To Be Read

The dystopian renaissance continues in part two of our dystopian book series. In this episode, we’re discussing Us Dark Few by Alexis Patton, Bones by K.L. Speer, and Daggermouth by H.M. Wolf. We dive into dystopian fiction, dark worldbuilding, oppressive systems, survival, rebellion, resistance, and the high-stakes tension that makes dystopian books so addictive. If you love dystopian books, speculative fiction, post-apocalyptic stories, book recommendations, and deep book discussions, this episode is for you. Tune in for more book podcast episodes, reading recommendations, and conversations about dystopian, fantasy, and speculative fiction.

⏱️ CHAPTERS⏱️

(00:00) Introduction and Dystopian Renaissance

(01:21) Us Dark Few by Alexis Patton

(14:08) Bones by K.L. Speer

(25:45) Daggermouth by HM Wolfe

(43:55) Wrap up and Next Books

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Dystopian books are back, and we are fully here for it. In part one of our dystopian books deep dive, we’re discussing To Cage a Wild Bird by Brook Fast, along with Conform and Beneath by Ariel Sullivan. We get into the dark worldbuilding, high-stakes survival, oppressive systems, rebellion, and the tension that makes dystopian fiction so addictive for readers. If you love dystopian books, speculative fiction, post-apocalyptic vibes, dangerous societies, and stories about resistance and control, this episode is for you.

In part two, we’ll continue the dystopian book spiral with Us Dark Few by Alexis Patton, Bones by K.L. Speer, and Daggermouth by H.M. Wolf. Follow for more book talk, book recommendations, reading deep dives, and genre conversations for fantasy, dystopian, and speculative fiction readers.

⏱️⏱️VIDEO CHAPTERS⏱️⏱️

(00:00) Introduction and Dystopian Renaissance

(02:47) To Cage a Wild Bird by Brooke Fast

(12:42) Conform by Ariel Sullivan

(29:16) Beneath by Ariel Sullivan

(43:55) Wrap up and Next Books

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CONNECT WITH US!⁠

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In this episode of To Be Read, Vanessa and Julie get deep into the weeds of their reading lives, from how they pick their next read to how they organize their lists and what makes a book-reading experience really work. But this conversation is also a bit of an intervention for the 5-star rating system, because frankly, it has lost the plot. Reading is too personal, too emotional, and too nuanced to fit neatly into one little number. So by the end of the episode, they share the custom ranking system they created instead, one that captures more of what a book actually made them feel, think, and experience.

Brief books mentioned (no spoilers):

ACOTAR by Sarah J. Maas

Red Rising by Pierce Brown

A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

A Shadow of the Gods by John Gwyn

Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Bones by K.L. Speer

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas

Heartless Hunter (Crimson Moth) by Kristen Ciccarelli

Jade City by Fonda Lee

A Feather so Black by Lyra Selene

Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

Don't Let the Forest In by C. G. Drews

Caravel by Stephanie Garber

Tres of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson

Stardust by Neil Gaiman

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

Alchemized by SenLinYu

Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb

Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole

Air Awakens by Elise Kova

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Greenlights by Matthew Mcconaghey 

Red City by Marie Lu 

We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Dennis E Taylor 

The Poet Empress by Shen Tao 

The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson 

Julie and Vanessa make their triumphant return to the podcasting world. After a year-long hiatus, they’re back to discuss where they’ve been and what they’ve been up to, and of course, what they’ve been reading. Join along for a recap of their favorite reads of 2025, they’re most anticipated reads of 2026, and what books they’ve read so far this year and loved. It’s a gab fest, and it’s a great time, and baby we are so back! 

As we wrap-up season one of the podcast we discuss our best lines in books. What hit us right in the feels? What was profound? What was the best declaration of love? We're all over the place and a little emo. Happy listening!

Books Mentioned:

Bridge of Clay by Marcus Zusak

Air Awakens by Elise Kova

The Red Rising Series by Pierce Brown

Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu

The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Glow of the Everflame by Penn Cole

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien

Manacled by SenLinYu

All the Young Dudes by MsKingBean89

and more!

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Happy Halloween Week!

This week's episode is all about our favorite villains. Are they handsome and morally grey? Crazy and completely unpredictable? Born evil? Some we absolutely detest, and some we can't help but love.

It's FINALLY HERE! The ACOTAR episode. Sit down and get comfy--its time to head to Prythian. Spoilers lay ahead for ACOTAR, Throne of Glass, and Crescent City.

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What's better? A duology? A trilogy? A series? A standalone? Join Julie and Vanessa as they discuss and analyze what makes a series good and what they prefer.

Book Series Discussed:

Shepherd King Duology by Rachel Gilig

Letters of Enchantment by Rebecca Ross

The Remnant Chronicles by Mary E. Pearson

Mistborn Series by Brandon Sanderson

The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson

Six of Crows Duology by Leigh Bardugo

The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen

and more

GUILTY PLEASURE: something, such as a movie, television program, or piece of music, that one enjoys despite feeling that it is not generally held in high regard.

Julie and Vanessa take on Guilty Pleasure reads this week. From Julie's days buried in little babies and kindle unlimited to Vanessa's recent taking on of the book series with too many novellas, Zodiac Academy. They discuss fanfiction, group chats, and loving what you love because you love it and that's all that matters. Enjoy!

Books Discussed:

The Windy City Series by Liz Tomforde

Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham

Kindle Unlimited authors: Judy Corry, Emma St. Clair, Emily Childs, Katie Bailey, Melanie Jacobson

and more

Find us on social media: Check us out on Instagram: @toberead.pod⁠ / toberead.pod ⁠Check us out on TikTok: @toberead.pod⁠ / toberead.pod ⁠Check us out on Youtube: ⁠@tobereadpodcast ⁠

This week Julie and Vanessa dive in to Rebecca Yarros' Empyrean Series. After doing a reread over the summer they have thoughts that need sharing.

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