Some of these reviews should be illegal. We’re reading the WORST 1-star takes on beloved books and trying not to lose our minds. From Divine Rivals to Kingdom of Ash, the opinions are unhinged and the reactions are real.In this episode of Always Booked, we dive into the world of one-star reviews and the psychology behind them. Why do people rate masterpieces like they’re personal enemies? When does a bad take actually have a point? And what makes a book worthy of one star versus five?Join Olivia, Emily, and Dani as they defend their favorite reads, question Goodreads culture, and laugh through some truly dramatic opinions. It’s a mix of hot takes, honest conversations, and reader emotions that every book lover can relate to.Books Mentioned:Divine Rivals, Fourth Wing, Sunrise on the Reaping, House of Sky and Breath, Normal People, Educated, The Secret History, Kingdom of Ash, and Happy PlaceNew episodes every Thursday. Get Booked!
--------
42:45
--------
42:45
KATABASIS by R.F. Kuang: When Knowledge Becomes the Monster
R.F. Kuang’s Katabasis isn’t just another dark academia fantasy. It’s a descent into the underworld of intellect, guilt, and ambition. Two rival grad students, Alice Law and Peter Murdoch, literally go to Hel to save their mentor, but what they find there says more about academia than it does about demons.Set in 1980s Cambridge, Katabasis turns the university into its own inferno, powered by obsession, genius worship, and the belief that brilliance excuses everything. It’s sharp, haunting, and honestly kind of unhinged in the best way.In this episode, we’re breaking down:How academia becomes its own circle of HelWhy ambition and morality can’t coexist hereThe pull between logic, memory, and madnessWhat it means to lose yourself in the pursuit of knowledgeWhy Katabasis might be Kuang’s darkest and smartest book yet📲 Follow us on Instagram → / always.bookd 🌐 Visit our website → https://www.alwaysbooked.net✨ Subscribe for more dark academia breakdowns, book discussions, and chaotic literary therapy sessions.
--------
43:42
--------
43:42
Can You Guess the BOOK from These CRAZY Summaries?
Think you know your favorite books? Think again. In this episode of Always Booked, we’re testing our literary knowledge with the most chaotic book summaries ever written. From fantasy favorites to literary classics, we’re turning iconic stories into unhinged descriptions that’ll make you question everything you’ve ever read.In this episode:- Try to guess the book from the world’s most ridiculous summaries- Roast some of our favorite fantasy and romance plots (lovingly, of course)- Test who really pays attention during their rereads- Laugh way too hard at our own terrible clues- Prove that even bookworms can fail a book quiz spectacularly📲 Follow us on Instagram → / always.bookd 🌐 Visit our website → https://www.alwaysbooked.net
--------
27:44
--------
27:44
This Sarah J. Maas Ending Changed Everything (House of Sky and Breath Review)
House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J Maas delivers one of the most jaw-dropping endings in fantasy history. In this episode of Always Booked, we dive into every detail of Crescent City 2 — the characters we love, the storylines we can’t get over, and the moments that made us SCREAM. Of course, spoilers ahead!✨ In this episode:- Honest takes on Bryce, Hunt, Ruhn, and the whole Crescent City cast- Favorite quotes and unforgettable scenes- Why this ending changed the entire SJM universeJoin us for a insane, emotional, and very bookish breakdown of House of Sky and Breath. Whether you’re a longtime Sarah J Maas fan or just starting the Crescent City series, this episode will have you reliving every twist.📚 Connect with us:📲 Follow us on Instagram → / always.bookd 🌐 Visit our website → https://www.alwaysbooked.net
--------
50:04
--------
50:04
Red Flags of Readers: The Guide You Didn't Know You Needed!
Are you a red flag reader? Let’s be honest… we all have a few. From dog earing pages and buying books we’ll definitely read “someday,” to never finishing that one series everyone loves, we’re calling out the red and green flags of readers everywhere. NO ONE IS SAFE. And yes, we’re guilty of most of them too. 💅📚We’re breaking down the most relatable bookish habits and what they say about you. Whether you’re a cozy fantasy girly, a dark romance devotee, or just here for the vibes, this one’s for you.In this video, we’re talking about:-Common reader red flags we all pretend we don’t have-Green flag reading habits that give main character energy-Bookish hot takes about what makes a “good reader”-Why our reading habits say more about us than we think-Confessions from self-proclaimed red flag readers📲 Follow us on Instagram → @always.bookd🌐 Visit our website → https://www.alwaysbooked.net
A podcast for people who feel way too much about books. We dive into fantasy, literary fiction, romantasy, and the stories that ruin our lives in the best possible way. Hosted by Olivia, Emily, and Dani, besties who talk about their favorite books whether the cameras are on or not. Looking for new book friends? We’ve got you covered every Thursday! Get booked 🖤
📲 instagram.com/always.bookd | 🔗 alwaysbooked.net
South Africa