Podcast
Besties and the Books Podcast
Hosted by Besties and the Books · EN
We’re Ashley and Liz, two real-life besties who’ve loved books since we first learned to read, so naturally, we started a podcast! We would say the rest is history but in actuality, it's just the beginning. So come join us in the next chapter of our lives as we introduce ourselves, and laugh our way through the world of books with a focus on Fantasy, Romantasy, and Dark Romance. Of course we have love for all book genres, but those are our absolute favorites!
Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!
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@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast
Liz
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@TheRealLifeVeganWife
Ashley
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@AshleyEllix
Email bestiesandthebooks@gmail.com
43episodes
Episodes
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Ep 121 “I’m SO Embarrassed!!” Reacting to Embarrassing Bookish Confession Stories!
1w ago01:12:06Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailHave you ever had something bookish AND embarrassing happen to you? We’re not shy… and apparently we don’t embarrass easily (shocking 😂)… so we’re here today to share other people’s mortifying book stories! But don’t you worry, we make sure to include a little tidbit or two about ourselves. So sit back, relax, and get ready to laugh at a spoiler free, homework free episode! We bring you librarian faux pas, the classic Bluetooth Smut Connection™, a Fourth Wing shower encounter, discovery of spicy fanfic of an “unconventional” nature, and something about “Lord of the Kings?” There’s awkward customer service interactions, miscommunications left and right, and a romance about… Bandaids?Liz read, and FINISHED the wrong book in a series, all the while thinking to herself: “Who are these people? Why don’t I know what’s going on? Oh well, it’s fine.” Childhood Ashley fibbed a bit about reading over her grade level because that equine novel was just THAT good, and almost got caught. And of course, if you’re an OG here you remember that time we covered a childhood classic but didn’t realize we read two different books until filming day. Please send in any and all bookish stories that still haunt you to this day, so that we can share them and help clear the air. We’re all in this toilet together, so it may as well stay cringey. Oh, and we didn’t forget an embarrassing smash or pass! Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJ\Check out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNE____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing: K Pop Demon Hunters Derpy Shirt from @etsy | * go.magik.ly/ml/3z4y6Liz is Wearing:”I’m a Hoa Hoa Hoa” Crop Twilight Tee from @shadowboundspines | https://shadowboundspines.com/search?q=hoa&options%5Bprefix%5D=lastAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix
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“I’m SCARED!” Iron Gold Red Rising Book 4 | Deep Themes, Deep Thoughts, and Recap
2w ago01:53:54Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWell...we finished Iron Gold. This is the part in the show notes where we typically include a quippy little one liner from one of our most favorite Red Rising characters or moments. And whoever gets the inside joke, gets it. Then we laugh (😂😂), or throw up the rock n’ roll hands (🤘🤘) and get excited to be a Howler (🐺🐺). We hate to break it to you, but we fear those days are over for now…It’s ten years after the epic ending of Morning Star when Iron Gold begins. Everyone is older and wiser, and the consequences of dismantling a centuries-old genetically engineered hierarchy are hitting hard. For the first time in the Red Rising Universe, we get a multi-POV from the perspectives of a high-ranking member of the new Republic, an orphaned heir to a powerful house, a Red living in a refugee camp, and an outlaw and prior member of the Sons. How has this war changed everyone’s lives? We kicked off Sci-Fi Summer with a full-length episode introducing the genre and setting the scene for a closer analysis of science fiction. Next, we covered the original trilogy in detail and have officially rated every book a resounding five stars. This series is indeed “God tier,” but that just means everything hits harder, the blows do more damage, and the tears are many. We have to be honest, at this point Brown has us living in fear. Today we’re diving into book four: Iron Gold, the beginning of the second major plot arc. What happens when the old systems are torn down? Is revolution really as black and white as we thought? How are those from all different walks of life affected by the actions of a powerful few? And is the potential gain worth all the tragic loss? We can only examine the implications of real or imagined technology and science on society thoroughly, critically, and responsibly through an intersectional lens. Is Pierce Brown doing this responsibly while also keeping us entertained? We bring you our spoiler free reviews, “Five Sentence Summary” and all our faves and least faves, but also discuss sci-fi themes, differences and similarities to fantasy, the romance, genre miscategorization, lore and fun facts, quotes, character growth and relatability, and most importantly… themes. And lastly, we’ll be asking ourselves if it was necessary to bring us back to Darrow’s story, and if this series would have been better if it ended at book three. Next week we’ll continue our coverage with Dark Age, so we’re getting our Cryometers™ out now. You should too. Red Rising Character Art mentioned: @redmurphy.art on IGDon't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbCheck the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNENikki St. Crowe, the queen of spicy fairy tale retellings chats with us about diving into the land of Oz with West of Wicked! https://youtu.be/wwFYSDKcbtE?si=X6iNmUVAE6Xhmv7B____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing: Discontinued Crescent City Necklace Liz is wearing: A Fireheart Hoodie by @lionheartthreads | Code: VEGAN15 | https://www.etsy.com/shop/LionheartThreadsAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix
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Ep 120 *EYE OPENING* Historical Fantasy Autumn Kruase The Gods Will Sing Our Song | Author Interview
2w ago00:54:16Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailToday we have a very special spoiler free author interview episode for you with young adult Romantasy author Autumn Krause! Autumn is the author of four novels (so far): A Dress for the Wicked, Before the Devil Knows You’re Here, Grave Flowers, and coming soon…her very timely and extremely important fourth novel The Gods Will Sing Our Song. Out everywhere (including Audible!) on September 1st, The Gods Will Sing Our Song is a magical and tragic story inspired by her own family’s experiences in the World War 2 Japanese American Incarceration camps.We met the lovely and beautiful Autumn at Romantasycon LA where we had the privilege of interviewing her for the Gothica panel, chatting all things horror, dark fantasy, and gothic themes and just knew she was an instant bestie with a big message we can’t wait to discuss with her, and share with you all today! This episode is here for us to get to know Autumn better and to find out what you’ll be getting into when you pick up her new book The Gods Will Sing Our Song… which every single one of you needs to go pre-order immediately! We also talk in depth about what inspired her to write this book, and why conversations about the darkest parts of our history are still SO incredibly important to keep having. We’ll also briefly discuss her previous releases so you guys know what to expect if you decide to deep dive into the backlog before we do OUR deep dive coverage of The Gods Will Sing Our Song, coming soon! Autumn Krause is a writer, young adult author, a gothic romantic at heart and loves spinning stories full of macabre magic. She was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, where her morbid imagination ran rampant—so much so that her parents became concerned and told her to stop writing stories where everyone dies at the end. Most often, she can be found in Orange County, California, wearing a black lace dress while spending time with her husband and three children. Other times, she can be found out with lanterns in the tradition of Emily Dickinson, searching for herself and stories.Recently an offering editor at auction described The Gods Will Sing Our Song as a book that changes the way we look at the world. They said that “Books like these have the power to break our hearts and remake them. They open our eyes to injustice and bring a sense of catharsis to those who’ve encountered its sharp edge. They shout to be seen and heard and remembered - just as we must remember those who came before us, whose joys and scars go on to guide our own life stories. In my opinion, The Gods Will Sing Our Song is exactly such a book.”Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNENikki St. Crowe, the queen of spicy fairy tale retellings chats with us about diving into the land of Oz with West of Wicked! https://youtu.be/wwFYSDKcbtE?si=X6iNmUVAE6Xhmv7B____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing: a Twilight Vintage style t-shirt from LambComedy | * https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT9JWeP68q2yk-I0EzA/ Liz is Wearing our Besties and the books beanie: https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix
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"HAIL THE REAPER!" Morning Star Red Rising Book 3 | Deep Themes, Deep Thoughts, and Recap
3w ago01:37:07Tap to summarizeSend us Fan Mail“Finish the bucket, or get the box!” At this point most of you are fully aware of what you’re getting into with this series, so let us officially induct you into our den of Howlers. Just remember two things: “Omnis Vir Lupus 🐺🤘,” and “sh*t escalates.” Because there ain’t nothin’ Pierce Brown has written thus far to indicate that the next four books will bring us anything other than chaos and pain, yet here we stay. Wolf cloaks on, loyal until the end.We kicked off Sci-Fi Summer with a full-length episode introducing the genre and setting the scene for a closer analysis of science fiction. We discuss who has historically defined and dominated the genre, its subsequent evolution, and how our newest deep dive obsession, the Red Rising series by Pierce Brown fits into it all. Next, we covered books one and two in detail and have officially concluded that this series is indeed, everything you all told us it would be…and MORE. The twists, the turns, the betrayal, the action, the political subterfuge (and everything else!) have fully consumed us and quite frankly, we’re terrified to see what lies in wait. Today we’re diving into book three: Morning Star, the official conclusion to the original trilogy. The rebel alliance is growing with the resurrection of the Red’s “messiah” and we find out who truly wants The Society destroyed, and who will fight to the death to maintain it. With big changes and transfers of power who will step in to create order from chaos? And will it be possible to do so in a way that honors revolution and freedom? We can only examine the implications of real or imagined technology and science on society thoroughly, critically, and responsibly through an intersectional lens. Is Pierce Brown doing this responsibly while also keeping us entertained? We bring you our spoiler free reviews, “Five Sentence Summary” and all our faves and least faves, but also discuss sci-fi themes, differences and similarities to fantasy, the romance, genre miscategorization, lore and fun facts, quotes, character growth and relatability, and most importantly… themes. All of our characters are constantly evolving and now we’re prepared to look ten years ahead to what they’ve created through all of this destruction… Was it worth it? Next week we’ll begin our coverage of the second plot arc which commences ten years after the conclusion of Morning Star with book four: Iron Gold. And something tells us that even though we feel ready, we’re nowhere near prepared. Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNENikki St. Crowe, the queen of spicy fairy tale retellings chats with us about diving into the land of Oz with West of Wicked! https://youtu.be/wwFYSDKcbtE?si=X6iNmUVAE6Xhmv7B____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing: “Read Books Stay Weird” Tee by @Shopwildeshadows | https://www.wildeshadows.com Liz is wearing: Feminine Rage Crewneck by @darkanddisturbedshop | Code: VEGAN10 | https://darkanddisturbedshop.com/products/rage-crewneck?_pos=2&_sid=e99454f0a&_ss=rAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix
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Ep 119 *Skin Suits and Literal Hair Ties?!* We need to talk about Headlights by CJ Leede!!
3w ago01:31:07Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailTime to deep dive CJ Leede's newest horror book, Headlights!You want horror, we gave you horror. You want horror, give you horror. Ask for horror, you got horror! You asked for horror, you got it! We’re even! We’re even, besties! We don’t know what more you want from us! (IYKYK! 😜🍪)Here’s the thing… you said you wanted us to cover more spooky books, so we present to you our first foray into the horror genre - don’t say we never warned you. We know that we’re a “summerween” fam over here, so we hope to set the tone for the rest of the season as we make our way through sci-fi summer and officially into spooky season with the perfect segue. Today we’re doing our official deep dive follow up episode to our interview with C.J. Leede, our most favorite horror author and the insanely talented mind behind Maeve Fly, American Rapture, and now, Headlights. Buckle up for a wild ride because Headlights has everything. Cannibalism (not accidental), cryptids, ecoterrorism, Colorado lore, skin suits, different dimensions, paranormal entities, cults, and lots and lots of good old fashioned trauma. It has a love story expertly woven into a true crime-esque detective whodunit serial killer hunt through the classic Colorado landscape à la The Shining, with a spooky John Denver soundtrack (highly recommend playing his greatest hits while you read this book). So we humbly ask… what more could you possibly want out of a story that’s meant to shock you, terrify you, and get you thinking about some scary topics that otherwise may never cross your radar?We cover all the classics like our spoiler free star and spice ratings, the “Five Sentence Summary™,” likes and dislikes, reviews, audiobook quality, and horror themes, with some added incite into what about it scares us, how C.J. Leede uses specific literary devices to achieve that kind of tension, and how horror is often used to critique real world problems. All this and a fave and fail indie bookstore shoutout edition, and a spooky cryptid style smash or pass! Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️CJ Leede talks all things Horror! | https://youtu.be/jb0DW2ap3Ds?si=0mDOcOfQuBrTPp0lPenn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNE____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing: A custom Impressive Wingspan tshirt from @DownTheBondofficial | Use Code: BestiesandtheBooks for 15% | https://www.downthebond.com=Liz is wearing: An Estes Park Sweater she picked up on a trip to Colorado.Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix
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“BREAK THE CHAINS!” Golden Son Red Rising Book 2 | Deep Themes, Deep Thoughts, and Recap
4w ago02:04:01Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailListen closely, my goodman, Golden Son ruined our bloody damn lives… and we’re here to fill you in on the heartbreak. ☄️We kicked off Sci-Fi Summer with a full-length episode introducing the genre and setting the scene for a closer analysis of science fiction. We discuss who has historically defined and dominated the genre, its subsequent evolution, and how our newest deep dive obsession, the Red Rising series by Pierce Brown fits into it all. Next, we covered book one to see if it lives up to the hype you all have given it. And boy howdy did it exceed our expectations. Today we’re diving into book two: Golden Son. We’re out of The Institute and tossed into the “real world,” unforgiving and brutal as it is. We’re watching The Rising build and The Society break down (not unlike our main character Darrow) in real time, and the stress… is all-consuming (to put it mildly). We can only examine the implications of real or imagined technology and science on society thoroughly, critically, and responsibly through an intersectional lens. Is Pierce Brown doing this responsibly while also keeping us entertained? We bring you our spoiler free reviews, “Five Sentence Summary” and all our faves and least faves, but also discuss sci-fi themes, differences and similarities to fantasy, the romance, genre miscategorization, lore and fun facts, quotes, character growth and relatability, and most importantly… themes. It might be time to bust out the Cryometer™ because no one is safe in this brutal world and we fear the stakes are only going to get higher. Next week we will be covering the “conclusion” to the original trilogy with Morning Star but don’t worry, after that we will continue on with the next three…and finish one day with Red God!Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNENikki St. Crowe, the queen of spicy fairy tale retellings chats with us about diving into the land of Oz with West of Wicked! https://youtu.be/wwFYSDKcbtE?si=X6iNmUVAE6Xhmv7B____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing: A custom Impressive Wingspan tshirt from @DownTheBondofficial | Use Code: BestiesandtheBooks for 15% | https://www.downthebond.comLiz is wearing: an Aedion hoodie from @thebeanworkshop | use our affiliate code “BOOKBESTIES10”) | * https://www.thebeanworkshop.store/BOOKBESTIES10 Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix
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Ep 118 “DON'T DO THIS!” Bookish Pet Peeves + Hot Takes w/ Fantasy FanReads host @TheLostBooksofJess
Jul 1401:19:19Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailToday we’re bringing you an entirely spoiler free fun bestie chat with the Queen of bookish comedy: Jess @thelostbooksofjess and the host of the podcast @fantasyfanreadspod ! Jess’s hilarious reels, polls, and character boards introduced us to her bookstagram years ago, and here we are today yapping about unpopular bookish opinions and pet peeves, ready to get the people goin’! Get to know Jess, the person behind the bookish account and podcast. How did she get started? What are the books that made her? We ask her all about her favorite reads so far this year, her most anticipated release of the fall, what she thinks is the most underrated book series, and what her favorite content to create is. The answers might surprise you! Then we move into the unpopular opinions section with ideas like: “romance doesn’t need to have a happily ever after,” and “yes, you CAN like the movie better than the book!” And just when you thought you were safe, we bring you our bookish pet peeves, making it known to the community that we just can’t stand more than one epilogue at the end of a book, and useless dust jackets with no summary are the worst! Stick around for even more unpopular opinions and pet peeves we’ll have all of you vote on, plus an on-the-spot eff, marry, 🔪featuring some of Jess’s most beloved MMCs, tailor made just for her.@TheLostBooksofJesshttps://www.instagram.com/thelostbooksofjess/?hl=en@fantasyFanReadshttps://www.youtube.com/ @fantasyfanreadspod Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNENikki St. Crowe, the queen of spicy fairy tale retellings chats with us about diving into the land of Oz with West of Wicked! https://youtu.be/wwFYSDKcbtE?si=X6iNmUVAE6Xhmv7B____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing: Our BATB Flying on Vibes Crop tee | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.com/products/cropped-flying-on-vibes-t-shirtLiz is wearing:”This is the Skin of a Reader” crop tee by @shadowboundspines | https://shadowboundspines.com/products/skin-of-a-reader-bella-organic-rib-baby-teeAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix
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We FINALLY Read RED RISING and we need to talk!!! | Book 1 Deep Themes, Deep Thoughts, and Recap
Jul 1101:55:32Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailSci-Fi Summer is here in full force, boyo! Are you prime? 🤘🐺Earlier this week we brought you a full-length episode introducing our summer bonus series covering Red Rising by Pierce Brown! A long anticipated request from you, our listeners, to join a passionate science fiction fandom… of a book series written by a man. And we had to be honest with you - we were more than a little bit apprehensive. Do we even like sci-fi? Would we understand it or get too caught up in the jargon and lose the plot? Does Pierce Brown write romance and female characters in a responsible and relatable way?We identified and faced our internalized biases, did the research into why science fiction has historically been written for and by white men but remade and challenged by women, people of color, non-binary folks and many others who truly understand the assignment. We can only examine the implications of real or imagined technology and science on society thoroughly, critically, and responsibly through an intersectional lens. After that, everything changed. We realized… sci-fi is very similar to fantasy and we actually consume and love a lot of it but as women we’ve been conditioned not to. And that does a disservice to everyone (*cough* but the machine *cough*). We’re rethinking everything and asking ourselves another iteration of the Romantasy question: does categorizing feminist science fiction separately from general sci-fi help us or hurt us? 🤔We dove into Red Rising book one with open minds, ready to bring you our true reviews, opinions and criticisms. And here they are, convincing you to read along with us as we move through this incredible series. We bring you our spoiler free reviews, “Five Sentence Summary” and all our faves and least faves, but also discuss sci-fi themes, differences and similarities to fantasy, the romance, genre miscategorization, lore and fun facts, quotes, character growth and relatability, and most importantly… themes. Get ready for a turbulent, emotional ride through hyperspace, ‘cuz we’re just getting started.Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNENikki St. Crowe, the queen of spicy fairy tale retellings chats with us about diving into the land of Oz with West of Wicked! https://youtu.be/wwFYSDKcbtE?si=X6iNmUVAE6Xhmv7B____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing: The Last Bookstore sweater from @TheLastBookstore in LA Liz is wearing: a cute Raglan Style Dragon teeAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix
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Ep 117 "You’ve Loved Sci-Fi ALL ALONG!" Intro to Science Fiction and Red Rising Deep Dive Series!
Jul 802:08:24Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat the heck is science fiction and how is it different (or suspiciously similar 🤔) to fantasy? We’re here to tell you! On today’s episode we’ll be setting the scene for our newest bonus series covering Red Rising by Pierce Brown, starting this Friday with our deep dive into book one! We’ve covered dystopian themes with our exploration of The Hunger Games universe by Suzanne Collins, then moved on to ask the question: “Are books political?” with our deep dive coverage of everything Wicked by Gregory Maguire. So now, building from those two very important contributions to the canon, we decided to take the plunge into this world of science fiction with the series you’ve all been begging us to cover since the beginning: Red Rising. But, we were apprehensive. The story begins centered around a sixteen year old boy, which as women nearing forty we were skeptical of. The books are written by a man and presumably through and for the male gaze. And… do we even like sci-fi? As lovers of all things magical and fantastical, is fiction based in science actually something we’ll enjoy, or even understand? We’re here to debunk everything you thought you knew about sci-fi from the perspective of two millennial women who were told our entire young lives (and sometimes still!) that math and science were just too hard for our lady brains. And here’s the thing… we think that because of societal conditioning and the prevalence of men within the genre (and systematically gatekeeping it for others throughout history) we’ve been taught to gravitate toward fantasy instead, avoid science fiction for the wrong reasons, or convince ourselves we “don’t like it” even though the objective evidence proves otherwise. So, let us guide you! We’ll explain what science fiction is, who got to decide that, and how the genre has evolved to produce amazing works with feminist themes, characters, and messaging. But just like the Romantasy debate has us pondering questions about categorization, so does Feminist Sci-Fi, because shouldn’t both of those genres be for everyone? Why are we always so quick to label things differently when they’re “for women?” What are the pros and cons of doing this? We hope this sets you up for success moving into Red Rising, and encourages you to dive into the genre if before you were afraid. Because at the end of the day, it’s all just made up anyway. 😉We bring you all of this plus our fave and fail and smash or pass sci fi edition! Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNENikki St. Crowe, the queen of spicy fairy tale retellings chats with us about diving into the land of Oz with West of Wicked! https://youtu.be/wwFYSDKcbtE?si=X6iNmUVAE6Xhmv7B____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing our Sword of the Ugly Truth Cropped Tee Merch | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comLiz is wearing: A discontinued REYLO tee.Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Liz: Mention Sources:-Brittanica.com-panmacmillan.com -fantasybookcafe.com-awriterofhistory.com-theguardian.com-booksofbrilliance.com-digi-con.org-medium.comSupport the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix
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Ep 116 “He does WHAT with his CORN DOG?!” Reacting to AITA & AIO 4th of July Stories
Jun 3001:16:49Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailLive from the Barbeque Hotdog Store… It's Tuesday afternoon! Also known as our annual celebration of everything “American” and our Fourth of July 🇺🇸 | Am I the A Hole spoiler free episode! We take it even further this year to expand into a special “AIO,” or “Am I Overreacting?!” segment to remind us all why we love getting together with friends and family for the “holidays.” What a joy it is! If you want to see our most red, white, and blue-coded outfits make sure to tune into the YouTube video… there’s a camo vest, a wig, a bandana… and sunglasses that look like they came straight out of the early 90’s. Essentials that we found just lying around the house… and shockingly most of which Liz’s husband wears unironically in his normal life. L.O.L.In the spirit of adding to our existing lore, we bring you a special corn dog story about a man who buys them simply for the sticks. 😬There’s the usual family barbeque drama (Who stole the meats!?), Fourth of July parties gone awry, two dogs named Jameson and Guinness who apparently don’t mind the noise, and of course… idiot boys making rash decisions (IYKYK). We hope this episode can help you laugh, no matter what you’re up to this Independence Day. And that it helps you to remember that at the end of the day, we aren’t just a people defined by our cooked meats, loud explosions, and large dogs named after beer brands. We’re also a land that allows (probably single) men to buy corndogs in bulk just to gnaw on those crumbly little burnt stick nuggets. Crows bless us, every one! 🌭🦅🍺🥩We bring you all of this plus our top summer reads hopeful on our TBR and smash or pass featuring Joe Dirt, Cousin Eddie, and a Parent Trap baddie.Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNENikki St. Crowe, the queen of spicy fairy tale retellings chats with us about diving into the land of Oz with West of Wicked! https://youtu.be/wwFYSDKcbtE?si=X6iNmUVAE6Xhmv7B____YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllixShop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing her favorite fit when channeling her best Kenny Powers on a jet ski X Rambo vibes.Liz is wearing an outfit inspired by cosplaying her husband going finishing on a normal day. Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix
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