This week we're sailing into magical realms and creeping through gothic shadows! First up, Shoshana and Jordy gush about all things fantasy — what makes the genre so enchanting, why we can't get enough, and a few favorite books to add to your TBR. Then Ashley chats with author Kathleen Kaufman about feminist gothic horror, the Scottish roots behind her novel The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey, and how women's struggles past and present intertwine. Grab your headphones and let's get fantastical!

Books and Resources Mentioned:

The Lord of the Rings Series by J.R.R. Tolkien

Guilty Pleasures: An Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter Novel by Laurell K. Hamilton

Lost (TV Series)

Dread Nation by Justina Ireland

Sourdough Or, Lois and Her Adventures in the Underground Market: A Novel by Robin Sloan

Happily Ever After for All podcast

Favorite Books of the Year Podcast

A Drop of Venom by Sajni Patel

Five Broken Blades by Mai Corland (The Broken Blades series)

Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron

Enchantra by Kaylie Smith

Payback's a Witch by Lana Harper

River of Teeth by Sarah Gailey

That Time I got Drunk and Yeeted a Love Potion at a Werewolf by Kimberly Lemming

A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

Upon a Burning Throne by Ashok K. Banker

Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker

Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison

The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey by Kathleen Kaufman

Support and follow our guest and hosts!

Follow Shoshana: Storygraph // Instagram // Bluesky

Follow Jordy: Bookworm Reads // Instagram

Follow Ashley: Instagram // Substack Follow Kathleen Kaufman: Instagram

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This episode was edited and produced by Renee Powers on the ancestral land of the Dakota people.

Original music by Amarissa

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