Patreon Read WINNER + More Robin Hobb Love! - Weekly Reader 60

[@danielcaso132]

I look forward to watching Weekly Reader every Sunday night. You guys are one of my favorite booktube channels, keep up the good work!

[@Talking_Story]

@@danielcaso132 wow thanks so much that is so wonderful to hear. Absolutely made our week! 😀

[@TheBeeesKnees]

I so look forward to these weekly updates 👏🏼

[@Talking_Story]

@@TheBeeesKnees so nice I hope you enjoy the update.

[@caewing85]

I love the monologue on story and what it can do for us. What you said is so true.

[@Talking_Story]

@@caewing85 thanks so much. 😂I can get wound up sometimes

[@gryftkin]

Pooh picked DOGS of War? I smell a setup!

[@Talking_Story]

@@gryftkin just the way he wanted it I’m sure.

[@groofay]

He was guiding our votes without our knowing...he's becoming too powerful.

[@Talking_Story]

@@groofay he runs this house I can tell you that

[@N.A.Summur]

So true. Very sus. 😂

[@Talking_Story]

@@N.A.Summur

[@masonmclaughlin7905]

I caught up with the cosmere this weekend!!!!

[@Talking_Story]

@@masonmclaughlin7905 wow that is a place I am so looking forward to hitting. Congrats my brother!

[@BrianBell7]

sunday weeeeeeeelky reader! fun episode! I was rooting for Pooh to pick a different book, but Pooh will be Pooh. Yes, Penguin is awesome. I'd root for him against Batman now.

[@Talking_Story]

@@BrianBell7 he would overcome Batman with cuteness and snoring

[@Darth_Sepharious]

About Ryan Cahill, he has a short story I read after The Ice called The Blood That Burns The Winter Snow. It’s a must-read imo.

[@Talking_Story]

@@Darth_Sepharious I have that ready to go!

[@Darth_Sepharious]

@@Talking_Story awesome!

[@DecidedPanda]

Love watching Weekly Reader every Monday since I can't get it in on Sundays. I finished Fellowship of the Ring this week and it was awesome! I love what Tolkien created with that world. Otherwise, pretty quiet in the reading sphere for me. Hope you guys had a great week!

[@Talking_Story]

@@DecidedPanda that world is unparalleled in soooo many ways.

[@cronkthebookguy]

THAT'S IT!! I'm starting a Realm of the Elderlings re-read! 😂 Thanks for the shout-out, buddy. I appreciate your work!

[@Talking_Story]

Oh man this series is so good! I hope that Kickstarter catches fire at the end!

[@derrisreaditbefore]

YAY!!

[@emzstern]

Ohhh a shelf-tour sounds really fun. Also town square is the best! Readingwise I finished Pet sematary (LOVED IT) and started on The sunlit man (Omg the amount of cosmere connections are mindblowing).

[@Talking_Story]

Sunlit will be early next year for me. Bring on those connections!!

[@Kaolein]

Iam in the middle of book two from the first farseer trilogy. Amazing book, even better than the first book. And as an audiobook iam listening to "best served cold" by Joe Abercrombie. Also very good.

[@Talking_Story]

You getting into some great stuff!

[@KALtheHighstorm117]

2/4 Fitz's search for a father figure is undeniably human, and that is where Robin Hobb's true understanding of both art and the human condition come to the forefront. Looking through Fitz's eyes is, for me, one of the most relatable reading experiences I've had. I've been that young boy in the big room, looking about at all the grownups, wondering why they're all at odds, not understanding that the subtleties of life and humanity can produce both beauty and vileness. Beauty when embraced and put to good use; vileness when warped for selfish purposes. As Fitz grows, we see the change in how he percieves his new surroundings, and we see how his early traumas have imprinted on him. When Burrich takes away Nosey after explaining the Wit, we understand his motivations. We know he believes in what he does. But the six year old boy whose only Light in his dark and confusing world, his loving and loyal dog, is being ripped from him....? He does not understand, and how can we expect him too? He sees Burrich as a cruel, uncaring, hateful man, and that impression stays with him throughout his years. And that's not the only trauma he carries. His battles with the Forged, Molly's rejection, his torture at the hands of Regal, seeing his love and his daughter be taken away by the man he could have called 'Father,' watching his friends and his family and his kingdom be torn apart by his uncle's jealousy and greed. He even learns that the world may depend on him achieving his destiny as a Catalyst. And as my favorite fictional character of all time, Benjamin Linus, says, "Destiny is a fickle B*tch." By the end of Assassin's Quest, he is so broken that any lesser man would have hung himself. Watching Fitz grow from an innocent young boy who just wants safety and stability, and if possible, a little bit of love and joy, to an adult who has suffered more than anyone has a right to survive.... It's an experience I can relate to every step of the way, even if I haven't experienced them all. Robin Hobb has done something I've never seen done before, or at least, not so well. She sets us up to sympathize with this deeply flawed, largely passive main character, by beginning him as a self-insert. I can imagine myself as Fitz at the beginning of book 1, lost in a world that cares nothing for you. So when she begins to mold his personality and bring him away from self-insert, I'm invested in him because, in a way, it's still myself I'm caring about. No, I can't relate to falling desperately in love with a girl I can't have, but I've, in a way, grown up with Fitz, even though I only started the book a few days ago.

[@Talking_Story]

Oh man I cannot thank you enough for sharing this. So true this is special cause I see myself in these travails!

[@TedReadInstead]

Ahh! 12:19 - don't forget the beloved Nighteyes! ;)

[@Talking_Story]

@@TedReadInstead 1 of the top companions ever!!

[@TedReadInstead]

@@Talking_Story Just saying I wouldn't be upset with a trilogy with Nighteyes as the MC! ;)

[@Talking_Story]

@@TedReadInstead I would absolutely pull up a chair for that!

[@Chance.Dillon]

So cool to hear about the reads. I can’t wait to dive into riverfall and it’s nice to hear the third Farseer book was a joy to read since it’s the longest of the bunch. Excited as I head into my quick binge of those two now! Pooh picking dogs of war is actually hilarious😂 I’d check for meddling !

[@Talking_Story]

@@Chance.Dillon others are asking about Pooh tampering.

[@Broon88]

What a week. Town Square and a shelf tour. Also I agree with some of the other comments. Pooh knew what he was doing picking that book 🤣

[@Talking_Story]

@@Broon88 Pooh controls all!

[@esmayrosalyne]

My gosh, I love hearing you talk about Hobb, you are making me appreciate that storytelling on a whole new level! I am so overdue for a RotE re-read. Also, heeeck yes for The Blue Flames, Jackie just never misses! I devoured my re-read of The Way of Kings and loved it even more. Was also super surprised by how much I enjoyed Dalinar from the start this time around, because I remember being the least interested in his POV on my first read. Can't wait to binge the rest of the books again next month! Also just finished 11/22/63 and holy smokes, that King guy knows how to tell a story! Still need to check out The Penguin, but I just binged Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Case. SUCH good acting, they all deserve an Emmy! Highly recommend ;)

[@Talking_Story]

King Sanderson Hobb we are lucky to have storytelling like this to help us to understand the human condition! Thanks as always Eamay

[@esmayrosalyne]

@@Talking_Story couldn't have said it better myself, we are truly blessed!

[@Trevorcomicfan]

I just started Assassin’s Quest a few days ago. Probably will take me well into November. Thank you for the videos guys, they are one of the highlights of my week. Also popped my discord cherry with your discord channel this week and have been chatting with new people. Thank you for all you guys do!

[@Talking_Story]

@@Trevorcomicfan oh man it is absolutely our pleasure. No thanks needed. Can’t wait to hear how Farseer wraps up for you. Hit the Assassins Apprentice channel in the Discord. We have all been talking there.

[@TedReadInstead]

I think you'll enjoy AQ - it IS a good book. For me there was a HUGE slow-down, but I think I'm finally getting over that hump! LOL

[@thegreatwaugh]

You’ve got me really excited about reading The Farseer Trilogy. I watched your Janny Wurts interview too and may jump in on the January reading.

[@Talking_Story]

Would be awesome to have you read along!

[@nancywolf1467]

Dogs of War is one of my favorite Tchaikovsky’s. I just bought Eleventh Cycle from TBB, it’s been on my list since I saw it forever ago, cover buy cuz I have no idea what it’s about. I love the HOBB book! I only made it thru Live Ship Traders so far & that’s my favorite RotE trilogy so far. So far RotE is in my top ten favorite fantasy series to date.

[@Talking_Story]

I thought about picking it up as well as many times as it has been on this list

[@NerdLevelRising]

Pooh with yet another fair, just, and inarguable choice. I missed the Cronk conversation, haven't really seen his channel before so will need to check it out! I've been FLYING through Fury of the Gods. Gwynne has officially reached the masterful level of his craft

[@Talking_Story]

@@NerdLevelRising oh that’s awesome that trilogy is on the horizon for me.

[@NerdLevelRising]

@@Talking_Story you're gonna be absolutely floored!

[@N.A.Summur]

I really need to get into The Riverfall Chronicles. Sounds so cool. Also, I caught the live with Cronk on replay and had to go check out his channel. Definitely a cool guy! Also, agreeing on The Penguin. Such a good show.

[@Talking_Story]

I am excited for that Kickstarter. Penguin just keeps hitting for me.

[@theclassy4]

You can never miss a Sunday night weekly reader! We were checking off the bingo card tonight too with Jakob calling Pooh fat and John waxing poetic about art within the first 11 minutes!😂 You guys are the best. Cheers!

[@Talking_Story]

@@theclassy4 oh man we aim to fill that card every week 😂

[@radudumanovschi3387]

I finished Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston and started The Panther by Nelson DeMille (it is the most beautiful purchase of this year). As a film, I saw Filip. It is a 2022 production. I saw that it was presented at a film festival in Santa Barbara... very nice film.

[@Talking_Story]

That sounds amazing. Love festivals!

[@MacScarfield]

The August Mr. Poo overseeing «Dogs of War» as the winner? 😅 Yes, so hyped for «Severence» S2: «Eminince Front», perfect choice of a needle drop! 🙌 As for myself, I have finished «Midnight Falcon» (Rigante #2) by David Gemmell (Heroic Fantasy/S&S, inspired by Gladiators and the Roman Invasion of Celtic Britain) and started on «The City» (City of Victory #2) by Adrian Goldsworthy (Military Historical Fiction, set during Roman Emperor Trajan’s Campaign against the Persians). Up next in November: «The Steel Tsar» (A Nomad in the Time Streams Trilogy #3) by Michael Moorcock (Alternative History/Multiverse/Time Travel Steampunk) and either «Lord of Light» by Roger Zelazny (Science Fiction where technology advanced human astronauts imposes themselves as Hindu Deities on an alien world, inspired by the Legend of Siddhartha Gautama/the Buddha) or (if it has arrived by then😅) «The Fury of the Gods» (Bloodsworn Saga Trilogy #3) by John Gwynne (Epic Fantasy inspired by the Ragnarok of Norse Mythology)! As for movies, I saw this week: «Babette’s Feast» (1987, Gabriel Axel): Such a lovely movie on the humility of faith and enjoyment of life (and French Food 😅)! «Die Nibelungen» (1924, Fritz Lang): The First Fantasy Movie Epic, amazing visuals and facial acting for a 100 year old Silent Movie, with a dark context of it’s use as propaganda (but also an almost prescient hidden away second part!)… «Delicieux» (2021, Eric Besnard): More French Food and Revolution! 😅 «Perfect Days» (2023, Wim Wenders): Contentment of the Simple Things in Life by a Public Cleaner in Tokyo! Also finished Season 3 of «Vox Machina» (Animated Fantasy Series based on the «Critical Role» D&D Livestreams: Man, Great Action, Great Laughs & Great Emotions, can not wait for the newly announced Season 4! 😄 Cheers John!

[@Talking_Story]

@@MacScarfield cheers to you as always an amazingly erudite and beautifully varied list of story you are taking in.

[@BooksWithBenghisKahn]

Oh man I’m psyched Dogs of War won the lotto, that’s one of my favorite Tchaikovsky books! You’re in for some near-future sci-fi set on Earth, and it’s an absolute banger. You’re gonna love Rex, who’s a good boy. With you connecting with Farseer this much…let’s just say the rest of the series is gonna hit hard 😅

[@Talking_Story]

Oh my friend I cannot wait to get to Liveship!

[@brendontaylor4739]

Dogs of War is probably my favorite Tchaikovsky book so far other then Children of Time. It gives me the similar experience and vibes I'd get from a 90s warly 00s thriller movie where you have random shadow organisations within the government as the villain. But add in this great and unique twist on characters struggling with identity. Rex is a good boy!

[@Talking_Story]

I am excited I get to check out more of this writer!

[@iSamwise]

This last week I continued my slow read of Senlin ascends which is amazing! I love me some weird off beat fantasy and this is really scratching that itch. I also went through Blood Rites in Dresden. I like the series still but nothing has quite hit how much I liked book one. I hear it all gets better after this book so I eagerly await to see if that’s true.

[@Talking_Story]

IMO Dresden gets better. I do want to get to Senlin. Book 1 sits on my shelf

[@arabellawillow]

A shelf/studio tour always makes me happy 😊 I've been wanting to see all those great books you've been getting in 🌸 As far as shows go I actually started something new! I don't normally watch anime but I started this really cool fantasy series called Frieren .. it's about your typical heroes AFTER they finish the big quest of defeating the Demon King. It's like .. okay, how do they spend the rest of their lives? The story follows one of the heroes, an immortal elf named Frieren, as she continues her life while all her friends grow older and pass away.. it tugs on some heart strings for sure but they get into some really interesting themes. It's not so much about the action as a result but when the action does happen OH BOI hang on 😅

[@Talking_Story]

That sounds amazing! I will look it up

[@KALtheHighstorm117]

Soooo glad you loved AQ! Here's the essay I was talking about: 1/4 The Farseer Trilogy is arguably my favorite series of all time, maybe even above Stormlight. Because of this, I wrote a 2,000 word essay on it. Check it out. Spoilers will follow: To fully understand why I adore this series so much, I'll have to delve a bit into my own life, namely the more negative aspects of my childhood situation. Less than two weeks after my sixth birthday, my parents divorced. I lived with my mother and visited my father every two weeks. Almost immediately after they split, I began to notice a change in my father's attitude. He became verbally abusive and emotionally manipulative. Often, he would try to warp my view on my mother and her side of the family by playing as the victim of the divorce, when, in fact, he had been having an affair for some time. I can't count the number of times he made me cry from age 6 to 10 and then complain that my weakness was ruining his time with me. He would insult my values, use family deaths to criticize other family. He once called me a "little goody-two-shoes" for not saying the swear word he wanted me to. I would deduce later that he was heavily drinking during those years, though he was better to me when drunk, as he usually just slept. His abuse came during his time sober. Over the years, this abuse reduced, likely because I was older and could fight back against it, and he put himself through rehab and became sober. To this day, we still talk (very rarely), but due to everything that has happened, I have no real interest in rebuilding the relationship he destroyed. Suffice it to say, I relate to Fitz's daddy issues. Now, on to the trilogy: When I first read Assassin's Apprentice, I was, in a word, floored. I thought that, while admittedly slow paced, it provided a window into two key things: the world and culture Robin Hobb was building, and the mind of the young FitzChivalry Farseer. The book begins with a nameless, scared, lonely boy being dropped off into a world far too big for him. What does he know of court politics, or family legacy, or old magics, or raiders that turn their victims into zombies? Nothing. He knows only that the few people he could have considered family, for in fact they were, have abandoned him at the gates of the unknown, and into the hands of the father who is ashamed of him, of the father who never seemed to want him, of the father who later died having never spoken a word to him. This propels him to search for a strong male figure to fill the role that Chivalry abandoned. What he finds is a trifecta that is simultaneously too much and too little. Burrich is stable and protective, but also gruff and comes off as cruel. Chade is wise and instructing, but he also teaches Fitz things he does not want to know. And then Verity. Wise, loving, protective, and a truer man than any Fitz has ever known. But also weighed down by responsibility and dying from his duty.

[@Talking_Story]

Ok this is scary how much our background is soooo similar!

[@kingzzz6509]

Love me a Weekly Reader. You and Jacob are so infectious. This week I read The Silver Chair by C. S. Lewis. I love Narnia and I think C. S. Lewis is probably my favorite author. The Silver Chair gets a four and a half star from me. Next I’ll be reading The Last Battle and finishing my re-read of The Chronicles of Narnia. I’m loathe for the journey to be over, but I know that I enjoyed The Last Battle and it has my favorite final paragraph of a book/series. After I finish the re-read I will get back to The Book of the New Sun and hopefully read The Sword of the Lictor and The Citadel of the Autarch back-to-back. The other thing I might read in-between these books could be either some Conan stories or Court of Assassins by Philip C. Quaintrell, which will be my first experience with him, that’ll be if I have time though.

[@Talking_Story]

@@kingzzz6509 let me know how Quintrell is. I wanna get to him as well. Narnia has such a special place in my life. Showed me there is indeed magic in this world if you only look for it. Changed who I was going forward I think.

[@iSamwise]

Yesssss!!! The Silver Chair is my favorite Narnia book and Sword of the Lictor is my favorite of BOTNS. You’re in for some AMAZING five star reads!!

[@kingzzz6509]

@@iSamwise On the re-read The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and Prince Caspian are tied for my favorite, but The Silver Chair is such a fun time. So far I think Shadow of the Torturer has been my favorite from Book of the New Sun, but I’m excited for Sword & Citadel.

[@iSamwise]

@@kingzzz6509 Citadel is the densest and maybe most difficult of the series. Definitely worth the read!!!

[@HenrikBrosveet]

Yay, my pick won! Dogs of War is a military sci-fi with an unique perspective I'll leave it at that, and I'll look forward to your thoughts on it 🐕⚔

[@Talking_Story]

Awesome cant wait to compare notes with you

[@HenrikBrosveet]

@@Talking_Story As a dog lover you have an interesting read on your hands 😁

[@Talking_Story]

@@HenrikBrosveet I feel it is gonna be emotional 🥲

[@TomOrange]

Pooh is so adorable lol. Excited to see what you think of RoW

[@Talking_Story]

@@TomOrange he know he is. That is the problem

[@christhewritingjester3164]

Dogs of War? Sir, this is clearly fixed! Mr. Pooh has been brushing up on his rougish skills since he heard about you participating in a D&D game and it shows. I just started Assassin's Quest. I was going to wait until Nov 1 and squeeze something else in, but I couldn't wait! I've been focusing on listening to audiobooks this last month, so other shows have been set aside. I did get 8 books done though! Trying to clean up the old TBR to get ready for Jannyuary and 2025 in general.

[@Talking_Story]

@@christhewritingjester3164 wow 8 books that is massive! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on Assassins Quest. I will tell he was called rougish. It will please me very much.

[@StoryGirl1128]

Weekly reader! Love it so much 😁 I’m working on two sci-fi reads this week: Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky (halfway through and loving it, so funny 😂), and Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (what an explosive beginning!). Have a great week!

[@Talking_Story]

@@StoryGirl1128 I loved Service Model! I really need to grab up Projecy Hail Mary thanks for the reminder and the compliments. So kind.

[@thatinsufferablenerd]

I watched the replay of your chat with Cronk this morning, it was a great talk! I haven't made much progress on my TBR, as I've been doing light revisions on my novel WIP. I did hit ch 200 in Bleach though (there are 678 ch altogether) with my goal being to finish it by the end of November. I don't watch much for TV, but both Abby Thorn over at Philosophy Tube and Zoe Bee put out fantastic videos this week, and I'm still chewing on Tale Foundry's vid from Thursday and Hello Future Me's vid from Friday. I put Dogs of War on my TBR, so thanks for that!

[@Talking_Story]

@@thatinsufferablenerd Cronk is so awesome. I just know his books are gonna slam. Huge congratulations on your work! You must be getting close if you are in the light revision stage. Wonderful! From chapter 200 to 678 by end of November sounds like a heavy schedule. I am joining a One Piece group so I will be getting back into that soon.

[@thatinsufferablenerd]

@@Talking_Story I wish I could say I was getting close to anything but alas I am not XD Pulling a Cronk and writing the entire 'series' at the same time is worth the investment IMO. As a huge fan, I am looking forward to your thoughts on One Piece! Take your time and enjoy the journey!

[@Talking_Story]

@@thatinsufferablenerd thanks for the advice I absolutely do not want to rush it!

[@katherinep1010]

This week I finished the first Dungeon Crawler Carl. I thought I was going to take a break and read some other things before the second one, but I only made it a few days. Lol. I'm further into Tress of the Emerald Sea, still loving it. And I decided to give Words of Radiance another shot, so I snagged that back from the library this afternoon. I'm on a bit of a rollercoaster with Sanderson at the moment.

[@Talking_Story]

DCC is soooo much fun. Let me know how take 2 on Stormlight goes

[@someokiedude9549]

Woo, one of my favorite parts of Sundays! I finished Speaks The Nightbird, and I am happy to report that it is a fantastic read. I got a lil something cooking for the Town Hall in November and it might have to do with this book. I'm keeping it on the down low at the moment though... I also started The Goon and I'm hoping to have this omnibus I'm reading done before Halloween. It's a lot of fun, very pulpy and filled with laugh out loud humor. I think you would like it uncle. Not much else going on in Oklahoma land, aside from my beloved Sooners dropping an egg. But that is neither here or there. Until next week uncle!

[@Talking_Story]

I think deadline is Monday Britton don’t miss it!

[@someokiedude9549]

@@Talking_Story I'm saving it for next month, don't worry. *wink wink*

[@Talking_Story]

@@someokiedude9549 ahhhh got it!

[@SeaninsShelf]

I haven't read any spooky stuff for the season and I'm already in the middle of several books but there's always next year I guess 😅. I have been rewatching a rather mild NZ mystery series called Brokenwood Mysteries and I've also been reading my first art historical book in a while so it's been good.

[@Talking_Story]

@@SeaninsShelf sounds like a wonderful week. Always next year or you can pick up a spooky read whenever the mood strikes.

[@AReadersJourney]

I just recently watched your interview with Jacquelyn Hagen, which was incredible, and it got me so excited to read that series! Also yes Severance is insanely good, I gotta go watch that trailer

[@Talking_Story]

Oh Jacquelyn is a wonderful person and she created a truly magical and wonderful series. Let me know when you get started into Riverfall

[@MsNikkyD]

I read Dogs of War earlier this year and loved it. It was not what I was expecting at all, but in a good way.

[@Talking_Story]

@@MsNikkyD ohhhh thanks for that.

[@KALtheHighstorm117]

4/4 I also adore the way Hobb builds her world in book 1. I have heard people complain that the worldbuilding in Farseer is too narrowly focused, that turning left when the characters turn right will result in you falling off a cliff. However, I disagree with that. Robin Hobb uses a worldbuilding tactic that I've never seen before and I honestly love: kitchen gossip. Fitz listens to the cooks and servants gossip about the goings on in the world. This builds the world without requiring the child main character to venture out and leave behind the slice of life aspects of the book, and it characterizes several of the servants, AND it uses the negative connotations of gossip to cause the reader to wonder how accurate the information actually is. So when an extremely relevant fact is needed, it often comes from a trustworthy source, such as when Verity informs Fitz of Chivalry's death. And when Fitz does leave Buckkeep and explore, I still disagree with saying that the worldbuilding is too narrow. The mountain culture is very vibrant and well realized in my opinion. The other worldbuilding element Hobb uses masterfully is the magic. The Skill and the Wit have cemented themselves as my favorite magic system in fantasy. Not for how awe-inspiring they are, or how they can be used to solve problems in interesting ways, but in how Robin Hobb uses them to challenge her characters and explore the thematic depth of her art. Addictive magic is a trope that almost always works for me, and Hobb does it very well. Presenting the Skill as a gateway to the interconnectivity of humanity brings up some fascinating questions, but the warning of how it can consume people is beautiful yet terrifying. All Verity wants to do is protect his kingdom, but in order to do that, he is draining himself OF himself. There are people out there that focus so much on helping others that they forget to take care of themselves, and they suffer for it. Robin Hobb uses the Skill to show both the importance of human connection, as well as the dangers of it. This brings me to the final point I want to make. Every aspect of her story: characters, plot, worldbuilding, magic system, explores the fundamental facets of human connection. Whether it's displaying a young boy trying to find solace in a world of despair, the Raiders turning men into beasts, or the Skill opening a person's soul to another's, the Farseer Trilogy shows what it is to be human. In that way, Farseer is much closer to literary fiction than a fantasy. I suppose it does have a more lyrical, Fairy Tale-esque writing style, but the focus of this Trilogy is the themes of what it means to be human, and it does that through showing the lives of these deeply nuanced characters and their struggle to keep their humanity in a world swiftly approaching chaos. In Summary, Say one thing for Kal, say the Farseer Trilogy teeters his totter.

[@Talking_Story]

Man I have an upcoming video planned and you will see how of 1 mind we are on this amazing series!

[@KALtheHighstorm117]

@Talking_Story Looking forward to the video! I'm glad you liked my essay. I poured a lot into it!

[@Talking_Story]

@ it shows. So many amazing!

[@TedReadInstead]

Hey J&J! "The slow--down pace is purposeful." Okay, brother - if you say so! LOL I'm STRUGGLING through it... I've never wanted a Hobb book to end before like I've wanted this one to end! When I do my review in a few days (I'm about 100 pages away!), I'm going to say she could've done this same book with 200 fewer pages. Fitz is wounded.... well, then let's spend six or seven pages describe his hardships because of that! (x3) Hahaha! :) I'm taking a break after this before I start the Liveship trilogy, although I hear that one is a great trilogy. I want to read a book perhaps FEWER than 500 pages for once. ;)

[@Talking_Story]

@@TedReadInstead I am taking a break as well. I did get you I like a quick action filled all pace palette cleanser sometimes too. During that long time healing I was thrilled with the characters he caught up with and spent time with. I like dialogue and character moments sometime more than action. Could be why I had less of a problem with that section.

[@TedReadInstead]

@@Talking_Story Oh absolutely. She still reigns at character development!

[@KALtheHighstorm117]

3/4 Some people have criticized Fitz for having zero personality or that he is 1-dimensional. However, when you're a teenage boy, your emotions are overwhelming and unpredictable. It's not that he has zero personality; it's that he doesn't understand how to control his emotions, and often one will drown out the others. When you're a teenage boy, life gets complicated in ways you cannot expect, and you can be overwhelmed with the strength of your feelings for something, and it is not always pleasant. Several times in my own life, I've tried to force myself into apathy on a subject just because feeling nothing seemed better than being volatile and confused about your emotions. I understand if this isn't fun for some people to follow, but for someone who has been there, it rings incredibly true. So yes, Fitz is passive, especially in book 1, but what else can we expect from this already traumatized boy? When in a situation where you are young and at the mercy of those who see you as an annoyance or an obstacle, your only options are submission or rebellion. And submission will always seem like the less painful road, even if it isn't. Of course I wanted to fight back against my father, but I rarely did. I just rolled over and let him say what he wanted, because it seemed easier than resisting. When I did try to push back at that age, it made things worse. I understood so little back then that even my intellectually pathetic father could best me and make me feel like I was the problem. For me, it was just my father. For Fitz, nearly everyone in his life is trying to manipulate him. In his eyes, neutrality is the best way to avoid pain. I understand not finding this fun to follow, but, once again, the word I come back to is 'human.' Artfully, beautifully human. But it isn't just Fitz. Burrich, Chade, Shrewd, Verity, Kettricken, Regal, Lady Patience, Molly, the enigmatic Fool. This is one of the most deeply nuanced cast of characters I have ever encountered. Their individual character voices, accented by Hobb's masterful prose, as well as the way they interact with the world and each other, paint a picture of their personalities and flaws with all the mastery that Michaelangelo put into the Sistine Chapel. No other characters feel as undeniably real as they do. Characters like Dalinar Kholin or Kaladin Stormblessed are absolutely amazing and they are two of my favorite fictional characters ever, but they don't feel like people I could run into in the grocery store like Farseer's Characters do. (Not dissing Sanderson's characters btw. Trust me, I will still cry if Kal, Syl, Adolin, or Dalinar die.)

[@Talking_Story]

This insights are soooo amazing!

[@subjectiveexperiences1072]

My week was very busy but good over all =) I finished chapter 24 of my novel, which felt very good after an extended writing slump. I also checked out East of Eden out of the library, which I am both very excited and very intimidated to read, lol. Of Mice and Men is one of my favorite books of all time, and East of Eden is one of my boyfriend's favorite books, so the hype is real. On the other hand, I am such a SLOW reader (if my OCD is being a butt it can take me hours just to read like 20 pages at times) and East of Eden is such a large book with complex prose, so wish me luck! Just got to finish the Emperor's Soul first, haha. That shouldn't take too long. Also I was literally thinking of mentioning that the trailer for Season 2 of Severance is out when Jakob brought it up, haha. So psyched for that!

[@Talking_Story]

Huge congrats on getting through that chapter 24!

[@subjectiveexperiences1072]

@@Talking_Story Thank you =)

[@Talking_Story]

@@subjectiveexperiences1072 we are just about to send the new draft back to the editor so I get it.

[@subjectiveexperiences1072]

@@Talking_Story Good luck! Hope to read it one day =)

[@Talking_Story]

@@subjectiveexperiences1072 I hope so as well. Look forward to checking out your work too😀

[@thuff31]

Rex is a good dog! Some great reads coming up for you! I’m finishing Saturation Point by Tchaikovsky tomorrow morning. It’s a quick novella with serious Annihilation vibes. I’m so excited to hear your thoughts on Of War and Ruin and The Ice. Both of those are so good! Rhythm of War is definitely my least favorite Stormlight book but like, it’s still a 4.5/5!

[@Talking_Story]

@@thuff31 if least fav is that high that is really saying something!

[@theclassy4]

Kings of the Wyld will win one of these days!

[@Talking_Story]

@@theclassy4 look forward to it whether it wins or not I am gonna get to it!

[@mrgoodkat8448]

Tchaikovsky is another author i need to check out soon, just gotta figure out what to start with? I've got Assassins Aprentice, Justice of Kings and a couple others on their way to me this week. Already finished Fury of the Gods i enjoyed so much and got a head start on Disquiet gods this evening

[@Talking_Story]

Fury and Disquiet. You are rolling through some great ones sounds like. From what I have found Tchaikovsky writes so many different kinds of books it takes some searching to find just the right 1 to start with. Let me know what you decide on.

[@mrgoodkat8448]

@@Talking_Story Children of Time and Shards of Earth are the ones that have caught my eye. Empire of Black and Gold sounds good too but that kicks off a longer series so I'll have to save that for later haha

[@Talking_Story]

@@mrgoodkat8448 All of it catches my eye based on how much I loved Service Model

[@mrgoodkat8448]

Yeah that's the thing. Find a new author you like and your TBR instantly grows by 20 😆

[@Talking_Story]

@@mrgoodkat8448 with him even more than that

[@tallaaron1115]

Wow, your timing on this video... I was rearranging my shelves when you brought up the book tour later. Then you bring up comics when I was moving my tomes of Akira, not sure if you ever saw the movie back in the day (1988 animated film where ten companies came together to fund that single movie). If you have not heard of it, well worth watching the movie, not sure if you want to read five(?) tomes of black and white manga that is a future version of WW2 post bomb Japan social life? Given your books you like you might love this comic though, so something to think about possibly. Either way, this was a great show like always. I look forward to Tuesday. Talk to you soon and take care.

[@Talking_Story]

Nice my timing is not always the best. Glad we were linked up

[@LucaCross-g5f]

I love severance can’t wait for the second season

[@Talking_Story]

Me Too!!

[@jenn9027]

I finally finished Duma Key right before watching this. Not sure how 3 hours of audiobook took a whole week, but alas, that's what happened. I'm going to try for Haunting of Hill House for the rest of October, it might take me into November. I didn't watch anything, I honestly don't remember how I filled my week up after working hours, it's a black hole.

[@Talking_Story]

@@jenn9027 not the black hole nooooooo!!

[@fantasyfanatic6038]

I just finished The Fury of the Gods earlier today and it was an immensely satisfying conclusion to the Bloodsworn Saga! Also I just started Stephen King's It. I'll be interested to see what I think since I'm not a horror guy at all. Oh, and I finally started watching Succession and it's beyond amazing!

[@Talking_Story]

My wife really got into Succession. You gotta let me know how It hits for you. I will do the same when I get rolling on Papa Gwynne.

[@fantasyfanatic6038]

@@Talking_Story Oh it’s really damn good, John! I think you’d enjoy it a lot. I literally just finished season 1 a few minutes ago and I started it last weekend so… yeah, it’s very gripping!

[@Talking_Story]

@@fantasyfanatic6038 wow! Alright

[@thatsci-firogue]

Dogs of War is awesome. Its Military Sci-Fi. Assassin's Quest is definitely the weirdest paced of all the RotE I've read so far, says I with 2 books left. This week I finished: *Horror* The Ritual / Adam Nevill - Loved it, especially the first half. Haven't read fuck else since 😂 I'm still reading: *Grimdark Fantasy* The Company / K.J Parker I'm gonna be sticking with the standalones for the time being.

[@Talking_Story]

@@thatsci-firogue that is awesome to hear about Dogs of War. If you say it is awesome I am 💯 excited for it!

[@iSamwise]

If anyone is ever concerned about hanky panky with irl elections, we just need Mr. Pooh to supervise them. All shall be well then.

[@Talking_Story]

That is an amazing plan

[@RowdyPlayer1]

Excellent weekly reader!! Jakob needs to be more respectful to his brother, I mean who doesn’t need 2 breakfast 😂 I can’t wait to see your shelves, they look awesome on videos!

[@Talking_Story]

He is sooo jealous of Brother Pooh

[@someokiedude9549]

Also poor Pooh, I'll give you some snuggles and food if uncle allows me.

[@Talking_Story]

U can give him all the snuggies u want nephew

[@OnlyTheBestFantasyNovels]

Is it coincidence that Mr. Pooh picks a book named Dogs of War? I think not 😂

[@Talking_Story]

@@OnlyTheBestFantasyNovels you may be on to him

[@gryftkin]

Jakob, I did prod him about General Hospital and he changed the subject :D

[@Talking_Story]

@@gryftkin what subject? Nothing to see here.

[@ithrahmunchswallow468]

So you like Assassins Quest? 😉🤪 I'll be there in 2025. I really did enjoy Apprentice but I need to meet this fabled Dog before I turn inside-out 🥺

[@Talking_Story]

@@ithrahmunchswallow468 I loved the whole trilogy

[@ithrahmunchswallow468]

@Talking_Story i read it right after Curse of the Mistwraith and I probably should have put some silly stuff in between. I still loved it though.

[@Talking_Story]

@ ahhhhh I can see why you could use a break between those.

[@Nerdwriter1]

Extremely jealous that you get to read Liveship Traders for the first time. I really enjoyed Farseer, but Liveship floored me.

[@Talking_Story]

@@Nerdwriter1 I am very excited to continue into the Realm!

[@someokiedude9549]

Holy shit, you're a fan of John's?!

[@Talking_Story]

@@someokiedude9549 😂wow you don’t have to say it like that Britton.

[@someokiedude9549]

@@Talking_Story Make no mistake uncle, I'm impressed!

[@Talking_Story]

Now I am impressed too! Just checked out your channel from Shakespeare to Superman?! This is unbelievable stuff. Gonna be catching up for a while 😀

[@Blackhobbit86]

I do hope that you will like Rhythm of War more than me. I had liked the book, but my expectations for Wind and Truth had gotten lowered.

[@Talking_Story]

@@Blackhobbit86 I have heard some mixed things. We will see how it works for me. 🤞

[@Blackhobbit86]

@@Talking_Story Oathbringer was my favorite so far because I love Dalinar.

[@Talking_Story]

@@Blackhobbit86 Yesssss Dalinar is my guy!!

[@ashmain264]

what are some good shows on apple tv that you recommend?

[@Talking_Story]

Silo is really good. For All Mankind and See are also fun

[@titantv4567]

Oh, if you want something dark, The Eleventh Cycle is the one.

[@Talking_Story]

@@titantv4567 I like some darkness. Sounds like my jam for sure!

[@stjepanvaresevaccobets]

I think I know which book will be book of the month (I won't say Robin Hoob) :)

[@Talking_Story]

we will see

[@stjepanvaresevaccobets]

@@Talking_Story Only a very good book will dethrone her book. I've wanted to read her books for a long time, but I just can't find the time. Last year and this year, I was busy with a lot of work around the house, so I reduced the number of books I got to read. Tiredness does not allow me to read before bed.

[@Talking_Story]

@@stjepanvaresevaccobets I can usually only get 1 chapter in at bedtime😀

[@stjepanvaresevaccobets]

@@Talking_Story It depends on how long the chapter is. Sometimes I surprise myself when I read 50 pages if it's a good book. And then I can hardly get up in the morning :)

[@Talking_Story]

@@stjepanvaresevaccobets oh true. Those long chapters are a killer at bedtime.

[@momo_genX]

When your exercise is dependent upon carrying a pug up the stairs....Satire! I hope you get the layeredness in that... Spoke to soon. Maybe you should use an Oriental folding fan for your dog instead of the electric...for the exercise, ya know. I got a million of them! Please get your Frankenstein dog further away from the microphone. I can hear his poor genetic breathing. I was talking with my editor about readers minds being different from writer's minds, like you were saying in minute 11:30. You guys got a good system going on here with you content. Later.

[@Talking_Story]

@@momo_genX I’ll take my workouts wherever I can find em

[@knotslip8862]

First

[@Talking_Story]

@@knotslip8862 wonderful!