Advertise on podcast: Literary Quest

This week we're discussing This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews. Maggie awakens in Kair Toren, the fantasy world created by her favorite author, at the start of the first book in the series and realizes quickly that she cannot die and that she will have to use her knowledge of the world to find safety. She cleverly uses her knowledge of the world to set about fixing the wrongs done to her beloved characters, and in doing so, collects a crew of characters that become integral to her. Together they set out to save the kingdom of Rellas from death and war.

This episode we interview NYT best selling author Geneva Lee! Her upcoming epic fantasy romance, Harbinger, debuts on September 22nd. Harbinger is the first novel in a new series full of banter, tension, world-building, and magic. Geneva elaborates on the characters, her writing process, and inspiration for Harbinger! Arden Icaros is unexpectedly branded as an omen of war and is being hunted by the nobility. Her only chance of survival is a mysterious and feared man, known only as Bishop. He offers her sanctuary but the longer Arden is under Bishop's protection, the more dangerous he becomes.

This week, we're discussing The Lion and the Deathless Dark by Carissa Broadbent. Shoutout to the folks at Tor for sending us each a copy of this book! Kyrene, part time bounty hunter and part time servant of Shiket, goddess of Justice, is doing what she can to scrape by with her god created sword, Zefiah, and keep the people she cares about alive. A devastating miscalculation leaves Kyrene stunned by grief and rage and leads to an unlikely partnership with Septimus, prince of the Bloodborn vampires, pursuing their mutual goal to kill the gods. What could go wrong? So much. We are thrilled to finally have part 1 of Septimus and Kyrene's story. We have previously discussed the other full length novels in this series and invite you to check them out if you need a refresher.

This week we're interview Ann Aguirre about her upcoming novel - The Hocus Pocus Handbook. It is a cozy fae romance with fun lore and dynamic characters! Thea is given an almost impossible task of hunting down the fae she was forced to wed. She is accompanied by Kerboros, a sullen fae enforcer known as Winter’s Hound. Kerboros, who lives under the strict control of his cousin in the treacherous Winter Court, finds his life changed by the warm and wild Thea. As they journey together, the "sunshine and shadow" pair find themselves in a forbidden, potentially magical romance. The Hocus Pocus Handbook releases on September 1st!

This week, we're continuing our side quest into classic literature with Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre evolves from an impoverished orphan, shunned by her remaining living family, into a refined young woman of fine moral standards, eager to move beyond the charity school she was sent to as a child. Armed with a sharp mind, she takes a job at Thornfield Hall where she serves as a governess for a young French girl, Adele, who is the ward of Thornfield's owner, Edward Rochester. Jane and Edward form a fast friendship, which is challenged by social barriers. Though they overcome these barriers, when Edward's secrets come to light, they cannot be ignored by Jane. She sets off on her own with limited resources, seeking peace and clarity, but her journey leads her to so much more than she anticipated. **Jump to about 13 minutes into the episode to bypass the character and plot summaries.**

This week we're discussing Emily Bronte's classic gothic novel Wuthering Heights! Heathcliff is adopted by Mr. Earnshaw and soon forms a close bond with his daughter, Catherine but must endure abuse from Mr. Earnshaw's son. Heathcliff and Catherine's bond is strong but is tested when she accepts an offer of marriage from the rich Edgar Linton. In response, Heathcliff disappears and when he returns several years later, he is mysteriously wealthy. He is looking for revenge and is prepared to wait years for the opportune moment. Join us as we discuss Heathcliff and Catherine's haunting tale of love, spite, and vengeance.

In this episode, we're joined by Emily Renk Hawthorne, author of the YA fantasy mystery duology Of Mountains and Seas and From the Depths, which was released on June 9th. Emily shares with us about the inspiration for her books, how Chinese mythology is represented through her characters and storytelling, and how exposure to fantasy novels as a child has influenced her writing today. In a world filled with magic, shifters fight to maintain their secrecy among the statics (non-shifters). Of Mountains and Seas and From the Depths explores consequences of pursuing power and the impact that is felt across multiple generations. Check out Emily's work at www.emilyrenkhawthorne.com and find her on IG at @emilyrenkhawthorne

Happy Pride Month! This episode we're discussing The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow! This is a tale of three sisters who must come together to fight against the misogynistic Gideon Hill, who wants to rid the world of witches. They each have their own struggles to overcome, June is young and filled with unchanneled rage, Agnes is isolated and pregnant, while Bella hides her true nature. Can they overcome their challenges to unite the women and witches in New Salem? Or will old prejudices and fear be their downfall?

This week we're discussing Wings of Life, the first book in the Dragonbound Chronicles, with the author, Meghan Le Fay! In this episode, Meghan shares about the inspiration for her novel and delves into her characters with us. Serae has been a constant challenge to her parents. She is curious and intelligent, which her father typically laments, until the opportunity for her to serve as spy for Inra presents itself. Her betrothal to the High Dane of Rihtlond's son offers the best circumstance for her to gather information about Rihtlond's secrets. The Riht do not easily accept Serae. In working to prove herself as worthy of the High Dane's son, she gains the trust of a group of people who she comes to care deeply for, including their weaponmaster. Not only does she discover the hidden magic of Rihtlond, but she also discovers herself and her own magic. Join us this week!

This episode we're discussing Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry. This is the sequel to Shield of Sparrows. Odessa and Evie have been separated from Ransom. They plan to meet up with him in Quentis, but encounter quite a few issues along the way. When they do finally arrive, it is not a warm welcome, they are attacked on multiple occasions and even framed for crimes. It all seems connected to the Vosters. Will Odessa, Evie, and Ransom be able to survive the journey and figure out the secret behind the Vosters magic before the Lyssa overtakes Ransom? A new character is also introduced - Caspia. She is from a different continent and is traveling to avenge her sister's death. However, when she meets Andreas and falls in love, her plans must change. Will she be able to complete her quest? Or will the responsibility fall on Andreas?

This week, we're discussing Of Blades and Wings by Eliza Raine. Princess Madivia of the Ice Court never expected to be chosen to attend Featherblade, a training school for future Valkyries, not only because her magic has never been as strong as her Freydis, her sister, but also because a medical condition causes Maddy to pass out unexpectedly. Each fainting episode may mean the end of her life. However, to the surprise of everyone, Maddy is selected to train among Odin's remaining elite Valkyrie. Though she has felt like an outsider for most of her life, Maddy feels excited about the opportunity to develop her power and get her wings. However, there are bullies among her fellow rooks, and a grumpy fire fae, Kain, who can't keep his eyes off her. This is a slow burn, enemies to lovers, romantasy novel inspired by Norse mythology. Join us this week!

This episode we discuss Thief of Night by Holly Black! It is the second and final book in the Charlatan Duology. Charlie Hall agreed to be tethered to her shadow boyfriend Vince and become the Hierophant to save his life. However, Vince no longer remembers her or even being Vince. He now goes by Red, he remembers being the shadow of Remy Carver but has lost about a year's worth of memories. He is distrustful of Charlie and their relationship is tense. When Charlie is approached by the new head of the puppeteers to investigate a murder, secrets start to be revealed. Will Charlie and Red be able to work together? Or is Red's inability to take Charlie at her word going to cost them everything?

This week we're discussing When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker. Raeve, as assassin for a rebel group in the Fade, merely seeks to complete her missions, do what she can to help those less fortunate than her, and live her life. However, a cloaked male, who Raeve believes to be a bounty hunter, crosses her path and despite her efforts, she cannot shake him...not even from her jail cell. When Kaan Vaegor, King of the Burn, recognizes Raeve, a female from his past, nothing will stop him from ensuring her safety, even to his own detriment. Our discussion starts at 12:45 into this recording.

This week we discuss the second book of Heather Fawcett's Emily Wilde Series - Map of the Otherlands. Emily and Wendell are searching for a way into the otherlands and Wendell's kingdom. They are joined by Emily's niece, Ariadne, and the head of the dyradology department Dr. Ferris Rose. The crew follow clues and make their way to Austria to investigate Danielle De Grey's last known location. De Grey was searching for and likely found a nexus and her research is their best chance at finding Wendell a way back to his kingdom. However, his evil step mother is determined to keep her throne and tries to thwart Wendell through attacks and even with poison. Will Emily and Wendel find the nexus before it's too late?

This week, we have a special guest! Brigid Kemmerer, author of Warrior, Princess, Assassin, joined us for our discussion of her book! We are so grateful for her time! To dive straight into our discussion with Brigid and skip the character and plot summary, jump ahead to 11:20 in this episode. Princess Jory of Astranza faces the difficult reality of becoming engaged to a king, Maddox Kyronan of Incendar, or risk placing the safety and future of her kingdom at risk. Ky's fire magic is rumored to be terribly destructive, which is extremely effective against the enemies, the Draegonis. However, the rumors also suggest that Ky has used such power against his own people. Jory seeks comfort from her only friend, Asher, an assassin for hire and her childhood love. Dark dealings by men in power unexpectedly drive Asher, Ky, and Jory together, and while they ally together out of necessity initially, their attraction to each other draws them even closer. Join us this week!