In This Woven Kingdom, Tahereh Mafi weaves a lush Persian-inspired fantasy full of prophecy, politics, and impossible romance. We’re diving deep into the world of Alizeh—the long-lost heir to the Jinn empire—and Kamran, the Ardunian prince whose fate is tangled with hers in ways neither of them expected.
From hidden identities, dangerous bargains, and beautiful writing you never want to end, this episode covers it all—plus it’s a great way to refresh your memory before the next installment, Every Spiral of Fate, comes out on September 11, 2025.
We also explore the real-world inspiration behind the series: the Shahnameh, Ferdowsi’s epic poem often called “the Persian Game of Thrones”, and still one of the most important works in Persian literature. According to the Library of Congress, the Shahnameh is a monumental 50,000-couplet epic recounting the mythical, heroic history of Greater Iran—written over 33 years and remaining a pillar of the Persian language to this day.
Subscribe, turn on notifications, and leave us a rating, this really helps other book lovers find us! Tell us your thoughts on Instagram @Bookmergency!
It’s the final book in the Beasts of Prey trilogy and we have so many feelings. In this episode, we’re diving deep into Beasts of War by Ayana Gray talking about that epic ending, Koffi and Ekon’s journeys (separately and together), and the big themes and relationships that had us spiraling this whole trilogy.
We dive deep into this amazing world Ayana Gray built, discussing all the beasts, gods, and the awesome banter.
Ayana Gray has a brand new book coming out this fall! I, Medusa hits the shelves on November 18, and what a book!!!
We’re back in Eshōza! In Beasts of Ruin by Ayana Gray, the journey picks up right where Beasts of Prey left of. We talk magical beasts, trauma, and toxic masculinity, and dive deep into the power of found family, complicated parents, and becoming your own weapon.
Plus, we shout out our favorite darajas, theorize about Koffi’s powers, and gush over those blurry friendship-to-something-more moments.
Subscribe, turn on notifications, and leave us a rating, this really helps other book lovers find us! Tell us your thoughts on Instagram @Bookmergency!
This week on Bookmergency, we’re diving into Love Spells Trouble by Nia Davenport—a witchy YA fantasy set in Houston that blends family, romance, and magic rooted in Black Southern identity.
We unpack coven politics, gentrification, community power, and what it means to claim your legacy. Think: magical heir meets covenless witch, sneaker culture meets spellwork, and a love story that’s also a fight for belonging.
If you love modern witch stories, Black girl magic, and Southern-set YA with real-world heart, read Love Spells Trouble then come hang out with us in this episode.
Don't forget to preorder Our Vicious Oaths, Nia Davenport's adult romantasy coming out October 28! Follow us on Instagram @Bookmergency and tell us what Connection you would like to have as a witch!
This week, we’re diving into Beasts of Prey by Ayana Gray—a lush, magical fantasy that had us asking: what makes a monster, and what makes a hero? Join us as we unravel Koffi and Ekon’s journey through the jungle, unpack that jaw-dropping ending, and explore the powerful themes at the heart of the story—from systemic oppression to misunderstood magic and chosen courage.
This one’s got it all—beasts, betrayal, and a whole lot of splendor. Tune in for chaotic literary therapy, and don’t forget to tell us what you think Fedu is planning next...
Subscribe, turn on notifications, and leave us a rating, this really helps other book lovers find us! Tell us your thoughts on Instagram @Bookmergency!
In this episode, we spiral happily into the chaos of Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer. We’re talking prophecy, slow-growing love, magical creatures, wildly meddling stardust, toxic kings, and morally grey characters with an unreasonable amount of sexual tension.
We break down everything from the high-stakes rescue to the many POVs and tangled family ties (Looking at you, Becky!). We also take a moment to shout out narrator Em Eldridge, whose voice brought all four POVs to life.
Whether you’re Team Malevolent Guards or Team I’m Just Here for the Magic Dagger Shenanigans, you won’t want to miss this one.Subscribe, turn on notifications, and leave us a rating, this really helps other book lovers find us! Tell us your thoughts on Instagram @Bookmergency!
This week, we’re diving into Delicious Monsters by Liselle Sambury—a chilling, emotional, and powerful blend of horror, fantasy, and generational trauma. Set in a secluded mansion in rural Ontario, the story follows two Black teen girls—ten years apart—who confront family secrets, haunted houses, and the ghosts that won’t stay buried.
We talk creepy birds, controlling parents, cycles of abuse, and the healing power of storytelling (and plants!).
We're reading this as we gear up for Sambury’s upcoming novel A Mastery of Monsters, out July 29th —join us and get hyped!
Assistant to the Villain is the first book in this series by Hannah Nicole Maehrer. In this episode, we breakdown the Rennedawn kingdom, the magic system and all the budding romances and friendships. We laugh A LOT, and we also discuss themes that come up in the book that tie in with our real world.
With the third book in the series, Accomplice to the Villain, coming up on August 5, we figure this is the perfect opportunity to recall everything that happens and have a good time.
Subscribe, turn on notifications, and leave us a rating, this really helps other book lovers find us! Tell us your thoughts on Instagram @Bookmergency!
We had so much fun chatting with Kayla and Aziza, two fourths of @thereadingblackgirls for our very first Bookmergency interview episode! We dove into the origin story of The Reading Black Girls, their mission to amplify Black authors and authors of color, and the realities of navigating a publishing world still shaped by systemic racism. We also got into all the book lover favorites: hot takes, comfort reads, must-read authors, and what’s currently topping our TBRs! Oh—and for the first time ever... this episode is completely SPOILER-FREE! So if you’ve been wanting to check out Bookmergency but haven’t read the books we usually cover, this is your perfect intro. Huge thanks to TRBG for joining us and for building such an incredible platform that keeps our TBRs growing every day.
The Blood Gift is the second and (for now) final book in this duology by N.E. Davenport. We dove deep into the real world connections, relationships, and all the intricacies of this epic world!
We are looking forward to Nia Davenport's upcoming books: Love Spells Trouble (July 8) and Our Vicious Oaths (October 28), AND we continue hoping she decides to write more stories related to the Blood Gift duology in the future!
Don't forget to subscribe, turn on notifications, and leave us a rating, this really helps other book lovers find us! Tell us your thoughts on Instagram @Bookmergency!
The Blood Trials by N. E. Davenport is an action packed sci-fi fantasy book that we simply could not put down! Between the plot twists, the compelling characters and the gruesome trials, we were roped in and had a hard time stop talking about it. Join us as we breakdown this detailed world, magic system and relationships!
Don't forget to subscribe, turn on notifications, and leave us a rating, this really helps other book lovers find us! Tell us your thoughts on Instagram @Bookmergency!
A Soul of Blood and Ash is the fifth book in the series From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout. While we impatiently wait for The Primal of Blood and Bone coming out on September 23, 2025, we dive deep into the history, magic and relationships to prepare for what's to come. Join us as we theorize HARD and have lots of laughs!
Don't forget to subscribe, turn on notifications, and leave us a rating, this really helps other book lovers find us! Tell us your thoughts on the future of Solis and Atlantia!
Somewhere Beyond the Sea is the second and final (for now) book in the Cerulean Chronicles series by T.J. Klune. In this episode, we raved about this book's events, characters, and main themes. Even the Acknowledgements of this book were a major highlight for us. Every chapter got us laughing, reflecting, crying, or all of the above. Join us on this roller coaster of emotions in this heartwarming episode.
Don't forget to subscribe, turn on notifications, and leave us a rating, this really helps other book lovers find us! Tell us your favorite T.J. Klune book on Instagram @Bookmergency!
The War of Two Queens is the fourth book in Jennifer L Armentrout's series From Blood and Ash. I preparation for The Primal of Blood and Bone coming out on September 23, we are revisiting and breaking down all the details in this series. We were so excited to talk about this book, there's so much action, so much history to dive into AND so many relationship dynamics to freak out over. Join us on this deep dive!
Don't forget to subscribe, turn on notifications, and leave us a rating, this really helps other book lovers find us! Tell us your thoughts on what's to come on Instagram @Bookmergency!
The Crown of Gilded Bones is the third book in Jennifer L Armentrout's series From Blood and Ash. In preparation for The Primal of Blood and Bone coming out on September 23, we are revisiting and breakdown all the details in this series. We finally start getting some questions answered in this book, so we were excited to discuss it and ready to theorize on what's to come after that big twist at the end. Join us on all our speculations!
Don't forget to subscribe, turn on notifications, and leave us a rating, this really helps other book lovers find us! Tell us your thoughts on what's to come on Instagram @Bookmergency!
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune is a powerful call to examine how we treat each other. In this episode, we gush over the sweet characters and heartwarming moments, while also unpacking the book’s deeper messages about prejudice, bureaucracy, and the courage it takes to choose compassion. Join us for laughs, uncontrollable “awwws”, and a thoughtful conversation about how this magical story mirrors our real-world fight for justice and inclusion.
Don't forget to subscribe, turn on notifications, and leave us a rating, this really helps other book lovers find us! Tell us all your Cerulean thoughts on our Instagram @Bookmergency!
A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L. Armentrout took us on an enjoyable journey that got us only wanting to know more. We definitely got more questions than answers, so we had to rub our minds together and theorize on what's to come. The Primal of Blood and Bone was delayed to September 23, but when that day comes we will be prepared after this detailed reread. Join us!
Don't forget to subscribe, turn on notifications, and leave us a rating, this really helps other book lovers find us! Tell us all your thoughts on Poppy's growth on our Instagram @Bookmergency!
In this episode, we cover From Blood and Ash by Jennifer Armentrout. Since The Primal of Blood and Bone, the sixth book in this series, is coming out on June 10, we are preparing by rereading all the books and deep diving into the history, magic and relationships of this world. Join us as we break down all we know so far!
Don't forget to subscribe, turn on notifications, and leave us a rating, this really helps other book lovers find us! Tell us all your thoughts on Poppy and this wild couple on our Instagram @Bookmergency!
Sunrise on the Reaping is finally here and we absolutely wept. After binging a full Hunger Games reread, it felt great seeing Haymitch, but this prequel hit hard. In this episode, we dive into the heartbreak, the symbolism, and Suzanne Collins' masterful way of tying fiction to the real world. It’s a chaotic, emotional, literary roller coaster and you’re invited so join us!
Don’t forget to subscribe, turn on notifications, and leave us a rating—every little bit helps other book lovers find us! And tell us your favorite SOTR moments on our Instagram @Bookmergency!
In this episode, we deep-dive into Oathbound, Tracy Deonn's third book in the Legendborn Cycle. We got to theorize, freak out, and passionately discuss all the ways this book made us tick with a special guest, Danielle Sabrena Ellis! Join us in this fun-packed episode, subscribe to our podcast, and follow us on Instagram @bookmergency to share your thoughts and theories!
