Reflecting on the Past Year & Setting New Reading Goals

With this New Year's episode of Book Dragon Banter, we dive into reflections on the past year, discuss our favorite fantasy reads, and set new reading goals for 2026. Join us as we explore personal traditions, like picking a 'word of the year,' and share how these practices have impacted our lives and writing journeys. We'll also reveal our exciting book challenges for 2026, chat about books that have deeply moved us, and provide some great reading recommendations. Stay tuned for more interactive opportunities with our book club on Fable. Happy New Year, and welcome to 2026!

Find the Downloadable Reading Challenges here:

Book Dragon Banter Substack - https://bookdragonbanter.substack.com/

BDB Fable Diverse Fantasy Book Club: https://fable.co/club/diverse-fantasy-with-zinzi-bree-271215645134?referralID=f9KdWh3wtd

Book Club: Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger

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Sage: https://readorbleed.substack.com/

Katherine: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/

Write With Me, Zinzi Bree, Substack: https://writewithmezinzibree.substack.com/

Book Dragon Ink Retreats: https://www.bookdragoneditorial.com/ink-retreats

Books Mentioned:

The Sword of Kaigen by M. L. Wang

Hazelthorn by C. G. Drews

A Study in Charlotte Series by Brittnay Cavallaro

Jackaby Series by William Ritter

Don’t Let the Forest In by C. G. Drews

Morning Glory Milking Farm by C. M. Nascosta

Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede

Beware of Chicken by Causualfarmer

Mother of Learning Series by Domagoj Kurmaić

The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow

The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst

The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst

The Leveling Up Series by K. F. Breene

For She is Wrath by Emily Varga

The Last Dragon of the East by Katrina Kwan

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab

Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang

00:00 Reflecting on a Year of Change

00:32 Welcome to Book Dragon Banter

01:04 New Year's Traditions and Reflections

02:09 Choosing a Word for the Year

03:27 Empowerment and Momentum

07:11 Books That Made an Impact

10:07 Favorite Reads and Recommendations

22:16 The Joy of Book Clubs

24:36 Discovering New Reads and Balancing Genres

25:26 Reading Goals and Achievements

26:03 The Struggle with DNF (Did Not Finish)

28:04 Setting New Reading Goals for 2026

29:07 Tracking Reading Progress and Reviews

38:59 Book Challenges and Personal Goals

48:47 Upcoming Book Club Reads and Community Engagement

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