Check This Bookout

Our annual, spoiler-free Reading Wrap Up is here! We each share 3 favorites and 3 flops of fantasy and romance books that we read this year, along with our DNFs & reading stats!🤍 CTB Links: ⁠⁠ ⁠https://linktr.ee/checkthisbookout⁠ 📖 Books Mentioned:​Onyx Storm - Rebecca Yarros ​The Knight and the Moth - Rachel Gillig​Scythe and Sparrow - Brynne Weaver​Tourist Season - Brynne Weaver​Off To The Races - Elsie Silver​Six of Crows - Leigh Bardugo​The Blood Traitor - Lynnette Noni​The Will of the Many - James Islington​Blood Over Bright Haven - M. L. Wang​Morning Star - Pierce Brown​Good Spirits - B.K. Borison​Eldritch - Keri Lake​Anathema - Keri Lake​Nocticadia - Keri Lake​Never Keep - Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti​Mistborn - Brandon Sanderson ​The Emperor Sol - Brandon Sanderson​Say You’ll Remember Me - Abby Jimenez​The Strength of the Few - James Islington ⏱️ Timestamps:00:02:52 Onyx Storm00:06:06 Knight & the Moth00:08:02 Scythe and Sparrow00:09:35 Tourist Season00:11:12 Off to the Races00:13:58 Top 3 Books of the Year00:14:07 Six of Crows 00:14:39 The Blood Traitor 00:16:14 The Will of the Many00:18:16 Blood Over Bright Haven00:19:16 Morning Star00:20:41 Good Spirits00:21:59 Top 3 Kiss Marry Kill00:25:13 # of DNFs00:29:05 2025 Reading Stats00:36:00 # of Audiobooks00:37:25 Average Ratings 00:40:17 Book Journaling

The Strength of the Few was a chaotic & suspenseful sequel & we discuss it all in this review! 🏛️ We dive deep into the layered world building, complex character development, political tension, & that unforgettable ending. We ponder theories & what’s to come, so tune in to hear our honest thoughts! (P.S. this review contains spoilers!)🤍 CTB Links: ⁠⁠ https://linktr.ee/checkthisbookout 📖 Books Mentioned:The Strength of the Few - James IslingtonThe Will of the Many - James IslingtonThe Strength of the Few Synopsis:"OMNE TRIUM PERFECTUM.The Hierarchy still call me Vis Telimus. Still hail me as Catenicus. They still, as one, believe they know who I am.But with all that has happened—with what I fear is coming—I am not sure it matters anymore.I am no longer one. I won the Iudicium, and lost everything—and now, impossibly, the ancient device beyond the Labyrinth has replicated me across three separate worlds. A different version of myself in each of Obiteum, Luceum, and Res. Three different bodies, three different lives. I have to hide; fight; play politics. I have to train; trust; lie. I have to kill; heal; prove myself again, and again, and again.I am loved, and hated, and entirely alone.Above all, though, I need to find answers before it’s too late. To understand the nature of what has happened to me, and why.I need to find a way to stop the coming Cataclysm, because if all I have learned is true, I may be the only one who can."Timestamps:00:00:00 the strength of the few review!00:01:50 our ratings & initial thoughts00:05:00 split POVs, time skips & confusion00:19:00 obiteum plot walk & giggles00:27:00 hannah's fav obiteum scene00:30:00 mad's fav obiteum scene00:33:00 thoughts on ka00:37:00 crazy theories - caeror, ostius & will00:50:00 luceum plot walk & sweet little deaglan00:54:30 vis's dad makes us cry00:58:00 hannah's fav luceum scene01:00:00 mad's fav luceum scenes01:05:00 res plot walk 01:08:05 the most shocking death01:14:00 ostius analysis01:17:00 hannah's alupi theory01:20:50 mad's fav res scene01:22:10 the truth of the concurrence01:35:00 final thoughts

Romance author M. J. Hughes is joining us on the pod to talk all things writing & publishing of her spicy, college, hockey romance standalone series, A River Road Series! 🏒 From behind-the-scenes writing stories to navigating indie-publishing, this episode is packed with honesty, inspiration, & all the bookish chaos we love. M. J. shares how she went from passionate reader to self-published author & the reality of balancing work full-time with writing & content creation. Also expect the full scoop on her hockey romance world of Barker University & future stories & audiobooks releasing soon!Whether you’re a hockey romance lover like us or just curious about what it takes to be indie-published, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss!🤍 CTB Links: ⁠⁠ https://linktr.ee/checkthisbookout 🤍 M. J Hughes' Links: https://linktr.ee/mjhughesauthorhttps://authormjhughes.etsy.com?coupon=CHECKTHISBOOKOUT Use code CHECKTHISBOOKOUT for $5 off!📖 Books Mentioned:What If - M. J. HughesWhat Now - M. J. HughesWhat Next - M. J. Hughes#booktube #romancebooks #romancereader #bookrecommendations #bookreview

The weather is getting colder, the books are getting cozier, & this paranormal romance by B.K. Borison suits the season perfectly ❄️ In our review of Good Spirits, we cry (literally), laugh, & gush over everything that made this book so special to us. The characters, magic, & emotional depth tucked into the quaint city of Annapolis left us dreamy & eager for more B.K. Borison paranormal romances in the future! (P.S. this episode contains spoilers!)🤍 CTB Links!: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/checkthisbookout⁠⁠🖋️ Good Spirits Synopsis:Ghost of Christmas Past Nolan Callahan intends to spend this holiday haunting like every other—get in, get out, return to his otherwise aimless existence as a ghost awaiting the afterlife. But when he’s faced with Harriet York, the sweetest assignment he’s ever had, he suddenly finds himself wishing for a future.Harriet York has no idea why she’s being haunted. She’s a good person—or, at least, she tries to be. A people pleaser to her core, she always does what’s expected of her. But as she and Nolan begin to examine her past, they discover there are threads that bind them together— and realize there might be more to moving on than expected.With the deadline of Christmas Eve fast approaching, will they find the key to their futures in each other’s pasts? Or will they stay firmly in the present, indulging in their unexpected, spirited connection?📖 Books Mentioned:Good Spirits - B.K. BorisonFirst Time Caller - B.K. BorisonLovelight Farms - B.K. BorisonGrim Tidings - B.K. BorisonHolidaze - Christina LaurenSay You’ll Remember Me - Abby JimenezThe Will of the Many - James IslingtonThe Strength of the Few - James IslingtonPrison Healer - Lynette NoniGreat Big Beautiful Life - Emily Henry⏱ Time Stamps:00:00:00 good spirits by b.k. borison!00:01:10 christmas disclaimer00:2:20 out of hannah's comfort zone00:3:20 our ratings + book overview00:8:20 b.k.'s writing style00:11:00 magical realism & paranormal elements00:15:20 character dimension & trauma00:20:00 the setting00:22:00 the meh hook00:25:00 the perfect pallet cleanser00:28:00 visceral emotional reactions00:33:00 harriet's first memory00:34:30 sweet sweet soulmates00:40:30 the boat scene00:45:50 matched loneliness00:47:30 hannah's first pod tears00:51:00 thoughts on dual pov & dialogue00:53:50 the spy cat00:56:00 the next books00:58:00 2025 wrap up foreshadowing01:02:20 we loved harriet & magic01:08:15 goodreads choice awards nominations01:18:00 outro

We're back with Part 2 of our deep dive into The Will of the Many! 🏛️ We’re unpacking everything that makes this book so addictive: the writing, the world, the politics, the twists, & that jaw-dropping ending. (P.S. This episode contains spoilers!)🤍 CTB Links!: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/checkthisbookout⁠⁠🖋️ The Will of the Many Synopsis:"AUDI. VIDE. TACE.The Catenan Republic – the Hierarchy – may rule the world now, but they do not know everything. I tell them my name is Vis Telimus. I tell them I was orphaned after a tragic accident three years ago, and that good fortune alone has led to my acceptance into their most prestigious school. I tell them that once I graduate, I will gladly join the rest of civilised society in allowing my strength, my drive and my focus – what they call Will – to be leeched away and added to the power of those above me, as millions already do. As all must eventually do.I tell them that I belong, and they believe me.But the truth is that I have been sent to the Academy to find answers. To solve a murder. To search for an ancient weapon. To uncover secrets that may tear the Republic apart.And that I will never, ever cede my Will to the empire that executed my family.To survive, though, I will still have to rise through the Academy’s ranks. I will have to smile, and make friends, and pretend to be one of them and win. Because if I cannot, then those who want to control me, who know my real name, will no longer have any use for me.And if the Hierarchy finds out who I truly am, they will kill me."📖 Books Mentioned:The Will of the Many (Hierarchy #1) - James IslingtonThe Strength of the Few (Hierarchy #2) - James IslingtonThe Shadow of What Was Lost (The Licanius Trilogy #1) - James IslingtonEmpire of Storms - Sarah J. MaasThe Way of Kings - Brandon SandersonThe Name of the Wind - Patrick Rothfuss⏱ Time Stamps:00:00:00 intro00:01:50 festival of the ancestors00:06:00 adventure to the 2nd ruins00:09:20 vis adopts a dog00:11:20 caeror’s letters00:13:15 creepy ghost theory00:17:30 cataclysm theory00:23:30 the duel + aequa deep dive00:30:00 madeline cries lol00:31:30 vis goes home00:37:00 dynamic duo - military and anguis00:37:50 the perfect theory book00:40:00 emissa's00:42:15 vis is a chess king00:52:20 crazy synchronism theories00:58:20 the iudicium deep dive01:11:00 is it a prophecy?01:16:00 the rest of the iudicium01:27:00 outro

The Will of the Many has completely taken over the fantasy community & we totally get why 🏛️ We’re unpacking everything that makes this book so addictive: the writing, the world, the politics, the twists, & that jaw-dropping ending. Join us for Part 1 of our Hierarchy series deep dive, & stay tuned for Part 2 next Tuesday! (P.S. This episode contains spoilers!)🤍 CTB Links!: ⁠https://linktr.ee/checkthisbookout⁠📖 Books Mentioned:​The Will of the Many (Hierarchy #1) - James Islington​The Strength of the Few (Hierarchy #2) - James Islington​Red Rising - Pierce Brown​The Shadow of What Was Lost (The Licanius Trilogy #1) - James Islington​Blood Over Bright Haven - M.L. Wang⏱ Time Stamps:00:00:000 intro00:01:30 our ratings00:06:20 the elephant in the room00:09:35 the writing style00:12:15 the pacing00:14:40 show vs tell00:17:00 vis is a planner00:21:10 world building and science fantasy00:25:45 vis is so smart00:27:45 we loved the roman inspired setting00:29:30 the pyramid structure00:34:30 overpowered characters00:36:20 a great hook00:39:40 pre-academy plot deep dive00:45:20 imagining transvects00:51:30 relucia/sedotia 00:55:20 veridius intro00:59:00 big sister lanistia + training montage01:03:00 the naumachia01:12:30 vis at the academy + his flaws01:25:30 first visit to the ruins01:40:00 final thoughts

Happy Halloween! 🎃 Join us for a hilarious game of blind-picking halloween costumes for our favorite book characters! Featuring group costumes for Fourth Wing & Throne of Glass to couples’ costumes for Beach Read and Just For The Summer, we were dying laughing! (P.S. This episode is spoiler free!)🤍 CTB Links!: https://linktr.ee/checkthisbookout📖 Books Mentioned:​Butcher and Blackbird (The Ruinous Love Trilogy #1) - Brynne Weaver​Prison Healer - Lynnette Noni​House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City #1) - Sarah J. Maas​Twilight - Stephanie Meyer​Check & Mate - Ali Hazelwood​Red Rising - Pierce Brown​Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins​A Court of Thorns and Roses - Sarah J. Maas​The Right Move - Liz Tomforde​Beach Read - Emily Henry​Say You’ll Remember Me - Abby Jimenez​The Awakening (Zodiac Academy #1) - Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti​Fourth Wing (The Empyrean #1)- Rebecca Yarros​Bride - Ali Hazelwood​Throne of Glass - Sarah J. Maas​The Knight and the Moth (The Stonewater Kingdom #1)- Rachel Gillig​Yours Truly - Abby Jimenez​Part of Your World - Abby Jimenez​Just For the Summer - Abby Jimenez​Hot For Slayer (Scared Sexy Collection) - Ali Hazelwood​Mate (Bride #2) - Ali Hazelwood​The Serpent and the Wings of Night (Crowns of Nyasia #1)- Carissa Broadbent⏱ Time Stamps️ 00:00 happy halloween!01:40 butcher and blackbird03:00 the prison healer04:55 crescent city07:50 twilight08:25 check and mate09:40 red rising12:55 the hunger games15:00 ACOTAR19:05 the right move20:10 beach read21:10 say you’ll remember me22:30 zodiac academy29:15 fourth wing32:00 throne of glasss36:00 the knight & the moth37:15 wildcard!39:20 our halloween plans42:40 shopping spree52:35 our thoughts on the life of a showgirl

October is here & so is our honest review of Brynne Weaver's latest release, Tourist Season! 🔪🩸 We talk about the novel's witty banter, dark romance, vigilante serial killing, & many plot points. Was the suspense worth it? Tune in to find out!(P.S. this episode contains spoilers!)🤍 CTB Links!: https://linktr.ee/checkthisbookoutTourist Season Synopsis:“Cape Carnage is a seaside town of colorful houses, quirky shops, and an unusually high body count. But with tourists comes trouble, and Harper Starling won’t let anyone ruin her picture-perfect home. A skilled gardener with killer instincts, Harper protects her sanctuary at any cost—especially for her aging mentor with a fading memory. Troublesome tourists don’t check out of Carnage. They compost beneath Harper’s award-winning flowerbeds.But Nolan Rhodes isn’t your average tourist. Devilishly handsome, disarmingly charming, and skilled with a blade, Nolan is relentless in the pursuit of revenge. On every anniversary of the hit-and-run accident that fractured his life, Nolan slays another target. And he’s saved the best for last: the undeniably beautiful Harper Starling. The problem? Harper isn’t the monster he expected. And she won’t go down without a fight.When an amateur true crime investigator comes to Cape Carnage on the trail of a long-lost serial killer, Harper and Nolan strike an uneasy truce. If Nolan helps Harper protect her town, she’ll keep quiet about his hunting habits . . . for now. But their alliance soon spirals into obsession, one that threatens to shatter every secret in Carnage—including their fragile love.”📖 Books Mentioned:​Tourist Season - Brynne Weaver​Butcher & Blackbird - Brynne Weaver​Leather & Lark - Brynne Weaver​Scythe & Sparrow - Brynne Weaver​The Love Hypothesis - Ali Hazelwood​Problematic Summer Romance - Ali Hazelwood​The Inheritance Games - Jennifer Lynn Barnes​The Strength of the Few - James Islington​The Will of the Many - James Islington​Mate - Ali Hazelwood​Alchemy of Secrets - Stephanie Garber⏱️ Timestamps:00:00:00 tourist season book review00:01:50 our ratings00:05:55 writing quality00:07:20 dual POV complaints00:09:05 cringey smut00:13:15 insta love00:15:20 the spooky small-town setting00:19:35 the hook00:26:00 ignorance isn’t bliss00:28:40 boring meet cute00:31:10 blackmail plot line00:32:25 half baked sub plots00:38:20 the body treasure hunt00:39:40 nolan & harper00:43:20 arthur lancaster00:44:45 lukas + the sleuthseekers00:48:45 la plume deep dive00:57:15 a quick summary01:01:30 reading goodreads reviews01:10:50 outro

Now that it's officially fall, we wanted to curate a list of cozy, spooky, & whimsical reads to suit the season! 🍂 We have book recs for magic academies, academia romance, & mysteries whether you just love fall & all the cozy vibes or you're feeling the back-to-school excitement! (P.S. this episode is spoiler free!)🤍 CTB Links!: https://linktr.ee/checkthisbookout📖 Books Mentioned:A Deadly Education (The Scholomance #1) - Naomi Novik The Last Graduate (The Scholomance #2) - Naomi Novik The Golden Enclaves (The Scholomance #3) - Naomi Novik The Awakening (Zodiac Academy #1) - Caroline Peckham & Susanne ValentiThe Love Hypothesis - Ali HazelwoodThe Deal - Elle KennedyThe Summer I Turned Pretty - Jenny HanMy Life with the Walter Boys - Ali NovakSave Me (Maxton Hall #1) - Mona KastenNocticadia - Keri LakeThe Naturals - Jennifer Lynn BarnesDungeon Crawler Carl - Matt Dinniman⏱️Timestamps:00:00 intro00:45 our favorite time of year02:00 our new audio equipment03:00 the scholomance trilogy09:55 wednesday adams comparison11:00 zodiac academy18:55 the love hypothesis24:00 the deal29:10 the summer i turned pretty tangent30:50 maxton hall tangent35:20 nocticadia39:10 mad's MAJOR life update40:55 the naturals43:40 dungeon crawler carl???45:00 would you rather!54:41 outro

They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but what about its first line... 🧐 Today, we're putting that idea to the test! Did these first lines hook us? Confuse us? Make us want to remove it from our TBRs? Tune in as we react in real time, & stay till the end as we debrief our August TBR picks & catch up on life outside of the Pod! 🤍 CTB Links!: https://linktr.ee/checkthisbookout  📖 Books Mentioned:Bury Our Bones In The Midnight Soil - V. E. SchwabThe Invisible Life of Addie LaRue - V. E. SchwabVicious - V. E. SchwabOnce Upon a Broken Heart - Stephanie GarberCaraval - Stephanie GarberDivine Rivals - Rebecca RossBlood of Hercules - Jasmine MasPsycho Shifters - Jasmine MasBonds of Hercules - Jasmine MasA Study in Drowning - Ava ReidThe Golden Enclaves (The Scholomance #3) - Naomi NovikImmortal Consequences - I. V. MarieThe Blighted Stars - Megan E. O'KeefeThe Will of the Many - James IslingtonRed Rising - Pierce BrownBlood Over Bright Haven - M. L. WangThe Strength of the Few - James IslingtonThe Sword of Kaigen - M. L. WangWhen The Moon Hatched - Sarah A. ParkerThe Ballad of Falling Dragons - Sarah A. ParkerIron Gold - Pierce BrownLight Bringer - Pierce BrownRed God - Pierce BrownUprooted - Naomi NovikThrone of Glass - Sarah J. MaasCrown of Midnight - Sarah J. MaasNinth House - Leigh BardugoThe Naturals - Jennifer Lynn BarnesShadow and Bone - Leigh BardugoKing of Scars - Leigh BardugoPowerless - Lauren RobertsBinding 13 - Chloe WalshThe Knight and The Moth - Rachel GilligSoul in Darkness - Wendy HigginsA Court of Thorns and Roses - Sarah J. MaasThe Selection - Kiera CassThe Friend Zone - Abby JimenezOverruled - Lana FergusonOut On A Limb - Hannah Bonam-YoungNever Keep - Caroline Peckham & Susanne ValentiPrison Healer - Lynette Noni⏱️Timestamps:00:00:00 intro00:02:50 the widow arrives on a wednesday.00:05:05 the door to the prince of hearts church has disappeared.00:07:45 i draped my long toga over my crossed legs...00:11:30 the paper was as frayed and tattered...00:14:25 wren hadn't bothered to lock her bedroom door.00:17:05 Tarquin stood on the command bridge...00:18:15 i am dangling...00:20:30 we losing trust in booktok00:25:55 it was a harrowing climb to the high school.00:28:15 the world began with five.00:30:45 weary, i walk upon flowers at the head of an army.00:34:20 our dragon doesn't eat the girls he takes...00:35:40 after a year of slavery in the salt mines...00:37:00 crown of midnight by SJM spoiler!!00:38:10 by the time alex managed to get the blood out...00:39:15 the naturals series tangent00:42:15 leigh bardugo detour00:45:19 thick hot liquid runs down my arm.00:48:38 powerless & red queen debate (spoilers)00:53:40 it was january 10, 2005.00:56:35 the booktok community 00:59:55 mad's update on her august tbr01:03:55 han's update on her august tbr01:04:40 spoiler! the friend zone by abby jimenez 01:09:20 spoiler! out on a limb by hannah bonam young01:14:20 life! golf, sabrina carpenter & clash of clans01:18:30 life! sourdough, crotchet & sabrina carpenter01:24:00 outro

Our brutally honest review of The Knight and The Moth is in... 🗡️🦋 This highly anticipated novel by Rachel Gillig was a gothic, eerie fantasy with new magic and beloved tropes. In our review, we dissect the world building, Rachel's whimsical prose, the magic system, the plot, & the characters. (P.S. This episode contains spoilers!)   🤍 CTB Links!: https://linktr.ee/checkthisbookout   📖 Books Mentioned: The Knight and the Moth - Rachel Gillig One Dark Window - Rachel Gillig Two Twisted Crowns - Rachel Gillig Blood Over Bright Haven - M.L. Wang Prison Healer - Lynette Noni   ✍️ The Knight and the Moth Synopsis: Sybil Delling has spent nine years dreaming of having no dreams at all. Like the other foundling girls who traded a decade of service for a home in the great cathedral, Sybil is a Diviner. In her dreams she receives visions from six unearthly figures known as Omens. From them, she can predict terrible things before they occur, and lords and common folk alike travel across the kingdom of Traum's windswept moors to learn their futures by her dreams. Just as she and her sister Diviners near the end of their service, a mysterious knight arrives at the cathedral. Rude, heretical, and devilishly handsome, the knight Rodrick has no respect for Sybil's visions. But when Sybil's fellow Diviners begin to vanish one by one, she has no choice but to seek his help in finding them. For the world outside the cathedral's cloister is wrought with peril. Only the gods have the answers she is seeking, and as much as she'd rather avoid Rodrick's dark eyes and sharp tongue, only a heretic can defeat a god.   ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00:00 episode intro 00:02:05 our ratings of the knight & the moth 00:05:00 high level summary 00:06:35 writing style & world building 00:10:00 we got distracted by a moth lol 00:10:40 our initial reactions 00:13:20 did the world building deliver? 00:16:10 a fascinating magic system 00:19:50 did we predict any plot? 00:26:20 the quest plot line 00:27:40 six & rory’s dynamic 00:33:50 the carnival scene + six’s arms 00:36:55 the diviner disappearances 00:38:50 the omens and false gods 00:43:10 benji deep dive 00:47:20 training montage & knighting 00:49:50 WHERE IS THE YEARNING?! 00:53:50 the diviners & religion 00:56:15 the gargoyle is the best character 00:59:40 comparison to one dark window 01:02:35 rachel gillig’s author’s note 01:06:15 will we read the next book? 01:09:30 reacting to 1-5 goodreads reviews 01:21:00 outro

It's that time of year for a reading wrap up! 📚 We’ve been busy reading & have a variety of fantasy & romance books to share with y'all. We also thought to spice up our TBRs by choosing 3 books for each other to read this August. So grab your TBR & tune in! (P.S. This episode is spoiler-free!)   🤍 CTB Links!: https://linktr.ee/checkthisbookout  🔗 Madeline's Fable Stats: https://fable.co/madeline-bookout-544989383339 🔗 Hannah's Fable Stats: http://fable.co/hannah-bookout-363616138207  📖 Books Mentioned: Six of Crows - Leigh Bardugo Crooked Kingdom - Leigh Bardugo Blood Over Bright Haven - M. L. Wang Red Rising - Pierce Brown The Hero of Ages - Brandon Sanderson Rewind it Back - Liz Tomforde This Summer Will Be Different - Carley Fortune The Knight and the Moth - Rachel Gillig House of Beating Wings - Olivia Wildenstein House of Striking Oaths - Olivia Wildenstein Accordance - Shelly Crane One Dark Window - Rachel Gillig Morning Star - Pierce Brown (**minor spoiler @ 13:07**) Elantris - Brandon Sanderson The Name of the Wind - Patrick Rothfuss Out on a Limb - Hannah Bonam-Young Out of the Woods - Hannah Bonam-Young People Watching - Hannah Bonam-Young The Selection - Kiera Cass The Friend Zone - Abby Jimenez Everything I Know About Love - Dolly Alderton Never Keep - Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti Soul in Darkness - Wendy Higgins Sweet Evil - Wendy Higgins Rise of the Melody - Wendy Higgins The Shadows Between Us - Tricia Levenseller Lights Out - Navessa Allen Magic Forged - K. M. Shea   ⏱️ Timestamps:

Introducing Blood Over Bright Haven🩸, one of our all-time favorite 5 star reads. This book left both of us sobbing & reeling, & we have to debrief it with y'all. We unpack the book’s world building & plot, dissect the morally complex characters, & explore how Wang tackles ethics with gut-punching emotional stakes. (P.S. This episode contains spoilers!) 🤍 CTB Links!: https://linktr.ee/checkthisbookout 📖 Books Mentioned:Blood Over Bright Haven - M.L. WangSword of Kaigen - M.L. Wang ✍️ Blood Over Bright Haven Synopsis:For twenty years, Sciona has devoted every waking moment to the study of magic, fueled by a mad desire to achieve the impossible: to be the first woman ever admitted to the High Magistry at the University of Magics and Industry.When Sciona finally passes the qualifying exam and becomes a highmage, she finds her challenges have just begun. Her new colleagues are determined to make her feel unwelcome—and, instead of a qualified lab assistant, they give her a janitor.What neither Sciona nor her peers realize is that her taciturn assistant was not always a janitor. Ten years ago, he was a nomadic hunter who lost his family on their perilous journey from the wild plains to the city. But now he sees the opportunity to understand the forces that decimated his tribe, drove him from his homeland, and keep the privileged in power.At first, mage and outsider have a fractious relationship. But working together, they uncover an ancient secret that could change the course of magic forever—if it doesn’t get them killed first. ⏱️ Timestamps:00:00:00 intro00:01:45 our ratings00:02:45 what BOBH is about00:05:25 our hiatus & an anniversary00:09:00 world building & magic system00:18:45 sciona’s character deep dive00:25:39 plot deep dive00:28:00 thomil & sciona meet00:38:15 sciona’s crashing out00:40:27 the library scene00:41:49 sciona flights back00:46:00 madeline starts crying00:48:20 the morality theme00:52:05 brigham character deep dive00:56:35 thought provoking themes00:59:10 thomil character deep dive01:12:30 a barnes & noble story01:15:50 pics of us crying lol01:17:25 1000% recommend01:21:10 outro

Last but far from least... We're closing out the Red Rising Saga review with a bang! Morning Star by Pierce Brown gave us everything we hoped for (& plenty we weren’t emotionally prepared for) & we're here to discuss it all. Special guest Nolan joins us as we dig into the jaw-dropping plot twists, powerful character arcs, & the trilogy's unforgettable conclusion. You won’t want to miss this episode!   🤍 CTB Links!: https://linktr.ee/checkthisbookout Book Synopsis: "Darrow would have lived in peace, but his enemies brought him war. The Gold overlords demanded his obedience, hanged his wife, and enslaved his people. But Darrow is determined to fight back. Risking everything to transform himself and breach Gold society, Darrow has battled to survive the cutthroat rivalries that breed Society’s mightiest warriors, climbed the ranks, and waited patiently to unleash the revolution that will tear the hierarchy apart from within. Finally, the time has come. But devotion to honor and hunger for vengeance run deep on both sides. Darrow and his comrades-in-arms face powerful enemies without scruple or mercy. Among them are some Darrow once considered friends. To win, Darrow will need to inspire those shackled in darkness to break their chains, unmake the world their cruel masters have built, and claim a destiny too long denied—and too glorious to surrender." 📖 Books Mentioned: Morning Star - Pierce Brown Red Rising - Pierce Brown Golden Son - Pierce Brown Light Bringer - Pierce Brown ⏱️Timestamps: 00:00 intro 01:00 meet nolan! 04:45 nolan's fav book bf... 06:00 morning star ratings 08:20 the boring parts 10:50 our book review formula 11:25 world building 12:20 space is confusing 16:30 darrow's imprisonment 18:40 where was the trauma? 20:30 the rescue 22:02 bring the action 25:35 fake first person 27:10 reunited with sevro 32:00 book 2 was darrow's book 39:30 howler initiation 36:20 we got spoilers 37:50 quicksilver & phobos 45:30 a visit to the obsidians 48:00 ragnar broke us 51:20 choppy writing 54:00 the political genius 57:45 full body chills 58:50 darrow's growth 01:01:40 the roque space battle 01:05:40 roque broke us 01:09:40 cassius & darrow 01:12:30 and what do we do w/ murderers? 01:15:20 we're gullible readers 01:19:00 the ending & baby pax 01:28:55 sevro and victra ahhh 01:30:30 sevro is too funny 01:32:00 outro

In this episode, we turned our love for fantasy into a competitive game night. Each square on the bingo card represents a classic or niche trope from the genre: secret royalty, talking animals, magic schools... you name it. Download our homemade bingo card below & play along with us!(P.S. This episode contains spoilers! Check the episode chapters & see which books are *starred* below to avoid spoilers!) 🤍 CTB Links!: https://linktr.ee/checkthisbookout🤍 CTB Fantasy Book Bingo Card: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGq1DprWnE/s8mOUAd3Ch7ye0y6xAaAOA/view?utm_content=DAGq1DprWnE&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hac4f355142  📖 Books Mentioned:From Blood and Ash - Jennifer L ArmentroutBlood Over Bright Haven - M. L. Wang **Daughter of No Worlds - Carissa Broadbent **The Way of Kings - Brandon SandersonThrone of Glass - Sarah J Maas **House of Beating Wings - Olivia WildensteinKingdom of the Wicked - Kerri Maniscalco An Ember in the Ashes - Sabaa TahirThe Red Pyramid - Rick RiordanPercy Jackson and the Olympians - Rick RiordanBridge Kingdom - Danielle L. JensenDivine Rivals - Rebecca RossSpark of the Everflame - Pen ColeShatter Me - Tahereh MafiA Court of Thorns and Roses - Sarah J. MaasThe Book of Azrael - Amber NicoleBlood & Steel - Helen Scheuerer **Shield of Sparrows - Devney Perry **A Deadly Education - Naomi NovikUnearthly - Cynthia HandHouse of Earth and Blood - Sarah J. Maas **Heartless Hunter - Kristen Ciccarelli **Red Rising - Pierce Brown **The Cruel Prince - Holly BlackSix of Crows - Leigh BardugoSweet Evil -  Wendy HigginsMistborn - Brandon SandersonBride - Ali HazelwoodFourth Wing - Rebecca YarrosOne Dark Window - Rachel GilligSerpent & Dove - Shelby MahurinAssistant to the Villian - Hannah Nicole MaehrerCaraval - Stephanie GarberThe Name of the Wind - Patrick RothfussA Fate of Wrath and Flame - K.A. TuckerThe Serpent and the Wings of Night - Carissa BroadbentThe Raven Boys - Maggie Steifvater **These Hollow Vows - Lexi Ryan ** ⏱️Timestamps:00:00 intro01:32 bingo card!02:35 first spin & the rules04:53 madeline is already struggling09:20 House of Beating Wings10:00 solving hannah's book slump14:10 easyyy14:35 we don't remember the plot15:50 hannah's first bingo!17:10 Daughter of No Worlds debate18:55 Blood Over Bright Haven Spoiler20:25 Shatter MAYBE?21:40 madeline's first bingo!24:00 han's 2nd bingo25:30 An Ember in the Ashes26:10 mad's 2nd bingo26:40 bingo asmr lol28:30 mad's 3rd bingo28:55 hannah messed up29:45 many bingos32:45 what's her name35:35 bringo lol36:10 finally38:30 we cheated40:10 mad blacked out42:50 internet etiquette parenting52:40 outro53:10 we're on fable

It's proposal season! 💍 In this episode, we challenge each other to guess the book based solely on its wedding or proposal scene! Featuring both contemporary romance & romantasy books, all of these nuptials are memorable to us in the best or worst way. Tune in to guess along with us! (P.S. This episode contains spoilers! Check the episode chapters & see which books are *starred* below to avoid spoilers!) 🤍 CTB Links!: https://linktr.ee/checkthisbookout 📖 Books Mentioned:Part of Your World - Abby Jimenez **Bride - Ali Hazelwood **The War of Two Queens (From Blood and Ash #4) - Jennifer L. Armentrout **The Selection - Kiera Cass **The Book of Azrael - Amber V. NicoleSweet Evil - Wendy Higgins **A Fate of Wrath & Flame - K.A. Tucker **Divine Rivals - Rebecca Ross **First Time Caller - B.K. BorisonFuryborn - Claire LegrandRed Queen - Victoria AveyardA Deadly Education - Naomi NovikFourth Wing - Rebecca YarrosIron Flame - Rebecca YarrosOnyx Storm - Rebecca Yarros **Significance - Shelly Crane **Paradise Problem - Christina Lauren **Funny Story - Emily Henry **These Hollow Vows - Lexi Ryan **Zodiac Academy - Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti **Bridge Kingdom - Danielle L. Jensen **Unhoneymooners - Christina Lauren **Problematic Summer Romance - Ali Hazelwood **This Summer Will Be Different - Carley Fortune **One Golden Summer - Carley Fortune ⏱️Timestamps:00:00 intro00:40 wedding season!!02:30 Part of Your World - Abby Jimenez04:00 Bride - Ali Hazelwood05:50 From Blood and Ash - Jennifer L. Armentrout06:40 The Selection - Kiera Cass07:35 The Book of Azrael - Amber V. Nicole08:45 Sweet Evil - Wendy Higgins12:40 A Fate of Wrath & Flame - K.A. Tucker15:25 Divine Rivals - Rebecca Ross18:20 book trophies23:35 Onyx Storm - Rebecca Yarros24:25 Significance - Shelly Crane26:30 Paradise Problem - Christina Lauren27:05 Funny Story - Emily Henry28:40 These Hollow Vows - Lexi Ryan31:35 Zodiac Academy - Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti 33:05 Unhoneymooners - Christina Lauren35:30 Problematic Summer Romance - Ali Hazelwood36:30 This Summer Will Be Different - Carley Fortune 38:00 the switch to fable...42:00 i need a new kindle44:55 outro46:00 new releases

Nothing suits the summer season better than a warm, fun romance! 🏖️ If you're going to the beach or lake - or neither but you're here for the vibes - we have throwback & recently released book recs for your travels! (P.S. This ep has spoilers for some books! See below!)   🤍 CTB Links!: https://linktr.ee/checkthisbookout   📖 Books Mentioned: Beach Read - Emily Henry People We Meet on Vacation - Emily Henry Happy Place - Emily Henry Paradise Problem - Christina Lauren Problematic Summer Romance - Ali Hazelwood (SPOILERS) This Summer Will Be Different - Carley Fortune One Golden Summer - Carley Fortune Every Summer After - Carley Fortune Meet Me At The Lake - Carley Fortune Ex Vows - Jessica Joyce   ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00:00 beach read recs episode 00:01:20 madeline's surpise 00:02:00 bookish crafts! 00:04:00 beach read by em hen 00:14:20 the paradise problem by christina lauren 00:19:00 romantasy men aren't funny 00:20:10 problematic summer romance by ali hazelwood 00:21:30 spoiler territory! 00:22:40 the age gap 00:23:40 maya was too funny? 00:24:55 the ali hazelwood formula 00:27:40 hark sucks 00:30:25 interconnected standalones 00:32:20 the curse 00:35:10 refreshing fmc 00:36:45 the cameo 00:38:20 a third book? 00:42:20 this summer will be different by carley fortune 00:49:50 ratings in the romance genre 00:56:45 the ex vows by jessica joyce 01:00:55 our craft progress! 01:02:10 are we going to hawaii?! 01:03:30 outro & new releases

In this episode, we are joined by our good friend Jamie to take book talk to the next level with PowerPoints! Each of us came prepared with our very own bookish presentation, complete with chaotic slides & questionable hot takes. Join us for a highly entertaining mix of debate, bookish banter, & unexpected PowerPoint prowess.   🤍 CTB Links!: https://linktr.ee/checkthisbookout   📖 Books Mentioned: A Court of Thorns and Roses - Sarah J Maas House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City #1) - Sarah J Maas Throne of Glass - Sarah J Maas Right Move (Windy City #2) - Liz Tomforde The Deal (Off Campus #1) - Elle Kennedy  Zodiac Academy - Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti Kill Switch (Devil's Night #3) - Penelope Douglas A Touch of Darkness - Scarlett St. Clair Lore Olympus - Rachel Smythe Manacled/Alchemised - SenLinYu November 9 - Colleen Hoover Bride - Ali Hazelwood Butcher & Blackbird - Brynne Weaver The Crown of Gilded Bones - Jennifer L. Armentrout Off to the Races - Elsie Silver   ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 - episode intro 02:10 - our first podcast guest!!! 07:00 - madeline's bookish powerpoint 08:25 - madeline, the archer 11:30 - jamie loves to party 14:40 - hannah goes to jail 18:21 - hannah's hot bf 19:35 - jamie's angel 21:06 - madeline's bat boy 22:42 - jamie's bookish powerpoint 23:00 - basketball boys 23:35 - a man with trauma 25:05 - shadow daddy *spoilers 27:25 - dragon tales *spoilers 30:20 - devils named damon 34:08 - hi hades 37:05 - mr. malfoy 40:20 - hannah's bookish powerpoint 41:00 - the prank of 2021 43:55 - you wanna guess the color... 46:15 - no more knots please 48:10 - ice cream and orzo 49:50 - honeydew allergy 52:05 - foot stomping 52:35 - pregnancy trope 54:19 - chat gpt 56:20 - monopoly? 57:20 - today's book releases

Emily Henry published Great Big Beautiful Life & we're here to publish our thoughts & feelings for y'all! Unlike any of her past novels, this book delved into mystery, childhood baggage, & that crinkle feeling (as Madeline describes to be the feeling you get before a full crush - a perfect use of the word crinkle tbh). If you have sentiments about this unique, unexpected change in Emily's writing style, tune in to hear what we liked & disliked!   🤍 CTB Links!: https://linktr.ee/checkthisbookout   📖 Books Mentioned: Great Big Beautiful Life - Emily Henry Book Lovers - Emily Henry Happy Place - Emily Henry Funny Story - Emily Henry People We Meet on Vacation - Emily Henry Beach Read - Emily Henry This Summer Will Be Different - Carley Fortune Problematic Summer Romance - Ali Hazelwood The Book of Azrael - Amber V. Nicole The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo - Taylor Jenkins Reid Daisy Jones & the Six - Taylor Jenkins Reid Red Rising - Pierce Brown   Great Big Beautiful Life Synopsis: "Two writers compete for the chance to tell the larger-than-life story of a woman with more than a couple of plot twists up her sleeve in this dazzling and sweeping new novel from Emily Henry. Alice Scott is an eternal optimist still dreaming of her big writing break. Hayden Anderson is a Pulitzer-prize winning human thundercloud. And they’re both on balmy Little Crescent Island for the same reason: To write the biography of a woman no one has seen in years--or at least to meet with the octogenarian who claims to be the Margaret Ives. Tragic heiress, former tabloid princess, and daughter of one of the most storied (and scandalous) families of the 20th Century. When Margaret invites them both for a one-month trial period, after which she’ll choose the person who’ll tell her story, there are three things keeping Alice’s head in the game. One: Alice genuinely likes people, which means people usually like Alice—and she has a whole month to win the legendary woman over. Two: She’s ready for this job and the chance to impress her perennially unimpressed family with a Serious Publication Three: Hayden Anderson, who should have no reason to be concerned about losing this book, is glowering at her in a shaken-to-the core way that suggests he sees her as competition. But the problem is, Margaret is only giving each of them pieces of her story. Pieces they can’t swap to put together because of an ironclad NDA and an inconvenient yearning pulsing between them every time they’re in the same room. And it’s becoming abundantly clear that their story—just like the tale Margaret’s spinning—could be a mystery, tragedy, or love ballad…depending on who’s telling it."   🕑 Timestamps: 00:00:00 - intro 00:00:24 - fear of natural disasters 00:01:10 - deep sea is terrifying 00:02:24 - great big beautiful life by em hen 00:03:37 - our ratings 00:03:45 - thoughts on decimal ratings 00:05:15 - initial reactions 00:06:07 - high level plot 00:07:40 - what was the crossover? 00:08:53 - we're tired lol 00:09:30 - did we like alice? 00:11:37 - thoughts on hayden 00:13:10 - insta love? 00:13:40 - A CRINKLE! 00:14:34 - did they really know each other? 00:16:20 - relationship screen time 00:18:45 - side character relationships 00:20:10 - trying something different 00:20:50 - books about books 00:22:25 - the pacing & repetition 00:23:25 - margaret's story... 00:25:20 - 2 different plot lines 00:27:10 - impossible to predict 00:28:40 - satisfying or confusing? 00:29:25 - biographies & writing style 00:31:45 - the boring and random parts 00:36:06 - margaret's value 00:37:08 - ambitious book 00:39:00 - realistic conflict & tension 00:41:40 - alice's parents 00:44:45 - wanted to love it 00:46:31 - 2 love stories 00:48:40 - ranking emily henry books 00:49:00 - madeline cried 00:51:00 - the book title & theme 00:54:00 - first kiss 00:54:35 - thoughts on the ending 00:55:30 - closed door 00:58:50 - next week teaser 00:59:35 - today's book releases

Pierce Brown's Red Rising Saga has us hooked & we're here to debrief book 2. In this review of Golden Son, we further unpack Darrow's motivations & fears, the chaotic political climate of Mars, & the allies & enemies we never saw coming. For the die-hard sci-fi fans, this episode is for you! 🤍 CTB Links!: https://linktr.ee/checkthisbookout 📖 Books Mentioned:Red Rising - Pierce BrownGolden Son - Pierce BrownMorning Star - Pierce Brown Golden Son Synopsis:"As a Red, Darrow grew up working the mines deep beneath the surface of Mars, enduring backbreaking labor while dreaming of the better future he was building for his descendants. But the Society he faithfully served was built on lies. Darrow’s kind have been betrayed and denied by their elitist masters, the Golds—and their only path to liberation is revolution. And so Darrow sacrifices himself in the name of the greater good for which Eo, his true love and inspiration, laid down her own life. He becomes a Gold, infiltrating their privileged realm so that he can destroy it from within.A lamb among wolves in a cruel world, Darrow finds friendship, respect, and even love—but also the wrath of powerful rivals. To wage and win the war that will change humankind’s destiny, Darrow must confront the treachery arrayed against him, overcome his all-too-human desire for retribution—and strive not for violent revolt but a hopeful rebirth. Though the road ahead is fraught with danger and deceit, Darrow must choose to follow Eo’s principles of love and justice to free his people.He must live for more." 🕑 Timestamps:00:00 intro - golden son by pierce brown02:00 our ratings02:20 watching hannah read the last chapter03:43 summary of book 205:11 endless adrenaline rush07:00 worldbuilding and pacing08:20 imagining space is hard12:35 europa14:20 the political genius17:20 the freaking jackal18:00 hannah clears the air about daryl20:30 we loveee darrow23:35 we're overwhelmed24:20 darrow's character growth26:55 where is darrow's oscar27:45 fear factor29:15 the side characters30:40 tactus deep dive37:25 throughs on victra40:00 darrow = santa41:40 roque...49:50 GOBLIN!51:03 the howlers51:55 FITCHNER?!?56:55 more sevro love58:25 horse girls01:00:00 back to lykos01:08:50 hurt so good01:10:15 Eo...01:13:45 more on mustang01:14:45 ragnar & grays01:16:57 morning star theories01:20:35 telemanus01:21:30 lorn + cassius01:25:40 the ending wtah01:33:10 pliny ew01:35:50 next episode teaser01:39:41 today's book releases