Shows / Cyn's Workshop
Cyn's Workshop
The official podcast for Cyn's Workshop, a place for book lovers to listen to us discuss our latest read.
Episodes
Cyn's WorkshopAll That We See or Seem: Grief, Memory, and the Stories We Tell Ourselves
Today I’m reviewing All That We See or Seem—a quiet, introspective novel that leans heavily into themes of grief, perception, and the fragile line between…
Cyn's WorkshopMake My Wish Come True: Holiday Romance, Heartfelt Moments, and Cozy Charm
Today I’m reviewing Make My Wish Come True—a cozy, feel-good romance that leans into warmth, emotional sincerity, and the kind of hopeful storytelling perfect…
Cyn's WorkshopDecember Reading Wrap-Up: Final Reads, Favorites, and Year-End Reflections
In this episode, I’m wrapping up my December reading—breaking down everything I finished during the final month of the year. From standout favorites to books…
Cyn's WorkshopThe Deep Well: Slow-Burn Horror with Early Stephen King Energy
Today I’m reviewing The Deep Well—a horror novel that feels like something Stephen King might’ve written early in his career: moody, character-focused, and…
Cyn's WorkshopShe Gets the Girl & Joy to the Girls: Sapphic Romance, Healing, and Growing Up
Today I’m reviewing She Gets the Girl and its sequel novella Joy to the Girls—a contemporary YA sapphic romance duology that’s heartfelt, charming, and…
Cyn's WorkshopA Treachery of Swans: Sapphic Magic, Fairy-Tale Deception, and a Princess You Can’t Trust
Today I’m reviewing A Treachery of Swans—a sapphic fantasy retelling that blends The Swan Princess with subtle Goose Girl allusions, layered in magic…
Cyn's WorkshopHouse of Hearts: Dark Academia, Cursed Love, and a Haunted Legacy
Today I’m reviewing House of Hearts — a moody dark academia novel set in a haunted private school, steeped in family curses, soulmates, and lingering ghosts…
Cyn's WorkshopGuardians of Dawn: Yuli — Magical Girls, Fairy Tales, and Fiery Heart
Today I’m reviewing Guardians of Dawn: Yuli—a fun, charming fantasy that feels like classic magical girl energy meets Korean-inspired fairy-tale retellings…
Cyn's WorkshopA Fate So Cold: Magic, Betrayal, and an Ending That Shattered Me
Today I’m reviewing A Fate So Cold by Amanda Foody and C.L. Herman — a breathtaking fantasy filled with rich magic, sharp character dynamics, and twists that…
Cyn's WorkshopGirl, Goddess, Queen: A Stunning Hades & Persephone Retelling
Today I’m reviewing Girl, Goddess, Queen — a beautifully written retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth that delivers romance, depth, and layered mythology…
Cyn's WorkshopNovember Reading Wrap-Up: 14 Books Down, 20-Book Goal in Sight
In this episode, I’m breaking down my November reading wrap-up: 14 books out of my 20-book goal. From standout favorites to surprising disappointments, I’m…
Cyn's WorkshopThe Rebel and the Rose: Royal Intrigue, Revolution, and Romance with Teeth
Today I’m reviewing The Rebel and the Rose by Catherine Doyle — a sweeping historical romantasy full of political tension, forbidden loyalties, and a romance…
Cyn's WorkshopEvery Heart a Doorway: Small Book, Massive Impact
Today I’m reviewing Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire — a tiny book with impossible emotional weight. It’s short, sharp, gorgeously imaginative, and…
Cyn's WorkshopSky on Fire by E.K. Johnston: Space Opera, Asexual Rep, and Found-Family Vibes
Today I’m reviewing Sky on Fire by E.K. Johnston — a short and fast-paced space opera with great characters, strong representation of asexuality, and a…
Cyn's WorkshopThe Devils by Joe Abercrombie: Grimdark Chaos, Mercenaries, and Morally Feral Fun
Today I’m reviewing The Devils by Joe Abercrombie — a brutal, bloody, and brutally fun return to grimdark fantasy. This novel is peak Abercrombie: razor-sharp…
Cyn's WorkshopHow to Sell a Haunted House: Campy Horror, Heart, and Classic Grady Hendrix Chaos
Today I’m reviewing How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix — a horror novel that’s equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and deeply creepy. Hendrix blends…
Cyn's WorkshopAlchemised: Dark Academia, Feminist Rage & Magic Reborn from Ruin
Today I’m reviewing Alchemised — a provocative, emotionally heavy dark fantasy that marks a dramatic shift away from the author’s previous work and into a…
Cyn's WorkshopIf Looks Could Kill: Medusa vs. Jack the Ripper — Myth Meets Murder
Today I’m reviewing If Looks Could Kill by Julie Berry — a razor-sharp, genre-bending YA thriller where ancient myth crashes into Victorian murder. This dark…
Cyn's WorkshopHour of the Pumpkin Queen: Cozy Horror, Autumn Vibes, and Creeping Dread
Today I’m reviewing Hour of the Pumpkin Queen — a perfectly autumnal blend of cozy horror and slow-build suspense, wrapped in folklore, fall aesthetics, and…
Cyn's WorkshopStarling House by Alix E. Harrow: Southern Gothic, Haunting Houses, and Hungry Secrets
Today I’m reviewing Starling House by Alix E. Harrow — a lush, atmospheric Southern Gothic that wraps you in creeping dread, decaying beauty, and the kind of…
Cyn's WorkshopDeadly Ever After: Dark Romance, Twisted Fairytales, and Fatal Obsession
Today I’m reviewing Deadly Ever After by Brittany Johnson — a sinister take on the classic fairytale vibe where love, danger, and dark secrets collide. Trapped…
Cyn's WorkshopThe Moss by Lisa Lueddecke: Lyrical Fantasy, Mystery, and the Weight of Legacy
Today I’m reviewing The Moss by Lisa Lueddecke—a beautifully written, atmospheric fantasy that blends folklore, mystery, and emotion into one haunting…
Cyn's WorkshopGirls Who Play Dead: Twisted Thriller, Sharp Social Commentary, and Feminine Rage
Today I’m reviewing Girls Who Play Dead by Joelle Wellington—a pulse-pounding YA thriller that’s as chilling as it is empowering.This novel dives deep into the…
Cyn's WorkshopProject Hail Mary: Survival, Science, and the Power of Friendship in Space
Today I’m reviewing Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir—an unforgettable sci-fi adventure that blends high-stakes survival, ingenious problem-solving, and a…
Cyn's WorkshopPageants, Horror Dreams & ADHD: A Romcom with Heart and Humor
Today I’m reviewing a romcom that’s as moving as it is hilarious. The story follows a beauty pageant queen with big dreams of becoming a horror movie…
Cyn's WorkshopMoth Dark: An Urban Fantasy of Time, Memory, and Shadows
Today I’m reviewing Moth Dark—a mesmerizing urban fantasy that weaves magic, memory, and mystery into a modern setting. Instead of faraway kingdoms or ancient…
Cyn's WorkshopMake Me A Monster: Dark Family Secrets, Gothic Atmosphere, and Cinematic Twists
Today I’m reviewing Make Me A Monster—a dark, atmospheric novel that hooked me from the dedication and never let go. With its gothic setting, unpredictable…
Cyn's WorkshopThe Knight and the Moth: Haunting Fantasy, Dark Secrets, and Unforgettable Characters
Today we’re reviewing The Knight and the Moth—a haunting, atmospheric fantasy that blends mystery, romance, and darkness in all the best ways. With its lyrical…
Cyn's WorkshopBury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil: V.E. Schwab’s Haunting Gothic Masterpiece
Today we’re reviewing Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab—one of the year’s most anticipated releases and a gothic fantasy that more than…
Cyn's WorkshopSunbringer & Faithbreaker: Epic Sequels That Outshine Godkiller
Today we’re diving into Sunbringer and Faithbreaker—the breathtaking sequels to Hannah Kaner’s Godkiller. From start to finish, these books prove the series…
Cyn's WorkshopGirl Dinner: Dark Humor, Hungry Hearts, and Stories That Bite Back
Today I’m reviewing Girl Dinner—a sharp, unsettling, and surprisingly witty collection that mixes dark humor with the raw hunger of survival, desire, and…
Cyn's WorkshopTime After Time: Love, Loss, and the Magic of Second Chances
Today I’m reviewing Time After Time by Mikki Daughtry—an emotional YA novel that blends romance, grief, and the power of connection across timelines.This story…
Cyn's WorkshopShield of Sparrows: Strong Storytelling, Faltering Romance
Today I’m reviewing Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry—a Romantasy that delivered solid characterization, a compelling plot, and strong worldbuilding… but fell…
Cyn's WorkshopA Curse for the Homesick: Fantasy, Womanhood, and the Cost of Love
Today I’m reviewing A Curse for the Homesick by Laura Brooke Robson—an emotional and beautifully crafted fantasy that explores the trials, expectations, and…
Cyn's WorkshopRed Rising by Pierce Brown: Space Opera, Roman Myth, and a Dystopian Revolution
Today we’re reviewing Red Rising by Pierce Brown—the explosive first novel in the critically acclaimed sci-fi series that more than lives up to the…
Cyn's WorkshopSalvación: A Magical, Genderbent Zorro with Heart and Heat
Today I’m diving into Salvación by Sandra Proudman—an authentic, action-packed, genderbent reimagining of Zorro that blends rich cultural roots with magic…
Cyn's WorkshopThe Enemy’s Daughter: A Dystopian Tristan & Isolde You Can’t Put Down
Today I’m reviewing The Enemy’s Daughter by Melissa Poett—an addictive, high-stakes retelling of Tristan and Isolde set in a gritty dystopian world with just a…
Cyn's WorkshopBound by Stars: Epic Space Fantasy, Star-Crossed Love, and Rebellion Among the Stars
In this episode, I’m reviewing Bound by Stars—a sweeping YA space fantasy filled with cosmic stakes, forbidden love, and a galaxy on the brink of revolution…
Cyn's WorkshopSilvercloak by L.K. Steven: Magic, Memory, and the Price of Power
In this episode, I’m reviewing Silvercloak by L.K. Steven—a gripping YA fantasy filled with magic, secrets, and the haunting question: what would you sacrifice…
Cyn's WorkshopSleep Like Death Review
In this episode, I’m diving into Sleep Like Death by Kalynn Bayron—a dark, fantasy reimagining of Snow White that blends fairytale magic with dangerous…
Cyn's WorkshopLady or the Tiger by Heather Herrman: A Wild West Thriller with Grit, Revenge & Feminist Fire
In this episode, we’re reviewing Lady or the Tiger by Heather M. Herrman—a fierce and haunting YA thriller set in the lawless Wild West. Meet Belle King: a…
Cyn's WorkshopThe Art of Exile: Renaissance Secrets, Sci-Fi Twists, and the Power of Creativity
In this episode, I’m reviewing The Art of Exile—a stunning blend of Renaissance-inspired intrigue, artistic exploration, and futuristic twists. From the…
Cyn's WorkshopMistborn: Magic, Rebellion, and the Making of a Legend
In today’s episode, we’re diving into Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson—a modern fantasy classic that blends heist-style rebellion with one of the most original…
Cyn's WorkshopThe Reappearance of Rachel Price: Twists, Secrets, and YA Mystery Done Right
In this episode, I’m diving into The Reappearance of Rachel Price, a suspenseful YA mystery packed with secrets, surprises, and emotional depth. With every…
Cyn's WorkshopWhat Monstrous Gods: Faith, Fantasy, and the Power of Belief
In this episode, I review What Monstrous Gods, a bold fantasy that explores faith, power, and the divine through a thoughtful lens. With its layered…
Cyn's WorkshopHera Reclaimed: A Fierce Feminist Retelling of the Queen of the Gods
In this episode, we explore Hera, a fierce and empowering retelling of the Queen of the Gods. Far from the jealous wife trope, this reimagining gives Hera the…
Cyn's WorkshopSunrise on the Reaping: Pain, Power, and the Prequel We Didn’t Know We Needed
Welcome back, book lovers! Today we’re diving into Sunrise on the Reaping, the latest and emotionally devastating installment in The Hunger Games universe…
Cyn's WorkshopDeadstream Review | Queer Horror Meets Social Media Critique
Today on the podcast, we’re diving into Deadstream—a queer paranormal novel that mixes psychological horror with a haunting critique of social media culture…
Cyn's WorkshopWhy Love at Second Sight Gave Me All the Feels
Today, we’re diving into Love at Second Sight—a spellbinding paranormal mystery brimming with heart, self-discovery, and the magic of finding where you truly…
Cyn's WorkshopMagic, Identity, and the Moon: A Deep Dive into Water Moon
If you love Studio Ghibli, you won't want to miss our review of Water Moon-a stunning tale of magic, self-discovery, and the power of choice.Follow the…
Cyn's WorkshopTraumatic & Worthwhile | The Poppy War Review
Today, we're reviewing The Poppy War, an incredible fantasy that had me hooked, even through all the trauma.Follow the Author…
Cyn's WorkshopThis Book....Waste of My Time | Blood of Hercules Review
Today, we're reviewing Blood of Hercules, and let me say, I hated this book and it was a complete waste of my time.Follow the Author…
Cyn's WorkshopA Great Standalone | Immortal Review
Today, we're reviewing Immortal, a great standalone that takes place in the Celestial Kingdom but stands on its own, featuring great characters and high…
Cyn's WorkshopThe Girl With No Reflection Review
Today, we're reviewing The Girl with No Reflection, an interesting story that falls short due to a too stubborn female main character.Follow the Author…
Cyn's WorkshopHeir of Storms Review
Today, we're reviewing Heir of Storms, a compelling fantasy in which one girl finds courage and strength in her power and regains control of the storm.Follow…
Cyn's WorkshopMulan With Feminine Rage | The Night Ends With Fire Review
Today, we're reviewing The Night Ends with Fire, a new take on the tale of Mulan that digs deep into feminine rage.Follow the Author…
Cyn's WorkshopA Hit and A Miss | Elektra Review
Today, we're reviewing Elektra, a novel that I enjoyed but didn't love as much as Ariadne.Follow the Author…
Cyn's WorkshopAll We Lost Was Everything Review
Today, we're reviewing All We Lost Was Everything, a little out of the norm for me, that kept me hooked with the multiple plot twists and mysteries.Follow the…
Cyn's WorkshopThe Sins on Their Bones Review
Today, we're reviewing The Sins on Their Bones, an absolutely phenomenal book that took my breath away with its found family trope and queer…
Cyn's WorkshopThe Songbird and the Heart of Stone Review
Today, we're reviewing The Songbird and the Heart of Stone, another brilliant and addictive addition to the Crowns of Nyaxia series. I repeat, Mische needs to…