Episodios

  • Wintersteel Part 2 - Will Wight - Progression Fantasy Book - Fantasy Book
    Dec 16 2025

    In Part 2 of Will Wight’s Wintersteel. The SideQuest Book Club Podcast hosts, Slava and Jonathan, dive deeper into breaking down major themes of character development, including Aethon’s unique sight, Mercy’s public humiliation, and Yerin’s intense training and evolving bond with her Blood Shadow. The discussion builds toward the final battle, where Yerin undergoes a powerful transformation that opens a conversation about archetypal icons and the deeper character truths they represent.

    (00:00) Introduction and Technical Glitches
    (01:05) Aethon’s Revelation and Abilities
    (08:14) Mercy and Malice: Public Humiliation
    (12:07) Yerin’s Training & Blood Shadow Dynamics
    (20:04) Linden’s Point System & Character Dynamics
    (27:03) Team Dynamics & Character Development
    (30:35) Lyndon’s Strategic Growth
    (32:54) Character Development & Team Dynamics
    (35:59) Yerin’s Internal and External Struggles
    (39:12) The Final Battle & Its Consequences
    (48:49) Archetypal Truths & Character Icons

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    59 m
  • Wintersteel Part 1 - Will Wight - Progression Fantasy Book - Fantasy Book
    Dec 9 2025

    Hey Adventurers! Back to the Cradle we go. In this episode, we delve into the eighth book of the Cradle series, Wintersteel, exploring the intricacies of the Uncrowned King Tournament and its implications for power dynamics among factions. Slava and Jonathan discuss character developments, particularly focusing on Linden, Yeren, and Aethon, while also addressing the emotional stakes and romantic elements that add depth to the narrative.

    (00:00) Introduction to Cradle and Recap of Uncrowned
    (02:50) Wintersteel Overview and Key Events
    (05:58) Prologue Insights and Yerin’s Backstory
    (09:06) The Script Circle and Its Implications
    (12:02) Linden’s Encounter with Northstrider
    (14:55) Tournament Stakes and Monarch Dilemmas
    (18:03) Character Dynamics and Relationships
    (20:43) Eithan’s Rise and Tournament Highlights
    (23:41) Tournament Structure and Character Development
    (26:53) Linden’s Struggles and Growth
    (29:59) Conclusion and Reflections on the Journey
    (32:05) Planet Fitness and First Impressions
    (32:27) The Date Between Linden and Yerin
    (37:05) Awkward Moments and Growing Connections
    (39:04) The Importance of Reading in a Dangerous World
    (44:30) The Role of Education in Survival
    (48:35) Eithan’s Hidden Depths and Future Adventures

    Our website: www.thesidequestpodcast.com

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    52 m
  • Jurassic Park Part 2 - Michael Crichton - Thriller Book - Science Fiction Book
    Dec 2 2025

    In this episode of The Side Quest Book Club Podcast, hosts Slava and Jonathan (again) dive into Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton. This conversation delves into themes, character development, and the implications of hubris and chaos theory. The hosts discuss the narrative structure that keeps readers engaged. They analyze the illusion of control and the importance of subplots, ultimately reflecting on the storytelling techniques that make the novel a classic.

    (00:00) Introduction Return to Jurassic Park’s Chaos
    (05:51) The Unfolding Disaster
    (12:16) The T-Rex Encounter
    (21:26) Nedry’s Downfall
    (29:14) The Search for Nedry
    (35:01) The T-Rex Rampage
    (39:40) Deus Ex Machina in Jurassic Park?
    (42:00) Chaos Theory & Nature’s Unpredictability
    (45:04) Control vs. Collapse in Jurassic Park
    (48:51) Hammond’s Denial & Hubris
    (52:50) Final Showdown: Nature vs. Human Ambition
    (57:04) Aftermath: Responsibility & Consequences
    (01:01:06) The End of the Park: A New Beginning?
    (01:03:59) Thriller vs. Horror: Understanding the Genres

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    1 h y 11 m
  • Jurassic Park Part 1 - Michael Crichton - Thriller Book - Science Fiction Book
    Nov 25 2025

    In this episode of The Side Quest Book Club Podcast, hosts Slava and Jonathan dive into Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton. They explore the novel’s core themes—hubris, chaos theory, and the illusion of control in science—while unpacking its character development and layered storytelling. The discussion also covers Crichton’s background, the lasting success of the Jurassic Park franchise, and the narrative techniques that make the book a defining classic of modern science fiction.

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    (00:00) Jurassic Park — Episode Introduction
    (02:59) Michael Crichton: Author Background
    (05:53) Jurassic Park Premise Overview
    (09:00) Franchise Success & Cultural Impact
    (11:47) Nostalgia Factor & Lasting Appeal
    (14:48) Key Characters & Core Themes
    (17:50) Foreshadowing & Story Setup
    (20:46) Technology, Ethics & Science
    (23:35) Final Thoughts on the Opening Chapters
    (29:24) “The Taste of Survival” Breakdown
    (29:57) Narrative Perspective Choices
    (32:40) Character Depth & Reader Engagement
    (34:53) Subplots & Plot Structure
    (38:31) The Illusion of Control in Jurassic Park
    (50:35) Chaos Theory & Consequences

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    1 h y 3 m
  • Red Seas Under Red Skies Part 5 - Scott Lynch - High Fantasy Book - Heist Book
    Nov 18 2025

    In this episode of The Side Quest Book Club Podcast, JT and Casey surprise Jonathan with their scheduled appearance. We finish our trek across Red Seas Under Red Skies by Scott Lynch.

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    00:00 – Side Quest Intro: Endless Library Spoiler Fest
    00:18 – Pirates Preamble: Red Seas Under Red Skies Pt. 5 Welcome
    00:55 – Cult of First-Time Readers Confirmed
    01:15 – Rapid-Fire: Books 1 & 2 Overviews Kick Off
    01:42 – Worldbuilding Breakdown: Elder Glass & Sanderson Vibes
    02:57 – Favorite Moments and Quotes for the Guests
    09:17 – "Thieves Prosper" vs. Cheaters Never Win Debate
    10:40 – Slava's Picks: Gray King Duel & "Nice Bird, Asshole"
    13:31 – Bondsmagi Horror: Children of the Corn Alley Creep-Out
    16:18 – Sabetha Tease: Locke's Eternal White Whale
    27:51 – Pirate Lords Council: Pirates of the Caribbean Parallels
    30:07 – Morane Mystery: Why Kill Her Own Boss?
    32:18 – Ezra's Death: Lacks Punch Compared to Calo & Galdo
    34:13 – Cliffhanger Recap: "More Blood Than 200 Years"
    36:05 – Outro: Mutiny Upstairs & Subscribe Call

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    1 h y 37 m
  • Red Seas Under Red Skies Part 4 - Scott Lynch - High Fantasy Book - Heist Book
    Nov 11 2025

    In this episode of The Side Quest Book Club Podcast, we cover chapters 12–16 of Scott Lynch’s Red Seas Under Red Skies. We examine loyalty, love, and the consequences of choices, leading to a confrontation with Straggos. Jonathan and Slava discuss the impact of character deaths, heist planning, and the twists that drive the story, highlighting Lynch’s character development and storytelling.

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    (00:00) Intro: The Betrayal of the Pirate Queen
    (02:56) Fog and Fear: The Crew's Dilemma
    (06:05) The Tattered Crimson: A Pirate's Haven
    (08:53) Trust and Deception Among Pirates
    (11:59) Plans and Betrayals: The Stakes Rise
    (15:08) Love and Loyalty: Choices to Be Made
    (18:03) The Impulsive Leader: Straggos' Downfall
    (24:51) The Complexity of Villains
    (27:28) The Weight of Loss
    (29:30) Plans and Deceptions
    (32:54) The Art of Distraction
    (35:56) Twists and Turns of Fate
    (39:03) The Aftermath of Betrayal
    (42:54) Repercussions and New Beginnings
    (44:43) The Final Confrontation

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    50 m
  • Red Seas Under Red Skies Part 3 - Scott Lynch - High Fantasy Book - Heist Book
    Nov 4 2025

    In this episode of the Side Quest Book Club Podcast, we delve into the chaotic world of 'Red Seas Under Red Skies,' exploring themes of loyalty, deception, and the complexities of pirate life. Covering up to chapter 11, we discuss the challenges faced by Locke and Jean as they navigate mutiny, the dynamics of Zamira's crew, and the moral dilemmas that arise in their quest for survival. The conversation highlights character development, the influence of the Crooked Warden, and the evolving relationship between the protagonists as they adapt to their new circumstances.

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    (00:00) Setting Sail into Chaos
    (01:08) Mutiny and Misfortune
    (03:02) The Pirate's Dance of Deception
    (06:40) Zamira's Crew: Loyalty and Chaos
    (09:15) Prisoners of the Poison Orchid
    (11:34) Secrets and Lies Unraveled
    (18:47) Scrub Watch: A New Beginning
    (20:17) The Weight of Loyalty
    (25:54) The Crooked Warden's Influence
    (32:22) Adaptability and Compassion
    (38:49) Testing Loyalties
    (41:48) The Ritual of Acceptance

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    53 m
  • Red Seas Under Red Skies Part 2 - Scott Lynch - High Fantasy Book - Heist Book
    Oct 28 2025

    In this episode of the Side Quest Book Club Podcast, we dive into chapters 4–7 of Red Seas Under Red Skies and wrap up part one of the book. We break down Locke and Jean’s meeting with a poisoner, the brutal wasp spectacle, and their pirate training under the manipulative Drakos. Along the way, we recap key plot points and explore the role of the gods in the story and speculate on what’s ahead, including a possible clash with the Bonds Magi.

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    (00:00) Intro & Setup
    (00:10) Sailing Terms & Banter
    (01:20) Talking with the Poisoner
    (02:47) Cage Spectacle & Worldbuilding
    (04:04) Character Motives
    (09:16) Meeting Requin
    (15:44) Assassination Attempt
    (22:36) Locke’s Outrage
    (26:11) Back to Dragos Fortress
    (27:26) The Alchemist’s Plan
    (28:22) Mechanical Marvels
    (30:36) Reflections & Memories
    (39:51) Nautical Training
    (44:23) Prison Break
    (46:41) Leadership at Sea
    (48:00) Closing Thoughts

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    52 m