There are some stories that sneak up on you. Luring you in with subtle descriptions and a glimpse at a  character's inner-most thoughts. You think you're about to embark on a journey, and you are, but it's definitely not the one you think following a young woman home - to the land she was stolen from - is likely to take you on.  Instead of a slowly unfolding story about a soldier trying to find her footing, the character's almost immediately thrust into thwarting an assassination attempt on a princess and carrying out orders certain to leave everyone in this squad of conscripts feeling some type of way about this homecoming.  And that's exactly how C. L. Clark's debut novel The Unbroken begins. Picking a side is where the conflict starts... This military/political fantasy centers Touraine, conscripted soldier, as she returns to the country of her birth as part of the colonizing force's army and Luca an imperial princess determined to wrestle her throne from her uncle. To prove her worthiness to rule, Luca aims to stop an colonial uprising by convincing the rebels she wants peace...when what she really wants is the means to rule unchallenged. Through a series of bloody events, Touraine finds herself under Luca's authority and thrust into a world of diplomacy, intrigue and uneasy alliances that she's in no way prepared for. ...and a bloody adventure follows after  What follows is a skillfully designed North-Africa inspired world full action and adventure. Clark puts forward the kind of character dynamics and world-building that paints a vivid picture all while building to tipping point well worth reaching. The Unbroken will challenge how you view military forces, colonial/post-colonial North Africa, power dynamics, and a women's unconflicted willingness to be violent...and be hellaciously good at it. There's magic, mayhem, love and what drives every good rebellion, tests of loyalty.  In edition to simply being a fantastic story, the world The Unbroken is multifaceted and richly diverse. The lead women characters are queer; there are other lesbian, gay, and bi characters. There is also a trans side character (you'll definitely want to see more of).  If you only add one new author to your reading list in 2021, it needs to be C. L Clark.  A Conversation with C. L. Clark  I had the pleasure of sitting down with the author to dig into how The Unbroken came to be, how the narrative hit me versus what Cherae readers would take away, and the multiple reasons to be found in this story that explain why I'm excited it's the first of (at least) three books set in this world. Listen in and then be sure to pick up The Unbroken* that hit bookshelves March 23, 2021.  C. L. Clark graduated from Indiana University’s creative writing MFA program and was a 2012 Lambda Literary Fellow. They’ve been a personal trainer, an English teacher, and an editor, and is some combination thereof as they travel the world. When they’re not writing or working, they’re learning languages, doing P90something, or reading about war and (post)colonial history. Their short fiction has appeared in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, FIYAH, and Uncanny, and on PodCastle, where they are currently a coeditor. You can follow them on Twitter: @c_l_clark. *Ro received a review copy of The Unbroken in exchange for her honest opinion.  Like what you hear? Subscribe so you don't miss an episode!   <a href="https://open.spotify.

I Talk Sh!t &amp; Presents: B!tch it's a Book Club. This new segment will be a free wheeling discussion of books from various genres of speculative fiction. The set list's built around novellas and designed to introduce authors and/or stories some may not know yet. First up is horror novella, The Murders of Molly Southbourne by Tade Thompson.  The Murders of Molly Southbourne  Synopsis: For as long as Molly Southbourne can remember, she's been watching herself die. Whenever she bleeds, another molly is born, identical to her in every way and intent on her destruction. Molly knows every way to kill herself, but she also knows that as long as she survives she'll be hunted. No matter how well she follows the rules, eventually the mollys will find her. Can Molly find a way to stop the tide of blood, or will she meet her end at the hand of a girl who looks just like her? Listen in as we jump off a conversation cliff and unravel the themes that make Tade's horror the kind that creeps up on you and leaves you wondering what you'd do if confronted with a murderous version of yourself.  We have a lively discussion where horror, spycraft, and one epic existential crisis collide. No one's quite sure what to make of The Murders of Molly Southbourne. So it's a good thing there's a sequel for us to dig into next meet up.  Book Club Members:  Aaron  @ansfreeman He/Him Ereika  @EreikaWritesFic She/They Leslie  @bonitaflor21 She/Her Tom @TomThurman3 He/Him Bacon  @B4c0nzilla  They/Them Brent @brentclambert He/Him  TJ @kotodamaishiki  He/Him Read with us: I'm all about supporting independent shops so I've started a list on Bookshop.org where you can buy all the titles discussed on the show (this is an affiliate link so I get a small commission).   Like what you hear? Subscribe so you don't miss an episode!   Follow Ro on Twitter: @BookBlerd   @TheMTRNetwork &nbsp;

Tuesdays Means New Books  There really isn't a better time to snuggle up somewhere with a book than in the Fall. I read regularly (which is a hobby once again gaining popularity) but during the days of distancing, it's officially my go-to activity when I want to be outside in the sun but avoid people.  If you're trying to find things to do in what spare time you've got or are in need of some escapism well then Tuesday is ALWAYS a good day to think about buying (or putting in a request at your local library) some books.  Notable Oct. 13th Releases  Synopsis:  In the holy city of Tova, the winter solstice is usually a time for celebration and renewal, but this year it coincides with a solar eclipse, a rare celestial event proscribed by the Sun Priest as an unbalancing of the world. Meanwhile, a ship launches from a distant city bound for Tova and set to arrive on the solstice. The captain of the ship, Xiala, is a disgraced Teek whose song can calm the waters around her as easily as it can warp a man’s mind. Her ship carries one passenger. Described as harmless, the passenger, Serapio, is a young man, blind, scarred, and cloaked in destiny. As Xiala well knows, when a man is described as harmless, he usually ends up being a villain. Crafted with unforgettable characters, Rebecca Roanhorse has created an epic adventure exploring the decadence of power amidst the weight of history and the struggle of individuals swimming against the confines of society and their broken pasts in the most original series debut of the decade. Release Date: October 13, 2020 &nbsp; Buy the Book: Indiebound | Bookshop |  &nbsp; Synopsis: In the Jim Crow South, white supremacy reigns and tensions are high. But Evalene Deschamps has other things to worry about. She has two little sisters to look after, an overworked single mother, and a longtime crush who is finally making a move. On top of all that, Evvie’s magic abilities are growing stronger by the day. Her family calls it jubilation—a gift passed down from generations of black women since the time of slavery. And as Evvie’s talents waken, something dark comes loose and threatens to resurface… And when the demons of Evvie’s past finally shake free, she must embrace her mighty lineage, and summon the power that lies within her. Release Date: October 13, 2020 &nbsp; Buy the Book: Indiebound | Bookshop |  &nbsp; Synopsis:   Emanuela Ragno has always gotten exactly what she wanted. The privileged daughter of the House of Ragno, her daring and sharp mind has kept her from being the traditional young lady everyone wishes she would be. What other people think of her is no consequence, though--she is about to marry Ale, her best friend and heir to the first house of Occhia, despite the fact that they are both secretly gay. Through Ale, Emanuela will be able to rule the city.   However, Emanuela has another, deeper secret that could shatter her plans. In Occhia, the source of all water is the watercrea, a mysterious being with blood magic who requires all Occhians to give themselves to her when their first bruise-like omen appears on their skin. Throughout history, all Occhians have obeyed this rule.

I'm always a fan of books that open with a unique sense of urgency. And fairy tales. I'm a sucker for a good retelling. One of my favorites this year beautifully blends the two. Author Kalynn Bayron's debut young adult novel, Cinderella is Dead. In Cinderella is Dead, Bayron, re-imagines the world of this classic with a striking sapphic story about a determined young woman willing to risk it all to expose the secrets and lies at the very heart of Cinderella’s mythic ‘happily ever-after’ in order to free a kingdom. You can read my full review at Fiyah Literary Magazine. But, after reading and reviewing this story, I couldn't stop thinking about how much this re-imagining of Cinderella's world stayed with me. So I thought I'd take my questions to the source.  Conversation with Author Kalynn Bayron Kalynn agreed to sit down for a in-depth chat about her novel sharing what she hoped to accomplish by deconstructing the world of Cinderella and why the story and world-building took shape the way it did.  Listen as I get a look under the hood and inside this story that so much more than a remake.  Cinderella is Dead released July 7, 2020 in the US. In my opinion, it's one of the best of the summer.   Like what you hear? Subscribe so you don't miss an episode!   Follow Ro on Twitter: @BookBlerd   @TheMTRNetwork &nbsp;

Words on Bathroom Walls is the latest contemporary romance adapted to film. The novel by the same name by Julia Walton release in 2018. It was wildly popular and viewed as an emotional look into living with an mental illness by some and an unnecessarily biting commentary on the Catholic Church by others. But overall, Words was well received and stuck a chord with many readers. It's not completely surprising to see it made into a feature length film.  Official Synopsis: Diagnosed with a mental illness halfway through his senior year of high school, a witty, introspective teen struggles to keep it a secret while falling in love with a brilliant classmate who inspires him to not be defined by his condition. Words stars Charlie Plummer, Taylor Russell, Andy Garcia, AnnaSophia Robb, Beth Grant, Walton Goggins, Molly Parker, Devin Bostic, Lobo Sebastian.  Since this film adaptation from Roadside Attractions hits theaters (yes, you read that correctly) August 21, 2020. It felt like a good time to sit down and discuss how a story initially told through journal entries translates onto the big screen.  Ro's joined by Shanna (co-host of the Supergirl recaps) for a dive into of how the film handles the book's themes, its casting and what we really think works (plot and visuals) about Words on Bathroom Walls; with a few tangents along the way.   DIRECTOR Thor Freudenthal SCRIPT BY Nick Naveda based on Julia Walton’s novel of the same name &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Like what you hear? Subscribe so you don't miss an episode!   Follow Ro on Twitter: @BookBlerd   @TheMTRNetwork &nbsp;

Documentary filmmaker Dawn Porter joins MTR critics Ro and Joi for a video interview about her latest project John Lewis: Good Trouble that premiering July 3, 2020. Who is Dawn Porter? Dawn Porter has a documentary style uniquely suited to walking Representative Lewis to walk through his own legacy. This isn't the first time she's turned her focus on the work for equal rights. She's turned her lens on the work Black public defenders do fighting for justice in a discriminatory southern legal system in Gideon's Army. Her 2016 film,&nbsp;Trapped, follows the trench war over reproductive rights in states like Alabama, Mississippi and Texas. Porter's skillfully leads her subjects to the heart of the matter in ways that enlighten, humanize and challenge. Settle in as Dawn Porter fields questions, shares her motivation and the direction for this look at Elder Statesmen John Lewis, and her process for deciding how to approach his legacy.&nbsp; Good Trouble is Always Relevant, but Definitely Timely This interview took place on June 2nd just as people took to the streets and Black people declared they had had enough. In the midst of the swirling upheaval and calls for redress, Good Trouble feels right on time.&nbsp; Be sure to check out Ro's review and chat with Joi about the documentary.&nbsp;&nbsp; "Good Trouble" will be available on VOD and in virtual cinemas beginning Friday, July 3. Find the Film:&nbsp;https://www.johnlewisgoodtrouble.com/&nbsp; Like what you hear? Then be sure to Subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Follow us on Twitter: @Phenomblak @InsanityReport @TheMTRNetwork &nbsp; Our shirts are now on TeePublic.&nbsp; https://teepublic.com/stores/mtr-network &nbsp; Want more podcast greatness? Sign up for a MTR Premium Account! &nbsp;

Ro and Joi are back to further share their delight and investment in Little Fires Everywhere  with a special interview with writer Shannon M. Houston.  Shannon took lead on writing episode six, The Uncanny, my personal favorite. She agreed to sit down and talk all things LFE. If you don't know the name Shannon Houston, trust me, she's definitely one to watch. Listen in and see why we're officially declaring ourselves super fans.  Little Fires Everywhere is a dynamic and engaging adaptation. This is very much owing to it's talent packed writers' room lead by show runner Liz Tigelar.  It took a village to bring this family drama to such dynamic life. Especially since this is one series that holds together of it's entire story arc. This behind-the-scene clip of bringing this book to audiences gives a taste of what it took:  Like what you hear? Subscribe so you don't miss an episode!   Follow Ro on Twitter: @BookBlerd   @TheMTRNetwork &nbsp;

We're back for part two of our Little Fires Everywhere chat. This time around, Shanna decided to jump in the mix. We're picking back up with the discussion expanding beyond dragging Pearl - although there's still a bit of that - and into the themes and moments that kept us engaged, made us pause so to think, and the mess that still has us puzzled.  We give reasons to add Hulu's Little Fires Everywhere to your watch-list Little Fires Everywhere turned out to be the perfect balance of mess, emotional turmoil, and family drama. In a time when television adaptations seem to leave out the core elements that made the book work, showrunner Liz Tigelaar and the Little Fires writers' room not only preserved Celeste Ng's narrative, it cut to the heart and soul expanding on its themes and making great television.  So tune in while we chop it up and remember at the end of the day. minding your business is always free. If you haven't added  &nbsp; All Episodes Streaming on Hulu  Reese Witherspoon (Elena Richardson), Kerry Washington (Mia Warren), Joshua Jackson (Bill Richardson), Rosemarie DeWitt (Linda McCullough), Jade Pettyjohn (Lexie Richardson), Jordan Elsass (Trip Richardson), Gavin Lewis (Moody Richardson), Megan Stott (Izzy Richardson), Lexi Underwood (Pearl Warren), and Huang Lu (Bebe) &nbsp; Like what you hear? Subscribe so you don't miss an episode!   Follow Ro on Twitter: @BookBlerd   @TheMTRNetwork &nbsp;

Sometimes, there's a book that catches your attention because it takes a popular trope (reincarnation) and builds a story around that feels like a fresh approach especially when it's main characters are under 21. Cries from the Lost Island certain fit the bill. I had the opportunity to sit down and ask Kathleen O'Neal Gear some questions about her latest stand alone novel (and solo project) Cries from the Lost Island.&nbsp; Bio: Kathleen O'Neal Gear is an archaeologist and historian. She lives in and raises bison (yes, you read that correctly) in the Owl Creek Mountains in northern Wyoming. She began writing full-time in 1986 and has been prolific (non-fiction and fiction) pretty much ever since. She's authored 10 novels under her name and 37 international bestsellers with her husband W. Michael Gear.&nbsp; What started out as a pretty straightforward curiosity about what made her want to write about Cleopatra turned into an interesting discussion about her inspiration, process, and random facts I discovered while prepping for the interview.&nbsp; Like what you hear? Subscribe so you don't miss an episode! &nbsp; Follow Ro on Twitter: @BookBlerd &nbsp; @TheMTRNetwork &nbsp;

Little Fires Everywhere is the Messy Drama/Mystery You Didn't Know You Needed... Welcome back to another I Talk Sh*t &amp; Read&nbsp;Book-to-Screen chat. This time, Ro and Joi are kicking off&nbsp; a new one and the topic's Hulu Original series, Little Fires Everywhere. Hulu's Series is an Adaptation that Elevates the Source Material&nbsp;&nbsp; Adapted from the novel by acclaimed writer Celeste Ng, Little Fires Everywhere is the story of two different worlds (we're talking class difference folks) colliding when a nomadic artist Mia Warren (Kerry Washington) and her daughter (Lexi Underwood) arrive in Shaker Heights, Ohio and meet Elena Richardson (Reese Witherspoon) and her picture perfect family.&nbsp; In the hands of showrunner (and executive producer) Liz Tigelaar, this adaptation of Little Fires Everywhere masterfully adds depth and contemporary nuance to both the overall story arc and each character.&nbsp; The writing, directing, and production teams bring it all together with irresistible visuals and perfectly time irreverence.&nbsp; Questions At Every Turn... What starts as just another a story about two women and their journey as mothers is now moody mystery with a subtly addictive narrative in the hands of actors giving masterful performances. There's emotional complexity, clashes of privilege, angst, and dangerous upheaval. Thus far, the writing and direction seamlessly (despite the varied creators) blends shifting perspectives and dramatic highs and lows together in a way certain to keep attention. To start things off we limited our discussion to topics arising out of episodes one through four respectively. The first four episodes, 'The Spark', 'Seeds and All', 'Seventy Cents', and 'The Spider Web' set the stage for what's shaping out to be an exciting second half. We've got opinions, theories, and serious gratitude for the realness buried in all this glorious mess.&nbsp; Directors: Lynn Shelton (The Spark, The Spider Web) and Michael Weaver (Seeds and All, Seventy Cents)&nbsp; Writers: Liz Tigelaar (The Spark), Nancy Won (Seeds), Raamla Mohamed (Seventy Cents), Attica Locke (The Spider Web) New Episodes &nbsp;Wednesdays on Hulu (Eight Episodes)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Like what you hear? Subscribe so you don't miss an episode! &nbsp; Follow Ro on Twitter: @BookBlerd &nbsp; @TheMTRNetwork &nbsp;