What happens when the world's most powerful leaders secretly collude at a gender-bending brothel run by the woman who really pulls the strings? Welcome to Ada Palmer's mind-bending Too Like the Lightning, the first book in her Terra Ignota series. In this episode of our speculative fiction podcast, Space Admiral Kandas and Space Cadet Shane 2nd Class welcome Michael F. Schein—author of The Hype Handbook and the catalyst behind Sci-Fi Book Pod's creation—to dissect this challenging, brilliant, and utterly unique novel. We dive into Palmer's Renaissance historian background, her complex non-binary future society, the flying car network that eliminated geographical nations, and why this difficult book keeps you thinking long after you've wrestled through its dense pages. Is it the literary sci-fi masterpiece Michael claims, or just beautifully complicated? Spoiler: it's both, and we can't stop talking about it.

Visiting Dignitary

Michael F. Schein is the founder of MicroFame Media and author of The Hype Handbook: 12 Indispensable Success Secrets from the World's Greatest Propagandists, Self-Promoters, Cult Leaders, Mischief Makers, and Boundary Breakers. As a professional ghostwriter, Michael crafts business and personal development books for top executives and entrepreneurs from companies including eBay, LinkedIn, and Citrix. His work focuses on understanding the psychology behind influence and persuasion, drawing lessons from history's most effective—and sometimes controversial—communicators. Michael's unique approach combines marketing expertise with deep insights into human behavior, helping clients build their platforms and achieve high-profile speaking opportunities. He's also the catalyst behind Sci-Fi Book Pod's creation, making him a fitting guest for this deep dive into Ada Palmer's provocative Too Like the Lightning.

Connect with Michael:

• Website: https://michaelfschein.com
• The Hype Handbook: https://amzn.to/477pLqP

Buy the Book

⚡Amazon: https://amzn.to/48ebNVc

⚡Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/a/111345/9780765378019

We may earn a small commission when you purchase through these links. Thanks for supporting Sci-Fi Book Pod!

Spoiler Alert

Sci-Fi Book Pod is hosted by a middle-aged married couple who go deep into the plot. If you haven't read the book yet, proceed at your own risk.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Too Like the Lightning

01:51 The Concept Behind Sci-Fi Book Pod

02:28 Why Michael Chose This Book

05:45 Literary Comparisons: Joyce, Bradbury & Modern Sci-Fi

09:59 The Unique World-Building of Too Like the Lightning

11:58 Understanding Ada Palmer's Background

13:54 Character Analysis and Complex Narratives

15:22 Emotional Depth in Science Fiction

17:58 Gender and Societal Norms in the Book

20:40 The Complexity and Challenge of Literature

23:19 Engaging with Difficult Texts

25:01 Exploring Taboo Themes in Sci-Fi

26:54 The Future of Society Without Borders

28:39 The Role of Humor (or Lack Thereof)

32:32 Human Nature Across Time

35:27 Human Psychology in Marketing and Literature

41:39 Wrap-Up and Michael's Work

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