Fantology
Episodes
#399 Out Law by Jim Butcher + Future of Dresden Files
24 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Out Law is out soon! Tune in for our no spoiler review, plus a breakdown of what we know about the upcoming Dresden Files books.Next Up: Episode 400!C...
#398 The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennet
17 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The 2025 Hugo winner has received a lot of hype. We finally got around to reading The Tainted Cup. Did it live up to the hype?Next Up: The Fall of Hyp...
#397 Dungeon Crawler Carl 4 & 5 by Matt Dinniman
10 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Stephen and Ryan continue our coverage of Dungeon Crawler Carl with a discussion of books 4 & 5Next Up: The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett ...
#396 Project Hail Mary Movie Review
03 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Project Hail Mary was a Hollywood triumph. What made this adaptation work? And how did Ryan Gosling get his glasses to do that?!Next Up: The Tainted C...
#395 A Conversation with Jeremy Szal
27 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Jeremy Szal joins the show to chat about The Common Saga, his process, and AI in writing.Next Up: Project Hail Mary Check us out on YouTube:https://yo...
#394 The State of AI Writing in SFF
20 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We know the ethical dilemmas, but how well would AI actually do writing a fantasy book? And do we want it in writing even a little bit?Next Up: Stormb...
#393 The Return of the King by JRR Tolkien
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's never a bad time to revisit the sacred texts. Jake and Stephen talk The Return of the King and Tolkien's legacy.Next Up: Can AI Writing b...
#392 Carl's Doomsday Scenario & The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook by Matt Dinniman
06 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Stephen and Ryan continue our coverage of Dungeon Crawler Carl with a discussion of books 2 & 3Next Up: The Return of the King by JRR Tolkien Chec...
#391 A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Season 1
27 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms had a hugely successful first season that revitalized excited for Westeros TV. What made it work so well?Next Up: Carl&...
#390 A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R.R. Martin
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We continue our review of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms with a chat about The Sworn Sword and The Mystery Knight. How well will these stories work as...
#389 Fancasting the Cosmere
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How do we see the best case playing out for the Cosmere Apple TV+ deal? Plus a fan cast for Mistborn and Stormlight ArchiveNext Up: A Knight of the Se...
#388 Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
06 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Stephen, Jake and Ben debate the literary merits of Dungeon Crawler Carl and how litrpg fits in next to other fantasy subgenres Next Up: A Knight of t...
#387 A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight by George R.R. Martin
30 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a hit TV show, but how does it compare to the book? We review both!Next Up: Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt DinnimanChe...
#386 Twelve Months by Jim Butcher
23 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Harry Dresden is back! But he's not in a good place. How did this somber entry in the series land for you?Next Up: Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Di...
#385 Blood Over Bright Haven by ML Wang
16 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Blood Over Bright Haven was one of the most engaging books we've read in awhile. What made it work so well? And could it have been even better?Nex...
#384 Stranger Things Season 5
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Stranger Things Season 5 was satisfying but safe and Marvelified. How could it have been stronger?Next Up: Blood Over Bright Haven by ML WangCheck us ...
#383 Pluribus Season 1
02 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Apple TV+ has a hit with Pluribus. We review the eerie sci-fi and discuss the philosophy behind the show Next Up: Blood Over Bright Haven by ML WangCh...
#382 2025 Year in Review + Upcoming in 2026
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We review happenings in 2025 and look forward to 2026 fantasy and sci-fi content!Next Up: Pluribus Check us out on YouTube:https://youtube.com/c/Fanto...
#381 2025 Fantology Games
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The full Fantology 5 are on for an end of the year celebration. Play along at home and guess the mystery book titles and series descriptions!Next Up: ...
#380 The Running Man by Stephen King
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ben and Josh team up to review The Running Man, by Stephen King Next Up: 2025 Year in Review Check us out on YouTube:https://youtube.com/c/FantologyPo...
#379 The Strength of the Few by James Islington, Full Spoilers
05 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We're wrapping up our coverage of The Strength of the Few by James Islington with a full spoiler review of the book!Next Up: The Running Man by St...
#378 James Islington Interview, Full Spoilers The Strength of the Few
28 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you read The Strength of the Few yet? Tune in as we pepper James Islington with spoiler questions!Next Up: The Strength of the Few by James Islin...
#377 Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldree
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Another Legends & Lattes followup! How did Brigands & Breadknives change the cozy fantasy formula and did it work?Next Up: James Islington int...
#376 A Judgement of Powers by Benedict Jacka
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Stephen Oakwood is back with a game changing third book. Light on action, but heavy on series importance!Next Up: Brigands and Breadknives by Travis B...
#375 11.22.63 by Stephen King
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As promised, Stephen made 11.22.63 his first Stephen King book. Tune in for a full review and our time travel strategies!Next Up: Daughter of the Othe...
#374 James Islington introduces The Strength of the Few. No Spoilers!
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
James Islington joins the show and previews his much anticipated new release, The Strength of the Few. No spoilers!Next Up: 11/22/63 by Stephen King C...
#373 The Lost War by Justin Lee Anderson
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Lost War by Justin Lee Anderson takes a massive swing on a game changing twist...and it works! Tune in for our full review.Next Up: Daughter of th...
#372 What Makes A Video Game Adaptation Work?
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Which stories have worked as video games and which haven't? What is it about the different mediums that drive successful stories?Next Up: Daughter...
#371 Katabasis by RF Kuang
03 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nothing says Hell like graduate school! Katabasis is a dark academia that is probably more literary than fantasy. How well did it work?Next Up: Daught...
#370 Stephen King Recommendations
26 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Let's recommend one Stephen King book to Fantology host Stephen, who has committed to giving King a shot. Which one will he choose? Tune in!Next U...
#369 The Strength of the Few by James Islington NO SPOILERS
19 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our most anticipated book of 2025! No spoilers here, but tune in for a preview of what you can expect in book two of The Hierarchy by James Islington ...
#368 Wednesday Season 2
12 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After way too long of a wait, Wednesday season 2 is out! Did the campy horror vibe continue to deliver?Next Up: The Strength of the Few by James Islin...
#367 The Science of Book Ratings
05 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do we rate books? What boosts ratings and what tanks them? Can a book recover from a bad start? Will a poor ending forever taint a story? All ques...
#366 Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb
29 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Liveship Traders trilogy is a longtime favorite of Stephen's. But did Ben and Josh see Ship of Magic the same way in their recent introduction...
#365 Audible vs Authors
22 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Audible is moving in a concerning direction for authors - let's talk about what this means and what the future may hold. Thanks Daniel Greene for ...
#364 The Levels of Fantasy
15 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fantasy has levels obviously, but how do we define them? We review Daniel Greene's method and offer some tweaks and then place our favorite series...
#363 Isles of the Emberdark by Brandon Sanderson
08 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The latest secret project goes deeper into the future, and more into science fiction than ever before! But is this a good thing? Tune in for the full ...
#362 Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
01 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It really is embarrassing that it's taken us this long to read what is already a sci-fi classic in Project Hail Mary. What makes it work so well? ...
#361 SFF Shipping Showdown
25 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Valentine's is a long way off, but don't tell our lovely contestants! Tune in for a quirky fantasy shipping game show.Next Up: Project Hail Ma...
#360 Murderbot Season 1, Episodes 6-10
18 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Murderbot season 1 has wrapped and we have thoughts! What would it take to improve this to a 10/10 show? And how are they going to adapt season 2?Next...
#359 Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For too long Fantology has passed on reviewing Robin Hobb! That time comes to a close as Jake has started the Farseer trilogy. Tune in for reflections...
#358 Jade Legacy by Fonda Lee
04 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for a goodbye tribute to Kekon & the Kaul family. The Greenbone Saga has produced some all time characters for Stephen, but did Josh &...
#357 Reaper's Gale by Steven Erikson, Parts 3-4
27 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Witness! Jake and Stephen have finished Reaper's Gale. We discuss which plotlines exceeded expectations and which ones were exceedingly confusingNext ...
#356 Way of Thrones Fancasting ft. Friends Talking Fantasy
20 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dylan from Friends Talking Fantasy joins the gang for a fancasting episode! Using an idea from Norwestcon, we're casting the Stormlight Archive ad...
#355 Murderbot on Apple+ Episodes 1-5
13 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jake and Stephen review the first five episodes of Murderbot on Apple+. We chat through the humor and pacing of the show and debate if Alexander Skars...
#354 The Last of Us Season 2
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 2 of The Last of Us had plenty of shock and awe, but after seven episodes how did it measure up?Next Up: Reaper's Gale by Steven EriksonChe...
#353 The Wheel of Time on Prime CANCELLED
30 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Say it ain't so! The Wheel of Time has been cancelled. But why? Was this inevitable? And can the show be saved?Next Up: Reaper's Gale by Steve...
#352 Jade War by Fonda Lee
23 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We are continuing through the Greenbone Saga by Fonda Lee with book 2, Jade War. Stephen loves the series, but what do Josh and Ryan think?Next Up: Re...
#351 The Devils by Joe Abercrombie, Full Spoilers
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jake and Stephen revisit The Devils, an entertaining new romp by Joe Abercrombie that will be up for best fantasy of the year!Next Up: Reaper's...
#350 Reaper's Gale by Steven Erikson, Parts 1 & 2
09 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jake and Stephen are back into Malazan! Check out our first time reader impressions of the first half of Reaper's Gale Next Up: The Devils by Joe ...
# 349 Norwescon 47: Our experience as panelists
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Stephen and Jake were invited to attend Norwescon 47 as panelists! Tune in for our first big exposure to the world of SFF conventions.Next Up: Reaper'...
#348 The Wheel of Time Season 3 Episodes 7-8
25 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
That's a wrap for season 3 of The Wheel of Time. It wasn't perfect, but we definitely want to see more!Next Up: Reaper's Gale by Steven Er...
# 347 Worldbuilding A Las Vegas Urban Fantasy
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tune in as Josh details his urban fantasy series idea and Stephen tries to help him flesh it out!Next Up: Reaper's Gale by Steven Erikson Check us...
#346 The Wheel of Time Season 3 Episodes 4-6
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 3, Episode 4 was the best of the series! Did episodes 5 and 6 keep the momentum going? If aren't watching, check out The Wheel of Time on P...
#345 Mickey 7 by Edward Ashton vs Mickey 17
04 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mickey 17 (movie) vs Mickey 7 (book) - how did they differ and which was better? And Robert Pattinson, take a bow!Next Up: Reaper's Gale by Steven...
#5 The Witcher Season 1
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I took a break from the books to watch Netflix's The Witcher. This review is from a book reader's perspective - and I'm happy to report it's a solid s...
#344 Severance Season 2 Finale
28 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Finally, some answers! We break down the ending to one of the best seasons of TV we've seen in awhile.Next Up: Reaper's Gale by Steven Erikson...
#343 The Wheel of Time Season 3 Episodes 1-3
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 3 is definitively better... and the show is getting rave reviews! What has changed here? And is it sustainable?Next Up: Reaper's Gale by St...
#342 Daredevil: Born Again, Episodes 1-3
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The man without fear is back! But is Daredevil's return to the small screen a worthy follow up to the three season Netflix run? And no, nothing in...
#341 Severance Season 2 Episodes 1-7 Review
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This review of Severance through Season 2 Episode 7 is mysterious and important.Next Up: Reaper's Gale by Steven EriksonCheck us out on YouTube:https:...
#340 The Devils by Joe Abercrombie NO SPOILERS
28 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
No spoilers, but tune in for some hype and our take on what you can expect from one of the most anticipated books of the year, The Devils by Joe Aberc...
#339 The Wheel of Time Season 3 Primer + Trailer Review
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Wheel of Time is back for a make or break third season in March! The good news? They appear to be closely following some of the best source materi...
#338 Author Draft + Book Battle!
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Author faceoff! We each draft four SFF authors and pit their books against each other. Which team of authors has written the best books? Tune in!Next ...
#337 Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
07 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone else is talking about it, so we had to join in! Ben and the women of Fantology talk through Onyx Storm and form a tier list of the biggest sc...
#336 A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Shades of Magic series by V.E. Schwab has been popular for years, and we're finally getting to it! Tune in for our review of this maybe-urban ...
#335 Hyperion by Dan Simmons, Chapters 5-6 and Conclusion
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
All hail the Shrike! We have completed our pilgrimage through the first Hyperion book. Tune in for our opinions of the final two tales as well as some...
#334 Which subgenre has the best characters?
17 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Stephen, Jake & Ryan enter the arena to definitively decide if sci-fi, epic fantasy or grimdark has the best characters! Which genre do you suppor...
#333 Wind and Truth by Brandon Sanderson | Full Review Part 2
10 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This concludes our Wind and Truth coverage! We grade Josh's predictions and then empty our notebooks on the many, many talking points for Stormlight 5...
#332 Wind and Truth by Brandon Sanderson | Full Review Part 1
03 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Part 1 of our full review, including thoughts on negative booktube reactions, favorite moments, and Cosmere speculation Next Up: Wind and Truth, Full...
#331 Wind and Truth by Brandon Sanderson, Days 1-5
18 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Full review and recap of the action of days 1-5 of Wind and Truth. Spoilers ahead - but only for the first half of the book Next Up: Wind and Truth: D...
#330 Dragonsteel Nexus 2024 Recap
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We went to Dragonsteel Nexus! Tune in for an inside look at what the convention was like and a dramatic anecdote about how we secured the elusive hera...
#329 Wind and Truth Theories and Guarantees
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Wind and Truth is nearly here! Spend the last day of anticipation with us as we theory craft and issue some Fantology guarantees for what we'll see in...
#328 Wind and Truth: What you need to know
29 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tune in for a full who's-who of the Stormlight Archive as we recap all the events leading up to the big release of Wind and Truth! Next Up: Theories ...
#327 The Daughters' War by Christopher Buehlman
22 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Looking for a dark fantasy world overrun with goblins that are actually terrifying? The Daughters' War is a worthy, albeit very different, prequel to ...
#326 Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch
15 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We tried a new urban fantasy! Tune in for our review of Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London book #1, aka Midnight Riot in the US Next Up: The Daughter...
#325 Jade City by Fonda Lee
08 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It is my honor to present, at long last, our first review of The Greenbone Saga. Check out our takes on Jade City, by Fonda Lee Next Up: The Daughter...
#324 Vampire Film Adaptations Through the Ages
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Happy Halloween! Let's talk about horror adaptations. What has worked, and what hasn't?Next Up: The Daughters' War by Christopher BuehlmanCheck us out...
#323 'Salem's Lot by Stephen King
25 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The October month of horror continues with our review of Stephen King's classic, 'Salem's Lot Next Up: The Daughters' War by Christopher Buehlman Ch...
#322 The Rings of Power Season 2 Full Review
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tune in for a full spoiler review of season 2 of Rings of Power with Justin, our Tolkien lore extraordinaire. How did you like season 2? Next Up: The...
#321 An Instruction in Shadow by Benedict Jacka
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
New release alert! An Instruction of Shadow is a strong second entry in Benedict Jacka's Stephen Oakwood series. The first half of our review is non-s...
#320 I Am Legend by Richard Matheson
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our October horror romp continues! This time we're checking out zombies? in I Am Legend, by Richard Matheson Next Up: The Daughters' War by Christoph...
#319 Dracula by Bram Stoker
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Spooky season! We throw it way back to the classics with the dawn of vampires, credit to Bram Stoker Next Up: The Daughters' War by Christopher Buehl...
#318 Hyperion by Dan Simmons Chapters 3 & 4
27 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this Hyperion installment, we are covering the poet and the scholar's tales. Which stories did you enjoy the most? Our choice was unanimous! N...
#317 The Land of the Living and the Dead by Shauna Lawless | No Spoilers + Full Spoilers
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Gael Song trilogy has come to an end with The Land of the Living and the Dead by Shauna Lawless. How happy are we with the conclusion? Tune in! N...
#316 The Rings of Power Season 2 Episodes 1-4
13 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're halfway through season 2 of The Rings of Power. Has season 2 been an improvement? Tune in for our takes!Next Up: The Land of the Living and ...
#315 We play the Cosmere RPG Beta Adventure
06 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is a long one! We play through a full one-shot of the bridge nine beta adventure of Sanderson's recently announced Cosmere RPG. Tune in if yo...
#314 Murderbot 6 & 7 by Martha Wells
30 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Mission complete! We are up to date with the Murderbot Diaries. Tune in for our review of Fugitive Telemetry and System Collapse. Next Up: Cosmere RP...
#313 Wind and Truth: Prologue & Chapters 1-6 by Brandon Sanderson
23 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Full Cosmere spoilers! We chat through the pre-released prologue and chapters 1-6 of Wind and Truth. Next Up: Murderbot Diaries 6-7 by Martha Wells ...
#312 Hyperion by Dan Simmons - Part 2
16 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our journey through Hyperion continues! Tune in for discussion of part two, the soldier's tale. Next Up: Murderbot 6 & 7 by Martha Wells Che...
#311 House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 8
09 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Season 2 is complete! Was the finale really as much of a disappointment as the internet says? Next Up: Murderbot Diaries 6-7 by Martha Wells Check u...
#310 House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 7
02 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Lowborn bastards riding dragons? Has Rhaenyra gone too far? Is there any hope for the greens to beat her now? We discuss. Next Up: Murderbot Diaries ...
#309 House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 6
26 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Another dragon has been claimed! But is this good for the blacks or greens? Also, is Rhaenera "too good"? Next Up: Murderbot Diaries 6-7 by Martha W...
#308 House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 5
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The action slowed down in episode 5, but we were still entertained! Tune in to hear what most intrigued us. Next Up: Murderbot Diaries 6-7 by Martha ...
#307 House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 4
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The biggest dragon set piece that we've seen on the show yet? Who isn't here for it?? Next Up: Murderbot Diaries 6-7 by Martha Wells Check u...
#306 House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 3
05 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The best scene in the season so far...and maybe the whole show? Tune in to hear why!Next Up: Murderbot Diaries 6-7 by Martha WellsCheck us out on YouT...
#305 House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 2
28 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 2 was heavy on character, light on action... until that big ending! Tune in to see how it landed for us. Next Up: Murderbot Diaries 6-7 by Ma...
#304 House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 1
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 1 launched season 2 off, all gas no brakes! But is it possible that the show is actually pulling some punches? Next Up: Murderbot Diaries 6-7...
#303 House of the Dragon Season 2 Hype
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to Westeros! We couldn't be more excited to be back in the lovely land of blood and fire. Tune in for our general hype for S2 of Hous...
#302 Hyperion Part 1 by Dan Simmons
07 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ben may have called it a bad recommendation, but that didn't stop Fantology from starting this sci-fi epic! Tune in for a primer on Hyperion and o...
#301 We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Dennis E. Taylor
31 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
At long last, Fantology has entered the Bobiverse! Tune in to get our opinion on this quirky sci-fi tale.Next Up: Hyperion by Dan Simmons, Part 1Check...