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The Midnight Readers Podcast

Lillian Kim, Christy Crabtree, Brittany Cook

Three book lovers (and former library workers!) join forces to discuss the absurdities and logistics of your favorite fantasies, sci-fi, and mysteries. Each week we’ll dive into today’s most popular books and talk about all the crazy details.

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22 episodes
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Avg 1 hr 14 min
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Episodes 22

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S6 · E1
September 2 · 1 hr 23 min
ACOTAR: Chapters 1-11 | Coming to Terms With the Fact That Tamlin Is Blonde
Welcome back, readers! This week we’re finally getting started with ACOTAR part 1! We’re rereading the series with the whole universe in mind this time. Feyre, young and used to caring for her ungrateful family, is thrust head first into the world of Prythian after accidentally killing a wolf… or was it just a wolf? A mysterious beast comes and whisks her away into the faerie world. And wow, is the fae world amazing. Is it too good to be true? Can she trust the mysterious masked fae who are keeping her in the Spring Court? Tamlin and Lucien are reluctant to let her into their world, despite their attempts to accept her. We discuss the sisters and Feyre’s initial jump into Prythian in this first episode, as well as some theories about connections to the rest of the Maasverse. Join us! What are your thoughts on this Beauty and the Beast retelling? We want to hear from you. The comments section is open. As always choose chaos. Join the discussion and let us know what you think. You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Threads and Youtube @themidnightreaderspodcast. Interested in more from us? You can also read our stream-of-consciousness reactions to the reading and show notes and see what didn't make it to the show on our Patreon now. And consider joining our growing community there for other bonus content and more.
August 26 · 36 min
Season 6 Trailer | Beauty, Beasts, & Bad Theories: Take Your Seats, the Maas Universe Symphony Begins Here
Heyyy, readers~ Grab your favorite drink and leave your ash arrows at the door. Welcome to the official trailer for Season 6 of our A Court of Thorns and Roses deep dive! This week we’re setting the stage for Sarah J. Maas’s most iconic fantasy universe. Join us as we anticipate what this season has in store as we journey across the wall with Feyre Archeron, from barely feeding her family of four to discovering ancient curses to High Fae politics, brooding High Lords, and the dangerous world of Prythian. Whether you’re a first-time reader stepping into the Spring Court or a long-time Rhysand fangirl looking to re-live every twist and easter egg, get ready. We’re ready to share all of our revolutions and the crossovers with all the other Maas series and share some laughs about it all. We’re going to deep dive into the story section by section, discussing ACOTAR theories, fae lore, romance, suspiciously attractive villains, found family (and hated ones), magical courts, and every single red flag our rose-colored glasses turned green for our first reads. Will the books hit the same the second (or fortieth) time around? Maybe. Will it hit harder? Probably. Will we fall in love with Prythian again? Of course. Will we spend an unreasonable amount of time discussing fictional men? Absolutely. And most importantly, will we manage not to say something outrageous? Not a chance. The Spring Court is beckoning. The Night Court is watching. Prythian awaits. So let the music begin. There will be spoilers for those books, so you’ve been warned. P.S. This was recorded before the reveal of ACOTAR 6 & 7… go check out our bonus episode on the reveal! Are you excited for this new season? Read along with us and let us know your thoughts. We want to hear from you. The comments section is open. Definitely choose chaos. You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Threads and Youtube @themidnightreaderspodcast. Interested in more from us? You can also read our stream-of-consciousness reactions to the reading and show notes and see what didn't make it to the show on our Patreon now. And consider joining our growing community there for other bonus content and more.
#10
August 19 · 32 min
Off the Shelf | Welcome to our ACOTAR 6, 7 Conspiracy Board
Hey, readers ~ We’re back this week with a surprise update on the newest ACOTAR books. As soon as we saw this release, we knew we HAD to talk about it. There’s so many discussions online right now about the new covers, titles, and potential leaks. What do you guys think about the new covers? Whose POV will we get? How will the new books relate to the Maas multiverse? We’re hoping for some Throne of Glass crossovers, but what do y’all think?? What's your most outrageous, unhinged theories? The somewhat normal theories (as if those exist)? What are you most excited for? Leave a comment on your burning questions and biggest hopes for the new books! We want to hear from you. The comments section is open. Definitely choose chaos. Join the discussion and let us know what you think. You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Threads and Youtube @themidnightreaderspodcast. Interested in more from us? You can also read our stream-of-consciousness reactions to the reading and show notes and see what didn't make it to the show on our Patreon now. And consider joining our growing community there for other bonus content and more.
#9
August 12 · 1 hr
One Night Reads — Morning Glory Milking Farm: Ch. 10-17 | The Mega Milker Scores Boyfriend Tier Status
Listeners, things started out...really weird at Morning Glory Milking Farm...and somehow...they just got weirder. This week we're wrapping up our inaugural One Night Read book coverage. Violet's questionable career choice has officially turned into a full-blown romance. She's crossed the line from professional to might have accidentally acquired a monster boyfriend. Our heroine has discovered that sometimes the strangest career paths come with unexpected benefits. Join us for the Morning Glory Milking Farm finale as we talk happy endings, resolutions, and the weirdest dating scene we've seen so far. What are your thoughts? Did you enjoy that ending? Would you read another monster romance? And if so, what would you like for us to cover for our next One Night Reads? Any unhinged, funny, crazy reading recommendations welcome! We want to hear from you. The comments section is open. Choose chaos. Join the discussion and let us know what you think. You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Threads and Youtube @themidnightreaderspodcast. Interested in more from us? You can also read our stream-of-consciousness reactions to the reading and show notes and see what didn't make it to the show on our Patreon now. And consider joining our growing community there for other bonus content and more.
#8
August 5 · 1 hr 18 min
One Night Reads — Morning Glory Milking Farm: Ch. 1-9 | Well...That's One Way To Pay the Rent
Well, listeners……We don’t know what to say for ourselves. Our first “walk of shame,” on the podcast...And we’re loving every second of it! Our first date is with a minotaur, with Morning Glory Milking Farm. Welcome to the newest bonus series on our roster, the One Night Reads~! These are the books you can’t put down but maybe don’t want to be seen reading? The books you read in the middle of the night, tell your friends about all the shocking details (but probably not your parents), and you’re left thinking of them days later! And we’re starting off with a bang. Morning Glory Milking Farm has made a name for itself for a reason - we’ve got a lot of questions and a lot of laughs as usual, so stick around til the end! Especially since we've included a blooper reel as a treat to celebrate this inaugural episode. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did. What are your thoughts on this interesting tale? We want to hear from you. The comments section is open. Choose chaos. Join the discussion and let us know what you think. You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Threads and Youtube @themidnightreaderspodcast. Interested in more from us? You can also read our stream-of-consciousness reactions to the reading and show notes and see what didn't make it to the show on our Patreon now. And consider joining our growing community there for other bonus content and more.
#7
July 29 · 1 hr 4 min
Off the Shelf | What Kind of MMCs Would They Be? Stray Kids Edition
Hey, listeners. Happy Stay Week! If you know anything about us, it's probably that we're all Stays, as well as readers, and what better way to celebrate than by doing what readers do best: imagining eight incredibly talented men in a fictional world. This week we're throwing books out the window (metaphorically) to answer one very important question: What kind of MMC would each member of Stray Kids be in a fictional novel? Would Bang Chan be the self-sacrificing king? The Big Bad Wolf? Is Hyunjin the cursed prince? Is Changbin secretly the soft warrior with golden retriever energy? And is Felix the sunshine fae who's actually the most dangerous person in the forest? Is Lee Know the morally gray assassin? Han, the sarcastic thief with abandonment issues? Is Seungmin the emotionally unavailable duke, and I.N secretly the chosen one who will save us all? We have opinions. Lots of them. What do you think? Whether you're a lifelong Stay, a romance readers, or just wondering what the hell we're going on about, tell us what kind of fictional archetype you think fits each member, and join us as we overanalyze personalities, assign tropes, and celebrate another incredible year of being STAY. We want to hear from you. The comments section is open. Choose chaos. Join the discussion and let us know what you think. You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Threads and Youtube @themidnightreaderspodcast. Interested in more from us? You can also read our stream-of-consciousness reactions to the reading and show notes and see what didn't make it to the show on our Patreon now. And consider joining our growing community there for other bonus content and more. Just remember if you do comment please remember these are REAL MEN, human beings. Be respectful to them and to others. Bullying will not be tolerated.
S5 · E15
July 22 · 1 hr 14 min
The Historian: Chapters 65-Epilogue | World's Longest Game of Hide & Seek Ends in All Bark & No Bite
Hey readers~ We’re back this week to finish up The Historian, by Elizabeth Kostova! After 700 pages of dusty libraries, cryptic letters, suspicious academics and officials, and enough archival research to make the Library of Congress jealous, Dracula finally steps out of the shadows and reveals himself. The plans and mysteries of this delicious, decadently described novel are mostly left on the plate for us to poke at and question. Paul and Helen’s fates come to a tragic end, but not in the way we expected. There were so many things left open and so many stones left unturned. So now we have to ask: Did you guys feel the same? Who—or really what—do you think Dracula became? Is he truly gone? Did the ending satisfy you, or did you finish the book yelling in frustration? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Join the discussion. You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Threads and Youtube @themidnightreaderspodcast. Interested in more from us? You can also read our stream-of-consciousness reactions to the reading and show notes and see what didn't make it to the show on our Patreon now. And consider joining our growing community there for other bonus content and more.
S5 · E14
July 15 · 1 hr 21 min
The Historian: Chapters 49-64 | Nothing Says, 'Marry Me,' Like Head Hunting
Hey readers~ This week we’re going to Bulgaria and meeting a whole new host of characters in Elizabeth Kostova’s The Historian. Paul and Helen have discovered even more evidence, with the help of Turgut Bora (who we now know is in a special guard designed to hunt down Dracula himself), and they’re following it all the way to the source. They gain a new babysitter thanks to the Cold War politics of the time, as well as a new research helper, one Professor Anton Stoichev. With Stoichev’s help, Paul and Helen make their way to the mysterious Sveti Georgi Monastery, where secrets untold will be revealed… Will they find Rossi soon? There’s not much book left, and we’re getting worried! Join us this week as we theorize the origins of the mysterious dragon books and why it has led them this far with no Dracula to be found. I’m starting to think this book was just a personal passion project… what about y’all? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Threads and Youtube @themidnightreaderspodcast. Interested in more from us? You can also read our stream-of-consciousness reactions to the reading and show notes and see what didn't make it to the show on our Patreon now. And consider joining our growing community there for other bonus content and more.
S5 · E13
July 8 · 1 hr 21 min
The Historian: Chapters 37-48 | This Is Why We Don't Date Vampire Hunters
Hey listeners! Happy Tuesday and welcome back to the long, winding tale of The Historian. We join Helen and Paul again as they ride off to Budapest with the help of Helena’s aunt Eva. Poor Paul is put firmly into the spotlight when he finds out that Aunt Eva has volunteered him as the keynote speaker of a history conference at Helen’s alma mater, a situation that has brought the attention of the cordial but mysterious Géza József, Helen’s ex. We ALSO finally get the tragic tale of Helen’s mother and how Rossi found his way into her life, a tale of love and (again) lots of traveling. We have so many theories about Helen’s parentage and about how this story will eventually unfold - what happened to Rossi after he left Romania that kept him from returning? If Helen is related to Dracula’s lineage, does this have any consequences for her potential vampirism? We need answers soon! Join us this week for some more speculation and travel through Eastern Europe! What do you think about all of this? Join us for this week's episode, and let us know your thoughts in the comments! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Threads and Youtube @themidnightreaderspodcast. Interested in more from us? You can also read our stream-of-consciousness reactions to the reading and show notes and see what didn't make it to the show on our Patreon now. And consider joining our growing community there for other bonus content and more.
S5 · E12
July 1 · 1 hr 22 min
The Historian: Chapters 25-36 | Helen's Relation to Dracula Explained
This week, we're diving into part two of The Historian, where Paul and Helen collect yet another suspiciously convenient and male Dracula scholar. I mean seriously?!?!?!? Everyone keeps finding cursed books like it's the scavenger hunt from hell, and they're all having an absolutely terrible time. Our duo are also digging through yet another archive, just to uncover exactly enough vampire lore to make a certain undead librarian nervous...except are they really making any real progress towards their goal of finding Dracula's tomb? Is Dracula closer than ever, or are they just making terrible travel decisions? Meanwhile, we learn the truth of Helen's secret vampire lineage, and Paul just keeps being more and more insufferable. What do you think? Join us for this week's episode, and let us know your feelings too in the comments! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Threads and Youtube @themidnightreaderspodcast. Interested in more from us? You can also read our stream-of-consciousness reactions to the reading and show notes and see what didn't make it to the show on our Patreon now. And consider joining our growing community there for other bonus content and more.
S5 · E11
June 24 · 1 hr 28 min
The Historian: Chapters 13-24 | Paul and Helen's Meet-Cute Was Weirdly Murdery
Hey readers! This week we’re returning to the story of Dracula’s mysterious burial and the book that continues to haunt historians centuries later. As the narrator and her father explore the countryside of the vast Eurasian continent, we slowly unfold the story of who Rossi was and how entrenched Paul became in his disappearance. We meet Helen - a breath of fresh air in the stuffy pages of the archive - and learn that she’s dead set on finding Rossi as well, for reasons of her own. Who is Helen to the narrator and her father, and why does she know so much about Rossi? Just as the story has sunk its teeth into the minds of Professor Rossi and his advisee, so has Helen sunken her teeth into a grand revenge plot of the ages. Helen has involved herself quickly in the story of Vlad III, and Paul is head over heels, just like us. We love her and can’t wait to read more. Join us this week for another look at Rossi’s mysterious research project and the long history of his disappearance. Let us know your feelings too in the comments! Join the discussion and let us know what you think. You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Threads and Youtube @themidnightreaderspodcast. Interested in more from us? You can also read our stream-of-consciousness reactions to the reading and show notes and see what didn't make it to the show on our Patreon now. And consider joining our growing community there for other bonus content and more.
S5 · E10
June 17 · 1 hr 23 min
The Historian: Chapters 1-12 | Dracula's Deadly Deadline
Hellloooo listeners~ Welcome to the world of dusty tomes and secret histories! To round out our dark academia picks we’re picking up the story of the late medieval Vlad Țepeș, AKA Vlad the Impaler! Or at least, our historians do. This week we begin the story with an unnamed narrator who unveils the story of her father and his mysterious experiences in graduate school. A student of history, Paul is thrust into the world of 15th century Romania when he finds a mysterious book and subsequently, his advisor goes missing. This book weaves the true events of Vlad the Impaler with the (supposedly!) fictional narrative of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Join us this week as we sink our teeth into this deliciously descriptive epistolary novel, with lots of laughs and questions in between. Let us know your feelings too in the comments! Join the discussion and let us know what you think. You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Threads and Youtube @themidnightreaderspodcast. Interested in more from us? You can also read our stream-of-consciousness reactions to the reading and show notes and see what didn't make it to the show on our Patreon now. And consider joining our growing community there for other bonus content and more.
#6
June 10 · 1 hr 35 min
Off the Shelf | Book Trope Tier List: We Said What We Said
🎉100 episodes. One hundred. Triple digits. Somehow, despite all evidence to the contrary, we've been allowed to keep microphones for this long. To celebrate, we're doing what every bookish person secretly loves to do: judging things. Giving our opinions. Making it known. And fighting over it. Specifically, we're ranking some of the most popular book tropes from S-Tier masterpieces to F-Tier "Fuck you. I hope I never see you again." Enemies to lovers? One bed? Secret royalty? One horse? Miscommunication? We have opinions. Loud ones. But the real question is: how about you? Will your favorite trope end up in S-Tier? Maybe. But also will one of us commit an act of literary violence against a trope you adore? Also maybe. Tune in, and tell us which ranking made you cheer, which made you rage, and which ones have you drafting a strongly worded essay at 2 a.m. We want to hear you hottest tope takes. Come celebrate 100 episode with us, and possibly start a completely unnecessary bookish civil war. Also if you really like this episode, let us know what you want us to rank next. More tropes? Did we miss any you really want to do? Book boyfriends? Female Main Characters? We want to hear from you. The comments section is open. Choose chaos. Join the discussion and let us know what you think. You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Threads and Youtube @themidnightreaderspodcast. Interested in more from us? You can also read our stream-of-consciousness reactions to the reading and show notes and see what didn't make it to the show on our Patreon now. And consider joining our growing community there for other bonus content and more.
S5 · E9
June 3 · 1 hr 7 min
If We Were Villains: Act V | What Fresh Shakespearean Hell Is This?
Happy Pride Month, listeners! The curses of theater have come for us too - our audio got messed up this week (more than usual)! We knew we shouldn't have invoked the name of the Scottish play. Dammit. 😭We are so sorry, but we hope you enjoy the finale for If We Were Villains anyway. Join us this week as the book comes to a dramatic close with a brother’s betrayal becoming a beloved’s sacrifice. Oliver’s tragic ending is unveiled alongside his true feelings for James. We learn what really happened that fateful night at the lake, as well as some details that leave us with even further questions. Did you see that ending coming? Let us know your thoughts. You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Threads and Youtube @themidnightreaderspodcast. Interested in more from us? You can also read our stream-of-consciousness reactions to the reading and show notes and see what didn't make it to the show on our Patreon now. And consider joining our growing community there for other bonus content, chaos and more.
S5 · E8
May 27 · 1 hr 8 min
If We Were Villains: Act IV | Sir, That's Not Very Platonic Of You
Heyyy readers, Happy Tuesday. On this week’s episode we discuss Act 4 of If We Were Villains. Things heat up as Oliver is faced with his feelings right after discovering a revealing clue in the castle. Colbourne said the case was closed, so why is he sneaking around the school grounds? Plus, James breaks Oliver’s nose and Oliver takes a trip to Dr. Alexander, right before a sudden tragedy befalls the friend group. Will everyone make it to Act 5? Join us this week! And let us know your thoughts. You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Threads and Youtube @themidnightreaderspodcast. Interested in more from us? You can also read our stream-of-consciousness reactions to the reading and show notes and see what didn't make it to the show on our Patreon now. And consider joining our growing community there for other bonus content, chaos and more.
S5 · E7
May 20 · 1 hr 18 min
If We Were Villains: Act III | Everyone Is Crashing Out
Hey readers, we’re back with another episode of the If We Were Villains deep dive. Between the theatrical performances and borderline concerning level of Shakespearean recitations between friends, our acting troupe is used to dedicating themselves to their roles. But now, the lines are truly beginning to blur. What happens when James shows up at Oliver’s door over Thanksgiving break? Relationships are straining, with Meredith and Oliver attempting to go on a real date… But it couldn’t possibly really mean anything.. Right? James seems to think so. Plus, the troupe performs a scene from Romeo and Juliet for the Christmas Masque, only for Oliver to come to a shocking realization during James’ portrayal of Romeo. Alexander’s substance abuse issues get out of hand, and Wren’s health declines as the rest of the cast begins to unravel. Are they making things worst for themselves? Let us know your thoughts. Join the discussion. You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Threads and Youtube @themidnightreaderspodcast. Interested in more from us? You can also read our stream-of-consciousness reactions to the reading and show notes and see what didn't make it to the show on our Patreon now. And consider joining our growing community there for other bonus content, chaos and more.
S5 · E6
May 13 · 1 hr 16 min
If We Were Villains: Act II | Well...Richard Had It Coming
Hey readers! This week, there’s trouble brewing at Dellecher Classic Conservatory...And our theater troupe is embroiled in some serious drama. Richard has taken to harassing James and Meredith on stage and he seems to be getting away with it. Oliver, who is beginning to recognize he cares deeply about both of them, is thrown into the line of fire despite his belief that he’s powerless to do anything to protect them. Plus, is Oliver in complete denial about his feelings for James, or are we crazy? Richard has taken things too far, and the stage is set for disaster as they try to navigate his mood swings and borderline Shakespearian tantrums. But now that Richard isn’t getting his way, how far will he take things to get the roles he wants? And what is the group going to do about it… if anything? Let us know your thoughts. Join the discussion. You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Threads and Youtube @themidnightreaderspodcast. Interested in more from us? You can also read our stream-of-consciousness reactions to the reading and show notes and see what didn't make it to the show on our Patreon now. And consider joining our growing community there for other bonus content, chaos and more.
S5 · E5
May 6 · 1 hr 24 min
If We Were Villains: Act I | Just Some Theater Kid Vibes 💀
Hey readers! We’re excited to continue our dark academia theme this week with the first episode of If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio! It’s a completely different vibe this time around - and we’re wondering how this is going to play out just as much as the characters. This week we’re introducing the main characters and starting out with a bang. Why is Oliver in jail and did he really do it? Who will meet their end… and how does the lives of these seven students completely upend so quickly, when they work together so well? And please.. Someone familiar with Shakespeare throw us a bone! I guess “Confusion now hath made his masterpiece” because this week we’re thrown into the fire with little to guide us! If you’ve got some guidance, leave a comment. Join us this week on the Midnight Reader’s Podcast. Let us know your feelings too in the comments! Join the discussion. You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Threads and Youtube @themidnightreaderspodcast. Interested in more from us? You can also read our stream-of-consciousness reactions to the reading and show notes and see what didn't make it to the show on our Patreon now. And consider joining our growing community there for other bonus content, chaos and more.
#5
April 29 · 52 min
Off the Shelf | From ACOTAR To Twilight: What Makes an FMC Worth Reading?
Spoiler warnings below! Hey readers~ What do we love about our beloved fantasy female main characters? What do we hate? Are there tropes that we love to see every time, or that turn us away immediately? We wanted to talk about some of our favorite MCs (mostly in the Maasverse) from the past seasons and alike. As we prepare ourselves for the new ACOTAR novel, we’ve been reflecting a lot on the book women we love and what they mean to us. If only we had done this episode after Blood Over Bright Haven - I definitely would’ve talked about Sciona! Who would you throw in the ring? As usual...It got crazy by the end. Join us for a bonus episode as we discuss our favorite characters and some of the moments that have stood out to us from our favorite fantasy books (and a lot of Throne of Glass / Aelin love!). Let us know your feelings too in the comments! Join the discussion and let us know what you think. You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Threads and Youtube @themidnightreaderspodcast. Interested in more from us? You can also read our stream-of-consciousness reactions to the reading and show notes and see what didn't make it to the show on our Patreon now. And consider joining our growing community there for other bonus content and more. Spoiler warnings: All Sarah J Maas books, Patricia Briggs’ Mercy Thompson series, the Zodiac Academy series, The Empyrean (Fourth Wing) Series, and the Twilight series.
S5 · E4
April 22 · 1 hr 13 min
Blood Over Bright Haven: Chapters 18-23 | Death Sentence, You Say? Cute.
We’re back this week for the finale of Blood Over Bright Haven with an emotional rollercoaster of a finish! After the shocking revelations of the previous chapters, Sciona comes up with her final plan to truly stick it to the stuffy mages in the Magistry. But how does this end? We don’t want to spoil it here but we were left totally wanting more. Sciona truly shocked us all at the end and we had so many feelings about it. Let us know your feelings too in the comments! Join the discussion and let us know what you think. You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Threads and Youtube @themidnightreaderspodcast. Interested in more from us? You can also read our stream-of-consciousness reactions to the reading and show notes and see what didn't make it to the show on our Patreon now. And consider joining our growing community there for other bonus content and more.

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