The Lit Round Table

Today the SibNerds are talking about Chapters 23 - End ! We got the climax and falling action in this last section—it was cool to see Padme really shine as a relief coordinator and Senator. A true cast of villains is coming together, no doubt to setup the next two books in the trilogy! This is our final installment of this book—and our final episode. Thanks for being along with us for the journey!...

Today the SibNerds are hosting their last adventure into all things storytelling. It's been a beautiful five years of yapping about some of our favorite things—but it's time for this chapter to come to an end. Thank you for being with us—whether it was for one episode, all of them, or anything in between. We're grateful for your time with us. Remember to keep reading and talking to one another. (W...

Today the SibNerds are talking about Chapters 18 - 22 ! We were on 3 planets this section—Naboo, Coruscant, and Bromlarch! So you could say we covered some ground this week! It was very cool to see Padme with her family while on vacation. And then it was cool to see her jump right into action as she got back to work. We're already guessing how some of these different elements are going to come tog...

Today the SibNerds are talking about Chapters 15 - 17 ! We finally saw R2-D2! And it was perfect! This section is giving summer vacation to Alderaan, and we're here for it!  Next time we'll be discussing Chapters 18 - 22 ! Happy Reading! 

Today the SibNerds are talking about the new Superman movie! Big spoilers ahead if you haven't watched it yet! Without giving spoilers in the description, we left the movie feeling entertained and hopeful. It's a very good movie with excellent music and phenomenal acting. If you want a dose of hopecore and non-toxic masculinity, this one is for you! Join us for our Read Along of Star Wars: Queen's...

Today the SibNerds are talking about Chapters 12 - 14!   Padme got to be a super spy in this section—she even climbs a tree! Our girl is finally being accepted by the "rebels." We got another R2-D2 mention, but still haven't seen him. And Sabe and Tonra? Yes, please. Next time we'll be discussing Chapters  15 - 17 ! Happy Reading!

Today the SibNerds are talking about Chapters 9 - 11 ! We finished up part 2 and started part 3 of the book! We definitely hit a slower-paced section with this week—falling action and what we're sure is a steady ramp up into the next part of the story. Despite it being slower, it was full of familiar faces, which was quite fun! Next time we'll be discussing Chapters 12 - 14! Happy Reading! 

Today the SibNerds are talking about Chapters 7 & 8 ! This week we get our first exposure to Padme in the Senate—and it doesn't go at all how she anticipated. She's overwhelmed and incredibly human. We also get to see Sabe take on slavery on Tatooine—and again, it doesn't go as smoothly as our heroes hoped. But she's putting in the work, and we love her. Next time we'll be discussing Chapters 9 -...

Today the SibNerds are talking about Chapters 4 - 6! Well, it didn't take long for Padme's plans to be sidelined by a position in the Galactic Senate! We were surprised, but not in a bad way!  Also, malfunctioning droids leading to assassination attempts? Sounds like Star Wars to us! Next time we'll be discussing Chapters  7 & 8! Happy Reading!  Twitter: @litround  Facebook: https://www.facebook.c...

Today the SibNerds are talking about Chapters Prologue - 3! It feels appropriate to be starting a new Read Along in May with a Star Wars novel! There's been some exciting developments in the Star Wars universe, and it's fun to dip our toes into one of the newer novels as well. These first few chapters are really setting the stage for Padme's transition from Queen to Senator of Naboo—and we're exci...

Today the Sibnerds are diving into hoaxes (well, two of them at least)! Josef took an archeology class this last term called "Frauds, Myths, and Legends," and that was the inspiration for today's episode. We're specifically talking about the Cardiff Giant and the Man of Piltdown. Did you learn anything new? Do you have a favorite hoax from history? Join us for our Read Along of Star Wars: Queen's...

Today the SibNerds are talking about chapters 24 – 26, and that brings us to the end of The Poppy War. In this final installment of this Read Along, we discuss the book's last few chapters and the conclusion of this part of Rin's story. This was a heavy read, one that we certainly would recommend to other readers, but with some trigger warnings attached. While we applaud Kuang's ability to pull on...

Today the SibNerds are talking about chapters 21 – 23. We hope that you took time to take care of yourselves after reading Chapter 21. It was a horrific depiction of what can (and did) happen in times of war when we stop seeing others as human. The conversation is heavy today, but important. Next time we finish the book. If you're a member of our Patreon, please make sure to vote for our next read...

Today the SibNerds are talking about Chapters 17-20! Well, there's a lot to say about this section, and boy, do we get into it. From the monster-chasing side adventure to the downright abuse from Altan towards Rin to the Woman in the spirit world—so much is happening. And we get into all of it! For next time, read Chapters 21-23! Happy Reading!  Twitter: @litround  Facebook: https://www.facebook.c...

Today the SibNerds are talking about Snow White! There's a lot of discussion around the new live-action remake of Disney's Snow White, but today we're talking about the original fairytale by the Brothers Grimm! Did you learn anything new? Do you have a favorite iteration of Snow White? Join us for our Read Along of The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang! Josef is reading: - The Poppy War by: R.F. Kuang - Shi...

Today the SibNerds are talking about Chapters 13-16! There's so much happening in this section! Rin is learning how to be a member of the Cike—with varying levels of success. We met a new cast of characters, and it's filling the found family trope that we love so much. Altan is back and in charge. His advice to Rin about how to use the Phoenix's fire is creating a lot of internal tension for Rin....

Today the SibNerds are talking about Chapters 10 - 12! It's not summer break anymore! Part 2 came in with quite the shift—and it brought war upon Sinegard, and our students are forced to be soldiers. There was some really powerful commentary on the cost of war. We're learning more and more about the gods and the way they can move in the world. We're excited to learn even more! Next time we'll be d...

Today the SibNerds are talking about an element of storytelling they've come up against—one more recently than the other! What happens when a character becomes a favorite of the creator? This is something that creatives across genre and medium experience—from the novelist to the Dungeon Master! We may not have the answers, but it was fun to talk about it together! Join us for our Read Along of The...

Today the SibNerds are talking about Chapters 8 & 9! This week we got to see how the other side lives when Rin visits Kitay's home while they're on break from the term. It was fun to see another side of the city—and to catch a glimpse of the Empress! And then the new term starts in a rush. Rin is learning how to meditate and use her powers. She's on her way to being a shaman! Next time we'll be di...

Today the SibNerds are talking about Chapters 6 & 7! We're finally learning about the quirky lore master—and so is Rin! Good thing, too, because without his help she wouldn't have done nearly as well in the trials. Maybe we should all start carrying pigs up a mountain. Next time we'll be discussing Chapters 8 & 9! Happy Reading!  Twitter: @litround Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LitRoundTable...

Over Christmas break, we were asked what D&D character sheets would look for the main characters in the new Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim movie. So you know we had to make it a podcast episode! We haven't done an unpacking episode for War of the Rohirrim, so be aware there are spoilers ahead! How did we do with these character sheets? Would you make any changes? Join us for our Read Along...

Today the SibNerds are talking about Chapters 4 & 5! Rin is adjusting to being a student—and she's coming up against difficult classes, difficult social situations, and puberty. Our girl is determined, knows what she wants, and is willing to sacrifice to get it. Next time we'll be discussing Chapters 6 & 7! Happy Reading!  Twitter: @litround Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LitRoundTable Patreon...

Today the SibNerds are talking about Chapters 1 - 3! It's a new year and a new book! We're enthralled by the way that R.F. Kuang is pulling us into this story! We weren't quite expecting so much of an academy fantasy, but we're excited to see how it unfolds. Next time we'll be discussing Chapters 4 & 5! Happy Reading!   Twitter: @litround Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LitRoundTable Patreon: h...

Beware, there be spoilers here! Today the SibNerds are talking all about season 2 of Arcane! The animation is top-tier. The storylines are compelling and gripping. It's so good! In this episode, we take a deep dive to unpack this new season on Netflix. We're not League of Legends players, so if you are and have insights, let us know! Join us for our next Read Along in January 2025—we'll be reading...

Today the SibNerds are talking about the end of the book! This week, we're along for the ride as Tress and her unlikely crew defeat the Sorceress of the Midnight Sea! We were glad that all of pirate friends were able to have their shining moment. We also had some really satisfying confirmations of our guesses—like the identity of Huck and the inspiration from The Princess Bride and Good Omens. Wha...