Best Jordan Reader Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 26 - Challenging for Some, Liberating for Me With Cat Shieh 1:02:50

2h ago1:02:50

1:02:50

On this episode, Cat Shieh, a Caliornian transplant to Chicago and former ethnic studies professor, discusses her hesitancy when people ask for recommendations and recommend books to her. She’s not afraid to drink the haterade, give a hot take, and make me guess what her answer is going to be to my questions. We talk about sad books (about reality)…

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Book Thirteen, Part One: Prologue to the End of Chapter 15 | Towers of Midnight by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson 3:30:33

1h ago3:30:33

3:30:33

Twelve and a prequel down, two to go! The Queens embark on the thirteenth book of the Wheel of Time series, Towers of Midnight. The Queens argue about apples and excerpts from "The Dragon Reborn", Queen Tay insists that two particular characters should not be together while Queen Marissa insists that they will be, resulting in another bet for coffe…

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Episode 25 - Be a Dear, Unflip Your Dogears with Jennifer Moe 1:01:52

3d ago1:01:52

1:01:52

On this episode, Jennifer Moe, a professor and former bookseller, discusses her love for books that fully envelop the reader in a setting. We reminisce about our adventures with Twilight, our shared love for library magazines, and when it might be ok to leave a note or two in a library book. She also gives some Preorder Nobody’s Perfect, the book i…

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Book Twelve, Part Four: Chapter 39 to the End of the Novel | The Gathering Storm by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson 4:01:29

10d ago4:01:29

4:01:29

Thirteen books down, two to go. In this episode of the Queens of Fantasy podcast, the Queens finish off Book Twelve of the Wheel of Time, and they have a lot of thoughts. Marissa rants about Egwene's plot point and whether or not Gareth Bryne is perfect, perfect, perfect! Tay protects Egwene at all costs -- with all her feelings and no thoughts. Yo…

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Episode 24 - Always Been a Fan of a List with Ian Gillham 1:05:54

9d ago1:05:54

1:05:54

On this episode, Ian Gillham, @criticalgayze on Instagram, and I discuss our shared love of book lists, book awards, and reading these lists. We also discuss Ian’s Substack project focusing on the Pulitzer Prize and how it has morphed throughout the years. Also, stick around for some hot takes about super popular books! Here is the link to Ian’s Su…

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The Best Bookstores Worldwide | Portland, Edinburgh, Tokyo, and More 1:04:29

12d ago1:04:29

1:04:29

Besides that one overly comfortable chair in the corner, every reader's favourite place to be is a bookstore. In this episode, Marissa and Megan share the best bookstores they've explored. From local gems to international stars, these bookstores have one thing in common: they are well-loved and well-read. As usual, the two readers start by reviewin…

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Book Twelve, Part Three: Chapter 28 to the End of Chapter 38 | The Gathering Storm by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson 3:40:49

15d ago3:40:49

3:40:49

In the third part of our The Gathering Storm read, the Queens are stoked about a Nynaeve POV, concerned about Rand, confused by Mat and left on a cliffhanger. Queen Marissa throws out quite a few theories, Queen Tay needs consoling over how she really can't do spicy foods, Queen Alix teaches the other Queens a little something, and Tay and Marissa …

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Episode 23 - Genre Promiscuous with Nina Li Coomes 1:01:52

16d ago1:01:52

1:01:52

On this episode, Nina Li Coomes, who was once described as genre promiscuous by a professor, discusses her traumatic early reading experiences, and how her identity as a writer has developed. We also discuss some shared favorites, how much she loves a hate-read, and why it can be good to read books you might not like. Click here to support Eman Alh…

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Book Twelve, Part Two: Chapter 13 to the End of Chapter 27 | The Gathering Storm by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson 3:42:07

22d ago3:42:07

3:42:07

Get ready for action! The Queens take on part two of Book 12, The Gathering Storm, in Robert Jordan (and Brandon Sanderson's) series, The Wheel of Time. We have betrayals, we have tedious tasks, we have punishments, and we have a wolf man not missing his wife. The Queens discuss Goldilocks and the Three Inns, Mat's misogynistic monologue, and Min's…

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Episode 22 - A Little Bit of Everything with Leah @DishingonBooks 1:02:10

23d ago1:02:10

1:02:10

On this episode, Leah, @Dishingonbooks on Instagram, and I discuss our shared love of intense reads, how to find more books that open up the world, and her love for the Women’s Prize. We also give a lot of recommendations for books that are not for everyone but hit both of us in just the right spot. Books mentioned in this episode: What Betsy’s rea…

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The History of Audiobooks | A Lesson From Megan 1:06:25

27d ago1:06:25

1:06:25

Ever heard of audiobooks? How much do you really know about them? In this episode, Megan explores everything audiobook. From the history of audiobooks to its formats, uses, and styles, join along as your two favourite readers explore the world of audiobooks! As usual, the two readers start by reviewing their most recent reads and finish by discussi…

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Book Twelve, Part One: Prologue to the End of Chapter 12 | The Gathering Storm by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson 3:28:22

1M ago3:28:22

3:28:22

Welcome to the beginning of the end! We're officially in the last three books of the series -- and we're excited, we're nervous, and we're going through it together! The Queens bring out the swords in this one, taking aim at bad character decisions and, in turn, each other as they defend their favourites until the end. Queen Marissa fights off the …

1
Episode 21 - The Story Sits in Your Bones with Sam Luchsinger 59:37

1M ago59:37

59:37

On this episode, Sam Luchsinger, an eclectic reader and artist, talks about their love of picking up whatever strikes their interest, beautiful book covers, and the joy of reading children’s books into adulthood. They also discuss their love of graphic novels and some tips on how to get into the format that might feel a little overwhelming. Books m…

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Episode 20 - Based in Reality with Jordan Cross 49:05

1M ago49:05

49:05

On this episode, Jordan Cross, a resource librarian for a large interior design firm, discusses her love of audiobooks, books that are based on something true, and how memoirs about hard topics are important and meaningful. She also brings a topic to the show that I hadn’t thought to ask about! The big list of books from NPR - best of the year sinc…

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Book Eleven, Part Three: Chapter 27 to the End of the Novel | Knife of Dreams by Robert Jordan 3:05:23

1M ago3:05:23

3:05:23

It's a trap! And another trap! Everyone gets a trap! Our characters walk into, spring and set up traps all around. The Queens question where exactly the path of daggers is, should you tell your husband who he's just killed and why someone is tasting Elayne's pee. Queen Marissa explains what an auger is, Queen Tay gets a lesson on the circle of life…

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Literary Terms 101 With Marissa | Metaphor, Similes, Character Foils & More 1:05:42

1M ago1:05:42

1:05:42

It's time to go back to school! And, what better way to celebrate school than with a test? In this episode, Marissa and Megan review literary terms. Or rather, Marissa quizzes Megan on this terminology while putting her friendship at risk. From metaphor and simile to allusions and character foils, Marissa puts on her teaching hat to share the top l…

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Episode 19 - I Can't Put it Down with Kathy Donofrio 56:58

2M ago56:58

56:58

On this episode, Kathy Donofrio, an artist from the Chicagoland area, discusses how she came to enjoy reading later in life. She provides some amazing, fun book recommendations, including an impressive laundry list of favorite authors. Also, I finally get to hear the Pope Book story that my mom has been telling me about! Books mentioned in this epi…

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Book Eleven, Part Two: Chapter 13 to the End of Chapter 26 | Knife of Dreams by Robert Jordan 3:11:44

2M ago3:11:44

3:11:44

It's a dragon, it's a twin in disguise, it's a new low for Perrin. It's the next episode of the Queens of Fantasy podcast. In this one, the Queens discuss whether or not you can touch an ear in public while also wondering whether Perrin or Elayne considered committing the bigger war crime. Queen Tay falls head over heels, yet again, for Mr. Loial a…

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Episode 18 - I'm a Terrible Reader with Stacy Jeziorowski 55:16

2M ago55:16

55:16

On this episode, Stacy Jeziorowski, who is not a terrible reader, discusses her resurgence as a reader after grad school and how thrillers that have kept her on the edge of her seat motivate her to read more. We also discuss our shared favorite, which we both collect, and how amazing the library is as a resource for our lives. The AI generated holi…

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Evie Wyld – The Echoes

2M ago

—

The sins of the mother are visited upon the children The Echoes is many things in Evie Wyld’s new novel. It is the rural backwater in Australia where Hannah grew up, and it is also the shape of the book, as the past reverberates down the generations. Philip Larkin said that man hands on misery to man, but for Evie it is mothers who seem to do this.…

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Banned Books: Which Ones We've Read And Our Thoughts | Elana K. Arnold, Judy Blume, J.D. Salinger, and More 1:04:52

2M ago1:04:52

1:04:52

Books are made to be read, not banned. In this episode, Megan and Marissa discuss banned books. From the most commonly banned novels to their favourite illicit reads, these two readers dive into why the books are banned and why they disagree. As always, they start the podcast with their most recent reads and end it by drawing a new topic from the j…

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Episode 17 - Book Clubs will Save the World with Allison Yates and Fernanda Wetzel 1:05:36

2M ago1:05:36

1:05:36

On this episode, Allison Yates and Fernanda Wetzel come on to talk about their organization, Read and Run Chicago, a book and run club that features specific books with coordinated runs in Chicago. They describe how accessible their organization is, open to anyone who might be interested in participating, and we get to talk about some incredible bo…

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Book Eleven, Part One: Prologue to the End of Chapter 12 | Knife of Dreams by Robert Jordan 4:29:05

2M ago4:29:05

4:29:05

In this episode of the Queens of Fantasy podcast, the Queens ask the important questions such as: is it a zebra? Who is that man on the 90's edition cover? And how hard is it to get some service around here? Queen Tay is nauseated over a potential romance, Queen Marissa has strong feelings over dragons, Queen Al holds her tongue against the temptat…

1
Episode 16 - Library Superuser with Emily McClanathan 58:46

2M ago58:46

58:46

On this episode, Emily McClanathan, a Chicago Public Library superuser, discusses her love of character-driven stories and excellent prose. She also talks about how reading has helped her become a better writer, as she writes both book reviews and theater reviews in Chicago. We get into some shared loves and Emily gets to share a hot take about a b…

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Books You've Been Avoiding On Your TBR (To-Be Read) Shelf | A Feather So Black, Wheel of Time & Many More 54:34

2M ago54:34

54:34

This one is dedicated to all the book stacks on all those book shelves just waiting to be read. In this episode, Marissa and Megan uncover their most shameful -- or most interesting -- books on their TBRs that they've been avoiding. From books they didn't even know they owned to books they've been waiting for the perfect moment to pick up, join the…

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Prequel: The Whole Novel | New Spring by Robert Jordan 2:34:23

3M ago2:34:23

2:34:23

Let's see where this all began! The Queens join Morraine, Siuan, and Lan nearly twenty years before The Eye of the World takes place. Morraine and Siuan are baby Accepted students in the tower, and Lan is fighting the good fight everywhere he can. We follow as our two favourite Sedais learn about the Dragon's birth, gain the shawl, prank anyone and…

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Episode 15 - Percival Everett Fan Club with Ben Ustick 1:00:02

2M ago1:00:02

1:00:02

On this episode, Ben Ustick, the taproom manager at Off Color Mousetrap and I discuss some of our shared favorite books, the excellence of contemporary fiction, and his goal to read Percival Everett’s entire oeuvre this year. Get ready to be shocked yourself when you hear the book that shocked Ben. If you want to visit us at Off Color Book Club, ch…

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Episode 14 - Information is Meant to be Shared with Mawuli Grant Agbefe 43:02

3M ago43:02

43:02

On this episode, Mawuli Grant Agbefe and I discuss his love for fascinating non-fiction, including one of my absolute favorite books ever that he recommended to me in January! We also discuss our shared love of being readers in Chicago, based on the gorgeous places to read and the incredible resource the Chicago Public Library is. Books mentioned i…

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Book Ten, Part Two: Chapter 16 to the End of the Novel | Crossroads of Twilight by Robert Jordan 3:53:57

3M ago3:53:57

3:53:57

Ten books down, only four (well, five) more to go! The Queens join the characters as they make good, bad, and terrible decisions. Queen Marissa argues that Egwene makes a terrible choice, while both Queens Alix and Tay worry over their favourite Amyrlin Seat. Every wonders why Perrin left a perfectly viable axe to rust in the forest, and the Queens…

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Biggest Bookish Pet Peeves | A Feather So Black, Wheel of Time & Many More 57:14

3M ago57:14

57:14

All the things that make us cringe, gag, and recoil away from a book within an instant. From abhorrent stickers on book covers to the worst plot devices we've ever read, this week Megan and Marissa discuss their biggest book pet peeves. Marissa also shares an embarrassing reader faux pas she committed and Megan pretends she's very much over it. As …

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Episode 13 - Book Hunting with Tanima Kazi 1:00:21

3M ago1:00:21

1:00:21

On this episode, Tanima Kazi, a writer (get her novel here!) who loves language, shares her love of romance novels, favorite parts of her favorite books, and how her day job helps her build ideas for her own writing. She describes how books speak to her and even shares excerpts from her favorite books. Books mentioned in this episode: What Betsy’s …

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Book Ten, Part One: Prologue to the End of Chapter 15 | Crossroads of Twilight by Robert Jordan 2:54:53

3M ago2:54:53

2:54:53

Welcome to the tenth book of the Wheel of Time series! We check in with all our characters to see what they were up to during the final events of book nine. Characters get dressed, shoot down viable rescue stratagies and attempt to calculate the consequences of their actions. The Queens lament over the romance between characters that are not togeth…

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Episode 12 - Establishing Empathy with Mike Finucane 1:09:52

3M ago1:09:52

1:09:52

On this episode, Mike Finucane, a campus minister at a high-school in St. Louis, and I discuss how books can help develop empathy. He also gives a great tip from his dad about how to tackle a large non-fiction text. We also confirm that collecting books shouldn’t be considered a bad habit if you love it. We talk about a lot of really intense books …

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Episode 11 - A Series of Series with Rachel Kilthorne 51:17

4M ago51:17

51:17

On this episode, Rachel Kilthorne, a self-processed nerd’s nerd, discusses her love of both fantasy novels and going deep on a subject in non-fiction. She names many series and discusses how she determines when to re-read or when to let go of a series. I also get to go on a soapbox rant about reading diversely, especially in genre fiction. Books me…

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Episode 10 - Weird Does Not Translate to Screen with Rachel Rolland 47:45

4M ago47:45

47:45

On this episode, Rachel Rolland, a hobby-enthusiast, discusses her love for weird books, including two authors with a decently large backlist that I’ve never heard of. We discuss how a book about accounting can help investigate the way we see the world, how some books just shouldn’t be adapted to screen, and her love for the bookstores where she wo…

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Book Nine, Part Two: Chapter 20 to the End of the Novel | Winter's Heart by Robert Jordan 3:04:35

4M ago3:04:35

3:04:35

Another book down, only five (six with the prequel) to go! From wells of magic in a magic-free town to genius plans by our main characters being executed every other chapter, Queens Marissa, Tay, and Alix dive right into this novel. Queens Marissa and Tay decide to ride out a theory until it's impossible to hold on to. Queen Alix tries to direct wi…

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Reading Challenges: Everything We Love & Everything We Don't | Crossroads of Twilight, Yellowface, Funny Story & More 45:35

4M ago45:35

45:35

Anybody up for a challenge? Reading challenges are popular across TikTok, StoryGraph, and pretty much anywhere you find readers. Megan and Marissa give their thoughts on reading challenges – which ones they love and which ones they can't quite get into. Megan compares reading challenges to playing the Sims and Marissa changes her opinion quickly as…

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Episode 9 - I'm Already Traveling Somewhere with Monika Janas 54:41

4M ago54:41

54:41

On this episode, Monika and I discuss her love of fantasy, she mentions so many series, some longer than others, and we share the joy of staff picks in an indie bookstore. We also talk about the magic of airplane reading and how amazing Libby can be. If you are interested in the Reddit thread Monika mentions, you can find that here. Books mentioned…

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Episode 8 - Poetry that Blows the Door off your Brain with Anna Deem 45:52

4M ago45:52

45:52

In this episode, Anna Deem, a high school English teacher in Chicago, and I discuss how seasons of life change our reading habits, her love of poetry, and our definitive shared overrated book. We also discuss the influence of the Beat generation on her writing and end with some excellent recommendations for books she enjoys with her 4-year-old daug…

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Book Nine, Part One: Prologue to the end of Chapter 19 | Winter's Heart by Robert Jordan 3:37:17

4M ago3:37:17

3:37:17

In this episode, some theories are made, others are proved wrong and discussions are had. Queen Marissa has something to say about the accuracies of the weather conditions, Queen Tay wants to know the others favourite flavour of ice cream and Queen Al is just so excited to see all her very favourite characters come together in a single storyline. T…

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Let's Talk About BookTok 2.0 W/ Alix Calfa | Sarah J. Maas, Colleen Hoover, Robert Jordan, And More 1:03:32

4M ago1:03:32

1:03:32

Alix Calfa joins us for a surprise guest episode! Marissa and Alix discuss BookTok – and, in fact, all things about books online. The readers tackle discussing good recommendations and poor ones, as well as some of the more popular BookTok books and whether they are worth the read. As always, we start the podcast with some of our more recent reads.…

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Episode 7 - Speed Reading with Nuns with Mo Smith 49:23

4M ago49:23

49:23

On this episode, Mo Smith, the person I know who reads the most, and we discuss her experiences as a very early reader in school, a book habit that stuns me a little, and she gets to gush about her amazing backyard pool at her home in Las Vegas. Books mentioned in this episode: What Betsy’s reading: Dune by Frank Herbert The Only One Left by Riley …

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Book Eight, Part Two: Chapter 17 to the End of the Novel | The Path of Daggers by Robert Jordan 3:57:47

5M ago3:57:47

3:57:47

Another book down! The Queens finish Book 8, The Path of Daggers by Robert Jordan, and discover that the slog might be at least a little real. After debating the timeline, the Queens discuss everything from Elayne's judgemental POVs to exactly what fanfiction they want someone to write. Queen Alix rants over the start of her least favourite storyli…

1
Episode 6 - The Lynn Painter Book Club with Sarah Sabet 52:57

5M ago52:57

52:57

On this episode, Sarah Sabet and I discuss Scandi-Crime, how her book club fell in love with Lynn Painter, and we have an extended conversation about a fantastic organization that, unfortunately, neither of us have had a chance to connect with: @readandrunchicago on Instagram! Books mentioned in this episode: What Betsy’s reading: Iron Flame by Reb…

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Our Favourite – And Most Remarkable – Bookmarks | Bookmarks, Notation, Dog-Earring, And More 51:37

5M ago51:37

51:37

Do you use bookmarks? Marissa and Megan discuss the most remarkable bookmarks they've had over the years. From American one-dollar bills to a leather marker with a flower that seems one petal short, both readers talk about whether or not they use them, what will count as a bookmark, and whether dog-earring is ever an option. We start the podcast wi…

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Book Eight, Part One: Prologue to the end of Chapter 16 | The Path of Daggers by Robert Jordan 3:28:27

5M ago3:28:27

3:28:27

The Queens officially begin the slog, but with the power of friendship they are sure to make it through. From screaming to get through the Gateway, to screaming not to kiss her there, the Queens have a lot to talk about despite a slow moving plot. Queen Tay pulls out her map to make a theory, Queen Al tries to figure out what Alliandre did with her…

1
Episode 5 - Yummy Trash with Francesca Musumeci 59:32

5M ago59:32

59:32

On this episode, Francesca Musumeci and I discuss the wealth of indie bookstores we have in Chicago, how school can make reading less fun, and why it’s important to read what you like. She also tells some pretty great stories about her years working at Half-Price Books, including a hilarious mystery request from a customer that she manages to solve…

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Marcus Chown – A Crack In Everything: How Black Holes Came in from the Cold and Took Cosmic Centre Stage 37:35

5M ago37:35

37:35

Black holes aren’t black! If there is one thing everybody knows about black holes it is that they are so dense that even light can’t escape. And yet, as Marcus Chown explains, black holes are some of the most prodigiously luminous objects in space. So they’re not holes. And they’re not black. But they are among the most fascinating and counter-intu…

1
Episode 4 - Cuckoo Bananas Thrillers with Erin Jacobo 45:09

5M ago45:09

45:09

On this episode, Erin Jacobo and I discuss a lot of really juicy thrillers, her love of a heart wrenching story, and why romance just doesn’t work for us. She also tells some great stories about her family and their connection with reading, and we learn how much she has influenced my reading life! Books mentioned in this episode: What Betsy’s readi…

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A Mid-Series Recap of Books One Through Seven of The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan | Theories, Q/A's, and A Game 3:32:22

5M ago3:32:22

3:32:22

Gather round, young adventurers, for we have a story recap for you! We are officially (but not literally) halfway through the series – if we don't count the prequel. To celebrate, we're reviewing everything we've read so far in The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. From the first moments we stepped into Eamon's Field to the last moments we saw…

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