New Year Part 1: New Reading Challenges!

Reflecting on the Past Year & Setting New Reading Goals | Book Dragon Banter Podcast
With this New Year's episode of Book Dragon Banter, we dive into reflections on the past year, discuss our favorite fantasy reads, and set new reading goals for 2026. Join Zinzi, Sage, and Katherine as we explore our personal traditions, like picking a 'word of the year,' and share how these practices have impacted our lives and writing journeys. We'll also reveal our exciting book challenges for 2026, chat about books that have deeply moved us, and provide some great reading recommendations. Don't miss our discussion on how we plan to track our reading moods, and stay tuned for more interactive opportunities with our book club on Fable. Happy New Year, and welcome to 2026!

Find the Downloadable Reading Challenges here:
Book Dragon Banter Substack - https://bookdragonbanter.substack.com/

BDB Fable Diverse Fantasy Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy...

Book Club: Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger
Author Site: https://darcielittlebadger.com/books-...

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Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/
Katherine: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/
Write With Me, Zinzi Bree, Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack...
Book Dragon Ink Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/i...

Books Mentioned:
The Sword of Kaigen by M. L. Wang
Hazelthorn by C. G. Drews
A Study in Charlotte Series by Brittnay Cavallaro
Jackaby Series by William Ritter
Don’t Let the Forest In by C. G. Drews
Morning Glory Milking Farm by C. M. Nascosta
Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
Beware of Chicken by Causualfarmer
Mother of Learning Series by Domagoj Kurmaić
The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow
The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
The Leveling Up Series by K. F. Breene
For She is Wrath by Emily Varga
The Last Dragon of the East by Katrina Kwan
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab
Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang

00:00 Reflecting on a Year of Change
00:32 Welcome to Book Dragon Banter
01:04 New Year's Traditions and Reflections
02:09 Choosing a Word for the Year
03:27 Empowerment and Momentum
07:11 Books That Made an Impact
10:07 Favorite Reads and Recommendations
22:16 The Joy of Book Clubs
24:36 Discovering New Reads and Balancing Genres
25:26 Reading Goals and Achievements
26:03 The Struggle with DNF (Did Not Finish)
28:04 Setting New Reading Goals for 2026
29:07 Tracking Reading Progress and Reviews
38:59 Book Challenges and Personal Goals
48:47 Upcoming Book Club Reads and Community Engagement
50:55 Conclusion and New Year Wishes