Kris and Mads

Every reader has a story, and these are the books that shaped ours.In this episode, we're taking a trip down memory lane and sharing the 10 books and series that formed us into the readers we are today. From beloved classics our parents read aloud to us as children to the stories that sparked lifelong obsessions with fantasy, adventure, and literature, these books helped shape our imaginations, our values, and our love of reading.Along the way, we share family memories, childhood stories, and a little bit of our reader lore as we reflect on the books that have stayed with us for years. If you've ever wondered what made us the readers we are today, this episode is for you.Whether you grew up reading alongside Anne Shirley, journeying through Narnia, exploring Middle-earth, attending Hogwarts, or venturing across Arrakis, we hope this conversation inspires you to revisit the books that helped make you who you are. Books Mentioned Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud MontgomeryLittle Women by Louisa May Alcott Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson BurnettBoxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler WarnerPride and Prejudice by Jane AustenLord of the Rings by J. R. R Tolkien Harry Potter by J. K. RowlingDune by Frank Herbert Timestamps0:00 - Intro 2:11 - Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery6:46 - Little Women by Louisa May Alcott15:26 - The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis22:52 - The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien27:49 - The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett31:18 - The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner34:01 - Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen37:54 - The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien41:14 - Dune by Frank Herbert45:47 - The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling55:05 - Wrap-upLet’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email our manager: [email protected]:   / kris.and.mads  Instagram:   / krisandmads  All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:   / @seerayhardly  #BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books

Welcome back to the show you guys! Today we are each sharing our TOP 10 BEST BOOKS OF ALL TIME after reading hundreds of books every single year across fantasy, sci-fi, literary fiction, historical fiction, classics, romance, and more. These are the books that completely changed us as readers, stayed with us for years, and truly stand the test of time.From Robin Hobb and George R.R. Martin to Jane Austen, Pierce Brown, Ken Liu, and M.L. Wang, we’re ranking the books that we consider masterpieces and explaining why they’ve become our all-time favorites. Whether you’re looking for the best fantasy books, classic literature recommendations, emotional literary fiction, or unforgettable sci-fi reads, we hope this video helps you find your next favorite book!✨ Let us know YOUR favorite books of all time in the comments!📖 Books Mentioned:Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. FranklBreaking The Habit of Being Yourself by Joe DispenzaSpeaking Bones by Ken LiuThe Wolf Den by Elodie HarperA Room with a View by E.M. ForsterThe Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth BrowerPachinko by Min Jin LeeA Game of Thrones by George R.R. MartinLight Bringer by Pierce BrownThe Sword of Kaigen by M.L. WangHarry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. RowlingMorning Star by Pierce BrownSense and Sensibility by Jane AustenMad Ship by Robin HobbShip of Destiny by Robin HobbBlood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang⏱️ Timestamps:0:00 - Intro3:41 - Maddie’s #10: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl5:26 - Kristen’s #10: Breaking The Habit of Being Yourself by Joe Dispenza7:22 - Maddie’s #9: Speaking Bones by Ken Liu10:29 - Kristen’s #9: The Wolf Den by Elodie Harper13:01 - Maddie’s #8: A Room with a View by E.M. Forster13:57 - Kristen’s #8: The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower15:34 - Maddie’s #7: Pachinko by Min Jin Lee18:26 - Kristen’s #7: A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin22:58 - Maddie’s #6: Light Bringer by Pierce Brown24:38 - Kristen’s #6: The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang26:41 - Maddie’s #5: Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling29:28 - Kristen’s #5: Morning Star by Pierce Brown31:18 - Maddie’s #4: Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen32:47 - Kristen’s #4: Mad Ship by Robin Hobb34:24 - Maddie’s #3: Ship of Destiny by Robin Hobb36:27 - Kristen’s #3: Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen39:02 - Maddie’s #2: The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang41:16 - Kristen’s #2: Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang43:49 - Maddie AND Kristen’s Top Book48:09 - Kristen’s Honorable Mentions52:06 - Maddie’s Honorable Mentions54:38 - Wrap-up#BestBooksOfAllTime #FantasyBooks #BookTube #Top10Books #FantasyBookRecommendations #SciFiBooks #ClassicBooks #RobinHobb #PierceBrown #MLWang #JaneAusten #BookRecommendations #ReadingVlog #FavoriteBooks #BooksYouNeedToReadLet’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email our manager: [email protected]: https://www.tiktok.com/@kris.and.madsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/krisandmadsAll our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:https://www.youtube.com/@SeeRayHardly#BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books

Welcome back to the show you guys! In today’s video, my sister and I are sharing all 18 books we read in May and giving our full honest thoughts, ratings, reviews, disappointments, and new favorites. From fantasy and classics to romance and literary fiction, this month had a little bit of everything — including some books we absolutely loved and a few that did not work for us at all.We also watched a few book adaptations along the way and chat about whether they lived up to the stories we read!If you’re looking for book recommendations, trying to build your TBR, or just love hearing readers passionately discuss books, grab a drink and come hang out with us for our monthly reading wrap up.✨ Books Mentioned:Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi ThorpeThe Score by Elle KennedyFury Bound by Sable SorensenThe Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre DumasSongs in Ursa Major by Emma BrodieDaughter of the Otherworld by Shauna LawleyYesteryear by Caro Claire BurkeThe Last Contract of Isako by Fonda LeeA Storm of Swords by George R.R. MartinThe Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion Vol. 5-8 by Beth BrowerFool’s Errand by Robin Hobb⏱️ Timestamps:0:00 - Intro2:49 - Margo’s Got Money Troubles15:18 - The Score20:18 - Fury Bound26:49 - The Count of Monte Cristo32:41 - Songs in Ursa Major35:31 - Daughter of the Otherworld39:42 - Yesteryear45:08 - The Last Contract of Isako50:23 - A Storm of Swords54:11 - The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion59:18 - Fool’s Errand1:02:47 - Wrap-up#BookTube #ReadingWrapUp #BookReviews #FantasyBooks #RomanceBooks #MonthlyWrapUp #ReadingVlog #BookRecommendations #ReadersOfYouTubeLet’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email our manager: [email protected]: https://www.tiktok.com/@kris.and.madsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/krisandmadsAll our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:https://www.youtube.com/@SeeRayHardly#BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books

Welcome back friends! 🌍📚 In today’s podcast episode, we’re sharing the ultimate book lover travel bucket list — real places around the world that feel exactly like our favorite books. From the fantasy landscapes of New Zealand inspired by The Lord of the Rings, to the ancient streets of Pompeii from The Wolf Den Trilogy, and the gothic atmosphere of Romania inspired by Dracula, we are talking about the destinations that made us want to book a flight immediately.

If you love fantasy books, historical fiction, literary fiction, classic novels, romantasy, or immersive world-building, this episode is packed with book recommendations and dream travel destinations for readers. We discuss books like The Odyssey by Homer, Jade City by Fonda Lee, The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang, Pachinko by Min Jin Lee, A Game of Thrones, Jurassic Park, Kaikeyi, The Count of Monte Cristo, and so many more.

Whether you’re building your TBR, planning future travels, or just want cozy bookish conversation, we hope this episode inspires your next adventure both on and off the page ✨

📖 Books Mentioned:
• The Odyssey by Homer — Greece
• Jade City by Fonda Lee — Japan
• The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang — Japan
• Pachinko by Min Jin Lee — Japan
• A Game of Thrones — Croatia
• The Lord of the Rings — New Zealand
• Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton — Hawaii
• Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel — India
• Rook & Rose Trilogy by M.A. Carrick — Venice, Italy
• The Wolf Den Trilogy by Elodie Harper — Pompeii, Italy
• Dracula by Bram Stoker — Romania
• Bloodsworn Saga by John Gwynne — Scandinavia
• Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter — Africa
• The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas — Paris

⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
3:00 - The Odyssey by Homer (Greece)
9:06 - Jade City by Fonda Lee (Japan)
10:44 - The Sword of Kaigen by ML Wang (Japan)
12:15 - Pachinko by Min Jin Lee (Japan)
14:28 - A Game of Thrones (Croatia)
16:39 - The Lord of the Rings (New Zealand)
19:16 - Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton (Hawaii)
21:16 - Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel (India)
23:30 - Rook & Rose Trilogy by M.A. Carrick (Venice, Italy)
25:47 - The Wolf Den Trilogy by Elodie Harper (Pompeii, Italy)
29:08 - Dracula by Bram Stoker (Romania)
32:04 - Bloodsworn Saga by John Gwynne (Scandinavia)
35:01 - Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter (Africa)
39:05 - The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas (Paris)
41:13 - Maddie’s little dream
43:03 - Wrap-up

#BookPodcast #BookTube #FantasyBooks #HistoricalFiction #TravelBucketList #BookRecommendations #BookLovers #ReadingPodcast #FantasyTravel #LiteraryTravel #BooksAndTravel #Romantasy #TheLordOfTheRings #GameOfThrones #Dracula #Pachinko #JurassicPark #BookishTravel

In today’s episode, we’re revisiting some of the most popular fantasy, romance, literary fiction, and classic books we’ve ever reviewed… because honestly? We were WRONG about some of these ratings. From beloved BookTok fantasy series and viral romance books to classic literature staples and modern literary fiction, we’re sharing the books we should’ve rated higher — and the books we may have seriously overrated.

We discuss books like Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, Normal People by Sally Rooney, Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb, From Blood & Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout, Powerless by Lauren Roberts, The Folk of the Air by Holly Black, A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid, Christina Lauren romances, and more. If you love book podcasts, reading vlogs, fantasy books, romance books, literary fiction, classics, BookTube, or BookTok discussions, stick around! Our channel is packed with controversial reader opinions, book recommendations, and honest reviews.

Let’s connect!

Join our Patreon read-and-watch club:   / krisandmadssisterhood  

Have a business inquiry? Email our manager: [email protected]

TikTok:   / kris.and.mads  

Instagram:   / krisandmads  

All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.mads

To check out our brother C.Ray's music, which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:   / @seerayhardly  

#bookpodcast #booktube #fantasybooks #romancebooks #booktok #readingpodcast #bookrecommendations #fantasyromance #literaryfiction #classicbooks

April was a great reading month for both of us! Together we did a buddy read of a popular romantasy book, sprinkled in some classic literature, devoured some gripping historic fiction, and even threw in a new contemporary romance! Great book recommendations from https://www.youtube.com/results?searc...Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email our manager: [email protected]:   / kris.and.mads  Instagram:   / krisandmads  All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:   / @seerayhardly  

#BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books

In this episode, we sit down with award-winning author Emma Brodie to talk all things Into the Blue—a Reese’s Book Club Pick and one of the most buzzed-about romance releases of 2026. From Star Trek references and fan fiction roots to improv acting, SNL dreams, and Comic Con culture, this is a love story that feels tailor-made for nerds, creatives, and anyone who has ever been obsessed with a fictional world.Emma Brodie is not just a novelist—she’s a longtime publishing insider and Executive Editor at Clarkson Potter, with over 15 years in the industry. Her debut novel Songs in Ursa Major earned the American Book Award, and her latest release is already earning major praise from bestselling authors like Taylor Jenkins Reid (“intoxicating”) and Gabrielle Zevin (“smart and romantic”).In Into the Blue, Brodie blends romance, sci-fi fandom, improv comedy, and the chaos of the entertainment industry into a sweeping, decade-spanning love story about two creatives navigating ambition, identity, and a connection that feels almost cosmic. Think: SNL writers’ rooms, intergalactic TV shows, acting partnerships, and the blurred line between fiction and reality.We talk about:✨ Writing a romance rooted in nerd culture and fandom✨ Star Trek, sci-fi influences, and fan fiction energy✨ The world of improv, acting, and comedy writing✨ Building a love story across time, fame, and creative ambition✨ What the future holds for Emma, and creative freedomIf you love books like Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, stories about artists and performers, or romance with a nerdy, pop culture twist—this episode is for you.You can purchase a signed edition of Into the Blue from the following independent bookstores:https://bookshop.org/p/books/into-the...https://bunchofgrapes.indielite.org/s...Find Emma on Stubstack and Instagram:https://emmabrodie.substack.com/  / emma.c.brodie  Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club:   / krisandmadssisterhood  Have a business inquiry? Email our manager: [email protected]:   / kris.and.mads  Instagram:   / krisandmads  All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music, which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:   / @seerayhardly  #BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books

If you're looking for your next great read, and are determined to avoid a reading slump, this episode is packed with book recommendations across fantasy, romantasy, thrillers, classics, historical fiction, literary fiction, and contemporary fiction! The best strategy we've found to stay interested in our TBRs is to make sure there is a lot of variety!Today we’re sharing our Priority Q2 TBR—the books we absolutely HAVE to read this quarter. From epic fantasy like A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin, to new romantasy like Dire Bound, to classics like The Count of Monte Cristo, psychological thrillers like Yesteryear, and buzzy contemporary fiction like Margo’s Got Money Troubles, this list has something for every reader.We’re talking about the books we’re most excited for, the titles we think could become new favorites, and the reads we know everyone will be talking about this year.Whether you love fantasy romance, literary fiction, historical fiction, thrillers, or book club books, this episode is full of recommendations to add to your TBR.Books Mentioned:📖 A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin📖 Emma M. Lion Vol. 5–8 by Beth Brower📖 Direbound & Furybound by Sable Sorensen📖 A Court of Thorns and Roses / Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas📖 The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas📖 Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe📖 The Correspondent by Virginia Evans📖 I’m Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid📖 The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho📖 Family Drama by Rebecca Fallon📖 Yesteryear by Caro Claire BurkeTell us in the comments: What’s the #1 book on your TBR right now?Timestamps0:00 - Intro0:56 - Ditching the TBR wheel!5:10 - Storm of Swords by George RR Martin10:29 - The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower (5-8)15:09 - Dire Bound & Fury Bound by Sable Sorensen18:50 - ACOTAR & Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Mass20:06 - The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas22:56 - Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe26:35 - The Correspondent by Virginia Evans28:49 - I’m Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid30:51 - The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho32:00 - The Fault in Our Stars by John Green33:08 - Family Drama by Rebecca Fallon35:20 - Yesteryear by Caro Claire BurkeLet’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club:   / krisandmadssisterhood  Have a business inquiry? Email our manager: [email protected]:   / kris.and.mads  Instagram:   / krisandmads  All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music, which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:   / @seerayhardly  

#BookTube #BookPodcast #TBR #SpringTBR #FantasyBooks #RomantasyBooks #SarahJMaas #BookRecommendations #ReadingVlog #BooktokBooks #HistoricalFiction #ThrillerBooks #LiteraryFiction #ContemporaryFiction #ReadersOfYouTube #BookClubBooks #FantasyReaders #BooksToRead #ReadingRecommendations #QuarterlyTBR

What does it take to write morally complex characters, handle dark subject matter with care, and bring ancient women's lives vividly to the page? We sat down with historical fiction author Elodie Harper — writer of The Wolf Den trilogy and her latest, Boudicca's Daughter — to talk about exactly that. No spoilers, no required reading. Just a genuinely fascinating conversation about craft, journalism, research, and why the "grey" characters are always the most interesting ones. Perfect for readers, writers, history lovers, and anyone who's ever wondered how authors make hard stories feel human.You can find Elodie online:https://elodieharper.substack.com/ 

 / elodielharper  

https://www.elodieharper.com/Timestamps0:00 - Intro1:14 - Elodie’s 2 Truths & 1 Lie3:17 - How journalism led Elodie to fiction7:01 - Elodie’s morally grey characters12:30 - Elodie’s female characters in The Wolf Den17:27 - Violence against women in fiction22:40 - Researching for historical fiction29:17 - Why the focus is on Boudicca’s daughter31:38 - The Druids in Roman history33:21 - What’s next for Elodie Harper39:49 - Boudicca’s Daughter new paperback!43:08 - The reception to Elodie’s writing44:16 - Where does Elodie want to be in 5 years?49:45 - Wrap-up!Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club:   / krisandmadssisterhood  Have a business inquiry? Email our manager: [email protected]:   / kris.and.mads  Instagram:   / krisandmads  All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music, which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:   / @seerayhardly  This episode was edited by Daniel Pena: https://danielpena.carrd.co#BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books

In case you missed it, check out Part 1 and 2 here: • The Great War (WWI) Overview - Part 1    • The Great War (WWI) Overview - Part 1   • The Great War (WWI) - Part 2    • The Great War (WWI) Overview - Part 2  While we are mostly a fiction-loving show, the more we read classics and historical fiction, the more we want to know the context of what really happened. One HUGE gap we have is the First World War, a.k.a. the Great War. Lucky for us, Mitch loves to read nonfiction history books and listen to history podcasts and has been amassing knowledge for like 20 years! He's joining us for a three-part series on the war to give us a little insight and fill in those gaps, so we can be prepared and knowledgeable going into our other fiction reading. Plus, our favorite fiction author of all time, J.R.R. Tolkien, fought in the First World War, so this gives us some insight into the lives of authors as well.Hope this episode is fun, approachable and entertaining!Timestamps:0:00 - Intro0:54 - Recap of Part 23:21 - 19174:59 - The Beginning of the Russian Revolution7:52 - Britain & France in April 191712:08 - Russia in July 191716:33 - Russian Revolution20:21 - 191825:23 - Operation Michael31:44 - The US in November 191835:33 - The Armistice on November 11th37:07 - Woodrow Wilson & the Treaty of Versailles44:08 - France after the War & the Big Three46:26 - What the world looks like Post-War55:56 - Germany excluded from the treaty58:25 - The Middle East Post-War1:02:10 - Germany finally gets the invite1:10:22 - The end of Woodrow Wilson1:13:24 - In ConclusionLet’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email our manager: [email protected]:   / kris.and.mads  Instagram:   / krisandmads  All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music, which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:   / @seerayhardly  #BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books