Friends Talking Fantasy Podcast

Set sail with us in this Friends Talking Fantasy Podcast episode as we dive deep into Scott Lynch’s Red Seas Under Red Skies, book two of the Gentleman Bastard series. ⚔️ Charles (first-time reader) and Dylan (returning with fresh eyes) unpack Lynch’s brilliant storytelling, Locke & Jean’s evolving friendship, and the themes of trust, betrayal, and sacrifice. We also share personal reflections, highlight the incredible audiobook narration by Michael Page, and tease future projects on the horizon. If you loved Lies of Locke Lamora, you won’t want to miss this one. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@friendstalkingfantasy Visit our website: https://www.theftfpodcast.com/

This week I (Dylan) got to hang out with Hannah and Laura from On Wednesdays We Read Podcast (OWWR Pod) for a conversation all about our favorite characters in fantasy! As always, Hannah and Laura brought a ton of insightful takes as well as a lot of laughs! And if you’re not already listening to OWWR Pod, definitely check them out too :)

Hey friends, quick announcement! We just dropped a special YouTube-exclusive episode of Friends Talking Fantasy where we reveal the cover of Whalesong by Miles Cameron to not just to the world, but to Miles (Christian) himself! That's right, we had the honor of showing the author his brand-new cover for the first time and capture his live reaction. This was such a big event that Charles made a return for this one! We got him to stop by in the midst of his paternity leave. Head over to YouTube, check out the new cover, and hear Miles talk with us about Whalesong, the Arcana Imperii series, and what’s coming next. Here's the link: https://youtu.be/yKC_ASIvmiU

In this special episode, Dylan is joined by Stephen from the Fantology Podcast for an epic deep dive into his favorite fantasy books and authors! Stephen shares his personal tier list, walking us through the writers who have shaped his love for the genre—from all-time legends to underrated gems. Whether you're new to fantasy or a longtime fan looking for your next great read, you’ll come away with a list of compelling recommendations. Expect some hot takes, thoughtful insights, and plenty of titles to add to your TBR! Check out Stephen and the rest of the crew at Fantology: https://www.youtube.com/@FantologyPodcast Let us know in the comments: Who are YOUR top-tier fantasy authors?

The Friends journey into the brutal heart of Christopher Buehlman’s The Daughter’s War, the grimdark prequel to The Blacktongue Thief. They unpack the stark tonal shift between the two novels—where Buehlman trades snark for sorrow, and swagger for survival. The spotlight falls on Galva, whose stoic presence in The Blacktongue Thief is given heartbreaking depth as her backstory unfolds through war, trauma, and fractured family loyalties. From hive-minded goblins to the emotional cost of legacy, the hosts explore what makes The Daughter’s War such a powerful, if punishing, read—and why some readers might not be ready for just how dark this prequel gets. Watch on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@friendstalkingfantasy

Join The Friends as they dive into the 2025 r/Fantasy Book Bingo Card! In this episode, we walk through some of the most exciting (and challenging) categories, offering fantasy book recommendations for each square. Whether you’re hunting for a perfect “Knights and Paladins” read or struggling to find a book with “High Fashion,” we’ve got you covered. Highlights include: ⚔️ Knights and Paladins – Buhlman, Sanderson, and Grossman 💎 Hidden Gems – Angry Robot standouts like The Last Shield 📜 Published in the 1980s – The Black Company and Alanna 📖 Epistolary reads – Piranesi, The Martian, Time War 👨‍👧 Parent Protagonists – The Witcher, Saga, The Fifth Season 🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ+ Leads, Self-Published Hits, Short Story Collections, and more! We also share our thoughts on the “Last in a Series” square (spoiler-free!), the mysterious “Not a Book” category, and how Severance or playing Catan might just count. Let us help you fill your card with fantastic reads! Watch on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@friendstalkingfantasy Visit our Website: https://www.theftfpodcast.com/

After a four-month break, The Friends are back with a refreshed Friends Talking Fantasy—complete with a new video format! In this comeback episode, we catch up on life, talk future podcast goals (live episodes, maybe?), and kickoff a new Friends Pitching Fantasy. Each host brings three fantasy books to the table, pitching them to determine the next reads for the show. The six books discussed: 📚 The Daughters’ War by Christopher Buehlman 📚 Red Seas Under Red Skies by Scott Lynch 📚 The Fires of Vengeance by Evan Winter 📚 The Ending Fire by Saara El-Arifi 📚 The Will of the Many by James Islington 📚 Dragon Keeper by Robin Hobb Tune in to hear our thoughts on each pick, the plans for upcoming episodes, and some light fantasy banter along the way. 🎥 YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@FriendsTalkingFantasy 🌐 Visit our website: friendstalkingfantasy.com

The journey of the Liveship Traders trilogy reaches its breathtaking conclusion in Ship of Destiny, and we’re here to dive deep into Robin Hobb’s masterful storytelling. Join us as we explore the incredible character arcs, unravel the mysteries of the Liveships and dragons, and discuss the powerful themes of freedom, identity, and legacy. Whether you’re a die-hard Hobb fan or a first-time traveler of the Rain Wilds, this spoiler-filled discussion will chart the full course of this unforgettable finale. Visit our website: https://www.theftfpodcast.com/

In this autumnal episode of Friends Talking Fantasy, Charles and Dylan dive into the perfect books to get you into those fall vibes. From spooky horrors to cozy fantasies, they explore the themes, settings, and characters that best capture the essence of the season. Whether you’re looking for eerie tales like Christopher Buehlman’s The Black Tongue Thief, a chilling Dracula retelling in A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson, or heartwarming reads like A Long Way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers, this episode has a recommendation for every fall mood. Tune in for a celebration of all things fall, with fantasy books that pair perfectly with the crisp air and changing leaves. Visit out website: https://www.theftfpodcast.com/ Books mentioned in this episode: 1. World War Z by Max Brooks 2. The Black Tongue Thief by Christopher Buehlman 3. Between Two Fires by Christopher Buehlman 4. A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson 5. Evocation by S.T. Gibson 6. Fairytale by Stephen King 7. Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir 8. Monstrous by Marjorie Liu (illustrated by Sana Takeda) 9. The Bone Roots by Gabriela Houston 10. The Witcher series by Andrzej Sapkowski 11. Fury of the Gods by John Gwynne 12. The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne 13. The Autumn Republic by Brian McClellan 14. The Fall of Dragons by Miles Cameron 15. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss 16. Babel by R.F. Kuang 17. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang 18. The Magicians by Lev Grossman 19. A Long Way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers 20. Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree 21. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman 22. Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay

In this episode, author Christian (Miles) Cameron returns to the show to discuss his latest release, Deep Black, book two of Arcana Imperii. Join us as we delve into the world of his new book, exploring its intricate storytelling, gripping characters, and the dangers of caffeine withdrawal. We also get an inside look at Cameron’s writing process, his approach to worldbuilding, and the inspirations behind his work. Support Christian Cameron: Read Deep Black: https://geni.us/deep-black Website: https://christiancameronauthor.com/

Set sail with us as we dive deep into Mad Ship, the second book in Robin Hobb’s Liveship Traders trilogy. We explore the rich, character-driven storylines, from the mysterious liveships to the complex family dynamics and political intrigue. With spoilers throughout, we’ll discuss key moments, the evolving relationships, and the emotional highs and lows that make this epic fantasy one of Hobb's most beloved works. If you're ready to delve into the heart of the Vivacia, don’t miss this detailed exploration of Mad Ship! Visit our website at https://www.theftfpodcast.com/

We're diving back into the world of "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss, with a full spoiler discussion on The Kingkiller Chronicle series. Join us as we explore Kvothe's early days on the road, his first encounters with Abenthy, and the pivotal moments that begin to shape his journey. We'll be unpacking every detail, from character motivations to world-building intricacies. Full spoilers for the entire Kingkiller Chronicle are in effect, so make sure you're up to speed before tuning in!