#56 Pablo Valcarcel Castro: Dream of the Jet Black City

Sam and Dan review Dream of the Jet Black City by Pablo Valcarcel Castro.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening.Join us as we explore Dream of the Jet Black City, a fantasy novel packed with ambitious ideas, unique world-building, and a fascinating blend of dream magic, song-based powers, and divine influence. We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of its interconnected magic systems, and how they help shape a world that feels both imaginative and mysterious.We also dive into the journeys of Geil, Ash, and Daerna, examining their character development, relationships, and the roles they play within the wider story. Along the way, we explore themes of personal and societal trauma, political intrigue, and the lingering impact of history on the present.From the challenges of fantasy map design to action sequences that reveal as much about the world as they do about the characters, this episode unpacks a book that left us with plenty to discuss—including whether its story feels complete or is laying the groundwork for something much larger.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok