This week, we’re completely captivated by Our Vicious Oaths by N.E. Davenport, a fierce, romantic fantasy pulsing with power, politics, and passion. We unpack what makes this story impossible to put down: a heroine who refuses to yield, a rival who’s just as dangerous as he is magnetic, and a world that keeps raising the stakes.
We also talk about the powerhouse narration by Jeanette Illidge and Morris Kellswater, pull a Tarot card that hits a little too close to home, and highlight the quotes that stopped us in our tracks.
And if you haven’t yet — check out our interview with Nia Davenport herself for a behind-the-scenes peek at how this epic story came together.
Subscribe, rate, and join the chaos — we can’t wait to hear your thoughts on Our Vicious Oaths!
We’re back with in the This Woven Kingdom universe, talking about Every Spiral of Fate, the fourth book in this awesome series by Tahereh Mafi and narrated by Kate Reading.
Tahereh delivered a Spiral alright, we were tripping hard over this book and we don't know what to do with ourselves while we wait for the next one.
Book 4 was full of yearning, frustration, and some answers we were dying to get! We talk favorite irritations, wild theories, and what we hope to see next which is a long list.
Join us and let us know your thoughts about this book and what you think will come next!
This week we talked with someone who is usually the one asking questions in panels: Christine Bollow, co-owner and Director of Programs at Loyalty Bookstore located at Petworth DC and at the DC Pop Up at Walter Reed.
Christine is an all around book champion and it was our pleasure to get to know more about all the ways she's speaking up and speaking out against the issues in the bookselling world.
Loyalty Bookstore has reached its 5 year milestone under the amazing leadership of Hannah Oliver Depp and Christine, and we were so happy to hear all about this black, queer, Asian owned indie bookstore which is such a safe and welcoming space to so many in the DC book community.
Christine went into details about her role as a book consultant for Awesome Con and Rose City Con, her favorite books, authors, audiobook narrators and even some great bookstagrammers.
This interview is delicious! Enjoy it, and get ready to add to your TBR!
Are you obsessed with Cemetery Boys? If not, go read it and join our club!
In this episode of Bookmergency, Bela and Leah are joined by our returning guest Maddie Burg to gush over Aiden Thomas’s unforgettable debut Cemetery Boys, brought to life in audiobook form by the incredible Avi Roque. We dive into the tender romance, the power of found family, and the very real struggles this story reflects, while celebrating the joy, resilience, and transvisibility woven through every page.
On top of gushing hard on Cemetery Boys with us, Maddie also shared her anticipation for The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia which is out now (so go check it out!!), her love for Intermezzo by Sally Rooney, and her perspective on supporting youth mental health as a public school social worker.
We also look ahead to the sequel, Cemetery Boys: Espiritu, coming September 2026 (we’re counting down the days already!). Tune in for laughs, tears, and plenty of literary chaos because as this book reminds us: it's a doggy dog world and you don’t need anyone’s permission to be yourself.
Subscribe, activate notifications, and share this episode with your Cemetery Boys lover friends!
This week on Bookmergency we were joined by the one and only Nia Davenport, author of The Blood Trials duology, Out of Body, the newly released Love Spells Trouble and the amazing romantasy Our Vicious Oaths coming out on October 28.
We had a blast talking about Nia's writing process, ideas for future projects, book recommendations, and we discussed the way she weaves so many themes of our real world into her stories.
Nia has an infectious laugh and a wonderful storytelling power, you will finish this interview feeling inspired to dive into one of her books for sure.
Tune in, share with your book lover friends, subscribe and follow us @Bookmergency and Nia @Nia.Davenport.
What happens when a vampire walks down the aisle to marry a werewolf? In this week’s episode, we’re talking all about Bride by Ali Hazelwood—a paranormal romance full of sharp banter, sizzling chemistry, and bigger-than-life themes of love, identity, and belonging.
We also chat about Ali’s writing journey (from fanfic roots to bestselling powerhouse), and spotlight the incredible audiobook performances by Thérèse Plummer and Will Damron. And yes—Bela may have lost her cool when we found out Teddy Hamilton will be narrating the sequel Mate (out on October 5!)
If you’re into vampires, werewolves, or just a romance that bites back, grab your bookmarks or headphones, read it then hit play and hang out wiht us!
This week on Bookmergency we’re talking with the multi-talented Daniel Henning! 🎙️ Daniel is a New York Times bestselling audiobook narrator best known for bringing TJ Klune’s The House in the Cerulean Sea and Somewhere Beyond the Sea to magical, unforgettable life. With more than 300 audiobooks under his belt, Daniel’s voice has carried us through fantasy, sci-fi, memoir, business, and beyond.
But narration is the most recent part of his career. Daniel has been busy! He is the founder of The Blank Theatre in Los Angeles, where he spent over 30 years championing young talent, including a teenage Leigh Bardugo (what?!). He’s a three-time Audie Award finalist, a multi–AudioFile Earphones Award winner, and has been recognized by the California Legislature for his LGBTQIA+ advocacy .
Join us as we dive into his creative process, the impact of storytelling, and the unforgettable moments from his journey in theater and audiobooks.
Don't forget to follow @Bookmergency and @Danielhenningla! Let us know your thoughts, what's your next Daniel Henning narrated book?
In this week’s episode of Bookmergency, we’re diving headfirst into Accomplice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer, narrated by Em Eldridge. This third (not last) book in the series takes us deeper into Rennedawn, where curses, prophecies, and tangled relationships keep our favorite characters constantly on edge.
We talk about everything from Kingsley’s POV and the complicated family dynamics to betrayals, budding romances, and the never-ending chaos at Massacre Manor. Along the way, we unpack the book’s themes of agency, sexism, and the fawn trauma response, as we love connecting book to the real world.
Of course, we couldn’t resist a little (or a lot) theorizing, some laughs over the outrageous moments, and plenty of swooning over our favorite character dynamics. Whether you’re here for the villains, the romance, or the prophecy puzzles, we’ve got you covered.
Don't forget to subscribe and rate us, it's incredibly helpful so other book lovers can find us. Follow us on Instagram @Bookmergency and let’s talk all things Accomplice to the Villain!
Episode 32 of Bookmergency is here, and we’re diving into All This Twisted Glory by Tahereh Mafi, narrated by Kate Reading—get ready, there is SO much pining in this book!
Tahereh Mafi gives us another breathtaking installment in the This Woven Kingdom series, weaving together romance, heartbreak, and impossible choices.
In this episode, we gush over the quotes that stopped us in our tracks, dig into the themes that felt way too real, and chat about the characters we cannot stop thinking about. We also pull a tarot card for this book and share some predictions (and wild hopes) for what might be coming next in the fourth book in this series Every Spiral of Fate coming out on September 30.
If you read the book and you want to aww your heart out with us over the swoony romances, the high stakes, and this stunning fantasy world—listen now!
Episode 31 of Bookmergency is here, and we’re diving into A Mastery of Monsters by Liselle Sambury, narrated by Angel Pean.
In this episode, we break down our favorite quotes, dig into the incredible worldbuilding and factions within the Learners’ Society, and talk about the messy, flawed, and loveable characters (yes, we have A LOT of feelings about ALL of them).
We also touch on the real-world themes Liselle Sambury weaves in—systems of oppression, identity, and what it means to give yourself space to mess up. And of course, we pull a tarot card for the book to see what the universe has to say.
We are thoroughly obsessed and we theorized hard on this episode, with way more questions than answers, which is our favorite place to be in the first book of a new series!
We’re back in Tahereh Mafi’s lush and devastating world with These Infinite Threads. This sequel picks up right where we left off - Kamran’s unraveling grip on power, Alizeh’s impossible choices, and Cyrus’s devastating contradictions. Ahhhh!! So much to discuss!
Narrated by Kate Reading, the audiobook captures every ounce of heartbreak, betrayal, and fragile hope woven through this story.
Join us as we get ready for the fourth book in this series, Every Spiral of Fate, coming out on September 30. We break down the shifting alliances, our favorite “rescue squad” moments, and the threads of resistance and grief that run through this installment.
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.