Books Between Friends Podcast

This week we're discussing The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson, covering Chapters 51–67.
The truth behind Ruin's influence finally comes into focus as Spook realizes he has been manipulated all along—and discovers he wasn't the only one. Quellion's actions suddenly take on an entirely new meaning as the extent of Ruin's control becomes impossible to ignore.
Meanwhile, Vin finds herself trapped and forced into unsettling conversations with Ruin, giving us some of the biggest lore reveals in the series so far. Even while imprisoned, Elend manages to communicate with Preservation in one of the most memorable scenes in the novel.
At the same time, Sazed continues wrestling with his crisis of faith, desperately searching for answers as the world edges closer to its end.
In this episode we discuss:
Spook's realization about Ruin's manipulation
The reveal surrounding Quellion (the Citizen)
Vin's conversations with Ruin
Elend's odd conversation with Preservation
Sazed's ongoing struggle with religion and faith
Our predictions for the final chapters
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This episode contains spoilers through Chapter 67 of The Hero of Ages.

In this episode of Books Between Friends, we're discussing The Hero of Ages Chapters 35-50 by Brandon Sanderson.
The mysteries are piling up. We dive deep into Hemalurgy and the unsettling implications of Ruin's ability to influence people through metal spikes. We discuss Spook's transformation into the Survivor of the Flames, the strange voice guiding him, and whether he's becoming a hero—or a pawn.
We also explore the growing mystery of the Mistfallen: those who became sick after exposure to the mists. Why are only certain people affected? Is Preservation trying to send a message, or is something much larger at work?
Along the way, we share our favorite character moments, discuss new theories, and make predictions about where the final Mistborn book is headed.
📚 Reading for NEXT episode: Chapters 51-67 of The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson

This week on Books Between Friends, we're discussing Chapters 17-34 of The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson.
As the world continues to unravel, the conflict between Preservation and Ruin takes center stage, raising questions about balance, destiny, and the forces shaping Scadrial's future. We discuss the strange behavior of the mists, the percentage of people affected by them, and what it could mean for the larger story.
We also dive into:
• Spook's visions of Kelsier and what they might mean• Sazed's continuing struggle with faith and belief• Why Vin and Elend remain one of fantasy's strongest partnerships• The mysteries surrounding TenSoon and the kandra• Connections between the kandra, Preservation, and Ruin• Our latest theories and predictions for the end of the trilogy
Grab your copperminds and join us for another deep dive into the final Mistborn novel.

The final book of the original Mistborn trilogy is here.
In Part 1 of our discussion of The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson, we cover the Prologue through Chapter 16 and share our reactions as the stakes reach a new level.
As ash continues to fall and the world seems closer than ever to collapse, Vin, Elend, Sazed, and the rest of the crew face impossible questions about prophecy, faith, leadership, and survival.
During this episode, we discuss:
Major character developments
The growing mystery of the Hero of Ages
Early theories and predictions
Our favorite moments from this section
What we're most excited (and nervous) to see next
Whether you're reading along for the first time or revisiting the series, grab your favorite cozy drink and join us as we begin our journey through the epic conclusion to the original Mistborn trilogy.

We’ve officially reached the end of Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman, and in this finale episode, we’re giving our final ratings, reviews, reactions, and favorite moments from the book.
From Carl’s emotional journey to Princess Donut’s unforgettable one-liners, we discuss what made this chaotic litRPG adventure stand out, what surprised us most, and whether we’ll continue the series.
Join the Side-Eye Syndicate for one last dungeon run as we wrap up our first Dungeon Crawler Carl read-through.

The dungeon may be chaos, but outside of it? Things are somehow even stranger.
In this episode of Books Between Friends, we cover Chapters 25–36 of Dungeon Crawler Carl and finally start pulling back the curtain on what’s really happening beyond the dungeon walls. From the introduction of fan-favorite chaos agents Zev and Odette to the horrifying realization that this whole thing is basically entertainment for the galaxy, Carl and Donut’s world keeps getting bigger—and weirder.
We discuss:
The introduction of Zev and Odette
The growing “game show” aspect of the dungeon
How the outside world changes the tone of the story
Carl slowly realizing the scope of what’s happening
Donut continuing to be the absolute star of the show
Plus, we react to the biggest moments, discuss what our own crawler personas would do, and hand out new achievements and loot boxes along the way.

The dungeon gets deadlier in Chapters 13–24 of Dungeon Crawler Carl, and the choices only get messier from here. Carl and Donut are learning quickly that survival isn’t just about fighting monsters—it’s about knowing who to trust, when to run, and when to blow something up and hope for the best.
This week, we dive into some of the wildest moments so far, including new crawler encounters, escalating chaos, suspicious alliances, and the increasingly unhinged energy of the dungeon itself. We also continue making decisions for our own crawler personas, leveling up along the way with new achievements, loot boxes, and probably several terrible life choices.
Join Ethan, Jen, and Stef as we recap the story, debate pivotal decisions, and try our best not to earn skulls next to our names.

The dungeon is officially OPEN.
This week on Books Between Friends, we’re diving into the absolute chaos that is Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman — and honestly? Nothing could have prepared us for this experience.
From exploding goblins and killer stairwells to achievement pop-ups and the icon herself Princess Donut, we’re breaking down Chapters 1–12 of one of the wildest fantasy/sci-fi books we’ve ever read.
In this episode, we discuss:
Carl and Donut’s entrance into the dungeon
The bizarre game mechanics and crawler system
Early boss battles and achievements
Our crawler personas and what choices we would make in the dungeon
Why this book somehow feels like The Hunger Games, a video game, AND a reality TV show all at once
Whether you’re already obsessed with the series or considering your first trip into the dungeon, come hang out with us for theories, laughter, and complete emotional damage.
🎧 New episodes every week from your favorite chaotic book club.

We’ve reached the end of On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn, and… yeah, we’re not okay.
In this finale episode covering chapters 46–60, everything comes to a head—secrets unravel, loyalties are tested, and the stakes hit an all-time high. The tension? Relentless. The reveals? Painful. The emotional damage? Significant.
We break down the biggest moments from the final stretch, dive into the character arcs that left us reeling (and questioning everything), and talk through how it all lands—what worked, what shocked us, and what we’re still trying to process.
And of course, we wrap it all up with our final ratings and reviews. Did this book stick the landing? Did it completely wreck us? You already know we have thoughts.
Grab your drink, get cozy, and come spiral with us one last time.

In this episode of Books Between Friends, we’re diving into Chapters 31–45 of On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn—and let’s just say… the tension is tensioning.
As alliances begin to shift and secrets creep closer to the surface, Medra continues to prove she’s not someone to underestimate. But it’s not just the external stakes rising—there’s a certain dynamic that’s getting harder and harder to ignore 👀
We break down:
The moments that had us side-eyeing everyone
Character choices that feel… loaded
The subtle (and not-so-subtle) emotional shifts happening beneath the surface
Plus, we’re asking the big question: who can you actually trust right now?