Friends Talking Fantasy Podcast

The Friends enter the world of graphic novels with their buddy read discussion of the high fantasy / grimdark / steampunk series Monstress written by Marjorie Liu and drawn by Sana Takeda.

The Friends discuss Brandon Sanderson's theories on magic systems and how they are brilliantly executed in the original Mistborn Trilogy. This episode contains spoilers for the original Mistborn Trilogy.

The Friends ask each other SPOILER FREE fantasy themed 'Would You Rather?' questions.

Our epic buddy read of The Book of the Ancestor comes to an end with our discussion of Holy Sister by Mark Lawrence.

Looking for a fantasy series to make you "lol?" In this SPOILER FREE episode of our Recommendation Series we discuss books that are chock-full of chortles.

Anti-heroes may break narrative norms, but they don't break our hearts! This SPOILER FREE episode of the Character Series is a discussion all about stand-out anti-heroes in fantasy.

In this NEW series, The Friends improvise a story outline based on their 'Fantasy Novel Generator.'

In this short story from Book of the Ancestor by Mark Lawrence, Nona and Ara take on their greatest challenge yet... kissing!

The Friends recommend several fantasy series that draw similarities from A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin. If you liked Game of Thrones and you're looking for more, you're in the right place! Books recommended in this episode: First Law by Joe Abercrombie Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson Acacia Trilogy by David Anthony Durham Chathrand Voyage Quartet by Robert VS Redick Broken Earth Trilogy by NK Jemisin Poppy War Trilogy by RF Kuang Broken Empire by Mark Lawrence

The Poppy War Series reaches its fiery conclusion with The Burning God by R. F. Kuang. Did the Friends fill buckets with their tears? Listen to find out!

Grab you best soap and wash your hands and face and feet, becuase we're talking The Slow Regard of Silent Things, a novella in The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss. Note: This episode was recorded in August 2020.

The Friends use their Fantasy Scenario Generator to speculate 'who would win' random contests between randomly selected fantasy characters. SPOILER FREE.

Our discussion of Book of the Ancestor continues with Grey Sister by Mark Lawrence.

Itching to crack the cover of a fantasy novel but don't have time for a series? The Friends recommend two standalone fantasy novels.

Friends Talking... Friendship??? The Friends discuss how Mark Lawrence explores friendship as a theme in Red Sister, the first book in The Book of the Ancestor trilogy.

The Friends share some of their favorite villains / antagonists in fantasy. Series discussed: A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin, Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, Saga by Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples Spoilers for Game of Thrones (announced in the episode)

Is the phrase 'Mary Sue' a constructive criticism or a dismissive put-down? Does it have any relevance in today's world? The Friends discuss their thoughts on the phrase 'Mary Sue' within speculative fiction reviews. Very light spoilers for Star Wars Force Awakens and Hunger Games.

Kvothe is an accomplished musician, student, ladies man... but is he a Mary Sue? Light spoilers for The Kingkiller Chronicle series by Patrick Rothfuss.

Our buddy read of Book of the Ancestor begins with Red Sister by Mark Lawrence.

SPOILER FREE! Our resident Joe Abercrombie expert, Dylan, gives his insight into The Shattered Sea Trilogy, a young adult fantasy series by Lord Grimdark himself.

Friends Pitching Fantasy continues! In this SPOILER FREE episode, the Friends at Friends Talking Fantasy Podcast begin another epic round of Friends Pitching Fantasy! This is part 2 of 2 dedicated entirely to Charles' books. Fantasy Books Mentioned in this episode: A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan

It's time to pick a new fantasy book to read! In this SPOILER FREE episode, the Friends at Friends Talking Fantasy Podcast begin another epic round of Friends Pitching Fantasy! This is part 1 of 2 dedicated entirely to Dylan's books. Wanted to hear Charles' books? No worries! The second part of Friends Pitching Fantasy drops soon! Fantasy Books Mentioned in this episode: The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch The Long Way To A Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie Quote from David S.' review of 'The Lies of Locke Lamora': https://fanfiaddict.com/2020/09/23/review-the-lies-of-locke-lamora-gentlemen-bastards-1-by-scott-lynch/

The Friends take turns asking each other fun, fantasy-related 'Would You Rather?' questions in this SPOILER FREE episode of the Friends Talking Fantasy Podcast.

The Friends rank every short story in The Last Wish and The Sword of Destiny by Andrzej Sapkowski. Toss 5 stars to your podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/friends-talking-fantasy-podcast/id1520122469

*sniff* *sniff* Is that... lilac and gooseberries? Must mean we're talking about the second short stories collection from The Witcher - The Sword of Destiny by Andrzej Sapkowski. Toss 5 stars to our podcast!: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/friends-talking-fantasy-podcast/id1520122469

In this SPOILER FREE episode of the Friends Talking Fantasy Podcast, The Friends create a proprietary Fantasy Character Matchup Simulator TM that will randomly generate a variety of competitions for us to discuss and speculate on who would win. Characters from several of our favorite series (including Mistborn, Kingkiller Chronicle, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and more!) will compete in a variety of contests including fist fights, cook offs, and rap battles. You won't want to miss this experimental, off the rails fantasy podcast discussion!

The Friends discuss how Andrzej Sapkowski's use of folklore, prejudice, and the human condition makes the monsters in the Witcher series. Don't forget, not all monsters have claws and fangs... Spoiler warning for The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski and season 1 of The Witcher Netflix series.

Get your bathwater ready! We're talking about the first short stories collection and the introduction to The Witcher - The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski. Toss 5 stars to our podcast!: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/friends-talking-fantasy-podcast/id1520122469

Should you read The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien? The answer might seem simple, but the Friends of the Friends Talking Fantasy decide to dive in anyway and discuss the pros and cons of reading a classic work in the modern age.

Our discussion of the Poppy War Series continues with book 2, The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang.

Ben and Jake from Fantology join us for an in-depth discussion of the novella Emperor's Soul by Brandon Sanderson. Check out Fantology: https://www.fantologybooks.com/

This is episode three of three special (AKA self-indulgent) bonus episodes designed to accompany our Lord of the Rings buddy-read discussions. Back in 2016, before 'the friends' became 'The Friends,' we went on a road trip through picturesque New Zealand to see filming locations for The Lord of the Rings movies directed by Peter Jackson. This episode features another lifelong friend, Derek, the third member of our fellowship we call "The M-Crew." We're excited to introduce him to you, as we discuss events such as visiting the The Shire, climbing Mt. Doom, and much, much more! We highly recommend viewing this episode on our YouTube channel, as a big part of the conversation focuses on discussing photos and videos taken on our quest in a video chat. Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAumh-dY0jg&t=109s&ab_channel=FriendsTalkingFantasy

Before our LotR buddy read sails into the west, the the Friends at Friends Talking Fantasy Podcast discuss The Lord of the Rings book 3, The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien. What hot take will the Friends have on the ending of this thoroughly discussed series? Listen and find out!

The internet may be split, but we are pro-Denna here at the Friends Talking Fantasy Podcast. On this episode, the friends dedicate their conversation to expressing their thoughts on Denna from The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss.

The discussion continues of the grimdark, 20th-century-China-inspired Poppy War Series book 1 - The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang on the Friends Talking Fantasy Podcast.

A book so good we just HAD to read it! The Friends of the Friends Talking Fantasy Podcast are excited to discuss the grimdark, 20th-century-China-inspired Poppy War Series book 1 - The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang.

This is episode two of three special (AKA self-indulgent) bonus episodes designed to accompany our Lord of the Rings buddy-read discussions. Back in 2016, before 'the friends' became 'The Friends,' we went on a road trip through picturesque New Zealand to see filming locations for The Lord of the Rings movies directed by Peter Jackson. This episode features another lifelong friend, Derek, the third member of our fellowship we call "The M-Crew." We're excited to introduce him to you, as we discuss events such as visiting the The Shire, climbing Mt. Doom, and much, much more! We highly recommend viewing this episode on our YouTube channel, as a big part of the conversation focuses on discussing photos and videos taken on our quest in a video chat. Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAumh-dY0jg&t=109s&ab_channel=FriendsTalkingFantasy

The right of passage continues for the Friends at Friends Talking Fantasy Podcast! Today we discuss The Lord of the Rings book 2, The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien. Will the Friends be able to have fresh takes on this thoroughly discussed series? Listen and find out!

Is Boromir the most misunderstood character in all of Lord of the Rings? The Friends of the Friends Talk Fantasy Podcast use the power of empathy to understand Boromir's point of view throughout the Lord of the Rings trilogy. SPOILER WARNING: This episode contains MINOR spoilers to the Lord of the Rings. If you have not seen or read Lord of the Rings and you want to avoid spoilers, check out one of our many SPOILER FREE episodes instead!

SPOILER FREE. Dylan calls an EMERGENCY meeting of the Friends Talking Fantasy Podcast to pitch The Poppy War Series by R.F. Kuang to Charles. Will Charles agree to add The Poppy War Series to our jam-packed reading schedule? Listen to find out!

In this SPOILER FREE episode of the Friends Talking Fantasy Podcast, The Friends create a proprietary Fantasy Character Matchup Simulator TM that will randomly generate a variety of competitions for us to discuss and speculate on who would win. Characters from several of our favorite series (including Mistborn, Kingkiller Chronicle, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and more!) will compete in a variety of contests including fist fights, cook offs, and rap battles. You won't want to miss this experimental, off the rails fantasy podcast discussion!

This is episode one of three special (AKA self-indulgent) bonus episodes designed to accompany our Lord of the Rings buddy-read discussions. Back in 2016, before 'the friends' became 'The Friends,' we went on a road trip through picturesque New Zealand to see filming locations for The Lord of the Rings movies directed by Peter Jackson. This episode features another lifelong friend, Derek, the third member of our fellowship we call "The M-Crew." We're excited to introduce him to you, as we discuss events such as visiting the The Shire, climbing Mt. Doom, and much, much more! We highly recommend viewing this episode on our YouTube channel, as a big part of the conversation focuses on discussing photos and videos taken on our quest in a video chat. Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSfzXZuezfs&ab_channel=FriendsTalkingFantasy

A right of passage for any Fantasy podcast, the Friends at Friends Talking Fantasy discuss The Lord of the Rings book 1, The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien. Will the Friends be able to have fresh takes on this thoroughly discussed series? Listen and find out!

With another buddy read coming to an end, it's time to pick a new fantasy book to read! In this episode, the Friends at Friends Talking Fantasy Podcast continue their latest version of Friends Pitching Fantasy! This is part 2 of 2 dedicated entirely to Charles' books. Fantasy Books Mentioned in this episode: The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski Red Rising by Pierce Brown The Magicians by Lev Grossman Cover art credit: Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/reflectedchaos Tumblr - http://www.reflectedchaos.tumblr.com Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/aerinhawke.art

With another buddy read coming to an end, it's time to pick a new fantasy book to read! In this episode, the Friends at Friends Talking Fantasy Podcast begin another epic round of Friends Pitching Fantasy! This is part 1 of 2 dedicated entirely to Dylan's books. Wanted to hear Charles' books? No worries! The second part of Friends Pitching Fantasy drops soon! Fantasy Books Mentioned in this episode: Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames All Systems Red by Martha Wells Red Sister by Mark Lawrence Cover art credit: Richard Anderson, https://www.artstation.com/artwork/N0OXJ

Hot takes and controversial debates continue in this week's buddy read of The Kingkiller Chronicle Book 2 - The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss here at the Friends Talking Fantasy Podcast!

Get your bath water ready! In this episode of the Friends Talking Fantasy Podcast, the Friends discuss season 1 of The Witcher Netflix series. Toss 5 stars to your podcast! Cover image: Netflix

What do you look for in a protagonist? In this Character Series episode of The Friends Talking Fantasy Podcast, the Friends discuss six of their favorite protagonists in fantasy. Series mentioned: The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss, Book of the Ancestor by Mark Lawrence, A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin, The Magicians by Lev Grossman, and The Witcher Series by Andrzej Sapkowski Cover art credit: https://mocah.org/4584853-daenerys-targaryen-game-of-thrones-artwork-fan-art-dragon-fantasy-girl-fantasy-art.html

Is Kvothe a Mary Sue? Is Denna overhyped? All this and more is passionately discussed in this episode of the Friends Talking Fantasy Podcast featuring book 1 of the Kingkiller Chronicles: The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss.

In this episode of the Friends Talking Fantasy Podcast, The Friends experiment with a new show idea with a fantasy-themed game of 'Would You Rather?' Fantasy Mentioned: Mistborn, Star Wars, Harry Potter, First Law, Song of Ice and Fire, The Lord of the Rings