Episodes
Lines Are Blurring… and So Are Feelings 👀 | On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn | Chapters 31-45
In this episode of Books Between Friends, we’re diving into Chapters 31–45 of On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn—and let’s just say… the tension is tensioning.
As alliances begin to shift and secrets creep closer to the surface, Medra continues to prove she’s not someone to underestimate. But it’s not just the external stakes rising—there’s a certain dynamic that’s getting harder and harder to ignore 👀
We break down:
The moments that had us side-eyeing everyone
Char…
Training Gets Dangerous Fast | On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn | Chapters 16–30
What starts as training quickly turns into something much more intense.
In this episode of Books Between Friends, we continue our readalong of On Wings of Blood by Briar Boelyn, diving into Chapters 16–30—where the stakes rise, the pressure builds, and it becomes clear that not everything is as controlled as it seems.
This section pushes the characters further, testing limits in ways that feel unpredictable… and maybe even a little dangerous.
As always, we break it do…
A Blood-Bound Beginning | On Wings of Blood by Briar Boelyn | Chapters 1–15
We’re diving into a brand new fantasy read—On Wings of Blood by Briar Boelyn—and right from the start… this one has its claws in us.
In this episode of Books Between Friends, we break down Chapters 1–15 and unpack everything from first impressions to early character dynamics, worldbuilding, and the moments that already have us asking questions (and maybe raising a few eyebrows 👀).
As always, we bring our signature 3-2-1 format:
3 Things We Loved (and yes, there’s alre…
Ranking All Throne of Glass Books | Throne of Glass Series Finale
We’ve reached the final episode of our Throne of Glass series—and we’re ending it with our ultimate ranking of all eight books.
From Throne of Glass to Kingdom of Ash, we each share our personal lists, debate our most controversial placements, and reflect on how the series evolved from beginning to end.
Some rankings were easy… others sparked a little chaos.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just finished the series, this episode is a full look at what worked, what sur…
Throne of Glass "Fight Bracket" | Who Will Come Out on Top? | A Special Series from Books Between Friends
In this third installment of our Throne of Glass mini-series, we’re taking on the ultimate question: Who would win in a fight?
We’ve created a full bracket of TOG characters and are debating our way through each matchup to crown a champion. To keep things interesting, we’ve removed two of the most overpowered contenders—Aelin and Rowan—and added a few rules along the way.
From surprising upsets to heated debates, this episode is packed with strong opinions, character analysis…
Throne of Glass “What Ifs” | Alternate Storylines & Wild Theories | A Special Series from Books Between Friends
What if everything in Throne of Glass had gone differently?
In this second episode of our special series, we dive into the ultimate “What If” scenarios across the entire series—from alternate character choices to major plot twists that could have changed everything.
We explore:
How different decisions could have reshaped the story
Alternate character paths and relationships
Theories that completely rewrite the ending
Our favorite (and most chao…
Throne of Glass Hot Takes | A Special Series from Books Between Friends
We’re doing something a little different in this episode.
To celebrate one of our favorite fantasy series, Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, we’re kicking off a special mini-series where we explore some fun discussion formats outside of our usual deep dive episodes.
This first episode is all about hot takes.
From controversial character opinions to bold book rankings and a few thoughts that might make the fandom gasp, we’re sharing some of our spiciest opinions about …
Did Vin Doom the World? | The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson | Chapters 49 - Epilogue
In this finale episode of our The Well of Ascension deep dive, we tackle the moment that changes everything.
Vin finally reaches the Well… but the choice she makes may have unleashed something far worse than the empire she fought to overthrow.
Join us as we break down the final chapters and epilogue of Brandon Sanderson’s The Well of Ascension. We talk about the shocking reveal behind the prophecy, the emotional fallout for Sazed, and the terrifying implications of what Vin r…
The Breaking of Luthadel | The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson | Chapters 37-48
In this episode of Books Between Friends, we cover Chapters 37–48 of The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson — and Luthadel is officially cracking.
Siege becomes survival. Politics give way to desperation. And the fragile systems holding the city together begin to splinter under pressure.
In this section, we unpack:
Elend facing the cost of leadership
Vin’s increasing isolation and the weight of power
The deepening mystery surrounding the Well
… The King Who Lost His Crown | The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson | Chapters 25-36
In this episode of Books Between Friends, we dive into Chapters 25–36 of The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson.
Elend is trying to lead without the authority he once had. Vin is questioning where she fits in a kingdom that feels increasingly fragile. And as alliances shift and armies wait just outside Luthadel’s walls, the question becomes clear: what does it actually mean to be king?
We unpack:
Elend’s struggle with leadership and legitimacy
Vin’s growin…
Revolution Was the Easy Part | The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson | Chapters 13-24
Revolution was the easy part. Governing is another story.
In this episode, we continue our deep dive into The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson, covering chapters 13–24.
Luthadel may be free from the Lord Ruler, but the real battle has just begun. As political tensions rise and outside armies threaten the city, Elend must decide whether his ideals can survive in a world that demands compromise. Meanwhile, Vin finds herself increasingly isolated, questioning who she can t…
Can You Rebuild an Empire without Becoming the Villain? | The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson | Chapters 1-12
The Lord Ruler is dead… so why does everything feel more fragile than ever?
In this first episode of our The Well of Ascension deep dive, we’re breaking down chapters 1–12 and asking the big question: what does it actually take to rebuild an empire after it collapses?
We talk through:
Elend’s impossible task of ruling Luthadel without becoming what he overthrew
Vin grappling with power, paranoia, and her uneasy bond with OreSeur
Sazed’s quiet but deeply uns…
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard | Chapters 22-Epilogue | We Were Lied To
In the final episode of our Red Queen series, Books Between Friends wraps up our discussion of Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard, covering Chapters 22 through the end, where long-held assumptions unravel and the truth finally comes into focus.
As secrets are revealed and loyalties are tested, it becomes clear that much of what Mare—and the reader—believed was carefully constructed. The questions of trust, power, and manipulation that have been building throughout the book collide in an e…
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard | Chapters 15-21 | Who Can You Trust?
In Part 3 of our Red Queen series, Books Between Friends tackles Chapters 15–21, where uncertainty takes center stage and trust feels like a dangerous gamble.
As Mare settles further into life among the Silvers, the question isn’t just how to survive—but who, if anyone, is safe to believe. With shifting loyalties, carefully chosen words, and motivations that feel increasingly unclear, these chapters introduce a growing sense of paranoia that hangs over every interaction.
In t…
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard | Chapters 8-14 | A Pawn in the Silver Court
In Part 2 of our Red Queen series, Books Between Friends continues our discussion of Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard, covering Chapters 8–14, where power is subtle, survival is strategic, and nothing is as simple as it seems.
After the shocking events of the Queenstrial, Mare Barrow is pulled into the heart of the Silver court—a world built on spectacle, control, and carefully crafted appearances. As she’s forced to learn new rules and play a role she never asked for, we unpack what it…
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard | Chapters 1-7 | Little Lightning Girl
In our first episode of 2026, Books Between Friends is diving into Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard—and we’re officially entering a world divided by blood.
In this kickoff episode, we cover Red Queen Chapters 1–5, where we meet Mare Barrow, a girl living in a society split between Silvers with godlike powers and powerless Reds who exist to serve them. What starts as a familiar dystopian setup quickly turns into something… electrifying.
We break down the worldbuilding, the rigid …
Books Between Friends Greatest Hits of 2025: Mistborn (Part 1)
Welcome to our final episode before the new year hits! When we talk about expansive world building, great magic systems, and complex and interesting characters, Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn series most definitely hits the mark from our catalog of 2025. Join us for this Greatest Hits episode as we dive into Sanderson's world of political intrigue, incredible heist plots, and a badass magic system found in Mistborn: The Final Empire.
Books Between Friends Greatest Hits of 2025: A Darker Shade of Magic (Part 1)
This is our next installment of our greatest hits from 2025! What better way to nerd out with book friends than by discussing this dark urban, portal fantasy from V.E. Schwab. Come travel with us, book friends... As Travars!
Books Between Friends Greatest Hits of 2025: The Nightingale (Part 1)
Our next installment of our greatest hits from 2025 is here! One of our most popular discussions was over The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. Join us as we discuss Part 1 of this epic historical fiction!
Books Between Friends Greatest Hits of 2025: Onyx Storm (Predictions and Theories)
Hi book friends--
As we mentioned in our previous episode, the three of us are taking a break during this holiday season to recharge and come back strong in 2026. Until that time, please enjoy some of what we are calling our "Greatest Hits of 2025!" These are the episodes that you, our book friends, have commented on and interacted with the most, so... we're bringing them back for an encore performance.
The three of us wish you and your families the happiest of…
The House in the Cerulean Sea, Part 4: Don't You Wish You Were Here?
In our final episode of this season’s read, (and final episode of our first season), we conclude The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune, covering Chapter 16 through the Epilogue. This section brings emotional confrontations, powerful moments of truth, and the culmination of Linus’s transformation as he faces the consequences of his choices. We unpack the climax on the mainland, the heartwarming return to Marsyas Island, and the beautifully tender moments that tie the story together.
… The House in the Cerulean Sea, Part 3: Conflict on the Mainland
In this episode of Books Between Friends, we explore chapters 11–15 of The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune—where the magic of Marsyas Island truly begins to deepen. Linus continues warming to the children (and vice versa), but his caseworker instincts clash with the growing sense that there’s more to this orphanage—and to Arthur Parnassus—than the files ever revealed.
We break down the tender, funny, and unexpectedly emotional moments that shape these chapters, discuss characte…
The House in the Cerulean Sea, Part 2: Welcome to Marsyas Island
In this week’s episode of Books Between Friends, we continue our journey through The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune, diving into chapters 6–10. Linus Baker has finally arrived at the Marsyas Island Orphanage—and nothing is as expected. From the eccentric caretaker Arthur Parnassus to a group of magical children with secrets of their own, Linus’s rule-bound world begins to unravel in the most delightful way.
We unpack our first impressions of the island, the heartwarming (and h…
The House in the Cerulean Sea, Part 1: Cozy Fantasy Vibes
This episode, we’re diving into The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune — a heartwarming fantasy full of found family, whimsy, and compassion. In this first episode, we cover chapters 1–5, where we meet Linus Baker, a rule-loving caseworker for the Department In Charge of Magical Youth (DICOMY), and glimpse his orderly world before it’s turned upside down. Join us as we unpack Klune’s charming writing style, the mysterious world of magical children, and the quiet humor woven through Linus’…