Escapists Anonymous

Sam and Dan discuss Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. If you’re planning to read this book, we’d recommend doing so before listening.In this episode, we take on the first entry in Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson — though not in the way we usually do. Dan didn’t finish the book, and we'll find out exactly why!We explore what makes Gardens of the Moon such a divisive read, from its lack of clarity and fragmented structure to a magic system that feels deliberately opaque. We also dig into Erikson’s own comments in the preface, where he acknowledges the book’s difficulty—and what that means for readers who struggle to connect with it.This is less a traditional review and more an honest discussion about readability, expectations in epic fantasy, and whether complexity always equals depth.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan review Operation Bounce House by Matt Dinniman.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening.Join us as we delve into Matt Dineman's latest offering, Operation Bounce House, exploring its mix of action, humour, and thought-provoking themes. We unpack how this sci-fi novel comments on contemporary issues like dehumanisation, militarisation, and AI ethics, all while delivering high-octane battles and relatable characters.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan review Godstorm, by Solitaire Townsend.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening.Join us as we explore Solitaire Townsend’s debut novel, Godstorm, a fresh take on alternate history fantasy grounded in climate science. We unpack the world-building, character development, themes of agency and environmentalism, and the narrative choices that shape this compelling story.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan review Jade Legacy by Fonda Lee, book 3 in the Green Bone Saga.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening.Join us as we dissect the sprawling "Jade Legacy" by Fonda Lee, exploring the highs, lows, and missed opportunities across this ambitious final instalment of the trilogy. We discuss the storytelling choices, character development, world-building, and how the series ultimately lands (or doesn't!) with its conclusion.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan review Jade War by Fonda Lee, book 2 in the Green Bone Saga.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening.In episode 2 of our three-episode exploration of the Green Bone Saga by Fonda Lee we dive into the sequel, Jade War. We examine the widening of the world as the clan conflict requires political and economic moves to be made outside of Kekon. We re-join all of the main characters to see how the twists and turns of the plot have impacted them. We discuss the continuing themes of family and modernisation vs tradition, and we comment on some issues with the writing style and decisions throughout.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan review Jade City by Fonda Lee.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening.This is the first episode in our three-episode exploration of the Greenbone Saga by Fonda Lee. We explore the intricate world-building, the unique magic system involving Jade, and the complex dynamics of the clans in the fictional city of Kekon. We discuss the characters' development, the cultural and political themes, and the narrative's balance between action and character-driven storytelling. We also touch on the book's exploration of power, honour, and modernisation within the context of a fantasy setting.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan review A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening.In this episode, Dan and Sam delve into the world of cosy fantasy with Sangu Mandana's "A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping." They discuss the book's unique charm, its exploration of themes like chosen family, inclusivity, and the balance between magic and personal growth. The conversation highlights the book's whimsical writing style, its engaging characters, and the gentle yet impactful social commentary woven throughout the narrative.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

In this episode, Sam and Dan delve into two books, "Alice with a Why: Return to Wonderland" by Anna James and "Hecate: The Witch" by Nikita Gill. SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading these books before listening.We explore the themes of reimagining classic stories and mythology, discussing how these modern retellings bring new perspectives to well-known narratives. The conversation touches on the challenges and creativity involved in continuing beloved tales, the use of verse in storytelling, and the impact of historical context on these narratives. We also reflect on the broader trend of revisiting and revising classic myths and stories in contemporary literature.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan review the Dissolution by Nicholas Binge.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading these books before listening.In this episode, Dan and Sam dive into the sci-fi techno thriller, Dissolution, by Nicholas Binge. They discuss the characters, the presentation of the relationships, the somewhat shallow and convenient introduction of both technology and magic, and some issues with the writing. Prepare for strong opinions!Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

In this episode, Dan and Sam host the second annual Escapists Anonymous End of Year Awards for 2025. They reflect on the books they've read throughout the year, discussing categories such as Best Character, Best World Building, Biggest Flop, Biggest Surprise, and Best Book. They share their personal favourites and disappointments, highlighting standout moments and characters from various books. The episode also includes a look ahead to 2026, with goals and ideas for the upcoming year, including exploring classic fantasy series.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan review the first two instalments of Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London Series.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading these books before listening.In this episode, Dan and Sam dive into the Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovitch, discussing the first two books: 'Rivers of London' and 'Moon Over Soho'. They explore the unique blend of magic and police procedural elements, the vivid depiction of London, and the character development, particularly focusing on Peter Grant and Thomas Nightingale. The conversation also touches on the series' humour, its cultural references, and the broader themes of multiculturalism and history.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan share their thoughts on Alchemised by SenLinYu.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening.In this episode, Dan and Sam discuss their experience with 'Alchemised' by SenLinYu, which they both decided not to finish. They explore the reasons behind their decision, including the book's pacing, character development, and the challenges of adapting fan fiction into a novel. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of publishing fan fiction and the expectations set by social media hype. They conclude with a look forward to their next episode, which will cover Ben Aaronovitch's 'Rivers of London' series.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan review Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening.In this episode, Sam and Dan delve into Ava Reid's reimagining of Lady Macbeth, exploring the cultural impact and reinterpretation of Shakespeare's iconic character. They discuss the themes of power, femininity, and survival, as well as the book's fantasy elements, including dragons and magic. The conversation also touches on the portrayal of Lady Macbeth's character, her struggles with agency, and the societal expectations placed upon her.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

am and Dan review The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening.We dive into the world of 'The Night and the Moth' by Rachel Gillig, exploring its themes, characters, and the genre of romantasy. We discuss the book's pacing, the portrayal of romance, and the unique setting of the Stonewater Kingdom. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of the book's themes, including societal structures and personal identity. And Sam has some wild theories about where the sequel will take us.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan review Katabasis by R.F. Kuang.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening.Dan and Sam discuss the new fantasy release 'Katabasis' by R.F. Kuang. They delve into the book's themes, characters, and the unique setting of an academic journey through hell. The conversation explores the challenges of PhD life, the dynamics between the main characters Alice and Peter, and the book's reception in the fantasy community.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Dan challenged Sam to read one of his favourite books, Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson, and now we get to find out what he thought.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening.We dive into the intricate world of Brandon Sanderson's "Mistborn." In this episode, they explore the unique magic systems, character arcs, and the rich world-building that makes this series a standout in modern fantasy. The allure of Sanderson's rules-based magic systems and their impact on the plot. Vin's journey from mistrust to empowerment and Kelsey's complex role as a mentor. The thematic exploration of bloodlines and societal structures within the Mistborn universe. Reflections on the book's influence on contemporary fantasy and its unique steampunk-like aesthetic. And will Sam continue with the trilogy?Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan review Bury Our Bones In The Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening.Join Sam and Dan as they dive into the intricate world of V.E. Schwab's latest novel, "Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil." This episode unravels the layers of vampire mythology, exploring themes of power, identity, and the human condition. From the unique mechanics of vampirism to the rich character arcs, Sam and Dan offer a thoughtful analysis of this compelling narrative.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan review Shroud by Adrian Tchaikovsky.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening.In this episode, Dan and Sam delve into the world of sci-fi with a discussion on Adrian Tchaikovsky's 2025 novel, Shroud. They explore the novel's themes of human experience through a sci-fi lens, focusing on the biology of alien life and the societal structures of humanity in space. The conversation touches on the book's portrayal of corporate-driven human civilization, the challenges of survival on an alien moon, and the philosophical questions raised by the narrative. The hosts also reflect on the book's blend of sci-fi and horror elements, and its commentary on the future of humanity. Join them as they navigate the complexities of Tchaikovsky's imaginative world and ponder the broader implications of his storytelling.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan review The Blacktongue Thief by Christopher Buehlman.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening.We explore Christopher Buehlman's Dungeons and Dragons inspired world through this first-person retrospective epic adventure containing, thieves, assassins, giants and goblins. We deep dive into our narrator's character development, his perspective and wonderful use of humour. We talk about our favourite parts of the world-building, including the amazing cultural development of different nations within this world. And we talk about the quality of the writing, before giving our conclusions.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan review Faithbreaker by Hannah Kaner, the final instalment in The Fallen Gods Trilogy.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening.Having felt a bit let down by book 2 in this trilogy, Sunbringer, we are tempted back to Faithbreaker by Hannah Kaner's amazing world-building and her enjoyable characters. We work our way through each character's conclusions and how we felt about the plot, relationships and character growth. We share our conclusions on whether we felt Hannah Kaner stuck the landing with Faithbreaker, and how it makes us feel about the trilogy overall.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan review The Book That Held Her Heart by Mark Lawrence, the final instalment in The Library Trilogy.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening.Having enjoyed the first two books in the series, we have high hopes for the finale. We discuss our feelings on some of the decisions Mark Lawrence made when landing the plane. We talk plot, characters, world, and themes, before coming onto how we felt about the trilogy as a whole and whether we would be recommending this.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan review The Familiar, by Leigh Bardugo.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening.Leigh Bardugo is hugely successful in the Young Adult Fantast world, but how will her work in the adult fiction sphere hold up. We discuss the price of being a woman with ambition, and magical powers, in 16th century Spain during the inquisition. We debate whether this is more of a fantasy, historical fiction, or even romance novel. And finally we give our conclusions on the story and the writing.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan review The Book of Doors, by Gareth Brown.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening.We've heard lots of good things about this 2024 release and so we're excited to review yet another fantasy book about books. We discuss some things we like, and several elements that we struggled with. Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan review The Devils, by Joe Abercrombie.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening.We deep-dive into one of the year's hottest releases. The Devils, by Lord Grim-Dark himself, Joe Abercrombie. We compare this to Abercrombie's First Law world, before exploring this diverse cast of characters and perspectives. We evaluate the plot, which might be built for the big screen. And as always, we nit-pick at the things we didn't like as much, before giving our overall conclusions.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan review Pagans, by James Alistair Henry.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening.We delve into this crime-thriller set in an alternative version of modern-day England, where 1066 never happened and Pagan religion and culture dominate. We struggle to figure out whether this is a fantasy book or an alternative history, before discussing the world-building, plot and characters.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan review The Book That Broke the World, by Mark Lawrence: book 2 in the Library Trilogy.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening.Having given the prestigious Escapists Anonymous 'Book of the Year 2024' award to The Book That Wouldn't Burn, there were high expectations for the sequel to deliver on this great promise. We delve into the introduction of new characters and new perspectives. We discuss the broad range of dangers that our cast face, from newly discovered species to power-hungry humans. We enjoy the blossoming romances (or is it just animalistic lust?!). And we give our conclusions on where this novel leaves us heading into the final instalment.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam challenges Dan to read his first two Discworld novel, and in this episode, we discuss both Pyramids and Guards Guards and compare views.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading both books before listening.Pyramids and Guards Guards are books 7 and 8 in Terry Pratchett's Discworld series. We discuss why Sam felt these were a good starting point for Dan to enter the world and how Dan found both books, before delving into conversations on Pratchett's writing style, his relative strengths and weaknesses, and his considerable legacy and influence on the genre.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan review The Children of Gods and Fighting Men, by Shauna Lawless.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening.The Children of Gods and Fighting Men is the first novel in Shauna Lawless's Gael Song trilogy. We delve into our first historical fantasy. We explore the key themes, the historically accurate plot and how the history drives the plot, and our two main characters, one who experiences a journey of enlightenment and the other who is firmly set in her ways.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan review The Great When, by legendary writer, Alan Moore.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening.The Great When is the first novel in Alan Moore's planned series titled 'The London Quintet'. We get into the various plot strands that are introduced and tied off throughout. We discuss our main protagonist, Dennis Knuckleyard, along with some of the prominent side characters. And we discuss Alan Moore's incredibly abstract world-building and his depiction of a post World War Two London.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan are joined on the podcast by self-published author, Dan Hanly, to discuss his debut novel, The Great Leap (book 1 in the Children of Innauron series).SPOILER ALERT: While we try to avoid spoilers, the interview inevitably refers to events that occur throughout the book.We ask Dan all about his thinking behind the world, characters and plot in The Great Leap, along with trying to tease out some of his thinking on the rest of the series. We also cover Dan's writing philosophy and the experience of being a self-published fantasy author.TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains references to potentially triggering adult themes contained within the book.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan wrap up the discussion of S.A. Chakraborty's City of Brass, book one of the Daevabad Trilogy.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading the chapters we're covering before listening.Now that we have finished the book, we discuss our feelings on its conclusion, including whether it was in fact a conclusion at all. We get into what we thought of the character development in our two protagonists, Nahri and Ali, as well as the severely problematic romance with alleged war-criminal Dara. Finally, we discuss whether we plan on continuing with this trilogy.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan discuss chapter 10 - 19 of S.A. Chakraborty's City of Brass, book one of the Daevabad Trilogy.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading the chapters we're covering before listening.We still can't really figure out where this story is heading. We're not sure who our main antagonist is supposed to be. And in some cases, we don't know if we're supposed to particularly like our main characters. In spite of all of that, we talk through the issues and make some guesses on where the City of Brass is going to end up.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan discuss chapter 1 - 9 of S.A. Chakraborty's City of Brass, book one of the Daevabad Trilogy.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading the chapters we're covering before listening.We discuss our first impressions of our two protagonists, Nahri and Ali, as well as what we think of the magical Djinn world that exists behind a veil within the recognisable 18th century real world. We try to figure out who our antagonist is and what direction this story is heading and, as alway, we try to make some predictions, which are largely just stabs in the dark!Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan wrap up the discussion of Hannah Kaner's Sunbringer, book two of the Fallen Gods Trilogy.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading the chapters we're covering before listening.We ask whether the chapter structure that this book enables the story and characters to be developed most effectively. We reflect on what we loved about the story, the world and where we are heading into the final book in the trilogy. And finally, we make our conclusions on what we thought of Sunbringer overall.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan discuss chapter 17 - 37 of Hannah Kaner's Sunbringer, book two of the Fallen Gods Trilogy.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading the chapters we're covering before listening.As our main characters go about their largely separate storylines, we ponder how Hannah Kaner might bring them all back together, or not, for the climax of Sunbringer. We discuss what we have enjoyed about the building of the political world as well as getting to spend more time interacting with the various gods that have a part to play. As usual, we present theories for where Kissen, Inara, Skeddy and Elo will end up.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Grab a glass of champagne and join us for an evening of festivities as we crown 2024 winners in the following categories:- Best Protagonist- Worst Protagonist- Best Antagonist- Best World- Best Plot Twist- Book of the YearJoin in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan discuss chapter 1 - 16 of Hannah Kaner's Sunbringer, book two of the Fallen Gods Trilogy.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading the chapters we're covering before listening.In our first return to a world we have visited before on the podcast, we catch up with Kissen, Elo, Inara and Skedi. We explore the difference and challenges that the 2nd or middle book in a trilogy presents. We discuss the introduction of a new perspective, King Aaron, and we debate whether there is a good man somewhere inside him. And we put forward our (usually crackpot) theories for where this epic story is heading.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan wrap up the discussion of Carissa Broadbent's The Serpent and the Wings of Night.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading the chapters we're covering before listening.We reach the mighty climax of Oraya's journey through Carissa Broadbent's world of sexy vampires, and so we come to some conclusions on what we thought of the story overall. We discuss how we felt about the Kejari as a plot mechanism. We discuss the twists and turns of the final chapters that took us by surprise. And we address the longest passage of eroticism that either of us has ever read. As usual, we ask our end-of-book key questions, and then we announce our next read.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan discuss chapter 26 - 41 of Carissa Broadbent's The Serpent and the Wings of Night.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading the chapters we're covering before listening.Things got really hot and steamy in this section of the book, and we delve uncomfortably deep into the lusty and the romantic elements of Oraya and Raihn's relationship. As war breaks out, we analyse how Vincent is 'performing' as Vincent the King and Vincent the father. We try to guess who 'Nessanine' might be, as a character from Raihn's past. And, as usual, we make all kinds of predictions and guesses ahead of reading the final quarter of the story.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan discuss chapter 13 - 25 of Carissa Broadbent's The Serpent and the Wings of Night.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading the chapters we're covering before listening.We dive yet further into this sexy vampire-romantasy. We get into some of Oraya's daddy issues. We theorise about what makes her special, and why she is sooo delicious to all the vampires. We assess the main love interest, Raihn, and debate whether we think we're headed in a more lusty or romantic direction... maybe it's both! And as usual, we have lots of predictions to share about where we're going to end up.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan discuss the prologue to chapter 12 of Carissa Broadbent's The Serpent and the Wings of Night.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading the chapters we're covering before listening.We've got a brand new book to deep-dive into. It's supposed to be one of the hottest books of the year, featuring sexy vampires and a Hunger Games-style life-or-death contest.We discuss our first impressions of the world and how it compares to other famous vampire stories we know and love, the main characters and, as usual, make our predictions about where this bloody story is heading.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan wrap up the discussion of Elizabeth Lim's Six Crimson Cranes.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading the chapters we're covering before listening.Having finished the book, we give our honest (sometimes too honest!) opinions on the climax of the story. We review the plot, the characters, the relationships and answer our regular end of book questions: would you like to live in this world, and would you recommend this book?Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan discuss chapters 15 - 28 of Elizabeth Lim's Six Crimson Cranes.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading the chapters we're covering before listening.Now that we're over half-way through the book, we discuss how much better we've got to now Shiori. We assess the suspicious actions of the highly unlikeable Zirina. There's a murder mystery afoot, and Shiori or her blossoming romantic interest, Takkan, could be the next target. And, as usual, we lay out our theories for where this fairy tale fantasy story is heading.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan discuss chapters 1 - 14 of Elizabeth Lim's Six Crimson Cranes.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading the chapters we're covering before listening.We travel to the Far East, in the fictional land of Kiata, where the story of Six Crimson Cranes is based. We discuss what we've learned about the magic system, we get to know our main protagonist, Shiori, and her nemesis,and step-mother, Raikama, and as usual, we throw our theories, predictions, and best guesses at where this story is heading.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan wrap up the discussion of Mark Lawrence's The Book That Wouldn't Burn: the first instalment of The Library Trilogy.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers whole of this book. We strongly recommend reading the chapters we're covering before listening.We give our assessments of the climax and where this first instalment left our our two time-travelling love-birds. We grade our previous attempts at predictions, and we explore some of the questions left to be answered in the next instalment of this trilogy. As you might imagine, we can't help but make some predictions and guesses at where this story is heading. Finally, we decide whether this is a world we would like to live in ourselves, and draw conclusions on whether we would recommend this book to others, before we reveal what our next read on the Escapists Anonymous podcast will be.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan discuss chapters 35 - 52 of Mark Lawrence's The Book That Wouldn't Burn: the first instalment of The Library Trilogy.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers of the three-quarters of this book. We strongly recommend reading the chapters we're covering before listening.We get stuck straight into the major plot twist that we've just had revealed to us. We try to unravel the mysteries of Master Yute and Head Librarian Yamaha. We explore the rather sinister mentions of Jaspeth throughout the book so far. And, as we approach the climax, we theorise about what the final chapters have in store for Livira, Evar and the great library.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan discuss chapters 18 - 35 of Mark Lawrence's The Book That Wouldn't Burn: the first instalment of The Library Trilogy.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers of the first half of this book. We strongly recommend reading the chapters we're covering before listening.Now that our main characters have met, we discuss what we've learned and what their futures (or pasts... depending on where you're starting from) might hold. We try to figure out the motivations of some of our supporting characters, including Master Yute and his cryptic instructions to Livira. Maland, despite his complete absence from the story, presents a lot of mystery for us to theorise about. And, as usual, we throw around loads of theories about where this story is heading.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan discuss chapters 1 - 17 of Mark Lawrence's The Book That Wouldn't Burn: the first instalment of The Library Trilogy.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers of the first 17 chapters of this book. We strongly recommend reading the chapters we're covering before listening.We dive straight into the big questions around how our two main protagonists, Livira and Evar might be connected to each other. We discuss whether this is in fact a sci-fi or a fantasy novel (or a little bit of both perhaps?). We get to know Livira and Evar, and we delve into Mark Lawrence's world of dust, libraries and eccentric characters, before sharing some theories on where this story is heading.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan wrap up the discussion of Hannah Whitten's The Foxglove King: the first instalment of The Nightshade Crown trilogy.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers of the entire book. We strongly recommend reading the chapters we're covering before listening.Now that we've finished the novel, we discuss what we thought was great, the character development of Lore, Gabe and Bastian throughout, the world building of the citadel, the church and the catacombs, some theories for where this trilogy is heading, and some critiques of the plot.Join in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok

Sam and Dan discuss chapters 14 - 28 of Hannah Whitten's The Foxglove King: the first instalment of The Nightshade Crown trilogy.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers for the first 28 chapters of the book. We strongly recommend reading the chapters we're covering before listening.Now that the story is in full swing we delve into the developing relationship between Lore and Gabe, the conspiracies of church and crown that they are trying to unpick, and the mysterious magic that Bastian is beginning to display. As usual, we also throw our own theories around about where this book is heading.Discussion time stamps:00:43 - Welcome and recap of the story so far03:55 - Tension with Gabe10:45 - The notes conspiracy12:53 - Who is the voice in Lore's head?15:35 - Unravelling the mysteries of Mortem20:51 - Reformation vibes23:47 - Bastian's powers27:54 - The villages30:36 - Our theories and predictions36:26 - Final questions38:34 - Next episode we will be covering... - Wrapping upJoin in the conversation by following us on social media:InstagramTikTok