It’s time for an adventure as we cover book 5, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. This book is an undisputed fan favorite, and possibly Asia’s favorite book in the series. Shocking! We meet Eustace who is a pain, and we see the return of two Pevensie children, Caspian, and the indisputable best character, Reepicheep. The gang are traveling east to find Aslan’s country, and boy does Asia have something to say about that. Aslan makes frequent appearances as they move east and find more islands and trials. This book definitely feels like a highlight of the series for both co hosts.
Next week we will be reading a new book in one week, The Silver Chair, book 6 of The Chronicles of Narnia.
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Back to the famous Chronicles this week, we are covering Prince Caspian. We’re turning over a new leaf because Asia actually enjoys this book. We are finally starting to get some series connective tissue for her and more fun characters. She continues her journey of disliking a main character, and we start to see the infamous decline of Susan in the reader’s view. We applaud the construction of this plot full of callbacks and laying the groundwork for future books. Of course, we do have hot takes, so it’s worth listening to hear them.
Next week we will be reading a new book in one week, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, book 5 of The Chronicles of Narnia. 
This week it’s time to return to the golden age of Narnia, but our story takes place in the neighboring countries of Calormen and Archenland. Shasta, Aravis, Hwin, and Bree travel through Calormen to the free North in an adventure that Charles enjoys and Asia tolerates. This book we get into a longer conversation about the stereotypes and accusations of racism levied against the series. Do you agree with our takes? Asia is starting to develop a least favorite character in the series that is frankly unexpected, so definitely listen to hear whom she’s not vibing with.
Next week we will be reading a new book in one week, Prince Caspian, book 4 of The Chronicles of Narnia. 
It’s time for the most famous of the Chronicles of Narnia. This week we read the iconic The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. We meet the Pevensie children and discuss the things that Asia remembered from the Disney movie, as well as much of the heavy Christian imagery within the story. Charles continues to enjoy the nostalgia, while Asia remains unconvinced. These books are definitely for a younger audience, so while we can breeze through the short and simple readings, there is definitely a heft and complexity that we are missing.
Next week we will be reading a new book in one week, The Horse and his Boy, book 3 of The Chronicles of Narnia. 
Diving right into the most classic of children’s literature, we cover all of The Magician’s Nephew this week. This first book of the series follows the birth of Narnia, and while Charles is drowning in nostalgia, Asia is not here for it. This book sets the stage, and admittedly does feel like a prequel to some of the more adventurous stories that will be coming down the line. We discuss the fame of the series and some of its subsequent controversies. Naturally we also have a hefty segment railing against men and boys being stupid. That is to be expected at this point on Throwback Paperback.
Next week we will be reading a new book in one week, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, book 2 of The Chronicles of Narnia. 
It is time to finish The Skinjacker Trilogy as we wrap up Everfound. This week the stakes become all too real as Mary goes in search of an atomic bomb to end humanity. Allie and Clarence are pushed to the point of assassinations in order to protect humanity. We argue that they are justified, but do you agree with us? After a couple of dead-end plot points, all characters converge and most Afterlights are freed. All of our characters get fitting endings, and we discuss if we would recommend this book to others. There’s also plenty of heartfelt tenderness.
Next week we will be reading a new book in one week, The Magician’s Nephew, book 1 of The Chronicles of Narnia. 
TW: This episode includes topics of mass violence and guns. Please take care of yourself and only listen if these are safe topics for you. If you need to talk to someone or need further resources, the Disaster Distress Helpline is 1-800-985-5990. Please listen at your discretion.
This week starts the final Skinjacker book, and preparations for the final confrontation are underway. Milos is trying to hold together Mary’s evil coalition, and failing miserably. This leads him down his own path of further evil which we spend quite a bit of time unpacking. Both of us enjoy our new characters, and our romances. The good guys in this story are just so fulfilling! The worldbuilding expands, and we appreciate the complexity it adds to the story. Mary is extra evil. Asia and Charles are really enjoying the series, and can’t wait to finish the series next week. Next week we will be reading chapters 29-53 of book 3 in the series, Everfound. 
Well the build off pays off this week as things get absolutely crazy in Everlost. All of our characters converge in Memphis for a big showdown. Allie is skinjacking a ton and learning important things about herself and the nature of skinjackers. Nick is fighting a losing battle against the chocolate and trying to prepare for his fight with Mary. Mary herself has gone off the deep end. Charles and Asia have a discussion on the nature of evil, and Mary’s descent into madness. The ending of this reading is crazy, in a good way, and you really have to read it to believe it.
Next week we will be reading chapters 1-28 of book 3 in the series, Everfound. 
The second book of the Skinjacker trilogy starts with multiple different plotlines as our characters navigate their own journeys through the Everwild. Nick and Mary continue their opposing journeys and now try to recruit talented afterlights in preparation for battle. Meanwhile, Allie and Mikey are diving into their own talents and feeling how those actually strain their budding relationship. We are definitely learning more about the mechanics of Everlost and powers, but we are unsure how much of the information we should trust. There are definitely some bigger questions we need answers to.
Next week we will be reading chapters 20-40 of book 2 in the series, Everwild. 
We are wrapping up the first half of Everlost today as Allie tries to lure the McGill into a false sense of security. Nick and Mary’s relationship also takes a couple of steps forward and then comes to a climax. We learn a lot about the logistics of Everlost, and we even get some hints as to what happens after Everlost. Some characters fear it, some embrace it, and we finally get some lines drawn as to who is bad, who is good, and who is just trying their best. Charles and Asia are both liking the series, albeit for different reasons. See if you are enjoying it the same way we are!
Next week we will be reading chapters 1-19 of book 2 in the series, Everwild. |
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