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

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