Literary Quest

This week, we're discussing Of Blades and Wings by Eliza Raine. Princess Madivia of the Ice Court never expected to be chosen to attend Featherblade, a training school for future Valkyries, not only because her magic has never been as strong as her Freydis, her sister, but also because a medical condition causes Maddy to pass out unexpectedly. Each fainting episode may mean the end of her life. However, to the surprise of everyone, Maddy is selected to train among Odin's remaining elite Valkyrie. Though she has felt like an outsider for most of her life, Maddy feels excited about the opportunity to develop her power and get her wings. However, there are bullies among her fellow rooks, and a grumpy fire fae, Kain, who can't keep his eyes off her. This is a slow burn, enemies to lovers, romantasy novel inspired by Norse mythology. Join us this week!

This episode we discuss Thief of Night by Holly Black! It is the second and final book in the Charlatan Duology. Charlie Hall agreed to be tethered to her shadow boyfriend Vince and become the Hierophant to save his life. However, Vince no longer remembers her or even being Vince. He now goes by Red, he remembers being the shadow of Remy Carver but has lost about a year's worth of memories. He is distrustful of Charlie and their relationship is tense. When Charlie is approached by the new head of the puppeteers to investigate a murder, secrets start to be revealed. Will Charlie and Red be able to work together? Or is Red's inability to take Charlie at her word going to cost them everything?

This week we're discussing When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker. Raeve, as assassin for a rebel group in the Fade, merely seeks to complete her missions, do what she can to help those less fortunate than her, and live her life. However, a cloaked male, who Raeve believes to be a bounty hunter, crosses her path and despite her efforts, she cannot shake him...not even from her jail cell. When Kaan Vaegor, King of the Burn, recognizes Raeve, a female from his past, nothing will stop him from ensuring her safety, even to his own detriment.

Our discussion starts at 12:45 into this recording.

This week we discuss the second book of Heather Fawcett's Emily Wilde Series - Map of the Otherlands. Emily and Wendell are searching for a way into the otherlands and Wendell's kingdom. They are joined by Emily's niece, Ariadne, and the head of the dyradology department Dr. Ferris Rose. The crew follow clues and make their way to Austria to investigate Danielle De Grey's last known location. De Grey was searching for and likely found a nexus and her research is their best chance at finding Wendell a way back to his kingdom. However, his evil step mother is determined to keep her throne and tries to thwart Wendell through attacks and even with poison. Will Emily and Wendel find the nexus before it's too late?

This week, we have a special guest! Brigid Kemmerer, author of Warrior, Princess, Assassin, joined us for our discussion of her book! We are so grateful for her time!

To dive straight into our discussion with Brigid and skip the character and plot summary, jump ahead to 11:20 in this episode.

Princess Jory of Astranza faces the difficult reality of becoming engaged to a king, Maddox Kyronan of Incendar, or risk placing the safety and future of her kingdom at risk. Ky's fire magic is rumored to be terribly destructive, which is extremely effective against the enemies, the Draegonis. However, the rumors also suggest that Ky has used such power against his own people. Jory seeks comfort from her only friend, Asher, an assassin for hire and her childhood love. Dark dealings by men in power unexpectedly drive Asher, Ky, and Jory together, and while they ally together out of necessity initially, their attraction to each other draws them even closer. Join us this week!

This episode we discuss These Immortal Truths by Rachelle Raeta! Anna is gifted immortality by the god Khiran. She spends a large part of her immortality caring for others as a healer, midwife, or healthcare worker. Khiran visits her periodically through the centuries and they grow closer. However, Khiran is keeping secrets and as humanity evolves more ways to kill each other, Anna's immortality comes into question. If you enjoyed V.E. Schwab's The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, you're sure to enjoy These Immortal Truths!

This week we're discussing Mate by Ali Hazelwood. Serena Paris is in trouble. She reveals herself as the first human-werewolf hybrid on national television in an effort to reclaim her life after being kidnapped and involuntarily outed as hybrid. Unfortunately, it puts a target on her back as someone on the council of Vampyres has placed a bounty on her head. With Vampyres coming from all directions to collect, Serena is relocated to the one place where she can truly be kept safe: her mate Koen's house. While Serena is perfect for Koen in every way, he tells her from the start that he's not interesting in pursuing her. The more time she spends in his house, the harder it is for them to stay apart though. There are larger factors at work keeping them apart, besides Koen's stubbornness, and things get even more complicated when ghosts from Serena's childhood return unexpectedly.

Join us this week while we discuss Brimstone by Callie Hart! Saeris and Fisher are newly mated but there is little time to enjoy their new matehood. Saeris must learn to balance being half-fae, half-vampire, being an alchemist and the new queen of the vampires. When rot begins to take hold in Yvelia, they know they must act quickly but with King Belikon looking for them, Saeris' brother still in Zilvaren, Everlayne in a coma, angry high bloods, and new super-feeders that can only be killed with Brimstone, they have a lot on their plates. Can Saeris and Fisher overcome these new challenges? Will they be able to keep their friends and family safe? Tune in to find out!

This week we're discussing Anathema by Keri Lake. Maevyth has always been treated as an outcast by the people of Foxglove Parish. Strange encounters with ghosts and a journey into the Eating Woods leads her to a new realm, one that belonged to her ancestors, and the discovery of her own magic. However, her presence as a mortal puts a target on her back, and into the keep of Zevander Rydainn, who has his own deadly curse to cope with. Maevyth is determined to return to her home and her sister, but her journey uncovers the existence of a malevolent threat that was long thought destroyed.

This week we discuss The Dark Lord's Guide to Dating (and other war crimes) by Tiffany Hunt! When Arabella Evenfall is captured by Kazimir Blackrose, the Dark Lord, to be his bride, she decides to make the most of her situation. Determined to master her magic and be free of her father, Arabella and Kazimir quickly grow closer. Kazimir is determined to use an Heirloom to tap into the ley-lines and control the kingdom and he needs Arabella to activate the Heirloom. However, they face enemies on all fronts, a spy in their midst, scheming by Arabella's father, the snooping Syndicate, and an angry King all want to be rid of the Dark Lord. Will Arabella and Kazimir be able to defeat their enemies? Or will Arabella be forced to obey her father and the king?