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Podcast Episode #73 - Reading in the time of Covid-19

Welcome to the seventy-third episode of the Tea in the Treetops podcast hosted by Philippa and Anni.

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In this episode, we discuss how our reading and watching habits have changed during 2020, the year of Covid-19, as well as catch up other things we’ve been reading. This episode was recorded on 18 October 2020.

We hope you enjoy listening and we would love to hear your feedback. Is there anything you would like us to talk about in particular? Just let us know!

You can listen to past episodes of the podcast, as well as the various ways to subscribe on the main podcast page. You can also record a voice message for us via the Speakpipe widget there.

Our title music is titled Sea of Dreams and has been used with the kind permission of the composer, Bart Stoop. You can hear more of Bart’s beautiful music at facebook.com/BartStoop.

  Books and TV mentioned

The Witcher – Netflix

The Mandalorian – Disney Plus

Lord of the Rings – Amazon

Supernatural – The CW

The Boys – Amazon

Contagion (2011)

Merlin (BBC) – Netflix

Schitt’s Creek – Netflix

The Witches (2020)

His Dark Materials – HBO

Enola Holmes – Netflix

  Podcast Episode #73 – Reading in the time of Covid-19 was originally published on Tea in the Treetops

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Podcast Episode #72 - Quarantine Edition

Welcome to the seventy-second episode of the Tea in the Treetops podcast hosted by Philippa and Anni.

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In this episode, we discuss books being released during October and November, as well as catch up other things we’ve been reading. This episode was recorded on 20 March 2020.

We hope you enjoy listening and we would love to hear your feedback. Is there anything you would like us to talk about in particular? Just let us know!

You can listen to past episodes of the podcast, as well as the various ways to subscribe on the main podcast page. You can also record a voice message for us via the Speakpipe widget there.

Our title music is titled Sea of Dreams and has been used with the kind permission of the composer, Bart Stoop. You can hear more of Bart’s beautiful music at facebook.com/BartStoop.

  Books and TV mentioned

The Witcher – Netflix

The Mandalorian – Disney Plus

Locke and Key – Netflix

From Time to Time – Netflix

All the Bright Places – Netflix

Flight of the Navigator – Netflix

My Neighbour Totoro

    Podcast Episode #72 – Quarantine Edition was originally published on Tea in the Treetops

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Podcast Episode #71 - Spring Releases

Welcome to the seventy-first episode of the Tea in the Treetops podcast hosted by Philippa and Anni.

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In this episode, we discuss books being released during October and November, as well as catch up other things we’ve been reading. This episode was recorded on 19 October 2019.

We hope you enjoy listening and we would love to hear your feedback. Is there anything you would like us to talk about in particular? Just let us know!

You can listen to past episodes of the podcast, as well as the various ways to subscribe on the main podcast page. You can also record a voice message for us via the Speakpipe widget there.

Our title music is titled Sea of Dreams and has been used with the kind permission of the composer, Bart Stoop. You can hear more of Bart’s beautiful music at facebook.com/BartStoop.

  Upcoming releases

October

15: The Never-Tilting World, Rin Chupeco

23: The Light Between Worlds, Laura E. Weymouth

November

5: A Constellation of Roses, Miranda Asebedo

5: Call Down the Hawk, Maggie Stiefvater

5: Sisters of Shadow and Light, Sara B. Larson

5: Winterwood, Shea Earnshaw

5: The Starless Sea, Erin Morgenstern

5: Supernova, Marissa Meyer (Renegades #3)

5: The Guinevere Deception, Kiersten White

5: Weapon, Lynette Noni (Whisper #2)

Other books mentioned

Supanova Adelaide – November 1-3

Supanova Brisbane – November 8-10

Genrecon is in Brisbane – Nov 22-24

Podcast Episode #71 – Spring Releases was originally published on Tea in the Treetops

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Angels Anthology, D Kershaw

Hello, blog readers. I know, things have been scarce over here on the review front, but this one may go some way to explaining that. I’ve been doing a lot more writing than reading lately, and one of my little stories has made its way into an actual book.

The Angels microfiction anthology is a collection of stories of exactly one hundred words each. There are several other anthologies in publication this year on different dark fantasy themes, but this one is about angels—one of my favourite topics. No, I’m not particularly religious (or at all, even), it’s just that these guardians/warriors/fluffy winged assbutts are one of my favourite supernatural creatures to read or watch shows about, so having a story published in this collection is a dream come true, really.

The stories range from funny to dramatic, prosaic to conversational. On some pages there are illustrations, but all of them are cleanly laid out and easy to read. It’s amazing how much each author can fit into just one hundred words.

As my hundred-word debut, I’m honoured to be a part of it, and I’d love you to check it out as well. Oh, and if you’re wondering which one is mine, I’ve submitted it under my real name: Anika Claire. Why do I feel like I just came out?

Angels Anthology, D Kershaw was originally published on Tea in the Treetops

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Podcast Episode #70 - Good Omens

Welcome to the seventieth episode of the Tea in the Treetops podcast hosted by Philippa and Anni.

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In this episode, we discuss both book and TV series versions of Good Omens as well as catch up other things we’ve been reading and watching. This episode was recorded on 19 July 2019.

We hope you enjoy listening and we would love to hear your feedback. Is there anything you would like us to talk about in particular? Just let us know!

You can listen to past episodes of the podcast, as well as the various ways to subscribe on the main podcast page. You can also record a voice message for us via the Speakpipe widget there.

Our title music is titled Sea of Dreams and has been used with the kind permission of the composer, Bart Stoop. You can hear more of Bart’s beautiful music at facebook.com/BartStoop.

Brisbane Writers Festival 2019 – September 5-8

Word Play children’s program is September 3-5

Love YA day is Saturday Sept 7

For more information, check out the programme at bwf.org.au

Books and TV Shows mentioned​

Good Omens – out now on Amazon Prime

Fleabag – Amazon Prime

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel – Amazon Prime

Umbrella Academy – Netflix

Big Little Lies – Foxtel

Stranger Things – season 3 on Netflix

Shadowhunters – Netflix

The Handmaid’s Tale – season 3

Piéra Forde‘s webseries of Jay Kristoff’s Nevernight series

Genrecon is in Brisbane – Nov 22-24

Podcast Episode #70 – Good Omens was originally published on Tea in the Treetops

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Podcast Episode #69 - Looking forward, looking back

Welcome to the sixty-ninth episode of the Tea in the Treetops podcast hosted by Philippa and Anni.

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In this episode, we discuss books coming out in the next few months, Philippa has a small rant about the end of Game of Thrones (spoilers) as well as catch up on what we’ve been reading and watching. This episode was recorded on 7 June 2019.

We hope you enjoy listening and we would love to hear your feedback. Is there anything you would like us to talk about in particular? Just let us know!

You can listen to past episodes of the podcast, as well as the various ways to subscribe on the main podcast page. You can also record a voice message for us via the Speakpipe widget there.

Our title music is titled Sea of Dreams and has been used with the kind permission of the composer, Bart Stoop. You can hear more of Bart’s beautiful music at facebook.com/BartStoop.

Books coming out in Q3 2019

June

25 – Dev1at3, Jay Kristoff (sequel to Lifelike)

25 – The Evil Queen, Gena Showalter (The Forest of Good and Evil #1)

July

9 – Spin the Dawn, Elizabeth Lim

August

6 – House of Salt and Sorrows, Erin A. Craig

September

3 – Darkdawn, Jay Kristoff (Nevernight #3)

3 – Five Dark Fates, Kendare Blake (Three Dark Crowns #4)

10 – The Ten Thousand Doors of January, Alix E. Harrow

17 – The Babysitters Coven, Kate Williams

  Other books and TV Shows mentioned​

Good Omens – out now on Amazon Prime

His Dark Materials BBC TV production- watch the trailer

The Dark Crystal on Netflix – August 2019

Big Little Lies – Foxtel June 10

The Handmaid’s Tale – season 3 first few episodes out now on SBS

What’s your role in the Aurora Squad?

Anni was on Rhianna Patrick’s show on ABC Radio on June 2. You can listen to the recording here.

Julie Kagawa is visiting Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth on her Australian tour! You can find more info on the HarperCollins site

Podcast Episode #69 – Looking forward, looking back was originally published on Tea in the Treetops

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Podcast Episode #68 - The Battle of Winterfell

Welcome to the sixty-eighth episode of the Tea in the Treetops podcast hosted by Philippa and Anni.

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In this episode, we discuss the first two episodes of Game of Thrones season 8, as well as catch up on what we’ve been reading and watching. This episode was recorded on 26 April 2019.

We hope you enjoy listening and we would love to hear your feedback. Is there anything you would like us to talk about in particular? Just let us know!

You can listen to past episodes of the podcast, as well as the various ways to subscribe on the main podcast page. You can also record a voice message for us via the Speakpipe widget there.

Our title music is titled Sea of Dreams and has been used with the kind permission of the composer, Bart Stoop. You can hear more of Bart’s beautiful music at facebook.com/BartStoop.

  Game of Thrones – Season 8 [starts at 36:00]

Here be spoilers! Enter at your own risk.

The 21 episodes to watch before you start season 8

Alt Shift X recap before season 8 – in case you need to catch up

Maria Lewis’ article on Junkee – Episode 1 details you might have missed

Maria Lewis’ article on Junkee – Episode 2 details you might have missed

Emergency Awesome – Episode 2 top ten wtf and easter eggs

  Other books and TV Shows mentioned​

Roswell – renewed for season two

Sabrina

Supernatural – season 14 just finished, season 15 will be the last.

The Magicians – season 4 just finished

Good Omens – releasing May 31 on Amazon Prime

Piéra Forde‘s webseries of Jay Kristoff’s Nevernight series

Wheel of Time – starting production in September

His Dark Materials BBC TV production- watch the trailer

The Witcher – on Netflix in late 2019. Article from Gamers Radar

Throne of Glass – no news 🙁

Podcast Episode #68 – The Battle of Winterfell was originally published on Tea in the Treetops

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Podcast Episode #67 - Wizards of Once

Welcome to the sixty-seventh episode of the Tea in the Treetops podcast hosted by Philippa and Anni.

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In this episode, we give a joint review of The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell, as well as catch up on what we’ve been reading. This episode was recorded on 15 March 2019.

We hope you enjoy listening and we would love to hear your feedback. Is there anything you would like us to talk about in particular? Just let us know!

You can listen to past episodes of the podcast, as well as the various ways to subscribe on the main podcast page. You can also record a voice message for us via the Speakpipe widget there.

Our title music is titled Sea of Dreams and has been used with the kind permission of the composer, Bart Stoop. You can hear more of Bart’s beautiful music at facebook.com/BartStoop.

  The Wizards of Once, Cressida Cowell [starts at 26:00]

Once there was Magic, and the Magic lived in the dark forests.

Wizard boy, Xar, should have come in to his magic by now, but he hasn’t, so he wants to find a witch and steal its magic for himself. But if he’s got any chance of finding one, he will have to travel into the forbidden Badwoods.

Xar doesn’t realise he is about to capture an entirely different kind of enemy. A Warrior girl called Wish.

And inside this book, at this very moment, two worlds collide and the fate of the land is changed forever.

But something that has been sleeping for hundreds of years is stirring …

  Other books and events mentioned​

Jessica Townsend and Lynette Noni in Conversation at Immanuel Lutheran College, Sunshine Coast, on Saturday March 23.

Sydney Writers Festival program has been released – All Day YA is on Saturday May 4

Rhianna Patrick’s show on ABC Radio – Listen to the show from March 3 ft Anni 🙂

  Podcast Episode #67 – Wizards of Once was originally published on Tea in the Treetops

[teatreetops]

Review: The Wizards of Once, Cressida Cowell

Cressida Cowell might be best known for her plentiful How To Train Your Dragon series, but this new series is well worth a read. It may be classed as a children’s book, but if you’re the sort of person (of any age) who likes dark, mysterious stories, full of magic and danger, then you’ll almost certainly enjoy this book.

The Warriors and the Wizards have fought over the forest for many years. But something is stirring deep in the forest, and Xar, son of the Great Encanzo the Enchanter, is keen to find out if it’s a witch. Witches are supposed to be extinct, but Xar’s not so sure.

Wish is the young princess of the Warriors, a un-warrior-like as can be. She asks questions, is curious to find things out, and never thinks of how much her mother, the stern Queen Sychorax, isn’t going to like it until it’s too late.

What adventures might these two unlikely heroes get up to? Plenty of them, that’s what. This story is a delight from start to finish, creepy at times, beautifully melancholy at others. There are quirky illustrations all the way through. I loved it to bits, but it should also suit middle-grade readers from about 9 and up.

Book two in this series, Twice Magic, was released during last year.

If you’re into audiobooks, you might be interested to know that the British audio version is read by David Tennant. I’m told it’s brilliant.

Review: The Wizards of Once, Cressida Cowell was originally published on Tea in the Treetops

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Review: What I Like About Me, Jenna Guillaume

Maisie is on her summer holidays before year twelve, spending Christmas with her family, her best friend Anna, and the Lee’s—the other family who usually spends the holidays with them. Including Sebastian Lee, who Maisie has had a crush on for ever, and his annoying friend, Beamer.

Maisie has been tasked to keep a journal over the holidays to record her ‘discoveries’, so this book is a series of journal entries in which Maisie describes each day. Everything is included, from days on the beach with her embarrassment at being unable to speak in front of Sebastian, to her disgust at Beamer’s antics, to her adventures with new friends.

Maisie’s journey from feeling like an outcast because of her body shape towards loving her own self is a familiar one to many. The way Maisie is treated by each of her family members and friends is different and reinforces that even something said with good intentions has the potential to hurt.

Teen summer dramas aren’t my usual choice for reading material, but it absolutely helped that Maisie was completely adorable. I loved that she was a movie buff, and loved Arnold Swarzenegger! The irreverent style that Jenna Guillaume is known for from her Buzzfeed days shows through in Maisie’s writing voice, compete with textual emojis.

Summer’s nearly over, but it’s worth picking up this quick read to warm your heart. Congrats on your debut, Jenna.

The launch for What I Like About Me is on this Thursday evening February 28, 6pm at Kinokuniya Sydney. If you’re in Sydney town, why not check it out?

Review: What I Like About Me, Jenna Guillaume was originally published on Tea in the Treetops

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Podcast Episode #66 - Akarnae and Other Magic Schools

Welcome to the sixty-sixth episode of the Tea in the Treetops podcast hosted by Philippa and Anni.

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In this episode, we give a joint, spoiler-free review of the Medoran Chronicles series, since the final book, Vardaesia was just released. We list some other magical school books for varying age groups, as well as catch up on what we’ve been reading. This episode was recorded on 22 February 2019.

We hope you enjoy listening and we would love to hear your feedback. Is there anything you would like us to talk about in particular? Just let us know!

You can listen to past episodes of the podcast, as well as the various ways to subscribe on the main podcast page. You can also record a voice message for us via the Speakpipe widget there.

Our title music is titled Sea of Dreams and has been used with the kind permission of the composer, Bart Stoop. You can hear more of Bart’s beautiful music at facebook.com/BartStoop.

  The Medoran Chronicles by Lynette Noni [starts at 13:40]

Congratulations, Lynette! We loved all six books in this series – Anni over the last few years and Philippa in the last few weeks. We both gave the final book five stars.

Here’s the blurb for book 1, Akarnae:

With just one step, sixteen-year-old Alexandra Jennings’s world changes—literally. Dreading her first day at a new school, Alex is stunned when she walks through a doorway and finds herself stranded in Medora, a fantasy world full of impossibilities. Desperate to return home, she learns that only a man named Professor Marselle can help her… but he’s missing.

While waiting for him to reappear, Alex attends Akarnae Academy, Medora’s boarding school for teenagers with extraordinary gifts. She soon starts to enjoy her bizarre new world and the friends who embrace her as one of their own, but strange things are happening at Akarnae, and Alex can’t ignore her fear that something unexpected… something sinister… is looming.

An unwilling pawn in a deadly game, Alex’s shoulders bear the crushing weight of an entire race’s survival. Only she can save the Medorans, but what if doing so prevents her from ever returning home?

Will Alex risk her entire world—and maybe even her life—to save Medora?

Magic School Books [20:40]

Middle Grade

Harry Potter series, JK Rowling

Chronicles of Narnia, CS Lewis (not school-related, but parallel words)

Magisterium series, Cassandra Clare/Holly Black

Percy Jackson series, Rick Riordan

Nevermoor, Jessica Townsend

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, Ransome Riggs

A Wizard of Earthsea, Ursula le Guin

Schools – YA

Carry On, Rainbow Rowell

Vampire Academy, Richelle Mead

Ink and Bone, (The Great Library), Rachel Caine

Hex Hall series, Rachel Hawkins

The Novice, Taran Matharu

Mythos Academy, Jennifer Estep

Older themes

Nevernight, Jay Kristoff

The Magicians, Lev Grossman

The Name of the Wind, Patrick Rothfuss

  Other books and things mentioned​

Aurealis Awards shortlist for 2018 – congratulations to all the authors with nominated works!​

Sunday March 3, 6:30pm Rhianna Patrick’s show on ABC Radio – Listen to Anni talking about books too!

David Tennant does a podcast with… (Twitter link – podcast platform links available there) – Yes, I got it completely wrong when I said it was only BBC actors on it – there are plenty of interesting people involved!

Podcast Episode #66 – Akarnae and Other Magic Schools was originally published on Tea in the Treetops

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Podcast Episode #65 - Kingdom of Ash

Welcome to the sixty-fifth episode of the Tea in the Treetops podcast hosted by Philippa and Anni.

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In this episode, we share some fantasy and sci-fi books that we’re excited for in the first few months of 2019, we give a spoilery (and rather rambling) review on Kingdom of Ash, as well as catch up on where we’ve been and what we’ve been reading. This episode was recorded on 1 February 2019.

We hope you enjoy listening and we would love to hear your feedback. Is there anything you would like us to talk about in particular? Just let us know!

You can listen to past episodes of the podcast, as well as the various ways to subscribe on the main podcast page. You can also record a voice message for us via the Speakpipe widget there.

Our title music is titled Sea of Dreams and has been used with the kind permission of the composer, Bart Stoop. You can hear more of Bart’s beautiful music at facebook.com/BartStoop.

  Books for Publication in Q1 2019 (starts at 17:20)

January

8 – The Wicked King (The Folk of the Air, #2) by Holly Black

22 – Circle of Shadows (Circle of Shadows, #1) by Evelyn Skye

February

5 – Lady Smoke (Ash Princess #2) by Laura Sebastian

5 – The Cerulean (Untitled Duology #1) by Amy Ewing

5 – The Ruin of Kings (A Chorus of Dragons #1) by Jenn Lyons

5 – Dark of the West (Glass Alliance #1) by Joanna Hathaway

5 – Stolen Time (Dark Stars #1) by Danielle Rollins

12 – Bloodwitch (The Witchlands, #3) by Susan Dennard

26 – Four Dead Queens by Astrid Scholte

26 – The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

26 – Vardaesia (Medoran Chronicles #5) by Lynette Noni

26 – The Dysasters by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

March

5 – The Everlasting Rose (The Belles, #2) by Dhonielle Clayton

5 – The Queen’s Resistance (The Queen’s Rising, #2) by Rebecca Ross

7 – Children of Virtue and Vengeance (Legacy of Orïsha #2) by Tomi Adeyemi

19 – Return of the Thief (The Queen’s Thief, #6) by Megan Whalen Turner

26 – Once & Future (Once & Future, #1) by Amy Rose Capetta

26 – Scorch Dragons (Elementals #2) by Amie Kaufman

  Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass #7) by Sarah J Maas (starts at 54:00)

*Contains Spoilers!*

Finally we make it to the end of seven long years – what a journey. Listen to our spoilery recap of what happened and our feelings about the final book in this epic series.

  Other books mentioned​

​

Podcast Episode #65 – Kingdom of Ash was originally published on Tea in the Treetops

[teatreetops]

Review: The Slightly Alarming Tale of the Whispering Wars, Jaclyn Moriarty

I was taken by Whisperers at 2pm, so I never pulled the lever for the laundry chute. That’s what bothered me most. This is way ahead in the story, though. A lot happened before that.

Jaclyn Moriarty delivers again with another whimsical adventure set in the world of Kingdoms and Empires. While it could be enjoyed as a standalone novel, this is best read after finishing its predecessor due to a smattering of cameos and events that featured in the first book.

Set at the beginning of the Whispering Wars in the town of Spindrift, the story alternates between two protagonists, Finlay and Honey Bee. These children are from two rival schools – the Orphanage School (Finlay) and Brathelthwaite Boarding School (Honey Bee) and all out war begins between them at the shocking conclusion of the Spindrift Tournament.

Strange things start happening in Spindrift and the greater world of Kingdoms and Empires [K&E], which include children vanishing and a terrible flu that is infecting townspeople and princes alike.  When it is discovered that the Whispering Kingdom is responsible for all the terrible events that occur, war is soon declared. The K&E Forces move into town as lots of important people say it’s in a “very strategic location for both sides”. Brathelthwaite Boarding School soon hosts secret intelligence personnel who can be found mysteriously chanting and making odd suggestions about toenails and full moons. The novelty of war quickly wears off and the children find themselves putting aside their war of pranks and socioeconomic disparities to join forces and rescue the stolen children.

Like all of Jacyln’s previous novels the writing is lyrical, quirky and keeps the reader completely engaged. The banter between Finlay and Honey Bee plays out in a delightful conversational style  and both of these characters are just full of gusto and life.

While adventurous and fun this story does touch on more profound topics of war, prejudice and fear, and it shows how this trifecta can often bring out the worst in people. Due to the fantastical setting, lighthearted prose and chocolate shop owning witches this is a wonderful introduction for middle grade children to get a small taste in complex global issues of race, refugees and ethics.

This novel was simply delicious and I devoured it, the same way Finlay devours twisty-pastries-with-melting-chocolate-inside for breakfast. This may be a children’s book however it is one that can be enjoyed by grownups as well, making this an excellent choice for reading out loud to the kids. The hard part for adults and children alike will be not sneaking in extra chapters before the next bedtime!

A Kingdom and Empires Book

  Review: The Slightly Alarming Tale of the Whispering Wars, Jaclyn Moriarty was originally published on Tea in the Treetops

[teatreetops]

Podcast Episode #64 - Paladeros and Brakebills

Welcome to the sixty-fourth episode of the Tea in the Treetops podcast hosted by Philippa and Anni.

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In this episode, we’re very pleased to welcome Aussie author Steven Lochran to the podcast, we chat about meeting Victoria Roth at the Brisbane Writers Festival, give our opinions on one-star reviews, as well as catch up on where we’ve been and what we’ve been reading. This episode was recorded on 17 October 2018.

We hope you enjoy listening and we would love to hear your feedback. Is there anything you would like us to talk about in particular? Just let us know!

You can listen to past episodes of the podcast, as well as the various ways to subscribe on the main podcast page. You can also record a voice message for us via the Speakpipe widget there.

Our title music is titled Sea of Dreams and has been used with the kind permission of the composer, Bart Stoop. You can hear more of Bart’s beautiful music at facebook.com/BartStoop.

  Steven Lochran

Steven Lochran spent his childhood writing stories and now he does it for a living. He graduated from Queensland University of Technology with a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing, and has worked as a film critic, projectionist and DJ. He’s spent the last decade in the publishing industry surrounded by books, as well as writing the VANGUARD PRIME and PALADERO series. He lives in Melbourne with his wife and two spoilt cats.

The Knights of Thunder Realm is the first in an epic fantasy series about hope, betrayal, and trying to make a better life for yourself when you’ve come from nothing. It’s also about dinosaurs, which is awesome.

(Bio and blurb from Goodreads)

  Upcoming events

Supanova Convention – Brisbane Convention Centre – November 9-11

Wundersmith by Jessica Townsend – Launch in Brisbane at St Rita’s School, November 8 (see link for events in other cities!)

The Witch Who Courted Death by Maria Lewis – Launch at Netherworld Bar, November 13 (see link for other events!)

  Other books mentioned​

Podcast Episode #64 – Paladeros and Brakebills was originally published on Tea in the Treetops

[teatreetops]

Review: We Three Heroes, Lynette Noni

We Three Heroes is a collection of three novellas from the world of Lynette Noni’s Medoran Chronicles. Each novella shows events that have already happened, but from the point of view of each of Alex’s best friends—D.C., Jordan, and Bear.

I’ve followed Lynette’s stories for a few years now, and I’ve always been so impressed with how quickly her star has risen in this YA Fantasy world. The events of the last two books especially have been dramatic and heartbreaking at times, and (without spoiling those who have yet to catch up on the books) certainly Jordan’s and Bear’s novellas reflect the emotional turmoil each of them has gone through, especially in the events of Graevale. This collection certainly contains spoilers for all the events in the first four books. Do not read it if you’re still catching up!

I enjoyed reading each individual story, but it’s always tricky with novellas—they don’t always belong in any particular storyline, or they go over events we’re already aware of, so they tend to lose their appeal and/or their importance to the series. The first story, dealing with the backstory of D.C. before and in her early years at Akarnae was a sweet story about overcoming bullies and finding true friends, but I would have rather seen more of her development once at Akarnae and learning to trust Alex and the boys. Perhaps we already had that story in Akarnae. 

Jordan’s story was important to show the way he dealt with traumatic events, since we didn’t get to see that so much in Graevale. Bear’s story does deal with a lot of events that I was already aware of, but Bear is such a sweet character that it’s a joy to read about things from his point of view.

Over all, it’s worth reading these stories if you’re a fan of the series, but you won’t miss anything desperately important if you decide not to read them.

Review: We Three Heroes, Lynette Noni was originally published on Tea in the Treetops

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Review: Obsidio, Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Obsidio is the third and final book in the Illuminae Files series, and yes, I’ve waited way too long to read it, considering it came out back in March and I attended the launch! This review is spoiler-free for the entire series.

If you haven’t heard of this series before, it’s made of of three parts detailing different events that take place in and around a mining colony planet in deep space. Don’t be put off by the hefty size of this series – the story is told through transcripts, chat logs and graphical extras, so there’s a lot of white space and doesn’t take as long as you might think to read.

The series is full of kick-arse teens and young adults, grey moral areas, a slightly unhinged AI, and plenty of feels. Yes, if this book doesn’t rip out your heart, stomp on it a few times, then shove it back in, then you must have been already floating, dead, in the cold black. Okay, that analogy didn’t really work out, but if you like the idea of feelings in spaaaace, then get on this.

All of my favourite characters are here from previous books, and they all come together in a glorious and fittingly epic showdown. This book, and this series, is definitely up there with my favourites.

If you’ve been listening to our podcast at all you might remember that Philippa has been listening to the audiobooks of this series, and says the full-cast recordings are excellent and well worth a listen.

Review: Obsidio, Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff was originally published on Tea in the Treetops

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Podcast Episode #63 - TBR Late 2018

Welcome to the sixty-third episode of the Tea in the Treetops podcast hosted by Philippa and Anni.

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In this episode, we list YA Fantasy and Sci-fi books that are coming out in the next six months. We also catch up on what we’ve been reading. This episode was recorded on 26 July 2018.

We hope you enjoy listening and we would love to hear your feedback. Is there anything you would like us to talk about in particular? Just let us know!

You can listen to past episodes of the podcast, as well as the various ways to subscribe on the main podcast page. You can also record a voice message for us via the Speakpipe widget there.

Our title music is titled Sea of Dreams and has been used with the kind permission of the composer, Bart Stoop. You can hear more of Bart’s beautiful music at facebook.com/BartStoop.

Upcoming events

Brisbane Writers Festival – September 6-9.

  Books released July-November 2018 [13:40]

July

23 – His Name Was Walter, Emily Rodda

  August

7 – Catwoman: Soulstealer, Sarah J Maas

7 – These Rebel Waves, Sara Raasch

  September

4 – Two Dark Reigns, Kendare Blake (#3)

4 – And the Ocean Was Our Sky, Patrick Ness & Rovina Cai

11 – Rule, Ellen Goodlett

11 – The Lantern’s Ember, Colleen Houck

11 – Imposters, Scott Westerfeld

18 – Wildcard, (Warcross #2) Marie Lu

18 – Afterimage, Naomi Hughes

18 – Strange Grace, Tessa Gratton

25 – For a Muse of Fire, Heidi Heilig

25 – Give the Dark My Love, Beth Revis

25 – Wundersmith (Nevermoor #2), Jessica Townsend

  October

2 – Muse of Nightmares (Strange the Dreamer #2), Laini Taylor

2 – Shadow of the Fox, Julie Kagawa

23 – Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass #7), Sarah J Maas

  November

1 – The Rift, Rachael Craw

6 – ArchEnemies, (Renegades #2), Marissa Meyer

19 – Lady Helen and the Dark Days Deceit (#3), Alison Goodman

  Other books mentioned​

Podcast Episode #63 – TBR Late 2018 was originally published on Tea in the Treetops