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Andrea and Elizabeth return to Robin Hobb’s Farseer Trilogy to discuss Assassin’s Quest, the epic conclusion to Fitz’s journey. They explore Fitz’s search for purpose, the role of prophecy, and how his growing circle of companions helps him along the way. They also debate whether the ending feels rushed or satisfying, consider the mysteries left unanswered, and share their ratings for the final book. Spoiler warning⚠️: Major spoilers for all three Farseer books, especially Assassin's Quest!  04:49 Fitz Finds His Purpose 09:30 Prophecy, the Catalyst, and the Wheel of Time 13:22 Fitz’s New Pack 15:29 Does Assassin’s Quest Stick the Landing? 23:43 A Bittersweet Ending and Unanswered Questions 28:17 Our Ratings and What Comes Next Realm of the Elderlings Discord  A giant buddy read of the entire ROTE series starting October 2026. One book each month. Available at the link in bio on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/thank.thegods.for.smut/

What actually makes a book horror? In this spooky season episode, Andrea and Elizabeth explore where horror, fantasy, science fiction, and literary fiction start to blur together. They discuss unsettling books without traditional monsters, monsters that aren't necessarily scary, and the horror of human behavior and systemic injustice. Along the way, they discover that horror can take many forms, and perhaps the genre is harder to define than they thought. 00:47 Recent Reads 07:08 What Even Is Horror? 11:34 When Fantasy Starts to Feel Like Horror 14:39 When People Become Monsters 18:00 So, Do We Actually Like Horror? 23:58 Widening the Definition of Horror Books Mentioned The Vegetarian by Han Kang The Housemaid by Freida McFadden Dracula by Bram Stoker Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Nine Goblins by T. Kingfisher It by Stephen King The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones Katabasis by R.F. Kuang Starling House by Alix E. Harrow Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon The Eyes Are the Best Part by Monica Kim Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman Empire of the Damned by Jay Kristoff Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice Connect with us on IG: @galaxiesandgoddesses Bookshop.org affiliate storefront:https://bookshop.org/shop/galaxiesandgoddesses

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth dive into Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb, the second book in the Farseer Trilogy. They talk about Fitz's growth from a young assassin into someone with deeper relationships, stronger alliances, and a much bigger role in the politics of Buckkeep. As the enemies seem to be at every turn, who is the biggest threat and are we really seeing the whole picture? Spoiler warning⚠️: This episode contains major spoilers for Royal Assassin and Assassin’s Apprentice, the first two books in the Farseer Trilogy. 00:44 First Impressions 04:50 Fitz Grows Up 10:48 Team Fitz Assembles 14:20 Enemies Abound 21:59 Memorable Word Choice 23:49 Looking Ahead 28:45 Ratings Support the Show Explore our Bookshop.org storefront to find the books we discuss. Purchases support independent bookstores and help keep the podcast going. https://bookshop.org/shop/galaxiesandgoddesses

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth wrap up Summer Book Bingo by sharing some of their favorite reads from the challenge. They talk about books that they couldn’t put down, the strange ways a Bingo category can change how you look at a book, and some thought provoking weird little books. A few are sci-fi, a few are fantasy, and some are just really great stories about community and character. 01:36 Books We Couldn't Put Down 07:22 The Books That Made Us Look Twice 12:35 Excellent Standalone Novels  18:32 Weird Little Books 26:17 One Word Title 27:34 A Book to Make You Smile Books discussed in the episode:  Good People — Patmeena Sabit  (Debut Novel) The Correspondent — Virginia Evans  (Bird on the Cover) White Fang — Jack London  (Bird on the Cover) Dungeon Crawler Carl — Matt Dinniman  (First Person POV) The Buffalo Hunter Hunter — Stephen Graham Jones  (Standalone Novel) The Everlasting — Alix E. Harrow  (Time Travel) This Is How You Lose the Time War — Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone  (Time Travel) The Factory — Hiroko Oyamada  (In Translation) The Empress of Salt and Fortune — Nghi Vo  (Novella) Small Things Like These — Claire Keegan (Novella) Beartown — Fredrik Backman  (One Word Title) Lobster Is the Best Medicine — Liz Climo  (Read in a Day) Books also listed on our Bookshop.org affiliate storefront:https://bookshop.org/shop/galaxiesandgoddesses Additional References:  The Tales Behind the Branding of 32 Storied Book Publishers. Brian LaRossa. https://brianlarossa.medium.com/the-tales-behind-the-branding-of-32-storied-book-publishers-f14679107742

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth dive into books on their TBRs for years, or even decades. This week, they're talking about the books and authors they've read a book or two and want to keep reading, from Margaret Atwood and Brandon Sanderson to Stephen King and George R.R. Martin. They discuss intimidating series, unfinished stories, forgotten books on their shelves, and the many ways book logistics influence what they actually read next. Elizabeth’s TBR Catch-22 — Joseph Heller  (because dystopia is on her mind) Oryx and Crake — Margaret Atwood  (because The Handmaid’s Tale was excellent!) The Dark Tower — Stephen King  (because it’s the last in the series) Andrea’s TBR The Blind Assassin — Margaret Atwood  (because she loved Oryx & Crake!) Mistborn — Brandon Sanderson  (because she loved Tress of the Emerald Sea) A Dance with Dragons — George R. R. Martin  (if the sixth book comes out) Additional References: The NPR Top 100 Science Fiction & Fantasy Books https://www.npr.org/2011/08/11/139085843/your-picks-top-100-science-fiction-fantasy-books

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth dive into Robin Hobb’s Assassin’s Apprentice. As the first book in the Farseer Trilogy, the story follows Fitz, a young royal bastard who is drawn into the dangerous world of court politics and magic. They talk about why this classic fantasy felt surprisingly familiar, yet how Hobb’s detailed writing and worldbuilding pulls in the reader. They also discuss favorite characters, the mysterious magic systems of the Skill and the Wit, and why they’re excited to read more. 01:41 Plot Recap and First Impressions02:43 Writing Style and Structure05:31 Names, Magic, and Influences10:34 Favorite Characters and Worldbuilding12:53 Words That Stuck with Us18:29 Word Choice and “Throve”20:50 YA Vibes and a Library Hunt24:05 Ratings 25:56 Bingo Squares and Final Wrap Additional References: The NPR Top 100 Science Fiction & Fantasy Books https://www.npr.org/2011/08/11/139085843/your-picks-top-100-science-fiction-fantasy-books

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth explore the science fiction and fantasy worlds they'd most like to visit, from cozy escapes in the Shire and Panga to magical cities like Velaris, and dragon filled adventures at Basgiath.. Along the way, they debate what makes a fictional destination truly vacation worthy, whether they'd stay for a day, a week, or forever, and which famous worlds they'd rather avoid. Their conversation wanders through magical libraries, dragon safaris, space travel, and the surprisingly practical details of visiting imaginary worlds. 00:44 Dragons, Wildlife, and Fantasy Safaris 02:53 Choosing the Perfect Fantasy Vacation 06:44 Cozy Escapes or Epic Adventures? 10:07 Would Sci-Fi Worlds Actually Be Fun? 11:38 The Reality of Space Travel 14:31 Unexpected Tangents 18:06 Forever is a Very Long Time 19:57 Books Inspiring Real Life Travel 26:11 Library Must See Travel Plans 28:50 Worlds to Avoid 30:28 Does Travel Change Your Reading? 34:09 Outro Books & Series Mentioned: The Lord of the Rings — J.R.R. TolkienA Court of Thorns and Roses — Sarah J. MaasA Psalm for the Wild-Built — Becky ChambersFourth Wing — Rebecca YarrosProject Hail Mary — Andy WeirFoundation series — Isaac AsimovThe Maid and the Crocodile — Jordan IfuekoA Discovery of Witches — Deborah HarknessBrimstone — Callie HartGame of Thrones  — George R. R. MartinDune — Frank HerbertSnow Flower and the Secret Fan — Lisa SeeMemoirs of a Geisha — Arthur Golden Other references: Artemis II astronauts have toilet trouble on their way towards the Moonhttps://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c87wy05wr4no

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth dive into Isaac Asimov's Second Foundation, the conclusion of the original Foundation trilogy. They discuss how the novel brings the series full circle while exploring its biggest ideas, including psychohistory, the rise and fall of civilizations, free will versus manipulation, and whether history can truly be predicted. Along the way, they examine the contrast between the First Foundation's physical sciences and the Second Foundation's mental sciences, debate the ethics of influencing society "for the greater good," and share why this classic science fiction trilogy continues to feel relevant more than 70 years after it was written. ⚠️ Spoiler warning: This episode contains discussion of major plot points from Second Foundation and the original Foundation trilogy. We avoid revealing the novel's biggest final twist. 03:28 Big Ideas That Stuck With Us 11:02 The Mystery of Second Foundation 14:03 Power, Control, and the Seldon Plan 22:59 Who Would You Recommend This Book 27:29 Final Thoughts and Ratings Additional References: The NPR Top 100 Science Fiction & Fantasy Books https://www.npr.org/2011/08/11/139085843/your-picks-top-100-science-fiction-fantasy-books Let’s Connect Podcast Instagram: @galaxiesandgoddesses If you loved the episode, be sure to subscribe and give a review!

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth revisit reading goals and New Year's resolutions set back in January. They check in on their 26 in 2026 reading lists, compare mid-year reading stats, and share the books that have stood out most so far this year. They also talk about the challenge of choosing what to read next, the freedom to put down books that aren't working, and how their Summer Book Bingo is going. Whether you're crushing your reading goals or completely off track, join the bookish banter and perhaps discover your next great read. 00:50 Revisiting Our Reading Resolutions07:55 Mid Year Reading Stats10:15 Progress on Our 26 in 2026 Lists11:41 Our Favorite Books of the Year So Far16:24 Deciding What to Read Next21:41 Book Bingo Updates23:31 Books We Couldn't Finish24:36 How to Join Our Summer Book Bingo25:30 Reading Goals for the Rest of 202627:52 Closing Thoughts & Next Episode Books Discussed in This Episode : The Lord of the Rings — J. R. R. Tolkien The Hobbit — J. R. R. Tolkien Her Body and Other Parties — Carmen Maria Machado Katabasis — R. F. Kuang Klara and the Sun — Kazuo IshiguroThe Traveling Cat Chronicles — Hiro Arikawa Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil — V. E. SchwabAtmosphere — Taylor Jenkins ReidThere There  — Tommy OrangeThe Serviceberry — Robin Wall KimmererGood People — Patmeena Sabit Project Hail Mary — Andy WeirThe Mythmakers — John HendrixThe Housemaid — Freida McFaddenI'm Glad My Mom Died — Jennette McCurdy Let’s Connect Podcast Instagram: @galaxiesandgoddesses If you loved the episode, be sure to subscribe and give a review!

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth discuss Foundation and Empire, the second book in Isaac Asimov's Foundation trilogy. They explore the novel's central question: can one person change the course of history? Along the way, they examine psychohistory, Bayta's role as a standout female character, Asimov's concise writing style, and why Foundation and Empire felt like a stronger, more cohesive read than the first book. 05:39 The Group versus the Individual 08:27 Bayta as a Standout Character 12:25 Concise Words for Big Concepts 17:25 Unprintable Words 21:34 Needing a Break 25:14 Does History Repeat Itself? 30:18 Ratings & Final Thoughts Additional References: Bechdel Test https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bechdel_test Why is Genre Fiction Obsessed with Belisarius? https://reactormag.com/why-is-genre-fiction-obsessed-with-belisarius/

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth discuss the complicated world of book covers and how first impressions shape our reading expectations. From romantasy trends and movie tie-in editions to mass market paperbacks, special editions, and social media influence, they explore whether anyone can truly avoid judging a book by its cover. Along the way, they share stories about their current reads, misleading covers, and the books they almost didn’t want to be seen reading in public. Plus, they officially kick off the Galaxies and Goddesses Summer Book Bingo. 00:48 Currently Reading 04:01 Book Covers as Marketing 05:19 Blind Date with a Book 07:50 Special Editions and Movie Poster Covers 13:57 Social Media Influence 18:39 Misleading Covers 22:10 Embarrassing Covers 24:27 E-readers vs Physical Books 26:30 Summer Book Bingo Kickoff Books mentioned in the episode: Foundation and Empire by Isaac Asimov The Antidote by Karen Russell Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie The Crazies: The Cattleman, the Wind Prospector, and the War Out West by Amy Gamerman Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan The Moonday Letters by Emmi Itäranta The Strawberry Thief by Joanne Harris Chocolat by Joanne Harris The Memory of Forgotten Things by Kat Zhang Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon Portlandia – “Put a Bird on It” sketch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNpIOlDhigw

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth dive into Foundation by Isaac Asimov, one of the most influential works in classic science fiction. Together they explore the concept of psychohistory, and how the novel’s ideas about power, technology, religion, and knowledge preservation still resonate today. They also discuss what feels dated in a mid-century sci-fi classic, from communication technology to the near absence of women in positions of power, and reflect on how modern readers engage with older speculative fiction. Along the way, the conversation branches into AI, technological dependence, and why some books remain classics even when they challenge or frustrate us as readers.  01:01 Expectations for a Classic 03:04 Serialized Structure and Star Wars Vibes 05:48 Psychohistory and Power Politics 09:41 What Aged Poorly and Who Gets Included 14:13 Who Decides What is a Classic 17:43 Why is it a Classic 18:54 Tech Dependence And AI 29:30 Ratings And Wrap Up Freakonomics Radio episode “New Technologies Always Scare Us. Is AI Any Different?” https://freakonomics.com/podcast/new-technologies-always-scare-us-is-a-i-any-different The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist. 2026. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt39150120/

On this week’s episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, join Andrea and Elizabeth as they share their Independent Bookstore Day adventures on a bookish road trip through cozy indie bookshops in Bozeman and Livingston to an unexpected stop in West Yellowstone. They talk about the bookstores they visited, books they picked up, and the unique experiences that made each shop special, from discounts and staff picks to author events and community art. Along the way, they reflect on the role independent bookstores play in supporting local communities and connecting readers. If you love bookstore crawls and hauls this episode is for you.  00:59 What is Independent Bookstore Day 02:17 Bozeman Bookstores & Bargains 15:32 Livingston Bookstores & Community Vibes 23:17 West Yellowstone 27:57 Take a Book Leave a Book Finds 28:17 Overall Vibes 29:46 Thoughts for Next Year Books mentioned in this episode: Vesper Flights by Helen Macdonald Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones Exhalation by Ted Chiang A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro Shōgun by James Clavell The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer My Heart Is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, we explore the lasting influence of J. R. R. Tolkien on modern fantasy and beyond. From shaping iconic tropes in The Lord of the Rings to inspiring authors like R. F. Kuang and Christopher Paolini, Tolkien’s impact spans generations. We also discuss the Hero's Journey as a timeless storytelling framework and how it plays into the Lord of the Rings. At the end of the episode we announce our next trilogy pick, swinging back into the realm of science fiction with Isaac Asimov’s Foundation trilogy. 03:43 Spotting Tolkien References 05:56 Influence vs Infringement 08:57 What Is The Hero’s Journey 12:16 Why Tropes Still Work 13:56 Travel Inspired by Books 14:40 Back to The Hero's Journey 16:50 The Circle as a Symbol 20:48 Tolkien-esque Names 25:51 Tolkien Language Intent 28:52 Eragon And Dragon Nostalgia 32:05 Next Read Foundation Trilogy 33:56 Episode Wrap And Teaser Books MentionedThe Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. TolkienThe Hobbit by J. R. R. TolkienKatabasis by R. F. KuangThe Golden Compass by Philip Pullman  Outlander by Diana Gabaldon The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown Brimstone by Callie Hart When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker Eragon by Christopher Paolini Foundation by Isaac Asimov Love chatting about books? Follow Galaxies and Goddesses and leave a review to support the show.

Join Andrea and Elizabeth as they discuss The Return of the King, the epic conclusion to J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, highlighting standout moments, character arcs, and what makes the ending memorable. They compare book and film differences, while emphasizing the book’s quieter moments and added history. They focus on Aragorn’s kingship revealed through the House of Healing, Éowyn’s confidence and role in defeating the Lord of the ringwraiths, and Faramir’s unexpected romance. They note the extensive chapters after the Ring’s destruction and both rate the series five stars, giving appreciation to Tolkien for his gift to the world. 00:52 Where Return of the King Begins 05:26 Books Versus Movies Debate 07:55 Stand Out Moments 10:52 Love in the House of Healing 15:54 Encounters with Saruman 18:39 The Battle Isn't the End of the Story 24:348 Library Reading Buddies 29:59 Feelings at the End 32:28 It's Not a Trilogy 38:05 Ratings Spoiler warning for:The Fellowship of the Ring The Two Towers The Return of the King Reddit fan theories mentioned in the episode: Was Bilbo’s mithril coat originally made for Legolas? https://www.reddit.com/r/tolkienfans/comments/yr9lrl/bilbos_mithril_coat_was_made_for_legolas/