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Artwork for A Meal of Thorns
Identity
Memory
Philosophy
Leena Krohn
Tainaron, Mail From Another City
Piranesi
Speculative Fiction
Susanna Clarke
Perelandra
Literary Criticism
C.S. Lewis
Queer Theory
Loneliness
Fantasy
Science Fiction
Portal Fantasy
Fantasy Literature
Christian Apologetics
The Traitor Baru Cormorant
Existential Themes

A critical book club from the Ancillary Review of Books. Host Jake Casella Brookins invites writers, scholars, and critics to discuss thorny works of science fiction, fantasy, and other speculative genres.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes41Founded2 years ago
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ArtsBooksScience FictionFiction

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Artwork for A Meal of Thorns

Latest Episodes

If you read Dracula and thought: “I like the ancient shapeshifting nemesis and the homoerotic subtext, but I don’t like how subtle the sexual and national anxieties are,” you’re in luck! Editor, reviewer, and scholar Marisa Mercurio is here to talk a... more

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We’re closing out this strange year with a “big-picture” episode: editor & critic Dan Hartland is on to talk about trends and directions—or lack thereof—in recent speculative fiction. We talk about the interesting spread of books & awards this year, ... more

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We’re tracking down the wellspring of “dark academia” in Donna Tartt’s The Secret History, and plucking on threads that stretch out to current fantasy and science fiction literature, with reviewer Roseanna Pendlebury as our guide. Casella manages to ... more

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Academic, critic, and prolific podcaster Cameron Kunzelman joins for a far-ranging discussion about how climate fiction, science fiction, and personal and political connections to the environment intersect. Bonus hog sighting.

Podcasts, reviews, int... more

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Recent Guests

Dan Hartland
One of the reviews editors at Strange Horizons and writer for the Snap Criticism Series for ARB.
Strange Horizons
Episode: A Meal of Thorns 40- 2025 Wrap-Up with Dan Hartland
Cameron Kunzelman
An academic and critic who works on science fiction, games, and how they affect us.
Episode: A Meal of Thorns 38- VENOMOUS LUMPSUCKER with Cameron Kunzelman
Sean Guynes
An academic and editor focused on the cultural history of fantasy, horror, and science fiction.
Lever Press
Episode: A Meal of Thorns 37 – THE HISTORIAN with Sean Guynes
Eleanor McAdam
Creative writing PhD student with a focus on artificial intelligence and reproductive technology in speculative fiction.
University of Liverpool
Episode: A Meal of Thorns 36 – UNDER THE EYE OF THE BIG BIRD with Eleanor McAdam
Timothy Moore
A writer and instructor with work published in various publications, including Chicago Reader and McSweeney's.
Long Day Press
Episode: A Meal of Thorns 35 – 60 Stories with Timothy Moore
Dr. Ursula Whitcher
Writer, mathematician, and poet with works published in various notable venues
Episode: A Meal of Thorns 34 – BURNING BRIGHT with Ursula Whitcher
Dr. Joy Sanchez-Taylor
Professor at CUNY LaGuardia specializing in science fiction, fantasy, and critical race studies.
CUNY LaGuardia
Episode: A Meal of Thorns 33 – THE FIFTH SEASON with Joy Sanchez-Taylor
Zachary Gillan
Critic specializing in weird fiction, also an editor at the Ancillary Review of Books.
Ancillary Review of Books
Episode: A Meal of Thorns 32 – AUTHORITY with Zachary Gillan
Brandon O'Brien
Seattle's poet laureate, involved in promoting speculative poetry.
Episode: A Meal of Thorns 31 – Seattle Worldcon

Host

Jake Casella Brookins
Host of A Meal of Thorns, Jake Casella Brookins engages critically with literature and invites guests from varied literary backgrounds to explore nuanced themes in speculative fiction.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 41 ratings
  • Great, thoughtful podcast about science fiction and fantasy

    The only thing keeping me from listening to all of these in a binge is the fact that I need to catch up and read many of the novels under discussion. Broad ranging, informative, and host and guests always care about the books, even the bad ones.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ouranosaurus
    Canada2 months ago
  • Exceptional

    There aren’t many speculative fiction review podcasts so I was so excited to find this one. I like how guests have expertise in relation to episode’s title selection and I especially enjoy the titles chosen to discuss. There is a nice mix of newer and less recent titles.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    kayemme
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many reviews highlight the podcast's ability to blend literary analysis with engaging conversations about contemporary issues.
The podcast is praised for featuring knowledgeable guests who bring expertise related to the themes discussed.
There is a strong emphasis on the importance of diverse voices in speculative fiction, which resonates well with the audience.
Listeners appreciate the deep, thought-provoking discussions about science fiction and fantasy.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

A Meal of Thorns 38- VENOMOUS LUMPSUCKER with Cameron Kunzelman
Q: What is Everything is Permitted about?
It's about the Assassin's Creed franchise, exploring big ideas and how media interacts with us.
A Meal of Thorns 35 – 60 Stories with Timothy Moore
Q: How do you interpret the themes of Barthelme's stories?
Timothy shares insights into the absurdity, humor, and deeper emotional resonances present in Barthelme's works.
A Meal of Thorns 35 – 60 Stories with Timothy Moore
Q: What has been your relationship with Barthelme's writing?
Timothy reflects on discovering Barthelme during his MFA program, realizing the freedom in fiction writing.
A Meal of Thorns 29 – Readercon & Lovestruck
Q: What are some things you've been reading and enjoying?
Rae Borman mentions Naomi Novik's Scholomance trilogy and reading YA books with her daughter.
A Meal of Thorns 26 – DEATH OF THE AUTHOR with andré m. carrington
Q: Is there anything else you have been reading or working on that's interesting?
Dr. Carrington shares about the recent Eaton Conference and his readings, including 'To Paradise' by Hanya Yanagihara.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About A Meal of Thorns

What is A Meal of Thorns about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focusing on literature within the speculative genres, hosts engage in critical discussions around various works of science fiction and fantasy, showcasing a mix of classic and contemporary titles. Recent episodes feature in-depth analyses and insights from guests who are experts in their fields, such as writers, academics, and critics. Noteworthy themes include post-apocalyptic narratives, the impact of technology on humanity, and in-depth explorations of societal issues reflected in speculative fiction. This podcast offers a unique platform for literary enthusiasts and scholars to reflect on complex topics, fostering a deeper appreciation of the genres discussed.

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Which podcasts are similar to A Meal of Thorns?

These podcasts share a similar audience with A Meal of Thorns:

1. A More Civilized Age: A Star Wars Podcast
2. Blank Check with Griffin & David
3. Eight Days of Diana Wynne Jones
4. Doughboys
5. Bad Gays

How many episodes of A Meal of Thorns are there?

A Meal of Thorns launched 2 years ago and published 41 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on A Meal of Thorns?

Recent guests on A Meal of Thorns include:

1. Dan Hartland
2. Cameron Kunzelman
3. Sean Guynes
4. Eleanor McAdam
5. Timothy Moore
6. Dr. Ursula Whitcher
7. Dr. Joy Sanchez-Taylor
8. Zachary Gillan

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