The Legendarium

By The Legendarium Podcast

What's The Legendarium about?

The Legendarium exists primarily as a book club for fantasy and sci-fi, both the classics and the new classics.Tolkien, Brandon Sanderson, Robert Jordan, and more.

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The Legendarium episodes:

04.23.2024
#436. FIRELORD - Author's Shelf with Daniel Ford
Returning guest Daniel Ford drops by to discuss a favorite of his, Parke Godwin's Firelord. This 1980 retelling of the King Arthur myth is one of the best you'll come across, and it made for some great discussion. Check out Daniel's...
03.31.2024
#435. Project Hail Mary
Megan has brought the Blue Team back together to a discussion of a recent favorite: Andy Weir's Project Hail Mary. Will she have better success in bringing them a good book than Todd did when he made her read John...
03.25.2024
#434. I AM THE MESSENGER | Author's Shelf with Kaela Rivera
Old friend of the podcast Kaela Rivera stops by for an Author's Shelf episode about I Am the Messenger, by Markus Zusak. This magical-realism novel was an absolute delight, and you should give it a read if you haven't yet....
03.12.2024
JADE CITY | Author's Shelf with Moses Ose Utomi
Moses Ose Utomi is Craig's guest today on the Author's Shelf series, and he's selected Fonda Lee's Jade City to discuss. As always, the first question is, "Why did you choose this book?" And with that, Moses and Craig are...
02.29.2024
#432. A Game of Thrones (the book.) (finally.)
Craig and Kenn are joined by Eradandis (of Discord fame) to discuss A Game of Thrones, the first book in #georgerrmartin 's A Song of Ice and Fire series. Are they going to give it the lengthy treatment it deserves?...
02.20.2024
#431. Caine Black Knife, part 1
After the ... experience that is Blade of Tyshalle, Craig and Drew are back for more, starting in on part 1 of Caine Black Knife, the third book in Matthew Stover's Acts of Caine series. Is this book really as...
02.08.2024
#430. Read the LAST Page FIRST? With Hank Phillippi Ryan
Author and journalist Hank Phillippi Ryan joins Craig for a very spoiler-y discussion. Luckily, they don't spoil anything for you, but Hank is here to talk about why she sometimes reads the last page of a book first. What exactly...
01.31.2024
#429. How Self Publishing Really Works, with Philip Chase
What was once condescendingly sneered at only a few years ago has become more and more commonplace: self publishing. With the rise of new technologies and easier printing, now authors can bypass the middleman (the publisher) and get their work...
01.25.2024
#428. A Wrinkle in Time
Craig and Megan are joined by longtime listener and friend of the show, "Codingfoo," to discuss A Wrinkle in Time, the classic young-reader sci-fi novel by Madeleine L'Engle. Enjoy an hour of vintage Legendarium conversation on a vintage book. Support the...
01.17.2024
#427. Travis Baldree talks going from narrator to author
Travis Baldree, Author of Legends and Lattes and the new Bookshops and Bonedust, stops by to chat with Craig about what it's like to go from narrating to writing books. What have been the challenges, the lessons, the surprises? Check out...
01.08.2024
#426. The Darkest, then the Weirdest Book I Ever Read
Blade of Tyshalle, part 2. Craig and Drew dive into the second half of the book. Which in this case means Drew dives into it, because Craig has no idea what's going on in this book anymore. Drew attempts to...
12.31.2023
#425. HELLSPARK - Author’s Shelf w/ Sharon Lee and Steve Miller
Craig welcomes again Sharon Lee and Steve Miller, the writers behind the Liaden universe. They stop this time to discuss Hellspark, the 1988 novel by Janet Kagan. It's a murder mystery ("in spaaaaaace!!"), but more than that, it's a meditation...
12.28.2023
#424. Why Do We Love Talking Animals?
Is it projection? Wish fulfillment? Or just plain adorableness? Why do we readers (and viewers) enjoy stories with talking animals so much? Christopher Rowe stops by to chat with Craig about our favorite fabled furry friends. Check out Christopher's latest, The...
12.14.2023
#423. A Comedic and Divine Author’s Shelf
Austin Freeman makes his return to the Legendarium! After a great discussion on the theology of Tolkien (episode 400), he's back for an Author's Shelf episode, and together he and Craig talk Dante's Divine Comedy. (Which is a bit like...
11.30.2023
#422. When a Mental Health Pro Takes Up Fiction
Kristen Simmons joins Craig to discuss the intersection of her work both as a mental health professional and as an author. How does the one inform the other? Check out Kristen's work here: https://www.kristensimmonsbooks.com/books Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives...
11.17.2023
#421. Mattimeo (Redwall #3)
Craig and Kenn welcome Little Red Book from the Patrons' Discord channel as they discuss Mattimeo, the third book in Brian Jacques' Redwall series. Well, "discuss" may be the wrong word here. And maybe "Mattimeo" too, since they mostly spend...
11.07.2023
#420. Tolkien & Beowulf, with Tom Shippey
It's a big day at the Legendarium when Craig finally gets to talk with Tom Shippey, one of the most frequently cited writers on the show. Tom comes by to talk about his new translation of Beowulf, and especially about...
10.24.2023
#419. When a Diplomat Writes a Fantasy Book... with David Schlaefer
Dropping in from his temporary home in Poland, author and diplomat David Schlaefer joins Craig to talk about his experiences serving in the U.S. State Department. After having been stationed in several countries (most notably for this conversation, Finland), how...
10.17.2023
#418. Heroes Die, days 1-3 | The Acts of Caine
Craig and Drew embark on a new podcast series, covering Matthew Stover's four-book series, The Acts of Caine. To follow the entire series of discussions, you'll need to subscribe to both The Legendarium and Inking Out Loud, since episodes will...
10.10.2023
#417.BEOWULF | Author’s Shelf with Philip Chase
Philip Chase joins Craig for an Author's Shelf episode about Beowulf. Why has this story endured? Is it just a historical artifact, or is there something worthwhile here on its own terms? Frankly, it's a long-overdue discussion, and Philip brought...
10.04.2023
#416. Mossflower | Redwall book 2
Craig and Kenn are joined by longtime patron Levi, aka Texas Blade, to discuss Mossflower, Brian Jacques' prequel to Redwall. The guys talk about great heroes, great villains, and the establishment of many of the Redwall tropes that will hit...
09.28.2023
#415. Tropes come to life! What we’re reading + a big announcement
Drew McCaffrey from Inking Out Loud joins Craig again for some seemingly random potpourri. But it's all for a purpose! The guys announce an upcoming series and the return of a beloved podcast. Check out Inking Out Loud here: https://iolpodcast.com/ Support the...
09.12.2023
#414. The Enduring Power of Alice
Author, producer, and all-around interesting guy Frank Beddor joins Craig for a discussion about why stories last. Craig, as you know, is a big Tolkien guy, and Frank is a big Lewis Carroll guy--and between the two of them, they...
09.05.2023
#413. The Origins of Tropes: Comparative Mythology and Modern Fantasy
Craig is joined again by Aparna Verma, and this time they also have R.R. Virdi to speak with as well. The trio (mostly the latter two) dive into the world of comparative mythology and the origins of many of our...
08.31.2023
#412. AI, Tech, and Storytelling
Craig welcomes Jon Evans, author and Impressive Man extraordinaire, to discuss tech, AI, and how they think it may intersect with writing and storytelling. Check out Jon's new book, Exadelic, here: https://rezendi.com/wp/ Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the...
08.23.2023
#411. Talking SPACE OPERA with Sharon Lee & Steve Miller
Craig is joined for this episode by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller, the husband-wife team behind the Liaden Universe (and plenty else besides). They talk about the history of the term "space opera," their own experiences with the genre, and...
08.14.2023
#410. WoT a surprise! New Wheel of Time episodes kickoff
Craig and Todd are WoT'ing it up! They'll do a mini Wheel of Time series of podcasts, one after each 1-3 books or so. This series, though, aside from this episode, will be Patreon-only!! Check out the link below to...
08.10.2023
#409. Redwall
Craig and Kenn are joined by special guest -- and Discord super legend -- Befuddled Panda. Together they discuss an old childhood favorite, Redwall. What holds up in this book, besides pretty much everything? Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the...
07.31.2023
#408. How Myth and History Affect Our Stories - with Aparna Verma
Aparna Verma joins Craig for a discussion on as a writer drawing from multiple mythological and historical traditions. It's a surface-level discussion, but with a promise for more when Aparna comes back at a later date. Check out Aparna's work here:...
07.24.2023
#407. A Very Level 1 Conversation
Craig is joined by Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle to have a very Level One conversation. Julia and Ken are the co-authors of the Seattle Slayers and Phoenix Hoard series, and they talk with Craig about how they approach their...
07.17.2023
#406. LORD OF LIGHT by Roger Zelazny | Author’s Shelf with Steven Brust
For today's Author's Shelf episode, Craig is joined by author Steven Brust to discuss Lord of Light, the classic 1967 sci-fi novel by Roger Zelazny. Why has the book meant so much to Steven over the years? And how was...
07.10.2023
#405. How Does Tor Get their Books in Your Hands? A Chat with 3 Tor Marketers
Craig is joined by Rachel, Yvonne, and Andrew, three members of the Tor marketing team. They talk about how they make you aware of new books, and hopefully, get those books from the press to your shelf. Support the show on...
06.29.2023
#404. CHUCK TINGLE spins the Wheel of Tangents
!!CONTENT WARNING!! In a departure from the norm, we're doing an adults-only episode of the Legendarium, in which the one and only Chuck Tingle comes to visit and he and Craig spin the Wheel of Tangents. Truth be told, most...
06.20.2023
#403. TROPES - The Good, the Bad, and the Fridge
Craig is joined by author Daniel M. Ford to discuss a perennial favorite topic of listeners: THE TROPE. What counts as a trope? Are they good or bad? Which are our favorites? And which would we burn to the ground...
06.16.2023
#402. Leviathan Falls, part 2
That's it, it's over! Stephanie has completed the Expanse and is ready to be done with it, but not before she has some fun with Todd and Kenn discussing the second half of James S.A. Corey's Leviathan Falls. [Craig's audio note:...
06.12.2023
#401. The Left Hand of Darkness | Author’s Shelf with Nadia Uddin
Craig is joined by Nadia Uddin for another Author's Shelf episode, this one on the Ursula Le Guin classic, The Left Hand of Darkness. They talk about her style, her storytelling, and her politics. What works and what doesn't in...
05.30.2023
#400. J.R.R. Tolkien’s Theology, with Austin Freeman
Craig welcomes Austin Freeman to the show to discuss Tolkien and his religious views. Tolkien was a staunch Catholic, but that doesn't mean that his views weren't idiosyncratic in some interesting and unexpected ways. Check out Austin's book, Tolkien Dogmatics: Theology...
05.22.2023
#399. Leviathan Falls, part 1
She's almost across the finish line! Todd and Kenn drag Stephanie back for the penultimate Expanse podcast as they discuss the first half of James S.A. Corey's Leviathan Falls. [Craig's audio note: I had to use the backup audio for...
05.16.2023
#398. The Palace of Illusions - The Author’s Shelf with Vaishnavi Patel
Craig welcomes Vaishnavi Patel, author of Kaikeyi, for this edition of the Author's Shelf. Vaishnavi has selected The Palace of Illusions, by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. It's Craig's first foray into the Mahabharata (in this case a modern retelling), and Vaishnavi...
05.08.2023
#397. Tress of the Emerald Sea
Craig, Ryan, Megan, and Stephanie sit down to discuss their experience with Brandon Sanderson's first "secret project" of 2023, Tress of the Emerald Sea. They also take your comments and questions. Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the...
04.25.2023
#396. Discoursing on Dungeons & Dragons with Dirt Cheap Dungeons
Craig and Todd (who is legally required to be on any episode involving D&D) welcome Brandon from Dirt Cheap Dungeons to talk Dungeons & Dragons. They spend a few minutes talking about the new Chris Pine movie, but the rest...
04.17.2023
#395. LAST ARGUMENT OF KINGS, part 2
We made it! It's the final episode in our First Law series, and we've got some thoughts. Craig, Ryan, and Kenn sit down to hash out how they feel about the series now that they've completed it. Did Kenn love...
04.11.2023
#394. The Life of an Author - with Veronica Roth and Amy Lukavics
Returning guest Veronica Roth and newcomer Amy Lukavics join Craig to talk about a day in the life of an author--or, at least, how a typical day goes for *these* two authors. Plus, they give us the details on their...
04.04.2023
#393. Cultural and Personal History in Fiction, with Leopoldo Gout
Author, artist, and filmmaker Leopoldo Gout comes by the podcast to talk with Craig about his experience as a writer, and how he weaves history, myth, and culture into his stories. Check out Piñata: https://www.amazon.com/Pi%C3%B1ata-Novel-Leopoldo-Gout/dp/1250781175 And visit Leopoldo's website: http://www.leopoldogout.net/ Support the show...
03.29.2023
#392. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Author’s Shelf with Randee Dawn
Author Randee Dawn's new book, Tune In Tomorrow, has received some favorable comparisons to the like of Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams. So who better to join Craig in an Author's Shelf episode, talking about Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy?...
03.20.2023
#391. LAST ARGUMENT OF KINGS, part 1 (First Law #3)
Craig, Ryan, and Kenn are together again for the final book of Joe Abercrombie's First Law trilogy. Ryan is already won over to the series, but what about Craig and Kenn? Has the journey been worth what destinations we've had...
03.13.2023
#390. Tailchaser’s Song by Tad Williams | Author’s Shelf with T. Kingfisher
T. Kingfisher (aka Ursula Vernon) stops by the show to talk to Craig about a favorite childhood book of hers: Tailchaser's Song by Tad Williams. Check out Ursula's stuff here: https://www.redwombatstudio.com/ Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord...
03.06.2023
#389. Publishing Kids’ First Fantasy Books
Craig chats with guest Adam Ross of First Fantasy Books to talk about his quest to improve child literacy through fun, simple worldbuilding. Check out First Fantasy Books here. Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/legendarium Check out the archives at https://www.thelegendarium.com/ Join the Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/FnCSsxx Twitter: https://twitter.com/LegendariumPod
02.28.2023
#388. From MIT to Hollywood to Publishing - A Conversation with SL Huang
Craig sits down for a fun, free-ranging discussion with one of the most interesting people ever to appear on the show. SL Huang is a Hugo-winning and Amazon-bestselling writer. The author of the Cas Russell series from Tor, starting with...
02.21.2023
#387. The Man Who Was Thursday - Author’s Shelf feat. James Kennedy
James Kennedy returns! This time, he joins Craig and Drew McCaffrey to discuss G.K. Chesterton's The Man Who Was Thursday, a truly bizarre and classic detective story. For those who think Craig talks too much...you're in luck! Because he knows...

What's The Legendarium about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Legendarium episodes:

#436. FIRELORD - Author's Shelf with Daniel Ford

#435. Project Hail Mary

#434. I AM THE MESSENGER | Author's Shelf with Kaela Rivera

JADE CITY | Author's Shelf with Moses Ose Utomi

#432. A Game of Thrones (the book.) (finally.)

#431. Caine Black Knife, part 1

#430. Read the LAST Page FIRST? With Hank Phillippi Ryan

#429. How Self Publishing Really Works, with Philip Chase

#428. A Wrinkle in Time

#427. Travis Baldree talks going from narrator to author

#426. The Darkest, then the Weirdest Book I Ever Read

#425. HELLSPARK - Author’s Shelf w/ Sharon Lee and Steve Miller

#424. Why Do We Love Talking Animals?

#423. A Comedic and Divine Author’s Shelf

#422. When a Mental Health Pro Takes Up Fiction

#421. Mattimeo (Redwall #3)

#420. Tolkien & Beowulf, with Tom Shippey

#419. When a Diplomat Writes a Fantasy Book... with David Schlaefer

#418. Heroes Die, days 1-3 | The Acts of Caine

#417.BEOWULF | Author’s Shelf with Philip Chase

#416. Mossflower | Redwall book 2

#415. Tropes come to life! What we’re reading + a big announcement

#414. The Enduring Power of Alice

#413. The Origins of Tropes: Comparative Mythology and Modern Fantasy

#412. AI, Tech, and Storytelling

#411. Talking SPACE OPERA with Sharon Lee & Steve Miller

#410. WoT a surprise! New Wheel of Time episodes kickoff

#409. Redwall

#408. How Myth and History Affect Our Stories - with Aparna Verma

#407. A Very Level 1 Conversation

#406. LORD OF LIGHT by Roger Zelazny | Author’s Shelf with Steven Brust

#405. How Does Tor Get their Books in Your Hands? A Chat with 3 Tor Marketers

#404. CHUCK TINGLE spins the Wheel of Tangents

#403. TROPES - The Good, the Bad, and the Fridge

#402. Leviathan Falls, part 2

#401. The Left Hand of Darkness | Author’s Shelf with Nadia Uddin

#400. J.R.R. Tolkien’s Theology, with Austin Freeman

#399. Leviathan Falls, part 1

#398. The Palace of Illusions - The Author’s Shelf with Vaishnavi Patel

#397. Tress of the Emerald Sea

#396. Discoursing on Dungeons & Dragons with Dirt Cheap Dungeons

#395. LAST ARGUMENT OF KINGS, part 2

#394. The Life of an Author - with Veronica Roth and Amy Lukavics

#393. Cultural and Personal History in Fiction, with Leopoldo Gout

#392. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Author’s Shelf with Randee Dawn

#391. LAST ARGUMENT OF KINGS, part 1 (First Law #3)

#390. Tailchaser’s Song by Tad Williams | Author’s Shelf with T. Kingfisher

#389. Publishing Kids’ First Fantasy Books

#388. From MIT to Hollywood to Publishing - A Conversation with SL Huang

#387. The Man Who Was Thursday - Author’s Shelf feat. James Kennedy