Freya Marske - Podcast Details

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Adult Book ClubAdult Book Club Episode 90: A Marvellous Light by Freya MarskeWelcome to the 90th Episode of the ABC Pod the Adult Book Club where we drink and we read things. This episodefeatures A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske. Discussion of the book starts at the 8th minute. Spoilers are between the 32 and 1:11 minute marks. We talk about our two points of view and the magic system that Marske created. In spoilers we get into the relationship between Robin and Edwin as well as what we thought of the spicy bits in the story. We finish with our usual segments and a thriller for next time. Enjoy!2025-02-241h 23

Big Gay Fiction PodcastSwordplay, Subterfuge, and Romance with Freya MarskeJeff & Will recommend the BL drama "Sunset Vibes," which streams on iQIYI. Jeff also reviews "Somewhere Beyond the Sea" by TJ Klune and "Swordcrossed" by Freya Marske. Freya joins Jeff to discuss "Swordcrossed," a romantasy featuring a slow burn romance between a man trying to save his family's business and the con artist he hires to stand up for him at his arranged marriage. She talks about the inspiration for the characters and the story, as well as the multi-year journey to getting the book published. Complete show notes for episode 465 along with a transcript...2024-10-211h 06

Experience Literature in a Whole New Way With Our Free AudiobookSwordcrossed Audiobook by Freya MarskeListen to this audiobook in full for free onhttps://hotaudiobook.com/freeID: 720053 Title: Swordcrossed Author: Freya Marske Narrator: Omari Douglas Format: Unabridged Length: 14:19:05 Language: English Release date: 10-10-24 Publisher: Pan Macmillan Genres: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Romance, Fiction & Literature, LGBTQ+, Romantasy Summary: Brimming with steamy romance, rougeish charm and intrigue, Swordcrossed is a dazzling queer fantasy from the internationally bestselling author of The Last Binding trilogy. ‘If you’re doing romantasy without Freya Marske, you’re doing it wrong’ – Casey McQuiston, author of Red, White & Royal Blue Low stakes. High heat. Sharp steel . . . Mattinesh Jay, heir to his family’s struggling b...2024-10-102h 19

Your Library on the Go With Free AudiobookSwordcrossed Audiobook by Freya MarskeListen to this audiobook in full for free onhttps://hotaudiobook.com/freeID: 752132 Title: Swordcrossed Author: Freya Marske Narrator: Omari Douglas Format: Unabridged Length: 12:20:00 Language: English Release date: 10-08-24 Publisher: Macmillan Audio Genres: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy Summary: High heat. Low stakes. Sharp steel. The cozy, low stakes of Legends & Lattes meets the scorching bodyguard fantasy of Jennifer L. Armentrout's From Blood and Ash in this enemies-to-lovers romance where, yes, the swords do cross. A LitHub most anticipated book of 2024 Mattinesh Jay, dutiful heir to his struggling family business, needs to hire an experienced swordsman to serve as best...2024-10-0812h 20

Cocktails and Cliterature - A Romance Novel PodcastSwordplay and Foreplay: Freya Marske Talks Sword CrossedSend us a textIn this steamy episode of Cocktails & Cliterature, Constance is hanging out with the fabulous Freya Marske—author of the bestselling A Marvelous Light—to talk all about her latest queer romance, Sword Crossed. Get ready for some sword-crossing fun (in more ways than one 😉) as they dive into the story of Matti, a wool merchant, and Luca, the irresistible swordsman he hires to help with an arranged marriage… but things definitely don’t go as planned, if you know what I mean. ⚔️🔥They chat about everything from corporate espionage to the tension-fil...2024-09-1948 min

On The Shelf with Honora QuinnSword Fights, Romance, And Your New Fantasy Obsession - Freya Marske and SwordcrossedThis week on OTS I got to speak with A Marvelous Light Author, Freya Marske about her newest swoony romantasy SWORDCROSSED. In which an heir needs to hire a swordsman to act as his best man in his arranged marriage, but ends up falling for him instead... Freya and I delve into the origins of this novel, her world building tips and tricks, and her favorite parts of the writing process. Follow Freya Follow OTS Get SWORDCROSSED Paper Chain BS The...2024-09-1533 min

Tantri Utami[EPUB] FREE download A Restless Truth (The Last Binding, #2) by Freya Marske[EPUB] FREE downloadA Restless Truth (The Last Binding, #2) by Freya Marske**Download Book Here ==> https://ngomongsendirian.blogspot.com/59807966-a-restless-truth[EPUB] FREE downloadA Restless Truth (The Last Binding, #2) by Freya MarskeRead OnlineA Restless Truth (The Last Binding, #2) by Freya Marske is a great book to read and that's why I recommend reading or downloading ebook A Restless Truth (The Last Binding, #2) for free in any format with visit the link button below.**Read Book Here ==> https://ngomongsendirian.blogspot.com/59807966-a-restless-truth**Download Book Her...2023-09-2300 min

unyil si ndableg[EPUB] FREE download A Restless Truth (The Last Binding, #2) by Freya Marske[epub] [download] A Restless Truth (The Last Binding, #2) by Freya Marske**Download Book Here ==> https://sledrimateng.blogspot.com/59807966-a-restless-truth[PDF] Free DOWNLOAD A Restless Truth (The Last Binding, #2) by Freya MarskeRead Online A Restless Truth (The Last Binding, #2) by Freya Marske is a great book to read and that's why I recommend reading or downloading ebook A Restless Truth (The Last Binding, #2) for free in any format with visit the link button below.**Read Book Here ==> https://sledrimateng.blogspot.com/59807966-a-restless-truth**Download...2023-09-0700 min

SFF AddictsTBRCon2023 Panel: Bringing History into Your Story (with Miles "Christian" Cameron, Tasha Suri, P. Djèlí Clark, Leslye Penelope, Freya Marske & Thilde Kold Holdt)Every week, we are highlighting a panel from TBRCon2023, looking back on the amazing variety of panels that we had the honor of hosting. This week, join moderator/author Miles "Christian" Cameron and authors Tasha Suri, P. Djèlí Clark, Leslye Penelope, Freya Marske and Thilde Kold Holdt for a TBRCon2023 author panel on "Bringing History into Your Story." SUPPORT THE SHOW: - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (for exclusive bonus episodes, author readings, book giveaways and more) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Merch shop⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (for a selection of tees, tote bags, mugs, notebooks and more) - Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FanFiAddict YouTube channel...2023-07-211h 40

The Hidden BookcaseA Restless Truth by Freya MarskeThis month at The Hidden Bookcase, we're reading sequels. Our first read is A Restless Truth by Freya Marske, the second book in The Last Binding Trilogy. Let's talk vulnerability, virginity, and very, very unfortunate predictions. Content warnings: References to murder, human sacrifice, suicide, child abuse, racism, transphobia and animal death. Joking references to incest. Transcripts available at planarprod.com/the-hidden-bookcase-transcripts Looking for a copy of A Restless Truth? Visit our Bookshop.Org page! If you purchase books via our Bookshop.Org, you're helping to fund the show and independent b...2023-03-0632 min

The Legendarium#380. Dipping a toe into SFF ROMANCE | A conversation with author Freya MarskeFreya Marske is here to pull Craig--and by extension, us all--into the world of SFF romance! They talk about the definition of romance, why it appeals generally, and why it appeals to her specifically as both a reader and a writer. Toward the end, Freya also gives a sizeable list of recommendations for those wanting to dip their own toes into more romantic waters. (Listen for the recs, or follow us on Twitter (below) to get the links. Check out Freya Marske's work here: https://freyamarske.com/ Support the show on Pa...2022-12-1343 min

DemythifyingDeMyth Turns the Page With Freya MarskeSend us a textHappy Sapphic Sunday! Carrying on with Queervember Lauren talks to Freya Marske about A Restless Truth. They briefly touch on book one (A Marvelous Light) in 'The Last Binding Trilogy' before getting into everything "A Restless Truth" . Join them on board as they set off on a Trans-Atlantic adventure filled with Mystery, Magic and Sapphic Romance.This is definately one of Lauren's top books of the year and talking to Freya was such a privilage! She's already desperate for book 3!Find Freya on the socials:Twitter/Insta @freyamarske 2022-11-201h 38

Romancing the Story: Writing Romance, Storytelling, and Book StructureEp 40 - Fantasy Romance, Worldbuilding, and Sapphic Lovers with Freya MarskeFreya Marske dazzles readers with her immersive worlds and has the credentials to show for it! She's an international bestselling author, winner of the Romantic Novel Award for Fantasy, and a Hugo-nominated podcaster. She discusses methods in building meticulous, literary worlds readers want to lose themselves in and how to balance a story that does so much with its premise - think Edwardian Knives Out on a boat! We also chat on leveraging a historic setting to layer a story and fleshing out characters and worldbuilding. Best of all, her series "The Last Binding" centers compelling queer c...2022-11-0145 min

A Novel EveningA Novel Evening with Freya MarskeDannie is joined this week by the sensational Freya Marske, to chat all about her smash hit debut A Marvellous Light, and of course the sequel A Restless Truth - together they delve into A Novel Evening at a beautiful location, with some very exciting guests!You can order yourself a copy of both A Restless Truth and A Marvellous Light here: Search Books | Waterstonesand find Freya over on Instagram for all the upcoming news about the trilogy: Freya Marske (@freyamarske) • Instagram photos and videos Become a Novel Listener over at: https://pl...2022-08-2244 min

FansplainingEpisode 163: Freya MarskeIn episode 163, Flourish and Elizabeth talk to novelist and Be the Serpent co-host Freya Marske upon the publication of A Marvellous Light, the first novel in her historical fantasy romance trilogy “The Last Binding.” As they discuss tropes, characterization, genre expectations, and other elements of fiction writing, Freya draws from her prolific fanfic-writing history to talk about the ways that fic did—and didn’t—prepare her to write original fiction, and the way her original fiction connects back to the fanfic world.2021-12-011h 08

Be The SerpentEpisode 99: Detective BoyfriendsOn this week's episode, we're celebrating the release of Freya's debut book by talking about detectives in love! The tentpoles are Of Dragons, Feasts, and Murders by Aliette de Bodard, A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske, and the fanfic If Life Was A Movie We’d Have A Better Soundtrack Than This by galaxysoup. What We’re Into Lately Dark Rise by C. S. Pacat The Saint of Steel series by T. Kingfisher that ruthless love by alherath The Warrior of the Third Veil by Victoria Goddard The Sisters Avrama...2021-11-171h 03

The Fantasy Inn Podcast95: Freya Marske InterviewTravis interviews author Freya Marske about her debut fantasy novel, A Marvellous Light, which is available now from Tordotcom. Red White & Royal Blue meets Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell in debut author Freya Marske’s A Marvellous Light, featuring an Edwardian England full of magic, contracts, and conspiracies. Freya and Travis discuss the best gins, building books around an emotional spine, and the highlights of her unofficial Smut Writing Course. Want your message featured on the podcast? Find out more here. About Freya Marske: Freya Marske lives in Australia, where she is...2021-11-0956 min

Your Library on the Go With Free AudiobookMarvellous Light Audiobook by Freya MarskeListen to this audiobook in full for free onhttps://hotaudiobook.com/freeID: 495172 Title: Marvellous Light Author: Freya Marske Narrator: David Thorpe Format: Unabridged Length: 14:31:00 Language: English Release date: 11-02-21 Publisher: Macmillan Audio Genres: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fiction & Literature, Historical, LGBTQ+ Summary: 'Narrator David Thorpes delicious depictions of steamy encounters between Robin and Edwin are intricately woven throughout this magical realm.' -- Booklist, starred review An International Bestseller! Winner of the 2022 Romantic Novel Award in Fantasy! Locus Award Finalist! An Indie Next pick and LibraryReads pickwith four starred reviews! A Best of 2021 Pick for NPR | Amazon | Kobo | Barnes & Noble ...2021-11-022h 31

Tales from the TrunkEpisode 32: Freya Marske - ”One Version of Yourself, at the Speed of Light”This time around, I'm joined by multiply-Hugo-nominated podcaster and author of the forthcoming novel, A Marvellous Light, Freya Marske (@freyamarske), thus completing the prophecy. Freya reads an excerpt of her story, "One Version of Yourself, at the Speed of Light," which leads us into a great discussion about using our day-job-expertise in our writing, the end of Be the Serpent, a hot take about historical fiction, and of course a lot of talk about fanfic. Things we mention in this episode: Be the Serpent Alexandra Rowland Jennifer "Macey" Mace 2021-10-151h 04

Be The SerpentEpisode 95: The Jasmine ThroneOn today's episode we're doing another deep dive on the marvelously sapphic fantasy novel The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri! What We’re Into Lately The Secrets of Charlotte Street series by Scarlett Peckham - book 2: The Earl I Ruined - book 3: The Lord I Left Seducing the Sorcerer by Lee Welch The Bachelor’s Valet by Arden Powell Game of Thrones fanfic Hunger Makes the Wolf by Alex Wells cast your bitterness into the sea by Kilerkki Campaign Skyjacks Till Hu...2021-09-221h 02

Be The SerpentEpisode 85: Girl Meets HouseOn today's episode, we're getting unseasonably spooky as we talk about Gothic novels! The tentpoles for this episode are Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, the film Crimson Peak, and the Untamed fanfic Imago by astrophyllite. What We’re Into Lately Word of Honor The View Was Exhausting by Mikaella Clements and Onjuli Datta Die, Volume 1 by Kieron Gillen and Stephanie Hans Dread Nation by Justina Ireland Don’t Look Back series by acuteneurosis ShuoshuoChinese Trading for a Living: Psychology, Trading Tactics, Money...2021-05-051h 02

Be The SerpentEpisode 80: ExtravaganzaOn this week's episode, we're bringing you an extra-long, extra special surprise: We're playing a one-shot of an RPG, using a game system designed by Alex, which uses a tarot deck rather than dice! Enjoy! As per the outro of this episode, the links to our statements in response to feedback we received on Episode 71: Macey’s statement RE BTS ep 71 Freya’s statement RE BTS ep 71 Alex’s statement RE BTS ep 71 For Next Time We're taking a week off our regular release...2021-02-101h 26

Be The SerpentEpisode 79: These Newfangled ToysThis week we're talking about new technologies, platforms, and formats of storytelling! The tentpoles this week are the first episode of Campaign Skyjacks, the interactive fiction game Stay by E. Jade Lomax, and the twitter threadfic Still Waters aka Turtle Creek. What We’re Into Lately Untamed by Anna Cowan The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald These Violent Delights by Micah Nemerever Qi hun Hades Yesterday Upon The Stair by PitViperOfDoom 24 Hours in the Past The Repair Shop Hist...2021-01-271h 05

Be The SerpentEpisode 78: Baby, Remember My NameOn this week's episode, we're discussing celebrity culture, the cost of fame, and three brilliant tentpoles: A Knight’s Tale, Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade, and “#bakudeku” by rageprufrock. What We’re Into Lately The Midnight Bargain by C. L. Polk On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong CryoBurn by Lois McMaster Bujold Eager by Ben Goldfarb live from new york by varnes The Murder of Crows by cerbykerby Hades My Hero Academia Other Stuff...2021-01-131h 01

Be The SerpentEpisode 77: Sneks Bless Us, Everyone!Happy holidays, everybody! On this episode, we're sticking with the theme of the season and discussing holidays in fiction! The tentpoles this week are the Doctor Who episode “A Christmas Carol,” the Disney film Coco, and the Scum Villain's Self Saving System fanfic “Shang Qinghua's No Good Very Bad Several Iterations Of A Day.” What We’re Into Lately The Art of Theft by Sherry Thomas How to Catch a Queen by Alyssa Cole Four Letter Word For Intercourse by bendingsignpost The Scapegracers by Hannah Abigail Clarke Hades...2020-12-3059 min

Be The SerpentEpisode 76: Structure?? I Don't Even Know 'Er!On this week's episode, your Serpents were in the middle of National Novel Writing Month, so they used their smart juicy brains and planned an episode without ANY TENTPOLES WHATSOEVER. It's a craft discussion episode!! What We’re Into Lately The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow Phoenix Extravagant by Yoon Ha Lee May the Best Man Win by Z. R. Ellor The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells “Artificial Condition” by Martha Wells “Rogue Protocol” by Martha Wells where the stars d...2020-12-161h 00

Be The SerpentEpisode 72: Fangs for the MemoriesOn today's episode, we're getting into that Spooky Season mood and talking about the dreaded VAMPYR. Or vampire, as Macey and Freya insist on pronouncing it. The tentpoles this week are “Small Changes Over Long Periods of Time” by Kellen Szpara, What We Do in the Shadows, and “pro bono” by astronicht. Note: This episode has been edited to amend a sidebar discussion we had in response to discussion about the racist representation in A Deadly Education, which we tentpoled in the previous episode. The segment begins at 0:13:12 of the audio, and on page 9 of the trans...2020-10-211h 02

Be The SerpentEpisode 71: Back To School (feat. Naomi Novik)On this week's episode, we're joined by glamorous guest star Naomi Novik to talk about magical boarding schools and the purposes of structured education. The tentpoles this week are A Deadly Education and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Note: This episode has been edited to include a content warning just after the introduction. Please check the transcript for the full text. What We’re Into Lately Will Darling Adventures series by K.J. Charles The Sugared Game by K.J. Charles Kindred by Octavia Butler N...2020-10-071h 04

Be The SerpentEpisode 70: ExtravaganzaOn this week's episode, we're taking a break to answer questions submitted by our listeners and play a fun game! It's the Extravaganza! \o/ What We’re Into Lately Catch and Kill by Ronan Farrow Down to Agincourt series by seperis The Game of God by seperis How Long ‘til Black Future Month? by N. K. Jemisin What the Water Gave Me by iesika Knock Down the House Blaseball Other Stuff We Mentioned Qantas Lounge at He...2020-09-231h 02

Be The SerpentEpisode 69: Nice Nice NiceOn this week's episode, we're putting on some mood lighting, we're pouring a glass of wine, and we're talking about some sexy things. And also about sex when it's more funny than sexy. The tentpoles for this episode are: “Favorite” by astolat, Sense8, particularly episode six of season one, and The Care and Feeding of Waspish Widows by Olivia Waite. What We’re Into Lately When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain by Nghi Vo Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall The Lymond Chronicles by Dorothy Dunnett The House o...2020-09-091h 04

Be The SerpentEpisode 68: Who Wants to Live Forever?On this week's episode, we are pondering the nature of mortality -- and immortality! We're discussing demigods and other sorts of very, very long lived folks. The tentpoles for this week are The Old Guard, The Sorcerer of the Wildeeps by Kai Ashante Wilson, and “The god of scraped knees.” by spqr. What We’re Into Lately The Care and Feeding of Waspish Widows by Olivia Waite Alice Payne Arrives by Kate Heartfield Mexican Gothic by Sylvia Moreno-Garcia Fiyah, issue 15 Summer in Orcus by T. Kingfisher ...2020-08-261h 03

Be The SerpentEpisode 67: Toss a Coin to Your SerpentsOn this week's episode, Macey gets her feet tangled in her cardigan, Freya tries to convince everyone to submit Extravaganza questions via 5-star iTunes reviews, and Alex is very tired. Oh, and we're also doing a deep-dive on a single tentpole: The Witcher tv show! What We’re Into Lately The Black God’s Drums by P. Djèlí Clark Ring Shout by P. Djèlí Clark The Haunting of Tram Car 015 by P. Djèlí Clark Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert Haikyuu!! The Order...2020-08-121h 03

Be The SerpentEpisode 66: You Break It, You Bond ItOn this week's episode, we’re discussing soulmates and soul bonds! Everyone have your assigned buddy? Remember to hold hands so nobody gets lost! The tentpoles for this episode are Mating the Huntress by Talia Hibbert, Fated by maydei, and “Deconstruct” by flowercity. What We’re Into Lately The Lost Future of Pepperharrow by Natasha Pulley “Of Dragons, Feasts, and Murders” by Aliette de Bodard Lady Sherlock series by Sherry Thomas A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas Realm of Ash by Tasha Suri The Ter...2020-07-291h 00

Be The SerpentEpisode 65: TransfigurationsOn today's episode we're talking about Harry Potter, the unbearable TERFness of JK Rowling, and the power of fanfic to reclaim and transform problematic canons: We're doing a deep-dive on the fanfic "Transfigurations" by Resonant! What We’re Into Lately Greenlight by Benjamin Stevenson The Letdown TV series Pink Slip by Katrina Jackson The Sorcerer of the Wildeeps by Kai Ashante Wilson Seraphina by Rachel Hartman What married people do by Shamelesscooper, a Scum Villain/Untamed crossover fanfic The Black Calhouns by Gail Lu...2020-07-1559 min

Be The SerpentEpisode 64: The Art of WarOn this week's episode, we're looking at a selection of small scenes from several different pieces of media: The Expanse, Naomi Novik’s His Majesty’s Dragon, an Alexander the Great documentary, K. J. Parker’s Devices and Desires, and Bujold’s The Warrior’s Apprentice. What We’re Into Lately Murderbot novellas by Martha Wells Network Effect by Martha Wells Riot Baby by Tochi Onyebuchi Lymond Chronicles by Dorothy Dunnett The Angel of the Crows by Katherine Addison Empire of Sand by Tasha Suri The Ac...2020-07-011h 05

Be The SerpentEpisode 63: Hugo Award Slate Review -- Best Novels of 2019On this week's episode, we're doing a whirlwind survey of the six finalists from this year's Hugo Award for Best Novel: The Light Brigade by Kameron Hurley, Middlegame by Seanan McGuire, A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine, Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir, The City In the Middle of the Night by Charlie Jane Anders, and The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow! What We’re Into Lately Slippery Creatures by KJ Charles A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik The Memory of Souls by Jenn Lyo...2020-06-1756 min

Be The SerpentEpisode 62: Overwhelming Ancestral NostalgiaOn this week's episode we're kicking back to discuss some of the beloved fantasy books of our youth, including The Circle of Magic series, the Abhorsen series, the Dark Is Rising series, and others! What We’re Into Lately The Spare by Miranda Dubner Girl Gone Viral by Alisha Rai The Fever King by Victoria Lee The Electric Heir by Victoria Lee Unholy Union by NeverwinterThistle Middlegame by Seanan McGuire The Scum Villain’s Self-Saving System by Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù 2020-06-031h 02

Be The SerpentEpisode 61: A Time and a PlaceOn this week's episode, we're discussing historical fantasy, and Freya makes a truly brilliant point about what this genre really IS. The tentpoles today are The Watchmaker of Filigree Street by Natasha Pulley, A Criminal Magic by Lee Kelly, and “Duende” by astolat. What We’re Into Lately Sorcerer to the Crown by Zen Cho Glitch A Marvelous Light by Freya Markse! Tor.com Dr. Manhattan The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo Master and Comm...2020-05-201h 01

Be The SerpentEpisode 60: ExtravaganzaOn this week's episode, it's time for another extravaganza of questions from our darling listeners! What's Freya's favorite nonfiction book? How quickly can Macey bring up chaos theory? Will Alex make any progress convincing their cohosts to wear snek onesies for the digital Hugo ceremony? What We’re Into Lately: Swordheart by T. Kingfisher The Winter Prince by Elizabeth Wein The City We Became by N. K. Jemisin Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir Untamed fanfic Scu...2020-05-061h 03

Be The SerpentEpisode 59: Everybody Wants To Be A CatOn this week's episode we're a lil loopy from quarantine, but we're still having fun! We're talking about non-human protagonists this week, with the tentpoles for discussion being The Unspoken Name by A.K. Larkwood, All Systems Red by Martha Wells, and the film Ratatouille. What We’re Into Lately A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine Rules for Vanishing by Kate Alice Marshall Birarley by Aster Glenn Gray The Unconquered City by K.A. Doore perhaps even friends by hirokiyuu The Great Pott...2020-04-221h 01

Be The SerpentEpisode 58: College Experience 101Welcome back to campus, students! It's the episode about college AUs and university settings! On today’s episode, we’re discussing The Student Prince by FayJay, Pamela Dean’s Tam Lin, and the pilot episode of The Magicians. What We’re Into Lately Band Sinister by K. J. Charles Stormsong by C.L. Polk The Husky and His White Cat Shizun fic The Untamed fic The Name of All Things by Jenn Lyons Other Stuff We Mentioned Witchmark by C.L. Polk 2020-04-0857 min

Be The SerpentEpisode 57: We All Fall DownOn this episode, we are shifting into a more serious register to talk about plague narratives. In light of the current pandemic, we urge you to check in with yourself before listening to this episode--are you doing okay? Are you good to listen to this right now? Please take care of yourself, and don't listen to this episode right now if it'll be an emotional overload for you. It'll always be here for you later. That said, the tentpoles for this episode are: The Monster of Elendhaven, The Doomsday Book by Connie Willis, and the eighth episode of...2020-03-251h 01

Be The SerpentEpisode 56: The Title of the EpisodeOn this week's episode, we're diving into a very self-referential discussion of the metatext! Tentpoles this week are the film The Handmaiden, the fanfic “Steve Rogers at 100,” and A Choir of Lies by our very own Alexandra Rowland. What We’re Into Lately Empire of Sand by Tasha Suri Realm of Ash by Tasha Suri The Impossible Contract by K. A. Doore Georgette Heyer The Untamed The Scum Villain’s Self-Saving System by Mo Xiang Tong Xu Heaven Official’s Blessing by Mo Xiang...2020-03-1158 min

Be The SerpentEpisode 55: There's a Form for ThatOn this week's episode, we're talking about bureaucracies! Macey brought a fun little game so Alex and Freya could use their imaginations! We're also talking about two great tentpoles: Going Postal by Terry Pratchett and the Harry Potter fanfic “Little Red Courgette” by blamebrampton. What We’re Into Lately The Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan A Skinful of Shadows by Frances Hardinge The Scum Villain’s Self-Saving System by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu astolat Joy o...2020-02-261h 04

Be The SerpentEpisode 54: Somewhere Over The RainbowOn this episode, we're discussing portal fantasies! We're yelling about how mad we are at Aslan! We're finding out Freya's middle name! We're talking about some great tentpoles: The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow, “Every Heart a Doorway” by Seanan McGuire, and the 2005 movie The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. What We’re Into Lately Little Women by Louisa May Alcott Little Women 2019 movie Learn My Lesson by Katee Robert The Scum Villain’s Self-Saving System Our Story’s Just Begun by ais...2020-02-1259 min

Be The SerpentEpisode 53: The Untamed (featuring guest star Ruoxi Chen!)On this episode, the Serpents are welding themselves to their bullshit with the help of a friend, glamorous guest star and kickass editor Ruoxi Chen! We're yelling about the Chinese fantasy drama, The Untamed! Welcome to Year Three of the podcast!! What We’re Into Lately Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert Thief series by Megan Whalen Turner On Grand Strategy by John Lewis Gaddis The Luminous Dead by Caitlin Starling Wilder Girls by Rory Power The Scum Villain’s Self-Saving Syste...2020-01-291h 06

Be The SerpentBonus Episode: Strange Horizons Special!!WHAT'S THIS? An episode on a Wednesday that isn't an Episode Wednesday!? Yes, it's true! Last year we pitched in to help our esteemed colleagues at Strange Horizons with their Kickstarter by pledging to do a special episode if they reached a certain landmark amount of donations. This week, we're bringing you that episode and talking about three amazing short stories that Strange Horizons published! The tentpoles this week are “Hunting the Viper King” by Kathryn Harlan, “Regret, Return, Reignite” by Audrey R. Hollis, and “Truth Plus” by Jamie Wahls. What We’re Into Lately The Ten Thous...2020-01-221h 00

Be The SerpentEpisode 52: Let Us Tell You Our Thoughts on Yaoi...On this week's episode, we're reminiscing about some of our favorite anime and talking a little about how it influenced our writing! The tentpoles for this episode are: Hikaru no Go, Yakitate!! Japan, and Princess Tutu. What We’re Into Lately The Untamed & Untamed fic Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir Gilded Cage by K.J. Charles Mutual Admiration Society: How… by Mo Moulton The Rise of Skywalker (2019) Thief by Ava March Mo Dao Zu Shi donghua Mo Dao Zu Shi...2020-01-1559 min

Be The SerpentEpisode 51: How to Romance Your DragonOn this episode, we're talking about dragons, specifically dragons that shapeshift into a hot person so you can kiss them. Well, ok, in one of the tentpoles a girl smooches the actual dragon-shaped dragon, but we'll get to that. The tentpoles this week are In the Vanishers’ Palace by Aliette de Bodard, the movie On Drakon, and “O Captain, My Captain” by novembersmith. What We’re Into Lately The Monster of Elendhaven by Jennifer Giesbrecht The Untamed The Impossible Contract by K.A. Doore Civilisations Other...2020-01-0156 min

Be The SerpentEpisode 50: Extravaganza (Agony Aunt Special)On this week's episode, we're playing Agony Aunt to fictional characters! What sort of problems have we been presented with this week, and how many times can we suggest "threesomes" as an answer? What We’re Into Lately Chilling Effect by Valerie Valdes The Descent of Monsters by J.Y. Yang The Untamed “i blinked (and there you were)” by Della19 Waves by IncompleteSentanc the lone traveller, standing strong by bubblewrapstargirl before you by theformerone Docile by K.M. Szpara 2019-12-1857 min

Be The SerpentEpisode 49: And I Shall Sit Here Consumed With Lust for the Rest of the EveningOn this week's episode we're discussing another of our favorite tropes of all time: enemies-to-lovers! The tentpoles are Captive Prince by C.S. Pacat (specifically the second book, Prince's Gambit), the 1995 miniseries adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, and the fanfic Lumos by birdsofshore. What We’re Into Lately The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman Transformers fanfic by astolat One Strange Rock The Purge (TV series) Wu Tang: An American Saga Watchmen Docil...2019-12-041h 00

Be The SerpentEpisode 48: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (And Stab Things)On this week's episode, we're talking about female reimaginings and digging into some gender stuff! The tentpoles are rageprufrock’s The Least of All Possible Mistakes, Ghostbusters (2016), and the pilot episode of Elementary. What We’re Into Lately The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary The Unspoken Name by A.K. Larkwood Bon Appétit Test Kitchen’s Youtube channel Return to River Cottage (referred to by Macey as Back to the Cottage, one in a series of documentaries by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall) The Winter Duke by Claire Eliza Bartlett Penric and...2019-11-201h 01

Be The SerpentEpisode 47: Clothes Maketh ManOn this week's episode we're discussing the use of fashion and clothing in works of deep literary merit! The tentpoles are Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal, the 2015 film Cinderella, and the graphic novel The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang. A piece of news!! Macey is running a kickstarter for SILK AND STEEL, an amazing fantasy anthology of queer women! Come getchur sword lesbians! What We’re Into Lately Duchess by Design by Maya Rodale Spellbound by Allie Therin Derry Girls The Secre...2019-11-061h 00

Be The SerpentEpisode 46: Welcome to Goth CampIt's the spookiest time of year, so we're talking about a trio of spooky tentpoles! By which we mean Peak Goth Asthetique: Gideon the Ninth, by Tamsyn Muir, The Addams Family, and Repo! The Genetic Opera. What We’re Into Lately The Nightmare before Christmas Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Welcome to the Black Parade by My Chemical Romance Chronin by Allison Wilgis Rurouni Kenshin Oxford Time Travel universe by Connie Willis Too Much Lip by Melissa Lucashenko Work...2019-10-2359 min

Be The SerpentEpisode 45: Not Your Usual Family ReunionOn this week's episode, we're discussing found families! The tentpoles are “Stilinski's Home for Wayward Wolves” by owlpostagain, Monstrous Regiment by Terry Pratchett, and the pilot episode of Firefly. What We’re Into Lately The House of Sundering Flames by Aliette de Bodard An Artificial Night by Seanan McGuire Down to Agincourt by seperis Embers by Vathara (also on fanfiction.net) “Sunny with a Chance of Storms” by Mysecretfanmoments and SuggestiveScribe The Library of the Unwritten by A.J. Hackwith The Talisman...2019-10-091h 04

Be The SerpentEpisode 44: Sympathy for the Devil (Live From WorldCon)Yes! It is here, at last! The recording of our first-ever live show, performed about a month ago at WorldCon in Dublin, Ireland! We're talking about villain redemption, and we've got some great tentpoles this week: the film Maleficent, and two fanfics, “Looking Glass Country” by astolat and “Three Days” by zamwessell. Other Stuff We Mentioned Les Misérables by Victor Hugo Smallville The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris Sorting Hat Chats Sleeping Beauty Once Upon a Time Snow White Veep...2019-09-2551 min

Be The SerpentEpisode 43: Two Great Tastes That Taste Great TogetherOn today's episode, we're discussing fusions and crossovers! The tentpoles are the first Avengers movie, the fanfic With Fire in Their Eyes by Asuka Kureru, and the fanfic Polaris by setissma. What We’re Into Lately Milkman by Anna Burns Valentine by Jodi McAlister This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone Black Sails Westworld Emily Tesh Jenn Lyons Game of Kings Oh My General Good Omens “we could turn the world to...2019-09-111h 01

Be The SerpentEpisode 42: Comedy, the Universe, and EverythingOn today's episode, we're discussing what exactly makes things funny. Hardly any dick jokes in this one, folks. (Get it? HARDly? it's a dick joke!) Anyway, our tentpoles (wink wink) this week are The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, The Emperor’s New Groove, and the Hamilton fanfic, “our gilded age” by screamlet. What We’re Into Lately Their Brilliant Careers by Ryan O’Neill Which Witch by Eva Ibbotson Schitt’s Creek Harry Potter Lettered (writer in Schitt’s Creek and Harry Potter fandoms) Good Omens 2019-08-281h 03

Be The SerpentEpisode 41: The Democratic Republic of SerpentsOn this episode, we're talking about politics! It's gonna get.... kind of weirdly emotional. The tentpoles this week are “Corridors of Power” by blythely, “Hand in Unlovable Hand” by Annakovsky, and Cheesecake and the Art of Political Warfare by Sakana Sara. What We’re Into Lately Middlegame by Seanan McGuire Slow Horses by Mick Herron The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid Semiosis by Sue Burke Red White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston “Lie Back and Think of Dinner” and “Still My He...2019-08-1458 min

Be The SerpentEpisode 40: Extravaganza*bangs on pots and pans* It's the Extravaganza! We're answering listener questions and definitely not sneaking in a question or two of our own! This is all completely legitimate and above-board! What We’re Into Lately Hither Page by Cat Sebastian The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite, Kaleidotrope podcast Jenn Lyons’ Ruin of Kings Lots of Good Omens stuff, including: Raven (singlecrow)’s Good Omens fic “Salinity (And Other Measures of Brackish Water)” by drawlight “A Stone’s Throw F...2019-07-311h 06

Be The SerpentEpisode 39: The Serpents' School of Witchcraft and WizzzardryOn this episode, we're talking wizards! We're comparing the magic systems of Brandon Sanderson's The Emperor's Soul and RB Lemberg's "Geometries of Belonging". Also, Freya has designed a fun game for Alex and Macey! What We’re Into Lately Silver in the Wood by Emily Tesh The Name of All Things by Jenn Lyons Chronin by Alison Wilgus Catalyst by Jennifer Mace A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine Lots of Good Omens shit, including: Alex’s Good Omens fanvids “Bohemian Rhapsody...2019-07-1759 min

Be The SerpentEpisode 38: A Hugo Award Special -- The Novels of 2018On this episode, we're doing a bird's-eye view of the six finalists from this year's Best Novel ballot of the Hugo Awards! What We’re Into Lately Luminous Dead by Caitlin Starling Prince of Air and Darkness by M.A. Grant Schitt’s Creek Borne by Jeff Vandermeer Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer Sungkyunkwan Scandal The Flowers of Vashnoi by Lois McMaster Bujold Good Omens (the miniseries) Other Stuff We Mentioned The Calculating Stars and The...2019-07-0358 min

Be The SerpentEpisode 37: Emotions Are Hard, Let's Do Murder!On this week's episode, we're discussing ASSASSINS! Tentpoles this week are The Perfect Assassin by K.A. Doore, the television show Killing Eve, and the movie Mr. and Mrs. Smith. What We’re Into Lately The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal The Hating Game by Sally Thorne A Duke in Disguise by Cat Sebastian Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir The Fisherman by John Langan Ship of Smoke and Steel by Django Wexler Killing Eve Proper English by K.J...2019-06-191h 01

Be The SerpentEpisode 36: There's No Place Like HomeOn today’s episode we’re discussing magical houses! Are some of them sentient? How do they communicate? Is a haunted house a magical house? The tentpoles this week are: “House Proud” by astolat, House of Many Ways by Diana Wynne Jones, and The Veldt by Ray Bradbury. What We’re Into Lately Proper English by KJ Charles A Prince on Paper Alyssa Cole Sicily: An Island at the Crossroads of History by John Julius Norwich Everything astolat Fall Out Boy’s discography The Poetry of...2019-06-0559 min

Be The SerpentEpisode 35: Well, Canaveral, I Don't Think We're in Kansas AnymoreOn this week's episode, we're talking about space operas.... IN SPAAAAACE. The tentpoles this week are The Tea Master and the Detective by Aliette de Bodard, the fanfic A Deeper Season by lightgetsin and sahiya, and the pilot episodes of Farscape and Killjoys. What We’re Into Lately The London Celebrities series by Lucy Parker Monty Don’s Italian Gardens Detective L "Quid Pro Quo" by Dira Sudis Other Stuff We Mentioned Ancillary Justice series by Ann Leckie Noel Streatfield Elementary The Sp...2019-05-221h 01

Be The SerpentEpisode 34: MisethereOn this episode, we're doing a deep-dive on a single tentpole, and we are extremely back on our bullshit. It's time to talk about astolat's Witcher fanfic, "Misethere"! What We’re Into Lately Amnesty by Lara Elena Donnelly le Carré Miranda in Milan by Katharine Duckett Not for Use in Navigation by Iona Datt Sharma Strange Grace by Tessa Gratton A Taste of Honey by Kai Ashante Wilson “Dreaming of Sunshine” The Magicians The Natural History of Dragons Komarr A Civil Campaign The Trop...2019-05-081h 00

Be The SerpentEpisode 33: Turn In Your Badge and Gun!On this episode, we're discussing police procedurals! Who breaks the rules? Who goes by the book? Tentpoles this week are A Private Reason for This by femmequixoitc, Midnight Riot by Ben Aaronovitch, and the first episode of the TV show Luther. What We’re Into Lately My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite Mrs. Martin’s Incomparable Adventure by Courtney Milan Romance is a Bonus Book (2019) The Unspoken Name by AK Larkwood (forthcoming, 2020) Spectred Isle by KJ Charles “Signals That Sound in the Dark” by Dira Sudis The War...2019-04-241h 03

Be The SerpentEpisode 32: Save the McGuffin, Save the WorldOn this week's episode, we're talking about time travel fix-it fics! How sexy can a paradox get? Are there multiple timestreams or just one? Can anyone keep all of this straight?! The tentpoles are the fanfic World Without End by Sorted, the book To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis, and the TV show The Umbrella Academy. What We’re Into Lately The House of Binding Thorns by Aliette de Bodard Docile by K.M. Szpara Welcome to the Goddamn Ice Cube by Blair Braverman Brianna Teintze’s Lord...2019-04-1058 min

Be The SerpentEpisode 31: A Podcast of Three CitiesOn this episode, we're talking about cities so vibrant they might as well be characters in their own right! Our tentpoles are “The City Born Great” by N.K. Jemisin, the Mortal Engines movie, and City of Lies by Sam Hawke. What We’ve Been Reading/Watching The Magicians The Wicked King by Holly Black My Favorite Thing is Monsters by Emil Feris Symphony for the City of the Dead by M.T. Anderson Other Stuff We Mentioned Leningrad Symphony The Hunger Games Mortal E...2019-03-271h 01

Be The SerpentEpisode 30: ExtravaganzaIt's time for another Extravaganza! This week, we're getting tipsy, answering listener questions, and revealing our brand new Patreon! Please consider supporting us there so that we can pay the scribes for their amazing work! What We’ve Been Reading The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons A Choir of Lies by Alexandra Rowland Russian Doll (2019) The Umbrella Academy (2019- ) Erkenci Kus (the Turkish soap opera) Other Stuff We Mentioned Doctor Who Pacific Rim (never explicitly stated, but this is where the ter...2019-03-131h 06

Be The SerpentEpisode 29: Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, BiOn this episode of Be the Serpent, we're talking about spies and secret agents, and we speculate about whether they screen for bisexuality in the hiring process (this episode was almost called "No, Mr Bond, I Expect You to Bi"). The tentpoles this week are the fanfic Ulysses by girlbookwrm, the movie Atomic Blonde, and the book City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett. What We’ve Been Reading Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker The Regeneration trilogy by Pat Barker Salt Mag...2019-02-271h 02

Be The SerpentEpisode 28: GenderpaloozaOn this episode of Be the Serpent, we're talking about gender, relationships, and the worldbuilding thereof! The tentpoles this week are a selection of Steven Universe episodes, The Black Tides of Heaven by JY Yang, and “An Ever Fixed Mark” by imperfectcircle. What We’ve Been Reading Heroine Complex series by Sarah Kuhn A Perfect Spy by John le Carre Empresses in the Palace Sea and Civilization: A Maritime History of the World Nirvana in Fire Le Guin short stories The Royal Tailor The Grand Heist Thugs of...2019-02-1359 min

Be The SerpentEpisode 27: I'm Not a Lady, I'm a Witch!On this episode of Be the Serpent, we're talking about witches! Our tentpoles this week are I Shall Wear Midnight by Terry Pratchett, “In Which Lettie Makes Demands” by ryfkah, and the movie Practical Magic. What We’ve Been Reading The Vorkosigan Saga by Lois McMaster Bujold Lethal White by Robert Galbraith (aka J.K. Rowling) The Underwater Ballroom Society by Stephanie Burgis and Tiffany Trent Wild Beauty by Anna-Marie McLemore The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge Flight of Magpies by K.J. Charles “Monologue by an unnamed mag...2019-01-301h 04

Be The SerpentEpisode 26: Alien Fucking, or Where There's a Will, There's A WayAs you may have heard, there's been a slight rearrangement of episode topics, due to the fact that the audio of our original recording of Episode 26 (witches!) was haunted. Therefore, this week we're talking about, well, exactly what it says on the tin. In other words, Dead Dove: Do Not Eat. Our tentpoles this week are The Shape of Water, "And I Awoke and Found Me Here on the Cold Hillside" by James Tiptree Jr, and "Bro: discover new talent." by Laylah (Homestuck fic). What We’ve Been Reading A Civil Campaign Warrior’s Appren...2019-01-161h 01

Be The SerpentEpisode 25: Kill Your DarlingsOn this episode of Be the Serpent, we're talking about character deaths in fiction. In other words: MURDERRRRRRRRR. The tentpoles this week are "Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose" by Synecdochic, the first Hunger Games movie, and "Singing My Sister Down" by Margo Lanagan. (Warning: Spoilers!) What We’ve Been Reading A Useful Woman by Darcie Wilde We Rule the Night by Claire Bartlett Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons Other Stuff We Mentioned Rebecca Kuang’s The Poppy War Black Juice by Margo...2019-01-021h 04

Be The SerpentEpisode 24: The Room Where It HappensOn this episode, the Serpents take a break from reading things to debrief about how their projects for National Novel Writing Month went! What We're Into Lately: Witchmark by C.L. Polk Sing for the Coming of the Longest Night 1491 The Bodies of the Girls Who Made Me: Fanfic and the Modern World Think of England fanfic The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons The 2018 Olympics Other Stuff We Mentioned National Novel Writing Month Court of Fives Episode 5: “Oh Ca...2018-12-191h 04

Be The SerpentEpisode 23: Drastically Redefining ProtocolOn this episode, the Serpents were in the middle of National Novel Writing Month, so we settled in for a cozy chat about just one tentpole, one of our favorite fanfics: "Drastically Redefining Protocol" by rageprufrock! What We're Into This Week Regeneration trilogy by Pat Barker Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston sundown starts at half-past six by halfdesertedstreets Out of play, out of competition by thenorthface “Dangerous if Unbound” by astolat Venom fanfic Other Stuff We Mentioned Hamilton Check...2018-12-0558 min

Be The SerpentEpisode 22: Out of Cheese, Error, Redo from StartOn this week's episode we're talking about Groundhog Day AUs! We're discussing the original trope-namer, the 1993 movie Groundhog Day; the Yuri!! On Ice fic "Maelstrom" by feelslikefire, and the flash fiction piece, "The First Stop Is Always the Last" by John Wiswell. What We’re Reading The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton The Possessed by Elif Batuman My Most Excellent Year by Steve Kluger City of Blades by Robert Jackson Bennett Freya’s Yuri!!! in Space fics Torn by Rowenna Miller Other S...2018-11-2159 min

Be The SerpentEpisode 21: Believing the Little LiesOn this episode, we're back on our bullshit to talk about worldbuilding with mythology. Our tentpoles this week are Alexandra Rowland's A Conspiracy of Truths, Barry Hughart's Bridge of Birds, and KJ Parker's "Let Maps to Others". What We’re Into This Week In the Vanisher’s Palace by Aliette de Bodard Kakashi/Iruka fic by, particularly, Maldoror and thehoyden Teetering on the brink of Venom fanfic Other Stuff We Mentioned Terry Pratchett Pliny’s letters Graffiti in Pompeii Memes Incomplete by astola...2018-11-071h 03

Be The SerpentEpisode 20: ExtravaganzaIt's time for another Extravaganza episode! This week we're taking a fantastic selection of listener questions and trying to pressure Freya into making some Weird Sounds! What We’re Into This Week The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson Band Sinister by K.J. Charles Homestuck Torn by Rowenna Miller Wynonna Earp Other Stuff We Mentioned “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson Georgette Heyer Les Miserables The Chinese drama Guardian A C...2018-10-241h 08

Be The SerpentEpisode 19: You and Me and Our Boyfriend Makes ThreeOn this episode of Be the Serpent, we're discussing OT3s (One True Threesomes). After all, it's twentygayteen, people! Give us more polyamory in canon media! Our tentpoles this week are “The Rundown Job” (Leverage season 5, episode 9); “Always Starts the Same, with a Boy and a Girl”, by lightgetsin (White Collar fanfic); and “Didn’t Know How Lost I Was”, by Annakovsky (Star Wars fanfic). What We’re Into this Week Mother of Invention edited by Tansy Rayner Roberts and Rivqa Rafael The Beast’s Heart by Leife Shallcross City of Lies by Sam Hawke Bannerl...2018-10-101h 01

Be The SerpentEpisode 18: Heist, Heist, BabyOn this episode of Be the Serpent, we're talking about heists and thieves and how much we love them. We almost called this episode "Sticky Fingers, Stolen Hearts". The tentpoles for this week are Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, Ocean's 8, and two Inception fics by imperfectcircle: "Palm, Ditch, Steal" and "Load, Misdirection, Switch". What We’re Reading: Jane Doe by Victoria Helen Stone A Conspiracy of Truths by Alexandra Rowland Witchmark by CL Polk 1688: A Global History by John E. Wills Jr. Other Stuff We Mentioned: Revenge...2018-09-2658 min

Be The SerpentEpisode 17: A Bump in the Night (The Sexy Kind)On this episode of Be the Serpent, we're talking about sex -- why we write about it, why we read about it, and more. Our tentpoles this week are Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey, An Unnatural Vice by KJ Charles, and the entire genre of F/F fanfiction (with three great recs from us)! What We’re Reading Heroine Worship (Sarah Kuhn) A Duke by Default (Alyssa Cole) Alex finally played Dragon Age: Inquisition! Other Stuff We Mentioned Leverage The Hugo Awards Bad Sex Awards from...2018-09-121h 05

Be The SerpentEpisode 16: A Bump in the Night, and Not the Sexy KindOn this episode of Be the Serpent, we're talking about some creepy stuff! Guest star Ryan Boyd, of the horror podcast Rank and Vile, joins us to discuss Clive Barker's "Jacqueline Ess: Her Will and Testament", both the book and movie versions of Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer, and the Hannibal fanfic "Where All Ladders Start" by emungere. What We’re Reading Black Sails fanfic Silver in the Wood by Emily Tesh Consider the Fork: A History of How We Cook and Eat by Bee Wilson The Henchmen of Zenda by K.J. Char...2018-08-2956 min

Be The SerpentEpisode 15: My (Psychic, Firebreathing) Little PonyOn this episode, we're talking about horse books! It's just that a lot of the horses in these horse books have wings... and... breathe fire... so yeah. But they're horses and it's a horse book! Listen to find out why! The tentpoles for this episode are Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonriders of Pern, You Drive Through the Dust by Dira Sudis, and the movie How to Train Your Dragon. What We’re Reading A Hat Full of Sky by Terry Pratchett Newt’s Emerald by Garth Nix The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge Dragon A...2018-08-151h 07

Be The SerpentEpisode 14: Once Upon a SomethingOn this episode of Be the Serpent, we're discussing fairytales: how do they work, what purpose does their beauty and terror serve, and why are they so intertwined with everything we read? Our tentpoles this week are Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik, Stardust (the movie), and the Yuri on Ice fanfic "hood & glove". What We’re Reading: Revenant Gun by Yoon Ha Lee Armistice by Lara Elena Donnelly Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang The Starlit Wood (anthology), ed. Dominik Parisien & Navah Wol...2018-08-011h 09

Be The SerpentEpisode 13: Machiavellian OverthinkersOn this episode of Be the Serpent, we're discussing some of our favorite sneaky, conniving little shits and their schemes, both successful and embarrassing. The tentpoles for this episode are A Civil Campaign by Lois McMaster Bujold, Lithograph by romantic_drift, and Jingo by Terry Pratchett. What We’re Reading: Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado Mark Oshiro’s Anger is a Gift Seeing Like a State by James C. Scott Queen’s Gambit by bedlamsbard Unfit to Print by K. J. Charles Empire of Sand by Tasha Suri 2018-07-181h 04

Be The SerpentEpisode 12: Yes, It Goes On and On, My FriendsOn this episode of Be the Serpent, we're talking about our favorite long-form stories -- epic fantasy, extremely long podcasts, and the slowest of slowburn fanfics. What We’re Reading: Dark Lord of Derkholm by Diana Wynne Jones Under the Pendulum Sun by Jeannette Ng Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer Hild by Nicola Griffith The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang Other Stuff We Mentioned: The Chrestomanci series by Diana Wynne Jones Ammonite by Nicola Griffith Speechless The Dragonriders of Pern series by Anne McCaffrey...2018-07-041h 02

Be The SerpentEpisode 11: It's All About the Money, Money, MoneyOn this episode of Be The Serpent, we're discussing economics-- no wait! Come back! It's going to be fun! Money in fantasy settings, alternative currencies, worldbuilding... All the stuff you like! Our tentpoles this week are The Traitor Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson, the movie In Time, and the fanfic “Freeport” by Maldoror_Chant. (And if you haven't yet checked out the podcast's official Discord chat, you're missing out!) What We’re Reading: The Henchmen of Zenda by KJ Charles Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik Other Stuff We Mentioned: The Pri...2018-06-201h 05

Be The SerpentEpisode 10: ExtravaganzaOn this special episode, we're not talking about a theme -- we're answering a cornucopia of amazing questions from our darling listeners! It's the one you've all been waiting for! It's the extravaganza! And, as announced in the episode, our lovely scribes have launched a Discord chat for fans of the show! Check it out here! What We’re Reading: Heroine Complex by Sarah Kuhn An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson Space Opera by Cat Valente Last Call at the Nightshade Lounge by Paul Krueger Other Stuff We Ment...2018-06-061h 13

Be The SerpentEpisode 9: Like Rome, But With LasersOn this episode of Be the Serpent, we're discussing space empires! We talk a little bit about the history of empires, writerly tips for constructing an empire, and the problems of imperialism. The tentpoles this week are: Ancillary Justice (and the rest of the Imperial Radch trilogy) by Ann Leckie, Star Wars, and The Course of Honour by Avoliot What We’re Reading: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black Space Opera by Catherynne M. Valente “Maggie Fitzgerald and the Saltwater Drip” by antistar_e Other Stuff We Mentioned: Farscape Saga 2018-05-2354 min

Be The SerpentEpisode 8: Once More, With Feelings!On this episode of Be the Serpent, we're discussing "Theft of Assets, Destruction of Property" by Helenish, Think of England by KJ Charles, and the television show Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, as well as a full buffet of romance tropes. And we're joined by a guest, the lovely Amanda Jean from The Hopeless Romantic podcast!! Things we mentioned: Think of England by KJ Charles Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries Theft of Assets, Destruction of Property by Helenish The Hopeless Romantic with Amanda Jean and Austin Chant Eurovision Douglas Adams The...2018-05-0958 min

Be The SerpentEpisode 7: Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells the StoryOn this episode of Be the Serpent, we're talking about historiography, propaganda, narrative control, Macey's misspent youth as a frozen meat salesperson, and some excellent pieces of fiction: "Written by the Victors" by Speranza, the Broadway show Hamilton, and The Fifth Season by NK Jemisin. Things We Mentioned: "Written by the Victors" by Speranza Hamilton by Lin-Manuel Miranda The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin The House of Niccolò series by Dorothy Dunnett Person of Interest fanfic A Conspiracy of Truths by Alexandra Rowland Ars Atlantiadae by multiple creators (usern...2018-04-251h 03

Be The SerpentEpisode 6: Cross Your Stars and Hope to BiOn this episode of Be The Serpent, we're talking about bisexuals in fiction. And because this is us, we have to come up with a taxonomy for them. So join us as we debate the merits and charms of the Chaos Disaster, the Sad Floppy Disaster, the Punch-You-in-the-Face Disaster, and the Terrifying, Competent Force of Nature Not-A-Disaster. The tentpoles this week are: The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue (Mackenzi Lee), The World That You Need series (Dira Sudis), and In Other Lands (Sarah Rees Brennan). Things we mentioned: The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by...2018-04-1153 min

Be The SerpentEpisode 5: O Captain, My CaptainOn this episode of Be the Serpent, we're talking about The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison, Jupiter Ascending, and "Dangerous if Unbound" by Astolat -- what do these have in common? Fealty relationships! Other things we mentioned: Disney princesses Noblebright & the hieros gamos (again) A Conspiracy of Truths by Alexandra Rowland The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison Jupiter Ascending "Dangerous if Unbound" by Astolat The Queen’s Thief series by Megan Whalen Turner The Empire Trilogy by Janny Wurts and Raymond E. Feist Self-insert fanfiction Courtly lov...2018-03-281h 04

Be The SerpentEpisode 4: The Bastard's Lying to You!On this episode of Be the Serpent, we're talking about LIAR by Justine Larbalestier, Yuri!! On Ice, "The Women Men Don't See" by James Tiptree Jr, and the joys and delights of unreliable narrators. Things we mentioned: Spoilers, spoilers, spoilers Liar (Justine Larbalestier) Yuri!!! On Ice (2016) "The Women Men Don’t See" (James Tiptree Jr.) Kingsman (2014) The Captive Prince series (C. S. Pacat) Alex’s debut book, A Conspiracy of Truths (forthcoming, Fall 2018) The Italians (John Hooper) The Handmaiden (2016) Fingersmith (Sarah Waters) Why street magicians are the worst...2018-03-141h 00

Be The SerpentEpisode 3: Apocalypse Sometime, Maybe Next TuesdayOn this episode of Be the Serpent, we're talking about The Book of the Unnamed Midwife by Meg Elison, the Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin, "Sailor's Delight" by jinjurly, and what we'd do in the event of an apocalypse. Things we mentioned: The Book of the Unnamed Midwife (Meg Ellison) Star Wars Mad Max: Fury Road "Sailor's Delight" Broken Earth trilogy (N. K. Jemisin) School’s Out Forever Lord of the Flies In the End (Alexandra Rowland) "Solfege" (Freya Marske) “The Day it Fell Apart” (Leslie Fish)...2018-02-2852 min

Be The SerpentEpisode 2: Personality Taxonomies and Shouting about Hogwarts HousesOn this episode of Be the Serpent, we're talking about Hogwarts houses (especially in regards to the Sorting Hat Chats system), the daemons of Phillip Pullman's His Dark Materials, and how personality classification systems can be a fun and useful writing tool. Things we mentioned: Sorting Hat ChatsAstrologySocial identity theoryAnne McCaffreyDivergent (Veronica Roth)Liminal spaceHowl's Moving Castle (Diana Wynne Jones)His Dark Materials (Philip Pullman)“He Says He Is an Experimental Theologian” by ErinPtah (Welcome to Night Vale-with-daemons AU)"What a Beast...2018-02-1400 min