Books Between Friends Podcast

In Part 2 of our Red Queen series, Books Between Friends continues our discussion of Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard, covering Chapters 8–14, where power is subtle, survival is strategic, and nothing is as simple as it seems.

After the shocking events of the Queenstrial, Mare Barrow is pulled into the heart of the Silver court—a world built on spectacle, control, and carefully crafted appearances. As she’s forced to learn new rules and play a role she never asked for, we unpack what it means to survive in a system designed to use her.

In this episode, we discuss:

Mare’s loss of agency and growing role as a political pawn

The dynamics and power plays of the Silver court

Early impressions of Cal and Maven

How performance, fear, and manipulation shape this world

Why these chapters quietly escalate the stakes

This episode contains spoilers through Chapter 14 only and is perfect for readers following along or revisiting Red Queen with fresh eyes.

In our first episode of 2026, Books Between Friends is diving into Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard—and we’re officially entering a world divided by blood.

In this kickoff episode, we cover Red Queen Chapters 1–5, where we meet Mare Barrow, a girl living in a society split between Silvers with godlike powers and powerless Reds who exist to serve them. What starts as a familiar dystopian setup quickly turns into something… electrifying.

We break down the worldbuilding, the rigid class system, and that shocking early reveal that changes everything. Plus, we discuss first impressions of Mare as a protagonist, the political implications already bubbling beneath the surface, and whether Red Queen feels more dystopian, fantasy, or something in between.

Grab your bookmarks and join us as we begin our Red Queen journey—because this world wastes no time pulling you in.

Welcome to our final episode before the new year hits! When we talk about expansive world building, great magic systems, and complex and interesting characters, Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn series most definitely hits the mark from our catalog of 2025. Join us for this Greatest Hits episode as we dive into Sanderson's world of political intrigue, incredible heist plots, and a badass magic system found in Mistborn: The Final Empire.

This is our next installment of our greatest hits from 2025! What better way to nerd out with book friends than by discussing this dark urban, portal fantasy from V.E. Schwab. Come travel with us, book friends... As Travars!

Our next installment of our greatest hits from 2025 is here! One of our most popular discussions was over The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. Join us as we discuss Part 1 of this epic historical fiction!

Hi book friends--

As we mentioned in our previous episode, the three of us are taking a break during this holiday season to recharge and come back strong in 2026. Until that time, please enjoy some of what we are calling our "Greatest Hits of 2025!" These are the episodes that you, our book friends, have commented on and interacted with the most, so... we're bringing them back for an encore performance. 

The three of us wish you and your families the happiest of holidays! See you all in 2026!

-Jen, Stef, & Ethan

In this concluding chapter of Onyx Storm, we come together one last time to reflect on the wild ride this fantasy sequel took us on. With drinks in hand and laughter flowing, we revisit the predictions and theories we made throughout the season—grading ourselves on just how right (or hilariously wrong) we were.

From character fates and magical twists to secret identities and surprise alliances, no theory is off limits as we break down what actually unfolded versus what we thought would happen. The conversation then turns toward the future of the Empyrean series, as we offer bold new predictions and burning questions we hope the next book will answer.

Finally, we each give our personal rating for Onyx Storm, reflecting on what worked, what left us speechless, and what we're still thinking about long after turning the final page. Whether you’ve read along or are catching up, this episode is the perfect way to close the chapter on a book club journey full of twists, dragons, and riders.

In our final episode of this season’s read, (and final episode of our first season), we conclude The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune, covering Chapter 16 through the Epilogue. This section brings emotional confrontations, powerful moments of truth, and the culmination of Linus’s transformation as he faces the consequences of his choices. We unpack the climax on the mainland, the heartwarming return to Marsyas Island, and the beautifully tender moments that tie the story together.

Join us as we share our final thoughts on the book’s themes of compassion, found family, and choosing joy—and, of course, give our overall ratings and reviews. Cozy fantasy lovers, this episode is the perfect sendoff to one of the genre’s most uplifting stories.

In this episode of Books Between Friends, we explore chapters 11–15 of The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune—where the magic of Marsyas Island truly begins to deepen. Linus continues warming to the children (and vice versa), but his caseworker instincts clash with the growing sense that there’s more to this orphanage—and to Arthur Parnassus—than the files ever revealed.

We break down the tender, funny, and unexpectedly emotional moments that shape these chapters, discuss character growth, and uncover the early sparks of the story’s larger mystery. From heartfelt conversations to small acts of courage, this section of the book reminds us why cozy fantasy hits so hard.

In this week’s episode of Books Between Friends, we continue our journey through The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune, diving into chapters 6–10. Linus Baker has finally arrived at the Marsyas Island Orphanage—and nothing is as expected. From the eccentric caretaker Arthur Parnassus to a group of magical children with secrets of their own, Linus’s rule-bound world begins to unravel in the most delightful way.

We unpack our first impressions of the island, the heartwarming (and hilarious) moments with the children, and the early hints of deeper mysteries surrounding Arthur. Cozy fantasy, found family feels, and lots of laughter await as we sip our tea and talk about what’s really beyond the paperwork.

This episode, we’re diving into The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune — a heartwarming fantasy full of found family, whimsy, and compassion. In this first episode, we cover chapters 1–5, where we meet Linus Baker, a rule-loving caseworker for the Department In Charge of Magical Youth (DICOMY), and glimpse his orderly world before it’s turned upside down. Join us as we unpack Klune’s charming writing style, the mysterious world of magical children, and the quiet humor woven through Linus’s bureaucratic life. Stay tuned for our predictions about what lies beyond the sea!

✨ Perfect for fans of cozy fantasy, found family stories, and TJ Klune’s signature warmth.