Join Roe and Allorah on this episode as they delve into their favorite reads of 2025 and share the 10 must-reads they plan to conquer before the end of the year. From dark romance and mafia thrillers to dystopian fantasies and cowboy romances, discover the books that have captured their hearts and those still on their towering TBR lists. Plus, don't miss the special espresso martini recipe to keep you awake on those long reading nights!00:00 Welcome to The Plot with a Twist00:46 Reflecting on the Year in Books02:19 Reading Goals and Challenges16:20 Tracking Your Reading Progress23:01 Favorite Reads of the Year34:57 Iliana: The Ultimate Mafia Enforcer37:25 Reckless by Elsie Silver: A Well-Executed Pregnancy Trope39:25 Cunning Vows: A Mafia Auction with a Twist43:04 Soul Match: A Unique Dystopian Concept44:08 Meet Me in Dreamland: A Delightful Enemies to Lovers45:41 Trick by Natalia Jaster: Dark Fantasy Romance50:08 10 Books to Finish Before the End of the Year01:04:22 Espresso Martini: The Perfect Drink for Your TBR01:05:46 Thank You and Stay Tuned!
Exploring Halloween Book Tropes: Spooky Season Favorites🎃Join bookish hosts Allorah and Roe as they dive into the best and worst Halloween book tropes. From eerie haunted houses to captivating dark romances, they explore what makes these spooky reads so compelling. Grab your favorite spooky season drink and tune in to discover their favorite tropes and the ones they think should be cut. Don't miss out on this thrilling episode full of literary magic, mayhem, and maybe just a little bit of smut!00:00 Welcome to Plot with a Twist00:39 Spooky Season Book Recommendations02:48 Diving into Tropes08:57 Tropes in Halloween Reads11:08 Dark Romance Tropes19:47 Paranormal Tropes26:40 Paranormal and Reluctant Heroines28:33 Spooky Themes and Haunted Houses28:51 Ghosts and Incubus Debate29:47 Witches and Inheritance with Strings31:23 Horror Genre: Gore, Serial Killers, and More34:40 Thriller Genre: Psychological Mind Games37:58 Favorite Tropes in Halloween Reads42:33 Tropes That Don't Work for Halloween49:54 Halloween Cocktail: The Witches Brew51:25 Closing Remarks and Thank You
Spooky Season Spectacular: Halloween Book Recommendations!Join Roe and Allorah of 'The Plot With A Twist' as they dive into their favorite Halloween reads, from gothic mysteries to dark romance and creepy ghost stories. Grab your bloody drink and settle in as they discuss their top book picks for October, the latest releases, and what makes for a truly spine-chilling Halloween TBR. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more bookish content each week!00:00 Introduction to Plot with a Twist00:28 Embracing the Spooky Season02:01 Halloween Reading Lists02:33 Defining a Good Halloween Book03:58 Exploring Dark Romance04:33 Monster Smut and Creepy Vibes07:01 October Book Releases12:47 Authors to Read This Halloween16:18 Autumn Kingdom Vibes16:35 TBR List Chaos17:02 Book Recommendations and Reviews17:30 Reading Challenges and Goals20:20 Creepy and Fluffy Reads30:52 Cocktail Recipe and Farewell
Caught Up by Navessa Allen | Spoiler-Free & Spoiler Review
You are listening The Plot With A Twist where we discuss all things books and booze. In this episode, we give a detailed review and discussion of 'Caught Up' by Navessa Allen, the second book in the 'Into Darkness' series. We explore elements of the Second Chance Romance featuring a mafia cleaner, a cam girl, and various plot twists. We express our critiques over character development, plot cohesion, and the book's adherence to its marketed tropes. As always, the episodes include both spoiler-free and spoilery parts for listeners, along with a cocktail recipe dedicated to the book’s FMC, Lauren. Please remember to like, share, and subscribe!
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
00:25 Book Introduction: Caught Up by Navessa Allen
01:51 Initial Impressions and Ratings
02:36 Detailed Book Discussion: Plot and Characters
05:38 Critique and Social Media Reactions
09:13 Favorite Parts and Character Highlights
12:40 Series Future and Final Thoughts
14:20 Spoiler-Free Conclusion and Transition
15:13 Spoiler Section: In-Depth Analysis
26:29 Character Development and Critiques
27:15 Miscommunication and Plot Issues
27:36 Sister's Subplot and Family Dynamics
29:12 Nico's Grovelling and Relationship Dynamics
29:46 Miscommunication as a Plot Device
32:38 Narration and Character Dynamics
36:01 Dark Romance and Mafia Romance Classification
37:41 Future Books and Character Potential
48:09 Cocktail Recipe and Closing Remarks
Exploring the Smuttiest Books You've Ever Read
You are listening to The Plot With A Twist where we discuss all things books and booze. In this episode, Allorah and Roe explore the world of smutty books, breaking down what makes a good smut book, the best levels of smut, and debunking myths around smut and spice in literature. With discussions on genres, tropes like 'Enemies to Lovers,' and whether reading smut can be considered cheating. This episode promises an uncensored, sex-positive conversation that celebrates all forms of sexual content in literature. Warning: This episode contains explicit content and is not recommended for listeners under 18.
00:00 Welcome to Plot with a Twist
00:28 Exploring Popular Book Tropes
01:11 Diving into Smut: What Makes a Good Smut Book?
03:01 Smut vs. Spice: What's the Difference?
04:24 The Appeal of Smut Books
06:48 What Makes the Best Smut Books?
10:30 Can Smut Be Taken Too Far?
19:53 Debate on Reading Smut and Cheating
20:15 Impact of Smut on Relationships
21:45 Judgment on Reading Preferences
23:24 Favorite Smut Authors and Books
25:16 Discussion on Smut Criteria
29:18 Top Smut Recommendations
35:12 Cocktail Recipe: The Leg Spreader
37:07 Closing Remarks and Social Media Plugs
Dive into this episode of The Plot With A Twist as we review 'Soulmatch' by Rebecca Danzenbaker. This week, we dissect the intricacies of a unique YA dystopian novel where a soul identification system reveals past lives. Explore themes of reincarnation, moral dilemmas, and the thrilling journey of the FMC, Sivan, and her found family to uncover corruption in a post-World War III society. Tune in for a spoiler-free, and then spoilery discussion, along with a special mocktail recipe inspired by the book. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe!
00:00 Intro00:28 Book Synopsis: Soulmatch by Rebecca Danzenbaker01:53 Personal Updates02:44 Spoiler-Free Discussion: Soul Match04:58 Ratings and Reincarnation Theory10:07 World Building and Language in Soul Match12:37 Character Favorites and Story Development23:59 Spoiler Section: Deep Dive into Soul Match34:43 The Weight of Past Lives35:45 Moral and Ethical Dilemmas37:26 World Building and Pacing40:03 Soulmates and System Flaws42:52 Found Family and Relationships47:16 Magic System and Technology51:08 Open-Ended Conclusion59:32 Language and Terminology01:01:56 Final Thoughts and Recommendations01:05:18 Mocktail Recipe and Farewell
Dreadful Desires Book Review & Interview with Author Lucy Lark Join Allorah and Roe in this thrilling episode of ' The Plot With A Twist,' where they dive into the dark and mysterious 'Dreadful Desires,' the first book in the Monsters of White Chapel series by Lucy Lark. Discover how the chilling streets of London in 1888 inspired this gripping tale of murder, mystery, and malevolence. Listen as Lucy shares her inspirations, her unique take on classic horror characters, and the tantalizing details behind Rebecca Nightingale's journey through London's underbelly. Don't miss the intriguing discussions about monster smut, historical elements, and some spicy spoilers! Plus, get the perfect cocktail recipe to enjoy while reading. Like, share, and subscribe for more bookish episodes every Wednesday!00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview00:31 Book Synopsis: Dreadful Desires01:42 Interview with Author Lucy Lark02:07 Inspiration Behind the Book03:04 Characters and Their Origins08:07 Writing Style and Historical Accuracy09:58 Rebecca Nightingale: Character Analysis13:43 Monster Smut and Creative Freedom16:49 Future Books and Series Continuation21:50 Rebecca's Harem and Future Scenes22:47 Book Series Length and Backstory23:43 Spider Phobia and Character Insights25:17 Upcoming Projects and Pen Names26:18 Journey to Becoming a Full-Time Author28:17 Writing Process and Techniques30:12 Reading Preferences and Influences33:37 Indie Author Advantages39:10 Cocktail Recipe and Closing Remarks
Unlock the Secrets of ARC and Beta Reading Join hosts Roe and Allorah as they delve into the fascinating world of ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) and Beta reading. Learn how to get involved with this exclusive book community, the best practices for honest and constructive reviews, and the websites like Net Galley and Book Sprout to find opportunities. Discover their favorite and recommended ARCs, tips for staying organized, and the critical do's and don'ts of being part of an ARC or Beta reading team. Perfect for avid readers looking to explore new genres and support authors.00:00 Introduction to The Plot With A Twist00:58 Getting Started with ARC and Beta Reading01:38 Personal Experiences with ARC and Beta Reading06:15 The Thrill and Community of ARC and Beta Reading13:06 Finding and Applying for ARC and Beta Reads17:58 Managing ARC and Beta Reading Commitments23:19 Recommended Apps and Websites for ARC and Beta Reading28:45 Best Practices for ARC and Beta Reading34:02 Pros and Cons of Reviews34:31 Beta Reading Tips and Etiquette35:50 The Importance of Constructive Feedback36:21 Respecting Author Guidelines37:09 Don'ts for Beta Readers39:30 Leaving Honest Reviews40:51 Advice for New Beta Readers42:07 Navigating Amazon Reviews44:15 Favorite ARC and Beta Reads54:08 Current Reads and Recommendations58:35 Cocktail, Conclusion, and Thank You
An Interview with Natalia Jaster: Exploring the World of Trick and the Dark Seasons: Foolish Kingdoms SeriesJoin hosts Allorah and Roe in this captivating episode of Plot with a Twist as they dive deep into the world of Natalia Jaster's 'Trick.' Discover the inspiration behind Poet, the salacious jester, and Briar, the impassive princess. Natalia shares her writing process, insights into the Foolish Kingdoms series, and her thoughts on indie versus traditional publishing. Perfect for fans of fantasy romance and those intrigued by unique characters and world-building. Tune in for a spirited discussion filled with magic, wisdom, and a touch of smut!00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview00:29 The Role of the Court Jester01:34 Interview with Natalia Jasta02:11 Inspiration Behind the Jester Character06:09 Historical Context and Research08:26 Character Development and Themes18:42 World-Building and Magic System24:26 Writing Style and Voice39:28 Romance and Intimacy in the Series46:37 Character Dynamics and Emotional Writing47:14 Nicu's Heartbreaking Scene49:49 Foreshadowing and Breadcrumbs59:39 Writing Process Insights01:05:27 Challenges of Writing Complex Scenes01:07:31 Empathy and Criticism in Writing01:12:06 Favorite Books and Characters01:25:49 Power Couples and Long-term Relationships01:28:39 Bookish Habits and Relationships01:29:19 Journey to Becoming an Author01:31:10 Love for Villains and Dark Characters01:34:54 Indie vs. Traditional Publishing01:40:26 Challenges of Publishing and Translations01:44:29 Favorite Reads and Recommendations01:56:33 Cocktail Recipes Inspired by Characters02:00:05 Final Thoughts and Farewell
Divergent Series Deep Dive | Spoiler-Free and Spoilery ReviewJoin your bookish hosts Allorah and Roe in this episode of 'The Plot With A Twist' as they dive deep into Veronica Roth's Divergent series. From the intricacies of a post-apocalyptic dystopian world governed by five factions to the emotional rollercoaster of Tris and Four's relationship, this discussion covers it all. Spoiler-free and spoiler-full parts offer something for everyone, whether you're a newcomer or a longtime fan of the series. Tune in for insights, heated debates, and a nostalgic trip back to a trilogy that captured hearts and minds.00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview00:29 Setting the Scene: Post-Apocalyptic World01:06 Divergent Trilogy Overview01:39 Technical Difficulties and Nostalgia02:02 Divergent Series Summary (Spoiler-Free)03:45 Personal Reading Experiences05:20 Spoiler-Free Writing Analysis06:24 Character Dynamics and Relationships06:34 Spoiler-Free Found Family Dynamics08:38 YA Dystopian Era and Female Protagonists10:30 Intermission and Spoiler Alert11:05 Divergent Series Deep Dive (Spoilers)17:20 Character Analysis: Tris and Four20:46 Comparisons with The Hunger Games22:30 Found Families in Depth27:51 Key Characters and Arcs42:06 Peter Hayes: The Complex Villain43:41 Caleb Pryor: The Most Hated Character47:09 Natalie Pryor: The Mother with Secrets49:29 The Factions: A Deep Dive58:37 Favorite Moments from the Series01:03:23 Movie Adaptations: Hits and Misses01:05:56 The Controversial Ending01:18:10 Four's Short Stories and Final Thoughts01:21:23 Cocktail Recipe and Farewell
Celebrating the Strength of Female Main Characters (FMCs)
Join bookish hosts Roe and Allorah on this episode of 'The Plot With A Twist' as they dive into the world of the female main characters (FMCs). They discuss what makes a great FMC, their impact on storytelling, and how they challenge societal norms. Discover authors who write compelling FMCs and explore a list of personal favourite characters. Plus, enjoy a special drink recipe inspired by a beloved classic literary woman to be reckoned with. Tune in for an engaging conversation about strong, resilient, and inspiring women in fiction.
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
01:12 Celebrating Female Main Characters (FMCs)
02:34 What Makes a Great FMC?
04:42 Impact of a Well-Written FMC
06:58 FMCs and MMCs: Special Combinations
08:59 Identifying with FMCs
12:41 Overcoming Adversity: FMC Backstories
17:26 Quiet Resilience in FMCs
19:40 Authors Who Write Great FMCs
28:46 Unapologetically Nesta: A Deep Dive
30:39 Ileana: The Epitome of Badass
32:51 The Three Sisters of Once and Future Witches
33:56 Ada from King of Flesh and Bone
34:40 Aurora Whiteshaw: Strength and Conviction
37:27 Sloane Sutherland: Dealing with Demons
38:05 Violet Sorrengail: Chronic Illness and Strength
40:01 Ally from Lights Out: Wit and Trauma
40:46 Allie Hayes: Sticking to Her Guns
41:43 Alyssa from Dante: Quiet Resilience
42:40 Dr. London Noble: Untangling Beliefs
43:46 Sivon from Soul Match: Strength and Perseverance
45:37 Willa Grant: The Free-Spirit
47:30 Val and Savannah: Strong Mafia Women
49:33 Sloan from Carnal Urges: Carefree and Hilarious
53:27 Celebrating Powerful Women with a Lizzie Bennet Cocktail
Empyrean Series Fan Theories: A Deep Dive
Join bibliomaniac hosts Allorah and Roe on 'The Plot With A Twist' as they explore fan theories surrounding Rebecca Yarros' Empyrean Series. Dive into discussions on the mysteries of Violet and the Quest squad, dissecting everything from character arcs to potential plot twists. Tune in for a lively debate filled with spoilers, intriguing insights, and bookish banter. Don't forget to stay tuned every Wednesday for new episodes and give us a like, share, and subscribe if you enjoy our deep literary dives.
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
00:30 Diving into the Empyread Series
00:57 Fan Theories and Speculations
01:29 Health Updates and Personal Anecdotes
01:58 The Reluctance and Appeal of Fan Theories
02:09 Deep Dive into Specific Theories
04:04 Theories on Character Motivations and Plot Twists
16:39 Theories on Violet's Memories and Relationships
31:47 Theories on Symbolic Items and Their Meanings
41:57 Theories on Dragons and Power Dynamics
50:17 Theories on Dragon Colors and Power
51:44 Speculations on Garrick's Invisibility
53:10 Debunking Brennen as a Venin
54:05 Bodhi and Garrick's True Relationships
55:29 Theories on Liam and Other Characters
58:04 Violet's Mind-Walking Abilities
01:12:39 Dane's Redemption Arc
01:25:13 The Mystery of Dragon Names
01:37:14 Griffin Riders: The Middle Children
01:40:05 Dragon's Breath Elixir Recipe
01:41:50 Closing Remarks and Social Media Plugs
Rumble in the Jungle: BDE Fantasy Main Character Edition
Join Roe and Allorah, your bookish hosts from The Plot With A Twist, for a thrilling podcast episode! Dive into the ultimate battle of the main male characters from fantasy books that exude Big D*ck Energy (BDE). In this episode, the hosts pit their favourite characters against each other in a fun and fiery competition to see who truly has the strongest BDE. Expect heated debates, hilarious commentary, and a whole lot of smut. Roe and Allorah meticulously compare categories like magic, charisma, stamina, and main man moments. Tune in for part one of this showdown and stay tuned for part two to see who comes out on top.
00:00 Welcome to Plot with a Twist
00:59 Introducing the Main Male Character Showdown
03:15 Cocktail of the Day: The Big Johnson
04:56 Round 1: Knox Thorn vs. Ridoc Gamlyn
19:25 Round 2: Draco Malfoy vs. Azriel
36:11 Round 3: Cassian vs. Poet
49:36 Main Man Moments and Quotes
52:03 Final Round Announcement
52:34 Red Corner vs. Blue Corner Xaden Riorson vs. Ruhn Dannan
53:15 Magic and Abilities Debate
54:55 Physical Attributes and Stamina
01:03:59 One-Liners and Attitude
01:09:26 Main Man Moments Showdown
01:24:48 Final Round Tie and Future Plans
01:38:00 Closing Remarks and Podcast Info
Book to Screen Adaptations: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Join bookish hosts Allorah and Roe on this episode of 'The Plot With A Twist' as they dive into the world of book to screen adaptations. From beloved classics to modern hits, they explore the challenges and triumphs of bringing literary worlds to life on screen. Tune in as they discuss their favourite adaptations, those that missed the mark, and what makes a book truly worth adapting. Plus, don't miss their thoughts on upcoming adaptation releases and a special cocktail recipe aptly called The Queen's Gambit to sip on while you listen!
00:00 Welcome to The Plot With A Twist
00:28 The Magic of Book to Screen Adaptations
02:52 Epic Tales and Fan Favourites
04:21 Diving into Specific Adaptations
07:31 The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
17:41 Casting Choices and Budget Constraints
22:18 Disappointing Adaptations
44:24 Reluctant Twilight Tradition
45:09 Disappointment with Book-to-Screen Adaptations
46:09 The Problem with Changing Plotlines
47:03 Critique of Character Portrayals
48:54 Dan Brown's Angels and Demons
50:41 Harry Potter and Other Adaptation Failures
51:27 The Power of One: Book vs. Movie
56:21 The Hunger Games: Missing Depth
01:00:51 Inferno: A Changed Ending
01:03:15 Fried Green Tomatoes: A Queer Love Story Amid The Great Depression
01:07:36 Flowers in the Attic: What's Left Out
01:12:14 Harry Potter: Dumbledore's Out-of-Character Moment
01:13:28 Outlander: Better on Screen?
01:15:59 The Impact of Adaptations on Likeability
01:21:53 Upcoming Adaptations to Look Forward To
01:29:55 Cocktail of the Week: The Queen's Gambit
01:31:07 Closing Remarks and Thank You
Exploring the Found Family Trope in Books
Join Roe and Allorah on 'The Plot With A Twist' as they delve into the beloved found family trope in books. From discussing popular tropes that pair well with found family like enemies to lovers and forced proximity to exploring genres such as sports romance and dystopian worlds, this episode shines a spotlight on the books and authors that masterfully create chosen families. Tune in for an insightful discussion with book recommendations, books that missed the found family mark, and a celebratory punch recipe from realsimple.com to share with your own found family. Perfect for fans of fantasy, romance, and contemporary genres.
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
00:27 Exploring the Found Family Trope
01:40 Characteristics of Found Family
04:36 Tropes and Genres that Compliment Found Family
06:26 Genres Where Found Family Doesn't Fit
09:04 Identifying Found Family in Books
14:49 Top Found Family Books
31:08 Diving into Dark Romance
32:15 Exploring Cowboy Romance Leads
33:09 Prime Mating Agency: A Futuristic Romance
34:44 Chicagoland Vampires and More Paranormal Reads
36:33 YA and Paranormal Series Recommendations
39:56 Dark Romance and Found Family
48:13 Authors Who Nail the Found Family Trope
53:20 Books with Found Family on Our TBR
55:52 Gin Cider Punch: A Drink to Share with the Fam
57:40 Thank You, Farewell, and Social Media Info
An In-Depth Review of 'Sunrise on the Reaping': Hidden Gems and Emotional Depths
Join hosts Allorah and Roe from The Plot With A Twist as they delve into 'Sunrise on the Reaping' by Suzanne Collins. They explore character developments, hidden gems, and the emotional highs and lows of this gripping addition to the Hunger Gamesverse. The episode also touches on the intricate world-building, the evolution of the Capitol's cruelty, and the use of historical and literary references throughout the book. Don't miss their spoiler-free overview and detailed spoiler discussion, along with a themed cocktail recipe, The Raven, in honor of Haymitch's girl, Lenore.
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
00:37 Main Character Energy: Side Characters We Love
00:58 Deep Dive into Haymitch Abernathy's Story
02:14 Review and Ratings for 'Sunrise on the Reaping'
04:42 Discussion on Reading Order and Series Continuity
10:35 Character Highlights and Standout Moments
15:57 Suzanne Collins' Masterful Writing
20:43 Spoiler-Free Conclusion and Intermission
21:14 Spoiler-Filled Deep Dive
59:09 Symbolism in The Hunger Games
59:58 Sweetheart and The Real McCoy
01:01:54 Effie's Evolution
01:04:43 The Covey's Legacy
01:12:31 Theories on Covey Descendants
01:17:26 Character Analysis: Plutarch and Beetee
01:29:55 Mags and Wiress: The Toll of Torture
01:31:46 Effie and Her Moral Compass
01:34:50 Snow's Descent into Darkness
01:41:01 The Covey Ballads and Their Significance to the Plot and Appalachian History
01:48:13 Cocktail Recipe: The Raven
01:51:43 Closing Remarks and Social Media Links
Exploring the Worlds Romance Literature: Author Interviews and Insights
Join Roe, Allorah, and Shaye from The Plot With A Twist at the Wild Out West book event where we delve into the exciting literary worlds of numerous authors. In this episode, hear from Sienna Gypsy about her biker series, Polly Holmes on her cosy mysteries, and Jordan Kate Buck discussing her time-travel debut. We also chat with Hannah Penfold on her interconnected fantasy romances, Caroline Ren on her genre-spanning works, and Amy Andrews about her catalogue smutty contemporary romances. You'll also here from Layla Pine, Gemma Black, Natasha Madden, Lana Percherczyk, and the masterminds behind it all - Julie Weaver and Louisa West on their latest works, favourite characters, what drives their creative passion, how this event came to be and plans for a Wild Out West 2026. Enjoy candid discussions, author stories, and engaging book recommendations.
00:00 Introduction to Sienna Gypsy's Books
01:17 Polly Holmes: Cozy Mysteries and Romantic Suspense
02:36 Jordan Kate Buck: Time Travel and Contemporary Romance
04:30 Danni McLean: Spicy Contemporary Romance
05:10 Hannah Penfold's Exciting Day at the Event
08:02 Literary Ink's Unique Tattoos
08:51 Caroline Ren's Diverse Romance Genres
10:17 Amy Andrews' Sexy Contemporary Romance
12:38 Book Lovers Share Their Experiences
14:41 Nicole Flockton's Protector Romance
16:45 Emma Mugglestone: Wattle Junction Series
18:48 Layla Pine: Contemporary and Paranormal Romance
20:53 Rebecca Barber's Versatile Romance Writing
21:49 Lauren from Unlocking Pleasure: Pure Romance
24:53 Brittany Anne: New York City Series
25:51 Belle Harper: Reverse Harem and Omega Bears
27:08 Natasha Madden: Fantasy and Paranormal Romance
29:19 Shannon Riley: Romantic Fantasy Trilogy
30:42 Torah Channing: Alien Romance
34:11 Danni Line: Paranormal and Romantic Suspense
31:56 Book Enthusiasts at Wild Out West
35:51 Discussing Favorite Tropes and Characters
36:11 Interview with Lana Percherczyk
40:05 Interview with Claire Butler
41:59 Julie Weaver and Louisa West: Event Organizers' Insights
45:30 Interview with Madeline Te Whiu
49:52 Interview with Shaluna the Tarot Reader
51:06 Tattoo Trends at the Event
52:06 Interview with Luci Fer
53:04 Interview with Nattie Kate Mason
56:21 Interview with Danielle Drummond
57:49 Interview with Fabled Subscription Box
59:45 Interview with Fire and Spice
01:00:24 Interview with Melanie Hepburn
01:01:03 Interview with Charlize Kelly
01:02:54 Interview with Addison Acres
01:04:39 Attendee Tattoo Spotlight
01:05:43 Interview with Gemma Black
01:07:05 Event Attendee Experiences, How Much They Spent, & Farewells
Unraveling Snow: A Deep Dive into 'The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes'
Join hosts Roe and Allorah in this week's episode of The Plot With A Twist as they explore the intricate layers of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. From Coriolanus Snow's tragic backstory to the psychological nuance of the Capitol's most notorious villain, no stone is left unturned. Delve into themes of nature vs. nurture, social conditioning, and mental health. Packed with spoilers and mature themes, listener discretion is advised. Additional discussions include notable characters like Tigris, Sejanus Plinth, and Lucy Gray, as well as the historical significance woven into Collins' narrative. Sip on The Covey cocktail as you listen and enjoy this bookish journey.
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
00:26 Exploring the Villain: Coriolanus Snow
01:41 Shea's Departure Announcement
02:26 Casual Chat and Event Recap
03:13 Discussion on The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
04:12 Nature vs. Nurture in Snow's Upbringing
08:36 Capitol vs. District Youth Treatment
14:57 Character Analysis: Lucy Gray
19:01 Snow's Inner Conflict and Manipulation
30:23 The Mentor Games and Capitol Politics
47:23 Debating Snow's Heart
47:46 Snow's Selfish Ambitions
49:40 Snow's Fear of Nature
50:51 Snow's Haunted Past
52:11 Snow's Descent into Villainy
53:41 Snow's Manipulative Nature
59:10 Snow's Poisoning Era
01:04:08 Snow's Sociopathic Traits
01:11:07 Historical Significance in the Book
01:16:40 Side Characters and Their Impact
01:29:37 Strabo's Social Status Game
01:30:21 Character Integrity and Survival
01:30:49 Comparing Characters: Katniss, Peeta, and Others
01:31:14 Ma Plinth's Backbone and Family Dynamics
01:32:54 Snow's Manipulative Tactics
01:33:54 Mentors and Tributes: A Closer Look
01:37:48 The Career Pack and Arena Strategies
01:40:36 The Covey: Found Family and Loyalty
01:42:17 Snow's Influence on the Hunger Games
01:45:10 Parallels Between Characters
01:53:06 Final Thoughts and Reflections
02:02:54 Cocktail Recipe: The Covey
02:05:36 Closing Remarks and Social Media Shoutout
Bookish Pet Peeves: What Ruins a Perfect Read?
Join hosts Roe, Allorah, and Shaye in this week's episode of The Plot With A Twist as they delve into the world of bookish pet peeves. Discover the specific elements that can take you out of a story from miscommunication and lazy character development to annoying tropes and problematic narration. Tune in for a spirited discussion on the books and series that have been irrevocably ruined for them and why certain genres, like Why Choose bully romance, don't always hit the mark. Also, learn about their cocktail pick of the week, the Blue Ruin Whiskey Sour, to help soothe those literary woes. Perfect for bibliomaniacs who want to avoid those dreaded bookish pitfalls.
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
00:28 Immersive Reading Experience
01:03 Pet Peeves in Books
02:47 Repetition and Overused Tropes
09:57 Third Act Breakups and Plot Devices
19:29 DNF and Rating Books
23:11 Grammar and Writing Style Issues
38:21 Narration and Audiobook Preferences
39:42 Voice Acting in Audiobooks
40:04 Love Triangles and Romance Tropes
41:05 Character Development Issues
44:01 World Building and Narration
47:03 Books Ruined by Narration
49:00 Why Choose and Bully Romance
55:57 Specific Book Disappointments
01:15:35 Cocktail Recipe and Event Announcement
The Hunger Games Revisited: An In-Depth Discussion on the Trilogy and Beyond
In this episode from the vault of The Plot With A Twist, hosts Roe, Allorah, and Shae delve deep into Suzanne Collins' iconic series, The Hunger Games. They discuss the impact of the books on readers worldwide, revisit key plot points and character development, analyze what made the series so successful, and compare the films to the books. Additionally, the episode highlights upcoming events, like the Wild Out West signing event in Perth, and the much-anticipated release of Sunrise on the Reaping the prequal which follows Haymitch's games which we will be exploring in a podcast of its own in the very near future. The show also features a fun, themed cocktail recipe in honor of Haymitch Abernathy. Tune in for a nostalgic and insightful discussion that takes you from the initial Reaping to the Rebellion and beyond.
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
00:26 The Hunger Games Phenomenon
01:00 Special Announcement: Wild Out West Event
03:06 Personal Reflections on The Hunger Games
05:25 Character Development and Relationships
06:34 Themes and Social Commentary
13:59 Favourite Moments and Critiques
26:21 Plot Points and Story Impact
31:51 In-Depth Character Development in the Book
32:00 Snow's Manipulation and Leadership
34:27 Flawed Characters and Their Impact
38:53 The Love Triangle Debate
45:52 Book vs. Movie Adaptation
51:11 The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Review
55:54 Upcoming Release: Sunrise on the Reaping
58:16 Haymitch's Hooch Cocktail Recipe
59:46 Closing Remarks and Social Media Outlets