Spells From The Shelf

Dust off your grimoires and prepare for a little salt with your sugar as Ammie and Paul return for another episode of Spells from the Shelf. This week, we are tackling Callie Hart’s Brimstone. We kick things off with a spoiler free look at the vibes, giving you the "honest bestie" perspective on whether this hyped up journey is actually worth your precious shelf space.

In the second half, we drop the pleasantries and dive headfirst into the spoiler filled flames. From the logic defying plot twists to the "did that really just happen?" finale, no st...

In this special crossover event, we’re joined by Ammie and Paul from Spells from the Shelf and Kyla and Sarah from Paperback.Ponderings for an in-depth dive into the foundation of Robin Hobb’s beloved world. We explore the journey of Fitz in Assassin’s Apprentice, beginning with a spoiler free discussion on the atmospheric world building, Hobb's exquisite prose, and why this story of a royal bastard is a must read for any fantasy fan. Once the spoiler warning sounds, the conversation deepens as we move into the final acts, unpacking the complex magic of the Skill and th...

In this week's episode of Spells From the Shelf, we sit down with Jessica Leigh, the imaginative author behind the burning fantasy hit, Daughter Forged in Fire.

We explore the intense elemental magic and high stakes politics that define her world. Jessica shares how she developed a protagonist who must survive to claim her power. We discuss the themes of rebirth, the burden of ancestral magic, and what it’s like to write a character who is tested by the very elements she seeks to command.

She masterfully balances atmospheric descriptions with a breakneck narrative pa...

Welcome back to Spells From the Shelf with your hosts, Ammie and Paul! Today’s deep dive is into a modern classic that effectively redefined what "heroic" fantasy looks like. If the typical tropes of shiny knights and clear-cut battles between good and evil feel a bit stale, Joe Abercrombie’s The Blade Itself is the perfect shot of adrenaline for the bookshelf. It is a story where the lines between hero and villain are not just blurred, but practically non-existent, trading high minded ideals for a gritty, mud spattered realism. You will find yourself laughing at the darkest mome...

Ammie and Paul are soaring into the lush, high stakes world of Sarah A. Parker’s When the Moon Hatched. This episode is perfectly partitioned for every listener: the first half is a spoiler free review of the vibes, prose, and dragon lore for those still on the fence. The second half shifts into a full spoiler filled recap to get you completely caught up on Raeve and Kaan’s journey before the highly anticipated second book releases. Whether you're here for the shimmering world building or a refresher on those massive twists, grab a hot beverage, sett...

Get ready to unleash your inner Manifestor! Join the high energy trio of Paul, Ammie, and Gracie Daisy as they crack open the pages of Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy by the amazing Angie Thomas.

The gang is diving headfirst into a world where magic is real, and a twelve-year-old girl is about to turn everything upside down. From debating which Remarkable powers they’d want to keep for themselves to cheering on the epic bond between Nic and her best friend JP. Paul, Ammie, and Gracie Daisy bring all the laughs, wild theories, an...

Join hosts Ammie and Paul as they pull a new adventure from the library stacks in Spells From the Shelf. In this episode, they dive into the brutal and beautiful world of Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent.

From Tisaanah’s harrowing journey for freedom to the grumpy sunshine mentorship of Maxantarius, Ammie and Paul break down the magic systems, the slow-burn romance, and the high stakes of the War of Lost Hearts. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or just discovering the "Orders," grab your headphones and prepare for a deep dive into...

This week on Spells From the Shelf, Ammie and Paul travel to the ash covered world of Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn: The Final Empire. While this book is a beloved staple for many fantasy fans, we found that our journey through Scadrial was a little more complicated than we expected. While it wasn't our favorite read of the year, we absolutely love that so many of you adore this story. Join us for a spoiler free chat about why this must read didn’t quite click for us, and who we think would actually love it.

Happy New Year from Spells From the Shelf! To kick off 2026, Ammie and Paul are looking back at a spectacular year of stories and spells. We’re revisiting our absolute favorite books from 2025 and diving into some fun year end stats. With thanks to all you who listen! 

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Ammie and Paul are kicking off a new series discussion by reviewing Callie Hart's Quicksilver. Join the hosts as they break down the book's magical system, the intense character dynamics, and their favorite moments from this must read romantasy. Warning: The hosts may get distracted discussing the shocking twists! Grab your relics and prepare to dive in!

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Spells From the Shelf is ready for battle! Ammie and Paul dive into the sci-fi fantasy world of Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao. This week, the hosts discuss the exhilarating epic story where giant mecha clash, pilots are sacrificed, and one young woman blazes a path of fiery vengeance. Tune in to hear their spoiler free thoughts on the unforgettable protagonist, the stunning world-building, and why this book is a must read for fans of sci-fi and feminist rage!

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Join Ammie and Paul as they pull the next book off the shelf! In this episode of Spells From the Shelf, plunge into the compelling world of Christopher Buehlman's The Blacktongue Thief. In this discussion, they go beyond the plot to explore the nuanced character of Kinch, to the terrifying, well-fleshed-out creatures like the barrow geists and the blind, talking cat. Ammie and Paul dissect the novel's distinctive dark humor, its unique world-ending lore, and whether Kinch truly manages to redeem himself by the end of his journey. Spoiler free.

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Get ready for some literary enchantment! In this episode of Spells From the Shelf, Ammie and Paul sit down with the brilliant mind behind the Shattered Crowns series, author Gretchen Powell Fox. Gretchen shares her insights into deconstructing classic fantasy archetypes. They'll explore the power of reversed literary archetypes—from heroes turned villains to a strong immortal fae FMC saves the human MMC—and how these unexpected shifts drive the complex, dark, and compelling narratives of her books. If you love stories that challenge tradition, this episode is for you!

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Get ready for Spells From The Shelf's first author interview! Hosts Ammie and Paul welcome Gretchen Powell Fox, author of the thrilling romantasy novel, Smoke and Scar.

Dive with them into the world of Arcanis, where a haunted fae warrior and a vengeful human knight must put aside centuries of hatred to survive the deadly trials of the Arcane Crucible. Gretchen joins us to talk about crafting a compelling enemies to lovers dynamic, subverting fantasy tropes, building a world full of dark magic and political tension, and the inspiration behind her Shattered Crown trilogy.

If...

Ammie and Paul crack open a spine chilling classic in this episode of Spells From the Shelf The King in Yellow by Robert W. Chambers. Join them as they delve into the eerie world of this interconnected collection of short stories, exploring the terrifying, reality bending power of the play "The King in Yellow," the cursed symbols of the Yellow Sign, and the foundational influence Chambers' work had on cosmic and supernatural horror, including the works of H.P. Lovecraft. Tune in for a haunting discussion that'll leave you questioning your own sanity! 

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It's a descent into darkness this week on Spells From The Shelf! Ammie and Paul unpack the unsettling world of Brom's Slewfoot, discussing the author's signature blend of macabre art and gripping horror. Find out what they thought about the intersection of historical dread, folklore, and the true nature of evil in this stunningly illustrated novel.

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Welcome to the epic world of Blackcliff Military Academy! On this episode of Spells From The Shelf, we're cracking open Sabaa Tahir's An Ember in the Ashes. Join us as we explore Laia's dangerous infiltration, Elias's agonizing trials, and the dark, magical forces lurking beneath the surface of the Empire.

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This week on Spells From the Shelf, Ammie and Paul dive into the magical world of Fonda Lee's Jade City. Join them as they explore the cunning political maneuverings, the breathtaking action, and the rich family drama of the Kaul clan. They'll be discussing the fascinating magic system of jade, the moral complexities of power, and why this book is more than just a fantasy epic; it's a brutal, emotional, and unforgettable experience.

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In this haunting episode of Spells From the Shelf, your hosts Ammie and Paul dive into the dark world of V.E. Schwab's Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil. They'll unravel the intricate tapestry of grief, memory, and the supernatural atmosphere that permeates this eerie tale. Join them as they discuss Schwab's signature character work, the chilling mysteries of the Midnight Soil, and whether the ghosts of our past are ever truly at rest.

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Join Ammie and Paul on Spells from the Shelf, a podcast where they dive into the magical world of fantasy literature. In this episode, they set sail on the high seas of adventure to discuss Shannon Chakraborty's latest novel, The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi. Tune in as they dissect the lore, characters, and captivating plot of this swashbuckling tale, offering their unique perspectives and lively banter. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Chakraborty's work or a newcomer to her spellbinding stories, this is the perfect place to explore the wonders of The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi.

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This week on Spells From the Shelf, join Ammie and Paul as they dive into the grim and gilded world of Pierce Brown's Red Rising! We'll explore the society's brutal color-coded hierarchy, the daring rebellion of Darrow, and the book's clever blend of ancient Roman politics with a futuristic, sci-fi setting. Whether you're a seasoned Gold or a newly risen Red, tune in for a riveting discussion on what makes this space opera a must-read.

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Join Ammie and Paul on Spells From the Shelf as they dive deep into Leigh Bardugo's thrilling sequel Crooked Kingdom. This week, your favorite magical literary hosts unravel the intricate heists, shocking betrayals, and unforgettable character arcs that make this Grishaverse installment a true masterpiece. Tune in for lively discussion and insightful analysis as they explore the dark and dazzling world of Ketterdam!

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Join Ammie and Paul on Spells From the Shelf as they dive into the thrilling world of Leigh Bardugo's Six of Crows. This episode, our hosts pull the beloved Grishaverse novel off the shelf to discuss its intricate plot, unforgettable characters like Kaz Brekker and Inej Ghafa, and the high-stakes heist that captivated readers. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to Ketterdam, get ready for a deep-dive filled with insights, laughs, and maybe a few magical theories!

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This week on Spells From the Shelf, Ammie and Paul dive into Danielle Jensen's A Curse Carved in Bone. Join them as they unravel the intricate magic, compelling characters, and thrilling plot twists within this captivating fantasy novel. What curses are carved into the very bones of this world, and how do our heroes navigate them? Tune in to find out!

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Join Ammie and Paul on this week's episode as they tackle the intense world of "Heir" by Sabaa Tahir, focusing on themes of legacy and power. They'll explore the brutal trials, simmering rebellion, and unforgettable characters. Tune in for a concise and engaging dive into Tahir's captivating storytelling!

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The shelves are buzzing, and so are we! In this episode of Spells From The Shelf, we're unpacking Sunrise on the Reaping, Suzanne Collins's latest dive into the world of Panem. From the brutal arena of the 50th Hunger Games to the fateful reaping that sets the stage for Haymitch's victory, we'll discuss the book's key moments, its connections to the original trilogy, and the burning questions it leaves us with. Get ready for a deep dive into the chilling past!

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Join your favorite bookish besties, Ammie and Leia, as they recount all the magic and mayhem of ApollyCon 2025! From swoon worthy author sightings to snagging coveted signed editions, and navigating the bustling convention floor, hear all about their epic adventures. Get ready for bookish tips, funny anecdotes, and maybe even a few book recommendations inspired by their con haul!

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Welcome back to Spells From The Shelf! This week, we're immersed in the captivating world of V.E. Schwab's Fragile Threads of Power. Come along as we take a deep dive into the complexities of power – who wields it, what it costs, and how it shapes destinies. Join us as we dissect the intricate relationships, the burgeoning magical systems, and the sheer artistry of Schwab's storytelling in this compelling series. Whether you've devoured it or are eagerly awaiting your turn, prepare for a thoughtful exploration of the fragile threads that bind this extraordinary tale.

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Welcome back, bookworms! This week on Spells From The Shelf, we're diving into a truly unique reading scenario: if you woke up from a coma, what is the first book you would read? Would it be something familiar and comforting, something short and engaging to ease back into the world, or perhaps something entirely new to spark curiosity after a long absence? Join us as we conjure up our post-slumber reading lists and discuss the magical power of stories to reconnect us with ourselves and the world around us.

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This week on Spells From the Shelf, we dive into Tracy Deonn's Legendborn, where modern-day meets Arthurian legend. Join us as we explore Bree Matthews' journey into a secret society, uncovering magic, grief, and her own powerful legacy. We'll discuss the compelling characters, and unique magic system. Get ready for a spoiler-filled discussion of this captivating fantasy!

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Welcome to Spells From the Shelf, the podcast where we dive deep into the magical realms found within our favorite fantasy novels. In this episode, we're unleashing the thunder and exploring the tempestuous world of Rebecca Yarros' 'Onyx Storm,' the highly anticipated third installment of her series.

Join us as we dissect the intricate character dynamics between Violet and Xaden, navigating the turbulent skies of their relationship and the escalating political tensions in Navarre. We'll unpack the heart-pounding action sequences, analyze Yarros' masterful world-building, and debate the shocking plot twists that left us breathless.

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