Once Upon a Time Zone: A Bookish Podcast
Jaime Fok and Freya Valerio
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Two friends and book besties, Freya from Australia and Jaime from Canada, share their love of stories and dive into what they're reading, TBRs, and book recommendations. Each episode bridges their time zones as they discuss fantasy and fiction, offering a global perspective on books. They also run a book club on Patreon and have active communities on Instagram and YouTube.
Épisodes
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Book Cons & Fantasy Balls... Are Book Events Getting Out of Control?! 📚 [EP#57] 14.08.2026 1h 5minLet's talk about BOOK EVENTS! From author panels & signings, to book balls, conventions, influencer events and book clubs. What do you think about the recent rise of book events?Books Discussed:Flickerstate - FA DavidsonThis Woven Kingdom - Tahereh MafiInto the Blue - Emma BrodieHamnet - Maggie O'FarrellThe Odyssey - Homer (translated by Emily Wilson)Taipei Story - RF KuangThe Last Contract of Isako - Fonda LeeLong Distance Book Club:https://www.patreon.com/OnceUponaTimeZoneFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcastJaime's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefokInstagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerioInstagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(10:03) jaime watched hamnet!(15:17) author panels & signings(24:32) romantasy book balls(39:01) book conventions(44:34) influencer events(56:45) book clubs -
July Reading Recap, August TBR & New Book Releases! 📚 [EP#56] 07.08.2026 1h 9minLet's wrap up our July reading month & talk about what we're looking forward to in August!Books Discussed:Morning Star - Pierce BrownHoney - Imani ThompsonThe Burning Side - Sarah DamoffEverything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt - Ben ReevesMartyr! - Kaveh Akbar11/22/63 - Stephen KingThe Knave and the Moon - Rachel GilligDark Matter - Blake CrouchThe Sixth Faction - Veronica RothVictorious - VE SchwabThe Road of Bones - Demi WintersWild Dark Shore - Charlotte McConaghyEverything We Never Said - Sloan HarlowPool House - Mary HK ChoiNymph - Sofia MontroneWasp's Nest - Kat StoddardPiranesi - Susanna ClarkeThe Midnight Train - Matt HaigThis Woven Kingdom - Tahereh MafiThere Is No Antimemetics Division - QNTMTheodora's Tea Shop - Christy Anne JonesImmortal Game - Allison SaftFruit Fly - Josh SilverLong Distance Book Club:https://www.patreon.com/OnceUponaTimeZoneFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcastJaime's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefokInstagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerioInstagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(12:08) august book club read(14:03) freya watched the odyssey!(21:31) freya's july highlights(31:13) jaime's july highlights(42:22) freya's july lows(50:42) jaime's july lows(56:40) jaime's august lookaheads(01:00:55) freya's august lookaheads(01:04:32) august book releases
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We're FINALLY BACK! ☕📚 | Europe, Reading Updates & Book News [EP#55] 31.07.2026 1h 7minWE MISSED YOU!!! We're back after 3 weeks, and have SO much to catchup on. From Freya's Europe trip, to personal life updates, to all the book announcements and adaptation news... let's debrief!Book creators mentioned:Colleen: https://www.instagram.com/colleensreading/Lottie: https://www.youtube.com/lottiesmalleyBooks Discussed:Victorious - VE SchwabThe Shampoo Effect - Jenny JacksonThe Knave and the Moon - Rachel GilligMorning Star - Pierce BrownDark Matter - Blake CrouchMy Friends - Fredrik BackmanMain Characters - Bobby PalmerWriters & Lovers - Lily KingPractical Magic - Alice HoffmanVicious - VE SchwabBeach Read - Emily HenryLove Theoretically - Ali HazelwoodA Bittersweet Spell - Rebecca RossThe Last Days of Vic & Coco - Taylor Jenkins ReidLong Distance Book Club:https://www.patreon.com/OnceUponaTimeZoneFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcastJaime's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefokInstagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerioInstagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(13:07) freya's europe trip!(45:02) jaime is going to boston & ran a 10k(51:03) book to screen adaptation news(01:00:33) exciting book announcements!
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How Is Our Reading Year Going?! 📚👀 (Mid Year Check In) [EP#54] 24.07.2026 1hTime to reflect on our reading year so far! How are we doing with our reading goals? What books have hit, missed & what are we looking forward to for the rest of the year? Hope you enjoy this one :)Books Discussed:This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me - Ilona AndrewsThe Dark Mirror - Samantha ShannonRed Rising - Pierce BrownThe Fellowship of the Ring - JRR TolkienThe Bright Years - Sarah DamoffThe Burning Side - Sarah DamoffThe Way of Kings - Brandon SandersonUs Against You - Fredrik BackmanDungeon Crawler Carl - Matt DinnimanNeverthorn - Shannon MayerThe Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre DumasJane Eyre - Charlotte BronteSense and Sensibility - Jane Austen11/22/63 - Stephen KingThe Ballad of Falling Dragons - Sarah A ParkerInto the Blue - Emma BrodieJade City - Fonda LeeYesteryear - Caro Claire BurkeNo Matter What - Cara BastoneRhythm of War - Brandon SandersonThe Diviners - Libba BrayRecursion - Blake CrouchShield of Sparrows - Devney PerryThe Last Contract of Isako - Fonda LeeDaughter of No Worlds - Carissa BroadbentChain of Gold - Cassandra ClareThe Road of Bones - Demi WintersA Stage Set for Villains - Shannon J SpannBurn of the Everflame - Penn ColeThe Knave and the Moon - Rachel GilligTaipei Story - RF KuangVictorious - VE SchwabDead Beat - Leigh BardugoThe Sixth Faction - Veronica RothAmerican Hagwon - Min Jin LeeLong Distance Book Club:https://www.patreon.com/OnceUponaTimeZoneFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcastJaime's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefokInstagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerioInstagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(11:22) freya's europe tripe!(16:41) how we're doing with our reading goals(27:21) fable reading stats(32:34) mid year book tags(32:50) books we immediately want to reread(36:51) new favourite authors(39:42) most frustrating characters(42:04) a book that should have been shorter(44:07) a book that should have been longer(46:21) series we want to read this year(48:59) character most likely to start a podcast(51:08) ranking our book club reads so far(54:56) most anticipated reads for the rest of the year
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Have Our Reading Tastes CHANGED?! 📚 (Re-Taking the Read Your Color Quiz) [EP#53] 17.07.2026 1h 9minOne year later, have our reading tastes changed? We are re-creating our very first episode in celebration of 1 year of the podcast!!! Thank you SO MUCH for being here 💖Read Your Color Quiz:https://readyourcolor.com/Books Discussed:The Jasad Crown - Sara HashemGolden Son - Pierce BrownSummer Island - Kristin HannahBlue Sisters - Coco MellorsCleopatra and Frankenstein - Coco MellorsThis Is How You Lose the Time War - Max Gladstone & Amal El-MohtarTress of the Emerald Sea - Brandon SandersonA Song to Drown Rivers - Ann LiangThe Correspondent - Virginia EvansA Man Called Ove - Fredrik BackmanMurder on the Orient Express - Agatha ChristieFive Survive - Holly JacksonThe Only One Left - Riley SagarThe Silent Patient - Alex MichaelidesMy Friends - Fredrik BackmanThe Good Parts - Evann NormandinRecursion - Blake CrouchStarside - Alex AsterSmall These Like These - Claire KeeganBroken Country - Clare Leslie HallThe Hating Game - Sally ThorneNot in Love - Ali HazelwoodIt Happened One Summer - Tessa BaileyMain Characters - Bobby PalmerThe Raven Scholar - Antonia HodgsonThe Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe - CS LewisCaraval - Stephanie GarberLong Distance Book Club:https://www.patreon.com/OnceUponaTimeZoneFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcastJaime's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefokInstagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerioInstagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(15:57) what we expect this time(18:01) taking the quiz(59:43) our final results!
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June Reading Recap, July TBR & New Book Releases! 📚 [EP#52] 10.07.2026 1h 3minLet's wrap up our June reading month & talk about what we're looking forward to in July!Books Discussed:Daughter of No Worlds - Carissa BroadbentThe Someday Garden - Ashley PostonDark Matter - Blake CrouchElodie and the Dark Lord - Ashley PostonRhythm of War - Brandon SandersonGolden Son - Pierce BrownLiar of Dreams - Libba BrayThe Wretched Divine - Adalyn GraceThe Young Will Remember - Eve J ChungInto the Blue - Emma BrodieThe Ballad of Falling Dragons - Sarah A ParkerThe Dark Mirror - Samantha ShannonThe Burning God - RF KuangThe Divorce - Freida McFaddenSummer Island - Kristin HannahYesteryear - Caro Claire BurkeThe Butcher's Masquerade - Matt DinnimanDungeon Crawler Carl - Matt DinnimanThe Hollow Gods - AJ VranaThe Shippers - Katherine CenterPhoebe Berman's Gonna Lose It - Brooke AverickMorning Star - Pierce BrownHoney - Imani ThompsonBest Offer Wins - Marisa KashinoRed Rising - Pierce BrownThe Poppy War - RF KuangThe Road of Bones - Demi WintersThis Woven Kingdom - Tahereh MafiChain of Gold - Cassandra ClareVicious - VE SchwabNinth House - Leigh BardugoThe Winged Game - Sophie KimThe Mash Up - Laura Marie MeyersEverything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt - Ben ReevesThe Good Parts - Evann NormandinLong Distance Book Club:https://www.patreon.com/OnceUponaTimeZoneFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcastJaime's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefokInstagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerioInstagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(08:13) LOTR casting update!(10:49) ashley poston is writing FANTASY!(12:57) dallas cowboys cheerleaders debrief(20:06) freya's june highlights(27:25) jaime's june highlights(36:20) freya's june lows(41:32) jaime's june lows(46:50) freya's july lookaheads(51:56) jaime's july lookaheads(55:05) july book releases
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Our Summer vs Winter TBRs 📚☀️❄️ (From Book Besties Across the World!) [EP#51] 03.07.2026 1h 2minWe're back with our dual season TBRs! This time, our Summer and Winter TBRs as long distance book besties from Canada & Australia! Books Discussed:To Dream in Darkness - Ann LiangMistborn - Brandon SandersonGolden Son - Pierce BrownThe Bright Years - Sarah DamoffEvery Summer After (Every Year After) - Carley FortuneLight Wielder - Rachel SchneiderThe Poppy War & The Dragon Republic - RF KuangThe Wretched Divine - Adalyn GraceSummer Island - Kristin HannahThe Diviners - Libba BrayBury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil - VE SchwabBelladonna - Adalyn GraceThe Wolf King - Lauren PalphreymanYesteryear - Caro Claire BurkeWind and Truth - Brandon SandersonThe Good Parts - Evann NormandinThe Someday Garden - Ashley PostonHeart the Lover - Lilly KingThe Burning Side - Sarah DamoffMain Characters - Bobby PalmerLost Lambs - Madeline CashMad Mabel - Sally HepworthBest Offer Wins - Marisa KashinoGood Joy, Bad Joy - Mikki BrammerDaughters of No Worlds - Carissa BroadbentPool House - Mary HK ChoiHoney - Imani ThompsonOne and Only - Maureen GooDay of Now - Miranda ReasonNymph - Sofia MontroneShadow Reaper - Lynette NoniScythe - Neal ShustermanLong Distance Book Club:https://www.patreon.com/OnceUponaTimeZoneFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcastJaime's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefokInstagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerioInstagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(11:18) every year after debrief(23:15) light wielder reviews(24:45) spring and fall tbr recap(36:21) summer tbr 1(39:15) winter tbr 1(42:26) summer tbr 2(44:05) winter tbr 2(46:33) summer tbr 3(49:03) winter tbr 3(51:43) summer tbr 4(54:05) winter tbr 4(56:03) summer tbr 5(57:56) winter tbr 5
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The Books That Made Us CRY 😭📚 (with @madisonkait) [EP#50] 26.06.2026 1h 1minWe LOVE book bestie Madison Kait, and we also love books that make us cry. So this was just the PERFECT time to chat about how emotional we got over fiction. Hope you enjoy this episode!Madison Kait:https://www.tiktok.com/@lettersfrommadsBooks Discussed:Tropesick - Lauren OkieThe Wretched Divine - Adalyn GraceThe Shippers - Katherine CenterInto the Blue - Emma BrodieDestiny's Edge - ML WangAlchemised - SenLinYuJade Legacy - Fonda LeeA Little Life - Hanya YanagiharaThe Burning God - RF KuangAtmosphere - Taylor Jenkins ReidThe Ballad of Falling Dragons - Sarah A ParkerSay You'll Remember Me - Abby JimenezProject Hail Mary - Andy WeirMy Friends - Fredrik BackmanOnyx Storm - Rebecca YarrosCrooked Kingdom - Leigh BardugoThe Invisible Life of Addie LaRue - VE SchwabRed Rising - Pierce BrownA Court of Wings and Ruin (ACOTAR) - Sarah J MaasLong Distance Book Club:https://www.patreon.com/OnceUponaTimeZoneFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcastJaime's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefokInstagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerioInstagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(09:01) ML Wang's surprise book release?!(11:18) what were our BIGGEST book cries of all time?(20:43) how hard did these books make us cry?(20:54) the ballad of falling dragons(24:32) alchemised(28:38) say you'll remember me(30:28) project hail mary(32:00) my friends(36:02) madison's annotating system(40:03) onyx storm(46:19) crooked kingdom(50:23) what were the first books that made us cry?(52:47) the invisible life of addie larue(56:16) acowar
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How to ACTUALLY Get Out of a Reading Slump 📚 [EP#49] 19.06.2026 1h 1minAre you in a reading slump? Let's chat about what our reading slumps look like, how we get out of slumps & also some reading slump book recs!Books Discussed:Into the Blue - Emma BrodieSummer Island - Kristin HannahYesteryear - Caro Claire BurkeThe Deal (Off Campus) - Elle KennedyWhen the Moon Hatched - Sarah A ParkerThe Ballad of Falling Dragons - Sarah A ParkerAmerican Hagwon - Min Jin LeeNever Lie - Freida McFaddenSix Crimson Cranes - Elizabeth LimThe Rose Bargain - Sasha Peyton SmithWelcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop - Hwang Bo ReumA Series of Unfortunate Events - Lemony SnicketThe Six Deaths of the Saint - Alix E HarrowAfter I Do - Taylor Jenkins ReidBest Offer Wins - Marisa KashinoJulie Chan is Dead - Liann ZhangLong Distance Book Club:https://www.patreon.com/OnceUponaTimeZoneFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcastJaime's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefokInstagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerioInstagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(09:33) catchups & announcements!(10:11) freya's obsession debrief(14:14) freya's yesteryear update(17:02) jaime is WATCHING OFF CAMPUS?(23:58) random thoughts on when the moon hatched(25:31) min jin lee's new book release!(28:11) what do our reading slumps look like?(31:37) our tips to get out of a reading slump(38:15) reading slump book recs(38:33) anything freida(41:52) six crimson cranes(45:16) the rose bargain(47:04) welcome to the hyunam-dong bookshop(49:51) a series of unfortunate events(53:13) the six deaths of the saint(55:44) anything TJR(57:55) an unhinged protagonist
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May Reading Recap, June TBR & New Book Releases! 📚 [EP#48] 12.06.2026 1h 9minLet's wrap up our May reading month & talk about what we're looking forward to in June!Books Discussed:Rhythm of War - Brandon SandersonThe Arcane Arts - SD CoverlyThe Deal (Off Campus) - Elle KennedyBinding 13 (Boys of Tommen) - Chloe WalshEvery Summer After - Carley FortuneWhen the Moon Hatched - Sarah A ParkerThe Ballad of Falling Dragons - Sarah A ParkerObsession (Movie)The Last Contract of Isako - Fonda LeeThe Dragon Republic - RF KuangDawnshard - Brandon SandersonMark of the Warrior - Fonda LeeWind and Truth - Brandon SandersonClockwork Princess - Cassandra ClareThe Kiss of Deception - Mary E PearsonThe Gate of the Feral Gods - Matt DinnimanThis Kingdom Will Not Kill Me - Ilona AndrewsThe Good Parts - Evann NormandinThe Burning Side - Sarah DamoffMy Husband's Wife - Alice FeeneyDungeon Crawler Carl - Matt DinnimanYesteryear - Caro Claire BurkeHoney - Imani ThompsonThe Someday Garden - Ashley PostonPhoebe Berman's Gonna Lose It - Brooke AverickGood Joy, Bad Joy - Mikki BrammerTo Dream in Darkness - Ann LiangThe Thoroughbreds - Elin Hilderbrand & Shelby CunninghamVictorious - VE SchwabShadow Reaper - Lynette NoniLight Wielder - Rachel SchneiderPool House - Mary HK ChoiThe River She Became - Emily VargaA Darker Shore - Leigh BardugoLong Distance Book Club:https://www.patreon.com/OnceUponaTimeZoneFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcastJaime's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefokInstagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerioInstagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(11:00) book to screen catchups(16:30) jaime met Sarah A Parker!(23:20) the Obsession debrief(30:09) freya's may highlights(35:13) jaime's may highlights(39:18) june book club pick!(39:40) back to jaime's highlights(42:41) freya's may lows(46:25) jaime's may lows(53:15) freya's june lookahead(55:58) jaime's june lookahead(01:00:11) june new book releases
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Inside the Worlds of Fonda Lee 👀 | Green Bone Saga, The Last Contract of Isako, Breathmarked & More 📚 [EP#47] 05.06.2026 59minWe are in AWE of Fonda Lee and still cannot believe we were able to chat with her in this episode! We chat all things Jade City, The Last Contract of Isako, Breathmarked duology and more!Fonda Lee:https://www.instagram.com/fonda.leeBooks Discussed:The Last Contract of Isako - Fonda LeeJade City (Green Bone Saga) - Fonda LeeMark of the Warrior (Breathmarked) - Fonda LeeBreath of the Dragon - Fonda LeeDark Matter - Blake CrouchRhythm of War - Brandon SandersonLong Distance Book Club:https://www.patreon.com/OnceUponaTimeZoneFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcastJaime's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefokInstagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerioInstagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro(01:08) life on the Isako book tour(04:29) current reads(09:20) Fonda's perfect eggs benedict(10:50) what is The Last Contract of Isako?(12:30) writing about characters in different stages of life(16:42) will we ever revisit Isako?(18:16) writing platonic love vs romantic love(20:45) finding love in a company town(25:00) the impending doom of characters slowly declining(28:00) when your job is your LIFE(30:29) plotting an unpredictable book(33:48) building a rich world in a standalone novel(37:00) the art of physical combat in a book(40:05) film adaptations on the horizon?(41:47) which of your fictional worlds would you live in?(43:21) the transition from corporate to being an author(46:14) the wild google history of an author(49:46) listener questions!(49:58) what's the best starting point to dive into fonda's books?(50:50) how do you decide what is a standalone vs series?(52:16) how do you come up with the names for characters and places?(54:51) this or that!(54:59) who would win in a fight, isako or hilo?(56:18) no more eggs benedict or no more caffeine?(57:03) revenge arcs or redemption arcs?
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Inside the MUST-READ Fantasy That Will Break Your Heart 👀 | The Poet Empress with Shen Tao 📚 [EP#46] 29.05.2026 50minYou know we LOVE The Poet Empress, and we had the best time chatting with Shen Tao about her book, early inspiration (warrior cats, anyone?) and how fonts might speak in different ways!Shen Tao:https://www.instagram.com/storygooseBooks Discussed:The Poet Empress - Shen TaoImmaculate Deception - Isabela LivinoThe Ballad of Falling Dragons - Sarah A ParkerThe Beauty of Darkness - Mary E PearsonLong Distance Book Club:https://www.patreon.com/OnceUponaTimeZoneFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcastJaime's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefokInstagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerioInstagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(04:35) where did @storygoose come from?(07:23) Shen's journey to becoming a published author(10:22) Influences on Shen's writing style(13:54) warrior cats fanfiction to fantasy pipeline(15:38) life as a debut author(19:10) what is The Poet Empress about?(20:30) is the protagonist really the main focus?(23:24) Shen's favourite character to write?(25:03) the influence of siblings(26:09) publishing fantasy with a romantasy imprint(28:55) developing a magic system based in poetry(31:03) Shen's favourite moment in the book(32:28) the font challenge(36:09) Shen's next novel reveal!(39:03) listener questions(39:12) a song to describe the characters?(40:16) how to manage emotions while writing(41:58) The Poet Empress in three words(42:51) favourite edition of The Poet Empress(44:18) how does it feel to have rocketed to success?(49:00) this or that
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The PERFECT Books for Your VERY Specific Moods 👀📚 [EP#45] 22.05.2026 1h 5minYou asked for book recs that were oddly specific... and we had so much fun matching books to your prompts! Hope you enjoy these oddly specific reading recs!Books Discussed:The Kiss of Deception - Mary E PearsonThe Heart of Betrayal - Mary E PearsonUpgrade - Blake CrouchWhen the Moon Hatched - Sarah A ParkerThe Ballad of Falling Dragons - Sarah A ParkerDungeon Crawler Carl - Matt DinnimanThe Last Contract of Isako - Fonda LeeJade City - Fonda Lee (Green Bone Saga)Jade Legacy - Fonda LeeThe Invisible Life of Addie LaRue - VE SchwabBefore the Coffee Gets Cold - Toshikazu KawaguchiThe Bane Witch - Ava MorgynA Discovery of Witches - Deborah HarknessBright Young Women - Jessica KnollYesteryear - Caro Claire BurkeThe Witch Below the Dreaming Wood - HG ParryGraceless Heart - Isabel IbanezNot Quite Dead Yet - Holly JacksonLost Lambs - Madeline CashOne True Loves - Taylor Jenkins ReidReady or Not - Cara BastoneThe Favorites - Layne FargoInto the Blue - Emma BrodieBest Offer Wins - Marisa KashinoThe Good Parts - Evann NormandinAtmosphere - Taylor Jenkins ReidChain of Gold - Cassandra Clare (The Last Hours)No Matter What - Cara BastoneThe Names - Florence KnappLong Distance Book Club:https://www.patreon.com/OnceUponaTimeZoneFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcastJaime's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefokInstagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerioInstagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(12:15) jaime met fonda lee!(18:40) freya's weekend catchup(20:48) oddly specific book recs(21:14) exploring identity and what it means to be human but in a fun, original way(26:16) a witchy Gone Girl(29:46) staring at a wall like what did I just read but in a good way(35:55) count the amount of letters in your last read’s title(41:33) everyone is coping through sarcasm and poor sleep schedule(47:20) love triangle where the choice is not obvious(52:17) watching a car crash into a dumpster fire in a good way(55:38) cross-genre love stories(01:00:46) running through a field with fresh rain on your face
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We Tried Guessing Books from JUST the First Line... 🙈📚 [EP#44] 15.05.2026 54minSorry for some of the audio quality in this one, we had some technical difficulties this week :( Hope you still enjoy this one, it was a fun game! Books Discussed:Dragon Republic - RF KuangThe Last Contract of Isako - Fonda LeeYesteryear - Caro Claire BurkeWarbreaker - Brandon SandersonSword Catcher - Cassandra ClareDirebound - Sable SorensenRock Paper Scissors - Alice FeeneyThe Seven Year Slip - Ashley PostonThe Knight and the Moth - Rachel GilligA River Enchanted - Rebecca RossFive Survive - Holly JacksonAn Ember in the Ashes - Sabaa TahirReady or Not - Cara BastoneRed Rising - Pierce BrownWe Were Liars - E LockhartA Song to Drown Rivers - Ann LiangRed, White & Royal Blue - Casey McQuistonChain of Gold - Cassandra ClareHeartless Hunter - Kristen CiccarelliBroken Country - Clare Leslie HallThe Raven Scholar - Antonia HodgsonKatabasis - RF KuangVerity - Colleen HooverLong Distance Book Club:https://www.patreon.com/OnceUponaTimeZoneFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcastJaime's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefokInstagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerioInstagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(10:09) weekend catchups(18:54) the game!(20:31) round 1(22:40) round 2(26:35) round 3(30:54) round 4(31:50) round 5(33:35) round 6(35:09) round 7(35:59) round 8(39:31) round 9(40:17) round 10(40:45) round 11(41:40) round 12(44:27) round 13(45:56) round 14(46:32) round 15(48:58) round 16(49:54) round 17(50:58) round 18(51:37) round 19(52:05) round 20
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April Reading Recap, May TBR & New Book Releases! 📚 [EP#43] 08.05.2026 1hLet's wrap up our April reading month & talk about what we're looking forward to in May!Books Discussed:Clockwork Princess - Cassandra ClareWind and Truth - Brandon SandersonThe Beauty of Darkness - Mary E PearsonDungeon Crawler Carl - Matt DinnimanClockwork Prince - Cassandra ClareShield of Sparrows - Devney PerryThe Night We Met - Abby JimenezThe Someday Garden - Ashley PostonNo Matter What - Cara BastoneThe Correspondent - Virginia EvansThe Poet Empress - Shen TaoThe Poppy War - RF KuangThe Jasad Heir - Sara HashemThe Road of Bones - Demi WintersFable - Adrienne YoungThis Woven Kingdom - Tahereh MafiRed Rising - Pierce BrownThe Dinner Party - Freida McFaddenThe Good Parts - Evann NormandinThe Jasad Crown - Sara HashemThe Dark Mirror - Samantha ShannonRhythm of War - Brandon SandersonThe Dragon Republic - RF KuangGolden Son - Pierce BrownYesteryear - Caro Claire BurkeThe Last Contract of Isako - Fonda LeeVerity Guild - Mai CorlandThe Young Will Remember - Eve J ChungThe Ballad of Falling Dragons - Sarah A ParkerThe Shippers - Katherine CenterThe Burning Side - Sarah DamoffThe Midnight Train - Matt HaigLong Distance Book Club:https://www.patreon.com/OnceUponaTimeZoneFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcastJaime's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefokInstagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerioInstagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(13:30) may book club pick!(15:20) jaime's april highs(22:39) freya's april highs(26:47) jaime's april lows(34:07) freya's april lows(39:18) jaime's may lookahead(40:50) freya's may lookahead(44:07) may new releases
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ALL the Book News We Need to Talk About 👀📚 + Our Lives Beyond Books [EP#42] 01.05.2026 1h 3minWe've had SO MANY book announcements lately, we just need to debrief. We also spend the last bit of this episode chatting about what we do outside of reading, to compliment our bookish lifestyles!Books Discussed:The Poppy War - RF KuangThe Correspondent - Virginia EvansThe Dinner Party - Freida McFaddenWind and Truth - Brandon SandersonDivergent - Veronica RothThe Sixth Faction - Veronica RothBeach Read - Emily HenryLord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien (The Hunt for Gollum)Burn of the Everflame - Penn ColeThe Knave and the Moon - Rachel GilligDaemonica - Kaylie SmithTaipei Story - RF KuangDead Beat - Leigh BardugoThe Thoroughbreds - Elin HilderbrandHollywood, Ending - John GreeneThe Mirror of Infinite Endings - Stephanie GarberThe Wretched Divine - Adalyn GraceVictorious - VE SchwabACOTAR 6 - Sarah J MaasUntitled Empyrean (Fourth Wing) - Rebecca YarrosA Married Little Christmas - Abby JimenezThe Improbable Meet Cute SeriesThe Exception to the Rule - Christina LaurenThe House in the Cerulean Sea - TJ KluneLong Distance Book Club:https://www.patreon.com/OnceUponaTimeZoneFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcastJaime's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefokInstagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerioInstagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(11:12) we are getting a NEW DIVERGENT BOOK(18:09) beach read casting announcement(21:28) LOTR the hunt for gollum casting(26:17) september is a BIG book release month(28:17) surprise empyrean novella(30:27) an abby jimenez surprise!(33:39) house in the cerulean sea adaptation(36:51) identity crisis?(37:57) readers need to move(50:06) is jaime a birder?(53:41) freya likes snakes?(57:46) freya is an artist(59:56) rapid fire hobbies
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Our Spring vs Fall TBRs 📚 (Same Time... Different Seasons?!) 🌸🍂 [EP#41] 24.04.2026 55minBecause we live on opposite sides of the world... here are our Spring and Fall TBRs as we head into the new seasons!Books Discussed:The Jasad Heir - Sara HashemThe Poppy War - RF KuangSunrise on the Reaping - Suzanne CollinsYesteryear - Caro Claire BurkeThe Diviners - Libba BrayWind and Truth - Brandon SandersonThe Women - Kristin HannahFirefly Lane - Kristin HannahThe Great Alone - Kristin HannahThe Four Winds - Kristin HannahThe Nightingale - Kristin HannahThe Good Parts - Evann NormandinBury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil - VE SchwabThe Someday Garden - Ashley PostonThe Wolf King - Lauren PalphreymanHeart the Lover - Lily KingBelladonna - Adalyn GraceThe Burning Side - Sarah DamoffThe Wretched Divine - Adalyn GraceLong Distance Book Club:https://www.patreon.com/OnceUponaTimeZoneFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcastJaime's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefokInstagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerioInstagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(10:27) sunrise on the reaping trailer(17:49) our spring and fall tbrs(19:13) spring book 1(21:52) fall book 1(25:22) spring book 2(28:43) fall book 2(33:05) spring book 3(36:37) fall book 3(38:26) spring book 4(40:24) fall book 4(43:42) spring book 5(46:35) fall book 5(49:01) spring book 6(51:23) fall book 6
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Which Fictional Character Is MOST Likely To...? (with @lottiesmalley) 📚👀 [EP#40] 17.04.2026 1hWe have the beautiful Lottie Smalley with us today! Had so much chatting about books & fictional characters we've loved. Hope you enjoy this one!Lottie's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@LottieSmalley/https://www.instagram.com/bookloverlottie/https://www.tiktok.com/@bookloverlottieBooks Discussed:Heir of Fire - Sarah J MaasThe Poet Empress - Shen TaoYou Did Nothing Wrong - CG DrewsHomebound - Porta ElanWe Used to Live Here - Marcus KliewerWild Dark Shore - Charlotte McConaghyYellowface - RF KuangFunny Story - Emily HenryProject Hail Mary - Andy WeirBear Town - Fredrik BackmanSix of Crows - Leigh BardugoFourth Wing - Rebecca YarrosEmily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries - Heather FawcettOur Infinite Fates - Laura StevenZodiac Academy - Caroline Peckham & Susanne ValentiThe Invisible Life of Addie LaRue - VE SchwabPeople We Meet on Vacation - Emily HenryDeep End - Ali HazelwoodThe Future Saints - Ashley WinsteadFrankenstein - Mary ShelleyDark Matter - Blake CrouchPassion Project - London SperryThe Favorites - Layne FargoBest Offer Wins - Marisa KashinoRed Rising - Pierce BrownA Darker Shade of Magic - VE SchwabDivine Rivals - Rebecca RossThe Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches - Sangu MandannaOnce Upon a Broken Heart - Stephanie GarberA Court of Thorns and Roses - Sarah J MaasA Man Called Ove - Fredrik BackmanKatabasis - RF KuangBlue Sisters - Coco MellorsHeartless - Elsie SilverThe Hunger Games - Suzanne CollinsDaisy Jones and the Six - Taylor Jenkins ReidTaming 7 - Chloe WalshBridgerton - Julia QuinnThrone of Glass - Sarah J MaasTwilight - Stephenie MeyerLessons in Chemistry - Bonnie GarmusMatilda - Roald DahlFirefly Lane - Kristin HannahThe Way of Kings - Brandon SandersonThe Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo - Taylor Jenkins ReidLong Distance Book Club:https://www.patreon.com/OnceUponaTimeZoneFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcastJaime's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefokInstagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerioInstagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(10:56) let's talk fictional characters(12:44) which character is most likely to win a reality TV show?(17:16) which character is most likely to get banned from a library?(22:18) which character is most likely to be chronically online?(26:53) which character urgently needs a therapist?(34:36) which character is most likely to burn down a kingdom over a breakup?(42:20) most likely to leave a function without saying goodbye?(45:10) which character would be the competitive board game type?(47:24) which character is most likely to flirt their way out of trouble?(49:44) what character would be the biggest gossip?(52:11) which character would bring a book to a party?(55:08) which character would never use their name when ordering coffee?
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This Fantasy World is Based on ACTING?! 🎭 (with Shannon J. Spann) 📚 [EP#39] 10.04.2026 57minWe have the AMAZING debut author Shannon J Spann on the pod today! We chat about her process writing the incredibly unique fantasy standalone A Stage Set for Villains, her love for theatre, and more.Shannon's socials:https://www.instagram.com/shannonjspannBooks Discussed:A Stage Set for Villains - Shannon J SpannOne Dark Window - Rachel GilligDaughters of the Sun and Moon - Lisa SeeTwo Can Play - Ali HazelwoodLong Distance Book Club:https://www.patreon.com/OnceUponaTimeZoneFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcastJaime's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefokInstagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerioInstagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(03:18) why we love theatre(05:28) life as a debut author(06:34) from publishing to being an author(09:50) about a stage set for villains(10:28) the inspiration that started it all(12:44) the writing process(16:53) how to start a fantasy book(18:56) all about BANTER and chemistry(22:29) evolution of the protagonist(24:36) creating a unique magic system(27:13) the power of mirrors(29:03) will we see more in this world?(32:45) what's next?(34:41) adapting to film!(35:40) our dream casts(41:03) listener questions(41:11) was the book always split into acts?(42:32) what inspired Riven as a character?(47:05) did you write with a mood board?(49:00) what role did your faith play into writing?(55:30) this or that
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March Reading Recap, April TBR & New Book Releases! 📚 [EP#38] 03.04.2026 1h 1minLet's wrap up our March reading month & talk about what we're looking forward to in April!Books Discussed:Just Friends - Haley PhamRhythm of War - Brandon SandersonShield of Sparrows - Devney PerryProject Hail Mary - Andy WeirThe Mirror of Infinite Endings - Stephanie GarberLady Tan's Circle of Women - Lisa SeeClockwork Angel - Cassandra ClareDungeon Crawler Carl - Matt DinnimanThe Last Wish - Andrzej SapkowskiThe Ragpicker King - Cassandra ClareRecursion - Blake CrouchRed Rising - Pierce BrownThe Someday Garden - Ashley PostonCleopatra - Saara El-ArifiSmall Things Like These - Claire KeeganLost Lambs - Madeline CashThe Ending Writes Itself - Evelyn ClarkeRites of the Starling - Devney PerryAn Arcane Study of Stars - Sydney J ShieldsLong Distance Book Club:https://www.patreon.com/OnceUponaTimeZoneFollow us on Instagram: @onceuponatimezonepodWatch our video podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponaTimeZonePodcastJaime's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@jaimefokInstagram: @jaimefokTiktok: @jaime.fokFreya's socials:https://www.youtube.com/@freyvalerioInstagram: @freyv_readsTiktok: @freyvalerio(00:00) intro & current reads(10:05) book club pick!(11:52) project hail mary debrief(22:22) stephanie garber news(28:17) wrap up disclaimer(28:49) jaime's march highlights(35:38) freya's march highlights(41:32) jaime's march lows(45:26) freya's march lows(47:09) jaime's april lookahead(51:19) freya's april lookahead(53:38) reading a book a day(56:30) new releases in april
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