Besties and the Books Podcast

Besties and the Books
  • 4.7 (23)
  • Books
  • Updated Weekly

We’re Ashley and Liz, two real-life besties who’ve loved books since we first learned to read, so naturally, we started a podcast! We would say the rest is history but in actuality, it's just the beginning. So come join us in the next chapter of our lives as we introduce ourselves, and laugh our way through the world of books with a focus on Fantasy, Romantasy, and Dark Romance. Of course we have love for all book genres, but those are our absolute favorites!  Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!   YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms @BestiesandtheBooksPodcast   Liz  Instagram | TikTok @TheRealLifeVeganWife   Ashley Instagram | TikTok @AshleyEllixEmail bestiesandthebooks@gmail.com

  1. 59m ago

    Ep 132 🌄 Defy the Dusk “ADD THIS DYSTOPIAN FANTASY TO YOUR TBR NOW!” | Danielle L Jensen Interview

    Send us Fan Mail Did you add Defy the Dusk to your preorders yet? Hmmmm?? Sometimes you meet your heroes and they turn out to be just as badass as the FMCs in your favorite books they’ve written. Today we’re sharing our spoiler free interview with the incredibly talented Danielle L Jensen to celebrate the upcoming release of Defy the Dusk, part one in her brand new post-apocalyptic fantasy duology. She’s the absolute queen of high fantasy world-building, knows how to write banter and dialogue that is unmatched, and has A LOT to say about “romantasy” as a genre.  Defy the Dusk is book one in her newest adult post apocalyptic fantasy series - The Sundering Duet. And it will be out everywhere you find your books, including Audible on November 3rd, so get your preorders in now!  It’s already a New York Times bestseller along with her Saga of the Unfated Duology which we read for book club, her Bridge Kingdom Series which many of you know and love, and her young adult Dark Shores and Malediction Series. Danielle’s novels are published internationally in twenty-three languages, and she lives in Calgary, Alberta with her family and guinea pigs. We talk about her backlist and what to expect from each of her uniquely constructed worlds and magic systems, how Defy the Dusk is different from her other previous works, and how symbolic it is of our current political climate. What specific dystopian media has influenced her work? Has Danielle always been a writer? Does she relate to her characters? And what can we anticipate from her in the future? Listen on to get to know the talent behind these intricate stories, and hear the unexpected answer to our on-the-spot smash or pass… Defy the Dusk edition.  Pre-Order your copy of Defy the Dusk Now! | https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/773240/defy-the-dusk-by-danielle-l-jensen/ Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…) Shop our Merch line | *  https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️ Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger!  https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJ Check out these author interviews? ⬇️ We go behind the book with NYT Bestselling author Autumn Krause and The Gods Will Sing Our Song: https://youtu.be/656QHeao6F4?si=VMLZ-zAa6pltOio9 THE Sheila Masterson yaps with us about going trad & her book community phenomenon The Poison Daughter! https://youtu.be/V9MpoOX3CyQ?si=TMLPJeBNcSrpxYou We interviewed Penn Cole about Burn of the Everflame & the end of the Kindred’s Curse Saga! https://youtu.be/nYDN-XCTkbM?si=ivFq7kWg6rNGWP6j CJ Leede talks with us about impactful feminist horror and always writing outside the box: https://youtu.be/jb0DW2ap3Ds?si=gCUkr-vvFQAFMxw2 ____ Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing: Ashley is wearing a cropped Besties and the Books hoodie | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.com/en-usd  Liz is wearing our Besties and the Books Exclusive Beanie (coming soon!) | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.com/en-usd Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast! Support the show YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms @BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable! https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358 Liz  Instagram | TikTok @TheRealLifeVeganWife  Ashley Instagram | TikTok @AshleyEllix

    Ep 132 🌄 Defy the Dusk “ADD THIS DYSTOPIAN FANTASY TO YOUR TBR NOW!” | Danielle L Jensen Interview

  2. 3d ago ·  Bonus

    “NEW Divergent Books Coming?” Reading DIVERGENT…for the First Time! | Book 1 Review & Summary

    Send us Fan Mail We’re reading the Divergent series for the first time! We know, we know… we’re an entire fifteen years late, but our curiosity finally got the best of us and the timing seems pretty perfect.  Sci-Fi Summer has turned into dystopian sci-fi fall because Veronica Roth decided to come out with a whole new alternate reality duology retelling of the Divergent universe starting with The Sixth Faction. Part one dropped about two weeks ago, and part two, The Last Testimony, releases everywhere on February 2, 2027.  We’re here to expand our “‘market research” of the dystopian, science fiction, “are books political?” and coming of age genres. We’ve covered The Hunger Games, Wicked, and Red Rising because we recognize how relevant these stories are in our current societal climate and we want to keep these conversations going. Plus, we want to know if the new duology is necessary, timely, and entertaining. Is it a money grab or is it actually good?  We’ll be releasing a full-length bonus episode on Divergent, Insurgent, Allegiant, and Four, plus the short story We Can Be Mended, and finally, The Sixth Faction plus the movies! And don’t worry, in February we will follow up with our official ranking and wrap up with The Last Testimony. Join us on Instagram and over on the free Fable app for our spoiler free reading updates.  Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…) Shop our Merch line | *  https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️ Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger!  https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJ Check out these author interviews? ⬇️ We go behind the book with NYT Bestselling author Autumn Krause and The Gods Will Sing Our Song: https://youtu.be/656QHeao6F4?si=VMLZ-zAa6pltOio9 THE Sheila Masterson yaps with us about going trad & her book community phenomenon The Poison Daughter! https://youtu.be/V9MpoOX3CyQ?si=TMLPJeBNcSrpxYou We interviewed Penn Cole about Burn of the Everflame & the end of the Kindred’s Curse Saga! https://youtu.be/nYDN-XCTkbM?si=ivFq7kWg6rNGWP6j CJ Leede talks with us about impactful feminist horror and always writing outside the box: https://youtu.be/jb0DW2ap3Ds?si=gCUkr-vvFQAFMxw2 ____ Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing: Ashley is wearing our Besties and the Books Merch | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.com Liz is wearing a discontinued  “Fireheart” hoodie by @downthebondofficial | Code: BestiesandtheBooks | https://www.downthebond.com Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast! Support the show YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms @BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable! https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358 Liz  Instagram | TikTok @TheRealLifeVeganWife  Ashley Instagram | TikTok @AshleyEllix

    “NEW Divergent Books Coming?” Reading DIVERGENT…for the First Time! | Book 1 Review & Summary

  3. Oct 13

    Ep 131 Verity Book VS. Movie Showdown: The BRUTALLY HONEST Review 😬😅

    Send us Fan Mail Out of all the Colleen Hoover books, Verity came the MOST recommended. Ashley and Liz found themselves ferociously turning the pages of their new favorite read: the romantic thriller Verity,  in rapt anticipation, unable to see what could come next from the impossibly complex and unpredictable plot. So captivated by the impeccable character development, suspense, and sheer psychological terror they almost missed their opportunity to see the movie in theaters (with seats and tickets being so scarce and hard to come by due to record sales). Fortunately for everyone, they snapped out of their Colleen Hoover induced trance just long enough to watch the movie that would change both of their lives forever…  Wait… is it Opposites Day or did we just need a convenient excuse to get y'all to watch this episode and happened to find that paragraph on a secret flash drive or hidden note? (IYKYK 😵‍💫🤪.)  We read our first Colleen Hoover book, watched the movie it was based on… and now we’re here to share our unfiltered thoughts and reviews. Do we understand the fandom? Are we now a part of it? Do we have a fever that can only be cured by more COHO? Or were three of the hottest actors of all time fumbled by a screenplay based on a book that left much to be desired? We answer all of these questions plus discuss the secret (problematic) second epilogue, give you our five sentence summary, book versus movie showdown, and star and spice ratings.  We’ve got all this, plus a fave and fail about the over-the-hill-and-through-the-woods adventure journey which was Liz seeing Verity at a Humboldt County movie theater, cold brew coffee fails and Haunted Mansion decor, and a smash or pass all about… you guessed it… Verity.  Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…) Shop our Merch line | *  https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️ Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger!  https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJ Check out these author interviews? ⬇️ We go behind the book with NYT Bestselling author Autumn Krause and The Gods Will Sing Our Song: https://youtu.be/656QHeao6F4?si=VMLZ-zAa6pltOio9 THE Sheila Masterson yaps with us about going trad & her book community phenomenon The Poison Daughter! https://youtu.be/V9MpoOX3CyQ?si=TMLPJeBNcSrpxYou We interviewed Penn Cole about Burn of the Everflame & the end of the Kindred’s Curse Saga! https://youtu.be/nYDN-XCTkbM?si=ivFq7kWg6rNGWP6j CJ Leede talks with us about impactful feminist horror and always writing outside the box: https://youtu.be/jb0DW2ap3Ds?si=gCUkr-vvFQAFMxw2 ____ Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing: Ashley is wearing a custom Loki tank top from @RadVentureLand on Etsy | * https://go.magik.ly/ml/4ftmw/ Liz is wearing a “Bat Sh*t Crazy” Crewneck Sweatshirt by @darkanddisturbedshop | Code: VEGAN10 | https://darkanddisturbedshop.com/products/bat-shit-crewneck?_pos=2&_sid=eb8fa2b05&_ss=r Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast! Support the show YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms @BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable! https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358 Liz  Instagram | TikTok @TheRealLifeVeganWife  Ashley Instagram | TikTok @AshleyEllix

    Ep 131 Verity Book VS. Movie Showdown: The BRUTALLY HONEST Review 😬😅

  4. Oct 8

    Ep 130 THRESHING DAY! Hmm… Honestly, is it worth reading this bonus book in the Fourth Wing Series?

    Send us Fan Mail Well, we Read Threshing Day. First and foremost we’d like to strongly and emphatically reiterate (because apparently that’s what we do here in the book community) that Threshing Day by Rebecca Yarros is NOT book four in the Empyrean Series, so don’t get your hopes up! Okay, now that that’s been said… Today we’re covering Threshing Day, book 3.5 in the Empyrean Series by Rebecca Yarros. It came out a week ago, it’s a 224 page partner novella, and is it worth it? That's what we’re here to answer today! We’ll give you our spoiler free star and spice rating of this somewhat surprising release as we wait for the upcoming official full-length installment in this dragon series with a cult following.  We’ll discuss if it was necessary. Is it a cash grab? Is it something you can enjoy without reading the rest of the series? Are there spoilers? Easter eggs? Is this multi-pov novella written entirely about Threshing day and each recruit’s meet cute with their soul-bonded dragon chalk full of interesting dragon lore?  We do have to say that the extensive artwork by @joerequeza.art is completely off the rails amazing so go give him a follow, and don’t be deceived by the gray cover, because it’s what’s on the inside that matters! We bring you our unfiltered thoughts, a fave and fail about spooky season movies, and a smash or pass all about dragons.   Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…) Shop our Merch line | *  https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️ Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger!  https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJ Check out these author interviews? ⬇️ We go behind the book with NYT Bestselling author Autumn Krause and The Gods Will Sing Our Song: https://youtu.be/656QHeao6F4?si=VMLZ-zAa6pltOio9 THE Sheila Masterson yaps with us about going trad & her book community phenomenon The Poison Daughter! https://youtu.be/V9MpoOX3CyQ?si=TMLPJeBNcSrpxYou We interviewed Penn Cole about Burn of the Everflame & the end of the Kindred’s Curse Saga! https://youtu.be/nYDN-XCTkbM?si=ivFq7kWg6rNGWP6j CJ Leede talks with us about impactful feminist horror and always writing outside the box: https://youtu.be/jb0DW2ap3Ds?si=gCUkr-vvFQAFMxw2 ____ Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing: Ashley is wearing a “Diners and Drive-ins and Dungeons and Dragons and Dives” t-shirt from @ TikTokShop | * https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP9D8rgT66Ts3-yIpiD/ Liz is wearing a “Going for Blood” Violet Fourth Wing tee from @thebeanworkshop | Code: BOOKBESTIES10 | https://thebeanworkshop.store/products/going-for-blood-t-shirt Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast! Support the show YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms @BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable! https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358 Liz  Instagram | TikTok @TheRealLifeVeganWife  Ashley Instagram | TikTok @AshleyEllix

    Ep 130 THRESHING DAY! Hmm… Honestly, is it worth reading this bonus book in the Fourth Wing Series?

  5. Sep 30

    Ep 129 “I CONFESS!” Booksellers & Readers fess up to their darkest book secrets | The Bookish Confessio

    Send us Fan Mail Forgive us, Crows. For we have sinned. It has been zero minutes since we’ve made bookish confessions to our besties. (And it’s not looking like we’re stopping any time soon. 🤷‍♀️😜) Today is a no-homework-necessary, look into the camera like it’s 1994 and you’re about to disclose to MTV exactly what you did in secret, type of episode. We kick it off with a big shout out to friend of the pod Anthony Palmini on his amazing recommendation for his most unhinged narration as Red, the Koolaid Man in the sentient object romance Cold Sweat by Vera Valentine. How many stars did we give this spicy gem? Do we find a big glass jug… sexy? Then we read off and respond to bookish confessions from Reddit and Threads, spill the Koolaid on our own personal bookish confessions, and then top it all off with a smash or pass “Is this embarassing?” style. I mean really… How many copies of Wuthering Heights do you think Liz has? And to Ashley, we beg the question: how important IS an epilogue, really?  We hope this episode creates a safe space to disclose your most deviant book behaviors. If you have a confession, send it our way! Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…) Shop our Merch line | *  https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️ Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger!  https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJ Check out these author interviews? ⬇️ We go behind the book with NYT Bestselling author Autumn Krause and The Gods Will Sing Our Song: https://youtu.be/656QHeao6F4?si=VMLZ-zAa6pltOio9 THE Sheila Masterson yaps with us about going trad & her book community phenomenon The Poison Daughter! https://youtu.be/V9MpoOX3CyQ?si=TMLPJeBNcSrpxYou We interviewed Penn Cole about Burn of the Everflame & the end of the Kindred’s Curse Saga! https://youtu.be/nYDN-XCTkbM?si=ivFq7kWg6rNGWP6j CJ Leede talks with us about impactful feminist horror and always writing outside the box: https://youtu.be/jb0DW2ap3Ds?si=gCUkr-vvFQAFMxw2 ____ Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing: Ashley is wearing a “Diners and Drive-ins and Dungeons and Dragons and Dives” t-shirt from @ TikTokShop | * https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP9D8rgT66Ts3-yIpiD/ Liz is wearing our branded Besties and the Books Zip Up Hoodie | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.com Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast! Support the show YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms @BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable! https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358 Liz  Instagram | TikTok @TheRealLifeVeganWife  Ashley Instagram | TikTok @AshleyEllix

    Ep 129 “I CONFESS!” Booksellers & Readers fess up to their darkest book secrets | The Bookish Confessio

  6. Sep 23

    Ep 128 👻 🎃 SPOOKY STORIES + Guessing *1 STAR* Horror Book Reviews!

    Send us Fan Mail It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The season of the crows has officially returned and as slightly spooky, elder emo, introverted book girls, it’s our time to shine.  We invite you to cozy up with a blanket and a crispy Alani, light that overpriced candle, and watch Edward Cullen lean his awkward fingers against tables and trees in the background while we talk fall. (It’s like talking “shop” or “business” but much more serious.) Because we have a fever, and the only prescription is more Halloween!  Today is a no-homework-required mess-around. We chat about this year’s fall hopefuls, favorite recent spooky reads, and then have some fun guessing popular horror books and movies based off of one star reviews. We even add in some spooky stories from Reddit and a smash or pass to fit the season.  We hope this episode gets you in the mood and helps ward off the impending darkness-at-5pm doom.  Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…) Shop our Merch line | *  https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️ Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger!  https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJ Check out these author interviews? ⬇️ We go behind the book with NYT Bestselling author Autumn Krause and The Gods Will Sing Our Song: https://youtu.be/656QHeao6F4?si=VMLZ-zAa6pltOio9 THE Sheila Masterson yaps with us about going trad & her book community phenomenon The Poison Daughter! https://youtu.be/V9MpoOX3CyQ?si=TMLPJeBNcSrpxYou We interviewed Penn Cole about Burn of the Everflame & the end of the Kindred’s Curse Saga! https://youtu.be/nYDN-XCTkbM?si=ivFq7kWg6rNGWP6j CJ Leede talks with us about impactful feminist horror and always writing outside the box: https://youtu.be/jb0DW2ap3Ds?si=gCUkr-vvFQAFMxw2 ____ Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing: Ashley is wearing: a Vans Warped Tour Hoodie  |  https://vanswarpedtourmerch.com/ Liz is wearing : a “Final Girl” Tshirt from @ShadowBoundSpines | https://shadowboundspines.com/products/final-girl-tee-gildan  Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast! Support the show YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms @BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable! https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358 Liz  Instagram | TikTok @TheRealLifeVeganWife  Ashley Instagram | TikTok @AshleyEllix

    Ep 128 👻 🎃 SPOOKY STORIES + Guessing *1 STAR* Horror Book Reviews!

  7. Sep 15

    Ep 127 “Uhhh…” 😬🔥 Burn of the Everflame Review, Summary, and Deep Dive | Kindred’s Curse Saga Book 4

    Send us Fan Mail Burn of the Everflame, book four and the final installation in The Kindred’s Curse Saga by Penn Cole is the talk of the town in the Romantasy world. Today we’re doing our deep dive, reviewing one of the most anticipated releases of the year… and our opinions might be different than you think.  After deep diving Spark, Glow, and Heat and having the lovely Penn Cole on the podcast twice to talk about strong female characters, deep themes, and writing under pressure, was Burn what we thought it would be? Did it live up to the expectations we had for the end of Diem and Luther’s story? And when all is said and done, what rating did we officially give it?  Stick around for special commentary from Penn herself on the emotional ending to her debut series, and get our star rating, spice rating, five sentence summary, faves and least favorites, and our discussion… in detail… about whether Luther is still book boyfriend material or not.  Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…) Shop our Merch line | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️ Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger!  https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJ Check out these author interviews? ⬇️ Watch our Spoiler-Free interview with the Author Penn Cole herself all about Burn of the Everflame https://youtu.be/nYDN-XCTkbM?si=gUv1FBT3ugk7Fyho We go behind the book with Autumn Krause and The Gods Will Sing Our Song https://youtu.be/656QHeao6F4?si=VMLZ-zAa6pltOio9 THE Sheila Masterson yaps with us about going trad & her NYT Bestseller The Poison Daughter! Don’t miss it! https://youtu.be/V9MpoOX3CyQ?si=e2uOKPVRQjsIhVCb Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNE ____ Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing: Ashley is wearing: Vans Warped Tour Hoodie https://vanswarpedtourmerch.com/ Liz is wearing : A “I Still Read Fairytales” Villian Crew by @shadowboundspines | https://shadowboundspines.com/products/i-still-read-fairytales-just-for-the-villains-now-crewneck?_pos=13&_sid=5377b326e&_ss=r Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast! Support the show YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms @BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable! https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358 Liz  Instagram | TikTok @TheRealLifeVeganWife  Ashley Instagram | TikTok @AshleyEllix

    Ep 127 “Uhhh…” 😬🔥 Burn of the Everflame Review, Summary, and Deep Dive | Kindred’s Curse Saga Book 4

  8. Sep 13 ·  Bonus

    “WE THOUGHT WE KNEW PAIN” Light Bringer Red Rising Book 6 | Light Bringer Red Rising Book 6 | Deep Themes, Deep Thoughts, and Recap

    Send us Fan Mail This deep dive coverage of Light Bringer was the most difficult in this bonus series to film. Pierce Brown… you have unapologetically broken us with this book and we do not know if we can forgive you. Ashley took a whole star away from her spoiler free rating for the pain and suffering. Did Liz feel the same way? Do you?  In today’s final episode (for now!) in our Red Rising bonus series we will not only be discussing in great detail every aspect of how Light Bringer made us feel, we’ll also be revealing our favorite book in the series so far, and how we rank them from “worst” to best.” That way when the series is completed we can jump back in, read the new book (or books), reflect, and do our final rating and ranking. If we’ve learned anything in these past few months it’s that anything can change at any moment. And even when you think you’re ready for the pain, you’re not.  We kicked off Sci-Fi Summer with a full-length episode introducing the genre and setting the scene for a closer analysis of science fiction. Next, we covered the original trilogy in detail, books one and two of the second trilogy and have officially rated every book a resounding five stars. Last week’s episode had us truly wondering what Brown was going to pull off next, and he did not disappoint. Can we talk about Hangar 17B? 🫠😭🥴 Today we’re diving into book six and the last available installation in the series: Light Bringer. Darrow is making a comeback in a way we’ve never seen, training not just his body, but his mind in the ways of “the force,” but is it enough? Old decisions come back to haunt our favorite characters, and just when everything seems to be crumbling around them, unlikely alliances are made. How long until we can expect Red God? And what are our unanswered questions and predictions?  We bring you our spoiler free reviews, “Five Sentence Summary” and all our faves and least faves, but also discuss sci-fi themes, differences and similarities to fantasy, the romance, genre miscategorization, lore and fun facts, quotes, character growth and relatability, and most importantly… themes. And lastly, we’ll be taking the Sons of Ares prequels, conspiracy theories, and spinoffs. What else should be cover? Because truly, we are not ready to leave this world behind.  Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…) Shop our Merch line | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️ Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger!  https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJ Check out these author interviews? ⬇️ Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKb We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4 Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNE Nikki St. Crowe, the queen of spicy fairy tale retellings chats with us about diving into the land of Oz with West of Wicked! https://youtu.be/wwFYSDKcbtE?si=X6iNmUVAE6Xhmv7B ____ Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing: Ashley is wearing an “Undead Readers Club” from @BookBabeDesigns | https://bookbabedesigns.com  Liz is wearing: our branded besties and the books beanie | https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.com Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast! Support the show YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms @BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable! https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358 Liz  Instagram | TikTok @TheRealLifeVeganWife  Ashley Instagram | TikTok @AshleyEllix

    “WE THOUGHT WE KNEW PAIN” Light Bringer Red Rising Book 6 | Light Bringer Red Rising Book 6 | Deep Themes, Deep Thoughts, and Recap
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23 Ratings

About

We’re Ashley and Liz, two real-life besties who’ve loved books since we first learned to read, so naturally, we started a podcast! We would say the rest is history but in actuality, it's just the beginning. So come join us in the next chapter of our lives as we introduce ourselves, and laugh our way through the world of books with a focus on Fantasy, Romantasy, and Dark Romance. Of course we have love for all book genres, but those are our absolute favorites!  Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!   YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms @BestiesandtheBooksPodcast   Liz  Instagram | TikTok @TheRealLifeVeganWife   Ashley Instagram | TikTok @AshleyEllixEmail bestiesandthebooks@gmail.com

Information

  • Creator
    Besties and the Books
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    182
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Besties and the Books Podcast
  • Show Website
    Besties and the Books Podcast

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