Rephonic
Artwork for A Meal of Thorns
Speculative Fiction
Identity
Memory
Philosophy
Tainaron, Mail From Another City
Leena Krohn
Piranesi
Susanna Clarke
Perelandra
Literary Criticism
C.S. Lewis
Queer Theory
Loneliness
Science Fiction
Fantasy
Portal Fantasy
Christian Apologetics
Fantasy Literature
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 monthlyEpisodes33Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
BooksArtsScience FictionFiction

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Artwork for A Meal of Thorns

Latest Episodes

Podcasts, reviews, interviews, essays, and more at the Ancillary Review of Books.

Please consider supporting ARB’s Patreon!

• Guest: Joy Sanchez-Taylor

• Title: The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin

• Host: Jake Casella Brookins

• Music by Giselle Gabri... more

Podcasts, reviews, interviews, essays, and more at the Ancillary Review of Books.

Please consider supporting ARB’s Patreon!

• Guest: Zachary Gillan

• Title: Authority by Jeff VanderMeer

• Host: Jake Casella Brookins

• Music by Giselle Gabrielle Gar... more

YouTube

• Host: Jake Casella Brookins

• Music by Giselle Gabrielle Garcia

• Artwork by Rob Patterson

• Opening poem by Bhartṛhari, translated by John Brough

• Transcribers: Kate Dollarhyde and John WM Thompson

References:

• World Science Fiction Convention... more

YouTube

• Guest: Karlo Yeager Rodríguez

• Title: Stone of Farewell by Tad Williams

• Host: Jake Casella Brookins

• Music by Giselle Gabrielle Garcia

• Artwork by Rob Patterson

• Opening poem by Bhartṛhari, translated by John Brough

• Transcribers: Kate Dolla... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

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
Dr. Kaitlyn Casimo
A neuroscientist and science communicator attending Worldcon for the first time.
Episode: A Meal of Thorns 31 – Seattle Worldcon
Kevin Black
Division head for publications for Seattle Worldcon 2025.
Episode: A Meal of Thorns 31 – Seattle Worldcon
Karlo Yeager Rodríguez
Writer of fiction and critic, also host of Podside Picnic
Episode: A Meal of Thorns 30 – STONE OF FAREWELL with Karlo Yeager Rodríguez
Rae Borman
Co-chair of ReaderCon and active in fantasy fandom
ReaderCon
Episode: A Meal of Thorns 29 – Readercon & Lovestruck
Abigail Nussbaum
Critic and reviewer who writes on science fiction and culture.
Episode: A Meal of Thorns 28 – EXCESSION with Abigail Nussbaum
Arkady Martine
Author of A Memory Called Empire and A Desolation Called Peace
Episode: A Meal of Thorns 27 – 40,000 IN GEHENNA with Arkady Martine (and a 4th Street Fantasy Report)
Dr. Andre M. Carrington
Scholar of race, gender, and genre in Black and American cultural production
UC Riverside
Episode: A Meal of Thorns 26 – DEATH OF THE AUTHOR with andré m. carrington

Host

Jake Casella Brookins
Host of A Meal of Thorns, known for engaging discussions on literary themes in science fiction and fantasy with various writers and critics.

Chart Rankings

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Apple Podcasts
#185
Russia/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

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.
A Meal of Thorns 04 – PERELANDRA with Taylor Driggers
Q: Could you talk a little bit about Lewis's relation to Christian apologetics?
Lewis's apologetics aim to provide rationales for belief and practices, particularly Christian beliefs during a time when they were less dominant in society.
A Meal of Thorns 12 – MELMOTH with Jon Greenaway
Q: Could you share your thoughts on the central theme of culpability in relation to 'Melmoth'?
The novel prompts us to consider our own complicity in historical atrocities and what it means to truly witness them.
A Meal of Thorns 12 – MELMOTH with Jon Greenaway
Q: What was your kind of initial impression of 'Melmoth'?
It's a very interesting novel that blends philosophical ambition with gothic elements.

Audience Metrics

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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 the intersection of speculative fiction and critical discourse, episodes frequently explore notable works within the sci-fi and fantasy genres, engaging in deep literary analysis and discussions on thematic complexities. Topics range from award nominations and the evolution of genres, to individual author critiques, and intricate storytelling techniques, often featuring insights from diverse guests including authors, scholars, and critics. Unique in its approach, the series not only emphasizes literary merit but also tackles broader socio-political themes, appealing to listeners who appreciate nuanced discussions around literature while encouraging diverse perspectives in speculative writing.

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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. Shelved By Genre
2. describe world
3. Side Story
4. Eight Days of Diana Wynne Jones
5. Friends at the Table

How many episodes of A Meal of Thorns are there?

A Meal of Thorns launched a year ago and published 33 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. Zachary Gillan
2. Brandon O'Brien
3. Dr. Kaitlyn Casimo
4. Kevin Black
5. Karlo Yeager Rodríguez
6. Rae Borman
7. Abigail Nussbaum
8. Arkady Martine

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