Sam and Dan review I Hear a New World, the second book in the Long London series by Alan Moore.

SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening.

Join us as we return to the strange and surreal world of Long London to discuss whether I Hear a New World lives up to the promise of The Great When. We explore the novel's shifting structure, dense prose, and dreamlike narrative, as the boundaries between Long London and short London become increasingly blurred.

We also dive into the book's central themes of change, gentrification, and cultural transformation in post-war London, asking what Alan Moore is really trying to say about history, progress, and the city itself. Along the way, we debate the relationship between Dennis and Grace, the role of sex and desire in the story, and whether some of the novel's characters and plot developments feel fully realised or are laying the groundwork for future instalments.

From its rich symbolism and real-world cultural references to its atmospheric storytelling and unconventional approach to plot, we unpack what worked, what didn't, and where we think the Long London series is heading next.

Join in the conversation by following us on social media:
Instagram
TikTok

Sam and Dan review Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett.

SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening.

Join us as we venture into the world of cosy fantasy, discussing what makes the genre so appealing and whether this feline-filled magical adventure delivers the charm readers are looking for. We explore the balance between comfort and predictability, asking whether a familiar story can still be a satisfying one.

We dive into the characters of Agnes, Havelock, and the wider supporting cast, examining their relationships, personal growth, and the role they play in shaping the story. Along the way, we discuss the book's magical systems and world-building choices, including the ethical questions raised by the use of magic and the responsibilities that come with power.

From its cosy atmosphere and character dynamics to its plot structure and resolution, we unpack what works, what doesn't, and why this magical cat-filled tale has found such an enthusiastic audience.

Join in the conversation by following us on social media:
Instagram
TikTok

Sam and Dan review Dream of the Jet Black City by Pablo Valcarcel Castro.

SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening.

Join us as we explore Dream of the Jet Black City, a fantasy novel packed with ambitious ideas, unique world-building, and a fascinating blend of dream magic, song-based powers, and divine influence. We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of its interconnected magic systems, and how they help shape a world that feels both imaginative and mysterious.

We also dive into the journeys of Geil, Ash, and Daerna, examining their character development, relationships, and the roles they play within the wider story. Along the way, we explore themes of personal and societal trauma, political intrigue, and the lingering impact of history on the present.

From the challenges of fantasy map design to action sequences that reveal as much about the world as they do about the characters, this episode unpacks a book that left us with plenty to discuss—including whether its story feels complete or is laying the groundwork for something much larger.

Join in the conversation by following us on social media:
Instagram
TikTok

Sam and Dan review Nevernight by Jay Kristoff.

SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening.

Join us as we dive into one of modern fantasy’s most divisive titles. While Nevernight shows flashes of brilliance through its rich world-building and vividly realised setting, we found ourselves increasingly frustrated by a series of creative choices that undermine the novel’s potential.

We discuss the book’s extensive use of footnotes as a world-building device, and whether they add depth or simply disrupt the narrative flow (particularly in the audiobook format!). We also unpack the novel’s controversial sexual content, shifting tone, and inconsistent character motivations, exploring how the story swings between dark fantasy, humour, stylised violence, and melodrama in ways that often feel disjointed.

Alongside our criticisms, we highlight the elements that do work well, especially the atmosphere of the world itself and the ambition behind the story Jay Kristoff is trying to tell.

Join in the conversation by following us on social media:
Instagram
TikTok

Sam and Dan review books 3–5 in the Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovitch:Whispers Underground, Broken Homes, and Foxglove Summer.

SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading these books before listening.

Join us as we continue our journey through the series, with Sam reading these entries for the first time and Dan revisiting one of his all-time favourite worlds. We explore how the overarching plot surrounding The Faceless Man begins to take shape, alongside the steady and compelling development of Nightingale as a character.

We also dive into what makes this series so consistently engaging—from its ever-expanding world-building to the brilliantly grounded way magic is described and used. We particularly enjoyed Whispers Underground and Foxglove Summer as more self-contained police investigations, while Broken Homes stands out as a major turning point that pushes the wider narrative forward in a big way.

Join in the conversation by following us on social media:
Instagram
TikTok

Sam and Dan discuss Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson.

SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. If you’re planning to read this book, we’d recommend doing so before listening.

In this episode, we take on the first entry in Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson — though not in the way we usually do. Dan didn’t finish the book, and we'll find out exactly why!

We explore what makes Gardens of the Moon such a divisive read, from its lack of clarity and fragmented structure to a magic system that feels deliberately opaque. We also dig into Erikson’s own comments in the preface, where he acknowledges the book’s difficulty—and what that means for readers who struggle to connect with it.

This is less a traditional review and more an honest discussion about readability, expectations in epic fantasy, and whether complexity always equals depth.

Join in the conversation by following us on social media:
Instagram
TikTok

Sam and Dan review Operation Bounce House by Matt Dinniman.

SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening.

Join us as we delve into Matt Dineman's latest offering, Operation Bounce House, exploring its mix of action, humour, and thought-provoking themes. We unpack how this sci-fi novel comments on contemporary issues like dehumanisation, militarisation, and AI ethics, all while delivering high-octane battles and relatable characters.

Join in the conversation by following us on social media:
Instagram
TikTok

Sam and Dan review Godstorm, by Solitaire Townsend.

SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening.

Join us as we explore Solitaire Townsend’s debut novel, Godstorm, a fresh take on alternate history fantasy grounded in climate science. We unpack the world-building, character development, themes of agency and environmentalism, and the narrative choices that shape this compelling story.

Join in the conversation by following us on social media:
Instagram
TikTok