The Vassals return to Fillory (and Further!) for the final novel in Lev Grossman’s The Magicians trilogy.
Note: The after show contains spoilers for American Gods by Neil Gaiman, The Langoliers by Stephen King, The Dark Tower series by Stephen King, and both the novel Under The Dome by Stephen King and its television adaptation,
Edited by Katie
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In their second in-depth foray into the lands beyond the Sunset Kingdom, the Vassals set sail to Sothoryos and its surrounding isles, before heading north to the vast Grasslands of Essos, and then norther still to the Shivering Sea.
Join Duncan (Valkyrist), Greg (claudiusthefool), Patrick (Ser Patrick the Tall), Dan (witless chum), Augustine (linecom1), Michael (Khal Wadege) and newcomer Justin (uflGator1) as they ponder ramming techniques (naval and otherwise); butterfly napalm; early Australian settlement; the Dinopocalypse of the south; the Dothraki’s aggressive rural redevelopment program; frosty prophesies; Ibbenese wrestling moves; and the “phantom menace” that haunts Mossovy forest.
With the help of Maester Yandel, they also speculate (wildly) on the future events of the novels, and the various real-world historical allusions scattered throughout the compendium.
Warning: Contains spoilers for all published books in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire
03:51 – The Summer Isles
35:50 – Naath
43:50 – The Basilisk Isles
58:34 – Sothoryos
1:18:38 – The Grasslands
1:53:21 – The Shivering Sea
2:00:21 – Ib
2:17:54 – East of Ib
2:29:20 – ???
This podcast is part of series of in-depth discussions covering all of the various sections of The World of Ice and Fire (by George R. R. Martin, Elio Garcia & Linda Antonsson). Stay tuned to VOK for lots more installments!
Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist
“Naathi and Butterfly” painted by uflGator1 (click here for the full-resolution image)
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Links:
VoK 175: The World of Ice and Fire – The Free Cities
The World of Ice and Fire (Amazon page)
The Lands of Ice and Fire (hi-res map)
uflGator1’s Art Site
Haven in a Red Waste
Posted in A Song of Ice and Fire, Books & Novellas, History, Podcast
Tagged claudiusthefool, Khal Wadege, linecom1, Ser Patrick the Tall, uflGator1, Valkyrist, witless chum
Join the Vassals of Kingsgrave for the fourth meeting of the VOK Book Club. We leave the real world to enter the OASIS and discuss “Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline.
Join hosts Greg, Zach, Brett, Duncan, Paul & Alex as they debate how awesome the 80s actually were, how healthy it is to live in a virtual world even if you do have your own X-Wing fighter, the pros and cons of watching Highlander 200 times, and why you should always let the girl say, “I love you” first. We also ponder what the true nature of happiness is anyway.
Be sure to vote on the forums for the next pick of the VOK Book Club!
Note: The first 27 minutes of the discussion is spoiler free. When you hear “The Safety Dance” playing that means we are moving to the spoiler-filled discussion.
Credits: Edited by Greg
Image created by Zach (Alias)
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Posted in Books & Novellas, Fandom, Podcast, Science Fiction
Tagged Alias, claudiusthefool, LuckyCharms, Pod's Plight, Valkyrist, White Raven
[audio http://archive.org/download/VOK183TheWorldOfIceAndFireTheIronIslands/VOK183_TheWorldOfIceAndFireTheIronIslands.mp3]
The Vassals of Kingsgrave head towards the inhospitable coasts of the Iron Islands to continue their ongoing discussion on The World of Ice and Fire.
Join Vassals Greg (claudiusthefool), Patrick (Patrick the Tall), Alex (LuckyCharms), and Zach (Alias) as they sort through the gruesome Ironborn history, consider what about the complicated culture fascinates them, and identify real-world parallels.
Warning: Contains spoilers for all published books in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire
0:26 – Introduction
9:30 – The Iron Islands
31:22 – Driftwood Crowns
42:58 – The Iron Kings
44:42 – The Black Blood
51:08 – The Greyjoys of Pyke
56:48 – The Red Kraken
1:06:10 – The Old Way and the New
This podcast is part of a series of in-depth discussions covering all of the various sections of The World of Ice and Fire (by George R. R. Martin, Elio Garcia & Linda Antonsson). Stay tuned to VOK for lots more installments!
Credits:
Edited by Zach (Alias)
Outro Music: Longborn’s Legacy by Drumurboy
Art: Mattolsonart
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Posted in A Song of Ice and Fire, Books & Novellas, History, Podcast
Tagged Alias, claudiusthefool, LuckyCharms, Ser Patrick the Tall
The Vassals of Kingsgrave celebrate Valentine’s Day by discussing Chapter 19 of the Quenta Silmarillion: Of Beren and Luthien. Star-crossed lovers or doomed from the start?
Beren the mortal falls in love with Luthien, the most beautiful elf that has ever lived. Before they can marry Beren must complete the impossible task of cutting a Silmaril from the crown of Morgoth. As we follow Beren on his journey we touch on the continued dickishness of the Sons of Feanor, the possibility of Morgoth babies, the epic awesomeness that is Huan the Hound of Valinor as well as the Epic Rap Battles of the First Age and Luthien’s ability to make everyone simultaneously fall in love with her and fall asleep.
Hosts Greg, Matt, Alix, Matthieu, & Eddie discuss all this and more in the fifth part of our continued Silmarillion re-read series. The previous episodes in this series are VOK Episodes 147, 155, 163 & 172.
Credits:
Edited by Greg
Image art: “Carcharoth” by Justin Gerard
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Posted in Books & Novellas, Podcast, The Lord of the Rings
Tagged Aiwendil, Beric175, claudiusthefool, Teddard, Varley
Merry Christmas from across the Narrow Sea! In their first in-depth foray into The World of Ice and Fire, the Vassals set sail to the Nine Free Cities of Essos.
Join Duncan (Valkyrist), Thomas (FTWard), Patrick (Ser Patrick the Tall), Dan (witless chum), Augustine (linecom1), and Michael (Khal Wadege) as they ponder maze-loving minotaurs; the badassery of war-bears; the shocking secret behind Oathkeeper; Essosi potato-farming; the pH levels of the Disputed Lands; Patchface’s failed betrothal; and the fabulousness of the Uncloaking Festival. With the help of Maester Yandel, they also speculate (wildly) on the future events of the novels, and the various real-world historical allusions scattered throughout the compendium.
Warning: Contains spoilers for all published books in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire
1:39 – Beyond the Sunset Kingdom
20:00 – Lorath
33:26 – Norvos
45:50 – Qohor
1:01:07 – Myr, Lys & Tyrosh
1:20:21 – Pentos
1:25:02 – Volantis
1:38:09 – Braavos
2:16:33 – ???
This podcast is part of series of in-depth discussions covering all of the various sections of The World of Ice and Fire (by George R. R. Martin, Elio Garcia & Linda Antonsson). Stay tuned to VOK for lots more installments!
Credits:
Edited by Valkyrist
“This Land is Your Land (Valyrian Edition)” by Aiwendil
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Links:
The World of Ice and Fire (Amazon page)
The Lands of Ice and Fire (map)
Dreams of a Red Door
Posted in A Song of Ice and Fire, Books & Novellas, History, Podcast
Tagged FTWard, Khal Wadege, linecom1, Ser Patrick the Tall, Valkyrist, witless chum
The Vassals of Kingsgrave continue our Silmarillion re-read in which we cover chapters 13-18 of the Quenta Silmarillion; “Of the Return of the Noldor” through “Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin”.
The Noldor have a few bright spots and shining moments before everything starts to go downhill in their ceaseless war against Morgoth. We visit the hidden city of Gondolin and follow Maeglin the clinically depressed Elf as he tackles his daddy issues and falls in love with his cousin. Men finally show up on the scene and join the fight; and we get one of the most awesome and bittersweet scenes in the book in which Fingolfin challenges Morgoth to single combat with the expected results.
Hosts Greg, Matt, Alix, Shane, Brett & Matthieu explore all this and various tangents including having several lessons on pronunciation, debate the wingspan of the great eagles, who would win in a fight; Gimli or The Mountain, and why didn’t the eagles just fly the damn ring right to Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings.
Credits:
Edited by Greg
Image art of Fingolfin and Morgoth by artist unknown
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Posted in Books & Novellas, Podcast, The Lord of the Rings
Tagged Aiwendil, Beric175, claudiusthefool, easttexasdirewolf, Varley, White Raven
The Vassals pay their jots and take a seat in The Eolian to discuss the first two books in Patrick Rothfuss’ Kingkiller Chronicle series, The Name of the Wind and The Wise Man’s Fear. Sympathy, Tinkers, the Amyr, and the Chandrian are discussed, as well as the story’s principle characters. They also take a look at the many theories the books have spawned and what they might mean for the final installment.
Credits:
Edited by Zach (Alias)
Hosts: Brett (White Raven), Michael (Mordion), Sif (reg.roone), Chris (Issen), and Zach (Alias)
Music from Mark Haas’ The Name of the Wind: The Unofficial Soundtrack
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Posted in Books & Novellas, Podcast
Tagged Alias, Issen, Mordion, reg roone, White Raven
Join the vassals for the third meeting of the VOK Book Club. We review and discuss Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel, a finalist for the 2014 National Book Award (that’s right, literature!).
Join hosts Greg (claudiusthefool), Amber (amberrocks), Zach (Alias), Michal (inkasrain) & first-time podcaster Alex (LuckyCharms) as they try to make sense of this “hopeful” post-apocalyptic world in which 99% of the world’s population has been killed by a super-flu and yet Shakespeare (and comic books) have survived.
Come journey the empty weed-ravaged roads of what once was Michigan with the Traveling Symphony and its motley group of eccentric musicians and performers as well as visit The Museum of Civilization with its exhibits from a gone-away world.
Be sure to vote on the forums for the next pick of the VOK Book Club!
Credits:
Edited by Greg
Jacket image and map taken from the US Hardcover Edition published by Alfred A. Knopf, 2014. Station Eleven Comic by Nathan Burton. Logo from The Adventures in Bookland Blog.
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Posted in Books & Novellas, Podcast, Science Fiction
Tagged Alias, amberrocks, claudiusthefool, inkasrain, LuckyCharms
In this (not)161st podcast the crew gather around a coffee table to give their first impressions on GRRM’s The World of Ice and Fire. They lay down plans for more podcasts on this book. In after show they do an impromptu review on Brad Pitt’s Fury. Discussion is mostly kept spoiler free.
0:00 Pre Podcast Discussion (minor spoilers for GoT season 5)
9:20 Podcast Begins
1:12:00 After show
Credits:
Edited by Vikram (fortytwo)
Hosts: Fortytwo, Valkyrist, Alias, Inkasrain and Claudiusthefool
Intro Music: “hmm ok” by Gablé
Various other music: BoxCat’s Discography
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Posted in A Song of Ice and Fire, Books & Novellas, Fandom, Podcast
Tagged Alias, claudiusthefool, fortytwo, inkasrain, Valkyrist
Join the Vassals of Kingsgrave for the third part of the ongoing Silmarillion re-read project. Today we recap chapters 7-12 of the Quenta Silmarillion which covers “The Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldor” through “Of Men”.
The action picks up in earnest as the light of the Two Trees are extinguished by Melkor and his giant spider, the Noldor swear a terrible oath, the Valar create the Sun and Moon, and the Dwarves (Stunted People) and Men (The Sickly) finally come into the story.
Hosts Greg, Matt, Shane, Brett & Matthieu debate the dickishness of Feanor, the haughtiness of Elves in general and the unintended consequences of unbreakable oaths made in haste.
Credits:
Edited by Greg
Image art of the “Kinslaying at Alqualonde” by Ted Nasmith
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Posted in Books & Novellas, Podcast, The Lord of the Rings
Tagged Beric175, claudiusthefool, easttexasdirewolf, Varley, White Raven
The Vassals of Kingsgrave continue their Silmarillion re-read series. Today we discuss the first six chapters of the Quenta Silmarillion. We finally meet the first Elves and follow them as they make their way West and along the way many adventures and hijinks ensue. The Dwarves make a brief appearance, there is some bickering between married gods, a lovely island ferry, mighty eagles, Ents and Orcs.
We also learn the twelve different names the Elves have for themselves (Quendi, Eldar, Avari, Falmari, Eldalie, Calaquendi, Umanyar, Moriquendi, Nandor, Sindar, Falathrim & Eglath) in case you were wondering.
Join hosts Greg, Brett, Shane, Alix, Matt & first time podcaster Matthieu as they attempt to keep all the names straight while at the same time try to understand why Tulkas likes wrestling so much.
Credits:
Edited by Greg
Image art by Ted Nasmith
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Posted in Books & Novellas, Podcast, The Lord of the Rings
Tagged Aiwendil, Beric175, claudiusthefool, easttexasdirewolf, Varley, White Raven
The Vassals of Kingsgrave kick off their Silmarillion Re-read series. Before discussing the book itself we break down the troubled history of the publication and the development of the text of what eventually became The Silmarillion as it was published in 1977, four years after the death of J.R.R. Tolkien. We also analyze the letter that Tolkien wrote in 1950 to a friend in which he explained his reasoning behind writing The Silmarillion and what he hoped it would mean to England.
Join hosts Greg, Brett, Shane, Alix & Matt as they try to get into the head of Eru Iluvatar and his musical selections.
Put on your finest raiment and hearken to the tales of the Music of the Ainur and the Valaquenta.
Credits:
Edited by Greg
Image from the Melkor Was Here Tumblr from March 12, 2014.
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Posted in Books & Novellas, Podcast, The Lord of the Rings
Tagged Aiwendil, claudiusthefool, easttexasdirewolf, Varley, White Raven
Join Nadia and Bina007 as they discuss parallels between A Song of Ice and Fire and the War of the Roses. We discuss whether Henry VI was as mad as Aerys II; whether Edward IV was as drunken a lech as Robert Baratheon; how far Richard III echoes Stannis; whether Elizabeth of York used shadow babies to stop her uncle marrying her; and whether Dany will marry Gendry and reunite the realm just as Henry Tudor did.
Spoiler warning: A Song of Ice and Fire, The Princess and the Queen and The Rogue Prince as well as fifteenth century British history.
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[The Hollow Crown] Dan Jones’ newly published book on The War of the Roses
Posted in A Song of Ice and Fire, Books & Novellas, History, Podcast
Join the vassals for the second meeting of the VOK Book Club. We review and discuss Half a King by Joe Abercrombie.
Join hosts Greg (claudiusthefool), Amber (amberrocks), Brett (White Raven), Alix (Aiwendil) and Duncan (Valkyrist) as they review the first book of Abercrombie’s planned Shattered Sea Trilogy. A high fantasy adventure of epic proportions full of betrayal, vengeance, slave revolts, pirates, savages, ancient ruins and blood oaths.
Unshackle your slave collar and join us on our sojourn around the Shattered Sea.
Be sure to vote on the forums for the next pick of the VOK Book Club!
Credits:
Edited by Greg
Jacket image and map taken from the US Hardcover Edition published by Del Rey 2014. Artwork by Jon McCoy from the Subterranean Press limited edition.
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Posted in Books & Novellas, Podcast
Tagged Aiwendil, amberrocks, claudiusthefool, Valkyrist, White Raven
What is dead may never die… After an interminable scheduling process, and an even lengthier edit, the fabled “Queensmoot” chapter reading finally emerges from the Darkling Depths. Eleven salty vassals wade onto the shores of Pyke to claim their crowns, and perform “The Drowned Man” from George R. R. Martin’s A Feast for Crows.
And stick around afterwards for an in-depth discussion on Greyjoy psychology, Ironborn culture and Victarion’s ill-fated foray into nature documentaries.
2:27 – Chapter Reading
39:32 – Chapter Discussion
1:26:53 – Aftershow
The Cast:
Michal (inkasrain) – Narrator
Brooke (Asha Greatjoy) – Aeron Greyjoy
Dan (witless chum) – A Drowned Man / Meldred Merlyn / Baelor Blacktyde
Zach (Alias) – The Drowned God / Eric Ironmaker / Harmund Sharp
John (BarrelRoll42) – Rus / Red Oarsman / Ralf Stoneshouse
Seif (reg roone) – A Drowned Man / Ralf the Limper / Sexual-Harassment Kraken / Euron Greyjoy
Leigh (LordManderBlee) – Gylbert Farwynd / Lucas Codd
Peter (Shellfish) – Victarion Greyjoy
Paul (Pod’s Plight) – Dunstan Drumm
Elena (Lady_Grey) – Asha Greyjoy
Greg (claudiusthefool) – Rodrik Harlaw / Qarl the Maid
The Crew:
Michal (inkasrain) – Host
Duncan (Valkyrist) – Editor
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In the latest Full Cast(le) Recording, the Vassals get inside Ned Stark’s head and flashback to the Tower of Joy during Robert’s Rebellion. We meet some badass Kingsguard and discover the roots of R+L=J, as well as enjoying several cups of Arbor Gold with Robert and Cersei, while Ned recovers from Jaime’s attack.
The FCR proper ends at 14:35 and is followed by an Aftershow in which we tackle all things Kingsguard, ponder some interesting “what-if” scenarios, and generally agree that Criston Cole was the worst.
The Cast:
Greg (claudiusthefool) – Narrator
Duncan (Valkyrist) – Eddard Stark
Leigh (LordManderBlee) – Gerold Hightower / Robert Baratheon
Shane (easttexasdirewolf) – Oswell Whent / Vayon Poole
Jed (jed o’white hart) – Arthur Dayne
Tanja (Scilens) – Lyanna Stark
Zach (Alias) – Alyn
Amber (amberrocks) – Cercei Lannister
The Crew:
Greg (claudiusthefool) – Host / Editor
Jed (jed o’white hart) – Interstitial Music
Silent Partner – Backing Music
Amoko – Image Art
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The Vassals of Kingsgrave kick off the VOK Book Club with their discussion of The Ocean at the End of the Lane, by Neil Gaiman.
Join hosts Greg (claudiusthefool), Leigh (LordManderBlee ), Brett (White Raven), Zach (Alias), Amber (amberrocks), and Matt (Eiffel) as they analyze the short but powerful novel, touching on what it really means to be a helpless child in a world of adult cruelty; the responsibility of Gods (old or new) to their creations; the power of memory; and how easily we can forget the most formative events of our childhood.
Please be sure to vote on the forums for our next Book Club pick!
Credits:
Edited by claudiusthefool
Image taken from the US Hardcover Edition published by William Morrow 2013. Design by Adam Johnson, photo by Lane Coder/Gallery Stock.
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Posted in Books & Novellas, Podcast
Tagged Alias, amberrocks, claudiusthefool, Eiffel, LordManderBlee, White Raven
The Vassals discuss Lev Grossman’s Magicians series of portal fantasy novels. Topics include millennial ennui; impotent gods; the plight of being a fantasy fan; and how the rules of magical top-trumps aren’t entirely clear. This episode spoils the Magicians series (including the short story in Dangerous Women) and also discusses Narnia, Harry Potter, Brideshead Revisited and Tolkien. (Aftershow begins at 1h 20m).
Podcast hosts: Bina007, Katie (Lady Griffin), Brett (WhiteRaven), Michael (Mordion) and Greg (Claudius The Fool).
Edited by Bina007 using Geoffrey Burgon’s marvellous score to ITV miniseries of Brideshead Revisited and Queen’s It’s A Kind of Magic.
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Posted in Books & Novellas, Harry Potter, Podcast
Tagged Bina007, claudiusthefool, Lady Griffin, Mordion, White Raven
Journey back to the 12th Century as the Vassals discuss the 1989 Ken Follett novel, ‘The Pillars of the Earth’.
VOK’s answer to Siskel and Ebert (when it comes to Ken Follett books) returns as Glen (Dagos_Rivers) and Michael (Mordion) are joined Steven (SJLee) and tackle some thought provoking discussions such as
‘The best way to ruin a wedding’, ‘How to make a dramatic exit’, and ‘Did the White Ship JUST sink?’.
The Vassals also discuss (whilst fearing persecution by listeners to the podcast) the history of witch craft, currency in the 12th Century, and are saved by SJLee intervening in the ‘name change’ by Ken Follett of one of the historical Monarchs.
The character storylines and plot synopsys are briefly discussed before we realise how complicated the plot is, and
wish to avoid the podcast sounding like the monty python sketch ‘Summarise Proust Competition’.
Running Time: 02:14:34
Links:
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References:
[Monty Python sketch] Watch the Monty Python ‘Proust Competition Sketch’
[Oprah] Pillars of The Earth on Oprah’s Book Club
Vassals of Kingsgrave 
