Explore every episode of the podcast To Be Read
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genre Jumpstart: Gateway Books for Every Kind of Reader | 23 Jun 2026 | 00:46:35 | |
Trying a new genre can feel overwhelming, so we’re making it easy. In this episode, we’re sharing our favorite gateway books for readers who want to branch out into fantasy, romantasy, sci-fi, romance, literary fiction, historical fiction, horror, thrillers, classics, and YA. These aren’t necessarily the “best books of all time.” They’re the books we think are the best place to start: approachable, fun, and strong enough to make you want to keep exploring. We also talk about the biggest hang-ups readers have with each genre, from fantasy world-building and sci-fi intimidation to romance stigma, classics trauma, and the idea that YA is only for teens. Pick a genre you’ve been nervous to try, and let this be your jumpstart. Books and genres discussed include: Fantasy:
Romantasy:
Sci-Fi:
Contemporary Romance:
Historical Fiction and Literary Fiction:
Horror and Thriller:
Classics:
Young Adult:
⏱️⏱️VIDEO CHAPTERS⏱️⏱️ 00:00 Introduction 03:37 Fantasy 12:32 Romantasy 17:23 Sci-fi 22:14 Contemporary Romance 32:12 Literary Fiction and Historical Fiction 37:12 Horror and Thriller 41:03 Classics 43:10 Young Adult 45:24 Closeout 🔔 Subscribe for more book obsessions.🔔 CONNECT WITH US! TikTok | Instagram | Apple Podcast | Spotify Podcast | |||
| Red Rising: I Would Have Lived in Peace… | 19 May 2026 | 00:47:26 | |
This week, we’re diving deep into Red Rising by Pierce Brown, the explosive first book in the bestselling Red Rising Saga. Part dystopian sci-fi, part brutal survival story, and part emotionally devastating rebellion, Red Rising follows Darrow of Lykos as he is torn from the mines of Mars and remade into a weapon meant to infiltrate the ruling Golds from within. In this full Red Rising book discussion, we break down Darrow’s transformation, the Society’s color-based caste system, the horrors of the Institute, and the book’s biggest themes of power, oppression, identity, revenge, justice, and revolution. We also talk favorite characters like Mustang, Sevro, Cassius, and Eo, the betrayals and alliances that shape Darrow’s path, and the unforgettable moments that made us realize Pierce Brown was absolutely not messing around. From “I would have lived in peace, but my enemies brought me war” to the rise of the Reaper, we unpack why Red Rising remains one of the most gripping science fiction and dystopian fantasy books out there, and why it lays such a legendary foundation for the rest of the series. 🔔 Subscribe for more book obsessions.🔔 CONNECT WITH US! TikTok | Instagram | Apple Podcast | Spotify Podcast
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| Fantasy Task Force Draft: Throne of Glass, ACOTAR, Red Rising & Lord of the Rings | 05 May 2026 | 00:45:39 | |
What happens when we build the ultimate fantasy task force using characters from some of the most iconic series ever? Absolute chaos, questionable strategy, and a lot of passionate character defending.In this episode, Julie and Vanessa each draft their perfect six-person task force, pulling from Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, Red Rising, and The Lord of the Rings, plus one wild card character from any book to serve as the chaotic sixth member. We break down who made the team, who almost made the cut, and which runner-ups caused the most emotional damage.Along the way, we dive into why we love these characters so much, from their strength and loyalty to their growth, flaws, trauma, leadership, and full-blown unhinged energy. Expect character analysis, fantasy debates, chaotic hypotheticals, and plenty of “but hear me out” moments.If you love fantasy books, morally complicated characters, found family, powerful character arcs, and wildly unserious bookish debates, this episode is for you. Please note, deep dive videos contain spoilers. ⏱️⏱️VIDEO CHAPTERS⏱️⏱️ 00:00 Introduction and Task Force objective 03:00 First Pick– Aragorn LOTR0 4:48 First Pick– Darrow O'Lykos Red Rising 08:13 Second Pick– Aelin Ashryver Galathynius TOG 11:46 Second Pick– Gandalf the White LOTR 14:03 Third Pick– Lorcan Salvaterre TOG 16:27 Third Pick– Sevro au Barca Red Rising 19:45 Fourth Pick– Galadriel LOTR 21:40 Fourth Pick– Nesta Archeron ACOTAR 24:35 Fifth Pick– Azriel ACOTAR 26:18 Fifth Pick– Manon Blackbeak TOG 29:47 Wild Card– Rocky Project Hail Mary 32:44 Wild Card– Ian Malcolm Jurrasic Park 35:45 Runner Ups 🔔 Subscribe for more book obsessions.🔔 CONNECT WITH US! Spotify- To be ReadTikTok | Instagram | Apple Podcast | Spotify Podcast | |||
| The Dystopian Renaissance Continues | Part 2 | 21 Apr 2026 | 00:44:49 | |
The dystopian renaissance continues in part two of our dystopian book series. In this episode, we’re discussing Us Dark Few by Alexis Patton, Bones by K.L. Speer, and Daggermouth by H.M. Wolf. We dive into dystopian fiction, dark worldbuilding, oppressive systems, survival, rebellion, resistance, and the high-stakes tension that makes dystopian books so addictive. If you love dystopian books, speculative fiction, post-apocalyptic stories, book recommendations, and deep book discussions, this episode is for you. Tune in for more book podcast episodes, reading recommendations, and conversations about dystopian, fantasy, and speculative fiction. ⏱️ CHAPTERS⏱️ (00:00) Introduction and Dystopian Renaissance (01:21) Us Dark Few by Alexis Patton (14:08) Bones by K.L. Speer (25:45) Daggermouth by HM Wolfe (43:55) Wrap up and Next Books 🔔 Subscribe for more book obsessions. CONNECT WITH US | |||
| Welcome to the Dystopian Renaissance | Part 1 | 07 Apr 2026 | 00:45:11 | |
Dystopian books are back, and we are fully here for it. In part one of our dystopian books deep dive, we’re discussing To Cage a Wild Bird by Brook Fast, along with Conform and Beneath by Ariel Sullivan. We get into the dark worldbuilding, high-stakes survival, oppressive systems, rebellion, and the tension that makes dystopian fiction so addictive for readers. If you love dystopian books, speculative fiction, post-apocalyptic vibes, dangerous societies, and stories about resistance and control, this episode is for you. In part two, we’ll continue the dystopian book spiral with Us Dark Few by Alexis Patton, Bones by K.L. Speer, and Daggermouth by H.M. Wolf. Follow for more book talk, book recommendations, reading deep dives, and genre conversations for fantasy, dystopian, and speculative fiction readers. ⏱️⏱️VIDEO CHAPTERS⏱️⏱️ (00:00) Introduction and Dystopian Renaissance (02:47) To Cage a Wild Bird by Brooke Fast (12:42) Conform by Ariel Sullivan (29:16) Beneath by Ariel Sullivan (43:55) Wrap up and Next Books 🔔 Subscribe for more book obsessions.🔔 CONNECT WITH US! Spotify- To be ReadTikTok | Instagram | Apple Podcast | Spotify Podcast | |||
| The 5-Star Rating System Has Lost the Plot | 17 Mar 2026 | 00:49:25 | |
In this episode of To Be Read, Vanessa and Julie get deep into the weeds of their reading lives, from how they pick their next read to how they organize their lists and what makes a book-reading experience really work. But this conversation is also a bit of an intervention for the 5-star rating system, because frankly, it has lost the plot. Reading is too personal, too emotional, and too nuanced to fit neatly into one little number. So by the end of the episode, they share the custom ranking system they created instead, one that captures more of what a book actually made them feel, think, and experience. Brief books mentioned (no spoilers): ACOTAR by Sarah J. Maas Red Rising by Pierce Brown A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas A Shadow of the Gods by John Gwyn Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros Bones by K.L. Speer Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas Heartless Hunter (Crimson Moth) by Kristen Ciccarelli Jade City by Fonda Lee A Feather so Black by Lyra Selene Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti Don't Let the Forest In by C. G. Drews Caravel by Stephanie Garber Tres of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson Stardust by Neil Gaiman Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling Alchemized by SenLinYu Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole Air Awakens by Elise Kova Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Greenlights by Matthew Mcconaghey Red City by Marie Lu We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Dennis E Taylor The Poet Empress by Shen Tao The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson | |||
| WE ARE SO BACK | 03 Mar 2026 | 00:51:44 | |
Julie and Vanessa make their triumphant return to the podcasting world. After a year-long hiatus, they’re back to discuss where they’ve been and what they’ve been up to, and of course, what they’ve been reading. Join along for a recap of their favorite reads of 2025, they’re most anticipated reads of 2026, and what books they’ve read so far this year and loved. It’s a gab fest, and it’s a great time, and baby we are so back! | |||
| Season 1 Finale: Best Lines in Books | 05 Nov 2024 | 00:55:20 | |
As we wrap-up season one of the podcast we discuss our best lines in books. What hit us right in the feels? What was profound? What was the best declaration of love? We're all over the place and a little emo. Happy listening! Books Mentioned: Bridge of Clay by Marcus Zusak Air Awakens by Elise Kova The Red Rising Series by Pierce Brown Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros Glow of the Everflame by Penn Cole Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien Manacled by SenLinYu All the Young Dudes by MsKingBean89 and more! Find us on social media: Check us out on Instagram: @toberead.pod / toberead.pod Check us out on TikTok: @toberead.pod / toberead.pod Check us out on Youtube: @tobereadpodcast | |||
| Let's Talk Villains | 29 Oct 2024 | 00:48:25 | |
Happy Halloween Week! This week's episode is all about our favorite villains. Are they handsome and morally grey? Crazy and completely unpredictable? Born evil? Some we absolutely detest, and some we can't help but love. Find us on social media: Check us out on Instagram: @toberead.pod / toberead.pod Check us out on TikTok: @toberead.pod / toberead.pod Check us out on Youtube: @tobereadpodcast | |||
| ACOTAR | 22 Oct 2024 | 01:21:10 | |
It's FINALLY HERE! The ACOTAR episode. Sit down and get comfy--its time to head to Prythian. Spoilers lay ahead for ACOTAR, Throne of Glass, and Crescent City. Find us on social media: Check us out on Instagram: @toberead.pod / toberead.pod Check us out on TikTok: @toberead.pod / toberead.pod Check us out on Youtube: @tobereadpodcast | |||
| Duos, Trios, Series, & Standalones | 15 Oct 2024 | 00:43:29 | |
What's better? A duology? A trilogy? A series? A standalone? Join Julie and Vanessa as they discuss and analyze what makes a series good and what they prefer. Book Series Discussed: Shepherd King Duology by Rachel Gilig Letters of Enchantment by Rebecca Ross The Remnant Chronicles by Mary E. Pearson Mistborn Series by Brandon Sanderson The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson Six of Crows Duology by Leigh Bardugo The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen and more Find us on social media: Check us out on Instagram: @toberead.pod / toberead.pod Check us out on TikTok: @toberead.pod / toberead.pod Check us out on Youtube: @tobereadpodcast | |||
| Guilty Pleasures | 08 Oct 2024 | 00:50:46 | |
GUILTY PLEASURE: something, such as a movie, television program, or piece of music, that one enjoys despite feeling that it is not generally held in high regard. Julie and Vanessa take on Guilty Pleasure reads this week. From Julie's days buried in little babies and kindle unlimited to Vanessa's recent taking on of the book series with too many novellas, Zodiac Academy. They discuss fanfiction, group chats, and loving what you love because you love it and that's all that matters. Enjoy! Books Discussed: The Windy City Series by Liz Tomforde Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham Kindle Unlimited authors: Judy Corry, Emma St. Clair, Emily Childs, Katie Bailey, Melanie Jacobson and more Find us on social media: Check us out on Instagram: @toberead.pod / toberead.pod Check us out on TikTok: @toberead.pod / toberead.pod Check us out on Youtube: @tobereadpodcast | |||
| Fourth Wing & Iron Flame | 01 Oct 2024 | 00:53:13 | |
This week Julie and Vanessa dive in to Rebecca Yarros' Empyrean Series. After doing a reread over the summer they have thoughts that need sharing. Find us on social media: Check us out on Instagram: @toberead.pod / toberead.pod Check us out on TikTok: @toberead.pod / toberead.pod Check us out on Youtube: @tobereadpodcast | |||
| 2024 Reading Round-Up (SO FAR) | 24 Sep 2024 | 00:59:46 | |
We are three quarters of the way through 2024. So let's recap. Join Julie and Vanessa as they talk reading goals, ultimate reading set-ups, and their reading year month-by-month: the wins, the losses, and everything in between. Books talked about:
Find us on social media: Check us out on Instagram: @toberead.pod https://www.instagram.com/toberead.pod/ Check us out on TikTok: @toberead.pod https://www.tiktok.com/@toberead.pod Check us out on Youtube: @tobereadpodcast | |||
| Smut, Tropes, & Book Boyfriends | 17 Sep 2024 | 00:40:35 | |
This week Julie and Vanessa chat about their smut tolerance, tropes they love or hate, phrases that give them the ick, and their top ten book boyfriends. They also check-in with what they're currently reading. Books mentioned: Aritfical Wisdom by Thomas Weaver Done & Dusted by Lyla Sage Red Rising by Pierce Brown Check out Smutty Buddy Besties (Miranda & Lindsey) on instagram: @smuttybuddybesties Check us out on Instagram: @toberead.pod https://www.instagram.com/toberead.pod/ Check us out on TikTok: @toberead.pod https://www.tiktok.com/@toberead.pod Check us out on Youtube: @tobereadpodcast | |||
| In a Land Long Since Burned to Ash | 10 Sep 2024 | 00:52:16 | |
Join us while we dive into Sarah J. Maas's beloved series, Throne of Glass. We discuss our favorite books, characters, and what makes this series stand out as a favorite series of all time. SPOILER WARNING: This goes without saying, but this is FULL of spoilers for Throne of Glass as well as soft spoilers for SJM's other series, ACOTAR and Crescent City. Books discussed: Throne of Glass Crown of Midnight Assasin's Blade Heir of Fire Queen of Shadows Empire of Storms Tower of Dawn Kingdom of Ash | |||
| Buddy Reading | 03 Sep 2024 | 00:34:04 | |
What do two besties do when they get together? They buddy read. Join us in our discussion of how our friendship started and the blossoming of our buddy reading together. Books Discussed: Crescent City Series by Sarah J. MaasBones by K.L. SpeerManacled by SenLinYu (Fanfiction) A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas Bridge of Clay by Marcus Zusak Book of Azrael by Amber V. Nicole Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller ACOTAR Series by Sarah J. Maas Kindred's Cursed Saga by Penn Cole Fourth Wing & Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros Check us out on Instagram: @toberead.podhttps://www.instagram.com/toberead.pod/ Check us out on TikTok: @toberead.podhttps://www.tiktok.com/@toberead.pod Check us out on: Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@ToBeReadPodcast | |||
| The Debut | 03 Sep 2024 | 00:31:42 | |
Welcome to the To Be Read Podcast. Get to know us, Julie and Vanessa, our book preferences, our ranking system, and our top 3 all time favorite reads. Books discussed: The Kindred's Curse series by Penn Cole All the Young Dudes (fanfiction) by MsKingBean89 Red Rising Trilogy by Pierce Brown Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin Speaker for the Dead by Orson Scott Card Bridge of Clay by Marcus Zusak Air Awakens Series by Elise Kova A Fate of Wrath and Flame by K.A. Tucker Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage Artificial Wisdom by Thomas R. Weaver Check us out on Instagram: @toberead.pod https://www.instagram.com/toberead.pod/ Check us out on TikTok: @toberead.pod https://www.tiktok.com/@toberead.pod Check us out on Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@ToBeReadPodcast
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| To Be Read (Trailer) | 02 Jun 2024 | 00:00:37 | |