Rich and Ryan are back in the den to break down Fires of Vengeance, Evan Winter's explosive follow-up to Rage of Dragons, and yes, the Red Rising comparisons are still flying.

The boys dig into Tau's never-ending rage spiral, debate whether this book delivers on the "responsibility of a book two," and ask the big question: can obsession-fueled strength ever lead to peace? Rich thinks it's a great book but an okay sequel. Ryan thinks the world building finally caught up. Both agree: if you're feeling that Red Rising withdrawal, this series scratches the itch.

In this episode of Hot Take Books, Ryan and Rich go all-in on The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter—no shields up, full spoilers allowed.

What starts as a candid confession about toxic traits (TikTok-induced overconfidence and hobby jumping included) quickly turns into a passionate, sometimes combative, and ultimately thoughtful breakdown of one of the most adrenaline-fueled fantasy reads we’ve covered. Coming off a collective Red Rising hangover, the question looms large: does The Rage of Dragons actually scratch that itch, or does it just poke the bruise?

We dig deep into:

• Tau’s obsessive, self-destructive drive for vengeance—and why it works

• A world that sparks debate: African-inspired setting, matriarchal power structures, dragons, demons, and a magic system tied to sacrifice

• Whether the book’s relentless pacing is its greatest strength or its biggest limitation

• Standout characters like Tau, Hadith, Uduak, Jayad, and the complicated shadow of Kellan Okar

• Brutal fight scenes, iconic one-liners, and moments that made us physically stop reading just to react

• A live score change on mic and what finally pushed the worldbuilding score up

We also read and react to some spicy one-star reviews, argue about what a “5” really means in our scoring system, complain (politely but firmly) about glossaries being in the back of books, and end with a clear verdict:

This isn’t a subtle book. It’s rage, sweat, steel, and obsession—all gas, very little brake—and for the right reader, it’s an absolute blast.

Final Score: 8/10 — Buy
Not for everyone. But if you want heart-pounding action, raw motivation, and a protagonist who will destroy himself to reach his goal, this one delivers.

#fantasybooks #spoilers #rageofdragons

In this Spoiler Free episode, Ryan and Rich dive into their thoughts on The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter. This episode is designed for listeners who want to know exactly what kind of book this is before committing.

They cover:

• Why The Rage of Dragons is one of the best recommendations for readers dealing with Red Rising withdrawal

• A clear, spoiler-free breakdown of the setting, caste system, and magic

• Tau as a protagonist—why he starts out unlikable, and why that’s intentional

• The book’s relentless pacing and action-heavy structure

• How vengeance, obsession, and rage drive the story forward

• The African-inspired worldbuilding and what makes it stand out in modern fantasy

• Who this book is perfect for—and who might bounce off it

Ryan admits he started the book cold (and biased), while Rich comes in fully fired up—but by the end, both land on a strong recommendation.

Final Score: 7.8/10 — Buy
If you love fast-paced, rage-fueled fantasy with a morally gray lead and nonstop momentum, this should be high on your TBR.

Spoilers stay locked away for the full episode—this is your safe entry point before the deeper debate.

#fantasybooks #rageofdragons #spoilerfree

The tuxedos are on (well, Rich's is.....Ryan didn't get the memo), and the awards are ready. Welcome to The Hotties, Hot Take Books' first-ever year-end awards show, where Rich and Ryan hand out accolades for the best lines, boldest characters, and hottest takes of their 2025 reading journey.

Categories include Coldest Line of the Year, Goodie and Baddie of the Year, Story of the Year, World Building & Lore, Character of the Year, Book of the Year, and, of course, Hottest Take. The boys debate, argue, and occasionally agree on which books truly delivered. Some winners were unanimous. Others? Not so much.

It's chaotic, nostalgic, and fully Hot Take Books energy. Plus, they look ahead to 2026 with some bold predictions and even bolder reading goals.

⚠️ Heads up: This episode includes discussion of books we haven't released full episodes for yet—consider it a preview of what's coming. Also, the first 8 minutes contain minor spoilers for Red Rising (specifically from the first 30% of book one). Skip to the 8-minute mark if you're avoiding those.

TikTok: @hottakebks | Instagram: @hottakebooks

Rich and Ryan tackle James Islington's Strength of the Few.

Spoiler warning at 12 minutes for those who haven't read it yet!

Vis gets replicated across three worlds and somehow none of them are having a good time. Between Res, Obiteum, and Luceum, the boys debate whether juggling three storylines is ambitious worldbuilding or just exhausting—spoiler: it's both.

They break down what works (druids are always cool, Egyptian scarabs, that lake scene where Vis literally arms himself), what doesn't (becoming a Quintus off-camera, time-jumping past all the good training montages, three worlds that barely talk to each other), and why Luceum carried this book on its back. Plus: the most suspicious identical 7/10 scoring in podcast history, one-star reviews that actually slap, and the realization that this might've been homework for book three.

In this spoiler-packed deep dive, Rich and Ryan dissect Royal Assassin with equal parts admiration, exasperation, and disbelief. This episode goes far beyond the Fast Take: we dig into Fitz’s stalled growth, the baffling naïveté of Buckkeep’s leadership, the magic system’s flashes of brilliance, and why an animal might be the only character in this book with common sense.

We break down the major themes: duty versus desire, loyalty versus blindness, and the emotional whiplash of navigating Fitz’s choices — while debating where the story excels, where it sputters, and whether this slow-burn epic earns its reputation. Expect hot takes, character critiques, fan-casting chaos, one-star reviews that hit a little too close to home, and a very honest reckoning with why this book landed firmly in “borrow” territory for both of us.

If you’ve finished Royal Assassin and need a place to vent, celebrate, or commiserate…this is your episode.

In this Fast Take, Rich and Ryan break down Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb. This conversation is completely spoiler-free for Book 2, but with full awareness that you’ve already survived Assassin’s Apprentice. We revisit Fitz as he returns to Buckkeep battered, poisoned, and neck-deep in court politics, Red Ship raids, and dangerously unstable magic.

This episode gives you the high-level vibe check: pacing, character work, worldbuilding, where the book hits, and where it drags. If you’re deciding whether to keep going with the Farseer Trilogy, this is your shortcut to a verdict. Expect honest takes, a little chaos, some medieval-profession nonsense, and a frank conversation about why this slow-burn series lands differently for each of us.

No spoilers for Royal Assassin — but if you haven’t read Assassin’s Apprentice, turn back now.

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

Join Rich and Ryan as they dive deep into the tangled web of 'Assassin's Apprentice.'

Get ready for a spicy conversation where they weigh the burdens of book one versus the pressures of the trilogy’s finale. Expect Hot Takes on the heavy lifting that protagonists do, and find out why Ryan believes book twos are just vibecatchers at the party—sipping cocktails while leaving the hard work to the first and last installments.

Spoiler alert: Regal is not to be underestimated, and neither is the emotional rollercoaster that Fitz goes through. The ending is a whirlwind of emotions and the character development might just convert the most hardened critics into fans.

Our dynamic duo tackle the magic system of Hobb's world, think of it like sprinkling a little fairy dust on a medieval drama.

Fitz juggles his forbidden powers while navigating the shadows of the court, and the fun doesn't stop there! Rich and Ryan explore the nuances of personal growth, mentorship, and Dootchies Vs. 'Dutchies'.

Mispronunciations aside, they keep the discussion flowing, blending humor with genuine insights. Want to know if the Farseer Trilogy should be on your TBR, your in the right place.