Is This Just Fantasy?

The fellas wrap up their spooky month with the last halloween special, washing the taste of the Woman in Black out of their brains with an amazing collection of ghost stories, written by the creator of The Magnus Archives: Jonathan Sims. They reflect on the impressive change in mediums, as well as its somewhat heavy handed (yet nonetheless true) themes on capitalism, the environment and killing billionaires with steak knives.

Hear about their favourite stories in the anthology. For Geordie, its a tech-bro being menaced by a haunted Hal-9000, and for Duncan, a shame filled executive trying...

Some traditions never get old. Once again Duncan and Geordie return to the dark world of Berserk to wrap up its incredibly named Millenium Falcon Arc with Falconia. Its one of Geordie's favourite and least favourite parts of the series, containing some of the best action ever depicted in fiction, some astonishing world-building, a drastic change to the series' status quo... but it also spent three years of publication just following Griffith, which is basically a crime. The fellas discuss the many surprises in this arc. From Farnese's character arc the introduction of the surprisingly cool Roderick, and Gut's...

In the first part of their (somewhat delayed) Halloween Booooook Club, the fellas dive in to what is supposed to be one of the most iconic and scariest books in British horror: The Woman in Black.... and find it to be a massive disapointment. A dry, laughably unscary drag completely upstaged by both of its famous adaptations. Tune in to hear Geordie unleash the frustrations of a difficult day on a deserving punching bag, and hear Duncan realise he'd really rather talk about the Magnus Archives. They also cover Duncan accidentally reading a censored children's version of the Force...

Slather yourself in gingerbread and fail to solve a mystery, its time for Duncan and Geordie to cover 'Paladin's Grace' by T. Kingfisher. They discuss an excellent love story, and a real pallete cleanser from the hormonal teenage romantasies they've experienced up till now. Even if the political intrigue and mysteries promised by the blurb fails to materialise. This episode Geordie learns a surprising amount of Ancient Greek, Duncan tries to weird out Geordie by describing a video game, only to discover that its pretty de rigeour by anime standards, whilst Geordie forces Duncan to exactingly describe the book's...

For the final time (and this time we mean it) the fellas are embarking on another sword and sorcery adventure with the introduction to Fritz Leiber's classic dynamic duo Fafhrd and Grey Mouser in 'Ill Met in Lankhmar.' The fellas rave about the story's humour and excitement and beautifully morbid setting, and appreciate the irony of a classic 'fridging' scene appearing right after they covered Gail Simone.

We at the Is This Just Fantasy Studio™ cannot condone the Fafhrd and Grey Mouser drinking game where you drink every time we mention Conan and Elric. Not without an...

Can you ever really escape your fate? Not if Duncan has trapped you in a never ending cycle of sword and sorcery. Once again the fellas are going back to the Red Sonja well. Its the same author. Its the same character. Its... quite a few of the same plot beats as well, actually, but dumber this time. Duncan chose Red Sonja: Consumed, Gail Simone's first ever novel, and her second take on Red Sonja.

The fellas unpack some bizarre and kinda stupid plot points, Geordie's relates his worst trip to the theatre ever, Duncan gets bent...

Is it Halloween already? No? Then how come the fellas are reading a comic book?! That's because this time, as preperation for the release of the new Red Sonja movie, Duncan has taken the fellas back to the Hyborian Age, with Red Sonja, written by comic book legend Gail Simone.

Duncan leads the episode through the complicated canon of Red Sonja (and her endless reboots), whilst Geordie tries to figure out why Innsmouth fishpeople (with the colour pallette of Bikini Bottom) are here. They discuss action in western comics vs manga, a pretty bizarre ending, the legally...

Because for no obvious reason this has become tradition, its time for the annual Troy adaptation! (Which will they run out of first? Troy books, or fantasy novels set at Christmas?) Up till now those adaptations have mostly hinged on feminst reimaginings of the Illiad, and the commodification of women's bodies. But this time the fellas are gonna mix things up. They return to David Gemmel of Legend fame, looking for his burlier, alpha male account of the Trojan war and find... a book about the commodification of women's bodies, and men trying to be kind to each other?<...

From Eragon to Book-Tok sensations about mormon super-soldiers, This is the book which started it all. Dragonflight brought readers to the Planet Pern for the first time in the 60s, and brought Geordie and Duncan to one of the earliest depictions of dragon riding in fantasy. And... it is not at all what they expected. Duncan covers some of the dragons.... unexpected powers. whilst Geordie unpacks a feminist reading of 1960s bodice rippers, before making a shocking heel-turn at the end.

And, for the first time in years, the fellas have to ask that faithful question: Is...

I promise, the guys do like this book! They just have a lot to say about it which sounds like complaining. This week Geordie returns to familiar hunting grounds, whilst Duncan sets of on a sojourn to parts unknown as they read the first (chronological) book in the Legend of Drizzt series by R. A. Salvatore.

Both the guys struggle with pronounciations this week, Duncan spends an unusually small amount of time talking about Elric, and takes uncalled for pot-shots at his current Dungeon Master (sorry Tom), whilst Geordie unpacks the de-eviling of the Drow, the right...

Its been a dark year and a series of serious, moody novels. So Duncan has gone and turned it around with the softest, fluffiest thing he could think of: The Moomins. Since all Geordie knows about these strange white hippo people is that weirdos on Twitter got really into them during the pandemic, Duncan takes the lead this time. He directs Geordie through the pastoral loveliness, as well as some surprise queer readings of the book.

They also cover the Duke of Edinburgh awards, why did Elric show up in the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, how exactly...

It was a gruelling forced march through this monster of a book. Geordie may have brought Elizabeth Moon's 1980s fantasy epic to the table, but can they stomach it? The fellas unpack an early depiction of a female fantasy heroine, in a faithful (perhaps too faithful) depiction of soldierly life by a Marine Corps veteran.

They unpack the strange mingling of the drudgery of soldierly life, with an unusually grittless depiction of military honour. Some of the characters are so forgettable that Geordie even forgets the author's name at one point, whilst Duncan would rather talk about...

The fellas are going way back for this one, all the way back to 1912. A bad year to be a cruise ship, but maybe a good year to be a fan of science fantasy adventures? They're reviewing perhaps one of the most influential books they've ever seen on the podcast. Before Howard, before Lovecraft and C.L. Moore. Edgar Rice Burroughs' A Princess of Mars, the first appearance of John Carter.

The fellas discuss the adventure, the very early attempt at fantasy worldbuilding, and of course.... the racism. Duncan takes a crack shot at historical revisionists, whilst...

We're back in the Scholomance! At long last Geordie ran out of patience waiting for Duncan to choose the sequel to Naomi Novik's Deadly Education and has forced his hand with a destiny token! They pick up their school supplies and see what on earth they can remember about a book series they began two years ago.

Here's a list of things they forgot: what the main character's full name was, her age and ethnicity, and what's Chloe's deal anyway?

See whether the sequel lived up to the high expectations of the first, or whether...

In their second episode ever, the fellas reviewed Geordie's favourite book: Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor. Now, years later, they are finally returning to see her most famous work: Daughter of Smoke and Bone. They discuss the transition between paranormal romances and modern romantasy, whether to read this book before or after Strange the Dreamer, its fascinating wish-based magic, and Duncan stirs up a brand new contraversy with his choice for the next book.

Notes for the episode: Duncan had some small errors with his microphone which flare up occassionally during the episode. Also, Duncan asked...

Hoooo boy but was this a long one. The fellas set out to read Magician's Apprentice by Raymon E. Feist, but Geordie decided to go for extra-credit and read the entire book, including the second part Magician's Master.

The fellas cover as much of the epic as they can, from its various strengths and weaknesses, its variance in power fantasies, where it lies in the chronology of works inspired by both Lord of the Rings and Dungeons & Dragons, and also whether its embarressing for a male writer of a certain age not to know much about women?<...

After reading some pretty dark and gothic stuff at the start of the year, Geordie decided that they should take a comforting break and just read a book about nice fluffy bunnies. What could go wrong as they discuss Richard Adams' Watership Down. The fellas cover the surprising depth of language, history and culture that rabbits share, their apparent aggressiveness, and how the film scarred Duncan as a child. Look forward to them discussing amazing characters, some of the best depictions of teamwork and leadership in any book they covered, Duncan explains why this book is DEFINITELY NOT an...

Just how many times is the word 'Bone' said in this episode? Mathematicians are still trying to calculate. Bonesmith by Nicki Pau Preto might be the most YA book the two have ever read. But is it good? There's a lot of heady discussion in this one. The fellas cover: predictable plot threads, whip swords, worldbuilding, curing cancer with medical quackery, a digression on Bleach for some reason, and whether a book can be content but not art. It also features probably (and hopefully) the only actual fight between Geordie and Duncan.

It's the grandfather of the Grimdark genre, where Vietnam vets meet flying carpets, the Black Company. Duncan has already enjoyed the entire series, and is understandably nervous after Geordie's round rejection of The Straight Razor Cure that Geordie will lay into this classic as well. He should have no fear. They have an excellent (mostly) spoiler-free discussion of its savage tone, the influence of Cook's military career, and the way the book mingles darkness with comradery.

For years Duncan has been biding his time. After The Gutter's Prayer threatened to tear the podcast apart from Geordie's vitriol, Duncan has once again summoned the courage to make him read a Noir Urban Fantasy Mystery novel in The Straight Razor Cure (also known as Low Town) by Daniel Polanski.

Have the years mellowed Geordie's anger? Or will this episode once again threaten to destroy them both through the power of cringe?

The fellas kick off their 3rd year of the podcast with a long awaited story. The Witcher: The Last Wish, by Andrzej Sapkowski. They cover its dark take on familiar fairy tales, how it compares to its many adaptations, misogyny, and accucastions of plagarism.

The fellas are back in top form with their first episode of 2025. Starting off the third year of the podcast with a book Geordie's been meaning to read for a long time, its the first part in the Witcher saga: The Last Wish.

Its right up Duncan and Geordie's alley: a collection of pulpy dark fantasy short stories, with a suspiciously strong similarity to Elric. Not that they don't have their criticisms. Tune in to hear them discuss the strength of the translation, misogyny, and how it compares to its several adaptations. Plus, the fellas try their...

What a year, and what a closer. The fellas gather together to celebrate the year that has been and look forward to the one coming. As with every year, they're examining the highs and lows of all the books they've covered in 2024, and awarding books the following categories:

The Biggest Surprise, the Biggest Disappointment, their Favourite, the Worst, and the greatest reward of all: the Best book of 2024.

Join in on the celebration and see if you can guess who will come out on top!

In their final episode of 2024, the fellas tackle their third, and perhaps final, tangentially-related Christmas book with Miye Lee's Dallergut Dream Department store. And despite the winter weather, things are heating up. With Duncan praising the book's easy, fluffy tone, and Geordie savaging the book's prose and glacial pacing. Who will triumph in the debate?

The long awaited and long delayed episode on Priory of the Orange Tree. Duncan and Geordie come together to discuss this modern fantasy classic by Samantha Shannon. But Duncan has a secret to share. This time he has fallen short on finishing this novel and Geordie is left to take him through the ending and give his opinions and insight. As Duncan is left to makes wild and inaccurate predictions on how things ended.

And so, as the year's end approaches, Duncan and Geordie put the wrap on Joe Abercrombie's second trilogy within his First Law series with Red Country. Its the fellas' first encounter with the Fantasy0-Western subgenre, But there are no wizards with sombreros here. Its a little Fist Full of Dollars, a little Deadwood, a lot of True Grit and The Searchers, but with some brooding, evil Northmen and the triumphant return of Nicomo Cosca.

No surprise, they love it, and this episode's a good one.

Lost in a Dublin archive for 150 years, the fellas are excited to be among the first to read, rate and review it. Geordie recounts the amazing story of its discovery, as well as some of its.... slightly overenthusiastic scholarly appraisal. Duncan gives a slightly scathing takedown of both Gibbet Hill and Dracula, whilst Geordie tries to comprehend some truly archaic xenophobia.

At long last, it's time for Duncan and Geordie to visit the book series from one of their favourite episodes, the sequel to The Worm and His Kings: Even the Worm Will Turn. Things gets quantum-ey and timey-wimeyesque as the fellas follow on from a book Geordie was astounded to discover has a sequel. It's certainly the most audacious sequel to any book they've read so far. Will it stick the landing?

The fellas discuss the story's amazing dual-narrative, the what-ifs of life, take a digression to talk about which episodes of Doctor Who scared them as...

Following tradition, its time to kick off spooky season with our annual Berserk episode. Following on from The Conviction Arc the fellas head into the first part of The Millenium Falcon Arc: Holy Evil War Chapter, (vol. 22-27).

Geordie introduces Duncan to new characters in what is probably the biggest change to the status quo of Berserk outside of the Eclipse, Schierke, high fantasy magic, the berserker armour and the introduction of new friends for both Guts and Griffith. They cover the hightlights. Duncan defends Farnese and Isidro but bemoans Chestnut Puck. Geordie triumphs by successfully pronouncing...

Best Served Cold by Joe Abercrombie was one of the fellas' all time favourite novels for the pod. Can its sequel, The Heroes, live up to its successes?

Well to no one's surprise, it did. They discuss how much of the book can be enjoyed even with Geordie's limited knowledge of the series and characters. Geordie tries to deduce who exactly "The Bloody Nine" is from context clues, whilst Duncan gives Geordie a crash-course on the series up to this point, and they dive into the amazing characters and themes which make up this book. It's one...

By the advice of our lawyers and other sensible people, we do not endorse the "Is This Just Fantasy Last Unicorn Drinking Game," wherein players take a shot every time Duncan and Geordie describe this novel as "beautiful." You have been warned.

Yes, in this episode the fellas visit a classic of American fantasy, Peter S. Beagle's the Last Unicorn. A spell-binding fairy tale full of heart and humour. In addition to covering the story, they also cover Beagle's role in Ralph Bakshi's animated Lord of the Rings, which other stories compare to it, and Geordie baffles...

Robert E. Howard was a poor writer who died in tragedy; unknown. His creations, especially Conan of Cimmeria, destined to be forgotten. Until the vultures began to circle. Duncan leads Geordie on the incredible almost 100 year long story of how Conan was either stolen or rescued from obscurity by L. Sprague de Camp, and continued to be a figurehead of fantasy until today.

Duncan chronicles the many, many writers who tried their hand at writing the barbarian, from books, to movies, to comics.

This episode was made in response to a listeners question. If you...

The fellas get together to discuss Brennan McClellan's cordite drenched debut, The Promise of Blood, the first book in the Powder Mage trilogy. The discuss some awesome action, fun characters and a promising beginning, as well as some... less than awesome, and even baffling parts.

This episode's release was delayed, so apologies. We won't say whose fault it was, but it wasn't Duncan's.

Song of Achilles was tied for the pod's best book in the history of the podcast, so what will the fellas make of its... prequel? Sequel? Midquel? Madeline Miller's crazy collage of Greek Mythology through the hawkish eyes of Circe. It's a beautiful tale covering millennia of isolation, sadness, love, and more sadness. They compare the it against Song of Achilles, they argue over the pronunciation of Circe (Duncan wins), and for a change it's Duncan who's teaching Geordie about Greek Mythology.

Before Geordie embarks on his trek through the wilds of Sweden, there to battle moose and attempt to order food using his very bad Swedish, the fellas settle in to wrap up their review of Timothy Zahn's Thrawn Trilogy. They cover Palpatine's revenge check-list, get important villain names wrong, and cloning logistics. Also how great The Last Command is.

The fellas cover the much anticipated finale to the Legacy of Orisha series by Tomi Adeyemi which began with the smash Children of Blood and Bone, They discuss how it measures up the the successes of the first book and the misses of the second. They cover conspicuous character absences and dropped themes, and an in-depth analysis on the author's differing approach to each book; Geordie brings up the Rise of Skywalker an unfortunate number of times, whilst Duncan schools him on Norse mythology in a shocking role-reversal.

The fellas carry on their Star Wars Legends marathon with Dark Force Rising by Timothy Zahn. They discuss Leia actually being allowed to do things in this book, get annoyed at there being too many lightsaber colours, Geordie gets bent out of shape about the name: "Katana Fleet." Speaking of shapes, I hope you like nerds discussing the different alphabet themed Star Fighters, because they spend more time talking about those than Luke Skywalker.

Much to Geordie's horror he has been compelled to read another Star Wars book. And worse yet... he likes it. The fellas review Timothy Zahn's continuation of the original Star Wars trilogy. They have their first encounter with iconic characters like Thrawn and Mara Jade, discuss wife-guy Han Solo, the significance of lightsaber colours, the presence of hot chocolate in the series, and Geordie vents his feelings on Star Wars fans.

The fellas journey across the desert to hunt a man in black and discuss the beginning of Stephen King's celebrated series: The Dark Tower. They cover their histories with King, uncover the surprising backstory behind the book's origin, discover a meta-twist neither of them saw coming, Geordie teaches Duncan about the Song of Roland, and they debate whether or not there was a goat-man in the book.

This is a fantasy novel, we promise, Duncan and Geordie gather round the northern hemisphere of Arrakis to discuss Frank Herbert's Science-Ficti,,, I mean Science-Fantasy epic, Dune. They discuss its astounding world building, its fascinating connection to real history, the intricacies of its world, spend an unusual amount of time talking about Brian Herbert, and discuss its incredible ending.