281 – Melissa Albert & The Howling Strangeness

Melissa Albert’s novel may be called The Children, but it’s certainly not for kids.

This is a story about the dark creativity behind bright make-believe, about the pretty lies of childhood and the brutal truths of growing up. It’s about writers and writing and as you’ll hear me point out, it does for fantasy fiction what Stephen King’s Misery did for Gothic romance.

And by god do we talk about all of that. As well as celebrating a character that I believe to be one of the best “bad-mothers” in recent fiction (and the secret hero of the book!)

But maybe that’s just me. I’m twisted.

Enjoy.

Other books mentioned:

• The Hazel Wood (2018), by Melissa Albert
• The Magicians (2009), by Lev Grossman
• Daytide (2026), by Chris Panatier
• When You Reach Me (2009) by Rebecca Stead
• Fangirl (2013), by Rainbow Rowell
• This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me (2026), by Ilona Andrews

Support Talking Scared on Patreon

Check out the Talking Scared Merch line – at VoidMerch

Come talk books on Threads, Bluesky, and Instagram, or email direct to talkingscaredpod@gmail.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices