The Buddies dive into James Islington's ambitious sequel "The Strength of the Few" – a book that takes "go with the flow" to a whole new level when you lose an arm AND get transported to three different worlds simultaneously. This one had all the elements of a kick-ass sequel: distinct worlds, epic fantasy elements, and tea that makes broken legs feel like a light jog. The Buddies got to chatting about whether this was better than the first book, The Will of the Many, how chariot racing has never been relevant and still isn't, and insults that keep you up at night. So steep your tea, practice your one-armed spear fighting, and join us we immerse ourselves back into the (three) world(s) of The Strength of the Few.

Intro (0:00-2:21)

Stock Up/Down (2:22-36:28)

Favorite Scene/Character (36:29-42:40)

Love/Hate/Lingering Questions (42:41-54:39)

Conclusion (54:40-57:31)

NEXT BOOK: The Searcher by Tana French

The Buddies tackle James Islington's "The Will of the Many," a fantasy novel that's been described as "Red Rising meets Magic School" but turned out to be more like "Tenant in a pyramid scheme." The Buddies dove into a world where people literally give up their will to power society, while the rich kids attend prestigious schools and play extreme capture-the-flag. In this episode the Buddies debated many topics including: whether naked fighting is the ultimate power move, the merits of getting knocked unconscious to time travel, and if this book series is going to be more like Lost season 1 or the Mistborn series. So join us as we grease ourselves up, and fire at Will into The Will of the Many.

Intro/Book Report (0:00-4:55)

Stock Up/Down (4:56-38:57)

Favorite Scene/Character (38:58-43:21)

Love/Hate (43:22-53:41)

Conclusion (53:42-56:32)

NEXT BOOK: The Strength of the Few by James Islington

The Buddies were lucky enough to have author TJ Derry on the pod to talk about his debut thriller, Carried Away. A book that starts as a dreamy Indonesian surf vacation and ends with them questioning every outdoor activity they've ever considered. The Buddies dove into the book and many other topics with TJ and finished things off with their patented podcast categories. So pack your trusty flint, some iced cold beers, and strap in for an amazing debut novel and thrill ride.

Intro/Book Report (0:00-1:08)

TJ Derry Interview (1:09-50:31)

Stock Up/Down (50:32-1:06:19)

Favorite Scene/Character (1:06:20-1:14:31)

Love/Hate (1:14:32-1:23:21)

Conclusion (1:23:33-1:25:53)

NEXT BOOK: The Will of the Many by James Islington