In this episode of the Book Love Podcast, we dive into Part Two of Skyshade by Alex Aster, unpacking the explosive second half of the Lightlark series installment. We discuss the expanding magic system, major plot twists, and the shifting dynamics between Isla, Grimm, and Oro as the story turns increasingly plot-driven. From betrayals to self-discovery, we break down how the narrative builds toward its chilling conclusion — and what it might mean for the future of the series. If you love young adult fantasy filled with power struggles, love triangles, and high-stakes twists, this one’s for you.

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• Connect on IG: https://www.instagram.com/beccasbookclubadventure/
• Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@book.love.podcast
• Email the Show: BookClubByBecca@gmail.com
• Email Matt from Ohio: BookishOhioMat@gmail.com

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More Lightlark: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XveCl1jCWa01vnv7eWc1JHPY&si=Iy51xeLmCCSL1T4M

Author Interviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvfXXKrG6X4UWTnyU0S7s6NI&si=p5nIiLf55GxPjgE0

Spoiler-Free Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvfSpfBBfAfxynAgLTcNvnAT&si=TUqkQ3bv7pQJtyb6

Spoiler Filled Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2Xve832drS0lPw_coM67FyWC5&si=euj8-tBou3s5FhV7

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• 00:00 - Intro
• 00:30 - Finishing Part
• 201:10 - General Impressions
• 04:45 - Plot Recap
• 27:54 - EZ Twist (satire)
• 29:00 - Buddy Read Discussion
• 57:25 - Outro

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#Skyshade #lightlark #AlexAster #youngadultfantasy #romantasy #bookdiscussion #bookpodcast

In this episode of the Book Love Podcast, we dive into Part One of Skyshade by Alex Aster, the third installment in the Lightlark series. We break down Isla’s evolving character, her complicated relationships with Grimm and Oro, and the role of prophecies shaping the story’s direction. From storms and symbolism to moral ambiguity and romantic tension, we unpack the themes driving this young adult fantasy forward. Plus, we share our early predictions for where the series might be headed next.

Like, Comment, Subscribe | New episodes every week

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• Connect on IG: https://www.instagram.com/beccasbookclubadventure/
• Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@book.love.podcast
• Email the Show: BookClubByBecca@gmail.com
• Email Matt from Ohio: BookishOhioMat@gmail.com

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More Lightlark: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XveCl1jCWa01vnv7eWc1JHPY&si=Iy51xeLmCCSL1T4M

Author Interviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvfXXKrG6X4UWTnyU0S7s6NI&si=p5nIiLf55GxPjgE0

Spoiler-Free Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvfSpfBBfAfxynAgLTcNvnAT&si=TUqkQ3bv7pQJtyb6

Spoiler Filled Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2Xve832drS0lPw_coM67FyWC5&si=euj8-tBou3s5FhV7

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• 00:00 - Intro
• 00:58 - High Level Impressions
• 04:58 - Plot Recap
• 23:02 - Prophecy Partners, LLC (satire)
• 24:30 - Buddy Read Discussion
• 46:24 - Predictions for Part 2
• 50:21 - Outro

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#Skyshade #Lightlark #AlexAster #youngadultfantasy #romantasy #bookdiscussion #bookpodcast

I was fortunate enough to sit down with journalist and author Rachel McRady. Over the course of two hours, we discussed her debut novel, Sunseekers, her globe-spanning journalism career, and the personal life that shaped and was shaped by both. It was amazing to talk through all the heavy themes within Sunseekers and how they relate back into our real, every day life.

Sit down and join us as we discuss interviewing celebrities, yearning for the nostalgia of the 90's, and the juxtaposition between grief and hope found in the characters and scenarios of her novel. At the root of it all is how we can make every day count.

Like, Comment, Subscribe | New episodes every week

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Connect with Rachel:

• Connect on IG: https://www.instagram.com/rachelmcrady/
• Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rachelmcradywrites
• Website: https://www.rachelmcrady.com/
• X: https://x.com/rachelmcrady
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Rachel-McRady-Author/100091534786172/

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Connect with the Podcast:

• Connect on IG: https://www.instagram.com/booklove_podcast/
• Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@book.love.podcast
• Email the Show: BookClubByBecca@gmail.com
• Email Matt from Ohio: BookishOhioMat@gmail.com

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Author Interviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvfXXKrG6X4UWTnyU0S7s6NI&si=p5nIiLf55GxPjgE0

Spoiler-Free Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2XvfSpfBBfAfxynAgLTcNvnAT&si=TUqkQ3bv7pQJtyb6

Spoiler Filled Book Reviews: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUbby2KW2Xve832drS0lPw_coM67FyWC5&si=euj8-tBou3s5FhV7

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• 00:00 - Intro
• 00:39 - Rachel McRady Intro
• 04:55 - About Sunseekers
• 08:15 - Family & Relationship Dynamics
• 15:00 - The Power of Self-Talk
• 24:00 - The Sunseekers Audience
• 26:00 - The Impetus of the Novel
• 32:35 - Comparing Sunseekers to Pop Culture
• 34:50 - Stream of Consciousness (Gracie)
• 44:45 - Where 'Matt from Ohio' Came From
• 46:50 - A Child Reuniting the Family
• 48:12 - Characters: Protagonists vs Antagonists
• 57:53 - The Existential Themes in Sunseekers
• 01:15:30 - Intro to Rachel as a Journalist
• 01:16:25 - Becoming a Journalist then a Novelist
• 01:33:00 - Rachel's Favorite Things
• 01:44:20 - Aging and Self-Perception
• 01:52:00 - The Meaning of Life and Making Every Day Count
• 02:00:35 - Big John & Fishing Memories
• 02:03:50 - Sunseekers Wrap-Up
• 02:04:10 - Rachel's Upcoming Projects
• 02:07:50 - Following Rachel McRady
• 02:09:20 - The Stories We Tell Ourselves to Live
• 02:11:05 - Outro

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#authorinterview #bookpodcast #writingprocess #existentialism #contemporaryfiction #racelmcrady #sunseekers #thebooklovepodcast