Hot Take Books

Spoiler wall's up — you've been warned.Hot Take Movies is officially a thing, and the boys are kicking it off with their Book of 2025 now on the big screen. Rich gives Ryan Gosling high marks for the Stratt scene but draws a line between playing Rylan Grace and playing Ryan Gosling-as-Rylan-Grace. Ryan counters by handing out a 10 for cinematography and refusing to apologize for it. They get into what the movie nailed — Rocky's ship, Carl (not in the book, very much a win), the Grace-Rocky dynamic — and what got shortchanged: the slow-burn amnesia opening that makes the book impossible to put down, reduced to the first 60 seconds. Two one-star reviewers also make an appearance and suggest that science fiction should obey the actual laws of science.Rich 8.6 / Ryan 9.0 / Overall 8.8 out of 10. The verdict: go see the movie. Go read the book. Both. This weekend.Episode Type: Hot Take Movies (Riff Series — bonus episode)Movie: Project Hail Mary (2026)Based on: Project Hail Mary by Andy WeirDirected by: Phil Lord and Christopher MillerWritten by: Drew Goddard and Andy WeirStarring: Ryan Gosling, James Ortiz (Rocky)IMDb: 8.4 / Rotten Tomatoes: 94%Score: Rich 8.6 / Ryan 9.0 / Overall 8.8 out of 10[00:24] — Intro: Hot Take Movies debut, Riff Series launch[00:53] — Why this episode is free (hint: they're all free)[01:38] — Project Hail Mary as Book of 2025, Hotties ceremony recap[02:10] — Rich's case for teaching PHM in schools[04:05] — Spoiler warning + movie meta stats[06:40] — Book vs. movie: what each format does better[07:18] — Rocky/Grace relationship on screen[08:01] — Visualizing Rocky's ship: where the movie wins[10:49] — What the book does better: Rylan Grace's internal monologue[11:31] — Carl: the character invented for the movie (and why it works)[12:41] — The amnesia opening: book vs. movie[15:51] — Ryan Gosling vs. Rylan Grace: too pretty for the role?[16:51] — The Stratt scene: Gosling nails it[19:35] — Ratings: Cinematography, Acting, Writing[24:27] — Final scores: Rich 8.6 / Ryan 9.0 / Overall 8.8[24:49] — One-star reviews[28:24] — Closing: read the book, see the movie, Ray Porter cameo wishTikTok: @hottakebksInstagram: @hottakebooks

Celaena Sardothien is supposed to be the most feared assassin in the world. So why does it feel like the tournament, the romance, and the royal drama are all happening around her while she watches from the sidelines?Rich and Ryan dive into Sarah J. Maas's Throne of Glass — the BookTok darling that gets compared to everything from Red Rising to Fourth Wing. Spoiler: it's neither of those things. And honestly? That's okay. Mostly.They break down the worldbuilding (a glass castle with no explanation for the glass), the characters (Team Chaol vs. Team Dorian), and a story that works better as a palette cleanser than a fantasy epic. Plus: a one-star review from someone who skipped 150 pages and still has opinions.The verdict? A 5.0 — BORROW. Try it before you buy the full seven-book series.Spoiler-free section: first ~15 minutesFull spoilers: everything after the warningHotTakeBooks drops every two weeks. Follow on Spotify so you never miss a hot take.

Spoilers hit around 15 minutes in — the boys keep it clean up front if you haven't read it yet. (The rest of this description has spoilers — come back once you've read it.)Rich makes the case for Lightsong the Bold. Ryan files a formal complaint about Vasher's page count. And somewhere in there, Rich drops his hottest take of the season — this book had no business being in the Cosmere at all.The boys break down the breath system, the role reversal Brandon apparently planned all along, and a Sanderlanche that arrived late and left early. Plus: one-star Goodreads reviews, stone golems that never fought anyone, and the Brandon Sanderson interview that still hasn't happened.Worldbuilding/Lore: 4 / 5Story: 6 / 7Overall: 6.5/10Verdict: BorrowShow NotesEpisode Type: SpoilerTakeBook: Warbreaker by Brandon SandersonSeries: Cosmere (standalone)Score: Worldbuilding/Lore 4 / 5 | Story 6 / 7 | Overall 6.5 out of 10 (Rich 6.3 / Ryan 6.7)Verdict: Borrow[00:24] — Cold open: Rich is sick, voice is "sultry," nobody is safe[00:48] — Intro + episode framing: Warbreaker, Cosmere Corner at the end[04:28] — Spoiler-free vibe check begins: high-level thoughts, who this book is for[10:05] — Burn/Borrow/Buy + overall score reveal[11:21] — Nightblood sequel news + Brandon Sanderson as small business owner[16:28] — 🚨 Spoiler warning — deep dive begins[16:47] — Worldbuilding/Lore: breath system vs. Allomancy and Surgebinding[23:34] — Vasher: the only one actually using the magic system[28:43] — Characters: Lightsong the Bold — accidentally amazing[32:06] — Lightsong's sacrifice + the Llarimar reveal[38:08] — Vivenna vs. Siri: role reversal, purpose, and the religious hypocrisy arc[44:06] — Story: the slow first half, the rushed ending, the stone golems that never fought[51:53] — The Sanderlanche that wasn't[52:44] — One-star Goodreads reviews (Rich is not pleased)[58:07] — Rich's hot take: this should have been a non-Cosmere book[59:13] — 🚨 Cosmere Corner warning (spoilers for Stormlight + Mistborn Era 1)[1:00:00] — Cosmere Corner: Nightblood's missing backstory, Vasher/Azure disappointment, metals as nullifier theory, shards and vesselsTikTok: @hottakebksInstagram: @hottakebooks

Rich and Ryan close out Mistborn Era 1 with Hero of Ages — and their verdict lands somewhere between a standing ovation and a deeply loving complaint. Ryan went in riding the high of a book he couldn't put down, while Rich arrives with the hottest take of the series: Well of Ascension is the better book, and Hero of Ages is history's most well-executed victory lap.They break down the magic of hemallurgy and how Brandon finally cashes in three books' worth of worldbuilding chips, from the Lord Ruler's terraforming mistakes to threads from book one finally paying off. Rich makes an impassioned case that Vin is the best-written character in the Cosmere — and that she got done dirty by the ending. They debate Sazed's arc and what Spook's blindfolded badassery says about how Tin users have been underrated all along.The 1-star review this week comes from a reader deeply offended by the book's religious themes — and Rich and Ryan have some thoughts about who really needs to talk to someone. Then it's into the Cosmere Corner, where the boys talk through common themes they've noticed in their Cosmere readings, and some direct crossovers from The Stormlight Archives.

Full spoilers ahead — if you haven't read Well of Ascension, Ryan will personally escort you to the nearest bookstore.The boys cover everything: Zane and Vin burning through 300 guards at Hastings Manor, the Tensoon reveal, Straff Venture's deeply satisfying exit via Coloss sword, and the Elland problem — a polisci major who got a kingdom and couldn't just hold the election after the siege. Plus the debut of Cosmere Corner, where Ryan calls Preservation and Ruin before Rich admits he's right.The big debate: is Vin just exceptionally skilled, or is she actually built different from every other Mistborn? Rich has his argument. Ryan has his screenshots. They agreed on scores for the first time ever — same number in every single category — and still spent twenty minutes talking each other through it.Score: 8.7 out of 10. Hard Buy.---Show Notes**Episode Type:** SpoilerTake**Book:** Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson**Series:** Mistborn Era 1, Book 2 — part of the Cosmere**Score:** Worldbuilding/Lore 8 / Characters 9 / Story 9 — Overall 8.7 out of 10**Verdict:** Hard Buy### Timestamps- [00:24] — Intro: both already fanboying, Rich's beanie (Ryan's idea)- [01:33] — How hard it was not to spoil anything during the FastTake- [02:12] — Book intro + spoiler warning- [02:41] — Score reveal: 8.7 out of 10 — Hard Buy- [03:14] — Spoiler scope: Mistborn only, Cosmere Corner at the end- [03:55] — Vibe check: first impressions on Book 2 vs Book 1-[04:54] — Mistborn fight scenes: why they hit so much harder than Book 1- [06:00] — The Vin debate begins: built different or just very skilled?- [10:23] — Scoring philosophy: why they held it back from a 9- [11:19] — First time ever: same scores in every single category- [12:04] — World building + lore: Kandra, Koloss, and the political landscape- [17:48] — Allomancy expansion: Duralumin deep dive- [19:31] — Rich goes from Duralumin skeptic to convert- [23:30] — Vin controlling the Koloss with emotional allomancy- [24:33] — Lord Ruler's safeguards and what the epigraphs reveal- [26:35] — Elland becoming Mistborn via the mystery bead- [28:46] — Characters section- [29:41] — Vin: did she take too big a step forward in one year?- [34:08] — Elland Venture: the polisci major problem- [40:51] — Zane: Ryan's favorite antagonist and why- [43:02] — Rich was briefly, genuinely Team Zane- [44:33] — Hastings Manor: Vin and Zane rip through 300 guards- [46:29] — Straff Venture: Rich says layered, Ryan says one-note- [49:43] — Story section- [51:44] — "Shifting focus from overthrowing tyranny to governing chaos"- [52:43] — The thieving crew fraying under pressure; who Breeze really is- [54:26] — One-star Goodreads reviews- [59:48] — Wrap-up + Cosmere Corner warning for non-Stormlight readers- [1:00:38] — Cosmere Corner: Preservation and Ruin as shards- [1:01:59] — Ryan's call from page 387; Rich gives partial credit- [1:04:37] — Rich's theory: Preservation + Ruin = Harmony- [1:08:05] — Hero of Ages teaser + outroLinksTikTok: @hottakebksInstagram: @hottakebooks

No cold open. No fluff. Just a straight shot of enthusiasm for a book the boys clearly had to talk themselves down from. Well of Ascension — Book 2 of Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn Era 1 — picks up after the revolution and immediately asks a harder question: now what? It's Sanderson at his most focused, and the result is a massive leap from Book 1.Rich has a 500-page rule. Books over that threshold better earn every chapter. At 590 pages, Well of Ascension earns them. Ryan, the guy who read Mistborn years ago and felt nothing, is a full convert. The boys were actively fighting themselves from scoring this too high.Score: 8.7 out of 10 — their highest of the year, and Rich says it's miles beyond Mistborn and, yeah, Words of Radiance too.---Show Notes**Episode Type:** FastTake**Book:** Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson**Series:** Mistborn Era 1, Book 2 — part of the Cosmere**Score:** 8.7 out of 10### Timestamps- [00:25] — Intro: no cold open, trying something new- [01:53] — What is a FastTake / episode framing- [02:33] — Should you continue Mistborn? Ryan's conversion story- [04:14] — Rating system explained- [05:38] — Score reveal: 8.7 out of 10 — highest rated book of the year- [07:58] — Sanderson wrote all three Mistborn books before Book 1 released- [08:35] — Page count, pacing, and the Stormlight comparison- [11:35] — "Winning the revolution was the easy part"- [12:06] — Book 1 criticism / the Lord Ruler problem- [14:31] — How Book 2 enriches Book 1- [15:09] — World building explosion: factions, creatures, magic system- [17:52] — Villains: why they work so much better here- [19:06] — Straff Venture breakdown- [20:52] — The 500-page rule- [21:49] — Rich's favorite Sanderson Part 3- [22:36] — Most underrated Sanderson sequel- [23:20] — Wrap-up + where to followLinksTikTok: @hottakebksInstagram: @hottakebooks

Rich and Ryan go full spoilers on Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn and somehow still find time to argue about buffet etiquette and cast the movie nobody asked them to produce. They dig into Vin's transformation from street urchin to ball-attendee, Mistborn-fighting force of nature, debate whether Kelsier's wife subplot earned its page count, and geek out over a magic system that turned Rich from skeptic to superfan one pewter flare at a time. Plus: one-star Goodreads reviews get roasted, a $125 leatherbound sparks a philosophical debate about what a book has to score to deserve your wallet, and the Cosmere Corner returns with metal-to-fabrial breakdowns that'll make Stormlight fans feel very seen. An 8 out of 10, and they'll tell you exactly why that's a big deal.

Rich and Ryan tackle Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn a fantasy heist story where metal-burning outlaws plot to topple a thousand-year-old tyrant. They break down the magic system, debate whether "the bad guys already won" is the right pitch, argue about Star Wars power structures, and explain why an 8 out of 10 is basically a standing ovation from two hosts who've been called "too harsh" when it comes to Sanderson book ones. No spoilers just everything you need to know before deciding if this 541. page ride deserves a spot on your nightstand.

Rich and Ryan have a new obsession, and they're not being subtle about it.Thorns, Feathers, and Bones by Anderson W. Frost, affectionately known as "Snowman" by the boys, has officially entered the chat. This isn't just a recommendation. This is a declaration. Rich says if Frost drops new content, he's putting down whatever he's reading (Pierce Brown excluded). Ryan wants to personally convert five new readers. The energy is unhinged in the best way.They break down why this underrated epic fantasy hits different: tight pacing, deep world-building, compelling characters, and a story structure that uses one warrior's decade-long return home as a vehicle for something much, much bigger. First 15 minutes are spoiler-free. After that, the walls come down and the gushing gets specific.GO READ THIS BOOK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No notes. No structure. Just vibes.Welcome to the first-ever Hot Take Books Riff Sesh. Rich and Ryan just finished Thorns, Feathers, and Bones by Anderson W. Frost and they need to talk about it immediately—completely spoiler-free.This is the book they can't believe nobody's talking about. An indie debut that feels like the next Middle Earth: giants, elves, dwarves, humans, and a world where all of them intermingle—socially, politically, and yes, romantically. There's a disgraced warrior on a journey, a half-giant queen, political intrigue that sneaks up on you, and fight scenes that hit like a truck.Rich calls it sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Ryan says it feels like Anderson turned a legendary D&D campaign into a novel. Both agree: if you're a fantasy fan, this is a crime to miss.Solidly a Buy. Go read it.

Rich and Ryan are back in the den to break down Fires of Vengeance, Evan Winter's explosive follow-up to Rage of Dragons, and yes, the Red Rising comparisons are still flying.The boys dig into Tau's never-ending rage spiral, debate whether this book delivers on the "responsibility of a book two," and ask the big question: can obsession-fueled strength ever lead to peace? Rich thinks it's a great book but an okay sequel. Ryan thinks the world building finally caught up. Both agree: if you're feeling that Red Rising withdrawal, this series scratches the itch.

In this episode of Hot Take Books, Ryan and Rich go all-in on The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter—no shields up, full spoilers allowed.What starts as a candid confession about toxic traits (TikTok-induced overconfidence and hobby jumping included) quickly turns into a passionate, sometimes combative, and ultimately thoughtful breakdown of one of the most adrenaline-fueled fantasy reads we’ve covered. Coming off a collective Red Rising hangover, the question looms large: does The Rage of Dragons actually scratch that itch, or does it just poke the bruise?We dig deep into:Tau’s obsessive, self-destructive drive for vengeance—and why it worksA world that sparks debate: African-inspired setting, matriarchal power structures, dragons, demons, and a magic system tied to sacrificeWhether the book’s relentless pacing is its greatest strength or its biggest limitationStandout characters like Tau, Hadith, Uduak, Jayad, and the complicated shadow of Kellan OkarBrutal fight scenes, iconic one-liners, and moments that made us physically stop reading just to reactA live score change on mic and what finally pushed the worldbuilding score upWe also read and react to some spicy one-star reviews, argue about what a “5” really means in our scoring system, complain (politely but firmly) about glossaries being in the back of books, and end with a clear verdict:This isn’t a subtle book. It’s rage, sweat, steel, and obsession—all gas, very little brake—and for the right reader, it’s an absolute blast.Final Score: 8/10 — BuyNot for everyone. But if you want heart-pounding action, raw motivation, and a protagonist who will destroy himself to reach his goal, this one delivers.#fantasybooks #spoilers #rageofdragons

In this Spoiler Free episode, Ryan and Rich dive into their thoughts on The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter. This episode is designed for listeners who want to know exactly what kind of book this is before committing.They cover:Why The Rage of Dragons is one of the best recommendations for readers dealing with Red Rising withdrawalA clear, spoiler-free breakdown of the setting, caste system, and magicTau as a protagonist—why he starts out unlikable, and why that’s intentionalThe book’s relentless pacing and action-heavy structureHow vengeance, obsession, and rage drive the story forwardThe African-inspired worldbuilding and what makes it stand out in modern fantasyWho this book is perfect for—and who might bounce off itRyan admits he started the book cold (and biased), while Rich comes in fully fired up—but by the end, both land on a strong recommendation.Final Score: 7.8/10 — BuyIf you love fast-paced, rage-fueled fantasy with a morally gray lead and nonstop momentum, this should be high on your TBR.Spoilers stay locked away for the full episode—this is your safe entry point before the deeper debate.#fantasybooks #rageofdragons #spoilerfree

The tuxedos are on (well, Rich's is.....Ryan didn't get the memo), and the awards are ready. Welcome to The Hotties, Hot Take Books' first-ever year-end awards show, where Rich and Ryan hand out accolades for the best lines, boldest characters, and hottest takes of their 2025 reading journey.Categories include Coldest Line of the Year, Goodie and Baddie of the Year, Story of the Year, World Building & Lore, Character of the Year, Book of the Year, and, of course, Hottest Take. The boys debate, argue, and occasionally agree on which books truly delivered. Some winners were unanimous. Others? Not so much.It's chaotic, nostalgic, and fully Hot Take Books energy. Plus, they look ahead to 2026 with some bold predictions and even bolder reading goals.⚠️ Heads up: This episode includes discussion of books we haven't released full episodes for yet—consider it a preview of what's coming. Also, the first 8 minutes contain minor spoilers for Red Rising (specifically from the first 30% of book one). Skip to the 8-minute mark if you're avoiding those.TikTok: @hottakebks | Instagram: @hottakebooks

Rich and Ryan tackle James Islington's Strength of the Few. Spoiler warning at 12 minutes for those who haven't read it yet!Vis gets replicated across three worlds and somehow none of them are having a good time. Between Res, Obiteum, and Luceum, the boys debate whether juggling three storylines is ambitious worldbuilding or just exhausting—spoiler: it's both.They break down what works (druids are always cool, Egyptian scarabs, that lake scene where Vis literally arms himself), what doesn't (becoming a Quintus off-camera, time-jumping past all the good training montages, three worlds that barely talk to each other), and why Luceum carried this book on its back. Plus: the most suspicious identical 7/10 scoring in podcast history, one-star reviews that actually slap, and the realization that this might've been homework for book three.

In this spoiler-packed deep dive, Rich and Ryan dissect Royal Assassin with equal parts admiration, exasperation, and disbelief. This episode goes far beyond the Fast Take: we dig into Fitz’s stalled growth, the baffling naïveté of Buckkeep’s leadership, the magic system’s flashes of brilliance, and why an animal might be the only character in this book with common sense.We break down the major themes: duty versus desire, loyalty versus blindness, and the emotional whiplash of navigating Fitz’s choices — while debating where the story excels, where it sputters, and whether this slow-burn epic earns its reputation. Expect hot takes, character critiques, fan-casting chaos, one-star reviews that hit a little too close to home, and a very honest reckoning with why this book landed firmly in “borrow” territory for both of us.If you’ve finished Royal Assassin and need a place to vent, celebrate, or commiserate…this is your episode.

In this Fast Take, Rich and Ryan break down Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb. This conversation is completely spoiler-free for Book 2, but with full awareness that you’ve already survived Assassin’s Apprentice. We revisit Fitz as he returns to Buckkeep battered, poisoned, and neck-deep in court politics, Red Ship raids, and dangerously unstable magic.This episode gives you the high-level vibe check: pacing, character work, worldbuilding, where the book hits, and where it drags. If you’re deciding whether to keep going with the Farseer Trilogy, this is your shortcut to a verdict. Expect honest takes, a little chaos, some medieval-profession nonsense, and a frank conversation about why this slow-burn series lands differently for each of us.No spoilers for Royal Assassin — but if you haven’t read Assassin’s Apprentice, turn back now.

Welcome back to Hot Take Books, folks! In this episode, Rich and Ryan dive back into the world of 'Will of the Many' as they set the stage for the highly anticipated sequel, 'Strength of the Few.' The boys break down James Islington's fresh take on magic with consequences, the cutthroat political tension of the Catenan Republic, and why this book had them texting each other mid-read. If you haven't read Will of the Many yet, hit pause—spoilers are lurking around every corner!

Join Rich and Ryan as they dive deep into the tangled web of 'Assassin's Apprentice.' Get ready for a spicy conversation where they weigh the burdens of book one versus the pressures of the trilogy’s finale. Expect Hot Takes on the heavy lifting that protagonists do, and find out why Ryan believes book twos are just vibecatchers at the party—sipping cocktails while leaving the hard work to the first and last installments. Spoiler alert: Regal is not to be underestimated, and neither is the emotional rollercoaster that Fitz goes through. The ending is a whirlwind of emotions and the character development might just convert the most hardened critics into fans.

Our dynamic duo tackle the magic system of Hobb's world, think of it like sprinkling a little fairy dust on a medieval drama. Fitz juggles his forbidden powers while navigating the shadows of the court, and the fun doesn't stop there! Rich and Ryan explore the nuances of personal growth, mentorship, and Dootchies Vs. 'Dutchies'. Mispronunciations aside, they keep the discussion flowing, blending humor with genuine insights. Want to know if the Farseer Trilogy should be on your TBR, your in the right place.

Ryan and Rich return to break down The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang in this full-spoiler deep dive, and it’s an emotional ride. From heart-shattering deaths to jaw-dropping battle sequences, they unpack why this standalone military fantasy has become one of the most talked-about books on BookTok.They dig into everything: Misaki’s evolution from obedient wife to warrior, Takeru’s brutal yet redemptive arc, and Mamoru’s devastating sacrifice — plus how Wang’s Avatar: The Last Airbender-inspired magic system creates some of the best fight scenes they’ve read in years. Along the way, they debate the book’s modern-fantasy setting, the limits of standalones, and their campaign to convince Wang to write Book Two.In this episode:Why The Sword of Kaigen feels like the “adult Last Airbender” we’ve all wantedBreaking down Misaki, Takeru, and Mamoru’s arcs (and tears)That mid-book battle that changes everythingHow generational trauma, duty, and communication drive the story’s emotional coreA passionate plea for The Sword of Kaigen 2: Hiroshi’s RevengeHot Take Books — where we read hot books and give you hotter takes.

In this Fast Take episode, Ryan and Rich dive into The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang — a standalone military fantasy that blends elemental magic, family bonds, and the brutal cost of war. This spoiler-free review covers what makes the book worth reading, and what might hold some readers back. From the Avatar: The Last Airbender-inspired power system to gut-punch emotional moments and cinematic battle sequences, the hosts explore how this story balances high-stakes action with deeply human themes of legacy and grief.Rated 7/10 – BUY, this one’s for readers craving an emotional standalone that hits hard and stays with you. But fair warning: it will rip your heart out and stomp on it.Tune in for:Why this feels more like “an amazing story” than just “an amazing fantasy”The magic system and worldbuilding highs How ML Wang’s self-published debut earned its viral BookTok fameWhether it lives up to the hypeHot Take Books: where we read hot books and give you hotter takes.

What happens when the worlds of Red Rising and The Stormlight Archive collide? In this bonus crossover episode, Rich and Ryan fuse their two favorite series to answer the ultimate fan question: Which Orders of the Knights Radiant would Red Rising characters belong to?From Willshaper ideals to Bondsmith vibes, to whether any of the Radiant Orders are even good enough for Sevro, the guys debate, argue, and laugh their way through the entire Radiant Order chart. Expect hot takes, mild blasphemy, and a whole lot of passion for both universes.Spoiler Warning: Major spoilers for Red Rising (all books to date) and The Stormlight Archive (through Wind and Truth).Hot Take Books is where sci-fi and fantasy fans come for deep dives, wild theories, and unfiltered opinions.

The spoiler walls are down, and the Radiants are on the couch. Rich and Ryan dig into Wind and Truth, Brandon Sanderson’s emotional (and occasionally chaotic) finale to Stormlight’s first arc.Rich thinks he spoiled himself halfway through the read—turns out he didn’t—and Ryan brings the internet’s wildest one-star reviews to the table. From Adolin’s armor glow-up to Dalinar’s divine identity crisis and Kaladin’s full-blown therapy arc, the boys cover everything Sanderson threw at the wall.It’s equal parts laughter, lore, and light emotional damage as they ask the big questions: Was the ending earned? Is “group therapy” the tenth Radiant order? And why does every Sanderlanche need a feelings montage?Messy, heartfelt, and hilarious—just the way a Hot Take Books SpoilerTake should be.

The six-star review madness has to stop. Rich and Ryan open this spoiler-free FastTake by calling out BookTok’s chaotic scoring habits before diving headfirst into Brandon Sanderson’s Wind and Truth, the long-awaited finale to Stormlight’s first arc.It’s part rant, part celebration, and fully Hot Take Books energy. Rich compares the book to a Hall-of-Fame victory lap, Ryan swears it’s his most-highlighted read yet, and somewhere in there they debate whether a single jalapeño seed counts as “spice.”They talk pacing, payoff, and why this series remains the cornerstone of the Cosmere—warts and all. Because Wind and Truth might not be perfect, but it’s bold, heartfelt, and ambitious as hell.By the end, they land on the only comparison that feels right: this book is the chocolate-chip cookie of the Cosmere—warm, satisfying, and messy AF.

Buckle up folks, this one’s for the diehards. In our spoiler filled coverage of Rhythm of War, we go full deep dive into Brandon Sanderson’s fourth Stormlight Archive book. No safety nets, no spoiler warnings after this point—just raw, unfiltered takes.We debate whether Rhythm deserves its “worst in the series” reputation (it doesn’t), break down Navani and Raboniel’s science-magic explorations, and gush about Adolin’s Shadesmar heroics. We’ll talk Kaladin’s brutal battle with depression, Shallan’s truths, Szeth’s absence, and why the plot twist at the end left us divided.Expect hot takes, courtroom drama, Mortal Kombat-level finishing moves, and more Adolin worship than legally necessary. If you’ve read Rhythm of War, this is the spoiler-filled therapy session you didn’t know you needed.

The Stormlight Archive journey continues! In this Fast Take, Ryan and Rich dive into Rhythm of War—Brandon Sanderson’s fourth entry in the saga. We’re talking pacing, worldbuilding, villains, and why this book might secretly be the best in the series (yes, we said it). From Navani finally stepping into the spotlight to Kaladin battling his inner storms, this episode explores why Rhythm of War deserves more love than it gets.Expect hot takes, a few mispronunciations we’ll never live down, and a spoiler-free breakdown that helps you decide if you’re ready to tackle 1,200 more pages of Roshar. We give it our signature Burn/Borrow/Buy rating (spoiler alert: it’s a Buy.)So grab your coffee, or your audiobook, and join us as we argue, laugh, and maybe get a little too passionate about magical science.

Three Shallans walk into a bar… and the hot takes start pouring. In this full-spoiler deep dive on Brandon Sanderson’s Oathbringer, Rich tries to hold the line as the resident Stormlight skeptic while Ryan fully embraces the mob mentality. From Dalinar’s “You cannot have my pain” moment to Szeth’s Skybreaker glow-up, Adolin’s underrated greatness, and yes, all three Shallans, the pod unpacks what makes this book messy, massive, and absolutely unforgettable.

Is listening to an audiobook the same as reading? We kick things off with that spicy debate before diving into Brandon Sanderson’s Oathbringer. From slow-burn stretches to avalanche payoffs, we talk Dalinar’s big spotlight, Radiant struggles, and why the flashbacks are back in a big way. Spoiler-free, full of banter, and just enough to help you decide if it’s time to keep journeying through the Stormlight Archive.

🎧 SpoilerTake: Words of Radiance - Spoiler Warning!!!!!!The boys dive all the way into Words of Radiance, and it’s nothing but hot takes, arguments, and love for Sanderson’s epic. Rich struggles with his score, Ryan calls him out for Stormlight gaslighting, and both agree this book fixes nearly every critique they had of The Way of Kings.From Parshendi lore and radiant orders to Kaladin hitting rock bottom, Shallan’s lies and truths, and that unforgettable duel, this one is packed with chaos. Add in hot takes on Rock, debates on whether Adolin’s big moment was satisfying enough, and yes even some shots fired at the Stormfather—and you’ve got the most unfiltered pod breakdown of Words of Radiance out there.Scores, banter, and maybe a little slander—it’s all here.Catch us on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@hottakebks?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcAnd Insta - https://www.instagram.com/hottakebooks/reel/DMf-0HbxtQ7/

🎧 FastTake: Words of Radiance - Spoiler-free, full banter, and all the chaotic energy you’ve come to expect.Rich has a villain origin story brewing (his words, not ours). He also can’t help but call out Ryan for falling way too hard for Stormlight even though, somehow, their ratings end up almost identical.Do the boys think this one paces better than The Way of Kings? Why is Ryan in full-blown Sanderson mode? And are they a little delusional for talking like Brandon himself is secretly listening to their very small podcast?Catch us on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@hottakebks?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Spoiler-free - The Stormlight Archive- Full series review.Trying to decide if you should go all in on this legendary series? We’ve got just the content to help you figure that out.The boys talk about one of the greats writing one of the best fantasy series of all time—The Stormlight Archive. Rich complains about the sheer volume of text and audio it takes to finish it, Ryan struggles to move on to other books, and somehow Sanderson gets compared to LeBron James—Ryan TOTALLY gets it because he’s a huge sports guy.

The boys go deep on how they’d improve The Way of Kings hint: it could be way shorter. But they also give plenty of praise for its originality and the overall impact of the story. Spoilers everywhere, hot takes guaranteed.

The boys clearly hold long books to a very high standard—and The Way of Kings is no exception. They’ve got thoughts, they’ve got opinions… and yes, they’ve got “notes” on how it could be even better. But when this one hits the ending, it really delivers. All completely spoiler-free.FastTake is live

Empire of Silence – FastTakeThe boys break down Empire of Silence in this spoiler-free FastTake—and for the first time ever, the combined score lands below a 5. Even more surprising? Rich is actually higher on the book than Ryan.We talk Hadrian Marlowe: a main character you get to know like someone you went to high school with. The problem? You might not want to run into him at the reunion.Is this a bold character study… or just a boring one? Tune in for the hot takes and find out if Empire of Silence is worth the journey or one you can skip on your way through the stars.

Empire of Silence: Brooding in Space – SpoilerTakeHadrian Marlowe might be a legend, but we're not sold. In this spoiler-filled episode, the boys break down why the main character feels more like a dramatic space linguist than a sci-fi hero—and why all that brooding never really leads anywhere.Rich gives some credit to the worldbuilding, but Ryan hits page 300 wondering when things will pick up..... and finishes the book still asking.We dig into the pacing, the lack of urgency, and how Empire of Silence keeps telling us Hadrian is fascinating... without giving us enough to actually feel it.

The boys are back to break down Project Hail Mary and it's all spoilers, space friends, and score regrets. Rich realizes in real time that his rating might be way too low, and they dig into why the book’s flashback format worked so well. It’s no surprise that two guys who started a podcast just to keep talking to each other fell hard for one of the greatest fictional friendships of all time. Come for the chaos, stay for the Eridian impressions.

Join Rich and Ryan as they launch into Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir in this spoiler-free FastTake. They talk science and space bromance while breaking down what worked, what surprised them, and whether this book is worth your precious reading hours. No spoilers just unfiltered opinions and maybe a few accidental physics lessons.

Strap in for the spoiler-filled chaos as Rich and Ryan dive deep into Will of the Many by ⁠James Islington⁠.Rich forces Ryan to talk about Red Rising (again), confidently mispronounces nearly every character’s name, and the boys attempt the impossible: applying math to magic.Along the way, they unpack major plot twists, debate moral dilemmas, and get unexpectedly real about the choices characters make.If you’ve read the book (or just love unhinged analysis), this one’s for you.

Join Rich and Ryan as they dive into Will of the Many by ⁠James Islington⁠ in this spoiler-free FastTake!Does Rich shamelessly claim credit for a term someone has probably (definitely) thought of before (“Sci-Fan”)? Is Ryan actually vibing with this book?All that and more as they break down one of the hottest reads in sci-fi/fantasy—without spoiling a single plot twist.

Rich and Ryan give you the 411 on who they are, why they started Hot Take Books, and how the show works.Naturally, there's plenty of banter—Rich forgets he's a Star Wars fan, Ryan declares himself a HUGE SPORTS GUY, and the two debate whether comic books count as books (spoiler: they absolutely do).