Besties and the Books Podcast

• (we actually want) OUT OF OZ!! | Wicked Book 4 Review and Summary | Deep Themes and Deep Thoughts

  Send us a textToday we FINISH our coverage of the original Wicked Years 4-book series by Gregory Maguire with the finale: Out of Oz, told from the perspective of Elphaba’s granddaughter Rain as she navigates the world as a stowaway during a politically tumultuous turnover of power. Was the grand finale everything we hoped it would be after the blood, sweat, and tears we put in analyzing this extremely political fantasy journey? Stick around to find out! Check out our kickoff  “Are Books Political" episode all about why books and reading are inherently political and why it’s not only important to acknowledge this, but to read our favorite books through this lens. We concluded during our subsequent deep dive of Wicked (book one), Son of a Witch (book 2), and A Lion Among Men (book 3) that Maguire intentionally uses the fantastical to expertly critique issues like authoritarianism, colonialism, and racism, just to name a few.In this episode we dive into book four: Out of Oz, in which we see a conclusion for almost all the characters, and an ending that neither of us expected. Are we happy with the ending after all has been said and done? Who’s left ruling Oz? Is Rain following in the footsteps of her grandmother?We give our spoiler free reviews, then get into our faves and least faves, and then take you to political / philosophical town for one more big discussion about the central themes, and how Gregory Maguire uses fiction as a tool to analyze the real world. Fantasy stories can be so much more than surface level storytelling, and often are. We’re here to discover why! Listen on for our reviews of book four, our deep dive reactions with five sentence summary, and fun facts about the Wicked Universe! And don’t worry, we didn’t forget! After these books end, there’s only one book left to cover: the prequel Elphie which came out fourteen years after Out of Oz. Tune back in next Friday if you’re wondering if this new addition to the Wicked universe is worth the read! Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Check out these author interviews? ⬇️We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMShop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is wearing: A Wicked tee from Lamb Comedy | *  https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTHcMV23XxMXm-nPfQx/Liz is wearing: A Wicked The Musical Tees from Broadway | https://wickedthemusicalstore.com/collections/apparelAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

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• Ep 87 We Read the Most UNHINGED Thanksgiving Smut on Kindle Unlimited 😳🦃 | CRINGEY HOLIDAY BOOKS!

  Send us a textToday we’re bringing you our reviews and unhinged deeeep dives on two of the most “cringy” sounding Thanksgiving themed romance novellas we could find on Kindle Unlimited. As we continue this time honored tradition of bringing you the holiday smut, we want you to know that even if we don’t love it (but hey, we might though…) we’re happy if you do. Because there truly is something for everyone, even if that something is three turkey basters with the capability to impregnate you with their… juices. 🤷‍♀️😂Today we’ll be covering Basted by Abby Hunter and Home for the Gobble Days by Latrexa Nova. We have spoiler free star and spice ratings, what we loved, what gave us the ick, fun quotes, the SMOT™ ratio, and good old fashioned quotes, where quotes are due.The innuendos are strong, the Thanksgiving references aplenty, and the ghost pilgrim orgies might just surprise you with their subtle important message…so listen on if that, a fave and fail, and a smash or pass turkey day edition sounds like a nice break from the holiday madness. Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Check out these author interviews? ⬇️Need more Halloween reads in your life? Find out if “Halloweentown for adults” with Gilmore Girls vibes might be for you with our Haven Ever After Hazel Mack Interview! https://youtu.be/-kDxchCTysw?si=KpEbcsCHAniU-JTSPenn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNE____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing A Pumpkin Book Fall Thanksgiving Sweater from @BookBabeDesigns | https://bookbabedesigns.comLiz is wearing a Serpent and the Wings of Night Hoodie from @ Willow and Co (out of business :( ) Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

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• A (COWARDLY?) Lion Among Men | Wicked Book 3 Review and Summary | Deep Themes and Deep Thoughts

  Send us a textToday we continue our coverage of the Wicked 5-book universe by Gregory Maguire with book three: A Lion Among Men, the only book in the series primarily told through the point of view and perspective of an Animal. The “Wicked Years” move forward with spinoff stories covering all the major players in the political upheaval of Oz, and we’re diving into the “real” story of “the cowardly lion.”Check out our kickoff  “Are Books Political" episode all about why books and reading are inherently political and why it’s not only important to acknowledge this, but to read our favorite books through this lens. We concluded during our subsequent deep dive of Wicked (book one) and Son of a Witch (book 2) that Maguire intentionally uses the fantastical to expertly critique issues like authoritarianism, colonialism, and racism, just to name a few.In this episode we dive into book three: A Lion Among Men, released thirteen years after Wicked, which follows the life of Sir Brrr, disenfranchised Animal, Oz Sycophant, Dorothy companion, and ultimately a friend to the rebel cause as he grapples with what it means to contain all of these different identities in the politically broken landscape of Oz. Who were our favorite and least favorite characters and plot points? Was this book what we expected?  Do we think these books can be separated from politics just because they’re fantasy?  What philosophical questions are posed? And what literary devices does Maguire use to critique things like the use of propaganda by governments to sway public opinion and the subsequent construction of “history?”Fantasy stories can be so much more than surface level storytelling, and often are. We’re here to discover why! Listen on for our reviews of book three, our deep dive reactions with five sentence summary, and fun facts about the book that started the Wicked phenomena! Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKM____Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is wearing: “HER SISTER WAS A PRINCESS” Wizard of Oz Meme T-shirt from Trendy Street Couture | *  https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTH3MFMVbH1q2-YiF15/ Liz is wearing: Sanderson’s Sister tee shirt from Etsy | * https://go.magik.ly/ml/3b0rw/And a Besties and the Books Exclusive Beanie (DM us to be added to drop list)Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

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• Ep 86 Between Two Kings Power, Passion, and the Price of Loyalty (SPOILERS INSIDE) | Review & Deep Dive Discussion

  Send us a textJust in case you haven’t noticed… we are completely OBSESSED with the Split or  Swallow universe, created by the amazingly talented and hilarious Lindsay Straube. Last year we did a deep dive and our very first author interview with Lindsay covering all things Kiss of the Basilisk, and now we’re back to yap about the highly anticipated sequel Between Two Kings! Out today! Last week we had Lindsay on for a spoiler free interview picking her brain on what it’s like to go from independent to traditional publishing in just a short year, what we can expect from this sequel and the upcoming prequel (yay!), and what’s on the horizon, including book tours and new projects. Today we’re following up with a spoiler filled deep dive of Between Two Kings where we discuss everything, including the ending heard ‘round the world. We even include an exclusive clip of Lindsay addressing the ending and what it symbolizes for her, just in case any of you are dying to talk about it!! We know we were! Follow along for our official reviews, favorite tropes, characters, and themes, and what parts were maybe not our favorite. Do we recommend Between Two Kings? And if so, do we think YOU should pick it up? And as usual, we’re bringing you our fave and fail of the week and a smash or pass, monster style. Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…) + SHOP OUR NEW BESTIES and the BOOKS X CROW Merch! | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comPREORDER BETWEEN TWO KINGS: * https://amzn.to/47C8ULP Check out our coverage of the Split or Swallow Universe! ⬇️🐍⬇️Check out our *NEWEST* interview with the Serpent Queen herself, Lindsay Straube, all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=die5tQVTSH8wky7RWatch / Listen to our first official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMKiss of the Basilisk FULL DEEP DIVE https://youtu.be/R-iw4Bznxw8?si=nC5dNRD3QVpMdgpxAnthema Live Book Club Replay | ​​https://www.youtube.com/live/CVVmDm3Z-jA?si=COoGKDYN_F8rcXe2Check out these additional author interviews? ⬇️We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4What we are wearing:Ashley is wearing a Lord of the Rings "Even Darkness Must Pass" T-shirt from @etsy | * https://go.magik.ly/ml/2cqg0/Liz is wearing a Serpent and the Wings of Night Hoodie from @ Willow and Co (out of business :( )Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us wiSupport the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

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• Ep 85 Between TWO Kings?! What’s that all about?! LINDSAY STRAUBE IS BACK!!! | Exclusive Author Interview

  Send us a textFirst EXCLUSIVE Author Interview with Lindsay Straube for Between to Kings is here!Just a short year ago Kiss of the Basilisk (or Split or Swallow for those of you who’ve been here since the beginning 🙌) took the romance literature world by storm! Lindsay Straube, known to many as @oxfordlemon on Instagram went from a hilarious meme account to self published bestselling author of one of the most unique monster romances to date, to a bestselling traditionally published author with a three book deal with Bloom Books in record time. We are so lucky to say that we brought Lindsay on as our first author interview and her first podcast appearance to talk all about her debut, and now we’re back to chat all about her insanely anticipated sequel Between Two Kings, available everywhere on November 11th! We are just a week away from release date and we cannot wait for you all to read this book! It gets a five star, five spice rating from both of us, and as you know, that’s essentially a perfect book! Stick around for a spoiler free interview with the incredibly talented woman behind the Split or Swallow universe! Our conversation goes deep into what it’s like to go from self publishing to “trad,” what new works are coming down the pipeline, how Between Two Kings is different from Kiss of the Basilisk, and at the end of the day, why Lindsay is still team Leo. Oh, and we make sure to include an eff, marry, kill, and a segment on what Lindsay has to say to the snake sex haters! It feels surreal to officially have authors we consider “friends of the podcast” but here we are. So give it up for Lindsay, the genius behind “the ritual” and now, “the sex-tournament” heard ‘round the romance world. And make sure to preorder your books, follow @oxfordlemon, and keep an eye out for our Between Two Kings deep dive, coming soon! Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…) + SHOP OUR NEW BESTIES and the BOOKS X CROW Merch! | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comPREORDER BETWEEN TWO KINGS: * https://amzn.to/47C8ULP Check out our coverage of the Split or Swallow Universe! ⬇️🐍⬇️Watch / Listen to our first official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMKiss of the Basilisk FULL DEEP DIVE https://youtu.be/R-iw4Bznxw8?si=nC5dNRD3QVpMdgpx____What we are wearing:Ashley and Liz are both wearing the Besties and the Books Cropped Hoodie from their Crow Merch Line | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.com Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

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