What happens when the danger doesn’t fade — it deepens?
In this episode of Our Book Bench, Lisa and David discuss pages 102–148 of Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell (Chapters: “Fidens Nighthand’s Preferred Drinking Establishment” through “The City of Scholars”).
The Flying Senate has turned against them. Mal is still being chased — and we don’t yet know why. Dragons scorch islands. A kraken rises from the sea. Nighthand reveals more of who he truly is.
The adventure isn’t calming down — it’s growing wilder. And alongside the danger, the mystery around Mal deepens. Again and again, creatures notice her. Protect her. React to her.
Together, we explore:
• What makes something an adventure — especially when it’s dangerous
• Why this unlikely group keeps choosing to stay together
• The surprising tenderness beneath Nighthand’s rough exterior
• What might be special about Mal… and what it could mean for the Archipelago
In the middle of shipwrecks and uncertainty, we also talk about courage, loyalty, and the question that keeps rising: What makes a world worth saving?
📖 Reading next: Pages 149–195 (“The Sphinx Peninsula” through “Malum, Apple”)
Whether you’re reading along or just listening in, you’re invited to pull up a seat at the bench and join the adventure.
📚 Join the adventure at ourbookbench.com
💌 Email us at hello@ourbookbench.com
📷 Follow along on Instagram: @ourbookbench
