Defying Times: Stories for Teens and Young Adults

Mentor NYC
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Defying Times: Stories for Teens & YA is a weekly podcast from Mentor NYC, a New York City–based publishing studio. Each episode features short, immersive installments directly from unabridged audiobooks available for purchase on major platforms—designed for growing minds from tweens to young adults. These stories blend adventure with curiosity, courage, empathy, and strategic & critical thinking. Launching with Empire in Flames (retelling of Romance of the Three Kingdoms) and Young Guardians’ Circle. Visit: www.mentornyc.org © Mentor NYC LLC. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.

  1. 3d ago

    Episode 53: Empire in Flames (The Three Kingdoms) Chapter 27. Family Feud

    Chapter 27. Family Feud As the power struggle between Grand Marshal He Jin, Empress He’s brother, and the Ten Eunuchs intensifies, the imperial palace descends into bloodshed, placing the young emperor and prince in grave danger. Yuan Shao and Cao Cao race against time to save He Jin from the eunuchs’ deadly plot. Follow the link below to order print or digital books from Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Flames-Legend-Brothers-Kingdoms/dp/B0FQ57WQB7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=HX8X7H8MF0Z6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fvd5F8dToaNVDSDDpq1lAaPFmdV_2KmGWWfDnSX-XLs85zA0L-4YXxBvlNJZJ3Y_pkhVtVi1lFyoEQJkbo6glyswbR2vtD-n50bsGL7Eybcad3O9HnhIN6rWID9tnTCx6ie8H7PCL3Gh2lHm3OgpmQ.gXq0JrYI9vj8GJvLuqm7lWwgOGWRQlVF1wuiYN9OUDQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=empire+in+flames+three+kingdoms&qid=1776787523&sprefix=empire+in+flames+three+kingdoms%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about Mentor NYC and order print books: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.mentornyc.org/product-page/empire-in-flames⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  2. Oct 1

    Episode 52: Empire in Flames (The Three Kingdoms) Chapter 26. Blood in The Palace

    Chapter 26. Blood in The Palace As the ailing emperor clings to life, ten powerful eunuchs tighten their grip on the palace. Rival consorts, empresses, and court women weave deadly plots around the imperial succession, igniting betrayals, bloody battles, and a ruthless struggle for the throne. Follow the link below to order print or digital books from Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Flames-Legend-Brothers-Kingdoms/dp/B0FQ57WQB7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=HX8X7H8MF0Z6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fvd5F8dToaNVDSDDpq1lAaPFmdV_2KmGWWfDnSX-XLs85zA0L-4YXxBvlNJZJ3Y_pkhVtVi1lFyoEQJkbo6glyswbR2vtD-n50bsGL7Eybcad3O9HnhIN6rWID9tnTCx6ie8H7PCL3Gh2lHm3OgpmQ.gXq0JrYI9vj8GJvLuqm7lWwgOGWRQlVF1wuiYN9OUDQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=empire+in+flames+three+kingdoms&qid=1776787523&sprefix=empire+in+flames+three+kingdoms%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about Mentor NYC and order print books: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.mentornyc.org/product-page/empire-in-flames⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  3. Sep 19

    Episode 51: Empire in Flames (The Three Kingdoms) Chapter 25. Lotus Blossoms

    Chapter 25. Lotus Blossoms Now fugitives, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei seek refuge at the home of Master Yu, a longtime acquaintance of Zhang Lei. There, Liu Bei is unexpectedly reunited with Lady Lotus, turning their desperate flight into a fleeting moment of hope and joy—he has sacrificed for his greater cause. But their sanctuary is short-lived. After receiving word that government officials may be pursuing the brothers, Master Yu urges them to leave before the authorities arrive. Forced onto the road once more, Liu Bei leaves Lady Lotus behind and reaffirms his grand ambition to restore the Han. The brothers bid their hosts farewell, vowing that they will meet again when autumn returns. Follow the link below to order print or digital books from Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Flames-Legend-Brothers-Kingdoms/dp/B0FQ57WQB7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=HX8X7H8MF0Z6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fvd5F8dToaNVDSDDpq1lAaPFmdV_2KmGWWfDnSX-XLs85zA0L-4YXxBvlNJZJ3Y_pkhVtVi1lFyoEQJkbo6glyswbR2vtD-n50bsGL7Eybcad3O9HnhIN6rWID9tnTCx6ie8H7PCL3Gh2lHm3OgpmQ.gXq0JrYI9vj8GJvLuqm7lWwgOGWRQlVF1wuiYN9OUDQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=empire+in+flames+three+kingdoms&qid=1776787523&sprefix=empire+in+flames+three+kingdoms%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about Mentor NYC and order print books: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.mentornyc.org/product-page/empire-in-flames⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  4. Sep 15

    Episode 50: Empire in Flames (The Three Kingdoms) Chapter 24. The Hand That Offers, The Hand That Binds

    Chapter 24. The Hand That Offers, The Hand That Binds Liu Bei finally earns his first legitimate government post as magistrate of Anxi, believing public service will give him a foothold from which to restore order to a country falling apart. Instead, he discovers that honest leadership is powerless within a system ruled by bribery, exploitation, and corrupt officials protecting one another. When an imperial inspector threatens to remove him unless he pays a bribe, Liu Bei realizes that the position he worked so hard to attain has made him a servant of the very system destroying the nation. Refusing to compromise his principles, he abandons his office and leaves Anxi with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. The three brothers become fugitives once again, wandering into an uncertain future with no official standing, no safe refuge, and no clear path toward fulfilling their dream of rebuilding the country. Follow the link below to order print or digital books from Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Flames-Legend-Brothers-Kingdoms/dp/B0FQ57WQB7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=HX8X7H8MF0Z6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fvd5F8dToaNVDSDDpq1lAaPFmdV_2KmGWWfDnSX-XLs85zA0L-4YXxBvlNJZJ3Y_pkhVtVi1lFyoEQJkbo6glyswbR2vtD-n50bsGL7Eybcad3O9HnhIN6rWID9tnTCx6ie8H7PCL3Gh2lHm3OgpmQ.gXq0JrYI9vj8GJvLuqm7lWwgOGWRQlVF1wuiYN9OUDQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=empire+in+flames+three+kingdoms&qid=1776787523&sprefix=empire+in+flames+three+kingdoms%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about Mentor NYC and order print books: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.mentornyc.org/product-page/empire-in-flames⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  5. Sep 10

    Episode 49: Empire in Flames (The Three Kingdoms) Chapter 23. Behind Silk Curtains

    Chapter 23. Behind Silk Curtains The three brothers and Sun Jian share wine and moments of camaraderie while voicing their fears for the future of the Han dynasty. Despite their decisive contributions to the victory over the Yellow Turbans, the brothers receive no recognition or reward from the deeply corrupt imperial court. Those who speak out against the Ten Attendants and their corruption meet fatal ends. Seeking to conceal its misconduct, the court offers Liu Bei a minor government post as compensation—an appointment he gratefully accepts. Follow the link below to order print or digital books from Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Flames-Legend-Brothers-Kingdoms/dp/B0FQ57WQB7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=HX8X7H8MF0Z6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fvd5F8dToaNVDSDDpq1lAaPFmdV_2KmGWWfDnSX-XLs85zA0L-4YXxBvlNJZJ3Y_pkhVtVi1lFyoEQJkbo6glyswbR2vtD-n50bsGL7Eybcad3O9HnhIN6rWID9tnTCx6ie8H7PCL3Gh2lHm3OgpmQ.gXq0JrYI9vj8GJvLuqm7lWwgOGWRQlVF1wuiYN9OUDQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=empire+in+flames+three+kingdoms&qid=1776787523&sprefix=empire+in+flames+three+kingdoms%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about Mentor NYC and order print books: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.mentornyc.org/product-page/empire-in-flames⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  6. Sep 8

    Episode 48: Empire in Flames (The Three Kingdoms) Chapter 22. Fall of The Yellow Turbans

    Chapter 22. Fall of The Yellow Turbans After the Yellow Turban leaders fall, lingering rebels continue to threaten the Han Empire, prompting Zhu Jun, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei to besiege Wancheng. Although Liu Bei questions Zhu Jun’s ruthless refusal to accept surrender, he devises a successful trap that routs Han Zhong’s forces. When rebel reinforcements nearly overwhelm the imperial army, the timely intervention of Sun Jian—alongside Liu Bei’s decisive archery—kills the remaining commanders and secures victory, beginning a bond of mutual respect between two future heroes of the troubled age. Follow the link below to order print or digital books from Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Flames-Legend-Brothers-Kingdoms/dp/B0FQ57WQB7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=HX8X7H8MF0Z6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fvd5F8dToaNVDSDDpq1lAaPFmdV_2KmGWWfDnSX-XLs85zA0L-4YXxBvlNJZJ3Y_pkhVtVi1lFyoEQJkbo6glyswbR2vtD-n50bsGL7Eybcad3O9HnhIN6rWID9tnTCx6ie8H7PCL3Gh2lHm3OgpmQ.gXq0JrYI9vj8GJvLuqm7lWwgOGWRQlVF1wuiYN9OUDQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=empire+in+flames+three+kingdoms&qid=1776787523&sprefix=empire+in+flames+three+kingdoms%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about Mentor NYC and order print books: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.mentornyc.org/product-page/empire-in-flames⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  7. Aug 13

    Episode 47: Empire in Flames (The Three Kingdoms) Chapter 21. The Sorcerer General

    Chapter 21. The Sorcerer General Dismissed by the arrogant Dong Zhuo, the three brothers receive a surprisingly warm welcome from Zhu Jun, whose attitude toward them has completely changed. Soon, they are thrust back into a fierce battle against the Yellow Turbans—but nothing could have prepared them to face a sinister sorcerer wielding dark magic. Follow the link below to order print or digital books from Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Flames-Legend-Brothers-Kingdoms/dp/B0FQ57WQB7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=HX8X7H8MF0Z6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fvd5F8dToaNVDSDDpq1lAaPFmdV_2KmGWWfDnSX-XLs85zA0L-4YXxBvlNJZJ3Y_pkhVtVi1lFyoEQJkbo6glyswbR2vtD-n50bsGL7Eybcad3O9HnhIN6rWID9tnTCx6ie8H7PCL3Gh2lHm3OgpmQ.gXq0JrYI9vj8GJvLuqm7lWwgOGWRQlVF1wuiYN9OUDQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=empire+in+flames+three+kingdoms&qid=1776787523&sprefix=empire+in+flames+three+kingdoms%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about Mentor NYC and order print books: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.mentornyc.org/product-page/empire-in-flames⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  8. Aug 5

    Episode 46: Empire in Flames (The Three Kingdoms) Chapter 20. Unsung Heroes

    Chapter 20. Unsung Heroes Though the fire attack at Yingchuan ended in triumph, no laurels await the three brothers. Zhu Jun once again summons Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei—this time to Guangzong, where they are ordered to reinforce General Lu Zhi. No commendation for their victory, no words of gratitude for their service—only a cold dismissal. On their way to Guangzong, Liu Bei makes a shocking discovery: his former mentor, Lu Zhi, was falsely accused and stripped of his command. Realizing their loyalty was met with indifference and injustice, the three brothers are left questioning whether answering Zhu Jun's summons was the right decision. Follow the link below to order print or digital books from Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Flames-Legend-Brothers-Kingdoms/dp/B0FQ57WQB7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=HX8X7H8MF0Z6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fvd5F8dToaNVDSDDpq1lAaPFmdV_2KmGWWfDnSX-XLs85zA0L-4YXxBvlNJZJ3Y_pkhVtVi1lFyoEQJkbo6glyswbR2vtD-n50bsGL7Eybcad3O9HnhIN6rWID9tnTCx6ie8H7PCL3Gh2lHm3OgpmQ.gXq0JrYI9vj8GJvLuqm7lWwgOGWRQlVF1wuiYN9OUDQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=empire+in+flames+three+kingdoms&qid=1776787523&sprefix=empire+in+flames+three+kingdoms%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about Mentor NYC and order print books: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.mentornyc.org/product-page/empire-in-flames⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Defying Times: Stories for Teens & YA is a weekly podcast from Mentor NYC, a New York City–based publishing studio. Each episode features short, immersive installments directly from unabridged audiobooks available for purchase on major platforms—designed for growing minds from tweens to young adults. These stories blend adventure with curiosity, courage, empathy, and strategic & critical thinking. Launching with Empire in Flames (retelling of Romance of the Three Kingdoms) and Young Guardians’ Circle. Visit: www.mentornyc.org © Mentor NYC LLC. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.

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