M+K Talk Y.A.

Season Five Recap

02 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We’re back, bookworms! M+K have been MIA for most of 2021, but still managed to rally for a recap of their (abridged) season five. Plus, A Very Goo...

Kingsbane (The Empirium Trilogy)

12 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A shifting timeline throws M+K for a loop, leaving them questioning some of the characters’ actions. Plus, Corien Just Keeps Getting Creepier; The B...

Furyborn (The Empirium Trilogy)

28 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

M+K team up with a pair of prophesied queens—one destined to save the world, and one destined to destroy it. Plus, POV Chapters, One Thousand and Tw...

Gold Wings Rising (Skybound Saga)

14 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A fresh concept, a diverse cast of characters, and a soaring conclusion leads to M+K assigning one of their highest ratings ever to the Skybound Saga....

Red Skies Falling (Skybound Saga)

31 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

M+K get a change of scenery when they visit the Sky Castle and meet some (sneaky) secondary characters. Plus, More Platonic Friendships, Please; A REE...

Black Wings Beating (Skybound Saga)

17 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

M+K soar into a brand new series and discover a unique world built entirely around birds of prey. Plus, A Long-Standing Feud Over Falconry; A Complica...

A Thief Among the Trees (An Ember in the Ashes Series)

04 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this special bonus episode, M+K slow down and attempt to become better graphic novel readers. Plus, How to Survive Being a Fiver at Blackcliff; A S...

A Sky Beyond the Storm (An Ember in the Ashes Series)

24 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

M+K finish the first epic series of season four and bond over the power of storytelling. Plus, That Indescribable Book Feeling; Death Claims Everyone ...

A Reaper at the Gates (An Ember in the Ashes Series)

10 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

M+K go on a wild goose chase with Laia, watch Elias suck at soul catching, help out at a birth with Helene, and try and answer the burning question: W...

A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes Series)

27 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

M+K travel deep into the depths of Kauf Prison to rescue their MC’s big brother. Plus, Two Shocking Revelations Surrounding Our Secondary Characters...

An Ember in the Ashes (An Ember in the Ashes Series)

14 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

M+K kick off season five with a series that they’ve wanted to read since the very start of the show. Plus, Team Helene vs. Team Keenan; The Vilest, ...

Season Four Bloopers Reel

31 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

M+K put their pride to the side to share all of the mistakes and mishaps from one of their toughest years in history. Plus, Husbands, Dogs, and Other ...

Season Four Recap

30 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

M+K say good riddance to 2020 with a rundown of their fourth season. Plus, Our Favorite Fantastical Worlds; The Very Best Villains of The Year; An Eas...

A Crown Of Wishes-Part 2 (The Star-Touched Queen Series)

24 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

M+K finish their final series of the year and weigh in on their MC’s wishes. Plus, Beautiful Words and Confusing Plot Lines; A Sort of One-Sided Sac...

A Crown of Wishes-Part 1 (The Star-Touched Queen Series)

16 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

M+K stay in a familiar realm, but embark on a brand new story with a completely different cast of characters. Plus, The Enemies to Lovers Trope We’r...

The Star Touched Queen-Part 2

13 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

M+K tie up the loose ends from their rendezvous with the King of the Dead and wonder what’s in store for book two. Plus, Slightly Confused by Reinca...

The Star-Touched Queen-Part 1

03 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In their final series of the season, M+K visit the magical world of Akaran, where they discover a room full of stars, a tree bearing memories, and a p...

Unravel the Dusk-Part 2 (The Blood of Stars Duology)

11 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

M+K mourn the demise of Maia’s dresses and discuss how the story unravels in an expected way. Plus, We’re Done with Demons for Awhile; A Satisfyin...

Unravel the Dusk-Part 1 (The Blood of Stars Duology)

06 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

M+K learn how magic can corrupt as they watch their MC slowly turn into a demon before their very eyes. Plus, We’re Still Holding Out Hope for Lady ...

Spin the Dawn-Part 2 (The Blood of Stars Duology)

28 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

M+K join Maia on mission to gather materials for three magical dresses made from the sun, moon, and stars. Plus, The Enigma of Edan Finally Starts to ...

Spin the Dawn-Part 1 (The Blood of Stars Duology)

21 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

M+K take a spin to Imperial China for their latest series, which promises to be a mashup of Project Runway and the Legend of Mulan. Plus, Some Major “...

Super Fan Sunday with James and Chad

11 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this super-special Super Fan Sunday episode, M+K invite their husbands into the recording studio to try and guess the plots of some well-known YA s...

Night of the Dragon-Part 2 (Shadow of the Fox Trilogy)

23 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

After a never-ending battle against evil, M+K get a happy ending with a dash of heartache in this thrilling conclusion to the Shadow of the Fox Trilog...

Night of the Dragon-Part 1 (Shadow of the Fox Trilogy)

16 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

M+K embark on the final book in the series and come to realize that they are finally, fully unfazed by all the evil demons. Plus, Mask-Wearing, Scisso...

Soul of the Sword-Part 2 (Shadow of the Fox Trilogy)

10 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

M+K finally find their way to the Steel Feather Temple where they witness an unexpected alliance. Plus, Should We Trust Seigetsu?; The Upside and Down...

Soul of the Sword-Part 1 (Shadow of the Fox Trilogy)

02 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

M+K start the second book in the series, get some advice from a silver fox, and learn the origin story of the sword Kamigoroshi. Plus, An Unexpected L...

Shadow of the Fox-Part 2 (Shadow of the Fox Trilogy)

26 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

M+K collect some new characters on the way to the Steel Feather Temple when they meet a demon prince with a penchant for dueling and a shrine maide...

Shadow of the Fox-Part 1 (Shadow of the Fox Trilogy)

19 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

For their newest series, M+K become immersed in a fantasy version of feudal Japan, where they meet a whole host of supernatural creatures. Plus, The S...

Bonus Episode!

12 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

SURPRISE! We are posting a quick message on our off week to let you know of some changes to our lineup.

Deathless Divide-Part 2 (The Dread Nation Duology)

05 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

M+K finally reach Haven with little time to spare, and reflect on the similarities between Jane and Gideon. Plus, In Which Jane Leaves Her Best Friend...

Deathless Divide-Part 1 (The Dread Nation Duology)

29 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In the second book of the series, M+K meet up again with their MC on the road to Nicodemus, where they are rocked by an unexpected ambush and an untim...

Dread Nation-Part 2 (The Dread Nation Duology)

22 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this second half of Dread Nation, M+K uncover the truth about Summerland, and meet a host of new enemies, both dead and alive. Plus, Eye-Opening Lo...

Dread Nation-Part 1 (The Dread Nation Duology)

15 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In their newest series, M+K travel back in time for an alternative-history post-Civil War retelling, where the dead suddenly begin to rise from the ba...

The Winter of the Witch-Part 2 (Winternight Trilogy)

01 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

M+K reflect on the importance of faith as peace is established between the Chyerti world and the Christian world. Plus, Konstantin Finally Gets the ...

The Winter of the Witch-Part 1 (Winternight Trilogy)

24 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As they venture into the last book in the Winternight Trilogy, M+K mourn one of their favorite characters and wonder how much more heartache their poo...

Girl in the Tower-Part 2 (Winternight Trilogy)

17 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

While in Moscow, a myriad of secret identities are revealed and M+K realize nobody is who they say they are. Plus, An Extremely Horrible Horserace; ...

The Girl in the Tower-Part 1 (Winternight Trilogy)

10 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

M+K make their way to Moscow where they reunite with some of their favorite (and not so favorite) characters. Plus, The Freedom and Fallbacks of Disgu...

The Bear and the Nightingale-Part 2 (Winternight Trilogy)

03 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

At the end of book one, M+K are left mystified by the magic system and wonder if they’ll ever meet Morozko again. Plus, a Horse Who May Actually b...

The Bear and the Nightingale-Part 1 (Winternight Trilogy)

27 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

M+K get whisked away to Russia for a brand new fantasy series. Plus, Picking Macadamia Nuts in Hawaii; Why the World Needs Fairy Tales; Vasilisa the W...

The Kingdom of Back-Part 2

14 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In the final movement of Marie Lu’s latest masterpiece, M uncovers some opera Easter eggs, K questions the characters’ poor immune systems, and bo...

The Kingdom of Back-Part 1

06 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

For their first ever standalone book, M+K step into the musical, mystical world of The Kingdom of Back and learn some little-known secrets about the M...

Ember Queen-Part 2 (Ash Princess Trilogy)

22 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Several suspenseful scenes later, M+K come to the epic finale of the Ash Princess trilogy. Plus, Uncomfortable Former Friend Reunions; Blaise Finally ...

Ember Queen-Part 1 (Ash Princess Trilogy)

15 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

M+K emerge from the Fire Mine with the MC and try to come to terms with a whole new magic system. Plus, Mind Bridges, Missing Mothers, and Maile the W...

Lady Smoke-Part 2 (Ash Princess Trilogy)

08 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

M+K realize that a hopeful, happy ending is not in the cards when Theo’s Bachelor love story takes a sinister turn. Plus, The Cress/Kaiser Showdow...

Lady Smoke-Part 1 (Ash Princess Trilogy)

01 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

M and K reconvene two days after the events of Ash Princess and berserk out over the high-tech world of Sta'Crivero. Plus, Phoenixes, Phirens, and Fir...

Ash Princess-Part 2 (Ash Princess Trilogy)

25 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In a sudden, shocking shift, M and K watch as two of their favorite characters go from best friends to mortal enemies in less than 200 pages. Plus, Ho...

Ash Princess-Part 1 (Ash Princess Trilogy)

18 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

M and K are back in business with a brand new series featuring a captured princess seeking to reclaim her throne. Plus, Our Favorite Major Character W...

The Queen of Nothing-Part 2 (The Folk of the Air Trilogy)

19 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

M and K have differing opinions on the end of the series, but agree that they will miss hanging out with their favorite faerie friends. Plus, Squeamis...

The Queen of Nothing-Part 1 (The Folk of the Air Trilogy)

12 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

After a brief stint bounty hunting in the human world, M+K regroup with their favorite exiled faerie queen for a daring return to court. Plus, Why We’...

The Wicked King-Part 2 (The Folk of the Air Trilogy)

06 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Great Betrayer is revealed and M+K come to realize that they can’t trust anyone in Faerie Land. Plus, Free Advice-Don’t Glamour Your Girlfrien...

The Wicked King-Part 1 (The Folk of the Air Trilogy)

30 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

M+K shack up with a captive king, who finds himself crowned against his will and bound to a mortal he hates (but also sort of loves). Plus, the Origin...

The Cruel Prince-Part 2 (The Folk of the Air Trilogy)

22 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

An absurdly bloody coronation ceremony leaves M+K very concerned about the future of Faerie Land. Plus, M Aces The Young Adult Book Quote Quiz; Don’...

The Cruel Prince-Part 1 (The Folk of the Air Trilogy)

15 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

M and K kick off season four by crossing over between the mortal world and the world of Faeries. Plus, The Most Vicious Group of Bullies You’ll Ever...

Season Three Bloopers Reel

31 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

M+K agree, season three may not have been 100% smooth, but it sure was a blast! Plus, The Smallest, Loudest Guard Dog in the World; How Many Times Can...

Season Three Recap

25 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

M+K say farewell to Season Three and marvel at the fact that their podcast will be a senior in high school next year. Plus, Piecing Together Our Own O...

The Girl the Sea Gave Back-Part 2 (Sky in the Deep Series)

18 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

M+K throw the stones for the last time and try to piece together the ending of the series. Plus, Long Term Goals to Get a Ticket to Apollycon; Our Fav...

The Girl the Sea Gave Back-Part 1 (Sky in the Deep Series)

12 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

M+K fast forward ten years later to find that Halvard is all grown up and making friends with a new character who was sacrificed by her own clan and r...

Sky In the Deep-Part 2 (Sky in the Deep Series)

05 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

M+K form an alliance, attack the common enemy, and make peace with warring Viking clans- all in half a book! Plus, K Gets An Unexpected Bonus Scene; A...

Sky in the Deep-Part 1 (Sky in the Deep Series)

27 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

For the last series of the year, M+K join forces with a clan of Vikings with a bloodthirsty history. Plus, Finally, a Woman Warrior Who Doesn't Have t...

Darkdawn-Part 2 (The Nevernight Chronicles)

13 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Revenge is won, the moon is restored, but the final fifteen pages leave M+K with some conflicted feelings. Plus, This Book is Basically Porn; Mia Tell...

Darkdawn-Part 1 (The Nevernight Chronicles)

06 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Assassins, gladiators, and now...pirates! In this in-person episode, M+K meet some new characters (some charming, some insufferable) and try to figure...

Godsgrave-Part 2 (The Nevernight Chronicles)

30 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

After a surplus of bloody battles, M+K are shocked to discover that Mia’s success in the gladiator arena isn’t quite what it seems. Plus, Accident...

Godsgrave-Part 1 (The Nevernight Chronicles)

24 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Assassin school is out of session, and M+K follow the newly-appointed Blade Mia out of the Red Church and straight into a gladiator arena. Plus, All t...

Nevernight-Part 2 (The Nevernight Chronicles)

16 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

M+K are left stunned as best friends are betrayed, boyfriends are murdered, and Mia goes on a massive killing spree. Plus, Two Unnecessarily Dark Bac...

Nevernight-Part 1 (The Nevernight Chronicles)

09 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

M+K dig into a considerably darker series, filled with murder; sex, revenge, and other more mature young adult themes. Plus, Conflicted Feelings About...

Five Dark Fates-Part 2 (Three Dark Crowns Series)

25 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Nine weeks, three crowns, one throne, two reigns, and five fates later, M+K have finally made it to the end of the series. Plus, K Wins the Dead Queen...

Five Dark Fates-Part 1 (Three Dark Crown Series)

18 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

M+K are onto the final book in the series and finally manage to sort out all the numbers in the titles. Plus, A Lot of Confusion Over Pietyr’s Coma;...

Queens of Fennbirn-Short Stories (Three Dark Crowns Series)

11 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Two long(ish) novellas give M+K everything they wanted in the way of world building. Plus, M Finally Finds Sympathy for Queen Katherine; The Ultimate ...

Two Dark Reigns-Part 2 (Three Dark Crowns Series)

04 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A queen turns into mist, a friend turns into a murderer, and M and K are left wondering- have all the rules just gone out the window? Plus, How Not to...

Two Dark Reigns-Part 1 (Three Dark Crowns Series)

28 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this first half of the third book in the Three Dark Crowns quadrology, M+K go back 400 years to get a glimpse of the legendary Blue Queen. Plus, Th...

One Dark Throne-Part 2 (Three Dark Crowns Series)

21 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Halfway through the series, M+K meet some new characters and cope with some unexpected deaths. Plus, Help, My Sister is Pregnant With My Husband's Chi...

One Dark Throne-Part 1 (Three Dark Crowns Series)

14 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A near-death experience leaves M+K very worried about a character who may or may not have gone off the evil deep end. Plus J Hijacks K's Conversation ...

Three Dark Crowns-Part 2 (Three Dark Crowns Series)

07 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A slew of shocking assassination attempts prove unsuccessful and give way to some unforeseen consequences. Plus, Falling in Love with Your Best Friend...

Three Dark Crowns-Part 1 (Three Dark Crowns Series)

31 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Three queens. One survivor. In their newest series M+K meet a trio of sister princesses on a murder mission to win the throne. Plus, Bloodthirsty Baby...

Ruin of Stars-Part 2 (The Mask of Shadows Duology)

18 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

M+K can’t agree on results of their over/under bet, but are unified in their feelings about the last book in the Mask of Shadows series. Plus, Mage ...

Ruin of Stars-Part 1 (The Mask of Shadows Duology)

10 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The body count continues to rise as M+K follow the assassin Opal on their quest for revenge. Plus, The Strictest Naming Laws From Around the World; A ...

Mask of Shadows-Part 2 (The Mask of Shadows Duology)

03 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The assassin audition is over for M+K, but for the newly-crowned Opal the real challenge is only just beginning. Plus, Welcome to Your Weird Scary Ass...

Mask of Shadows-Part 1 (The Mask of Shadows Duology)

26 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this new series, M+K join up with a gender-fluid MC for a brutal audition to be the next royal assassin. Plus, Evil Shadowy Skin Flayers; Take Out ...

Finale-Part 2 (The Caraval Trilogy)

13 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The curtain closes on the Caraval series, leaving M+K begging for an encore. Plus, K Considers the Downsides of Immortality; Our Quest to Find Nicolas...

Finale-Part 1 (The Caraval Trilogy)

06 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The Fates are freed and causing all sorts of trouble for our MCs, forcing M+K to make some very wild predictions about how the series will end. Plus, ...

Legendary-Part 2 (The Caraval Trilogy)

29 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

With Legend’s identity finally revealed, M+K grow increasingly concerned about the fate of their two leading ladies. Plus, Uncovering the Empress’...

Legendary-Part 1 (The Caraval Trilogy)

22 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this very special in-person episode, M+K take a turn through Tella’s point of view and continue to debate the identity of Legend. Plus, A Special...

Caraval-Part 2 (The Caraval Trilogy)

15 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The game is over...or is it? In this episode, the lines between reality and fantasy continue to blur, and M+K are left with more questions than answer...

Caraval-Part 1 (The Caraval Trilogy)

08 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome, welcome to Caraval, where M+K get swept away in a game of magic, illusion, and mystery. Plus Decoding the Legend of Legend; Nigel the Naked T...

Super Fan Sunday with Jennie

05 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

On this Super Fan Sunday episode, Jennie shares her thoughts on the Strange the Dreamer series. Plus, Laini Taylor Book Dessert; A Plethora of Daughte...

Evermore-Part 2 (The Everless Duology)

17 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Time's up on the Everless series, but M+K still have so many questions. Plus, A Few Red Flags for the Main Ship; Stories of Sworn Enemies Who Became B...

Evermore-Part 1 (The Everless Duology)

10 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

M+K start the second book in the Everless series and speculate on whether the Sorceress can actually be killed successfully with a Snake Knife. Plus, ...

Everless-Part 2 (The Everless Duology)

03 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

M+K find themselves totally blindsided by the plot twist and totally confused by the legend of the Alchemist and the Sorceress. Plus, Is It a Typo or ...

Everless-Part 1 (The Everless Duology)

27 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The phrase "time is money" takes on literal meaning in this twisty, bloody new series. Plus, M+K Predict the Plot Twist in the First Five Minutes; Thw...

Muse of Nightmares-Part 2 (Strange the Dreamer Series)

13 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

After finishing their most intense series of the year, M+K can’t stop singing its praises, yet find themselves in need of a breather. Plus, The Secr...

Muse of Nightmares-Part 1 (Strange the Dreamer Series)

06 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

M+K list all the crucial questions they still need to have answered and lay out the long term consequences of falling love with a ghost girl. Plus, Th...

Strange the Dreamer-Part 2 (Strange the Dreamer Series)

27 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In the finale of the first book, gods become ghosts, humans become gods, and M+K become heartbroken hot messes. Plus, Everyone's Favorite Psychopathic...

Strange the Dreamer-Part 1 (Strange the Dreamer Series)

20 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this new, stunningly beautiful series M+K ask the question: what makes a god and what makes a monster? Plus, Our Dream to See Inside Lani Taylor’...

Vengeful-Part 2 (Villains Duology)

07 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

M+K say "so long" to all their favorite super villains and rate their satisfaction with the ending of the series. Plus, A Creepy Chi Omega Ted Bundy C...

Vengeful-Part 1 (Villains Duology)

31 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

M+K fast-forward five years, meeting a whole new cast of super-power-wielding super villains. Plus, Eli’s Doctor Visit Goes Unexpectedly Dark; Horos...

Vicious-Part 2 (Villains Duology)

23 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The showdown of Victor vs. Eli comes to a head, resulting in a number of surprising casualties. Plus, M Admits K Was Right About Eli All Along; Everyt...

Vicious-Part 1 (Villains Duology)

17 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In this new series M+K find themselves immersed in a book made up entirely of bad guys. Plus, The ExtraOrdinary Vicious Origin Story; A Collection of ...

Season 2 Bloopers Reel

10 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

It's our very first bloopers reel! This week, M+K take you behind the scenes to share all the struggles that go into making a podcast. Plus, Incoming ...

Season 2 Recap

01 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

M+K say so long to the second season of their show and discuss what they liked best and least about all 10,620 pages they read this year. Plus, Marie ...

The Raven King-Part 2 (The Raven Cycle)

30 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

M+K say farewell to the Raven Boys and their last series of the year. Plus, The Quest is Completed, the Journey is Over, and Blue’s Dad is Still Stu...