E12. Kickstart 2025: Epic Reads and Exciting Events Await!

Join us as we dive into the excitement of the literary world with the release of Brandon Sanderson's latest installment, "Wind and Truth," part of the renowned Stormlight Archive series. This episode also features a spotlight on the much-anticipated republishing of the classic "Dragonlance Chronicles," reminding us of the enduring legacy of epic fantasy. We explore the thrill of rekindling our passion for reading after a break and discuss our plans to attend various upcoming events, including the brand new Geeks and Freaks convention in Maastricht. Our conversation touches on the intriguing possibilities of a crossover between Sanderson's Cosmere universe and Magic: The Gathering, sparking our imaginations about what such a collaboration could entail. With a mix of book recommendations and event previews, we invite you to stay enchanted and curious as we navigate the realms of fantasy together.The podcast begins with a celebratory tone as the hosts welcome listeners to the first episode of the new year, expressing their eagerness to reconnect after a break. They outline the episode’s structure, which will explore three main topics: 'Tales from the Tome,' 'Lorebound,' and 'Epic Events.' The discussion kicks off with 'Tales from the Tome,' where the hosts dive into the literary world, highlighting Brandon Sanderson’s latest release, 'Wind and Truth.' This book, they explain, is significant in the Stormlight Archive series as it marks the conclusion of the first half of the saga. The hosts are particularly excited about its extensive length and the intricacies of its plot, which weaves themes of resurrection and the unique magic system present in Sanderson’s work.In addition to Sanderson’s contribution, the hosts turn their attention to the nostalgic 'Dragonlance Chronicles,' discussing its impending republication and its foundational role in fantasy literature, particularly its ties to Dungeons and Dragons. Their conversation reveals their shared excitement for these classic tales, as they reminisce about the impact these stories had on the genre and the community. They also introduce Victoria Schwab’s 'Vicious,' drawing comparisons to Neal Shusterman’s 'Scythe,' which leads to a thoughtful exploration of the themes of power and morality in modern fantasy literature.The next segment, 'Lorebound,' shifts focus to the latest news surrounding Sanderson’s universe, discussing rumors of a potential crossover with Magic: The Gathering. This revelation stirs excitement among the hosts, who delve into the implications of such collaborations in expanding the fantasy genre. They discuss the depth of Sanderson’s Cosmere universe, highlighting its significance and the breadth of stories it encompasses. Finally, the hosts transition into 'Epic Events,' where they highlight a range of upcoming conventions and gatherings in Belgium and the Netherlands, emphasizing the strong sense of community among fantasy enthusiasts. They conclude the episode by encouraging listeners to stay engaged and look forward to the exciting literary and community events that await them in the new year. The episode encapsulates a celebration of storytelling, community, and the magic of fantasy, leaving listeners with a sense of anticipation for future adventures.Takeaways: The podcast kicks off the new year with excitement about upcoming books and events. Brandon Sanderson's fifth installment of the Stormlight Archive, Wind and Truth, has been released recently. Listeners can look forward to the republishing of the classic Dragonlance Chronicles series. Vicious by Victoria E. Schwab is highly anticipated, drawing comparisons to Neal Shusterman's Scythe. The episode highlights various upcoming fantasy and comic events in Belgium and the Netherlands. The hosts express their enthusiasm for exploring medieval festivals and unique literary events. Companies mentioned in this episode: Brandon Sanderson Victoria E. Schwab Wizards of the Coast