Book Dragon Banter
Three aspiring authors—Sage, Katherine, and Zinzi Bree—host this podcast about books, featuring deep dives into tropes, spicy opinions, and unfiltered banter. While fantasy is their first love, they cover all genres. New episodes drop every other Tuesday.
Episodes
All About Ilona Andrews' Books!
Finished This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me? What Ilona Andrews Series Should You Read Next (Spoiler-Free)Book Dragon Banter hosts Zinzi Bree, Katherine, and Sage discuss what to read next after Ilona Andrews’ This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me, staying mostly spoiler-free while comparing series across the authors’ backlog. They highlight Ilona Andrews’ new app for tracking reading, taking a series quiz, an
This Kingdom's Hangover Remedies
Book Hangover Cures for This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me | Soft FMCs, Isekai, Magic Systems & WorldbuildingIn this Book Dragon Banter episode, Zinzi Bree, Sage, and Katherine share spoiler-free recommendations to cure a This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me hangover by focusing on similar elements rather than derivative substitutes. They plug Book Dragon Ink writing retreats and announce HearthCon (Oct 3
Fall Reads: Cozy Vs Creepy
Cozy vs. Creepy Fall TBR: Witches, Vampires, Haunted Houses & Spicy Orc Romance Book Dragon Banter hosts Zinzi Bree, Sage, and Katherine share fall TBR picks and discuss whether they read seasonally (cozy vs. creepy) based on mood or climate, plus announce HearthCon panels on Oct. 3–4. Zinzi recommends cozy fantasy titles including Tails, Tusks and Teacakes, The Very Secret Society of Irregula
This Kingdom's Bonus Games
This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me: Quotes Quiz, “Most Likely To,” Real-World Jobs & Fan Casting | Book Dragon BanterBook Dragon Banter hosts Zinzi Bree, Sage, and Katherine wrap up their season on Ilona Andrews’ This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me with a spoiler-filled games episode. They start with a “who said it” quote quiz featuring lines from characters, then play “most likely to” about Kair Toren c
Not A Read Along Episode?
Podcast Updates + What We’re Reading Next? | Book Dragon BanterThe hosts of Book Dragon Banter (Zinzi, Sage, and Katherine) share podcast updates including a new Thursday release day, a meet-up opportunity at From Milwaukee With Love/Meet Me on North on September 12, and an endorsement of Ilona Andrews’ new app with name spellings, maps, and extras. They then debate what book to cover next after n
Pajama Wrap Party - This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Read Along
This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Finale: Isekai Expectations, Bonus Scenes & Book Two Theories | Book Dragon BanterIn this episode of Book Dragon Banter, Sage, Katherine, and Zinzi Bree wrap their spoiler-filled discussion of Ilona Andrews’ This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me, reflecting on the experience of reading in sections versus binging, and sharing predictions for book two and beyond. They compa
Made It This Time - Chapters 40-43 & Epilogue - This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Read Along
This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Read-Along: Chapters 40–43 & Epilogue In this Book Dragon Banter episode, Sage, Katherine, and Zinzi Bree discuss chapter 40 through the end of This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews, noting Katherine’s mid-episode technical difficulties and saving full-series speculation for a wrap-up pajama party. They recap the Joedurar ball, including Maggie’s princess
Mage Battle! - Chapters 37-39 This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Read Along
This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Read-Along: The Temple in the Tangle, Isadau, and a Mage BattleIn this episode of Book Dragon Banter, Katherine, Sage, and Zinzi Bree discuss chapters 37–39 of This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews, from Clover negotiating for Maggie’s dress, to the eerie temple rescue of cursed mage Isadau, and questions about magic’s costs and rules. They break down the exp
Can I Get That in Writing? - Chapters 32-36 This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Read Along
This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Read-Along: Maggie’s Magic, Digi’s Deal, and Bellen’s Red Flags In this episode of Book Dragon Banter its hosts, Katherine, Sage and Zinzi Bree, discuss chapters 32–36 of This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews, framing them as the setup before the climax. They recap Maggie meeting Galiene, exposing the leak to Hreban and learning Maggie can speak Sereso, then
New Favorite Cousin - Chapters 29-31 This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Read-along
This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Read-Along: Maggie’s Adoption, Everard’s Schemes & the Fortress AttackIn this Book Dragon Banter read-along episode, hosts Sage, Katherine, and Zinzi Bree discuss This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews, focusing on Maggie’s adoption into the Demar family, the subtext-laden banter between Solentine and Everard, and how Maggie’s new legitimacy shifts the po
Magic D!ck Syndrome - Chapters 24-28 This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Read Along
This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Read-Along: Chapters 24-28Book Dragon Banter hosts Sage, Katherine, and Zinzi Bree continue their read-along of Ilona Andrews’ This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me. They discuss the aftermath of Everard’s reveal, Maggie’s practical coping and boundary-setting, and her dilemma over whether the “book” Everard matches the man in front of her. Maggie leverages Everard’s need to
The Everard in the Room - Chapter 23 This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Read-along
The Everard in the Room: Chapter 23 Shock & Betrayal | This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Read-AlongIn this Book Dragon Banter read-along episode for This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews, Zinzi, Sage, and Katherine react to the Chapter 23 twist: a moment they praise as “unexpected but inevitable” due to carefully planted clues (coins, age, excessive knowledge, and character reactions) and
Murderboard! - Chapters 18-22 This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Read Along
This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Read-Along: The Butcher Appears, Kaiden’s Family Tree, and an Almost Kiss (Ch. 18–22)In this episode of Book Dragon Banter Sage, Katherine, and Zinzi Bree discuss chapters 18–22 of This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews, covering Maggie’s market outing with Reynald and Clover, the return of the mysterious “Goldeneyes from the Garden,” and the grim discovery of
Quick Pod Update and Plans for Next Season
Quick check in from Zinzi. No new episode drop this week. In the meantime where should we put our chapter summaries, and what book or series would you like us to cover until Maggie the Undying 2 comes out? Let us know in the comments!See you next week!Get in touch with us!
Two Boots and a Sword - Chapters 15-17 This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Read-along
This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Read-Along: Two Boots and a Sword (Ch. 15–17)In this Book Dragon Banter read-along episode, Zinzi Bree, Sage, and Katherine discuss chapters 15–17 of This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews, shifting format to prioritize discussion over a detailed recap. They break down Maggie’s troupe’s tightly orchestrated gray iron barrel heist at the docks, including distra
Is It Fresh? - Chapters 11-14 This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Read-Along
This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Read-Along (Ch. 11–14) Book Dragon Banter hosts Zinzi Bree, Sage, and Katherine continue their read-along mini season for This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews, covering chapters 11 through 14 with a spoiler-free discussion. The hosts discuss Maggie’s rapidly shifting attachments, found-family dynamics, heist-story structure, and romance possibilities among R
Good Teeth, Bad Plan - Chapters 6-10 This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me - Read-along
Book Dragon Banter continues a spoiler-free read-along of Ilona Andrews’ This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me, covering chapters 6–10. Zinzi Bree, Sage, and Katherine discuss first impressions of the newly introduced Reynald, Clover, and Kaiden, praising how the book handles extreme violence and noting the realism of consequences like the heaviness of bodies and having to dispose of them. They talk about
Naked, In a Ditch - Chapters 1-5 - This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me - Read Along
Zinzi Bree, Sage, and Katherine begin a spoiler-free read-along of Ilona Andrews’ This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me, covering chapters 1–5. They recap Maggie being isekai’d into Kair Toren, stealing coins, getting murdered, and reviving, then navigating the Garden of Soft Blossoms, learning language and social classes, meeting Galiene, encountering villain Ulmar Hreban, and making a risky information-
This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me Read-Along Trailer
This summer we're trying something different and digging into Zinzi's newest book obsession: This Kindgom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews. Read-along with us as Katherine and Sage read the book for the first time!Get in touch with us!
A Story Within a Story: The Layers of 'The Spear Cuts Through Water'
The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez — Experimental Fantasy, POV Shifts & Love Stories | Book Dragon BanterIn this episode of Book Dragon Banter, Zinzi Bree, Sage, and Katherine discuss Simon Jimenez’s The Spear Cuts Through Water, our Fable book club pick, sharing spoiler-free reactions and then diving into spoilers. We unpack the book’s experimental structure—second-person “you,” sh
Diving into DNF's and Spring Fantasy Finds
Best Reads So Far (Fantasy + Non-Fantasy), DNFs, Book Bingo Check-In & Writing Updates | Book Dragon BanterBook 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 seri
A Cozy & Spicy Romantasy: How to Find a Nameless Fae by A.J. Lancaster
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, m
The Intersection of Fantasy, Romantasy, and Smut: When Magic Meets Desire - Part 2
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 unaddre
The Intersection of Fantasy, Romantasy, and Smut: When Magic Meets Desire - Part 1
Smut in Fantasy: Mental Porn or Power Dynamics? | Book Dragon BanterIn 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 r
Delving into Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger - Book Club Deep Dive
Book Dragon Banter: Elatsoe by Darcy Little Badger - A YA Fantasy Murder Mystery ReviewJoin 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 h
New Year Part 2: Reflections on Writing and Plans for 2026...
Book Dragon Banter: Podcast Behind the Scenes & Future Writing GoalsIn 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, an
New Year Part 1: New Reading Challenges!
Reflecting on the Past Year & Setting New Reading GoalsWith 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&ap
A Christmas Carol Unwrapped: Themes, Adaptations, and Traditions
A Christmas Carol Unwrapped: Themes, Adaptations, and Traditions | Book Dragon BanterIn 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
Hidden Strengths: Examining Characters in The Sword of Kaigen by M. L. Wang
Hidden Strengths: A Deep Dive into 'The Sword of Kaigen' | Book Dragon BanterIn this emotional episode of the Book Dragon Banter podcast, hosts Zinzi Bree, Sage Moreaux, and Katherine Suzette dive into 'The Sword of Kaigen' by M.L. Wang. Join us as we discuss how M.L. Wang expertly crafted this heart-wrenching, Japanese-influenced fantasy that tore at our hearts. We explore the
Male Main Characters in Fantasy: From Aragorn to Shadow Daddies
Male Main Characters in Fantasy: From Aragorn to Shadow DaddiesWelcome back to Book Dragon Banter! Join us, Zinzi Bree, Sage Moreaux, and Katherine Suzette as we dive into our favorite male main characters in fantasy. This episode focuses heavily on archetypes such as heroes, shadow daddies, and cinnamon rolls in Romantasy and more. Join us for an in-depth discussion on the hero's journey, ch
Grave Matters: A Literary Monster Spooky Special
Monstrous Origin Stories: Analyzing Dracula, Frankenstein, and Werewolves | Book Dragon Banter PodcastWelcome to the Book Dragon Banter podcast's spooky special! In this episode, hosts Zinzi Bree, Sage Moreaux, and Katherine Suzette dive into the monstrous origin stories of Dracula, Frankenstein, and werewolves. Discover surprising details about these classic monsters, their portrayal in lite
More Than a Mary Sue: Complexity in Female Characters
Welcome back to Book Dragon Banter! Join hosts Sage Moreaux, Katherine, and Zinzi Bree as we dive into the fascinating topic of female main characters (FMCs) in fantasy novels and beyond. While we focus primarily on fantasy, we also touch on other genres and pop culture references to better explain our points. Get ready for an engaging discussion on beloved and controversial FMCs, where we share o
Exploring Vengeance and Redemption: For She Is Wrath by Emily Varga - Book Dragon Banter Book Club
Exploring Vengeance and Redemption: For She Is Wrath by Emily Varga - Book Dragon Banter Book ClubWelcome back to the Book Dragon Banter podcast! In this book club episode, we delve into 'For She Is Wrath' by Emily Varga, a Pakistani-inspired young adult dark fantasy. Join hosts Katherine Suzette, Sage Moreaux, and Zinzi Bree as we discuss the intricate details of the plot, the cultural
Endless TBR, Reading Challenges & Book Burnout
Endless TBR, Reading Challenges & Book Burnout | Book Dragon BanterWelcome back, Book Dragons! In this episode, we dive into the never-ending struggle of managing our endless TBR lists, tackling reading challenges, and dealing with book burnout. Join us, Zinzi Bree, Sage Moreaux, and Katherine Suzette as we share our insights, experiences, and tips. From discussing different types of reading c
Did Marketing Make You Read It?
Welcome back to Book Dragon Banter, a podcast where hosts Zinzi Bree, Katherine, and Sage discuss all things books. In this episode, they delve into how marketing influences book choices, discussing their approaches to picking books, mood reading, and the effectiveness of marketing tactics. They also explore controversial marketing, book ratings and reviews, and the rise of graphic novels. Along t
Book Club: The Last Dragon of the East by Katrina Kwan
Book Dragon Banter: Exploring 'The Last Dragon of the East' by Katrina KwanThe hosts welcome listeners and dive into 'The Last Dragon of the East' by Katrina Kwan. They introduce the Vancouver-based author, discuss the book's elements of fantasy, romance, and adventure, and touch on Kwan's extensive background as a romance ghostwriter. The episode includes spoiler-fre
Romance, Some-mance, or No-mance?
Welcome to the Book Dragon Banter Podcast! In this episode, our hosts dive into the complexities of romance within fantasy literature. Covering everything from the distinct definitions of romance, some-mance, and no-mance, they delve into how these elements influence storylines and reader engagement. From discussing mainstream hits like 'ACOTAR' and 'Fourth Wing' to exploring t
Light, Dark, but mostly Morally Grey
Exploring Light, Dark, and Morally Gray Characters in FantasyIn this episode of Book Dragon Banter, hosts Zinzi Bree, Katherine Suzette, and Sage Moreaux dive into the complexities of light, dark, and morally gray themes in fantasy literature. They discuss character archetypes, settings, and how these elements define the genre. The conversation covers popular books like 'The Cruel Prince&apos
