<![CDATA[Realm Runners]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pete-reviews-books-goodRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:03:27 GMTWed, 11 Mar 2026 00:17:23 GMT60Pete (Pete_Reviews_Books_Good) &amp; Devin (BroMantasy)Pete and Devin sit down with fantasy, romantasy, sci-fi, and indie authors. Not for the press tour. For the real conversation. Books, movies, music, and whatever else comes up. Episodes streamed live on the @realm_runners youtube channel then uploaded to all platforms. Be sure to follow Pete on socials @Pete_Reviews_Books_Good and Devin @BroMantasy for the latest show updates and episode announcements!episodicPete (Pete_Reviews_Books_Good) &amp; Devin (BroMantasy)devin@bromantasy.comno<![CDATA[Caty Rogan on Feminine Rage, War Horses, and Building a Fantasy World Her Husband Did the Math For]]>Fantasy Romance Month wraps up as Caty Rogan joins Devin and Pete to talk Kissed by the Gods, her recent traditional release with Requited and the first book in the Eternal Wars series. Caty writes feminine rage, winged war horses, and epic battles, and she made a believer out of Pete, a lifelong classic-fantasy reader who connected with this one harder than anything else in the genre lately.

We get into the world her husband stress-tested down to the population math, why language "rules" in fantasy are mostly made up, and the Star Wars DNA running under the whole series. Caty cops to Riot and Lena being her grown-up Anakin and Ahsoka fix-it fic, walks through Lena's training arc as someone who already had the badass part and had to learn how not to kill people, and lands on the line that took a few drafts to earn... found and furious.

Plus the pantser problem of fantasy, characters who refuse to do what you plotted, why duet audio is the only way, epigraphs she now regrets making this good, and the side couple that came to her the easiest. She also drops a strong rec on the way out.

===========================

Connect with Caty https://www.instagram.com/catyrogan/

===========================

Connect with Realm Runners

Subscribe: @realm_runners

Follow Realm Runners: instagram.com/realm_runners

Follow Pete: instagram.com/pete_reviews_books_good

Follow Devin: instagram.com/bromantasy

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Katie Rogan

02:00 - Katie’s background in fantasy and transition into romance

05:00 - Making characters emotionally real and side characters memorable

10:00 - Worldbuilding: Landmass, population, and logistics

15:00 - Writing spicy scenes and audiobook experiences

20:00 - Social media's role in publishing success

25:00 - Developing her next project with a focus on character growth

30:00 - Indie versus traditional publishing: benefits and industry shifts

35:00 - Parenting, deadlines, and balancing creative life

40:00 - Audience questions on favorite quotes, reader reactions, and favorite reads

50:00 - Final book recommendations and upcoming projects

58:00 - Closing thoughts and thank you to Katie Rogan

]]>749957ef-ca9f-4cd1-8752-35321e88815bTue, 30 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT<p>Fantasy Romance Month wraps up as Caty Rogan joins Devin and Pete to talk Kissed by the Gods, her recent traditional release with Requited and the first book in the Eternal Wars series. Caty writes feminine rage, winged war horses, and epic battles, and she made a believer out of Pete, a lifelong classic-fantasy reader who connected with this one harder than anything else in the genre lately.</p><p></p><p>We get into the world her husband stress-tested down to the population math, why language "rules" in fantasy are mostly made up, and the Star Wars DNA running under the whole series. Caty cops to Riot and Lena being her grown-up Anakin and Ahsoka fix-it fic, walks through Lena's training arc as someone who already had the badass part and had to learn how not to kill people, and lands on the line that took a few drafts to earn... found and furious. </p><p></p><p>Plus the pantser problem of fantasy, characters who refuse to do what you plotted, why duet audio is the only way, epigraphs she now regrets making this good, and the side couple that came to her the easiest. She also drops a strong rec on the way out.</p><p></p><p>===========================</p><p>Connect with Caty <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/catyrogan/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/catyrogan/</a></p><p>===========================</p><p>Connect with Realm Runners</p><p>Subscribe: @realm_runners</p><p>Follow Realm Runners: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://instagram.com/realm_runners" target="_blank">instagram.com/realm_runners</a></p><p>Follow Pete: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://instagram.com/pete_reviews_books_good" target="_blank">instagram.com/pete_reviews_books_good</a></p><p>Follow Devin: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://instagram.com/bromantasy" target="_blank">instagram.com/bromantasy</a></p><p></p><p>Timestamps:</p><p>00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Katie Rogan</p><p>02:00 - Katie’s background in fantasy and transition into romance</p><p>05:00 - Making characters emotionally real and side characters memorable</p><p>10:00 - Worldbuilding: Landmass, population, and logistics</p><p>15:00 - Writing spicy scenes and audiobook experiences</p><p>20:00 - Social media's role in publishing success</p><p>25:00 - Developing her next project with a focus on character growth</p><p>30:00 - Indie versus traditional publishing: benefits and industry shifts</p><p>35:00 - Parenting, deadlines, and balancing creative life</p><p>40:00 - Audience questions on favorite quotes, reader reactions, and favorite reads</p><p>50:00 - Final book recommendations and upcoming projects</p><p>58:00 - Closing thoughts and thank you to Katie Rogan</p>no01:00:1129Caty Rogan on Feminine Rage, War Horses, and Building a Fantasy World Her Husband Did the Math Forfull<![CDATA[Stacia Stark on Gladiators Meets Vampire Diaries, real slow burn, and the magic of We Who Will Die ]]>Fantasy Romance Month continues as Stacia Stark joins to break down We Who Will Die, the ancient Rome-inspired romantasy she originally pitched as gladiator meets Vampire Diaries. Stacia went indie first, built her readership on the Kingdom of Lies series, and We Who Will Die is her first fully trad book, sold to Avon as a trilogy off a few chapters and a synopsis.

We get into why this is a book with trials and not a trials book, how Arvell's binding vow to kill the emperor in the first chapter gave Stacia a huge amount of rope to write into, and why a Taylor Jenkins Reed tennis novel quietly inspired one of the best training arcs in the genre. Stacia explains how she wrote real slow burn instead of miscommunication wearing a slow-burn costume, and walks through the sigil magic system where your power is literally stamped on your forehead, and a book two release date update you heard here first.

A heads up: there are a couple of light first-chapter setups discussed, all flagged in the moment.

]]>6837bcf1-f186-4e54-8fff-be4a600a7e01Fri, 19 Jun 2026 17:12:57 GMT<p>Fantasy Romance Month continues as Stacia Stark joins to break down We Who Will Die, the ancient Rome-inspired romantasy she originally pitched as gladiator meets Vampire Diaries. Stacia went indie first, built her readership on the Kingdom of Lies series, and We Who Will Die is her first fully trad book, sold to Avon as a trilogy off a few chapters and a synopsis.<br /><br />We get into why this is a book with trials and not a trials book, how Arvell's binding vow to kill the emperor in the first chapter gave Stacia a huge amount of rope to write into, and why a Taylor Jenkins Reed tennis novel quietly inspired one of the best training arcs in the genre. Stacia explains how she wrote real slow burn instead of miscommunication wearing a slow-burn costume, and walks through the sigil magic system where your power is literally stamped on your forehead, and a book two release date update you heard here first.<br /><br />A heads up: there are a couple of light first-chapter setups discussed, all flagged in the moment.</p>no00:54:18Stacia Stark on Gladiators Meets Vampire Diaries, real slow burn, and the magic of We Who Will Die full<![CDATA[ Stacey McEwan: A Forbidden Alchemy, Bad First Drafts, & Why the Miscommunication Trope Can Go Away]]>NY Times and USA today best selling author Stacey McEwan joins Devin and Pete to kick off Fantasy Romance Month on Realm Runners, and it's a full hour of craft, chaos, and chicken-flavored chips. Stacey is the bestselling author of A Forbidden Alchemy (Peaky Blinders with magic) part of The Artisan series, published by Saga Press. She breaks down how the book came together from a genuinely unhinged first draft (dark academia war fiction steampunk romantasy was a real pitch), why she almost miscommunication-trapped herself into a corner, what it's actually like to get editor notes back when your entire brain is on the page, and where book three stands right now.

A Forsaken Prophecy releases July 14 (AU/UK) and July 21 (US). Tour dates coming soon.

===========================

Connect with Stacey

===========================

Connect with Realm Runners Subscribe: ⁨@realm_runners⁩

Follow Realm Runners: https://instagram.com/realm_runners

Follow Pete: https://instagram.com/pete_reviews_books_good

Follow Devin: https://instagram.com/bromantasy

Chapters:

0:00 — Intro and Fantasy Romance Month

1:30 — How Devin ended up with a signed copy of Ledge

4:00 — Why Patrick works for readers regardless of gender

7:30 — What makes romance land vs. what makes it die

10:00 — Writing Nina's silence without it being a miscommunication cop-out

13:30 — How the book actually came together: dark academia + war docs + nan's bodice rippers

16:30 — The school arc that became its own book and then got cut

18:45 — The editor notes reel: what it looks like on the outside vs. what it feels like on the inside

21:15 — Coles vs. Woolies

23:00 — Chicken-flavored chips and the cultural divide

26:45 — Balancing writing, mothering, and touring (and the bargain she made with herself)

31:20 — How teaching shaped her storytelling instincts

35:00 — Student plot twists, reader DMs, and Raven Kennedy's lawyers

37:00 — A Forsaken Prophecy updates and why book two was an absolute pain to write

39:15 — AFV: the book three title tease

41:00 — The Kindle highlights that surprised her

43:15 — Readers obsessing over an air charmer that isn't coming

45:30 — The gaslight fantasy world and how ANZAC tunnelers inspired the magic system

49:30 — Writing real sibling dynamics (Patrick's brothers and the banter)

52:00 — Tour dates, wrap-up, and the Stacia Stark teaser for next week

]]>92d75f55-39ca-4e57-a921-7c2cc7cb559cSat, 06 Jun 2026 16:47:36 GMT<p>NY Times and USA today best selling author Stacey McEwan joins Devin and Pete to kick off Fantasy Romance Month on Realm Runners, and it's a full hour of craft, chaos, and chicken-flavored chips. Stacey is the bestselling author of A Forbidden Alchemy (Peaky Blinders with magic) part of The Artisan series, published by Saga Press. She breaks down how the book came together from a genuinely unhinged first draft (dark academia war fiction steampunk romantasy was a real pitch), why she almost miscommunication-trapped herself into a corner, what it's actually like to get editor notes back when your entire brain is on the page, and where book three stands right now.</p><p>A Forsaken Prophecy releases July 14 (AU/UK) and July 21 (US). Tour dates coming soon.</p><p>===========================</p><p>Connect with Stacey</p><p>===========================</p><p>Connect with Realm Runners Subscribe: ⁨@realm_runners⁩</p><p>Follow Realm Runners: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://instagram.com/realm_runners" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/realm_runners</a></p><p>Follow Pete: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://instagram.com/pete_reviews_books_good" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/pete_reviews_books_good</a></p><p>Follow Devin: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://instagram.com/bromantasy" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/bromantasy</a></p><p>Chapters:</p><p>0:00 — Intro and Fantasy Romance Month</p><p>1:30 — How Devin ended up with a signed copy of Ledge</p><p>4:00 — Why Patrick works for readers regardless of gender</p><p>7:30 — What makes romance land vs. what makes it die</p><p>10:00 — Writing Nina's silence without it being a miscommunication cop-out</p><p>13:30 — How the book actually came together: dark academia + war docs + nan's bodice rippers</p><p>16:30 — The school arc that became its own book and then got cut</p><p>18:45 — The editor notes reel: what it looks like on the outside vs. what it feels like on the inside</p><p>21:15 — Coles vs. Woolies</p><p>23:00 — Chicken-flavored chips and the cultural divide</p><p>26:45 — Balancing writing, mothering, and touring (and the bargain she made with herself)</p><p>31:20 — How teaching shaped her storytelling instincts</p><p>35:00 — Student plot twists, reader DMs, and Raven Kennedy's lawyers</p><p>37:00 — A Forsaken Prophecy updates and why book two was an absolute pain to write</p><p>39:15 — AFV: the book three title tease</p><p>41:00 — The Kindle highlights that surprised her</p><p>43:15 — Readers obsessing over an air charmer that isn't coming</p><p>45:30 — The gaslight fantasy world and how ANZAC tunnelers inspired the magic system</p><p>49:30 — Writing real sibling dynamics (Patrick's brothers and the banter)</p><p>52:00 — Tour dates, wrap-up, and the Stacia Stark teaser for next week</p>no00:55:3827 Stacey McEwan: A Forbidden Alchemy, Bad First Drafts, & Why the Miscommunication Trope Can Go Awayfull<![CDATA[Dying Tribes, Haunted Princes, Epic Debut | Thomas Schecter | Realm Runners S2 E6]]>Thomas Clark Schecter joins Realm Runners to talk about The Shieldbreaker Saga, his epic dark fantasy series following 19-year-old Kareva as he leads the last of the Hodrir against the seemingly unstoppable Pohyor. Described by readers as the fantasy equivalent of 300, with the heart of Bernard Cornwell and the brutality of Abercrombie, The Shieldbreaker: Book One – The Last of the Etela is a lean, visceral, and emotionally devastating debut that proves you don't need 800 pages to build a world worth dying in.

Tom breaks down how his background as an educator and history enthusiast shaped the tribal cultures, naming conventions, and military tactics in the book, why he opened with an epilogue that tells you the ending from page one (and why that was the right call), how his multi-POV battle sequences were designed to make readers feel the tide of war shift in real time, and where the Shieldbreaker Saga goes from here.

📖 The Shieldbreaker, Book One: The Last of the Etela → https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/236990876

===========================
Connect with Thomas Schecter → https://ShieldbreakerSaga.com

===========================
Connect with Realm Runners Subscribe: https://youtube.com/@realm_runners
Follow Pete: / @pete_reviews_books_good Follow Devin: / @bromantasy

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

02:28 Book Cover Design and Aesthetic Choices

05:24 The Writing Process and Series Development

08:21 Influences and Inspirations for the Story

11:07 Narrative Structure and Epilogue Discussion

13:55 Character Development and Motivations

16:42 Historical Context and Research

19:23 Writing Style and POV Techniques

22:14 Final Thoughts and Future Works

31:40 Building Epic Battles and Character Depth

33:36 The Emotional Impact of Character Connections

35:44 Character-Driven Worldbuilding in Fantasy

38:20 The Challenge of Expanding a Fantasy Universe

40:25 Creating Rhythm and Pacing in Storytelling

44:49 Themes of Identity in Times of Crisis

47:11 Escapism vs. Realism in Fantasy Literature

50:26 The Future of the Shield Breaker Saga

]]>e63137a3-9f0d-4f15-a6c8-c3c1c24c7b53Wed, 27 May 2026 17:22:24 GMT<p>Thomas Clark Schecter joins Realm Runners to talk about <b>The Shieldbreaker Saga</b>, his epic dark fantasy series following 19-year-old Kareva as he leads the last of the Hodrir against the seemingly unstoppable Pohyor. Described by readers as the fantasy equivalent of 300, with the heart of Bernard Cornwell and the brutality of Abercrombie, <i>The Shieldbreaker: Book One – The Last of the Etela</i> is a lean, visceral, and emotionally devastating debut that proves you don't need 800 pages to build a world worth dying in.<br /></p><p>Tom breaks down how his background as an educator and history enthusiast shaped the tribal cultures, naming conventions, and military tactics in the book, why he opened with an epilogue that tells you the ending from page one (and why that was the right call), how his multi-POV battle sequences were designed to make readers feel the tide of war shift in real time, and where the Shieldbreaker Saga goes from here.<br /></p><p>📖 <b>The Shieldbreaker, Book One: The Last of the Etela</b> → <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/236990876" target="_blank">https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/236990876</a></p><p>=========================== <br /><b>Connect with Thomas Schecter</b> → <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ShieldbreakerSaga.com" target="_blank">https://ShieldbreakerSaga.com</a></p><p>=========================== <br /><b>Connect with Realm Runners</b> Subscribe: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtube.com/@realm_runners" target="_blank">https://youtube.com/@realm_runners</a> <br />Follow Pete: / @pete_reviews_books_good Follow Devin: / @bromantasy<br /><br />00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction</p><p>02:28 Book Cover Design and Aesthetic Choices</p><p>05:24 The Writing Process and Series Development</p><p>08:21 Influences and Inspirations for the Story</p><p>11:07 Narrative Structure and Epilogue Discussion</p><p>13:55 Character Development and Motivations</p><p>16:42 Historical Context and Research</p><p>19:23 Writing Style and POV Techniques</p><p>22:14 Final Thoughts and Future Works</p><p>31:40 Building Epic Battles and Character Depth</p><p>33:36 The Emotional Impact of Character Connections</p><p>35:44 Character-Driven Worldbuilding in Fantasy</p><p>38:20 The Challenge of Expanding a Fantasy Universe</p><p>40:25 Creating Rhythm and Pacing in Storytelling</p><p>44:49 Themes of Identity in Times of Crisis</p><p>47:11 Escapism vs. Realism in Fantasy Literature</p><p>50:26 The Future of the Shield Breaker Saga</p><p></p>no01:00:57Dying Tribes, Haunted Princes, Epic Debut | Thomas Schecter | Realm Runners S2 E6full<![CDATA[14 Years on One Book, Then a Fantasy Debut That Bangs | C. William Phillips | Realm Runners S2 E5]]>C. William Phillips (https://www.instagram.com/words_with_will) spent 14 years writing his debut, a crime thriller that reads like Breaking Bad and The Sopranos writers got into a fistfight in a parking lot and bleed all over the pages. Then he pivoted to epic fantasy and somehow made that look easy too.

In this episode, Will breaks down the wild journey from What Blood Remembers to The Ash Remains, including how unemployment finally forced him to finish a book he'd been carrying since he was 18, why he's a proud pantser which led to adding his best character (Sen) completely by accident, and how he built a dragon bond system that actually costs something.

We also get into: why Will writes unapologetically even when beta readers tell him he'll lose people, what the Malazan book club and The Crippled Pod(https://open.spotify.com/show/1UDpA2dZNhRY0ay3Md4XVY) did to his TBR, and why epic fantasy always felt like home even when he was writing neo-Western crime fiction.

Pre-order The Ash Remains (ebook $5 before release): https://amzn.to/43aZTHK *

Find Will on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/words_with_will

===========================

Connect with Realm Runners

Follow Pete: https://instagram.com/pete_reviews_books_good

Follow Devin: https://instagram.com/bromantasy

Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/‪@realm_runners‬

0:00 - Introduction

3:18 - Writing What Blood Remembers for 14 Years

6:50 - Why Unemployment Finished the Book

10:05 - Sprayed Edges & Indie Publishing with Mayor Golden Bookshelf

12:30 - Pivoting to Epic Fantasy with The Ash Remains

15:30 - Character Work Across Both Books

16:20 - Pantser vs. Plotter (He Pantsed Sen Entirely)

19:30 - Does He Know How the Series Ends?

21:00 - Book Length & Chapter Structure

27:20 - Chapter Formatting & the Malazan Influence

30:50 - What Makes These Dragons Different

34:10 - The Dragon Bond Training Room (No Spoilers)

36:40 - Working on Book Two

39:00 - Future Projects: Space Opera, Short Stories & a What Blood Remembers Novella

41:10 - The Malazan Book Club Podcast Origin Story

46:00 - What Malazan Did to His TBR

50:00 - Writing Unapologetically (Even When Beta Readers Push Back)

55:00 - Action Scenes & Accessibility in Epic Fantasy

1:08:00 - Sen's Book Two Scoop

1:11:30 - Closing & Where to Find Will

#realmrunners #bookpodcast #epicfantasy #indieauthor #fantasyauthors #dragonriders #writingcommunity

*Disclaimer: Affiliate links support Realm Runners at no extra cost to you

]]>30e31d91-c6aa-47a1-b230-48a3a8df854fWed, 13 May 2026 22:09:52 GMT<p>C. William Phillips (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/words_with_will" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/words_with_will</a>) spent 14 years writing his debut, a crime thriller that reads like Breaking Bad and The Sopranos writers got into a fistfight in a parking lot and bleed all over the pages. Then he pivoted to epic fantasy and somehow made that look easy too.</p><p>In this episode, Will breaks down the wild journey from What Blood Remembers to The Ash Remains, including how unemployment finally forced him to finish a book he'd been carrying since he was 18, why he's a proud pantser which led to adding his best character (Sen) completely by accident, and how he built a dragon bond system that actually costs something.</p><p>We also get into: why Will writes unapologetically even when beta readers tell him he'll lose people, what the Malazan book club and The Crippled Pod(<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1UDpA2dZNhRY0ay3Md4XVY" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/show/1UDpA2dZNhRY0ay3Md4XVY</a>) did to his TBR, and why epic fantasy always felt like home even when he was writing neo-Western crime fiction.</p><p>Pre-order The Ash Remains (ebook $5 before release): <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://amzn.to/43aZTHK" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/43aZTHK</a> *</p><p>Find Will on Instagram: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/words_with_will" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/words_with_will</a></p><p>===========================</p><p>Connect with Realm Runners</p><p>Follow Pete: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://instagram.com/pete_reviews_books_good" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/pete_reviews_books_good</a></p><p>Follow Devin: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://instagram.com/bromantasy" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/bromantasy</a></p><p>Subscribe on YouTube: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtube.com/‪@realm_runners‬" target="_blank">https://youtube.com/‪@realm_runners‬</a></p><p>0:00 - Introduction</p><p>3:18 - Writing What Blood Remembers for 14 Years</p><p>6:50 - Why Unemployment Finished the Book</p><p>10:05 - Sprayed Edges &amp; Indie Publishing with Mayor Golden Bookshelf</p><p>12:30 - Pivoting to Epic Fantasy with The Ash Remains</p><p>15:30 - Character Work Across Both Books</p><p>16:20 - Pantser vs. Plotter (He Pantsed Sen Entirely)</p><p>19:30 - Does He Know How the Series Ends?</p><p>21:00 - Book Length &amp; Chapter Structure</p><p>27:20 - Chapter Formatting &amp; the Malazan Influence</p><p>30:50 - What Makes These Dragons Different</p><p>34:10 - The Dragon Bond Training Room (No Spoilers)</p><p>36:40 - Working on Book Two</p><p>39:00 - Future Projects: Space Opera, Short Stories &amp; a What Blood Remembers Novella</p><p>41:10 - The Malazan Book Club Podcast Origin Story</p><p>46:00 - What Malazan Did to His TBR</p><p>50:00 - Writing Unapologetically (Even When Beta Readers Push Back)</p><p>55:00 - Action Scenes &amp; Accessibility in Epic Fantasy</p><p>1:08:00 - Sen's Book Two Scoop</p><p>1:11:30 - Closing &amp; Where to Find Will</p><p>#realmrunners #bookpodcast #epicfantasy #indieauthor #fantasyauthors #dragonriders #writingcommunity</p><p>*Disclaimer: Affiliate links support Realm Runners at no extra cost to you</p>no01:09:4514 Years on One Book, Then a Fantasy Debut That Bangs | C. William Phillips | Realm Runners S2 E5full<![CDATA[The Bold Choice to Write an All-Female Clan in Fantasy w/ Jackson Ford | Realm Runners S2 E4]]>Most authors talk about writing. Jackson Ford (https://www.instagram.com/realjacksonford) proves it’s about living. In this episode, Jackson shares the real story behind his groundbreaking series The Bone Raiders, including how he dove headfirst into Mongolian culture, defying stereotypes to create a richly authentic world, nothing like the typical fantasy setting. You’ll discover the surprising reasons he chose to focus on female characters, why empathy guides his storytelling, and how to craft relationships that don’t just entertain but emotionally wreck your readers in the best way.

We break down Jackson’s unconventional approach to world-building, revealing how he uses "what if" questions instead of tropes to naturally develop compelling characters and settings. Plus, how his background in journalism fuels his obsession with getting details right, and why he believes every writer has a responsibility to portray diverse perspectives authentically.

Whether you’re an aspiring author or avid reader this episode unlocks the secret to genuine storytelling: one rooted in respect, research, and raw emotion. Perfect for anyone ready to challenge conventions, elevate their craft, or understand the mind of a storyteller who refuses to follow the crowd.

=============================
Connect with Realm Runners
=============================
Follow Pete: https://instagram.com/pete_reviews_books_good
Follow Devin: https://instagram.com/bromantasy

Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/‪@realm_runners‬

0:00 - Introduction
3:18 - Release Day Experience
5:19 - The Broken Binding
7:13 - Transition to Fantasy
13:24 - World-Building Approach
20:14 - Writing Female Characters
32:15 - Mentorship Program
38:08 - The Business of Publishing
49:31 - Upcoming Projects
54:15 - Personal Stories
1:00:04 - Closing Remarks


#realmrunners #bookpodcast #indiefantasy #debutauthor #fantasyauthors #writingcommunity

]]>16601f7f-b39c-468d-a8d5-aa39b62a3983Wed, 06 May 2026 03:19:44 GMT<p>Most authors talk about writing. Jackson Ford (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/realjacksonford" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/realjacksonford</a>) proves it’s about living. In this episode, Jackson shares the real story behind his groundbreaking series The Bone Raiders, including how he dove headfirst into Mongolian culture, defying stereotypes to create a richly authentic world, nothing like the typical fantasy setting. You’ll discover the surprising reasons he chose to focus on female characters, why empathy guides his storytelling, and how to craft relationships that don’t just entertain but emotionally wreck your readers in the best way.<br /><br />We break down Jackson’s unconventional approach to world-building, revealing how he uses "what if" questions instead of tropes to naturally develop compelling characters and settings. Plus, how his background in journalism fuels his obsession with getting details right, and why he believes every writer has a responsibility to portray diverse perspectives authentically.<br /><br />Whether you’re an aspiring author or avid reader this episode unlocks the secret to genuine storytelling: one rooted in respect, research, and raw emotion. Perfect for anyone ready to challenge conventions, elevate their craft, or understand the mind of a storyteller who refuses to follow the crowd. <br /><br /><b>=============================<br />Connect with Realm Runners<br />=============================</b><br />Follow Pete: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://instagram.com/pete_reviews_books_good" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/pete_reviews_books_good</a> <br />Follow Devin: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://instagram.com/bromantasy" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/bromantasy</a><br /><br />Subscribe on YouTube: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtube.com/‪@realm_runners‬" target="_blank">https://youtube.com/‪@realm_runners‬</a> <br /><br />0:00 - Introduction<br />3:18 - Release Day Experience<br />5:19 - The Broken Binding<br />7:13 - Transition to Fantasy<br />13:24 - World-Building Approach<br />20:14 - Writing Female Characters<br />32:15 - Mentorship Program<br />38:08 - The Business of Publishing<br />49:31 - Upcoming Projects<br />54:15 - Personal Stories<br />1:00:04 - Closing Remarks</p><p><br />#realmrunners #bookpodcast #indiefantasy #debutauthor #fantasyauthors #writingcommunity</p>no01:03:5424The Bold Choice to Write an All-Female Clan in Fantasy w/ Jackson Ford | Realm Runners S2 E4full<![CDATA[Aaron Hall: The Legend of Uh, Caveman Cooking, and Writing Parody with Heart | Realm Runners S2 E3]]>Aaron Hall joins Pete and Devin to close out April, and this conversation goes everywhere. We dig into what makes The Legend of Uh work and hint, it's not just the jokes! We also talk about how a personal pizza video accidentally launched a social media explosion, why parody fantasy fails when it's all gag and no emotional core, and whether Aaron's next project should be a sci-fi parody or a grimdark political epic fantasy.

He also teases a caveman cookbook that somehow has a fantasy adventure threaded through it, drops some thoughts on Brandon Sanderson's underground lair, and talks about what it actually feels like to go from nobody to getting recognized at a bookstore.

The Second Legend of U is available for preorder and released on 4/27! Check out everything from Aaron at https://aaronnhall.com/ !

=============================
Connect with Realm Runners
=============================
Follow Pete: https://instagram.com/pete_reviews_books_good
Follow Devin: https://instagram.com/bromantasy

Subscribe on YouTube: /  @realm_runners 

Chapters:
(00:00) - Intro and reflections on April’s achievements
(01:19) - Aaron’s praise for indie author community and "The Legend of" series
(02:37) - Discussing "The Legend of Up" and its humor
(04:07) - Brandon Sanderson’s prolific writing and book size
(04:58) - Brandon’s resources and underground home tour
(05:37) - The wealth of successful authors and their real lives
(06:48) - Indie marketing challenges and successes
(08:10) - Building an author brand with social content
(10:44) - The balancing act of parody and meaningful storytelling
(12:19) - Flipping stereotypes for emotional depth
(13:55) - The unexpected popularity of side characters
(15:47) - Impactful character moments and connection with readers
(16:32) - Making audiobooks available for free on YouTube
(17:43) - The reasoning behind YouTube audiobook strategy
(19:03) - Challenges with Spotify and other platforms
(21:07) - The importance of quick editing for social media
(32:28) - Insights into attention span and short-form content
(33:17) - The value of rapid shifts in social videos
(34:37) - Content planning and engagement strategies
(39:31) - Future projects including sci-fi, prequels, and series ideas
(44:39) - Debating themes of lighthearted versus grimdark stories
(45:49) - Creating a trilogy structure with thematic covers
(47:03) - The rise of especially popular genres like sci-fi and romance
(50:18) - Challenges in genre switching and audience expectations
(52:21) - Parodies in romance and sci-fi with humorous concepts
(66:31) - Viral videos: the power of one hit to transform an author’s following
(67:23) - The thrill and humbling reality of reader recognition
(68:04) - Connecting authentically with fans and meeting influential authors
(69:03) - Final thoughts and the excitement of future projects


#realmrunners #bookpodcast #indiefantasy #debutauthor #fantasyauthors #writingcommunity

]]>4bf3c6d2-140f-47f0-8d7f-90cf54d52769Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:11:33 GMT<p>Aaron Hall joins Pete and Devin to close out April, and this conversation goes everywhere. We dig into what makes The Legend of Uh work and hint, it's not just the jokes! We also talk about how a personal pizza video accidentally launched a social media explosion, why parody fantasy fails when it's all gag and no emotional core, and whether Aaron's next project should be a sci-fi parody or a grimdark political epic fantasy. <br /><br />He also teases a caveman cookbook that somehow has a fantasy adventure threaded through it, drops some thoughts on Brandon Sanderson's underground lair, and talks about what it actually feels like to go from nobody to getting recognized at a bookstore.<br /><br />The Second Legend of U is available for preorder and released on 4/27! Check out everything from Aaron at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://aaronnhall.com/" target="_blank">https://aaronnhall.com/</a> !<br /><br />=============================<br />Connect with Realm Runners<br />=============================<br />Follow Pete: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://instagram.com/pete_reviews_books_good" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/pete_reviews_books_good</a> <br />Follow Devin: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://instagram.com/bromantasy" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/bromantasy</a><br /><br />Subscribe on YouTube: / <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCcXLfIbwfxZ2fIwAktbaMow" target="_blank"> @realm_runners </a> <br /><br />Chapters:<br />(00:00) - Intro and reflections on April’s achievements<br />(01:19) - Aaron’s praise for indie author community and "The Legend of" series<br />(02:37) - Discussing "The Legend of Up" and its humor<br />(04:07) - Brandon Sanderson’s prolific writing and book size<br />(04:58) - Brandon’s resources and underground home tour<br />(05:37) - The wealth of successful authors and their real lives<br />(06:48) - Indie marketing challenges and successes<br />(08:10) - Building an author brand with social content<br />(10:44) - The balancing act of parody and meaningful storytelling<br />(12:19) - Flipping stereotypes for emotional depth<br />(13:55) - The unexpected popularity of side characters<br />(15:47) - Impactful character moments and connection with readers<br />(16:32) - Making audiobooks available for free on YouTube<br />(17:43) - The reasoning behind YouTube audiobook strategy<br />(19:03) - Challenges with Spotify and other platforms<br />(21:07) - The importance of quick editing for social media<br />(32:28) - Insights into attention span and short-form content<br />(33:17) - The value of rapid shifts in social videos<br />(34:37) - Content planning and engagement strategies<br />(39:31) - Future projects including sci-fi, prequels, and series ideas<br />(44:39) - Debating themes of lighthearted versus grimdark stories<br />(45:49) - Creating a trilogy structure with thematic covers<br />(47:03) - The rise of especially popular genres like sci-fi and romance<br />(50:18) - Challenges in genre switching and audience expectations<br />(52:21) - Parodies in romance and sci-fi with humorous concepts<br />(66:31) - Viral videos: the power of one hit to transform an author’s following<br />(67:23) - The thrill and humbling reality of reader recognition<br />(68:04) - Connecting authentically with fans and meeting influential authors<br />(69:03) - Final thoughts and the excitement of future projects<br /><br /><br />#realmrunners #bookpodcast #indiefantasy #debutauthor #fantasyauthors #writingcommunity</p>no01:09:3123Aaron Hall: The Legend of Uh, Caveman Cooking, and Writing Parody with Heart | Realm Runners S2 E3full<![CDATA[A Story Decades in the Making with Audrey DeBoer | Realm Runners S2 E2]]>Audrey DeBoer has been living with this story since she was a teenager. What started as a school assignment became Vispilio, a Robin Hood reimagining that reads less like a fairy tale and more like Game of Thrones with a bow and arrow. Lost princes, political betrayal, morally complicated characters who never act like you'd expect. This is the kind of indie book that makes you wonder how it doesn't have a hundred thousand readers yet.

In this episode, Devin and Pete sit down with Audrey to talk about what it actually takes to carry a story for over a decade and finally put it in the world. The craft decisions, the indie publishing reality, and what's coming next. Militis, book two in the series, is on the horizon, and Audrey gives us a look at where Southborn goes from here.

If you've been sleeping on Vispilio, this is your sign to go pick this up!

Follow Audrey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/audebo96/

=============================

Connect with Realm Runners

=============================

Follow Pete: https://instagram.com/pete_reviews_books_good

Follow Devin: https://instagram.com/bromantasy

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and episode overview

02:40 - Elevator pitch for "Vespiglio" and its thematic influences

03:43 - Robin Hood reimagining and political intrigue

04:54 - The importance of marketing and audiobooks in indie publishing

06:36 - Building complex characters and balancing narration perspectives

11:03 - Overcoming unexpected obstacles of indie publishing

13:28 - The power of community and IndieBookstagram for promotion

16:20 - Local events and creative marketing ideas

17:30 - The significance of audiobooks and distribution channels

21:12 - How character motivations and backgrounds shape storytelling

22:13 - Incorporating subtle twists and maintaining freshness in Robin Hood reinterpretations

26:04 - Character analysis: Morally gray and morally complex figures

27:24 - Exploring themes of destiny, trauma, and war through main characters

33:15 - The role of themes and editor input in character development

37:23 - Adelaide's role as a strategic, impactful secondary character

41:08 - The choice of using amnesia as a plot device and inspirations from history

43:39 - Effectiveness of dream sequences and visceral worldbuilding

46:23 - Multiple POV storytelling and balancing action with introspection

50:02 - Crafting compelling villains with depth, specifically Tanner

53:22 - Sneak peek into "Miletus" and future series plans

57:18 - Series scope: trilogy or beyond and world expansion

58:51 - Final thoughts, connecting with Audrey, and upcoming releases

59:41 - Closing remarks and appreciation for listeners

Subscribe on YouTube: ⁨@realm_runners⁩

#realmrunners #bookpodcast #indiefantasy #debutauthor #fantasyauthors #writingcommunity

]]>7a482368-8472-452e-bd49-fbb139934f4fFri, 17 Apr 2026 00:51:25 GMT<p>Audrey DeBoer has been living with this story since she was a teenager. What started as a school assignment became Vispilio, a Robin Hood reimagining that reads less like a fairy tale and more like Game of Thrones with a bow and arrow. Lost princes, political betrayal, morally complicated characters who never act like you'd expect. This is the kind of indie book that makes you wonder how it doesn't have a hundred thousand readers yet.</p><p></p><p>In this episode, Devin and Pete sit down with Audrey to talk about what it actually takes to carry a story for over a decade and finally put it in the world. The craft decisions, the indie publishing reality, and what's coming next. Militis, book two in the series, is on the horizon, and Audrey gives us a look at where Southborn goes from here.</p><p>If you've been sleeping on Vispilio, this is your sign to go pick this up!</p><p></p><p>Follow Audrey on Instagram: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/audebo96/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/audebo96/</a></p><p>=============================</p><p>Connect with Realm Runners</p><p>=============================</p><p>Follow Pete: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://instagram.com/pete_reviews_books_good" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/pete_reviews_books_good</a> </p><p>Follow Devin: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://instagram.com/bromantasy" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/bromantasy</a></p><p>Timestamps:</p><p>00:00 - Introduction and episode overview</p><p>02:40 - Elevator pitch for "Vespiglio" and its thematic influences</p><p>03:43 - Robin Hood reimagining and political intrigue</p><p>04:54 - The importance of marketing and audiobooks in indie publishing</p><p>06:36 - Building complex characters and balancing narration perspectives</p><p>11:03 - Overcoming unexpected obstacles of indie publishing</p><p>13:28 - The power of community and IndieBookstagram for promotion</p><p>16:20 - Local events and creative marketing ideas</p><p>17:30 - The significance of audiobooks and distribution channels</p><p>21:12 - How character motivations and backgrounds shape storytelling</p><p>22:13 - Incorporating subtle twists and maintaining freshness in Robin Hood reinterpretations</p><p>26:04 - Character analysis: Morally gray and morally complex figures</p><p>27:24 - Exploring themes of destiny, trauma, and war through main characters</p><p>33:15 - The role of themes and editor input in character development</p><p>37:23 - Adelaide's role as a strategic, impactful secondary character</p><p>41:08 - The choice of using amnesia as a plot device and inspirations from history</p><p>43:39 - Effectiveness of dream sequences and visceral worldbuilding</p><p>46:23 - Multiple POV storytelling and balancing action with introspection</p><p>50:02 - Crafting compelling villains with depth, specifically Tanner</p><p>53:22 - Sneak peek into "Miletus" and future series plans</p><p>57:18 - Series scope: trilogy or beyond and world expansion</p><p>58:51 - Final thoughts, connecting with Audrey, and upcoming releases</p><p>59:41 - Closing remarks and appreciation for listeners</p><p></p><p>Subscribe on YouTube: ⁨@realm_runners⁩ </p><p>#realmrunners #bookpodcast #indiefantasy #debutauthor #fantasyauthors #writingcommunity</p>no01:02:2522A Story Decades in the Making with Audrey DeBoer | Realm Runners S2 E2full<![CDATA[Miles Lyon on Writing The Price of Fear, Getting Lucky, and What's Next | Realm Runners S2 E1]]>Miles Lyon wrote his debut novel The Price of Fear without a roadmap, while he somehow landed a Jeff Brown cover along the way. We talk about what it actually takes to get a book finished, why editors matter more than most new authors want to admit, how luck fits into the indie publishing equation, and what Miles has coming next.

If you've ever thought about writing a book or you're deep in a debut and wondering if you're doing it right, you're gonna wanna check this out!

=============================
Connect with Realm Runners
=============================
Follow Pete: https://instagram.com/pete_reviews_books_good
Follow Devin: https://instagram.com/bromantasy

Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@realm_runners
#RealmRunners #FantasyBooks #BookPodcast #IndieFantasy

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Format
  • 05:29 Cover Art and Design
  • 16:31 Influences on the Book
  • 21:42 The Impact of Timing and Book Releases
  • 30:37 Balancing World-Building and Character Focus
  • 37:43 The Process of Writing First Drafts
  • 47:47 The Magic System
  • 55:10 The Journey to Traditional Publishing
]]>7f0185d2-e4bb-48f3-9e5c-de61445f100cFri, 10 Apr 2026 17:13:18 GMT<p>Miles Lyon wrote his debut novel The Price of Fear without a roadmap, while he somehow landed a Jeff Brown cover along the way. We talk about what it actually takes to get a book finished, why editors matter more than most new authors want to admit, how luck fits into the indie publishing equation, and what Miles has coming next.<br /><br />If you've ever thought about writing a book or you're deep in a debut and wondering if you're doing it right, you're gonna wanna check this out!</p><p></p><p>=============================<br />Connect with Realm Runners<br />=============================<br />Follow Pete: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://instagram.com/pete_reviews_books_good" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/pete_reviews_books_good</a> <br />Follow Devin: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://instagram.com/bromantasy" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/bromantasy</a><br /><br />Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@realm_runners <br />#RealmRunners #FantasyBooks #BookPodcast #IndieFantasy<br /></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Podcast Format</li><li>05:29 Cover Art and Design</li><li>16:31 Influences on the Book</li><li>21:42 The Impact of Timing and Book Releases</li><li>30:37 Balancing World-Building and Character Focus</li><li>37:43 The Process of Writing First Drafts</li><li>47:47 The Magic System</li><li>55:10 The Journey to Traditional Publishing</li></ul>no01:16:1721Miles Lyon on Writing The Price of Fear, Getting Lucky, and What's Next | Realm Runners S2 E1full<![CDATA[ Pete and Devin Introduce Season 2 of Realm Runners | S2 Ep. 0]]>No guest this week. Just Pete and Devin.
Before Season 2 gets going, they sit down to talk about where Realm Runners is headed: who the first guests are, what the show looks like with Devin as a full co-host, and everything else that makes this feel like a real new chapter.
Consider this the introductions before the run begins.

=============================
Connect with Realm Runners
=============================
Follow Pete:   / pete_reviews_books_good  
Follow Devin:   / bromantasy  
Follow Realm Runners:   / realm_runners  

Subscribe on YouTube:    / @realm_runners  

#RealmRunners #FantasyBooks #BookPodcast #IndieFantasy

Chapters

  • 00:00 Setting Up the Stream
  • 06:07 Co-Hosting and Instagram Followers
  • 16:26 Michelin Star System and Goodreads Ratings
  • 25:52 Book Reviews and Audiobook Experience
  • 30:57 Exploring Indie Scene and Book Reviews
  • 36:33 Unique Storytelling and Book Descriptions
  • 43:28 Reader and Writer Perspectives
  • 52:36 Guest Announcement and Podcast Plans
]]>cc7283e9-6231-4b02-ba13-4aecb00c66d0Fri, 03 Apr 2026 02:38:09 GMT<p>No guest this week. Just Pete and Devin.<br />Before Season 2 gets going, they sit down to talk about where Realm Runners is headed: who the first guests are, what the show looks like with Devin as a full co-host, and everything else that makes this feel like a real new chapter.<br />Consider this the introductions before the run begins.<br /><br />=============================<br />Connect with Realm Runners<br />=============================<br />Follow Pete: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGF6UkxEUUFCSnYtdld3QXBzRjNkR2hRLUtGZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttTnloVzVKSUZ2ZUFmb0UxNm91NEk5djRXbUpGdHQwamtrVER3d3hyTHNsMGd6alJDMmtZWkJBdjFOMWMwR0podzZIb3VmUEt4d2x0VERrYk03OWN1bUE4bUowTjc4eFJka1Y3T0FDVTRPTzlQbEwxNA&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fpete_reviews_books_good%2F&amp;v=HdDQHZa9KAI" target="_blank">  / pete_reviews_books_good  </a><br />Follow Devin: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVdwbzRIRFdHakhnTkpQdHRHWlVlYUQxaC0zZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttOFF3eTJ0ei1SdGI3d3FqakdudHpLd2lLOERaT242SXpQM2I1aXVQUGRuZWlyS0pST3RfdkZ2cDZidEdOcDhab2d3eXg0QlZTaW10dmJ6bmR2MUp3dXFtaVNjalI3Mk9jSFlWWVFZRXB3N0c2LVFURQ&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fbromantasy%2F&amp;v=HdDQHZa9KAI" target="_blank">  / bromantasy  </a><br />Follow Realm Runners: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqbThZWVhnSW41cHJraTJfUS1tY3lnbmk4RThzd3xBQ3Jtc0ttdEFJR3p5ZE1KSTRDU0FYNHlHQVkzSzNfU3drMEEycE1tV1pUczFBMFFWM3ItRnl6bUkteDVWWGhvbXBUa05oZ0xHVTlNMzlVVUpmdkl2UHJOa0N2T1FCUTVySXRZWnUtMF8teXNzRFhBcTRiVUlHaw&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Frealm_runners&amp;v=HdDQHZa9KAI" target="_blank">  / realm_runners  </a><br /><br />Subscribe on YouTube: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcXLfIbwfxZ2fIwAktbaMow" target="_blank">   / @realm_runners  </a><br /><br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/realmrunners" target="_blank">#RealmRunners</a> <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/fantasybooks" target="_blank">#FantasyBooks</a> <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/bookpodcast" target="_blank">#BookPodcast</a> <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/indiefantasy" target="_blank">#IndieFantasy</a></p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Setting Up the Stream</li><li>06:07 Co-Hosting and Instagram Followers</li><li>16:26 Michelin Star System and Goodreads Ratings</li><li>25:52 Book Reviews and Audiobook Experience</li><li>30:57 Exploring Indie Scene and Book Reviews</li><li>36:33 Unique Storytelling and Book Descriptions</li><li>43:28 Reader and Writer Perspectives</li><li>52:36 Guest Announcement and Podcast Plans</li></ul>no00:59:242 Pete and Devin Introduce Season 2 of Realm Runners | S2 Ep. 0full<![CDATA[Episode Twenty-Seven: TJ Cooper]]>Join Pete as he talks with TJ Cooper about his debut novel, A Shadows Vendetta, punk rock, Batman and more!

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pete-reviews-books-good/episodes/Episode-Twenty-Seven-TJ-Cooper-e3duhm2890e4856-edbb-4180-9f1d-891b80b47891Tue, 20 Jan 2026 19:33:37 GMT<p>Join Pete as he talks with TJ Cooper about his debut novel, A Shadows Vendetta, punk rock, Batman and more!</p> no01:35:56Episode Twenty-Seven: TJ Cooperfull<![CDATA[Episode Fifteen: Cal Logan]]>Join Pete as he talks with Cal Logan, author of the incredible book "ShadowBane" about what inspired the background of the book, how to keep characters engaging, what makes the plotlines so challenging to piece together, and what swear word he's happy to reclaim from overseas!

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pete-reviews-books-good/episodes/Episode-Fifteen-Cal-Logan-e38bm5ga4ca63ee-b1a0-487c-a869-c7c595ee59f4Wed, 17 Sep 2025 14:39:37 GMT<p>Join Pete as he talks with Cal Logan, author of the incredible book "ShadowBane" about what inspired the background of the book, how to keep characters engaging, what makes the plotlines so challenging to piece together, and what swear word he's happy to reclaim from overseas! </p> no01:04:00Episode Fifteen: Cal Loganfull<![CDATA[Episode Twenty-Four: Andrew Watson]]>Join Pete as he talks with Andrew Watson, author of the fantastic Shadowbinders series about his new novella, the other entries in the saga and much more!

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pete-reviews-books-good/episodes/Episode-Twenty-Four-Andrew-Watson-e3c6illc0cd719f-3da0-45bd-ae08-d4e400e3492aThu, 11 Dec 2025 01:08:18 GMT<p>Join Pete as he talks with Andrew Watson, author of the fantastic Shadowbinders series about his new novella, the other entries in the saga and much more!</p> no01:05:37Episode Twenty-Four: Andrew Watsonfull<![CDATA[Episode Eleven: Chance Dillon]]>Join Pete as he talks with Chance Dillon about his incredible debut, "Mercy: Tears of the Fallen," what comes next, what made him throw readers into the deep end right off the bat, and, as a bonus, what reality shows are worth watching.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pete-reviews-books-good/episodes/Episode-Eleven-Chance-Dillon-e36as7f9468e786-22aa-4434-958e-2e08816cbe01Fri, 01 Aug 2025 13:40:51 GMT<p>Join Pete as he talks with Chance Dillon about his incredible debut, "Mercy: Tears of the Fallen," what comes next, what made him throw readers into the deep end right off the bat, and, as a bonus, what reality shows are worth watching.</p> no01:10:35Episode Eleven: Chance Dillonfull<![CDATA[Episode Twenty-Six: Thomas Howard Riley]]>Join Pete for the first show of 2026, with Thomas Howard Riley!

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pete-reviews-books-good/episodes/Episode-Twenty-Six-Thomas-Howard-Riley-e3dmnmjc34c3fd1-df1c-4f7a-bec7-738800e395c1Thu, 15 Jan 2026 14:05:50 GMT<p>Join Pete for the first show of 2026, with Thomas Howard Riley!</p> no01:28:46Episode Twenty-Six: Thomas Howard Rileyfull<![CDATA[Episode Twelve: Justin Lee Anderson]]>Join Pete as he talks with Justin Lee Anderson, fresh off his release of "The Damned King," Book 3 of The Eidyn Saga about how experiences in the real world inspired the stories, which characters are fan favorites, the thematic elements that make the series so deep to dive into and so much more!

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pete-reviews-books-good/episodes/Episode-Twelve-Justin-Lee-Anderson-e374pbj90d9afc4-3521-4a51-b032-630ed435f1f2Thu, 21 Aug 2025 13:29:54 GMT<p>Join Pete as he talks with Justin Lee Anderson, fresh off his release of "The Damned King," Book 3 of The Eidyn Saga about how experiences in the real world inspired the stories, which characters are fan favorites, the thematic elements that make the series so deep to dive into and so much more!</p> no01:07:48Episode Twelve: Justin Lee Andersonfull<![CDATA[Episode Twenty-Nine: Bill Adams]]>Join Pete with special guest-host Devin (Bromantasy) as they talk with Bill Adams, about his new book Death Show Colossus! The kickstarter for it begins on 2/9/26, and has some incredible cool things to go along with it! Don't miss out on that, and keep an eye out for Realm Runners return in April!

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pete-reviews-books-good/episodes/Episode-Twenty-Nine-Bill-Adams-e3ekjjj33168544-40d2-4e17-9b5f-84762f799467Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:49:28 GMT<p>Join Pete with special guest-host Devin (Bromantasy) as they talk with Bill Adams, about his new book Death Show Colossus! The kickstarter for it begins on 2/9/26, and has some incredible cool things to go along with it! Don't miss out on that, and keep an eye out for Realm Runners return in April!</p> no01:56:40Episode Twenty-Nine: Bill Adamsfull<![CDATA[Episode Six: Michael R Fletcher]]>Join Pete on this episode of Realm Runners, as he talks with Michael R Fletcher, about writing the most grimdark book of all time, upcoming projects, fantasy hot takes, his favorite concerts and more!

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pete-reviews-books-good/episodes/Episode-Six-Michael-R-Fletcher-e34dq9k61ec27f1-5dc4-42c9-b78c-e18ddf9b790bWed, 18 Jun 2025 13:24:44 GMT<p>Join Pete on this episode of Realm Runners, as he talks with Michael R Fletcher, about writing the most grimdark book of all time, upcoming projects, fantasy hot takes, his favorite concerts and more! </p> no01:00:07Episode Six: Michael R Fletcherfull<![CDATA[Episode Twenty-Eight: Rob J. Hayes]]>Join Pete as he talks with Rob J Hayes, author of the amazing new book Hammerfall, along with so many others about inspiration behind it, the God Eater Saga, music, martial arts films and more!

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pete-reviews-books-good/episodes/Episode-Twenty-Eight-Rob-J--Hayes-e3e7jlf22f5d5bb-3a2c-4bd0-a2c0-c65c6c08cfa7Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:22:58 GMT<p>Join Pete as he talks with Rob J Hayes, author of the amazing new book Hammerfall, along with so many others about inspiration behind it, the God Eater Saga, music, martial arts films and more!</p> no01:08:30Episode Twenty-Eight: Rob J. Hayesfull<![CDATA[Episode Seven: Bill Adams & Alex Scheuermann]]>Join Pete as talks with Secret Scribes members Bill and Alex about their upcoming anthology, the inspiration behind the stories, how the project got put together and what comes next for this insanely talented group of authors!

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pete-reviews-books-good/episodes/Episode-Seven-Bill-Adams--Alex-Scheuermann-e34n8m2853b865a-d86b-4d4c-9ed7-24fe3477fed9Wed, 25 Jun 2025 12:49:10 GMT<p>Join Pete as talks with Secret Scribes members Bill and Alex about their upcoming anthology, the inspiration behind the stories, how the project got put together and what comes next for this insanely talented group of authors!</p> no01:13:44Episode Seven: Bill Adams & Alex Scheuermannfull<![CDATA[Episode Twenty-One: N.C. Scrimgeour]]>Join Pete as he talks with N.C. Scrimgeour about her new book, Tides of Torment, Scottish folklore, what influenced her series and so much more!

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pete-reviews-books-good/episodes/Episode-Twenty-One-N-C--Scrimgeour-e3apedi5508a1c9-c207-4370-8747-e8364226e040Mon, 10 Nov 2025 20:23:32 GMT<p>Join Pete as he talks with N.C. Scrimgeour about her new book, Tides of Torment, Scottish folklore, what influenced her series and so much more! </p> no01:06:06Episode Twenty-One: N.C. Scrimgeourfull<![CDATA[Episode Four: Kane Williams]]>Join Pete on this episode of Realm Runners, talking with Kane Williams about his new book "Perils of the Past," the influence of action movies, how to create creatures that are just as dangerous as people and so much more!

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pete-reviews-books-good/episodes/Episode-Four-Kane-Williams-e33fmlha0dcd6c5-6338-40fe-83a2-c2ab06f562d6Wed, 28 May 2025 12:53:35 GMT<p>Join Pete on this episode of Realm Runners, talking with Kane Williams about his new book "Perils of the Past," the influence of action movies, how to create creatures that are just as dangerous as people and so much more!</p> no01:04:42Episode Four: Kane Williamsfull<![CDATA[Episode Nine: Anthony Ryan]]>Join Pete as he talks with bestselling author Anthony Ryan, about his new books "The Feeding" and "Born of an Iron Storm," his previous works, the indie/trad publishing routes, history and more!

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pete-reviews-books-good/episodes/Episode-Nine-Anthony-Ryan-e35i1lt54b7a6a9-4d81-44bf-ac9d-d688eeb78004Mon, 14 Jul 2025 19:50:30 GMT<p>Join Pete as he talks with bestselling author Anthony Ryan, about his new books "The Feeding" and "Born of an Iron Storm," his previous works, the indie/trad publishing routes, history and more! </p> no01:03:16Episode Nine: Anthony Ryanfull<![CDATA[Episode Eighteen: Jay Kristoff]]>On a very special episode, join Pete and guest co-host Bill Adams with Jay Kristoff! The longest talk yet, covering his writing process, influences behind each of his series', the EPIC conclusion in Empire of the Dawn, and what heavy metal band he'd want to see the most! This is an episode you don't want to skip!

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pete-reviews-books-good/episodes/Episode-Eighteen-Jay-Kristoff-e39bo351a36abbf-0e6b-4b3d-ba8a-8c32b4cf61abFri, 10 Oct 2025 13:33:32 GMT<p>On a very special episode, join Pete and guest co-host Bill Adams with Jay Kristoff! The longest talk yet, covering his writing process, influences behind each of his series', the EPIC conclusion in Empire of the Dawn, and what heavy metal band he'd want to see the most! This is an episode you don't want to skip!</p> no02:00:19Episode Eighteen: Jay Kristofffull<![CDATA[Z.B. Steele, the Prince of Grimdark, Kicks Off Realm Runners | Ep. 1]]>The first one. Pete sits down with Z.B. Steele, author of Whispers of the Storm and Prince of Grimdark, for the episode that started Realm Runners.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pete-reviews-books-good/episodes/Episode-One-Z-B--Steele-e32k95d3140410b-b953-4917-8c5d-733599e600abFri, 09 May 2025 15:45:36 GMT<p>The first one. Pete sits down with Z.B. Steele, author of Whispers of the Storm and Prince of Grimdark, for the episode that started Realm Runners.</p>no00:56:0511Z.B. Steele, the Prince of Grimdark, Kicks Off Realm Runners | Ep. 1full<![CDATA[Episode Twenty-Three: N.A. Betts]]>Join Pete with N.A. Betts, who's 3rd book releases TODAY! This was a huge chat, about influences, football, his military career, and so much more.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pete-reviews-books-good/episodes/Episode-Twenty-Three-N-A--Betts-e3bgggr84e3396f-56ec-46f1-9720-885e799ca61dWed, 26 Nov 2025 14:18:45 GMT<p>Join Pete with N.A. Betts, who's 3rd book releases TODAY! This was a huge chat, about influences, football, his military career, and so much more. </p> no01:29:19Episode Twenty-Three: N.A. Bettsfull<![CDATA[Episode Twenty-Two: Thomas J Devens]]>Join Pete as he talks with Thomas J Devens, author of The Scroungers which is now available on audiobook! We talk about influences from other places besides books, the indie writing scene, and how his stories all come together in an incredibly unique way!

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pete-reviews-books-good/episodes/Episode-Twenty-Two-Thomas-J-Devens-e3b9el6b2f38b5e-db02-456c-b961-992a7f02ad48Fri, 21 Nov 2025 14:12:10 GMT<p>Join Pete as he talks with Thomas J Devens, author of The Scroungers which is now available on audiobook! We talk about influences from other places besides books, the indie writing scene, and how his stories all come together in an incredibly unique way!</p> no01:11:38Episode Twenty-Two: Thomas J Devensfull<![CDATA[Episode Fourteen: Mosha Winter]]>Join Pete as he talks with Mosha Winter, author of the amazing new book "The Winds of War," his influences, what comes next and more!

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pete-reviews-books-good/episodes/Episode-Fourteen-Mosha-Winter-e383et912e1b8bc-be70-4f59-aca7-f2f8d374d41aThu, 11 Sep 2025 14:25:14 GMT<p>Join Pete as he talks with Mosha Winter, author of the amazing new book "The Winds of War," his influences, what comes next and more!</p> no01:08:50Episode Fourteen: Mosha Winterfull<![CDATA[G.J. Terral on Bloodless, Video Games, the Indie Community, and Sleep Token | Realm Runners Ep. 3]]>G.J. Terral joins Pete to talk Bloodless, the completed Binding Tenets trilogy, video games, the indie community, and whether Sleep Token is worth your time.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pete-reviews-books-good/episodes/Episode-Three-G-J--Terral-e3359h69b7a93ca-79da-440b-8f32-5947eb86b492Wed, 21 May 2025 12:15:57 GMT<p>G.J. Terral joins Pete to talk Bloodless, the completed Binding Tenets trilogy, video games, the indie community, and whether Sleep Token is worth your time.</p>no01:07:1613G.J. Terral on Bloodless, Video Games, the Indie Community, and Sleep Token | Realm Runners Ep. 3full<![CDATA[Episode Seventeen: S.A. Klopfenstein]]>Join Pete as he talks with S.A. Klopfenstein about his new book, "Children of the Gods", his influences behind such a unique story, some hobbies we wouldn't expect, and why the Broncos will murder the Jets this week!

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pete-reviews-books-good/episodes/Episode-Seventeen-S-A--Klopfenstein-e397t6oe1c1b2f7-0f8e-4231-bfc0-f8fbfd3fa500Tue, 07 Oct 2025 23:56:06 GMT<p>Join Pete as he talks with S.A. Klopfenstein about his new book, "Children of the Gods", his influences behind such a unique story, some hobbies we wouldn't expect, and why the Broncos will murder the Jets this week!</p> no01:13:25Episode Seventeen: S.A. Klopfensteinfull<![CDATA[Episode Five: Dave Lawson]]>Join Pete on this episode of Realm Runners, as he talks with Dave Lawson about his new novella "Pawns of Havoc," how to create the perfect amount of snark to dark ratio, influences from life that made it to the page, and DRAGON PORN!

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pete-reviews-books-good/episodes/Episode-Five-Dave-Lawson-e33pni627124a08-44e2-43b1-9a7d-ab390a015a03Wed, 04 Jun 2025 13:23:43 GMT<p>Join Pete on this episode of Realm Runners, as he talks with Dave Lawson about his new novella "Pawns of Havoc," how to create the perfect amount of snark to dark ratio, influences from life that made it to the page, and DRAGON PORN!</p> no01:19:38Episode Five: Dave Lawsonfull<![CDATA[Episode Sixteen: Anna Smith Spark]]>Join Pete as he talks with the Queen of Grimdark herself, Anna Smith Spark!

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pete-reviews-books-good/episodes/Episode-Sixteen-Anna-Smith-Spark-e38nc3j9728cd5e-b141-482e-8356-bc272eda7fceThu, 25 Sep 2025 20:13:27 GMT<p>Join Pete as he talks with the Queen of Grimdark herself, Anna Smith Spark! </p> no01:06:04Episode Sixteen: Anna Smith Sparkfull<![CDATA[Episode Twenty: Katee Stein]]>Join Pete as talks with Katee Stein about her new book, Skysworn! Along with her influences, what tv shows are the best out, how she created such a unique world and more!

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pete-reviews-books-good/episodes/Episode-Twenty-Katee-Stein-e39s69m7e8ff9e5-288f-4977-8579-0f910c34fda0Tue, 21 Oct 2025 22:41:26 GMT<p>Join Pete as talks with Katee Stein about her new book, Skysworn! Along with her influences, what tv shows are the best out, how she created such a unique world and more!</p> no01:15:17Episode Twenty: Katee Steinfull<![CDATA[Episode Thirteen: R.A. Sandpiper]]>Join Pete as he talks with R.A. Sandpiper about her new book, To Touch a Silent Fury, the inspirations behind it, some behind the scenes looks into the next steps and more!

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pete-reviews-books-good/episodes/Episode-Thirteen-R-A--Sandpiper-e37desr029522f2-ccf4-4dd0-bbb6-767ad2bce66cWed, 27 Aug 2025 19:50:25 GMT<p>Join Pete as he talks with R.A. Sandpiper about her new book, To Touch a Silent Fury, the inspirations behind it, some behind the scenes looks into the next steps and more! </p> no01:07:03Episode Thirteen: R.A. Sandpiperfull<![CDATA[Episode Eight: Trinity Cunningham]]>Join Pete as he speaks with Trinity Cunningham, author of The Guardians of the Weldafire Stone series about her writing process, the next book in the trilogy, favorite movies and more!

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pete-reviews-books-good/episodes/Episode-Eight-Trinity-Cunningham-e357cu8223c38b5-30ea-4125-a4d9-d4bb5e74b96eMon, 07 Jul 2025 14:41:17 GMT<p>Join Pete as he speaks with Trinity Cunningham, author of The Guardians of the Weldafire Stone series about her writing process, the next book in the trilogy, favorite movies and more! </p> no01:04:54Episode Eight: Trinity Cunninghamfull<![CDATA[Episode Ten: Timothy Wolff]]>Join Pete as he talks with Tim about, in his words, "fantasy, lizards, and quite possibly the meaning of life!" Oh, also his new novella! Whatever happens, it's bound to be fun.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pete-reviews-books-good/episodes/Episode-Ten-Timothy-Wolff-e35tqoie2288465-8168-4cdc-91f4-a0f0ebfabbfeWed, 23 Jul 2025 13:17:01 GMT<p>Join Pete as he talks with Tim about, in his words, "fantasy, lizards, and quite possibly the meaning of life!" Oh, also his new novella! Whatever happens, it's bound to be fun.</p> no01:09:56Episode Ten: Timothy Wolfffull<![CDATA[Episode Twenty-Five: Michael Michel]]>Join Pete as he talks with Michael Michel about his Dreams of Dust and Steel series, his influences beyond the pages, why The Wire and Dark are two of the best shows ever, and much more!

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pete-reviews-books-good/episodes/Episode-Twenty-Five-Michael-Michel-e3chk37332d24c9-5abd-409e-a795-7ca6de95bec9Thu, 18 Dec 2025 14:35:55 GMT<p>Join Pete as he talks with Michael Michel about his Dreams of Dust and Steel series, his influences beyond the pages, why The Wire and Dark are two of the best shows ever, and much more!</p> no01:34:50Episode Twenty-Five: Michael Michelfull<![CDATA[Janelle Schiecke on Horror, Staying Original, and the Sleep Token Debate | Realm Runners Ep. 2]]>Janelle Schiecke joins Pete to talk her horror debut The Clatter Man, favorite scary movies, staying original when everything is a remake, and whether Sleep Token is sad music.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pete-reviews-books-good/episodes/Episode-Two-Janelle-Schiecke-e32r2a5e37c727e-320c-4652-9134-abcf45b8b706Wed, 14 May 2025 12:34:36 GMT<p>Janelle Schiecke joins Pete to talk her horror debut The Clatter Man, favorite scary movies, staying original when everything is a remake, and whether Sleep Token is sad music.</p>no00:57:0512Janelle Schiecke on Horror, Staying Original, and the Sleep Token Debate | Realm Runners Ep. 2full<![CDATA[Episode Nineteen: Nick Snape]]>Join Pete as he talks with author Nick Snape, about his new book A Queen in Blood, the influences behind his arcanepunk series, The Prodigy and much more!

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pete-reviews-books-good/episodes/Episode-Nineteen-Nick-Snape-e39fb6u9eaf757c-0c80-470a-95b8-7169e50c4abdMon, 13 Oct 2025 13:20:37 GMT<p>Join Pete as he talks with author Nick Snape, about his new book A Queen in Blood, the influences behind his arcanepunk series, The Prodigy and much more! </p> no01:04:59Episode Nineteen: Nick Snapefull