Hello Patrons and general audience members! Welcome to another Books That Burn essay by Robin. Thank you to Case Aiken, who receives a monthly Patron shoutout. [Full Text Available Here] This is the fourth in a five-part essay series discussing two long-running book series by queer authors: October Daye by Seanan McGuire, and Inheritance by A.K. Faulkner. I chose these series because I love them both, they were intended from the start to be long series, neither of them are finished yet, and the authors have different structural approaches to developing each series across so many volumes. Purely coincidentally, they are both long-running contemporary fantasy series mainly set in California in or near the 2010's, with major characters named Quentin, and whose fast-healing protagonists have a tendency to quasi-adopt a gaggle of magical teenagers. After a brief moment in the 1990's, October Daye begins in earnest in 2009 and has reached 2015 as of the eighteenth book, while Inheritance is ambiguously set in the mid-to-late 2010's. Each of my essays focuses on a particular topic of importance to long series such as these two. They're designed to be intelligible on their own, and can theoretically be read in any order, but most readers will have the best experience if they start with the first essay and proceed linearly. When a Villain Lives - Recurring Antagonists and Redemption Arcs This essay spoils major elements of the first ten books of the Inheritance series by A.K. Faulkner, and of the first sixteen books in the October Daye series by Seanan McGuire. It discusses themes of murder and death, as well as fictional depictions of kidnapping, rape, torture, and abuse/murder of children.  Introduction (01:58) Still Terrible: Countess Evening Winterrose (04:41) Logistically Important: Hieronymus D'Arcy, Duke of Oxford (07:48) Staying in the Middle: Frederick D'Arcy (12:38) Stuck in the Middle: Simon Torquill (16:41) Redemption Arc: Simon Lorden (19:49) What's Next? (23:43) Coda: Freddy and Simon (24:37)

Hello Patrons and general audience members! Welcome to another Books That Burn essay by Robin. Thank you to Case Aiken, who receives a monthly Patron shoutout. [Full Text Available Here] This is the third in a five-part essay series discussing two long-running book series by queer authors: October Daye by Seanan McGuire, and Inheritance by A.K. Faulkner. I chose these series because I love them both, they were intended from the start to be long series, neither of them are finished yet, and the authors have different structural approaches to developing each series across so many volumes. Purely coincidentally, they are both long-running contemporary fantasy series mainly set in California in or near the 2010's, with major characters named Quentin, and whose fast-healing protagonists have a tendency to quasi-adopt a gaggle of magical teenagers. After a brief moment in the 1990's, October Daye begins in earnest in 2009 and has reached 2015 as of the eighteenth book, while Inheritance is ambiguously set in the mid-to-late 2010's. Each of my essays focuses on a particular topic of importance to long series such as these two. They're designed to be intelligible on their own, and can theoretically be read in any order, but most readers will have the best experience if they start with the first essay and proceed linearly. Unreliable Narrators - Lies and Delusions This essay spoils major elements of the first six books of the Inheritance series by A.K. Faulkner, as well as scattered revelations and major spoilers from the first twelve books in the October Daye series by Seanan McGuire. This is a discussion of lies, delusions, and the mistakes they create, and some take longer to dispel than others. It touches briefly on themes of murder and death, as well as alluding to fictional depictions of kidnapping, torture, and abuse of children.  Introduction (1:54) Who Tells The Story (3:36) Perspectives in October Daye (5:08) Perspectives in Inheritance (7:07) Lies in October Daye (8:36) Lies in Inheritance (11:50) Delusions in October Daye (13:38) Delusions in Inheritance (15:45) Conclusion (18:21)

Hello Patrons and general audience members! Welcome to another Books That Burn essay by Robin. Thank you to Case Aiken, who receives a monthly Patron shoutout. [Full Text Available Here] This is the second in a five-part essay series discussing two long-running book series by queer authors: October Daye by Seanan McGuire, and Inheritance by A.K. Faulkner. I chose these series because I love them both, they were intended from the start to be long series, neither of them are finished yet, and the authors have different structural approaches to developing each series across so many volumes. Purely coincidentally, they are both long-running contemporary fantasy series mainly set in California in or near the 2010's, with major characters named Quentin, and whose fast-healing protagonists have a tendency to quasi-adopt a gaggle of magical teenagers. After a brief moment in the 1990's, October Daye begins in earnest in 2009 and has reached 2015 as of the eighteenth book, while Inheritance is ambiguously set in the mid-to-late 2010's. Each of my essays focuses on a particular topic of importance to long series such as these two. They're designed to be intelligible on their own, and can theoretically be read in any order, but most readers will have the best experience if they start with the first essay and proceed linearly. Series Structure - Series Arcs and Monsters of the Week This essay spoils major elements of the first ten books of the Inheritance series by A.K. Faulkner, as well as the first six books in the October Daye series by Seanan McGuire, while lightly discussing some spoilers from later books in that series. It touches briefly on themes of murder and death, as well as alluding to fictional depictions of kidnapping, torture, and harm to children.  What Is a Monster of the Week? (02:48) Monsters in Inheritance (05:52) Monsters in October Daye (14:30) Series Arcs (18:05) Arc Structure and October Daye (19:28) Seasons in Inheritance (29:51) A Balancing Act (34:31)

Hello Patrons and general audience members! Welcome to another Books That Burn essay by Robin. Thank you to Case Aiken, who receives a monthly Patron shoutout. [Full Transcript Available Here] This is the first in a five-part essay series discussing two long-running book series by queer authors: October Daye by Seanan McGuire, and Inheritance by A.K. Faulkner. I chose these series because I love them both, they were intended from the start to be long series, neither of them are finished yet, and the authors have different structural approaches to developing each series across so many volumes. Purely coincidentally, they are both long-running contemporary fantasy series mainly set in California in or near the 2010's, with major characters named Quentin, and whose fast-healing protagonists have a tendency to quasi-adopt a gaggle of magical teenagers. After a brief moment in the 1990's, October Daye begins in earnest in 2009 and has reached 2015 as of the eighteenth book, while Inheritance is ambiguously set in the mid-to-late 2010's. Each of my essays focuses on a particular topic of importance to long series. They're designed to be intelligible on their own, and can theoretically be read in any order, but most readers will have the best experience if they start with the first essay and proceed linearly. Character Growth - No one is perfect, especially not a protagonist in book one This essay spoils major elements of the following books: ROSEMARY AND RUE by Seanan McGuire and JACK OF THORNS by A.K. Faulkner, as well as lightly discussing some spoilers from later books in their respective series. 

Hello and welcome to Books That Burn with another book essay from Robin! Thank you to Case Aiken, who receives a monthly Patron shoutout. This essay discusses (and moderately spoils) the following works by Alexis Hall:   ROSALINE PALMER TAKES THE CAKE (2021) 10 THINGS THAT NEVER HAPPENED (2023) GLITTERLAND (2013) WAITING FOR THE FLOOD (2024 edition) FOR REAL (2015) A LADY FOR A DUKE (2022) BOYFRIEND MATERIAL (2020) HUSBAND MATERIAL (2022) THE AFFAIR OF THE MYSTERIOUS LETTER (2019)   A brief note: when I first conceptualized this essay, I thought I was going to read every published novel by Alexis Hall, then I intended to discuss at least one book from each of their series. It turns out that their catalog is so extensive that even after taking two months to read (and occasionally, reread) as much of their work as I could get my hands on, I still haven’t gotten to everything. Neither do I, on balance, want to spoil major elements of their entire catalog. Therefore, I haven’t read everything they've written, and I don’t reference every single thing that I read. However, I read enough to be sure of my point generally, and am happy with what I’ve chosen to reference specifically. Link to the full Essay. Preamble (00:00) Content Warnings (01:29) Introduction (01:52) Learning to Be Okay with One's Own Flaws (5:05) Becoming Less Reactive to the Shortcomings of Others (11:05) Reaching for Community (14:12) Accepting Something Already True (23:51) Internal Reflection and Attitude Adjustment (25:49) Change Inspired by Others (30:59) Not Changing At All (36:24) Conclusion: Challenging "Likeability" As A Goal (38:02)

Welcome to another book essay from Robin! Thank you to Case Aiken, who receives a monthly Patron shoutout. This was originally going to be an essay comparing The Hunger Games series to the Uglies quartet, but I ended up with so much to say about each series on their own that instead this discusses just The Hunger Games trilogy and the role of its prequel, "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes".  This contains major spoilers for “The Hunger Games”, “Catching Fire”, “Mockingjay”, and “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”, all by Suzanne Collins. Link to the full essay text.

Welcome to another book essay from Robin! Thank you Case Aiken, who receives a monthly Patron shoutout. ----- This essay contains spoilers for SHADES AND SILVER by Dax Murray.  Many attempts at gender allegories in fantasy (or sci-fi) fall apart because they try to replicate binary gender in an attempt at gender essentialism in different trappings. SHADES AND SILVER deftly avoids this by starting without gender and then never focusing on it.  Full Essay Text at link.

Sometime in the first year of my review blog, I developed a checklist which I use when reviewing sequels. It helps me qualitatively describe how they are composed, and how they interact with the surrounding books in their respective series. More recently, I added a much shorter checklist for describing the first book in a series. Full Episode Text on Reviews That Burn Works Cited Ancrum, K. The Weight of the Stars. Imprint, 2019. ---. The Wicker King. Imprint, 2017. Black, Holly. Ironside: A Modern Faerie Tale. Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2020. ---. Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale. Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2020. ---. Valiant: A Modern Faerie Tale. Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2020. Brown, Roseanne A. A Psalm of Storms and Silence. HarperCollins, 2021. ---. A Song of Wraiths and Ruin. HarperCollins, 2020. Callender, Kacen. King of the Rising. Hachette UK, 2020. ---. Queen of the Conquered. Hachette UK, 2019. Cipri, Nino. Defekt. Tordotcom, 2021. ---. Finna. Tordotcom, 2020. Grant, Mira. Blackout. Orbit, 2012. ---. Deadline. Orbit, 2011. ---. Feed. Orbit, 2010. ---. Feedback. Orbit, 2016. Khaw, Cassandra. A Song for Quiet. Tor.com, 2017. ---. Hammers on Bone. Tor.com, 2016. Maxwell, Everina. Ocean’s Echo. Hachette UK, 2022. ---. Winter’s Orbit. Tor Books, 2021. McGuire, Seanan. Be the Serpent. Astra Publishing House, 2022. ---. Sleep No More. Astra Publishing House, 2023. ---. The Innocent Sleep. Astra Publishing House, 2023. Reid, Ava. Juniper and Thorn. Random House, 2022. ---. The Wolf and the Woodsman: A Novel. HarperCollins, 2021. Weir, Andy. Artemis: A Novel. Ballantine Books, 2017. ---. The Martian: A Novel. Ballantine Books, 2014. Westerfeld, Scott. Extras. Simon and Schuster, 2007. ---. Pretties. Simon and Schuster, 2008. ---. Specials. Simon and Schuster, 2011. ---. Uglies. Simon and Schuster, 2011.

Greetings! Welcome to Books That Burn. I'm Robin, welcome to another book essay about something that was too big of a thought to fit into a normal review, specifically: Why Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong is not like The Hunger Games. Please feel free to send us suggestions for future essays. Before I get started, I'd like to thank our Patron who gets a monthly shoutout, Case Aiken. The support of our Patrons makes this podcast (and blog) possible, and we're grateful to all of you. When perusing other reviews of Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong, I've seen many comparisons to The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. This comparison is both slightly true and mostly unhelpful as a generalization, as what they have in common are either superficial genre features or not unique to The Hunger Games. I understand why the comparison occurs to people so I'd like to take it seriously. Nicole and I have covered The Hunger Games on our podcast, and I recently reviewed Immortal Longings.  I'll also make some reference to an earlier book with many of the same elements as later appeared in The Hunger Games: Battle Royale by Koushun Takami. You can find both parts of our podcast discussion on that book here (Part 1, Part 2), as well as my written review of Battle Royale. While I think it does make sense to compare and contrast them, these books are not interchangeable.  Please refer to the link for the full essay.

Greetings! Welcome to Books That Burn. I'm Robin, and this is the first essay I've specifically written for the podcast, to be made available first to Patrons, then to the main feed and on Reviews That Burn. Please feel free to send us suggestions for future essays. Before I get started, I'd like to thank our Patron who gets a monthly shoutout, Case Aiken. The support of our Patrons makes this podcast (and blog) possible, and we're grateful to all of you. *This essay spoils major elements of NIGHT SHINE and MOON DARK SMILE by Tessa Gratton. The written version of this essay can be found at the link.

*This essay contains moderate spoilers for the first sixteen October Daye books, major spoilers for SLEEP NO MORE and THE INNOCENT SLEEP, and minor spoilers for Babylon 5 (S3 E4 "Passing Through Gethsemane"). Link to the original essay. INTRO (00:36) When reading SLEEP NO MORE and THE INNOCENT SLEEP by Seanan McGuire (the newest October Daye books), I was struck by similarities in the ethical framework of these two books and certain aspects of the 1990's sci-fi show Babylon 5, particularly the way that changes in personality or memories are treated with relation to assumptions of personhood. I am certain that Seanan McGuire is also very familiar with Babylon 5 because one of her telepathic characters in the Incryptid series uses specific aspects of Babylon 5 as a framework for ethical telepathy. THE DEATH OF PERSONALITY IN BABYLON 5 (01:12) UNDERLYING ASSUMPTIONS (04:46) MAJOR CHARACTERS (06:45) Toby - Nickname for Sir October Daye, titular character of the series, changeling (fae mother, human father) October - Toby’s current personality in SLEEP NO MORE and THE INNOCENT SLEEP, remembers a different history from Toby of the first sixteen books Tybalt - Cait Sidhe (cat fae), Toby’s husband (October doesn’t remember him) Amandine - October’s mother Simon Torquill - Daoine Sidhe, Amandine’s husband, October’s father (not by blood) Titania - One of the queens of Faerie, cast the illusion which created October from Toby and distorted many people’s memories Quentin - Daoine Sidhe, Toby’s squire in the previous books, currently squire to someone else August - October’s sister, daughter of Amandine and Simon Stacy - Toby’s friend from childhood, recently removed by Titania PLOT HIGHLIGHTS (07:47) TOBY VS. OCTOBER (09:57) WHY TITANIA DOESN'T THINK THIS IS HARM (11:17) WHY OCTOBER WANTS TO REMAIN (13:06) THE RIDE AND TITANIA’S ALTERATIONS (14:04) TITANIA'S TRAP ON THE RIDE (16:19) ETHICAL PARADOXES - PERHAPS UNSOLVABLE (17:42) THE RESOLUTION (22:00) A MASSACRE OF MINDS (25:00)

To tide you over between regular episodes, Robin reads their blog post from April 2023. ----- This is a follow-up to my review of "Feed Them Silence" by Lee Mandelo, involving some thoughts that are too personal to make sense in the review as they swiftly veer away from the text specifically and instead into a broader meta-conversation of books like this which I have read previously, assumed correlations between emotional complexity and humanity, and how processing these thoughts has prompted me to make a change in my own life. CW for discussion of ableism, dehumanization, animal cruelty/death, body-horror-adjacent concepts, and brief mentions of racism and genocide ----- Wikipedia - Alexithymia Wikipedia - Philosophical Zombie Wikipedia - Masking In Defence of De-persons by Johanna Hedva The Ten Stages of Genocide

To tide you over between regular episodes, Robin reads their blog post from July 2022 with thoughts on the book "Singularity". You can find the original post here. The spoiler-free book review is here.

Please enjoy Robin reading their blog post with some thoughts on ensemble heist stories in fiction. If you'd prefer to read it instead, you can find it here. Refer below for books of the types discussed. ----- Unplanned: THE ART OF SAVING THE WORLD by Corinne Duyvis - Parallel worlds subversion of the "big damn hero" Technically this group is unplanned and they don't already know each other, but on the other hand the group is the same person over and over from different parallel worlds. This leads to a feeling closest to the "unplanned" type. Mastermind: RIVER OF TEETH by Sarah Gailey (its sequel is TASTE OF MARROW)Alternate history with hippo farming in the American South. I recommend getting the duology in the collected volume AMERICAN HIPPO Pre-Assembled: JADE CITY by Fonda Lee (also its sequel JADE WAR, I'll be shocked if this is totally absent from the forthcoming conclusion JADE LEGACY)Lots of people have their own great reasons to steal lots of things in this epic clash between two powerful warring families. If I remember most of them knew each other before they their various thieving escapades, but it's possible that you could argue individual scenes fit "unplanned" or "mastermind" better. FEED, DEADLINE, BLACKOUT, and FEEDBACK by Mira GrantZombies, Politics, and Blogging. DEADLINE is the most thoroughly a heist story but the whole series is worth reading. BENEATH THE CITADEL by Destiny SoriaFantasy story about revolution, loss, and memory. TASTE OF MARROW by Sarah Gailey (sequel to RIVER OF TEETH)Alternate history with hippo farming in the American South. I recommend getting the duology in the collected volume AMERICAN HIPPO CONFESSIONS OF THE FOX by Jordy RosenbergTrans retelling of notorious thieves Jack and Bess. I'm unsure whether this is just the framing or if it's actually retelling an existing story, but either way I loved it. Hero Needs A Crew: THE SPACE BETWEEN WORLDS by Micaiah JohnsonDimensional time travel story following an initially-lone hero who ends up assembling a group around her in order to pull off the big event. A mix of solo and group heists. TIMEKEEPER by Tara SimA clocktower mechanic is trying to get his father back by fixing time. Cool heists in otherwise non-heist books/anthologies: "The Takeback Tango" by Rebecca Roanhorse in the anthology A UNIVERSE OF WISHES edited by Dhonielle ClaytonThe story itself is a fantastic single-person heist in the midst of an otherwise non-heist anthology. "A Drop of Stolen Ink" by Emily Lloyd-Jones (retelling of "The Purloined Letter" by Edgar Allan Poe) in the anthology HIS HIDEOUS HEART, edited by Dahlia Adler LEGENDBORN by Tracy DeonnModern-day Arthurian retelling. Contains a two-person heist partway through. THE WEIGHT OF THE STARS by K. AncrumSapphic romance: A girl yearns to travel the stars but thinks she must be content with her responsibilities on Earth. THE WOLF OF OREN-YARO by K.S. VillosoA queen journeys to meet her estranged husband and then has to flee from assassins in a strange land.

This episode we’re discussing “The Ghost Bride” by Yangsze Choo, where a young woman is engaged to marry a ghost, and it turns out he's more of a meddler than she expected from the dead. PUBLISHER: HarperAudio YEAR: 2013 LENGTH: 368 pages (12 hours 7 minutes) AGE: Adult GENRE: Fantasy, Historical RECOMMENDED: Yes Topic 1: Murder. Begins at (1:35), CW for stalking, murder, death. Topic 2: Overdose. Begins at (11:18), CW for overdose, death. Topic 3: Stalking. Begins at (20:02), CW for stalking. Promo for CPOV Fun and Games; Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (33:27). Book TW for drug use, drug abuse, excrement (brief), blood, abortion (backstory), body shaming, child abuse (backstory), medical content, child death, suicide attempt (brief mention), suicide (backstory), death. --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. For fortnightly news and updates, as well as links to recent written reviews, subscribe to our newsletter. You can check out Robin's written review of the book at Reviews That Burn. Find all our links on our Carrd. Join the CPOV Discord Server! Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission. Members of the Certain Point of View network of podcasts.

This episode we’re discussing “War Girls” by Tochi Onyebuchi, a story of two sisters whose lives are ravaged by war. Topic 1: Dehumanization. Begins at (1:35), CW for ableism, colorism, colonization, child abuse, medical content, body horror, war, slavery, child death, death. Topic 2: Generational Trauma. Begins at (25:29), CW for PTSD, emotional abuse, physical abuse, child abuse, war, death. Promo for CPOV Circle of Friendship; Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (45:08). Book TW for body horror, xenophobia, colonization, bullying, confinement (graphic), drug use, drug abuse, gun violence (graphic), violence (graphic), murder, war (graphic), suicide, child soldiers (graphic), child abuse (graphic), emotional abuse (graphic), physical abuse (graphic), infertility, torture (graphic), injury detail, slavery, parental death (graphic), child death (graphic), death (graphic). --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. For fortnightly news and updates, as well as links to recent written reviews, subscribe to our newsletter. You can check out Robin's written review of the book at Reviews That Burn. Find all our links on our Carrd. Join the CPOV Discord Server! Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission. Members of the Certain Point of View network of podcasts.

This episode we’re discussing BATTLE ROYALE by Koushun Takami. This is the second of two episodes, this one deals with two characters who were damaged in different ways before the story begins. PUBLISHER:  Simon & Schuster YEAR: 1999 LENGTH: 617 pages (19 hours 29 minutes) AGE: Adult GENRE: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Thriller RECOMMENDED: Highly Topic 1: Brain Damage. Begins at (1:35), CW for violence, car accident, medical trauma, child abuse, murder, child death, death. Topic 2: Sexual Abuse. Begins at (24:12), CW for child abuse, sexual abuse, rape, murder, child death, death. Promo for CPOV - RMC vs CG ; Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (47:37). Book TW for sexual content, cursing (graphic), ableism, mental illness, homophobia (brief), homophobic slurs (brief), sexism, misogyny, fatphobia (brief), bullying (graphic), drug use (smoking), kidnapping (graphic), confinement, child abuse (graphic), sexual harassment (graphic), sexual assault (threatened), rape (backstory), adult/minor relationship (backstory, non-consensual), vomit (graphic), blood (graphic), gore (graphic), violence (graphic), gun violence (graphic), medical content (graphic), murder (graphic), child death (graphic), death (graphic). --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. For fortnightly news and updates, as well as links to recent written reviews, subscribe to our newsletter. You can check out Robin's written review of the book at Reviews That Burn.  Find all our links on our Carrd. Join the CPOV Discord Server! Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission. Members of the Certain Point of View network of podcasts.

This episode we’re discussing BATTLE ROYALE by Koushun Takami. This is a two-part episode, in this first part we’re discussing students dealing with isolation and loss of control in the context of a deadly game. (Part Two will release on July 31st, 2023) PUBLISHER:  Simon & Schuster YEAR: 1999 LENGTH: 617 pages (19 hours 29 minutes) AGE: Adult GENRE: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Thriller RECOMMENDED: Highly Topic 1: Self-Isolation. Begins at (1:30), CW for isolation, child abuse, murder, death. Topic 2: Loss of Control. Begins at (20:20), CW for child abuse, murder, death. Promo for Robcast; Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (37:27). Book TW for sexual content, cursing (graphic), ableism, mental illness, homophobia (brief), homophobic slurs (brief), sexism, misogyny, fatphobia (brief), bullying (graphic), drug use (smoking), kidnapping (graphic), confinement, child abuse (graphic), sexual harassment (graphic), sexual assault (threatened), rape (backstory), adult/minor relationship (backstory, non-consensual), vomit (graphic), blood (graphic), gore (graphic), violence (graphic), gun violence (graphic), medical content (graphic), murder (graphic), child death (graphic), death (graphic). --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. For fortnightly news and updates, as well as links to recent written reviews, subscribe to our newsletter. You can check out Robin's written review of the book at Reviews That Burn.  Find all our links on our Carrd. Join the CPOV Discord Server! Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission. Members of the Certain Point of View network of podcasts.

This episode we’re discussing “A Strange and Stubborn Endurance” by Foz Meadows. We originally recorded this under the impression that it's a stand-alone book, but the sequel (All The Hidden Paths) has been announced for late 2023. PUBLISHER: Tor Books YEAR: 2022 LENGTH: 544 pages AGE: Adult GENRE: Fantasy RECOMMENDED: Highly Topic 1: Social Isolation. Begins at (1:35), CW for homophobia, ableism, classism. Topic 2: Intimate Partner Violence. Begins at (18:06), CW for sexism, misogyny, rape, suicide attempt. Promo for Comics Quest; Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (35:57). Book TW for grief (graphic), sexual content (explicit), xenophobia, cursing, ableism, homophobia (graphic), transphobia (brief mention), misgendering, infidelity, pregnancy (brief mention), miscarriage (backstory), bullying (backstory), child abuse (backstory), panic attacks/disorders (graphic), kidnapping, confinement, alcohol (brief), alcoholism (backstory), vomit (graphic), blood (graphic), gore, violence (graphic), fire/fire injury, injury detail, medical content, medical trauma, sexual assault (graphic), sexual violence (graphic), rape (graphic), self harm (graphic), suicidal thoughts (graphic), torture (brief mention), murder (graphic), animal death (graphic), parental death (graphic), death (graphic). --- This episode features a book with fictional depictions of self harm and attempted suicide. If you're in the United States the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. For those of our audience outside of the United States, you may be able to find the suicide hotline number or other appropriate emergency services for your country inthis directory provided by OpenCounseling. --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. For fortnightly news and updates, as well as links to recent written reviews, subscribe to our newsletter. You can check out Robin's written review of the book at Reviews That Burn. Find all our links on our Carrd. Join the CPOV Discord Server! Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission. Members of the Certain Point of View network of podcasts.

This episode we’re discussing “Ptolemy’s Gate” by Jonathan Stroud. Really, we end up in a thematic discussion of how the main trilogy develops concepts of colonization, classism, and torture across its entire run. PUBLISHER: Listening Library YEAR: 2005 LENGTH: 501 pages (15 hours 32 minutes) AGE: Young Adult GENRE: Fantasy RECOMMENDED: Highly Topic 1: Colonization. Begins at (1:35), CW for colonization, slavery, war. Topic 2: Classism. Begins at (18:25), CW for classism, ableism. Topic 3: Torture. Begins at (39:19), CW for torture, deadnaming, slavery, colonization, war. Promo for CPOV Men of Steel; Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (58:36). Book TWs: Graphic/Explicit CW for classism. Moderate CW for cursing, confinement, violence, police brutality, torture, slavery, war, colonization, murder, suicide, child death, death. Minor CW for ableism, fatphobia, xenophobia, sexism, misogyny, kidnapping, fire, rape. --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. To make a one-time donation please support us on Ko-Fi. For fortnightly news and updates, as well as links to recent written reviews, subscribe to our newsletter. You can check out Robin's written review of the book at Reviews That Burn. Find all our links on our Carrd. Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission. Members of the Certain Point of View network of podcasts.

This month we’re discussing “Mexican Gothic” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. PUBLISHER: Del Rey YEAR: 2020 LENGTH: 320 pages AGE: Adult GENRE: Fantasy, Historical, Horror RECOMMENDED: Highly Topic 1: Torture. Begins at (1:35), CW for torture, confinement. Topic 2: Incest. Begins at (11:38), CW for coercion, cannibalism, incest, death. Topic 3: Eugenics. Begins at (22:45), CW for incest, racism, eugenics, colonization, miscarriage, child death, murder, death. Promo for CPOV Autographs; Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (41:04). Book TW for sexual content, sexism, racism, eugenics, pregnancy, miscarriage (backstory), gaslighting (graphic), drug use, alcohol, alcoholism (backstory), confinement, mental illness, suicide (not depicted), fire/fire injury, vomit (brief), blood, gore, violence, gun violence, injury detail, body horror (graphic), sexual assault, rape, self harm (brief), medical content, incest, cannibalism, child death, suicide, murder, animal death (not depicted), death. --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. To make a one-time donation please support us on Ko-Fi. For fortnightly news and updates, as well as links to recent written reviews, subscribe to our newsletter. You can check out Robin's written review of the book at Reviews That Burn.  Find all our links on our Carrd. Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission. Members of the Certain Point of View network of podcasts.

This month we’re discussing “The Grace of Kings” by Ken Liu, the first book of the Dandelion Dynasty. PUBLISHER: Saga Press YEAR: 2015 LENGTH: 640 pages AGE: Adult GENRE: Fantasy RECOMMENDED: Highly Topic 1: Intimidation/Murder. Begins at (1:35), CW for poison, injury detail, torture, suicide, murder, animal death. Topic 2: Sexism. Begins at (18:25), CW for sexism, rape. Topic 3: Slavery. Begins at (33:22), CW for slavery, murder. Promo for Another Pass; Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (42:52). Book TW for sexism, misogyny, pregnancy, excrement, blood (graphic), gore (graphic), violence (graphic), fire/fire injury, genocide, suicide, torture, self harm, child abuse (graphic), animal cruelty, cannibalism, murder, child death, death (graphic). --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. To make a one-time donation please support us on Ko-Fi. For fortnightly news and updates, as well as links to recent written reviews, subscribe to our newsletter. You can check out Robin's written review of the book at Reviews That Burn.  Find all our links on our Carrd. Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission. Members of the Certain Point of View network of podcasts.

This episode we’re discussing “Hench” by Natalie Zina Walschots. It's a story of using spreadsheets to show that the destructive "heroes" are the real villains. PUBLISHER: William Morrow YEAR: 2020 LENGTH: 416 pages AGE: Adult GENRE: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Superheroes RECOMMENDED: Highly Topic 1: Murder. Begins at (1:30), CW for murder. Topic 2: Body Horror. Begins at (19:05), CW for gore, body horror. Topic 3: Medical Trauma. Begins at (29:41), CW for injury detail, medical content, medical trauma. Promo for CPOV Men of Steel; Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (41:34). Book TW for cursing, sexism, misogyny (graphic), ableism, grief (graphic), kidnapping (graphic), confinement, child abuse (brief), panic attacks (graphic), stalking, infidelity, toxic friendship, toxic relationship, sexual harassment (brief), alcohol (brief), drug use (smoking), excrement, blood, vomit (graphic), gore (graphic), injury detail (graphic), body horror (graphic), medical content (graphic), medical trauma (graphic), torture, violence (graphic), murder (graphic), major character death (graphic), death (graphic). --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. To make a one-time donation please support us on Ko-Fi. For fortnightly news and updates, as well as links to recent written reviews, subscribe to our newsletter. You can check out Robin's written review of the book at Reviews That Burn. Find all our links on our Carrd. Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission. Members of the Certain Point of View network of podcasts.

This month we’re discussing “A Blade So Black” by L.L. McKinney, the first book in the NightmareVerse trilogy, retelling Alice in Wonderland with a Bi Black girl from Atlanta, Georgia. PUBLISHER: Imprint YEAR: 2018 LENGTH: 384 pages AGE: Young Adult GENRE: Fantasy RECOMMENDED: Highly Topic 1: PTSD. Begins at (1:35), CW for racism, police brutality, murder, child death. Topic 2: “House” Arrest. Begins at (12:58), CW for confinement, death. Topic 3: Wounds. Begins at (26:07), CW for medical content. Promo for Saturday Morning Confidential from Certain POV; Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (33:14). Book TWs: Graphic/Explicit CW for grief, blood, violence. Moderate CW for sexual content, cursing, adult/minor relationship, vomit, gore, murder, injury detail, child death, parental death, death. Minor CW for ableist language, racism, dementia, alcohol, gun violence, body horror. Brief Harry Potter reference. --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. To make a one-time donation please support us on Ko-Fi. For fortnightly news and updates, as well as links to recent written reviews, subscribe to our newsletter. You can check out Robin's written review of the book at Reviews That Burn.  Find all our links on our Carrd. Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission. Members of the Certain Point of View network of podcasts.

This fortnight we’re discussing “The Storyteller’s Daughter” by Cameron Dokey, a retelling of the Arabian Nights. PUBLISHER: Simon Pulse YEAR: 1997 LENGTH: 221 pages AGE: Young Adult GENRE: Fantasy RECOMMENDED: Yes Topic 1: Power Imbalance. Begins at (1:35), CW for death. Topic 2: Infidelity. Begins at (16:46), CW for illness, infidelity, murder, death. Topic 3: Misogyny. Begins at (29:12), CW for sexism, misogyny, infidelity, death. Promo for CPOV - Screen Snark; Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (41:17). Book TW for grief, ableism, sexism, misogyny, bullying (brief), infidelity, infertility (brief), confinement, toxic relationship, blood, violence, terminal illness, murder, suicide, parental death, death. --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. To make a one-time donation please support us on Ko-Fi. For fortnightly news and updates, as well as links to recent written reviews, subscribe to our newsletter. You can check out Robin's written review of the book at Reviews That Burn. Find all our links on our Carrd. Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission. Members of the Certain Point of View network of podcasts.

This fortnight we’re discussing “Queen of the Conquered” by Kacen Callender, the first book in the Islands of Blood and Storm duology. PUBLISHER: Orbit YEAR: 2019 LENGTH: 400 pages AGE: Adult GENRE: Fantasy, Mystery RECOMMENDED: Highly Topic 1: Rape. Begins at (1:35), CW for rape, slavery. Topic 2: Torture. Begins at (13:56), CW for torture, slavery. Topic 3: Social Isolation. Begins at (25:26), CW for slavery, death. Promo for CPOV - RobCast; Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (43:18). Book TW for sexual content (brief), gaslighting (graphic), mental illness, grief (graphic), racism (graphic), alcohol, fire/fire injury, pregnancy, excrement, blood, violence, child abuse (graphic), sexual assault, rape, injury detail (brief), colonization (graphic), slavery (graphic), cannibalism (brief mention), mutilation, torture, genocide, suicidal thoughts, suicide, murder, parental death, child death, death (graphic). --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. To make a one-time donation please support us on Ko-Fi. For fortnightly news and updates, as well as links to recent written reviews, subscribe to our newsletter. You can check out Robin's written review of the book at Reviews That Burn. Find all our links on our Carrd. Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission. Members of theCertain Point of View network of podcasts.

This fortnight we’re discussing “Portrait of a Thief” by Grace D. Li, a thriller where five young Chinese Americans are hired to steal back Chinese art from Western museums. PUBLISHER: Tiny Reparations Books YEAR: 2022 LENGTH: 320 pages AGE: Adult GENRE: Contemporary, Mystery, Thriller RECOMMENDED: Highly Topic 1: Financial Insecurity. Begins at (1:35), no major CWs. Topic 2: Betrayal. Begins at (20:33), CW for parental death (backstory). Topic 3: Diaspora Experience. Begins at (32:42), no major CWs. Promo for CPOV - RMC vs CG; Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (52:52). Book TW for alcohol, cursing, sexual content (brief), grief, racism (brief mention), xenophobia (brief mention), domestic abuse (brief), fire (brief), colonization (backstory), parental death (backstory), COVID pandemic (backstory). --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. To make a one-time donation please support us on Ko-Fi. For fortnightly news and updates, as well as links to recent written reviews, subscribe to our newsletter. You can check out Robin's written review of the book at Reviews That Burn.  Find all our links on our Carrd. Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission. Members of the Certain Point of View network of podcasts.

This fortnight we’re discussing “Sassinak” by Anne McCaffrey and Elizabeth Moon. This covers several decades of the protagonists life as she's enslaved by planet pirates and then spends several decades getting the skills for stopping them. TITLE: Sassinak AUTHOR: Elizabeth Moon, Anne McCaffrey PUBLISHER: Baen YEAR: 2020 LENGTH: 304 pages AGE: Adult GENRE: Fantasy, Science Fiction RECOMMENDED: Yes Book TW for sexual content (brief mention), ableism (brief), grief (graphic), xenophobia, bullying, sexual harassment, mental illness (brief), drug abuse (backstory), kidnapping, vomit, blood, gore, violence, gun violence, torture (brief mention), child abuse, slavery (graphic), suicide (brief), animal death (brief mention), murder, child death (graphic), parental death, death (graphic). Topic 1: Abandonment. Begins at (1:35), CW for suicide, death. Topic 2: Racism. Begins at (16:12), CW for racism, death. Topic 3: Enslavement. Begins at (34:28), CW for slavery, death. Promo for The Real Movie Critic vs the Cine-Guy; Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (43:32). --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. To make a one-time donation please support us on Ko-Fi. For fortnightly news and updates, as well as links to recent written reviews, subscribe to our newsletter. You can check out Robin's written review of the book at Reviews That Burn. Find all our links on our Carrd. Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission. Members of the Certain Point of View network of podcasts.

This fortnight we’re discussing “Radiance” by Catherynne M. Valente. Set in an alternate version of the 1920's where the planets are as lush as as early sci-fi thought they'd be, and the moon makes a surprisingly good film set as long as you don't mind that the actors turn blue. TITLE: Radiance AUTHOR: Catherynne M. Valente PUBLISHER: Tor Books YEAR: 2015 LENGTH: 352 pages AGE: Adult GENRE: Fantasy, Science Fiction RECOMMENDED: Highly Book TW for ableist language (brief), cursing, grief (graphic), abortion (backstory), racism (backstory), homophobia, sexual harassment (backstory), sexual content, drug use, drug abuse, alcohol, body horror, animal cruelty (not depicted), domestic abuse, vomit (graphic), blood (graphic), gore (graphic), violence, war (brief mention), gun violence (backstory), self harm, suicide, cannibalism (ambiguous), murder, death. Topic 1: Percival Unck - Child Death. Begins at (1:37 after intro), CW for child death, death. Topic 2: Anchises - Lone Survivor. Begins at (15:45), CW for death. Topic 3: Severin Unck- Death? Begins at (26:02), CW for drug use, death. Promo for CPOV RobCast; Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (34:40). Honored guest Grimoire makes an appearance at (39:18) and (42:54-44:28). --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. To make a one-time donation please support us on Ko-Fi. For fortnightly news and updates, as well as links to recent written reviews, subscribe to our newsletter. You can check out Robin's written review of the book at Reviews That Burn.  Find all our links on our Carrd. Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission. Members of the Certain Point of View network of podcasts.

This fortnight we’re discussing the vampire novel, “Fledgling”, by Octavia Butler. TITLE: Fledgling AUTHOR: Octavia E. Butler PUBLISHER: Grand Central Publishing YEAR: 2005 LENGTH: 310 pages AGE: Adult GENRE: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horror RECOMMENDED: Highly Book TW for memory loss, animal death, ableism, racism, racial slurs, violence, gun violence, blood, major character death, death. Topic 1: Coercion. Begins at (1:35), CW for murder. Topic 2: Memory Loss. Begins at (9:35), CW for adult/minor relationship (brief mention), murder, death. Topic 3: Racism. Begins at (19:05), CW for racism, murder, death. Promo for CPOV - Fun & Games Promo; Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (29:35). --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. To make a one-time donation please support us on Ko-Fi. For fortnightly news and updates, as well as links to recent written reviews, subscribe to our newsletter. You can check out Robin's written review of the book at Reviews That Burn. Find all our links on our Carrd. Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission. Members of the Certain Point of View network of podcasts.

This fortnight we’re discussing “Gideon The Ninth” by Tamsyn Muir, a book best described as "lesbian necromancers in space". We’re joined by special guest S.T. ("Saint") Gibson! You can find all their stuff at their website. TITLE: Gideon the Ninth AUTHOR: Tamsyn Muir PUBLISHER: Tor/Forge YEAR: 2019 LENGTH: 448 pages AGE: Adult GENRE: Fantasy, Science Fiction RECOMMENDED: Highly Book TW for cursing, ableism (brief), grief, toxic friendship/relationship, vomit, blood (graphic), violence (graphic), gore (graphic), body horror (graphic), cannibalism, medical content, degenerative illness, emotional abuse, physical abuse (backstory), child abuse (backstory), suicide (backstory), child death (graphic), murder (graphic), self harm, parental death (backstory), major character death (graphic), death (graphic). Topic 1: Toxic Relationship. Begins at (1:35), CW for toxic relationship, blood, cannibalism, death. Topic 2: Suicide. Begins at (14:27), CW for toxic relationship, suicide, murder, death. Topic 3: Cannibalism. Begins at (24:40), CW for vomit (brief mention), gore, body horror, child death, suicide, death. Promo for Comics Quest from Certain POV; Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (35:16). The wrapup contains an extended discussion of how suicide is handled in the book as a topic for the care rating. --- This episode discusses fictional depictions of suicide. If you're in the United States the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. For those of our audience outside of the United States, you may be able to find the suicide hotline number or other appropriate emergency services for your country inthis directory provided by OpenCounseling. --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. To make a one-time donation please support us on Ko-Fi. For fortnightly news and updates, as well as links to recent written reviews, subscribe to our newsletter. You can check out Robin's written review of the book at Reviews That Burn. Find all our links on our Carrd. Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission. Members of the Certain Point of View network of podcasts.

This fortnight we’re discussing “Legendborn” by Tracy Deonn. Unusually for us, we have just one main topic where we discuss how the deaths and absences of several characters’ mothers are handled. TITLE: Legendborn AUTHOR: Tracy Deonn PUBLISHER: Simon & Schuster YEAR: 2020 LENGTH: 511 pages AGE: Young Adult GENRE: Fantasy RECOMMENDED: Highly Book TW for discussion of slavery, discussion of sexual assault, discussion of colonization, grief (graphic), racism, sexism, kidnapping, child abuse (backstory), blood, violence, gore (graphic), torture, car accident, animal death, parental death, major character death. Harry Potter reference (brief). Main Discussion: Death of Parent. Begins at (1:35), CW for abandonment, neglect, memory loss, alcoholism (brief mention), parental death, death. Promo for CPOV - Reignite; Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (30:50). --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. To make a one-time donation please support us on Ko-Fi. For fortnightly news and updates, as well as links to recent written reviews, subscribe to our newsletter. You can check out Robin's written review of the book at Reviews That Burn. Find all our links on our Carrd. Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission. Members of the Certain Point of View network of podcasts.

This fortnight we’re discussing “The Song of Achillles” by Madeline Miller, a retelling of the story of Achilles and Patroclus. We're joined by special guest Taylor! TITLE: The Song of Achilles AUTHOR: Madeline Miller PUBLISHER: Ecco Press / Bloomsbury Publishing YEAR: 2011 LENGTH: 416 pages AGE: Adult GENRE: Fantasy, Historical RECOMMENDED: Yes Book TW for sexism, homophobia, possible biphobia, grief (graphic), kidnapping, confinement, terminal illness, slavery, vomit, blood (graphic), gore (graphic), sexual content, medical content, domestic abuse, rape, cannibalism (backstory), animal death, murder, child death (graphic), major character death (graphic), death (graphic). Topic 1: Exile. Begins at (1:35), CW for violence, death, murder. Topic 2: Hovering Shade. Begins at (13:30), CW for homophobia, death. Topic 3: Rape. Begins at (30:05), CW for rape, slavery. Promo for Circle of Friendship from CPOV; Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (55:45). --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. To make a one-time donation please support us on Ko-Fi. For fortnightly news and updates, as well as links to recent written reviews, subscribe to our newsletter. You can check out Robin's written review of the book at Reviews That Burn.  Find all our links on our Carrd. Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission. Members of the Certain Point of View network of podcasts.

This fortnight we’re discussing “The Marrow Thieves” by Cherie Dimaline. This is speculative fiction so good it made Robin rethink how they read the closely related but distinct genre of dystopian fiction.  TITLE: The Marrow Thieves AUTHOR: Cherie Dimaline PUBLISHER: Dancing Cat Books YEAR: 2017 LENGTH: 240 pages AGE: Young Adult GENRE: Speculative Fiction RECOMMENDED: Highly Book TW for sexual content (brief), cursing, ableist language (brief), alcohol (backstory), alcoholism (backstory), drug use (backstory), dug abuse (backstory), kidnapping (graphic), confinement (backstory), starvation (graphic), genocide (graphic), sexual assault, rape, child abuse, physical abuse, excrement (brief), vomit (brief), violence, gun violence, cannibalism, animal death, parental death (backstory), child death, murder, major character death, death. Topic 1: Food Scarcity. Begins at (1:35), CW for food scarcity, Topic 2: PTSD. Begins at (10:37), CW for ptsd, food scarcity. Topic 3: Cannibalism. Begins at (21:45), CW for cannibalism, murder, death. Promo for CPOV Autographs; Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (32:12). --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. To make a one-time donation please support us on Ko-Fi. For fortnightly news and updates, as well as links to recent written reviews, subscribe to our newsletter. You can check out Robin's written review of the book at Reviews That Burn.  Find all our links on our Carrd. Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission. Members of the Certain Point of View network of podcasts.

This fortnight we’re discussing the horror novella “The Atrocities” by Jeremy C. Shipp. Apologies for the odd episode schedule, the next two episodes will be a month apart, then we should be back to our usual fortnightly schedule after that. TITLE: The Atrocities AUTHOR: Jeremy C. Shipp PUBLISHER: St. Martins Press-3PL YEAR: 2018 LENGTH: 112 pages AGE: Adult GENRE: Horror RECOMMENDED: Highly Book TW for child abuse (backstory), mental illness, medical content, medical trauma, child abuse, emotional abuse, domestic abuse, body horror, gore, self harm, animal death, animal cruelty (backstory), child death, death. Topic 1: Mental Illness. Begins at (1:35), CW for mental illness, physical abuse, emotional abuse, child death, death. Topic 2: Kidnapping. Begins at (15:00), CW for kidnapping, institutionalization, mental illness, child death, death. Topic 3: Child Death. Begins at (22:25), CW for kidnapping, mental illness, child death, death. Promo for Another Pass from CPOV; Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (32:55). --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. To make a one-time donation please support us on Ko-Fi. For fortnightly news and updates, as well as links to recent written reviews, subscribe to our newsletter. You can check out Robin's written review of the book at Reviews That Burn. Find all our links on our Carrd. Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission. Members of the Certain Point of View network of podcasts.

This fortnight we’re discussing “Scavenge The Stars" by Tara Sim. This is the first half of a duology retelling "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas. TITLE: Scavenge The Stars AUTHOR: Tara Sim PUBLISHER: Disney-Hyperion YEAR: 2020 LENGTH: 352 pages AGE: Young Adult GENRE: Fantasy, Retelling RECOMMENDED: Yes Book TW for grief, ableist language (brief), kidnapping (graphic), alcohol (graphic), gambling addiction (graphic), drug use, child abuse, slavery, terminal illness, medical content, excrement, vomit, blood (graphic), gore, violence (graphic), gun violence, child death (graphic), parental death, murder (graphic), death (graphic). Topic 1: Debt Slavery. Begins at (1:35), CW for child abuse, slavery, death. Topic 2: Betrayal. Begins at (13:10), CW for betrayal, terminal illness, death. Promo for CPOV Autographs; Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (27:36). --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. To make a one-time donation please support us on Ko-Fi. For fortnightly news and updates, as well as links to recent written reviews, subscribe to our newsletter. You can check out Robin's written review of the book at Reviews That Burn.  Find all our links on our Carrd. Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission. Members of the Certain Point of View network of podcasts.

This fortnight we’re discussing “The Forever War” by Joe Haldeman. TITLE: The Forever War AUTHOR: Joe Haldeman PUBLISHER: Gollancz YEAR: 1974 LENGTH: 238 pages AGE: Adult GENRE: Science Fiction, War RECOMMENDED: Yes Book TW for cursing, grief, xenophobia, chemical control of sexual orientation (nonconsensual), homophobia, acephobia (ambiguous), ableism, mental illness, sexual content, sexual assault (not depicted), rape (brief), medical content (graphic), medical trauma (graphic), alcohol, drug use, vomit, blood, gore, violence, gun violence, eugenics, genocide, torture (brief), suicidal thoughts (brief), animal death (brief), murder, parental death, death. Topic 1: Compulsory Homosexuality. Begins at (1:35), CW for homophobia, conversion therapy, compulsive sexuality, war, death. Topic 2: Suicidal Thoughts. Begins at (14:42), CW for suicidal thoughts, war, death. Topic 3: Future Shock. Begins at (22:58), CW for homophobia, war, death. Promo for CPOV - Men of Steel; Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (35:42). --- This episode mentions suicidal thoughts in fiction. If you're in the United States the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. For those of our audience outside of the United States, you maybe able to find the suicide hotline number or other appropriate emergency services for your country inthis directory provided by OpenCounseling. --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. To make a one-time donation please support us on Ko-Fi. For fortnightly news and updates, as well as links to recent written reviews, subscribe to our newsletter. You can check out Robin's written review of the book at Reviews That Burn. Find all our links on our Carrd. Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission. Members of the Certain Point of View network of podcasts.

This fortnight we’re discussing “Jade City” by Fonda Lee, the first book in the Green Bone Saga. TITLE: Jade City AUTHOR: Fonda Lee PUBLISHER: Orbit YEAR: 2017 LENGTH: 560 pages AGE: Adult GENRE: Fantasy, War RECOMMENDED: Highly Book TW for cursing, grief, sexual content (explicit), sexual abuse (brief mention), torture (brief mention), sexism, drug use, drug abuse, mental illness, self harm, body horror, massacre, excrement (brief), vomit, blood, violence (graphic), gun violence, torture, animal death (brief), major character death, death. Topic 1: Sexual Abuse. Begins at (1:30), CW for sexual abuse (not described). Topic 2: Parental death. Begins at (15:00), CW for addiction, parental death, death. Topic 3: Addiction. Begins at (22:30), CW for addiction, gun violence, death. Promo for CPOV SMC; Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (32:50). --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. To make a one-time donation please support us on Ko-Fi. For fortnightly news and updates, as well as links to recent written reviews, subscribe to our newsletter. You can check out Robin's written review of the book at Reviews That Burn.  Find all our links on our Carrd. Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission. Members of the Certain Point of View network of podcasts.

This fortnight we’re discussing “Firebreak” by Nicole Kornher-Stace. If you enjoyed this you should check out “Archivist Wasp” and “Latchkey” (in that order), since they’re part of the same universe. TITLE: Firebreak AUTHOR: Nicole Kornher-Stace PUBLISHER: Gallery / Saga Press (Imprint of Simon & Schuster) YEAR: 2021 LENGTH: 416 pages AGE: Adult GENRE: Science Fiction, Dystopian RECOMMENDED: Highly Book TW for rationing, confinement, cursing, alcohol, excrement (brief), blood, gore, fire/fire injury (graphic), medical content (graphic), medical trauma (graphic), gun violence (graphic), violence (graphic), child abuse (backstory), police brutality (graphic), torture (graphic), parental death (backstory), child death, major character death, death. Topic 1: B - Kidnapping. Begins at (1:30), CW for kidnapping, death. Topic 2: Mal - Dehydration. Begins at (9:55), CW for death, dehydration. Topic 3: 22 - Medical Experimentation. Begins at (20:25), CW for medical trauma, violence, child abuse, child death, death. Promo for Men of Steel; Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (30:14). --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. To make a one-time donation please support us on Ko-Fi. For fortnightly news and updates, as well as links to recent written reviews, subscribe to our newsletter. You can check out Robin's written review of the book at Reviews That Burn. Find all our links on our Carrd. Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission. Members of the Certain Point of View network of podcasts.

This fortnight we’re discussing “Batman: Nightwalker” by Marie Lu. This is part of the DC Icons series, where each book is written by a different author. We discussed this Batman novel as part of #DarkKnightFortnight from Certain POV. You can find all the Certain POV shows which participated on this page. TITLE: Batman: Nightwalker AUTHOR: Marie Lu PUBLISHER: Random House Books for Young Readers YEAR: 2018 LENGTH: 288 pages AGE: Young Adult GENRE: Fantasy RECOMMENDED: Yes Book TW for blood (graphic), fire (backstory), domestic abuse (not depicted), violence (graphic), gun violence (graphic), sexual content (not depicted), sexual harassment, car accident (graphic), parental death (not depicted), suicide (not depicted), murder, death. Topic 1: Richard - Emotional Abuse. Begins at (1:30), CW for emotional abuse, death of parent. Topic 2: Cameron - Medical Trauma. Begins at (13:46), CW for medical trauma, murder, death. Topic 3: Bruce and Madeleine - Death of Parent. Begins at (25:06), CW for violence, murder, death of parent, death. Promo for CPOV - RobCast; Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (36:09). --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. To make a one-time donation please support us on Ko-Fi. For fortnightly news and updates, as well as links to recent written reviews, subscribe to our newsletter. You can check out Robin's written review of the book at Reviews That Burn. Find all our links on our Carrd. Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission. Members of the Certain Point of View network of podcasts.

This fortnight we’re discussing “Cemetery Boys” by Aiden Thomas. Yadriel gets a bit more than he was expecting when he summons the wrong ghost. TITLE: Cemetery Boys AUTHOR: Aiden Thomas PUBLISHER: Swoon Reads YEAR: 2020 LENGTH: 344 pages AGE: Young Adult GENRE: Fantasy, Romance RECOMMENDED: Highly Book TW for cursing, ableist language (brief), grief, racism (brief), transphobia, misgendering, deadnaming, alcohol (brief), blood, self harm (brief, religious ritual), domestic abuse (backstory), child abuse (backstory), gore (brief), violence (graphic), medical content, parental death (backstory), murder, major character death (graphic), death (graphic). Topic 1: Child Abuse. Begins at (1:35), CW for child abuse, physical abuse, fire/fire injury (burns). Topic 2: Transphobia. Begins at (11:00), CW for sexism, misogyny, transphobia, deadnaming, misgendering Topic 3: Murder. Begins at (21:30), CW for murder, blood, death. Promo for Farragut Forward IndieGoGo; Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (32:00). --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. To make a one-time donation please support us on Ko-Fi. For fortnightly news and updates, as well as links to recent written reviews, subscribe to our newsletter. You can check out Robin's written review of the book at Reviews That Burn. Find all our links on our Carrd. Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission. Members of the Certain Point of View network of podcasts.

This fortnight we’re discussing “River of Teeth” by Sarah Gailey. If this sounds interesting then we recommend reading it in the omnibus collection “American Hippo” which includes this novella, its sequel (“Taste of Marrow”), plus some short stories in this setting. TITLE: River of Teeth AUTHOR: Sarah Gailey PUBLISHER: Tor/Forge Books YEAR: 2017 LENGTH: 192 pages AGE: Adult GENRE: Fantasy, Alternate History RECOMMENDED: Highly Book TW for racism (minor), fatphobia, transphobia (minor), pregnancy, drug use (smoking), alcohol, fire/fire injury, blood (graphic), gore, violence (graphic), medical content, animal death, child death, murder, major character death, death (graphic). Topic 1: Child Death. Begins at (1:30), CW for child death, animal death. Topic 2: Betrayal. Begins at (14:32), CW for death. Topic 3: Mutilation. Begins at (25:36), CW for mutilation, addiction, child death, death. Promo for CPOV Circle of Friendship; Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (36:22). --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. To make a one-time donation please support us on Ko-Fi. For fortnightly news and updates, as well as links to recent written reviews, subscribe to our newsletter. You can check out Robin's written review of RIVER OF TEETH at Reviews That Burn. They also reviewed AMERICAN HIPPO. Find all our links on our Carrd. Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission. Members of the Certain Point of View network of podcasts.

This fortnight we’re discussing “Assassin's Apprentice” by Robin Hobb. This is the first book in "The Farseer Trilogy" which is itself part of the "Realm of the Elderlings", a connected set of several trilogies. TITLE: Assassin's Apprentice AUTHOR: Robin Hobb PUBLISHER: Voyager YEAR: 1995 LENGTH: 460 pages AGE: Adult GENRE: Fantasy RECOMMENDED: Highly Book TW for cursing, pregnancy, ableism, sexism, misogyny, bullying (graphic), physical abuse (graphic), emotional abuse (graphic), alcohol, alcoholism, excrement, drug use, miscarriage (backstory), rape (not depicted), child abuse, blood (graphic), violence (graphic), medical content (graphic), animal death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempt, child death, death. Topic 1: Patience - Betrayal. Begins at (1:35), CW for infidelity, betrayal, parental death, death. Topic 2: Burrich - Child Abuse. Begins at (11:20), CW for abuse, animal death. Topic 3: Galen - Emotional Abuse. Begins at (22:15), CW for suicidal thoughts, suicide attempt. Promo for Screen Snark; Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (30:15). --- This episode briefly discusses fictional depictions of suicide. If you're in the United States the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. For those of our audience outside of the United States, you may be able to find the suicide hotline number or other appropriate emergency services for your country in this directory provided by OpenCounseling. --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. To make a one-time donation please support us on Ko-Fi. For fortnightly news and updates, as well as links to recent written reviews, subscribe to our newsletter. You can check out Robin's written review of the book at Reviews That Burn. Find all our links on our Carrd. Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission. Members of the Certain Point of View network of podcasts.

This fortnight we’re discussing “IRON WIDOW” by Xiran Jay Zhao. This is book one of a planned series. Wu Zetian wants to assassinate her sister's murderer, but finds herself in a string of mech battles working alongside Li Shimin, the strongest pilot in Huaxia. Told in Third Person with Single POV. TITLE: Iron Widow AUTHOR: Xiran Jay Zhao PUBLISHER: Penguin Teen YEAR: 2021 LENGTH: 400 pages AGE: Young Adult GENRE: Science Fiction RECOMMENDED: Highly Book TW for grief, misogyny (graphic), sexual content, alcohol, alcoholism (graphic), medical content, injury description, pregnancy (backstory), blood (graphic), vomit, suicidal thoughts, domestic abuse, child abuse, violence (graphic), torture (graphic), murder (graphic), parental death (backstory), major character death (graphic), death (graphic). Topic 1: Forced Alcoholism. Begins at (1:35), CW for alcoholism, torture, death. Topic 2: Death Machine. Begins at (10:00), CW for sexism, misogyny, death. Topic 3: Invasion. Begins at (21:15), CW for death. Promo for RMC vs CG; Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (31:25). --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. To make a one-time donation please support us on Ko-Fi. For fortnightly news and updates, as well as links to recent written reviews, subscribe to our newsletter. You can check out Robin's written review of the book at Reviews That Burn.  Find all our links on our Carrd. Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission. Members of the Certain Point of View network of podcasts.

Please enjoy the spoiler-free portion of our interview with author Seanan McGuire discussing several of her books, "Into The Drowning Deep", "Dusk or Dark or Dawn or Day", "Middlegame", the Toby Daye series, and the Incryptid series. Other works mentioned include Newsflesh (series), Ghost Roads (series), "Rolling in the Deep", and Parasitology (series). Timestamps are marked for the interview questions. This interview was recorded several months prior to the 2021 Hugo Awards. Become a Patron at any level to receive the spoiler-filled second half of the interview. Intro (0:00) Can you talk a little about the way trauma works in your writing? (0:20) Has a traumatic event in your books ever changed your perception of a character? (3:00) What parts of your identities do you notice making appearances in your writing more than you intended? What parts of your identities do you notice seeping into your work unintentionally? (6:20) What is your approach to incorporating visible queerness in your work? (10:05) How does setting influence queerness in your stories? (12:40) What is your approach to incorporating visible characters of color in your work? (16:25) Do you tend to write disabilities based on a specific set of references or do you tend to write cultures that hide disabilities and all that they entail? (22:00) When building your characters’ identities, what aspects did you intentionally include? (25:00) Do you consider your character’s physical description when writing how other characters treat them? (26:20) --- Wrap-Up and Outro: Included in Part 1 and Part 2 --- What is your favorite non-traumatic thing in any of your books? (29:57) Do you have a favorite book written by someone else, and if so what makes it your favorite? (31:46) Do you have any queer authors and/or authors of color whose work you’d like to shoutout? (32:49) Where can our audience find you? (36:15) --- Check out Seanan's website for more about her writing. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.  --- At each link you can find Robin's written reviews of Seanan's work under her own name, her writings as Mira Grant, and as A. Deborah Baker. Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission.

This fortnight we’re discussing “Wayward Witch” by Zoraida Córdova. Heather joins us once again to wrap up the excellent Brooklyn Brujas trilogy. TITLE: Wayward Witch AUTHOR: Zoraida Córdova PUBLISHER: Sourcebooks Fire YEAR: 2020 LENGTH: 239 pages AGE: Young Adult GENRE: Fantasy RECOMMENDED: Highly Book TW for kidnapping, confinement, emotional abuse, animal death (not depicted), excrement (brief), vomit, blood, gore, body horror, violence, major character death, death. Topic 1: Nadira - Deadly Journey. Begins at (0:55), CW for death. Topic 2: Rose - Memory Loss. Begins at (13:30), CW for memory loss, abandonment. Topic 3: Rose - Abandonment. Begins at (27:05), CW for memory loss, abandonment, parental death, death. Promo for CPOV Reignite; Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (41:00). --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. To make a one-time donation please support us on Ko-Fi. For fortnightly news and updates, as well as links to recent written reviews, subscribe to our newsletter. You can check out Robin's written review of the book at Reviews That Burn.  Find all our links on our Carrd. Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission. Members of the Certain Point of View network of podcasts.

This fortnight we’re discussing “Bruja Born” by Zoraida Córdova, the second book in the Brooklyn Brujas trilogy. Heather joins us again on this episode! TITLE: Bruja Born AUTHOR: Zoraida Córdova PUBLISHER: Sourcebooks Fire YEAR: 2018 LENGTH: 352 pages AGE: Young Adult GENRE: Fantasy RECOMMENDED: Highly Book TW for ableist language, vomit (graphic), fire, blood (graphic), gore (graphic), violence (graphic), pregnancy (not depicted), medical content, medical trauma (graphic), cannibalism, child death, death. Topic 1: Casimuertos - Cannibalism. Begins at (0:50), CW for Cannibalism, undead, self-aware zombies Topic 2: Lula - Survivor’s Guilt. Begins at (9:30), CW for death, bus crash. Topic 3: Lula - Life Drain. Begins at (22:45), CW for mention of gore, death. Promo for Fun and Games (CPOV); Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (35:57). --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. To make a one-time donation please support us on Ko-Fi. For fortnightly news and updates, as well as links to recent written reviews, subscribe to our newsletter. You can check out Robin's written review of the book at Reviews That Burn.  Find all our links on our Carrd. Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission. Members of the Certain Point of View network of podcasts.

This fortnight we’re discussing “Labyrinth Lost” by Zoraida Córdova, book one of the Brooklyn Brujas series. TITLE: Labyrinth Lost AUTHOR: Zoraida Córdova PUBLISHER: Sourcebooks Fire YEAR: 2016 LENGTH: 336 pages AGE: Young Adult GENRE: Fantasy RECOMMENDED: Highly Book TW for bullying, child abuse (backstory), blood, violence, panic attacks, missing parent, animal death, death. Topic 1: Kidnapping. Begins at (1:35), CW for mention of torture, betrayal Topic 2: Family Rejection. Begins at (11:00), CW for abandonment, mention of drug use.  Topic 3: Misplaced guilt. Begins at (23:00), CW for missing parent, discussion of divorce, discussion of death. Promo for ComicsQuest from CPOV; Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (32:40).  --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. To make a one-time donation please support us on Ko-Fi. For fortnightly news and updates, as well as links to recent written reviews, subscribe to our newsletter. You can check out Robin's written review of the book at Reviews That Burn.  Find all our links on our Carrd. Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission. Members of the Certain Point of View network of podcasts.

This fortnight we’re discussing “GRACELING” by Kristin Cashore. This is the first book of the YA fantasy series, Graceling Realm. TITLE: Graceling AUTHOR: Kristin Cashore PUBLISHER: Houghton Mifflin YEAR: 2008 LENGTH: 471 pages AGE: Young Adult GENRE: Fantasy, Romance RECOMMENDED: Yes Book TW for sexism, misogyny, sexual content (brief), sexual assault (not depicted), kidnapping, child abuse, animal cruelty, medical content, blood, vomit, violence, torture, animal death, parental death, child death, murder (graphic), death (graphic). Topic 1: Leck - Gaslighting. Begins at (1:35), CW for Murder, torture, animal cruelty, death Topic 2: Katsa - Coercion. Begins at (13:00), CW for Violence, death, coercion Topic 3: Bitterblue - Death of Parent. Begins at (22:10), CW for Murder, death of parent, child abuse Promo for CPOV - Another Pass; Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (29:15). --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. To make a one-time donation please support us on Ko-Fi. For fortnightly news and updates, as well as links to recent written reviews, subscribe to our newsletter. You can check out Robin's written review of the book at Reviews That Burn.  Find all our links on our Carrd. Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission. Members of the Certain Point of View network of podcasts.