Tar Valon Or Bust
101 episodes - English - Latest episode: 22 days ago - ★★★★★ - 36 ratingsLongtime fans Jenn and Preeti revisit the Wheel of Time series in preparation for the TV show’s launch, and dig into their personal connections with the books, how well they hold up, and what they think will make it to screen. Join them for two episodes a month, featuring recaps of the books and the show (eventually), interviews, recommendations, obsessing about Mat Cauthon, and more. Get bonus content on Patreon
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Episodes
Knife of Dreams: Chapters 16-22
April 03, 2024 12:30 - 1 hour - 157 MBJenn and Preeti continue to disagree on which of these recent sections are better, but are in full agreement about competence, Nynaeve (!!!!), and the effectiveness of Jordan's horror and action sequences. Next episode: Chapters 23-26 Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Knife of Dreams: Chapters 10-15
March 20, 2024 12:30 - 1 hour - 119 MBWhile their opinions about specifics differ, both Jenn and Preeti continue to enjoy this book for the most part. More secrets are revealed! Things (almost) start to happen! Next section: Chapters 16-22 Please note: These episodes were recorded in advance of Preeti's vacation. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Knife of Dreams: Chapters 3-9
March 07, 2024 20:18 - 1 hour - 149 MBBrace yourselves -- while the pacing is definitely better, we have a looooooootttttt of problems with this section. (Jenn is grateful for the info-dumps, though!) Next section: Chapters 10-15 Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Knife of Dreams: Prologue - Chapter 2
February 14, 2024 13:30 - 1 hour - 120 MBMore happens in almost the first 10 pages of Knife of Dreams than in the entirety of Crossroads of Twilight, and Preeti and Jenn are pretty psyched about it! Action check, weird character choices also check. Apologies in advance for the less-than-perfect audio -- we were recording whilst in a cabin in the woods and did our best, but the closing section in particular is much louder than the rest of the episode, so y'all are forewarned! Next section: Chapters 3-9 Get bonus content on Patr...
Crossroads of Twilight: Chapters 27 - Epilogue
January 31, 2024 13:30 - 1 hour - 137 MBPreeti and Jenn made it to the end, and they are VERY MAD ABOUT A LOT OF THINGS. But also there are some amazing character moments in here, so that's nice? Regardless, we made it! Next episode: Knife of Dreams, Prologue - Chapter 2 Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Crossroads of Twilight: Chapters 21-26
January 18, 2024 01:32 - 1 hour - 114 MBIn which a couple things finally happen, and Jenn and Preeti talk about Darkfriend motivation, ghosts (??), and (as always) pacing. Next section: Chapters 27-Epilogue Come join us at Loyalty Bookstore's virtual event with Lex Croucher on January 20th! Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Crossroads of Twilight: Chapters 16-20
January 04, 2024 01:23 - 1 hour - 93.4 MBAre you prepared for not much else to happen? Jenn and Preeti do get super annoyed about character assassination for the first time in a while, so there's that. Next episode: Chapters 21-26 Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Crossroads of Twilight: Chapters 11-15
December 20, 2023 13:30 - 1 hour - 86.4 MBThis has to be a record for most chapters discussed in the shortest amount of time, right? Not very much happens, except Jenn and Preeti disagreeing about which POV worked best for them. Next: Chapters 16-19 Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Crossroads of Twilight: Chapters 7-10
December 06, 2023 13:30 - 1 hour - 108 MBIn which Jenn and Preeti both have rants, one about stakes and one about numbers, find themselves unexpectedly pro-Faile, and come up with at least three new t-shirt ideas. Next section: Chapters 11-15 Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Crossroads of Twilight: Chapters 2-6
November 22, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour - 104 MBSurprising no one, not that much happens, but we have lots of opinions and questions anyway! At least we get a decent amount of Mat. Next episode: Chapters 7-10 Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Wheel of Time, S2 E8: What Was Meant to Be
November 09, 2023 23:09 - 1 hour - 111 MBPreeti and Jenn are in full agreement on the excellence of this finale, especially Egwene's cathartic triumph. (But Jenn still has quibbles, especially about some lore info-dumps.) There is some wild speculation about Season 3, and Preeti manages to remember most of the Forsaken off the top of her head -- a true feat! This was recorded during the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes of 2023 but posted once both strikes ended. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for ...
The Wheel of Time, S2 E7: Daes Dae’Mar
November 09, 2023 23:05 - 1 hour - 93.5 MBJenn and Preeti have verrrrryyyyy different reactions to this episode, which gets them into the weeds around narrative crafting, pacing, and book vs. show choices. In the meantime, Lanfear continues to be epically fun to watch. This was recorded during the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes of 2023 but posted once both strikes ended. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Wheel of Time, S2 E6: Eyes Without Pity
November 09, 2023 22:57 - 57 minutes - 79.5 MBIn the roughest episode yet (OOF), Preeti and Jenn talk about the portrayal of the Seanchan, comparative timelines, Jenn develops an entire theory about Mat and Min, and Egwene is the MVP. This was recorded during the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes of 2023 but posted once both strikes ended. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Wheel of Time, S2 E5: Damane
November 09, 2023 22:52 - 1 hour - 92.1 MBSo many things continue to happen, and Jenn and Preeti continue to have so many questions, including the relative Darkfriend/not-Darkfriend status of show characters vs. book characters. Plus, so much Forsaken! This was recorded during the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes of 2023 but posted once both strikes ended. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Wheel of Time, S2 E4: Daughter of the Night
November 09, 2023 22:47 - 49 minutes - 68.5 MBEVERYTHING HAPPENS! We get Lanfear, we meet Moiraine's sister (!??!), Lan is having some very confusing conversations about the warder bond, Perrin finally meets Hopper (!!!), we find out some of what Liandrin is up to, and now we have even bigger questions about what the hell is going on. This was recorded during the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes of 2023 but posted once both strikes ended. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Wheel of Time, S2 E3: What Might Be
November 09, 2023 22:40 - 48 minutes - 67.1 MBIn this episode, Nynaeve/Zoe Robins makes Preeti and Jenn cry repeatedly, a minor character fave dies gruesomely, things are not going super-well for Rand, and there are big questions about what the hell Liandrin is doing. This was recorded during the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes of 2023 but posted once both strikes ended. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Wheel of Time, S2 E2: Strangers and Friends
November 09, 2023 22:35 - 53 minutes - 73.7 MBThis episode gives us a look at post-Eye Rand, Liandrin's attempt to recruit Nynaeve to .... something, Elayne Daughter-Heir of Andor (!), more rough times for Lan and Moiraine, and the Extremely Dramatic Return of the Seanchan (plus Ishamael?!). Contains spoilers for book plotlines and character arcs (and therefore possibly show plotlines and character arcs). This was recorded during the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes of 2023 but posted once both strikes ended. Get bonus content on Patreon ...
The Wheel of Time, S2 E1: A Taste of Solitude
November 09, 2023 13:34 - 51 minutes - 70.2 MBThis season kicks off with a very strange Darkfriend Social, new questions about Tel'aran'rhiod, Egwene and Nynaeve (and Mat?!) in the Tower, Lan and Moiraine on the rocks, Perrin hunting Padan Fain, and SO MUCH ACTION Y'ALL. Contains spoilers for book plotlines and character arcs (and therefore possibly show plotlines and character arcs). This was recorded during the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes of 2023, but only posted once both strikes ended. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acas...
Crossroads of Twilight: Prologue - Chapter 1
November 03, 2023 02:37 - 1 hour - 136 MBIn one very long prologue and a very short chapter, not much happens but Preeti and Jenn have so many questions, ranging from "Who are these people?" to "When is this happening?" to "Mat, what are you doing!?" Next episode: Chapters 2-6 Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Winter's Heart: Chapters 30 - End
October 19, 2023 02:07 - 2 hours - 173 MBPreeti and Jenn get into the absolute chaos and confusion of the end of Winter's Heart. Some things they agree on (Tired Beleaguered Dad Mat!) and disagree on (you'll have to listen to find out), but the only thing that actually matters is that Jenn was right about that dagger thing. (Why yes, Jenn did write these show notes, why do you ask?) Next episode: Crossroads of Twilight, Prologue - Chapter 1 Patrons, keep an eye out for an update with instructions for the call-in show and for keep...
Winter's Heart: Chapters 25-29
October 04, 2023 12:30 - 1 hour - 158 MBPreeti and Jenn both really enjoyed this section (Rand! Elayne!! Mat!! No Seanchan POV!!!) but also have A LOT of questions about a lot of things. Like, so many questions. What the hell is anyone (other than Mat) doing?! Next episode: Chapters 30 - end You can now add Preeti's debut YA rom-com on Goodreads! Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Winter's Heart: Chapters 19-24
September 22, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 125 MBPreeti and Jenn talk a lot about POV, authorial vs. editorial choices, and Jenn has a lot of ranty feelings about obfuscation. Also, Rand and Mat. Also also, there is a MAJOR disagreement about who killed this one guy. Happy listening, sorry not sorry! Next episode: Chapters 25-29. You can now add Preeti's debut YA rom-com on Goodreads! Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Winter's Heart: Chapters 13-18
September 07, 2023 01:33 - 1 hour - 153 MBFINALLY Jenn and Preeti are back and talking about the next section! Which features the return of everyone's favorite (ALSO FINALLY!) along with some very intense and uncomfortable POVs. Thank you as always to the Discord for reminding us what happened in past books, and for this interactive Wheel of Time timeline. Next episode: 19-24 Spider-Man's Bad Connection is out! You can now catch Preeti on the Women of Marvel podcast! Also, read Preeti's Love Unlimited #66: Gambit & Rogue (on M...
Intermission: Jenn and Preeti Talk Publishing
August 31, 2023 01:03 - 51 minutes - 70.6 MBWhile Preeti finishes up deadline hell, rather than leaving the feed quiet, Jenn and Preeti decided to do a quick "Ask Us Anything" about publishing! Thanks to all the patrons who submitted questions -- we hope you enjoy the answers. Writing Tools: MS Word (standard) Novels in Scrivner, revisions in Word Plotter for digital corkboard for plotting Marvel Comics: The Untold Story by Sean Howe SFF Yeah: Cover Talk episode Agent Resources: Kate McKean’s Substack: Agents + Books EricSmit...
Winter's Heart: Chapters 9-12
August 04, 2023 00:25 - 1 hour - 135 MBJenn and Preeti talk about the rollercoaster of events that exists in these chapters, including stuff that they do and do not remember from past reads, and have some additional thoughts about Mat and the Aiel. Next Chapters: 13-18 The next episode will be delayed by Jenn's yearly camping pilgrimage, keep an eye out for it the week of August 23. Spider-Man's Bad Connection (September 5). Preorder from Brave + Kind Bookshop, or see Preeti at her launch! Love Unlimited #61: Gambit & Rogue P...
Winter's Heart: Chapters 3-8
July 20, 2023 00:52 - 1 hour - 123 MBIn which we actually like Faile, we do not understand Berelain, and we too hope for good news along with Elayne. We also do a lot of on-the-fly explaining! Next episode, we'll cover Chapters 9-12. Our Books: Spider-Man's Bad Connection (September 5) Mermaids Never Drown (September) Fit for the Gods (August 1) - Preorder from Malaprop's! Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Winter's Heart: Prologue - Chapter 2
July 05, 2023 12:30 - 1 hour - 118 MBThey're baaaaack! Jenn and Preeti talk through the longest Prologue yet (probably), plus two Perrin chapters, and do it in record time because not very much happens. But never fear, they still manage to have a lot of feelings about it. Next episode: Chapters 3-8 Our Books: Spider-Man's Bad Connection (September 5) Mermaids Never Drown (September) Fit for the Gods (August 1) - Preorder from Malaprop's! Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform...
The Path of Daggers: Chapters 25-31
May 18, 2023 15:15 - 2 hours - 198 MBThe Path of Daggers comes to a close with both bangs and whimpers, and Jenn and Preeti are very confused and have many Questions. So. Many. Questions. Reminder that we're on hiatus until July, when we'll be starting Winter's Heart! Episode 1 will cover the Prologue through Chapter 2. Check out our books! Magic Has No Borders (May 23) Spider-Man's Bad Connection (September 5) The Grimoire of Grave Fates (June) Mermaids Never Drown (September) Fit for the Gods (August 1) - Preorder f...
The Path of Daggers: Chapters 18-24
May 05, 2023 02:28 - 2 hours - 177 MBJenn and Preeti exult in Egwene's secret plan revealed, are very concerned about Rand and his plans, and have some shout-outs and thoughts from Jordan Con and the Discord! Next episode: Chapter 25 - The End Preorder books! Spider-Man's Bad Connection (September 5) Magic Has No Borders (May 23) The Grimoire of Grave Fates - June Mermaids Never Drown - September (Vampires Never Get Old) Fit for the Gods - August 1 Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...
The Path of Daggers: Chapters 11-17
April 19, 2023 12:30 - 2 hours - 168 MBIn this section, Preeti and Jenn encounter yet another Sekrit Plan, Sevanna finally starting to reap what she's sown, and a very bleak Rand. JordanCon is this weekend! Next episode: Chapters 18-24 Pre-order Preeti's new books! Spider-Man's Bad Connection (September 5) and Magic Has No Borders (May 23) Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Path of Daggers: Chapters 6-11
April 05, 2023 12:30 - 1 hour - 135 MBPreeti and Jenn get very excited for the return of some characters, get very frustrated with everyone being undercut and character-assassinated, and have some big questions about Balwer. We'll be at JordanCon! Read the first chapter of Preeti's new Spider-Man book (Spider-Man's Bad Connection) on io9! Next episode: Chapters 11-17 Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Path of Daggers: Prologue - Chapter 5
March 22, 2023 12:30 - 1 hour - 143 MBAs they start Path of Daggers, Preeti and Jenn are SUPER into the Prologue and less into the next four-ish chapters. Weird pacing choices, Robert Jordan!! Check out the JordanCon schedule Next episode: Chapters 6-10 Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A Crown of Swords: Chapters 35-41
March 08, 2023 13:30 - 2 hours - 227 MBIt's the grand finale! And yet another rollercoaster, as Jenn and Preeti talk horror, action, pacing, and argue about whether or not [redacted] is actually dead. Content warning for discussion of rape in Chapters 37-39 Join us at JordanCon in April! Next episode: The Path of Daggers, Prologue through Chapter 5 Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A Crown of Swords: Chapters 27-34
February 26, 2023 20:36 - 2 hours - 175 MBWith yet another rollercoaster section, Preeti and Jenn dig into some complicated issues of consent, a very exciting reunion, some Big Plot Questions, and what it means to be ta'veren. Content warnings for discussion of rape in Chapters 28 and 29. Our final (!) Crown of Swords episode will cover Chapters 35-41, and will air on March 8th. Upcoming Books: Fit for the Gods (August 2023), co-edited by Jenn Northington and S. Zainab Williams Magic Has No Borders (May 2023), with a story from...
A Crown of Swords: Chapters 20-26
February 08, 2023 13:30 - 1 hour - 142 MBThis section truly was the best of times and the worst of times. Join Preeti and Jenn as they appreciate the good bits (the bromance potential of Mat and Birgitte, the horror of Moghedien at Shayol Ghul, and a surprising side character saving the day) and get really frustrated by the bad bits (Ebou Dar shenanigans, basically all of Chapter 26). Content warnings for discussion of rape and suicidal thoughts in the Chapter 26 section. Next episode: Chapters 27-34 Get bonus content on Patreo...
A Crown of Swords: 13-19
January 25, 2023 13:30 - 2 hours - 170 MBIn this plot-packed section, Jenn and Preeti get to talk about Mat, the Amazing Race/National Treasure situation in Ebou Dar, and newly-arrived characters -- some familiar, some ... unclear. There were some technical issues this episode, so the audio/volume is a little awkward at points. Apologies! Next episode: Chapters 20-26 Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A Crown of Swords: Chapters 10-12
January 11, 2023 13:30 - 1 hour - 103 MBIn which Preeti and Jenn are very happy to spend three chapters talking about Egwene, but still have lots of questions. Next episode: Chapters 13-19 Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A Crown of Swords: Chapters 3-9
December 28, 2022 13:30 - 1 hour - 163 MBWelp, there were six Perrin chapters, so you can imagine how a lot of this episode is going to sound. But at least we have Egwene and Rand, our disaster child. Next episode: Chapters 10-12 Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A Crown of Swords: Prologue - Chapter 2
December 07, 2022 13:30 - 1 hour - 157 MBIn which Preeti and Jenn tackle the massive Prologue full of absurd villains, two entire Perrin POV chapters, and some very concerning developments. Sylas K. Barrett on the end of Lord of Chaos What Even, Edward Rothstein (Flaming Swords and Wizards' Orbs) Next episode: Chapters 3-9 Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Lord of Chaos: Chapters 54-Epilogue
November 16, 2022 13:30 - 1 hour - 102 MBIt's the big finale! So many different players! Perrin gets to be not-the-worst! Other people are the worst instead! It's a lot!!!! Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Lord of Chaos: Chapters 49-53
November 10, 2022 01:05 - 1 hour - 148 MBIn this expletive-laden installment, Jenn and Preeti get to ALL THE REALLY STRESSFUL ACTION and also yet another Worst Storyline Ever (why, Robert Jordan!!!!), and decide that they definitely are not going to wait two weeks before recording the next episode. Next week, Chapters 54 to the end! Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Lord of Chaos: Chapters 41-48
October 26, 2022 12:30 - 2 hours - 170 MBIn which Preeti and Jenn agree on pretty much everything, including that Mat is one of the few good things about this section, that Robert Jordan keeps making it weird, and that they are VERY NERVOUS about what's coming next. Wheel of Time Season 2 Teaser (Instagram or YouTube) MAJOR Spoiler for LOTR: The Rings of Power, starting at 1 hour and 59 minutes through 2 hours and 27 (01:59:00 - 02:00:27) seconds. Next episode: Chapters 49-53 Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See...
The Lord of Chaos: Chapters 33-40
October 05, 2022 12:30 - 1 hour - 145 MBIn this section that had both plot AND character development, Jenn and Preeti had a lot to love and (as usual), some things to hate. Also, Jenn can remember a lace doily call-back but not characters; why!? See Preeti at NYCC: I'm a Superhero! Writing Our Favorite Marvel Characters Next episode: Chapters 41-48 (airing October 26th, since we'll both be traveling mid-month) Find us (and our Discord) on Patreon Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more in...
The Lord of Chaos: Chapters 27-32
September 21, 2022 12:30 - 1 hour - 160 MBPlot has entered the chat! Jenn and Preeti dig into the new developments, as well as some truly baffling character choices, and are sad there was no Mat POV. Next episode: Chapters 33-40 Incorrect maps!!!! https://www.tor.com/2022/09/13/a-new-map-for-the-wheel-of-time/ Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Lord of Chaos: Chapters 19-26
September 08, 2022 12:30 - 1 hour - 141 MBJenn finally gets some plot! But both Jenn and Preeti have A Lot of Questions, and wildly disagree about a certain reunion scene. Mat, however, continues to be the best. Next episode: Chapters 27-32 Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Lord of Chaos: Chapters 13-18
August 24, 2022 12:30 - 1 hour - 148 MBJenn and Preeti had completely different reactions to this section. Will one convince the other? Will it come to blows? Will Jenn knock over her microphone, she is flailing so dramatically? (Spoiler: it was close at one point.) Tune in to find out! Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Lord of Chaos: Chapters 8-12
August 10, 2022 12:30 - 1 hour - 107 MBPreeti and Jenn hit another extremely re-cappy, info-dumpy section and are not thrilled about it. Also, Jenn is wrong about several things! Next episode, we'll be talking Chapters 13-18. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Lord of Chaos: Chapters 3-7
July 27, 2022 12:30 - 1 hour - 118 MBJenn and Preeti talk about Rand's dad joke, Mat's memories, whether or not we care about the Forsaken's backstories, and that trailer for WOT Season 2! WOT Season 2 Trailer Breakdown [TV Line] Next episode, we're talking chapters 8-12. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Lord of Chaos: Prologue-Chapters 2
July 06, 2022 12:30 - 1 hour - 148 MBPreeti and Jenn dive into the longest prologue in the history of publishing probably, have a lot of feelings about House Trakand (both good and bad), and are heartened to get a reasonable characterization of Nynaeve. Also, enter Mazrim Taim!!! Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Fires of Heaven: Chapters 51-56
June 22, 2022 12:30 - 1 hour - 145 MBWith a great deal of yelling and OMGing (mostly of enjoyment), Preeti and Jenn wrap up their read of The Fires of Heaven. It's a lot y'all!!!! Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.