Tasha and Rachel look back on their favourite reads of 2020 and chat about the importance that reading has had for them in this most peculiar of years. They also discuss which books may not have lived up to their expectations and share the books they are most looking forward to in 2021.  So grab a cup of tea and get ready to add some books to your TBR list! 

The Talking Bookshelf Podcast

S2, E10, Our Year in Books 2020

So... it's been a while! But Tash and Rachel are back and ready to dive into the Godsgrave with Mia Corvere. In this episode they talk ships (Tric or Ashlinn anyone?) they talk murder schools and questionable morals, and debate what does and does not make an 'adult book.'  So grab a cuppa and let's talk about Jay Kristoff's 'Nevernight.'

S2, E8, Nevernight

In this week's episode, Natasha and Rachel deviate from reviewing and instead briefly dive into the world of NaNoWriMo.  Together they talk Plotting vs Pantsing, choosing genres and how best to get stuck into your first draft. So pick up a pen, and let's give NaNoWriMo 2020 a shot!

S2, E7, NaNoWriMo 2020

Join Tasha and Rachel's caffeine fuelled musings as they talk about the Hunger Games at a mile a minute.  Here they compare the movies to the films, discuss the impact the series had on the Dystopian Genre and speculate what the love trial really meant to Katniss. So, do you volunteer as tribute?DISCLAIMER: This episode contains Gilmore Girls level rapid-fire talking. 

Episode 6, The Hunger Games

Sit back and listen as Tasha deals with a full on geek out from Rachel as they discuss 'The Raven Boys' and by extension, 'The Raven Cycle,' by Maggie Stiefvater. Grab a cup of tea, some chocolate and settle down as we dive into the magic of Cabeswater, the magnetic personalities of our favourite Aglionby boys, and what makes the Raven Cycle  so darn compelling for readers of all ages. 'Is this thing safe?' SAFE AS LIFE.

S2, E5, The Raven Boys

In Natasha's first mini episode, she discusses the intoxicating world of Renee Ahdieh's 'The Beautiful.' In a whispered review that will no doubt please some ASMR fans, Tash talks about her favourite characters and why the setting of New Orleans was so damn interesting. So buckle up for a vampire fix, pour yourself a hot beverage and let's get stuck in! 

S2, E4.5, The Beautiful

Things get emotional in the latest episode of The Talking Bookshelf as Tasha and Rachel review 'Before the Coffee Gets Cold' by Toshikazu Kawaguchi (translated by Geoffrey Trousselot.) Tasha and Rachel get stuck in as they discuss the whacky time-travelling rules of a peculiar coffee shop in Tokyo, and get misty eyed talking about the lives of the characters. So grab a cuppa (and maybe a box of tissues) and lets get started!  

S2, E4, Before the Coffee Gets Cold

In this mini episode Rachel talks about her thoughts on the highs and lows of one of YA's most controversial and influencies series - The Twilight Saga. This ten minute review has Rachel all in a twist as she struggles to pinpoint exactly what makes the Twilight books so loved and hated. So pour out a cuppa and let's talk Twilight!  

S2, E3.5, The Twilight Saga

In this month's episode, Natasha and Rachel delve into the magical world of 'Children of Blood and Bone.'  They discuss the relationships both platonic and romantic.  They talk about the book's McGuffins, the descriptive writing of the setting and so much more!  (They also go on a tangent about upcoming releases for this year!)  So settle in book nerds and let's talk books!

S2, E3, Children of Blood and Bone

Natasha and Rachel are going a little crazy in quarantine.  Join them as they review Sarah J Maas' new adult book 'House of Earth and Blood - The Crescent City'.  Listen as they go on wild tangents and theorise over which characters will and will not survive the series.  Grab a cup of tea (or a glass of wine!) and let's gush over everything Danika.  LIGHT IT UP!  

S2, E2, Crescent City

Natasha and Rachel are back for series two of The Talking Bookshelf podcast!  For the first episode of the new series they are talking about the insanely popular trilogy 'Shades of Magic' by V.E.Schwab.  So sit back and grab a cuppa as Natasha and Rachel debate the merits and flaws of the world-hopping thief Lila Bard, get into the nitty-gritty of Red London, and swoon over Alucard's dramatic self.  Anoshe!    

S2, E1, Shades of Magic

Natasha and Rachel are back with their tea and biscuits and ready to gush over Shelby Mahurin's debut novel 'Serpent & Dove.'  It's got witches, romance and plot twists galore and the girls talk about it all!  This episode contains a giggling fit and some mildly explicit content.  Enjoy!

Episode 9, Serpent & Dove

In this week's episode Natasha and Rachel talk about the much awaited finale to the Folk of the Air series - 'The Queen of Nothing' by Holly Black. Sit back and relax as Tasha and Rachel get into the nitty gritty politics of Elfhame and go over Jude's many complex family relationships.  Beware! This episode also includes excessive fangirling over Cardan and Jude's relationship and contains mildly explicit content.

Episode 8, The Queen of Nothing

Natasha and Rachel are back!  And today they're talking about Alice Hoffman's cult classic 'Practical Magic.'  In this week's episode they talk about the format of the book, the style of writing and make a few (inevitable) comparisons to the film.  So pour yourself some caffeine, and let's get started! 

Episode 7, Practical Magic

Just a couple of gal-pals talking about books and eating a lot of chocolate...

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The Talking Bookshelf Podcast

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