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Paperback Ponderings

Paperback Ponderings is your source for all things fantasy book related. Follow along with us while we discuss theories and breakdowns for current reads, trending books, and old favourites. We’ll be releasing weekly episodes talking about new upcoming releases, familiar tropes, and our most loved, hated and everything in between reads.

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All Episodes

01:09:35

Interview with Ellis Hunter (Blood Bound)

Paperback Ponderings ·

2026/10/01

This week, Sarah and Kyla are joined by Katie and Becky of the Ellis Hunter duo to talk about their debut romantasy novel, Blood Bound. Tune in to hear about how they collaborate and divide the writing between them, how they subverted so many loved romantasy tropes and turned them into something fresh and unique, and what we can expect from the next book in the series! NOTE: This episode contains full spoilers for Blood Bound.

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00:45:20

Interview with Shalini Abeysekara (This Blade of Ours)

Paperback Ponderings ·

2026/09/24

This week, Sarah and Kyla sit down with Shalini Abeysekara to talk about her recent release, This Blade of Ours! Tune in to hear about the challenges of writing a sequel, what makes a good villain, and the real world influences on the fight for justice and feminist struggles explored in the book. Note: We recommend having read the first book, This Monster of Mine, before listening as the discussion focuses on book two. We do have another interview with Shalini about book one that you can start with

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00:40:43

Books We Loved This Summer

Paperback Ponderings ·

2026/09/17

This week, Sarah and Kyla are chatting about the books they enjoyed this summer, from fantasy and sci-fi to romance and literary fiction! This episode is spoiler free.[00:38] Silo series[04:22] Our Perfect Storm[11:00] The Tainted Cup[15:12] American King[21:18] A Forsaken Prophecy[26:04] Yesteryear[30:53] Assassin’s Quest[35:40] Ship of Magic

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00:56:35

Interview with Morgan Elizabeth (Meet Cute Magic)

Paperback Ponderings ·

2026/09/10

This week, Sarah and Kyla are joined by Morgan Elizabeth to chat about her newly released witchy romcom, Meet Cute Magic. Tune in to hear about Morgan's journey from indie to traditional publishing, which character was her favourite to write, and what we can expect from the next book in the Heartwood Hollow series! Note: We do discuss specific moments from the book but there are no major plot spoilers.

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00:50:03

Fantasy Release Radar: Fall 2026 (Part 2)

Paperback Ponderings ·

2026/09/03

In Part 2 of the Fall Release Radar, Sarah and Kyla are going over all the major fantasy and romantasy book releases coming out between October and December of 2026. Tune in for a short description of each book, and whether or not the girls plan on reading it![00:55] Victorious[03:31] The Stolen Crown[07:59] Under the Iron Sky[11:25] With Hearts of Flame [15:27] Our Dark Incantations[19:46] A Court of Splintered Harmony[28:51] The Wolves of War [32:23] Defy the Dusk[35:16] This Wretched

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00:54:53

Fantasy Release Radar: Fall 2026 (Part 1)

Paperback Ponderings ·

2026/08/27

Sarah and Kyla are back from summer vacation and going over all the major fantasy, romantasy, and even scifi book releases coming out this September! This episode is Part 1 of their Fall Release Radar, so look out for Part 2 coming next week. Tune in to hear a short description of each book, along with whether the girls plan on reading it! [00:54] Scion[05:31] The Knave and the Moon[09:48] Rider of Dragons[12:10] Burn of the Everflame[17:31] Tempest[21:27] Turncloak[25:35] Dead Beat[30:16]

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00:35:07

Mid-Year Favourite Books

Paperback Ponderings ·

2026/06/25

This week, Sarah and Kyla are sharing each of their top 5 favourite books of 2026 so far! [02:11] Sarah’s 5th Place: The Glass Hotel[07:00] Kyla’s 5th Place: The Endless War [09:27] Sarah’s 4th Place: Blood Bound [11:57] Kyla’s 4th Place: Wool (Silo series)[16:11] Sarah’s 3rd Place: The Island of Sea Women[19:50] Kyla’s 3rd Place: The Gate of the Feral Gods[23:47] Sarah’s 2nd Place: Rose in Chains[26:02] Kyla’s 2nd Place: Royal Assassin[28:22] 1st Place: Red Rising series

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00:45:54

Fantasy Release Radar: Summer 2026

Paperback Ponderings ·

2026/06/18

This week, Sarah and Kyla are going over all the major romantasy book releases coming out this summer! Tune in to hear what each book is about (spoiler-free) and whether or not they plan on reading it. [00:44] The Exquisite Torment of Loving Your Enemy[04:37] In the Wake of the Ruined [09:26] A Forsaken Prophecy[13:01] Prince of Swords[19:00] Spellcast[21:17] The Lion and the Deathless Dark[28:39] Adversary to the Villain[33:27] Eyes of Kings[37:47] Steelborn[41:06] Immortal Rose

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00:42:55

May Book Club: Blood Bound

Paperback Ponderings ·

2026/06/11

This week, Sarah and Kyla are discussing their May book club pick, Blood Bound by Ellis Hunter. Tune in to hear their take on the trope reverse plot twists, their theories for book two, and more! The first 15 minutes of this episode are spoiler-free and you'll get a heads up before the spoilers start.

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00:42:44

Books We Loved in May

Paperback Ponderings ·

2026/06/04

This week, Sarah and Kyla are chatting about all the books they read in May, with a short synopsis of each along with their spoiler-free thoughts. Tune in to hear about Kyla's unexpected new obsession and the popular new release that disappointed her, as well as a new favourite historical fiction read for Sarah, and more! [00:38] Fury Bound[07:19] The Glass Hotel[15:45] The Well of Ascension[21:20] The Island of Sea Women[27:08] The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook[32:25] That Time I Got Drunk and

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00:43:34

Morning Star

Paperback Ponderings ·

2026/05/29

This week, Sarah and Kyla discuss Morning Star, the third book in the Red Rising series by Pierce Brown. Tune in to hear their thoughts on Darrow’s humbling moment, Sevro and Victra’s unconventional relationship, the redemption arc (or not) of a few major characters, and more!This episode contains full spoilers for the first three books in the Red Rising series.

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01:03:14

Interview with Pascale Lacelle (Curious Tides,...

Paperback Ponderings ·

2026/05/21

This week, Sarah and Kyla sit down with Pascale Lacelle to chat about her Drowned Gods trilogy which was recently completed with the release of Infinite Shores! Tune in to hear about how she adapted the series from a duology into a trilogy, what went into building such a complex world and magic system, and what lunar house and tidal alignment she would choose for herself. She also tells us what we can expect from her next book and whether or not she would revisit the world of the Drowned Gods

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00:53:19

April Book Club: The Everlasting (with @litwithlesia)

Paperback Ponderings ·

2026/05/14

This week, Sarah and Kyla are joined by Lesia from @litwithlesia on bookstagram to talk about April's book club pick, The Everlasting by Alix E Harrow. Tune in for a full discussion on the books major themes, like bravery vs cowardice, reversed gender norms, and the purpose of stories, along with an exploration of the everlasting love story of Una and Owen, and more![19:52] Spoilers start

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00:42:10

Books We Loved in April

Paperback Ponderings ·

2026/05/07

This week, Sarah and Kyla are chatting about all the books they read and loved in April. Tune in to hear about a brand new dark academia release, the two series they're currently obsessed with, and more! This episode is spoiler-free. [01:08] Royal Assassin[08:12] Morning Star[16:15] An Arcane Study of Stars[23:18] Stranger Skies & Infinite Shores[29:02] The Hobbit[36:12] The Sun Blessed Prince

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01:04:49

Interview with Lindsey Byrd (The Sun Blessed Prince &...

Paperback Ponderings ·

2026/04/30

This week, Sarah and Kyla sit down with Lindsey Byrd to chat about her queer political fantasy book, The Sun Blessed Prince, and its newly released sequel, The Moon Blessed King! Tune in to hear about how the pandemic and the question of what it would be like if nurses could heal with a single touch inspired the story, along with the real-world location that influenced the story's physical setting. Lindsey also discusses her favourite character in the story, and why the less likeable characters

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00:54:51

Golden Son

Paperback Ponderings ·

2026/04/23

This week, Sarah and Kyla are discussing Golden Son, the second book in the Red Rising series by Pierce Brown. Tune in for a full spoilery discussion of all the major plot points and character arcs in this crazy ride of a book, along with some theories for what's to come!

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01:04:55

Interview with Juliette Cross (Firebird & Bloodsinger)

Paperback Ponderings ·

2026/04/16

This week, Sarah and Kyla sit down with Juliette Cross to discuss her Roman-inspired, dragon shifter romantasy book, Firebird, and its newly released sequel, Bloodsinger! Tune in to hear about Juliette’s research into Ancient Rome and the myths she incorporated into the story. We also talk about the story’s exploration of oppression and female empowerment, along with which of the two magical abilities and male leads Juliette would choose for herself if she could. She also shares advice for new

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00:56:37

Assassin's Apprentice (With Spells From the Shelf...

Paperback Ponderings ·

2026/04/09

This week, Sarah and Kyla team up with Ammie and Paul from Spells From the Shelf Podcast to discuss Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb, the first book in the iconic Farseer trilogy! The first section of the episode is spoiler-free.

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00:56:52

Books We Loved in March

Paperback Ponderings ·

2026/04/02

This week, Sarah and Kyla are chatting about all the books they read and loved in March. Tune in for a spoiler-free synopsis of each book, along with their general thoughts and ratings, and if they recommend it![01:18] Vows & Ruins[07:17] Rose in Chains[16:12] Firebird & Bloodsinger [20:06] Tough Guy[25:20] The Witch Collector [31:42] Julie Chan is Dead[37:42] Golden Son[42:19] Assassin’s Apprentice[52:17] The Princess Knight

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00:57:25

Fantasy Release Radar: Spring 2026

Paperback Ponderings ·

2026/03/26

This week, Sarah and Kyla are giving you a rundown of all the major fantasy book releases coming out from April to June of 2026. Tune in for a list in order of release date, a short spoiler-free synopsis of each book, and whether or not the girls plan on reading it![01:23] Infinite Shores[06:17] Rites of the Starling[09:59] Bloodsinger[13:31] The Tempest Blade[16:48] Blood Bound[20:06] An Arcane Study of Stars[24:53] Fury Bound[28:13] Verity Guild[33:02] The Tapestry of Fate[35:42] Broken

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145 results

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