Tome Talkers

In which some of the influences history had on the Red Rising saga are discussed. This deep dive episode features fun characters from history such as Ulysses S. Grant, Caesar Augustus, and Vlad the Impaler! This episode contains major spoilers for the entire Red Rising series by Pierce Brown, as well as historical spoilers for the end of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, the US Civil War, and the Ottoman war against Dracula. Enjoy!

In which some of the influences history had on The Lord of the Rings are discussed. This deep dive episode features tidbits from history such as Anglo-Saxon wordplay, an Ancient Greek utopia, and a (somewhat) famous medieval battle! This podcast contains spoilers for The Lord of the Rings, as well as for The Silmarillion and the appendices at the end of The Return of the King.

In which connections are discussed between the history of ancient Rome and the multiple different fantasy and sci-fi books it has had an influence upon. This deep dive episode blends some history about the Roman Republic and Roman Empire with a bit of discussion about the Red Rising series by Pierce Brown, The Will of the Many by James Islington, In the Shadow of Lightning by Brian McClellan, and the Rise and Fall series by Michael J. Sullivan. Warning: this episode contains minor spoilers about some of the worldbuilding from these books as well as major spoilers about historical events from 2,000 years ago.

In which our hosts discuss their predictions for the upcoming fifth book in Brandon Sanderson's Stormlight Archive series. They talk over which characters will die, who Odium's champion may be, and if the stick will ever fulfill its destiny of becoming fire. They also do a few "man on the street" interviews to get the predictions of those who have not read the series at all. All this and more in this episode of "Tome Talkers!"

In which our hosts discuss Rise of Empire by Michael J. Sullivan. The second book in the "Riyria Revelations" series, it features politics, sea voyages, and gladiatorial arena-style fights to the death. Our hosts debate which characters from the book they would be, what their favorite moments were, and why they struggle to remember what happened in this book. All this and more in this episode of "Tome Talkers!"

In which our hosts discuss Theft of Swords by Michael J. Sullivan. The first book in the "Riyria Revelations" series, it features thieves, swords, and dragons with Welsh names. Our hosts debate which characters from the book they would be, what their favorite moments were, and why you should go read The Hobbit. All this and more in this episode of "Tome Talkers!"

In which our hosts discuss Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson. The first of the author's famed "Secret Projects," it features fluidization, cup collections, and rodents with tiny pirate hats. Our hosts debate which characters from the book they would be, what their favorite moments were, and why thinking before taking action makes one a true hero. All this and more in this episode of "Tome Talkers!"