William gives a glowing (and spoiler-free) review of SINNERS, Jacob shares his harrowing ordeal in the editing bay, and we read our first ever (!!!) fan letter. And then onto Jenn Lyons glorious epic fantasy debut, THE RUIN OF KINGS — a wildly inventive, deeply intricate, and incredibly bonkers book. It has multiple timelines, several enchanted necklaces, and a psychotic evil sexy lady demon that may be one of the most fun villains we’ve ever read!UPCOMING EPISODES:May 13: The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons, Chapters 21–58May 20: The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons, Chapters 59-End
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1:20:10
INTERLUDE: Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas
Before we get into it, William updates us on some accolades and adaptations from our previous books and Jacob describes CLAIR OBSCUR: EXPEDITION 33, a whacko brilliant new video game from France. And then we’re talking both of our favorite book of 2025 thus far — Sarah J Maas’s QUEEN OF SHADOWS — it’s thrilling pacing, wonderful characterizations, Aelin’s ever-evolving hair color, the even better (and darker) witch plot, and the climax to end all climaxes, and last but not least, our trepidation about the much debated upcoming tandem read.UPCOMING EPISODES:May 6: The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons, Chapters 1–20May 13: The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons, Chapters 21–58May 20: The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons, Chapters 59-End
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1:22:19
INTERLUDE: The Assassin's Blade & Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas
Jacob and William recount their joyous in-person reunion (the first since the pod began!) and the highs and highs of Coachella. And then they keep sipping the Booktok Kool-Aid as they go all in on Sarah J Maas’ THE ASSASSIN’S BLADE and HEIR OF FIRE, in which they discuss the controversial suggested reading order for the prequel novellas, the total badassery of the Ironteeth witches, the two hot new Fae muscle daddies on the scene (Aedion and Rowan obvz), the difference between wyverns and dragons, and so so much more.
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56:41
Sunrise on the Reaping Part 3: The Goose is Cooked
Jacob and William chat about their hopes and fears for the LEGEND OF ZELDA film, unpack the truly bizarre choices made in THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES, and gear up for their imminent reunion at COACHELLA. And then they're back in the Arena for the violent, epic, and heartbreaking final act of Suzanne Collins' SUNRISE ON THE REAPING. One of them loved it, one of them hated it, and both have a lot to say about what it all means, how we feel about the tragic fates of the beloved Tributes, and whether or not we think the prequel series should continue.
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1:25:27
Sunrise on the Reaping Part 2: Wascally Wabbits
Jacob and William are recording in the wee hours of Jacob’s birthday, prompting a brief discussion of Hunger Games Astrology, before the pair revisit the film version of CATCHING FIRE. Then, it’s back to SUNRISE ON THE REAPING for Part 2: THE RASCAL, where Haymitch and the gang of Newcomers are in final preparation mode for the Fiftieth Annual Hunger Games.
Two gay best friends on a journey to uncover the best in fantasy and sci-fi literature. Monthly read-alongs, standalone interludes with guests, this podcast truly has it all.