Always Booked

Some of these reviews should be illegal. We’re reading the WORST 1-star takes on beloved books and trying not to lose our minds. From Divine Rivals to Kingdom of Ash, the opinions are unhinged and the reactions are real.

In this episode of Always Booked, we dive into the world of one-star reviews and the psychology behind them. Why do people rate masterpieces like they’re personal enemies? When does a bad take actually have a point? And what makes a book worthy of one star versus five?

Join Olivia, Emily, and Dani as they defend their favorite reads, question Goodreads culture, and laugh through some truly dramatic opinions. It’s a mix of hot takes, honest conversations, and reader emotions that every book lover can relate to.

Books Mentioned:
Divine Rivals, Fourth Wing, Sunrise on the Reaping, House of Sky and Breath, Normal People, Educated, The Secret History, Kingdom of Ash, and Happy Place

New episodes every Thursday. Get Booked!

R.F. Kuang’s Katabasis isn’t just another dark academia fantasy. It’s a descent into the underworld of intellect, guilt, and ambition. Two rival grad students, Alice Law and Peter Murdoch, literally go to Hel to save their mentor, but what they find there says more about academia than it does about demons.Set in 1980s Cambridge, Katabasis turns the university into its own inferno, powered by obsession, genius worship, and the belief that brilliance excuses everything. It’s sharp, haunting, and honestly kind of unhinged in the best way.In this episode, we’re breaking down:How academia becomes its own circle of HelWhy ambition and morality can’t coexist hereThe pull between logic, memory, and madnessWhat it means to lose yourself in the pursuit of knowledgeWhy Katabasis might be Kuang’s darkest and smartest book yet📲 Follow us on Instagram → / always.bookd 🌐 Visit our website → https://www.alwaysbooked.net✨ Subscribe for more dark academia breakdowns, book discussions, and chaotic literary therapy sessions.

Think you know your favorite books? Think again. In this episode of Always Booked, we’re testing our literary knowledge with the most chaotic book summaries ever written. From fantasy favorites to literary classics, we’re turning iconic stories into unhinged descriptions that’ll make you question everything you’ve ever read.In this episode:- Try to guess the book from the world’s most ridiculous summaries- Roast some of our favorite fantasy and romance plots (lovingly, of course)- Test who really pays attention during their rereads- Laugh way too hard at our own terrible clues- Prove that even bookworms can fail a book quiz spectacularly📲 Follow us on Instagram → / always.bookd 🌐 Visit our website → https://www.alwaysbooked.net

House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J Maas delivers one of the most jaw-dropping endings in fantasy history. In this episode of Always Booked, we dive into every detail of Crescent City 2 — the characters we love, the storylines we can’t get over, and the moments that made us SCREAM. Of course, spoilers ahead!✨ In this episode:- Honest takes on Bryce, Hunt, Ruhn, and the whole Crescent City cast- Favorite quotes and unforgettable scenes- Why this ending changed the entire SJM universeJoin us for a insane, emotional, and very bookish breakdown of House of Sky and Breath. Whether you’re a longtime Sarah J Maas fan or just starting the Crescent City series, this episode will have you reliving every twist.📚 Connect with us:📲 Follow us on Instagram → / always.bookd 🌐 Visit our website → https://www.alwaysbooked.net

Are you a red flag reader? Let’s be honest… we all have a few. From dog earing pages and buying books we’ll definitely read “someday,” to never finishing that one series everyone loves, we’re calling out the red and green flags of readers everywhere. NO ONE IS SAFE. And yes, we’re guilty of most of them too. 💅📚We’re breaking down the most relatable bookish habits and what they say about you. Whether you’re a cozy fantasy girly, a dark romance devotee, or just here for the vibes, this one’s for you.In this video, we’re talking about:-Common reader red flags we all pretend we don’t have-Green flag reading habits that give main character energy-Bookish hot takes about what makes a “good reader”-Why our reading habits say more about us than we think-Confessions from self-proclaimed red flag readers📲 Follow us on Instagram → @always.bookd🌐 Visit our website → https://www.alwaysbooked.net

✨ Discover the magic of Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross in this episode of Always Booked! ✨We dive deep into the world of Wild Reverence and explore the characters, themes, and emotional layers that make this novel unforgettable. From its focus on human connection and unspoken bonds to its rich sense of nature and belonging, Rebecca Ross delivers a story that lingers long after the final page.Whether you are a longtime Ross fan or just discovering her books for the first time, this episode offers fresh insights, honest reactions, and plenty of bookish banter to enhance your reading experience.📚 What we cover in this episode:- Key themes and motifs in Wild Reverence- Our favorite character moments and arcs- How this story fits into Rebecca Ross’s body of work- Why this book is a perfect fall read💌 Join the Always Booked community:📲 Follow us on Instagram → / always.bookd 🌐 Visit our website → https://www.alwaysbooked.netRemember to like, subscribe, and share with your fellow readers so you never miss a new bookish deep dive.

Looking for the best fall book recommendations? We’ve got you covered. In this episode of Always Booked, we’re sharing our must read books for fall 2025, including cozy romances, atmospheric fantasies, and annoying fiction.If you’re building your autumn TBR, these fall reads are perfect for curling up with a blanket, sipping something warm, and soaking in the seasonal vibes.

DROP your fav fall reads in the comments 🍂✨

In this video you’ll discover:

- The top fall books to read in 2025

- Cozy book recommendations for fall vibes

- Fantasy, romance, and literary fiction picks for your fall TBR

Whether you love fantasy, romance, or literary fiction, you will find something here to add to your reading list.

Follow us here:

📲 Follow us on Instagram → / always.bookd

🌐 Visit our website → https://www.alwaysbooked.net

This week, we’re getting vulnerable about our Crescent City obsession. From the moment we opened House of Earth and Blood, Sarah J. Maas had us completely hooked. We’re breaking down exactly what makes this book so addictive, why these characters live rent free in our heads, and how this fantasy world became our comfort read.In this episode:- What hooked us from page one and never let go- Character development that feels real and earned- The friendship dynamics that hit different- Why the world building works so perfectly- Moments that made us cry, laugh, and fall in loveIf you love thoughtful book analysis, character-driven discussions, and exploring why certain stories stick with us, this episode is for you. Tell us in the comments! Who's your favorite Crescent City character?

📲 Follow us on Instagram → / always.bookd 🌐 Visit our website → https://www.alwaysbooked.net

Friendships in books are everything. They're the bonds that shape characters, move the plot forward, and give us some of the most emotional reading experiences.In this episode of Always Booked, we are talking about the friendships that truly stand out in literature and why they matter so much to readers. From iconic duos to complicated squads, we are breaking down the best bookish friendships and what they reveal about love, loyalty, and connection.✨ What you will get in this episode:- Insights into how friendships influence character development and story arcs- Deep dives into iconic duos and squads like Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson and the Harry Potter crew- Discussion on why these bonds feel so real and relatable, even in fantastical worlds- A look at how friendship themes shape our own views on loyalty, love, and connection✨ Subscribe for more bookish podcasts, spoiler discussions, and deep dives into your favorite novels!📲 Follow us on Instagram for more: always.bookd💻 Explore our events and blog: alwaysbooked.net

We finally read Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein and it wrecked us. This heartbreaking World War II historical fiction novel is a beautiful book about friendship, sacrifice, and survival. In this episode, we share our raw reactions, emotional takeaways.Included in this episode:- Code Name Verity summary and spoiler discussion- Why this WWII historical fiction novel stands out- Friendship, betrayal, and survival themes- The ending that left us devastated- How Elizabeth Wein’s writing compares to other historical fiction authors💬 What was your reaction to Code Name Verity? Share your thoughts in the comments.✨ Subscribe for more bookish podcasts, spoiler discussions, and deep dives into your favorite novels.📲 Follow us on Instagram for more: always.bookd💻 Explore our events and blog: alwaysbooked.net