Episodes

  • Will of the Many by James Islington: Episode One
    Jan 19 2026

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    Will of the Many Part One: Ch I - XXIV.

    Did you think we'd take another two-year break from the podcast? Well, screw you dad, because we're proving the haters wrong and we are SO BACK.

    After a full year of Hadrian, we needed even more glazing for the Roman Empire. We're jumping straight into the Hierarchy series and the tropeopolis of Islington. Follow along as the world's most overachieving 17-year-old, Vis, punches his way through the colonizing pyramid scheme of Catenan. Will he beat the patriarchy with his chess skills? His oh-so-subtle social manipulation tactics? Or his ability to navigate the not-suspicious-at-all magic crystal labyrinth of the Academy? Vek, this is exciting!

    As always, send us a line at booktwoisbetter@gmail.com or on Reddit @booktwoisbetter with any thoughts, questions, or suggestions! Thanks for listening!


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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • THE FINALE: Shadows Upon Time by Christopher Ruocchio: Episode Four
    Dec 5 2025

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    Chapters 67-End. Dear listener, we have been on a journey together. From Delos to Vorgossos, from Jinan to Selene, and from Hadrian's POV to Hadrian's POV -- thank you for listening to us babble on for this entire year of Ruocchio. Despite our grumpiness at times, we've loved every minute of it -- and are so thankful for all of the notes and kind words!

    Welcome to the finale of the Sun Eater universe. Will Hadrian blow up the sun he promised us in Book 1? Yes. Is he a good man? Ehhhhhhhh? Was Orphan our favorite character, and was given a death just slightly more unfair than Gilliam Vas (RIP)? Absolutely. What a banger of an ending.

    We'll likely be taking a short break for the holidays, and then will be back with the Hierarchy series by James Islington. As always, reach out with thoughts, praise, and criticism to booktwoisbetter@gmail.com or on Reddit @booktwoisbetter!

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    1 hr and 31 mins
  • Shadows Upon Time by Christopher Ruocchio: Episode Three
    Nov 25 2025

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    Chapter 46-67. In this episode of "Raising Darathama," Hadrian comes face-to-face with the products of his incredible ability to be unlikeable. After sending a warning shot (a.k.a. blowing up 36 people and a full planet), Had attempts some classic politicking - highmatter chopping a table in half, insulting the Chantry and their mothers, and prostyletizing Jewish doctors.

    Alexander (worst guy ever) springs a trap, and Hadrian hits full 5-star GTA status as the empire's #1 most wanted. We get an epic A.I. and knife missile battle, Hadrian relentlessly aura farming, and a "kiss the cancer ring" WWE smackdown from William himself. Finally, we have a beautiful wedding scene in the most romantic place in the galaxy -- the bunker where all of the Palatine magic happens. Good god, a lot happens in this book.

    We're on to the last episode of the Sun Eater series!! Let us know what you think of us and of the book at booktwoisbetter@gmail.com and on Reddit @booktwoisbetter. Thanks for all of your support!

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    1 hr and 26 mins
  • Shadows Upon Time by Christopher Ruocchio: Episode Two
    Nov 21 2025

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    Chapters 23-46. I SHALL BECOME A GOD (remix). Hadrian and his merry band of misfits are off to nuke some Cielcin worldships, but they get sidetracked by 3,000 gingers. We get a preview of why you don't want to fight a Watcher in hand-to-hand combat, a whole ship-load of demonic possession, and a poignant and not gross birth scene.

    Come listen to us beclown ourselves as we count down to the death of the sun we've all been waiting for. Let us know what you want us to talk about at booktwoisbetter@gmail.com and on Reddit @booktwoisbetter!

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Shadows Upon Time by Christopher Ruocchio: Episode One
    Nov 18 2025

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    Ch 1-22. Book seven is always better, baby. Are you ready for the ultimate lore corner? Hadrian aura farming? Space Jesus jihad? 'Tis the finale of this series, and I shudder to think about what we are going to do without it. Join us on the conclusion of this epic adventure.

    We'll be covering SUT in 4 parts, releasing each in a pretty quick turnaround so that you can read along with us. Send us a note with anything you want us to cover at booktwoisbetter@gmail.com or on Reddit @booktwoisbetter!

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    1 hr and 23 mins
  • Disquiet Gods by Christopher Ruocchio: Episode Two
    Nov 11 2025

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    MEGA EPISODE - Ch. 28-End. Hadrian is dead. Hadrian meets God. Will Hadrian kill God? Hadrian is Space Jesus. Calen is Kharn and also naked and also there are a thousand of him. Valka's not dead! Valka's dead. Everyone is dead. Featuring: the new best character in the series, Orphan.

    We're about to embark on our read of Shadows Upon Time! New episodes will drop as the book is published. Please let us know what you want us to talk about at booktwoisbetter@gmail.com or on Reddit @booktwoisbetter. Thanks, everyone!

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    1 hr and 57 mins
  • Disquiet Gods by Christopher Ruocchio: Episode One
    Oct 29 2025

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    Chapters 1-27. Get ready for some Ruocchio glazing, because we actually like this book! Is paternal Hadrian the best Hadrian? Is his Jaddian rebound actually going to be a hot angel/demon/goddess? Will the bird boiz be jealous of Hadrian's Cielcin fan club? Come hang out with us as we grapple with these existential questions and navigate a lore corner that is quickly transitioning into a lore palace.

    Keep the comments and questions coming at booktwoisbetter@gmail.com or on Reddit @booktwoisbetter! They keep us happy and fulfilled.

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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • Ashes of Man by Christopher Ruocchio: Episode Two
    Oct 15 2025

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    Chapters 25 - End! A poet prince, an alien birth, a tragic death, and the slap heard around the world -- this section has it all. Hadrian is captured, escapes, gets thrown in jail again, escapes again, and -- wait, which book is this? Also, we got an ARC for Book 7! Tune in for more announcements about what's next in our Sun Eater journey.

    Thank you all for listening and supporting! Drop us a line at booktwoisbetter@gmail.com or on Reddit @booktwoisbetter.

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    1 hr and 4 mins