The Fantastic Books Podcast: Fantasy and Sci-Fi Book Reviews

Join us in our first ever foray into the murder mystery genre! .EXE is a science fiction murder mystery by Robin Jeffries, who joins us to discuss her book. In this first episode, we dive into a complicated web of characters and all their flaws and faults. We meet Chance, our roguish narrator, Cadence, our mysterious detective, Felix, Chance's overbearing father, Desdemona, Felix's girlfri...

It's our 100th episode! To celebrate, we're doing an unscripted chat on ALL things fantasy and you get to know your hosts a bit better! Topics include: Magic Systems, The Alchemist, Library Card Power, Eragon, Scholastic Book Fairs, Harry Potter, Romance in Fantasy, Summer Camp, an Atlas Six Review, Movies versus Books, Resident Evil, Politics & Characters in Fantasy, Imagination, Door...

After an enjoyable evening hanging with the crew, Vin, Kelsier, and the friends go into crisis mode as they discover that Yeden has taken the army out to one of the garrisons. Vin discovers the ins and outs of pewter burning with Ham and then puts it to the test by running for 16 hours with Kelsier to the rebels' caves. -- Thank You to Our Sponsors: Spotify For Podcasters Audible free trial (f...

Join us fantastic listeners, as we continue our journey through the first installment of the fantasy trilogy: Mistborn. This week our chapters take a break from the action to delve into character backstories, the philosophies and politics of the world, and a new magic system. Vin learns about her fellow crew-mates' personal lives, confronts Elend about some hard truths, and finally gets back t...

We are closing in on the halfway point the first installment of Brandon Sanderson's fantasy trilogy, Mistborn! Vin is increasing her skill set as she meets with Marsh to learn more about the allomantic art of burning bronze. Kelsier, on the other hand, is leaning more into his ego and haughty persona to rally his troops. He gets a bit carried away and we talk about what a dangerous game he&#39...

Sorry for the delayed episode, but it's better late than never! This week we get one chapter from Vin's perspective as she attends another ball and one chapter from Kelsier's perspective as he gathers some intel from informants. Vin attends her second ball, only to be pestered by Elend Venture and his enormous stack of books. She turns her luck around and gets asked to dance by several...

Vin wakes from her injury and is rearing to go with getting back to both Allomancy and helping with Kelsier's plans. Unfortunately, she has to sit quietly and play the role of Lady Valette at the Renoux mansion, waiting for all the crewmembers to come to her. There is a lot of interpersonal development that we had a great time analyzing, discussing, and making predictions about. Other topics i...

Felurian decides "her Kvothe" is too vulnerable to the dangers of the mortal world to let him leave the Fae without a proper gift. She takes him to the Darkest region of the realm to create him a shaed. During this time we get some insight into the stealing of the moon and the Creation War. Kvothe also learns a thing or two about Romance and listening to the wisdom of an omnipotent goddess. Other...

This week we had the amazing opportunity to nerd out and become instant best friends with the author of "I'm Sorry Here's a Plasma Rifle," Aaron N Hall. We talked about how he twists tropes and builds plots to create hilarious and insightful science fiction worlds, characters, and narratives, but we also got deep and discussed his poetry, inspirations, relationships, the future,...

Vin and Kelsier risk a daring break into Kredik Shaw, only to be thwarted by a pack of Steel Inquisitors. They barely manage to escape with their lives, and it's really only thanks to Sazed that Vin is alive. Despite not finding the atium, they do get a glimpse of a secret room in the palace and manage to unintentionally steal a book that is filled with the Hero of Age's diary entries. The...

This week we tried our hand reading and analyzing poetry! We had a wonderful time discussing Aaron's poems and pastry recipes, even if the recipes ended up being impossible to create, and getting into topics like lost love, pets, the end of humanity, and wizards. Like the short stories, this selection of poetry continued to surprise and delight us as we finished off the book. Other topics incl...

Kelsier and friends go from waging a house war to visiting a great house for Vin's first ball! She is in awe of the splendor that House Venture has to offer and even meets the heir to the house, Elend Venture. Although Vin doesn't know it yet, we can see the seeds of love growing between her and Elend already. After her fun evening, Vin sneaks out and follows Kelsier back to Luthadel via t...

We continue coverage of the amazing short stories written by the hilarious Aaron N. Hall. In them, we encounter holy warriors, giant spiders, ramen noodles, books, desert towns, a spilled coffee, and hot dogs, bringing us to thought-provoking conversations about heroism, justice, judging a book by its cover, and the vanquishing of evil. You can find all of Aaron Hall's works here: Aaron N. Hal...

Vin learns the subtle and secret art of soothing under the tutelage of Breeze. Kelsier riles up some recruits, and we find out the fate of Camon's crew. Things are progressing for "Kelsier and Friends" but not quickly enough.... Tune in next week for I'm Sorry Here's a Plasma Rifle by Aaron N. Hall. Be sure to check out our social media pages  @fantasticbookspod  and our webs...

Welcome to the wild and wacky sci-fi world of the "late" Aaron Hall, whose book has been sent back in time to us from the year 2124.  "I'm Sorry, Here's a Plasma Rifle," is a collection of short stories, poems, and pastry recipes and in this first episode, we cover the first three short stories. In them, we encounter space squids, decoy monkeys, personified books, mind traps, an all-powerful...

Our little baby podcast has turned 3 - and it's not so little anymore, thanks to all of our amazing listener support!  In commemoration, we've decided to check out a story that takes place right near our home: H.P. Lovecraft's "The Call of Cthulhu." We are joined by Ana's sister Atlas, resident Lovecraft fan, as we embark on a journey of monstrous proportions, deep cosmic horror, and ugly arc...

We get to see the results of Vin's leap of faith, both over the wall and into Kelsier's world. Now her bigger challenge arises as she has to battle with only her wits and charm as she enters the world of the nobility. We also discuss character growth, Mistwraiths, the religions of the Cosmere, and our favorite character, Sazed. Check out more book reviews, recommendations, and merch at Fantastic B...

It's planning time for Kelsier and friends as they meet in their new hideout to discuss their plot to overthrow the Final Empire. As Kelsier said, they're men who know how to take a job and break it down into manageable steps, so everyone gets a task and they set their plans in motion.  Vin also gets her Mistcloak, her first taste of true Allomancy, and instructions to jump over a wall. Be...

Kelsier has been hired for a job that's bigger and better than any has ever had, so he decides it's time to get the band back together. With three new faces, they make an interesting and dynamic crew, but we're not sure it'll be enough to tackle overthrowing the Final Empire. Kelsier also decides it's time to get some more Atium and show off his new Mistborn prowess. Be sure to...

Season three is upon us! Sam and Ana take their first steps into the world of Mistborn, where they learn about Allomancy, the Lord Ruler, and a young girl named Vin. They also meet Kelsier, who burns down a manor, takes on a Steel Inquisitor, and changes Vin's life forever. Be sure to check out our social media pages  ⁠⁠@fantasticbookspod⁠⁠  and our website  ⁠⁠Fantastic Books and How to Read T...

Ana, Atlas, and Sam bring the energy this week to talk (and shout) about the twists and turns at the end of Perilous Star! Kaeli faces both her past and her future this week and is in for some adventures, betrayals, and utter shocks. Join us to find out how this excellent start to the Western Zodiac Trilogy concludes and which of the predictions were right or wrong. Support Alyssa Markins by buyin...

It's the penultimate episode of Perilious Star, and things are heating up for the recruits. Kaeli this week learns how to enter her celestial state, discovers a plot by Scorpio and Capricorn, defeats shadow snakes, and has time for a little earth vacation. She and her friends are put to the test against a monstrous bug, but will the real enemy be one of the other recruits? We make our predicti...

Happy holiday, listeners!  We're rounding out the end of the year with an interview with the lovely Cristin Mirzoi, author of the short story, The Headsman. We chat writing inspirations, breaking character stereotypes, and themes of justice and righteousness in society. Follow her on Instagram at @cristina_mirzoi and buy The Headsman here.   Be sure to check out our social media pages  ⁠⁠@fant...

Kaeli goes on so many adventures this week, from big bug hunting with Pyronius, to an escape room, to befriending the Yantari, she is making the most of her time in the Celestial Realm. She also pushes through her traumatic experiences in Scorpio's class, only to have this make her love triangle with Lukka and Niko more complicated. On top of learning and enjoying the companionship of her fell...

It's a bit of a shorter set of chapters this week, but they pack a punch! Kaeli, Lukka, and Joseph begin their research in the library with some unexpected results, and Kaeli goes to Scorpio's class only to discover more unexpected things about herself and her own past. Listen along to find out more about Kaeli's discoveries and hear our predictions of where this adventure is heading!...