[INFORMATION REQUESTED] Holy shit you guys are still alive? It's been a hot minute since we last posted, friends, and while this particular Cradle episode has been stewing for some time, we finally did get around to posting it. Uncrowned is a while back, but we still look upon it fondly. If by fondly you mean "how dare you," then yes, very fondly. Uncrowned marks the beginning of the tournament arc of Cradle, which if you know much about such things, means it's packed jam full of action. And, you know what? We're simple creatures. We like that. Still, how dare you, Mr. Wight. You'll be hearing from our lawyers soon. [Suggested topic: Smiley's socials. Continue?] [Topic accepted, continuing report...] Reach out to [Smiley's]: smileyspodcast@gmail.com Watch [Smiley's] on [YouTube]: https://youtu.be/pfgOC93mjLA Receive schedule [Updates]: https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley Buy [Smiley's] a drink: https://ko-fi.com/smileys [Suggested Topic: HOLY SHIT SMILEY'S IS BACK? HYPE] [Don't get your hopes up yet.] [Topic denied, report complete.]

[Spoilers MBotF] If you've been in the Malazan sphere long enough, you've probably heard the adage "Kallor did nothing wrong" more than once. Turns out, those four words encompass whole avenues of discussion that one video couldn't possibly hope to tackle. But all in due time. Inspired largely by our chat with AP about narration & his excellent videos on the subject. His prologue close reading (spoilers for MoI): https://youtu.be/TCMsQIBGx_I?si=XEOxv8C6KhXqidMq His "tragedy of the High King" (spoilers for all Malazan Books): https://youtu.be/Kb7Rwa_5SBM?si=m6wkr7LPtwzpimyN And my recent discussions over on the Malazan subreddit (well, not quite "recent" per se, but this is a recurring subject), I figured I had to put my money where my mouth is & actually write/record something on the matter. I elected to do the latter. This is the second attempt at doing so (due to technical errors on the first one) & it's rather sizeable (I'm quite loquacious, I am). I could (and perhaps, had I thought about it sooner, would) have split this episode along different lines, but for such matters you'll have to head over to more knowledgeable turf. The excerpts discussed are the second prologue of Memories of Ice & a certain scene in Midnight Tides. What that tells us about Kallor & the characters present, how it plays into his making into a tragic figure, and how it ties back to the adage of "Kallor did nothing wrong." If you, too, think Kallor did nothing wrong (or if you think he's the Malaz devil incarnate, or anything inbetween), please do reach out: smileyspodcast@gmail.com Would you prefer YouTube? https://youtu.be/WzsMHDSM8Ao Want schedule updates? https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley Wanna buy us a drink? https://ko-fi.com/smileys

[Spoilers for All Malazan books] [Mild spoilers for Book of the New Sun, Kushiel's Legacy, Farseer Trilogy & the Scarlet Letter (we're thorough, damn it!)] Hello & welcome to a very special guest episode featuring AP, longtime viewer, supporter, and indirect (and now somewhat more direct!) mentor. AP surely needs no introduction, so let's get to more pertinent matters. We spend the better part of an hour discussing non-Malazan related narration, narrative techniques, layers, and a host of similar aspects. It's a mesmerizing learning experience when someone as passionate & knowledgeable about a subject as AP talks about said subject at length (and I did make use of some of the things I learned here in my own writings!). Most of our discussion revolves around Kharkanas, but we do spend quite a bit of time talking about the narration present in the Book of the Fallen and the different narrative layers present. I daresay I have a new perspective on matters - especially in Kharkanas - which I lacked before (you may note that Steve had a similar effect when we talked to him, as did Cam). AP, you're always welcome to the Tavern - just say the word. And everyone else, thank you for listening (and you, too, are welcome in the tavern!) Per that idea, feel free to reach out for an invitation and we'll be quite accommodating, one hopes: smileyspodcast@gmail.com Would you prefer YouTube (though note that it, too, is audio only)? https://youtu.be/LKv1uuwKeCc Want schedule updates? https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley Wanna buy us a drink? https://ko-fi.com/smileys

[Information Requested: How dare you, Will Wight?] Smiley's is back to Cradle, with one core question: How dare you, Will Wight? Underlord's a damn fine book. Action-packed, lots of heartfelt moments, interesting worldbuilding, and we hate it for all those reasons. We here at Smiley's have taken a firm stand against authors making us feel things. Not us, no sir. Jests aside, this book led to us devouring Uncrowned in a handful of days in spite of being tremendously busy. It's a really good book. But still. How dare you, sir? [Suggested topic: Smiley's socials. Continue?] [Topic accepted, continuing report...] Reach out to [Smiley's]: smileyspodcast@gmail.com Watch [Smiley's] on [YouTube]: https://youtu.be/rJUv-90jibY Receive schedule [Updates]: https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley Buy [Smiley's] a drink: https://ko-fi.com/smileys [Suggested Topic: HOLY SHIT THEY'RE MAKING AN ANIMATION OF THIS THING? HYPE] [Topic denied, report complete.]

Hello & welcome to our first (and hopefully not last) installment of the Smiley's Malazan Trivia Quiz! Lee, your host (that's me!) is joined by Mora, Wes, Nate of Podcast of the Fallen, and GB - all of which happen to be mods on the Malazan subreddit. We actually go through a fair number of questions over quite a few rounds, and great times are (hopefully) had by all. There weren't any prizes (alas!) but the confirmation that your, uh, "mind palace is vast" indeed & the praise of all. We hope you enjoy our impromptu wrap-up of 2023, that you have yourself a wonderful 2024, and join us in another year of Smiley's. Cheers! If you want to participate in future quizzes- send us an email (we operate on a "first come, first served" basis): smileyspodcast@gmail.com Would you prefer YouTube? https://youtu.be/dr3Am7eTtFw Want schedule updates? https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley Wanna buy us a drink? https://ko-fi.com/smileys

[Spoilers All, or only MBotF, we dont know, its all a drunken haze] We decided to slack off and not read FoL. Instead here is a random discussion on Malazan curses, limited to the ones we see in BotF. Spoilers abound, so beware new readers. If you want us to tackle curses that appear in NotME, PtA or Kharkanas- send us an email: smileyspodcast@gmail.com Would you prefer YouTube? https://youtu.be/UJo_bOUO4WA Want schedule updates? https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley Wanna buy us a drink? https://ko-fi.com/smileys

Don't you like it when chapters follow a certain thematic throughline that makes things easy? I know I do. We're back in the Citadel (or, at least, adjacent to it), and oh boy do we get going quickly. Rise Herat explores a dusty old room full of the shameful past, Orfantal explores sorcery to an unparalleled degree, Endest Silann sets off in search of decency, a goddamn dragon descends upon Kharkanas, the contingent of the Shake seeks to peruse the magic of the Terondai, and Caplo learns to heed his f***ing leopard instincts & to find some patience. All that & more in this episode of Fall of Light, which ties in neatly to the next chapter where we mostly deal with Neret Sorr. Isn't it nice. Heed your viewer instincts, friends, and send us an email: smileyspodcast@gmail.com Would you prefer YouTube? https://youtu.be/u3-3FI0ufxg Want schedule updates? https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley Wanna buy us a drink? https://ko-fi.com/smileys

What starts off as a somewhat innocent chapter - with the biggest idiot of Fall of Light taking centre stage - quickly devolves into a mess of shifting alliances, weird mysticism, unsettling flashbacks, and overall bizarre scenes (see Narad & Threadbare). At least it ends the way it began; simply, with the biggest idiot of Fall of Light taking centre stage. Something of a staple of Erikson's writing - showing the PoV of a character about to die - comes up more than a few times in this chapter, as does the cryptic & vague prophecy that you feel you should know about but simply don't. Ah, well. Also, the answer to the question in the thumbnail is "Yes." Come one, come all, Draconus apologists & propagandists as well, and reach out to us: smileyspodcast@gmail.com Would you prefer YouTube? https://youtu.be/fEPbzFpjHu0 Want schedule updates? https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley Wanna buy us a drink? https://ko-fi.com/smileys

Don't you just love when a chapter lays out its theme in the first paragraph? I sure do. Makes summarising very easy. However, we do suggest at least some booze on hand for this particular one; it gets... odd. Meddling Azathanai, pride & innocence, childhood & grief, all entwine to give us what is arguably the most bizzarre chapter of Fall of Light thus far. Wreneck continues to be the MVP, while Rake, ah, well, "if it isn't the consequences of my actions." Furthermore, Draconus' authority gets further undermined - because of course, poor bastard can't catch a break - at the hands of both his master-at-arms, and his ex. And a few more innocents are caught in the crossfire. Even so, Rake's a dumbass - sorry not sorry - though he is learning that his actions often have consequences. If you, too, are a connoisseur of the finest character work and recognize Wreneck & Prok's supremacy, reach out to us; we'd love to talk: smileyspodcast@gmail.com Would you prefer YouTube? https://youtu.be/9OAIlWNcbpY Want schedule updates? https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley Wanna buy us a drink? https://ko-fi.com/smileys

[Spoilers for Kushiel's Dart, the Book of the New Sun (mild at best), the Malazan Book of the Fallen, and Forge of Darkness] Perhaps a bit of an unorthodox question, but one I feel is worth asking: Why is Kaminsod, what is his narrative significance, and why is he portrayed in the manner that he is ? At least as far as his [Redacted because of spoilers.] I'm contrasting Kaminsod to a few other unreliable narrators throughout books I've heard of & read about - Blind Gallan (Kharkanas), Phedre no Delaunay (Kushiel's Legacy), Severian (Book of the New Sun), Latro (Soldier of the Mist) - to find similarities, and differences. This is not the end - of course - but perhaps a Part One to an impending conversation on Kaminsod's narrative aspects. For more on how exactly Kaminsod recontextualizes the Book of the Fallen, I can wholeheartedly endorse AP's videos on the subject: (on that note, get well AP!) https://youtu.be/d5ZqQxIaWIc?si=O5KIOd_rsNxPKQkF At least a partial measure of credit goes to Niflrog whose ideas I've probably leeched from by osmosis: https://youtu.be/L0qjIDcZK-I?si=ZTJukViGRCiJZ3af And our socials: Reach out to us - we promise we're reliable narrators with no ulterior motives: smileyspodcast@gmail.com Would you prefer my ruggedly handsome looks? https://youtu.be/bljlZwKPRjA Want schedule updates? https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley Wanna buy us a drink? https://ko-fi.com/smileys

This is the one where Lee geeks out about metallurgy for like half an hour (no kidding). The origins of the Hust blades, the arrival of two very, verily, verbose captains at the Hust camp, Galar being torn between caring for his lord & caring for his, ah, commander, and Wareth being one dense motherfucker. Add to that Faror Hend losing faith in this whole endeavour, and, well, here we are. Seriously, though, this is one of the few times Lee's academical pursuits intersect with Malazan, and I just had to pounce on it. Forgive? If you don't avoid ironworking talk like the plague, feel free to reach out: smileyspodcast@gmail.com Would you prefer YouTube? https://youtu.be/-qsRgp8svWs Want schedule updates? https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley Wanna buy us a drink? https://ko-fi.com/smileys

[Information Requested: What makes Ghostwater the best book in the series so far] Holy Suriel! This book blew us away with the writing, the set up and the banger of a reveal that nobody saw coming. There were big epic fights, sassy banter, more magic and still has a heart at its core. Many new characters were introduced, some nice and some straight up tools. All in a day's work for our danger loving protagonists though. Lee actually read it twice while waiting for Mora to get to the audiobook- it really is that good. And I can confirm that this is one of the few episodes where we really couldn't wait to hit record. [Suggested topic: Smiley's Podcast socials. Continue?] [Topic accepted, continuing report...] Reach out to [Smiley's]: smileyspodcast@gmail.com Watch [Smiley's] on [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB9jqMIAfCHY3VgOqmFYFQ9VKlOIkta1W Receive schedule [Updates]: https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley Buy [Smiley's] a drink: https://ko-fi.com/smileys [Suggested topic: Smiley's Podcast, Underlord. Continue?][Denied. Report complete.]

[Spoilers for All Malazan Books] Figured I'd record an impromptu After Hours episode to, ah, publicize my essay a little bit more. This is, admittedly, an unscripted episode, and thus is going to be a bit jumbled & all over the place. TL;DR Kallor is Edgewalker, here's why. In case you've missed it, the essay in question can be found here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Malazan/comments/15w9rze/on_edgewalkers_identity_and_a_bit_more/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3 AP's incredible video on Kallor which does far more justice (ha) to him than I could: https://youtu.be/Kb7Rwa_5SBM?si=u_bqjLB5cgRRlbpO Socials: Our email: smileyspodcast@gmail.com Our Twitter: https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/smileys

I like to call this one, the "what the fuck" chapter. The Deniers & Shake plotlines are more intertwined than ever, incomprehensible prophecies are uttered, the predators become prey, and to top it all off, we get an almost slice-of-life scene at Tulas' keep, where Kagamandra plots his vengeance against Silchas & Scara. Oh, and Spinnock Durav Tiste-kisses (that's a verb now, yes) a dragon. So there is that. Lovely. Prophecy? Fuck prophecy, but do reach out with us: smileyspodcast@gmail.com Would you prefer YouTube? https://youtu.be/nRVO7WtmUn0 Want schedule updates? https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley Wanna buy us a drink? https://ko-fi.com/smileys

Some much required levity in this chapter (because it's about to plunge again), with a boy with freckles on his arms, a Thel Akai huntress, an undead guardian of an Azath tower, the stupifying fuckery of the Jaghut, and - of course - Korya & Arathan. Oh, and an Azathanai hiding amongst the Jaghut because - well, because of course. Whatever the case, Mora & Lee are off to see a man with freckles on his arms. We hope you enjoy. Wisdom may indeed be overrated, but our email is not: smileyspodcast@gmail.com Would you prefer YouTube? https://youtu.be/LKO0VzCTgu4 Want schedule updates? https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley Wanna buy us a drink? https://ko-fi.com/smileys

[Warning for poor audio quality] Through hardships & difficulties, the merry band of Mora & Lee persevere through yet another recording. Thankfully, this particular chapter was lower in stakes & so we spent the time laughing & giggling in exasperation, as this chapter feels apropos of nothing that came before it. A similar merry group of misfits - Lasa's three husbands, Lasa & Hanako - come upon yet another misfit (that apparently walked through the lake floor!) and hilarities ensue. Amidst all the banter & explicit jokes, shocking tenderness (get your mind out of the gutter) arises, as we posit that the three husbands represent the three "main" forms of attraction; sexual (Garelko), romantic, and aesthetic. All three husbands love Lasa, and Lasa loves them in turn. Love all abound. Oh, and there's a dragon in your garden, good sir. This chapter's fucking hysterical. The sea may not dream of you, but our email yearns: smileyspodcast@gmail.com Would you prefer YouTube? https://youtu.be/UQuiYDC8lkA Want schedule updates? https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley Wanna buy us a drink? https://ko-fi.com/smileys

As the last chapter dealt with the dwellers of the Citadel and a particular Azathanai amidst them, so does this chapter deal with the residents of Neret Sorr. Father Light, a man of many words but little action is accosted by Syntara & Sagander while his adopted daughter puts both of them on blast. Renarr finally opens up to the audience, though her thoughts are scant comfort. The captains of the Legion continue engaging in sordid acts - including Hunn Raal copulating with a campfire! - while young Sheltatha Lore is dispatched to the keep proper. Lee also partakes of the last of his aqvavit, because he simply could not get through this chapter without it. We hope you enjoy our suffering. Our email, friends; even the ox knows its burden: smileyspodcast@gmail.com Would you prefer YouTube? https://youtu.be/1D8UJluXDKA Want schedule updates? https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley Wanna buy us a drink? https://ko-fi.com/smileys

We find ourselves in the Citadel of Kharkanas for virtually the entire chapter, as the intrigue about unveils. Jaded poets mock, desperate historians plot, cheery Azathanai relate their bloody pasts, nobleborn seek easy routes to power, and children - a title independent of one's age - stumble blindly throughout. All this and more, as narrated by Mora, with frequent interjections from Lee to nerd out about all sorts of things. Thus, we hope you enjoy! Name it for the tavern, the Podcast of Smiley's: smileyspodcast@gmail.com Would you prefer YouTube? https://youtu.be/6xerCGNpRrQ Want schedule updates? https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley Wanna buy us a drink? https://ko-fi.com/smileys

[Information Requested: Smiley's Podcast, Skysworn, Description.] Beginning report... Skysworn, an apparently rather divisive among the Cradle community, that perhaps can be adequately summed up as "feels." Will expands the world some more (this time without implicating Lindon!), finally gives us the promised duel, ups the ante a little, then ups the ante a lot going into the next few books. Lindon makes new friends, new enemies (lots of those), and eventually becomes a member of the titular Skysworn. Albeit a disliked one. All in all, we enjoyed the book, despite the naysayers. Lots of feels, though. [Suggested topic: Smiley's Podcast socials. Continue?] Topic accepted, continuing report... Reach out to [Smiley's]: smileyspodcast@gmail.com Watch [Smiley's] on [YouTube]: https://youtu.be/c-Bz6mFRXL8 Receive schedule updates: https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley Buy [Smiley's] a drink: https://ko-fi.com/smileys [Suggested topic: Smiley's Podcast, Ghostwater. Continue?] [Denied. Report complete.]

[Spoilers MBotF, NotME, FoD & FoL upto Chapter 9] Mandy broods, Brood mopes, and the Dracons household is caught in the middle of the maelstrom. The Prazek & Dathenar stand-in arrives on scene, and wonderful conversations about the woes of faith, societal injustice, sorcery & healing, and a more comprehensive rundown of Gothos' arguments ensue. All the while, the duo of Brood & Rake meet Wreneck, who becomes Anomander's belated - and bloodthirsty - conscience. We also get a fairly interesting rundown on what Rake believes are "the necessities of proper rule," so there is that. Exciting things ahead. We hope you enjoy! Assemble for us, then, the necessities of proper podcasting: smileyspodcast@gmail.com Would you prefer YouTube? https://youtu.be/8Paqo8mK5VI Want schedule updates? https://twitter.com/podcast_smiley Wanna buy us a drink? https://ko-fi.com/smileys