Whimsy, Spice, and Sometimes Nice

Zodiac Academy, The Reckoning (Book 3), Chapters 1-5

 ” Stop power fucking her and start working on what Pyro wants” said a certain Jealous Terra Heir to his bestie and royal source
Welcome back to episode 12 of Whimsy, Spice, and Sometimes Nice, a spoiler-free, read-along romantasy podcast. Whether you're a first-time Solarian traveler or a greedy, slippery salmon back for seconds, you fit right in, bae.
Madeline (the fan-girling, fast-talking, certified yapper) has read the whole series. And incessantly bugged Josie (the calm, cool professional hater) to start Zodiac Academy.
Josie will be reading in real time with you. Providing initial reactions and predictions, while Madeline serves as the guide to help point you along in the right direction. 
This is a uniquely formatted bookish podcast because we wanted to create a space where you can join the conversation and get in on the action WITHOUT having to finish the book, series, or ENTIRE universe!!!! 
This week, we're covering chapters 1 through 5 of The Reckoning, book 3 of Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, where we learn about the secret rite of passage kept from all Zodiac Academy freshmen until the week of The Reckoning.
On this episode, we discuss:
The aftermath of the Nymph attack
Orion’s Nebula Ally
Overview of Hell Week, hazing rituals, and the schedule for the elemental magic trial
Ride on a pegasus (in a totally platonic, not #hornyforthehorn kinda way)
High-speed library chase and friendly proposition
7 types of Cardinal Magic
Orion tries to scare the flames out of Blue… and pushes the boundaries of their growing entanglement
Tory and Darius have a moment (again)
Listener submitted predictions
We want to hear your thoughts, feelings, opinions, and predictions!
Text or leave us a voicemail at (323)-612-8008 or email us at whimsyspicepod@gmail.com. And of course, be sure to follow us on Instagram @whimsyspicepod for all the latest updates (and to be slightly entertained sometimes). And please, for the love of the stars, leave us a 5-star review. Xoxo, Madeline and Josie

Zodiac Academy, Ruthless Fae (Book 2), Review, Themes, and Failed Pepper Prophecies

“Iron is made stronger in the hottest part of the fire, Seth, You didn’t break me, you forged me.” - Darcy Vega, owner of mysterious red and blue fire and illicit longing for Professor Grumpy Fangs
Welcome back to episode 12 of Whimsy, Spice, and Sometimes Nice, a spoiler-free, read-along romantasy podcast. Whether you're a first-time Solarian traveler or a greedy, slippery salmon back for seconds, you fit right in, bae.
Madeline (the fan-girling, fast-talking, certified yapper) has read the whole series. And incessantly bugged Josie (the calm, cool professional hater) to start Zodiac Academy.
Josie will be reading in real time with you. Providing initial reactions and predictions, while Madeline serves as the guide to help point you along in the right direction. 
This is a uniquely formatted bookish podcast because we wanted to create a space where you can join the conversation and get in on the action WITHOUT having to finish the book, series, or ENTIRE universe!!!! 
This week we're reviewing Ruthless Fae, book 2 of Zodiac Academy, by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti. This episode covers the entire book, but is spoiler-free for the series. For chapter-by-chapter recaps, check out episodes 7 through 11 (labeled Ruthless Fae episodes 1 through 3). 
This week we discuss:
- Cultural relevance and importance of claiming Romantasy as a genre and rejecting shame around “feminine” speech patterns
- Tropes and major themes of Ruthless Fae
- Brief recap of the book by Josie Rae
- Favorite moments and standout scenes
- Important information to remember for the rest of the series
- Detention or Fornication, the game where you send characters to detention or your bedroom with no explanation
- Updates on predictions and Pepper Prophecies 
- Changes we’ve noticed prioritizing reading instead of social media or TV
HUUUUUUGE thanks to Emma for feedback on finding the pod and predictions and Sydney from @storyinasip for mocktail inspo. 
We want to hear your thoughts, feelings, opinions, and predictions!
Text or leave us a voicemail at (323)-612-8008 or email us at whimsyspicepod@gmail.com. And of course, be sure to follow us on Instagram @whimsyspicepod for all the latest updates (and to be slightly entertained sometimes). And please, for the love of the stars, leave us a 5-star review. Xoxo, Madeline and Josie

Zodiac Academy, Ruthless Fae (Book 2), Chapters 24-37 PART 2

 ”Altair loves Pegasex! He’s horny for the horn!” - Love the Starlight Academy students (and Zodiac Academy fans everywhere) <3 
Welcome back to episode 11 of Whimsy, Spice, and Sometimes Nice, a spoiler-free, read-along romantasy podcast. Whether you're a first-time Solarian traveler or a greedy, slippery salmon back for seconds, you fit right in, bae.
Madeline (the fan-girling, fast-talking, certified yapper) has read the whole series. And incessantly bugged Josie (the calm, cool professional hater) to start Zodiac Academy.
Josie will be reading in real time with you. Providing initial reactions and predictions, while Madeline serves as the guide to help point you along in the right direction. 
This is a uniquely formatted bookish podcast because we wanted to create a space where you can join the conversation and get in on the action WITHOUT having to finish the book, series, or ENTIRE universe!!!! 
This week, we're covering chapters 29 through 37 of Ruthless Fae, book 2 of Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, where the twins face the reality of political ascent, wrath of pitball, and discover a new skill.
This is Part 2 of Episode 3 of Ruthless Fae which will cover chapters 29-37, world building, Prophecy Updates, and the Whimsy and Spice Report.
On this episode we discuss:
Coach Orion’s pep talk in the Pitball locker room (plus Seth helping out his buddy with some damp TP)
The brutality of Pitball, broken backs and all
The heirs’ first-hand experience with brutal mockery and humiliation #hornyforthehorn
The twins publicly accept their birthright
Nymph attack on Zodiac Academy
Tory and Darius have a moment
Josie’s updated predictions
We want to hear your thoughts, feelings, opinions, and predictions!
Text or leave us a voicemail at (323)-612-8008 or email us at whimsyspicepod@gmail.com. And of course, be sure to follow us on Instagram @whimsyspicepod for all the latest updates (and to be slightly entertained sometimes). And please, for the love of the stars, leave us a 5-star review. Xoxo, Madeline and Josie

Zodiac Academy, Ruthless Fae (Book 2), Chapters 24-37 PART 1

 ” To hate you, I’d have to care about you. And I don’t give one shit about you.” - Tory Vega, Ice Queen 
Welcome back to episode 10 of Whimsy, Spice, and Sometimes Nice, a spoiler-free, read-along romantasy podcast. Whether you're a first-time Solarian traveler or a greedy, slippery salmon back for seconds, you fit right in, bae.
Madeline (the fan-girling, fast-talking, certified yapper) has read the whole series. And incessantly bugged Josie (the calm, cool professional hater) to start Zodiac Academy.
Josie will be reading in real time with you. Providing initial reactions and predictions, while Madeline serves as the guide to help point you along in the right direction. 
This is a uniquely formatted bookish podcast because we wanted to create a space where you can join the conversation and get in on the action WITHOUT having to finish the book, series, or ENTIRE universe!!!! 
This week, we're covering chapters 24 through 37 of Ruthless Fae, book 2 of Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, where the twins face the reality of political ascent, wrath of pitball, and discover a new skill.
This weeks’ coverage will be split into two parts. Part 1 includes a deep-dive recap of chapters 24-28. Part 2 will cover chapters 29-37, world building, Prophecy Updates, and the Whimsy and Spice Report.
On this episode we discuss:
A Libra’s mental hell hole and uncomfortable snooping session
Tory takes a ride on the Terra Heir
Revenge of the itchy and glittery variety
Perez Hilton circa 2008 slander of the twins
Milton Hubert’s downfall
Introduction to the insane sport of Pitball
We want to hear your thoughts, feelings, opinions, and predictions!
Text or leave us a voicemail at (323)-612-8008 or email us at whimsyspicepod@gmail.com. And of course, be sure to follow us on Instagram @whimsyspicepod for all the latest updates (and to be slightly entertained sometimes). And please, for the love of the stars, leave us a 5-star review. Xoxo, Madeline and Josie

Zodiac Academy, Ruthless Fae (Book 2), Chapters 12-23

 ” Then stop looking back, Lance” - Darcy “I AM FAE” Vega
Welcome back to episode 9 of Whimsy, Spice, and Sometimes Nice, a spoiler-free, read-along romantasy podcast. Whether you're a first-time Solarian traveler or a greedy, slippery salmon back for seconds, you fit right in, bae.
Madeline (the fan-girling, fast-talking, certified yapper) has read the whole series. And incessantly bugged Josie (the calm, cool professional hater) to start Zodiac Academy.
Josie will be reading in real time with you. Providing initial reactions and predictions, while Madeline serves as the guide to help point you along in the right direction. 
This is a uniquely formatted bookish podcast because we wanted to create a space where you can join the conversation and get in on the action WITHOUT having to finish the book, series, or ENTIRE universe!!!! 
This week, we're covering chapters 12 through 23 of Ruthless Fae, book 2 of Zodiac Academy, by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, where we’re on our vigilante shit (and drawing cat eyes strong enough to kill a man (fae…. Overgrown iguana)). 
On this episode we discuss:
Summoning the werewolf fleas (and surviving an attempted pack orgy)
Detention with Professor Grumpy Face, griffin shit and all
Darius finally shows up to fire-wielding practice with a pack of fiery ponies and wandering hands
A close encounter in Earth Observatory
A new (somewhat vague) clue from Falling Star
The Pegasex Scandal #rideemcowboy
Meeting the Celestial Council
A kiss that feels like gunpowder meeting fire
More on Professor Orion’s tragic backstory
We want to hear your thoughts, feelings, opinions, and predictions!
Text or leave us a voicemail at (323)-612-8008 or email us at whimsyspicepod@gmail.com. And of course, be sure to follow us on Instagram @whimsyspicepod for all the latest updates (and to be slightly entertained sometimes). And please, for the love of the stars, leave us a 5-star review. Xoxo, Madeline and Josie

Zodiac Academy, Ruthless Fae (Book 2), Chapters 1-11 PART 2

 ” What in the name of Santa sunbathing in a thong are you up to?” - The one and only Geraldine Gruss catching her majesties red handed and covered in dirt in the Wailing Wood.
Welcome back to episode 8 (PART 2 of Ruthless Fae Episode 1… confusing, we know) of Whimsy, Spice, and Sometimes Nice, a spoiler-free, read-along romantasy podcast. Whether you're a first-time Solarian traveler or a greedy, slippery salmon back for seconds, you fit right in, bae.
Madeline (the fan-girling, fast-talking, certified yapper) has read the whole series. And incessantly bugged Josie (the calm, cool professional hater) to start Zodiac Academy.
Josie will be reading in real time with you. Providing initial reactions and predictions, while Madeline serves as the guide to help point you along in the right direction. 
This is a uniquely formatted bookish podcast because we wanted to create a space where you can join the conversation and get in on the action WITHOUT having to finish the book, series, or ENTIRE universe!!!! 
This week, we're covering chapters 1 through 11 of Ruthless Fae, book 2 of Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, where we’re rising from the ashes of defeat, forged anew, and determined to claim our rightful place in Solaria.
We have increased the number of chapters we’re covering per week. This weeks’ coverage will be split into two parts. Part 1 includes a deep-dive recap of chapters 1-8. Part 2 will cover chapters 9-11, the Whimsy and Spice Report, Prophecy Updates, and world building.
On this episode we discuss:
Kylie Majors’ major secret #kyliesinsecureandeveryoneknowsit
Ass-to-crotch rescue mission from Professor Grumpy Pants
HOLES, Wailing Woods Edition
2 inch crystals and spell-bound werewolf flea summoning 
Updates on Josie’s Prophecies
We want to hear your thoughts, feelings, opinions, and predictions!
Text or leave us a voicemail at (323)-612-8008 or email us at whimsyspicepod@gmail.com. And of course, be sure to follow us on Instagram @whimsyspicepod for all the latest updates (and to be slightly entertained sometimes). And please, for the love of the stars, leave us a 5-star review. Xoxo, Madeline and Josie

Zodiac Academy, Ruthless Fae (Book 2), Chapters 1-11 PART 1

 ” Do you think I enjoyed doing that? Do you think I want to be terrorizing people and preying on their worst fears? You think I don't realize what that makes me? Who that makes me," snarls the King of Dark and Dangerous himself, Darius Acrux.
Welcome back to episode 7 of Whimsy, Spice, and Sometimes Nice, a spoiler-free, read-along romantasy podcast. Whether you're a first-time Solarian traveler or a greedy, slippery salmon back for seconds, you fit right in, bae.
Madeline (the fan-girling, fast-talking, certified yapper) has read the whole series. And incessantly bugged Josie (the calm, cool professional hater) to start Zodiac Academy.
Josie will be reading in real time with you. Providing initial reactions and predictions, while Madeline serves as the guide to help point you along in the right direction. 
This is a uniquely formatted bookish podcast because we wanted to create a space where you can join the conversation and get in on the action WITHOUT having to finish the book, series, or ENTIRE universe!!!! 
This week, we're covering chapters 1 through 11 of Ruthless Fae, book 2 of Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, where we’re rising from the ashes of defeat, forged anew, and determined to claim our rightful place in Solaria.
We have increased the number of chapters we’re covering per week. This week’s coverage will be split into two parts. Part 1 includes a deep-dive recap of chapters 1-8. Part 2 will cover chapters 9-11, the Whimsy and Spice Report, Prophecy Updates, and World Building.
On this episode we discuss:
The twins attempt to escape Zodiac Academy
Molten gold soup and suspicious dagger
A hypnotic song, steamy kiss, and excavation of scandalous secrets
Professor-Hot-As-Shit Orion has a *name* AND a secret relationship with a certain dragon shifter??
Insight into Darius’ troubled home life
Pegasus shaming in Solaria, especially as an allegory to racism and homophobia
Accepting that Fae claim what they want
We want to hear your thoughts, feelings, opinions, and predictions!
Text or leave us a voicemail at (323)-612-8008 or email us at whimsyspicepod@gmail.com. And of course, be sure to follow us on Instagram @whimsyspicepod for all the latest updates (and to be slightly entertained sometimes). And please, for the love of the stars, leave us a 5-star review. Xoxo, Madeline and Josie

Zodiac Academy, The Awakening (Book 1) Review, Predictions, and Fan Thoughts

"Well bless my cream crackers!” -Geraldine Grus, President of A.S.S. Club, #1 supporter of the QUEEEEEENS and whimsical wordsmith of the century.
Welcome back to episode 6 of Whimsy, Spice, and Sometimes Nice, a spoiler-free, read-along romantasy podcast. Whether you're a first-time Solarian traveler or a greedy, slippery salmon back for seconds, you fit right in, bae.
Madeline (the fan-girling, fast-talking, certified yapper) has read the whole series. And incessantly bugged Josie (the calm, cool professional hater) to start Zodiac Academy.
Josie will be reading in real time with you. Providing initial reactions and predictions, while Madeline serves as the guide to help point you along in the right direction. 
This is a uniquely formatted bookish podcast because we wanted to create a space where you can join the conversation and get in on the action WITHOUT having to finish the book, series, or ENTIRE universe!!!! 
This week we're reviewing The Awakening, book 1 of Zodiac Academy, by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti. This episode covers the entire book, but is spoiler-free for the series. For chapter-by-chapter recaps, check out episodes 1 through 5. 
This week we discuss:
- Zodiac Academy’s origin, Caroline and Susanne’s writing process and how they split up writing the characters
- Listener thoughts and feelings about the series, including why it’s their favorite of all time, despite less-than-perfect writing
- Tropes and major themes of The Awakening
- Brief recap of the book by Josie Rae
- Favorite moments and standout scenes
- Important information to remember for the rest of the series
- Detention or Fornication, the game where you send characters to detention or your bedroom with no explanation
- Sneak-peak at our ultimate reading and vibe guide to get the most out of your Zodiac Academy experience and always know who’s who and what’s what
Huge shoutout to our Bookstagram friends for sharing their love of Zodiac Academy with us! Follow @living.in.afantasy for aesthetic fantasy book reviews and @alinamariesa for hilarious bookish skits and memes, plus an awesome reading order guide for the series!
We want to hear your thoughts, feelings, opinions, and predictions!
Text or leave us a voicemail at (323)-612-8008 or email us at whimsyspicepod@gmail.com. And of course, be sure to follow us on Instagram @whimsyspicepod for all the latest updates (and to be slightly entertained sometimes). And please, for the love of the stars, leave us a 5-star review. Xoxo, Madeline and Josie

Zodiac Academy, The Awakening (Book 1), Chapters 21-26

 ”I'd never felt so low. Like the wind had ripped holes in the sails of my life and wrecked them in the water. But I would fix them, and I'd rise again. Just not today.” thinks Darcy Vega after facing betrayal and public humiliation from a dumb boy for the second time in her life. 
Welcome back to episode 5 of Whimsy, Spice, and Sometimes Nice, a spoiler-free, read-along romantasy podcast. Whether you're a first-time Solarian traveler or a greedy, slippery salmon back for seconds, you fit right in, bae.
Madeline (the fan-girling, fast-talking, certified yapper) has read the whole series. And incessantly bugged Josie (the calm, cool professional hater) to start Zodiac Academy.
Josie will be reading in real time with you. Providing initial reactions and predictions, while Madeline serves as the guide to help point you along in the right direction. 
This is a uniquely formatted bookish podcast because we wanted to create a space where you can join the conversation and get in on the action WITHOUT having to finish the book, series, or ENTIRE universe!!!! 
This week, we're covering chapters 21 through 26 of The Awakening, book 1 of Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, where we have finally reached the climax of the book (but NOT the fun kind 🙁) and end with with the twins’ beatin’ down and licking their wounds.
This week we discuss:
- Falling Star reveal (and speedy departure)
- New information on the Savage King’s impact and legacy
- Why FMC’s are so frequently teenagers with undeveloped PFCs (pre-frontal cortex)
- Seth’s betrayal that has us seeing double
- Tory’s experience in her worst (16 ft) nightmare
- Professor Orion’s rescue and questionable intentions
- Recap of what we know of the political situation in Solaria for the past 18 years
We want to hear your thoughts, feelings, opinions, and predictions!
Text or leave us a voicemail at (323)-612-8008 or email us at whimsyspicepod@gmail.com. And of course, be sure to follow us on Instagram @whimsyspicepod for all the latest updates (and to be slightly entertained sometimes). And please, for the love of the stars, leave us a 5-star review. Xoxo, Madeline and Josie

Zodiac Academy, The Awakening (Book 1), Chapters 16-20

"Fae take what they want...so if you want me to do something for you, then you're going to have to force me," growls our pirate cosplaying asshole Acrux.
And if that doesn't set the tone for this week's review, we don't know what else will. 
Welcome back to episode 4 of Whimsy, Spice, and Sometimes Nice, a spoiler-free, read-along romantasy podcast. Whether you're a first-time Solarian traveler or a greedy, slippery salmon back for seconds, you fit right in, bae.
Madeline (the fan-girling, fast-talking, certified yapper) has read the whole series. And incessantly bugged Josie (the calm, cool professional hater) to start Zodiac Academy.
Josie will be reading in real time with you. Providing initial reactions and predictions, while Madeline serves as the guide to help point you along in the right direction. 
This is a uniquely formatted bookish podcast because we wanted to create a space where you can join the conversation and get in on the action WITHOUT having to finish the book, series, or ENTIRE universe!!!! 
This week, we're covering chapters 16 through 20 of The Awakening, book 1 of Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, where we have officially entered spooky, chaos territory (like in a dark alley behind a bar with rattling strangers.... yikes!)
This week we discuss:
- The twins' back alley encounter with a total creep
- The President of A.S.S. Club's close call with death and her suspicious savior
- A sexy-as-hell black motorbike at the scene of the crime
- An official accusation with a certain professor in the street with stabby fangs (and distracting happy trail)
- Order enhancement with the Sirens
- Mean girls revenge 
- Flirty festivities between Tory and 2 sexy-as-hell, but totally-off-limits celestial heirs 
- Recap on all currently known orders and how they recharge their magic
We want to hear your thoughts, feelings, opinions, and predictions!
Text or leave us a voicemail at (323)-612-8008 or email us at whimsyspicepod@gmail.com. And of course, be sure to follow us on Instagram @whimsyspicepod for all the latest updates (and to be slightly entertained sometimes). And please, for the love of the stars, leave us a 5-star review. Xoxo, Madeline and Josie