Reading Materials

Lucia and Jess are making their way through the worlds of Sarah J. Maas. In this episode they begin their deep dive into House of Flame and Shadow, discussing chapters 1 to 20. Join us for our thoughts on trekking through tunnels, whining characters and another bout of info-dumping. 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Spoiler Warning 00:35 - Our Discussion of Chapters 1 - 20 of House of Flame and Shadow 59:20 - Outro

Lucia and Jess are making their way through the worlds of Sarah J. Maas. In this episode they continue their deep dive into House of Sky and Breath, discussing chapters 61 to Epilogue. Join us for our thoughts on the Asteri, the identity of Agent Day, crossovers and our predictions for book 3 of Crescent City. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:30 - Spoiler Warning 01:30 - Our Discussion of Chapters 61-Epilogue of House of Sky and Breath 01:12:00 - Outro

Lucia and Jess are making their way through the worlds of Sarah J. Maas. In this episode they continue their deep dive into House of Sky and Breath, discussing chapters 41 to 60. Join us to hear our thoughts on the Hind, secret identities and the disappointing conclusion to Emile's storyline. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Spoiler Warning 02:00 - Our Discussion of Chapters 41 to 60 of House of Sky and Breath 01:01:20 - Outro

Lucia and Jess are making their way through the worlds of Sarah J. Maas. In this episode they continue their deep dive into House of Sky and Breath, discussing chapters 21 to 40. Join us to hear our thoughts on mystics, mind-links and mates. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:30 - Spoiler Warning 01:00 - The Story So Far 02:40 - Our Discussion of Chapters 21-40 of House of Sky and Breath 01:05:45 - Outro

Bryce may have saved Lunathion from an invasion of demons from Hel, but her actions have caught the attention of the Asteri. Instead of staying out of trouble, however, her and Hunt get tangled up with a rebellion... Lucia and Jess are making their way through the worlds of Sarah J. Maas. In this episode they start their deep dive into House of Sky and Breath, discussing the first 20 chapters. Join us to hear our thoughts on Danika keeping secrets (again), the disappointment that is Tharion, and the arrangement between Bryce and Hunt. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Spoiler Warning 01:05 - Our Discussion of Chapters 1-20 of House of Sky and Breath 50:05 - Outro

Welcome back to another special season in which Lucia is joined by Jess to dive deep into Sarah J. Maas’s adult urban fantasy series Crescent City. This episode discusses chapters 81 through 98 of House of Earth and Blood. Join us as we talk about the aftermath of Micah’s actions, the shifters coming to the rescue of Lunathion and Bryce finally making the Drop. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Spoiler Warning 00:35 - The Story So Far 02:10 - Our Discussion of Chapters 61 - 80 of Crescent City 49:40 - Outro Links: Sarah J. Maas on Goodreads Reading Materials on Goodreads Lucia on Goodreads Corrie on Goodreads Reading Materials on Instagram

Welcome back to another special season in which Lucia is joined by Jess to dive deep into Sarah J. Maas’s adult urban fantasy series Crescent City. This episode discusses chapters 61 through 80 of House of Earth and Blood. Join us as we talk about Hunt’s punishment for attacking Amelie, the mystery that is Fury Axtar and the awesomeness that is Lehabah. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:25 - Spoiler Warning 00:50 - The Story So Far 01:35 - Our Discussion of Chapters 61 - 80 of Crescent City 01:04:25 - Outro Other Books Mentioned: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas Links: Sarah J. Maas on Goodreads Reading Materials on Goodreads Lucia on Goodreads Corrie on Goodreads Reading Materials on Instagram

Welcome back to another special season in which Lucia is joined by Jess to dive deep into Sarah J. Maas’s adult urban fantasy series Crescent City. This episode discusses chapters 41 through 60 of House of Earth and Blood. Join us as we talk about demon princes, the mending of Ruhn and Bryce's relationship, and Danika's increasing number of secrets. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Spoiler Warning 00:35 - The Story So Far 02:25 - Our Discussion of Chapters 41 - 60 of Crescent City 1:01:50 - Outro Other Books Mentioned: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent Links: Sarah J. Maas on Goodreads Reading Materials on Goodreads Lucia on Goodreads Corrie on Goodreads Reading Materials on Instagram Thank you for listening! You can send your feedback, thoughts, questions and book recommendations to us at reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com.

Welcome back to another special season in which Lucia is joined by Jess to dive deep into Sarah J. Maas’s adult urban fantasy series Crescent City. This episode discusses chapters 21 through 40 of House of Earth and Blood. Join us as we talk info-dumping, the developing relationship between Bryce and Hunt, sphinxes and the technicalities of flying with wings. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:25 - Spoiler Warning 01:05 - The Story So Far 02:25 - Our Discussion of Chapters 21 - 40 of Crescent City 1:07:20 - Outro Other Books Mentioned: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas Links: Sarah J. Maas on Goodreads Reading Materials on Goodreads Lucia on Goodreads Corrie on Goodreads Reading Materials on Instagram

We round off season 7 with another guest episode in which we are excited to welcome back Maria, Lucia's co-host from season 6. Join us for our discussion of Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross and hear our thoughts on magical typewriters, confusing gods and manipulative love interests. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 03:00 - An Introduction to the Author 06:00 - Spoiler Warning 06:30 - The Blurb 07:15 - Our Discussion of Divine Rivals 01:11:35 - Outro Other Books Mentioned: Crescent City 3 by Sarah J. Maas The Queen's Rising by Rebecca Ross Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros Narnia by C. S. Lewis Links: Rebecca Ross on Goodreads Reading Materials on Goodreads Lucia on Goodreads Corrie on Goodreads Reading Materials on Instagram

In this week’s episode we read another young adult fantasy novel and encounter flamenco dancing and dragon fighting in Together We Burn by Isabel Ibañez. Join us for our discussion of the author’s inclusion of Spanish culture, dragons as metaphors and multiple red herrings. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Life Updates 02:00 - An Introduction to the Author 04:50 - Spoiler Warning 05:20 - The Blurb 06:50 - Our Discussion of Together We Burn 45:15 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time 47:30 - Outro Other Books Mentioned: Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross Links: Isabel Ibañez on Goodreads Reading Materials on Goodreads Lucia on Goodreads Corrie on Goodreads Reading Materials on Instagram

In this week's episode we spend some time with the political and magical intrigue of The Brilliant Death by A. R. Capetta. Join us in exploring the world of Vinalia, family politics, loyalty and secrets, as well as some soul-searching about what being a "young adult" actually means. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Life Updates 02:22 - An Introduction to the Author 04:16 - The Blurb 07:05 - Spoiler Warning 07:30 - Our Discussion of The Brilliant Death 53:11 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time 01:15:40 - Outro Other Books Mentioned: ⁠The Brilliant Death⁠ by A. R. Capetta Together We Burn by Isabel Ibanez Links: A. R. Capetta⁠ on Goodreads ⁠Reading Materials⁠ on Goodreads ⁠Lucia⁠ on Goodreads ⁠Corrie⁠ on Goodreads ⁠Reading Materials⁠ on Instagram

In this week's episode we get a glimpse at the glamour of old-school Hollywood in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Join us to hear out thoughts on this bestselling and award-winning novel as we discuss Ernie, Don, Mick, Rex, Harry, Max and Robert, and ultimately find out who was the love of Evelyn's life. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:15 - Life Updates 02:30 - An Introduction to the Author 05:50 - The Blurb 07:05 - Spoiler Warning 07:30 - Our Discussion of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo 01:15:00 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time 01:15:40 - Outro Other Books Mentioned: The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton Forever, Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid The Brilliant Death by A. R. Capetta Links: Taylor Jenkins Reid on Goodreads Reading Materials on Goodreads Lucia on Goodreads Corrie on Goodreads Reading Materials on Instagram

In this week's episode we journey to the fantastical lands of Ralia and Tithena in the queer love-story A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows. Join us for our discussion of political intrigue, the book's exploration of gender identity and the author's clever use of language. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:15 - Life Updates 06:45 - An Introduction to the Author 08:30 - The Blurb 09:50 - Our Discussion of 'A Strange and Stubborn Endurance' 20:25-24:35 - Trigger Warning for Discussion of Rape 24:45 - Trigger Warning for Discussion of Suicide Attempt 01:03:20 - The Book We Will Be Reading Next Time 01:04:10 - Outro Books Mentioned: Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas Pucking Around by Emily Rath The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. LeGuin The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid Links: Foz Meadows on Goodreads Reading Materials on Goodreads Lucia on Goodreads Corrie on Goodreads Reading Materials on Instagram

We return this week to tackle our first Greek mythology retelling as we discuss the heart-breaking The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. Forget what you know from the Hollywood and Disney versions, it’s time to go back to the source as we discuss prideful heroes and gods, understated but beautiful writing, and gut-punch endings. There is even a cameo from baby Edward at the end of the episode! Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:15 - Life Updates 02:25 - An Introduction to the Author 07:45 - Spoiler Warning 09:20 - The Blurb 10:00 - Our Discussion of 'The Song of Achilles' 01:02:20 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time 01:03:45 - Outro Other Books Mentioned: Circe by Madeline Miller The Illiad / The Odyssey by Homer A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows Links: Madeline Miller on Goodreads Madeline Miller on Instagram Madeline Miller’s website Reading Materials on Goodreads Lucia on Goodreads Corrie on Goodreads Reading Materials on Instagram

We step away from fantasy this week to discuss Torrey Peters' bestselling debut about gender, parenthood, love and trans life - Detransition, Baby. Tune in for our thoughts on Reece, Ames (or Amy before her detransition) and Katrina as they navigate relationships, grapple with gender identity and ultimately decide what to do about a surprise pregnancy. Please note that this episode deals with topics that some listeners might find upsetting - please check the Episode Timepoints for trigger warnings. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Life Updates 03:10 - Trigger Warnings 04:10 - Introduction to the Author 07:45 - The Blurb 09:05 - Spoiler Warning 09:20 - Disclaimer 10:30 - Our Discussion of Detransition, Baby 01:18:15 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time 01:19:00 - Outro Books Mentioned: Infect Your Friends and Loved Ones by Torrey Peters The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller Links: Torrey Peters' website Torrey Peters on Goodreads Reading Materials on Goodreads Lucia on Goodreads Corrie on Goodreads Reading Materials on Instagram

Today we venture down the dusty halls of the libraries of Austermeer in Margeret Rogerson's "Sorcery of Thorns". Grimoires, sorcerers, demons and feisty teenage girls abound - join us in our discussion of this fun jaunt through the hallways of ancient libraries, enchanted houses and demon-infested mansions. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:16 - Life Updates 05:26 - The Blurb for Sorcery of Thorns 06:43 - Our Discussion of Sorcery of Thorns 01:05:41 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time 01:08:37 - Outro Other Books Mentioned: Northern Lights by Phillip Pullman The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab Crescent City Series by Sarah J. Maas Tomorrow Will Be Different: Love, Loss, and the Fight for Trans Equality by Sarah McBride Links: ⁠Margaret Rogerson⁠ on Goodreads Margaret Rogerson on ⁠Instagram⁠ Margaret Rogerson's ⁠website⁠ ⁠Reading Materials⁠ on Goodreads ⁠Lucia⁠ on Goodreads ⁠Corrie⁠ on Goodreads ⁠Reading Materials⁠ on Instagram

We continue Season 7 with a sequel to one of our favourite books from Season 3 - Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo. Join us as we journey with Galaxy Stern to hell and discuss character development, vampires, bunnies and of course - Darlington's glow-stick. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Life Updates 06:00 - The Blurb for Hell Bent 08:10 - Brief Summary of the Book 12:00 - Our Discussion of Hell Bent 01:20:00 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time 01:21:10 - Outro Other Books Mentioned: Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson The Aurora Cycle by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff Links: Leigh Bardugo on Goodreads Leigh Bardugo on Instagram Leigh Bardugo's website Reading Materials on Goodreads Lucia on Goodreads Corrie on Goodreads Reading Materials on Instagram

We kick off Season 7 with Happy Place, the latest in Emily Henry's growing set of feel good novels, published in April 2023. Corrie is back from maternity leave, Lucia is fresh from an in-depth exploration of ACOTAR, and we reunite with one of our favourite authors as we find out what happens during Lobster Season in Maine when six friends, three secrets, and the harsh reality of growing up, coincide one summer's week. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Life updates 04:23 - An Introduction to Season Seven 06:18 - Introduction to Happy Place 07:55 - The Blurb 09:25 - Our Discussion of "Happy Place" 17:00 - Belated spoiler alert 01:46:30 - Outro Other Books Mentioned: Dead in Devon⁠ by Stephanie Austin Pucking Around by Emily Rath Beyond the Wand by Tom Felton Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff The Night Ship by Jess Kidd Doctor Doolittle by Hugh Lofting Beach Read by Emily Henry People We Meet on Vacation/You and Me on Vacation by Emily Henry Book Lovers by Emily Henry Funny Story by Emily Henry Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo Links: ⁠Emily Henry⁠ on Goodreads ⁠Reading Materials⁠ on Goodreads ⁠Lucia⁠ on Goodreads ⁠Corrie⁠ on Goodreads ⁠Reading Materials⁠ on Instagram

After 4 months we have made it to the end of our A Court of Thorns and Roses re-read! What a journey it has been… Join us for this series wrap-up episode in which Maria returns and we discuss the series as a whole and share our predictions for Crescent City and the next ACoTaR books. Episode Timepoints 00:00 - Intro 40:00 - Spoiler Warning for Crescent City 58:30 - Outro Books Mentioned: A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout Links: Sarah J. Maas on Goodreads Reading Materials on Goodreads Lucia on Goodreads Corrie on Goodreads Reading Materials on Instagram