K'rul and Skillen discuss the wider lore of the Malazan universe (how convenient) while Ardata & the dragons torment Osserc. The captain of my heart steals the show (since he already stole my heart), and we get a bombshell reveal about the nature of the Tiste. Oh, and a hidden astronomy lesson within.
All told? A great chapter going into the ending.
Take note, viewers, of our extraordinary self-control in that we are only asking you to e-mail us: smileyspodcast@gmail.com
Would you prefer YouTube?
Want schedule updates? https://bsky.app/profile/smileyspod.bsky.social
Wanna buy us a drink? https://ko-fi.com/smileys
The Hust assemble for the coming ritual, consternation taking hold of the soldiers as the unknown sorcery of the Dog-Runners will soon be awakened. Listar arrives - absolved of his guilt & grief - with the Dog-Runner witches, Galar despairs in the face of Toras' drunken indifference, and not even Prazek & Dathenar seem inclined to lighten the mood. Portent hangs above the Tiste, as it does above us.
In all, joy abounds. Join us to see what is to become of the Hust Legion.
We assemble, face the enemy, give the orders, and send Smiley's an email just in case: smileyspodcast@gmail.com
Would you prefer YouTube?
Want schedule updates? https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley
Wanna buy us a drink? https://ko-fi.com/smileys
[Information Requested: Why are the Shi family such assholes?]
Bloodline is the hero's (ha) homecoming & in hindsight does plenty of legwork to set up the next large arc of the series. Unfortunately, being a Cradle book, it can only be so big, and it's got a lot of legwork to do. It's got a nice gimmick & a sense of heightened urgency (and cool fights), but it's also sandwiched between two of the best books in the series, which does it no favours.
We still liked it, though.
[Suggested topic: Smiley's socials. Continue?]
[Topic accepted, continuing report...]Reach out to [Smiley's]: smileyspodcast@gmail.com
Watch [Smiley's] on [YouTube]:
Receive schedule [Updates]: https://bsky.app/profile/smileyspod.bsky.social
Buy [Smiley's] a drink: https://ko-fi.com/smileys
[Suggested Topic: HOLY SHIT SMILEY'S IS BACK? HYPE]
[Mostly. The next Cradle episode may be slightly delayed as we wrap up Fall of Light.]
[Topic denied, report complete.]
This is Part 2 of our Chapter 20 discussion.
Following Anomander & company, we eventually stumble upon Sharenas Ankhadu, reminiscing about Kagamandra & war. Pelk & Ivis do much the same, while Gripp & Anomander speak of the coming battle. Wreneck thinks of Korlat & Orfantal and parental burdens, while Sukul entreats Rancept not to go to war. Love is at the heart of this chapter - as is often the case with Fall of Light - but its taste is bittersweet.
I regret nothing, not even emailing Smiley's: smileyspodcast@gmail.com
Would you prefer YouTube?
Want schedule updates? https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley
Wanna buy us a drink? https://ko-fi.com/smileys
This is Part One of our episode on Chapter 20.
Noble asshattery contrasts with the Liosan asshattery from the previous chapter, with the added benefit of Rancept & company to make things more palatable. In the aftermath of the noble congregation, we are returned to the company of Sandalath & the Dracons Houseblades, among them Lord Anomander, who gets to rant for ten pages.
We've cut the episode in twain lest we rant for over two hours pre-editing, so we'll talk about the rest in the next episode.
If we sense unblinking regard set upon us, in each of our moments, beginning to end, will you send us an email? smileyspodcast@gmail.com
Would you prefer YouTube?
Want schedule updates? https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley
Wanna buy us a drink? https://ko-fi.com/smileys
[Information Requested: Points]
Wintersteel is a great book. Fast paced, exciting, cool ass fights, the culmination of eight books' worth of setup, it's just awesome. While we both could do with a little less emphasis on Lindon's POINTS, there's no denying that this book's awesome.
[Suggested topic: Smiley's socials. Continue?]
[Topic accepted, continuing report...]Reach out to [Smiley's]: smileyspodcast@gmail.com
Watch [Smiley's] on [YouTube]:
Receive schedule [Updates]: https://bsky.app/profile/smileyspod.bsky.socialBuy [Smiley's] a drink: https://ko-fi.com/smileys
[Suggested Topic: HOLY SHIT SMILEY'S IS BACK? HYPE]
[Sort of?]
[Topic denied, report complete.]
Chapter 19 happens to be one of Lee's favourite chapters in Fall of Light, so this episode just so happens to push 90 minutes after editing (I'm sure these two facts are unrelated).
Liosan asshattery prevails, Renarr provides Lee the pretext to monologue for sixty minutes, Hallyd Bahann (crowned biggest idiot of the book) gets his long-awaited comeuppance, joy all around.
Emailing seems such a simple concept, until its careful consideration unveils the fact that you should email us: smileyspodcast@gmail.com
Would you prefer YouTube?
Want schedule updates? https://bsky.app/profile/smileyspod.bsky.social
Wanna buy us a drink? https://ko-fi.com/smileys
[INFORMATION REQUESTED] Holy shit you guys are still alive?
It's been a hot minute since we last posted, friends, and while this particular Cradle episode has been stewing for some time, we finally did get around to posting it. Uncrowned is a while back, but we still look upon it fondly. If by fondly you mean "how dare you," then yes, very fondly.
Uncrowned marks the beginning of the tournament arc of Cradle, which if you know much about such things, means it's packed jam full of action. And, you know what? We're simple creatures. We like that.
Still, how dare you, Mr. Wight. You'll be hearing from our lawyers soon.
[Suggested topic: Smiley's socials. Continue?]
[Topic accepted, continuing report...] Reach out to [Smiley's]: smileyspodcast@gmail.com
Watch [Smiley's] on [YouTube]: https://youtu.be/pfgOC93mjLA
Receive schedule [Updates]: https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley Buy [Smiley's] a drink: https://ko-fi.com/smileys
[Suggested Topic: HOLY SHIT SMILEY'S IS BACK? HYPE]
[Don't get your hopes up yet.]
[Topic denied, report complete.]
[Spoilers MBotF]
If you've been in the Malazan sphere long enough, you've probably heard the adage "Kallor did nothing wrong" more than once. Turns out, those four words encompass whole avenues of discussion that one video couldn't possibly hope to tackle. But all in due time.
Inspired largely by our chat with AP about narration & his excellent videos on the subject.
His prologue close reading (spoilers for MoI): https://youtu.be/TCMsQIBGx_I?si=XEOxv8C6KhXqidMq
His "tragedy of the High King" (spoilers for all Malazan Books): https://youtu.be/Kb7Rwa_5SBM?si=m6wkr7LPtwzpimyN
And my recent discussions over on the Malazan subreddit (well, not quite "recent" per se, but this is a recurring subject), I figured I had to put my money where my mouth is & actually write/record something on the matter. I elected to do the latter.
This is the second attempt at doing so (due to technical errors on the first one) & it's rather sizeable (I'm quite loquacious, I am). I could (and perhaps, had I thought about it sooner, would) have split this episode along different lines, but for such matters you'll have to head over to more knowledgeable turf.
The excerpts discussed are the second prologue of Memories of Ice & a certain scene in Midnight Tides. What that tells us about Kallor & the characters present, how it plays into his making into a tragic figure, and how it ties back to the adage of "Kallor did nothing wrong."
If you, too, think Kallor did nothing wrong (or if you think he's the Malaz devil incarnate, or anything inbetween), please do reach out: smileyspodcast@gmail.com
Would you prefer YouTube? https://youtu.be/WzsMHDSM8Ao
Want schedule updates? https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley
Wanna buy us a drink? https://ko-fi.com/smileys
[Spoilers for All Malazan books]
[Mild spoilers for Book of the New Sun, Kushiel's Legacy, Farseer Trilogy & the Scarlet Letter (we're thorough, damn it!)]
Hello & welcome to a very special guest episode featuring AP, longtime viewer, supporter, and indirect (and now somewhat more direct!) mentor. AP surely needs no introduction, so let's get to more pertinent matters.
We spend the better part of an hour discussing non-Malazan related narration, narrative techniques, layers, and a host of similar aspects. It's a mesmerizing learning experience when someone as passionate & knowledgeable about a subject as AP talks about said subject at length (and I did make use of some of the things I learned here in my own writings!).
Most of our discussion revolves around Kharkanas, but we do spend quite a bit of time talking about the narration present in the Book of the Fallen and the different narrative layers present. I daresay I have a new perspective on matters - especially in Kharkanas - which I lacked before (you may note that Steve had a similar effect when we talked to him, as did Cam).
AP, you're always welcome to the Tavern - just say the word. And everyone else, thank you for listening (and you, too, are welcome in the tavern!)
Per that idea, feel free to reach out for an invitation and we'll be quite accommodating, one hopes: smileyspodcast@gmail.com
Would you prefer YouTube (though note that it, too, is audio only)? https://youtu.be/LKv1uuwKeCc
Want schedule updates? https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley
Wanna buy us a drink? https://ko-fi.com/smileys
[Information Requested: How dare you, Will Wight?]
Smiley's is back to Cradle, with one core question: How dare you, Will Wight?
Underlord's a damn fine book. Action-packed, lots of heartfelt moments, interesting worldbuilding, and we hate it for all those reasons. We here at Smiley's have taken a firm stand against authors making us feel things. Not us, no sir.
Jests aside, this book led to us devouring Uncrowned in a handful of days in spite of being tremendously busy. It's a really good book.
But still. How dare you, sir?
[Suggested topic: Smiley's socials. Continue?]
[Topic accepted, continuing report...]
Reach out to [Smiley's]: smileyspodcast@gmail.com
Watch [Smiley's] on [YouTube]: https://youtu.be/rJUv-90jibY
Receive schedule [Updates]: https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley Buy [Smiley's] a drink: https://ko-fi.com/smileys
[Suggested Topic: HOLY SHIT THEY'RE MAKING AN ANIMATION OF THIS THING? HYPE]
[Topic denied, report complete.]
Hello & welcome to our first (and hopefully not last) installment of the Smiley's Malazan Trivia Quiz! Lee, your host (that's me!) is joined by Mora, Wes, Nate of Podcast of the Fallen, and GB - all of which happen to be mods on the Malazan subreddit.
We actually go through a fair number of questions over quite a few rounds, and great times are (hopefully) had by all. There weren't any prizes (alas!) but the confirmation that your, uh, "mind palace is vast" indeed & the praise of all.
We hope you enjoy our impromptu wrap-up of 2023, that you have yourself a wonderful 2024, and join us in another year of Smiley's. Cheers!
If you want to participate in future quizzes- send us an email (we operate on a "first come, first served" basis): smileyspodcast@gmail.com
Would you prefer YouTube? https://youtu.be/dr3Am7eTtFw
Want schedule updates? https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley
Wanna buy us a drink? https://ko-fi.com/smileys
[Spoilers All, or only MBotF, we dont know, its all a drunken haze] We decided to slack off and not read FoL. Instead here is a random discussion on Malazan curses, limited to the ones we see in BotF. Spoilers abound, so beware new readers.
If you want us to tackle curses that appear in NotME, PtA or Kharkanas- send us an email: smileyspodcast@gmail.com
Would you prefer YouTube? https://youtu.be/UJo_bOUO4WA
Want schedule updates? https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley
Wanna buy us a drink? https://ko-fi.com/smileys
Don't you like it when chapters follow a certain thematic throughline that makes things easy? I know I do. We're back in the Citadel (or, at least, adjacent to it), and oh boy do we get going quickly. Rise Herat explores a dusty old room full of the shameful past, Orfantal explores sorcery to an unparalleled degree, Endest Silann sets off in search of decency, a goddamn dragon descends upon Kharkanas, the contingent of the Shake seeks to peruse the magic of the Terondai, and Caplo learns to heed his f***ing leopard instincts & to find some patience.
All that & more in this episode of Fall of Light, which ties in neatly to the next chapter where we mostly deal with Neret Sorr. Isn't it nice.
Heed your viewer instincts, friends, and send us an email: smileyspodcast@gmail.com
Would you prefer YouTube? https://youtu.be/u3-3FI0ufxg
Want schedule updates? https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley
Wanna buy us a drink? https://ko-fi.com/smileys
What starts off as a somewhat innocent chapter - with the biggest idiot of Fall of Light taking centre stage - quickly devolves into a mess of shifting alliances, weird mysticism, unsettling flashbacks, and overall bizarre scenes (see Narad & Threadbare).
At least it ends the way it began; simply, with the biggest idiot of Fall of Light taking centre stage. Something of a staple of Erikson's writing - showing the PoV of a character about to die - comes up more than a few times in this chapter, as does the cryptic & vague prophecy that you feel you should know about but simply don't. Ah, well.
Also, the answer to the question in the thumbnail is "Yes."
Come one, come all, Draconus apologists & propagandists as well, and reach out to us: smileyspodcast@gmail.com
Would you prefer YouTube? https://youtu.be/fEPbzFpjHu0
Want schedule updates? https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley
Wanna buy us a drink? https://ko-fi.com/smileys
Don't you just love when a chapter lays out its theme in the first paragraph? I sure do. Makes summarising very easy. However, we do suggest at least some booze on hand for this particular one; it gets... odd.
Meddling Azathanai, pride & innocence, childhood & grief, all entwine to give us what is arguably the most bizzarre chapter of Fall of Light thus far. Wreneck continues to be the MVP, while Rake, ah, well, "if it isn't the consequences of my actions."
Furthermore, Draconus' authority gets further undermined - because of course, poor bastard can't catch a break - at the hands of both his master-at-arms, and his ex. And a few more innocents are caught in the crossfire.
Even so, Rake's a dumbass - sorry not sorry - though he is learning that his actions often have consequences.
If you, too, are a connoisseur of the finest character work and recognize Wreneck & Prok's supremacy, reach out to us; we'd love to talk: smileyspodcast@gmail.com Would you prefer YouTube? https://youtu.be/9OAIlWNcbpY Want schedule updates? https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley Wanna buy us a drink? https://ko-fi.com/smileys
[Spoilers for Kushiel's Dart, the Book of the New Sun (mild at best), the Malazan Book of the Fallen, and Forge of Darkness] Perhaps a bit of an unorthodox question, but one I feel is worth asking: Why is Kaminsod, what is his narrative significance, and why is he portrayed in the manner that he is ? At least as far as his [Redacted because of spoilers.] I'm contrasting Kaminsod to a few other unreliable narrators throughout books I've heard of & read about - Blind Gallan (Kharkanas), Phedre no Delaunay (Kushiel's Legacy), Severian (Book of the New Sun), Latro (Soldier of the Mist) - to find similarities, and differences. This is not the end - of course - but perhaps a Part One to an impending conversation on Kaminsod's narrative aspects. For more on how exactly Kaminsod recontextualizes the Book of the Fallen, I can wholeheartedly endorse AP's videos on the subject: (on that note, get well AP!) https://youtu.be/d5ZqQxIaWIc?si=O5KIOd_rsNxPKQkF At least a partial measure of credit goes to Niflrog whose ideas I've probably leeched from by osmosis: https://youtu.be/L0qjIDcZK-I?si=ZTJukViGRCiJZ3af And our socials: Reach out to us - we promise we're reliable narrators with no ulterior motives: smileyspodcast@gmail.com Would you prefer my ruggedly handsome looks? https://youtu.be/bljlZwKPRjA
Want schedule updates? https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley Wanna buy us a drink? https://ko-fi.com/smileys
This is the one where Lee geeks out about metallurgy for like half an hour (no kidding). The origins of the Hust blades, the arrival of two very, verily, verbose captains at the Hust camp, Galar being torn between caring for his lord & caring for his, ah, commander, and Wareth being one dense motherfucker. Add to that Faror Hend losing faith in this whole endeavour, and, well, here we are.
Seriously, though, this is one of the few times Lee's academical pursuits intersect with Malazan, and I just had to pounce on it. Forgive?
If you don't avoid ironworking talk like the plague, feel free to reach out: smileyspodcast@gmail.com Would you prefer YouTube? https://youtu.be/-qsRgp8svWs Want schedule updates? https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley Wanna buy us a drink? https://ko-fi.com/smileys
[Information Requested: What makes Ghostwater the best book in the series so far] Holy Suriel! This book blew us away with the writing, the set up and the banger of a reveal that nobody saw coming. There were big epic fights, sassy banter, more magic and still has a heart at its core. Many new characters were introduced, some nice and some straight up tools. All in a day's work for our danger loving protagonists though. Lee actually read it twice while waiting for Mora to get to the audiobook- it really is that good. And I can confirm that this is one of the few episodes where we really couldn't wait to hit record. [Suggested topic: Smiley's Podcast socials. Continue?] [Topic accepted, continuing report...] Reach out to [Smiley's]: smileyspodcast@gmail.com Watch [Smiley's] on [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB9jqMIAfCHY3VgOqmFYFQ9VKlOIkta1W Receive schedule [Updates]: https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley Buy [Smiley's] a drink: https://ko-fi.com/smileys [Suggested topic: Smiley's Podcast, Underlord. Continue?][Denied. Report complete.]
[Spoilers for All Malazan Books] Figured I'd record an impromptu After Hours episode to, ah, publicize my essay a little bit more. This is, admittedly, an unscripted episode, and thus is going to be a bit jumbled & all over the place. TL;DR Kallor is Edgewalker, here's why. In case you've missed it, the essay in question can be found here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Malazan/comments/15w9rze/on_edgewalkers_identity_and_a_bit_more/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3 AP's incredible video on Kallor which does far more justice (ha) to him than I could: https://youtu.be/Kb7Rwa_5SBM?si=u_bqjLB5cgRRlbpO Socials:
Our email: smileyspodcast@gmail.com
Our Twitter: https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley
Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/smileys