In 2023 my top read of the year was Ray Nayler’s debut novel The Mountain of the Sea. Not only that it is one of my favorite novels of the 21st century so far. Last year Nayler followed up that novel with the amazing novella Tusks of Extinction. Ray came on the podcast to talk about both of those books. I recommend reading both and listening to both interviews.

Ray Nayler is a great guest, his combination of SF fandom, knowledge of science, and intergovernmental experience created a literary unicorn. One unbelievable alchemy of thought and talent spit out a sophomore masterpiece Where the Axe is Buried. In this conversation, we mostly focus on Where the Axe is Buried. We get into a little PKD, Putin, and oligarchy.