141 episodes

Two sisters reread their favorite YA fantasy classics and discuss why they may be even better for adults.

Dragon Babies Dragon Babies

    • Arts
    • 5.0 • 63 Ratings

Two sisters reread their favorite YA fantasy classics and discuss why they may be even better for adults.

    Trickster's Queen, by Tamora Pierce

    Trickster's Queen, by Tamora Pierce

    We finally finish a series! Trickster’s Queen brings the many threads of political intrigue loose in the Copper Isles to a satisfying (if predictable) conclusion. We discuss the coziness of a perfect fantasy regime change and how overly rosy depictions of righted systemic injustices both help and harm the readers. Perfect spy blobs, spice intolerance, crow-man coming of age, and so, so many reports to write - a little of something for everyone.
    Be sure to listen to our Trickster’s Choice episode before this one, we cover the series’ worldbuilding in depth (this ep is more focused on narrative structure and characterization).
    Thanks to everyone who has requested we finish this duology!

    • 1 hr 35 min
    Westmark, by Lloyd Alexander

    Westmark, by Lloyd Alexander

    Westmark has it all - political intrigue, long cons, a dashing leader of the revolution, and two months in a garret writing other people’s letters. We discuss Lloyd Alexander’s fast-paced opening to the Westmark trilogy and why it feels like classic fantasy in spite of its lack of true fantasy elements. Join us in breaking down Theo’s soft boy protagonist appeal, the power of an irrepressible urchin, and the bad monarchies of life and literature. Count Las Bombas is offering you an elixir, drink it all up!
    Thanks to all the listeners who have requested Westmark!
    MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

    • 1 hr 4 min
    Deltora Quest, by Emily Rodda

    Deltora Quest, by Emily Rodda

    We’re covering the first two books of Emily Rodda’s Deltora Quest series, The Forests of Silence and The Lake of Tears! Deltora brings out the best in us; we rave about the impeccable art, wild pacing and grotesque monsters as we travel the kingdom searching for hidden gems. Scholastic book fairs, reading positions we’ve aged out of, fights about Beyoncé - this episode has it all. Join us!
    MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

    • 1 hr 26 min
    Race to the Sun, by Rebecca Roanhorse

    Race to the Sun, by Rebecca Roanhorse

    Welcome to Middle Grade March! This episode, we’re following siblings Nizhoni and Mac Begay as they save their dad from monstrous coal exec Mr. Charles. They discover their similarities to the Hero Twins of Navajo legend and explore their burgeoning abilities through increasingly challenging trials. Grace and Madeleine discuss preferred middle school-age magical weapons, the power of a snarky little brother, and just how many pastas can be combined in a single dish. We also examine the ways this book is controversial, share the opinions of Navajo/Diné scholars and consider ways we can be respectful readers while honoring lines of disclosure. Join us!
    EPISODE MEDIA
    NOT RECOMMENDED: Rebecca Roanhorse's RACE TO THE SUN by Michael Thompson
    The Sci-Fi Author Reimagining Native History by Lila Shapiro
    ‘The Elizabeth Warren of the Sci Fi Set’ - Author faces criticism for repeated use of tribal traditions by Acee Agoyo
    Rebecca Roanhorse on Which Aspects of Diné Culture are Featured in Trail of Lightning by Stubby / Reactor Mag
    MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

    • 1 hr 32 min
    Grendel, by John Gardner (Grace's Reading Corner)

    Grendel, by John Gardner (Grace's Reading Corner)

    A special lil episode on the enigmatic Grendel, by John Gardner! After covering The Snow-Walker’s Son and considering ancient Nordic literary monsters, Grace was compelled to revisit this darkly comedic retelling of Beowulf from his foe’s perspective. Joining her is Ranae Hanson, author, activist, and top-notch mother-in-law. Curl up in your watery cave and join us!

    • 1 hr 12 min
    The Changeover, by Margaret Mahy

    The Changeover, by Margaret Mahy

    Celebrate Valentine’s with this fascinating, bizarre and indelible tale of love among young witches - we’re reading The Changeover, by Margaret Mahy! We meet Laura Chant and her young brother Jacko, who are living a mostly-peaceful life in the Christchurch suburbs punctuated by Laura’s “warnings,” psychic premonitions that never bode well. When an ancient demon disguised as a terrifying shopkeeper places his mark on Jacko and begins extracting his life force, Laura enlists local teen oddball (and prefect) Sorry Carlisle, who seems to have more than a touch of magic about him. Laura and Sorry discover a path forward that places Laura firmly in her own power and brings them closer together. Children of divorce, teen awkwardness, Enya-esque rituals and more than one romance novel wait inside (all wrapped up in Mahy’s exceptional prose) - join us!
    Thanks to all the listeners who requested this and brought Mahy into our lives!
    MUSIC - Pippin the Hunchback and Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) - Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

    • 1 hr 34 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
63 Ratings

63 Ratings

#1 Butter Pie Fan ,

Nostalgia + new reads

Grace and Madeline revisit YA fantasy classics in a way that makes you both nostalgic and excited. I always discover new ideas/angles on books I read as a youth, and some new-to-me titles as well. Best Diana Wynne Jones pod out there! 🖤

MelissaNavarroWill ,

Quality care bear

This content, while foreign to me, is refreshing and fascinating! Fun fact, I tried to read red wall as a kid because of a bOy 🙄 but I’m glad I grew into an adult who turns to people like G&M for input. Thx!

Rubyseauxheaux ,

So much fun!

I love Dragon Babies! Grace and Madeline are so delightful. I love revisiting some old favorites and discovering new books long with the show.

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