In this episode of Reading Materials, we discuss Carissa Broadbent’s The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk (released on August 5th, 2025). We unpack our frustrations with the lack of chemistry between the main characters, the repetitiveness of the plot compared to the first book in the duology, and our lingering confusion around the world-building.

Join us for an honest conversation about what worked for us—and what didn’t—in this much-anticipated sequel.

Thank you to Tor and Pan Macmillan for sending us advanced copies of this book!

In this episode, we dig into The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst — where the plants have opinions, the family reunions come with emotional baggage, and the magic is as warm as a fresh-baked honey cake.

Join us as we talk about sentient flora, hark back to our love of The Spellshop, and why the greenhouses were more confusing than magical.

Thank you to Tor and Pan MacMillan for sending us early ARCs of the book!

In this episode, we sink our teeth into Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab.

From the haunting pull of vampire lore to the raw portrayal of anxiety and mental health, we explore how Schwab reshapes the gothic tradition. We ask: How would this story shift if its characters were older? What role does the setting play in how we perceive the vampires?

Join us as we unearth the buried fears, subtle power dynamics, and tender monstrosities that make this story linger like a whisper in the dark.

Thank you to Tor and Pan MacMillan for sending us early ARCs of the book!

In this bonus episode, Lucia is joined by a very special guest - Tatyana, the host of ⁠The Bookish Banter Podcast⁠ - to discuss Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao. Tune in for our thoughts on sci-fi dystopia, similarities to the Hunger Games and the short-sightedness of Y. A. protagonists.