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Under a Pile of Books

Under a Pile of Books

By Calvin Park

A podcast for lovers of science fiction and fantasy books. Join host and reviewer Calvin Park for his thoughts on recent reads and releases. You'll also find interviews with authors, reviewers, and others involved in the fantasy community.
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Episode 28 - Beth (Before We Go Blog) Interview

Under a Pile of BooksOct 30, 2019

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33:17
Episode 96 - June 24 Weekly Pod

Episode 96 - June 24 Weekly Pod

In this episode Calvin talks about two recent reads, AWAKENING ARTE by Bernie Anes Paz and A PROPER DRAGON by E.B. Wheeler. Then he moves on to his upcoming reading plans before doing some housekeeping re: upcoming podcast episodes.

Jun 24, 202219:38
Episode 95 - June 10 Weekly Pod

Episode 95 - June 10 Weekly Pod

In this episode Calvin talks two books, Honourbound and Champion, by Todd Herzman. He also gives some explanation about why he enjoys progression fantasy as a subgenre before jumping into his upcoming reads and then talking about some wonderful SFF TV shows that are currently airing or recently aired. 

Jun 10, 202218:24
Episode 94 - June 3 Weekly Pod

Episode 94 - June 3 Weekly Pod

In this episode Calvin shares his thoughts on THE HOURGLASS THRONE by K.D. Edwards before talking about some upcoming reads, namely HONOURBOUND by Todd Herzman. He finishes out the episode with his initial thoughts on the first five episode of Stranger Things season 4!

Jun 03, 202222:16
Episode 93 - May 28 Weekly Pod

Episode 93 - May 28 Weekly Pod

In this episode Calvin reviews Guy Gavriel Kay's ALL THE SEAS OF THE WORLD. Then he goes on to talk about what reading is on deck for him (THE HOURGLASS THRONE by K.D. Edwards) and a book that dropped kinda outta the blue that is part of a series he's enjoyed (MOTHER OF LEARNING). He closes out this episode with some thoughts on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Obi-Wan Kenobi (no spoilers!).


May 28, 202217:07
Episode 92 - May 20 Weekly Pod

Episode 92 - May 20 Weekly Pod

WE'RE BACK! 

In this episode Calvin talks about THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA by TJ Klune, A WIZARDS GUIDE TO DEFENSIVE BAKING by T. Kingfisher, and the Stariel series by AJ Lancaster. After that, he mentions some upcoming releases he's excited about before giving a brief update on plans for the near future and sharing about a few SPFBO entrants he's intrigued by and then recommending a new sci-fi show to you.

May 20, 202220:27
Episode 91 - Interview with Judith Starkston

Episode 91 - Interview with Judith Starkston

In this episode, Calvin chats with Judith Starkston about her Tesha series!

Jan 09, 202128:46
Episode 90 - John Bierce

Episode 90 - John Bierce

John Bierce, author of the Mage Errant series and The Wrack joins the pod to talk about the Mage Errant books, his writing inspirations, and fantasy generally. 

Nov 12, 202023:58
Episode 89 - Interview with Travis M. Riddle

Episode 89 - Interview with Travis M. Riddle

In this episode, Calvin sits down with Travis M. Riddle to talk about his upcoming release, FLESH EATER.

Oct 26, 202027:07
Episode 88 - October 24 Weekly Pod

Episode 88 - October 24 Weekly Pod

After a too-long hiatus, Calvin is back with a new episode. In this one, he talks about books by Michael J. Sullivan, Will Wight, Travis M. Riddle, and Tao Wong. After offering his reviews on those, he moves on to talking about two upcoming releases he is excited about. 

Oct 24, 202026:55
Episode 87 - SPFM Special - SPFBO Winners Roundtable

Episode 87 - SPFM Special - SPFBO Winners Roundtable

We end our Self-Published Fantasy Month special with a bang! In this final special episode, Calvin sits down with all five SPFBO winners to talk about self-publishing. Michael McClung, Jonathan French, Rob J. Hayes, J. Zachary Pike, and M.L. Wang all share their thoughts and experiences. A huge thanks to each of the authors for their time (especially to those who got up early or stayed up late). 

Sep 29, 202040:03
Episode 86 - Discovering Self-Published Fantasy

Episode 86 - Discovering Self-Published Fantasy

In this episode Calvin sits down with Caitlin G of Realms of My Mind. The two of them talk about Caitlin's experience last year with Self-Published Fantasy Month, how she got into self-published fantasy, her mountainous TBR, and plenty of other topics!

Sep 22, 202030:39
Episode 85 - September 20 Weekly Pod

Episode 85 - September 20 Weekly Pod

In this episode Calvin offers reviews for THE EXERCISE OF VITAL POWERS by Ian Gregorie and BY SEA & SKY by Antoine Bandele. After that, it's on to his upcoming reads and then some upcoming releases. He also previous some of his October reading plans before giving a shoutout to JonBob over at Parsecs & Parchment on the occasion of his one-year blogoversary!

Sep 20, 202021:23
Episode 84 - SPFM Special - Writer Mom Roundtable

Episode 84 - SPFM Special - Writer Mom Roundtable

In this episode, Calvin sits down with Azaaa Davis, Angela Boord, and Carol A. Park. The four have a wonderful discussion around self-publishing, writing, being a "writer-mom," and a whole host of other issues. 

Sep 15, 202037:23
Episode 83 - SPFM Special - Michael and Robin Sullivan Interview

Episode 83 - SPFM Special - Michael and Robin Sullivan Interview

In this episode, Calvin sits down with Michael J. Sullivan and his wife, Robin. What more can we say? You do NOT want to miss this one!

Sep 08, 202056:46
Episode 82 - September 6 Weekly Pod

Episode 82 - September 6 Weekly Pod

In this episode Calvin talks more about Self-Published Fantasy Month, then its on to HALF A SOUL by Olivia Atwater before yakking about some upcoming releases and his excitement for several October/November releases in particular. Then Calvin fills you in on what you can expect over the next several weeks and teases an upcoming interview that is gonna be lit.

Sep 06, 202020:30
Episode 81 - SPFM Special - Hostcast

Episode 81 - SPFM Special - Hostcast

#SelfPubFantasyMonth is upon us and there are more ways for you to be involved than is, strictly speaking, beneficial to your sanity.  You don't want to miss this one! In this episode, Calvin and the other co-hosts for Self Published Fantasy Month sit down to discuss everything coming in September 2020.

Sep 01, 202057:39
Episode 80 - August 23 Weekly Pod

Episode 80 - August 23 Weekly Pod

In this episode Calvin talks about books by Will Wight and then works to get you ready for Self-Published Fantasy Month!

Aug 23, 202015:45
Episode 79 - August 2 Weekly Pod
Aug 02, 202022:16
Episode 78 - July 19 Weekly Pod
Jul 19, 202020:01
Episode 77 - Patrick Samphire Interview
Jul 08, 202027:22
Episode 76 - June 28 Weekly Pod

Episode 76 - June 28 Weekly Pod

In this episode Calvin talks about PRIESTESS OF ISHANA by Judith Starkston--what could be better than a Hittite-inspired fantasy? He also mentions a graphic novel retelling of The Odyssey before moving on to his upcoming reads. After that it's a bit of discussion around Netflix's Castlevania series. 

Jun 28, 202016:37
Episode 75 - June 21 Weekly Pod

Episode 75 - June 21 Weekly Pod

In this episode, Calvin reviews THE KINGDOM OF LIARS by Nick Martell. It's a hard one to review, so you'll have to be the judge of whether or not he succeeds. Then it's on to talk about his upcoming reads, and books coming out on his radar (WE RIDE THE STORM!!!). You're in for a treat after this segment, as Calvin moves to talk about Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn, which he'd never seen before but enjoyed watching on Netflix. 

Jun 22, 202020:53
Episode 74 - June 14 Weekly Pod

Episode 74 - June 14 Weekly Pod

In this episode, Calvin talks about A KING'S BARGAIN by J.D.L. Rosell, MARCH: BOOK TWO by John Lewis et al., and THEY CALLED US ENEMY by George Takei. After that, it's on to some conversation about Calvin's upcoming read, including THE KINGDOM OF LIARS by Nick Martell. The podcast is rounded out with some discussion of the PS5 announcement, especially Horizon Forbidden West.

Jun 14, 202019:45
Episode 73 - June 7 Weekly Pod

Episode 73 - June 7 Weekly Pod

In this episode, Calvin talks about I, EXILE by David M. Samuels, one of his recent reads. Then it's on to his plans for upcoming reads (including A KING'S BARGAIN by J.D.L. Rosell and THE KINGDOM OF LIARS by Nick Martell). After that, Calvin talks about his love for Mercedes Lackey's novels, then it's on to some brief talk about D&D and Self-Published Fantasy Month. 

Jun 07, 202017:07
Episode 72 - May 31 Weekly Pod

Episode 72 - May 31 Weekly Pod

In this episode, Calvin talks the Orbit version of WE RIDE THE STORM by Devin Madson, THE OBSIDIAN TOWER by Melissa Caruso, and SHADOW OF A DEAD GOD by Patrick Samphire. After that, he shares some of his upcoming reading plans, highlights a book that releases this week, and then talks about the new edition of the Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off! 

May 31, 202024:41
Episode 71 - Luke Tarzian Interview
Apr 29, 202022:54
Episode 70 - April 26 Weekly Pod

Episode 70 - April 26 Weekly Pod

In this episode Calvin talks about THE RANGER OF MARZANNA by Jon Skovron, yaks about his upcoming reading plans, and makes sure you're aware of OF HONEY AND WILDFIRES releasing this week. Then it's on to some talk about virtual cons and other tidbits. 

Apr 26, 202021:09
Episode 69 - Sarah Chorn Interview

Episode 69 - Sarah Chorn Interview

In this episode, Calvin interviews Sarah Chorn (aka BookWormBlues) about her upcoming release, OF HONEY AND WILDFIRES. 

Apr 22, 202026:07
Episode 68 - April 19 Weekly Pod

Episode 68 - April 19 Weekly Pod

In this episode, Calvin talks THRAWN: ALLIANCES by Timothy Zahn, then he highlights some upcoming releases he's excited about, including SHOREFALL by Robert Jackson Bennett and THE GIRL AND THE STARS by Mark Lawrence. After that it's on to some items in the zeitgeist, including the sad news of SDCC's cancellation and some talk about r/Fantasy Virtual Con. 

Apr 19, 202020:04
Episode 67 - r/Fantasy Book Bingo Part Two

Episode 67 - r/Fantasy Book Bingo Part Two

Join Lisa and Calvin as they dive into the second part of their book bingo conversation!

Apr 16, 202032:53
Episode 66 - April 12 Weekly Pod

Episode 66 - April 12 Weekly Pod

In this episode Calvin talks about THRAWN by Timothy Zahn and THE WORLD MAKER PARABLE by Luke Tarzian. Then it's on to some talk about upcoming reads and releases. After that, there's talk of Dungeons and Dragons, Kingdoms of Amalur, and--of course--Final Fantasy 7 Remake. 

Apr 12, 202020:00
Episode 65 - r/Fantasy Book Bingo Part 1

Episode 65 - r/Fantasy Book Bingo Part 1

Calvin and Lisa talk r/Fantasy's yearly Book Bingo challenge!

Apr 08, 202035:09
Episode 64 - April 4 Weekly Pod

Episode 64 - April 4 Weekly Pod

In this episode, Calvin reviews TALES OF IOTH by D.P. Woolliscroft. Then it's on to talk about his upcoming reads and releases that should be on your radar. The episode closes out with talk about the movie Onward, r/fantasy Book Bingo, and Final Fantasy 7 Remake. 

Apr 04, 202018:44
Episode 63 - March 29 Weekly Pod

Episode 63 - March 29 Weekly Pod

In this episode Calvin offers his thoughts on SHOREFALL by Robert Jackson Bennett. Then he moves on to some rambling thoughts on what his next read might be. After that it's on to highlight some upcoming releases before talking about Star Trek: Picard, The Letter for the King, Kingdoms of Amalur, and Dungeons & Dragons. 

Mar 29, 202021:02
Episode 62 - Virginia McClain Interview

Episode 62 - Virginia McClain Interview

Calvin sits down with Virginia McClain for an interview about her books, what it's like to be a SPFBO finalist, her writing process, and plenty else besides.

Mar 26, 202028:36
Episode 61 - March 21 Weekly Pod

Episode 61 - March 21 Weekly Pod

In this episode, Calvin talks about THE RAGE OF DRAGONS by Evan Winter and OF HONEY AND WILDFIRES by Sarah Chorn before talking about his upcoming reads, including SHOREFALL by Robert Jackson Bennett. Then it's on to discuss an upcoming release. Finally Calvin talks about the Book Twitter community and coming together to support one another during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Mar 22, 202019:19
Episode 60 - Samuel Gately Interview

Episode 60 - Samuel Gately Interview

In this episode, Calvin sits down with Samuel Gately to talk about his newest release, THE HEADLOCK OF DESTINY.

Mar 11, 202029:54
Episode 59 - March 7 Weekly Pod

Episode 59 - March 7 Weekly Pod

In this episode, Calvin offers his thoughts on FLEET OF KNIVES by Gareth L. Powell and BONDS OF BRASS by Emily Skrutskie. Then it's on to his upcoming reads, the first of which has been on his list for ages. After that, there's time to highlight BLIGHT MARKED by Josh Erikson which releases this week. The episode concludes with talk about the upcoming Final Fantasy 7 Remake.  

Mar 08, 202023:13
Episode 58 - Devin Madson Interview

Episode 58 - Devin Madson Interview

Calvin sits down with Devin Madson to talk about her book, WE RIDE THE STORM, the craft of writing, her Vengeance Trilogy, and a bunch of other stuff. 

Mar 05, 202032:49
Episode 57 - February 29 Weekly Pod

Episode 57 - February 29 Weekly Pod

In this episode, Calvin talks about THE WOLF OF OREN-YARO by K.S. Villoso. Then it's on to some upcoming reading plans include FLEET OF KNIVES by Gareth L. Powell and BONDS OF BRASS by Emily Skrutskie. After that he mentions upcoming releases on his radar, then it's on to some talk about the Booknest fantasy awards and Star Wars The High Republic. 

Feb 29, 202020:57
Episode 56 - Josh Erikson Interview Redux

Episode 56 - Josh Erikson Interview Redux

Calvin sits down once again with Josh Erikson, this time to talk about his forthcoming book, BLIGHT MARKED, as well as a bunch of other stuff. 

Feb 27, 202029:26
Episode 55 - February 22 Weekly Pod

Episode 55 - February 22 Weekly Pod

In this week's episode, Calvin talks about THE HEADLOCK OF DESTINY by Samuel Gately and STONE SOUL by eden Hudson. Then it's on to a preview of his upcoming reads, including THE WOLF OF OREN-YARO by K.S. Villoso and FLEET OF KNIVES by Gareth Powell. A bit of rambling ensues before Calvin gets back on track talking about the release of MASTER OF SORROWS. The episode wraps up with some talk about the SPFBO finals! 

Feb 23, 202017:45
Episode 54 - February 15 Weekly Pod

Episode 54 - February 15 Weekly Pod

In this episode, Calvin talks about some of his reads from the past two weeks, including MASTER OF SORROWS by Justin T. Call, MOONTANGLED by Stephanie Burgis, and STARSIGHT by Brandon Sanderson. After that, it's on to his upcoming reading plans which include THE HEADLOCK OF DESTINY by Samuel Gately and STONE SOUL by eden Hudson. In the next segment Calvin talks about some of the upcoming releases on his radar before diving into some fun news from the SFF world that has come out over the past week or two. 

Feb 16, 202029:29
Episode 53 - Star Wars with Filip

Episode 53 - Star Wars with Filip

In this episode, Calvin chats with Filip from Booknest.eu, and the two talk about all things Star Wars--or as close to that goal as you can realistically get in 30 minutes!

Feb 13, 202036:49
Episode 52 - Stephanie Burgis Interview

Episode 52 - Stephanie Burgis Interview

In this episode Calvin sits down with Stephanie Burgis and the two talk about her novels, what went into her decision to be a hybrid author, misogyny in fantasy, and fantasy romance. At one point Stephanie references an article by Alix E. Harrow, and that article can be found here: https://writtenworld.substack.com/p/the-written-world-of-love

Feb 05, 202034:02
Episode 51 - February 1 Weekly Pod

Episode 51 - February 1 Weekly Pod

In this episode Calvin talks about BINTI by Nnedi Okorafor, BLIGHT MARKED by Josh Erikson, and THE SEVENTH SUN by Lani Forbes--and he enjoyed all of them a lot. After that, he moves on to outlining what he hopes to read in the coming week (MASTER OF SORROWS by Justin T. Call). Then it's on to highlight some notable releases for the upcoming week, MOONTANGLED by Stephanie Burgis and AGE OF DEATH by Michael J. Sullivan. After that Calvin congratulates Devin Madson on her 7-book deal with Orbit and talks briefly about Star Trek Picard. It's a packed pod this week, with plenty for everyone! 

Feb 02, 202027:52
Episode 50 - Caitlin G Interview

Episode 50 - Caitlin G Interview

In this interview, Calvin talks with Caitlin from Realms of My Mind. The two squee about ARCs (Advance Reader Copy), how wonderful it is to be part of the book community online, favorite recent reads, some of the video games they're looking forward to, and a bunch of other topics. It's also the 50th episode of the podcast, so you definitely don't want to miss it!

Jan 29, 202029:48
Episode 49 - January 25 Weekly Pod

Episode 49 - January 25 Weekly Pod

In this episode, Calvin talks A TALE OF STARS AND SHADOW by Lisa Cassidy. Then it's on to brief discussions of his planned reads, namely BINTI by Nnedi Okorafor and BLIGHT MARKED by Josh Erikson. After this, Calvin talks some video game rumors surrounding Knights of the Old Republic, then it's on to Star Trek: Picard. He rounds out the pod with a teaser discussion about where to begin as a new fantasy reader, and a suggestion to use the SPFBO Sampler if you're new to self-published fantasy. 

Jan 26, 202019:25
Episode 48 - January 18 Weekly Pod

Episode 48 - January 18 Weekly Pod

In this episode, Calvin talks about THORNBOUND by Stephanie Burgis and THE TEN THOUSAND DOORS OF JANUARY by Alix E. Harrow. After this, he outlines his next planned read A TALE OF STARS & SHADOW by Lisa Cassidy and then talks about A QUEEN IN HIDING by Sarah Kozloff, an upcoming release on his radar. After that it's on to a bit of talk about the soon-to-release Star Trek: Picard and then a couple housekeeping items to round out the pod

Jan 19, 202020:55
Episode 47 - Interview with Rob J. Hayes

Episode 47 - Interview with Rob J. Hayes

In this episode, Calvin interviews Rob J. Hayes, winner of the 2017 SPFBO and a finalist in this year's SPFBO. The two talk about Rob's books, fantasy in general, and several other topics. 

Jan 15, 202021:50