Game Master's Book Club

Rob, Keren, and Jason embark on a whimsical journey through the Aether to explore the intriguing world of Gale Carriger's *Soulless*, a notable entry in the steampunk genre. The conversation kicks off with a humorous debate over the merits of vampires versus werewolves, peppered with discussions about octopus racism and the absurdity of Rudy Giuliani as a necromancer. They delve into the novel's p...

The bright and turbulent world of *The Bright Sword* by Lev Grossman takes center stage as a group of passionate tabletop gamers explores the remnants of Camelot in their latest podcast discussion. They delve into the challenges faced by Colm, a knight attempting to revive the glory of King Arthur's Round Table amidst a backdrop of political intrigue and magical discord, painting a vivid image of...

Romie Stott's "Nothing in the Basement" serves as the focal point of this lively discussion among game masters Eric, Chad, and Josh, who delve into the unsettling dynamics of the mundane intertwined with horror. The conversation kicks off by exploring the chilling notion that the characters, Richard and Sandra, embody an ordinary life that spirals into chaos, prompting the question: how many misfo...

The Game Masters Book Club invites listeners into a thrilling exploration of narrative and horror as they delve into Tricia Wooldridge's chilling anthology, "Where Monsters Prey." Recorded live at the Rising Phoenix Game Con in Milford, Massachusetts, the episode features engaging discussions with esteemed guests, including the Hugo-nominated authors Elizabeth and Scott Lynch, alongside local tale...

The conversation revolves around the theme of cultural identity and the intricate relationship between humans and dragons, as illustrated in the young adult fantasy novel "To Shape a Dragon's Breath" by Monoquill Blackgoose. They delve into how the protagonist, Anakus, is caught between her insular community's cultural understanding of dragons and the contrasting perspectives of the colonizers. Th...

The latest episode of the Game Masters Book Club dives into the captivating realms of Elizabeth Bear's *Karen Memory*, a steampunk spy thriller that artfully intertwines adventure with sapphic romance. Set against the backdrop of a fantastical 1870s Pacific Northwest, the discussion unfolds during the vibrant Rising Phoenix Game Con, where the hosts engage with Bear and fellow game masters about t...

The conversation dives headfirst into the rich narrative of Scott Lynch's *The Lies of Locke Lamora*, highlighting its intricate world-building and the morally ambiguous nature of its characters. As they gather at Rising Phoenix Game Con, the group, which includes notable authors and seasoned gamers, discusses not only the novel itself but also the broader themes of crime and competency that perme...

The latest discussion in the Game Masters Book Club revolves around the captivating fantasy horror graphic novel, "Monstress." This episode dives into the intricate world created by Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda, focusing on the protagonist, Micah, a teenage girl navigating a tumultuous landscape rife with trauma, political tension, and supernatural elements. The conversation features game masters...

Exploring the intricate world of Robert Jackson Bennett's "The Tainted Cup," the podcast delves into the unique blend of murder mystery and Kaiju chaos that defines this compelling narrative. With a backdrop of an empire powered by the mutagenic blood of colossal creatures, the discussion unravels the layers of justice, corruption, and the duality of characters navigating this vibrant, yet perilou...

The salient point of today's discussion revolves around the captivating exploration of Genevieve Cogman's "The Invisible Library," which serves as a gateway to imaginative tabletop role-playing experiences. The hosts, Marshall Smith, George Krupsky, and Eric Drix, delve into the intricacies of the story, where Irene, a librarian, and her assistant Kai navigate a supernatural London in pursuit of a...

Scott Legault, Chris Grannis, and David Clarkson guide listeners through the intriguing world of Sterling E. Lehner's "Hero's Journey," a classic science fiction tale set in a post-apocalyptic landscape where remnants of the past hold the key to the future. As they explore themes of environmentalism, animal rights, and the moral dichotomy of good versus evil, the conversation highlights the book's...

The podcast delves into the intriguing world of Jim Bernheimer's D-list supervillain series, providing listeners with a fresh perspective on the often-overlooked characters in the superhero genre. As the discussion unfolds, the hosts, including Eric, Ian, David, and Sean, explore the humorous and chaotic elements of Bernheimer's narrative, which features a protagonist who transitions from a beleag...

The latest discussion revolves around the vibrant and adventurous world of pulp fiction, with a particular focus on the iconic graphic novel, *The Rocketeer*, by Dave Stevens. The hosts delve into the essence of pulp storytelling, highlighting how it embodies fast-paced action and intriguing characters, while also celebrating its homage to the heroic archetypes of the 1930s. As they explore variou...

The discussion takes flight as the hosts delve into Jim Butcher's "The Aeronaut's Windlass," a vibrant exploration of the Cinderspires and the whimsical world of airships and adventure. With a panel of seasoned game masters, they share insights on how this steampunk narrative can inspire thrilling tabletop role-playing experiences. The conversation touches on creative game mechanics, including the...

The discussion begins with a deep dive into the enchanting realm of Daevabad, the mystical City of Brass, where court intrigue, magical beasts, and cultural conflicts collide in a richly woven narrative. The hosts, alongside their Game Masters, engage in a lively exchange about their favorite mythological settings, touching upon everything from Norse legends to American cryptids, showcasing the di...

Kelly Sue DeConnick's graphic novel "Bitch Planet" serves as a powerful backdrop for this episode's discussion, as the hosts explore its themes of misogyny, conformity, and resistance within a dystopian framework. They delve into a universe where non-compliant women are imprisoned and forced to compete in a brutal death sport, highlighting the narrative's intersection with issues of justice and so...

George Krubski, Marshall Smith, and Eric Drik dive into a captivating discussion centered around "The Goblin Emperor" by Katherine Addison, a narrative that not only enchants with its intricate world-building but also poses thought-provoking questions about governance and the role of rulers in fantasy settings. The trio explores how the protagonist, Maya, navigates the treacherous waters of court...

The podcast dives into the rich tapestry of "Throne of the Crescent Moon" by Saladin Ahmed, highlighting its unique blend of fantastical elements and Middle Eastern culture. The discussion centers around the characters and their reluctant heroism, particularly focusing on Dr. Abdullah Mahkloud, an aging ghoul hunter, and his diverse group of allies, including a magical shape-shifting girl and a pa...

Casey Asl, Marisa Wolf, and Melissa Olthoff, collectively known as the Farreladies, dive into a rich tapestry of lore and nostalgia as they explore Anne McCaffrey's seminal work, *Dragonflight*, the first installment in the *Dragonriders of Pern* series. The episode kicks off with a discussion that ranges from the impact of the U.S. Air Force on McCaffrey's narrative to the quirky threads of ancie...

The podcast dives deep into the enchanting world of *The Sundered Realms*, a fantasy novel by Casey Blair, where magic and romance intertwine amidst a backdrop of intrigue and peril. Listeners are treated to a lively discussion featuring host Eric Jackson and guests Chris Grannis, David Clarkson, and newcomer Scott Legault, who explore the intricacies of a narrative filled with spies, magical gate...

The podcast dives into the intriguing realm of military science fiction, centering on "Sentence to War" by J.N. Cheney and Jonathan P. Brazee. The discussion unfolds with hosts Eric Jackson and his fellow game masters—George Krubski, Marshall Smith, and Eric Driks—sharing their insights on how military themes can enhance tabletop role-playing experiences. They explore the series' unique elements,...

The podcast dives into the gaming potential of Jeff VanderMeer's "Borne," a narrative steeped in morally complex relationships and set against a post-ecological disaster backdrop. Alex Jackl, Ian Eller, and Sean Murphy explore whether a Game Master can serve as an unreliable narrator, and how the use of factions and interpersonal conflict can enhance gameplay. They passionately debate the implicat...

The discussion dives deep into the intriguing world of "All Systems Red," the first novella in Martha Wells' celebrated "Murderbot Diaries." In this episode, game masters Karen Ford, Rob Trimarco, and Jason Keeley share their insights on a protagonist that is both a reluctant hero and a self-proclaimed slacker, navigating the complexities of its existence while grappling with its newfound autonomy...

Astro City: Life in the Big City serves as a delightful exploration of a superhero universe that marries the extraordinary with the mundane, demonstrating how the presence of super-powered individuals shapes everyday life. In this episode, the hosts of the Game Masters Book Club, including seasoned GMs Jonathan Mazur, Shaun Murphy, and John Corbett, delve into the first six issues of this iconic g...

Michael St. Ayre, Rick Stec, and Mauricio Cordero dive deep into the chaotic and surreal world of Hunter S. Thompson's "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," exploring how this gonzo classic can infuse life into tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). They tackle the novel's provocative themes, including its critiques of American culture, while addressing the content warnings that accompany its wild narr...