In this episode of Page Burners, the group discusses chapters 14-19 of Gardens of the Moon, focusing on character dynamics, the significance of the Warrens, and the themes of manipulation and immortality. The conversation delves into the tragic existence of the Tist Andii, the horrors of Dragnipur, and the emotional impact of action scenes. The group reflects on the mythology and world-building in Malazan, drawing parallels to real-world concepts and exploring the nature of identity over time. In this conversation, the participants delve into various themes surrounding the nature of pain, the consequences of power, and the complexities of being a chosen one in fantasy narratives. They explore the role of magic, the significance of names, and the philosophical implications of morality, questioning whether it is absolute or relative. The discussion also touches on the dynamics of relationships influenced by divine forces and the symbolism present in the narrative, particularly regarding the Jahgut and their violent nature. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the intricate interplay between character agency, external influences, and the moral dilemmas faced in the fantasy genre.

Find Carl: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/30017647.Carl_D_Albert

Find Varsha: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadingByTheRainyMountain

Send us a message

Support the show

Film Chewing Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2235582/follow

Lens Chewing on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lenschewing

On VERO: https://vero.co/lenschewing

Speculative Speculations: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/speculative-speculations

Support the podcast: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7EQ7XWFUP6K9E

Join Riverside.fm: https://riverside.fm/?via=steve-l

In this conversation, Steve, Varsha, and Jarrod discuss volume three of Alan Moore's Swamp Thing. They explore the episodic nature of the storyline and the lack of a cohesive narrative. They also discuss the unresolved plotlines, such as the nuclear man and the vampires, and speculate on whether they will be revisited in future volumes. The conversation delves into the social commentary present in the stories, including themes of toxic waste, cruelty among children, and men's attitudes towards women. The panel also highlights the effective use of imagery, such as the birthing scene and the wolf emerging from a character's body. In this conversation, the hosts discuss various themes and elements of the Swamp Thing Volume 3 comic series by Alan Moore. They explore the symbolism and social commentary present in the story, particularly in relation to gender roles and racial issues. They also touch on the introduction of the character John Constantine and the impressive page layouts and artwork. The hosts express their anticipation for Volume 4 and provide recommendations for other comic book series.

Send us a message

Support the show

Film Chewing Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2235582/follow

Lens Chewing on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lenschewing

On VERO: https://vero.co/lenschewing

Speculative Speculations: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/speculative-speculations

Support the podcast: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7EQ7XWFUP6K9E

Join Riverside.fm: https://riverside.fm/?via=steve-l

In this conversation, Steve and Jarrod reflect on their reading experiences in 2024, sharing their favorite books and discussing various themes and insights from their readings. They explore a range of genres, including sci-fi, fantasy, and non-fiction, while also touching on the emotional impact of literature and the importance of storytelling. In this engaging conversation, Steve and Jarrod delve into their top book recommendations of the year, exploring a variety of genres including novellas, science fiction, and fantasy. They discuss the impact of literary classics, the reimagining of Arthurian legends, and the nuances of character development in storytelling. The dialogue highlights the significance of unique narratives and the joy of discovering new perspectives in literature, culminating in a recap of their favorite reads and reflections on their reading journeys.

Send us a message

Support the show

Film Chewing Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2235582/follow

Lens Chewing on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lenschewing

On VERO: https://vero.co/lenschewing

Speculative Speculations: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/speculative-speculations

Support the podcast: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7EQ7XWFUP6K9E

Join Riverside.fm: https://riverside.fm/?via=steve-l

In this episode of Page Chewing Weekly, hosts Mike and Steve discuss various new single-issue comics, emphasizing the importance of written reviews and star ratings in the comic industry. They delve into their thoughts on several series, including Absolute Batman, Sacrifices, Dark Nights of Steel, and more, sharing insights on artwork, storytelling, and character development. The conversation highlights the significance of supporting indie comics through reviews and the impact of artwork on the overall reading experience. They conclude with their picks of the week, showcasing standout titles that have captured their interest.

Send us a message

Support the show

Film Chewing Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2235582/follow

Lens Chewing on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lenschewing

On VERO: https://vero.co/lenschewing

Speculative Speculations: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/speculative-speculations

Support the podcast: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7EQ7XWFUP6K9E

Join Riverside.fm: https://riverside.fm/?via=steve-l

In this episode of Page Burners, the group discusses chapters 11, 12, and 13 of 'Gardens of the Moon' by Steven Erikson. They delve into character perspectives, particularly focusing on Tattersail's soul transfer and the implications of chaos magic. The conversation also explores the motivations behind character actions and the development of Whiskeyjack's character, highlighting themes of compassion and the complexity of morality in the Malazan universe. In this conversation, the participants delve into the themes of empathy and compassion in the context of war, exploring how characters like Whiskeyjack and Sorry navigate their identities amidst conflict. They discuss the complexities of age and identity, particularly in relation to Sorry's character, and the struggle for control between Cotillion and Sorry. The conversation also touches on the nature of magic and religion within the Malazan universe, examining the role of talent and the dynamics of character relationships, particularly the banter between Quick Ben and Kalam. In this conversation, the participants delve into the themes of foreshadowing and narrative structure in the Malazan series, particularly focusing on the character of the Crippled God and the implications of book titles on reader experience. They explore the dynamics between key characters like Kruppe, Quick Ben, and Shadow Throne, while also discussing the nature of magic within the series and the moral complexities of the characters' actions. The conversation highlights the evocative nature of the titles and the unique approach to magic that sets Malazan apart from other fantasy literature. In this conversation, the participants explore various themes related to magic systems in fantasy literature, the subjective nature of storytelling, character dynamics, and the political implications of fantasy tropes. They discuss the appeal of both hard and soft magic systems, the importance of earned outcomes in storytelling, and the playful subversion of traditional fantasy elements. The conversation also touches on the relationships between characters, particularly focusing on the youthful naivety of Crokus and the moral ambiguity of his uncle. Finally, they delve into the political commentary embedded within fantasy narratives, questioning the implications of ownership and power dynamics. In this conversation, the participants delve into the intricate political dynamics surrounding the Assassins' Guilds, character insights regarding the Hounds, and the artistic inspirations that influence fantasy literature. They also discuss the impact of spoilers on their reading experiences, explore poetic interpretations from the text, and look ahead to future discussions about the Malazan series.

Send us a message

Support the show

Film Chewing Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2235582/follow

Lens Chewing on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lenschewing

On VERO: https://vero.co/lenschewing

Speculative Speculations: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/speculative-speculations

Support the podcast: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7EQ7XWFUP6K9E

Join Riverside.fm: https://riverside.fm/?via=steve-l

In this episode, hosts Mike and Steve dive into their top 10 comics of the year, discussing their reading experiences and the various themes present in the comics. They share their honorable mentions, highlighting the challenges of narrowing down their favorites. The conversation flows into a detailed countdown of their top picks, exploring the unique storytelling, humor, and satirical elements that make these comics stand out. They explore the influence of social media in storytelling, the artistic depth of works like 'Somna', and the unique narratives presented in titles such as 'Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees' and 'Deviant'. The discussion highlights the emotional impact of stories in 'Swan Songs' and the thrilling crime elements in 'Houses of the Unholy'. The hosts also share their anticipation for upcoming releases and reflect on the importance of storytelling in graphic novels. They discuss the dark fantasy world of 'The Sacrificers', the slice-of-life narrative in 'Where the Body Was', and the nostalgic journey of 'Grommets'. The duo reflects on the importance of artwork in storytelling and the overall success of the comic book year, encouraging listeners to explore these titles and engage with the medium.

Send us a message

Support the show

Film Chewing Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2235582/follow

Lens Chewing on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lenschewing

On VERO: https://vero.co/lenschewing

Speculative Speculations: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/speculative-speculations

Support the podcast: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7EQ7XWFUP6K9E

Join Riverside.fm: https://riverside.fm/?via=steve-l

This conversation delves into the themes of Brett Easton Ellis's 'American Psycho', exploring its satirical horror elements, the critique of materialism and consumerism, and the psychological depth of its characters. The hosts discuss their differing opinions on the narrative style, the portrayal of wealth and privilege, and the implications of misogyny within the story. They also reflect on the ambiguity of reality versus imagination in the book, ultimately concluding with thoughts on the societal reflections presented in the narrative. In this conversation, Jarrod and Steve delve into the complexities of character development, particularly focusing on the protagonist's inner conflict and moral ambiguity. They explore the societal implications of wealth and detachment, drawing parallels to real-world figures and events. The discussion also touches on personal reactions to the disturbing nature of the book, the narrative's use of musical essays, and concludes with reflections on the overall reading experience and ratings.

Send us a message

Support the show

Film Chewing Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2235582/follow

Lens Chewing on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lenschewing

On VERO: https://vero.co/lenschewing

Speculative Speculations: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/speculative-speculations

Support the podcast: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7EQ7XWFUP6K9E

Join Riverside.fm: https://riverside.fm/?via=steve-l

In this episode of Page Burners, the hosts delve into the complexities of the Malazan Book of the Fallen, focusing on Gardens of the Moon. They explore the intricate relationships between gods and their worshipers, the nature of mortality, and the moral ambiguities faced by characters. The discussion also touches on the significance of epigraphs, character dynamics, and the political intrigue within the narrative, culminating in a rich analysis of themes such as desperation, identity, and redemption. The conversation delves into the intricate character dynamics within the Malazan series, exploring themes of morality, the impact of empire, and the complexities of duty and indoctrination. The discussion also touches on the role of luck and chaos in the narrative, particularly how these elements influence character decisions and plot outcomes. The characters' backgrounds and motivations are examined, revealing the layers of their actions and the consequences of their choices. In this segment of the conversation, the participants delve into various themes surrounding the Malazan series, including community support, the moral complexities of characters like Whiskey Jack, and the significance of the T'lan Mass. They explore the dynamics of war, the nature of Paran's sword, and the political intrigue within the Malazan Empire, all while highlighting the humor and camaraderie among the Bridge Burners. In this conversation, the participants delve into various themes within fantasy literature, particularly focusing on gender representation, character development, and the intricacies of magic systems. They discuss the refreshing portrayal of female characters in leadership roles, the impact of minor characters, and the moral complexities of the protagonists. The conversation also touches on the nature of gods and mages, exploring the implications of their powers and the relationships between them. The discussion wraps up with reflections on the characters and themes, setting the stage for future conversations.

Find Carl: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/30017647.Carl_D_Albert

Find Varsha: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadingByTheRainyMountain

Send us a message

Support the show

Film Chewing Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2235582/follow

Lens Chewing on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lenschewing

On VERO: https://vero.co/lenschewing

Speculative Speculations: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/speculative-speculations

Support the podcast: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7EQ7XWFUP6K9E

Join Riverside.fm: https://riverside.fm/?via=steve-l

On this episode, the hosts explore a variety of light-hearted topics, including personal preferences for animals, the impact of spoilers on reading experiences, unique grocery store reading habits, favorite board games, and top music albums. The discussion is filled with humor and camaraderie, showcasing the hosts' personalities and interests. In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore a variety of topics ranging from their dream biking trails to their favorite fictional characters, evolving tastes in literature, childhood aspirations, and culinary skills. Each segment reveals personal insights and humorous anecdotes, creating a relatable and entertaining dialogue. They discuss strategies for living with noise, share recommendations for new readers, and delve into the intriguing topic of time travel and historical curiosities. The conversation wraps up with reflections on hobbies they tried but didn't enjoy, highlighting the light-hearted and thoughtful nature of their discussions.

Find Thomas: https://linktr.ee/thomasjdevens

Find Jarrod: https://www.youtube.com/@thefantasythinker

Send us a message

Support the show

Film Chewing Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2235582/follow

Lens Chewing on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lenschewing

On VERO: https://vero.co/lenschewing

Speculative Speculations: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/speculative-speculations

Support the podcast: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7EQ7XWFUP6K9E

Join Riverside.fm: https://riverside.fm/?via=steve-l

Crossed is a violent and graphic comic book series created by Garth Ennis. It explores the breakdown of civilization and the extreme horror that ensues when humans become infected with a contagion that removes all inhibitions. The series is known for its shocking and visceral storytelling, although some runs focus more on shock value than good storytelling. The original volume is a standout, with a focus on survival horror and impactful artwork. Other notable arcs include Crossed: Family Values, Crossed 3D, Crossed: Psychopath, Crossed: Badlands, Crossed +100, and Crossed: Wish You Were Here. 

Written post: https://pagechewing.com/exploring-crossed/

Send us a message

Support the show

Film Chewing Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2235582/follow

Lens Chewing on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lenschewing

On VERO: https://vero.co/lenschewing

Speculative Speculations: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/speculative-speculations

Support the podcast: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7EQ7XWFUP6K9E

Join Riverside.fm: https://riverside.fm/?via=steve-l