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Nerds, it was finally time — we’re diving into Legendborn by Tracy Deonn, and we have so much to say.

In this episode of Fiction Fanatics, we break down the world of Legendborn — from its Arthurian roots and secret societies to its raw exploration of grief, power, identity, and rage. We talk characters we loved (and questioned), moments that hit us emotionally, and why this story feels so important in the fantasy landscape.

This conversation is thoughtful, passionate, and occasionally unhinged (in the best way). Whether you’re a longtime fan of Legendborn or picking it up for the first time, this episode is a deep dive into what makes Tracy Deonn’s storytelling so compelling — and why this book stays with you long after the final page.

⚔️ Magic, mythology, grief, and chosen family — let’s talk about it.

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***Produced by Jen Hardin***

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In this episode, we’re wrapping up 2025 and looking ahead to what 2026 has in store. We chat about the things we truly loved this year, the things that were… just okay, and what we’re most excited about moving forward.

It’s a relaxed, reflective conversation with plenty of laughs—and if you stick around to the end, Ivy and Tobey make a special appearance 

Thanks for being part of another year with us. We’re so excited for what’s next.

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Nerds, this episode was dark in all the best ways — and way more fun than we expected. 😈✨

Today on Fiction Fanatics, we’re joined by Caitlin Starling, and from the start, the conversation was equal parts unsettling, smart, and genuinely playful. Caitlin is brilliant, sharp, and quietly hilarious, and chatting with her felt like slipping into a conversation that’s just a little dangerous — in the best possible way.

We talk about her approach to writing psychological, genre-blending stories, why darkness can be such a powerful playground for creativity, and how tension, obsession, and fear can coexist with wit and curiosity on the page. The conversation flows easily, the laughs sneak up on you, and the ideas linger long after.

🖤 Thoughtful, eerie, and unexpectedly fun — this is one you’ll want to settle into.

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Nerds, we loved this episode. 🤍

Today on Fiction Fanatics, we’re joined by Emiko Jean, and from the moment we started talking, everything just clicked. The conversation flowed so naturally that it felt less like an interview and more like a cozy, bookish hangout — complete with laughter, thoughtful moments, and yes, a tangent or two we didn’t want to stop.

We chat about Emiko’s journey as a writer, what draws her to emotionally rich stories, and the heart behind her latest novel, Love Me Tomorrow. Along the way, we talk love, memory, connection, and how stories can surprise us when we let them lead.

This episode reminded us exactly why we love doing this podcast — genuine conversations, incredible authors, and those moments where everything feels easy and fun.

✨ Warm, funny, heartfelt, and full of love — we adored Emiko, and we think you will too.

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Nerds, this episode is truly something special. 🤍

Today on Fiction Fanatics, we’re joined by New York Times bestselling author Alyson Richman, and from the very first question, we were captivated by her warmth, depth, and singular way of storytelling. Alyson has a remarkable ability to weave history, love, grief, and art into narratives that feel both intimate and timeless.

We talk about her journey to becoming an author, the themes that thread through her work, and what draws her to stories shaped by memory and loss. Our conversation dives deep into her latest novel, The Missing Pages, a haunting and heartfelt reimagining of the Titanic tragedy of Harry Widener — told through the voice of his ghost in the Harvard library built in his honor.

Part love story, part ghost story, and a powerful meditation on how books preserve the people we’ve lost, this episode is for anyone who believes stories can outlive us.

✨ Thoughtful, moving, and unforgettable — this is one you won’t want to miss.

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We are absolutely smitten with this episode. 💖

This week on Fiction Fanatics, we’re joined by the wonderful Laurie Gilmore, and from the very first minute, it felt like chatting with a longtime friend. We talk about her writing journey, the heart behind her stories, and the magic of creating characters that feel like home.

Laurie shares insights into her creative process, what inspires her cozy, heartfelt worlds, and how she balances romance, emotion, and comfort on the page. Plus, there are plenty of laughs, bookish tangents, and those moments where conversation just flows.

This is one of those episodes that reminds us why we love what we do — genuine connection, great stories, and authors who feel like kindred spirits.

✨ Grab a blanket, your favorite drink, and settle in — this one’s a joy from start to finish.

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In this week’s episode of Fiction Fanatics, the crew sit down with the brilliantly atmospheric storyteller, Riley S. Quinn. Known for her rich folklore influences, emotionally charged plots, and hauntingly beautiful prose, Riley opens up about her creative process, the origins of her most beloved characters, and how she weaves myth, memory, and raw human emotion into every chapter.

We talk about:

• 🌲 How folklore shapes her writing and worldbuilding
• ❤️‍🔥 The complex relationships and emotional knots her characters face
• ✍️ Her writing rituals, creative struggles, and unexpected inspirations
• 👀 What readers always get wrong — and what she secretly loves
• 📚 A sneak peek at what she’s working on next

Whether you’re a longtime Riley fan or discovering her for the first time, this conversation is cozy, atmospheric, and absolutely unforgettable.

Grab your coffee, settle in, and join us in the dark woods. 🌙

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This week, we sit down with the brilliant Heather Colley, author of The Gilded Butterfly Effect, a darkly compelling and unflinchingly honest campus novel that digs into the pressures, performances, and hidden struggles of modern college life.

We talk about what inspired this story, why today’s young women are navigating more pressure than ever, and how the constant push to “belong” can blur the line between who we are and who we think we should be.

Heather opens up about:

🦋 The emotional landscape behind The Gilded Butterfly Effect

🏛️ Greek life, TikTok culture & curated perfection

⚡ How institutions shape both joy and insecurity

🌑 Loneliness in the middle of social chaos

✨ Why contemporary campus novels needed a refresh

Even though Stacy couldn’t make this recording, we had such a thoughtful, layered, and fascinating conversation — the kind that stays with you long after the mics are off.

You’re going to love hearing Heather unpack her world.

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This week, we’re joined by the incredible Britney S. Lewis, author of The Undead Truth of Us and her newest YA novel Blood Moon — and we had the best time with her.

Britney is one of those rare authors who instantly feels like a friend. She’s warm, hilarious, thoughtful, and endlessly inspiring. In this conversation, we dive into the heart behind Blood Moon, the creative spark that drives her stories, and her evolving journey as a YA author.

We also chat about:

🌙 Where the idea for Blood Moon came from

✨ Her writing process and creative rhythm

🔥 The power of storytelling for young readers

📚 What’s next on her horizon

🎉 A super fun lightning round (of course!!)

This episode is joyful, motivating, and full of the kind of energy that reminds you why stories matter. You’re going to love Britney just as much as we do. 💕

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This week we’re joined by the incredible Maxine Rosaler — a writer whose work blends sharp observation, emotional honesty, and the quiet beauty of everyday life.

In this heartfelt conversation, Maxine opens up about her writing journey, the themes that shape her stories, how motherhood and identity influence her work, and the art of capturing truth on the page.

We talk creativity, vulnerability, storytelling, and the moments that spark inspiration. It’s a soft, thoughtful, deeply human episode — perfect for anyone who loves literary fiction and honest conversations about life.

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***Produced by Jen Hardin***