This is a miniature episode in which we rewatch the film adaptation of The Princess Bride with our brother, Patrick! Check out our book episode for an in-depth discussion of William Goldman's source material.

We’re rereading The Princess Bride, by William Goldman! We tackle all the sweeping satire, unique literary devices and ultimately heartwarming friendships that make Florin such a weird, fun place to return to. This book showcases plenty of passions - but is it ultimately an earnest story? Grace does her best to convince Madeleine of its subtly heartfelt approach, and Madeleine identifies Fezzig and Inigo’s friendship as the true love story.

Mini episode covering the film adaptation coming out soon!

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Whether you’re one of the Mud Men or the People, there’s a whole lot to unpack with our rereading of Artemis Fowl, by Eoin Colfer. We were both big fans of this book when young, and haven’t revisited it for quite a while - and we (and our world) are very different now! We engage in an extended comparison of the LEP & Terry Pratchett’s Thud!, break down why a female-fronted action story was so appealing to our young minds, and get seriously annoyed by Artemis’ character. Join us!

MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

An epistolary novel set during the Regency with an established magical society, you say? And it has a CHOCOLATE POT on the cover?? It will come as a surprise to none of our listeners that we are big fans of Sorcery and Cecelia, by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer. Join in as we discuss the joys of fictional letters, learn about gaslamp fantasy and revel in all the grumpy romance. Are you more of a Cecy or Kate? And can you tell which author wrote which character? Come on in, the chocolate is hot!

This episode was a listener request - thanks, Dan! If you’d like to request a book for coverage, email us at [email protected].

MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Officially our most-requested book, it’s easy to see why The Thief is beloved by so many dragon babies. Mystery, mythology and a charmingly deceptive narrative structure make this book smart and super enjoyable (no matter your age). This is our first introduction to Megan Whalen Turner and we couldn’t be more delighted. “A romp,” says Madeleine Harnois. Listen in for Newberry Medal resentment, a whole lot of olives, and the continued butchering of every proper noun in fantasy.

This episode was a listener request - thank you so much, Madeline, Erin, and Donley! If you’d like to submit a request, send us an email at [email protected].

MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

We’re roaring into 2019 like teenage griffins thanks to Diana Wynne Jones’ Dark Lord of Derkholm! Revisit cruel capitalist overlord Mr. Chesney and learn whether you, too, are more affected by this book as an adult. Inspired by the trials and tribulations of the Pilgrim Party organizers (and the pilgrims themselves), Grace relives her worst job and Madeleine her worst camping experience. This one really took us back! Plus: decide whether Derk is initially a bit of a jerk, wonder at exactly what Lydda’s godlike snacks are, and reflect on just how incredible DWJ is (again and again).

This episode was a listener request - thanks, Tim! If you’d like to request a book for us to cover, email us at [email protected].

MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

It's a Hogswatchnight miracle! Our extra special Hogfather episode is here just in time for the holidays. Enjoy & thank you so much for listening!

MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback, Thatched Villagers and Jingle Bells by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In which Madeleine and Grace visit the land of Faerie - and struggle to return to Wall. Neil Gaiman's Stardust is high fantasy with fascinating twists, plus the signature wit and weirdness that have led us to officially label fall 2018 Gaiman Season. Listeners can look forward to an extended discussion of questing/camping food, detailing the ways Gaiman disproves John Donne’s misogynist epigraph, and Grace’s extremely questionable Robert de Niro impression. Now place your crystal snowdrop in your buttonhole and head for the gap in the wall!

This episode was a listener request - thanks, Rachel! If you’d like to request a book for coverage, just email us at [email protected].

MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

The Secret of Platform 13 by Eva Ibbotson is an injection of joy into a weary life. After opening on a wondrous island filled with adorable-beyond-belief mistmakers, we’re traveling to the most magical place of all - London! Join Madeleine and Grace as they fantasize about gigantic sundaes, shop for bladderwrack online and engage in some truly terrible British accents (apologies to our UK listeners). The gump is open and the rescue mission is on!

This episode was a listener request - thanks, Isabel and Angela!

MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

It’s time for the Dragon Babies Election Day special featuring a discussion of racial prejudice and police biases in fantasy literature. Terry Pratchett and Thud! provide plenty of parallels to discuss between Sam Vimes’ approach to troll and dwarf tensions in the city of Ankh-Morpork and human rights violations and inequities in our own society. Listeners can also enjoy an argument about math, discussion of bacon as a lone food source, and a background on Madeleine’s love of vampires.

This episode is a listener request - thanks, Julian!

If you’re a Terry Pratchett fan, check out our other Discworld episodes:

Episode 8 - Mort

Episode 13 - The Wee Free Men

MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/