredrik backman(50:52) taylor jenkins reid

Let's talk about some books that the world HATED (aka had very low Goodreads ratings)... but we loved.Books Discussed:Us Against You - Fredrik BackmanWords of Radiance - Brandon SandersonAlchemised - SenLinYuThe Will of the Many - James IslingtonThe Invisible Life of Addie LaRue - VE SchwabProject Hail Mary - Andy WeirSilvercloak - LK StevenThe Raven Scholar - Antonia HodgsonYellowface - RF KuangForever, Interrupted - Taylor Jenkins ReidThe Fury - Alex MichaelidesThe Ministry of Time - Kaliane BradleyA Song to Drown Rivers - Ann LiangRuthless Vows - Rebecca RossSiege and Storm - Leigh BardugoMasters of Death - Olivie BlakeThe Striker - Ana HuangSwordcatcher - Cassandra ClareFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jaime's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(07:54) our recent book purchases(10:06) yellowface(15:33) siege and storm(19:30) forever, interrupted(23:44) goodreads rant(24:47) masters of death(29:41) the fury(34:31) the striker(38:16) the ministry of time(43:44) swordcatcher(47:26) a song to drown rivers(52:04) ruthless vows

Let's talk about some popular BookTok books that we just do not want to read... Books Discussed:The Names - Florence KnappThe Kingdom of Copper - SA ChakrabortyIcebreaker - Hannah GraceFlawless - Elsie SilverWild Card - Elsie SilverProblematic Summer Romance - Ali HazelwoodMate - Ali HazelwoodBride - Ali HazelwoodNot in Love - Ali HazelwoodDeep End - Ali HazelwoodCredence - Penelope DouglasBinding 13 - Chloe WalshCity of Gods and Monsters - Kayla EdwardsThe Fine Print - Lauren AsherThrottled - Lauren AsherKing of Wrath - Ana HuangLights Out - Navessa AllenThe Ritual - Shantel TessierGod of Malice - Rina KentGod of Fury - Rina KentThe Invisible Life of Addie LaRue - VE SchwabKatabasis - RF KuangThe Knave and the Moon - Rachel GilligThe Knight and the Moth - Rachel GilligFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jaime's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(08:15) the knave and the moon announcement!(09:53) we are the same height(12:46) jaime met rf kuang!(16:43) icebreaker(22:13) throttled(25:32) flawless(28:08) TSITP tangent(29:49) credence(32:05) problematic summer romance(33:55) mate tangent(36:55) wild card tangent(37:36) king of wrath(41:44) binding 13(46:08) lights out(48:45) buddy reading the invisible life of addie larue(51:38) city of gods and monsters(54:33) god of malice