Book Dragon Banter

Book Dragon Ink
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🐉 Welcome to Book Dragon Banter!We're three aspiring authors: Sage, Katherine, and Zinzi Bree. Diving into the world of books, one chaotic conversation at a time. Expect bookish deep-dives, trope talk, spicy opinions, and unfiltered banter. While fantasy is our first love, we’re not genre-exclusive, if it’s on a page, it’s on the table. 🐲 Join the #BookDragonBanter crew and get comfy! It's about to get nerdy. New episodes every other Tuesday!

  1. 2D AGO

    Delving into Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger - Book Club Deep Dive

    Book Dragon Banter: Elatsoe by Darcy Little Badger - A YA Fantasy Murder Mystery Review Join us for this exciting book club episode where we dive into 'Elatsoe' by Darcy Little Badger. If you love young adult books with strong protagonists, magical elements, and mystery, this is a must-watch! We discuss the book's mythology, handling of themes like representation and diversity, and how it masterfully combines folklore with a modern setting. Listen in to our thoughts on the plot twists, character arcs, and why we think this debut novel received such high praise. Don't miss our conversation on what makes this book a unique and compelling read! BDB Fable Fantasy Focused Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy-with-zinzi-bree-271215645134?referralID=f9KdWh3wtd Book Club: Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger Author Site: https://darcielittlebadger.com/books-and-stories/#elatsoe February’s Book: How to Find a Nameless Fae by A.J. Lancaster Author Site: https://ajlancaster.com/books/other-projects/how-to-find-a-nameless-fae/ Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter  TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/ Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/ Katherine: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ Write With Me, Zinzi Bree - Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack.com/ Book Dragon Ink Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats 00:00 Introduction to the Book Club 00:07 Why You'll Love Elatsoe 01:00 Representation and Romance in Elatsoe 01:35 Personal Reading Experiences 02:36 Meet the Hosts 03:10 Book Club Logistics 03:39 Pronunciation and Symbolism of Elatsoe 04:36 Why We Chose Elatsoe 05:28 Accolades and Initial Impressions 06:27 Unique Elements of Elatsoe's World 11:54 Positive Representation and Family Dynamics 22:58 Support and Grief: Navigating Loss 25:08 Healthy Relationships and Character Arcs 26:39 Cultural Beliefs and Ghosts 28:37 Foreshadowing and Plot Twists 32:48 Power Dynamics and Racism 40:48 Empathy Through Storytelling 46:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Get in touch with us!

    47 min

  2. JAN 20

    New Year Part 2: Reflections on Writing and Plans for 2026...

    Book Dragon Banter: Podcast Behind the Scenes & Future Writing Goals In this episode of Book Dragon Banter, Zinzi Bree, Sage, and Katherine talk about their experiences and goals for the future of the podcast. We discuss the upcoming end of our first season, initial trials, and plans for season two, including a new fantasy series deep dive, book club accessibility on Fable, potential guests, and possible format changes. We also share personal writing goals, favorite reads, and insights into our unique writing processes. Join us as we reflect on the past year and look ahead to an exciting future! Find the Downloadable Reading Challenges here: Book Dragon Banter Substack - https://bookdragonbanter.substack.com/ BDB Fable Fantasy Focused Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy-with-zinzi-bree-271215645134?referralID=f9KdWh3wtd Book Club: Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger Author Site: https://darcielittlebadger.com/books-and-stories/#elatsoe Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter  TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/ Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/ Katherine: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ Write With Me, Zinzi Bree, Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack.com/ Book Dragon Ink Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats Books Mentioned: Hellbent by Leigh Bardugo One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig The Dreamer Trilogy By Maggie Stiefvater The Raven Boys Trilogy by Maggie Stiefvater Violet Thistlewaite is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Theme 01:33 Podcast Goals and Future Plans 02:10 Book Club and Series Deep Dive 04:02 Guest Appearances and Episode Frequency 06:34 Writing Inspirations and Favorite Books 15:34 Writing Goals and Challenges 19:20 Writing Goals and Obsessions 20:09 Postponing the Book and New Inspirations 22:59 Writing Process and Self-Criticism 28:24 Book Challenges for 2026 34:16 Fable Book Club and Writing Retreats 36:28 Bloopers and Fun Moments Get in touch with us!

    39 min

  3. JAN 6

    New Year Part 1: New Reading Challenges!

    Reflecting on the Past Year & Setting New Reading Goals With this New Year's episode of Book Dragon Banter, we dive into reflections on the past year, discuss our favorite fantasy reads, and set new reading goals for 2026. Join us as we explore personal traditions, like picking a 'word of the year,' and share how these practices have impacted our lives and writing journeys. We'll also reveal our exciting book challenges for 2026, chat about books that have deeply moved us, and provide some great reading recommendations.  Stay tuned for more interactive opportunities with our book club on Fable. Happy New Year, and welcome to 2026! Find the Downloadable Reading Challenges here: Book Dragon Banter Substack - https://bookdragonbanter.substack.com/ BDB Fable Diverse Fantasy Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy-with-zinzi-bree-271215645134?referralID=f9KdWh3wtd Book Club: Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter  TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/ Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/ Katherine: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ Write With Me, Zinzi Bree, Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack.com/ Book Dragon Ink Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats Books Mentioned: The Sword of Kaigen by M. L. Wang Hazelthorn by C. G. Drews A Study in Charlotte Series by Brittnay Cavallaro Jackaby Series by William Ritter Don’t Let the Forest In by C. G. Drews Morning Glory Milking Farm by C. M. Nascosta Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede Beware of Chicken by Causualfarmer Mother of Learning Series by Domagoj Kurmaić The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst The Leveling Up Series by K. F. Breene For She is Wrath by Emily Varga The Last Dragon of the East by Katrina Kwan The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang 00:00 Reflecting on a Year of Change 00:32 Welcome to Book Dragon Banter 01:04 New Year's Traditions and Reflections 02:09 Choosing a Word for the Year 03:27 Empowerment and Momentum 07:11 Books That Made an Impact 10:07 Favorite Reads and Recommendations 22:16 The Joy of Book Clubs 24:36 Discovering New Reads and Balancing Genres 25:26 Reading Goals and Achievements 26:03 The Struggle with DNF (Did Not Finish) 28:04 Setting New Reading Goals for 2026 29:07 Tracking Reading Progress and Reviews 38:59 Book Challenges and Personal Goals 48:47 Upcoming Book Club Reads and Community Engagement Get in touch with us!

    53 min

  4. 12/10/2025

    A Christmas Carol Unwrapped: Themes, Adaptations, and Traditions

    A Christmas Carol Unwrapped: Themes, Adaptations, and Traditions | Book Dragon Banter In this special Christmas episode of Book Dragon Banter, hosts Sage, Katherine, and Zinzi Bree dive into the timeless classic 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens. We discuss Dickens' storytelling techniques, the book's impact on modern Christmas traditions, and share personal experiences and adaptations of the story. Alongside, we embrace cozy holiday reading traditions like jolabokaflod and share some other festive reads. Join us for a Christmas literary journey and some light-hearted holiday banter. Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter  TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/ Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/ Katherine: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ Write With Me, Zinzi Bree, email: bookdragonbanterpod@gmail.com Book Dragon Ink Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats Recommended Holiday Reads list: Topher’s Library: Holiday Reads You’ll Love https://youtu.be/mPaM9HPMyKw?si=eI12HGGzDN2hr_ga Other Books Mentioned: Good Spirits by B.K. Borison A Hunt so Wild and Cruel: A Fae Christmas Carol Retelling by Rebecca F. Kenney 00:00 Introduction to Book Dragon Banter 00:32 Christmas Episode Vibes 01:09 Discussing 'A Christmas Carol' 04:46 Personal Reflections on Christmas 10:41 Favorite Adaptations of 'A Christmas Carol' 16:54 Surprises and Insights 28:43 Scrooge's Transformation 29:40 The Timelessness of A Christmas Carol 31:06 Religious and Moral Themes 34:16 Dickens' Writing Process 36:16 The Narrator's Voice 39:29 Scrooge's Character Development 49:38 The Spirit of Generosity 51:49 Cozy Christmas Traditions 54:17 Book Recommendations for the Holidays Get in touch with us!

    57 min

  5. 11/25/2025

    Hidden Strengths: Examining Characters in The Sword of Kaigen by M. L. Wang

    Hidden Strengths: A Deep Dive into 'The Sword of Kaigen' | Book Dragon Banter In this emotional episode of the Book Dragon Banter podcast, hosts Zinzi Bree, Sage Moreaux, and Katherine Suzette dive into 'The Sword of Kaigen' by M.L. Wang. Join us as we discuss how M.L. Wang expertly crafted this heart-wrenching, Japanese-influenced fantasy that tore at our hearts. We explore the richly detailed world-building, compelling character arcs, and intense scenes that made this book unforgettable. From the touching mother-son relationship to the deep female friendships, we break down every aspect that makes this a must-read. Was there a moment when you needed tissues? We certainly did. Let's talk about it! The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang https://mlwangbooks.com/ Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter  TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/ Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/ Katherine: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ For Write with me— Zinzi Bree, email: bookdragonbanterpod@gmail.com Book Dragon Ink Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats 00:00 Introduction and Hosts 00:09 Book of the Month: The Sword of Kaigen 01:08 Cultural and Publishing Insights 01:57 Author Background: M. L. Wang 02:48 Audiobook vs. Ebook Differences 05:16 Spoiler-Free Recommendations 08:11 Content Warnings and Explicit Themes 09:18 Spoiler Discussion Begins 10:38 Character Arcs and Development 16:00 Narrative Structure and Cultural Context 25:20 Character Arc Critique 25:53 Empathy for Maki's Struggle 27:47 Misaki's Love Interests 29:35 Friendships and Female Bonds 30:53 Hyori's Heartbreaking Story 32:55 Mamoru's Disillusionment 36:24 Misaki's Realization and Growth 52:57 World Building and Magic System 58:41 Final Thoughts and Recommendations Get in touch with us!

    1h 3m

  6. 11/11/2025

    Male Main Characters in Fantasy: From Aragorn to Shadow Daddies

    Male Main Characters in Fantasy: From Aragorn to Shadow Daddies Welcome back to Book Dragon Banter! Join us, Zinzi Bree, Sage Moreaux, and Katherine Suzette as we dive into our favorite male main characters in fantasy. This episode focuses heavily on archetypes such as heroes, shadow daddies, and cinnamon rolls in Romantasy and more. Join us for an in-depth discussion on the hero's journey, character development, the feminine gaze and our top book recommendations. Be prepared for an explicit conversation with a sprinkle of pop culture references and some spoilers. Don't forget to check our show notes for books you might not want to hear spoilers about. Enjoy! Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter  TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/ Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/ Katherine: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ Book Dragon Ink Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats Upcoming Bookclub: The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang https://mlwangbooks.com/ Fated Mated Podcast Episode Mentioned: https://fatedmates.net/episodes/2019/9/17/s022-the-alpha-in-romance-novels-interstitial Books Mentioned:  LOTR - J.R. R. Tolkien The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall Foxhole Court by Nora Sakavic The Cruel Prince by Holly Black Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo The Expanse by James S. A. Corey Wolves of Midwinter by Anne Rice The Cradle Series by Will Wight The Vampire Diaries by L. J. Smith The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR Series) by Sarah J. Maas Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Fairies by Heather Fawcett Quicksilver by Callie Hart Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo Magical Midlife Madness by K. F. Breene The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb Recommended Books:  Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Fairies by Heather Fawcett Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater His Majesty’s Dragon by Naomi Novik The Magicians by Lev Grossman Carry On by Rainbow Rowell 00:00 Welcome to Book Dragon Banter 00:58 Favorite Male Main Characters 03:02 Defining Male Main Characters 09:07 Hated Male Characters 14:49 Romantic Tropes and Male Characters 24:26 Male Character Archetypes 31:54 Exploring the Byronic Hero Archetype 33:04 Book Review: Quicksilver 33:33 Romantic Tropes and Character Archetypes 35:53 Midlife Madness and Mature Characters 40:48 The Hero's Journey: Female Protagonists 45:29 Get in touch with us!

    59 min

  7. 10/28/2025

    Grave Matters: A Literary Monster Spooky Special

    Monstrous Origin Stories: Analyzing Dracula, Frankenstein, and Werewolves | Book Dragon Banter Podcast Welcome to the Book Dragon Banter podcast's spooky special! In this episode, hosts Zinzi Bree, Sage Moreaux, and Katherine Suzette dive into the monstrous origin stories of Dracula, Frankenstein, and werewolves. Discover surprising details about these classic monsters, their portrayal in literature, and how they've evolved in pop culture. Sage explores the allure of vampires, including Dracula, while Zinzi delves into the tragic tale of Frankenstein's creature. Katherine examines werewolf lore and its dark connections to human desires. Tune in for a thrilling discussion, plus book recommendations for readers interested in these iconic horror figures. Happy Halloween! Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter  TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/ Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/ Katherine: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ For Write with me— Zinzi Bree, email: bookdragonbanterpod@gmail.com Book Dragon Ink Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats Upcoming Bookclub: The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang https://mlwangbooks.com/ Books Featured: Dracula by Bram Stoker Frankenstein by Mary Shelley The Man Wolf by Leitch Ritchie The Werewolf of Paris by Guy Endore The Howling by Gary Brandner Books Mentioned:  Interview with a Vampire by Anne Rice Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith Twilight by Stephanie Meyer Mate by Ali Hazelwood Bride by Ali Hazelwood Mercy Thompson Series by Patricia Briggs  Sookie Stackhouse Series by Charlaine Harris   The Wolf Gift by Anne Rice Recommended Books:  Interview with a Vampire by Anne Rice The Coldest Girl in Cold Town by Holly Black Bride by Ali Hazelwood Pride and Prometheus by John Kessel  This Monstrous Thing by Mackenzi Lee  The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White  FranKisStien by Jeanette Winterson  The Wolf Gift by Anne Rice 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:57 Diving into Dracula 17:35 Exploring Frankenstein 35:39 Female Empathy in Classic Horror 35:50 Frankenstein vs. Dracula: A Comparative Analysis 36:24 The Unsexy Nature of Frankenstein 38:13 Frankenstein and Beauty and the Beast: A Cozy Fantasy 39:22 Penny Dreadful's Take on Frankenstein 40:49 Exploring Werewolf Literature 42:28 The Dark Side of Werewolf Stories 50:39 Modern Werewolf and Vampire Fantasies 53:24 Book Recommendations for Monster Retellings 56:58 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Book Club Get in touch with us!

    59 min

  8. 10/14/2025

    More Than a Mary Sue: Complexity in Female Characters

    Welcome back to Book Dragon Banter! Join hosts Sage Moreaux, Katherine, and Zinzi Bree as we dive into the fascinating topic of female main characters (FMCs) in fantasy novels and beyond. While we focus primarily on fantasy, we also touch on other genres and pop culture references to better explain our points. Get ready for an engaging discussion on beloved and controversial FMCs, where we share our favorites, explore the hero's journey versus the heroine's journey, and even mention some FMCs that didn't quite meet our expectations. Don't miss out on our book recommendations and upcoming book club read - The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang. Grab your headphones, settle in, and let's get started on this journey into the world of compelling female characters! Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter  TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/ Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/ Katherine: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ Upcoming Bookclub: The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang https://mlwangbooks.com/ Books Mentioned:  ACOTAR by Sarah J Maas Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling Percy Jackson and The Olympians by Rick Riordan Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker Twilight by  Stephanie Meyer Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros Green Fairy Book by Andrew Lang Pink Fairy Book by Andrew Lang Foxhole Court by Nora Sakavic The Cruel Prince by Holly Black The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer Recommended Books:  The Heroine’s Journey by Gail Carriger Malice by Heather Walter This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron Gilded by Marissa Meyer A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:58 Defining Female Main Characters (FMCs) 02:56 Favorite FMCs in Fantasy 04:25 The Bechdel Test and FMCs 07:30 Nostalgic FMCs 13:20 Least Favorite FMCs 26:13 The Mary Sue Trope 27:38 Exploring Self-Inserts in Fan Fiction 28:33 Twilight's Bella: A Mary Sue? 30:18 Compelling vs. Commercial Characters 33:49 The Appeal of Self-Sacrificing Heroines 45:12 The Hero's Journey vs. The Heroine's Journey 51:58 Book Recommendations and Final Thoughts Get in touch with us!

    56 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

🐉 Welcome to Book Dragon Banter!We're three aspiring authors: Sage, Katherine, and Zinzi Bree. Diving into the world of books, one chaotic conversation at a time. Expect bookish deep-dives, trope talk, spicy opinions, and unfiltered banter. While fantasy is our first love, we’re not genre-exclusive, if it’s on a page, it’s on the table. 🐲 Join the #BookDragonBanter crew and get comfy! It's about to get nerdy. New episodes every other Tuesday!

Information

  • Creator
    Book Dragon Ink
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Book Dragon Banter
  • Show Website
    Book Dragon Banter