Checked Out and Overdue

Join Chelsea and Taryn as they set sail into The Odyssey by Homer. In this episode, they share their thoughts on the original hero’s journey, marvel at how Odysseus manages to lie his way through just about everything, and rally the war cry #justiceforPenelope. Inspiring epic musical and movie adaptations, it’s a story that has endured the ages.

Timestamps:
👋🏼 Intro: 00:00 - 12:49

📚 General Overview: 12:49 - 29:28

⚠️ Spoiler Discussion: 29:28 - 54:05

This week, Chelsea and Taryn are discussing Vengeful, the sequel to Vicious by V. E. Schwab. The story picks up with Victor, Eli, and some new characters navigating ambition, revenge, and the consequences of playing with life and death. The conversation focuses on continued character development, shifting dynamics, and how the new additions to the cast change the game.

If you haven’t read Vicious yet, go check out that episode first. This discussion contains spoilers for both books, so consider this your heads-up to read book one before diving in.

Timestamps:👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 – 12:15📚 General Overview: 12:15 – 34:05⚠️ Spoilers: 34:05 – 58:21

This week Chelsea and Taryn are joined by historical romance author Arlem Hawks (@arlemhawks) for a super fun chat. Their chat stays spoiler free initially as they talk about Arlem’s writing journey, publishing experiences, and how she comes up with all her stories. In the second half, they dive into spoiler-filled discussions of Georgana’s Secret, Beyond the Lavender Fields, Along a Breton Shore, and Across the Star-Kissed Sea. It's also possible that Chelsea may have given a powerpoint presentation here because she felt that passionately.

Timestamps:

📚 General Overview: 0:00 - 32:18

⚠️ Spoilers: 32:18 - 1:20:05

Is Achilles even the main character? Why are there so many names? And how much ego is too much ego? In this episode, Chelsea and Taryn dive into The Iliad by Homer (via the Emily Wilson translation), with very different reactions. Taryn found a lot to appreciate in the epic battles and larger-than-life drama, while Chelsea... did not.

They chat about what worked, what didn’t, and how reading it with a group of online friends made the whole experience way more fun. Expect a short spoiler-free section followed by a deep dive into the world of gods, glory, and an overwhelming amount of hubris.

Timestamps:
👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 - 6:41
📚 General Overview: 6:41   - 21:54
⚠️ Spoilers: 21:54  - 50:41

This week, Chelsea and Taryn review Everything is Tuberculosis, the latest release from John Green. They explore the book's blend of memoir, history, and infectious disease (yes, really), and discuss how Green’s signature wit and sincerity come through in unexpected ways. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to his work, there's plenty to unpack.

Timestamps:
👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 – 11:42
📚 Review: 11:42 – 54:02

This week, Chelsea and Taryn dive into the epic world of Roshar with a review of The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson! As the first book in The Stormlight Archive, this fantasy behemoth sets the stage for an unforgettable journey. They navigate highstorms, Shardblades, and the many, many pages Sanderson throws their way. Whether listeners are seasoned Bridge Four fans or reading it for the first time, this episode breaks down what makes the book a storming good read.

Timestamps:
👋🏼 Intro: whoops 🤷‍♀️ 
📚 General Overview (Spoiler-Free): 00:00 - 16:05
⚠️ Spoilers: 16:05   - 1:19:01

Few books have left a mark quite like The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, the novel that set the dystopian genre on fire. With Sunrise on the Reaping now out, it's the perfect time to revisit the world of Panem—where survival is a game and the stakes are deadly high. This spoiler-free discussion explores why the book still resonates, and we wrap up with a spoiler-filled section for those who’ve already read. May the odds be ever in your favor!

Timestamps:
👋🏼 Intro 00:00 - 15:00
📚 General Overview 15:00 - 37:05
⚠️ Spoilers 37:05 - 1:04:20

Chelsea and Taryn are joined by their friend Cass (@fictionalcass) for a deep dive into Notorious Sorcerer by Davinia Evans. This fast-paced fantasy takes readers to the vibrant city of Bezim, where alchemy bends reality and gangs of brava run the roofs every night. As Siyon Velo finds himself caught between street-level alchemists and the powerful elite, the hosts discuss the book’s unique world-building, dynamic characters, and thrilling twists. With Cass returning as a guest, there’s plenty of fun (and maybe a little chaos) in this week's episode!

Timestamps:

👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 - 9:11
📚 General Overview: 9:11 - 37:50
⚠️ Spoilers: 37:50 - 1:08:29

This week, Taryn and Chelsea convinced their husbands to join them for a fairy tale read-aloud. The hosts (as recent parents themselves) discuss the parenting choices in these stories and they are… well, questionable at best. With plenty of dramatic flair, unexpected laughs, and a touch of happily never after, this episode is bound to be a Grimm time. So tune in for some once-upon-a-chaos!

Time Stamps:

The French Revolution may have been chaotic, but that’s nothing compared to Taryn and Chelsea trying to process their feelings about Along a Breton Shore by Arlem Hawks. With danger, romance, and some top-tier banter, this historical fiction novel brings plenty to discuss. The witty dialogue and engaging characters kept things lively. Tune in to here Chelsea and Taryn's thoughts, because if there’s one thing these hosts appreciate, it’s a book that knows how to deliver great conversation.

Have you read this one? Let them know what you think!

Timestamps:
👋🏼 Intro: 0:00 - 8:42
📚 General Overview: 8:42 - 29:34
⚠️ Spoilers: 29:34 - 1:00:39
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