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

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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

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[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

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[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.]

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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

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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

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[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.

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[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?]

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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

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[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.

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[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.]

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