A Pod of Wings and Filth

Episode 19: Top Books of 2025

We read wildly. We had passionate discussions. We fell in love with stories that wrecked us and touched us down to the marrow of our bones. It was an exciting year of reading. In our End of the Year Wrap-Up Episode, we’re counting down:  ✨ Our Top 5 Favorite Books of 2025  ✨ The Top 2 Buddy Reads that took us by surprise and stuck with us 🎧 Listen now and tell us which books owned your 2025. Support the Pod Digging the Filth? Show us some love—rate, review, and follow! We appreciate all your support and enthusiasm. ✨ Follow Us 📸 IG: @apodofwingsandfilth [https://www.instagram.com/apodofwingsandfilth] 🎵 TikTok: @wings.n.filth [https://www.tiktok.com/@wings.n.filth] ▶️ YouTube: apodofwingsandfilth [https://www.youtube.com/@apodofwingsandfilth] 📧 Email: apodofwingsandfilth@gmail.com [apodofwingsandfilth@gmail.com] Podomatic: https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/apodofwingsandfilth [https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/apodofwingsandfilth] 📚✨ Buddy Read Alert! ✨🧚‍♀️ Want to read along with us? 🔗 Click here to join Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries Buddy Read on Story Graph [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/8cf6944e-9314-4768-9e54-9c3fb46690bd]  🔗 Click here to join the Bloodguard Buddy Read on Story Graph [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/a4b14003-9598-4eb2-9278-d537c8c975c4]🔗 Click here to join the Dire Bound Buddy Read on Story Graph [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/0373cf7b-c161-42c9-81e0-4abd6f8ee2ad] 🔗 Click here to join The Knight and the Moth Buddy Read on Story Graph [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/7122d0a0-e122-4747-8add-355e640d3cd0] 🔗 Click here to join the Shield of Sparrows Buddy Read on Story Graph [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/61243670-0270-4e5d-b54f-0d4955bfddab] 🖤 Heather & Morgan's Socials 📚 Instagram: @modurocher [https://www.instagram.com/modurocher] 📖 Storygraph: moduro 📖 Storygraph: headertime1981 🌐 Website: heatherbaxendale.com [https://heatherbaxendale.com] 🌒 New episodes every other Tuesday. Until then—Stay Filthy. The music used is: "Magistar" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Episode 18: The Songbird and the Heart of Stone Parts 6 & 7

In this episode, we descend into the final sanctums of The Songbird and the Heart of Stone, where Mische and Asar are cast into the SOUL sanctum that forces them to face the versions of themselves that already died, reopen old wounds, and confront betrayals that cut deeper than any blade. As ghosts return, gods intervene, and resurrection demands an unthinkable price, mercy becomes more dangerous than violence, and love defies obedience in a moment that shatters faith itself. Death follows swiftly and without comfort. ✨ Follow Us 📸 IG: @apodofwingsandfilth [https://www.instagram.com/apodofwingsandfilth] 🎵 TikTok: @wings.n.filth [https://www.tiktok.com/@wings.n.filth] ▶️ YouTube: apodofwingsandfilth [https://www.youtube.com/@apodofwingsandfilth] 📧 Email: apodofwingsandfilth@gmail.com [apodofwingsandfilth@gmail.com] Podomatic: https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/apodofwingsandfilth [https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/apodofwingsandfilth] 📚✨ Buddy Read Alert! ✨🧚‍♀️ Want to read along with us? 🔗 Click here to join Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries Buddy Read on Story Graph [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/8cf6944e-9314-4768-9e54-9c3fb46690bd]  🔗 Click here to join the Bloodguard Buddy Read on Story Graph [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/a4b14003-9598-4eb2-9278-d537c8c975c4]🔗 Click here to join the Dire Bound Buddy Read on Story Graph [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/0373cf7b-c161-42c9-81e0-4abd6f8ee2ad] 🔗 Click here to join The Knight and the Moth Buddy Read on Story Graph [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/7122d0a0-e122-4747-8add-355e640d3cd0] 🔗 Click here to join the Shield of Sparrows Buddy Read on Story Graph [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/61243670-0270-4e5d-b54f-0d4955bfddab]  🔗 Click here to join the Bury My Bones in the Midnight Soil Buddy Read on Story Graph [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/dd54c5ce-0347-4b80-9c13-b243d51f3901] 🔗 [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/dd54c5ce-0347-4b80-9c13-b243d51f3901] Click here to join the Never Keep Buddy Read on Story Graph [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/5c82bbc4-dc49-447a-a86d-8a503201d377] 🖤 Heather & Morgan's Socials 📚 Instagram: @modurocher [https://www.instagram.com/modurocher] 📖 Storygraph: moduro 📖 Storygraph: headertime1981 🌐 Website: heatherbaxendale.com [https://heatherbaxendale.com] 🌒 New episodes every other Tuesday. Until then—Stay Filthy. The music used is: "Magistar" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com [http://incompetech.com]) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/]

Episode 17: Quicksilver by Callie Hart

In the harsh desert kingdom of Zilvaren, 24-year-old Saeris Fane is a skilled thief, surviving by stealing water and food rations to care for her ailing brother. Her world shatters when she encounters the mysterious Kingfisher, a fae warrior whose presence is both alluring and dangerous. As Saeris is drawn into a realm of magic and political intrigue, she discovers her own latent powers and a destiny entwined with Kingfisher's. Together, they navigate a treacherous path filled with enemies, secrets, and a simmering tension that threatens to ignite into something more. ✨ Follow Us 📸 IG: @apodofwingsandfilth [https://www.instagram.com/apodofwingsandfilth] 🎵 TikTok: @wings.n.filth [https://www.tiktok.com/@wings.n.filth] ▶️ YouTube: apodofwingsandfilth [https://www.youtube.com/@apodofwingsandfilth] 📧 Email: apodofwingsandfilth@gmail.com [apodofwingsandfilth@gmail.com] Podomatic: https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/apodofwingsandfilth [https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/apodofwingsandfilth] 📚✨ Buddy Read Alert! ✨🧚‍♀️ Want to read along with us? 🔗 Click here to join Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries Buddy Read on Story Graph [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/8cf6944e-9314-4768-9e54-9c3fb46690bd]  🔗 Click here to join the Bloodguard Buddy Read on Story Graph [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/a4b14003-9598-4eb2-9278-d537c8c975c4]🔗 Click here to join the Dire Bound Buddy Read on Story Graph [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/0373cf7b-c161-42c9-81e0-4abd6f8ee2ad] 🔗 Click here to join The Knight and the Moth Buddy Read on Story Graph [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/7122d0a0-e122-4747-8add-355e640d3cd0] 🔗 Click here to join the Shield of Sparrows Buddy Read on Story Graph [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/61243670-0270-4e5d-b54f-0d4955bfddab]  🔗 Click here to join the Bury My Bones in the Midnight Soil Buddy Read on Story Graph [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/dd54c5ce-0347-4b80-9c13-b243d51f3901] 🔗 [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/dd54c5ce-0347-4b80-9c13-b243d51f3901] Click here to join the Never Keep Buddy Read on Story Graph [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/5c82bbc4-dc49-447a-a86d-8a503201d377] 🖤 Heather & Morgan's Socials 📚 Instagram: @modurocher [https://www.instagram.com/modurocher] 📖 Storygraph: moduro 📖 Storygraph: headertime1981 🌐 Website: heatherbaxendale.com [https://heatherbaxendale.com] 🌒 New episodes every other Tuesday. Until then—Stay Filthy. The music used is: "Magistar" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com [http://incompetech.com]) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/]

Episode 16: The Songbird and the Heart of Stone Parts 3-5

Mische and Asar descend into the perilous underworld, navigating the Sanctums of Body and Breath, where they face trials that test their courage and confront their darkest fears. As Mische wrestles with her vampire nature and fading faith in Atroxus, her bond with Asar deepens into a forbidden romance. Their journey crescendos in a harrowing ritual: Asar sacrifices himself to become the Soul needed to complete their mission. But when Mische awakens on a white beach, reality twists with a terrifying encounter that mimics her past. Heartbroken yet determined, Mische fights to save Asar and continue their journey home, proving that courage, love, and sacrifice are never simple in the realm of the dead. ✨ Follow Us 📸 IG: @apodofwingsandfilth [https://www.instagram.com/apodofwingsandfilth] 🎵 TikTok: @wings.n.filth [https://www.tiktok.com/@wings.n.filth] ▶️ YouTube: apodofwingsandfilth [https://www.youtube.com/@apodofwingsandfilth] 📧 Email: apodofwingsandfilth@gmail.com [apodofwingsandfilth@gmail.com] Podomatic: https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/apodofwingsandfilth [https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/apodofwingsandfilth] 📚✨ Buddy Read Alert! ✨🧚‍♀️ Want to read along with us? 🔗 Click here to join Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries Buddy Read on Story Graph [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/8cf6944e-9314-4768-9e54-9c3fb46690bd]  🔗 Click here to join the Bloodguard Buddy Read on Story Graph [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/a4b14003-9598-4eb2-9278-d537c8c975c4]🔗 Click here to join the Dire Bound Buddy Read on Story Graph [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/0373cf7b-c161-42c9-81e0-4abd6f8ee2ad] 🔗 Click here to join The Knight and the Moth Buddy Read on Story Graph [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/7122d0a0-e122-4747-8add-355e640d3cd0] 🔗 Click here to join the Shield of Sparrows Buddy Read on Story Graph [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/61243670-0270-4e5d-b54f-0d4955bfddab]  🔗 Click here to join the Bury My Bones in the Midnight Soil Buddy Read on Story Graph [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/dd54c5ce-0347-4b80-9c13-b243d51f3901] 🔗 [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/dd54c5ce-0347-4b80-9c13-b243d51f3901] Click here to join the Never Keep Buddy Read on Story Graph [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/5c82bbc4-dc49-447a-a86d-8a503201d377] 🖤 Heather & Morgan's Socials 📚 Instagram: @modurocher [https://www.instagram.com/modurocher] 📖 Storygraph: moduro 📖 Storygraph: headertime1981 🌐 Website: heatherbaxendale.com [https://heatherbaxendale.com] 🌒 New episodes every other Tuesday. Until then—Stay Filthy. The music used is: "Magistar" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com [http://incompetech.com]) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/]

Episode 15: Never Keep by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

Episode 15: Never Keep by the Twisted Sisters Outcast and scarred, Everest Arcadia struggles to survive in the water-ruled land of Cascada, haunted by her mother’s death and betrayed by her family, while training at the legendary warrior fortress, Never Keep, and discovering her rare white Leopard Order. At the same time, Vesper, the feared Sky Witch of the air kingdom, navigates brutal raids, blood magic, and devastating betrayal, forcing her to question loyalty, love, and ambition. As the elemental nations clash, forbidden secrets beneath Never Keep are revealed, soul-ties bind, and ancient powers awaken, pushing both women into a deadly crucible where vengeance, trust, and survival collide—and the fate of the war may rest in their hands. ✨ Follow Us 📸 IG: @apodofwingsandfilth [https://www.instagram.com/apodofwingsandfilth] 🎵 TikTok: @wings.n.filth [https://www.tiktok.com/@wings.n.filth] ▶️ YouTube: apodofwingsandfilth [https://www.youtube.com/@apodofwingsandfilth] 📧 Email: apodofwingsandfilth@gmail.com [apodofwingsandfilth@gmail.com] Podomatic: https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/apodofwingsandfilth [https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/apodofwingsandfilth] 📚✨ Buddy Read Alert! ✨🧚‍♀️ Want to read along with us? 🔗 Click here to join Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries Buddy Read on Story Graph [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/8cf6944e-9314-4768-9e54-9c3fb46690bd]  🔗 Click here to join the Bloodguard Buddy Read on Story Graph [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/a4b14003-9598-4eb2-9278-d537c8c975c4]🔗 Click here to join the Dire Bound Buddy Read on Story Graph [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/0373cf7b-c161-42c9-81e0-4abd6f8ee2ad] 🔗 Click here to join The Knight and the Moth Buddy Read on Story Graph [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/7122d0a0-e122-4747-8add-355e640d3cd0] 🔗 Click here to join the Shield of Sparrows Buddy Read on Story Graph [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/61243670-0270-4e5d-b54f-0d4955bfddab]  🔗 Click here to join the Bury My Bones in the Midnight Soil Buddy Read on Story Graph [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/dd54c5ce-0347-4b80-9c13-b243d51f3901] 🔗 [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/dd54c5ce-0347-4b80-9c13-b243d51f3901] Click here to join the Never Keep Buddy Read on Story Graph [https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/5c82bbc4-dc49-447a-a86d-8a503201d377] 🖤 Heather & Morgan's Socials 📚 Instagram: @modurocher [https://www.instagram.com/modurocher] 📖 Storygraph: moduro 📖 Storygraph: headertime1981 🌐 Website: heatherbaxendale.com [https://heatherbaxendale.com] 🌒 New episodes every other Tuesday. Until then—Stay Filthy. The music used is: "Magistar" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/