A Couple Guys Reading

Sam and Tex take a break from their Throne of Glass journey to explore Dennis Johnson's haunting novella Train Dreams . This "palate cleanser" episode dives deep into the story of Robert Grainier, a day laborer in the early 20th century American West who faces profound loss when wildfire claims his wife and infant daughter. What We Discuss: Dennis Johnson's remarkable range as a writer and his jou...

We survived Heir of Fire —barely. In this episode, we tackle the slow start, the suddenly NASCAR-paced second half, and the very real problem of every man in this book purring . We talk cousin love, messiah complexes, flying witches, bubble battles, and the unkillable fantasy dog. Plus: why the ending felt like a CW fever dream, and what it means when your protagonist is too perfect to care about....

Chapters 1–35 of Heir of Fire are in the books, and we're here to talk trauma bonding, wyvern ethics, and why the witches are carrying the narrative weight. We break down the endless setup, the purr count (eight, if you're asking), and whether Celaena is a queen or just a YA fever dream. Also: Rowan might be Tarzan, Chaol broods, and yes—we have strong opinions about fantasy maps. Welcome back to...

In this episode of A Couple Guys Reading , Sam and Tex dive into Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas, cracking jokes and swapping predictions like fantasy football picks. They revisit the reading order debate around Assassin’s Blade , compare the series to Star Wars and Narnia , and reflect on Sarah J. Maas’s tendency to make her heroine, Celaena Sardothien, the best at everything. With deadpan takes an...

After a long run of romantasy, we needed a breather. So for this palate cleanser episode, we picked up East of Eden by John Steinbeck. It’s a book that feels bigger than itself—family, legacy, good and evil, the whole deal.  We talk about what hit us, what surprised us, and how somehow this 20th-century novel about California farmers felt more intense than half the fantasy battles we’ve read. No f...

This week, Sam and Tex return to Crown of Midnight , diving into Chapters 30-56! As Celaena Sardothien’s journey intensifies, so do the stakes, with twists and turns that push her to the brink. In this episode, we’ll delve into the escalating tension at court, dissect the evolving relationships, and peel back the layers of secrets emerging from the shadows. From high-stakes missions to surprising...

This week, Sam and Tex are back to dive into Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas, covering the first half of the book! Celaena Sardothien’s world gets even more intense as she takes on new missions and faces increasingly complex challenges. In this episode, we’ll unpack the growing tension within the castle walls, explore the relationships that are shifting in unexpected ways, and dig into the myst...

In this special preview episode, Tex and Sam dive into the world of Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas—only this time, we're doing it Fantasy Draft style! We’re boldly predicting the twists, turns, and swoon-worthy moments that Maas is sure to throw our way. Will Celaena embrace her destiny or continue to guard her secrets? Who will come out on top in the brewing love triangle between Chaol and Do...

This week, Sam and Tex are back to discuss the latest twists and turns in Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, covering chapters 30 through 55. Things are heating up for Celaena Sardothien as she faces new challenges, both on and off the battlefield. In this episode, we’ll explore the mounting tension within the castle, the deepening relationships that could change everything, and the dark secrets lu...

This week, Sam and Tex are diving into a world of magic, assassins, and, yes, intense palace drama with Throne of Glass  by Sarah J. Maas. And while we might not be the typical target audience for a fantasy novel featuring a fierce female assassin deciding betwixt two lovers, we’re here to give you our take on the first half of this epic saga. Join us as we unravel the story of Celaena Sardothien,...

Hey there, book enthusiasts! We’re Sam and Tex, and we’re kicking off our new podcast with a deep dive into the enchanting world of Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. We’re here to give you our unfiltered take on the series that’s got everyone talking. In this introductory episode, we’ll set the stage for our journey through Celaena Sardothien’s world—an assassin’s playground full of magic, royal i...

Between books, we like to "cleanse our palates" by sharing a book that means a lot to us. This week, Tex has chosen the winner of the 1953 Pulitzer Prize, The Old Man and the Sea by Earnest Hemingway.  Set against the backdrop of the Cuban coast, Hemingway's masterpiece immerses readers in the poignant tale of Santiago, an aging fisherman, as he grapples with the enduring struggle between man and...

We're wrapping up Fourth Wing and we've invited our friend Amanda, who introduced Sam to the series, to talk about the book, the phenomenon and Amanda even gives some recomendations for our next book! Connect with Amanda Amanda references the Real Life Book Reviewer 

You won't want to miss out on the excitement that's about to unfold! The story of Violet, Xaden, and their friends is just heating up, and you don't want to be left out in the cold. With new books being released and rumors of even more on the horizon, the adventure is just beginning. But before the VENIN problems take hold, there's a banquet to attend and war games to play. You'll be on the edge o...

Today's episode features a discussion of content in the book that features sexual content, discretion is advised.  Join Tex and Sam on the latest episode of their podcast as they embark on a thrilling discussion of chapters 26-30 of "Fourth Wing" by Rebecca Yarros. In this episode, listeners are taken on a whirlwind journey as Violet Sorrengail travels to Montserrat, reunites with her sister, and...

Tex and Sam are on the case, unraveling the latest escapades in "Fourth Wing" by Rebecca Yarros in Chapters 21-25. Brace yourselves for the steamy encounter between Violet and Xaden. Meanwhile, Violet faces off with her mortal enemy, Jack, on the sparring mat. And just when you think things can't get crazier, the gang decides a heist into Violet's mom's office is a brilliant idea – because what's...

We continue our epic journey through Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. Join Tex and Sam as they discuss the latest chapters, 16-20, of this romantic fantasy (or "Romantasy"). They dive into Violet Sorrengail's growing relationship with Tairn, her dragon, and all the JUICY drama surrounding Dain Aetos and Xaden Riorson. Of course, they can't help but throw in their own hilarious commentary and witty b...

Sam didn't read chapter 15, so Tex reads the climactic scene for a LIVE REACTION. Ooooh the drama! The guys also discuss Jack as a character, have a literary discussion and of course WE. MEET. SOME. DRAGONS. 

Our journey continues! Violet hits the sparring mat! Dain is annoying! And are we going to learn something new about the mysterious Xaden Riorson? 

So it begins! Violet Sorrengail enters Basgiath War College! 

The journey begins! Today we're introducing the show, as well as our first book: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. We will discuss the "It Book" phenomenon of this book as well as offer some predictions. Whether you're a fan of the book or your wife is, there's something for everyone. Here's what the book with the black pages looks like.

Welcome to a Couple Guys Reading, a podcast where we read the "It" book. In this episode, our hosts, Sam and Tex, preview our first book: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros.