Fantology

#283 Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree

26 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How well does the prequel hold up to the hit cozy fantasy, Legends & Lattes? Tune in for the answer to that question and comparisons between Books...

#282 The Bonehunters by Steven Erikson | Part One

19 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen and Jake are back into Malazan! Tune in for our misguided attempts to unravel the first half of book six, The Bonehunters by Steven Erikson.Ne...

#281 Blue Eye Samurai Season 1

12 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Blue Eye Samurai came out of nowhere and received almost universal praise. Tune in for our opinions!Next Up: The Bonehunters by Steven Erikson Check u...

#280 Yellowface by RF Kuang

05 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In a rare departure, we aren't covering a fantasy book! However, you probably know Yellowface author RF Kuang from her fantasy writing. Tune in to...

#279 Fantology Worldbuilding - Demon Core by Jake

22 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jake gives us an update on his near-future epic clash between Gods & AI, entitled Demon Core.Next Up: Yellowface by R.F. KuangCheck us out on YouT...

#278 2023 Fantasy Book & TV/Movie Awards!

15 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The whole Fantology crew is on to give our best of 2023 selections, covering books, tv & movies. What SFF media did you enjoy this year?Next Up: I...

#277 Fantology Worldbuilding Special with Stephen

08 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Josh and Jake host this special worldbuilding episode. Tune in to hear about Stephen's upcoming book, to be released in 2035!Next Up: Iron Flame b...

#276 The Narrow Road Between Desires by Patrick Rothfuss

01 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Patrick Rothfuss' new novella has created a lot of buzz recently. We read The Narrow Road Between Desires and have a full review, including a non-...

#275 The Sunlit Man by Brandon Sanderson

24 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The secrets have all been revealed! Not really. But all four Secret Project books are out. Tune in for Josh & Stephen's thoughts on The Sunlit...

#274 What you need to know before Defiant (Skyward #4) by Brandon Sanderson

17 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Defiant is coming out in a few days. Need a recap of the series so far? Ben and Stephen have a primer for the conclusion of the Skyward series for yo...

#273 The Will of the Many by James Islington

10 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We've been raving about The Will of the Many by James Islington for months, and now we finally have an in-depth review. Stephen & Ryan do some...

#272 Of Blood and Fire by Ryan Cahill

03 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We've heard a lot about The Bound & Broken! Tune in to get our thoughts on book 1, Of Blood and Fire.Next Up: The Will of the Many by James Is...

#271 Dark Age by Pierce Brown

27 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dark Age is quite simply an amazing payoff that redeems the slog of Iron Gold. Red Rising is alive and well again!Next Up: Of Fire and Blood by Ryan C...

#270 The Wheel of Time Season 2 Finale Review

20 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The finale of The Wheel of Time Season 2 was quite entertaining, but also quite controversial. What did the Fantology crew think of the episode?Next U...

#269 Iron Gold by Pierce Brown

13 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The second Red Rising series kicks off with Iron Gold. Tune in to see what Jake & Ryan thought of this massive tome.Next Up: Secret Project 4 by B...

#268 The Wheel of Time Episodes 206 & 207

05 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With only one episode left, the Fantology crew breaks down what we saw in episodes 6 and 7 as well as our hopes for the season finale!Next Up: Iron Go...

#267 The Hexologists by Josiah Bancroft

29 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Josiah Bancroft's latest book is beautifully written with a fun, comic tone and characters that jump off the page. It's definitely worth a rea...

#266 The Wheel of Time TV S2 E4-5 Review

21 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen and Josh chat about the emerging hit that is The Wheel of Time, with reviews of episode 4 & 5. Definitely progress in the right direction ...

#265 A Conversation with Benedict Jacka, Author of Alex Verus & An Inheritance of Magic

15 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Benedict Jacka himself joined Ben & Stephen to chat about his upcoming book, An Inheritance of Magic, and answer some burning Alex Verus questions...

#264 The Wheel of Time TV S2 E1-3 Review

07 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen and Josh hit the ups and downs of the first three episodes of season 2. All in all, expectations were exceeded! Next Up: An Interview with Ben...

#263 Alex Verus 12: Risen by Benedict Jacka

01 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Alex Verus finished with a bang! Tune in to hear Ben & Stephen's highs and lows and overall review of the series.Next Up: The Wheel of Time Se...

#262 Alex Verus 10-11: Fallen & Forged by Benedict Jacka

25 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Alex Verus is squarely in the end game phase now! Stephen and Ben give their opinions on the beginning of the end and predictions for the fate of Lond...

#261 The Wheel of Time Season 2 Hype

18 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

All aboard the hype train! Stephen, Jake & Josh chat about our hopes and dreams for season 2 and review the season 2 trailer Next Up: Alex Verus b...

#260 Alex Verus 8-9: Bound & Marked by Benedict Jacka

11 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Alex Verus transitions into the begining of the end with books 8 & 9: Bound & Marked. Tune in to hear Stephen & Ben's opinions!Next U...

#259 Cradle 11-12: Dreadgod & Waybound by Will Wight

04 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dreadgod & Waybound wrapped up Cradle in an appropriate yet somewhat controversial manner. Tune in for Josh & Ryan's final thoughts on the...

#258 Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

28 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We are venturing into unknown territory with Fourth Wing, the latest big romantacy genre hit. Luckily special guest Rylie is here to help explain why ...

#257 Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson

21 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Brandon Sanderson's latest secret project is the best yet! Tune in to see why Stephen, Ben and special guest Lyndsey liked it so much Next Up: Cra...

#256 It by Stephen King

14 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Pennywise is more than just a clown and It is more than just a horror book! Tune in for Ben and Josh's full review of Stephen King's epic clas...

#255 Alex Verus: Veiled & Burned by Benedict Jacka

07 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Alex Verus is picking up steam as we are firmly in the mid-series action now! How did you like Veiled and Burned?Next Up: Secret Project 3 - Yumi and ...

#254 Top Ten Fantasy Book Lists Across Booktube

30 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fantology breaks down four top 10 lists across fantasy booktube and gives a primer for our second tier fantasy books that everyone should read!Next Up...

#253 Worldbuilding with Josh!

23 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Josh is writing a book! Stephen and Jake are on to interview our nascent author and get the details on his experience.Next Up: Alex Verus books 6-7Ch...

#252 Alex Verus: Chosen & Hidden (4 & 5)

16 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ben has joined Stephen and Josh in the Alex Verus universe. And luckily books 4 & 5 massively level up the series!Next Up: Cradle: Dreadgod and W...

#251 Abaddon's Gate by James SA Corey

09 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

After a brief pause, Jake and Ryan are back into The Expanse! Here's their review of book 3, Abaddon's Gate.Next Up: Alex Verus books 4-5Check...

#250 Red Rising Trilogy Retrospective

02 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We are getting more Red Rising soon! In the meantime Jake & Ryan read the original trilogy and have plenty of retrospective thoughtsNext Up: Cradl...

#249 Cradle 9 & 10, Bloodline and Reaper by Will Wight

26 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Josh & Ryan are almost through the Cradle series! Check out their review of books 9 & 10, Bloodline and Reaper, by Will WightNext Up: Red Risi...

#248 A Conversation with James Islington, author of The Will of the Many

19 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Special guest James Islington was gracious enough to chat with Ben & Stephen about his brilliant new book, The Will of the Many, which releases ne...

#247 Alex Verus books 2 & 3, Cursed & Taken by Benedict Jacka

12 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen and Josh are continuing our read through Alex Verus with books 2 & 3, Cursed and Taken. How well is the series progressing? Tune in for o...

#246 The Frugal Wizard's Handbook for Surviving Medieval England by Brandon Sanderson

05 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Brandon Sanderson's second secret project has been unveiled! This one isn't Cosmere - it's more of a fun, quick adventure with a unique pr...

#245 Night Angel Nemesis by Brent Weeks

28 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Night Angel Nemesis has arrived! Stephen and Josh are here with a non-spoiler primer and review, followed by a spoiler conversation for those of you t...

#244 Cradle 7-8: Uncrowned & Wintersteel by Will Wight

21 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our coverage of Cradle by Will Wight rolls on with reviews of books 7 & 8, Uncrowned and Wintersteel.Next Up: Night Angel Nemesis by Brent Weeks C...

#243 Fated by Benedict Jacka

14 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Wishing you had more urban fantasy in the vein of The Dresden Files? Look no further than Alex Verus! Josh and Stephen dive into a new series with a r...

#242 Cradle Books 5 & 6: Ghostwater and Underlord by Will Wight

07 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Josh and Ryan continue our Cradle coverage with reviews of Ghostwater and UnderlordNext Up: Fated by Benedict JackaCheck us out on YouTube:https://you...

#241 r/fantasy Top Fantasy Books, 2014 vs 2023

31 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

r/fantasy recently released the results of the 2023 favorite fantasy series survey. All five Fantology members are here to participate in a game show ...

#240 Wired attacked Brandon Sanderson. We make sense of it.

24 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fantology does our best to break down the strange Sanderson hit piece published by Wired. Why did such a major publication greenlight an article with...

#239 Beyond the Shadows by Brent Weeks

17 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

That's a wrap for The Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks! Tune in to hear how Stephen, Josh and Ryan thought it concluded. Triumph or Disappointment? ...

#238 Shadow's Edge by Brent Weeks

10 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen, Josh and Ryan continue our review series on Brent Weeks' Night Angel Trilogy with book 2, Shadow's Edge. Our opinions varied wildly - where d...

#237 Top 3 Books to Start with in the Fantasy Sci-fi Genre

03 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Where would you start with the fantasy sci-fi genre? Fantology weighs in with our Top 3 intro to SFF book recommendations! Next Up: Shadow's Edge by ...

#236 The Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks

24 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Brent Weeks' Night Angel Trilogy starts with The Way of Shadows, a book that justifiably has some criticism but still hits the right notes to be quite...

#235 Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson

17 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen and Ben give a full review of Sanderson's first secret project, Tress of the Emerald Sea. Plenty of no spoiler conversation at the beginning, ...

#234 Cradle 3-4: Blackflame and Skysworn by Will Wight

10 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Josh and Ryan are continuing their march through Will Wight's Cradle series with this review of books 3 & 4: Blackflame and Skysworn Next Up: Tre...

#233 The Waking Fire by Anthony Ryan

03 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We definitely should have read this one sooner! Stephen and Ryan discuss our enjoyment of The Waking Fire, a fast paced dragon-themed action start to ...

#232 Dark One: Forgotten by Brandon Sanderson & Dan Wells Non-Spoiler Review

27 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our first chance to see what Dan Wells' role with Dragonsteel will look like came in the form of a unique publication that we had a lot of trouble cla...

#231 The John Cleaver Trilogy by Dan Wells

20 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ben and Josh are back with more coverage of Dan Well's John Cleaver books. Tune in for their review of the trilogy that started with I Am Not A Serial...

#230 Midnight Tides by Steven Erikson Full Review

13 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen and Jake are back to discuss the end of Midnight Tides with our veteran Malazan fan, Ryan. What did we pick up on? Or more importantly, what d...

#229 The State of the Sanderson 2022 Recap and Reaction

06 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Brandon Sanderson's annual update was interesting enough to merit a reaction episode! Stephen and Josh team up to point out the important bits and off...

#228 2022 year in review and 2023 upcoming releases

30 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Fantology's year recap and favorite reads in 2022 PLUS what are we looking forward to in fantasy in 2023? Next Up: Cradle by Will Wight Books 3-4 Ch...

#227 Netflix's Wednesday Season 1

23 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Wednesday has rapidly climbed up the Netflix charts. Stephen and Josh weigh in on why the show has been such a hit. Plus, a connection to The Name of ...

#226 Midnight Tides Books 1 & 2 by Steven Erikson

16 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen, Jake and Ryan geek out over the horror of Rhulad Sengar and wonder of Tehol Beddict in the first half of Midnight Tides. Next Up: Cradle by ...

#225 Cradle: Unsouled + Soulsmith by Will Wight

09 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Josh and Ryan kick off a new Fantology series of reviews with a discussion on the first two books of Will Wight's Cradle Saga. Next Up: Midnight Tide...

#224 Fantasy book characters, but here on earth in 2022

02 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Which fantasy book characters would succeed if we dropped them here on earth in 2022? Next Up: Midnight Tides by Steven Erikson Parts 1-2 Check us ...

#223 I Am Not a Serial Killer by Dan Wells

25 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Wells will be writing in the cosmere, so we decided it's way past due that we review his books and get an idea of what to expect! Next Up: Top 3 ...

#222 Dragonsteel Con 2022 Experience Recap

19 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen went to Dragonsteel Con and NEEDS to tell the world all about it! Also don't be offended if you enjoy board games at cons! I apologize. Next U...

#221 The Lost Metal by Brandon Sanderson | FULL SPOILER

17 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Full spoiler theories and breakdown of all the secrets in Sanderson's conclusion to Mistborn Era 2. Next Up: I Am Not A Serial Killer by Dan Wells C...

#220 The Lost Metal by Brandon Sanderson | NO SPOILERS

09 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tune in for our mixed but spoiler-free reactions to Sanderson's conclusion to Mistborn Era 2. Next Up: I Am Not A Serial Killer by Dan Wells Check u...

#219 The Bands of Mourning by Brandon Sanderson

04 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Getting excited for The Lost Metal? So are we! Tune in to get caught up with the last Mistborn entry with our first-time reader Jeff. Next Up: I Am N...

#218 The Rings of Power with a Tolkien expert

28 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen and Jake welcome Justin, a Tolkien expert, to give his perspective on The Rings of Power. There is a warning before we start talking about pot...

#217 House of the Dragon Episode 10: The Black Queen

26 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen gives his thoughts on the season finale and solicits help trying to get a painted table. Next Up: The Rings of Power Season One Review Check...

#216 What you should read to prepare for The Lost Metal by Brandon Sanderson

21 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jake and Josh have read the latest Mistborn book and are here to dish out your reading assignments before you too are ready to read. Thank you to Tor...

#215 House of the Dragon Episode 9: The Green Council

19 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Greens consolidated power, but will it be enough? Maester Hayden, Stephen & Josh weigh in on the penultimate episode! Next Up: The Rings of P...

#214 The First Binding by R.R. Virdi ft. Friends Talking Fantasy

14 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dylan from FTF Podcast joins Stephen to discuss The First Binding by R.R. Virdi. No spoilers at first as we get into the controversy immediately - is ...

#213 House of the Dragon Episode 8: Lord of the Tides

12 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

An Emmy nomination on his way out for Viserys? And Stephen has beef - what did you think of the prophecy twist? Next Up: The First Binding by R.R. Vi...

#212 Scariest Characters in Fantasy

07 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Appropriately, for October's special episode we are talking all about scary fantasy characters. Who freaks you out? Next Up: More Rings of Power and ...

#211 House of the Dragon Episode 7: Driftmark

05 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Assuming you were able to actually make out episode 7, where do you currently stand on the Green vs Blacks issue? Josh, Ryan and Stephen weigh in. N...

#210 Babel: An Arcane History by R.F. Kuang FULL SPOILER

04 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Full spoilers now - Stephen and Josh break down the plot points in Babel: An Arcane History Next Up: More Rings of Power and House of the Dragon stu...

#209 Babel: An Arcane History by R.F. Kuang NON-SPOILER

03 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you heard about Rebecca Kuang's new book, Babel? Tune in to hear why it's more than your typical fantasy book and why Stephen and Josh recommend ...

#208 House of the Dragon Episode 6: The Princess and the Queen

28 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

New cast, no problem! Tune in as Hayden and Stephen rave about how House of the Dragon just keeps on getting better Next Up: Babel by R.F. Kuang Ch...

#207 House of the Dragon Episode 5: We Light the Way

21 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There's no turning back now! Rhaenyra and Alicent are irreparably split at a royal wedding that will surely go smoothly, right? Right??? Tune in as Jo...

#206 Caliban's War by James SA Corey

20 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We continue our coverage of The Expanse with book 2! Tune in to see how Caliban's War compared to Leviathan Wakes for Ben, Jake and Ryan Next Up: Mor...

#205 House of the Dragon Episode 4: King of the Narrow Sea

14 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The lines are being drawn after scandal rocks Kings Landing! Tune in to hear which side Stephen and Josh are backing. Next Up: Caliban's War by James...

#204 Fantasy Book Trivia! We celebrate 200+ episodes in style

09 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Step right up and play along with the crew as we test our mettle with trivia spanning Kingkiller Chronicle, Stormlight, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potte...

#203 House of the Dragon Episode 3: Second of His Name

07 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Three episodes in and House of the Dragon just gets better and better. Tune in for Josh and Maester Hayden's preferences for the throne! Next Up: Epi...

#202 House of the Dragon: Episode 2 - The Rogue Prince

31 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We have two episodes of House of the Dragon under our belts and couldn't be more pleased! Tune in for our top and bottom performing characters of the ...

#201 A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

26 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Fantology didn't know how to review romance, so we invited our wives on to explain the finer points of A Court of Thorns and Roses. Next Up: Episode ...

#200 What you need to know before watching House of the Dragon

20 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We couldn't be more excited for the Game of Thrones prequel! Tune in to find out what to expect in House of the Dragon, premiering tomorrow! Next Up:...

#199 An Interview with Shauna Lawless, Author of The Children of Gods and Fighting Men

18 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Shauna Lawless, author of The Children of Gods and Fighting Men joins us to chat about her exciting upcoming historical fantasy novel. Look for the fi...

#198 The Alloy of Law & Shadows of Self by Brandon Sanderson

12 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen and Jake welcome a new first-time reader onto the podcast! Tune in to hear Jeff's opinions on Mistborn Era 2, starting with a double feature e...

#197 Top 3 SFF Titles Competition

05 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What makes a good book title? The Fantology crew weighs in with our favorites. Plus, a very disappointing realization about the state of Kingkiller =/...

#196 San Diego Comic-Con Breakdown and News

29 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen and Josh discuss all the exciting news from the recent San Diego Comic Cons and go on several rants about what we can expect going forward in ...

#195 Mistborn: Secret History by Brandon Sanderson

22 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What was going on behind the scenes during Mistborn Era 1? Secret History reveals all! Tune in for why you need to read in order to really understand ...

#194 The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson

15 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We've said many times that the ending to Mistborn Era 1 is an unparalleled triumph. Now you can hear Stephen and Josh explain why! Next Up: A Court o...

#193 Upcoming TV Adaptations

06 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's not possible to be more excited for the fantasy adaptations coming to screen in the latter half of 2022! We review the upcoming lineup and discus...

#192 Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Corey

29 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Fantology has embarked on a new journey through The Expanse! Tune in to hear our review of Leviathan Wakes and a strange comparison to The Host by Ste...

#191 A Conversation with Brian McClellan, author of In the Shadow of Lightning

20 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Brian McClellan joins Stephen and Josh to talk about his exciting new release, In the Shadow of Lightning! Buy the book! https://www.brianmcclellan.c...

#190 House of Chains by Steven Erikson

17 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen, Ryan and Jake talk Malazan Book of the Fallen #4. Who's your favorite character and why is it Karsa Orlong? Next Up: A Conversation will Bri...

#189 Worldbuilding with geomancy

10 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Let's build a world together! This time it's Stephen's turn to tease his ideas - first chapter due out by the end of the month or else. Next Up: Hous...

#188 Who we want to see in a fantasy book

03 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What real life people would you like to see in a fantasy book? Stephen, Jake and Josh make their picks and then open the competition for the month of ...

#187 Prince of Fools by Mark Lawrence

27 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We've read The Broken Empire, so on to Red Queen's War! How does Mark Lawrence's second trilogy compare to his first? Could it be... possibly lighter ...

#186 The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson

20 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Josh and Stephen reread The Well of Ascension for the first time in ten years. How has Mistborn aged? Better or worse than our first impressions? Nex...

#185 MCU Phase Four: Multiverse of Madness vs Moon Knight

13 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

36:22 Words of Radiance Spoiler! Josh and Stephen catch up on phase four of the MCU and dig into why Multiverse of Madness is great and Moon Knight......

#184 The Worst Trends in Fantasy Literature

06 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Fantology has had enough! Tune in to hear what trends we've read too much of. Cancelled! Next Up: The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson Check u...