Counterbalance is a High Fantasy Audio Drama. A hole has been torn into the weave that creates magic, allowing spirits that threaten the wellbeing of mortals to manifest. Counterbalance is about the journey of three people attempting to fix the hole, while trying to find out who caused it to rip in the first place.
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🎙 Fantasy Talks Live Podcast | Author Interviews, Book Reviews & Fantasy Deep Dives Welcome to the Fantasy Talks Live Podcast, your final destination for everything fantasy! From author interviews and book reviews to world-building breakdowns, and live discussions, this podcast is your front-row seat to the best in fantasy literature. 📚 What to Expect: In-depth interviews with top fantasy authors & rising stars. Reviews and discussions of classic & modern fantasy books. Live Q&A sessions and ...
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Long ago in a hidden kingdom, Mtilan the Unborn King pledges his life to Legion, the fallen spirit from beyond the veil of time. Learning dark and forbidden magic, the new sorcerer gains both immortality and incredible power— but sacrifices his soul. Over a millennium later, siblings Pekra and Lely reluctantly journey with their father’s killer across their island of peril. They seek the mythical cottonwood tree, the first child of their god Ura, hoping to defend its sacred life from both Mt ...
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Episode 49 - Inside the Mind of Robert E. Howard: Live with Dr. Oliver & The Fantasy Thinker
1:21:51
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1:21:51In this episode, Dr. Oliver joins us to discuss his new book on Robert E. Howard, legendary creator of Conan the Barbarian. With special guest The Fantasy Thinker, we explore Howard’s life, imagination, and lasting legacy in fantasy. Plus, live audience questions you won't want to miss!By Jose Salinas
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Discworld Deep Dive Episode Five - 🎙️ Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett | Book Discussion & Deep Dive 🧙♀️✨
1:02:46
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1:02:46In this episode of the podcast, we dive into Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett, the sixth book in the beloved Discworld series and a fan-favorite from the Witches subseries. We break down the plot, explore its Shakespearean influences, and discuss why Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, and Magrat are some of the most iconic witches in fantasy literature. …
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Episode 48 - Analysing H. P. Lovecraft with David J. Goodwin
1:19:30
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1:19:30In this episode I am joined by author and Lovecraft biographer David J. Goodwin to talk about the complex personality of the genius of Providence, and yes, we address the elephant in the room! You can find out more about Mr Goodwin and his work over at: www.davidjgoodwin.comBy Jose Salinas
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Episode 47 - Ayahuasca Ritual with Violet Castro and Dr Erik Goodwyn
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55:39In this episode I talk to author Violet Castro about her experiences with psychodelics and plant medicine for the mind whilst renowned psychiatrist Dr Erik Goodwyn provides insights from a medical perspective. You can find out more about Ms Castro and her work over at: www.vcastrostories.com You can find out more about Dr Goodwyn and his work over …
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Episode 46 - Talking Board Games with John Houlihan and Joseph Oliveira
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53:47In this episode I am joined by past guests, writer and game designer John Houlihan and comics writer and game designer Joseph Oliveira. We talk about board game design, production and promotion and delve deeper into the differences between the board game and book market. You can find out more about John and his work over at: https://john-houlihan.n…
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Episode 45 - Audio Dramas and The Fall of Ingway with Justin Rose
1:11:49
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1:11:49In this episode I am joined by Justin Rose, author of The Fall of Ingway, a full cast production with original score to talk about how the project came about, the logistics of directing actors across the world and the choice of audio as a medium over the written word. You can find out more about Justin and his work over at: https://www.youtube.com/…
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Discworld Deep Dive Episode 4 - Sourcery
1:11:01
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1:11:01Varsha takes over as host once again in our Discworld Deep Dive. In this episode, Varsha, Alex, Susana and I explore the deep themes and humours of this wonderful entry of the magnificent Discworld series by Sir Terry Pratchett. You can find out more about Varsha and her work over at: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadingByTheRainyMountain…
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Episode 44 - Talking Christian Aliens with author M. R. Leonard.
1:14:29
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1:14:29In this episode I am joined by author M. R. Leonard to talk about his new sci-fi book, Pilgrims. We talk about the gap in the sci-fi genre for works that include religious questions in their deeper core, the struggles of selling a new idea in a very conservative publishing landscape and the ever increasing importance of the audio book as a means of…
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Varsha takes over in this podcast episode. Alex, Susana and I join her to explore the deep themes and jokes of the fourth entry into the wonderful Discworld series by the great, late, Sir Terry Pratchett. You can find out more about Varsha over at her Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadingByTheRainyMountain You can find out more about Su…
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Episode 43 - In Conversation with Horror Literary Agent John Jarrold
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47:42In this episode, I talk to ex Orbit publisher and now horror agent John Jarrold to discuss the current state of publishing within the horror genre, the relative importance of social media for aspiring authors and his own advice to them. I even get to ask him if it is ok for vampires to be sexy! You can find out more about Mr Jarrold and his work ov…
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Discworld Deep Dive Episode 2 - Equal Rites
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53:48Varsha takes over hosting duties once again for the second episode of this epic series where we take a Deep Dive into the wonderfully cooky Discworld created by Sir Terry Pratchett. In this episode, Alex and I join Varsha to discuss the jokes and deeper themes of the third entry into this world. You can find out more about Varsha and her thoughts o…
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Episode 42 - Author Interview: Violet Castro
1:06:31
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1:06:31In this episode I am joined by chicana author Violet Castro, where we discuss her journey into horror writing and explore the issues of personal identity and the ability of the horror genre to provide a wide landscape to explore complex personal and psychological issues. We also talk about the importance of social media for an aspiring author and t…
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We introduce I Need A Miracle - a wonderful audio drama about prayers being heard, and possible granted. Can any world survive a benevolent god? Go listen to this great audio drama series: Transcript: https://foggyoutline.com/miracle-episodes/0101-artist Website: https://www.foggyoutline.com/ineedamiracle Tumblr: @inyourbenevolence Instagram: @in.y…
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Discworld Deep Dive Episode 1 - The Colour of Magic and The Light Fantastic
1:13:42
1:13:42
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1:13:42Varsha takes over hosting duties for this Discworld Deep Dive series. In this episode, Alex, Chris Mohan and myself join in to explore the themes and narratives of this wonderful series. You can find Varsha's Youtube channel over at: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadingByTheRainyMountain You can find Chris's movies Youtube channel over at: https://www.…
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Episode 41 - Author Interview: Tom Grimwood
1:17:51
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1:17:51In this episode I am joined by professor of social philosophy and author Tom Grimwood to talk about his book Vanisher: Chronicles of the Warren. We discuss the personal events that led to the writing and publication of the book, plot twists vs subversion of expectations and heist movies. You can find out more about Tom and his work over at his Cumb…
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Episode 40 - Disquiet Gods Spoiler Discussion with Christopher Ruocchio, David J. Butler, Ian Porter and Susana Imaginário
1:26:10
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1:26:10In this episode I am joined by long time friends of the podcast, Ian Porter and Susana Imaginário, to discuss Disquiet Gods, book 6 in the Sun Eater series with Christopher Ruocchio himself and his editor and patron saint of this podcast, David John Butler. You can check our previous conversation with Christopher in episode 25 of this podcast as we…
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Episode 39 - Mental Health and Story Telling with Dr Goodwyn and Susana Imaginário
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57:16In this episode I get to quizz Dr Goodwyn about several mental conditions and their portrayal in the media. We discuss psychopathy, gender disforia, multiple personality disorder and electroshock therapy. We also talk about the difference in male and female brains and how these differences manifest themselves in personal interests and patterns of b…
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Episode 38 - Author Interview: Jared Michaud
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1:35:30In this episode, past guest Jared Michaud comes back to talk about his work, the woes and tribulations of the indie author and I learn about the Authors in Grocery Stores program. We also talk about matters of faith, the state of current pop culture and the innate human need for belonging to a group. You can find out more about Jared and his work o…
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Episode 37 - Author Interview: Thomas J. Devens
1:05:23
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1:05:23In this episode I talk to the author of the Fall of Emros fantasy series, ex punk-metal singer, foundry worker and all round cool guy, Thomas J. Devens. We talk about his interest in fantasy, his writing process and his very casual approach to dishing out death of characters in his novels. Certainly some unexpected twists in this conversation. You …
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Episode 36 - Author Interview: John Houlihan
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1:01:01In this episode I am joined by journalist and author John Houlihan. John has been a long time games journalist, he is also the author of the Mon Dieu Cthulhu! book series and a game designer of the Achtung Cthulhu! role playing game. We discuss the evolution of the computer games industry and then delve into our love of H. P. Lovecraft's work and J…
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Episode 35 - Author Interview: Dirk Strasser
1:09:06
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1:09:06In this episode, I am joined by German born Australia based author Dirk Strasser. We talk about his career in writing and editing sci-fi & fantasy magazines, his latest novel Conquist and the differences between novel writing and screen play writing. You can find out more about Dirk and his work over at www.dirkstrasser.com…
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??? - ??th day of Bäkkos, 5th year of the Vær, 101st Generation Counterbloops of Episode 06-08 Counterbalance is an immersive high fantasy audiodrama. Find out more at Trilunis.com Cast Kessi Riliniki, Eyþór Viðarsson, Carollyn Monterola, Travis Vengroff Written and Edited by Kessi Riliniki Music by Fuimadane Find us on Twitter, Facebook, Soundclou…
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Episode 34 - In Conversation with Steve from PageChewing
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1:05:04In this episode I am joined by friend and fellow podcaster, community manager and all round nice guy Steve from the PageChewing.com forums. I ask Steve about his experience creating a fabulous online community for fellow book lovers and the trials and tribulations of creating online content, why we do it, what is the point of it all and the impact …
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Episode 33 - Author Interview: Nathan R. Allen
1:27:18
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1:27:18In this episode I talk to author and Disney Star Wars animator Nathan R. Allen. First, Nathan very kindly answers my questions about working for Disney and the present day status of Disney Star Wars before diving into his first novel The Heretic, his writing process and the drive to write it. You can find out my review of his novel over at my Youtu…
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In this episode I am joined by Canadian comic book artist Sam Beck. We talk about her journey into comics, influences and even touch on the ever controversial topic of the place of AI on the creative arts. You can find out more about Sam and her work over at www.sambeck.caBy Jose Salinas
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Episode 31 - Crowdfunding with Holly Tinsley and Joseph Oliveira
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45:24In this episode I am joined by podcast friends author Holly Tinsley and comics writer Joseph Oliveira to learn about crowdfunding. I learn the do's and dont's of crowdfunding, the pros and cons, what makes a successful campaign and what happens when a campaign fails. You can find out more about Holly's work over at: https://www.hltinsley.co.uk You …
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Episode 30 - The Incal Graphic Novel Discussion ft. Susana Imaginário
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38:09In this episode, I am joined by slipstream author Susana Imaginário to discuss the seminal graphic novel The Incal, by Alejandro Jodorowsky and Jean Giraud aka Moebius. Listener beware, spoilers ahead!By Jose Salinas
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Episode 29 - Author Interview with Dr Erik Goodwyn, MD
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53:33In this episode I talk with professor and doctor Erik Goodwyn, MD about his fantasy novel King of the Forgotten Darkness. We explore what took him away from academia into fantasy and the influences of his daily practise as a psychiatrist and the role of dreams in fantasy literature. You can find out more about Dr Goodwyn and his work over at his Yo…
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Episode 28 - Author Interview with Livia J. Elliot from Unearthed Stories and Books Undone
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59:56In this episode I talk to Livia J. Elliot, author of the interactive fiction collection Unearthed Stories and host of the Books Undone Podcast. You can find out more about Livia and her work over at www.liviajelliot.comBy Jose Salinas
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Episode 27 - Discussing Discworld with Derri from Derri's Read It Before
1:40:21
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1:40:21In this episode I am joined by the ever delightful Derri Hibbert to discuss all things Discworld and explore why we both love it so much. You can find out more about Derr over at her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@derrisreaditbeforeBy Jose Salinas
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Episode 26 - Slaying the Dragon with Ben Riggs
1:03:33
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1:03:33In this episode, I am delighted to talk to Dugeons and Dragons historian Ben Riggs about his book, Slaying the Dragon and the rise and fall of TSR, the company that birthed the seminal role playing game Dungeons and Dragons. You can find out more about Ben and his work over at: www.writerbenriggs.com…
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Episode 25 - Author Interview with Christopher Ruocchio and Susana Imaginario
1:46:22
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1:46:22In this episode I had the absolute pleasure of talking to Christopher Ruocchio himself about his journey into writing and publishing the very popular Sun Eater series. I was also exceptionally fortunate to have the wonderful Susana Imaginário as a co-host and save the day when I was struck with technical issues. You can find out more about Mr Ruocc…
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CW: Threat of drowning, graphic violence and gore, bodyhorror, death of a character Rïanuka - 104nd day of Bäkkos, 5th year of the Vær, 101st Generation Raka, Lyn and Malaki enter the lake through the gate at the bottom of an abyss. What awaits them at the bottom of the lake? Find the Transcript here. Counterbalance is an immersive high fantasy aud…
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Episode 24 - Ashes of Man Spoiler Discussion with Ian from BNB Books and Susana from Den of the Wyrd
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57:17In this episode, I am joined by two great friends, Ian from BNB Books and author Susana Imaginario to discuss Ashes of Man, book 5 in the Sun Eater series by American author Christopher Ruocchio. You can find out more about Ian over at: https://www.youtube.com/@bnbbooks1794 You can find out more about Susana and her works: www.susanaimaginario.com…
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Episode 23 - Author Interview with Tim Powers, two time World Fantasy Award Winner
1:22:20
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1:22:20In this episode, I have the privilege of talking with two time World Fantasy Award winner Tim Powers. In this conversation, Mr Powers shares his personal relationship with sci-fi legend Philip K. Dick, his career as an author, I get him to rank his novels and even offer him an idea for his next book!…
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Episode 22 - Kingdoms of Death Live Discussion with Ian from BNB Books and Susana Imaginário
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54:21In this episode, I have the pleasure of being joined by two great friends of the podcast, Ian and Susana, to discuss and spoil all we can out of Kingdoms of Death, book 4 in the Sun Eater series by American author Christopher Ruocchio.By Jose Salinas
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Rïanuka - 104nd day of Bäkkos, 5th year of the Vær, 101st Generation Our Trio explores the human town a bit more... and make a few odd discoverys along the way. Find the Transcript here. Counterbalance is an immersive high fantasy audiodrama and is a production of the Blighthouse Studio. Find more content from the Counterbalance world at Trilunis.c…
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Episode 21 - The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Creative Arts with author Jared Michaud
1:33:18
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1:33:18In this episode, I sit down with author Jared Michaud to talk about Artificial Intelligence and the impact it could have/is having on the creative arts. You can find out more about Jared and his work over at his website: https://jarednmichaud.comBy Jose Salinas
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Episode 20 - Demon in White Spoiler Discussion with Ian from BNB Books
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46:56In this episode, Ian and I continue our journey through the Sollan Empire and discuss the relative merits and demerits of Demon in White, book 3 in the Sun Eater series by Christopher Ruocchio.By Jose Salinas
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Episode 19 - In Conversation with Sandy Petersen
1:21:04
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1:21:04In this episode, I have the privilege of talking to legendary games designer Sandy Petersen. Mr Petersen is the creator of the classic Call of Cthulhu RPG, and designer of such classic computer games as DOOM and Age of Empires II. In this conversation we talk about his journey into games design, his love for H. P. Lovecraft and future projects. You…
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Episode 18 - The Current State of Cinema with Chris Mohan
1:27:08
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1:27:08In this episode I am joined by Chris Mohan, host of the Chris Mohan Youtube movie channel to discuss the current state of Hollywood movies. You can find out more about Chris and his take on movies and recommendations over at this channel: https://www.youtube.com/@chrismohanBy Jose Salinas
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Episode 17 - In Conversation with Joey Oliveira, Chief Editor at Afterlight Comics
1:15:24
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1:15:24In this episode, I am joined by Joey Oliveira, chief editor at Afterlight Comics, an award winning independent horror comics publisher who just got a distribution deal with Diamond Comics Distributor. A great success story of having a vision and chasing your dreams through hard work, determination, and learning along the way. You can find out more …
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Episode 16 - Howling Dark Spoiler Discussion with Ian from BNB Books
1:17:54
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1:17:54In this episode I am joined with long term partner in crime Ian from BNB Books to discuss The Howling Dark, book 2 in the Sun Eater series by Christopher Ruocchio. Warning: Wheel of Time flashbacks mentioned...By Jose Salinas
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Rïanuka - 104nd day of Bäkkos, 5th year of the Vær, 101st Generation Malaki found a giant structure on the Tripeaks. Could this be the Waterdome they were told to seek out? And what things lie within this structure? Find the Transcript here. Counterbalance is an immersive high fantasy audiodrama and is a production of the Blighthouse Studio. Find m…
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Episode 15 - Fitz and the Fool Trilogy Discussion with Derri from Derri's Read It Before
1:15:37
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1:15:37In this episode, Derri is back to discuss the final three installments in the Realm of the Elderlings series by american author Robin Hobb. We discuss the finale of this long series and ponder the merits and demerits of the series as a whole.By Jose Salinas
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