In this special (and long-promised) episode of Fantasy for Our Time, I dive helmet-first into the final installment of Joe Abercrombie’s First Law Trilogy—a.k.a. the Holy Scripture of Grimdark™ (depending who you ask). I wrestle with berserkers, battle ideologies, and gently poke the gnarled problem of evil with a theological stick.

🛡️ What is Grimdark really saying about human nature? 🎭 Can fantasy fiction offer consolation—or only cynicism? ⚖️ What happens when the divine is deleted from the narrative framework?

We talk Logan Ninefingers, the Bastard King (whose name totally escaped me mid-video), and the ever-smirking torturer Sand dan Glokta. But we also unpack deeper themes: spiritual fragmentation, Orthodox Christian views on evil, and whether fantasy has lost the mythic courage to hope.

💬 Expect musings, a bit of rambling (forgive me—I hadn’t had coffee!), and sincere reflections on storytelling, suffering, and the wheel of despair that modern fantasy often rides without brakes.

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 Intro & Life Update 01:30 Context: Grimdark, Joe Abercrombie, and First Law Trilogy 03:00 The Third Book: Final Reactions and Character Depth 04:30 The Northern War & Logan’s Inner Demon 06:00 Possession, Evil, and Fragmented Identity 08:30 Trial by Combat & Theological Implications 10:00 Evil as Lack: Orthodox and Philosophical Framing 17:00 Myths After Christ: The Hero's Journey vs. Grimdark 20:00 Characters as Pawns: Torturers, Kings & Cowards 25:00 No Catharsis, Just the Wheel: The End of Grimdark 29:00 What’s Next: Warhammer, Narnia & Summer Plans

Greetings, fellow fantasy fanatics and lore lovers! 🧙‍♂️✨

Ever wondered what happens behind the mystical curtain of indie fantasy publishing? In this rare “Craftsman’s Workshop” livestream, I reveal all the spellbinding chaos of my publishing plans for 2025 and beyond—straight from my candle-lit scriptorium (okay, maybe just my desk, but still magical).

From delays with Cantos of Arcadia (curse you, structural edits!) to revealing stunning new cover art, launching Wood Between Worlds Press, and spilling the enchanted ink on my top-secret author coaching program, this video is jam-packed with writerly wizardry, publishing potions, and more than a few epic announcements.

I’m also giving you a sneak peek at the illustrated Raven Son omnibus, new illustrators, Kickstarter plans, and a secret leatherbound edition that’ll make any collector swoon.

If you’re an aspiring author, seasoned storyteller, or just love the backstage drama of fantasy lit, pull up a chair. This one’s for you. 🛡️📜

⏳ Timestamps

0:00 – Welcome to the Workshop: The Madness Returns 1:45 – What’s Up with Cantos of Arcadia? Delay Update 4:22 – Introducing Wood Between Worlds Publishing 6:15 – Our First Authors Revealed 9:01 – Cover Art Magic: Goodbye Stuart, Hello Patrick Knowles 12:30 – The Mission Behind Phase One Publishing 15:48 – Phase Two and the St. Basil’s Writers Pipeline 18:33 – Epic Editions, Kickstarter Collectibles, and The Raven Son Omnibus 20:10 – Illustrators, Leatherbound Legends, and New Publishing Dates 22:00 – Secret Author Coaching Program: Indie Publishing from Zero to Hero 24:10 – Final Teases & What’s Coming Next (Including… Grimdark!)

Imagine this: Catholic aliens show up on Earth, but instead of demanding our surrender, they want to set up a Mass. Yep, you heard that right. In today’s conversation, I sit down with debut author M.R. Leonard, the brilliant mind behind Pilgrims, a sci-fi novel that reimagines St. Augustine’s Confessions with aliens, interstellar drama, and a hearty dose of existential wonder.

We dive into Michael’s journey from corporate law to creative writing, discuss the audacious concept of Catholic aliens, and unpack the philosophical depth and humor baked into his fast-paced thriller. From world religions to the meaning of life in the galaxy, this discussion is out of this world. Literally.

⏰ Timestamps:

0:00 – Welcome & Intro: Forks in the road—Star Trek or spirituality? 5:32 – Reading slumps & finding Pilgrims: A fresh narrative twist. 12:45 – Meet M.R. Leonard: From Boston College to self-published stardom. 18:12 – China, MBA life, and the big creative pivot. 25:10 – Catholic aliens?! The genesis of a groundbreaking premise. 35:47 – Virgil, Augustine, and writing the perfect “airport thriller.” 42:00 – Alien theology: Sacraments in space? 50:15 – The sci-fi genre’s future—grounded yet limitless.