Once Upon a Time Zone: A Bookish Podcast
Two friends and book besties, Freya from Australia and Jaime from Canada, share their love of stories and dive into what they're reading, TBRs, and book recommendations. Each episode bridges their time zones as they discuss fantasy and fiction, offering a global perspective on books. They also run a book club on Patreon and have active communities on Instagram and YouTube.
Episodes
![We NEED to Catch Up... Spooky Season, Book News & ALL The Book Events 👻📚🎃 [EP#68]](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo/43967274/43967274-1767035644382-c8b6dcfb562fe.jpg)
We NEED to Catch Up... Spooky Season, Book News & ALL The Book Events 👻📚🎃 [EP#68]
This is what happens when we don't chat for 2 weeks... a lot has been going on so let's catchup & also embrace spooky season and talk about some of the SCARIEST BOOKS OF ALL TIME to celebrate Halloween! 🍂👻🎃Books Discussed:Phoebe Berman's Gonna Lose It - Brooke AverickAmerican Hagwon - Min Jin LeeRed Rising - Pierce BrownFourth Wing - Rebecca YarrosThe Bodyguard - Katherine CenterFr
THIS OR THAT: BOOK EDITION! 📚⭐️ Reading Habits, Hot Takes & Book Debates [EP#67]
Let's play THIS OR THAT! We haven't done this since the BEGINNING of our podcast journey. We wanted to revisit and do this again. Hope you love this one!Books Discussed:The Bane Witch - Ava MorgynDead Beat - Leigh BardugoA Sorceress Comes to Call - T KingfisherIt's Different This Time - Joss RichardIron Gold - Pierce BrownTheodora's Tea Shop - Christy Ann JonesThe Knight and the Mo
Our Fall vs Spring TBRs 📚🍂🌸 (From Book Besties Across the World!) [EP#66]
We're back with our dual season TBRs! This time, our Fall and Spring TBRs as long distance book besties from Canada & Australia! 🍂🌸Books Discussed:Iron Gold - Pierce BrownA Sorceress Comes to Call - T KingfisherVictorious - VE SchwabBest Offer Wins - Marisa KashinoDaughter of No Worlds - Carissa BroadbentHoney - Imani ThompsonDay of Now - Miranda ReasonShadow Reaper - Lynette NoniMain Char
September Reading Recap, October TBR & New Book Releases! 📚 [EP#65]
Let's wrap up our September reading month & talk about what we're looking forward to in October!Books Discussed:The Bane Witch - Ava MorgynIron Gold - Pierce BrownVerity - Colleen HooverThe Love Hypothesis - Ali HazelwoodModern Classic - Emily HenryFeels Like Falling - Abby JimenezBodies of Magic - Freya MarskeVictorious - VE SchwabThe Burning God - RF KuangThe Sixth Faction - Veronica
VE Schwab says GOODBYE to Her Villains... 💔 Victorious, Therapy Gone Wrong & What's Next? 📚✨ [EP#64]
We had the incredible opportunity to chat with VE Schwab!! With Victorious releasing SO soon, we chat about villains, saying goodbye, magic, and the therapy of it all. Hope you enjoy!VE Schwab:https://www.veschwab.com/Books Discussed:Victorious - VE SchwabVicious - VE SchwabVengeful - VE SchwabThe Invisible Life of Addie LaRue - VE SchwabBury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil - VE SchwabA Darker Shad
The Love Story that Made Us ALL Cry... 😭 | INTO THE BLUE with Emma Brodie 📚💙 [EP#63]
We LOVED Into the Blue by Emma Brodie, and had the most wonderful time chatting with her about yearning, genre-bending, emotional books, Vampire Diaries... and more!Emma Brodie:https://www.instagram.com/emma.c.brodieBooks Discussed:Into the Blue - Emma BrodieSongs in Ursa Major - Emma BrodieMad Mabel - Sally HepworthDawn of the North - Demi WintersVicious - VE SchwabLong Distance Book Club:
Books We DISAGREE On... Why We LOVED and HATED These Books 📚💔 [EP#62]
It's rare but sometimes we disagree... let's talk about some books that we had some different opinions on!Books Discussed:11/22/63 - Stephen KingThe Burning God - RF KuangA Court of Mist and Fury (ACOMAF) - Sarah J MaasPeck & Peck - Bonnie GarmusThe Sixth Faction - Veronica RothPractical Magic - Alice HoffmanThe Kiss of Deception (Remnant Chronicles) - Mary E PearsonThis Woven Kingdom
The Books You're ALWAYS Telling Us to Read! 📚👀 [EP#61]
We always give YOU book recs... but what if YOU give US recs instead? We had soooo much fun going through the most recommended books from you! 💖Books Discussed:Liberty Street - Heather MarshallThe Burning God - RF KuangThe Unselected Journals of Emma M Lion - Beth BrowerThe Bone Season - Samantha ShannonThe Tainted Cup - Robert Jackson BennettHeartless - Marissa MeyerCinder - Marissa MeyerStrange
August Reading Recap, September TBR & New Book Releases! 📚 [EP#60]
Let's wrap up our August reading month & talk about what we're looking forward to in September!Books Discussed:11/22/63 - Stephen KingFourth Wing - Rebecca YarrosFruit Fly - Josh SilverTaipei Story - RF KuangPiranesi - Susanna ClarkeDaughters of Shandong - Eve J ChungBest Offer Wins - Marisa KashinoYellowface - RF KuangInto the Blue - Emma BrodieThe River She Became - Emily VargaThe Mi
Books We Didn't LOVE… Until the Ending SAVED Them 😭📚 [EP#59]
Sometimes you really want to DNF a book... but what if this makes you miss an INCREDIBLE ending? These are a few books that you just need to stick with until the very end - WE PROMISE it's worth it!Books Discussed:Writers and Lovers - Lily King11/22/63 - Stephen KingBest Offer Wins - Marisa KashinoFruit Fly - Josh SilverACOTAR - Sarah J MaasA Court of Splintered Harmony - Sarah J MaasA Court o
Books We LOVED… Until the Ending RUINED Everything 😭📚 [EP#58]
You know when a book is PERFECT... right up until the very end? Let's chat about some books that just had very unsatisfactory endings :(Books Discussed:The River She Became - Emily VargaThis Story Might Save Your Life - Tiffany CrumEverything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt - Ben ReevesMartyr! - Kaveh AkbarThe Midnight Train - Matt HaigThe Odyssey - HomerNymph - Sofia MontroneCirce - Madeline Mille
Book Cons & Fantasy Balls... Are Book Events Getting Out of Control?! 📚 [EP#57]
Let's talk about BOOK EVENTS! From author panels & signings, to book balls, conventions, influencer events and book clubs. What do you think about the recent rise of book events?Books Discussed:Flickerstate - FA DavidsonThis Woven Kingdom - Tahereh MafiInto the Blue - Emma BrodieHamnet - Maggie O'FarrellThe Odyssey - Homer (translated by Emily Wilson)Taipei Story - RF KuangThe Last Con
July Reading Recap, August TBR & New Book Releases! 📚 [EP#56]
Let's wrap up our July reading month & talk about what we're looking forward to in August!Books Discussed:Morning Star - Pierce BrownHoney - Imani ThompsonThe Burning Side - Sarah DamoffEverything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt - Ben ReevesMartyr! - Kaveh Akbar11/22/63 - Stephen KingThe Knave and the Moon - Rachel GilligDark Matter - Blake CrouchThe Sixth Faction - Veronica RothVictori
We're FINALLY BACK! ☕📚 | Europe, Reading Updates & Book News [EP#55]
WE MISSED YOU!!! We're back after 3 weeks, and have SO much to catchup on. From Freya's Europe trip, to personal life updates, to all the book announcements and adaptation news... let's debrief!Book creators mentioned:Colleen: https://www.instagram.com/colleensreading/Lottie: https://www.youtube.com/lottiesmalleyBooks Discussed:Victorious - VE SchwabThe Shampoo Effect - Jenny JacksonTh
How Is Our Reading Year Going?! 📚👀 (Mid Year Check In) [EP#54]
Time to reflect on our reading year so far! How are we doing with our reading goals? What books have hit, missed & what are we looking forward to for the rest of the year? Hope you enjoy this one :)Books Discussed:This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me - Ilona AndrewsThe Dark Mirror - Samantha ShannonRed Rising - Pierce BrownThe Fellowship of the Ring - JRR TolkienThe Bright Years - Sarah DamoffThe Bur
Have Our Reading Tastes CHANGED?! 📚 (Re-Taking the Read Your Color Quiz) [EP#53]
One year later, have our reading tastes changed? We are re-creating our very first episode in celebration of 1 year of the podcast!!! Thank you SO MUCH for being here 💖Read Your Color Quiz:https://readyourcolor.com/Books Discussed:The Jasad Crown - Sara HashemGolden Son - Pierce BrownSummer Island - Kristin HannahBlue Sisters - Coco MellorsCleopatra and Frankenstein - Coco MellorsThis Is How You L
June Reading Recap, July TBR & New Book Releases! 📚 [EP#52]
Let's wrap up our June reading month & talk about what we're looking forward to in July!Books Discussed:Daughter of No Worlds - Carissa BroadbentThe Someday Garden - Ashley PostonDark Matter - Blake CrouchElodie and the Dark Lord - Ashley PostonRhythm of War - Brandon SandersonGolden Son - Pierce BrownLiar of Dreams - Libba BrayThe Wretched Divine - Adalyn GraceThe Young Will Remember - Eve J
Our Summer vs Winter TBRs 📚☀️❄️ (From Book Besties Across the World!) [EP#51]
We're back with our dual season TBRs! This time, our Summer and Winter TBRs as long distance book besties from Canada & Australia! Books Discussed:To Dream in Darkness - Ann LiangMistborn - Brandon SandersonGolden Son - Pierce BrownThe Bright Years - Sarah DamoffEvery Summer After (Every Year After) - Carley FortuneLight Wielder - Rachel SchneiderThe Poppy War & The Dragon Republic - R
The Books That Made Us CRY 😭📚 (with @madisonkait) [EP#50]
We LOVE book bestie Madison Kait, and we also love books that make us cry. So this was just the PERFECT time to chat about how emotional we got over fiction. Hope you enjoy this episode!Madison Kait:https://www.tiktok.com/@lettersfrommadsBooks Discussed:Tropesick - Lauren OkieThe Wretched Divine - Adalyn GraceThe Shippers - Katherine CenterInto the Blue - Emma BrodieDestiny's Edge - ML WangAlc
How to ACTUALLY Get Out of a Reading Slump 📚 [EP#49]
Are you in a reading slump? Let's chat about what our reading slumps look like, how we get out of slumps & also some reading slump book recs!Books Discussed:Into the Blue - Emma BrodieSummer Island - Kristin HannahYesteryear - Caro Claire BurkeThe Deal (Off Campus) - Elle KennedyWhen the Moon Hatched - Sarah A ParkerThe Ballad of Falling Dragons - Sarah A ParkerAmerican Hagwon - Min Jin Le
May Reading Recap, June TBR & New Book Releases! 📚 [EP#48]
Let's wrap up our May reading month & talk about what we're looking forward to in June!Books Discussed:Rhythm of War - Brandon SandersonThe Arcane Arts - SD CoverlyThe Deal (Off Campus) - Elle KennedyBinding 13 (Boys of Tommen) - Chloe WalshEvery Summer After - Carley FortuneWhen the Moon Hatched - Sarah A ParkerThe Ballad of Falling Dragons - Sarah A ParkerObsession (Movie)The Last Co
Inside the Worlds of Fonda Lee 👀 | Green Bone Saga, The Last Contract of Isako, Breathmarked & More 📚 [EP#47]
We are in AWE of Fonda Lee and still cannot believe we were able to chat with her in this episode! We chat all things Jade City, The Last Contract of Isako, Breathmarked duology and more!Fonda Lee:https://www.instagram.com/fonda.leeBooks Discussed:The Last Contract of Isako - Fonda LeeJade City (Green Bone Saga) - Fonda LeeMark of the Warrior (Breathmarked) - Fonda LeeBreath of the Dragon - Fonda
Inside the MUST-READ Fantasy That Will Break Your Heart 👀 | The Poet Empress with Shen Tao 📚 [EP#46]
You know we LOVE The Poet Empress, and we had the best time chatting with Shen Tao about her book, early inspiration (warrior cats, anyone?) and how fonts might speak in different ways!Shen Tao:https://www.instagram.com/storygooseBooks Discussed:The Poet Empress - Shen TaoImmaculate Deception - Isabela LivinoThe Ballad of Falling Dragons - Sarah A ParkerThe Beauty of Darkness - Mary E PearsonLong
The PERFECT Books for Your VERY Specific Moods 👀📚 [EP#45]
You asked for book recs that were oddly specific... and we had so much fun matching books to your prompts! Hope you enjoy these oddly specific reading recs!Books Discussed:The Kiss of Deception - Mary E PearsonThe Heart of Betrayal - Mary E PearsonUpgrade - Blake CrouchWhen the Moon Hatched - Sarah A ParkerThe Ballad of Falling Dragons - Sarah A ParkerDungeon Crawler Carl - Matt DinnimanThe Last C
We Tried Guessing Books from JUST the First Line... 🙈📚 [EP#44]
Sorry for some of the audio quality in this one, we had some technical difficulties this week :( Hope you still enjoy this one, it was a fun game! Books Discussed:Dragon Republic - RF KuangThe Last Contract of Isako - Fonda LeeYesteryear - Caro Claire BurkeWarbreaker - Brandon SandersonSword Catcher - Cassandra ClareDirebound - Sable SorensenRock Paper Scissors - Alice FeeneyThe Seven Year Slip -
April Reading Recap, May TBR & New Book Releases! 📚 [EP#43]
Let's wrap up our April reading month & talk about what we're looking forward to in May!Books Discussed:Clockwork Princess - Cassandra ClareWind and Truth - Brandon SandersonThe Beauty of Darkness - Mary E PearsonDungeon Crawler Carl - Matt DinnimanClockwork Prince - Cassandra ClareShield of Sparrows - Devney PerryThe Night We Met - Abby JimenezThe Someday Garden - Ashley PostonNo Matt
ALL the Book News We Need to Talk About 👀📚 + Our Lives Beyond Books [EP#42]
We've had SO MANY book announcements lately, we just need to debrief. We also spend the last bit of this episode chatting about what we do outside of reading, to compliment our bookish lifestyles!Books Discussed:The Poppy War - RF KuangThe Correspondent - Virginia EvansThe Dinner Party - Freida McFaddenWind and Truth - Brandon SandersonDivergent - Veronica RothThe Sixth Faction - Veronica Roth
Our Spring vs Fall TBRs 📚 (Same Time... Different Seasons?!) 🌸🍂 [EP#41]
Because we live on opposite sides of the world... here are our Spring and Fall TBRs as we head into the new seasons!Books Discussed:The Jasad Heir - Sara HashemThe Poppy War - RF KuangSunrise on the Reaping - Suzanne CollinsYesteryear - Caro Claire BurkeThe Diviners - Libba BrayWind and Truth - Brandon SandersonThe Women - Kristin HannahFirefly Lane - Kristin HannahThe Great Alone - Kristin Hannah
Which Fictional Character Is MOST Likely To...? (with @lottiesmalley) 📚👀 [EP#40]
We have the beautiful Lottie Smalley with us today! Had so much chatting about books & fictional characters we've loved. Hope you enjoy this one!Lottie's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@LottieSmalley/https://www.instagram.com/bookloverlottie/https://www.tiktok.com/@bookloverlottieBooks Discussed:Heir of Fire - Sarah J MaasThe Poet Empress - Shen TaoYou Did Nothing Wrong - CG DrewsHome
This Fantasy World is Based on ACTING?! 🎭 (with Shannon J. Spann) 📚 [EP#39]
We have the AMAZING debut author Shannon J Spann on the pod today! We chat about her process writing the incredibly unique fantasy standalone A Stage Set for Villains, her love for theatre, and more.Shannon's socials:https://www.instagram.com/shannonjspannBooks Discussed:A Stage Set for Villains - Shannon J SpannOne Dark Window - Rachel GilligDaughters of the Sun and Moon - Lisa SeeTwo Can Pla
March Reading Recap, April TBR & New Book Releases! 📚 [EP#38]
Let's wrap up our March reading month & talk about what we're looking forward to in April!Books Discussed:Just Friends - Haley PhamRhythm of War - Brandon SandersonShield of Sparrows - Devney PerryProject Hail Mary - Andy WeirThe Mirror of Infinite Endings - Stephanie GarberLady Tan's Circle of Women - Lisa SeeClockwork Angel - Cassandra ClareDungeon Crawler Carl - Matt DinnimanThe
The Ultimate Guide to Reading Fantasy (Best Books for Every Reader!) 📚 [EP#37]
Looking for a fantasy book to read? Look no further! We go through every fantasy subgenre in this episode, with recs for beginner to advanced readers!Books Discussed:Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter - Heather FawcettThe Elsewhere Express - Samantha Sotto YambaoBroken Country - Clare Leslie HallRecursion - Blake CrouchThrone of Glass - Sarah J MaasThe Sword of Kaigen - ML WangMistborn: The F
The Books That Made Us Fall in Love With Reading 📚 [EP#36]
Diving into NOSTALGIA today! Let's talk about the books that made us fall in love as young teenage readers.Books Discussed:A Stage Set for Villains - Shannon J SpannThe Ragpicker King - Cassandra ClareClockwork Angel - Cassandra ClareACOTAR (A Court of Thorns and Roses) - Sarah J MaasSilverwing - Kenneth OpalFallen - Lauren KateThe Lovely Bones - Alice SeboldThe Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis
Exposing Our Bookish HOT TAKES with Ellen Catherine! 👀 (@ellencatherinebooks) 📚 [EP#35]
In this episode, we chat with the beautiful Ellen Catherine and share some of our bookish unpopular opinions!Ellen's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@bookswithellenhttps://www.instagram.com/ellencatherinebookshttps://www.tiktok.com/@ellencatherinebooksBooks Discussed:Heir of Illusion - Madeline TaylorThe Someday Garden - Ashley PostonThe Mask Falling - Samantha ShannonThe Heart of Betrayal - M
February Reading Recap, March TBR & New Book Releases! 📚 [EP#34]
Let's wrap up our February reading month & talk about what we're looking forward to in March!Books Discussed:My Husband's Wife - Alice FeeneyA Stage Set for Villains - Shannon J SpannA Song to Drown Rivers - Ann LiangThe Fragile Threads of Power - VE SchwabThe Ending Writes Itself - Evelyn ClarkeProject Hail Mary - Andy WeirClockwork Angel - Cassandra ClareDark Age - Pierce BrownLi
Spicy Books That Are ACTUALLY Good... (As Spice Haters) 🌶️📚 [EP#33]
Let's talk about SPICE today! We are both self-proclaimed spicy book haters, but for some reason... these ones worked for us. Let's dive into why these spicy books worked!Books Discussed:A Stage Set For Villains - Shannon J SpannThe Diviners - Libba BrayLove Me Tomorrow - Emiko JeanBefore I Forget - Tory Henwood HoenThe Bright Years - Sarah DamoffWuthering Heights - Emily BronteNot Another
We Need to Talk About BookTok, BookTube & Bookstagram (Let's Do Better) 📚 [EP#32]
Books & social media bring us both SO much happiness... but we need to just take a second to talk about the current state of BookTok, the anti-intellectualism debate, online hate and more. Let's get into it.Books Discussed:Jade Legacy - Fonda LeeA Song to Drown Rivers - Ann LiangLight Bringer - Pierce BrownThe Favorites - Layne FargoThe Ice Queens - Layne FargoFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatim
The Ultimate Viral ROMANTASY Book Bracket with Emmy Rosam (@whatemmyreads)! 📚 [EP#31]
In this episode, we chat with the beautiful Emmy Rosam and battle it out to find the ultimate popular romantasy read!Emmy's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@emmyrosamhttps://www.tiktok.com/@whatemmyreadshttps://www.instagram.com/whatemmyreadssBooks Discussed:Heated Rivalry - Rachel ReidChain of Gold - Cassandra ClareThe Night We Lost Him - Laura DaveThe Future Saints - Ashley WinsteadZodiac Ac
January Reading Recap, February TBR & New Book Releases! 📚 [EP#30]
Let's wrap up our January reading month & talk about what we're looking forward to in February!Books Discussed:The Fellowship of the Ring (Lord of the Rings) - JRR TolkienClockwork Angel - Cassandra ClareOathbringer - Brandon SandersonDark Age - Pierce BrownJade City - Fonda LeeAn Offer from a Gentleman - Julia QuinnTo Bleed a Crystal Bloom - Sarah A ParkerUs Against You - Fredrik Back
Our FAVOURITE Book Characters of All Time 📚 [EP#29]
We love fictional characters, let's talk about some of our favourite book characters we've ever read! Books Discussed:The Lord of the Rings (The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King) - JRR TolkienOathbringer - Brandon SandersonBeartown / Us Against You - Fredrik BackmanReady or Not - Cara BastoneRed Rising - Pierce BrownThe Hunger Games - Suzanne CollinsA Darker S
Bookish Habits, Our Favs & If We Would Ever Write a Book... (Ask Us Anything!) 📚 [EP#28]
You asked, we answered... hope you enjoy this chatty episode as we discuss our habits as readers, what we do outside of reading & more!Books Discussed:Us Against You - Fredrik BackmanVow of Eternal Night - Lily CrozierThe Scholar and the Last Faerie Door - HG ParryA Man Called Ove - Fredrik BackmanPeople We Meet on Vacation - Emily HenryBridgerton (An Offer from a Gentleman) - Julia QuinnThe L
Book to Screen Adaptations We NEED to Watch! (And Want Next) 📚 [EP#27]
Let's talk about books being adapted to screen, whether to TV series or movie! Books Discussed:Midnight on the Celestial - Julia AlexandraA Reaper at the Gates - Sabaa TahirJade City - Fonda LeeJade War - Fonda LeeThe Lord of the Rings - JRR TolkeinOne Dark Window - Rachel GilligAkarnae - Lynette NoniThe Favorites - Layne FargoProject Hail Mary - Andy WeirThe Nightingale - Kristin HannahFourth Win
Overrated or Iconic? What We Thought About These VIRAL Booktok Books! 📚 [EP#26]
Are these popular booktok books overhyped... or actually worth it? Let's find out!Books Discussed:The Love Hypothesis - Ali HazelwoodThe Song of Achilles - Madeline MillerShatter Me - Tahereh MafiNormal People - Sally RooneyPeople We Meet on Vacation - Emily HenryThe God of the Woods - Liz MooreThe Inheritance Games - Jennifer Lynn BarnesThe Secret History - Donna TarttThe Perfect Son - Freida
December Reading Recap & Our 2026 Reading Goals & TBR! 📚 [EP#25]
Let's wrap up our December reading month & talk about our 2026 reading goals! Books Discussed:The Strength of the Few - James IslingtonHouse of Flame and Shadow - Sarah J MaasA Day of Fallen Night - Samantha ShannonThe Fellowship of the Ring (Lord of the Rings) - JRR TolkeinThe Bright Years - Sarah DamoffIron Gold - Pierce BrownThe Stormlight Archive - Brandon SandersonOathbringer - Brando
The BEST and WORST Books We Read This Year | 2025 Reading Wrap Up 📚 [EP#24]
2025 wrapped! Let's talk about the best and worst books we read this year, going month to month. THANK YOU for listening this year, and can't wait for more episodes to come in 2026!Books Discussed:The Strength of the Few - James IslingtonOathbringer - Brandon SandersonRed Rising - Pierce BrownThe Favourites - Layne FargoLove in the Time of Serial Killers - Alicia ThompsonBlood Over Bright
The Goodreads Choice Awards 2025… What Is Going On? 📚 [EP#23]
Let's go over the Goodreads Choice Awards nominees and winners of 2025! Why is the romantasy category so confusing...?Books Discussed:Just Friends - Haley PhamOf Flame and Fury - Mikayla BridgeThe Princess Knight - Cait JacobsThe Ballad of Falling Dragons - Sarah A ParkerWhen the Moon Hatched - Sarah A ParkerFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube:
Reacting to Your TOP 10 Books of 2025! 📚 [EP#22]
Time to talk about the BEST reads of 2025! In this episode, we go over YOUR top 10 books that you read this year. Thank you everyone for submitting your favs, hope you enjoy!Books Discussed:We Three Heroes - Lynette NoniWe Were Liars - E LockhartAtmosphere - Taylor Jenkins ReidSunrise on the Reaping - Suzanne CollinsBlood Over Bright Haven - ML WangProject Hail Mary - Andy WeirThe Will of the Many
The Realities of Publishing a Debut Fantasy with Sarah Mughal Rana | Dawn of the Firebird 📚 [EP#21]
Let's talk about the hard truth of publishing with Sarah Mughal Rana, author of debut fantasy Dawn of the Firebird. From her experience with writing an immersive and unique fantasy story in an age of romantasy, to her experience with defamation & review bombing, to social media marketing - join us in this fun chat with our first ever guest! Books Discussed:Dawn of the Firebird - Sarah Mugh
Bookish Things We Are LEAVING in 2025 📚 [EP#20]
Let's talk about some bookish habits and trends that we just want to leave behind in 2025... and forget about as we move into 2026!Books Discussed:Words of Radiance - Brandon SandersonThe Vanishing Half - Brit BennettFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcastJaime's so
Books you FORGOT About... But Should Still Read 📚 [EP#19]
Let's talk about some of those hidden gem books that we all forgot about... but we would still highly recommend!APOLOGIES for some of the audio quality in this episode, we had some technical difficulties this week 😭 Hope you're still able to enjoy this one! Books Discussed:Violet Thistlewaite is Not a Villain Anymore - Emily KrempholtzWarbreaker - Brandon SandersonSix of Crows - Leigh Bard
Book Series We DNF'd... vs Series We Can't Wait to Start! 📚 [EP#18]
Let's talk about the books (series) that we gave up on and DNF'd... but also chat about some series we are SO excited to start!Books Discussed:Direbound - Sable SorensenThe Raven Scholar - Antonia HodgsonLegendborn - Tracy DeonnRed Queen - Victoria AveyardThe House in the Cerulean Sea - TJ KluneHaunting Adeline - HD CarltonTwisted Love - Ana HuangZodiac Academy - Caroline Peckham and Susan
Creating Our PERFECT Fantasy Books 📚 | Choose Your Own Adventure [EP#17]
Let's create our ULTIMATE Fantasy stories! This episode just confirmed we should NOT be authors, but we had fun doing it anyways! 😂The Will of the Many Bonus Chapter:https://d1hbl61hovme3a.cloudfront.net/assets_us/interlude-confessiones-ad-mortuos.pdf?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaf2xFmz8pt_wyrplgvh8jxL2qxgze2T8JM4GhiB7U-uwIzLLUvHOhzYK4hznw_aem_eZlx6ZYwt7SnX_OsLup1ngBooks Discussed:The Astonishin
Oddly Specific Book Recommendations (for your very specific moods) 📚 [EP#16]
Today, we are going to give you our book recs for ALL your very specific moods. Hope you love this one!(We apologize for the audio quality in the last 2 minutes, we had some technical difficulties <3)Books Discussed:The Intruder - Freida McFaddenAlchemised - SenLinYuKatabasis - RF KuangAlchemy of Secrets - Stephanie GarberMasters of Death - Olivie BlakeShark Heart - Emily HabeckImmortal Consequ
Our FAVOURITE Authors and Where to Start With Their Books (READING ORDER RECS) 📚 [EP#15]
Let's talk about reading order for some of our FAVOURITE authors! We'll talk about our fav books from each, as well as where to start with them. RF Kuang video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPMmm4ikRgU/Books Discussed:Fake Skating - Lynn PainterAlchemised - SenLinYuSix of Crows: A Darker Shore (Letters from Ketterdam) - Leigh BardugoThe Poppy War - RF KuangBabel - RF KuangKatabasis - RF
The Books That Everyone Hated... But We LOVED 📚👀 [EP#14]
Let's talk about some books that the world HATED (aka had very low Goodreads ratings)... but we loved.Books Discussed:Us Against You - Fredrik BackmanWords of Radiance - Brandon SandersonAlchemised - SenLinYuThe Will of the Many - James IslingtonThe Invisible Life of Addie LaRue - VE SchwabProject Hail Mary - Andy WeirSilvercloak - LK StevenThe Raven Scholar - Antonia HodgsonYellowface - RF Ku
10 VIRAL Books We Will NEVER Read 📚👀 [EP#13]
Let's talk about some popular BookTok books that we just do not want to read... Books Discussed:The Names - Florence KnappThe Kingdom of Copper - SA ChakrabortyIcebreaker - Hannah GraceFlawless - Elsie SilverWild Card - Elsie SilverProblematic Summer Romance - Ali HazelwoodMate - Ali HazelwoodBride - Ali HazelwoodNot in Love - Ali HazelwoodDeep End - Ali HazelwoodCredence - Penelope DouglasBin
Long Distance Book Besties: Is Being a Book Lover Better in Canada or Australia? 📚 [EP#12]
Ever wonder about book shopping habits, book prices, bookish events & communities across the world? Today we are chatting about our reading experiences as book lovers in Australia vs Canada 💖Books Discussed:Mate - Ali HazelwoodBride - Ali HazelwoodGolden Son - Pierce BrownRed Rising - Pierce BrownFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: https:/
Convincing (*begging*) Each Other to Read Our FAVOURITE BOOKS 📚 [EP#11]
When your book bestie hasn’t read your FAVORITE BOOKS… Just trying to convince each other to read our favs! Hope you enjoy this episode 💖People mentioned:Emmy 🫶🏻 - https://www.youtube.com/@emmyrosamBooks Discussed:Metal Slinger - Rachel SchneiderImmortal Consequences - IV MarieBlood Moon - Britney S LewisBinding 13 (Boys of Tommen) - Chloe WalshThe Poppy War - RF KuangThe Raven Scholar - Antonia H
Books We DISAGREE On... Why We HATED and LOVED These Books 📚 [EP#10]
From Ali Hazelwood, to Sarah J Maas, to Jessa Hastings, to Leigh Bardugo and more. Let's chat about some of the books one of us LOVED, and the other didn't love so much. Books Discussed:Rewind it Back - Liz TomfordeThe Nightingale - Kristin HannahSilvercloak - LK StevenProject Hail Mary - Andy WeirDeep End - Ali HazelwoodNinth House - Leigh BardugoMagnolia Parks - Jessa HastingsWhere the Crawdads
Our HONEST Thoughts On The Way of Kings | DEEP DIVE BOOK CHAT 📚 [EP#9]
Let's do a book club style deep dive today. The book in question... The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson. We LOVED reading about Kaladin, Shallan, Dalinar, Szeth & Hoid, and cannot WAIT to continue the Stormlight Archive series and the Cosmere in general!As a note - the first portion of this episode is SPOILER FREE. We give a warning in the episode once we start going into spoiler territo
Can We Guess the Book From the First Sentence? [EP#8]
BOOK CHALLENGE TIME! Let's challenge our memories to see if we can remember the first lines of some of our favourite popular books. Take a stroll down our reader history and play along with us! Jaime's Options:A Darker Shade of MagicThe FavouritesShadow and BoneYours TrulyCaravalWhen the Moon HatchedBeartownMistbornThe Seven-Year SlipWild LoveFreya's Options:Magnolia ParksThe Seven Husbands of Eve
The Books That Were ALMOST Perfect... and Why [EP#7]
Let's talk about those books that we would highly recommend, and were still quite possibly 5 star reads... but just had one element that made it not quite perfect. Lots of good book recs in this one for you!Bailee's video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKjj01Z38dcFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZo
THIS or THAT? (Book Edition) - Fav Authors, Reading Habits & Hot Takes [EP#6]
Let's play This or That (bookish edition) - comparing authors, favorite books, characters, genres, reading habits, and so much more!Follow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcastJaime's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefokInstagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:https:/
All the BOOK SERIES We are In the Middle Of (Are These Worth Reading?) [EP#5]
Let's discuss the book series that we are currently in the middle of reading. Will we continue or DNF?Follow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcastJaime's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefokInstagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@freyval
The Search for the ULTIMATE Book Trope... Which Trope is Best? [EP#4]
Let's search for our absolute FAVOURITE book trope. Will it be enemies to lovers, fated mates, slow burn, found family, or something else? Follow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcastJaime's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefokInstagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:
Your Bookish Unpopular Opinions... Do We Agree or Disagree? [EP#3]
Let's go through YOUR unpopular opinions and bookish hot takes. Do we think audiobooks count as reading, do we love or hate insta-love, what are our thoughts on sprayed edges? Find out in this episode!Follow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcastJaime's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefokIns
Our MOST Anticipated Book Releases For the Rest of 2025 [EP#2]
Let's chat about our upcoming anticipated book releases for the rest of the year!Books mentioned:Three Shattered Souls - Mai CorlandNot Quite Dead Yet - Holly JacksonKatabasis - RF KuangWild Reverence - Rebecca RossAlchemy of Secrets - Stephanie GarberHolly - Adalyn GraceMate - Ali HazelwoodFallen City - Adrienne YoungThe Strength of the Few - James IslingtonFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponat
What Types of Readers are We? Get to Know Us & Our Reader Colors [EP#1]
Let's take the Read Your Color quiz to learn more about our own reading styles and book preferences!Syd BookWorrom’s video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LE2JPs5kXBQRead Your Color: https://www.readyourcolor.com/Follow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcastJaime's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@jaimef
Are these 10 VIRAL book series ACTUALLY worth the hype? [Special Pilot Episode]
Let's chat about Zodiac Academy, Fourth Wing, Sarah J Maas & More! In this episode, Freya & Jaime sit down and talk through 10 popular fantasy series to see if they are worth reading or not.Welcome to our Pilot Episode! This episode was originally posted on Jaime's YouTube channel as our trial run. Follow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: ht
