The journey of the Liveship Traders trilogy reaches its breathtaking conclusion in Ship of Destiny, and we’re here to dive deep into Robin Hobb’s masterful storytelling. Join us as we explore the incredible character arcs, unravel the mysteries of the Liveships and dragons, and discuss the powerful themes of freedom, identity, and legacy. Whether y…

In this episode of the Friends Talking Fantasy Podcast, we take a spoiler-free journey into the gripping world of Max Brooks’ World War Z. Join us as we explore the unique format of the book, presented as an oral history of the global zombie apocalypse, and discuss the major themes of survival, resilience, and global cooperation. We’ll share our im…

In this autumnal episode of Friends Talking Fantasy, Charles and Dylan dive into the perfect books to get you into those fall vibes. From spooky horrors to cozy fantasies, they explore the themes, settings, and characters that best capture the essence of the season. Whether you’re looking for eerie tales like Christopher Buehlman’s The Black Tongue…

We chat with Adam Bassett, UX/UI designer for Campfire and author of the recently released cyberpunk short story collection, Digital Extremities. Adam shares his insights into crafting compelling maps for fantasy worlds, the art of writing cyberpunk stories set in vivid, small-town settings, and how Campfire’s suite of writing tools can enhance any…

In this episode, author Christian (Miles) Cameron returns to the show to discuss his latest release, Deep Black, book two of Arcana Imperii. Join us as we delve into the world of his new book, exploring its intricate storytelling, gripping characters, and the dangers of caffeine withdrawal. We also get an inside look at Cameron’s writing process, h…

In the third episode of our deep dive into The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, we tackle chapters 11-15 with full spoilers for the entire Kingkiller Chronicle. Join us as we explore Kvothe’s journey from his time with the Edema Ruh to the devastating events that shape his future. We discuss key moments, character development, and the lore of …

Set sail with us as we dive deep into Mad Ship, the second book in Robin Hobb’s Liveship Traders trilogy. We explore the rich, character-driven storylines, from the mysterious liveships to the complex family dynamics and political intrigue. With spoilers throughout, we’ll discuss key moments, the evolving relationships, and the emotional highs and …

Between the two of us, we’ve managed to rack up 13 unspent Audible credits—time to fix that! In this episode, we dive into social media recommendations for top fantasy audiobooks to see how many credits we can spend. From epic sagas to immersive worlds, we’re on the hunt for the best listens. Tune in for some great recommendations and help us put t…

We're diving back into the world of "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss, with a full spoiler discussion on The Kingkiller Chronicle series. Join us as we explore Kvothe's early days on the road, his first encounters with Abenthy, and the pivotal moments that begin to shape his journey. We'll be unpacking every detail, from character motivati…

Get ready to fill out your 2024 r/Fantasy Book Bingo card with our top fantasy book recommendations for each square! In this episode, we break down the categories and suggest the perfect reads to help you conquer this year's challenge. Whether you're looking for something new or want to revisit a classic, we've got you covered. Tune in, and don't f…

We're diving deep into book 1 of The Kingkiller Chronicle - The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss with a spoiler-filled discussion covering the prologue through chapter 5. Join us as we explore the intricacies of Kvothe's early life, the rich world-building, and the narrative techniques that make this series a fantasy masterpiece. Be prepared fo…

In this episode, the Friends go deep into the intricacies of Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson, discussing all the twists, turns, and secrets of this richly crafted novel. Charles and Dylan break down the most impactful moments, analyze character arcs, and explore the deeper themes that make this book a standout in Sanderson’s Cos…

In this episode, the Friends dive into the vibrant and imaginative world of Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson, all without giving away any spoilers. Charles and Dylan share their first impressions of this standalone novel, exploring its unique blend of magic, art, and character-driven storytelling. Whether you're a long-time fan o…

So... House of the Dragon kind of forgot about the season 2 finale. In this episode, The Friends delve into the unexpected conclusion of House of the Dragon's second season with Episode 8. Join Charles and Dylan as they discuss the highs and lows of this unconventional "finale," exploring why it left viewers feeling like something was missing. They…

Join the Friends Talking Fantasy as they embark on an in-depth exploration of "Ship of Magic" by Robin Hobb. In this detailed book discussion, Charles and Dylan unravel the intricate plot, delve into the rich character development, and examine the complex themes that make the first book of the Liveship Traders Trilogy a standout in the fantasy genr…

Set sail with The Friends as they dive into a spoiler-free recommendation of "Ship of Magic" by Robin Hobb. In this episode, Charles and Dylan explore the rich world of the Liveship Traders Trilogy, highlighting its unique blend of maritime adventure, intricate character dynamics, and deep world-building. Discover why this novel is a must-read for …

Join the Friends Talking Fantasy as Dylan and Charles dive into the latest episodes of "House of the Dragon" Season 2, discussing the epic dragon battle that has everyone talking! In this episode, they share their excitement over the jaw-dropping CGI dragon fight and the strategic battle scenes that brought a fresh twist to the series. Listen as th…

Join the Friends Talking Fantasy as they dive into a thrilling list of action-packed fantasy book recommendations. In this episode, Charles and Dylan highlight some of the most exhilarating and fast-paced fantasy novels that will keep you on the edge of your seat. From epic battles and daring adventures to heroic quests and intense duels, discover …

Join the Friends Talking Fantasy as they dive into the world of Westeros with their reactions and discussions on the first two episodes of "House of The Dragon." In this episode, Charles and Dylan explore the new characters, plotlines, and political intrigue that the prequel series has introduced. Listen as they share their thoughts on the show's p…

Join the Friends Talking Fantasy for a spoiler-free discussion of Stephen King's "Fairy Tale," a mesmerizing blend of fantasy and horror from the master storyteller. In this episode, Charles and Dylan delve into the enchanting world King has created, exploring its captivating characters, eerie atmosphere, and spellbinding plot. Discover why "Fairy …

SPOILER FREE! Dive into the imaginative world of Alasdair Gray's "Poor Things" with the Friends Talking Fantasy in this captivating and spoiler-free episode. Join Charles and Dylan as they embark on a journey through this unique and thought-provoking novel, exploring its themes, characters, and narrative style. In this episode, the Friends share th…

Join the Friends Talking Fantasy as they sit down with Sunday Times and USA Today bestselling author of A DOWRY OF BLOOD S.T. Gibson for an exclusive interview about her highly anticipated upcoming release, "Evocation." In this episode, The Friends dive deep into the themes, inspirations, and creative process behind this intriguing new novel. S.T. …

Join the Friends Talking Fantasy for the thrilling conclusion of "Friends Pitching Fantasy" in Part 3, where Charles and Dylan review all six book pitches, reveal the social media poll results, and make their selections for the upcoming episodes! In this exciting episode, revisit the captivating book pitches from Parts 1 and 2: "The Long Way to a S…

Join the Friends Talking Fantasy for Part 2 of "Friends Pitching Fantasy" as Charles steps up to pitch three captivating book choices to Dylan. In this episode, Charles presents a diverse array of fantasy and science fiction titles, each promising an exciting adventure. First up is "The Three Body Problem" by Liu Cixin, a mind-bending science ficti…

Join the Friends Talking Fantasy for another exciting round of "Friends Pitching Fantasy" in this three-part series! In Part 1, Dylan presents three intriguing book choices to Charles, who must decide which one will be featured on the show in Part 3. In this episode, Dylan pitches "The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet" by Becky Chambers, a delight…

SPOILER FREE! Join the Friends Talking Fantasy for an exciting exploration of "Traitor's Blade" by Sebastien de Castell in this engaging and spoiler-free episode. Charles and Dylan delve into the world of Falcio val Mond, the protagonist of this swashbuckling fantasy adventure, as they discuss the captivating story, characters, and themes that defi…

SPOILER FREE! Embark on a journey to Camelot with the Friends as they explore "The Once and Future King" by T.H. White. Join Charles and Dylan as they delve into the timeless classic that reimagines the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. In this episode, the Friends share their insights and recommendations for T.H. White's ma…

Embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of "The Last Phi Hunter" as the Friends Talking Fantasy sit down for an exclusive interview with author Salinee Goldenberg. In this special pre-release episode, Charles and Dylan are joined by Salinee herself as they delve deep into the enchanting world of her Thai-inspired fantasy adventure. Suppor…

Join The Friends for the thrilling conclusion of their Fantasy Book Madness series in Part 3: The Final Four. In this epic episode, Charles and Dylan reveal the top contenders from their Fantasy Book Bracket, culminating in the ultimate showdown to determine their favorite fantasy book of the past year. Listen in as the Friends discuss the Final Fo…

Get ready for the next round of epic showdowns as The Friends continue their Fantasy Book Madness series with Part 2 of the FTF Fantasy Book Bracket. In this thrilling episode, Charles and Dylan delve into the second half of their bracket, narrowing down the contenders and determining which books will advance to the Final Four. Join the Friends as …

Join The Friends for a thrilling adventure as they kick off their Fantasy Book Madness series with Part 1: Creating Our Fantasy Book Bracket. In this episode, Charles and Dylan meticulously curate a selection of their favorite fantasy books from the past year, preparing to pit them against each other in an epic battle to determine their best Fantas…

Enter the Fungalverse and Support Adrian M. Gibson: https://adrianmgibson.com/ Step into the dark and immersive world of "Mushroom Blues" by Adrian M. Gibson as the Friends Talking Fantasy welcome special guest and debut author Adrian M. Gibson for an in-depth book discussion. In this episode, Charles, Dylan, and Adrian explore the unique blend of …

Return to the world of Brightwash with the Friends Talking Fantasy as they dive deeper into the intricacies of "Legacy of the Brightwash" by Krystle Matar in this spoiler-filled book discussion. In this episode, Charles and Dylan explore the captivating twists, character arcs, and thematic elements of Matar's debut novel, delving into the heart of …

Prepare to be transported to the enchanting world of Brightwash with the Friends Talking Fantasy in this special spoiler-free discussion of "Legacy of the Brightwash" by Krystle Matar. In this episode, Charles and Dylan explore the richly imagined universe of Matar's debut novel, diving into its captivating characters, intricate plot, and immersive…

Return to the sands of Arrakis with the Friends Talking Fantasy as they delve deeper into the cinematic world of "Dune" in this highly anticipated movie review and discussion. In Part 2 of their exploration of Denis Villeneuve's epic adaptation, Charles and Dylan dissect the second installment of the "Dune" saga, sharing their thoughts, insights, a…

Join the Friends Talking Fantasy as they unveil their reading journey through the realms of fantasy with a special episode dedicated to their r/Fantasy Book Bingo results. In this episode, Charles and Dylan share their triumphs, challenges, and standout reads as they reflect on their experiences completing the r/Fantasy Book Bingo challenge. Check …

Not a sponsor! Join the Friends Talking Fantasy for an exciting episode filled with book recommendations that come with a twist: they're all FREE audiobooks included with Spotify Premium. In this episode, Charles and Dylan explore a selection of fantasy titles available on Spotify's audiobook catalog, offering their insights and recommendations to …

Spoiler Warning! For our spoiler free discussion, check out our previous episode: "Should Fantasy Fans Read Dune By Frank Herbert?" Welcome back to Arrakis for a deeper dive into the sands of "Dune" by Frank Herbert with the Friends Talking Fantasy! In this episode, Charles and Dylan return to dissect the intricacies of Herbert's epic science ficti…

SPOILER FREE! Stay tuned for the upcoming spoiler-filled discussion of "Dune" releasing on Wednesday. Embark on a journey to the desert planet of Arrakis with the Friends Talking Fantasy in this special spoiler-free discussion of "Dune" by Frank Herbert. In this episode, Charles and Dylan delve into the iconic science fiction masterpiece, exploring…

Prepare for an exhilarating journey into the unknown as the Friends Talking Fantasy explore the realms of "Fourth Wing" by Rebecca Yarros, the first installment of The Empyrean series. In this special spoiler-free episode, Charles and Dylan dive into the world of Yarros' fantasy debut, unraveling the magic, characters, and intrigue that define this…

Step into the enchanting world of re-reading as Friends Talking Fantasy goes live at TBR Con, joined by special guests from the OWWR Podcast! In this lively episode, Dylan and the OWWR Pod team share their all-time favorite fantasy books that are absolutely worth a second (or third) read. From beloved classics to hidden gems, the Friends and their …

The moment you've been waiting for has arrived! Join the Friends Talking Fantasy in this highly anticipated episode where the veil is lifted, and the next two books for the show are finally revealed. After passionate pitches, tough decisions, and plenty of literary deliberation, Charles and Dylan unveil the fantasy adventures that will grace the up…

Get ready for another thrilling installment of the "Friends Pitching Fantasy" series as Dylan takes the stage to pitch three captivating titles to Charles. In this episode, the choices are nothing short of extraordinary: books 2 and 3 of The Gentleman Bastards Trilogy by Scott Lynch, "Legacy of the Brightwash" by Krystle Matar, and the epic journey…

Join the Friends Talking Fantasy for an exhilarating episode where the tables turn, and Charles takes on the role of the literary pitchman! In this first installment of the "Friends Pitching Fantasy" series, Charles passionately presents three gripping titles: "Fires of Vengeance" by Evan Winter, "The Black Prism" by Brent Weeks, and the timeless c…

Gear up for the explosive finale as The Friends delve into "The Autumn Republic" by Brian McClellan, the thrilling conclusion of The Powder Mage Trilogy. In this epic book discussion, The Friends dissect the intricate plots, intense battles, and character arcs that culminate in the final installment of McClellan's action-packed series. Warning: Spo…

Spoiler Free! Dive into the vibrant and fantastical world of N.K. Jemisin's "The City We Became" with the Friends Talking Fantasy in this special spoiler-free episode. Join the Friends as they explore the magic, diversity, and urban mystique that defines this highly acclaimed fantasy novel. In this episode, the Friends share their thoughts on why "…

Hold onto your powder horns and join The Friends as they immerse themselves in the explosive sequel, "The Crimson Campaign" by Brian McClellan. In this riveting book discussion, The Friends dissect the second installment of The Powder Mage Trilogy, exploring the continued adventures, political machinations, and magical mayhem that define McClellan'…

SPOILER FREE! Embark on a spine-chilling journey with The Friends as they delve into the shadows of "Between Two Fires" by Christopher Buehlman, a haunting blend of horror and fantasy. In this special episode, The Friends share their thoughts and recommendations on this atmospheric tale without revealing any spoilers. Buehlman weaves a tapestry of …

Prepare for a journey beyond the veil as the Friends Talking Fantasy take on "Gideon the Ninth" by Tamsyn Muir, the first thrilling installment of The Locked Tomb series. In this spoiler-free episode, the Friends unravel the mysteries and necromantic wonders of Muir's unique and genre-defying fantasy world. Step into the Ninth House and join the Fr…

Join The Friends as they dive into the explosive world of "Promise of Blood" by Brian McClellan, the first installment of The Powder Mage Trilogy. In this episode (first part spoiler free), the Friends unravel the intricate threads of this captivating fantasy tale, exploring the magic, politics, and characters that make McClellan's world truly uniq…