
Dragons & Spaceships
Welcome to Dragons & Spaceships, your ultimate guide to the best books in sci-fi and fantasy! Whether you're into the latest releases or timeless classics, we've got you covered. Our mission is to promote reading and the exploration of new imaginary worlds, diving into all sub-genres from action and suspense to mystery and romance.
Join our host Brandi Nelsen as we authentically share our love for these genres, have fun, and share the hottest books out. Whether you're a hardcore D&D fan or just love a good space opera, let your nerdy side shine with us. Tune in and embark on an epic adventure with Dragons & Spaceships!
Episodes
46 episodes
Dark Truths & Dead Air: Carter Wilson’s Tell Me What You Did
In this gripping episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi dives into Carter Wilson’s chilling new thriller, Tell Me What You Did. The story follows Poe Webb, a true crime podcast host whose own past is darker than any confession she’s air...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 47
•
4:03

Time, Language, and Identity: Two Novels That Redefine Reality
In this thought-provoking episode of Dragons and Spaceships, we explore two genre-defying novels that challenge how we perceive time, language, and identity.First, we dive into Alexander Boldizar’s The Man Who Saw Seconds
•
Season 1
•
Episode 46
•
5:10

One of Us Is Lying: Secrets, Pressure & High School Suspense
In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, we dive into the tangled web of secrets and social pressure in One of Us Is Lying by Karen McManus. Brandi explores the layered character dynamics of Bronwyn, Addie, Nate, and Cooper—...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 45
•
7:39

Exploring Magic and Family in 'The Spell Shop'
In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, we dive into the magical world of The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst. With a charming blend of spellcraft, family tension, and entrepreneurial spirit, this cozy fantasy explores what it means to forge y...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 44
•
5:47

Religion, Rebellion, and Rome: Talking Vesta with Marcia Twain
In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi sits down with author Jeffrey Hops (writing as Marcia Twain) to explore Vesta and Her Children—a powerful historical novel set in the twilight of ancient Rome. From gender...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 43
•
34:04

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: Power, Passion & Identity
In this special episode of Dragons and Spaceships, we trade dragons for drama as we dive into the glitzy, heartbreaking world of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. From old Hollywood glamour to raw emoti...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 42
•
6:22

Unraveling the Dark and Twisted World of Verity by Colleen Hoover
In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, we unravel the chilling layers of Verity by Colleen Hoover—a psychological thriller that’s haunted BookTok and divided readers with its jaw-dropping twists. Is it genius or manipulati...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 41
•
7:10

Found Family, Emotional Baggage & Summer Love in "Just for the Summer"
In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, we dive into the delightful emotional rollercoaster that is Abby Jimenez’s Just for the Summer. With its blend of found family, romantic tension, and emotional baggage, this rom-com d...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 40
•
7:26

None of This is True by Lisa Jewell | Thriller Deep Dive
In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, Brandi unpacks the chilling brilliance of Lisa Jewell’s None of This is True. With its layered characters, haunting secrets, and razor-sharp tension, this psychological thriller keeps...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 38
•
6:40

It Ends With Us: Love, Trauma & Controversy
In this emotionally charged episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi explores Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel It Ends With Us. With raw honesty and thoughtful analysis, Brandi unpacks the novel’s exploration of love, ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 37
•
9:12

Love, Dreams, and Darkness — A Deep Dive into Two Powerful Novels
In this emotionally rich episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi guides listeners through two unforgettable reads: Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez and Queen of the Darkness by Anne Bishop.Brandi u...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 36
•
6:11

Exploring Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Time, Memory & Surrealism
In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi delves into the novel Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, exploring its unique narrative style that blends reality with surrealism. The discussion highlights the book's themes of time,...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 35
•
8:14

Inside The Murderbot Diaries: Sci-Fi's Smartest Antihero
In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi delves into the trending sci-fi series The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells, exploring its unique character, themes of identity and autonomy, and the upcoming Apple TV Plus adaptation. The...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 34
•
9:32

Inside the Mind Games: Exploring "The Housemaid" and Psychological Thrillers
In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi dives into the world of psychological thrillers, focusing on 'The Housemaid' by Freida McFadden. The discussion covers the book's gripping plot, character dynamics, and themes of trust and ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 33
•
7:03

Book Trends & Bold Turns: A Fresh Direction for Dragons in Spaceships
In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi introduces a new direction for the podcast, focusing on trending books from various genres. The episode highlights 'Funny Story' by Emily Henry, exploring its themes, character dynamics, an...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 32
•
9:31

Unearthing the Past: The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis
In this episode, host Brandi takes a deep dive into Fiona Davis’s The Stolen Queen, a historical fiction novel that weaves together the stories of two women from different time periods. The novel touches on themes of female empowerment...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 31
•
7:15

The Brothers Hawthorne: Secrets, Stakes, and Sibling Rivalry
In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi delves into 'The Brothers Hawthorne' by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, a thrilling spinoff from the Inheritance Game series. The discussion covers the intricate character dynamics of the Hawthorne b...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 30
•
6:07

Why Once Upon a Broken Heart Lives Rent-Free in Our Heads
In this magical episode of Dragons and Spaceships, Brandi dives into the enchanting world of Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber — the BookTok fantasy romance that’s captured the hearts of readers everywhere. From epic love st...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 29
•
6:27

Exploring the Dark Fantasy of Quicksilver by Callie Hart
In this episode of Dragons & Spaceships, host Brandy dives into the dark and captivating world of Quicksilver by Callie Hart. This fantasy romance brings together the tension of enemies-to-lovers dynamics, the allure of th...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 28
•
9:18

Exploring 'Orbital' by Samantha Harvey
In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandy delves into the literary depths of 'Orbital' by Samantha Harvey, a unique sci-fi novel that explores existential themes through the lives of six astronauts aboard the International Space St...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 27
•
6:23

Is "Jade City" the Next Must-Read Fantasy Epic?
In this episode of "Dragons and Spaceships," host Brandi delves into Fonda Lee's "Jade City," the first book in the Green Bone Saga. She provides an overview of its setting, characters, and unique magic system, emphasizing its morally complex c...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 26
•
7:48

The Best Fantasy Adventure You Didn’t Know You Needed: "The Wren in the Holly Library
In this episode of "Dragons and Spaceships," host Brandi delves into the fantasy novel "The Wren in the Holly Library" by K.A. Linde, discussing its plot, characters, and themes. She highlights the protagonist, Wren Briarwood, a librarian with ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 25
•
8:11

Upcoming Fantasy Releases You Can’t Miss: Sanderson, Elizabeth, and More!
In this episode of "Dragons and Spaceships," host Brandi delves into R.F. Kuang's debut novel, "The Poppy War," a blend of military history and fantasy that explores the brutal realities of war through the journey of its protagonist, Rin. Brand...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 24
•
7:31

Is "A Study in Drowning" the Gothic Fantasy You’ve Been Waiting For?
In this episode of "Dragons and Spaceships," host Brandi delves into the gothic fantasy novel "A Study in Drowning" by Ava Reid. She explores the plot, themes, and characters, focusing on Effie, a young architecture student uncovering dark secr...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 23
•
6:38

What Makes "Shadow of the King" a Must-Read for Fantasy Lovers?
In this episode of "Dragons and Spaceships," host Brandi delves into the world of sci-fi and fantasy literature, spotlighting "Shadow of the King" by Darrell J. Pursiful. Brandi explores the book's themes, characters, and world-building, and sh...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 22
•
36:24
