Fathers, Fantasy, & Fiction

WoR: Chapters 13 - 23

This week on Fathers, Fantasy, & Fiction, we cover Words of Radiance Chapters 13–23, where Shallan starts assembling a surprisingly loyal following on the road to the Shattered Plains while Kaladin’s suspicions about Amaram finally boil over. We dive into Shallan’s growing Lightweaver abilities, Pattern’s obsession with lies and truth, and the increasingly mysterious nature of the Knights Radiant. Meanwhile, Kaladin clashes with Adolin, Dalinar tries to hold together a kingdom full of political chaos, and Elhokar somehow becomes both more paranoid and more hilarious at the same time. Also discussed: sleep deprivation as parents, sick babies, accidentally falling asleep while reading Stormlight, red spren during highstorms, whether the Voidbringers might secretly be the good guys, and the ongoing mystery of where in the world Szeth has disappeared to.

WoR: Chapter 6 - First Interludes

This week on Fathers, Fantasy, & Fiction, we cover Words of Radiance Chapters 6 through the First Interludes and the scope of Roshar expands fast. From the mysterious culture of the listeners and their dangerous “forms of power,” to giant island-sized greatshells and secret Surgebinders hiding across the world, Brandon Sanderson starts pulling back the curtain on just how strange this world really is.  We break down the major reveals surrounding Eshonai and the Parshendi, debate the morality of the Ghostbloods, and react to one of the biggest shocks of the series so far aboard Shallan and Jasnah’s ship. Plus: theories about Shadesmar, Stormlight powers, mysterious interlude characters, and why “I am a stick” somehow became legendary in the fandom. Also discussed: audiobook survival during road trips with kids, why Stormlight somehow doesn’t feel like a 45-hour book, and whether becoming a dad instantly makes you old.

WoR: Prologue - Chapter 5

In this episode of Fathers, Fantasy, & Fiction, we begin Words of Radiance by covering the Prologue through Chapter 5. We return to the night of Gavilar’s assassination through Jasnah’s eyes and diving deeper into the mysteries of spren, Surgebinding, and Shadesmar. Shallan’s journey takes center stage as her strange abilities evolve, introducing Pattern and raising new questions about the nature of the Knights Radiant.  Meanwhile, Kaladin and Dalinar settle into their new roles on the Shattered Plains, laying the groundwork for what’s to come. From Bridge Four’s next evolution to Dalinar’s bold political moves and a surprising announcement about the Knights Radiant, we break down early setups, character dynamics, and our first theories for where this next book is headed.

TWoK: Chapter 70 - Epilogue

In the final episode of this season Fathers, Fantasy, & Fiction, we wrap up The Way of Kings with Chapters 70 through the Epilogue bringing major reveals, satisfying character moments, and huge implications for what’s next.  We break down Shallan’s biggest truth, the mystery of the Ghostbloods, and the shocking reveal involving Taravangian and Szeth. We also explore Dalinar’s visions, the truth of the Almighty and Odium, and Kaladin’s hard-earned rise plus our theories on the Knights Radiant and what’s coming in Words of Radiance.

TWoK: Chapters 59 - 69

In this episode of Fathers, Fantasy, & Fiction, we cover Chapters 59–69 of The Way of Kings as the climax of the book explodes into motion. Kaladin continues discovering the truth of his powers and pushes Bridge Four to new heights, while Dalinar’s visions are finally validated and his trust in Sadeas is put to the ultimate test. When betrayal strikes at the Tower, every major storyline collides in spectacular fashion.  We break down Kaladin’s heroic turning point, the meaning behind the Immortal Words, Dalinar’s stunning act of honor, and the shifting power dynamics of the warcamps. Plus, we share theories on Syl, the Knights Radiant, and where the story could possibly go after one of the biggest stretches of chapters yet.