Smiley's Podcast

[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

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[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

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[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?

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[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

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[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

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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

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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

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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

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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:

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I like to call this one, the "what the fuck" chapter. The Deniers & Shake plotlines are more intertwined than ever, incomprehensible prophecies are uttered, the predators become prey, and to top it all off, we get an almost slice-of-life scene at Tulas' keep, where Kagamandra plots his vengeance against Silchas & Scara.

Oh, and Spinnock Durav Tiste-kisses (that's a verb now, yes) a dragon. So there is that. Lovely.

Prophecy? Fuck prophecy, but do reach out with us: smileyspodcast@gmail.com

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Some much required levity in this chapter (because it's about to plunge again), with a boy with freckles on his arms, a Thel Akai huntress, an undead guardian of an Azath tower, the stupifying fuckery of the Jaghut, and - of course - Korya & Arathan. Oh, and an Azathanai hiding amongst the Jaghut because - well, because of course.

Whatever the case, Mora & Lee are off to see a man with freckles on his arms. We hope you enjoy.

Wisdom may indeed be overrated, but our email is not: smileyspodcast@gmail.com

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[Warning for poor audio quality]

Through hardships & difficulties, the merry band of Mora & Lee persevere through yet another recording. Thankfully, this particular chapter was lower in stakes & so we spent the time laughing & giggling in exasperation, as this chapter feels apropos of nothing that came before it.

A similar merry group of misfits - Lasa's three husbands, Lasa & Hanako - come upon yet another misfit (that apparently walked through the lake floor!) and hilarities ensue. Amidst all the banter & explicit jokes, shocking tenderness (get your mind out of the gutter) arises, as we posit that the three husbands represent the three "main" forms of attraction; sexual (Garelko), romantic, and aesthetic. All three husbands love Lasa, and Lasa loves them in turn. Love all abound.

Oh, and there's a dragon in your garden, good sir. This chapter's fucking hysterical.

The sea may not dream of you, but our email yearns: smileyspodcast@gmail.com

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As the last chapter dealt with the dwellers of the Citadel and a particular Azathanai amidst them, so does this chapter deal with the residents of Neret Sorr. Father Light, a man of many words but little action is accosted by Syntara & Sagander while his adopted daughter puts both of them on blast. Renarr finally opens up to the audience, though her thoughts are scant comfort. The captains of the Legion continue engaging in sordid acts - including Hunn Raal copulating with a campfire! - while young Sheltatha Lore is dispatched to the keep proper.

Lee also partakes of the last of his aqvavit, because he simply could not get through this chapter without it. We hope you enjoy our suffering.

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We find ourselves in the Citadel of Kharkanas for virtually the entire chapter, as the intrigue about unveils. Jaded poets mock, desperate historians plot, cheery Azathanai relate their bloody pasts, nobleborn seek easy routes to power, and children - a title independent of one's age - stumble blindly throughout.

All this and more, as narrated by Mora, with frequent interjections from Lee to nerd out about all sorts of things. Thus, we hope you enjoy!

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[Information Requested: Smiley's Podcast, Skysworn, Description.]

Beginning report...

Skysworn, an apparently rather divisive among the Cradle community, that perhaps can be adequately summed up as "feels." Will expands the world some more (this time without implicating Lindon!), finally gives us the promised duel, ups the ante a little, then ups the ante a lot going into the next few books. Lindon makes new friends, new enemies (lots of those), and eventually becomes a member of the titular Skysworn. Albeit a disliked one.

All in all, we enjoyed the book, despite the naysayers. Lots of feels, though.

[Suggested topic: Smiley's Podcast socials. Continue?]

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[Suggested topic: Smiley's Podcast, Ghostwater. Continue?]

[Denied. Report complete.]

[Spoilers MBotF, NotME, FoD & FoL upto Chapter 9]

Mandy broods, Brood mopes, and the Dracons household is caught in the middle of the maelstrom. The Prazek & Dathenar stand-in arrives on scene, and wonderful conversations about the woes of faith, societal injustice, sorcery & healing, and a more comprehensive rundown of Gothos' arguments ensue. All the while, the duo of Brood & Rake meet Wreneck, who becomes Anomander's belated - and bloodthirsty - conscience. We also get a fairly interesting rundown on what Rake believes are "the necessities of proper rule," so there is that.

Exciting things ahead. We hope you enjoy!

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[Information Requested: Smiley's Podcast, Blackflame, Description]

Beginning Report...

Lee & Mora are back in Cradle, following a sixteen year old kid that doesn't know what "surrender" or "stop" means. Well, two of them, really. In this installment, Lindon unlocks the titular powers of Blackflame through contact with a turtle (Why a turtle?) all the while training for his inevitable duel. Eithan steals the show as he so often does (delightful) while a few more characters we came into contact with last book get fleshed out further.

In all, interesting things galore. Seriously, though, why a turtle?

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[Suggested topic: Smiley's Podcast, Skysworn. Continue?]

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Riders as ever engaged in civil conversation, crows of black & white abound, a reluctant bearer of bad news, an unlikely couple sheltering an estranged brother, and Captain Kellaras being given a bath for five Hood-damned pages. It's that kind of chapter.

Not very much happens in Chapter 8 of Fall of Light, but simultaneously, a lot of thing happen. It's a bizzare quirk of Kharkanas in that, when things seem to slow down to a halt, the buildup is in the character work, and the thematic exploration being done in the background.

Does that "excuse" Kellaras being bathed for five pages? Discuss.

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[Information Requested: Soulsmith, Smiley's Podcast, Description]

[Beginning report...]

Another day, another Cradle book flew by. A book that well & truly made Lee go "nope, nope, nope, not this, no thank you" with just how much shit Will puts Lindon through. The "most obnoxious character" in Cradle makes his first appearance, our two protagonists are put through even more shit than last book (an impressive feat, all told), and - well - our protagonist learns the titular art of Soulsmithing.

[Suggested topic: Smiley's Podcast socials. Continue?]

[Topic accepted, continuing report...]

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[Report complete.]

[Spoilers MBotF, NotME, FoD, FoL Chapter 7]

And we are back, with verbosity & loquaciousness abound, though we highly suggest you watch/listen to the earlier episode as it follows directly from this, alas.

No matter; we return to the whore's tent, where the whore becomes a goddess - or something akin to it; to the unimaginative drunk awakening to dangerous power; and to the captain affecting cleanup of the Legion camp since civil war is, indeed, a messy business.

We do hope you enjoy nonetheless.

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[Spoilers MBotF, NotME, FoD, FoL Chapter 7]

Quite the loquacious man, is our Lee, to the point where this particular episode needed to be split in twain. Join us & be witness to the foul meeting between a Father & the unspotted Captain, one who styles herself Daughter Light & a truly horrid drunk, and perhaps the only good Issgin battling her own inner demons.

Incidentally, we are also stopping along the fault lines of the audiobook, with about the same amount of time allotted to our summary & analysis of the chapter as the audiobook. Lee has a lot to say, alright?

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So after a night of considerable drinking, and perhaps some less-than-rational decisions, we decided - eh, why not, let's sit down & record an episode on reading orders.

After we concluded that there is only one objective answer to this question & no dissent from common opinion shall be tolerated, we decided to at least entertain the possibility of dissenting from said common opinion. Intolerable! Heretical! THE SACRED TEXTS!

In spite of our transgressions, we do hope you enjoy this episode.

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In continuing with the "now the tale's tone must change" motif, we visit the Jaghut & observe their antics. Hood's army is gathering, and the Lord of Hate evidently disapproves of his methods. Arathan & Korya are stuck in the middle, and why do I make this sound so dramatic?

A group of Jaghut are arguing about themselves while Gothos is drinking tea. Korya - observing a bunch of humanoid blue people - decides it's a grand idea to test her "Mahybe" powers. Arathan is... angsty.

All this & more in this chapter. Stick around!

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What happens when two self-pronounced "hardcore" Malaz fans start reading Cradle? Chaos. Chaos ensues.

If there's one word to describe Cradle, it's "addictive." Or hilarious. Or "lampshading," insofar as the bloopers are concerned.

In short, it's a damn great series and we're just on Book 1 (technically at the time of publishing this, Book 2). We weren't really supposed to talk about it - it's more of a leisure read - but we finished it & decided we just HAD to.

Do note that this episode is more geared towards viewers that haven't really heard of us before, and therefore will have more... redundant bits for more regular viewers. We hope you enjoy nonetheless.

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[Spoilers MBotF, NotME, FoD]

And here, the tale's tone must change, and so must the tone of Smiley's podcast. Chapter Five gives us the mystical aura Kharkanas somewhat lacked due to everything being so... well-defined, provides some excellent levity in the form of Lasa Rook, and - perhaps most importantly - takes us to greener pastures compared to the doom & gloom of Kurald Galain.

In case it wasn't abundantly obvious by how much we laughed during this episode, it's a trip. But an enjoyable one. So kick back, relax, and enjoy.

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[Spoilers for ALL Malazan books as I do talk about the ending scene of FoL]

Why, long time no see, eh?

Join Lee today in a somewhat more rambly episode about Kadaspala's thoughts on art (wow, the artist has thoughts on art, who knew), how that reflects on the author as well as the in-world narrator (much more on the latter), what that stupid portrait portends, Kadaspala's art being a gauge of one's character, and a whole lot more.

Lee even invokes Basil Hallward of "Picture of Dorian Gray" fame, for an analogy that lasts about 30 seconds; though I do think there's some merit to making such comparisons.

Stick around to hear about the differences in style between the MBotF & Kharkanas, how the characters of both Gallan & Fisher are unveiled, as well as what Kadaspala's portrayal tells us about how Steve perceives art (which is to say, not much at all, since as mentioned above it says a lot more about Gallan), all by how we perceive this doomed artist.

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This is a long one. Buckle up, kids.

From Caplo Dreem's incessant "Caplo-ing" (TM), the rise of an Eresal apparition, the incredibly cryptic flashbacks (and later flash-forwards) in the chapter, the stupid amount of double entendres ... you get the idea.

Chapter 4 is arguably one of the biggest mysteries of Fall of Light, and we're not even a quarter of the way through. Going from "lead unto me each & every child" to "Emurlahn" is a trip and a half. We suggest something strong - Lee helped himself to more than a little alcohol - and we also suggest you re-read the entire chapter, because we're guaranteed to have missed things. Seriously.

On the note of something strong, if you have any recommendations, send them our way: smileyspodcast@gmail.com

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There will be justice. When that call came, echoing down the tavern, the two hosts of Smiley's thought it a sour joke.

Join us as we continue our exploration of Fall of Light, into the rearmament of the Hust Legion, the rise of the Last Fish & Denier of Life, Truth & Faith, into the pure heartbreak that is Wreneck, and beyond - to the shore, for each of us will come to the shore.

Lee also slips up in this episode but we took care to mute that part for fear of spoilers. Oops.

By the way, if you have a recipe for lemonade, send it our way: smileyspodcast@gmail.com

Would you prefer YouTube? https://youtu.be/4zwNX3e8Kio

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[Spoilers MBotF, NotME, FoD]

In this episode of Smiley's, we get to meet the unequivocally best duo in the Malazan world (citation needed), talk about symbolism until the sun stops shining, and complain - endlessly - about the machinations of the Tiste. Seriously, people, when did "talking it out" stop being chic?

This particular episode of Smiley's - as well as the entire book - is like a woman, deserving a second, or even a third, glance. (we are directly quoting from the book, don't cancel us!) Nonetheless, we hope you enjoy.

By the way, if you have a rec for herbal teas, send it our way: smileyspodcast@gmail.com Would you prefer YouTube? https://youtu.be/gX7C0YCglTs

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And now, it begins. Fall of Light is a masterpiece and we can do justice only by limiting our discussions to one chapter per episode. Join us for the first one here and listen as Lee loses his shit at the appearance of his favourite malazan character.

And don't worry, there are a few technical difficulties to keep things interesting.

If you'd like to get in touch, find us here: smileyspodcast@gmail.com

If you'd prefer YouTube: https://youtu.be/B8pHfXSFCnw

If you'd like schedule updates:

https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley

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Welcome to Part One - Part Two... Part One, Chapter Two... oh, don't worry about it - of Lee's series on Kadaspala Enes in the tavern's closing hours.

Spoiler scope extends to all of Fall of Light (albeit no explicit spoilers are mentioned, a lot of this won't make sense if you've not read the book), and I spoil the everlasting love out of Antigone - which you should read. It's great.

Note that this particular series works best on YouTube and it's edited accordingly; the audio may feel a tad jarring at times, because I need to reconcile the fact that I'm talking to a camera (and not somebody else), make the audio work for Spotify, while also putting on a show for YouTube. It's difficult, and I pray you bear with me.

Other than that, feel free to join me in decrying Creon as awful, throwing Urusander a bone (but not too much), and exulting Kadaspala (and Antigone) in this new episode of Smiley's After Hours!

Since you're here, you mind giving us any suggestions for a good chaser for straight whiskey? I'm (really) going to need it - smileyspodcast@gmail.com

Would you prefer my face actually talking into the camera? https://youtu.be/jMp_ecQGky4

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Welcome to the first installment of Smiley's After Hours, a mini-series where Lee monologues into the camera because he can't be bothered to post his essays elsewhere (no, really). In this first installment - aptly named, "part zero," since it doesn't even get to the point in fourty minutes - we're discussing what makes tragedy, er, tragic, its defining traits, a few necessary terms to go forward, some tragic arcs in the Book of the Fallen, and how all this relates to Kadaspala Enes' arc in Forge of Darkness. The spoiler scope for this episode (and probably series) is MBotF & Kharkanas (though I don't go extensively into details about FoL, it's best to keep my bases covered). I hope you enjoy! Since you're here, you mind giving us any suggestions for a good chaser for straight whiskey? I'm going to need it - smileyspodcast@gmail.com Would you prefer my face actually talking into the camera? https://youtu.be/MfIWsbF5btA

Want schedule updates? https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley

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To our American audience still waiting on the Tor release of this book... we're sorry, because this is a damned good book.

Hello & welcome to our quick pit stop before our dive back into Kharkanas! Forge of the High Mage is a delightful, whimsical adventure with some surprising depth and nuance at certain points.

Of course, if you wanted nuance, you're barking up the wrong tree: half this episode is Lee giggling at the fact that there's a moving fucking mountain in this book. Thinking about it still makes me giddy.

In any case, PtA continues to make a strong case for being an excellent entry into the Malazan world, and Cam continues being - to use the technical term - "fucking awesome."

If you'd like to send us a few rum & coke recipes, find us here: smileyspodcast@gmail.com

If you'd prefer YouTube: https://youtu.be/B8pHfXSFCnw If you'd like schedule updates: https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley If you wanna buy us a drink: https://ko-fi.com/smileys

Our (occassionally) drunk escapades have landed us on the porch of Ladrac (u/ladrac1 on Reddit), the newest mod on the Malazan subreddit and - far more prestigious, obviously - the newest addition to the Smiley's Tavern list of customers of honour.

On this fair night we're discussing our collection of favourites from the Malazan Book of the Fallen (after having read through it at least twice - about seven times between the three of us). Shocking (and some less so) admissions, long-winded takes about why we like individual characters, a dive into how Lee structures his comments (seriously, we could've had a two hour episode on each of these characters individually, and it's high time we probably did), Mora holding the ramparts against the ruthless assault upon the good name of Karsa Orlong, and Nathan being an overall great sport - if nothing else, for putting up with our antics.

Three cheers for our friend, then, and one for all you joining us. The tavern is open, for real this time.

The offer for aquavit-based cocktails from last time still stands (we'll call them "business enquiries): smileyspodcast@gmail.com Would you prefer YouTube? https://youtu.be/sTms7kwWVbY

Want schedule updates? https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley Wanna buy us a drink? https://ko-fi.com/smileys

Join us as we drink (perhaps more than is healthy) and make future plans for season 3. There's a bit of soul searching and a lot of unwarranted criticisms of books we haven't liked. But mostly, it's just 2 friends and co-hosts catching up over a relaxed half hour. Books we bring up: 1. Forge of the High Mage by Ian C Esslemont 2. Fall of Light by Steven Erikson 3. Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree 4. Prince of Nothing by Scott Bakker 5. Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke 6. Twilight series by Stephanie Myers 7. Kingkiller series by Patrick Rothfuss By the way, if you have a recipe for Aquavit based cocktails, send it our way: smileyspodcast@gmail.com Would you prefer YouTube? https://youtu.be/sTms7kwWVbY

Want schedule updates? https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley Wanna buy us a drink? https://ko-fi.com/smileys

"There will be peace. No, really, trust me bro."

Well, folks, this is it, but for real this time. Our last discussion of Forge of Darkness, mostly drawing on our (unrelated) re-read of Toll the Hounds at the same time. Perhaps it shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone but Kharkanas and Toll the Hounds are awfully similar - cue shocked gasps - and thus, there's a lot of parallels to draw between the books.

We do also openly admit that this episode is purely self-indulgement; if you want to be reasonable about things, we could've called it quits on the last episode. But since when are we reasonable about things? Don't be absurd.

In any case, this marks the end of our second season tackling Forge of Darkness. Fall of Light resumes sometime in July - we do need to give you time to catch your breath! - along with a handful of other projects we'd like to tackle in the meantime.

We hope you enjoy!

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"There will be peace."

This is it, folks, our last summary episode on Forge of Darkness. The whole book has been quite a ride and these last handfuls of chapters don't let up, either. From Raal's machinations & Scara's amazing outburst, to Kadaspala's fucking excellent monologues (really, go read them, this episode isn't going anywhere), wrapping up in a poetic sense - "there will be peace." Civil war descends upon Kurald Galain as Hood's army prepares for their march upon Death. And amidst the chaos, two poets - and two podcasters - to recount the tale.

Until next time, then, folks.

We hope you enjoy!

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Our shortest discussion episode to date as we approach the ending of Forge of Darkness, because - to be fully fair - there isn't very much to discuss left. We still need to do Fall of Light, and if we use up all our material here...

Regardless, there's still a few things to say with regards to Syntara & company, as well as Ilgast and the now-placed-under-his-command Wardens. Chapter 17 itself doesn't have much - save for a long discussion on Narad, to be completed in FoL, probably - though Krissen does raise some fairly interesting questions.

Alas, we didn't have very much to say, and so.. here we are?

We hope you enjoy!

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Three yays for Tiste with no sense of irony. Subtlety is often lost in civil war - so said Gallan, probably - but this is pushing it. Also, Erikson introduces a brilliant character for about three pages before they're gone again. Classic.

Also, and perhaps the most important thing that happens in these chapters: incessant flirting - we're talking pages of the stuff - and monologuing. Spinnock thirsts, Tulas & Sharenas have chemistry for days, and Syntara is one politically savvy High Priestess. Also also, more Urusander, and that's always a treat.

All of this, and more, in our new discussion.

We hope you enjoy!

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And so to supplement the banter (and tragedy), what is a podcast to do but keep ripping into Draconus - deservedly, by the way - in his "headlong careening towards destruction"? It bears noting that - unfortunately - technical issues were present throughout the episode and somebody couldn't configure OBS to save their lives & thereby the audio in the end sounds kinda crap. Blame the rain, not us; we did the best we could.

Also, there's something quite cathartic about the Jaghut disagreeing with most contemporary philosophers about what "civilization" is and going their own way, supplemented in due part by Gothos. "No, actually, we don't have to be civilized, but there's nothing inherently good about the lack thereof, either. You're wrong, and you're wrong, you're all wrong!"

It's Jaghut all the way down.

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Well, we got past the hard mess, and onwards to better shores. Scara & Silchas bantering (#NotMyBloodeye), Rise Herat pondering for a good five pages, and the impending dread carrying over from Chapter 14. Three yays for Hish Tulla.

Also, more Arathan & Korya, which are always welcome - if nothing else, for Jaghut banter, whose levity is much needed in a chapter like this.

We hope you enjoy!

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[Spoilers upto chapter 14 of FoD]

This is just our attempt to wind down after those horrendous chapters. Join us if you want to listen to some decidedly non Malazan talk. For the most part only, since we do cave in and go off on Malazan tangents before the end.

Some of the books that were brought up-

1. Prince of Nothing by Scott Bakker

2. The Cradle series by Will Wight

3. Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan

4. Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe

5. Way of Edan by Philip Chase

6. Lord of the Rings by you-know-who We hope you enjoy!

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A more succinct representation of what we couldn't quite get into because we were too downtrodden from the chapters to actually discuss!

Kadaspala being a lens through which to view the entire book & how he touches upon the thematic elements of the book before anyone else does, or puts them with great clarity; Narad's fate & actions as well as his being the voice of reason; the Legion being overall awful, and how the lowborn often tend to get discarded and thrown aside, among many things.

These accursed chapters really are quite good. We just dread them too much.

We hope you enjoy!

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This is it, friends, the infamous chapter of Forge of Darkness. We released a trigger warning almost a week ago and we stand by it. This episode discusses some pretty dark shit in decently explicit language.

Other than that? Chapter 13 & most of 14 is wonderful. The imagery is incredibly evocative (for better or worse), the philosophy and monologues are fascinating, and the tragedy of the whole thing has reached an apex that Kharkanas hasn't yet reached. It's all downhill (or uphill?) from here, down to the shitmire of utter tragedy. And we're so ready.

We hope you enjoy!

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So, these chapters introduce Renarr. And if you've read the series - or listened to our interview with Erikson, hint hint - you probably know Renarr's quite important. And also, it has more of Vatha, and I kinda like Vatha. Sue me.

Also, Olar, Draconus & Arathan are doing their thing. And nobody here likes Olar, so here's Part Two of us cheering when she gets burnt to a nice crisp.

We hope you enjoy!

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Join us as we ponder the effects - and potentially, the motivations - of T'riss' actions in these chapters, how wrong she is in her assertions, how childish Anomander is acting, and how Olar Ethil must well & truly be bullshitting us (and basking in the afterglow) after we see Burn. Neither of us is convinced of the efficacy of her words, and scant little is going to change our minds!

Oh, and just for your information, the only thing characters in Kharkanas with the respective characters in the BotF is the name. They're entirely different otherwise. We promise.

We hope you enjoy!

Books with Banks' video on Rise Herat & postmodern history: https://youtu.be/kroJxowwH4o

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