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We're beginning our November read-along of Gene Wolfe's Shadow & Claw with Chapters 1–16 of The Shadow of the Torturer. In this first installment, we explore Severian's mysterious upbringing in the torturers' guild, his complicated relationship with Thecla, and the unsettling questions surrounding his banishment. Can Severian be trusted as our narrator? How much does he really understand about the world around him? And what are we supposed to make of the strange science fiction elements appearing beneath the novel's medieval atmosphere? Join us every Friday as we work through Shadow & Claw, share theories, and uncover the mysteries of Gene Wolfe's world. Next week's reading: Chapters 17–35. Please avoid spoilers beyond the chapters discussed! Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Support Page Chewing on Patreon Affiliate Links that support the show: Audible Standard Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4z1iKns Audible Standard Monthly Membership: https://amzn.to/3S6vadd Kindle Unlimited Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4wqkYdD Amazon Prime Free Trial: https://amzn.to/3UptxI9 Join Captivate.fm Send a message via SpeakPipe

It was a rough week for comics! Some promising series failed to deliver, a few books are getting dropped from the pull list, and we're left wondering how long you should stick with a comic before calling it quits. This week on Panel Chewing, Steve and Jarrod work through another stack of new releases, including Absolute Green Arrow #6, Conan: Tides of the Tyrant King #2, Filthy Lambs #1, The Fury of the Firestorm #7, Black Star #4, The Forever Home #2, and more. Despite the disappointments, two comics manage to save the week! Our Picks of the Week: Steve: The Eye Collector #5 — A bizarre, unsettling cosmic horror series that continues to push boundaries with its unconventional artwork and storytelling.Jarrod: The Savage Sword of Conan Reforged #7 — Classic sword-and-sorcery featuring spectacular John Buscema artwork and a memorable Robert E. Howard adventure. We also continue our Lone Wolf and Cub read-along with Volume 22, where the conflict between Ogami Itto and the Yagyu reaches new heights. With only six volumes remaining, the story is building toward its conclusion, delivering breathtaking artwork, unexpected developments, and compelling questions about honor, vengeance, and fatherhood. Join the conversation! What comics impressed or disappointed you this week? Have you dropped anything from your pull list recently? And what did you think of Lone Wolf and Cub, Volume 22? You can follow along with our Lone Wolf and Cub read-along through Libby or Hoopla, depending on your library's availability. Thanks for listening to Panel Chewing! Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Support Page Chewing on Patreon Affiliate Links that support the show: Audible Standard Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4z1iKns Audible Standard Monthly Membership: https://amzn.to/3S6vadd Kindle Unlimited Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4wqkYdD Amazon Prime Free Trial: https://amzn.to/3UptxI9 Join Captivate.fm Send a message via SpeakPipe

Why do we sometimes find ourselves rooting for the villains in fantasy stories? In this episode of Beyond the Page, Steve welcomes award-winning fantasy author Robert A. Walker to discuss his Legends of Baylon trilogy, a character-driven fantasy thriller blending revenge, mystery, romance, and darker elements of fantasy. Robert shares how his fascination with castles, Tolkien, Dune, and classic thrillers helped shape his approach to storytelling. We explore why his first attempt at writing a novel didn't work, how building an entirely new fantasy world transformed the series, and why he believes memorable characters matter more than even the most exciting plot. One of the highlights of our conversation is Robert's approach to writing morally ambiguous characters. He explains why his villains aren't simply evil for the sake of being evil, how he gives them recognizable human qualities, and why some readers have found themselves unexpectedly attached to characters they probably shouldn't like. We also discuss writing in third-person perspective, balancing outlining with discovery writing, creating vivid action sequences, and the emotional experience of completing a fantasy trilogy. Beyond the writing process, Robert opens up about the realities of independent publishing, marketing books in a crowded industry, the value of advance readers, and why even negative reviews can help authors improve their work. Plus, we talk about his favorite fantasy and thriller authors, tennis, unusual childhood sandwiches, and what observing human behavior has taught him about creating believable fictional characters. Join us for a conversation about fantasy, storytelling, memorable villains, and the challenges of bringing an ambitious series to life. Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Support Page Chewing on Patreon Affiliate Links that support the show: Audible Standard Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4z1iKns Audible Standard Monthly Membership: https://amzn.to/3S6vadd Kindle Unlimited Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4wqkYdD Amazon Prime Free Trial: https://amzn.to/3UptxI9 Join Captivate.fm Send a message via SpeakPipe

Are publishers taking enough chances on challenging and unconventional books? Or are readers becoming too comfortable with familiar stories? This week on Page Chewing, I explore whether major publishers are playing it too safe, why readers should support experimental fiction, and how social media and annual reading goals can turn a relaxing hobby into an unnecessary competition. I also share my final thoughts on Tender Is the Flesh and Pet Sematary, discuss my reread of R. Scott Bakker's The Thousandfold Thought, and prepare for November's Shadow & Claw read-along by Gene Wolfe. Plus, I share some recent used bookstore discoveries, talk about the challenges of supporting local bookstores, and explain why I can't stand cracked book spines. Join the conversation! Are publishers playing it too safe? Do you enjoy challenging books? And how do you feel about annual reading goals? Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Support Page Chewing on Patreon Affiliate Links that support the show: Audible Standard Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4z1iKns Audible Standard Monthly Membership: https://amzn.to/3S6vadd Kindle Unlimited Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4wqkYdD Amazon Prime Free Trial: https://amzn.to/3UptxI9 Join Captivate.fm Send a message via SpeakPipe

The Slog continues with Chapters 9–12 of R. Scott Bakker's The Thousandfold Thought! Steve, Shawn, and Shobz return to Eärwa to discuss Kellhus's increasingly ruthless decisions, Cnaiür's deteriorating mental state, and the terrifying implications of the Consult's motivations. Can cruelty be justified if it saves lives? Is Cnaiür's madness connected to something supernatural? And what does salvation actually mean in a world where damnation seems almost inevitable? We also explore Achamian's conversations with Kellhus, Esmenet's growing influence, the nature of sorcery, and connections to the later books in The Second Apocalypse. ⚠️ FULL SERIES SPOILERS: This discussion assumes you've finished all seven published books. Join us as the Slog continues! Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Support Page Chewing on Patreon Affiliate Links that support the show: Audible Standard Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4z1iKns Audible Standard Monthly Membership: https://amzn.to/3S6vadd Kindle Unlimited Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4wqkYdD Amazon Prime Free Trial: https://amzn.to/3UptxI9 Join Captivate.fm Send a message via SpeakPipe

What if Stephen King's Pet Sematary had ended completely differently? For this special Halloween episode of Page Chewing, I'm joined by Caroline Bicks, author of Monsters in the Archives: My Year of Fear with Stephen King, to explore the original manuscripts behind one of King's darkest and most unforgettable novels. Caroline shares her remarkable experience gaining access to Stephen King's archives, including an unexpected phone call from King himself and the discoveries she made while examining his early drafts. During our conversation, we discuss: The original ending: How an early version of Pet Sematary featured a surprising role for Steve Masterton.King's unpublished revisions: The disturbing differences involving Gage, Rachel, and Zelda."Sometimes dead is better": How changing a single word transformed one of the novel's most memorable lines.The real-life inspiration: How King's personal experiences influenced the story.A novel too disturbing to publish: Why King initially put Pet Sematary aside.Grief, guilt, and free will: The themes that make the novel so haunting. We also explore King's creative process, the decisions that shaped the published novel, and what these early manuscripts reveal about his approach to storytelling. This special episode concludes our October Pet Sematary read along, but whether you've followed the series or are joining us for the first time, there's plenty here for Stephen King fans and anyone interested in horror literature. Spoiler warning: This episode contains major spoilers for Pet Sematary, including its ending. Find more author interviews, book discussions, and read-alongs at https://pagechewing.com. Happy Halloween, and thanks for listening to Page Chewing! Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Support Page Chewing on Patreon Affiliate Links that support the show: Audible Standard Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4z1iKns Audible Standard Monthly Membership: https://amzn.to/3S6vadd Kindle Unlimited Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4wqkYdD Amazon Prime Free Trial: https://amzn.to/3UptxI9 Join Captivate.fm Send a message via SpeakPipe

We've reached the conclusion of Stephen King's Pet Sematary! After spending October reading the novel for the first time, I'm sharing my reactions to the ending, revisiting my predictions, and discussing why this might be one of the most emotionally devastating Stephen King books I've read. In this final installment of the Page Chewing read-along, we explore the consequences of Louis Creed's decisions, the terrifying events surrounding the burial ground, and the unanswered questions about the Wendigo and the supernatural forces influencing the characters. I'm also revisiting some of my predictions from earlier episodes. I got a few things right, but the ending certainly didn't unfold the way I expected. Beyond the plot, I'm discussing what makes Pet Sematary so effective: its exploration of grief, mortality, desperation, and the human desire to reverse the irreversible. Despite some lingering questions about the mythology, I thoroughly enjoyed the novel. Its pacing, atmosphere, and emotional weight make it one of my more memorable Stephen King reading experiences. Thank you to everyone who joined me throughout October! Coming up on Halloween: My special conversation with Stephen King scholar Caroline Bicks, author of A Year in the Archives. WARNING: This episode contains full spoilers for Pet Sematary. Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Support Page Chewing on Patreon Affiliate Links that support the show: Audible Standard Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4z1iKns Audible Standard Monthly Membership: https://amzn.to/3S6vadd Kindle Unlimited Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4wqkYdD Amazon Prime Free Trial: https://amzn.to/3UptxI9 Join Captivate.fm Send a message via SpeakPipe

What do crime novels get wrong about real police work? In this episode of Beyond the Page, Steve welcomes author and law enforcement professional R. L. Carpentier III to discuss his Overlook trilogy, beginning with Our Lady of the Overlook, and how nearly two decades working in law enforcement have influenced his approach to writing realistic police procedurals. Carpentier explains the details that immediately reveal when a crime writer hasn't experienced police work firsthand, from terminology and investigative procedures to the unrealistic responsibilities sometimes given to rookie officers. We explore how he creates believable characters, why small towns make compelling settings for murder mysteries, and how his experiences hiking in New York's Catskill Mountains helped inspire the fictional world of his novels. Carpentier also shares the unusual origin of Our Lady of the Overlook: an idea that struck during a quiet overnight police shift and eventually developed into a mystery involving an unidentified murder victim, a decades old cold case, and a rookie officer following in his father's footsteps. Beyond the books, we discuss the challenges of writing a first novel, discovering a plotting method that finally worked, choosing independent publishing over traditional publishing, and learning how to connect with readers through book events, newsletters, and direct sales. We also discuss the challenges of bringing a trilogy to a satisfying conclusion, his plans for future mysteries, unusual food combinations, and what his first job taught him about working with other people. Join us for a conversation about crime fiction, authentic storytelling, creative persistence, and the realities behind the badge. Learn more about R. L. Carpentier III:https://rlcarpentierwriter.com Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Support Page Chewing on Patreon Affiliate Links that support the show: Audible Standard Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4z1iKns Audible Standard Monthly Membership: https://amzn.to/3S6vadd Kindle Unlimited Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4wqkYdD Amazon Prime Free Trial: https://amzn.to/3UptxI9 Join Captivate.fm Send a message via SpeakPipe

A dark fantasy comic surprises both of us, Marvel makes changes to its digital comics strategy, and we finally have a week without trombones! This week on Panel Chewing, Steve and Jarrod discuss Marvel's partnership with Webtoon, the value of digital comic subscriptions, and whether services like Libby and Hoopla offer readers a better alternative. We review Fire and Ice: Dark Wolf #4, Shift #1, Hammerhead #1, Cruel Kingdom Vol. 2 #2, Ice Cream Man: Chocolate Vanilla Twist #1, The Omega Book #3, Regicide #3, and City of Demons #5. For our Pick of the Week, we both choose The Karman Blade #2, an unpredictable dark fantasy comic from the creators of Little Bird and Precious Metal. Finally, our Lone Wolf and Cub read-along continues with Volume 21: Fragrance of Death, as Ogami Itto faces new dangers and the conflict with Retsudo Yagyu intensifies. What was your Pick of the Week? Find more at Page Chewing. Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Support Page Chewing on Patreon Affiliate Links that support the show: Audible Standard Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4z1iKns Audible Standard Monthly Membership: https://amzn.to/3S6vadd Kindle Unlimited Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4wqkYdD Amazon Prime Free Trial: https://amzn.to/3UptxI9 Join Captivate.fm Send a message via SpeakPipe

We're nearing the conclusion of Stephen King's Pet Sematary, and the atmosphere is becoming increasingly terrifying. In Chapters 55–57, the supernatural elements surrounding the burial ground become more prominent, raising new questions about the forces influencing Louis Creed and the other characters. This time, I'm discussing the Wendigo, the disturbing imagery surrounding the burial ground, and whether Louis is acting entirely out of grief or being influenced by something beyond his control. We also explore the novel's recurring themes of mortality, desperation, and humanity's desire to control things that may be beyond our understanding. As we approach the conclusion, I'm making some final predictions about what might happen to the characters and whether anyone can escape the consequences of what's already taken place. Join me for another installment of the Page Chewing Pet Sematary read-along as we continue tracking our observations, questions, and predictions. Next episode: The conclusion of Pet Sematary. Spoilers are limited to Chapters 1–57. Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Support Page Chewing on Patreon Affiliate Links that support the show: Audible Standard Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4z1iKns Audible Standard Monthly Membership: https://amzn.to/3S6vadd Kindle Unlimited Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4wqkYdD Amazon Prime Free Trial: https://amzn.to/3UptxI9 Join Captivate.fm Send a message via SpeakPipe

s social media actually helping authors sell books, or is it taking valuable time away from writing? In this episode of Beyond the Page, Steve welcomes author, entrepreneur, and publishing professional Jodi Cowles, co-founder of Blue Hat Pub & Print and Well Told Studio, for a candid conversation about the challenges of writing, publishing, and finding readers in an increasingly crowded marketplace. With more than 25 years of writing experience across multiple genres, Jodi has witnessed enormous changes in the publishing industry. She shares how independent publishing has opened opportunities for writers while making book discovery and marketing more challenging than ever. We discuss the pressure authors face to constantly promote themselves on social media, whether email newsletters and direct relationships with readers offer better alternatives, and why even excellent books can struggle to find an audience. Jodi also shares her perspective on traditional versus independent publishing, creative control, misleading marketing promises, and the growing presence of AI-generated books. Beyond the business of publishing, we explore what makes a story meaningful, why some books stay with us for decades, and the satisfaction of creating something that genuinely changes how a reader thinks. We also discuss her experiences writing across genres, living abroad, the importance of gratitude during difficult experiences, and the lessons she learned from her first job. Join us for an honest conversation about storytelling, creativity, publishing, and what it really takes to build a sustainable writing career. Find Jodi: https://jodicowles.com Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Support Page Chewing on Patreon Affiliate Links that support the show: Audible Standard Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4z1iKns Audible Standard Monthly Membership: https://amzn.to/3S6vadd Kindle Unlimited Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4wqkYdD Amazon Prime Free Trial: https://amzn.to/3UptxI9 Join Captivate.fm Send a message via SpeakPipe

What are the best horror comics and manga I've ever read? In this episode of Page Chewing, I'm counting down my personal top 10 horror comics and manga, featuring everything from psychological terror and extreme survival horror to cosmic nightmares and unforgettable body horror. Some of these stories have stayed with me for more than a decade. Others feature artwork so disturbing that it's impossible to forget. We'll explore why Scott Snyder's Severed has one of my favorite comic book endings, why The Walking Dead is worth reading even if you've given up on the television series, and what makes Alan Moore's Lovecraft-inspired horror so compelling. I'll also discuss the brutal survival horror of Crossed, Grant Morrison's mind-bending Nameless, and why Junji Ito's Uzumaki sits at the very top of my list. Along the way, we'll talk about the different ways horror comics can unsettle readers, from graphic violence to psychological dread and the fear of the unknown. Whether you're an experienced comic reader or someone looking for a place to start with horror manga and graphic novels, this episode offers ten recommendations worth exploring. Content warning: Several works discussed contain extreme violence, disturbing imagery, and mature themes. What are your favorite horror comics and manga? Join the conversation and share your recommendations! Visit Page Chewing for more conversations about books, comics, fantasy, horror, science fiction, and storytelling. Books mentioned (Amazon Affiliate links): 10. Severed — Scott Snyder https://link.amazon/B00W0iMUq 9. Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees — Patrick Horvath https://link.amazon/B03B4Ws5n 8. Berserk — Kentaro Miura https://link.amazon/B022XOBt5 7. American Vampire — Scott Snyder https://link.amazon/B0bE6x3Ep 6. The Walking Dead — Robert Kirkman https://link.amazon/B09xgBJup 5. Neonomicon — Alan Moore https://link.amazon/B0fBvpAEH 4. Providence — Alan Moore https://link.amazon/B0eik9ckS 3. Crossed — Garth Ennis https://link.amazon/B07tD0VvX 2. Nameless — Grant Morrison https://link.amazon/B05PDQQHV 1. Uzumaki — Junji Ito https://link.amazon/B07JS7R8R Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Support Page Chewing on Patreon Affiliate Links that support the show: Audible Standard Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4z1iKns Audible Standard Monthly Membership: https://amzn.to/3S6vadd Kindle Unlimited Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4wqkYdD Amazon Prime Free Trial: https://amzn.to/3UptxI9 Join Captivate.fm Send a message via SpeakPipe

The Pet Sematary read-along continues with Chapters 51–54, and Stephen King takes us through one of the most heartbreaking sequences of the novel. Louis Creed's determination to retrieve Gage and bring him to the burial ground forces us to confront the devastating effects of grief and the lengths someone might go to escape unbearable emotional pain. This time, I'm discussing King's remarkable ability to build tension through Louis's exhausting journey, the possibility that supernatural forces are influencing his decisions, and the increasingly mysterious intentions of the burial ground. I'm also questioning something that hasn't received much attention in our previous discussions: Gage himself. If Louis succeeds in bringing him back, what will Gage become? And is it fair to make that decision for someone who has no say in the matter? My predictions are also changing dramatically as we approach the conclusion. I'm beginning to suspect that not everyone will survive what's coming. Join me for another installment of the Page Chewing Pet Sematary read-along as we continue building our evolving notebook of observations, questions, and predictions. Next episode: Chapters 55–57. Spoilers are limited to Chapters 1–54. Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Support Page Chewing on Patreon Affiliate Links that support the show: Audible Standard Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4z1iKns Audible Standard Monthly Membership: https://amzn.to/3S6vadd Kindle Unlimited Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4wqkYdD Amazon Prime Free Trial: https://amzn.to/3UptxI9 Join Captivate.fm Send a message via SpeakPipe

Is fantasy becoming too complicated? Are enormous series and excessive worldbuilding discouraging readers? And why is horror experiencing such strong sales compared with fantasy? This week on Page Chewing, I'm exploring these questions and sharing my thoughts on whether fantasy could benefit from more standalone novels, shorter stories, and less emphasis on elaborate worldbuilding. I'm also wrapping up my first reading of Stephen King's Pet Sematary. What initially left me somewhat disappointed has become one of my favorite King reading experiences as I've had more time to reflect on the story. Our special Halloween conversation with Stephen King scholar Caroline Bicks is coming October 31st, including a discussion of the novel's early drafts and alternative ending. I'm also continuing through Agustina Bazterrica's disturbing Tender Is the Flesh and R. Scott Bakker's The Thousandfold Thought. Looking ahead, November brings our Shadow & Claw read-along by Gene Wolfe, with weekly Friday discussions. I'm also planning to revisit Hermann Hesse's Steppenwolf in December. Beyond the books, I'm discussing upcoming Page Chewing videos, revisiting The Sopranos, and reflecting on how our perspectives change as we watch our parents grow older. Thanks for listening, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on the future of fantasy fiction. Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Support Page Chewing on Patreon Affiliate Links that support the show: Audible Standard Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4z1iKns Audible Standard Monthly Membership: https://amzn.to/3S6vadd Kindle Unlimited Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4wqkYdD Amazon Prime Free Trial: https://amzn.to/3UptxI9 Join Captivate.fm Send a message via SpeakPipe

The Slog continues! We're back with Chapters 5–8 of R. Scott Bakker's The Thousandfold Thought, the final installment of The Prince of Nothing trilogy. This week, Steve, Shobz, and Shawn explore some of the most psychologically fascinating developments in the series as Cnaiür continues his descent into madness, Kellhus becomes increasingly mysterious, and the consequences of manipulation begin to reveal themselves. Cnaiür has always been one of Bakker's most complicated characters. But as his memories, emotions, and identity become increasingly fractured, we're left wondering how much of his behavior is truly his own. Is he losing his mind? Is he undergoing another transformation? Or is something even stranger happening? Meanwhile, Kellhus's motivations become increasingly difficult to understand. With fewer opportunities to experience events from his perspective, we're forced to interpret his actions through the people surrounding him. Has Kellhus fundamentally changed since the Circumfix, or is he still the same Dûnyain manipulating everyone around him? We also discuss: Cnaiür's deteriorating mental state and his relationship with ConphasKellhus, the Circumfix, and the disappearance of his internal perspectiveAchamian, Seswatha, and the possibility of Kellhus accessing the Mandate's dreamsEsmenet's growing understanding of Achamian's sufferingThe heartbreaking relationship between Achamian and EsmenetThe Consult's motivations and their interest in ConphasConnections between the First Apocalypse and the events of the Aspect-Emperor seriesThe recurring themes of manipulation, identity, memory, and history As always, we're approaching this reread with knowledge of the entire series, exploring details, foreshadowing, and connections that might be overlooked during a first reading. ⚠️ FULL SERIES SPOILERS! This discussion contains spoilers for all seven books of R. Scott Bakker's The Second Apocalypse. We strongly recommend finishing the series before listening. CURRENT READ: The Thousandfold Thought — Chapters 5–8 SERIES: The Second Apocalypse Reread Join us as we continue the Slog through one of the darkest and most philosophically challenging fantasy series ever written. Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Support Page Chewing on Patreon Affiliate Links that support the show: Audible Standard Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4z1iKns Audible Standard Monthly Membership: https://amzn.to/3S6vadd Kindle Unlimited Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4wqkYdD Amazon Prime Free Trial: https://amzn.to/3UptxI9 Join Captivate.fm Send a message via SpeakPipe