In their second episode ever, the fellas reviewed Geordie's favourite book: Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor. Now, years later, they are finally returning to see her most famous work: Daughter of Smoke and Bone. They discuss the transition between paranormal romances and modern romantasy, whether to read this book before or after Strange the Dreamer, its fascinating wish-based magic, and Duncan stirs up a brand new contraversy with his choice for the next book. Notes for the episode: Duncan had some small errors with his microphone which flare up occassionally during the episode. Also, Duncan asked Geordie when we could expect the next book from Taylor, literally the day after she announced her next book, and neither of them knew.
Hoooo boy but was this a long one. The fellas set out to read Magician's Apprentice by Raymon E. Feist, but Geordie decided to go for extra-credit and read the entire book, including the second part Magician's Master. The fellas cover as much of the epic as they can, from its various strengths and weaknesses, its variance in power fantasies, where it lies in the chronology of works inspired by both Lord of the Rings and Dungeons & Dragons, and also whether its embarressing for a male writer of a certain age not to know much about women?
After reading some pretty dark and gothic stuff at the start of the year, Geordie decided that they should take a comforting break and just read a book about nice fluffy bunnies. What could go wrong as they discuss Richard Adams' Watership Down. The fellas cover the surprising depth of language, history and culture that rabbits share, their apparent aggressiveness, and how the film scarred Duncan as a child. Look forward to them discussing amazing characters, some of the best depictions of teamwork and leadership in any book they covered, Duncan explains why this book is DEFINITELY NOT an allergory, and Geordie promises to wow Duncan with a great annecdote about rabbits only to completely forget.
Just how many times is the word 'Bone' said in this episode? Mathematicians are still trying to calculate. Bonesmith by Nicki Pau Preto might be the most YA book the two have ever read. But is it good? There's a lot of heady discussion in this one. The fellas cover: predictable plot threads, whip swords, worldbuilding, curing cancer with medical quackery, a digression on Bleach for some reason, and whether a book can be content but not art. It also features probably (and hopefully) the only actual fight between Geordie and Duncan.
It's the grandfather of the Grimdark genre, where Vietnam vets meet flying carpets, the Black Company. Duncan has already enjoyed the entire series, and is understandably nervous after Geordie's round rejection of The Straight Razor Cure that Geordie will lay into this classic as well. He should have no fear. They have an excellent (mostly) spoiler-free discussion of its savage tone, the influence of Cook's military career, and the way the book mingles darkness with comradery.