Daniel, Heidi, and Colin discuss Gunmetal Gods by Zamil Akhtar: a Middle Eastern inspired epic fantasy with dueling POVs, brutal politics, and cosmic horror creeping in at the edges. We unpack the setting, character complexity, pacing highs and lows, and an ending that sparked debate about payoff and theme.

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Hosts Daniel, Heidi, and Colin dive into Naomi Novik’s A Deadly Education: we unpack El’s razor-sharp narration, the Scholomance as a brutally clever setting, and the book’s mix of dark academia, survival horror, and reluctant teamwork. We talk mana economics, enclaves and class politics, El and Orion’s complicated dynamic, the shadow of prophecy, and the monster designs that make this school feel like it has teeth. Plus, we dig into that cliffhanger ending and what it sets up for what comes next.

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Daniel, Colin, and Heidi set reading challenges for themselves for the upcoming year, and decide what the punishment will be if the goal is not met.

Hosts Daniel, Heidi, and Colin discuss Stephen King’s The Running Man (as Richard Bachman): we unpack its breakneck chase plot, nasty reality TV satire, and the way its media machine feels uncomfortably familiar. We dig into pollution and class collapse, propaganda as entertainment, the book’s disability and eugenics undertones in a pre-ADA world, and that feral ending that dares you to ask who the story is really for.

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A lively podcast discussion of Terry Pratchett's Hogfather: the hosts unpack the book's humor, memorable characters (Death and Susan), and satirical take on holiday consumerism and belief. They explore the tooth-fairy twist, the novel's darker moments, and moments that feel uncannily prescient about technology and society, while sharing personal holiday favorites and whether the book works as a seasonal read.

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Hosts Daniel, Heidi, and Colin discuss V.E. Schwab's The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, exploring themes of freedom, legacy, art as influence, and the emotional impact of the novel's characters—Addie, Henry, and the enigmatic Luke.

The episode covers character reactions, moral ambiguity of contracts with supernatural forces, debates about feminism and agency, and the bittersweet, defiant ending that prompts varied interpretations. They also share personal reactions, favorite scenes, and book recommendations for similar reads.

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Hosts Daniel, Heidi, and Colin discuss reading John Langan's The Fisherman and S.L. Coney's Wild Spaces, exploring themes of grief, cosmic horror, and generational trauma. They analyze narrative structure, symbolism, and the emotional impact of both works.

The episode also touches on TTRPG worlds, book recommendations, and how horror blends dread with moments of dark humor. A warm, conversational episode that balances literary analysis with personal reactions.

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Reading along with us? Next episode: The Fisherman by John Langan Bonus novella: Wild Spaces by S.L. Coney