Fantology

Rather than cover the entirety of Stephen King's magnum opus, Stephen extracts a broad strokes overview of these books from Josh. Our expert just finished the series and obviously wants to say a lot, but holds back enough to give this episode a yellow spoiler rating. No specific plot points will be harmed by listening to this episode! Plus, comparisons to The Series of Unfortunate Events and how does it feel to be Stephen King? Next Up: The Dragon Reborn by Robert Jordan Followed By: Summer Knight by Jim Butcher Chat with us more! Tell us why we're wrong! Discord: https://discord.gg/9AMJqj2 Support the show on Patreon and access additional perks: https://www.patreon.com/fantology_books Check out our exclusive Merch in our Spreadshirt shop: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/fantology/ Music: "New Dawn" by Terry Devine-King

Some differing opinions on the conclusion of His Dark Materials make up Josh and Stephen's review of book 3. We tackle some controversial subjects, ingrained in the subject matter of the book. How does this series compare to other contemporaries, and what were some of our favorite moments from the book? Plus, what mythology features the River Styx? Next up: Morning Star by Pierce Brown Followed By: The Dark Tower Series by Stephen King Chat with us more! Tell us why we're wrong! Discord: https://discord.gg/9AMJqj2 Support the show on Patreon and access additional perks: https://www.patreon.com/fantology_books Check out our exclusive Merch in our Spreadshirt shop: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/fantology/ Music: "New Dawn" by Terry Devine-King

What else can we say about the GOAT series of YA fantasy? Stephen is joined by guest stars Dan and Nathan, who give their opinions on what makes Harry Potter what it is. We talk about some potential improvements to wizarding society, including issues with the house cup and Quidditch scoring systems. Plus, don't miss our power rankings of top and bottom character performances in the book! Next up: The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman Followed By: Morning Star by Pierce Brown Chat with us more! Tell us why we're wrong! Discord: https://discord.gg/9AMJqj2 Support the show on Patreon and access additional perks: https://www.patreon.com/fantology_books Check out our exclusive Merch in our Spreadshirt shop: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/fantology/ Music: "New Dawn" by Terry Devine-King

Jim Butcher is starting to find his stride in the third entry of the Dresden files. Ben, Josh & Stephen talk through the ghosts, vampires & fae and hype up the rest of the series! Important characters are entering and the seeds of huge conflicts have been planted. While this entry still has a ways to go in terms of quality of the later books, we are officially headed there. At least Fantology thinks we are. Plus, thoughts on vampires, nails from the Cross and attempts to pronounce the Latin name of a magical sword. Next up: Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone by JK Rowling Followed by: The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman Chat with us more! Tell us why we're wrong! Discord: https://discord.gg/9AMJqj2 Support the show on Patreon and access additional perks: https://www.patreon.com/fantology_books Check out our exclusive Merch in our Spreadshirt shop: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/fantology/ Music: "New Dawn" by Terry Devine-King

Book Two of The Wheel of Time has an interesting structure. It's somewhat of a retelling of the first book, but it does so brilliantly, slowly fleshing out the world and larger plot of the series. Jake & Stephen break down the book without any series spoilers and first-time reader Kaden offers a unique perspective. The guys point out the important plot points and do a Power Ranking for their favorite characters. Which characters performed the best in this book alone? Plus, could the Dragon Reborn save the world from Covid-19 and a quick statistics lecture. Next up: Grave Peril by Jim Butcher Followed by: Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone by JK Rowling Chat with us more! Tell us why we're wrong! Discord: https://discord.gg/9AMJqj2 Support the show on Patreon and access additional perks: https://www.patreon.com/fantology_books Check out our exclusive Merch in our Spreadshirt shop: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/fantology/ Music: "New Dawn" by Terry Devine-King

March was a great month for bad news, but there were a few nuggets of good news in the fantasy community! Josh, Ryan & Stephen recap and discuss recent tv, movie & book news in this episode. Beware, moderate spoilers if you aren't already current! Plus, Covid-19 bets that have aged poorly and moments one Fantology member doesn't want his wife to hear!Topic tags: Stranger things 2:22, The Witcher 8:37, Wheel of Time 14:55, Poppy War 27:26, Dresden Files 29:51  Next up: The Great Hunt by Robert Jordan Followed by: Grave Peril by Jim Butcher Chat with us more! Tell us why we're wrong! Discord: https://discord.gg/9AMJqj2 Support the show on Patreon and access additional perks: https://www.patreon.com/fantology_books Check out our exclusive Merch in our Spreadshirt shop: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/fantology/ Music: "New Dawn" by Terry Devine-King

The second book of His Dark Materials keeps the momentum that started The Golden Compass going strong. This series has strong, unique character voices, engaging action, and meaningful symbolism. Although it suffers a bit from the classic second "bridge" book phenomenon, that by no means takes away from the quality of the series. Plus, looking to say fantasy books aren't of literary note? Bring it on! Next up: March Fantasy News Episode Followed by: The Great Hunt by Robert Jordan Chat with us more! Tell us why we're wrong! Discord: https://discord.gg/9AMJqj2 Support the show on Patreon and access additional perks: https://www.patreon.com/fantology_books Check out our exclusive Merch in our Spreadshirt shop: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/fantology/ Music: "New Dawn" by Terry Devine-King

Ryan breaks down Michael J. Sullivan's first trilogy and does his best to convince Stephen to try reading it again. Sullivan pumps out a lot of content and is without a doubt the most prolific self-published fantasy author out there, but is the prose quality up to everyone's standards? Plus, comparisons to Wheel of Time, discussion on audiobooks vs physical books and several rash promises that one Fantology member may regret one day. Chat with us more! Tell us why we're wrong! Discord: https://discord.gg/9AMJqj2 Support the show on Patreon and access additional perks: https://www.patreon.com/fantology_books Check out our exclusive Merch in our Spreadshirt shop: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/fantology/ Music: "New Dawn" by Terry Devine-King

Blast from the past here! Artemis Fowl is going to be released as a movie soon so we thought we'd dust off our old copies and review it. This book (and series) was a huge hit in the early 2000's and still holds up well today. The characters are fun and the plot moves quickly. There's even some nicely executed twists at the end! If you never read this as a child, check it out now. Plus, look for Ben's new line of Mulch-inspired apparel coming soon! Chat with us more! Tell us why we're wrong! Discord: https://discord.gg/9AMJqj2 Support the show on Patreon and access additional perks: https://www.patreon.com/fantology_books Check out our exclusive Merch in our Spreadshirt shop: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/fantology/ Music: "New Dawn" by Terry Devine-King