Emma chats with Maria and Laura to recommend some of their favorite historical fantasy books. They talk a lot about Divine Rivals, go on a bit of a Leigh Bardugo tangent, and share why they love escapism in fiction.

Maria’s Picks:

The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
Mirrored Heavens by Rebecca Roanhorse
A Fragile Enchantment by Allison Saft

Laura’s Picks:

The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon

Emma’s Picks:

A Sweet Sting of Salt by Rose Sutherland
Lady MacBeth by Ava Reid
Heartless Hunter and Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli

Other titles mentioned:

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
The Poppy War series by R. F. Kuang
Between Earth and Sky series by Rebecca Roanhorse
A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross
A Fire Endless by Rebecca Ross

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today's episode on OverDrive.com or in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.

We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can follow the Professional Book Nerds on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com.

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