Listen to the Episode
Air date: July 13, 2025
Check Out The Books
Read the Transcript
JESSICA:
Hi, this is Jessica Russell. I’m the assistant director of collection services at Sno-Isle Libraries. And welcome to Book Buzz.
Today's two reading recommendations are a nonfiction exploration of historical female authors and a gritty fantasy.
First, we’re going to hear from Kerry, cataloging and acquisitions assistant, for a journey of literary history. Over to you, Kerry.
KERRY:
In “Jane Austen’s Bookshelf,” rare book dealer Rebecca Romney rediscovers the writers and works that influenced Jane Austen, examines how and why we may have forgotten about them, and restores their place in literary history.
The female writers Jane Austen mentions in her work were the bestselling authors of their day — and yet their influence on the world of letters is largely forgotten. As a bookseller, historian, and avid reader, Rebecca Romney decided to investigate what happened; how did these well-known authors and their works disappear from the classical canon? Her research and enthusiasm shine through on every page — and make a persuasive case that sometimes, critics and tastemakers shouldn’t necessarily have the last word on what is worthwhile forever.
“What ultimately matters is finding the books that are meaningful for you,” Romney says. “Read those books.”
“Jane Austen’s Bookshelf” brings excellent new scholarship, literary criticism and a reader’s joy to the study of literature. Romney combines her personal curiosity and instincts with her professional knowledge and expertise to reveal fascinating new insights about our cultural conversation with history. It’s a must-read if you enjoyed “Silences” by Tillie Olsen, “Bright Circle” by Randall Fuller, and “84 Charing Cross Road” by Helene Hanff.
JESSICA:
Thanks, Kerry! Sounds like a must-read for anyone who loves books about books.
Next, let’s hear about a dark, sprawling fantasy from Shannon, library associate at the Sultan Library. Take it away, Shannon.
SHANNON:
Men and gods wage war in “Godkiller,” an epic fantasy debut by Hugo-nominated author Hannah Kaner. Welcome to Middren, a nation where gods are forbidden and hunted by godkillers. Kissen is one of the best godkillers, having dedicated her life to the job after a fire god slaughtered her family as a child. That is, until she meets a god she can’t kill — the god of white lies, whose soul is bound to a newly-orphaned noble girl. Killing him would end them both. So Kissen must take the girl to the ruined city of gods Blenraden for answers on how to free her, alongside a disgraced knight-turned-baker running from his past.
I’m always fascinated by stories that explore the relationship between gods and their faithful, and how unfettered devotion to any man or god can be our undoing. “Godkiller” accomplishes this through its gritty plot, complex characters, and beautifully broken world. The medium pacing lets you really sink into the story, but doesn’t drag its feet. Folks looking for more grizzled heroes adopting spry youths — as seen in “The Mandalorian” and “The Last of Us” — will also get their fill with Kissen and her entourage. This is a solid debut for anyone looking for more traditional epic fantasy from a new voice in the genre.
JESSICA:
Thanks, Shannon! What an epic blend of grit, heart, and high-stakes mythology.
Our recommendations this week are: “Jane Austen’s Bookshelf” by Rebecca Romney and “Godkiller” by Hannah Kaner.
Join us next time, when we’ll explore more great reading recommendations — interesting books you can find at your favorite local bookstore or at your local library.
Until then, I’m Jessica Russell from Sno-Isle Libraries.
Thanks for joining us for Book Buzz on KSER.
Hear More From Book Buzz
Join us as Sno-Isle Libraries staff discuss the latest buzz-worthy titles on our weekly radio program, Book Buzz.
