Episodes

We've reached the end of The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson, and there is a lot to unpack. Join us as we break down the final chapters (68–Epilogue), discuss the biggest reveals, revisit the mysteries that have been building since the beginning of the trilogy, and talk about how everything comes together in one unforgettable ending. We also share our final ratings, favorite moments, biggest surprises, and whether The Hero of Ages delivered on everything we hoped for. ⚠️ This episode contains ...

This week we're discussing The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson, covering Chapters 51–67. The truth behind Ruin's influence finally comes into focus as Spook realizes he has been manipulated all along—and discovers he wasn't the only one. Quellion's actions suddenly take on an entirely new meaning as the extent of Ruin's control becomes impossible to ignore. Meanwhile, Vin finds herself trapped and forced into unsettling conversations with Ruin, giving us some of the biggest lore reveals in the...

In this episode of Books Between Friends , we're discussing The Hero of Ages Chapters 35-50 by Brandon Sanderson. The mysteries are piling up. We dive deep into Hemalurgy and the unsettling implications of Ruin's ability to influence people through metal spikes. We discuss Spook's transformation into the Survivor of the Flames, the strange voice guiding him, and whether he's becoming a hero—or a pawn. We also explore the growing mystery of the Mistfallen: those who became sick after exposure to ...

This week on Books Between Friends, we're discussing Chapters 17-34 of The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson. As the world continues to unravel, the conflict between Preservation and Ruin takes center stage, raising questions about balance, destiny, and the forces shaping Scadrial's future. We discuss the strange behavior of the mists, the percentage of people affected by them, and what it could mean for the larger story. We also dive into: • Spook's visions of Kelsier and what they might mean •...

The final book of the original Mistborn trilogy is here. In Part 1 of our discussion of The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson, we cover the Prologue through Chapter 16 and share our reactions as the stakes reach a new level. As ash continues to fall and the world seems closer than ever to collapse, Vin, Elend, Sazed, and the rest of the crew face impossible questions about prophecy, faith, leadership, and survival. During this episode, we discuss: Major character developments The growing mystery...

We’ve officially reached the end of Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman, and in this finale episode, we’re giving our final ratings, reviews, reactions, and favorite moments from the book. From Carl’s emotional journey to Princess Donut’s unforgettable one-liners, we discuss what made this chaotic litRPG adventure stand out, what surprised us most, and whether we’ll continue the series. Join the Side-Eye Syndicate for one last dungeon run as we wrap up our first Dungeon Crawler Carl read-throu...

The dungeon may be chaos, but outside of it? Things are somehow even stranger. In this episode of Books Between Friends , we cover Chapters 25–36 of Dungeon Crawler Carl and finally start pulling back the curtain on what’s really happening beyond the dungeon walls. From the introduction of fan-favorite chaos agents Zev and Odette to the horrifying realization that this whole thing is basically entertainment for the galaxy, Carl and Donut’s world keeps getting bigger—and weirder. We discuss: The ...

The dungeon gets deadlier in Chapters 13–24 of Dungeon Crawler Carl, and the choices only get messier from here. Carl and Donut are learning quickly that survival isn’t just about fighting monsters—it’s about knowing who to trust, when to run, and when to blow something up and hope for the best. This week, we dive into some of the wildest moments so far, including new crawler encounters, escalating chaos, suspicious alliances, and the increasingly unhinged energy of the dungeon itself. We also c...

The dungeon is officially OPEN. This week on Books Between Friends , we’re diving into the absolute chaos that is Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman — and honestly? Nothing could have prepared us for this experience. From exploding goblins and killer stairwells to achievement pop-ups and the icon herself Princess Donut, we’re breaking down Chapters 1–12 of one of the wildest fantasy/sci-fi books we’ve ever read. In this episode, we discuss: Carl and Donut’s entrance into the dungeon The bizar...

We’ve reached the end of On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn, and… yeah, we’re not okay. In this finale episode covering chapters 46–60, everything comes to a head—secrets unravel, loyalties are tested, and the stakes hit an all-time high. The tension? Relentless. The reveals? Painful. The emotional damage? Significant. We break down the biggest moments from the final stretch, dive into the character arcs that left us reeling (and questioning everything), and talk through how it all lands—what wor...

In this episode of Books Between Friends , we’re diving into Chapters 31–45 of On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn—and let’s just say… the tension is tensioning . As alliances begin to shift and secrets creep closer to the surface, Medra continues to prove she’s not someone to underestimate. But it’s not just the external stakes rising—there’s a certain dynamic that’s getting harder and harder to ignore 👀 We break down: The moments that had us side-eyeing everyone Character choices that feel… load...

What starts as training quickly turns into something much more intense. In this episode of Books Between Friends , we continue our readalong of On Wings of Blood by Briar Boelyn, diving into Chapters 16–30—where the stakes rise, the pressure builds, and it becomes clear that not everything is as controlled as it seems. This section pushes the characters further, testing limits in ways that feel unpredictable… and maybe even a little dangerous. As always, we break it down with our 3-2-1 format: 3...

We’re diving into a brand new fantasy read— On Wings of Blood by Briar Boelyn—and right from the start… this one has its claws in us. In this episode of Books Between Friends , we break down Chapters 1–15 and unpack everything from first impressions to early character dynamics, worldbuilding, and the moments that already have us asking questions (and maybe raising a few eyebrows 👀). As always, we bring our signature 3-2-1 format: 3 Things We Loved (and yes, there’s already a lot to talk about) 2...

We’ve reached the final episode of our Throne of Glass series—and we’re ending it with our ultimate ranking of all eight books. From Throne of Glass to Kingdom of Ash , we each share our personal lists, debate our most controversial placements, and reflect on how the series evolved from beginning to end. Some rankings were easy… others sparked a little chaos. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just finished the series, this episode is a full look at what worked, what surprised us, and which book t...

In this third installment of our Throne of Glass mini-series, we’re taking on the ultimate question: Who would win in a fight? We’ve created a full bracket of TOG characters and are debating our way through each matchup to crown a champion. To keep things interesting, we’ve removed two of the most overpowered contenders—Aelin and Rowan—and added a few rules along the way. From surprising upsets to heated debates, this episode is packed with strong opinions, character analysis, and plenty of chao...

What if everything in Throne of Glass had gone differently? In this second episode of our special series, we dive into the ultimate “What If” scenarios across the entire series—from alternate character choices to major plot twists that could have changed everything. We explore: How different decisions could have reshaped the story Alternate character paths and relationships Theories that completely rewrite the ending Our favorite (and most chaotic) “what if” moments This episode is part of our T...

We’re doing something a little different in this episode. To celebrate one of our favorite fantasy series, Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, we’re kicking off a special mini-series where we explore some fun discussion formats outside of our usual deep dive episodes. This first episode is all about hot takes. From controversial character opinions to bold book rankings and a few thoughts that might make the fandom gasp, we’re sharing some of our spiciest opinions about the entire Throne of Glass s...

In this finale episode of our The Well of Ascension deep dive, we tackle the moment that changes everything. Vin finally reaches the Well… but the choice she makes may have unleashed something far worse than the empire she fought to overthrow. Join us as we break down the final chapters and epilogue of Brandon Sanderson’s The Well of Ascension . We talk about the shocking reveal behind the prophecy, the emotional fallout for Sazed, and the terrifying implications of what Vin released into the wo...

In this episode of Books Between Friends , we cover Chapters 37–48 of The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson — and Luthadel is officially cracking. Siege becomes survival. Politics give way to desperation. And the fragile systems holding the city together begin to splinter under pressure. In this section, we unpack: Elend facing the cost of leadership Vin’s increasing isolation and the weight of power The deepening mystery surrounding the Well This is the turning point where ideals collide w...

In this episode of Books Between Friends , we dive into Chapters 25–36 of The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson. Elend is trying to lead without the authority he once had. Vin is questioning where she fits in a kingdom that feels increasingly fragile. And as alliances shift and armies wait just outside Luthadel’s walls, the question becomes clear: what does it actually mean to be king? We unpack: Elend’s struggle with leadership and legitimacy Vin’s growing independence—and isolation Sazed’...

Revolution was the easy part. Governing is another story. In this episode, we continue our deep dive into The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson, covering chapters 13–24. Luthadel may be free from the Lord Ruler, but the real battle has just begun. As political tensions rise and outside armies threaten the city, Elend must decide whether his ideals can survive in a world that demands compromise. Meanwhile, Vin finds herself increasingly isolated, questioning who she can trust—and whether she...

The Lord Ruler is dead… so why does everything feel more fragile than ever? In this first episode of our The Well of Ascension deep dive, we’re breaking down chapters 1–12 and asking the big question: what does it actually take to rebuild an empire after it collapses? We talk through: Elend’s impossible task of ruling Luthadel without becoming what he overthrew Vin grappling with power, paranoia, and her uneasy bond with OreSeur Sazed’s quiet but deeply unsettling journey alongside Marsh And the...

In the final episode of our Red Queen series, Books Between Friends wraps up our discussion of Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard, covering Chapters 22 through the end, where long-held assumptions unravel and the truth finally comes into focus. As secrets are revealed and loyalties are tested, it becomes clear that much of what Mare—and the reader—believed was carefully constructed. The questions of trust, power, and manipulation that have been building throughout the book collide in an ending that f...

In Part 3 of our Red Queen series, Books Between Friends tackles Chapters 15–21, where uncertainty takes center stage and trust feels like a dangerous gamble. As Mare settles further into life among the Silvers, the question isn’t just how to survive—but who, if anyone, is safe to believe. With shifting loyalties, carefully chosen words, and motivations that feel increasingly unclear, these chapters introduce a growing sense of paranoia that hangs over every interaction. In this episode, we unpa...