Dragons & Spaceships

Nervous Rocket

Welcome to Dragons & Spaceships, your ultimate guide to the best books in sci-fi and fantasy! Whether you're into the latest releases or timeless classics, we've got you covered. Our mission is to promote reading and the exploration of new imaginary worlds, diving into all sub-genres from action and suspense to mystery and romance. Join our host Brandi Nelsen as we authentically share our love for these genres, have fun, and share the hottest books out. Whether you're a hardcore D&D fan or just love a good space opera, let your nerdy side shine with us. Tune in and embark on an epic adventure with Dragons & Spaceships!

  1. 2d ago

    King of Ashes | Family Loyalties, Moral Rot, and the Final Book in the Shield of Sparrows Trilogy

    Send us Fan Mail How far would you go to protect your family, and what happens when saving them turns you into a monster? In Episode 84 of Dragons and Spaceships, we are digging into the raw, brutal, and utterly gripping Southern crime epic King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby. We break down Roman Carruthers' slow, agonizing descent into the criminal underworld of Jefferson Run, Virginia. Summoned home by his father's suspicious coma, Roman tries to pull his siblings out of a deadly debt to a violent gang—only to find himself justifying things he never thought he would. It's an uncomfortable, masterfully written study of generational trauma, environmental conditioning, and the erosion of morality. 📚 TBR Quick Pick: We also spotlight The Missing Half by Ashley Flowers, a deeply emotional, twisty cold case thriller following two women united by the hauntingly similar disappearances of their sisters. 🐉 Dragon’s Roar Spotlight: Romantasy readers, rejoice! We have the official release details for the highly anticipated third and final book in Devney Perry’s smash-hit Shield of Sparrows trilogy. Mark your calendars for March 9th, 2027! 💬 Join the conversation: - If you’ve read King of Ashes, did you find yourself rooting for Roman or completely questioning his choices? - Are you caught up on the Shield of Sparrows series ahead of the finale? Subscribe for your weekly dose of gritty plot breakdowns, fantasy updates, and honest book reviews!

    5 min
  2. Jun 17

    Judge Stone | The Heavy Weight of Justice & The First-Ever Lord of the Flies TV Show

    Send us Fan Mail When the law and morality collide, who gets to decide what's right? ⚖️ Conflict is brewing in today's episode of Dragons and Spaceships as we break down the high-stakes legal thriller Judge Stone by Viola Davis and James Patterson. We dive deep into the world of Judge Mary Stone as she faces a trial that fractures her entire community. From political pressure and extremist threats to deep-seated personal trauma, Mary is forced to confront her past while deciding what justice truly means. This isn't just a courtroom drama—it’s a deeply personal, relevant look at systemic inequality and the immense courage it takes to stand by your convictions. 🐉 Dragon’s Roar Spotlight: A literary classic is getting a massive modern twist! We are spotlighting the brand-new, first-ever television adaptation of William Golding's Lord of the Flies. This 4-part series shifts the focus from basic island survival to a gritty, psychological look at boyhood masculinity, power struggles, and the descent into chaos. Whether you read it in school or have been avoiding it for years, this is your sign to tune in. 💬 Join the conversation: Do you think justice should always strictly follow the law, or is there a point where it has to go beyond it?Will you be watching the new Lord of the Flies series?Subscribe for your weekly dose of intense plot breakdowns and adaptation news! 🚀🐉

    5 min
  3. Apr 22

    The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros | Letters, Lies, and the Heartbreak That Changed Everything

    Send us Fan Mail ⚠️ SPOILER WARNING: We are diving deep into the plot of The Last Letter, including the major third-act tragedy. If you haven't finished the book, bookmark this episode and come back once you’ve dried your eyes! In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, we are discussing a book that comes with a heavy "emotional damage" warning: The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros. This isn't just a romance; it’s a devastating exploration of grief, vulnerability, and the weight of the secrets we keep to protect the ones we love. We unpack the journey of Ella and Beckett—two people bonded by letters and broken by life. We discuss the gut-wrenching reality of Colt’s accident and why this story shifts from a romance into a masterclass on surviving the unimaginable. 🐉 Dragon’s Roar Spotlight: One of history’s most iconic detectives is back! We’re talking about Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel by Lucy Foley, releasing September 22nd, 2026. It’s a brand-new Miss Marple mystery set in a snowed-in luxury hotel. 💬 Join the conversation: - Did the twist with Colt emotionally destroy you, or did you see it coming? - At what point does a "protective lie" become a betrayal of trust? - Are you excited to see Lucy Foley take on an Agatha Christie legend? Subscribe for weekly deep dives into books, fandom news, and stories that stay with you long after the final page.

    6 min
  4. Apr 16

    Dear Debbie by Frieda McFadden | Secrets, Hidden Trauma, and the Danger of Vengeance

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, we are dissecting the messy, morally gray world of Dear Debbie by the queen of twists, Frieda McFadden. This isn't just a thriller about a suburban mom losing control—it’s a deep dive into what happens when decades of unspoken trauma finally explode into vigilante justice. We explore the uncomfortable dynamic of rooting for a protagonist who writes sweet advice by day and plots ruin by night. As Debbie’s life unravels and her family begins to connect the dots, we’re left questioning the thin line between protection and obsession. If you love stories with unreliable narrators and secrets that refuse to stay buried, this is an episode you can't miss. 🐉 Dragon’s Roar Spotlight: Before we dive into the dark side of suburbia, we’re shouting out Tana French’s latest masterpiece, The Keeper. Set in a remote Irish village, this atmospheric slow-burn is the final book in a beloved trilogy and a must-read for anyone who craves serious depth in their mysteries. 💬 Join the conversation: Did you find yourself rooting for Debbie, even when she went too far? How far would you go to protect your family from the ghosts of your own past? Are you a fan of the "unreliable narrator" trope, or does it drive you crazy? Subscribe for weekly deep dives into books, fandom news, and stories that stay with you long after the final page.

    6 min

About

Welcome to Dragons & Spaceships, your ultimate guide to the best books in sci-fi and fantasy! Whether you're into the latest releases or timeless classics, we've got you covered. Our mission is to promote reading and the exploration of new imaginary worlds, diving into all sub-genres from action and suspense to mystery and romance. Join our host Brandi Nelsen as we authentically share our love for these genres, have fun, and share the hottest books out. Whether you're a hardcore D&D fan or just love a good space opera, let your nerdy side shine with us. Tune in and embark on an epic adventure with Dragons & Spaceships!