Connor Reads Books

A fantasy saga that was supposed to be three books somehow grows into ten, and it’s not because the author can’t let go, it’s because the world keeps demanding the parts that make it feel true. We’re joined by returning guest Gabrielle Wanick to celebrate the upcoming release of The Songs of Ash and Dawn Book 2 (July 14), and to get very honest about what it takes to plan long-form epic fantasy wi...

I’m joined by Drew Harrison, author of Men Of The Mountain, to talk about how his background in journalism shaped his fiction, why he researches details most readers will never double-check, and how sci fi can act like a warning system when technology moves faster than our culture can adapt.  We get into craft and influence in a practical way: how reading Stephen King, Brandon Sanderson, and Joe A...

Today we share a full chapter from the 'Warforged' Audio book, written by R.C. Hannah, and performed by me! We follow the story of a plucky human fighter pilot named Crash, as he and the Black Geese Squadron are dropped from Faster Than Light travel into the frying pan.  Thanks for checking out the episode! If you liked it, please consider purchasing the full audiobook on audible; it hel...

A goat-eyed spacefaring civilization, an unexpectedly lovable AI orb, and a romance that never asks you to wade through spice just to get to the heart of the story. That’s the energy we bring to this chat with Canada-based sci-fi and fantasy author R.C. Hannah as we celebrate the Warforged audiobook release and dig into what makes plot-first LGBTQ romance so satisfying when it’s done with care.  W...

Today's episode is a chapter read from Drew Harrison's The Men of the Mountain , a sci-fi/fantasy novel released March 2026, and will be released as an audiobook in the next month or so. Please enjoy this chapter, and please consider signing up below to be an early reviewer for The Men of the Mountain Audiobook.  Content Warnings:  No Content Warnings for this Episode Early Review Signup...

I’ve been away from the feed for a few months, but it’s not because the work stopped it’s because the audiobook work ramped up. This update is my “here’s what I’ve been making” guide for anyone who loves audio fiction, audiobook narration, and big genre swings from space opera to romance to dystopian mystery. First, I talk through three completed audiobooks you can grab on Audible. Then I lay out...

What if happiness could be guaranteed with a single bite? We read Evan Boffman’s Life and Limb, a desert horror tale where a determined runner named Rafe—rebuilding his life with a carbon fiber blade—meets a towering, talkative saguaro that offers permanent euphoria and relief from thirst. The Sonoran heat blurs into myth as rattlesnakes block the trail, cholla cling with wicked barbs, and coyotes...

We dive into the feral heart of his new collection, Mauls of the Wild, where animal-attack horror meets precise craft and real-world texture from deserts, mountains, and the open ocean. Evan unpacks how influences like Goosebumps, Michael Crichton, Peter Benchley, and The Twilight Zone shaped his eye for tension, morality, and twist endings, and why he believes horror offers a safe way to confront...

Ever wonder what a snow day on a space station might look like?  For Angie Tzakis, it’s the first time she’s ever seen a snowflake. Living on New Detroit Station has always been complex, but the first snow is about to change everything. Pairing snowflurries with the recent shattering of childhood illusions reveals that life isn’t always clear cut, and secrets have a nature of their own.  It’s Time...

Today we talk to Gabrielle Wanek, the Author of Songs of Ash and Dawn ; a new urban fantasy that has been topping charts in the 2 weeks since its release. We talk about Gabrielle’s writing journey, how she came to write the Songs of Ash and Dawn , and what makes a compelling villain. Join us as we explore Gabrielle’s detailed world building, and talk about what’s next for her on her writer’s quest...

Racing through his local dark forest, Detective Ethan is being hunted by dark and malevolent creatures. While magic is not new, Ethan handles all sorts of magical disputes in his community, what is transpiring now is nothing he’s seen before. A shadowy creature, and inhuman roar, a skull with piercing red eyes. Can Ethan make it out of the forest before dawn? Or did the shadows bring him his final...

When the earth splits open under a moonlit desert sky, survival becomes more than a test of will—it becomes a nightmare. Join Carter and his research crew deep in the Sonoran wilderness as their expedition turns from scientific to supernatural. An earthquake, a missing teammate, and an unspeakable creature lurking beneath the sand. This is one trip they’ll never forget. Featuring a full cast of vo...

‘Follow Wendolyn, a first-time author, as she discovers that behind the cosplay, panels, and raven companions, lies something far darker than she ever dreamed. When stories come alive, the fair becomes more than a celebration of fantasy—it becomes a reckoning.’Today we read ‘Welcome to the Fantasy Fair’ written by Marissa Mcnamara, and published by Pink Hydra Press in their August 2024 issue. Mari...

Howdy Folks, today we talk with Kim Green, Owner of Blank Page Consulting, and Author of Books like Vicissitudes, Hallucination, and Isolation - the last of which is our topic of discussion today. We start by talking about Kim’s writing experience and history, then delve into the raw and political commentary of her book Isolation, a soul-bearing collection of blogs written during the emergence of...

Howdy Folks today we talk with David Hankins, a prolific award winning author who has been featured in dozens of magazines and anthologies, as well as creating the Grimsworld Series. We talk about David’s inspirations for his works, which tend to be lighthearted fantasy and sci-fi tales. Dive in and discover how the headaches and humor of bureaucratic mismanagement inspired David to write a series...

Howdy Folks today we talk with Michael La Ronn, a prolific sci-fi and fantasy writer, youtuber, and owner of Author Level Up. We talk about Michael’s experience with the Murderfish Anthology, how he found his writing style, and how he became the writer he is today. We discuss the differences between writing to teach, and writing to entertain. Dive in, and hear how authenticity, passion, spontaneit...

Howdy Listeners, we have another author interview for you! Today we talk to Jake Stein, a prolific fiction short story writer who’s had quite a few publications in the past years. We dive into Jake’s inspirations, his approach to writing, and how sometimes the hard hitting stories don’t explode, but burn slowly. Jake’s writing has also been brought to the audio space on a handful of podcasts, incl...

Howdy Listeners, today we dive into one of Connor’s favorite H.P. Lovecraft Stories - The Rats in the Walls. A story of an older man who’s knowledge of his family’s past is Dubious at best, that is until his son is shipped off to fight the great war, and comes back with knowledge of their ancestral home - Exam Priory. Our protagonist moves to the priory, learning of its troubled past, and is at on...

Howdy Listeners, we have another author interview for you! Today we talk to Marissa McNamara, a fantasy and sci-fi writer based in Brisbane, Australia. We talk about how she got into writing, her process, her perspective, and her plans for the future! In celebration of the Murderfish kickstarter, we are going to be interviewing some of the authors that have contributed to Anthology. Thanks for bei...

Get your feet wet with this preview story from "Murderfish," the third installment of the Unhelpful Encyclopedia series, from WonderBird Press. "Real Food," by Jake Stein, is the sci-fi tale of a vegan chef brought to the Earth office of a powerful businessman—with a chilling request.“Murderfish” is still in its kickstarter phase and is looking for more backers! So if you liked...

Connor Reads Books is returning for its 2025 season! Today we are kicking it off with “Fangs Out” , a short story from the book Murderbugs. Fangs Out: Private detective A. Sin, the assassin bug, is hired to investigate disturbances around the Portmanteau, an apartment building on the nice side of the yard. What comes next is an intricate web to untangle, with prominent bugs caught up in the plot....

We are going to close this year out with our conversation with Rebecca E. Treasure, a Prolific Sci-fi Author and Editor at Apex Magazine! We talk about how Rebecca's travels have impacted her writing, the accomplishments she’s made, and the lessons she’s learned in her time as an editor and violin instructor. Join us for this interview and listen to the tips, tricks, and tid bits of advice th...

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays - or at least they would be if Santa wasn’t on the verge of bankruptcy! With the north pole in dire straits, and receiving an alluring lead that could save the workshop, Santa has no choice but to assemble the finest crew in both of the poles. Their target: one of Scrooge’s tankers filled to the brim with cutting edge technology. Join in on the holiday mischief a...

Howdy Listeners, we have another superb interview for you! In this episode we talk to Mike Jack Stoumbous, a first place winner of the 2021 Writers of the Future Contest, and founder of the publishing company Wonderbird Press. We talk about what got Mike into writing, how he approaches any creative process he engages in, as well as some of the finer details of self publishing and crowd-sourcing fu...

Howdy folks, we have another great interview for you today! Today we talk to Qualia Reed; a prolific, self-published author who has created immersive sci-fi worlds, compelling characters, and cathartic story arcs all while artfully weaving LGBTQ+ themes throughout. Join us as we talk about Qualia’s inspirations, writing journey, and insights on the world of self publishing. Thanks for coming to in...