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.]