In this episode, we’re sharing our mindful reading goals for 2025 and why we’re embracing a slower, more intentional approach to our TBRs. Maddie is setting a 100-book reading limit to focus on quality over quantity, while Kristen is incorporating cozy fantasy, nostalgic rereads, and expanding her home library. From rating systems to physical TBRs, we’re breaking down how we plan to read more thoughtfully, track our progress, and enjoy the journey. Plus, we’re diving into the impact of audiobooks vs. physical books, finding our own influences, and prioritizing movies and TV. Tune in for all the details and get inspired to set your own 2025 reading goals! Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro: Kicking Off Our 2025 Reading Goals 06:23 - Kristen’s Plan: Reading Fewer Series & Focusing on Standalones 10:02 - Maddie’s Rating System Overhaul 15:01 - Why Maddie Is Setting a 100-Book Limit for 2025 16:54 - Kristen’s Cozy Fantasy Picks and Slow Reading Rituals 17:35 - Tracking Our Reading in 2025: Reviews, Journals, etc 19:39 - Kristen’s Reading Journal: Keeping Track of Progress 22:08 - Nostalgia Reads & Rereads: Kristen’s 2025 Priority 22:55 - Maddie’s Focus on Classics: A New Direction for 2025 25:00 - The Four Series Maddie Plans to Tackle in 2025 27:03 - Maddie’s Physical TBR Goal: Under 10 Books 28:20 - Kristen’s Shift to Standalones & Building a Home Library 30:55 - Prioritizing Romance: Kristen’s 2025 Genre Spotlight 34:18 - Diversifying Recommendations: Plan for Variety 38:20 - Being Your Own Tastemaker: Avoiding Reading FOMO 39:25 - Our New Twist: Giving Each Other 3 Passes for the Year 42:27 - Choosing Physical Books Over Audiobooks in 2025 45:47 - Audiobooks vs. Physical Books: Balancing Time & Value 48:13 - Making Time for More Movies & TV in 2025 Join our Patreon: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhood Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.mads Biz inquiries: contact.kris.and.mads@gmail.com

What do you get when you mix a shocking (and oddly funny) kidnapping story with insights on becoming a full-time content creator? This episode with Michael Kist! 🎉 Join us as Michael hilariously recounts being literally kidnapped at 11 years old (yes, really) and how his love for books, history, and fantasy shaped his path to success. Whether you’re a fan of epic reads, deep dives into creative careers, or just love hearing creators overshare, this episode has it all! 🎙️ What We Cover: Timestamps 00:00 Intro 15:19 📚 How Childhood Stories Inspire Reading & Content Creation 21:07 ⚠️ The Weird, Wild Risks of Being a Creator 24:53 🔥 Juggling Passion, Burnout, and Everything in Between 27:51 🎯 Why Success Isn’t Just About the Views 32:44 📏 From Short-Form to Long-Form Content: The Big Transition 37:39 💬 Handling Critics & Keeping Fans Happy (or Not) 42:06 🤝 Engaging with Communities Like a Pro 49:12 💡 Negotiation 101: Knowing Your Worth as a Creator 56:00 🌟 What’s Next? Michael’s Personal & Professional Aspirations If you’re into books, reading, history, or fantasy—or want to master the art of content creation—this episode is a must-listen. 📖 Love storytelling? Michael drops gems on how his love for epic tales influences his creative process. 🎥 Thinking of going full-time? Hear tips on navigating audience expectations, burnout, and the ever-evolving creator economy. 🛠️ Bonus laughs included. Tune in for inspiration, laughs, and the most unexpected kidnapping story ever.

You can find Michael's content here:  @KistReadsBooks  and around the web: https://linktr.ee/michaelkist biz inquiries: contact.kris.and.mads@gmail.com Patreon, Tiktok, Instagram, merch, and more here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.mads

This is a show about stories for storytellers and story lovers, hosted by sisters Kristen and Maddie, lifelong readers and recent booktokers with a 98k+ following.

In this interview, we're interviewing our fellow content creators Will and Ed Gwynne, sons of author John Gwynne, and best known around the internet as the Brothers Gwynne.

We discuss their approach to content creation as siblings, their book taste, aspirations, and some of our favorite stories. And of course, we discuss John Gwynne (aka Papa Gwynne) and his amazing series.

You can find Will and Ed on YouTube and around the web.

⁠https://www.youtube.com/@thebrothersgwynne⁠ You can find Kristen and Maddie on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Join their book club on Fable, and keep up with what they're reading on Goodreads. Everything is linked here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/kris.and.mads⁠⁠⁠

This is a show about stories for storytellers and story lovers, hosted by sisters Kristen and Maddie, lifelong readers and recent booktokers with a 98k+ following.

In this interview, we're interviewing author Ryan Cahill. Ryan's independently published series, The Bound and the Broken has sold over 400,000 copies worldwide, and the fourth installment in the series is coming out in 2025. We are huge fans of the series, and so honored to sit down and chat with Ryan about his work.

We discuss Ryan's approach to writing, his choice to be independently published, his largest influences, and some of the story-telling choices he makes as he develops especially male characters with emotional depth and female characters with range and complexity. While we asked for no spoilers, we did check in about whether or not we will be satisfied with a few plot points along the way, as the series concludes with the fourth and fifth books. You can find Ryan at his website, and order his books from there or your favorite bookseller.

⁠https://ryancahillauthor.com/⁠ You can find Kristen and Maddie on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Join their book club on Fable, and keep up with what they're reading on Goodreads. Everything is linked here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/kris.and.mads⁠⁠

This is a show about stories for storytellers and story lovers, hosted by sisters Kristen and Maddie, lifelong readers and recent booktokers with a 95k+ following.

In this interview, we're interviewing fellow content creator Lino, regarding his reading tastes, approach to content creation, and the characters that inspire him in stories. As Lino continues to grow his following, we also discussed growth strategies for social media, and our approaches to monetization, integrity, and authenticity. We so enjoyed hanging out with Lino, and hope you enjoy the episode as much as we did! You can find Lino on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Join his book clubs on Fable, and even purchase his poetry books. Everything is linked here:

https://linktr.ee/linothereader You can find Kristen and Maddie on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Join their book club on Fable, and keep up with what they're reading on Goodreads. Everything is linked here: ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/kris.and.mads⁠

This is a show about stories—for storytellers and story lovers, hosted by sisters Kristen and Maddie, lifelong readers and recent booktokers with a 95k+ following.

In this episode, we share how our sister relationship has evolved through our childhood, young adult, new adult, and adult phases. We are often mistaken for twins or confused for one another, and in this episode, we debunk the myth that we are alike. We are very different! You'll see as we share about being homeschooled, stalking boyfriends, teen pregnancy, divorce, infertility, miscarriage, careers, and what changed during the pandemic—we hope we give you insight into our relationship and why we feel so passionate about stories. This isn't everything, but we shared some juicy bits. Hope you all enjoy the show!

P.S. We are actively problem-solving our sound issues, and will hopefully have superior volume and sound mixing on future episodes. Thank you so much for your patience, as we level up to bring you guys the best quality we can.

You can connect with us on social platforms, email us, and find all our other resources here:

⁠https://linktr.ee/kris.and.mads⁠

This is a show about stories for storytellers and story lovers, hosted by sisters Kristen and Maddie, lifelong readers and recent booktokers with a 95k+ following.

In this interview, Thomas Weaver introduces his Amazon bestseller debut novel Artificial Wisdom, and we discuss a tech-optimist approach to the near future. We also chatted about the themes present in the novel, namely climate change, political polarization, and the disinformation era. Thomas also shared his inspiration and writing process and divulged a little about his work in progress Futility Town. We opened the interview up to audience questions at the end.

You can order Artificial Wisdom on Amazon:

⁠https://a.co/d/2F0Yh3Z⁠

You can find Tom on TikTok and Instagram:

⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thomasr.weaver⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/tom_weaver/⁠

You can find Kristen and Maddie on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Join their book club on Fable, and keep up with what they're reading on Goodreads. Everything is linked here:

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/kris.and.mads⁠

This is a show about stories for storytellers and story lovers, hosted by sisters Kristen and Maddie, lifelong readers and recent booktokers with a 95k+ following.

In this interview with Margaret, fellow bookish content creator, we talk about Margaret's love for Realm of the Elderlings, some of her favorite authors and stories, her approach to content-creating and her audience, the permission she gives herself and others to have unpopular opinions about books, and she gives us her honest opinion on some of our top tier books. We also opened the floor to the LIVE audience for questions in the second half.

You can find Margaret on TikTok and Instagram:

https://www.tiktok.com/@mm.stormblessed

https://www.instagram.com/literallyliterary1

You can find Kristen and Maddie on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Join their book club on Fable, and keep up with what they're reading on Goodreads. Everything is linked here:

https://linktr.ee/kris.and.mads

This is a show about stories for storytellers and story lovers, hosted by sisters Kristen and Maddie, lifelong readers and recent booktokers with a 95k+ following.

In this interview with Allie, a fellow bookish content creator, we talk about Allie's start on Booktok, her hilarious theory on her parents' occupations, her top romance authors and book recommendations, her advice for anyone starting on Booktok, and the ins and outs of being content creators. We also opened the floor to the LIVE audience for a few questions at the end.

You can find Allie on TikTok and GoodReads:

https://www.tiktok.com/@allisonsaplusreads?lang=en

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/139256742-allison-e

You can find Kristen and Maddie on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Join their book club on Fable, and keep up with what they're reading on Goodreads. Everything is linked here:

https://linktr.ee/kris.and.mads

This is a show about stories for storytellers and story lovers, hosted by sisters Kristen and Maddie, lifelong readers and recent booktokers with a 95k+ following.

In this interview with Lyn Moore, fellow bookish content creator, we talk about Lyn's start on Booktok, his up-front no-bullshit approach, some of his favorite authors and stories, the vampire books he picked up this year, his own imprint Lyn Moore house, his upcoming debut fantasy novel, and the ins and outs of being content creators. We also opened the floor to the LIVE audience for a few questions at the end.

You can find Lyn on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram:

https://www.tiktok.com/@lynmoore_books

https://www.youtube.com/@lynmoore_

https://www.instagram.com/lynmoor_/

You can find Kristen and Maddie on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Join their book club on Fable, and keep up with what they're reading on Goodreads. Everything is linked here:

https://linktr.ee/kris.and.mads

📚 Are you wondering how we manage to read so many books every month? In this episode, we spill all our secrets! From our favorite reading spots to how we build our TBRs, track our reading progress, and decide between physical books, audiobooks, and Kindle, we cover it all. 📖✨

Plus: 🤔 How We read so many books 🎧 Why we love (or hate) different reading formats 🛋️ The best places to read and set the mood ✍🏻 How we build our TBR lists 📚 Where we buy our books, including special editions 📲 The apps and tools we swear by for tracking our reads 👩‍💻 How we engage with authors and make reading a social experience 🛍️ Bookish merch we can't get enough of! If you're looking to up your reading game, discover new tools, or simply get some bookish inspo, this episode is for you! Hit play, and let's chat all things books! 🎙️💬

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more bookish content!

Biz inquiries: contact.kris.and.mads@gmail.com

Patreon, Tiktok, Instagram, merch, and more here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.mads

Sources: Reading Stats https://today.yougov.com/entertainmen...

Saving Highlights from Kindle on Goodreads https://www.reddit.com/r/kindle/comme...

Ambiance Videos    • 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐈𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐦𝐧 | 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐀...     • Countdown to Cozy Nights | Christmas ...     • 🍁 Cozy Autumn Coffee Shop Ambience wi...  

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UK Editions https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/home

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This is a show about stories for storytellers and story lovers, hosted by sisters Kristen and Maddie, lifelong readers and recent booktokers with a 100k+ following.

In this interview, John Fennec chats to us about his speculative sci-fi debut Artificial Artifacts. We discuss how the short story format shows how AI can affect multiple points of view, the ways humanity is obsessed with what is real, and how outsourcing to AI for convenience can be a slippery slope to outsourcing our human experience. We chat about Fennec's upcoming project that explores simulation theory, and the reason why he writes and explores these themes! We are obsessed with Artificial Artifacts. Fennec is a polished story-teller with such a creative outlook on the application and integration of technology and culture. We hope you pick up Artificial Artifacts and enjoy it as much as we did!

You can order Artificial Artifacts on Amazon (It is also available on Kindle Unlimited): https://a.co/d/cNCWWRd You can connect with John Fennec around the web: linktr.ee/johnfennec⁠⁠ You can find Kris and Mads on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Join the Patreon or book club on Fable, and keep up with what we're reading on Goodreads. Everything is linked here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/kris.and.mads⁠⁠⁠

This is a show about stories for storytellers and story lovers, hosted by sisters Kristen and Maddie, lifelong readers and recent booktokers with a 100k+ following.

In this interview, Gareth Brown chats to us about his international bestseller The Book of Doors. We discuss how the book can't really be put in a genre box, how Brown's reading across genres influences his style, and how being a debut author is misleading since he's been writing since he was a teen. We chat about the publishing process and how Brown might be sitting on a fantastic time-travel novel that is yet-to-be published! We are eagerly anticipating Brown's next release in 2025. Brown has the ability to blend genres, and deliver break-neck pacing and keep us hooked on every page. We hope you pick up The Book of Doors and enjoy it as much as we did!

You can order The Book of Doors on Amazon: ⁠https://a.co/d/al9mAtD⁠ You can connect with Gareth Brown around the web: ⁠https://www.garethbrownbooks.com/⁠ You can find Kris and Mads on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Join the Patreon or book club on Fable, and keep up with what we're reading on Goodreads. Everything is linked here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/kris.and.mads⁠⁠

This is a show about stories for storytellers and story lovers, hosted by sisters Kristen and Maddie, lifelong readers and recent booktokers with a 100k+ following.

In this special episode, we are sharing our experience going to Ireland with our booktok followers.

Our next trip is in Italy in April 2025! Booking for the trip will launch Oct. 22, at 8 pm EST. You can check out the itinerary and sign up to be notified when booking is open here: https://trovatrip.com/trip/europe/italy/italy-with-maddie-fisher-apr-2025 We went to Ireland with 32 strangers who follow us on Booktok. It was the trip of a lifetime. We met kindred spirits and made core memories in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. We can't express what these women mean to us. We can't explain how it fated it felt. What we can say is THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts to every woman who took a leap of faith to do something crazy for the plot. Every risk had massive payoff, and we feel so full of love and optimism for everything to come. This was an experience that proved everything we want to be true about finding best friends as adults, and the world being a lot smaller than we think. Cheers to 2025 and all the new memories and friendships to come! You can find Kristen and Maddie on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Join their book club on Fable, and keep up with what they're reading on Goodreads. Everything is linked here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/kris.and.mads⁠

This is a show about stories for storytellers and story lovers, hosted by sisters Kristen and Maddie, lifelong readers and recent booktokers with a 100k+ following.

In this interview, John Gwynne chats about his trilogy The Bloodsworn Saga, which is recently complete with its third installment The Fury of the Gods. We discuss how Norse mythology plays a role, and how research is a huge part of his writing process. Most importantly, we discussed how loss and grief have altered John's life, his work, and the way he writes grief in Fury of the Gods. We were so honored that John took the time to speak with us so openly. We hope you all pick up The Bloodsworn Saga and that it makes you feel as deeply as it did us.

You can order The Fury of the Gods on Amazon: https://a.co/d/7rIOxW4 You can connect with John Gwynne around the web: linktr.ee/johnhgwynne You can find Kristen and Maddie on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Join their book club on Fable, and keep up with what they're reading on Goodreads. Everything is linked here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/kris.and.mads⁠

This is a show about stories for storytellers and story lovers, hosted by sisters Kristen and Maddie, lifelong readers and recent booktokers with a 100k+ following.

In this interview, Shauna Lawless introduces her trilogy The Gael Song, which is recently complete with its third installment The Land of the Living and the Dead. We discuss how Irish folklore and history are a huge part of her fantasy series. We also chatted about the many themes Shauna includes in her books—motherhood, the spectrum of femininity, power dynamics, classism, war, politics, economy, and oppression. Shauna also shared her writing process with us and how it has evolved from her hobby to her full-time career. We are so excited about this series and everything Shauna is working on at the minute! We can't wait for you all to read her series!

You can order The Gael Song on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09VX99M5P?binding=kindle_edition&searchxofy=true&ref_=dbs_s_aps_series_rwt_tkin&qid=1727803340&sr=8-1 You can connect with Shauna around the web: https://linktr.ee/shaunalawless You can find Kristen and Maddie on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Join their book club on Fable, and keep up with what they're reading on Goodreads. Everything is linked here: ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/kris.and.mads⁠

In this episode we discuss our favorite sci-fi series, Red Rising. We're talking about each of the six books currently out, the key moments that stick out to us, and the primary themes that make this series transcend others in the genre. Buckle up for spoilers, emotions, and our honest opinions on this beloved series!

You can find us on our social media platforms and check out our other resources and links here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.mads

This is a show about stories for storytellers and story lovers, hosted by sisters Kristen and Maddie, lifelong readers and recent booktokers with a 98k+ following.

In this episode, we chat with our fellow content creators Brontey and Polly about some well-known and beloved female authors: Tessa Bailey, Ali Hazelwood, Sarah J. Maas, Rebecca Yarros, Rebecca Ross, Carissa Broadbent, Ava Reid, Olivie Blake, Rachel Gillig, Holly Black, Emily Henry, and Sally Rooney. We chat about their books—the ones we loved, the ones we hated, the pros, and the cons. We definitely don't agree, but that's the fun of being a reader and all of us having different opinions and authors that we love. Enjoy the conversational debate!

You can find Brontey and Polly on Goodreads, Instagram, and Tiktok:

BRONTEY https://www.tiktok.com/@bronteysbooks ⁠https://linktr.ee/bronteysbooks?utm_source=linktree_admin_share

POLLY https://linktr.ee/readwithpolly

You can find Kristen and Maddie on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Join their book club on Fable, and keep up with what they're reading on Goodreads. Everything is linked here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/kris.and.mads⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, we sit down with New York Times Bestselling author Olivie Blake, the mastermind behind The Atlas Six, Masters of Death, Alone With You in the Ether, and more. We discuss everything from her transition from indie to traditional publishing, her signature writing style, and the complex psychology woven into her characters. She shares her thoughts on the power of storytelling, why she loves writing about messy yet hopeful characters, and gives us an exclusive sneak peek at her upcoming books: Gifted and Talented (April 2025) and Girl Dinner (October 2025). Plus, find out two truths and a lie about Olivie! Find Olivie online: https://www.olivieblake.com/ Join our patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/KrisandMadsSisterhood Follow us on IG https://instagram.com/krisandmads Follow us on TikTok https://tiktok.com/@kris.and.mads Email: contact.kris.and.mads@gmail.com Everything else here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.mads Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Olivie Blake: New York Times Bestselling Author 01:05 – Two Truths and a Lie: Fun Facts About Olivie Blake 03:19 – What Makes a Perfect Book? Olivie Blake's 5-Star Reads 06:14 – From Indie Publishing to Traditional Publishing: Olivie Blake’s Journey 09:16 – How Olivie Blake Developed Her Signature Writing Style 13:12 – Creative Story Structures in Olivie Blake’s Books 17:07 – Exploring Power and Nihilism in The Atlas Six with Olivie Blake 21:13 – Art and Illustration in Olivie Blake's Brand 24:29 – Behind the Scenes of Audiobook Production for Januaries 31:28 – Writing as an Art Form: Olivie Blake on Creative Liberation 35:40 – Vulnerability and Mental Health in Alone With You in the Ether 44:34 – Why Success Doesn’t Make Olivie Blake Feel Safe—Choosing to Be Brave 51:04 – What’s Next for Olivie Blake: Gifted and Talented (April 2025) and Girl Dinner (October 2025) #OlivieBlake#TheAtlasSix#MastersOfDeath#AloneWithYouInTheEther#OneForMyEnemy#DarkAcademiaBooks#FantasyAuthor#BestsellingAuthor#BookTube#BookishContent#AuthorInterview#PodcastEpisode#BookClubPodcast#WritingPodcast#BookishChat#AuthorChat#WritingTips#IndieAuthorToTradPub#PsychologicalFiction#FantasyBooks#RomanticFantasy#DarkAcademiaVibes#CreativeWritingTips#StorytellingSecrets#YouTubePodcast#BookTubeCommunity#TrendingBooks#ReadersOfYouTube#2025BookReleases

Looking for your next favorite book? 📚 Join us and fellow content creator  @Smitty1423  as we recommend 9 incredible books and dive into our top secret priority TBR lists! From epic fantasy and sci-fi adventures to thought-provoking reads, this episode has something for everyone. Plus, don’t miss the Q&A we did with our live audience at the end of the episode where share even more bookish insights, including cosmere reading orders, audiobook tips, horror recs, and more! 🔥 Let us know which of these you're adding to your TBR! Smitty's links: https://www.tiktok.com/@vinopapi23 Our links: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.mads Creators Mentioned: Sloan: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsmesloaner Margaret: https://www.tiktok.com/@mm.stormblessed Kiara:  @Kiarasbookobsession  Austin and Richard:  @2ToRamble  Ed and Will:  @thebrothersgwynne  Allie: https://www.tiktok.com/@allisonsaplusreads Gina:  @geenahreads  Indiana Bookstore Mentioned: https://www.instagram.com/sunboundbooks/ Beverage Mentioned:  @OLIPOP  All Other Books Mentioned: Strange the Dreamer Duology by Laini Taylor Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown The Gael Song Trilogy by Shauna Lawless Scythe by Neal Shusterman Wool by Hugh Howey Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young Six of Crows Duology by Leigh Bardugo Anathema by Keri Lake The Strength of the Few by James Islington The Lord of Demons by Evan Winter Shadows Upon Time by Christopher Ruocchio A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin He Who Fights With Monsters by Shirtaloon and Travis Deverell The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan Ascension by Nicholas Binge Daughters of the Empire by Janny Wurts & Raymond E. Feist Jade War by Fonda Lee Realm of the Elderlings by Robin Hobb The Bound and the Broken Series by Ryan Cahill The Way of Eden by Philip Chase The Red Rising Series by Pierce Brown Dark Matter by Blake Crouch Recursion by Blake Crouch Wayward Pines Trilogy by Blake Crouch Vicious by V.E. Schwab Smitty's Soft DNFs: The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie Brandon Sanderson Stuff Mentioned: Coppermind: https://coppermind.net Mistborn Era 2 by Brandon Sanderson Wind and Truth by Brandon Sanderson Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson Sunlit Man by Brandon Sanderson Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson Elantris by Brandon Sanderson Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson White Sand by Brandon Sanderson Emperor's Soul by Brandon Sanderson Skyward by Brandon Sanderson Audiobook Recs: Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter Red Rising by Pierce Brown Liveship Traders by Robin Hobb Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir 11/22/63 by Stephen King The Shining by Stephen King Horror Books Mentioned: Between Two Fires Lost Gods The Willows The Fisherman #BookRecommendations #FantasyBooks #SciFiReads #TBRList #PodcastEpisode #LiveQA #BookTube #ContentCreators

🚨 WARNING! This one includes SPOILERS 🚨 Who reigns supreme in the world of epic stories? We teamed up with Rich and Austin from 2 to Ramble to defend our top picks – Lord of the Rings, Red Rising, Dune, and The Sword of Kaigen. From legendary characters to mind-blowing worlds, things got heated as we battled over which tale truly deserves the crown. Who won? Hit play to find out – and let us know if we got it right! 👀🔥

Check out  @2ToRamble  and the episode we did with them here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3A4AtPj97jk&t=89s

You can join our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/c/KrisandMadsSisterhood

And Check us out around the web: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.mads

Join us for another episode as we build our epic 2025 TBR lists! From Maddie tackling The Wheel of Time and A Song of Ice and Fire (yes, really) to Kristen’s cozy fantasy era with The House on the Cerulean Sea and Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea, we’re sharing all the books we can’t wait to dive into. Plus, we dish on viral sensations like Quicksilver and Flawless, classics we’re finally picking up (Six of Crows, anyone?), and our most anticipated new releases from Olivie Blake and Rachel Gillig. Expect tangents about sparkling water, Percy Pig candies, and series dilemmas (Zodiac Academy, we’re looking at you), and help us out by recommending personal development books and adventure reads! Whether you're here for TBR inspo, bookish banter, or a good laugh, this episode has it all. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro: Welcome to our 2025 TBR-building adventure! 01:57 - Maddie’s loose approach to her 2025 reading list 03:44 - Kristen’s commitment: Reading to her own taste in 2025 07:00 - Allowing our TBRs to be interrupted: Why flexibility matters 10:55 - Kristen’s first priority: The Wolf Den Trilogy by Elodie Harper (thanks,  @thebrothersgwynne  ) 14:23 - Maddie’s first priority: Starting The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan 16:14 - Kristen’s Zodiac Academy dilemma: Where to begin with this sprawling series? 18:29 - Maddie’s love for The Expanse series by James S. A. Corey 21:50 - Kristen enters her Regency Romance era with Bridgerton by Julia Quinn 23:49 - Maddie takes on a series she swore she’d never read: A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin 26:42 - Kristen’s cozy fantasy picks: The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst, House on the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune, Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne 28:08 - Maddie’s epic dive into The Licanius Trilogy by James Islington 28:34 - Kristen’s long-overdue read: When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker 29:55 - Maddie’s most anticipated 2025 releases: Gifted and Talented by Olivie Blake & The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig 30:23 - Kristen’s continuation of her Olivie Blake journey with One for My Enemy 31:08 - Kristen’s YA excitement: The Infernal Devices trilogy by Cassandra Clare 32:55 - Audience callout: We need your personal development book recs! 34:45 - Kristen’s viral book picks: Quicksilver by Callie Hart & Flawless by Elsie Silver 36:56 - Adventure movie vibes: We need book recs that capture that magic! 38:47 - Did we set reading goals this year? Reflections and plans. 39:25 - Kristen’s physical TBR priorities: The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon, Her Majesty’s Royal Coven by Juno Dawson, Fairytale by Stephen King, Where the Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek, Anathema by Keri Lake, The Six of Crows Duology by Leigh Bardugo, and Piranesi by Suzanna Clarke 40:27 - Maddie’s physical TBR priorities: Michael J. Sullivan books, Pachinko by Min Jin Lee, The Neopolitan Quartet by Elena Ferrante, Upgrade and The Wayward Pines trilogy by Blake Crouch 41:46 - Outro: Wrapping up our TBR extravaganza! OTHER MENTIONS Books: Slow Productivity by Cal Newport The Lost Queen by Signe Pike (shoutout to M.K. for the rec https://www.tiktok.com/search?q=mkreads26&t=1736434626358 ) Ice Planet Barbarians By Ruby Dixon Zodiac Academy by Suzanne Valenti and Caroline Peckham Lord of the Rings By J.R.R. Tolkien Harry Potter By J.K. Rowling Realm of the Elderlings By Robin Hobb Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros The Shepherd King Duology by Rachel Gillig Januaries, Masters of Death, and Alone With You in the Ether by Olivie Blake Belladonna by Adalyn Grace Twilight by Stephanie Meyers The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Dopamine Nation By Anna Lembke The Untethered Soul By Michael Allen Signer Films: Hustlers Star Trek the Next Generation Star Wars Pirates of the Caribbean film Ever After Podcasts:  @TheDiaryOfACEO   @2ToRamble  (Thx for the equipment list) Snacks:  @WaterlooSparklingWater  in Summer Berry Percy Pig Naughty and Nice Piglets candies from Beth G!

We each brought our top 12 books of the year (one from each month) and threw them into a head-to-head bracket battle to find the ultimate book of 2024. From emotional rollercoasters to epic fantasy, no genre is safe in this showdown. Which book will survive the final cut? Grab your TBR and join us to see which monthly favorites made it to the top! You can join the MF Family on Patreon here! https://www.patreon.com/c/KrisandMadsSisterhood Biz Inquiries an be sent here: contact.kris.amd.mads@gmail.com All our other links can be found here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.mads All books and authors mentioned will be in the timestamps below! Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro – Welcome to the Book Bracket Showdown! 00:32 – How Our Book Bracket Works – Choosing Between Our Favorite Books of Each Month in 2024 03:15 – Kristen’s Matchup: Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey 🆚 A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness 04:54 – Maddie’s Matchup: The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang 🆚 Ruin by John Gwynne 08:28 – Kristen’s Matchup: The Grace Year by Kim Liggett 🆚 Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin 11:41 – Maddie’s Matchup: Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson 🆚 Artificial Wisdom by Thomas Weaver 15:58 – Kristen’s Matchup: The Will of the Many by James Islington 🆚 Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor 20:18 – Maddie’s Matchup: The Last Argument of Kings by Joe Abercrombie 🆚 The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez 24:27 – Kristen’s Showdown: The Sword of Kaigen By M.L. Wang 🆚 Of Blood and Fire by Ryan Cahill 27:47 – Maddie’s Showdown: Of War and Ruin by Ryan Cahill 🆚 The Mad Ship by Robin Hobb 31:03 – Kristen’s Matchup: Wisteria by Adalyn Grace 🆚 Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang 35:05 – Maddie’s Matchup: Ship of Destiny by Robin Hobb 🆚 Fool’s Fate by Robin Hobb – Hobb Showdown! 39:17 – Kristen’s Matchup: The Words of Kings and Prophets by Shauna Lawless 🆚 Savage Fae by Caroline Peckham & Suzanne Valenti 44:19 – Maddie’s Matchup: The Land of the Living and the Dead by Shauna Lawless 🆚 Wind and Truth by Brandon Sanderson 46:32 – Round 2 – Narrowing It Down to Our Top 3! 51:55 – Final Showdown – Only Two Books Left! 52:31 – The WINNER – Our Best Book of 2024 Is…

Get ready for an epic sci-fi/fantasy book chat! 📚 Kristen and I are joined by 4 incredible BookTok creators who traveled to Indiana for an unforgettable weekend. Together, we’re sharing our ultimate favorite books of 2022, 2023, and 2024—18 top-tier recommendations you don’t want to miss. PLUS, we’re predicting our favorite books of 2025! This episode is packed with amazing recs, tons of laughs, and the magic of friendship through books. Don’t miss this special collab with our favorite creators!

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BOOKS MENTIONED

A Court of Mist and Fury (Book #2 in A Court of Thorns and Roses series)

By Sarah J. Maas

Love In A Time Of The Zombie Apocalypse

By rizzlewrites

(Available for download on A03: https://archiveofourown.org/works/28137807)

The Fifth Season

By N.K. Jemisin

Circe

By Madeline Miller

Jade Legacy (Book #3 in The Green Bone Saga)

By Fonda Lee

Queen of Shadows (Book #5 in Throne of Glass series)

By Sarah J. Maas

Manacled

By Senlinyu

(No longer available on A03, releasing as a traditionally published novel titled Alchemized in 2025)

Tress of the Emerald Sea

By Brandon Sanderson

The Will of the Many

By James Islington

A River Enchanted

By Rebecca Ross

The Lost Queen

By Signe Pike

Assassin's Fate (Book #16 in The Realm of the Elderlings)

By Robin Hobb

Lightbringer (Book #6 in The Red Rising Saga)

By Pierce Brown

Blood Over Bright Haven

By M.L. Wang

A Dowry of Blood

By S.T. Gibson

The Spear Cuts Through Water

By Simon Jimenez

The Liar's Knot (Book #2 in The Rook and Rose trilogy)

By M.A. Carrick

Speaking Bones (Book #4 in the Dandelion Dynasty)

By Ken Liu

The Sword of Kaigen

By M.L. Wang

Red God (anticipated release)

By Pierce Brown

Strength of the Few (anticipated release)

By James Islington

Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom

By Leigh Bardugo

Dark Age (Book #5 in The Red Rising series)

By Pierce Brown

The Blade Itself

By Joe Abercrombie

Deep End (anticipated release)

By Ali Hazelwood

The Knight and the Moth (anticipated release)

By Rachel Gillig

Alchemized (anticipated release)

By Senlinyu

Rose and Chains (anticipated release)

By Julie Soto

The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy (anticipated release)

By Brigitte Knightley

Rebel Witch (anticipated release)

By Kristin Cicerelli

Reign and Ruin

By J.D. Evans

Ship of Magic

By Robin Hobb

Farseer Trilogy

By Robin Hobb

Wheel of Time series

By Robert Jordan

Malazan

By Steven Erikson

Wars of Light and Shadow series

By Janny Wurts

The Expanse

By James S.A. Corey

It’s Onyx Storm release day, and we’re diving into the world of romantasy! In this episode, we explore the irresistible magic of fantasy romance: why it resonates with millennials, how it blends Tolkien’s epic world-building with Austen’s swoon-worthy romance, and what makes the genre thrive (and sometimes fail). From closed-door YA to spicy, explicit favorites like Zodiac Academy, we share our top recommendations and air our biggest gripes about modern romantasy—like bloated page counts and rushed writing. Plus, we reflect on the genre’s fairytale origins, debate the perfect balance of spice and story, and talk about what makes a romantic fantasy truly unforgettable. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the genre, this episode has something for every romantasy reader. Business inquiries: contact.kris.and.mads@gmail.com Patreon: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhood All our links: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.mads RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast   / 41424.beauty   A Bio of Charles Perrault (author of Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles... Origins of Cinderella https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinderella Dragonriders of Pern series https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragonr... Grace Draven (monster romantasy author) https://gracedraven.com/home Mercedes Lackey Bio and Heralds of Valdemar Series https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercede...  / valdemar-heralds-of-valdemar   The Mists of Avalon Series by Marion Zimmer Bradley https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mis... FANTASY ROMANCE RECS Introductory Fantasy Romance: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (Beauty and the Beast retelling with a deadly trials component, less than three spice scenes) OR Empyrean Series by Rebecca Yarros (military school fantasy featuring spice and dragons) Favorite Long Romantasy Series: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (the first three books are young adult, and then the series becomes adult, no explicit spice) Gothic Romantic Fantasy: Belladonna Series by Adalyn Grace (no explicit spice) Spicy Fantasy Romance: The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent (vampire romance, includes a deadly trials plot, less than three spice scenes) Pining Romantic Fantasy: Letters of Enchantment duology by Rebecca Ross (World War 1 vibes, closed-door spice) Upper Young Adult Fantasy Romance: Folk of the Air Series by Holly Black (coming of age focus, with romantic subplot, enemies to lovers yearning, but not explicit spice) Upper Young Adult Romantasy: Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor (more a love story, no explicit spice) Spicy Romance: Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti Fantasy Romance About Adults That Feels REAL: A River Enchanted and A Fire Endless (Isles of Cadence Duology) By Rebecca Ross Dark Romantic Fantasy: Manacled by Senlinyu (Harry Potter fanfiction featuring Draco and Hermione with spice) Fantasy With Subplot Romance: The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang (no spice, check trigger warnings for this military fantasy) Masters of Death by Olivie Blake (Male/Male romance that ACHES) Realm of the Elderlings by Robin Hobb (High fantasy with subplot character romances with VERY minor spice implied not explicit) SCI-FI STORIES WE LOVE • Red Rising by Pierce Brown • Silo by Hugh Howey (show on apple tv) • The 100 by Kass Morgan (show on Netflix) • The Expanse by James S. A. Corey (show on Amazon Prime)

Are you ready to break free from repeating patterns and uncover the hidden desires shaping your life? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Carolyn Elliott, author of Existential Kink, to explore the transformative practice of shadow work. If you're a reader who loves self-help books, personal development, and discovering new tools for growth, this interview is for you. Carolyn shares how embracing the unconscious parts of ourselves—yes, even the uncomfortable ones—can lead to profound breakthroughs in relationships, finances, and creativity. Whether you're stuck in a cycle you can't escape or just looking for your next must-read book, Existential Kink offers a fresh, fun, and empowering approach to leveling up your life. Tune in to hear how this book became essential in our journey and why it might just be the missing piece in yours! You can find out more about Carolyn's work and her book Existential Kink here: https://carolynlovewell.com/ Let’s connect! Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhood Have a business inquiry? Email us: contact.kris.and.mads@gmail.com TikTok:   / kris.and.mads   Instagam:   / krisandmads   All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.mads To check out our brother C.Ray's music which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:    / @seerayhardly   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:47 Two Truths and a Lie 04:42 What is Existential Kink? - Shadow Work and Radical Acceptance 11:36 Why Change if you already have everything you want? 14:44 Maddie’s kink 18:05 The knight and the lady - conscious and unconscious love story 21:42 Aligning the subconscious and conscious selves 23:58 What about collective kinks of society? Feeling like a victim. 26:27 Kristen’s kink - and what our favorite romance tropes teach us about our unconscious selves 30:18 What about global patterns of pain and violence? Can shadow work have an impact? 36:14 Maddie’s thoughts on impacting the collective experience 38:53 Is magic real? #ShadowWork #ExistentialKink #CarolynElliott #PersonalGrowth #SelfHelpBooks #BreakTheCycle #InnerWork #BookLovers #TBRList #MindsetShift #UnconsciousDesires #SpiritualAwakening #TransformYourLife #BookClubReads #EmpowermentJourney #SelfDiscovery #HealingJourney #GrowthMindset #NewBookRecommendations #OvercomingPatterns #BookClub #Reading #Books

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📚 We read 12 books with our book club in 2024 – and let’s just say, some were incredible, some were just okay, and a few we seriously regretted! In this episode, we rank our book club picks, sharing which books sparked deep discussions (including our deep thoughts on death and life’s meaning) and which ones fell flat. If you're looking for the best books to read with your book club (or want to avoid the duds), this episode is for you!👀

Books we discuss:

1. All About Love: New Visions by Bell Hooks
2. Butcher and Blackbird by Brynn Weaver
3. Powerless by Lauren Roberts
4. Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings
5. Normal People by Sally Rooney
6. Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom
7. Wool by Hugh Howey
8. The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne
9. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
10. The Book of Doors by Garreth Brown
11. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl

Listen to find out which ones were hits and misses!

✅ Perfect for:

• Finding must-read book club books
• Choosing books that spark discussion
• Avoiding book club books that don’t work
• Hearing honest book reviews from fellow readers

✨ What was YOUR favorite (or least favorite) book club read this year? Drop it in the comments!

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

03:31 The members of our book club

05:47 All About Love: New Visions by Bell Hooks

09:33 Butcher and Blackbird by Brynn Weaver

12:42 Powerless by Lauren Roberts

16:05 Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings

20:27 Normal People by Sally Rooney

24:31 Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom

33:05 A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

37:19 Wool by Hugh Howey

40:52 The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne

47:20 And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

49:48 The Book of Doors by Garreth Brown

52:28 Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl

Other Books Mentioned:

• Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
• Beautiful World Where Are You by Sally Rooney
• The Faithful and the Fallen Series by John Gwynne
• The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

In this episode, we’re recommending 16 incredible books that we both rated ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ across 8 genres—even though we don’t always agree! Whether you love sci-fi, fantasy, thriller, magical realism, romantasy, contemporary romance, literary fiction, or YA fantasy books, you'll find a recommendation on this list. If you enjoy deep themes, analyzing entertainment, discussing popular media, and being part of a book club-style conversation, join us for this episode! Subscribe for more book recommendations, in-depth discussions, and literary deep dives! 📚✨

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

01:02 Two sci-fi books that we both rated 5 stars

11:31 Two high fantasy books that we both rated 5 stars

22:03 Two poetic books with flowery prose that we both rated 5 stars

27:08 Two romantasy romance books that we both rated 5 stars

33:46 Two contemporary books that we both rated 5 stars

38:56 Two magical realism books that we both rated 5 stars

46:50 Two literary fiction books that we both rated 5 stars

54:10 Two young adult fantasy books that we both rated 5 stars

59:42 Is there such a thing as a perfect book?

Books Mentioned:

• Red Rising by Pierce Brown
• Artificial Wisdom by Thomas R. Weaver
• The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang
• The Will of the Many by James Islington
• If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
• Masters of Death by Olivie Blake
• One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
• Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
• Happy Place by Emily Henry
• The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
• The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V.E. Schwab
• The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young
• Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
• Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
• Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
• Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Let’s connect!

Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhood

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#BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books #BookRecommendations #5StarBooks #ThrillerBooks #SciFiBooks #YAFantasy #Romantasy #LiteraryFiction #MagicalRealism #MustReadBooks #BookClubReads #PopularBooks #BooksWorthTheHype #DeepThemes #StoryAnalysis #BestBooks2025 #BookLovers #TBRList #ReadingRecommendations #FictionLovers

As the 20th best reviewer on Goodreads (out of 150 million users!), Maddie shares the truth about book ratings, how reviews impact our reading experiences, and why they might not be as objective as we think. Kristen, on the other hand, is overcoming her doubts about whether reviewing books is worth the effort. We break down how we rate books, the difference between popularity and quality, and whether our ratings actually change over time. Whether you're a dedicated reviewer or just want to know if that viral book is actually good, this episode is for you!

Mentioned in this Episode

Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

Realm of the Elderlings by Robin Hobb

Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson

A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen

When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker

Artificial Wisdom by Thomas Weaver

The Grace Year by Kim Liggett

The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang

Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang

Brandon Sanderson’s lectures: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEUh_y1IFZY

Timestamps00:00 – Intro

00:13 – Maddie is the 20th top reviewer on Goodreads!

01:56 – Kristen’s reluctance to write book reviews

02:40 – How writing reviews helps Maddie think critically & guide readers

06:07 – Why good reviews include both strengths & weaknesses

08:58 – Maddie’s reading tracking spreadsheet: why she made it

10:16 – Maddie’s rubric for rating & reviewing books

14:25 – How reviewing books helps you learn your taste

16:30 – What earns 5 stars in the character category?

21:20 – Are popular books actually good? Does hype = quality?

25:04 – How we rate plot differently

28:36 – Can ratings change over time? Are reviews even objective?

33:08 – How we analyze themes in books

41:18 – Final thoughts on rating & reviewing

Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email us: contact.kris.and.mads@gmail.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kris.and.madsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/krisandmadsAll our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:https://www.youtube.com/@SeeRayHardly#BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books #BookReview #Goodreads #BookTok #BookPodcast #BookRatings #ReadingCommunity #BookLover #Bookish

In this episode, we get raw and honest, sharing our biggest mistakes and breakthroughs in each of these areas: finances, authenticity, manifesting, simplifying, parenting, physical health, mental health, and career. From hard lessons learned to the transformative books that reshaped our mindsets, we’re pulling back the curtain on the real, messy, and often unpopular truths behind our self-improvement. If you’ve ever wondered what non-fiction books changed how we think, tune in!

Books Mentioned:

1. Secrets of Six-Figure Women by Barbara Stanny
2. Broken Open by Elizabeth Lesser
3. Ask and It Is Given by Esther and Jerry Hicks
4. Simple Matters by Erin Boyle
5. Heart Thoughts by Louise L. Hay
6. Bringing Up Bebe by Pamela Druckerman
7. Moon Time by Lucy H. Pearce
8. Real Food for Pregnancy by Lily Nichols
9. 10% Happier by Dan Harris
10. Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey 

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

01:48 Finances

06:42 Authenticity 

10:13 Manifesting

13:58 Simplifying

21:34 Parenting

29:41 Physical Health

33:36 Mental Health

36:56 Entrepreneurship 

Let’s connect!

Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhood

Have a business inquiry? Email us: contact.kris.and.mads@gmail.com 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kris.and.mads

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All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.mads

To check out our brother C.Ray's music which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:

https://www.youtube.com/@SeeRayHardly

#BookTube #selfhelpbooks #selfdiscovery #selfimprovement #selfgrowth #BookClub #Reading #Books #manifesting #meditation #mimimalism #money #parentingbooks #careerbooks #health #wellness #wellnessbooks

🚨 STOP rushing through your TBR! 🚨 Books don’t expire, and there’s NO reason to stress about reading books while they’re trending. In this episode, we break down our mantra: Good Books Will Be Good Forever and prove our point with 10 books that have stood the test of time 📖✨We’re talking about:✔️ Why the pressure to read new releases is unnecessary✔️ The problem with hype-driven reading✔️ 10 books over 10 years old that still SLAP 🔥Timestamps:00:00 Intro03:40 The Lord of the Rings – J.R.R. Tolkien07:57 Dune – Frank Herbert11:33 Ender’s Game – Orson Scott Card14:26 Man’s Search for Meaning – Viktor E. Frankl17:05 Sense and Sensibility – Jane Austen19:41 The Infernal Devices Trilogy – Cassandra Clare21:26 Mistborn Trilogy – Brandon Sanderson23:01 And Then There Were None – Agatha Christie24:42 Wayward Pines Trilogy – Blake Crouch26:59 The Realm of the Elderlings – Robin Hobb🔔 Subscribe for more bookish deep dives and hot takes! Let’s savor our reading and stop letting hype dictate our TBRs.Would love to hear your thoughts! Do you feel pressure to read books ASAP before they fade from popularity? Drop a comment! 👇Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email us: contact.kris.and.mads@gmail.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kris.and.madsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/krisandmadsAll our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:https://www.youtube.com/@SeeRayHardly

#BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books #BookPodcast #TimelessBooks #MustReadBooks #BacklistBooks #TBRProblems #GoodBooksWillBeGoodForever #ReadingFOMO #NoRushReading #ClassicReads

Join us for an exclusive interview with Adalyn Grace, the bestselling author of the Belladonna series! We dive into the gothic romance, haunting mysteries, and swoon-worthy characters that make this series a must-read. Adalyn shares behind-the-scenes insights into Signa and Death’s dynamic relationship, her inspiration for the lush, eerie world of Thorn Grove, and what fans can expect next.If you love dark fantasy, romantic gothic fiction, and books like The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, this episode is for you! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more author interviews, book discussions, and fantasy recommendations!Here's Adalyn's website: https://adalyngraceauthor.com/You can follow Adalyn Grace on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authoradalyngrace/📚 Get Belladonna here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Belladonna-by-Adalyn-Grace/9781399736961🔔 Subscribe for more bookish content!Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email us: contact.kris.and.mads@gmail.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kris.and.madsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/krisandmadsAll our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:https://www.youtube.com/@SeeRayHardly

#BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books #Belladonna #AdalynGrace #FantasyBooks #GothicRomance #BookTok #DarkFantasy #Romantasy #AuthorInterview

What really defines a Young Adult (YA) book versus a New Adult (NA) or Adult Fantasy? And why do these distinctions feel more confusing than ever? In this episode, we explore the blurred lines between YA, NA, and Adult books, particularly in the fantasy genre.

Our perspectives on YA fantasy have shifted. Kristen now gravitates toward YA fantasy series because they tend to be shorter, more efficient in storytelling, and plot-driven. Plus, when romance is included, it can have more depth and emotional substance instead of relying on spice or smut. Maddie, on the other hand, champions Adult Fantasy but also investigates the publishing industry’s role in categorizing and marketing books.

We dive into:

📖 Why YA books often earn their page count

📖 How the presence of “spice” is (or isn’t) a defining factor

📖 The challenges booksellers face in shelving YA vs. NA vs. Adult books

📖 How the publishing industry influences these categories

📖 Why marketing books appropriately is crucial for the right audience

If you’ve ever wondered why some books feel miscategorized or why you love (or avoid) YA books as an adult, this discussion is for you! Let us know your thoughts: Should “Young Adult” still be a genre, or is it just confusing readers?

Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email us: contact.kris.and.mads@gmail.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kris.and.madsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/krisandmadsAll our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:https://www.youtube.com/@SeeRayHardly#BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books #YoungAdultBooks #NewAdult #AdultFantasy #BookishPodcast #BookCommunity #FantasyReaders #BookDiscussion #PublishingIndustry #YAbooks #NAbooks #BookMarketing #SpicyBooks #FantasyBookSeries #BookTok #Bookstagram

In this episode of The Sisterhood Podcast, we’re checking in on our 2025 reading goals after Q1—what’s working, what’s not, and the tweaks we’re making for Q2! 📚We also share 10-20 book titles we’re excited to dive into this spring, perfect for anyone looking to build their Q2 TBR or stay motivated on their own reading journey.Whether you're someone who made New Year reading resolutions, loves a good wrap-up and reset, or just wants a peek behind the scenes at how we approach reading as content creators, this one’s for you.✨ We talk accountability, routines, and keeping things fun and flexible—and yes, we mention some seriously exciting 2025 book releases too.💬 Drop your Q2 reading plans in the comments—we love hearing from fellow book lovers and helping you stay inspired.Timestamps & book list in the description below!Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:27 Checkin: Maddie’s 2025 Reading Goals02:03 Checkin: Kristen’s 2025 Reading Goals04:41 2025 Releases Maddie’s Excited to Read06:49 Kristen’s Slower More Intentional Approach to Her TBR 09:59 2025 Releases Kristen’s Excited About10:51 Series Maddie is Continuing14:54 Series for Kristen19:58 Books We Won’t Read on Audiobook20:57 Starting Our First Stephen King Book23:03 Romance Books on Kristen’s TBR25:19 New Series Maddie Is Anticipating27:14 Kristen is Tackling Liveship Traders Trilogy31:52 Resolutions Can Shift! Let’s Have A Great Q2!BOOKS MENTIONEDGifted and TalentedBy Olivie BlakeKatabasisBy R.F. KuangBury Our Bones In the Midnight SoilBy V.E. SchwabFirst-Time CallerBy B.K. BorisonFlawlessBy Elsie SilverSunrise on the ReapingBy Suzanne CollinsThe Burning SeriesThe Rage of Dragons and Fires of VengeanceBy Evan WintersAudiobook Narrator: Prentice OnayemiThe Lost Queen seriesBy Signe PikeThe Bound and the Broken SeriesBy Ryan CahillVilest ThingsBy Chloe GongAn Ember in the Ashes SeriesBy Sabaa TahirInfernal DevicesBy Cassandra ClareLegendborn CycleBy Tracy DeonnDungeon Crawler CarlBy Matt DinnimanA Sea of Unspoken ThingsBy Adrienne YoungDeath of the Author By Nnedi OkoraforMurderbotBy Martha Wells11/22/63Stephen KingChestnut SpringsBy Elsie SilverAge of Madness Trilogy By Joe AbercrombieThe Fitz and the Fool TrilogyBy Robin HobbWheel of TimeBy Robert JordanDaughter of the EmpireBy Raymond E. Feist and Jenny WurstDandelion DynastyBy Ken LiuThe ExpanseBy James S.A. CoreyA Song of Ice and FireBy George R.R. MartinLiveship Traders By Robin Hobb

Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email us: contact.kris.and.mads@gmail.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kris.and.madsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/krisandmadsAll our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:https://www.youtube.com/@SeeRayHardly

#BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books #readinggoals #TBR2025 #bookpodcast #ReadingGoals2025 #Quarter2TBR #TBRUpdate #BookPodcast #ReadingWrapUp #ReadersOfYouTube #ContentCreatorLife #BehindTheScenes #ReadingAccountability #BookishCommunity #BooksToRead2025 #MidYearCheckIn #BookLoversUnite #ReadingMotivation #GoalSettingForReaders

✈️ Come with us as our online book club takes on the Italian Riviera — a week of adventure, laughter, and unexpected twists! From the sun-soaked shores of Alassio to the colorful villages of the Cinque Terre, from the magical bridges of Dolceacqua to the glamour of Portofino, we journeyed through Italy with open hearts (and a few plot twists we definitely didn’t plan for!).

In this episode, you’ll see how we embrace the adventure of group travel, stay flexible through the surprises, and create deep, meaningful connections with fellow book lovers at every stage of life. This isn’t just about travel — it’s about growth, friendship, and the magic of stepping outside your comfort zone.

Whether you’re an aspiring traveler, a woman looking for real community, or a bookworm dreaming of meeting kindred spirits around the world, this episode will inspire you to say yes to something new.

Timestamps:00:00 Intro

03:04 Alassio

14:29 Sanremo

17:01 Dolceacqua

28:42 Camogli

29:48 Larici

33:23 Cinque Terre

38:31 Fruttuoso

40:12 Portofino

🌍 Ready to join us on our next bookish adventure? Find out more on Patreon this week patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhood and join women who are ready to grow, connect, and explore!

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more travel vlogs, book recommendations, reviews, and more!

All thumbnail photos courtesy of Kailee Welp: https://www.kaileealsens.com/

Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email us: contact.kris.and.mads@gmail.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kris.and.madsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/krisandmadsAll our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:https://www.youtube.com/@SeeRayHardly

#ItalianRiviera #TravelVlog #BookClubTravel #WomenTravelers #ItalyTravelVlog #BookishTravel #GroupTravelForWomen #PlotTwistTravel #FriendshipThroughTravel #CinqueTerreVlog #PortofinoTravel #BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books

Creating a book collection you truly love sometimes means getting rid of books—and yes, even the unread ones. In this episode, we’re doing the unexpected as book influencers: we’re decluttering our home libraries.We talk through how we decide which books to keep, which ones to donate, and how to let go of guilt in the process. Whether your shelves are your TBR, your trophy case, or your lending library, this conversation will help you curate a collection that reflects you—not just everything you've ever owned.Perfect for overwhelmed readers, recovering book hoarders, or anyone dreaming of a more intentional reading space. Let’s make your bookshelves a place of joy—not stress.Timestamps:00:00 Intro03:53 How to get rid of books you have read without guilt12:59 How to get rid of books you haven't read, TBRs are too long!22:10 How do you want your book collection to feel?30:21 Practical tips and mental shifts to help with declutteringLet’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email us: contact.kris.and.mads@gmail.com TikTok:   / kris.and.mads  Instagram:   / krisandmads  All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:   / @seerayhardly  #BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #booksofinstagram #BookDeclutter#BookshelfOrganization#BookUnhaul#MinimalistBookshelf#HomeLibraryGoals#TBRDeclutter#BookishLife#IntentionalReading#ReadingCommunity#BookLoverProblems#BookshelfMakeover#BookishContent#BookishPodcast#BooktokUnhaul#DeclutteringTips

Is it time to stop forcing yourself to finish mediocre series? In this fiery, bookish episode, we’re diving into over 20 book series where the first book is the best one—and yes, we're naming names 👀. Whether you're a fantasy fan, romance reader, or sci-fi binge addict, we're here to save you time, money, and reading energy by spilling the truth about series that peak at book one.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro

01:54 – Series we’ve read where Book One is the strongest (but the rest is still good!)

08:36 – Series we’ve read where Book One is the best (and the rest gets worse)

16:16 – Series where we only read Book One and it works as a standalone

18:11 – Our theories on why series often peak with Book One

25:18 – Series we haven’t read, but we’ve heard you should stop after Book One

27:25 – A wild card: Dune by Frank Herbert—whether to continue depends on what you want

Books Mentioned:

📚 Book One is the strongest, but the rest is still good:

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

Pines by Blake Crouch

📉 Book One is the best—skip the rest:

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

🛑 We only read Book One—it works as a standalone:

Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco

Silver Under Nightfall by Rin Chupeco

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Dune by Frank Herbert

Vicious by V.E. Schwab

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

👂 Haven’t read, but heard you should stop after Book One:

Eragon by Christopher Paolini

Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry

Scythe by Neal Shusterman

Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. Tuli

Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email us: contact.kris.and.mads@gmail.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kris.and.madsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/krisandmadsAll our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:https://www.youtube.com/@SeeRayHardly#BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books

Are you a new or aspiring book content creator wondering how to stand out online? In this episode, we sit down with our friend and fellow creator ‪@zoranne_‬ to talk about how she built her community, started a publishing imprint, avoided burnout, and became a recognized tastemaker in the book world.Whether you're dreaming of BookTok success, building a YouTube channel, or launching your first brand collab, this conversation is full of real, actionable advice—plus encouragement for the hard days.⏳Timestamps included so you can skip to the good stuff!💬 Leave a comment with your favorite takeaway or advice you wish you had when you started.💡Made for small, new, or aspiring bookish creators ready to grow their platforms and connect deeper with their audience.Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:26 Meet Zoranne – Two Truths and a Lie04:48 How Zoranne Started Creating & Took Off07:16 Growing Beyond Regular Posting08:22 Business vs. Community Building09:47 Nurturing vs. Growing an Audience11:27 Luck, Manifesting, or Grit?13:54 Starting a Publishing Imprint with Bindery19:58 Becoming a Tastemaker with Bindery21:00 Avoiding Burnout as a Creator24:09 Connecting Through Books & Intentionality26:27 Why Content Creation Can Be Life-Giving28:44 Networking = Talking to People33:08 Prepping for Rejection36:07 Defining Success as a Creator42:07 How to Fill Your Cup Creatively46:22 What Zoranne's Excited About Next50:06 Zoranne’s Top 3 Tips for Bookish CreatorsSubscribe for more conversations like this every week! 🧡Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email us: contact.kris.and.mads@gmail.com TikTok:   / kris.and.mads  Instagram:   / krisandmads  All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:   / @seerayhardly  #BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books #BookTok #BookCreator #ContentCreatorTips #BookInfluencer #AuthorTube #ReadingCommunity #SmallCreatorSupport #Zoranne #BehindTheScenes #CreatorAdvice #HowToGrowOnline #BookishContent #PublishingTips #BookNerd #Bindery #BurnoutPrevention #ManifestingSuccess #BookTalkInterview #GrowYourPlatform

We're back with something a little different this month! 💫 In this May Favorites video, we're sharing all the non-bookish things we're loving right now — from our Nuuly fashion picks 👗 and colorful home decor 🖼️ to our current TBRs 📚, skincare routines 🧴, new go-to meals 🥗, and even a new car 🚗!If you're usually here for the book talk (BookTube fam, we see you! 👋), we think you’ll love this peek into the other cozy, creative, and inspiring things that bring us joy outside of reading.Maddie’s Chicken nuggets of choice https://www.target.com/p/just-bare-li...Metal meal meal prep containers https://a.co/d/imTCa39Maddie’s Airfryer https://fromourplace.com/products/won... ⁨@fromourplace⁩  Hatch https://www.hatch.co/restore/putty ⁨@hatchforsleep⁩  Website for Skincare Pore Clogging Ingredients https://acneclinicnyc.com/pore-cloggi... Celimax Ji.Woo.Gae Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad  https://a.co/d/bQGGfPbAnua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serumhttps://a.co/d/843186uPURITO Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Creamhttps://a.co/d/jiauISmNuuly  ⁨@nuuly⁩  Maddie’s Link https://share.nuuly.com/maddie6445Kristen’s Link https://share.nuuly.com/kristen2485Record Player https://a.co/d/ecBeaJeKristen’s decor account recs  / steffy    / flashesofstyle  TBR wheel inspiration from our friend Dylan Books MentionedOnyx StormBy Rebecca YarrosHer Majesty’s Royal CovenBy Juno Dawson Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email us: contact.kris.and.mads@gmail.com TikTok:   / kris.and.mads  Instagam:   / krisandmads  All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:   / @seerayhardly  Time Stamps00:00 Intro00:56 Meal prepping 03:20 Air Fryer 06:16 Macha obsession 09:27 Kristen’s Meals 10:48 Maddie’s favorite meal 12:38 Hatch 18:52 Nail Art 21:15 Accutane 22:51 Maddie’s Skincare27:46 Nuuly 33:27 Maddie’s Bronco 36:28 Record Player 38:20 Colorful Decor 42:10 To be read list #BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books

We read 17 books in May and wow… it was A LOT. From a 1-star romantasy (sorry Onyx Storm) to one of our favorite books of the year, plus our first-ever Stephen King (which totally surprised us), this wrap-up is packed.We’re talking fantasy, sci-fi, romance, classics, self-help. Oh! And Maddie is finally out of the Wheel of Time slog. We let the TBR wheel pick some of our reads this month too, so things got a little chaotic (in the best way).Come hang out for book reviews, big opinions, and our take on why Robin Hobb is still the queen of epic fantasy (and why George R.R. Martin might need to take notes 👀). Timestamps are below so you can jump around!We mentioned our friend Gina and Michael in the episode. Here are their awesome channels:‪@geenahreads‬ ‪@KistReadsBooks‬ We also mentioned the ‪@TheDiaryOfACEO‬ podcast episode with Anna Lembke. It's this one:    • Dopamine Expert: Doing This Once A Day Fix...  And you can download Maddie's FREE Dune Reading Guide here:https://drive.google.com/file/d/12QRO...TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro01:32 Morning Glory Milking Farm by C.M. Nascosta Book Review06:03 Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros Book Review10:19 The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gill Book Review17:06 The Shadowed Land by Signe Pike Book Review22:08 Dopamine Nation by Anna Lembke Book Review30:32 Vilest Things by Chloe Gong Book Review33:05 11/22/63 by Stephen King Book Review37:32 Gifted and Talented by Olivie Blake Book Review43:59 Dune by Frank Herbert Book Review47:05 Oathbound by Tracy Deonn Book Review50:43 Heartless by Elsie Silver Book Review55:34 Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan (Winter’s Heart and Crossroads of Twilight Book Reviews)01:03:23 The Realm of the Elderlings by Robin Hobb (Royal Assassin, Assassin’s Quest, Fool’s Quest, and Assassin’s Fate Book Reviews)Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email us: contact.kris.and.mads@gmail.com TikTok:   / kris.and.mads  Instagram:   / krisandmads  All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:   / @seerayhardly  #BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books #ReadingWrapUp #Romantasy #SciFiBooks #StephenKing #RobinHobb #WheelOfTime #BookReviews #TBRList #WhatToReadNext #MonthlyReads #BookRecommendations #BookishPodcast #ReadersOfBookTube

We’re back with a very requested video — the one where my sister and I talk about the books we totally disagree on 😅📚In our last video, we chatted about the books we both loved and rated highly, but obviously… we don’t always align when it comes to reading taste. So today, we’re getting into the stories that one of us adored and the other just did not vibe with.We’re talking about:✨ what makes a book hit (or flop) for each of us✨ our hot takes on series vs. standalones✨ how our reading preferences differ — and why that’s okay!✨ and a little sibling-style debate (but always with love 🫶)This was so fun to film, and honestly, it gave us a better understanding of what we each look for in a book. Hope it’s just as fun for you to watch!Let us know in the comments if you agree with one of us… or neither 😂And tell us what books you’ve argued about with your own reading buddies!Books MentionedThe Grace Year By Kim Liggett The Picture of Dorian Gray By Oscar WildeMistborn Trilogy By Brandon Sanderson Our Infinite FatesBy Lauren Steven Assassin’s Apprentice Robin Hobb Normal PeopleBy Sally Rooney A Discovery of WitchesBy Deborah HarknessOne for my Enemy By Olivia Blake Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email us: contact.kris.and.mads@gmail.com TikTok:   / kris.and.mads  Instagam:   / krisandmads  All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:   / @seerayhardly  Time Stamps00:00 Into 02:30 The Grace Year 08:43 The Picture of Dorian Gray 17:59 Mistborn 24:26 Our Infinite Fates33:16 Assassin’s Apprentice 41:33 Normal People 50:11 A Discovery of Witches 54:47 One For My Enemy 01:00;00 Final thoughts #BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books

We picked one favorite book for every month of 2025 so far, and honestly? It was harder than we expected. From massive fantasy series to books that made us cry (or scream), we’re talking about the standouts that actually stuck with us.If you’re looking for what to read next, want to know which books are really worth it, or you’ve read some of these and just wanna hear us gush… this episode is for you.We’re talking:• The Lord of the Rings, The Wheel of Time, Six of Crows• Little Women, Sense and Sensibility, The Outsiders• And newer picks like Our Infinite Fates & The Knight and the MothThis is for the fantasy lovers, the BookTok browsers, the “I’m overwhelmed by my TBR” folks, and anyone who loves hearing passionate book chat.Basically, if you love books, you’ll probably vibe.Books Mentioned:The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. TolkienThe Wheel of Time by Robert JordanThis Is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone and Amal El-MohtarWayward Pines Trilogy by Blake CrouchThe Licanius Trilogy by James IslingtonSix of Crows by Leigh BardugoLittle Women by Louisa May AlcottOur Infinite Fates by Laura StevenSunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne CollinsThe Outsiders by S.E. HintonSense and Sensibility by Jane AustenThe Fires of Vengeance by Evan WinterThe Fitz and the Fool Trilogy by Robin HobbRoyal Assassin by Robin HobbThe Knight and the Moth by Rachel GilligFairytale by Stephen KingAn Ember in the Ashes by Sanaa TahirA Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. MartinLet’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email us: contact.kris.and.mads@gmail.com TikTok:   / kris.and.mads  Instagram:   / krisandmads  All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:   / @seerayhardly  Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:37 Favorite Books from January05:05 Favorite Books from February15:16 Favorite Books from March19:06 Favorite Books from April23:26 Favorite Books from May30:04 Favorite Books from June#BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books #FantasyBookRecommendations #BestBooks2025 #BookPodcast #MonthlyReads #BookTube #WhatToReadNext #FantasyReaders #BookTalkPodcast #EpicFantasy #YAReads #ClassicBooks #BookReviewPodcast #BestFantasyBooks #ReadingWrapUp #FavoriteBooksOfTheYear

In this special behind-the-scenes episode, we're stepping away from book reviews to answer your most personal questions—straight from our private book-to-screen club on Patreon. (Thanks for the questions FAMBAM!) We're getting real about our relationship as sisters and co-workers, our crunchy health habits (yes, we talk home births and meditation), and our approach to wellness.We also dive into the stories behind our kids' names, our favorite comfort shows, what fantasy worlds we'd want to live in, our personality types, and how we built and expanded our content.Listen for:• Our top wellness values & crunchy lifestyle confessions• Childhood dreams & how we met our husbands• The fantasy worlds we’d wake up in• Books we love but hate the covers of• Enneagram deep dive + Big Five results• The truth about our sister dynamic and business partnershipJewelry Brands Mentioned ⁨@mejuri⁩   ⁨@D.Louise⁩   ⁨@katiewaltmanboutiquehttps://jenny-bird.com/Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:57 Are we crunchy: home births, naturopaths, meditation09:43 Our favorite book challenge: TBR wheel10:47 Would we ever write a book?12:42 Where do we get our jewelry?14:05 What would our animal companion be?15:30 What are our drink orders?16:17 Top 5 comfort movies/shows: You’ve Got Mail, The Holiday, Newsies, Summer Stock, Gilmore Girls, Outlander, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Sense & Sensibility18:11 Where would we live in the U.S. and abroad?19:08 Our health/wellness philosophies29:37 The story behind our kids’ names34:52 What were our childhood dreams?40:15 How did we meet our husbands?43:35 What time period would we teleport to?44:59 What places are on our bucket lists?47:55 What fantasy world would we want to wake up in?48:47 What books that we love have bad covers?49:45 Tips for getting out of a reading slump53:16 What are our enneagram numbers? The Big Five Personality Test.56:23 What is our health attitude?59:27 Our content creation journey/strategy01:03:45 Our meditation practices01:11:13 What are some of our favorite bands?01:13:33 Have we always been this close? All about our relationshipLet’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email us: contact.kris.and.mads@gmail.com TikTok:   / kris.and.mads  Instagram:   / krisandmads  All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:   / @seerayhardly  #BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books Q&A podcast episode, sisters podcast, personal Q&A, health and wellness podcast, crunchy lifestyle, behind the scenes podcast, book lovers podcast, fantasy book questions, enneagram personality types, sister co-hosts, bookish podcast, comfort movies, wellness values, private book club, TBR challenge, reading slump tips, book world we’d live in, content creator journey, podcast for women, Patreon Q&A, book influencer podcast

We read 17 books in June and had THOUGHTS. From a surprisingly good dark romance to two disappointing hyped books, this wrap-up has it all: spicy fantasy (From Blood and Ash), sci-fi (All Systems Red), classics (Emma + Picnic at Hanging Rock), a pop-culture classic (The Perks of Being a Wallflower), and even more Wheel of Time—where one of us finally gave a book in the series 5 stars! 😱We give spoiler-free takes on each read, share what worked (and what didn’t), and talk about what we’re learning from reading so many books together—especially as book club hosts. Whether you love Stephen King, Jane Austen, or graphic novels like Saga, we’ve got a recommendation—or a rant—for you.Drop your June reads in the comments, and tell us if we’re wrong for being underwhelmed by a certain viral novella 👀📚Timestamps00:00 Intro02:58 From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout04:58 Comparing FBAA to An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir15:38 All Systems Red by Martha Wells19:51 What we’ve learned about books worth reading in a book club21:51 Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor28:11 Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay34:08 Summer in the City by Alex Aster39:46 Ravenhood Series by Kate Stewart46:11 Emma by Jane Austen50:25 The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky56:18 Saga by Brian K. Vaughan and illustrated by Fiona Staples58:44 A Sea of Unspoken Things by Adrienne Young01:00:48 Fairytale by Stephen King01:04:30 Knife of Dreams, Gathering Storm, and Tower of Midnight by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson (Wheel of Time books 11-13)Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email us: contact.kris.and.mads@gmail.com TikTok:   / kris.and.mads  Instagram:   / krisandmads  All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:   / @seerayhardly  #BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books #ReadingWrapUp #BookRecommendations #FromBloodAndAsh #WheelOfTime #StephenKing #JaneAusten #BookClubReads #DarkRomance #BooktokReads #FantasyBooks #PodcastForReaders #BookReviewPodcast #ViralBookReviews #JuneReads

It’s time for the 2025 Mid-Year Book Freakout Tag—our favorite annual tradition! 🎉 In this cozy podcast-style episode, we go through all questions from the tag and give our brutally honest thoughts on our reading year so far.💥 From best books and big surprises to disappointing reads, fictional crushes, and the new releases we still haven’t gotten to… this episode is packed with laughs, strong opinions, and some tough decisions.Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email our manager: nancy@farq-media.comTikTok:   / kris.and.mads  Instagram:   / krisandmads  All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:   / @seerayhardly   00:00 Intro 00:39 Best book of the year 07:25 Best sequel 12:32 New release you haven’t yet read15:02 Most anticipated release 16:52 Biggest disappointment 26:33 Biggest surprise 29:15 New favorite author 31:48 Favorite fictional crush 37:28 Newest favorite character 41:25 Books that made us cry us happy 44:25 Books that made 47:39 Most beautiful book49:28 book to finish before the end of the year 51:06 Favorite audiobook 54:16 Favorite reread 55:31 Favorite reading moment or memory 58:26 Reading goal update Books MentionedAssassin’s Fate and Royal Assassin By Robin HobbOur Infinite FatesBy Laura Steven Atmosphere By Taylor Jenkins Reid The Strength of the FewBy James Islington The Wise Man’s FearBy Patrice RothfussAll Systems Red By Martha WellsDungeon Crawler CarlMatt Dinniman Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac Caroline Peckham Suzanne Valenti The OutsidersBy S. E. Hinton This is How You Loose the Time WarBy Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone11/22/63 and Fairy tale Stephen King Severed HeartBy Kate Stewart Heartless By Elsie Silver The Knight and the MothBy Rachel Gillig The Perks of Being a Wallflower By Stephen Chbosky The Licanius TrilogyBy James Islington Sunrise on the Reaping By Suzanne Collins Gifted and Talented By Olivia Blake Death of the Author by Nnedi OkoraforDaughter of the Empire By Janny Wurts and Raymond E. FeistThe Fires of Vengeance By Evan Winter Intermezzo By Sally Rooney The Lord of the RingsBy J.R.R. Tolkien The Wheel of TimeRobert Jordan and Brandon SandersonAn Ember in the AshesBy Sabaa Tahir #BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books

In this episode, we’re talking all about how we actually get our books—whether it’s through libraries, bookstores (big or indie!), audiobooks, eBooks, or book apps. We go through the pros and cons of each, share how we personally read and listen to books, and even dream up what our own cozy little bookstore would look like. ☕📚We also get into a big question: if more people are reading, why are library visits and checkouts going down? Is it all about convenience, funding, or something else?This was such a fun and thoughtful conversation, and we’d love to hear from you too—how do you usually access books these days? Drop your thoughts in the comments 💬Article Mentioned: https://www.thefp.com/p/front-page-de...Time stamps 00:00 Intro 01:09 Article about libraries 03:28 Libraries13:09 Barns & Noble 17:30 Indie Bookstores21:23 Thrifted bookstores24:03 Online book shopping27:32 Hardback or paperback 28:25 Reading Apps30:19 Market book selling31:02 Little Free Libraries 32:47 Bookstore combos 33:51 Bookstore of our dreams 30:04 Are more people reading42:04 Our goals Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email our manager: nancy@farq-media.comTikTok:   / kris.and.mads  Instagram:   / krisandmads  All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:   / @seerayhardly  #BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books

Today Kristen's dream came true when we sat down with New York Times bestselling author Laura Steven, whose novel Our Infinite Fates has been a breakout fantasy favorite of 2025! Her new adult fantasy release Silvercloak, is coming July 29th, and we couldn’t wait to ask her everything.This conversation felt like a FaceTime with a friend—relaxed, inspiring, and packed with behind-the-scenes details on Laura’s writing process, the magic of Silvercloak, her thoughts on romance in fantasy, and what’s coming next. If you’re a fan of immersive fantasy worlds, witty characters, or just want to hang out with your new favorite author, this one’s for you.Laura Steven website https://www.laura-steven.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/laurasteven...Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@authorlaurast...Time Stamps 00:00 Intro 02:01 Silvercloak book launch 02:30 Two truths and a lie 08:41 Laura’s background in writing 21:25 Why adult fantasy 25:09 Is Silvercloak romantic31:48 Authors and books Laura loves34:01 Who did you write Silvercloak for36:54 How do you use social media44:45 Is Silvercloak going to have more books41:21 Is writing a series intimidating 48:10 Foreshadowing 48:59 Do you have arc readers 51:07 2025 book tour 52:00 What do your readers mean to you55:40 Laura’s writing rituals 59:21 Future dream and plans 01:01:35 Movie adaptation 01:03:58 Where to follow Laura Steven Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email our manager: nancy@farq-media.comTikTok:   / kris.and.mads  Instagram:   / krisandmads  All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:   / @seerayhardly  #BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books

We read 23 books in July and it was a wild reading month! From standalones and surprises to potential best book of the year (Maddie is obsessed 😍), we’re breaking down everything we loved, didn’t love, and totally disagreed on. One super popular book flopped for us, and we had completely opposite reactions to Atmosphere. Come hang out with us for a cozy chat full of honest reviews, spicy ratings, and maybe a new book for your TBR 💬✨Let us know if you read any of these or disagreed with our takes!Time Stamps00:00 Intro 02:28 Prophet Song By Paul Lynch 11:51 The Guest List By Lucy Foley14:09 Death on the Nile By Agatha Christie19:08 A Memory of Light By Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson25:39 A Reaper at the Gates and A Sky Beyond the Storm By Sabaa Tahir32:07 The Finish Line, One Last Rainy Day, Severed Heart By Kate Stewart39:10 Library at Mount Char By Scott Hawkins43:51 The Dead Romantics By Ashley Boston48:33 Writers and Lovers By Lily King 51:36 Onyx Storm By Rebecca Yarros55:59 Find Grace By Loretta Rothschild 57:58 Atmosphere By Taylor Jenkins Reid01:03:27 Ship of Magic By Robin Hobb01:10:53 The Dispossessed By Ursula K. Le Guin 01:14:46 Pachinko By Min Jin Lee01:116:56 Final thoughts The Dispossessed guide    • Freedom is Constant Revolution | The Dispo...  Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email our manager: nancy@farq-media.comTikTok:   / kris.and.mads  Instagram:   / krisandmads  All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:   / @seerayhardly  #BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Severed Heart author Kate Stewart—a queen of dark romance. We dive into her latest release Severed Heart, now out in audio from Podium, and the process of bringing it to life as a fully produced audiobook.Kate opens up about her incredibly loyal reader base, known as the "Ravens," a passionate community that's not only obsessed with the series but also committed to doing good in the world through local state chapters.We also talk about her hands-on role in the audiobook production, what’s next for her as an author, and the exciting news that she’s now screenwriting and producing her own film adaptation of Flock. If you love dark romance, fandoms that matter, and behind-the-scenes creative stories, this one’s for you.Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:43 Kate Tells Us Two Truths and a Lie02:16 The Inspiration and Origin of the Ravenhood Series04:32 All About Severed Heart - The Audiobook09:48 More Books Coming in the Ravenhood Legacy!13:42 Delays in Publishing and Kate's Amazing Team of Publishers14:41 Who is Kate's Favorite Character to Write15:12 Kate's "Pinch Me" Moments from Book Tour16:29 The Readers ("Ravens") and How Kate Considers Them Family19:56 What Does Kate Love to Read?23:16 Why Romance? What Pulls Kate to the Genre?24:31 What Are Kate's Writing Rituals? What's the Writing Process?26:48 All About Flock's Screen Adaptation33:43 Kate's Hopes for the FutureLet’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email our manager: nancy@farq-media.comTikTok:   / kris.and.mads  Instagram:   / krisandmads  All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:   / @seerayhardly  #BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books #KateStewart #SeveredHeart #DarkRomance #RomanceBooks #PodiumAudio #AudiobookLaunch #RavensFandom #FlockSeries #RomanceAuthors #IndieRomance #BookToScreen #ScreenAdaptation #BookPodcast #AuthorInterview #RomanceCommunity #BookishPodcast #RomanceBookstagram #ReadersOfInstagram #BookTok #RomanceTikTok

So you’re thinking about reading The Wheel of Time… but 14 books? A thousand characters? Constant skirt-smoothing?? We get it. In this episode, we’re spilling all the spoiler-free tea to help you decide if this iconic fantasy series is for you—and how to actually enjoy the ride.Here’s what we cover:• The forming, storming, norming, and performing phases of reading the series• What it’s like reading a series the original author didn’t finish (shoutout to Brandon Sanderson for saving the day)• The tools that will actually help you keep characters, maps, and timelines straighthttps://apps.apple.com/us/app/wot-com...https://wheeloftimelines.com/ @DanielGreeneReviews recap videos:    • Let's Summarize The Wheel of Time  • Cringe alerts: the gender dynamics, the braid-tugging, the constant clothing descriptions 😅• Why fans still love it: a killer magic system, rich themes, and an iconic fandom• Who should read it—and who might want to skip it (we won’t judge)If you love massive worlds, fandom lore, magical systems, and long-haul reading with payoff—The Wheel of Time might be your next obsession. We’re here to help you go in with eyes wide open and a solid game plan.Timestamps:00:00 Intro02:04 Breaking the Wheel of Time Into Sections03:02 The Forming Phase05:45 The Storming Phase09:42 The Norming Phase15:05 The Performing Phase19:57 Reading Resources for Wheel of Time25:55 The Cringey Parts of Wheel of Time33:01 The Best Aspects of Wheel of Time40:56 Who Should Read The Wheel of Time and When?Let’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email our manager: nancy@farq-media.comTikTok:   / kris.and.mads  Instagram:   / krisandmads  All our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music, which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:   / @seerayhardly  #BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books#WheelOfTime #RobertJordan #BrandonSanderson #FantasySeries #WheelOfTimePodcast #EpicFantasy #LongSeriesReading #WoTCompendium #WheelOfTimelines #DanielGreene #FantasyFandom #SpoilerFreeGuide #HowToReadWheelOfTime #BookPodcast #FantasyBooks #ReadingTips