Escapists Anonymous

The Fantasy Fiction Book Club and peer support network for fantasy literature fanatics. Two friends, Sam and Dan, explore the epic worlds of fantasy fiction literature as they select books to deep-dive into. Read along with us and join in the conversation on our social media @escapistsanonymouspod. Episodes will include spoilers, so make sure you've read the sections that we're covering. If you're a fan of Joe Abercrombie, Patrick Rothfuss, Peter V. Brett, Brent Weeks, Terry Pratchett, Tolkein, Raymond D. Feist, Brandon Sanderson, Ben Aaronovitch and other authors that would fit in this list, join the Escapists Anonymous community of fantasy enthusiasts.

Escapists Anonymous is a arts podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 61 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Escapists Anonymous, a arts show with 61 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #61

  #61 Francis Spufford: Nonesuch

  Aug 18, 202657 min

  Sam and Dan review Nonesuch by Francis Spufford. SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening. Join us as we dive into Nonesuch, a richly written urban fantasy set against the backdrop of London in 1939. We explore Spufford’s wonderfully lived-in depiction of the city, the looming threat of war, and the novel’s exploration of class, fascism, power, and the social tensions of pre-war Britain. We also discuss the book’s refreshingly understated approach to magic, its memorable supporting cast, and two excellent central characters in Iris and Jeff. We particularly dig into their relationship and why its grounded development feels so much more convincing than the familiar will-they-won’t-they romances of fantasy fiction. From Iris’s practical approach to the extraordinary and Lal’s compelling role as an antagonist to comparisons with the magical Londons of Alan Moore and Ben Aaronovitch, there’s a huge amount here that impressed us. Unfortunately, we also have plenty to say about an ending that feels rushed, under-explained, and frustratingly focused on setting up the next book. Join in the conversation by following us on social media: Instagram TikTok

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  Episode #60

  #60 Adrian Tchaikovsky: Green City Wars

  Aug 4, 202655 min

  Sam and Dan review Green City Wars by Adrian Tchaikovsky. SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening. Join us as we explore Green City Wars, a unique sci-fi adventure set in a world of genetically modified animals, ambitious world-building, and complex philosophical ideas. We discuss how Adrian Tchaikovsky blends science fiction with social commentary, creating a future society that is both fascinating and deeply unsettling. We dive into the novel's unconventional narrative style, its sprawling cast of animal characters and the challenges of balancing expansive world-building with emotional connection. Along the way, we unpack the book's exploration of morality, environmentalism, technology, and the value of life, as well as its ideas around post-scarcity society, labour, and humanity's dependence on the mysterious drug, Plangent. From the strengths of its imaginative setting to its pacing, plot reveals, and thought-provoking themes, we discuss what worked, what didn't, and whether Green City Wars lives up to the high expectations we've come to have for Adrian Tchaikovsky's work. Join in the conversation by following us on social media: Instagram TikTok

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  Episode #59

  #59 Brandon Sanderson & Peter Orullian: Songs of the Dead (DNF)

  Jul 21, 202643 min

  Sam and Dan discuss Songs of the Dead by Brandon Sanderson and Peter Orullian. SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening. Join us as we discuss why Songs of the Dead became a rare DNF (Did Not Finish) for both of us. We explore where the novel falls short, from its overly complex magic system and difficult-to-connect-with characters to a world that never quite feels as compelling as its ambitious premise suggests. We also dive into the challenges of collaborative writing, questioning how much Brandon Sanderson's influence can be felt throughout the novel and whether the partnership ultimately works. Along the way, we discuss the integration of music and magic, the effectiveness of the world-building, the portrayal of London as a setting, and why the story struggles to establish meaningful stakes and relatable protagonists. From fantasy tropes and genre conventions to the balance between originality and readability, we unpack why this was a book we couldn't bring ourselves to finish—and what we think other fantasy authors can learn from it. Join in the conversation by following us on social media: Instagram TikTok

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  Episode #58

  #58 Alan Moore: I Hear a New World

  Jul 7, 202655 min

  Sam and Dan review I Hear a New World, the second book in the Long London series by Alan Moore. SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening. Join us as we return to the strange and surreal world of Long London to discuss whether I Hear a New World lives up to the promise of The Great When. We explore the novel's shifting structure, dense prose, and dreamlike narrative, as the boundaries between Long London and short London become increasingly blurred. We also dive into the book's central themes of change, gentrification, and cultural transformation in post-war London, asking what Alan Moore is really trying to say about history, progress, and the city itself. Along the way, we debate the relationship between Dennis and Grace, the role of sex and desire in the story, and whether some of the novel's characters and plot developments feel fully realised or are laying the groundwork for future instalments. From its rich symbolism and real-world cultural references to its atmospheric storytelling and unconventional approach to plot, we unpack what worked, what didn't, and where we think the Long London series is heading next. Join in the conversation by following us on social media: Instagram TikTok

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  Episode #57

  #57 Heather Fawcett: Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter

  Jun 23, 202652 min

  Sam and Dan review Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett. SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers. We strongly recommend reading this book before listening. Join us as we venture into the world of cosy fantasy, discussing what makes the genre so appealing and whether this feline-filled magical adventure delivers the charm readers are looking for. We explore the balance between comfort and predictability, asking whether a familiar story can still be a satisfying one. We dive into the characters of Agnes, Havelock, and the wider supporting cast, examining their relationships, personal growth, and the role they play in shaping the story. Along the way, we discuss the book's magical systems and world-building choices, including the ethical questions raised by the use of magic and the responsibilities that come with power. From its cosy atmosphere and character dynamics to its plot structure and resolution, we unpack what works, what doesn't, and why this magical cat-filled tale has found such an enthusiastic audience. Join in the conversation by following us on social media: Instagram TikTok

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