In our first episode of 2026, Books Between Friends is diving into Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard—and we’re officially entering a world divided by blood. In this kickoff episode, we cover Red Queen Chapters 1–5, where we meet Mare Barrow, a girl living in a society split between Silvers with godlike powers and powerless Reds who exist to serve them. What starts as a familiar dystopian setup quickly turns into something… electrifying. We break down the worldbuilding, the rigid class system, and that shocking early reveal that changes everything. Plus, we discuss first impressions of Mare as a protagonist, the political implications already bubbling beneath the surface, and whether Red Queen feels more dystopian, fantasy, or something in between. Grab your bookmarks and join us as we begin our Red Queen journey—because this world wastes no time pulling you in.

Welcome to our final episode before the new year hits! When we talk about expansive world building, great magic systems, and complex and interesting characters, Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn series most definitely hits the mark from our catalog of 2025. Join us for this Greatest Hits episode as we dive into Sanderson's world of political intrigue, incredible heist plots, and a badass magic system found in Mistborn: The Final Empire.

This is our next installment of our greatest hits from 2025! What better way to nerd out with book friends than by discussing this dark urban, portal fantasy from V.E. Schwab. Come travel with us, book friends... As Travars!

Our next installment of our greatest hits from 2025 is here! One of our most popular discussions was over The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. Join us as we discuss Part 1 of this epic historical fiction!

Hi book friends-- As we mentioned in our previous episode, the three of us are taking a break during this holiday season to recharge and come back strong in 2026. Until that time, please enjoy some of what we are calling our "Greatest Hits of 2025!" These are the episodes that you, our book friends, have commented on and interacted with the most, so... we're bringing them back for an encore performance.  The three of us wish you and your families the happiest of holidays! See you all in 2026! -Jen, Stef, & Ethan In this concluding chapter of Onyx Storm, we come together one last time to reflect on the wild ride this fantasy sequel took us on. With drinks in hand and laughter flowing, we revisit the predictions and theories we made throughout the season—grading ourselves on just how right (or hilariously wrong) we were. From character fates and magical twists to secret identities and surprise alliances, no theory is off limits as we break down what actually unfolded versus what we thought would happen. The conversation then turns toward the future of the Empyrean series, as we offer bold new predictions and burning questions we hope the next book will answer. Finally, we each give our personal rating for Onyx Storm, reflecting on what worked, what left us speechless, and what we're still thinking about long after turning the final page. Whether you’ve read along or are catching up, this episode is the perfect way to close the chapter on a book club journey full of twists, dragons, and riders.

In our final episode of this season’s read, (and final episode of our first season), we conclude The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune, covering Chapter 16 through the Epilogue. This section brings emotional confrontations, powerful moments of truth, and the culmination of Linus’s transformation as he faces the consequences of his choices. We unpack the climax on the mainland, the heartwarming return to Marsyas Island, and the beautifully tender moments that tie the story together. Join us as we share our final thoughts on the book’s themes of compassion, found family, and choosing joy—and, of course, give our overall ratings and reviews. Cozy fantasy lovers, this episode is the perfect sendoff to one of the genre’s most uplifting stories.

In this episode of Books Between Friends, we explore chapters 11–15 of The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune—where the magic of Marsyas Island truly begins to deepen. Linus continues warming to the children (and vice versa), but his caseworker instincts clash with the growing sense that there’s more to this orphanage—and to Arthur Parnassus—than the files ever revealed. We break down the tender, funny, and unexpectedly emotional moments that shape these chapters, discuss character growth, and uncover the early sparks of the story’s larger mystery. From heartfelt conversations to small acts of courage, this section of the book reminds us why cozy fantasy hits so hard.

In this week’s episode of Books Between Friends, we continue our journey through The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune, diving into chapters 6–10. Linus Baker has finally arrived at the Marsyas Island Orphanage—and nothing is as expected. From the eccentric caretaker Arthur Parnassus to a group of magical children with secrets of their own, Linus’s rule-bound world begins to unravel in the most delightful way. We unpack our first impressions of the island, the heartwarming (and hilarious) moments with the children, and the early hints of deeper mysteries surrounding Arthur. Cozy fantasy, found family feels, and lots of laughter await as we sip our tea and talk about what’s really beyond the paperwork.

This episode, we’re diving into The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune — a heartwarming fantasy full of found family, whimsy, and compassion. In this first episode, we cover chapters 1–5, where we meet Linus Baker, a rule-loving caseworker for the Department In Charge of Magical Youth (DICOMY), and glimpse his orderly world before it’s turned upside down. Join us as we unpack Klune’s charming writing style, the mysterious world of magical children, and the quiet humor woven through Linus’s bureaucratic life. Stay tuned for our predictions about what lies beyond the sea! ✨ Perfect for fans of cozy fantasy, found family stories, and TJ Klune’s signature warmth.

We’ve arrived at the final chapter of our The Bewitching read-along, and this episode is all about reflection, revelation, and our honest thoughts. In this finale, we wrap up Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s haunting tale by discussing the conclusion of the story, how the mysteries unraveled, and whether the ending delivered on the atmosphere and tension built throughout the novel. We break down character arcs, thematic threads, and those final chilling moments—and for the first time this series, we’re sharing our personal ratings, reviews, and whether we’d recommend this book to fellow gothic fiction and witchcraft lovers. Was it spellbinding or did the enchantment fade? Grab your tea, your book, and settle in for one last conversation.

The tension is reaching a fever pitch in our penultimate discussion of The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. In this episode, we explore how the threads of memory, guilt, and obsession start to weave tightly together as the truth behind the haunting begins to take shape. Join us as we unravel Moreno-Garcia’s signature blend of psychological suspense, gothic atmosphere, and simmering witchcraft, and reflect on how each character’s choices are pulling them toward an inevitable reckoning. The shadows are lengthening, secrets are surfacing, and we can’t wait to dig into it all!

We’re back with Part 2 of our book club discussion on The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, covering up to Chapter 7 of the 1998 timeline. In this episode, we dive deeper into the unsettling energy pulsing beneath the surface of the story—where rumors, memory, and witchcraft begin to blur. Join us as we unpack the shifting character dynamics, discuss the growing tension between past and present, and explore how Moreno-Garcia masterfully layers folklore, fear, and quiet manipulation. If you love slow-burn gothic fiction with creeping dread, you're in the right place.

Welcome back to Books Between Friends! In this episode, we're kicking off our book club-style deep dive into The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. Join us as we explore the gothic atmosphere, eerie magic, and simmering tensions that set the stage in the opening chapters of this haunting novel. If you love witchy historical fiction, slow-burn suspense, and Moreno-Garcia’s signature blend of folklore and drama, this is the perfect place to start reading along with us. Whether you’re already a fan of Mexican Gothic, or you're discovering Silvia Moreno-Garcia for the first time, we’ll be talking first impressions, character dynamics, and all the deliciously unsettling vibes. Grab your copy, grab a cozy drink, and read along with us chapter by chapter!

The final chapters of Blood Over Bright Haven deliver everything we’ve been waiting for—emotional intensity, moral reckoning, and revelations that challenge everything we thought we knew about Tiran. As the truth comes to light, characters face impossible choices between ambition, love, and conscience, and the story’s haunting questions about knowledge and power come to a head. In this finale discussion, we explore the book’s deeper themes—truth vs. illusion, the cost of enlightenment, and what it really means to seek progress at any price. Whether you’ve finished reading or are simply curious about why Blood Over Bright Haven has captivated fantasy readers everywhere, join us for reflection, laughter, and a few stunned silences as we wrap up M.L. Wang’s unforgettable tale. Perfect for listeners who love: dark academia, morally gray fantasy, philosophical fiction, and in-depth book club discussions.

In this stretch of Blood Over Bright Haven, the stakes rise and the consequences of hidden truths begin to surface. Chapters 13–18 challenge characters in unexpected ways, as ambitions collide and long-held convictions are tested. Loyalties are blurred, choices carry heavier weight, and the fragile balance of Tiran feels more precarious than ever. We dive into the themes of power, morality, and identity while unpacking character growth and story tension—whether you’re reading along or just curious about what makes M.L. Wang’s latest fantasy so compelling, this episode offers insight, laughs, and plenty of bookish discussion to keep you hooked.

The journey into Blood Over Bright Haven continues as we dive into chapters 7–12. In this section, the world of Bright Haven expands with even more layers of intrigue, ambition, and the clash between knowledge and power. Core beliefs that once seemed unshakable begin to fracture, forcing characters to question themselves, their choices, and the society they live in. We unpack the themes, explore character dynamics, and share our reactions to the tension building beneath the surface. If you’re reading along, this is the perfect companion to deepen your experience. And if you’re just curious about M.L. Wang’s latest fantasy, join us to hear why this book has everyone talking. Tune in for thoughtful discussion, a few laughs, and plenty of bookish insight into one of the most anticipated fantasy releases of the year.

We’re diving into Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang, and the first six chapters are already giving us plenty to talk about. In this episode of Book Between Friends, we set the stage with our first impressions of Wang’s dark academia-inspired world—where magic, power, and politics collide in ways that feel both dazzling and dangerous. Join us as we unpack what drew us in, the atmosphere of the opening chapters, and the questions we’re already dying to have answered. Whether you’re a fan of M.L. Wang's previous work, like The Sword of Kaigen, or picking up this book for the first time, we’ll explore themes of ambition, morality, and the cost of knowledge in the coming episodes. If you’re ready for sharp banter, cozy book club vibes, and thoughtful discussion, this is the perfect place to start your journey into Blood Over Bright Haven.

We’ve reached the epic finale of Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn: The Final Empire! In this episode, we’re covering chapters 32 through the epilogue, exploring the thrilling conclusion to Vin’s journey, the crew’s daring mission, and the fate of the Final Empire itself. Join us as we share our thoughts on the action, the surprises, and the emotional moments that make this ending unforgettable. We’ll also reflect on the themes, characters, and questions that will stay with us long after the last page. 📚 Perfect for fans of fantasy books, Cosmere theories, epic worldbuilding, and book club-style discussions.

We’re back in the world of Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn with chapters 24–31—and things are getting intense. In this section, secrets begin to unravel, relationships are tested, and the stakes for the crew grow higher than ever. We talk about the twists and turns that kept us on edge, the deeper look into Allomancy’s potential, and the way Sanderson weaves tension into every scene. As always, expect plenty of theories, speculation, and book club banter as we edge closer to the finale of The Final Empire.

The plot thickens in Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn as we dive into chapters 16–23! In this section, the balance between politics, rebellion, and personal stakes begins to shift in big ways. We explore how the crew’s plans are coming together (...or falling apart), the growing tension between trust and betrayal, and the expanding rules of Allomancy that have us geeking out. These chapters are packed with strategy, character growth, and plenty of jaw-dropping moments we can’t wait to talk through. Whether you’re reading along for the first time or revisiting the series, join us as we unravel this next stretch of the Final Empire—full of theories, reactions, and book club banter.