Fathers, Fantasy, & Fiction

In the final episode of this season Fathers, Fantasy, & Fiction, we wrap up The Way of Kings with Chapters 70 through the Epilogue bringing major reveals, satisfying character moments, and huge implications for what’s next. We break down Shallan’s biggest truth, the mystery of the Ghostbloods, and the shocking reveal involving Taravangian and Szeth. We also explore Dalinar’s visions, the truth of the Almighty and Odium, and Kaladin’s hard-earned rise plus our theories on the Knights Radiant and what’s coming in Words of Radiance.

In this episode of Fathers, Fantasy, & Fiction, we cover Chapters 59–69 of The Way of Kings as the climax of the book explodes into motion. Kaladin continues discovering the truth of his powers and pushes Bridge Four to new heights, while Dalinar’s visions are finally validated and his trust in Sadeas is put to the ultimate test. When betrayal strikes at the Tower, every major storyline collides in spectacular fashion. We break down Kaladin’s heroic turning point, the meaning behind the Immortal Words, Dalinar’s stunning act of honor, and the shifting power dynamics of the warcamps. Plus, we share theories on Syl, the Knights Radiant, and where the story could possibly go after one of the biggest stretches of chapters yet.

In this episode of Fathers, Fantasy, & Fiction, we cover Chapters 52–58 of The Way of Kings as the story barrels toward its finale. Dalinar’s visions reveal more about the mysterious Knights Radiant and the Day of Recreance, while his uneasy alliance with Sadeas appears to strengthen through joint plateau assaults. As politics, paranoia, and old rivalries collide, we debate whether Sadeas can really be trusted, and what Wit may know about the dangers ahead.Meanwhile, Kaladin’s storyline reaches another major turning point as Teft forces the truth into the open: Kaladin is doing something impossible with Stormlight. With Syl revealing more about their connection, Hoid delivering one of his signature stories, and Bridge Four continuing to rise, we dig into Windrunners, lashings, Radiants, and our biggest theories yet about where Kaladin’s journey is headed.

In this episode of Fathers, Fantasy, & Fiction, we cover Chapter 45 through the Third Interludes of The Way of Kings and the Sanderlanche is starting to build. Shallan’s story hits a major turning point as her experiments with Soulcasting spiral into something far more dangerous, leading to a surreal glimpse into what may be the Cognitive Realm, a shocking reveal about Capsal, and a complete breakdown in her relationship with Jasnah. Along the way, we’re left questioning Soulcasters, Shardblades, and what Shallan might really be hiding.Meanwhile, Kaladin’s arc delivers one of the most devastating moments in the book as we finally see the betrayal that turned him into a slave. In the present, he continues shaping Bridge Four while experiencing strange visions during highstorms and uncovering hints of something deeper at work. We also explore the expanding world through the interludes, discuss the three realms, and share our latest theories as the story begins to accelerate toward its climax.

In this episode of Fathers, Fantasy, & Fiction, we cover Chapters 36 - 44 of The Way of Kings and things are escalating fast. Shallan’s storyline takes a dark turn as Jasnah’s brutal demonstration of philosophy forces her to question everything, ultimately pushing her to make a bold and dangerous move with the Soulcaster. Meanwhile, her mysterious abilities continue to surface, raising new questions about her past—and what she may be capable of.Kaladin’s arc delivers some of the biggest developments yet. Through haunting flashbacks, we finally see the path that led him to the battlefield revealing the heartbreaking choices involving Tien, Lirin, and Roshone. In the present, Kaladin survives the impossible and begins to uncover something extraordinary within himself, as Stormlight and possibly something more starts to awaken.As Bridge Four faces harsher conditions than ever, Kaladin reaches a breaking point, forcing him to consider an unthinkable option: escape. But with new powers, deeper despair, and growing responsibility to his men, the question becomes can he really leave them behind?Plus, we dive into bold theories on Surgebinding, the significance of different spheres, the mystery of the Knights Radiant, and what Syl might really be hiding.

In this episode of Fathers, Fantasy, & Fiction, we cover the Second Interludes through Chapter 35 of The Way of Kings. The interludes expand the world in fascinating ways. From Rysn’s glimpse into Shinovar and the origins of Szeth’s Oathstone, to Axies the Collector’s hunt for spren, and Szeth’s increasingly dangerous new masters. Meanwhile, Shallan’s story deepens as her scholarship, secrets, and strange artistic abilities begin to hint at something far more unsettling—especially as Jasnah grows more suspicious and Kabsal’s intentions come into question. On the Shattered Plains, Kaladin’s leadership reaches a turning point. His bridge crew begins to transform under his guidance, but a bold attempt to protect his men exposes the brutal truth behind Sadeas’s plateau assault strategy leading to severe consequences. As Kaladin faces punishment in a highstorm, a mysterious and awe-inspiring vision leaves us with major questions about the forces at play.

In this episode of Fathers, Fantasy, & Fiction, we cover Chapters 22 - 28 of The Way of Kings. Kaladin takes meaningful steps toward leadership, using ingenuity and empathy to win over Bridge Four; gathering resources, outsmarting the apothecary, and turning chasm duty into a turning point for the crew. Meanwhile, flashbacks introduce a new citylord whose arrival casts a shadow over Kaladin’s past. On the Shattered Plains, Dalinar faces mounting pressure as political maneuvering by Sadeas weakens his influence, his visions continue to unsettle him, and a surprising decision puts Adolin’s future, and their house, on a new path. Along the way, we dive into worldbuilding details, character dynamics, and share our latest theories (including a bold prediction about Wit). 

In this episode of Fathers, Fantasy, & Fiction, we cover Chapters 16 - 21 of The Way of Kings. Kaladin’s past continues to unfold, revealing the roots of his drive to protect others, while his present-day struggle with Bridge Four takes a turning point as he begins forming a plan to keep his men alive. Meanwhile, Dalinar pushes to unite the highprinces but faces resistance from Elhokar and his own increasingly intense visions during highstorms. We break down character development, emerging themes, and share our latest (and likely questionable) theories about what’s really going on in Roshar.

In this episode of Fathers, Fantasy, & Fiction, we cover the first interludes through Chapter 15 of The Way of Kings. The story expands beyond our main characters as we explore the mysterious Purelake, meet Shallan’s troubled brother, and catch up with Szeth as his grim fate as Truthless continues. Then Part Two begins, introducing Dalinar, Adolin, and the Alethi war camps—complete with political intrigue, family dynamics, and an unforgettable chasmfiend hunt. We also dive into Cosmere connections, worldhoppers, and what these chapters might be setting up next.

In this episode of Fathers, Fantasy, & Fiction, we cover Chapters 6 - 11 of The Way of Kings. Shallan continues her pursuit of Jasnah and finally earns a place as her ward—though not without some awkward encounters, questionable plans, and a little help from Yalb. Meanwhile, Kaladin’s story takes a darker turn as he’s forced into the brutal life of a bridgeman on the Shattered Plains. We unpack Bridge Four, the harsh reality of the war camps, and a pivotal moment that may change Kaladin’s path. Plus, we talk epigraphs, spren, worldbuilding, and share our latest predictions for what comes next.

In this episode of Fathers, Fantasy, & Fiction, we dive into the opening of The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson—covering the Prelude, Prologue, and Chapters 1–5. Derrik experiences the world for the first time while Jon revisits the story (carefully avoiding spoilers). We unpack mysterious heralds, shardblades, strange spren, and the introduction of key characters like Kaladin and Shallan. Along the way we talk worldbuilding, early theories, and first impressions of Sanderson’s massive epic.

Two dads. One fantasy series. Plenty of questionable predictions.Fathers, Fantasy, & Fiction is a book club podcast where we read through fantasy novels a few chapters at a time—recapping the story, sharing theories, and trying to figure out what’s actually going on.