Book Talk for BookTok - podcast cover

Book Talk for BookTok

Have you ever binge-read a new favorite series, only to end up with a book-hangover? Or finished a heart-stopping scene only to look around and not be able to talk to anyone about it? Maybe you’ve even felt embarrassed about what you’re reading because it isn’t considered a “classic” by people you know. Book Talk for BookTok with Jac and Amy is the go-to literary podcast to discuss your favorite novels with your newest book-besties. They use their literary backgrounds to analyze what makes these stories so special and why the writing resonates with readers. Join them in taking modern women-written books seriously.
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Episodes

Crown of Midnight Chapters 6–11: Celaena vs. Destiny – Who’s in Control? (Part 2)

Welcome to Book Talk for BookTok! In Episode 2 of our Crown of Midnight season, Jac and Amy analyze chapters 6–11 of Sarah J. Maas’s second book in the Throne of Glass series. Celaena Sardothien navigates haunted hallways, political games, and romantic tension, but beneath it all lies a deeper struggle between fate, freedom, and identity. This is part 2 of this week's episode. This week, we ask:Which expectations placed on our characters are new, and which have carried over from the previous boo...

Jun 26, 20251 hr 15 minSeason 12Ep. 2

Crown of Midnight Chapters 6–11: Celaena vs. Destiny – Who’s in Control?

Welcome to Book Talk for BookTok! In Episode 2 of our Crown of Midnight season, Jac and Amy analyze chapters 6–11 of Sarah J. Maas’s second book in the Throne of Glass series. Celaena Sardothien navigates haunted hallways, political games, and romantic tension, but beneath it all lies a deeper struggle between fate, freedom, and identity. This is part 1 of this week's episode. This week, we ask:Which expectations placed on our characters are new, and which have carried over from the previous boo...

Jun 24, 20251 hr 3 minSeason 12Ep. 2

Crown of Midnight Chapters 1–5: Assassin, Spy, Queen? (Literary Analysis, Part 2)

Welcome to Book Talk for BookTok! Best friends Jac and Amy return to break down Crown of Midnight, the second book in Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series. In this premiere episode, we dive into chapters 1–5, where Celaena Sardothien is no longer just Adarlan’s most feared assassin; she’s the King’s Champion, but not in the way everyone thinks. This is part 2 of this week's episode. Through our signature academic literary analysis (backed by our 13 years of combined literary training), we expl...

Jun 19, 20251 hr 16 minSeason 12Ep. 1

Crown of Midnight Chapters 1–5: Assassin, Spy, Queen? (Literary Analysis, Part 1)

Welcome to Book Talk for BookTok! Best friends Jac and Amy return to break down Crown of Midnight, the second book in Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series. In this premiere episode, we dive into chapters 1–5, where Celaena Sardothien is no longer just Adarlan’s most feared assassin; she’s the King’s Champion, but not in the way everyone thinks. Through our signature academic literary analysis (backed by our 13 years of combined literary training), we explore themes of misinformation, identity,...

Jun 17, 20251 hr 5 minSeason 12Ep. 1

Preparing for Crown of Midnight: Listener Reactions & All Things Sarah J. Maas

Before we dive into our upcoming 10-part literary analysis of Crown of Midnight, we’re taking a moment to celebrate all things Sarah J. Maas—with help from YOU, our listeners. In this special episode, we: Share your thoughts, theories, and favorite moments from across the Throne of Glass series Discuss key characters, worldbuilding, and SJM’s signature writing style Revisit moments from A Court of Thorns and Roses, House of Earth and Blood, and Kingdom of Ash Explore how Maas’s storytelling has ...

Jun 12, 20251 hr 5 minSeason 11Ep. 16

How Wattpad and Fanfiction Are Changing Publishing (with Alessandra Ferreri)

How Fanfiction is Reshaping Publishing: A Conversation with Alessandra Ferreri of Wattpad What do After, The Kissing Booth, and countless BookTok favorites have in common? They all started on Wattpad. In this episode, we sit down with Alessandra Ferreri, Head of Content at Wattpad and self-proclaimed “Fanthropologist,” to explore how fanfiction is influencing the future of publishing, screen adaptations, and Gen Z storytelling. We dive into: What makes a fanfic—or fanfic-inspired story—poised fo...

Jun 10, 202555 minSeason 11Ep. 15

Writing Q&A: Fantasy & Romantasy Craft

Spring Book Club is over, and we're kicking off our next adventure: a 10-part literary analysis of Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas. But before we dive in, we’re answering your writing questions! From worldbuilding to character arcs, best friends Jac and Amy bring their academic training and literary passion to this special Q&A episode for aspiring romantasy writers and curious readers alike. Whether you're a fan of Sarah J. Maas or looking to refine your own storytelling craft, this episo...

Jun 05, 202556 minSeason 11Ep. 14

The Vampire's Bargain by Jasmine Walt

Welcome to Spring Book Club, a weekly literary analysis podcast focused on today’s most popular romantasy and fantasy romance books by women authors. In this episode, best friends Jac and Amy dive into The Vampire's Bargain by Jasmine Walt. With 13 years of combined academic literary training, Jac and Amy analyze modern fantasy and romance novels through a critical lens, treating them with the same thoughtfulness and depth as any classic literary text. Whether you love or hate a book, they’ll he...

Jun 03, 20251 hr 7 minSeason 11Ep. 13

Powerless by Lauren Roberts (Part 2)

Welcome to Spring Book Club, a weekly literary analysis podcast focused on today’s most popular romantasy and fantasy romance books by women authors. In this episode, best friends Jac and Amy dive into Powerless by Lauren Roberts, breaking down key themes, character development, and why this BookTok favorite has taken the romantasy world by storm. This is Part 2 of this week's episode. With 13 years of combined academic literary training, Jac and Amy analyze modern fantasy and romance novels thr...

May 28, 202552 minSeason 11Ep. 12

Powerless by Lauren Roberts

Welcome to Spring Book Club, a weekly literary analysis podcast focused on today’s most popular romantasy and fantasy romance books by women authors. In this episode, best friends Jac and Amy dive into Powerless by Lauren Roberts, breaking down key themes, character development, and why this BookTok favorite has taken the romantasy world by storm. With 13 years of combined academic literary training, Jac and Amy analyze modern fantasy and romance novels through a critical lens—treating them with...

May 27, 202551 minSeason 11Ep. 12

Interview with Penn Cole

Welcome back to Spring Book Club, the weekly podcast where best friends Jac and Amy dive deep into the world of romantasy and fantasy books with in-depth literary analysis, spicy takes, and special guest interviews. In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome bestselling romantasy author Penn Cole, creator of the viral Kindred Curse series. We discuss the magical world of Spark of the Everflame, Glow of the Everflame, and Heat of the Everflame, plus get a teaser for the upcoming book, Burn of the...

May 22, 20251 hr 11 minSeason 11Ep. 11

We Hunt The Flame by Hafsah Faizal

Welcome to Spring Book Club! Best friends Jac and Amy conduct a weekly literary analysis on popular Romantasy books. This week, they discuss We Hunt The Flame by Hafsah Faizal. They use their combined 13 years of literary academic training to analyze and give voice to reasons why you may love or hate today's popular books. They embrace and respect modern fantasy, romance, and romantasy books written by women. And so, it is in their nature to analyze these books as you would any other novel you m...

May 20, 202556 minSeason 11Ep. 10

Interview with Gabriel Michael

Welcome to Spring Book Club! Best friends Jac and Amy conduct a weekly literary analysis on popular Romantasy books. In this special episode, they chat with Gabriel Michael. Best known for his performance as Xadon Riorson from Graphic Audio's production of Fourth Wing, Gabriel is also a director, writer, and singer-songwriter. Find Gabriel on Instagram @gabriel_m_michal or his website www.gabrielmichal.com Spring Book Club Roster: Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros / Lore of the Wilds by Analeigh Sbra...

May 15, 202553 minSeason 11Ep. 9

Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle Jensen

Welcome to Spring Book Club! Best friends Jac and Amy conduct a weekly literary analysis on popular Romantasy books. This week, they discuss Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle Jensen. They use their combined 13 years of literary academic training to analyze and give voice to reasons why you may love or hate today's popular books. They embrace and respect modern fantasy, romance, and romantasy books written by women. And so, it is in their nature to analyze these books as you would any other novel y...

May 13, 20251 hr 9 minSeason 11Ep. 8

Hannah Nicole Maehrer Interview

Welcome to Spring Book Club! Best friends Jac and Amy conduct a weekly literary analysis on popular Romantasy books. Today, we interview best-selling author Hannah Nicole Maehre. Hannah Nicole Maehrer is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of Assistant to the Villain. Hannah Nicole Maehrer—or as TikTok Knows her, @hannahnicolemae—is a fantasy romance author and BookToker with a propensity for villains. When she’s not creating bookish comedy skits about Villains and Assistants, she’s writing t...

May 08, 20251 hr 1 minSeason 11Ep. 7

Nine Tailed by Jayci Lee

Welcome to Spring Book Club! Best friends Jac and Amy conduct a weekly literary analysis on popular Romantasy books. This week, they discuss Nine Tailed by Jayci Lee. They use their combined 13 years of literary academic training to analyze and give voice to reasons why you may love or hate today's popular books. They embrace and respect modern fantasy, romance, and romantasy books written by women. And so, it is in their nature to analyze these books as you would any other novel you might have ...

May 06, 20251 hr 1 minSeason 11Ep. 6

Quicksilver by Callie Hart (Part 2)

Welcome to Spring Book Club! Best friends Jac and Amy conduct a weekly literary analysis on popular Romantasy books. This week, they discuss Quicksilver by Calie Hart. This is Part 2. They use their combined 13 years of literary academic training to analyze and give voice to reasons why you may love or hate today's popular books. They embrace and respect modern fantasy, romance, and romantasy books written by women. And so, it is in their nature to analyze these books as you would any other nove...

May 01, 202551 minSeason 11Ep. 5

Quicksilver by Callie Hart (Part 1)

Welcome to Spring Book Club! Best friends Jac and Amy conduct a weekly literary analysis on popular Romantasy books. This week, they discuss Quicksilver by Calie Hart. This is Part 1. Stick around Thursdays for Part 2. They use their combined 13 years of literary academic training to analyze and give voice to reasons why you may love or hate today's popular books. They embrace and respect modern fantasy, romance, and romantasy books written by women. And so, it is in their nature to analyze thes...

Apr 29, 202556 minSeason 11Ep. 5

Interview with Nisha J Tuli

Welcome to Spring Book Club! Best friends Jac and Amy conduct a weekly literary analysis on popular Romantasy books. Today we interview best-selling author Nisha J Tuli. Nisha J. Tuli is an Amazon Top 50 and International Bestselling author of romantasy and contemporary romance. Her novel Trial of the Sun Queen—the first in the Artefacts of Ouranos series—became a BookTok hit and has gone on to be published in over a dozen languages around the world. Look for her debut romcom, NSFW (Not Safe for...

Apr 24, 202558 minSeason 11Ep. 4

Lore of the Wilds by Analeigh Sbrana

Welcome to Spring Book Club! Best friends Jac and Amy conduct a weekly literary analysis on popular Romantasy books. This week, they discuss Lore of the Wilds by Analeigh Sbrana. They use their combined 13 years of literary academic training to analyze and give voice to reasons why you may love or hate today's popular books. They embrace and respect modern fantasy, romance, and romantasy books written by women. And so, it is in their nature to analyze these books as you would any other novel you...

Apr 22, 20251 hr 12 minSeason 11Ep. 3

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros (Part 2)

Welcome to Spring Book Club! Best friends Jac and Amy conduct a weekly literary analysis on popular Romantasy books. This week, they discuss Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros. This is part 2 of this week's episode. They use their combined 13 years of literary academic training to analyze and give voice to reasons why you may love or hate today's popular books. They embrace and respect modern fantasy, romance, and romantasy books written by women. And so, it is in their nature to analyze these books a...

Apr 17, 202548 minSeason 11Ep. 2

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros (Part 1)

Welcome to Spring Book Club! Best friends Jac and Amy conduct a weekly literary analysis on popular Romantasy books. This week, they discuss Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros. They use their combined 13 years of literary academic training to analyze and give voice to reasons why you may love or hate today's popular books. They embrace and respect modern fantasy, romance, and romantasy books written by women. And so, it is in their nature to analyze these books as you would any other novel you might h...

Apr 15, 202550 minSeason 11Ep. 2

Interview with Alwyn Hamilton

This week Jac and Amy interview best-selling author Alwyn Hamilton and discuss her new novel The Notorious Virtues. Alwyn Hamilton was born in Toronto and spent her childhood bouncing between Europe and Canada until her parents settled in a small town in France. She left France for Cambridge University to study History of Art at King’s College, and then to London. She is the author of Rebel of the Sands, Traitor to the Throne, and Hero at the Fall. Find Alwyn at her website, Instagram (@AlwynHam...

Apr 11, 202548 minSeason 11Ep. 1

Throne of Glass Listener Thoughts (Part 2)

Best friends Jac and Amy conduct a literary analysis of Sarah J. Maas's debut novel, Throne of Glass. In this episode, they discuss listener thoughts and email submissions. This is part 2 of this week's episode. Stick around Tuesday when we kick off our Spring Book Club with our literary analysis of Onyx Storm. Pooj's StoryGraph reading challenge: https://app.thestorygraph.com/reading_challenges/968cb9af-274f-4c2b-ba64-122b83bb5b32 Every episode, Jac and Amy use their combined 13 years of litera...

Apr 10, 202551 minSeason 10Ep. 11

Throne of Glass Listener Thoughts

Best friends Jac and Amy conduct a literary analysis of Sarah J. Maas's debut novel, Throne of Glass. In this episode, they discuss listener thoughts and email submissions. This is part 1 of this week's episode. Stick around for part 2, which airs on Thursday. Every episode, Jac and Amy use their combined 13 years of literary academic training to analyze and give voice to reasons why you may love or hate today's popular books. They embrace and respect modern fantasy, romance, and romantasy books...

Apr 08, 202550 minSeason 10Ep. 11

Throne of Glass: Chapters 49 - 55 (Part 2)

Best friends Jac and Amy conduct a literary analysis of Sarah J. Maas's debut novel, Throne of Glass. In this episode, they discuss chapters 49 - 55. Each episode is broken into 2 parts. This is part 2 of this week's episode. Come back Tuesday, where we'll discuss listener thoughts. (Spoilers for Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, and Heir of Fire will be discussed. Any larger series or other SJM spoilers will be reserved for the end of Thursday's episode in part 2.) Every episode, Jac and Amy ...

Apr 03, 20251 hr 7 minSeason 10Ep. 10

Throne of Glass: Chapters 49 - 55

Best friends Jac and Amy conduct a literary analysis of Sarah J. Maas's debut novel, Throne of Glass. In this episode, they discuss chapters 49 - 55. Each episode is broken into 2 parts. This is part 1 of this week's episode. Stick around for part 2, which airs on Thursday. (Spoilers for Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, and Heir of Fire will be discussed. Any larger series or other SJM spoilers will be reserved for the end of Thursday's episode in part 2.) Every episode, Jac and Amy use their...

Apr 01, 20251 hr 1 minSeason 10Ep. 10

Chef's Choice by TJ Alexander

In today's surprise episode, we are celebrating Transgender Day of Visibility! We discuss TJ Alexander's excellent rom-com novel Chef's Choice and why it's not only the perfect rom-com, but also the perfect book for everyone to read. Resources: Trans Lifeline – A peer support and crisis hotline run by and for trans people. https://translifeline.org/donate The Trevor Project – Focused on crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth. They offer 24/7 support via phone, text or chat h...

Mar 31, 202548 minSeason 10Ep. 9

Throne of Glass: Chapters 44 - 48 (Part 2)

Best friends Jac and Amy conduct a literary analysis of Sarah J. Maas's debut novel, Throne of Glass. In this episode, they discuss chapters 44 - 48. Each episode is broken into 2 parts. This is part 2 of this week's episode. Come back Tuesday, where we'll discuss chapters 49 - 55. (Spoilers for Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, and Heir of Fire will be discussed. Any larger series or other SJM spoilers will be reserved for the end of Thursday's episode in part 2.) Every episode, Jac and Amy u...

Mar 27, 20251 hr 3 minSeason 10Ep. 9

Throne of Glass: Chapters 44 - 48

Best friends Jac and Amy conduct a literary analysis of Sarah J. Maas's debut novel, Throne of Glass. In this episode, they discuss chapters 44 - 48. Each episode is broken into 2 parts. This is part 1 of this week's episode. Stick around for part 2, which airs on Thursday. (Spoilers for Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, and Heir of Fire will be discussed. Any larger series or other SJM spoilers will be reserved for the end of Thursday's episode in part 2.) Every episode, Jac and Amy use their...

Mar 25, 202556 minSeason 10Ep. 9
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