Best Reads So Far (Fantasy + Non-Fantasy), DNFs, Book Bingo Check-In & Writing Updates | Book Dragon Banter

Book Dragon Banter hosts discuss our best reads of the year so far (not limited to fantasy), current reads, DNFs, and palate cleansers. Sage is reading Victoria Aveyard’s Realm Breaker series and shares updates on her reading challenges, StoryGraph tracking, and postponing unfinished series like Blood Over Bright Haven. Katherine discusses cozy rereads, nonfiction reading goals, tracking stats, and favorites including Voyage of the Damned and Bloody Jack. Zinzi shares being on a reading ban to focus on writing, DNFs like Master of Salt and Bones and Feather So Vicious and a palate cleanser with The Other Bennet Sister. We compare progress on our book bingo challenges, share top fantasy picks (including This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews), and give writing journey updates, including a secret project and draft/revision progress. We close with book club news on Fable reading The Spear Cuts Through Water and upcoming season wrap and summer deep dive.

BDB Fable Fantasy Focused Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy-with-zinzi-bree-271215645134?referralID=f9KdWh3wtd

Find the Downloadable Book Bingo Reading Challenges here:

Book Dragon Banter Substack - https://bookdragonbanter.substack.com/

Podcast links:

Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/

Other links:

Book Dragon Ink Online Writing Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats

Write With Me, Zinzi Bree - Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack.com/

Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/

Katherine: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/

Current Read: The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez

Link: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/647357/the-spear-cuts-through-water-by-simon-jimenez/

00:00 Welcome to Book Dragon Banter

00:34 Episode Agenda and Rules

01:24 What We Are Reading Now

03:46 Reading Ban and Secret Project

04:46 Reader Chair Challenges Check In

05:20 Sage Updates and Series Waiting

08:38 Katherine Nonfiction and Tracking

11:03 Magical Element Bingo Progress

13:41 Strategy for Blackout Bingo

18:18 DNFs and Reading Regrets

21:54 Sage DNF Wuthering Heights

22:34 Why We Still Want Endings

23:54 DNF Or Not Right Now

24:46 Cozy Fantasy Trust Broken

26:57 Boredom And Backstory

27:54 Audiobooks And AI Voices

29:08 Palate Cleanser Picks

33:16 Fantasy Favorites So Far

37:24 Non Fantasy Best Reads

42:01 Writers Desk Check In

45:42 Goals Versus Habits

49:34 Wrap Up And Next Reads

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We gush over our latest book club pick, How to Find a Nameless Fae by A.J. Lancaster, a cozy fantasy romance Rumpelstiltskin retelling with spice, a middle-aged heroine, a melodramatic fae hero, and an interfering sentient house. We share why we all enjoyed it (cozy tone with meaningful stakes, great banter, classic fae lore like true names and power, and fun details like griffins, talking cats, magic “insignia” scents, and the house doing chores and providing lingerie). Spoilers included as we discuss character dynamics, consent, the bond/mated-leaning setup, miscommunication handled through insecurities, and how the gold curse and magic complications play out. We also talk narrator voice/chapter headings, standout lines about names and homes, and our hope for more books in this world.

BDB Fable Fantasy Focused Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy-with-zinzi-bree-271215645134?referralID=f9KdWh3wtd

Podcast links:

Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/

Other links:

Book Dragon Ink Online Writing Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats

Write With Me, Zinzi Bree - Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack.com/

Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/

Katherine: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/

Current Book: How to Find a Nameless Fae by A.J. Lancaster

Author Site: https://ajlancaster.com/books/other-projects/how-to-find-a-nameless-fae/

Next Book: The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez

Link: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/647357/the-spear-cuts-through-water-by-simon-jimenez/

00:00 Late Night Book High

00:32 Podcast Intro and Subscribe

01:10 Content Warning and Book Pick

01:54 Fable Book Club Plug

02:40 What This Book Is

04:11 Why We Loved It

05:57 Spoilers Begin Retelling Talk

07:54 Characters and Relatability

08:46 Mal Style and Cat Energy

13:05 Spice Level and Tattoos

15:51 Bonds Names and Power

19:35 Fairy Lore and Favorite Quotes

21:10 Chosen Names Queer Rep

21:46 Sentient House Cozy Living

22:29 Chores Lingerie Power Balance

24:03 Beauty Beast Narrator Voice

27:02 Made Up Words Pagefire

30:19 Insignia Scents Magic

32:21 Gold Curse Spice Fallout

33:38 Dream Bond Miscommunication

37:29 Fated Mates Consent Done Right

39:00 Unexplored Fae Magic Sequel Hooks

41:13 Trauma Gender Family Sacrifice

45:11 Next Read Spear Cuts Water

46:57 Reviews Retreats Outro

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We welcome you to Book Dragon Banter, where we (Sage, Katherine, and Zinzi Bree) talk fantasy and romantasy spice, from early reads like Mists of Avalon and Kushiel’s Dart to how modern romantasy has become more explicit on the page. We discuss when sex serves plot versus functioning like erotica, how unhealthy power dynamics, manipulation, and grooming can be portrayed (and sometimes left unaddressed), and why good sex doesn’t equal a healthy relationship. We also talk about foreplay-focused scene structure, common tropes like oral sex, language preferences and euphemisms (including a humorous run-through of terms from Naughty Words for Nice Writers), and the recurring age-gap fantasy problem.

BDB Fable Fantasy Focused Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy-with-zinzi-bree-271215645134?referralID=f9KdWh3wtd

Current Book: How to Find a Nameless Fae by A.J. Lancaster

Author Site: https://ajlancaster.com/books/other-projects/how-to-find-a-nameless-fae/

Podcast links:

Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/

Other links:

Book Dragon Ink Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats

Write With Me, Zinzi Bree - Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack.com/

Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/

Katherine: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/

Books Mentioned:

The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley

Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey

The Carry On Series by Rainbow Rowell

ACOTAR by Sarah J Maas

The Summer Prince by Alaya Dawn Johnson

Naughty Words for Nice Writers: A Romance Novel Thesaurus by Cara Bristol

"I Give You My Body . . .": How I Write Sex Scenes by Diana Gabaldon

Bride by Ali Hazelwood

Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger

Bridgerton Series by Julia Quinn

00:00 Uncensored Opener

00:21 Podcast Intro and Topic

00:47 First Fantasy Sex Reads

02:59 Romantasy Gets Explicit

04:17 Grooming and Power Dynamics

06:01 After the Happily Ever After

07:32 First Exposure Stories

09:09 Self Discovery and Communication

10:52 Mind Reading and Mental Load

13:15 Male Gaze vs Female Gaze

14:33 Writing Better Sex Scenes

16:14 Foreplay Tropes and Realism

19:12 Words and Euphemisms

20:55 Sexual Agency and Experience

23:05 Age Gaps and Immortal Lovers

25:53 Twilight Stalker Debate

27:30 Naming Body Parts

28:56 Euphemisms Versus Realism

29:51 Spice Goes Mainstream

30:24 Vagina Word List

32:48 Clit And Breasts Terms

34:31 Bridgerton Garden Metaphor

36:54 Wrap Up And Book Club

38:22 Unhinged Spice Recs

39:1

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Smut in Fantasy: Mental Porn or Power Dynamics? | Book Dragon Banter

In this episode of Book Dragon Banter, we (Sage, Katherine, and Zinzi Bree) talk about smut and spice in fantasy and romantasy—what it’s doing in the story, how we define terms like “mental porn” and “power dynamics,” and why consent and character/plot relevance matter to us. We also touch on where lines get drawn around monster romance and fantasy anatomy, share a few book examples, and wrap up.

BDB Fable Fantasy Focused Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy-with-zinzi-bree-271215645134?referralID=f9KdWh3wtd

February’s Book: How to Find a Nameless Fae by A.J. Lancaster

Author Site: https://ajlancaster.com/books/other-projects/how-to-find-a-nameless-fae/

Podcast links:

Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/

Other links:

Book Dragon Ink Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats

Write With Me, Zinzi Bree - Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack.com/

Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/

Katherine: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/

Books Mentioned:

Alchemized by SenLinYu

Lights Out by Navessa Allen

He Sees You When You’re Sleeping by Alta Hensley

Feathers So Vicious by Liv Zander

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer

Ice Planet Barbarian Series by Ruby Dixon

Quicksilver by Callie Hart

Brimstone by Callie Hart

Morning Glory Milking Farm by C. M. Nascosta

Bride by Ali Hazelwood

The Alanna Series by Tamora Pierce

The Harper Hall Trilogy by Anne McCaffrey

00:00 Smut at the Dentist

00:46 Podcast Intro

01:39 Why Talk About Spice

02:46 Defining Key Terms

04:05 Smut vs Erotica

05:48 Romantasy and Plot

08:45 Consent and Icks

10:08 Extreme Scenes and Curiosity

11:29 Disability and Realism

15:54 Fantasy Anatomy in Bed

19:30 Monster Romance Line

22:08 Shapeshifter Boundaries

23:24 Vampire Versus Werewolf

24:23 Fae Takeover Trend

25:21 Monster Romance Details

27:44 Cleanup And Aftercare

30:37 Messy Realistic Sex

33:06 Scent Power Dynamics

34:32 Early Spice Memories

39:52 Consent For New Readers

41:01 Book Club And Farewell

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Book Dragon Banter: Elatsoe by Darcy Little Badger - A YA Fantasy Murder Mystery Review

Join us for this exciting book club episode where we dive into 'Elatsoe' by Darcy Little Badger. If you love young adult books with strong protagonists, magical elements, and mystery, this is a must-watch! We discuss the book's mythology, handling of themes like representation and diversity, and how it masterfully combines folklore with a modern setting. Listen in to our thoughts on the plot twists, character arcs, and why we think this debut novel received such high praise. Don't miss our conversation on what makes this book a unique and compelling read!

BDB Fable Fantasy Focused Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy-with-zinzi-bree-271215645134?referralID=f9KdWh3wtd

Book Club: Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger

Author Site: https://darcielittlebadger.com/books-and-stories/#elatsoe

February’s Book: How to Find a Nameless Fae by A.J. Lancaster

Author Site: https://ajlancaster.com/books/other-projects/how-to-find-a-nameless-fae/

Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/

Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/

Katherine: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/

Write With Me, Zinzi Bree - Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack.com/

Book Dragon Ink Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats

00:00 Introduction to the Book Club

00:07 Why You'll Love Elatsoe

01:00 Representation and Romance in Elatsoe

01:35 Personal Reading Experiences

02:36 Meet the Hosts

03:10 Book Club Logistics

03:39 Pronunciation and Symbolism of Elatsoe

04:36 Why We Chose Elatsoe

05:28 Accolades and Initial Impressions

06:27 Unique Elements of Elatsoe's World

11:54 Positive Representation and Family Dynamics

22:58 Support and Grief: Navigating Loss

25:08 Healthy Relationships and Character Arcs

26:39 Cultural Beliefs and Ghosts

28:37 Foreshadowing and Plot Twists

32:48 Power Dynamics and Racism

40:48 Empathy Through Storytelling

46:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Book Dragon Banter: Podcast Behind the Scenes & Future Writing Goals

In this episode of Book Dragon Banter, Zinzi Bree, Sage, and Katherine talk about their experiences and goals for the future of the podcast. We discuss the upcoming end of our first season, initial trials, and plans for season two, including a new fantasy series deep dive, book club accessibility on Fable, potential guests, and possible format changes. We also share personal writing goals, favorite reads, and insights into our unique writing processes. Join us as we reflect on the past year and look ahead to an exciting future!

Find the Downloadable Reading Challenges here:

Book Dragon Banter Substack - https://bookdragonbanter.substack.com/

BDB Fable Fantasy Focused Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy-with-zinzi-bree-271215645134?referralID=f9KdWh3wtd

Book Club: Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger

Author Site: https://darcielittlebadger.com/books-and-stories/#elatsoe

Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/

Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/

Katherine: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/

Write With Me, Zinzi Bree, Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack.com/

Book Dragon Ink Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats

Books Mentioned:

Hellbent by Leigh Bardugo

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig

The Dreamer Trilogy By Maggie Stiefvater

The Raven Boys Trilogy by Maggie Stiefvater

Violet Thistlewaite is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz

Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Theme

01:33 Podcast Goals and Future Plans

02:10 Book Club and Series Deep Dive

04:02 Guest Appearances and Episode Frequency

06:34 Writing Inspirations and Favorite Books

15:34 Writing Goals and Challenges

19:20 Writing Goals and Obsessions

20:09 Postponing the Book and New Inspirations

22:59 Writing Process and Self-Criticism

28:24 Book Challenges for 2026

34:16 Fable Book Club and Writing Retreats

36:28 Bloopers and Fun Moments

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Reflecting on the Past Year & Setting New Reading Goals

With this New Year's episode of Book Dragon Banter, we dive into reflections on the past year, discuss our favorite fantasy reads, and set new reading goals for 2026. Join us as we explore personal traditions, like picking a 'word of the year,' and share how these practices have impacted our lives and writing journeys. We'll also reveal our exciting book challenges for 2026, chat about books that have deeply moved us, and provide some great reading recommendations. Stay tuned for more interactive opportunities with our book club on Fable. Happy New Year, and welcome to 2026!

Find the Downloadable Reading Challenges here:

Book Dragon Banter Substack - https://bookdragonbanter.substack.com/

BDB Fable Diverse Fantasy Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy-with-zinzi-bree-271215645134?referralID=f9KdWh3wtd

Book Club: Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger

Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/

Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/

Katherine: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/

Write With Me, Zinzi Bree, Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack.com/

Book Dragon Ink Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats

Books Mentioned:

The Sword of Kaigen by M. L. Wang

Hazelthorn by C. G. Drews

A Study in Charlotte Series by Brittnay Cavallaro

Jackaby Series by William Ritter

Don’t Let the Forest In by C. G. Drews

Morning Glory Milking Farm by C. M. Nascosta

Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede

Beware of Chicken by Causualfarmer

Mother of Learning Series by Domagoj Kurmaić

The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow

The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst

The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst

The Leveling Up Series by K. F. Breene

For She is Wrath by Emily Varga

The Last Dragon of the East by Katrina Kwan

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab

Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang

00:00 Reflecting on a Year of Change

00:32 Welcome to Book Dragon Banter

01:04 New Year's Traditions and Reflections

02:09 Choosing a Word for the Year

03:27 Empowerment and Momentum

07:11 Books That Made an Impact

10:07 Favorite Reads and Recommendations

22:16 The Joy of Book Clubs

24:36 Discovering New Reads and Balancing Genres

25:26 Reading Goals and Achievements

26:03 The Struggle with DNF (Did Not Finish)

28:04 Setting New Reading Goals for 2026

29:07 Tracking Reading Progress and Reviews

38:59 Book Challenges and Personal Goals

48:47 Upcoming Book Club Reads and Community Engagement

50:55 Conclusion

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A Christmas Carol Unwrapped: Themes, Adaptations, and Traditions | Book Dragon Banter

In this special Christmas episode of Book Dragon Banter, hosts Sage, Katherine, and Zinzi Bree dive into the timeless classic 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens. We discuss Dickens' storytelling techniques, the book's impact on modern Christmas traditions, and share personal experiences and adaptations of the story. Alongside, we embrace cozy holiday reading traditions like jolabokaflod and share some other festive reads. Join us for a Christmas literary journey and some light-hearted holiday banter.

Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/bookdragonbanter

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookdragonbanterpod

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bookdragonbanter/

Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/

Katherine: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/

Write With Me, Zinzi Bree, email: bookdragonbanterpod@gmail.com

Book Dragon Ink Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats

Recommended Holiday Reads list:

Topher’s Library: Holiday Reads You’ll Love https://youtu.be/mPaM9HPMyKw?si=eI12HGGzDN2hr_ga

Other Books Mentioned:

Good Spirits by B.K. Borison

A Hunt so Wild and Cruel: A Fae Christmas Carol Retelling by Rebecca F. Kenney

00:00 Introduction to Book Dragon Banter

00:32 Christmas Episode Vibes

01:09 Discussing 'A Christmas Carol'

04:46 Personal Reflections on Christmas

10:41 Favorite Adaptations of 'A Christmas Carol'

16:54 Surprises and Insights

28:43 Scrooge's Transformation

29:40 The Timelessness of A Christmas Carol

31:06 Religious and Moral Themes

34:16 Dickens' Writing Process

36:16 The Narrator's Voice

39:29 Scrooge's Character Development

49:38 The Spirit of Generosity

51:49 Cozy Christmas Traditions

54:17 Book Recommendations for the Holidays

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