Fantasy Talks Live

Discworld Deep Dive Episode #13 - Lords and Ladies

We continue our journey on the back of four elephants who themselves stand on the back of Great A'Tuin towards the Big Bang. 
In this episode, Varsha, Alex and I discuss the joys of Lords and Ladies and end up falling down a rabbit hole down at the very end of the episode.
#Discworld #Terry Pratchett #Fantasy #Fantasybooks
You can contact me:email: amazing_worlds@hotmail.comInstagram: jose_amazing_worlds
You can find out more about Varsha and all her read alongs over at: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadingByTheRainyMountain
 
You can also find out about Alex's book, Carpentry in the Elven Forest over at: https://www.amazon.com/Carpentry-Elven-Forest-Alex-French/dp/1919241604

Episode 64 - Trad vs Indie Publishing with Author Tim Akers

The wonderful Mr Akers is back for a second round of Fantasy Talks Live, sharing some of the behind the scenes harsh realities of being a traditionally published author and why he has had to turn some of his attention towards the indie market.
You can find out more about Tim and his work over at: www.timakers.net
You can contact me:email: amazing_worlds@hotmail.comInstagram: jose_amazing_worlds
#publishing #indieauthors #fantasy #timakers

Episode 63 - Sharply Feminist Cafe Fantasy and Empowering Women with Author Zara Marielle

In this episode I talk to author Zara Marielle about her upocoming book, The Cafe of Inifinite Doors, what empowering women means and how people can relate and find inspiration in shared stories.
You cand find out more about Ms Marielle and her book over at: https://www.zaramarielle.com
#fantasy #empoweringwomen #feminist #fantasybooks
You can contact me:email: amazing_worlds@hotmail.comInstagram: jose_amazing_worlds

Episode 62 - AI and Sci-Fi with Industry Expert D. A. Murray

In this episode I am joined by industry expert and author D. A. Murray to talk about AI, the Sci-fi genre and the first book in her sci-fi trilogy Dominion - Ascension.
You can find out more about Ms Murray over at: https://damurrayofficial.com and her Instagram: @damurrayofficial
#sci-fi #AI #fantasy #fantasybooks #damurray

Discworld Deep Dive #12 - Small Gods

In this episode, Varsha hosts as we continue our deep dive into the Discworld series.
Today we are lucky to have someone brand new to the Discworld to analyse this book with, the ever great The Fantasy Thinker, bringing a fresh take on the series and the perspective of someone brand new to this amazing world.
 
#terrypratchett #discworld #fantasy #fantasybooks

Episode 61 - Sci-fi with Jeremy Szal, author of The Common Trilogy

In this episode I am joined by Jeremy Szal, author of The Common sci-fi series to discuss his journey to becoming a published author, we discuss what works can be classified as sci-fi and the inspirations behind his The Common series.
We finish off by delving into the fickle nature of the publishing industry.
#sci-fi #jeremyszal #thecommon #fantasybooks

Episode 60 - Thrillers, Villains and Prequels with J. D. Barker

In this episode I am joined by internationally acclaimed writer J. D. Barker, author of the 4MK series, The Fourth Monkey, The Fifth to Die and The Sixth Wicked Child.
We talk about his beginnings as a writer, his advice for indie authors, what makes a good thriller book, his collaborations with James Patterson and his upcoming three prequels to the series to be released later this year.
#JDBarker #TheFourthMonkey #4MK #Thrillers #Thrillernovels

Episode 59 - Power, Loss & Survival with Anton Zvolinskyi

In this episode I am joined by Ukranian author Anton Zvolinskyi to talk about his new book, the dark fantasy Blades of Demon.
In this book, Anton opens up about the reality of the Ukrainian war and how the deep themes that he explores in his book helped him deal with such traumatic events, the loss of home and the bittersweet taste of making peace with what is lost and having the courage to look forward to the future.
You can contact me:
email: amazing_worlds@hotmail.comInstagram: jose_amazing_worlds
#fantasy #darkfantasy #fantasybookspodcast

Discworld Deep Dive #11 - Witches Abroad

Once again, Varsha leads Alex and I as we carry on our journey through the Discworld novels. In here, we follow the witches coven as they take on a satirical take on all classic fairy tales on a rollercoaster ride of great fun.
#discworld #terrypratchett #fantasybooks #fantasybookspodcast
You can find Varsha's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadingByTheRainyMountain
You can contact me:
email: amazing_worlds@hotmail.comInstagram: jose_amazing_worlds

Discworld Deep Dive #10 | 💀 Reaper Man

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Reaper Man, one of the most powerful and philosophical novels in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld. We explore how Pratchett uses humour, cosmic absurdity, and the character of Death to reflect on mortality, identity, compassion, and what it truly means to be alive.
👉 In this episode we discuss:
Why Reaper Man is a key novel in the Death subseries.
Death’s journey as Bill Door and its emotional impact.
Themes of life, endings, and empathy beneath the comedy.
The satire of bureaucracy, time, and cosmic order.
How Reaper Man balances humour with profound human insight.
Where the novel fits in the broader Discworld reading experience.
Whether you’re a longtime Discworld reader or revisiting the novel with fresh eyes, this episode offers an in-depth analysis of why Reaper Man remains one of Pratchett’s most meaningful works.
🎧 Join the conversation and share your favourite moments from Reaper Man.
Original recordings of this podcast can be found in Varsha's Youtube channel, Reading by the Rainy Mountain.