Whimsy, Spice, and Sometimes Nice

 ” To hate you, I’d have to care about you. And I don’t give one shit about you.” - Tory Vega, Ice Queen 

Welcome back to episode 10 of Whimsy, Spice, and Sometimes Nice, a spoiler-free, read-along romantasy podcast. Whether you're a first-time Solarian traveler or a greedy, slippery salmon back for seconds, you fit right in, bae.

Madeline (the fan-girling, fast-talking, certified yapper) has read the whole series. And incessantly bugged Josie (the calm, cool professional hater) to start Zodiac Academy.

Josie will be reading in real time with you. Providing initial reactions and predictions, while Madeline serves as the guide to help point you along in the right direction. 

This is a uniquely formatted bookish podcast because we wanted to create a space where you can join the conversation and get in on the action WITHOUT having to finish the book, series, or ENTIRE universe!!!! 

This week, we're covering chapters 24 through 37 of Ruthless Fae, book 2 of Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, where the twins face the reality of political ascent, wrath of pitball, and discover a new skill.

This weeks’ coverage will be split into two parts. Part 1 includes a deep-dive recap of chapters 24-28. Part 2 will cover chapters 29-37, world building, Prophecy Updates, and the Whimsy and Spice Report.

On this episode we discuss:

We want to hear your thoughts, feelings, opinions, and predictions!

Text or leave us a voicemail at (323)-612-8008 or email us at [email protected]. And of course, be sure to follow us on Instagram @whimsyspicepod for all the latest updates (and to be slightly entertained sometimes). And please, for the love of the stars, leave us a 5-star review. Xoxo, Madeline and Josie

 ” Then stop looking back, Lance” - Darcy “I AM FAE” Vega

Welcome back to episode 9 of Whimsy, Spice, and Sometimes Nice, a spoiler-free, read-along romantasy podcast. Whether you're a first-time Solarian traveler or a greedy, slippery salmon back for seconds, you fit right in, bae.

Madeline (the fan-girling, fast-talking, certified yapper) has read the whole series. And incessantly bugged Josie (the calm, cool professional hater) to start Zodiac Academy.

Josie will be reading in real time with you. Providing initial reactions and predictions, while Madeline serves as the guide to help point you along in the right direction. 

This is a uniquely formatted bookish podcast because we wanted to create a space where you can join the conversation and get in on the action WITHOUT having to finish the book, series, or ENTIRE universe!!!! 

This week, we're covering chapters 12 through 23 of Ruthless Fae, book 2 of Zodiac Academy, by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, where we’re on our vigilante shit (and drawing cat eyes strong enough to kill a man (fae…. Overgrown iguana)). 

On this episode we discuss:

We want to hear your thoughts, feelings, opinions, and predictions!

Text or leave us a voicemail at (323)-612-8008 or email us at [email protected]. And of course, be sure to follow us on Instagram @whimsyspicepod for all the latest updates (and to be slightly entertained sometimes). And please, for the love of the stars, leave us a 5-star review. Xoxo, Madeline and Josie

 ” What in the name of Santa sunbathing in a thong are you up to?” - The one and only Geraldine Gruss catching her majesties red handed and covered in dirt in the Wailing Wood.

Welcome back to episode 8 (PART 2 of Ruthless Fae Episode 1… confusing, we know) of Whimsy, Spice, and Sometimes Nice, a spoiler-free, read-along romantasy podcast. Whether you're a first-time Solarian traveler or a greedy, slippery salmon back for seconds, you fit right in, bae.

Madeline (the fan-girling, fast-talking, certified yapper) has read the whole series. And incessantly bugged Josie (the calm, cool professional hater) to start Zodiac Academy.

Josie will be reading in real time with you. Providing initial reactions and predictions, while Madeline serves as the guide to help point you along in the right direction. 

This is a uniquely formatted bookish podcast because we wanted to create a space where you can join the conversation and get in on the action WITHOUT having to finish the book, series, or ENTIRE universe!!!! 

This week, we're covering chapters 1 through 11 of Ruthless Fae, book 2 of Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, where we’re rising from the ashes of defeat, forged anew, and determined to claim our rightful place in Solaria.

We have increased the number of chapters we’re covering per week. This weeks’ coverage will be split into two parts. Part 1 includes a deep-dive recap of chapters 1-8. Part 2 will cover chapters 9-11, the Whimsy and Spice Report, Prophecy Updates, and world building.

On this episode we discuss:

We want to hear your thoughts, feelings, opinions, and predictions!

Text or leave us a voicemail at (323)-612-8008 or email us at [email protected]. And of course, be sure to follow us on Instagram @whimsyspicepod for all the latest updates (and to be slightly entertained sometimes). And please, for the love of the stars, leave us a 5-star review. Xoxo, Madeline and Josie

 ” Do you think I enjoyed doing that? Do you think I want to be terrorizing people and preying on their worst fears? You think I don't realize what that makes me? Who that makes me," snarls the King of Dark and Dangerous himself, Darius Acrux.

Welcome back to episode 7 of Whimsy, Spice, and Sometimes Nice, a spoiler-free, read-along romantasy podcast. Whether you're a first-time Solarian traveler or a greedy, slippery salmon back for seconds, you fit right in, bae.

Madeline (the fan-girling, fast-talking, certified yapper) has read the whole series. And incessantly bugged Josie (the calm, cool professional hater) to start Zodiac Academy.

Josie will be reading in real time with you. Providing initial reactions and predictions, while Madeline serves as the guide to help point you along in the right direction. 

This is a uniquely formatted bookish podcast because we wanted to create a space where you can join the conversation and get in on the action WITHOUT having to finish the book, series, or ENTIRE universe!!!! 

This week, we're covering chapters 1 through 11 of Ruthless Fae, book 2 of Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, where we’re rising from the ashes of defeat, forged anew, and determined to claim our rightful place in Solaria.

We have increased the number of chapters we’re covering per week. This week’s coverage will be split into two parts. Part 1 includes a deep-dive recap of chapters 1-8. Part 2 will cover chapters 9-11, the Whimsy and Spice Report, Prophecy Updates, and World Building.

On this episode we discuss:

We want to hear your thoughts, feelings, opinions, and predictions!

Text or leave us a voicemail at (323)-612-8008 or email us at [email protected]. And of course, be sure to follow us on Instagram @whimsyspicepod for all the latest updates (and to be slightly entertained sometimes). And please, for the love of the stars, leave us a 5-star review. Xoxo, Madeline and Josie

"Well bless my cream crackers!” -Geraldine Grus, President of A.S.S. Club, #1 supporter of the QUEEEEEENS and whimsical wordsmith of the century.

Welcome back to episode 6 of Whimsy, Spice, and Sometimes Nice, a spoiler-free, read-along romantasy podcast. Whether you're a first-time Solarian traveler or a greedy, slippery salmon back for seconds, you fit right in, bae.

Madeline (the fan-girling, fast-talking, certified yapper) has read the whole series. And incessantly bugged Josie (the calm, cool professional hater) to start Zodiac Academy.

Josie will be reading in real time with you. Providing initial reactions and predictions, while Madeline serves as the guide to help point you along in the right direction. 

This is a uniquely formatted bookish podcast because we wanted to create a space where you can join the conversation and get in on the action WITHOUT having to finish the book, series, or ENTIRE universe!!!! 

This week we're reviewing The Awakening, book 1 of Zodiac Academy, by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti. This episode covers the entire book, but is spoiler-free for the series. For chapter-by-chapter recaps, check out episodes 1 through 5. 

This week we discuss:

- Zodiac Academy’s origin, Caroline and Susanne’s writing process and how they split up writing the characters

- Listener thoughts and feelings about the series, including why it’s their favorite of all time, despite less-than-perfect writing

- Tropes and major themes of The Awakening

- Brief recap of the book by Josie Rae

- Favorite moments and standout scenes

- Important information to remember for the rest of the series

- Detention or Fornication, the game where you send characters to detention or your bedroom with no explanation

- Sneak-peak at our ultimate reading and vibe guide to get the most out of your Zodiac Academy experience and always know who’s who and what’s what

Huge shoutout to our Bookstagram friends for sharing their love of Zodiac Academy with us! Follow @living.in.afantasy for aesthetic fantasy book reviews and @alinamariesa for hilarious bookish skits and memes, plus an awesome reading order guide for the series!

We want to hear your thoughts, feelings, opinions, and predictions!

Text or leave us a voicemail at (323)-612-8008 or email us at [email protected]. And of course, be sure to follow us on Instagram @whimsyspicepod for all the latest updates (and to be slightly entertained sometimes). And please, for the love of the stars, leave us a 5-star review. Xoxo, Madeline and Josie

 ”I'd never felt so low. Like the wind had ripped holes in the sails of my life and wrecked them in the water. But I would fix them, and I'd rise again. Just not today.” thinks Darcy Vega after facing betrayal and public humiliation from a dumb boy for the second time in her life. 

Welcome back to episode 5 of Whimsy, Spice, and Sometimes Nice, a spoiler-free, read-along romantasy podcast. Whether you're a first-time Solarian traveler or a greedy, slippery salmon back for seconds, you fit right in, bae.

Madeline (the fan-girling, fast-talking, certified yapper) has read the whole series. And incessantly bugged Josie (the calm, cool professional hater) to start Zodiac Academy.

Josie will be reading in real time with you. Providing initial reactions and predictions, while Madeline serves as the guide to help point you along in the right direction. 

This is a uniquely formatted bookish podcast because we wanted to create a space where you can join the conversation and get in on the action WITHOUT having to finish the book, series, or ENTIRE universe!!!! 

This week, we're covering chapters 21 through 26 of The Awakening, book 1 of Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, where we have finally reached the climax of the book (but NOT the fun kind 🙁) and end with with the twins’ beatin’ down and licking their wounds.

This week we discuss:

- Falling Star reveal (and speedy departure)

- New information on the Savage King’s impact and legacy

- Why FMC’s are so frequently teenagers with undeveloped PFCs (pre-frontal cortex)

- Seth’s betrayal that has us seeing double

- Tory’s experience in her worst (16 ft) nightmare

- Professor Orion’s rescue and questionable intentions

- Recap of what we know of the political situation in Solaria for the past 18 years

We want to hear your thoughts, feelings, opinions, and predictions!

Text or leave us a voicemail at (323)-612-8008 or email us at [email protected]. And of course, be sure to follow us on Instagram @whimsyspicepod for all the latest updates (and to be slightly entertained sometimes). And please, for the love of the stars, leave us a 5-star review. Xoxo, Madeline and Josie

"Fae take what they want...so if you want me to do something for you, then you're going to have to force me," growls our pirate cosplaying asshole Acrux.

And if that doesn't set the tone for this week's review, we don't know what else will. 

Welcome back to episode 4 of Whimsy, Spice, and Sometimes Nice, a spoiler-free, read-along romantasy podcast. Whether you're a first-time Solarian traveler or a greedy, slippery salmon back for seconds, you fit right in, bae.

Madeline (the fan-girling, fast-talking, certified yapper) has read the whole series. And incessantly bugged Josie (the calm, cool professional hater) to start Zodiac Academy.

Josie will be reading in real time with you. Providing initial reactions and predictions, while Madeline serves as the guide to help point you along in the right direction. 

This is a uniquely formatted bookish podcast because we wanted to create a space where you can join the conversation and get in on the action WITHOUT having to finish the book, series, or ENTIRE universe!!!! 

This week, we're covering chapters 16 through 20 of The Awakening, book 1 of Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, where we have officially entered spooky, chaos territory (like in a dark alley behind a bar with rattling strangers.... yikes!)

This week we discuss:

- The twins' back alley encounter with a total creep

- The President of A.S.S. Club's close call with death and her suspicious savior

- A sexy-as-hell black motorbike at the scene of the crime

- An official accusation with a certain professor in the street with stabby fangs (and distracting happy trail)

- Order enhancement with the Sirens

- Mean girls revenge 

- Flirty festivities between Tory and 2 sexy-as-hell, but totally-off-limits celestial heirs 

- Recap on all currently known orders and how they recharge their magic

We want to hear your thoughts, feelings, opinions, and predictions!

Text or leave us a voicemail at (323)-612-8008 or email us at [email protected]. And of course, be sure to follow us on Instagram @whimsyspicepod for all the latest updates (and to be slightly entertained sometimes). And please, for the love of the stars, leave us a 5-star review. Xoxo, Madeline and Josie

YOU ARE NOT UNIQUE, signed Professor Sexy Forearms Orion. 

Welcome back to episode 3 of Whimsy, Spice, and Sometimes Nice, a spoiler-free, read-along romantasy podcast. Whether you're a first-time Solarian traveler or a greedy, slippery salmon back for seconds, you fit right in, bae.

Madeline (the fan-girling, fast-talking, certified yapper) has read the whole series. And incessantly bugged Josie (the calm, cool professional hater) to start Zodiac Academy.

Josie will be reading in real time with you. Providing initial reactions and predictions, while Madeline serves as the guide to help point you along in the right direction. 

This is a uniquely formatted bookish podcast because we wanted to create a space where you can join the conversation and get in on the action WITHOUT having to finish the book, series, or ENTIRE universe!!!! 

This week, we're covering chapters 11 through 15 of The Awakening, book 1 of Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, where we have officially made eavesdropping our #1 hobby (besides coercion practice).

This week we discuss:

- Order enhancement class with the wolf pack

- Overhearing the heirs' secret hangout in the woods

- An ominous conversation between a certain professor and moody heir

- More information from the mysterious Falling Star

- Our first Earth Elemental class with a heart-pounding side quest

- The twins' first night off campus 

- Geraldine's Vine Personality

We want to hear your thoughts, feelings, opinions, and predictions!

Text or leave us a voicemail at (323)-612-8008 or email us at [email protected]. And of course, be sure to follow us on Instagram @whimsyspicepod for all the latest updates (and to be slightly entertained sometimes). And please, for the love of the stars, leave us a 5 star review. Xoxo, Madeline and Josie

You DO NOT have a place at Zodiac Academy, signed Professor Hot-As-Shit Orion. 

Welcome back to episode 2 of Whimsy, Spice, and Sometimes Nice, a spoiler-free, read-along romantasy podcast. Whether you're a first-time Solarian traveler or a greedy, slippery salmon back for seconds, you fit right in, bae.

Madeline (the fan-girling, fast-talking, certified yapper) has read the whole series. And incessantly bugged Josie (the calm, cool professional hater) to start Zodiac Academy.

Josie will be reading in real time with you. Providing initial reactions and predictions, while Madeline serves as the guide to help point you along in the right direction. 

This week, we're covering chapters 6 through 10 of The Awakening, book 1 of Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, where things are escalating quickly for our dear Gemini twins.

This week we discuss:

- Tory's Ignis House initiation and humiliation and eventual revenge side quest

- Introduction to Cardinal Magic, including order types

- A mysterious messenger, friend or foe?

- Encounter with a bog monster and the power of four with the Celestial Heirs

- Say hello to the A.S.S. Club

- Our first water element class and bump into creepy Professor Washer

- Role of power in the social hierarchy in Solaria

We want to hear your thoughts, feelings, opinions, and predictions!

Text or leave us a voicemail at (323)-612-8008 or email us at [email protected]. And of course, be sure to follow us on Instagram @whimsyspicepod for all the latest updates (and to be slightly entertained sometimes). And please, for the love of the stars, leave us a 5 star review. Xoxo, Madeline and Josie

You've seen the INSANE book stacks. Heard about the relentless emotional damage. Perhaps some complaining about the writing quality or length. 

You aren't sure if you really want to dip your toes into Solaria... because like, what if you get stuck and never get out?! (Honestly, it's a valid concern *cough cough*)

But one thing you know for sure.... people are OBSESSED with Zodiac Academy. And we're no different. 

Whether you're a first-time Solarian traveler or a greedy, slippery salmon back for seconds, you fit right in. 

Madeline (the fan-girling, fast-talking, certified yapper) has read the whole series. And incessantly bugged Josie (the calm, cool professional hater) to start Zodiac Academy.

Josie will be reading in real time with you. Providing initial reactions and predictions, while Madeline serves as the guide to help point you along in the right direction. 

This is a uniquely formatted bookish podcast because we wanted to create a space where you can join the conversation and get in on the action WITHOUT having to finish the book, series, or ENTIRE universe!!!! 

Each week, we'll cover a reasonable set of chapters, discuss important details like character lore, the magic system, and various world-building elements. As well as a special Whimsy and Spice report.

For our first (official) episode ever, we cover chapters 1 through 5 of The Awakening, book 1 of Zodiac Academy. We share a few personal stories like how our mutual love of fantasy, childhood games, and mental health shaped our lives, then dig right into this week's portion of the book.

This week we discuss:

- Introduction to meeting the Gemini twins, Darcy and Tory Vega

- Their shocking reveal and arrival at the magical academy 

- Elemental awakening ceremony 

- Brief "hello" to the Celestial Heirs

- Darcy's initiation into House Aer

We want to hear your thoughts, feelings, opinions, and predictions! Leave us a voicemail at (323)-612-8008 or email us at [email protected]. And of course be sure to follow us on Instagram @whimsyspicepod for all the latest updates (and to be slightly entertained sometimes). And please, for the love of the stars, leave us a 5 star review. Xoxo, Madeline and Josie