In this episode of the Book Love Podcast, I share my full book review, rating, and recommendation for Timebound by Sara Samuels, the third novel in the Blade of Shadow fantasy series. We dive into the time travel magic system, major plot twists, character development, and how this installment shifts the series into full epic fantasy mode. I break down what worked, what felt maybe didn't, and why this “plot explosion” changes everything for the story moving forward.

Like, Comment, Subscribe | New episodes every Week

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Connect with Becca & Matt:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/booklove_podcast
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@book.love.podcast
• Email the Podcast: BookClubByBecca@gmail.com
• Email Matt: bookishohiomatt@gmail.com

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Blade of Shadows Videos: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvdiPtvz7ZzQxdMZKt-VIaNH&si=-AsUUT_JDKXTjBue

Author Interviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvfXXKrG6X4UWTnyU0S7s6NI&si=ZFwZw9FuJvk0IYXq

Spoiler-Free Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvfSpfBBfAfxynAgLTcNvnAT&si=TUqkQ3bv7pQJtyb6

Spoiler Filled Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2Xve832drS0lPw_coM67FyWC5&si=euj8-tBou3s5FhV7

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• 00:00 - Intro
• 01:00 - About the Book
• 02:20 - Plot Recap (Spoiler Free)
• 03:39 - Review
• 04:50 - Comparing The Books of the Series07:05 - Rating
• 07:30 - Spoiler Warning
• 07:45 - Things I Wish Were Different
• 08:12 - Different #1: The Magic System
• 11:27 - Different #2: The Ending
• 13:45 - Things I Love
• 14:28 - Things I Love #1: All Books
• 15:12 - Things I Love #2: Plot Twists
• 17:20 - Things I Love #3: Chosen Ones
• 20:25 - Feeling Uneasy...
• 20:55 - Discover-Style Fantasy
• 25:41 - My Recommendation
• 26:22 - Outro

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fantasy books, book review, epic fantasy books, time travel, fantasy series, book podcast, blade of shadows

In this episode of the Book Love Podcast, we share our full book review of Skyshade by Alex Aster, the third installment in the Lightlark series. We break down the plot twists, character development, romance dynamics, and shifting balance between character-driven and plot-driven storytelling. From blood magic to big reveals, we discuss what worked, what didn’t, and how the spice level and world-building held up. Plus, we share our final ratings and speculate on what’s next in Crown Tide.

Like, Comment, Subscribe | New episodes every week

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• Connect on IG: https://www.instagram.com/beccasbookclubadventure/
• Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@book.love.podcast
• Email the Show: BookClubByBecca@gmail.com
• Email Matt from Ohio: BookishOhioMat@gmail.com

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More Lightlark: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XveCl1jCWa01vnv7eWc1JHPY&si=Iy51xeLmCCSL1T4M

Author Interviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvfXXKrG6X4UWTnyU0S7s6NI&si=p5nIiLf55GxPjgE0

Spoiler-Free Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvfSpfBBfAfxynAgLTcNvnAT&si=TUqkQ3bv7pQJtyb6

Spoiler Filled Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2Xve832drS0lPw_coM67FyWC5&si=euj8-tBou3s5FhV7

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• 00:00 - Intro
• 00:45 - Book Recap
• 02:30 - Book Review & Rating
• 04:50 - Discussion of our Ratings
• 24:02 - Crowntide Predictions
• 30:10 - Wrap Up
• 31:38: - Outro

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#Skyshade #lightlark #AlexAster #bookreview #fantasybooks #romantasy #bookpodcast

In this episode of the Book Love Podcast, we dive into Part Two of Skyshade by Alex Aster, unpacking the explosive second half of the Lightlark series installment. We discuss the expanding magic system, major plot twists, and the shifting dynamics between Isla, Grimm, and Oro as the story turns increasingly plot-driven. From betrayals to self-discovery, we break down how the narrative builds toward its chilling conclusion — and what it might mean for the future of the series. If you love young adult fantasy filled with power struggles, love triangles, and high-stakes twists, this one’s for you.

Like, Comment, Subscribe | New episodes every week

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• Connect on IG: https://www.instagram.com/beccasbookclubadventure/
• Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@book.love.podcast
• Email the Show: BookClubByBecca@gmail.com
• Email Matt from Ohio: BookishOhioMat@gmail.com

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More Lightlark: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XveCl1jCWa01vnv7eWc1JHPY&si=Iy51xeLmCCSL1T4M

Author Interviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvfXXKrG6X4UWTnyU0S7s6NI&si=p5nIiLf55GxPjgE0

Spoiler-Free Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvfSpfBBfAfxynAgLTcNvnAT&si=TUqkQ3bv7pQJtyb6

Spoiler Filled Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2Xve832drS0lPw_coM67FyWC5&si=euj8-tBou3s5FhV7

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• 00:00 - Intro
• 00:30 - Finishing Part
• 201:10 - General Impressions
• 04:45 - Plot Recap
• 27:54 - EZ Twist (satire)
• 29:00 - Buddy Read Discussion
• 57:25 - Outro

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#Skyshade #lightlark #AlexAster #youngadultfantasy #romantasy #bookdiscussion #bookpodcast

In this episode of the Book Love Podcast, we dive into Part One of Skyshade by Alex Aster, the third installment in the Lightlark series. We break down Isla’s evolving character, her complicated relationships with Grimm and Oro, and the role of prophecies shaping the story’s direction. From storms and symbolism to moral ambiguity and romantic tension, we unpack the themes driving this young adult fantasy forward. Plus, we share our early predictions for where the series might be headed next.

Like, Comment, Subscribe | New episodes every week

------------------------------------------

• Connect on IG: https://www.instagram.com/beccasbookclubadventure/
• Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@book.love.podcast
• Email the Show: BookClubByBecca@gmail.com
• Email Matt from Ohio: BookishOhioMat@gmail.com

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More Lightlark: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XveCl1jCWa01vnv7eWc1JHPY&si=Iy51xeLmCCSL1T4M

Author Interviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvfXXKrG6X4UWTnyU0S7s6NI&si=p5nIiLf55GxPjgE0

Spoiler-Free Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvfSpfBBfAfxynAgLTcNvnAT&si=TUqkQ3bv7pQJtyb6

Spoiler Filled Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2Xve832drS0lPw_coM67FyWC5&si=euj8-tBou3s5FhV7

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• 00:00 - Intro
• 00:58 - High Level Impressions
• 04:58 - Plot Recap
• 23:02 - Prophecy Partners, LLC (satire)
• 24:30 - Buddy Read Discussion
• 46:24 - Predictions for Part 2
• 50:21 - Outro

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#Skyshade #Lightlark #AlexAster #youngadultfantasy #romantasy #bookdiscussion #bookpodcast

I was fortunate enough to sit down with journalist and author Rachel McRady. Over the course of two hours, we discussed her debut novel, Sunseekers, her globe-spanning journalism career, and the personal life that shaped and was shaped by both. It was amazing to talk through all the heavy themes within Sunseekers and how they relate back into our real, every day life.

Sit down and join us as we discuss interviewing celebrities, yearning for the nostalgia of the 90's, and the juxtaposition between grief and hope found in the characters and scenarios of her novel. At the root of it all is how we can make every day count.

Like, Comment, Subscribe | New episodes every week

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Connect with Rachel:

• Connect on IG: https://www.instagram.com/rachelmcrady/
• Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rachelmcradywrites
• Website: https://www.rachelmcrady.com/
• X: https://x.com/rachelmcrady
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Rachel-McRady-Author/100091534786172/

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Connect with the Podcast:

• Connect on IG: https://www.instagram.com/booklove_podcast/
• Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@book.love.podcast
• Email the Show: BookClubByBecca@gmail.com
• Email Matt from Ohio: BookishOhioMat@gmail.com

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Author Interviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvfXXKrG6X4UWTnyU0S7s6NI&si=p5nIiLf55GxPjgE0

Spoiler-Free Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvfSpfBBfAfxynAgLTcNvnAT&si=TUqkQ3bv7pQJtyb6

Spoiler Filled Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2Xve832drS0lPw_coM67FyWC5&si=euj8-tBou3s5FhV7

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• 00:00 - Intro
• 00:39 - Rachel McRady Intro
• 04:55 - About Sunseekers
• 08:15 - Family & Relationship Dynamics
• 15:00 - The Power of Self-Talk
• 24:00 - The Sunseekers Audience
• 26:00 - The Impetus of the Novel
• 32:35 - Comparing Sunseekers to Pop Culture
• 34:50 - Stream of Consciousness (Gracie)
• 44:45 - Where 'Matt from Ohio' Came From
• 46:50 - A Child Reuniting the Family
• 48:12 - Characters: Protagonists vs Antagonists
• 57:53 - The Existential Themes in Sunseekers
• 01:15:30 - Intro to Rachel as a Journalist
• 01:16:25 - Becoming a Journalist then a Novelist
• 01:33:00 - Rachel's Favorite Things
• 01:44:20 - Aging and Self-Perception
• 01:52:00 - The Meaning of Life and Making Every Day Count
• 02:00:35 - Big John & Fishing Memories
• 02:03:50 - Sunseekers Wrap-Up
• 02:04:10 - Rachel's Upcoming Projects
• 02:07:50 - Following Rachel McRady
• 02:09:20 - The Stories We Tell Ourselves to Live
• 02:11:05 - Outro

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#authorinterview #bookpodcast #writingprocess #existentialism #contemporaryfiction #racelmcrady #sunseekers #thebooklovepodcast

We unpack the difference between romance, fantasy, and the rapidly growing world of romantasy. We talk about how book marketing, social media, and reader expectations have reshaped the romantic fantasy genre — from epic quests to smut, and everything in between. With Valentine’s Day as the backdrop, we explore what truly defines romantic fantasy, why the label is inconsistent, and where the genre might be headed next. If you’re navigating your TBR and wondering what counts as romance versus fantasy, this book talk is for you.

Like, Comment, Subscribe | New episodes every week

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Connect with the Podcast:

• Connect on IG: https://www.instagram.com/booklove_podcast/
• Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@book.love.podcast
• Email the Show: BookClubByBecca@gmail.com
• Email Matt from Ohio: BookishOhioMat@gmail.com

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Author Interviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvfXXKrG6X4UWTnyU0S7s6NI&si=p5nIiLf55GxPjgE0

Spoiler-Free Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvfSpfBBfAfxynAgLTcNvnAT&si=TUqkQ3bv7pQJtyb6

Spoiler Filled Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2Xve832drS0lPw_coM67FyWC5&si=euj8-tBou3s5FhV7

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#romantasy #romancebooks #fantasybooks #bookdiscussion #bookpodcast #readingcommunity #booktalk

We put three Audrey Ingram novels — The Summer We Ran, The Group Trip, and The River Runs South — to the ultimate TBR test. We break down the romance-adjacent themes, character development, friendship dynamics, and emotional depth of each book to decide whether they’re instant adds or hard passes. See what Becca decides and let us know if you agree!

Like, Comment, Subscribe | New episodes every week

------------------------------------------

Connect with the Podcast:

• Connect on IG: https://www.instagram.com/booklove_podcast/
• Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@book.love.podcast
• Email the Show: BookClubByBecca@gmail.com
• Email Matt from Ohio: BookishOhioMat@gmail.com

------------------------------------------

Author Interviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvfXXKrG6X4UWTnyU0S7s6NI&si=p5nIiLf55GxPjgE0

Spoiler-Free Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvfSpfBBfAfxynAgLTcNvnAT&si=TUqkQ3bv7pQJtyb6

Spoiler Filled Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2Xve832drS0lPw_coM67FyWC5&si=euj8-tBou3s5FhV7

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• 00:00 - Intro
• 01:32 - The Summer We Ran
• 03:30 - The Group Trip
• 06:25 - The River Runs South
• 09:03 - Discussion
• 14:30 - Outro

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#bookpodcast #bookrecommendations #romancenovels #TBR #readingcommunity #bookreview #bookdiscussion

In this episode of the Book Love Podcast, I review The Lace Widow and The Widow Hamilton by Mollie Ann Cox, the first two books in the Eliza Hamilton mystery series. We explore Eliza Hamilton’s life after Alexander’s death, the balance between cozy mystery and darker social themes, and how history is woven seamlessly into the storytelling. If you enjoy historical fiction, cozy mysteries, and character-driven narratives with depth, these books are absolutely worth your time.

Listen to my interview with Mollie here: https://youtu.be/103MI8dt7lk?si=IRdhWhO_wI_hQdzT

Like, Comment, Subscribe | New episodes every week

------------------------------------------

Connect with the Podcast:

• Connect on IG: https://www.instagram.com/booklove_podcast/
• Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@book.love.podcast
• Email the Show: BookClubByBecca@gmail.com
• Email Matt from Ohio: BookishOhioMat@gmail.com

------------------------------------------

Author Interviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvfXXKrG6X4UWTnyU0S7s6NI&si=p5nIiLf55GxPjgE0

Spoiler-Free Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvfSpfBBfAfxynAgLTcNvnAT&si=TUqkQ3bv7pQJtyb6

Spoiler Filled Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2Xve832drS0lPw_coM67FyWC5&si=euj8-tBou3s5FhV7

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• 00:00 - Intro
• 00:45 - About the Series
• 01:35 - The Lace Widow
• 02:26 - The Widow Hamilton
• 03:20 - Big Picture Review
• 04:18 - Rating
• 04:45 - Spoiler Warning
• 05:02 - Examining Social Commentary
• 07:10 - Amazing Murder Mystery
• 07:50 - Lack of Anxiety
• 08:40 - Treatment of History
• 10:02 - Vivid Characters
• 12:13 - Societal Themes & Issues
• 14:52 - My Recommendation
• 16:17 - Wrap-Up
• 16:30 - Outro

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#bookreview #historicalfiction #cozymystery #bookrecommendation #bookpodcast