Best Nervous Rocket Podcasts (2025)

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Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix (Halloween Special) 6:54

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2d ago6:54

6:54

Send us a text In this Halloween special of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi dives into Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix a gothic, emotionally charged tale about women, witchcraft, and the power passed down through generations. Brandi explores the novel’s rich atmosphere, haunting themes of inheritance and rebellion, and how Hendrix…

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The Mean Ones: Trauma, Horror, and Healing with Tatiana Schlote 16:55

10d ago16:55

16:55

Send us a text In this chilling and deeply introspective episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi sits down once again with acclaimed horror author Tatiana Schlote (also known as The Buff Writer) to discuss her latest psychological folk horror novel, The Mean Ones. The story follows Sadie, a 29-year-old woman haunted by the trauma of witnessi…

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Love, Lies, and Murder: Exploring The Perfect Marriage 8:18

17d ago8:18

8:18

Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi dives into Jeneva Rose’s dark, twisty psychological thriller, The Perfect Marriage. Sarah Morgan, a high-powered defense attorney, steps in to defend her husband Adam when his mistress is brutally murdered, revealing the morally gray complexities of their relationship. Jeneva Ros…

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Exploring The Women on Platform Two 6:37

24d ago6:37

6:37

Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi dives into The Women on Platform Two by Laura Anthony — a powerful historical novel set in 1970s Dublin, when contraception was still illegal. The story follows Mara and Bernie, two brave women who risk everything to smuggle contraceptives and fight for bodily autonomy. Brandi ex…

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Friends, Lovers, and Summer Escapes: Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation 9:12

1M ago9:12

9:12

Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi takes listeners on a heartfelt journey through Emily Henry’s bestselling romance, People We Meet on Vacation. We dive deep into Poppy and Alex’s annual summer trips, their opposites-attract dynamic, and the slowburn tension that has made readers laugh, cry, and swoon. Through dua…

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Locked in Mystery: The Woman in Cabin 10 Deep Dive 6:52

1M ago6:52

6:52

Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, the hosts dive into Ruth Ware’s gripping psychological thriller, The Woman in Cabin 10. Set aboard a luxurious cruise liner, the story follows journalist Lo Blacklock as she uncovers a chilling mystery, navigating deception, danger, and the frustration of a world that tries to silence her. T…

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Is Powerless the Next Big Fantasy Hit? 8:56

1M ago8:56

8:56

Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, Brandi explores the thrilling YA fantasy debut, Powerless by Lauren Roberts. Journey through the brutal kingdom of Aaliyah, where magic determines worth, as ordinary Paedyn Gray defies the odds in deadly competitions filled with sharp-witted heroines and enemies-to-lovers tension. Also featu…

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The Stories That Shape Us: A Deep Dive into The Lost Bookshop 8:40

2M ago8:40

8:40

Send us a text In this enchanting episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi delves into Evie Woods’ The Lost Bookshop, a novel that beautifully blends historical fiction with magical realism. Through the intertwined lives of Opaline, Martha, and Henry, Woods explores themes of belonging, love, and the transformative power of literature. Brandi…

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Summer, Love, and Growing Up: Exploring Jenny Han’s Classic 5:52

2M ago5:52

5:52

Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, we dive into Jenny Han’s beloved novel, The Summer I Turned Pretty. Known for capturing the magic and melancholy of adolescence, Han tells a story about love, family, and the bittersweet process of growing up. Host Brandi discusses the themes that resonate with readers—from the excitement an…

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Motives, Power, and Transformation in Rose in Chains 6:29

2M ago6:29

6:29

Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, we dive deep into the layered world of Rose in Chains. Rather than focusing solely on plot, we turn our attention to the characters who breathe life into the narrative. Host Brandi unpacks the motivations, conflicts, and relationships that shape the series’ intricate drama, highlighting the …

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Jennette McCurdy’s Journey: Surviving Stardom & Reclaiming Power 7:16

2M ago7:16

7:16

Send us a text In this powerful episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi explores Jennette McCurdy's bestselling memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died. Known worldwide as Sam Puckett on iCarly and Sam & Cat, McCurdy steps beyond the spotlight to share a raw and honest account of her childhood stardom, her fraught relationship with her mother, and her …

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Dark Truths & Dead Air: Carter Wilson’s Tell Me What You Did 4:03

3M ago4:03

4:03

Send us a text In this gripping episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi dives into Carter Wilson’s chilling new thriller, Tell Me What You Did. The story follows Poe Webb, a true crime podcast host whose own past is darker than any confession she’s aired. When a mysterious guest claims to be her mother’s killer, Poe is forced to confront sec…

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Time, Language, and Identity: Two Novels That Redefine Reality 5:10

3M ago5:10

5:10

Send us a text In this thought-provoking episode of Dragons and Spaceships, we explore two genre-defying novels that challenge how we perceive time, language, and identity. First, we dive into Alexander Boldizar’s The Man Who Saw Seconds, a pulse-pounding sci-fi thriller about Preble Jefferson, a man who can see five seconds into the future. This g…

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One of Us Is Lying: Secrets, Pressure & High School Suspense 7:39

3M ago7:39

7:39

Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, we dive into the tangled web of secrets and social pressure in One of Us Is Lying by Karen McManus. Brandi explores the layered character dynamics of Bronwyn, Addie, Nate, and Cooper—each navigating the intense scrutiny of high school while hiding truths that could change everything. From th…

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Exploring Magic and Family in 'The Spell Shop' 5:47

3M ago5:47

5:47

Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, we dive into the magical world of The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst. With a charming blend of spellcraft, family tension, and entrepreneurial spirit, this cozy fantasy explores what it means to forge your own path. We also spotlight Ali Hazelwood’s Problematic Summer Romance and share the la…

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Religion, Rebellion, and Rome: Talking Vesta with Marcia Twain 34:04

3M ago34:04

34:04

Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi sits down with author Jeffrey Hops (writing as Marcia Twain) to explore Vesta and Her Children—a powerful historical novel set in the twilight of ancient Rome. From gender and legacy to religious identity and crumbling empires, this story offers a bold reimagining of the forces t…

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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: Power, Passion & Identity 6:22

4M ago6:22

6:22

Send us a text In this special episode of Dragons and Spaceships, we trade dragons for drama as we dive into the glitzy, heartbreaking world of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. From old Hollywood glamour to raw emotional truths, we unpack Evelyn’s unapologetic ambition, her complex identity, and the love story that defined …

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Unraveling the Dark and Twisted World of Verity by Colleen Hoover 7:10

4M ago7:10

7:10

Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, we unravel the chilling layers of Verity by Colleen Hoover—a psychological thriller that’s haunted BookTok and divided readers with its jaw-dropping twists. Is it genius or manipulative madness? We weigh in. Then, we shift gears into the magical realm of Wings of Starlight, a fantasy romance…

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Found Family, Emotional Baggage & Summer Love in "Just for the Summer" 7:26

4M ago7:26

7:26

Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, we dive into the delightful emotional rollercoaster that is Abby Jimenez’s Just for the Summer. With its blend of found family, romantic tension, and emotional baggage, this rom-com delivers both laughs and depth. Then we shift to the sun-soaked pages of Emily Henry’s Beach Read, a fan-favor…

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None of This is True by Lisa Jewell | Thriller Deep Dive 6:40

5M ago6:40

6:40

Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, Brandi unpacks the chilling brilliance of Lisa Jewell’s None of This is True. With its layered characters, haunting secrets, and razor-sharp tension, this psychological thriller keeps readers guessing until the very end. We explore the novel’s major themes—identity, trust, and the shadows of…

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It Ends With Us: Love, Trauma & Controversy 9:12

5M ago9:12

9:12

Send us a text In this emotionally charged episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi explores Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel It Ends With Us. With raw honesty and thoughtful analysis, Brandi unpacks the novel’s exploration of love, abuse, and self-worth—while also addressing the controversy surrounding its upcoming film adaptation. From Li…

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Love, Dreams, and Darkness — A Deep Dive into Two Powerful Novels 6:11

5M ago6:11

6:11

Send us a text In this emotionally rich episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi guides listeners through two unforgettable reads: Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez and Queen of the Darkness by Anne Bishop. Brandi unpacks the emotional weight of love, distance, and family expectations in contemporary romance, while also exploring how dre…

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Exploring Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Time, Memory & Surrealism 8:14

5M ago8:14

8:14

Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi delves into the novel Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, exploring its unique narrative style that blends reality with surrealism. The discussion highlights the book's themes of time, memory, and the emotional depth of its characters, who serve as philosophical guides rathe…

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Inside The Murderbot Diaries: Sci-Fi's Smartest Antihero 9:32

6M ago9:32

9:32

Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi delves into the trending sci-fi series The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells, exploring its unique character, themes of identity and autonomy, and the upcoming Apple TV Plus adaptation. The conversation also touches on other trending reads and listener questions, providing a comp…

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Inside the Mind Games: Exploring "The Housemaid" and Psychological Thrillers 7:03

6M ago7:03

7:03

Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi dives into the world of psychological thrillers, focusing on 'The Housemaid' by Freida McFadden. The discussion covers the book's gripping plot, character dynamics, and themes of trust and deception. Additionally, Brandi highlights upcoming book releases and engages with listener…

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Book Trends & Bold Turns: A Fresh Direction for Dragons in Spaceships 9:31

6M ago9:31

9:31

Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi introduces a new direction for the podcast, focusing on trending books from various genres. The episode highlights 'Funny Story' by Emily Henry, exploring its themes, character dynamics, and emotional depth. The discussion includes a spotlight on another trending book, 'The Twist…

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Unearthing the Past: The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis 7:15

6M ago7:15

7:15

Send us a text In this episode, host Brandi takes a deep dive into Fiona Davis’s The Stolen Queen, a historical fiction novel that weaves together the stories of two women from different time periods. The novel touches on themes of female empowerment, archaeology, and the intriguing mysteries of history. Brandi explores how the past and present con…

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The Brothers Hawthorne: Secrets, Stakes, and Sibling Rivalry 6:07

7M ago6:07

6:07

Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi delves into 'The Brothers Hawthorne' by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, a thrilling spinoff from the Inheritance Game series. The discussion covers the intricate character dynamics of the Hawthorne brothers, Grayson and Jameson, as they navigate personal challenges and high-stakes adventur…

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Why Once Upon a Broken Heart Lives Rent-Free in Our Heads 6:27

7M ago6:27

6:27

Send us a text In this magical episode of Dragons and Spaceships, Brandi dives into the enchanting world of Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber — the BookTok fantasy romance that’s captured the hearts of readers everywhere. From epic love stories and heart-wrenching betrayals to the dark allure of magic, Brandi unpacks the book’s biggest t…

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Exploring the Dark Fantasy of Quicksilver by Callie Hart 9:18

7M ago9:18

9:18

Send us a text In this episode of Dragons & Spaceships, host Brandy dives into the dark and captivating world of Quicksilver by Callie Hart. This fantasy romance brings together the tension of enemies-to-lovers dynamics, the allure of the Fae, and the intrigue of alchemy. Join us as we explore the morally gray characters, high-stakes conflicts, and…

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Exploring 'Orbital' by Samantha Harvey 6:23

7M ago6:23

6:23

Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandy delves into the literary depths of 'Orbital' by Samantha Harvey, a unique sci-fi novel that explores existential themes through the lives of six astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The conversation highlights the book's introspective narrative, its philosophical in…

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Is "Jade City" the Next Must-Read Fantasy Epic? 7:48

8M ago7:48

7:48

Send us a text In this episode of "Dragons and Spaceships," host Brandi delves into Fonda Lee's "Jade City," the first book in the Green Bone Saga. She provides an overview of its setting, characters, and unique magic system, emphasizing its morally complex characters and themes of family and power. Brandi also highlights trending fantasy titles li…

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The Best Fantasy Adventure You Didn’t Know You Needed: "The Wren in the Holly Library 8:11

8M ago8:11

8:11

Send us a text In this episode of "Dragons and Spaceships," host Brandi delves into the fantasy novel "The Wren in the Holly Library" by K.A. Linde, discussing its plot, characters, and themes. She highlights the protagonist, Wren Briarwood, a librarian with the unique ability to communicate with enchanted books, and her journey through a magical l…

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Upcoming Fantasy Releases You Can’t Miss: Sanderson, Elizabeth, and More! 7:31

9M ago7:31

7:31

Send us a text In this episode of "Dragons and Spaceships," host Brandi delves into R.F. Kuang's debut novel, "The Poppy War," a blend of military history and fantasy that explores the brutal realities of war through the journey of its protagonist, Rin. Brandi discusses Rin's rise from a rural village to a prestigious military academy, her internal…

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Is "A Study in Drowning" the Gothic Fantasy You’ve Been Waiting For? 6:38

9M ago6:38

6:38

Send us a text In this episode of "Dragons and Spaceships," host Brandi delves into the gothic fantasy novel "A Study in Drowning" by Ava Reid. She explores the plot, themes, and characters, focusing on Effie, a young architecture student uncovering dark secrets in a decaying manor. Brandi also highlights "The Sword Defiant" by Gareth Hanrahan, and…

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What Makes "Shadow of the King" a Must-Read for Fantasy Lovers? 36:24

9M ago36:24

36:24

Send us a text In this episode of "Dragons and Spaceships," host Brandi delves into the world of sci-fi and fantasy literature, spotlighting "Shadow of the King" by Darrell J. Pursiful. Brandi explores the book's themes, characters, and world-building, and shares her enthusiasm for an exclusive interview with Pursiful. The author discusses his insp…

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Unlocking the Magic: Exploring the Living Library of “The Book That Wouldn’t Burn” 5:33

10M ago5:33

5:33

Send us a text In this episode of "Dragons and Spaceships," host Brandi delves into Mark Lawrence's "The Book That Wouldn't Burn," the first in an epic library trilogy. She explores the imaginative setting of a living library and the adventures of characters Lavera Paige and Venturi. Brandi also teases the sequel, "The Book That Broke the World," w…

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From Betrayal to Redemption: The Complex World of "Dragonfall" and Its Characters 6:10

10M ago6:10

6:10

Send us a text In this episode of "Dragons and Spaceships," host Brandi delves into "Dragonfall" by L.R. Lam, a fantasy novel reimagining dragon lore with morally complex characters and rich world-building. She outlines the plot, focusing on Arkady, a thief, and Evren, a dragon in human form, highlighting their tense relationship and unique narrati…

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Exploring Dark Omega Emergence: A Virtual Reality Adventure 48:02

11M ago48:02

48:02

Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandy discusses the first book in Eric Vanderburg's Dark Omega series, exploring its themes of adaptation, resilience, and the immersive world of virtual reality. The conversation delves into Vanderburg's creative process, inspirations from gaming and technology, and the development of…

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From TikTok Skits to Page-Turner: The Villainous Journey of Evie Sage 7:52

11M ago7:52

7:52

Send us a text In this episode of "Dragons and Spaceships," host Brandi delves into Hannah Nicole Maehrer's debut novel, "Assistant to the Villain," which originated from popular TikTok skits. Brandi discusses the book's unique blend of humor, romance, and fantasy adventure, focusing on the main character, Evie Sage, and her dynamic with a villaino…

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Exploring the Dark Magic and Romance in "When the Moon Hatched" by Sarah Parker 7:30

11M ago7:30

7:30

Send us a text In this episode of "Dragons and Spaceships," host Brandi delves into the new fantasy novel "When the Moon Hatched" by Sarah Parker, exploring its themes, characters, and unique world-building. She highlights the intriguing concept of dragons turning into moons and the chaos of their return to earth. Brandi also discusses trending sci…

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Discover the Best Debut Fantasy of the Year: "Spark of the Everflame 8:15

12M ago8:15

8:15

Send us a text In this episode of "Dragons and Spaceships," host Brandi delves into Penn Cole's debut fantasy novel "Spark of the Everflame," highlighting its captivating plot, rich characters, and intricate world-building. She discusses the book's themes of loyalty, identity, and self-discovery, and its elements of epic fantasy, romance, and drago…

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Unraveling The Atlas Six: A Dark Academia Journey 10:14

12M ago10:14

10:14

Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi dives into The Atlas Six by Olive Blake, a dark academia fantasy that has gained immense popularity. The discussion covers the book's unique magic system, morally complex characters, and the intriguing setting of the Alexandrian Society. Brandi also highlights the cultural impact…

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The Intersection of Horror and Gaming 47:24

12M ago47:24

47:24

Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandy interviews Tatiana Schlote Bonne about her YA horror novel, Such Lovely Skin. The conversation delves into the book's exploration of psychological horror, guilt, grief, and redemption, as well as the role of gaming and streaming in the narrative. Tatiana discusses her character d…

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Exploring the Depths of 'Such Lovely Skin' 37:32

1y ago37:32

37:32

Send us a text In this engaging conversation, Tatiana Schlote-Bonne discusses her debut YA horror novel 'Such Lovely Skin,' exploring the intricate blend of psychological horror with real-life emotional struggles. She shares insights into her character development, particularly the protagonist Vivian, and the symbolic role of the Mimic. The discuss…

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Power Dynamics in Heartless Hunter 8:14

1y ago8:14

8:14

Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi delves into Kristen Ciccarelli's 'Heartless Hunter', exploring its captivating characters, intricate themes, and the romantic tension between the protagonists. The discussion also touches on the book's reception among readers and exciting news from the book industry. Key Points H…

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A Deep Dive Into The Widowing 32:21

1y ago32:21

32:21

Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi discusses the new release, The Widowing by Melanie Bacon, the second installment in the Detectivist series. The conversation explores the unique blend of historical crime fiction, the intriguing characters, and the rich historical context of Victorian London. Melanie shares her w…

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Character Dynamics in a Magical World 8:32

1y ago8:32

8:32

Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandy discusses Juno Dawson's modern fantasy novel, Her Majesty's Royal Coven. The book intricately weaves magic with contemporary issues such as gender identity and power dynamics, focusing on a secret government organization overseeing witches. The narrative centers around five women…

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The Science Behind Project Hail Mary 8:41

1y ago8:41

8:41

Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandy dives into Andy Weir's Project Hail Mary, exploring its themes of friendship, collaboration, and moral dilemmas through the journey of Ryland Grace and his unexpected ally, Rocky. The conversation highlights the depth of the characters, the intricate science behind the story, and…

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Is "Ghost Station" the Ultimate Sci-Fi Horror Experience? 8:14

1y ago8:14

8:14

Send us a text In this episode of "Dragons and Spaceships," host Brandi dives into the sci-fi horror novel "Ghost Station" by SR Barnes. She provides an overview of the plot, themes, and characters, emphasizing the blend of horror and psychological tension. Brandi also discusses the book's reception and compares it to classic sci-fi horror films. A…