Space Admiral Kandas and Space Cadet Shane welcome visiting dignitary Patrick Lugo to discuss Steven Erikson's standalone science fiction novel "Rejoice, A Knife to the Heart."

When a mysterious alien AI arrives offering humanity a utopian paradise with no war, poverty, or disease, the biggest question becomes: Can we get out of our own way?

Erikson, best known for his epic ten-book Malazan fantasy series, brings his background as an archaeologist and anthropologist to this character-driven first contact story. Published in 2018, the novel examines humanity through multiple perspectives across the globe, from science fiction writers and bank robbers to child soldiers and abusive spouses, all coping with an "intervention event" that changes everything overnight.

The conversation explores deep themes including the role of free time in human creativity, what happens when scarcity and profit margins disappear, religious versus spiritual responses to transformation, and whether this seemingly benevolent AI might actually be recruiting humanity as its attack force against the mysterious Grays.

Patrick Lugo shares insights into why Erikson's work resonates with creators, discussing how removing constraints like marketability and survival needs could unleash human potential. The group debates whether the novel presents the origin story of Star Trek's Federation or something far more sinister.

Despite ending on a massive cliffhanger with ruins discovered on Mars and the Moon, Erikson never wrote a sequel, leaving readers to imagine their own continuation of humanity's journey into space.

Guest Patrick Lugo is a career artist, former art director for Kung Fu Magazine, and creator of the graphic novel series Tiger's Tale. His upcoming comic book Undead Kung Fu Ghost Killer combines martial arts with zombie horror themes.

Key Topics Discussed:

• First contact scenarios and intervention events
• The human condition through an anthropological lens
• Character-driven storytelling across global perspectives
• Utopian futures and their hidden costs
• The relationship between free time and creativity
• Religious and spiritual transformation
• Media manipulation and corporate control
• The mysterious Grays as a recurring sci-fi antagonist
• Why the book's 2018 publication feels dated in 2025
• Independent comic creation and storytelling

Find Patrick Lugo at https://plugoarts.com Book Details:

• Title: Rejoice, A Knife to the Heart
• Author: Steven Erikson Published: 2018
• Genre: Science Fiction, First Contact
• Purchase the Book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4o1oqqQ

We may earn a small commission when you use our link to make a purchase, as not extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting indie podcasting.

What happens when futuristic soldiers travel back to medieval England, cheat at jousting with advanced weapons, and accidentally kill the wrong people? Spoiler alert: the timeline splits, history rewrites itself, and someone has to clean up the mess before the future disappears forever.

Our guest is JV Hilliard, fantasy author of The Warminster Saga series and publisher of Altered Reality Magazine, an online platform that gives 200+ speculative fiction authors a place to share their work without traditional publishing gatekeepers. Joe's been a friend of the show since appearing on Gratitude Geek, and today he's here to discuss the book that got him hooked on science fantasy as a teenager.

In this episode, we discuss The Ivanhoe Gambit by Simon Hawke, the first book in the Time Wars series that blends time travel, medieval history, and science fiction. When soldiers are sent back to observe the famous Ivanhoe joust during the era of King John, Richard the Lionheart, and Robin Hood, everything goes wrong and they must fix the timeline before it's too late.

We explore why this 1980s time travel series still resonates today, how Hawke balances historical accuracy with science fantasy, and what makes a time travel story work. Joe shares insights on world building in fantasy versus science fiction, the art of showing instead of telling in speculative fiction, and why platforms like Altered Reality Magazine matter for independent authors trying to bypass traditional publishing.

Whether you're a fan of time travel stories, historical fiction, or just love a fast-paced adventure that makes you curious about real history, this episode offers book recommendations and writing insights you won't want to miss.

Topics we cover:

• Time travel paradoxes and timeline splitting
• How The Ivanhoe Gambit teaches history through fiction
• Science fantasy versus pure science fiction
• World building techniques for authors
• The multiverse before Marvel made it cool
• Why independent publishing platforms matter
• Book series perfect for young adult readers

Runtime: 43:54

Connect with JV Hilliard:

• Website: https://jvhilliard.com
• Altered Reality Magazine: https://www.alteredrealitymag.com/
• The Warminster Saga (book series): https://amzn.to/4oR95tN
  • Available on Amazon and major audiobook platforms

Find The Ivanhoe Gambit:

• Amazon: https://amzn.to/3WEptlu
• Audiobook: Available on major platforms

More Sci-Fi Book Pod:

• Website: https://scifibookpod.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/scifibookpod
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@scifibookpod

JV Hilliard's previous appearance:

• Gratitude Geek Podcast: https://youtu.be/8HvaKTzmVjQ?si=ruC93Mi401bSRbuV

Books and series mentioned in this episode:

• The Ivanhoe Gambit by Simon Hawke (Time Wars Series, Book 1):
• https://amzn.to/3WEptlu
• Ready Player One by Ernest Cline: https://amzn.to/4hIQJc9
• Dune by Frank Herbert: https://amzn.to/3LlGPBe
• The Magic of Xanth series by Piers Anthony: https://amzn.to/3JgCvCI
• 11/22/63 by Stephen King: https://amzn.to/47FjfH8

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Sci-Fi Book Pod so you never miss our sci-fi book discussions and author interviews. Follow us on Instagram @scifibookpod and YouTube @scifibookpod for behind-the-scenes content.

Want more time travel discussions? Check out our previous episodes at https://scifibookpod.com

Have a sci-fi book recommendation? Drop it in the comments or send us a message on Instagram. We're always looking for our next read!

Hosted by Kandas Rodarte (Space Admiral Kandas) and Shane Rodarte (Space Cadet Shane 2nd Class)

Strap in for a deep dive into Frank Herbert's 1965 masterpiece Dune, the sprawling sci-fi epic that defined a genre and continues to spawn adaptations decades later. In this speculative fiction podcast episode, Space Admiral Kandas and Space Cadet Shane 2nd Class are joined by guest Adam Heeren to explore the desert planet Arrakis, where water is worth more than gold and giant sandworms rule the dunes. From space feudalism to ecological warnings, from the Bene Gesserit's thousand-year breeding program to Paul Atreides' reluctant messiah complex, this book delivers on every level—whether you're here for the philosophical themes or just the awesome worms. Our hosts discuss how Dune's themes remain eerily relevant 60 years later, compare the various film adaptations, and debate whether fear really is the mind-killer. Plus: why reading Dune at 14 hits different than at 55, and how Frank Herbert built a universe so rich you'll want to revisit it for life.

Buy the Book

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/a/111345/9780441013593

Amazon: https://amzn.to/47g2m5y

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 & Opening Chaos 04:06 - Why Adam Chose Dune 09:58 - Cultural Influences: Lawrence of Arabia Meets Space Opera 15:42 - Foreshadowing & Literary Techniques 21:58 - The Orange Catholic Bible & World-Building 27:58 - Reading Dune at Different Ages 34:20 - Movie Adaptations: From Lynch to Villeneuve 42:06 - Fear is the Mind-Killer: Final Thoughts 48:00 - Guest Spotlight: Prismatic Venus Fitness GUEST SPOTLIGHT:

Adam Heeren's wife Brittany runs Prismatic Venus Fitness, specializing in pre and postnatal fitness. Check out her Wednesday Wellness Deep Brief podcast and visit https://www.prismaticvenusfitness.com/

More from Sci-Fi Book Pod

🌌 Never miss an episode: https://scifibookpod.com

🎙️ Hosted by the Space Admiral Kandas and her loyal Space Cadet, 2nd Class, Shane.

🛸 Subscribe on your favorite podcast player and geek out with us: https://pod.link/1820246467

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

More from Sci-Fi Book Pod

🌌 Never miss an episode: https://scifibookpod.com

🎙️ Hosted by the Space Admiral Kandas and her loyal Space Cadet 2nd Class, Shane.

🛸 Subscribe on your favorite podcast player and geek out with us.

In Children of Time, Adrian Tchaikovsky flips the classic sci-fi narrative: humanity's last survivors arrive on a terraformed planet, only to discover hyper-intelligent spiders thriving in a civilization built on empathy and cooperation. But can humans—driven by fear and conquest—learn to coexist with them?

On this episode of Sci-Fi Book Pod, Shane and I are joined by Donovan Rittenbach, serial entrepreneur, AI marketing specialist, and author of Prompt Virtuoso. Together, we dive into evolution, empathy, gender dynamics, religion, and what it truly means to inherit the future.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• Why Tchaikovsky's worldbuilding is unlike anything else in sci-fi
• How spiders built a cooperative society while humans clung to hierarchy
• The gender politics of Fabian, Portia, and power in spider society
• Religion, misunderstood gods, and the dangers of human arrogance
• Why empathy may be the most important survival skill—for civilizations and for AI

About Our Guest: Donovan Rittenbach is the founder of My AI Web Guy and author of Prompt Virtuoso: Secret Techniques to Amplify Your Intelligence and Not Get Hacked by AI. Learn more at donovanrittenbach.com

Purchase the Book:

• Amazon
• Bookshop

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links. Purchases through these links may earn us a small commission at no extra cost, helping keep the coffee flowing on our spaceship.

Episode Chapters: 00:00 Exploring Humanity and Empathy in Sci-Fi 02:27 The Unique Evolution of Spider Civilization 03:38 The Role of AI and Technology in the Narrative 06:16 Humanity's Flaws and the Quest for Survival 08:57 Religious and Cultural Developments in Spider Society 11:37 Communication and Cooperation Across Species 14:00 The Intersection of Human and Spider Perspectives 16:41 The Future of Humanity and Spiders Together 21:25 Hierarchy vs. Cooperation: A Civilizational Dilemma 23:47 The Spider Society: Gender Dynamics and Empathy 26:38 Power Structures: Hierarchies in Nature and Humanity 28:06 The Role of Viruses: Evolution and Transformation 31:26 Generational Knowledge Transfer: Spiders vs. Humans 34:13 Understanding: The Key to Empathy and Connection 38:32 Fear and Survival: The Human Response to the Unknown 40:21 The Future of Humanity: Cooperation vs. Domination

What happens when regret, aliens, and second chances collide? In this episode of Sci-Fi Book Pod, Space Admiral Kandas and Space Cadet 2nd Class Shane dive into A Gift of Time by Jerry Merritt. When Micajah Fenton discovers a crashed time glider and a mysterious virtual woman, he's thrown into a life-do-over that challenges everything he thought he knew about fate, family, and redemption.

Expect a nerdy, heartfelt sci-fi book discussion packed with talk of time loops, Southern settings, swamp wisdom, and even dinosaurs. If you've ever wondered whether reliving your life would be a blessing or a paradox waiting to implode, this episode is for you.

Buy the Book

Amazon: https://amzn.to/47rPxH8

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 A Gift of Time

02:20 Themes of Time Travel and Personal Reflection

05:12 Character Development and Relationships

07:52 Exploring the Setting and Cultural Context

10:32 The Role of Aliens and Time Travel Mechanics

13:16 Redemption and Life Lessons

16:01 The Rapture and Its Implications

20:53 The Time Traveler's Payment

22:19 Consciousness and Identity in Time Travel

24:20 The Journey of Storytelling

25:10 Exploring Relationships and Betrayal 27:08 The Concept of Immortality

29:39 Reflections on Time and Change

31:42 The Value of Life Experiences

34:23 Character Development and Personal Growth

More from Sci-Fi Book Pod

🌌 Never miss an episode: https://scifibookpod.com

🎙️ Hosted by the Space Admiral Kandas and her loyal Space Cadet, 2nd Class, Shane.

🛸 Subscribe on your favorite podcast player and geek out with us.

What does it take to go from coward to hero — and can science and friendship really save the world? We explore the answer with former science teacher and sci-fi commentator Shereese Alexander in this deep dive into Project Hail Mary.

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In episode 6 of Sci-Fi Book Pod, Space Admiral Kandas and Space Cadet 2nd Class Shane are joined by Shereese Alexander — host of The Sci-Fi Savage and co-host of a Star Trek: The Next Generation rewatch podcast.

Together, we explore Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, unpack its themes of transformation, interspecies cooperation, and the role of science in survival, and hear how Shereese's educator perspective reframes the story's big ideas.

You'll discover:

• How Project Hail Mary portrays cross-species friendship as the ultimate survival tool
• Why Ryland Grace's transformation from reluctant teacher to galactic hero resonates so strongly
• A hilarious side trip into "space smells," Ryan Gosling casting opinions, and the sins of our fathers

Timestamps [00:00] Welcome aboard + spoiler warning [00:32] Meet our guest: Shereese Alexander [02:30] Quick synopsis of Project Hail Mary [04:20] Quote 1: "It's the kids of today…" — Responsibility and future generations [10:40] Quote 2: "Got to love computers…" — AI, technology, and human connection [26:20] Quote 3: "You avoid risk like the plague." — Character transformation and courage [33:00] Home, purpose, and unlikely partnerships [36:35] Final thoughts & where to find Shereese

Key Takeaways

• Sci-fi can inspire young people to think bigger about science, ethics, and cooperation
• A flawed protagonist can still rise to the occasion — courage is often born from necessity
• Collaboration, whether human or alien, is humanity's best hope for survival

Connect with Shereese Alexander Website: https://linktr.ee/thescifisavage Instagram: https://instagram.com/thescifisavage YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thescifisavage

• Resources & Links Mentioned
• Buy Project Hail Mary:
  • Amazon: https://amzn.to/3HBHhtr
  • Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/111345/9780593135228
• Andy Weir's Website: https://andyweirauthor.com
• Related reads we recommend on https://bookshop.org/lists/sci-fi-book-pod
  • The Martian by Andy Weir
  • All Systems Red by Martha Wells

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in these show notes are affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend books, products, and resources we love and believe are valuable to our listeners.

Your Next Mission

• Subscribe to Sci-Fi Book Pod on your favorite player: https://plinkhq.com/i/1820246467?to=page
• Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help other space travelers find us
• Join the crew at https://scifibookpod.com for more book picks and bonus content

Bonus: Be sure to check out the companion episode on Gratitude Geek featuring author Joshua Dalzelle as we continue the Project Hail Mary conversation. http://kandasrodarte.com/265

Can a robot teach us about being human?

This week on Sci-Fi Book Pod, we're chatting about All Systems Red by Martha Wells — and the brilliance of the Murderbot character. Joining us is content strategist and sci-fi superfan Shereese Alexander, aka The Sci-Fi Savage. Together, we explore what makes Murderbot tick, how the book challenges our ideas about personhood, and whether a soap-opera-loving robot can be more human than we are.

We also dig into the larger Murderbot Diaries series, and the deeper questions about identity, autonomy, and AI ethics.

Key Topics:

• Why Shereese chose All Systems Red
• What makes Murderbot so relatable
• The theme of humanity in AI
• Non-binary and asexual representation in sci-fi
• Comparing Murderbot Diaries to other speculative fiction
• The Apple TV+ adaptation
• Shereese's new course: Engagement Engine

Guest: Shereese Alexander Website: https://shereesealexander.com/engagementengine Follow her on social: YouTube | @TheSciFiSavage TikTok | @thescifisavage Instagram | @thescifisavage

Listen & Subscribe: 🎧 https://podfollow.com/scifibookpod 📺 http://youtube.com/@scifibookpod 🔗 http://scifibookpod.com

Join the Conversation: What do you think makes someone human? Drop your thoughts in the comments or connect with us on YouTube and Instagram.

Paul Heitsch, narrator of the Omega Force series, joins Space Admiral Kandas in a bonus transmission pulled straight from the Gratitude Geek Podcast. The topic? Bobiverse, AI in storytelling, and why not every accent needs to be perfect to be powerful.

This excerpt is a behind-the-scenes peek at voice acting choices, from tricky British dialects to the Russian inflection that somehow sneaks into Brazil. Plus, Paul names his sci-fi author dream team and agrees to beam aboard a future full-length episode of Sci-Fi Book Pod.

• The Bobiverse's AI protagonist opens the door to powerful narrative possibilities
• Accents can enhance—or distract—depending on the narrator's approach
• Ray Porter's creative choices (including that infamous Brazilian accent) spark debate
• Great narration is about consistency, character, and acting—not perfection
• Paul Heitsch's sci-fi picks include Gibson, Le Guin, and Stephenson

• 00:00 – Meet Paul Heitsch, narrator of Omega Force
• 00:52 – Discussing narration in Dennis E. Taylor's Bobiverse
• 02:23 – AI as a storytelling tool, not a threat
• 03:20 – The accent struggle: British is hard, Russian is fun
• 05:00 – Acting vs. accents: Different schools of narration
• 06:52 – Prioritizing characterization over dialect accuracy
• 07:51 – Favorite authors and the dream to guest on Sci-Fi Book Pod
• 09:13 – Full interview lives on Gratitude Geek Ep. 277

🎧 Listen to the full interview: https://kandasrodarte.com/277

📚 Shop the books we talk about:

• Bobiverse Series by Dennis E. Taylor – https://bookshop.org/a/111345/9781680680584
• Omega Force Series by Joshua Dalzelle – https://bookshop.org/a/111345/9781484016329
• Shop Speculative Fiction on Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/sci-fi-book-pod

We may earn a small commission when you purchase through our affiliate links—thanks for supporting Sci-Fi Book Pod.

Is Humanity Worth Saving?

"All These Worlds" by Dennis E. Taylor is the topic of discussion for episode 003 of Sci-Fi Book Pod.

The Bobiverse is expanding—tenfold. In this episode, we confront what it means to live forever, meddle with alien civilizations, and still get dumped by someone aging in real time. (Ouch.)

In "All These Worlds," digital immortality meets moral ambiguity. The Bobs are multiplying, humanity is migrating, and emotional baggage is going galactic.

We're talking ten generations of digital clones, ethical interference in alien development (sorry, Starfleet), and one very awkward dinner date between an ageless Bob and a gray-haired ex-girlfriend. If you've ever wondered what happens when you upload your brain and stick around long enough to watch everyone you love die—this one's for you.

• The Bobiverse explores the cost of immortality and the persistence of grief
• Ethical dilemmas abound: should digital gods interfere with alien civilizations?
• The Prime Directive gets bent (and broken) in service of progress—or hubris
• Individual rights vs. collective control create courtroom fireworks
• Narrator Ray Porter gives each Bob a unique voice—bad accents and all

Timestamps

• 00:00 – Digital clones challenge concepts of consciousness, identity, and morality
• 00:26 – All These Worlds — Book 3 of the Bobiverse (but not the last)
• 01:20 – Ten generations of Bobs relocate humanity and confront alien life
• 01:45 – Immortality comes with emotional baggage
• 03:34 – Bob watches Bridget age, while he stays eternally 31
• 08:59 – "Ephemerals" and the growing human-Bob disconnect
• 09:54 – Bob tosses the Prime Directive out the airlock
• 12:46 – The grief of outliving everyone
• 20:37 – Courtroom drama explores autonomy vs. collective control
• 24:36 – Ray Porter's masterful narration (with a side of sketchy accents)
• 27:04 – Uncertain next read—check our bookshop to see what's brewing

Buy "All These Worlds" by Dennis E. Taylor:

• Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/a/111345/9781680680607
• ⁠Amazon: https://amzn.to/446gRbW

Shop Speculative Ficion on Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/sci-fi-book-pod

We may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through our affiliate links. Thank you for supporting Sci-Fi Book Pod!

Listen Next:

Paul Heitsch Interview on Gratitude Geek Podcast: https://kandasrodarte.com/277