The official podcast for Cyn's Workshop, a place for book lovers to listen to us discuss our latest read.
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Today I’m reviewing We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Dennis E. Taylor, the first book in the Bobiverse series—a sci-fi adventure that combines artificial intelligence, space exploration, existential questions, and a wonderfully nerdy sense of humor. After Bob Johansson dies and wakes up more than a century later as a computerized consciousness, he discovers he’s now the property of a government…
Today I’m reviewing Heir by Sabaa Tahir, the first book in a new duology set in the world of the An Ember in the Ashes series. Returning to this world means returning to its complicated politics, dangerous power struggles, and characters forced to reckon with the consequences of the generations that came before them. Heir expands the universe while introducing a new generation of characters whose…
It’s time for my July Reading Wrap-Up! 📚 After June’s reading fatigue hit me hard, July was all about getting back into the groove, tackling my TBR, and—because apparently I enjoy giving myself impossible challenges—trying to make a dent in another wildly ambitious reading goal. This month brought 14 books across fantasy, science fiction, romance, horror, and more, with everything from surprising…
Today I’m reviewing Vicious Miscreations by Jenn Neal, the first book in The Fractured Worlds series—a New Adult dark urban fantasy pitched as Six of Crows meets Arcane, with one particularly deadly twist: the plants can kill you. 🌿💀 Set in a treacherous world overrun by sentient carnivorous plants, Vicious Miscreations blends dark fantasy, urban atmosphere, and botanical horror into a dangerous…
Today I’m reviewing The Secret Astronomers by Jessica Walker—a visually striking YA novel that turns an old astronomy textbook into the heart of an intimate story about connection, identity, and finding someone who understands you. Set in rural West Virginia, the novel follows two high school pen pals who communicate through notes, drawings, and artwork left inside an 1888 astronomy textbook.…
Today I’m reviewing A Ballad of Falling Dragons by Sarah A. Parker, the highly anticipated sequel to When the Moon Hatched—and while I didn’t love it quite as much as the first book, that second half absolutely delivered. This sequel flips the balance of its predecessor. The first half leans much more heavily into the romantasy side of Raeve and Kaan’s relationship, and while I love these…
Today I’m reviewing Local Heavens—a bold cyberpunk reimagining of The Great Gatsby that captures the heart of the original while transforming it into something entirely fresh. Set in a neon-lit futuristic world, this novel expertly blends classic literary themes with cyberpunk aesthetics, exploring wealth, obsession, identity, and the illusion of the American Dream through a queer lens. It honors…
Today I’m reviewing Every Exquisite Thing by Laura Steven—a stunning YA fantasy that reimagines The Picture of Dorian Gray with emotional depth, unforgettable characters, and a story that feels both timeless and incredibly relevant. This novel masterfully balances dark academia, gothic atmosphere, and heartfelt character development while exploring identity, beauty, self-worth, and the pressure to…
Today I’m reviewing Of Flame and Fury—a unique fantasy that swaps dragons for phoenixes, delivering an action-packed story filled with rivalry, political intrigue, and breathtaking aerial races. Set in a world where phoenixes are both revered and exploited, the novel blends fast-paced adventure with emotional stakes, exploring loyalty, corruption, and the bond between humans and these legendary…
Today I’m reviewing The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer—a fast-paced YA mystery that completely pulled me in from start to finish. Set against the backdrop of a competitive escape room show, the story combines puzzles, secrets, and murder into an addictive mystery that kept me guessing until the very end. Every clue matters, every revelation changes the game, and the twists just keep coming. What I…
Today I’m reviewing The Demonic Inventions of Aurelie Blake by Mara Rutherford—a clever and imaginative fantasy that asks a terrifying question: what if every act of innovation unleashed a demon into the world? Set in a society where invention is both feared and necessary, this story combines unique worldbuilding, witty banter, and compelling characters with a magical system unlike anything I’ve…
Today I’m reviewing The Flame in the Frost—a fantasy romance that blends Norse mythology, fae politics, and a deliciously slow-burn romance into a surprisingly immersive adventure. Set in a world of Seelie and Unseelie courts, wild fae, and ancient mythological influences, this story stood out for its rich worldbuilding, compelling character dynamics, and the way it slowly develops both its plot…
