The Binge Reading Bookclub

Best selling author Nicholas Binge and literary newbie Hugo Powell are joined today by the marvelous author Shauna Lawless!Shauna mixes historical fiction with classic fantasy in her novels by placing (or replacing as she argues), the magic that was lost from traditional Irish texts due to modern readings and interpretations of 11th century Irish literature. She helps understand why studying historical fiction can also inform your writing despite not being in the same genre or style. Understand the world your characters inhabit, and you will better understand the characters themselves.Star of the Sea by Joseph O'Connor takes place on the titular boat, on its umpteenth voyage from Ireland to New York. Through diary entries, historical vignettes, and first hand accounts, we learn about stories and histories of the various colourful characters on the boat, including that of serial murder Pius Mulvey, aristocrat Lord Meridith, and American journalist Dixon. All this to the backdrop of the Irish Famine and the atrocities that transpired in this time. Join us again on the 14 May for our quick episodes known as Speed Binges, where we will be listening to the masterpiece Palm Mall Mars by 猫 シ Corp. And you will find the next mainline show on the 28 May, where we will be reading Tender if the Flesh by Agustina Baztericca and joined by special author guest Tariq Ashkanani. LINKS:STET Podcast NetworkOfficial Sitefollow us on Blueskyemail us: [email protected]

In this months Speed Binges we are joined by extra special guest Crystal Riley form the Based on a Book Podcast! We decided to do a little spin on their format by reading a book based on a movie. Now it is a technicality but the novel was based on the screenplay of Kubrik's film and was released after the release of the movie so we are counting it. We take full advantage of having Crystal in the studio with us and ask her to break down what makes a really good adaptation. Crystal then asked what Nick's biggest fears and anxieties were when it comes to his novels being adapted for the silver screen. And Hugo does his best to wrangle them both onto the topic of 2001: A Space Odyssey. We learn how Clarke uses simple prose to put forward complicated scientific concepts, we discuss our favourite Sci-Fi adpatations, and Nick presents his theory as to what happened to Will Smith's Career. The next episode of Speed Binges will be out on the 14th May where we will be LISTENING to the album Palm Mall Mars by 猫 シ Corp.LINKS:STET Podcast NetworkBased on a Book PodcastOfficial Sitefollow us on Blueskyemail us: [email protected]

Best selling author Nicholas Binge and literary newbie Hugo Powell are joined today by equally bestselling (USA Today and New York Times bestselling) author L.R. Lam!L, author of such wonderful works of fantasy such as the weird-queer novel Dragonscale or the Mycah Grey trilogy, shares with us her favorite novel The Everlasting by Alix E Harrow. Not only does The Everlasting deal with some pretty heavy subject material such as gender roles, the traditional versus modern family dynamic, generational trauma, nation building and the rise of facism (phewh), it also does the Time Travel Trope (the three Ts) incredibly well!Time travel plays an integral role in not only how the plot developes but how the audience interacts with the story. L and Nick describe the structure of the novel being a 'palimpsest', a scroll, use, erase, and reused but whos previous iterations are still visible beneath the current. This metaphor not only describes the actual story itself as the characters experience the same events over and over, but also describes how the plot developes, as we the reader, aware of what has happened in previous cycles, game deeper understanding each time we witness a new cycle. Join us again on the 16 April for our quick episodes known as Speed Binges, where we will be joined by Crystal from the 'Based on a book' podcast to discuss Arthur C. Clarkes adaptation of 2001: A space odyssey. And you will find the next mainline show on the 30th April, where we will be reading Star of the Sea by Joseph O'Connor and joined by special author guest Shauna Lawless. LINKS:STET Podcast NetworkOfficial Sitefollow us on Blueskyemail us: [email protected]

In our new Binge Reading Bookclub Podcast spin off series we watched The Chair Company. A surrealist dark comedy written, produced and starring internet star Tim Robinson. The story follows Ron, a middle manager at a mall construction company who has a horrible chair based mishap that leads him to uncover a grand conspiracy of embezzlement and smuggling. we talk about what the show is trying to achieve with its sometimes nonsensical segues and ‘random’ humor (holds up spork). On the topic of writing craft we discuss what it means to be deliberate with your narratives and interactions and that perhaps the non sequiturs are supposed to reflect the meaninglessness of life. Nicholas also posits that maybe sometimes, people want their fiction to be less weird than real life - stranger than fiction springs to mind. Join us again for the mainline Binge Reading Bookclub episode on the 27th Match for The Everlasting by Alix E Harrow with special guest L.R. Lam. LINKS:STET Podcast NetworkOfficial Sitefollow us on Blueskyemail us: [email protected]

In this episode we are talking about Excession by Iain M Banks - A sprawling sci-fi epic that explores a distant, post-scarcity future, where an interplanetary civilisation called The Culture faces the physics defying titular event the Excession. Today we are delighted to welcome very special guest David Goodman - Author of The Reluctant Spy (winner of the debut awards at Bloody Scotland and Harrowgate Crime Festival) and his follow up Solitary Agents is out June 4th 2026. Dave takes us through how Banks utilises paratext to flesh out the interactions between the multitude of godlike AI in this novel and why it is the best means of conveying a lot of information in short amount of time. While paratext is an important literary device, it also holds a deeply personal place in Dave's heart, as reading Excession as a teen revealed to him the power and possibilities of literatureWe also chat about the merits of physical media, the evolution of British sci-fi, how Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy is the most influential British sci-fi, and how sometimes plot and character don't need to be the end goal of a novel. We also create our own Excession style spaceship/AI names and include a very confusing Blackberry Messenger text chat to the great novel ever written.  The Next episode of the Binge Reading Bookclub will be out on the 26th March featuring the novel The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow, with special guest Author L.R. Lam.We are also watching The Chair Company for our brand new show 'Speed Binges' which will be coming out on the 12th March. LINKS:STET Podcast NetworkOfficial Sitefollow us on Blueskyemail us: [email protected]

Introducing the brand new show - Speed Binges - where your roguish and lovable hosts Nicholas Binge and Hugo Powell will talk about a wide variety of their favorite media, from films to shows, books to albums, nothing is off limits.For this first episode we read Extremity by our very own Nicholas Binge. A procedural crime drama turned Sci-fi thriller, Extremity explores the impact of late stage capitalism on mankind with uncanny mysteries and clever narrative devices. We decide which actors would best star in each role, whether authors set out to write works specifically to be adapted to TV or film, and answers once and for all what happens at the end of the story. Join us again for the mainline Binge Reading Bookclub episode on the 26th February for Extremity by Ian M Banks with special guest David Goodman. LINKS:STET Podcast NetworkOfficial Sitefollow us on Blueskyemail us: [email protected]

In this Episode of the Binge Reading Bookclub, Nicholas Binge and Hugo Powell discuss The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro. Rather than simply referring to the obviously well written 'unreliable narrator' that is Stephens, Nicholas breaks down how Ishiguro permeates the realities of cognitive dissonance into his character development. Nicholas also breaks down what impact this has on the reader, and what approach a budding author wishing to borrow from Ishiguro's works might go about it. Nick also tests Hugo's dignity in a one of a kind buzzfeed style quiz, flipping the usual quiz based interruptions of the show on their heads. We also chat about upcoming changes to the show- First off, we are releasing 'Speed Binges' mini episodes where Hugo and Nick talk about the merits of other works of art from other mediums, be it music, TV, or Film. Starting out next month with Extremity by Nicholas Binge. The Next episode of the Binge Reading Bookclub will be out on the 26th February featuring the Novel Excession by Ian M. Banks and special guest David Goodman.  LINKS:STET Podcast NetworkOfficial Sitefollow us on Blueskyemail us: [email protected]

In this Episode of the Binge Reading Bookclub, Nicholas Binge and Hugo Powell discuss The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin. A second wolrd fantasy that focuses on the trials and tribulations of Syenite, a member of the ostracized 'Orogene' people, cursed with the power to cause volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Of all the books read so far, this is the first one that 'Bounced' off Hugo, but its such a well respected book, does he have anything reasonable say for why he didn't get along with it? We shall see shall we!Nicholas on the other hand breaks down how Jemisin masterfully creates twists and turns in her story telling, not by presenting wild plot twists, but by changing the readers understanding of the story by manipulating perspective. We also chat about Nicholas' arch rivalry, importance of emotional research, and we host the very first annual HUGOs AWARDS (NB - This is not the Hugo Award but the HUGOs AWARD)The next episode will be out on January 29th, and we will be reading Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (and don't just watch the film, WE WILL KNOW!) LINKS:STET Podcast NetworkOfficial Sitefollow us on Blueskyemail us: [email protected]

In this Episode of the Binge Reading Bookclub, Nicholas Binge and Hugo Powell discuss Behind Frenemy Lines by Zen Cho. A delightful romance novel that delves deep into the myriad pitfalls that face young women in the contemporary workspace. The challenge Hugo set for Nick last month was to choose a book where no one died, and he succeeded! So how do you develope drama, character, and conflict without death? Well Zen Cho does it masterfully, through tactful plot choices, interested narrative stand points, and believable characterisation.We also chat about fans reaching out to their favourite authors and why you shouldn't hesitate, performative masculinity, and I test Nicholas' ability to spot the real from the fake in my K-Drama test. The next extra festive episode of the Binge Reading Bookclub podcast comes out on Christmas Day! Be sure to pick up your copy of The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin - an epic fantasy novel set on a planet destroyed by catastrophic climate change. LINKS:STET Podcast NetworkOfficial Sitefollow us on Blueskyemail us: [email protected]

In this episode we dive deep into the lore of Warhammer 40K with Xenos by Dan Abnett, the first in the Eisenhorn trilogy from the Black Library. While we had fairly low expectations, this book really captured our attentions and demonstrated masterfully how to blend a variety of genres - in this case Sci fi, Horror and Noire. Nicholas Binge also shares with us how he comes up with names for his characters (trawling the credits of movies), the problem with having a lack of women in a novel, and we expand upon the story of the Lithe Waiter in what will eventually be the greatest novel ever written. 

This week Nicholas and Hugo delve deep into literary fiction, a term so deeply confusing that they only just make heads or tails of it. Kamila Shamsie weaves a delicate, beautiful, and heart-wrenching tale of identity and nationalism that sits in conversation with the ancient greek play 'Antigone' and what it means to be British and muslim in the 21st century. Nick and Hugo also discuss Nick's latest book 'Extremity', his motivations as a writer, and take a joke about Monty Python way to far. Naturally we also add a new paragraph to the greatest book ever to be written with dramatic (and edgy) results.  All this and more in this months episode. Join us on the 30th October where we will be discussing Xenos by Dan Abnett (of the Warhammer 40,000 Black Library)

We are overjoyed to be joined by the marvelous Sunyi Dean, multiple award losing author of The Book Eaters (her words not ours). She chose the Novel Leech by Hiron Ennes for its excellent use of changing and dynamic perspective, as the titular leech slowly loses contact with its hive mind. The story is graphic, gory and gothing representation of a post-post-apocalyptic world in which humanity has fallen and risen again. We discuss WorldCon and the various silly exchanges Nicholas had, I test Nick and Sunyi's taste in parasites, and for the first time, we read the entire story we have written so far back to front to hear Sunyi's frank reaction. All this and more on the Binge Reading Bookclub podcast. Join us again on the 28th September where we will be reading our first bit of literary fiction - Homefire by Kamla Shamsie. 

Today we chat about  Sleeping Giants by Sylvain Neuvel, a story told through very unconventional epistoral technique of the discovery of a giant alien robot on planet earth. A collection of interviews performed by a mysterious government spook, we discover the various pitfalls of keeping a giant robot as a pet and the geopolitical repercussions. Nick and Hugo also chat Worldcon and Bloody Scotland, we continue our novel with dramatic flair, and Hugo puts Nick through his paces, testing his giant robot franchise knowledgeIf you want to read what we have so far of our novel, follow the link to our website below.The next episode of the BRBC will come out on the 28th August where we will have an extra special guest Sunyi Dean to discuss Leech by Hiron Ennes, a a gothic horror told from the perspective of a parasite with multiple human bodies. Follow the links below for more details: Official Sitefollow us on Blueskyemail us: [email protected]

Today we chat about  A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles, a story of the Count Rostov and his various encounters while under house arrest the Metropol Hotel in Moscow. We talk voice, narrative tone, and why Hugo feels more compassion for The Bishop than he does for The Count himself.If you want to read what we have so far of our novel, follow the link to our website below.The next episode of the BRBC will come out on the 31st July where we will be reading Sleeping Giants by Sylvain Neveu, a Sci-fi epic told entirely through the means of voice notes, captains log's, and audio communications... but transcribed to word form obviously. Follow the links below for more details: Official Sitefollow us on Blueskyemail us: [email protected]

Today we chat about Fever Dream by Samanta Schweblin, a tense and heartbreaking horror that investigates the repercussions of 'Soul Splitting' in the wake of agricultural poisoning in the Argentinian countryside. We talk tension in writing and how to guide readers through a story without even needing chapters, how to navigate the world of social media and publishing, and our novel takes an 'innocuous turn'.If you want to read what we have so far of our novel, follow the link to our website below.The next episode of the BRBC will come out on the 26th June where we will be reading A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles, a piece of historical fiction that counts as book number 6 of Nick's 'favourite books of all time', as it seems that all the books so far have been his favourite book of all time. Follow the links below for more details: Official Sitefollow us on Blueskyemail us: [email protected]

Today we chat about Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor, a fantasy novel the follows the story of orphan Lazlo Strange and Godspawn Sarai. Nick breaks down how Laini writes vivid and imaginative prose that reflects the world in which the story is set. We also discuss the implications of if this novel was set in the same universe as Inception, the release of Nick's latest novel Dissolution, and make a 15 year leap in our novel at the end.If you want to read what we have so far of our novel, follow the link to our website below.The next episode of the BRBC will come out on the 24th April where we will be reading Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor, a second world fantasy filled with creatures, angels, and all sorts of mystery. We will explore how Laini Taylor develops a fleshed out world through immaculate prose. Follow the links below for more details: Official Sitefollow us on Blueskyemail us: [email protected]

Today we chat about Planetfall by Emma Newman, Sci-fi set 20 years after humanity sets foot on a new planet in search of God's City. Nicholas helps us understand how Newman shifts the readers perspective to distrust the main character Renata Ghali's (not Renata Bliss) perspective on the story playing out. We also chat about our favourite cross-over universe headcannon, invented ailments, and continue our tonally jarring novel. If you want to read what we have so far of our novel, follow the link to our website below.The next episode of the BRBC will come out on the 24th April where we will be reading Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor, a second world fantasy filled with creatures, angels, and all sorts of mystery. We will explore how Laini Taylor develops a fleshed out world through immaculate prose. Follow the links below for more details: Official Sitefollow us on Blueskyemail us: [email protected]

This month we read We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker, a crime/thriller set in a small Californian town in the late 1990s but not all is as it seems. Nicholas helps us understand how Christ Whitaker builds up rich characters by delivering information in small bites from secondary parties, the show-not-tell approach I suppose. We also chat about inner monologues, books that feel like sequels but aren't, and we continue writing our novel in comedic fashion using the tips picked up in the episodeThe next episode of the BRBC will come out on the 27th march where we will be reading Planetfall by Emma Newman which follows a genius astronaut named Ren as she slowly discovers humanity's place in the universe. We will explore how Emma Newman uses an unreliable narrator to expand her story. Follow the links below for more details: Official Sitefollow us on Blueskyemail us: [email protected]

Let's get to know each other! In this episode we talk ghost writing a YA novel, our favourite creative outputs, and we write the first sentence of our novel. According to Nick starting a novel with 'Once upon a time...' is a pastiche that he hates but I think it could go somewhere. The first proper episode of the BRBC will come out on the 27th February. Follow the link below for more details: Official Sitefollow us on Blueskyemail us: [email protected]