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Shelf Centered Podcast wraps up Season 1 with a celebratory finale full of laughter and literary love. Together, we give out quirky book awards to the stories and moments that surprised, moved, and challenged us most this year. We also honor standout episodes, spotlighting the moments that made our season unforgettable. Expect playful banter, heartfelt reflections, and a few unexpected winners along the way. It’s the perfect send‑off to Season 1 and looking forward to so much more in Season 2.

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This week on Morningstar, we focus on the clash of rebellion and empire through games, sharp banter, and unforgettable twists. We break down the shocking turns that redefine the stakes of the story, while reflecting on the farewells to characters who shaped its heart. The episode balances intensity with moments of levity, keeping the spirit of resistance alive. From strategy to sacrifice, every segment captures the weight of revolution and the cost of change. By the end, listeners will feel both the gravity of loss and the exhilaration of triumph.

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Darrow’s revolution surges forward in Golden Son, the explosive second book of the Red Rising saga. Betrayal and shifting alliances test his resolve as he fights to dismantle the Golds’ iron grip. Fleet battles rage across the stars, echoing the chaos of rebellion and the cost of loyalty. Mustang’s choices and the Sovereign’s schemes force Darrow to confront the line between justice and vengeance. Every victory comes at a devastating price, pushing him deeper into the labyrinth of power. This episode unpacks the novel’s relentless pace, political intrigue, and the raw fury of a society on the brink.

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Buckle up, Howlers—this episode dives headfirst into the blood-soaked brilliance of Red Rising. We’re talking color-coded castes, Martian rebellion, and one very angry Helldiver with a bone to pick. Darrow’s journey from miner to myth gets the full treatment, with plenty of gasps, laughs, and “wait, what?!” moments along the way. We unpack the politics, the betrayals, and the sheer audacity of carving your way through a society built to crush you. Whether you're Gold-blooded or Red-hearted, there's something here for every reader.

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Follow the yellow brick road—but bring snacks, sass, and a broomstick—as we stir the cauldron of Wicked and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. This episode peels back the glittery curtain to reveal the morally gray land beneath. We unpack how Gregory Maguire turned a green-skinned villain into a misunderstood icon with better eyeliner than most heroes. Flying monkeys, political shade, and revolutionary antics that would make Glinda clutch her pearls. Whether you're here for literary analysis or just want to hear us roast a scarecrow, this one's got brains, heart, and a whole lot of nerve.

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Today we dove into Pride and Prejudice and Ibi Zoboi’s Pride, unpacking how language shapes identity, class, and love across centuries. Our language game spotlighted Austen’s formal wit versus Zuri’s poetic fire—two heroines, same backbone, different boroughs. We explored the romance arcs, from Darcy’s slow-burn humility to Darius’s Brooklyn swagger, and how both challenge pride to make room for vulnerability. Characters like Lizzy and Zuri sparked rich debate: are they resisting societal molds or rewriting them entirely? We also compared how family, culture, and neighborhood influence the way each story unfolds.

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This episode cracks open James, Percival Everett’s razor-sharp retelling of Huckleberry Finn. Told through Jim’s eyes, it’s a story of wit, survival, and subversion. Everett flips the script on race, language, and who gets to narrate freedom. We dig into how Jim uses code-switching and quiet rebellion to outsmart a brutal system. It’s satire with teeth, history with heart, and a river journey that cuts deeper than Twain ever dared. Tune in for a literary remix that refuses to stay silent.

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 We weren’t big fans of Children of Anguish and Anarchy, but we gave it a fair shot. In this episode, we break down the final installment’s tangled plot, heavy-handed themes, and emotional whiplash. Zélie’s journey is epic, but the pacing and payoff left us more puzzled than pumped. Still, there’s plenty to unpack—from magical politics to messy alliances. Tune in for a light critique with love for the world, if not the ending. 

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We’re cracking open Children of Virtue and Vengeance and stepping straight into the storm of Orïsha’s fractured magic and fractured morals. This episode pulls no punches as we confront the chaos, grief, and power struggles that define Zélie and Amari’s return. Expect heated debates over Amari’s leadership choices, Zélie’s unraveling, and a roster of side characters who test every ounce of our patience. We’re not here to coddle anyone. If your fav made a mess, we’re calling it out. From vengeance-fueled decisions to emotionally charged betrayals, this sequel gives us plenty to argue about. Buckle up, because the shade is flying and the receipts are ready.

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In this episode, we ride magical giant cats, dodge evil monarchs, and scream “Bring back the magic!” like it’s our job. Zélie’s got powers, trauma, and a whole lot of attitude—and we’re here for every dramatic hair flip and dagger stare. We unpack the plot, the heartbreak, and the tension. Also: Yoruba mythology, floating boats, and one very intense sibling dynamic. Tune in for chaos, commentary, and a magical breakdown of Tomi Adeyemi’s epic fantasy debut that may or may not involve yelling about fictional teenagers.

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