Sam and Dan review Nonesuch by Francis Spufford.

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

Join us as we dive into Nonesuch, a richly written urban fantasy set against the backdrop of London in 1939. We explore Spufford’s wonderfully lived-in depiction of the city, the looming threat of war, and the novel’s exploration of class, fascism, power, and the social tensions of pre-war Britain.

We also discuss the book’s refreshingly understated approach to magic, its memorable supporting cast, and two excellent central characters in Iris and Jeff. We particularly dig into their relationship and why its grounded development feels so much more convincing than the familiar will-they-won’t-they romances of fantasy fiction.

From Iris’s practical approach to the extraordinary and Lal’s compelling role as an antagonist to comparisons with the magical Londons of Alan Moore and Ben Aaronovitch, there’s a huge amount here that impressed us. Unfortunately, we also have plenty to say about an ending that feels rushed, under-explained, and frustratingly focused on setting up the next book.

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Sam and Dan review Green City Wars by Adrian Tchaikovsky.

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

Join us as we explore Green City Wars, a unique sci-fi adventure set in a world of genetically modified animals, ambitious world-building, and complex philosophical ideas. We discuss how Adrian Tchaikovsky blends science fiction with social commentary, creating a future society that is both fascinating and deeply unsettling.

We dive into the novel's unconventional narrative style, its sprawling cast of animal characters and the challenges of balancing expansive world-building with emotional connection. Along the way, we unpack the book's exploration of morality, environmentalism, technology, and the value of life, as well as its ideas around post-scarcity society, labour, and humanity's dependence on the mysterious drug, Plangent.

From the strengths of its imaginative setting to its pacing, plot reveals, and thought-provoking themes, we discuss what worked, what didn't, and whether Green City Wars lives up to the high expectations we've come to have for Adrian Tchaikovsky's work.

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Sam and Dan discuss Songs of the Dead by Brandon Sanderson and Peter Orullian.

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

Join us as we discuss why Songs of the Dead became a rare DNF (Did Not Finish) for both of us. We explore where the novel falls short, from its overly complex magic system and difficult-to-connect-with characters to a world that never quite feels as compelling as its ambitious premise suggests.

We also dive into the challenges of collaborative writing, questioning how much Brandon Sanderson's influence can be felt throughout the novel and whether the partnership ultimately works. Along the way, we discuss the integration of music and magic, the effectiveness of the world-building, the portrayal of London as a setting, and why the story struggles to establish meaningful stakes and relatable protagonists.

From fantasy tropes and genre conventions to the balance between originality and readability, we unpack why this was a book we couldn't bring ourselves to finish—and what we think other fantasy authors can learn from it.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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