The Side Quest Book Club Podcast

One of us has a theory that this book was ghostwritten and badly edited.Part 1 of 3 on SUNRISE ON THE REAPING by Suzanne Collins — the plot, top to bottom, full spoilers.Jules walks through the prose inconsistencies that made her suspect a second hand on the manuscript. Slava reread all three Hunger Games books and watched four movies out of spite, and still landed at 3.5 out of 5. We argue about whether Snow is a Disney villain, why Haymitch works as a foil to a character who isn't in this book, how much Edgar Allan Poe is too much Edgar Allan Poe, and the inventory scene that made someone physically facepalm. Ratings from all four of us at the end, plus the movie scenes we want most. Part two takes on themes and character arcs.—📺 SUBSCRIBEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/@sidequestpodcast🎧 LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSIONAll platforms: https://linktr.ee/asidequest🌐 JOIN THE GUILDOfficial website / Quest Log: https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/💬 FOLLOW OUR ADVENTURESInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcastTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcastDiscord: https://discord.gg/WAPRX9Hbq🎬 CREDITSHosts: Slava and JonathanEditing: CharacterNorth6081 — https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__Music: HoliznaCC0Distribution: Transistor.fm — https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slavaSide Quest Book Club is a podcast about books, the people who write them, and the tangents in between.Some links above are referral links. If you sign up through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.#SideQuestBookClub #SunriseOnTheReaping #HungerGames

How to start a podcast without waiting for perfect gear — just pick a narrow niche and find your 10 episode ideas.In this how-to episode, Slava and Jonathan walk through the actual process of launching a podcast in 2026, from defining your topic and audience to building a setup that fits your budget.They cover the 10-episode test that separates viable ideas from broad ones that get buried, why specificity wins over production value, and a breakdown of equipment options from $0 (phone in a closet) to $300+. Then they tour their own setup: Rode NTG1 mic, Elgato arm and key light, Govee background lights, and a full DSLR rig — plus tactics for finding it all cheaper on Facebook Marketplace.The bottom line: execution and consistency matter more than having the nicest gear when you start. Pick your niche, record 10 episodes, and upgrade as you grow.—📺 SUBSCRIBEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/@sidequestpodcast🎧 LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSIONAll platforms: https://linktr.ee/asidequest🌐 JOIN THE GUILDOfficial website / Quest Log: https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/💬 FOLLOW OUR ADVENTURESInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcastTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcastDiscord: https://discord.gg/WAPRX9Hbq🎬 CREDITSHosts: Slava and JonathanEditing: Wellerson Clemer https://www.behance.net/wellersonclemer123Music: HoliznaCC0Distribution: Transistor.fm — https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slavaSide Quest Book Club is a podcast about books, the people who write them, and the tangents in between.Some links above are referral links. If you sign up through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.#SideQuestBookClub #PetSematary #StephenKing

She built a magic system out of Gödel's incompleteness theorem.Physicist-turned-author Keon Shore on THE BAD APOTHECARY, book one of The Ninth Path, and the Jungian shadow underneath it.Keon walked away from physics, then spent years turning integral theory, Jung's shadow, and Daoist inner alchemy into a cultivation fantasy where doing magic wrong tears holes in reality. She explains how a universe with repressed truths became the engine of the series, why she wrote it so none of that has to be visible to enjoy the story, and how Chinese web novels shaped her stripped-down prose. Plus why she doesn't believe in dark matter, what she does when a chapter stops working, and where book two goes when it lands on September 9. Free to read on Royal Road.KEON SHOREThe Bad Apothecary (Ninth Path) — Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Apothecary-Ninth-Path/dp/B0GHWNYBK2/Read free on Royal Road: https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/144290/ninth-pathFollow Keone on Instagram: @keonshore_author—📺 SUBSCRIBEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/@sidequestpodcast🎧 LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSIONAll platforms: https://linktr.ee/asidequest🌐 JOIN THE GUILDOfficial website / Quest Log: https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/💬 FOLLOW OUR ADVENTURESInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcastTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcastDiscord: https://discord.gg/WAPRX9Hbq🎬 CREDITSHosts: Slava and JonathanEditing: CharacterNorth6081 — https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__Music: HoliznaCC0Distribution: Transistor.fm — https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slavaSide Quest Book Club is a podcast about books, the people who write them, and the tangents in between.Some links above are referral links. If you sign up through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.#SideQuestBookClub #TheBadApothecary #ProgressionFantasy

He stocked shelves at Barnes & Noble and kept the A-slot open for a book he hadn't sold yet.Crime thriller author Marc Avery on DISCIPLINE, ten years from first draft to physical book, and building an audience on Threads.A hundred rejections in, a bookseller told Marc to try one more time. He emailed an agent who had already turned him down years earlier, and she sold the book. He talks through what Discipline actually is under the buddy-cop surface — brotherhood, and how far you'd go for the people you love — and how the serial killer started as a side character and took over the novel. Plus why Threads is the only platform that ever worked for him, what he learned selling books out of a box at BookCon, and the RoboCop scene he rewinds every single time.MARC AVERYDiscipline: https://www.amazon.com/Discipline-Marc-Avery/dp/1957950722Follow Marc on Threads: @author_marc_avery—📺 SUBSCRIBEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/@sidequestpodcast🎧 LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSIONAll platforms: https://linktr.ee/asidequest🌐 JOIN THE GUILDOfficial website / Quest Log: https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/💬 FOLLOW OUR ADVENTURESInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcastTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcastDiscord: https://discord.gg/WAPRX9Hbq🎬 CREDITSHosts: Slava and JonathanEditing: CharacterNorth6081 — https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__Music: HoliznaCC0Distribution: Transistor.fm — https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slavaSide Quest Book Club is a podcast about books, the people who write them, and the tangents in between.Some links above are referral links. If you sign up through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.#SideQuestBookClub #MarcAvery #CrimeThriller

She was offline for ten years. She came back and built an anti-piracy platform for authors.Indie author and solo dev Jules Mourne on thing.pub — a free platform for sharing manuscripts without feeding them to AI.Jules walks us through how thing.pub actually works: device fingerprinting, watermarks embedded so they survive being run through a model, a kill switch for anyone poking at the dev console, and a reputation system that holds readers and authors to the same deal. She explains why it will always be free, why every server cost will be public, and why she won't take sponsorships from anyone large enough to attach strings. Plus what's broken about traditional publishing, the tabletop horror campaigns that fed her writing, and the cyberpunk novel she's building around social media as the antagonist.JULES MOURNEthing.pub — sign up and volunteer survey: https://thing.pubThreads: @jules.mourne—📺 SUBSCRIBEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/@sidequestpodcast🎧 LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSIONAll platforms: https://linktr.ee/asidequest🌐 JOIN THE GUILDOfficial website / Quest Log: https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/💬 FOLLOW OUR ADVENTURESInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcastTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcastDiscord: https://discord.gg/WAPRX9Hbq🎬 CREDITSHosts: Slava and JonathanEditing: CharacterNorth6081 — https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__Music: HoliznaCC0Distribution: Transistor.fm — https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slavaSide Quest Book Club is a podcast about books, the people who write them, and the tangents in between.Some links above are referral links. If you sign up through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.#SideQuestBookClub #IndieAuthors #WritingCommunity

Evan Kidwell was born three months premature, always the smallest kid in the room and the easiest target. From grade school through junior year of high school, bullying was constant. Books were his escape. Fantasy worlds were where he survived.Now he's an author.In this episode, Evan joins Side Quest Book Club to talk about Timaeus, his debut young adult fantasy novel about a hierarchy of powered individuals, a tyrannical government, and a protagonist whose superpower is resilience. We explore the childhood trauma that shaped Evan and his story, the dream that became the book's backbone, and why it took a keynote speaker and 400 witnesses to finally make him write it.We also cover the craft: how a villain with no motivation nearly killed his manuscript, what "pantsing" looks like at 100,000 words, why your first draft should be trash, and the editorial moment that transformed his story.Evan is a 2026 International Impact Awards finalist for Young Adult Fantasy and a 2025 Reader's Favorite Award silver medalist in Young Adult Mythology.Find Evan:📚 Timaeus on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJGYLK35🌐 tomatospark.com (join his newsletter — free gift included)📱 Instagram/Facebook: @evan_kidwell_author | Evan Kidwell Authorhttps://www.instagram.com/evan_kidwell_author/Vote for Evan in the 2026 International Impact Awards for Young Adult Fantasy: https://apply.internationalimpactbookawards.com/public-voting-formABOUT THE BOOKIn a world where power determines your place, one boy refuses to be defined by the system.Timeaous by Evan Kidwell is a young adult fantasy novel set in Mythantas, a society that ranks citizens by bloodline abilities and enforces conformity through fear. When Timeaous Spark faces the Trials, everything is at stake: status, belonging, and survival.Born without privilege in a world obsessed with power, Timeaous must navigate injustice, forge unlikely friendships, and find the courage to challenge rules never built for someone like him.Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, and The Hunger Games, Timaeus is a story about resilience, identity, and the cost of fighting for where you belong.🏆 2025 Reader's Favorite Award — Silver Medal, Young Adult Mythology🏆 2026 International Impact Awards — Finalist, Young Adult FantasyABOUT THE SIDE QUEST BOOK CLUB PODCAST Reading is the ultimate side quest. Side Quest is a casual book club podcast full of literary adventures. Join Slava and Jonathan as they discuss the books they are reading, life, history, belief systems, and more. Explore world-building, characters, and story development, and share some laughs along the way.New episodes drop every TUES. LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSION This is a video version of our audio podcast. Want to listen on the go?Find *Side Quest Book Club* on your favorite podcast app.🎧 **Subscribe on Any Platform https://linktr.ee/asidequest JOIN THE GUILD 🌐 Official Website / Quest Log:https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/ 💬 Follow Our Adventures on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcast CREDITS Hosts: Slava and JonathanPodcast Hosting & Distribution by Transistor.fm https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slava Intro/Outro Music: HoliznaCC0vEditing by: CharacterNorth6081  - Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/u/CharacterNorth6081/s/k3mFE9aGqh    - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__

Join us as we sit down with Mark Benson, author, entrepreneur, and founder of Writerly — the thriving community transforming writers into family.In this interview, Mark shares his unconventional journey from Chicago's South Side to Marquette University (where he discovered that medical school wasn't his calling) to becoming a passionate novelist and storyteller. We dive into:✍️ His writing process and what inspires his emotional storytelling📚 His published books and creative projects🏔️ How he built Writerly — an annual gathering of writers in the Smoky Mountains🎭 Balancing multiple careers (from the World's Largest Laundromat to Disney travel advisor)💡 Advice for aspiring writers and creative entrepreneursWhether you're a writer, aspiring author, or someone curious about creative entrepreneurship, this conversation will inspire you to bet on yourself.📖 Mark's Books: authormarkbenson.com/books🎙️ Subscribe for more author interviews & writing contentABOUT THE BOOKIsaac was just 8 when his abusive dad killed his mom, with the horror captured in a single Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph: little Isaac, being led from the house with his puppy Miles, splashed in blues and the reds of police lights. Today, he’s bullied at school, handled with kid gloves by his adoptive uncle, and spends most of his time with an old and gray Miles, hiding in his parents' abandoned house. But one evening, he discovers his mom’s telescope, tucked away in the old house’s attic. The gift tag on the box is written in crayon, To: Mom, From: Isaac. With national and local news swarming for comment on his dad’s upcoming parole hearing, he has to move in the shadows, and night after night that’s exactly where he finds Halley, the new girl at school with an odd affection for breaking into houses but, oddest of all, an affection for Isaac. Using the telescope, with Halley and Miles by his side, he first discovers memories of Mom he thought were lost forever. Then he discovers Planet Nine, a super planet ten times the size of Earth that, until Isaac’s eyes, has only been the stuff of astronomy legend. Now he has a choice: Continue to hide himself and the planet from the world, or risk letting a viral relapse spiral his life out of control again. The discovery of the millennium awaits his decision.ABOUT THE AUTHORHe grew up in Chicago's South Suburbs before heading to Marquette University, hoping to become a doctor. Turns out, he's no good at the medical sciences. He became an English major, fell in love with writing and editing, and has been doing both ever since. He bounced around newspapers, from Dallas to the Twin Cities and Milwaukee again, before finding his way back home to Oak Park, Ill.After a couple of decades running the family business — the World's Largest Laundromat in Berwyn — he decided to bet on himself: He's now a travel advisor specializing in Disney vacations and a restaurant host. But despite multiple career paths (including as a USPTA tennis instructor and a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador), he's always found his way back to writing.He's passionate about emotional stories and loves writing novels and stage plays. He encourages readers to check out all of his books.But nothing he does in writing will be as impactful as creating Writerly, the community of writing strangers-turned-family. This diverse group of talented writers meets once a year in the Smoky Mountains to write and enjoy each other's company.ABOUT THE SIDE QUEST BOOK CLUB PODCAST Reading is the ultimate side quest. Side Quest is a casual book club podcast full of literary adventures. Join Slava and Jonathan as they discuss the books they are reading, life, history, belief systems, and more. Explore world-building, characters, and story development, and share some laughs along the way.New episodes drop every TUES. LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSION This is a video version of our audio podcast. Want to listen on the go?Find *Side Quest Book Club* on your favorite podcast app.🎧 **Subscribe on Any Platform https://linktr.ee/asidequest JOIN THE GUILD 🌐 Official Website / Quest Log:https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/ 💬 Follow Our Adventures on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcast CREDITS Hosts: Slava and JonathanPodcast Hosting & Distribution by Transistor.fm https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slava Intro/Outro Music: HoliznaCC0vEditing by: CharacterNorth6081  - Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/u/CharacterNorth6081/s/k3mFE9aGqh    - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__

🚨 Announcement 🚨We are taking a break, but we also have author interviews. Subscribe, tune in, and join us on Discord. Link in bio or the comments.Or here:https://discord.gg/z3qYKnKC3ABOUT THE SIDE QUEST BOOK CLUB PODCAST Reading is the ultimate side quest. Side Quest is a casual book club podcast full of literary adventures. Join Slava and Jonathan as they discuss the books they are reading, life, history, belief systems, and much more. Explore world-building, characters, and story development—and share some laughs along the way.New episodes drop every TUES. LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSION This is a video version of our audio podcast. Want to listen on the go?Find *Side Quest Book Club* on your favorite podcast app.🎧 **Subscribe on Any Platform https://linktr.ee/asidequest JOIN THE GUILD 🌐 Official Website / Quest Log:https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/ 💬 Follow Our Adventures on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcast CREDITS Hosts: Slava and JonathanPodcast Hosting & Distribution by Transistor.fm https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slava Intro/Outro Music: HoliznaCC0vEditing by: CharacterNorth6081  - Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/u/CharacterNorth6081/s/k3mFE9aGqh    - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__

We finally finished Pride & Prejudice and have thoughts. In this season finale, Shiara, Jonathan, and Slava are joined by guest Lindsay to break down Volume 3: Darcy's secret intervention, the Lydia and Wickham disaster, the Pemberley awkward run-in, and whether Elizabeth Bennet deserves her happy ending (jury's still out).We also get into why gossip is the engine of the whole book, what makes Mr. Darcy the most underrated character in classic lit, and why texting would have solved literally everything.In this episode: Darcy's Pemberley behavior explained · The "I did it for you" moment · Lydia and Wickham: who's actually worse · Lady Catherine's unhinged house call · Elizabeth vs. Charlotte Lucas · Jane Austen's real life vs. the novel · BBC vs. Keira Knightley — which adaptation wins · Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy, explainedSubscribe so you don't miss it.ABOUT THE BOOKWhen Elizabeth Bennet first meets eligible bachelor Fitzwilliam Darcy, she thinks him arrogant and conceited; he is indifferent to her good looks and lively mind. When she later discovers that Darcy has involved himself in the troubled relationship between his friend Bingley and her beloved sister Jane, she is determined to dislike him more than ever. In the sparkling comedy of manners that follows, Jane Austen shows us the folly of judging by first impressions. She superbly evokes the friendships, gossip, and snobberies of provincial middle-class life. This Penguin Classics edition, based on Austen's first edition, contains the original Penguin Classics introduction by Tony Tanner and an updated introduction and notes by Viven Jones.ABOUT THE AUTHORJane Austen was born in 1775 in the small Hampshire village of Steventon, where her father was a Church of England clergyman. The household was large, creative, and deeply literary. This childhood shaped everything she would become as a writer. She began writing seriously as a teenager and spent the following decades crafting some of the most beloved novels in English, publishing them anonymously, identified only as "A Lady."She accepted a marriage proposal once but changed her mind the following day. She never married. In 1809, she settled into a cottage in Chawton, Hampshire — offered by her brother Edward — where she spent her most productive years, writing, revising, and publishing all six of her major novels. In 1817, she fell ill, moved to Winchester to be closer to her doctor, and died on July 18 of that year at just 41 years old. The world didn't learn her name until after she was gone. Today, she is considered one of the most famous and influential writers in English literature, celebrated for her elegant style, dry humor, and timeless explorations of love, reputation, and what it meant to be a woman with a mind of her own. More info here:  https://janeaustens.house/jane-austen/jane-austen-a-life/ABOUT THE SIDE QUEST BOOK CLUB PODCAST Reading is the ultimate side quest. Side Quest is a casual book club podcast full of literary adventures. Join Slava and Jonathan as they discuss the books they are reading, life, history, belief systems, and more. Explore world-building, characters, and story development, and share some laughs along the way.New episodes drop every TUES.LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSION This is a video version of our audio podcast. Want to listen on the go?Find *Side Quest Book Club* on your favorite podcast app.🎧 **Subscribe on Any Platform https://linktr.ee/asidequest JOIN THE GUILD 🌐 Official Website / Quest Log:https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/ 💬 Follow Our Adventures on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcast CREDITS Hosts: Slava and JonathanPodcast Hosting & Distribution by Transistor.fm https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slava Intro/Outro Music: HoliznaCC0vEditing by: CharacterNorth6081Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/u/CharacterNorth6081/s/k3mFE9aGqh  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__---Boost your YouTube audience with vidIQ. Use this link to unlock 500 bonus credits when you upgrade to a premium plan: https://vidiq.com/r/?code=39eAGs

Volume 2 of Pride and Prejudice delivers the most talked-about proposal in English literature and Darcy somehow manages to insult the woman he's proposing to while doing it. In this episode of Side Quest Book Club, Shiara, Slava, and Jonathan break down Charlotte's calculated decision to marry Mr. Collins, Jane's disappointing trip to London, Darcy's awkward courtship strategy, and the moment Elizabeth finally learns the full truth about Wickham.Plus: a hot take on Bridgerton that may cost us some subscribers.Next week we will finish the book with a special guest.Subscribe so you don't miss it.0:00 Intro & Volume 2 Overview2:52 Regency Marriage Markets: Age, Heirs & Power9:26 "Being Out" in Society Explained13:19 Boys vs. Girls: A Different Coming-of-Age18:08 Jane in London: A Friendship Revealed as Fake18:23 Rosings Park: Darcy's Awkward Courtship25:52 Marrying for Love Was Radical30:25 Darcy Proposes And Gets Rejected39:10 Darcy's Letter, Wickham's Truth & The Road to PemberleyABOUT THE BOOKWhen Elizabeth Bennet first meets eligible bachelor Fitzwilliam Darcy, she thinks him arrogant and conceited; he is indifferent to her good looks and lively mind. When she later discovers that Darcy has involved himself in the troubled relationship between his friend Bingley and her beloved sister Jane, she is determined to dislike him more than ever. In the sparkling comedy of manners that follows, Jane Austen shows us the folly of judging by first impressions. She superbly evokes the friendships, gossip, and snobberies of provincial middle-class life. This Penguin Classics edition, based on Austen's first edition, contains the original Penguin Classics introduction by Tony Tanner and an updated introduction and notes by Viven Jones.ABOUT THE AUTHORJane Austen was born in 1775 in the small Hampshire village of Steventon, where her father was a Church of England clergyman. The household was large, creative, and deeply literary. This childhood shaped everything she would become as a writer. She began writing seriously as a teenager and spent the following decades crafting some of the most beloved novels in English, publishing them anonymously, identified only as "A Lady."She accepted a marriage proposal once but changed her mind the following day. She never married. In 1809, she settled into a cottage in Chawton, Hampshire — offered by her brother Edward — where she spent her most productive years, writing, revising, and publishing all six of her major novels. In 1817, she fell ill, moved to Winchester to be closer to her doctor, and died on July 18 of that year at just 41 years old. The world didn't learn her name until after she was gone. Today, she is considered one of the most famous and influential writers in English literature, celebrated for her elegant style, dry humor, and timeless explorations of love, reputation, and what it meant to be a woman with a mind of her own. More info here:  https://janeaustens.house/jane-austen/jane-austen-a-life/ABOUT THE SIDE QUEST BOOK CLUB PODCAST Reading is the ultimate side quest. Side Quest is a casual book club podcast full of literary adventures. Join Slava and Jonathan as they discuss the books they are reading, life, history, belief systems, and more. Explore world-building, characters, and story development, and share some laughs along the way.New episodes drop every TUES.LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSION This is a video version of our audio podcast. Want to listen on the go?Find *Side Quest Book Club* on your favorite podcast app.🎧 **Subscribe on Any Platform https://linktr.ee/asidequest JOIN THE GUILD 🌐 Official Website / Quest Log:https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/ 💬 Follow Our Adventures on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcast CREDITS Hosts: Slava and JonathanPodcast Hosting & Distribution by Transistor.fm https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slava Intro/Outro Music: HoliznaCC0vEditing by: CharacterNorth6081Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/u/CharacterNorth6081/s/k3mFE9aGqh  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__

In this episode, Shiara, Slava, and Jonathan dig into Volume 1 of Pride and Prejudice, and things get surprisingly heated. We break down why Jane Austen was basically living her own novel, why Mrs. Bennet is actually more tragic than she is crazy, and why Mr. Darcy is either the most misunderstood man in literary history — or just a really well-dressed snob.Also: Jonathan was not bamboozled by Wickham (for the wrong reasons), Slava almost ruined Thanksgiving, and we had a full debate about the Georgian vs. Victorian era that started before church and ended on air.Part 2 is coming. There is a lot more book to get through.ABOUT THE BOOKWhen Elizabeth Bennet first meets eligible bachelor Fitzwilliam Darcy, she thinks him arrogant and conceited; he is indifferent to her good looks and lively mind. When she later discovers that Darcy has involved himself in the troubled relationship between his friend Bingley and her beloved sister Jane, she is determined to dislike him more than ever. In the sparkling comedy of manners that follows, Jane Austen shows us the folly of judging by first impressions. She superbly evokes the friendships, gossip, and snobberies of provincial middle-class life. This Penguin Classics edition, based on Austen's first edition, contains the original Penguin Classics introduction by Tony Tanner and an updated introduction and notes by Viven Jones.ABOUT THE AUTHORJane Austen was born in 1775 in the small Hampshire village of Steventon, where her father was a Church of England clergyman. The household was large, creative, and deeply literary — a childhood that shaped everything she would become as a writer. She began writing seriously as a teenager and spent the following decades crafting some of the most beloved novels in the English language, publishing them anonymously, identified only as "A Lady." She accepted a marriage proposal once but changed her mind the following day. She never married. In 1809, she settled into a cottage in Chawton, Hampshire — offered by her brother Edward — where her most productive years followed and where she wrote, revised, and published all six of her major novels. In 1817 she fell ill, moved to Winchester to be closer to her doctor, and died on July 18 of that year at just 41 years old. The world didn't learn her name until after she was gone. Today she is considered one of the most famous and influential writers in English literature, celebrated for her elegant style, dry humor, and timeless explorations of love, reputation, and what it meant to be a woman with a mind of her own. More info here:  https://janeaustens.house/jane-austen/jane-austen-a-life/ABOUT THE SIDE QUEST BOOK CLUB PODCAST Reading is the ultimate side quest. Side Quest is a casual book club podcast full of literary adventures. Join Slava and Jonathan as they discuss the books they are reading, life, history, belief systems, and more. Explore world-building, characters, and story development, and share some laughs along the way.New episodes drop every TUES.LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSION This is a video version of our audio podcast. Want to listen on the go?Find *Side Quest Book Club* on your favorite podcast app.🎧 **Subscribe on Any Platform https://linktr.ee/asidequest JOIN THE GUILD 🌐 Official Website / Quest Log:https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/ 💬 Follow Our Adventures on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcast CREDITS Hosts: Slava and JonathanPodcast Hosting & Distribution by Transistor.fm https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slava Intro/Outro Music: HoliznaCC0vEditing by: CharacterNorth6081Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/u/CharacterNorth6081/s/k3mFE9aGqh  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__

Debbie Show joins the SideQuest crew to talk about all of it — what really happened, what she changed, and why she hired a developmental editor for two years instead of just writing the book she could have written the day her sister was arrested. We get into bibliotherapy, writing as trauma processing, the Kirkus review, and why developmental editors might be better than therapists. Slava also drops one of the most honest things anyone has said on this show. If this book moved you — leave Debbie a review. She earned it.ABOUT THE BOOKWhen Abigail Jones learns of her sister Nikki’s third arrest, she’s pulled into a spiral of questions: Was it fate, family, or something buried even deeper? As Abigail begins to piece together the past, she uncovers a trail of silence and survival that stretches across continents and generations.From a 1940s Moroccan household where a young maid bears witness to the origins of a generational wound, to the sun-washed suburbs of 1970s California, and finally to 2023—told through podcast transcripts, court documents, and splintered memory—Paper Roses follows Abigail’s search for answers, her confrontation with the sister she thought she knew, and her reckoning with a legacy neither of them could escape.A haunting story of loyalty, silence, and the cost of breaking free, Paper Roses is perfect for readers of The Vanishing Half, Little Fires Everywhere, and The Paper Palace.ABOUT THE AUTHORAuthor Debby Show is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and School Psychologist based in California. With years of experience working with individuals and families, she brings a deep understanding of human behavior, relationships, and generational dynamics to her fiction.Though Paper Roses is her debut novel, Debby has honed her craft through coaching, writing workshops, and a lifelong passion for storytelling. Inspired by real history and intimate truths, her work explores how the past shapes who we become.She also happens to be the sister of a rather infamous public figure—a detail that has made family gatherings interesting, to say the least. While this is a work of fiction, it draws inspiration from real-life experiences. That said, the spotlight in this story belongs to the generations of women whose legacies are woven across time.ABOUT THE SIDE QUEST BOOK CLUB PODCAST Reading is the ultimate side quest. Side Quest is a casual book club podcast full of literary adventures. Join Slava and Jonathan as they discuss the books they are reading, life, history, belief systems, and more. Explore world-building, characters, and story development, and share some laughs along the way.New episodes drop every TUES.LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSION This is a video version of our audio podcast. Want to listen on the go?Find *Side Quest Book Club* on your favorite podcast app.🎧 **Subscribe on Any Platform https://linktr.ee/asidequest JOIN THE GUILD 🌐 Official Website / Quest Log:https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/ 💬 Follow Our Adventures on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcast CREDITS Hosts: Slava and JonathanPodcast Hosting & Distribution by Transistor.fm https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slava Intro/Outro Music: HoliznaCC0vEditing by: CharacterNorth6081Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/u/CharacterNorth6081/s/k3mFE9aGqh  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__

We're back to wrap up Paper Roses by debut indie author Debbie Show, and she did not disappoint. In Part 2, we cover the second half of this semi-autobiographical slice-of-life novel: betrayal, financial fraud, ethical spirals, forgiveness, and one of the most satisfying endings we've seen from a first-time author.We also explore why writing is a powerful tool for processing trauma. Slava shares an update on his autobiographical horror short story, and we discuss how slowing down to write or journal can change how you see your own story.Tune in, then go show Debbie some love — leave her a review on Amazon, Audible, or Spotify. Next week, she joins us live, so drop your questions in the comments!ABOUT THE BOOKWhen Abigail Jones learns of her sister Nikki’s third arrest, she’s pulled into a spiral of questions: Was it fate, family, or something buried even deeper? As Abigail begins to piece together the past, she uncovers a trail of silence and survival that stretches across continents and generations.From a 1940s Moroccan household where a young maid bears witness to the origins of a generational wound, to the sun-washed suburbs of 1970s California, and finally to 2023—told through podcast transcripts, court documents, and splintered memory—Paper Roses follows Abigail’s search for answers, her confrontation with the sister she thought she knew, and her reckoning with a legacy neither of them could escape.A haunting story of loyalty, silence, and the cost of breaking free, Paper Roses is perfect for readers of The Vanishing Half, Little Fires Everywhere, and The Paper Palace.ABOUT THE AUTHORAuthor Debby Show is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and School Psychologist based in California. With years of experience working with individuals and families, she brings a deep understanding of human behavior, relationships, and generational dynamics to her fiction.Though Paper Roses is her debut novel, Debby has honed her craft through coaching, writing workshops, and a lifelong passion for storytelling. Inspired by real history and intimate truths, her work explores how the past shapes who we become.She also happens to be the sister of a rather infamous public figure—a detail that has made family gatherings interesting, to say the least. While this is a work of fiction, it draws inspiration from real-life experiences. That said, the spotlight in this story belongs to the generations of women whose legacies are woven across time.ABOUT THE SIDE QUEST BOOK CLUB PODCAST Reading is the ultimate side quest. Side Quest is a casual book club podcast full of literary adventures. Join Slava and Jonathan as they discuss the books they are reading, life, history, belief systems, and more. Explore world-building, characters, and story development, and share some laughs along the way.New episodes drop every TUES.LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSION This is a video version of our audio podcast. Want to listen on the go?Find *Side Quest Book Club* on your favorite podcast app.🎧 **Subscribe on Any Platform https://linktr.ee/asidequest JOIN THE GUILD 🌐 Official Website / Quest Log:https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/ 💬 Follow Our Adventures on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcast CREDITS Hosts: Slava and JonathanPodcast Hosting & Distribution by Transistor.fm https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slava Intro/Outro Music: HoliznaCC0vEditing by: CharacterNorth6081Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/u/CharacterNorth6081/s/k3mFE9aGqh  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__

What happens when family secrets span generations? When loyalty and survival become entangled with trauma?In Part 1 of our deep dive into Paper Roses by Debby Show, we're introduced to 13-year-old Abigail in 1970s San Jose as her world spirals into chaos—all before breakfast. From her brilliant but troubled younger sister to a mother medicated into numbness and a father whose absence is deafening, this opening section sets the stage for a haunting exploration of inherited dysfunction.ABOUT THE BOOKWhen Abigail Jones learns of her sister Nikki’s third arrest, she’s pulled into a spiral of questions: Was it fate, family, or something buried even deeper? As Abigail begins to piece together the past, she uncovers a trail of silence and survival that stretches across continents and generations.From a 1940s Moroccan household where a young maid bears witness to the origins of a generational wound, to the sun-washed suburbs of 1970s California, and finally to 2023—told through podcast transcripts, court documents, and splintered memory—Paper Roses follows Abigail’s search for answers, her confrontation with the sister she thought she knew, and her reckoning with a legacy neither of them could escape.A haunting story of loyalty, silence, and the cost of breaking free, Paper Roses is perfect for readers of The Vanishing Half, Little Fires Everywhere, and The Paper Palace.ABOUT THE AUTHORAuthor Debby Show is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and School Psychologist based in California. With years of experience working with individuals and families, she brings a deep understanding of human behavior, relationships, and generational dynamics to her fiction.Though Paper Roses is her debut novel, Debby has honed her craft through coaching, writing workshops, and a lifelong passion for storytelling. Inspired by real history and intimate truths, her work explores how the past shapes who we become.She also happens to be the sister of a rather infamous public figure—a detail that has made family gatherings interesting, to say the least. While this is a work of fiction, it draws inspiration from real-life experiences. That said, the spotlight in this story belongs to the generations of women whose legacies are woven across time.ABOUT THE SIDE QUEST BOOK CLUB PODCAST Reading is the ultimate side quest. Side Quest is a casual book club podcast full of literary adventures. Join Slava and Jonathan as they discuss the books they are reading, life, history, belief systems, and more. Explore world-building, characters, and story development, and share some laughs along the way.New episodes drop every TUES.LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSION This is a video version of our audio podcast. Want to listen on the go?Find *Side Quest Book Club* on your favorite podcast app.🎧 **Subscribe on Any Platform https://linktr.ee/asidequest JOIN THE GUILD 🌐 Official Website / Quest Log:https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/ 💬 Follow Our Adventures on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcast CREDITS Hosts: Slava and JonathanPodcast Hosting & Distribution by Transistor.fm https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slava Intro/Outro Music: HoliznaCC0vEditing by: CharacterNorth6081Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/u/CharacterNorth6081/s/k3mFE9aGqh  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__

Raskolnikov finally confesses — but does he ever actually believe he did anything wrong? We're joined by special guest J.F. Ramos to close out Crime and Punishment with hot takes on guilt, redemption, nihilism, and what Dostoevsky was really trying to say in that epilogue. We also get into small talk as a gateway to real connection, why your friend count matters more than your therapist, and somehow end up comparing Raskolnikov to Holden Caulfield. Next episode, we're reading Paper Roses by indie author Debbie Shaw — drop your Crime and Punishment takes in the comments before we move on.ABOUT THE BOOKIn the bleak heat of 19th-century St. Petersburg, Rodion Raskolnikov, a brilliant but destitute former student, wanders the streets nursing a dangerous theory. He believes that "extraordinary" men are above the moral law of the masses and have the right—even the duty—to commit crimes for the greater good.To prove his superiority, Raskolnikov executes a cold-blooded plan to murder an unscrupulous old pawnbroker. The "perfect crime" quickly spirals into a psychological nightmare. Haunted by guilt, paranoia, and the mind games of investigator Porfiry Petrovich, Raskolnikov begins to crumble.His only hope for redemption lies in Sonya Marmeladov, a young woman forced into hardship who maintains a self-sacrificing faith. As the walls close in, Raskolnikov must choose between a life of mental imprisonment or the path toward spiritual rebirth and confession.ABOUT THE SIDE QUEST BOOK CLUB PODCAST Reading is the ultimate side quest. Side Quest is a casual book club podcast full of literary adventures. Join Slava and Jonathan as they discuss the books they are reading, life, history, belief systems, and much more. Explore world-building, characters, and story development—and share some laughs along the way.New episodes drop every TUES. LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSION This is a video version of our audio podcast. Want to listen on the go?Find *Side Quest Book Club* on your favorite podcast app.🎧 **Subscribe on Any Platform https://linktr.ee/asidequest JOIN THE GUILD 🌐 Official Website / Quest Log:https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/ 💬 Follow Our Adventures on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcast CREDITS Hosts: Slava and JonathanPodcast Hosting & Distribution by Transistor.fm https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slava Intro/Outro Music: HoliznaCC0vEditing by: CharacterNorth6081  - Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/u/CharacterNorth6081/s/k3mFE9aGqh    - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__

Jonathan and Slava are back, and again they've dragged Kris and Josh into the chaos. In Part 3, Porfiry plays mind games, Raskolnikov slowly unravels, a painter randomly confesses to a murder he didn't commit, and Katerina remains everyone's least favorite character. Nobody is okay. Not the characters. Not the hosts. Not the guests. Especially not Josh.ABOUT THE BOOKIn the bleak heat of 19th-century St. Petersburg, Rodion Raskolnikov, a brilliant but destitute former student, wanders the streets nursing a dangerous theory. He believes that "extraordinary" men are above the moral law of the masses and have the right—even the duty—to commit crimes for the greater good.To prove his superiority, Raskolnikov executes a cold-blooded plan to murder an unscrupulous old pawnbroker. The "perfect crime" quickly spirals into a psychological nightmare. Haunted by guilt, paranoia, and the mind games of investigator Porfiry Petrovich, Raskolnikov begins to crumble.His only hope for redemption lies in Sonya Marmeladov, a young woman forced into hardship who maintains a self-sacrificing faith. As the walls close in, Raskolnikov must choose between a life of mental imprisonment or the path toward spiritual rebirth and confession.ABOUT THE SIDE QUEST BOOK CLUB PODCAST Reading is the ultimate side quest. Side Quest is a casual book club podcast full of literary adventures. Join Slava and Jonathan as they discuss the books they are reading, life, history, belief systems, and more. Explore world-building, characters, and story development, and share some laughs along the way.New episodes drop every TUES. LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSION This is a video version of our audio podcast. Want to listen on the go?Find *Side Quest Book Club* on your favorite podcast app.🎧 **Subscribe on Any Platform https://linktr.ee/asidequest JOIN THE GUILD 🌐 Official Website / Quest Log:https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/ 💬 Follow Our Adventures on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcast CREDITS Hosts: Slava and JonathanPodcast Hosting & Distribution by Transistor.fm https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slava Intro/Outro Music: HoliznaCC0vEditing by: CharacterNorth6081  - Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/u/CharacterNorth6081/s/k3mFE9aGqh    - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__

The gang continues its trek through St. Petersburg. No pawnbrokers were harmed during the filming of this episode. Join us as we examine the complex themes of Fyodor Dostoevsky's 'Crime and Punishment,' including Raskolnikov's psychology, the critique of the Great Man Theory, and the characters' moral dilemmas. This episode provides insights into morality, pride, and the metaphysical forces that shape human choices.RESOURCES TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND THE BOOKDostoevsky’s "Crime and Punishment": A Reader’s Guide (Cultural Syllabus): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Q8RRZ7H?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_digi_asin_title_351Cliff's Notes: https://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/c/crime-and-punishment/book-summarySuper Summary (least helpful, but worth consulting): https://www.supersummary.com/crime-and-punishment/summary/?searchId=78e20184-cb8a-4498-8570-a1d06cb38115&searchPosition=1ABOUT THE BOOKIn the bleak heat of 19th-century St. Petersburg, Rodion Raskolnikov, a brilliant but destitute former student, wanders the streets nursing a dangerous theory. He believes that "extraordinary" men are above the moral law of the masses and have the right—even the duty—to commit crimes for the greater good.To prove his superiority, Raskolnikov executes a cold-blooded plan to murder an unscrupulous old pawnbroker. The "perfect crime" quickly spirals into a psychological nightmare. Haunted by guilt, paranoia, and the mind games of investigator Porfiry Petrovich, Raskolnikov begins to crumble.His only hope for redemption lies in Sonya Marmeladov, a young woman forced into hardship who maintains a self-sacrificing faith. As the walls close in, Raskolnikov must choose between a life of mental imprisonment or the path toward spiritual rebirth and confession.ABOUT THE SIDE QUEST BOOK CLUB PODCAST Reading is the ultimate side quest. Side Quest is a casual book club podcast full of literary adventures. Join Slava and Jonathan as they discuss the books they are reading, life, history, belief systems, and more. Explore world-building, characters, and story development, and share some laughs along the way.New episodes drop every TUES. LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSION This is a video version of our audio podcast. Want to listen on the go?Find *Side Quest Book Club* on your favorite podcast app.🎧 **Subscribe on Any Platform https://linktr.ee/asidequest JOIN THE GUILD 🌐 Official Website / Quest Log:https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/ 💬 Follow Our Adventures on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcast CREDITS Hosts: Slava and JonathanPodcast Hosting & Distribution by Transistor.fm https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slava Intro/Outro Music: HoliznaCC0vEditing by: CharacterNorth6081  - Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/u/CharacterNorth6081/s/k3mFE9aGqh    - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__

Kris joins us to discuss another serialized classic. This time it is Fyodor Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODEDostoevsky’s "Crime and Punishment": A Reader’s Guide (Cultural Syllabus): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Q8RRZ7H?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_digi_asin_title_351Cliff's Notes: https://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/c/crime-and-punishment/book-summarySuper Summary (least helpful, but worth consulting): https://www.supersummary.com/crime-and-punishment/summary/?searchId=78e20184-cb8a-4498-8570-a1d06cb38115&searchPosition=1ABOUT THE BOOKIn the bleak heat of 19th-century St. Petersburg, Rodion Raskolnikov, a brilliant but destitute former student, wanders the streets nursing a dangerous theory. He believes that "extraordinary" men are above the moral law of the masses and have the right—even the duty—to commit crimes for the greater good.To prove his superiority, Raskolnikov executes a cold-blooded plan to murder an unscrupulous old pawnbroker. The "perfect crime" quickly spirals into a psychological nightmare. Haunted by guilt, paranoia, and the mind games of investigator Porfiry Petrovich, Raskolnikov begins to crumble.His only hope for redemption lies in Sonya Marmeladov, a young woman forced into hardship who maintains a self-sacrificing faith. As the walls close in, Raskolnikov must choose between a life of mental imprisonment or the path toward spiritual rebirth and confession.ABOUT THE SIDE QUEST BOOK CLUB PODCAST Reading is the ultimate side quest. Side Quest is a casual book club podcast full of literary adventures. Join Slava and Jonathan as they discuss the books they are reading, life, history, belief systems, and more. Explore world-building, characters, and story development, and share some laughs along the way.New episodes drop every TUES. LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSION This is a video version of our audio podcast. Want to listen on the go?Find *Side Quest Book Club* on your favorite podcast app.🎧 **Subscribe on Any Platform https://linktr.ee/asidequest JOIN THE GUILD 🌐 Official Website / Quest Log:https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/ 💬 Follow Our Adventures on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcast CREDITS Hosts: Slava and JonathanPodcast Hosting & Distribution by Transistor.fm https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slava Intro/Outro Music: HoliznaCC0vEditing by: CharacterNorth6081  - Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/u/CharacterNorth6081/s/k3mFE9aGqh    - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__

In this mini-episode, Jonathan recounts how he came to hate Crime and Punishment. Not to worry, he eventually came around.ABOUT THE BOOKIn the bleak heat of 19th-century St. Petersburg, Rodion Raskolnikov, a brilliant but destitute former student, wanders the streets nursing a dangerous theory. He believes that "extraordinary" men are above the moral law of the masses and have the right—even the duty—to commit crimes for the greater good.To prove his superiority, Raskolnikov executes a cold-blooded plan to murder an unscrupulous old pawnbroker. The "perfect crime" quickly spirals into a psychological nightmare. Haunted by guilt, paranoia, and the mind games of investigator Porfiry Petrovich, Raskolnikov begins to crumble.His only hope for redemption lies in Sonya Marmeladov, a young woman forced into hardship who maintains a self-sacrificing faith. As the walls close in, Raskolnikov must choose between a life of mental imprisonment or the path toward spiritual rebirth and confession.ABOUT THE SIDE QUEST BOOK CLUB PODCAST Reading is the ultimate side quest. Side Quest is a casual book club podcast full of literary adventures. Join Slava and Jonathan as they discuss the books they are reading, life, history, belief systems, and more. Explore world-building, characters, and story development, and share some laughs along the way.New episodes drop every TUES. LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSION This is a video version of our audio podcast. Want to listen on the go?Find *Side Quest Book Club* on your favorite podcast app.🎧 **Subscribe on Any Platform https://linktr.ee/asidequest JOIN THE GUILD 🌐 Official Website / Quest Log:https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/ 💬 Follow Our Adventures on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcast CREDITS Hosts: Slava and JonathanPodcast Hosting & Distribution by Transistor.fm https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slava Intro/Outro Music: HoliznaCC0vEditing by: CharacterNorth6081  - Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/u/CharacterNorth6081/s/k3mFE9aGqh    - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__

Calling all indie authors! Join us here on YouTube to chat about books, stories, and promote your book. ABOUT THE SIDE QUEST BOOK CLUB PODCAST Reading is the ultimate side quest. Side Quest is a casual book club podcast full of literary adventures. Join Slava and Jonathan as they discuss the books they are reading, life, history, belief systems, and much more. Explore world-building, characters, and story development—and share some laughs along the way.New episodes drop every TUES. LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSION This is a video version of our audio podcast. Want to listen on the go?Find *Side Quest Book Club* on your favorite podcast app.🎧 **Subscribe on Any Platform https://linktr.ee/asidequest JOIN THE GUILD 🌐 Official Website / Quest Log:https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/ 💬 Follow Our Adventures on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcast CREDITS Hosts: Slava and JonathanPodcast Hosting & Distribution by Transistor.fm https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slava Intro/Outro Music: HoliznaCC0vEditing by: CharacterNorth6081  - Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/u/CharacterNorth6081/s/k3mFE9aGqh    - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__

In this mini-episode, Slava sets the context for understanding Fyodor Dostoevsky's classic, Crime and Punishment.ABOUT THE BOOKIn the bleak heat of 19th-century St. Petersburg, Rodion Raskolnikov, a brilliant but destitute former student, wanders the streets nursing a dangerous theory. He believes that "extraordinary" men are above the moral law of the masses and have the right—even the duty—to commit crimes for the greater good.To prove his superiority, Raskolnikov executes a cold-blooded plan to murder an unscrupulous old pawnbroker. The "perfect crime" quickly spirals into a psychological nightmare. Haunted by guilt, paranoia, and the mind games of investigator Porfiry Petrovich, Raskolnikov begins to crumble.His only hope for redemption lies in Sonya Marmeladov, a young woman forced into hardship who maintains a self-sacrificing faith. As the walls close in, Raskolnikov must choose between a life of mental imprisonment or the path toward spiritual rebirth and confession.ABOUT THE SIDE QUEST BOOK CLUB PODCAST Reading is the ultimate side quest. Side Quest is a casual book club podcast full of literary adventures. Join Slava and Jonathan as they discuss the books they are reading, life, history, belief systems, and more. Explore world-building, characters, and story development, and share some laughs along the way.New episodes drop every TUES. LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSION This is a video version of our audio podcast. Want to listen on the go?Find *Side Quest Book Club* on your favorite podcast app.🎧 **Subscribe on Any Platform https://linktr.ee/asidequest JOIN THE GUILD 🌐 Official Website / Quest Log:https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/ 💬 Follow Our Adventures on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcast CREDITS Hosts: Slava and JonathanPodcast Hosting & Distribution by Transistor.fm https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slava Intro/Outro Music: HoliznaCC0vEditing by: CharacterNorth6081  - Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/u/CharacterNorth6081/s/k3mFE9aGqh    - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__

Jonathan, Slava, Spenser, and Josh watched the recent Project Hail Mary movie and had some thoughts...ABOUT THE MOVIE The wait is finally over! Project Hail Mary, the long-awaited adaptation of Andy Weir's bestselling novel, is officially in theaters and IMAX. Directed by the visionary duo Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (Spider-Verse, The LEGO Movie), this sci-fi epic stars Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace—a middle-school science teacher who wakes up millions of miles from home with no memory of how he got there. He soon realizes he is humanity's last hope to stop the Astrophage, a space-borne threat that is literally eating our Sun.ABOUT THE BOOKProject Hail Mary by Andy Weir: The Ultimate Survival Story 🚀Ryland Grace wakes up on a spaceship with two dead crewmates and zero memory of how he got there. As his mind clears, he remembers the stakes: Earth’s sun is being consumed by a microscopic parasite called Astrophage, and he is the sole survivor of a last-ditch mission to Tau Ceti to find a cure.Facing impossible odds, Ryland must "science" his way through a series of interstellar disasters. But he soon discovers he isn’t the only one trying to save their home world. He joins forces with an unlikely alien ally, Rocky, in a race against time to save two civilizations from total extinction.ABOUT THE SIDE QUEST BOOK CLUB PODCAST Reading is the ultimate side quest. Side Quest is a casual book club podcast full of literary adventures. Join Slava and Jonathan as they discuss the books they are reading, life, history, belief systems, and much more. Explore world-building, characters, and story development—and share some laughs along the way.New episodes drop every TUES. LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSION This is a video version of our audio podcast. Want to listen on the go?Find *Side Quest Book Club* on your favorite podcast app.🎧 **Subscribe on Any Platform https://linktr.ee/asidequest JOIN THE GUILD 🌐 Official Website / Quest Log:https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/ 💬 Follow Our Adventures on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcast CREDITS Hosts: Slava and JonathanPodcast Hosting & Distribution by Transistor.fm https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slava Intro/Outro Music: HoliznaCC0vEditing by: CharacterNorth6081  - Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/u/CharacterNorth6081/s/k3mFE9aGqh    - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__

We're still on Cradle, Side Questers. But this is our last episode covering this book. We are on the ninth book in Will Wight's Cradle series, Bloodline. And it gets a little spicy.  Frankly, it's embarrassing. But only for Jonathan.ABOUT THE BOOKIn Bloodline (Cradle Book 9) by Will Wight, Lindon returns to Sacred Valley to evacuate his family and villagers before the Wandering Titan Dreadgod destroys the area. Although he possesses great power, an ancient curse limits his abilities, complicating his efforts as he encounters resistant villagers and strained family relationships.ABOUT THE SIDE QUEST BOOK CLUB PODCAST Reading is the ultimate side quest. Side Quest is a casual book club podcast full of literary adventures. Join Slava and Jonathan as they discuss the books they are reading, life, history, belief systems, and much more. Explore world-building, characters, and story development—and share some laughs along the way.New episodes drop every TUES. LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSION This is a video version of our audio podcast. Want to listen on the go?Find *Side Quest Book Club* on your favorite podcast app.🎧 **Subscribe on Any Platform https://linktr.ee/asidequest JOIN THE GUILD 🌐 Official Website / Quest Log:https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/ 💬 Follow Our Adventures on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcast CREDITS Hosts: Slava and JonathanPodcast Hosting & Distribution by Transistor.fm https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slava Intro/Outro Music: HoliznaCC0vEditing by: CharacterNorth6081  - Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/u/CharacterNorth6081/s/k3mFE9aGqh    - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__

We're still on Cradle, Side Questers. We are on the ninth book in Will Wight's Cradle series, Bloodline. And it gets a little spicy.  Frankly, it's embarrassing. But only for Jonathan.ABOUT THE BOOKIn Bloodline (Cradle Book 9) by Will Wight, Lindon returns to Sacred Valley to evacuate his family and villagers before the Wandering Titan Dreadgod destroys the area. Although he possesses great power, an ancient curse limits his abilities, complicating his efforts as he encounters resistant villagers and strained family relationships.ABOUT THE SIDE QUEST BOOK CLUB PODCAST Reading is the ultimate side quest. Side Quest is a casual book club podcast full of literary adventures. Join Slava and Jonathan as they discuss the books they are reading, life, history, belief systems, and much more. Explore world-building, characters, and story development—and share some laughs along the way.New episodes drop every TUES. LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSION This is a video version of our audio podcast. Want to listen on the go?Find *Side Quest Book Club* on your favorite podcast app.🎧 **Subscribe on Any Platform https://linktr.ee/asidequest JOIN THE GUILD 🌐 Official Website / Quest Log:https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/ 💬 Follow Our Adventures on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcast CREDITS Hosts: Slava and JonathanPodcast Hosting & Distribution by Transistor.fm https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slava Intro/Outro Music: HoliznaCC0vEditing by: CharacterNorth6081  - Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/u/CharacterNorth6081/s/k3mFE9aGqh    - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__

This week, we go back to Cradle, Side Questers. We are on the ninth book in Will Wight's Cradle series, Bloodline. And it gets a little spicy.  Frankly, it's embarrassing. But only for Jonathan.ABOUT THE BOOKIn Bloodline (Cradle Book 9) by Will Wight, Lindon returns to Sacred Valley to evacuate his family and villagers before the Wandering Titan Dreadgod destroys the area. Although he possesses great power, an ancient curse limits his abilities, complicating his efforts as he encounters resistant villagers and strained family relationships.ABOUT THE SIDE QUEST BOOK CLUB PODCAST Reading is the ultimate side quest. Side Quest is a casual book club podcast full of literary adventures. Join Slava and Jonathan as they discuss the books they are reading, life, history, belief systems, and much more. Explore world-building, characters, and story development—and share some laughs along the way.New episodes drop every TUES. LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSION This is a video version of our audio podcast. Want to listen on the go?Find *Side Quest Book Club* on your favorite podcast app.🎧 **Subscribe on Any Platform https://linktr.ee/asidequest JOIN THE GUILD 🌐 Official Website / Quest Log:https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/ 💬 Follow Our Adventures on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcast CREDITS Hosts: Slava and JonathanPodcast Hosting & Distribution by Transistor.fm https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slava Intro/Outro Music: HoliznaCC0vEditing by: CharacterNorth6081  - Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/u/CharacterNorth6081/s/k3mFE9aGqh    - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__

This time, we sit down with author Debby Show. We talk generational trauma and her debut novel, Paper Novels. Author Debby Show is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and School Psychologist based in California. With years of experience with individuals and families, she brings a deep understanding of human behavior, relationships, and generational dynamics to her fiction.00:00 Introduction to Debbie Show and 'Paper Roses.'10:10 The Role of the Scapegoat in Families17:47 Understanding Intergenerational Trauma26:07 The Impact of Debbie's Sister's Actions39:06 The Nature vs. Nurture Debate41:45 Writing Advice for Aspiring AuthorsJOIN THE GUILD 🌐 Official Website / Quest Log:https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/ 💬 Follow Our Adventures on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcast Threads:CREDITS Hosts: Slava and JonathanPodcast Hosting & Distribution by Transistor.fm https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slava Intro/Outro Music: HoliznaCC0vEditing by: CharacterNorth6081  - Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/u/CharacterNorth6081/s/k3mFE9aGqh    - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__

Hey Side Questers! We are back with part 4 of our discussion of Nicholas Keating Casbarro's Vitalerium: Descent into the Void. Nick joins us for this final episode. We get a little taste of the next book in the series.ABOUT THE BOOKNearly six centuries have passed since humanity discovered vitalerium, which ushered in a golden age of space exploration and colonization. Planet Deorum’s society is centered around this illustrious, gravity-bending blue crystal. The year is 2701.Following a near-fatal disaster, roughneck freelancer Roman Matthews becomes unwittingly trapped at the center of a harrowing conspiracy. Hunted by Deorum’s government, the Coalition for Prosperity, Roman must use his deadly skillset to survive against all odds.Roman and his band of unlikely allies will discover that the Coalition’s indiscretions threaten the delicate balance of advanced civilization. As a sect of the Coalition prepares to implement its Machiavellian vision of utopia, the proverbial pendulum begins to swing toward chaosVitalerium World:Website: https://vitaleriumseries.com/Nick’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/InsideVitalerium YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkGe5mgjNnAl2VJ3E5TBmAg Insta: https://www.instagram.com/vitaleriumseries Twitter: https://x.com/vitalerium Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vitaleriumseries -Publicist - Eve Bailey / Flo Agency: https://flo.agency/  -Cosplayer 1 Shanice Foster: Luxsteez Cosplay - https://www.instagram.com/luxsteezcosplay/ -Cosplayer 2 Matthew Harden: MH Cosplay Design - https://www.instagram.com/mhcosplaydesign/ -Comic Illustrator - Francisco A. Hnilo: https://www.behance.net/fahilustracion -Comic Colorist - Chandran Ponnusamy: https://www.facebook.com/ponnusamychandran & https://www.deviantart.com/ponnusamychandran/gallery -Graphic Designer - Ahmed Geatar: https://www.behance.net/ahmedgad ABOUT THE SIDE QUEST BOOK CLUB PODCAST Reading is the ultimate side quest.Side Quest is a casual book club podcast full of literary adventures. Join Slava and Jonathan as they discuss the books they are reading, life, history, belief systems, and much more. Explore world-building, characters, and story development—and share some laughs along the way.New episodes drop every TUES. LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSION This is a video version of our audio podcast. Want to listen on the go?Find *Side Quest Book Club* on your favorite podcast app.🎧 **Subscribe on Any Platform https://linktr.ee/asidequest JOIN THE GUILD 🌐 Official Website / Quest Log:https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/ 💬 Follow Our Adventures on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcast CREDITS Hosts: Slava and JonathanPodcast Hosting & Distribution by Transistor.fm https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slava Intro/Outro Music: HoliznaCC0vEditing by: CharacterNorth6081  - Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/u/CharacterNorth6081/s/k3mFE9aGqh    - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__

Hey Side Questers! We are back with part 3 of our discussion of Nicholas Keating Casbarro's Vitalerium: Descent into the Void.ABOUT THE BOOKNearly six centuries have passed since humanity discovered vitalerium, which ushered in a golden age of space exploration and colonization. Planet Deorum’s society is centered around this illustrious, gravity-bending blue crystal. The year is 2701.Following a near-fatal disaster, roughneck freelancer Roman Matthews becomes unwittingly trapped at the center of a harrowing conspiracy. Hunted by Deorum’s government, the Coalition for Prosperity, Roman must use his deadly skillset to survive against all odds.Roman and his band of unlikely allies will discover that the Coalition’s indiscretions threaten the delicate balance of advanced civilization. As a sect of the Coalition prepares to implement its Machiavellian vision of utopia, the proverbial pendulum begins to swing toward chaosVitalerium World:Website: https://vitaleriumseries.com/Nick’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/InsideVitalerium YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkGe5mgjNnAl2VJ3E5TBmAg Insta: https://www.instagram.com/vitaleriumseries Twitter: https://x.com/vitalerium Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vitaleriumseries -Publicist - Eve Bailey / Flo Agency: https://flo.agency/  -Cosplayer 1 Shanice Foster: Luxsteez Cosplay - https://www.instagram.com/luxsteezcosplay/ -Cosplayer 2 Matthew Harden: MH Cosplay Design - https://www.instagram.com/mhcosplaydesign/ -Comic Illustrator - Francisco A. Hnilo: https://www.behance.net/fahilustracion -Comic Colorist - Chandran Ponnusamy: https://www.facebook.com/ponnusamychandran & https://www.deviantart.com/ponnusamychandran/gallery -Graphic Designer - Ahmed Geatar: https://www.behance.net/ahmedgad ABOUT THE SIDE QUEST BOOK CLUB PODCAST Reading is the ultimate side quest.Side Quest is a casual book club podcast full of literary adventures. Join Slava and Jonathan as they discuss the books they are reading, life, history, belief systems, and much more. Explore world-building, characters, and story development—and share some laughs along the way.New episodes drop every TUES. LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSION This is a video version of our audio podcast. Want to listen on the go?Find *Side Quest Book Club* on your favorite podcast app.🎧 **Subscribe on Any Platform https://linktr.ee/asidequest JOIN THE GUILD 🌐 Official Website / Quest Log:https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/ 💬 Follow Our Adventures on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcast CREDITS Hosts: Slava and JonathanPodcast Hosting & Distribution by Transistor.fm https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slava Intro/Outro Music: HoliznaCC0vEditing by: CharacterNorth6081  - Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/u/CharacterNorth6081/s/k3mFE9aGqh    - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__

Hey Side Questers! We are back with part 2 of our discussion of Nicholas Keating Casbarro's Vitalerium: Descent into the Void.ABOUT THE BOOKNearly six centuries have passed since humanity discovered vitalerium, which ushered in a golden age of space exploration and colonization. Planet Deorum’s society is centered around this illustrious, gravity-bending blue crystal. The year is 2701.Following a near-fatal disaster, roughneck freelancer Roman Matthews becomes unwittingly trapped at the center of a harrowing conspiracy. Hunted by Deorum’s government, the Coalition for Prosperity, Roman must use his deadly skillset to survive against all odds.Roman and his band of unlikely allies will discover that the Coalition’s indiscretions threaten the delicate balance of advanced civilization. As a sect of the Coalition prepares to implement its Machiavellian vision of utopia, the proverbial pendulum begins to swing toward chaosVitalerium World:Website: https://vitaleriumseries.com/Nick’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/InsideVitalerium YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkGe5mgjNnAl2VJ3E5TBmAg Insta: https://www.instagram.com/vitaleriumseries Twitter: https://x.com/vitalerium Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vitaleriumseries -Publicist - Eve Bailey / Flo Agency: https://flo.agency/  -Cosplayer 1 Shanice Foster: Luxsteez Cosplay - https://www.instagram.com/luxsteezcosplay/ -Cosplayer 2 Matthew Harden: MH Cosplay Design - https://www.instagram.com/mhcosplaydesign/ -Comic Illustrator - Francisco A. Hnilo: https://www.behance.net/fahilustracion -Comic Colorist - Chandran Ponnusamy: https://www.facebook.com/ponnusamychandran & https://www.deviantart.com/ponnusamychandran/gallery -Graphic Designer - Ahmed Geatar: https://www.behance.net/ahmedgad ABOUT THE SIDE QUEST BOOK CLUB PODCAST Reading is the ultimate side quest.Side Quest is a casual book club podcast full of literary adventures. Join Slava and Jonathan as they discuss the books they are reading, life, history, belief systems, and much more. Explore world-building, characters, and story development—and share some laughs along the way.New episodes drop every TUES. LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSION This is a video version of our audio podcast. Want to listen on the go?Find *Side Quest Book Club* on your favorite podcast app.🎧 **Subscribe on Any Platform https://linktr.ee/asidequest JOIN THE GUILD 🌐 Official Website / Quest Log:https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/ 💬 Follow Our Adventures on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcast CREDITS Hosts: Slava and JonathanPodcast Hosting & Distribution by Transistor.fm https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slava Intro/Outro Music: HoliznaCC0vEditing by: CharacterNorth6081  - Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/u/CharacterNorth6081/s/k3mFE9aGqh    - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__

Hey Side Questers! Sorry about the late upload. Today, we dive into the first part of our discussion of Nicholas Keating Casbarro's Vitalerium: Descent into the Void.ABOUT THE BOOKNearly six centuries have passed since humanity discovered vitalerium, which ushered in a golden age of space exploration and colonization. Planet Deorum’s society is centered around this illustrious, gravity-bending blue crystal. The year is 2701.Following a near-fatal disaster, roughneck freelancer Roman Matthews becomes unwittingly trapped at the center of a harrowing conspiracy. Hunted by Deorum’s government, the Coalition for Prosperity, Roman must use his deadly skillset to survive against all odds.Roman and his band of unlikely allies will discover that the Coalition’s indiscretions threaten the delicate balance of advanced civilization. As a sect of the Coalition prepares to implement its Machiavellian vision of utopia, the proverbial pendulum begins to swing toward chaosVitalerium World:Website: https://vitaleriumseries.com/Nick’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/InsideVitalerium YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkGe5mgjNnAl2VJ3E5TBmAg Insta: https://www.instagram.com/vitaleriumseries Twitter: https://x.com/vitalerium Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vitaleriumseries -Publicist - Eve Bailey / Flo Agency: https://flo.agency/  -Cosplayer 1 Shanice Foster: Luxsteez Cosplay - https://www.instagram.com/luxsteezcosplay/ -Cosplayer 2 Matthew Harden: MH Cosplay Design - https://www.instagram.com/mhcosplaydesign/ -Comic Illustrator - Francisco A. Hnilo: https://www.behance.net/fahilustracion -Comic Colorist - Chandran Ponnusamy: https://www.facebook.com/ponnusamychandran & https://www.deviantart.com/ponnusamychandran/gallery -Graphic Designer - Ahmed Geatar: https://www.behance.net/ahmedgad ABOUT THE SIDE QUEST BOOK CLUB PODCAST Reading is the ultimate side quest.Side Quest is a casual book club podcast full of literary adventures. Join Slava and Jonathan as they discuss the books they are reading, life, history, belief systems, and much more. Explore world-building, characters, and story development—and share some laughs along the way.New episodes drop every TUES. LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSION This is a video version of our audio podcast. Want to listen on the go?Find *Side Quest Book Club* on your favorite podcast app.🎧 **Subscribe on Any Platform https://linktr.ee/asidequest JOIN THE GUILD 🌐 Official Website / Quest Log:https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/ 💬 Follow Our Adventures on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcast CREDITS Hosts: Slava and JonathanPodcast Hosting & Distribution by Transistor.fm https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slava Intro/Outro Music: HoliznaCC0vEditing by: CharacterNorth6081  - Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/u/CharacterNorth6081/s/k3mFE9aGqh    - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__

We sat down with author and musician Callie Sioux Schiavone. Her book, She Had Glass Eyes, really drew us in. It explores how humanity and technology connect, blurring the line between reality and the narrator’s imagination.Callie Sioux is a creative alchemist who uses multimedia to turn real-life adventures into fiction and entertainment. She is an author, musician, entrepreneur, podcaster, and music venue owner. Raised as a ranch kid in New Mexico, she writes stories, songs, films, and audio dramas that capture wide-open spaces, grit, and persistence. 1232, her audio epic, is a behemoth project that launched her into the world of audio drama. Her recent signing with Twenty Hills Publishing will bring her speculative fiction to a bookstore near you.00:00 Introduction to Callie and Her Journey10:01 Life Experiences and Side Quests19:51 The Inspiration Behind 'She Has Glass Eyes'29:56 Exploring the Euphonia Machine and Its Historical Context39:55 Writing Process and Overcoming Fear55:25 The Writer's Journey: Carving Out Time59:22 The Struggle of Christian Art01:09:30 Authenticity in Storytelling01:18:30 Introducing 1232: A Time Travel Fantasy01:40:40 Supporting Creative ProjectsJOIN THE GUILD 🌐 Official Website / Quest Log:https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/ 💬 Follow Our Adventures on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcast CREDITS Hosts: Slava and JonathanPodcast Hosting & Distribution by Transistor.fm https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slava Intro/Outro Music: HoliznaCC0vEditing by: CharacterNorth6081  - Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/u/CharacterNorth6081/s/k3mFE9aGqh    - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__

Our discussion of She Had Glass Eyes, a book by C.S. Schiavone that explores how humanity and technology connect and blurs the line between reality and the narrator's imagination.00:00 Introduction to 'She Had Glass Eyes'10:04 Character Analysis: Dilly the Mortician20:00 Themes of Obsession and Madness30:02 Writing Style and Historical ContextSocials:  @calliesioux  @1232audioepic Audio Epic https://audio-epic.com/ & https://1232audioepic.bandcamp.com/album/season-one-1232Fundraising link:  https://audio-epic.com/1232-faq#YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@calliesiouxJOIN THE GUILD 🌐 Official Website / Quest Log:https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/ 💬 Follow Our Adventures on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcast CREDITS Hosts: Slava and JonathanPodcast Hosting & Distribution by Transistor.fm https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slava Intro/Outro Music: HoliznaCC0vEditing by: CharacterNorth6081  - Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/u/CharacterNorth6081/s/k3mFE9aGqh    - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__

Our talk with Nicholas Keating Casbarro discussing his breakout novel Vitalerium. Nearly six centuries have passed since humanity discovered vitalerium, which ushered in a golden age of space exploration and colonization. Planet Deorum’s society is centered around this illustrious, gravity-bending blue crystal. The year is 2701.Following a near-fatal disaster, roughneck freelancer Roman Matthews becomes unwittingly trapped at the center of a harrowing conspiracy. Hunted by Deorum’s government, the Coalition for Prosperity, Roman must use his deadly skillset to survive against all odds.Roman and his band of unlikely allies will discover that the Coalition’s indiscretions threaten the delicate balance of advanced civilization. As a sect of the Coalition prepares to implement its Machiavellian vision of utopia, the proverbial pendulum begins to swing toward chaosVitalerium World:Website: https://vitaleriumseries.com/Nick’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/InsideVitalerium YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkGe5mgjNnAl2VJ3E5TBmAg Insta: https://www.instagram.com/vitaleriumseries Twitter: https://x.com/vitalerium Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vitaleriumseries -Publicist - Eve Bailey / Flo Agency: https://flo.agency/  -Cosplayer 1 Shanice Foster: Luxsteez Cosplay - https://www.instagram.com/luxsteezcosplay/ -Cosplayer 2 Matthew Harden: MH Cosplay Design - https://www.instagram.com/mhcosplaydesign/ -Comic Illustrator - Francisco A. Hnilo: https://www.behance.net/fahilustracion -Comic Colorist - Chandran Ponnusamy: https://www.facebook.com/ponnusamychandran & https://www.deviantart.com/ponnusamychandran/gallery -Graphic Designer - Ahmed Geatar: https://www.behance.net/ahmedgad ABOUT THE SIDE QUEST BOOK CLUB PODCAST Reading is the ultimate side quest.Side Quest is a casual book club podcast full of literary adventures. Join Slava and Jonathan as they discuss the books they are reading, life, history, belief systems, and much more. Explore world-building, characters, and story development—and share some laughs along the way.New episodes drop every TUES. LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSION This is a video version of our audio podcast. Want to listen on the go?Find *Side Quest Book Club* on your favorite podcast app.🎧 **Subscribe on Any Platform https://linktr.ee/asidequest JOIN THE GUILD 🌐 Official Website / Quest Log:https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/ 💬 Follow Our Adventures on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcast CREDITS Hosts: Slava and JonathanPodcast Hosting & Distribution by Transistor.fm https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slava Intro/Outro Music: HoliznaCC0vEditing by: CharacterNorth6081  - Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/u/CharacterNorth6081/s/k3mFE9aGqh    - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__

The quest: Katabasis by R.F. Kuang. The result: We went ot hell and back! Dive into Katabasis by R.F. Kuang with our full-spoiler book club breakdown! Jess and Abby join the guys to continue their descent into hell to find out what Alice and Peter are up to.Katabsis plot: Two rival PhD students descend into a hellish university campus to retrieve their abusive advisor’s soul—facing academic trials, betrayal, and dark revelations. Is this dark academia masterpiece a 7/10 triumph or a pacing misfire? We debate character arcs, logic paradoxes, and that wild revenge twist.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to the Book and Author14:46 Exploring the Ending and Character Dynamics31:08 Character Analysis: Understanding Peter's Role43:39 Comparative Analysis: Dante's Inferno vs. Modern Hell48:06 Cultural References and Mythological Connections57:52 Exploring Recurring Dreams and NightmaresDiscover Side Quest: https://linktr.ee/asidequestPowered by TransistorOur IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Leave us a comment & connect with us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our TikTok Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Music by HoliznaCC0v

The quest: Katabasis by R.F. Kuang. The result: We went ot hell and back! Dive into Katabasis by R.F. Kuang with our full-spoiler book club breakdown! Two rival PhD students descend into a hellish university campus to retrieve their abusive advisor’s soul—facing academic trials, betrayal, and dark revelations. Is this dark academia masterpiece a 7/10 triumph or a pacing misfire? We debate character arcs, logic paradoxes, and that wild revenge twist.Timestamps:00:00 – Epic Plot Summary Full Spoilers!06:04 – Descent Begins: Chapters 1-631:41 – Chapters 7-11: Desire, Trauma & Lethe River44:55 – Chapters 12-18: Greed, Wrath & Betrayal58:05 – Chapters 20-35: Peter’s Sacrifice, City of Dis & Final ShowdownDiscover Side Quest: https://linktr.ee/asidequestPowered by TransistorOur IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Leave us a comment & connect with us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our TikTok Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Music by HoliznaCC0v

Happy holidays to you all, Adventures. Thanks for tuning in. In this episode, Slava and Jonathan (joined by Josh, our intern) discuss A Christmas Carol, a classic novella by Charles Dickens, first published in 1843 and illustrated by John Leech. The story follows Ebenezer Scrooge, a wealthy miser, as he is visited by the ghosts of Jacob Marley, Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, leading to his moral redemption and transformation.00:00 Introduction to A Christmas Carol04:12 Dickens, Context, and Victorian England08:45 Scrooge as Antihero13:30 Poverty, Class, and Social Responsibility18:40 The Ghost of Christmas Past26:10 Memory, Trauma, and Isolation33:45 The Ghost of Christmas Present41:20 Ignorance and Want47:55 The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come55:30 Scrooge’s Reckoning01:01:45 Redemption and Moral Transformation01:07:30 Why A Christmas Carol Still MattersJOIN THE GUILD🌐 Official Website / Quest Log:https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/ 💬 Follow Our Adventures on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcast CREDITSHosts: Slava and JonathanPodcast Hosting & Distribution by Transistor.fm https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slava Intro/Outro Music: HoliznaCC0vEditing by: CharacterNorth6081  - Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/u/CharacterNorth6081/s/k3mFE9aGqh    - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/parasss.__

In this episode of The SideQuest Book Club Podcast, Slava and Jonathan—joined by Casey, JT, and Spenser— continued to break down Wintersteel from Will Wight’s Cradle series. The guys explore character dynamics, relationships, and major themes of identity, growth, and progression fantasy. The conversation highlights foreshadowing, power dynamics, hubris, and how literacy, wealth, and opportunity shape advancement in the Cradle universe. We also examine key characters, such as Daiji and Eithan, discussing their motivations and the narrative choices that drive the story. (00:00) Introduction to The SideQuest Book Club Podcast (feel free to skip to the next chapter, as we talk about costumes that can't be seen on screen)(09:32) Further Exploring Wintersteel (17:54) Character Dynamics & Relationships (29:47) Themes of Identity & Growth (34:28) Foreshadowing & Key Revelations (35:22) Character Dynamics & Plot Devices (40:44) Defining Progression Fantasy (44:01) Character Growth & Power Dynamics (45:44) The Role of Hubris in Fantasy (56:57) Literacy & Character Development (01:02:58) Wealth, Power & Opportunity (01:14:18) Final Thoughts & Future ExpectationsOur website: www.thesidequestpodcast.comDiscover Side Quest: https://linktr.ee/asidequestOur IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Leave us a comment & connect with us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our TikTok Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Music by HoliznaCC0v

In Part 2 of Will Wight’s Wintersteel. The SideQuest Book Club Podcast hosts, Slava and Jonathan, dive deeper into breaking down major themes of character development, including Aethon’s unique sight, Mercy’s public humiliation, and Yerin’s intense training and evolving bond with her Blood Shadow. The discussion builds toward the final battle, where Yerin undergoes a powerful transformation that opens a conversation about archetypal icons and the deeper character truths they represent. (00:00) Introduction and Technical Glitches(01:05) Aethon’s Revelation and Abilities(08:14) Mercy and Malice: Public Humiliation(12:07) Yerin’s Training & Blood Shadow Dynamics(20:04) Linden’s Point System & Character Dynamics(27:03) Team Dynamics & Character Development(30:35) Lyndon’s Strategic Growth(32:54) Character Development & Team Dynamics(35:59) Yerin’s Internal and External Struggles(39:12) The Final Battle & Its Consequences(48:49) Archetypal Truths & Character IconsOur website: www.thesidequestpodcast.comDiscover Side Quest: https://linktr.ee/asidequestOur IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Leave us a comment & connect with us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our TikTok Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Music by HoliznaCC0v

Hey Adventurers! Back to the Cradle we go. In this episode, we delve into the eighth book of the Cradle series, Wintersteel, exploring the intricacies of the Uncrowned King Tournament and its implications for power dynamics among factions. Slava and Jonathan discuss character developments, particularly focusing on Linden, Yeren, and Aethon, while also addressing the emotional stakes and romantic elements that add depth to the narrative. (00:00) Introduction to Cradle and Recap of Uncrowned(02:50) Wintersteel Overview and Key Events(05:58) Prologue Insights and Yerin’s Backstory(09:06) The Script Circle and Its Implications(12:02) Linden’s Encounter with Northstrider(14:55) Tournament Stakes and Monarch Dilemmas(18:03) Character Dynamics and Relationships(20:43) Eithan’s Rise and Tournament Highlights(23:41) Tournament Structure and Character Development(26:53) Linden’s Struggles and Growth(29:59) Conclusion and Reflections on the Journey(32:05) Planet Fitness and First Impressions(32:27) The Date Between Linden and Yerin(37:05) Awkward Moments and Growing Connections(39:04) The Importance of Reading in a Dangerous World(44:30) The Role of Education in Survival(48:35) Eithan’s Hidden Depths and Future AdventuresOur website: www.thesidequestpodcast.comDiscover Side Quest: https://linktr.ee/asidequestOur IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Leave us a comment & connect with us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our TikTok Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Music by HoliznaCC0v

In this episode of The Side Quest Book Club Podcast, hosts Slava and Jonathan (again) dive into Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton. This conversation delves into themes, character development, and the implications of hubris and chaos theory. The hosts discuss the narrative structure that keeps readers engaged. They analyze the illusion of control and the importance of subplots, ultimately reflecting on the storytelling techniques that make the novel a classic.(00:00) Introduction Return to Jurassic Park’s Chaos(05:51) The Unfolding Disaster(12:16) The T-Rex Encounter(21:26) Nedry’s Downfall(29:14) The Search for Nedry(35:01) The T-Rex Rampage(39:40) Deus Ex Machina in Jurassic Park?(42:00) Chaos Theory & Nature’s Unpredictability(45:04) Control vs. Collapse in Jurassic Park(48:51) Hammond’s Denial & Hubris(52:50) Final Showdown: Nature vs. Human Ambition(57:04) Aftermath: Responsibility & Consequences(01:01:06) The End of the Park: A New Beginning?(01:03:59) Thriller vs. Horror: Understanding the GenresDiscover Side Quest: https://linktr.ee/asidequestPowered by TransistorOur IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Leave us a comment & connect with us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our TikTok Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Music by HoliznaCC0v

In this episode of The Side Quest Book Club Podcast, hosts Slava and Jonathan dive into Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton. They explore the novel’s core themes—hubris, chaos theory, and the illusion of control in science—while unpacking its character development and layered storytelling. The discussion also covers Crichton’s background, the lasting success of the Jurassic Park franchise, and the narrative techniques that make the book a defining classic of modern science fiction.Discover Side Quest: https://linktr.ee/asidequestPowered by TransistorOur IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Leave us a comment & connect with us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our TikTok Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Music by HoliznaCC0v(00:00) Jurassic Park — Episode Introduction(02:59) Michael Crichton: Author Background(05:53) Jurassic Park Premise Overview(09:00) Franchise Success & Cultural Impact(11:47) Nostalgia Factor & Lasting Appeal(14:48) Key Characters & Core Themes(17:50) Foreshadowing & Story Setup(20:46) Technology, Ethics & Science(23:35) Final Thoughts on the Opening Chapters(29:24) “The Taste of Survival” Breakdown(29:57) Narrative Perspective Choices(32:40) Character Depth & Reader Engagement(34:53) Subplots & Plot Structure(38:31) The Illusion of Control in Jurassic Park(50:35) Chaos Theory & Consequences

In this episode of The Side Quest Book Club Podcast, JT and Casey surprise Jonathan with their scheduled appearance. We finish our trek across Red Seas Under Red Skies by Scott Lynch. Discover Side Quest: https://linktr.ee/asidequestPowered by TransistorOur IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Leave us a comment & connect with us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our TikTok Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Music by HoliznaCC0v00:00 – Side Quest Intro: Endless Library Spoiler Fest00:18 – Pirates Preamble: Red Seas Under Red Skies Pt. 5 Welcome00:55 – Cult of First-Time Readers Confirmed01:15 – Rapid-Fire: Books 1 & 2 Overviews Kick Off01:42 – Worldbuilding Breakdown: Elder Glass & Sanderson Vibes02:57 – Favorite Moments and Quotes for the Guests09:17 – "Thieves Prosper" vs. Cheaters Never Win Debate10:40 – Slava's Picks: Gray King Duel & "Nice Bird, Asshole"13:31 – Bondsmagi Horror: Children of the Corn Alley Creep-Out16:18 – Sabetha Tease: Locke's Eternal White Whale27:51 – Pirate Lords Council: Pirates of the Caribbean Parallels30:07 – Morane Mystery: Why Kill Her Own Boss?32:18 – Ezra's Death: Lacks Punch Compared to Calo & Galdo34:13 – Cliffhanger Recap: "More Blood Than 200 Years"36:05 – Outro: Mutiny Upstairs & Subscribe Call

In this episode of The Side Quest Book Club Podcast, we cover chapters 12–16 of Scott Lynch’s Red Seas Under Red Skies. We examine loyalty, love, and the consequences of choices, leading to a confrontation with Straggos. Jonathan and Slava discuss the impact of character deaths, heist planning, and the twists that drive the story, highlighting Lynch’s character development and storytelling.Discover Side Quest: https://linktr.ee/asidequestPowered by TransistorOur IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Leave us a comment & connect with us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our TikTok Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Music by HoliznaCC0v(00:00) Intro: The Betrayal of the Pirate Queen(02:56) Fog and Fear: The Crew's Dilemma(06:05) The Tattered Crimson: A Pirate's Haven(08:53) Trust and Deception Among Pirates(11:59) Plans and Betrayals: The Stakes Rise(15:08) Love and Loyalty: Choices to Be Made(18:03) The Impulsive Leader: Straggos' Downfall(24:51) The Complexity of Villains(27:28) The Weight of Loss(29:30) Plans and Deceptions(32:54) The Art of Distraction(35:56) Twists and Turns of Fate(39:03) The Aftermath of Betrayal(42:54) Repercussions and New Beginnings(44:43) The Final Confrontation

In this episode of the Side Quest Book Club Podcast, we delve into the chaotic world of 'Red Seas Under Red Skies,' exploring themes of loyalty, deception, and the complexities of pirate life. Covering up to chapter 11, we discuss the challenges faced by Locke and Jean as they navigate mutiny, the dynamics of Zamira's crew, and the moral dilemmas that arise in their quest for survival. The conversation highlights character development, the influence of the Crooked Warden, and the evolving relationship between the protagonists as they adapt to their new circumstances.Discover Side Quest: https://linktr.ee/asidequestPowered by Descript & TransistorOur IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Leave us a comment & connect with us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our TikTok Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Music by HoliznaCC0v(00:00) Setting Sail into Chaos (01:08) Mutiny and Misfortune (03:02) The Pirate's Dance of Deception (06:40) Zamira's Crew: Loyalty and Chaos (09:15) Prisoners of the Poison Orchid (11:34) Secrets and Lies Unraveled (18:47) Scrub Watch: A New Beginning (20:17) The Weight of Loyalty (25:54) The Crooked Warden's Influence (32:22) Adaptability and Compassion (38:49) Testing Loyalties (41:48) The Ritual of Acceptance

In this episode of the Side Quest Book Club Podcast, we dive into chapters 4–7 of Red Seas Under Red Skies and wrap up part one of the book. We break down Locke and Jean’s meeting with a poisoner, the brutal wasp spectacle, and their pirate training under the manipulative Drakos. Along the way, we recap key plot points and explore the role of the gods in the story and speculate on what’s ahead, including a possible clash with the Bonds Magi.Discover Side Quest: https://linktr.ee/asidequestPowered by Descript & TransistorOur IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Leave us a comment & connect with us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our TikTok Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Music by HoliznaCC0v(00:00) Intro & Setup(00:10) Sailing Terms & Banter(01:20) Talking with the Poisoner(02:47) Cage Spectacle & Worldbuilding(04:04) Character Motives(09:16) Meeting Requin(15:44) Assassination Attempt(22:36) Locke’s Outrage(26:11) Back to Dragos Fortress(27:26) The Alchemist’s Plan(28:22) Mechanical Marvels(30:36) Reflections & Memories(39:51) Nautical Training(44:23) Prison Break(46:41) Leadership at Sea(48:00) Closing Thoughts

Season 5 is starting strong! We're off to Telvarar to hang with Locke and Jean. In this episode of the SideQuest Book Club, we delve into Scott Lynch's Red Seas Under Red Skies, the second book in the Gentlemen Bastard series. The discussion highlights the tension in the prologue, the introduction of the Bonds Magi as a new threat (again!), and the unique approach to magic and alchemy in Lynch's world. We explore the themes of loyalty, ambition, and the challenges faced by the protagonists as they navigate their world filled with heists and schemes. The conversation also highlights the rich world-building and character development that make the series engaging and thought-provoking.Discover Side Quest: https://linktr.ee/asidequestPowered by Descript & TransistorOur IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Leave us a comment & connect with us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our TikTok Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Music by HoliznaCC0v(00:00) – Introduction to the SideQuest Book Club(00:40) – Exploring Scott Lynch’s Career and Works(06:00) – Summary of Red Seas Under Red Skies(08:08) – Character Dynamics: Locke and Jean(10:09) – The Prologue and Its Tension(20:25) – Chapter One: The Heist Begins(30:08) – The Bonds Magi: A New Threat(34:55) – Magic and Alchemy in the World of Locke Lamora(37:53) – Speculations on the Bonds Magi Guild(40:21) – Exploring the Magic System(41:55) – Character Dynamics: Locke and Jean (Revisited)(45:26) – The Bonds Magi and Their Influence(49:34) – Plans and Schemes: The Bigger Picture(55:43) – The Artificers Crescent and New Challenges

We are back for Season 5 of the Side Quest Book Club Podcast. Starting with the king of horror, Stephen King. Today, Jess joins us for the final episode covering  "Secret Window, Secret Garden" from Stephen King's novella collection, Four Past Midnight. We compare the book and film, track Mort Rainey’s slide into madness, and weigh how isolation and the dark edge of creativity drive it. Then we zoom out: predictable plots, where inspiration ends and plagiarism begins, and how adaptations reshape the story.  American Heritage Magazine: HP Lovecraft and Stephen King https://www.americanheritage.com/man-who-can-scare-stephen-kingDiscover Side Quest: https://linktr.ee/asidequestPowered by Descript & TransistorOur IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Leave us a comment & connect with us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our TikTok Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Music by HoliznaCC0v(00:00) Instro & Exploring the Differences: Book vs. Movie Adaptation (05:28) Themes of Madness and Guilt in Storytelling (11:11) The Dark Side of Creativity and Its Impact (18:26) The Connection Between Creativity and Mental Health (24:07) Embracing Madness: The Freedom of Being Crazy (25:16) The Importance of Routine and Support (26:55) Fame and Isolation: The Writer's Dilemma (27:08) Plagiarism and the Writer's Struggle (32:15) Isolation and Internal Struggles (35:09) The Impact of Parenthood on Mental Health (38:59) Accusations of Plagiarism: A Writer's Burden (45:39) The Fine Line Between Inspiration and Plagiarism (49:04) Influence of Literature on Writing Style (52:10) The Quest for Authentic Voice in Writing (56:00) Exploring Themes of Madness and Identity (01:00:22) The Book Ending: Reality vs. Supernatural (01:04:59) Comparing Book and Movie Endings

We are back for Season 5 of the Side Quest Book Club Podcast. Starting with the king of horror, Stephen King. Today, we are discussing Secret Window, Secret Garden from his novella collection, Four Past Midnight. We explore the themes of Stephen King's novella 'Secret Window, Secret Garden,' discussing the inspiration behind writing, the implications of plagiarism, and the psychological aspects of identity and madness. And, of course,  the influence of H.P. Lovecraft on King's work, and the challenges of the writing process. American Heritage Magazine: HP Lovecraft and Stephen King https://www.americanheritage.com/man-who-can-scare-stephen-king Discover Side Quest: https://linktr.ee/asidequestPowered by Descript & TransistorOur IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Leave us a comment & connect with us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our TikTok Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Music by HoliznaCC0v(00:00) Intro(02:03) Exploring Stephen King's 'Secret Garden, Secret Window'(08:34) Plot Summary and Key Themes(18:44) Inspiration Behind the Novella(25:12) Creative Process and Personal Experiences(25:50) The Journey of Writing an Epic(29:51) Exploring Mort's Inner Conflict(32:34) The Impact of Divorce on Mort's Character(38:22) Lovecraftian Influences in King's Work(43:47) The Challenge of Writing Inspired Stories(53:35) The Fate of Shooter and Mort's Legacy

We are back, Adventurers! And we are excited for this new Season. We are dropping the first episode of Season 5 next week on October 7. See you then for a discussion on Stephen King's Secret Window, Secret Garden from his Four Past Midnight novella collection. Watch our YouTube Reaction to Project Hail Mary: https://youtu.be/mivtHl-R3Nc (see what we look like)Discover Side Quest: https://linktr.ee/asidequestPowered by Descript & TransistorOur IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Leave us a comment & connect with us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our TikTok Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Music by HoliznaCC0v

We are still on break, but we are working hard to improve the podcast for you. Today, we have some updates on what we have in store for you in Season 5. We can't wait to get back at it.Watch our YouTube Reaction to Project Hail Mary: https://youtu.be/mivtHl-R3Nc (see what we look like)Discover Side Quest: https://linktr.ee/asidequestPowered by Descript & TransistorOur IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Leave us a comment & connect with us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our TikTok Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Music by HoliznaCC0v