Mere Mortals Book Reviews

 Welcome back to another edition of the Mere Mortals Book Reviews — and this time it’s the final instalment of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.(00:00) Welcome back + final instalment setup(00:47) I literally ripped the book in half (and why it fits the story)(02:30) The split storylines: battles vs Frodo & Sam(03:51) Sam as the real hero (stronger in the book)(04:32) Book vs movie: the extra Shire material(06:52) Writing mastery: descriptions that put you there(07:11) Suffering, sacrifice, and carrying Frodo(08:11) Appendices: deep lore (and why I skipped them)(10:29) Why Tolkien is considered one of the greatestConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast  Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

 This is the book learnings companion to my Mastery book review: I pulled 17 personal takeaways (from ~70 notes) and unpack what they mean in real life. We go from vocation and apprenticeship, to why “not even enlightenment is enough”, to the prepared mind, the dimensional mind, and why tech (especially AI) is collapsing the walls between fields.(00:00) Book learnings (and why you should watch the review first)(00:19) Pen-in-hand reading + 70 notes → 17 key lessons(01:23) Lesson 1: “Mind under the lights of the world” (focus beats distraction)(02:32) Lesson 2: Vocation — the well-employed life(03:55) Lesson 3: “Seed/uniqueness” — and my pushback (life can change you)(05:14) Lesson 4: Ask “how did you get there?” (the invisible chrysalis years)(06:26) Lesson 5: Value over money in apprenticeship (Accenture crucible)(07:30) Lesson 6: Trust the process (and don’t mentally quit)(08:12) Lesson 7: Not even enlightenment is enough — pushed to the abyss(09:52) Lesson 8: The “seven deadly realities” + social intelligence undertow(10:14) Lesson 9: The mask vs authenticity (effective… until it breaks)(10:51) Lesson 10: Dimensional mind — creating instead of consuming(11:35) Lesson 11: Serendipity, but with a prepared mind (Pasteur)(12:48) Lesson 12: Think away from the obvious (out-of-the-box production)(13:43) Lesson 13: Manufacture pressure (Edison / Elon-style)(14:33) Lesson 14: Prolonged immersion → creative abstraction (the real crux)(14:57) Lesson 15: Fuse intuition + rationality (higher-level intuition)(15:44) Lesson 16: Mastery equation: time + intense focus + self-awareness(16:25) Lesson 17: Tech/AI connecting fields — become part of it(17:36) Wrap: key favourites + what hit hardestConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast  Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

 Mastery is not a gift handed to the “talented", it’s a ruthless process: time, patience, humility, apprenticeship, and the emotional control to not quit when it gets boring. In this review, I break down Greene’s core ideas, why social intelligence matters as much as skill, and how intuition gets forged through long exposure to the craft.(00:00) — Go against the tide: develop mastery(00:11) — Why this book, why now(00:38) — Context: comparing to 48 Laws of Power(00:57) — Reading experience: chunky, dense, “Greene” style(02:42) — Power vs Mastery: maturity and intent(03:24) — Who this book is (and isn’t) for(04:32) — The myth of talent: process beats “genius”(06:16) — Core point: mastery is a process(07:31) — Time, patience, humility IQ (and people quit early)(08:17) — Freddie Roach: mastery through endurance(09:52) — The book’s structure: life task → apprenticeship → mastery(10:37) — “Life task”: curiosity vs passion(12:18) — Apprenticeship: long, boring, necessary(13:50) — Mental dynamic: emotional regulation(14:24) — Social intelligence: skill alone won’t save you(15:48) — Dimensional mind: intuition + rational(18:18) — AI analogy + building a “bigger matrix” of insight(20:44) — Closing: the six steps and the seduction of masteryConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast  Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

 Ever looked at the art world and thought: how does any of this actually work?I read How to Collect Art (2024) by Magnus Resch to figure out whether a normal person can buy a single great piece… and whether art is actually a good investment.Resch approaches the art market like an economist: data, power structures, and the brutal reality of gatekeepers. The big theme? The art world isn’t a free market, it’s a pyramid. A tiny number of fairs, galleries, curators, and institutions sit at the top… and they decide what becomes valuable.In this review, I cover:Why the “mysterious” art market feels so closed-offThe alpha / beta / gamma / delta pyramid Resch uses to explain status and accessWhy “art as an investment” is mostly a trap (unless you’re playing at the top end)Why the book made me want to buy art for meaning, not resale00:00 – Intro: why I picked this book00:21 – The empty wall problem (why I want art)00:58 – What I hoped the book would solve02:12 – The book’s style: blue quotes + companion “artist” book03:22 – Resch’s economist approach to art04:09 – The real driver of value: representation & institutions05:11 – The “35-year-old” cliff edge for artists06:12 – The harsh truth: most art has near-zero resale value06:52 – Art index vs S&P 500 (and what happens with broader data)09:11 – When art can be an investment (and the price floor)10:24 – The better frame: be a patron, not an investor10:52 – The parts I skipped: emails, CVs, auction house logistics12:22 – “Networking and Instagram” (useful but irritating)13:26 – The collector mantra: buy what you love14:13 – The pyramid: alpha / beta / gamma / delta18:35 – NFTs + digital art gets a mention19:11 – Did it help me buy art? What I’m taking away21:11 – Final verdict + what I’ll do insteadConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast  Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

 A short snippet on the way we do things behind the scenes as the new year approaches and a concerted effort in our book reviews rises.Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast  Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

 In this Mere Mortals book review, I dive into Secret Weapon, the 12th entry in the Alex Rider series, but not a traditional one. Instead of a full-scale mission, Horowitz delivers seven short, fast-paced stories set early in Alex’s spy career. It’s action-packed, easy to consume, and offers small bursts of worldbuilding without fundamentally shifting the universe.(00:00) - Welcome & Book Intro  (01:17) - What Makes Secret Weapon Different  (02:39) - Horowitz’s Intentions Behind The Stories  (02:53) - High-Paced Nature of the Book  (05:27) - Will I Re-read It? Probably Not  (05:55) - Worldbuilding at the Margins   (07:16) - Overall Enjoyment & Final Take  Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast  Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

A raw, no-fluff review of The Two Towers — the darker, tighter middle act of LOTR. I cover the split structure, why Book III feels punchier (Helm’s Deep, Ents), why Book IV slows to a crawl before the Shelob crescendo, and how pain trains the will through Frodo’s burden and Sam’s rise. I read this over a couple of months and felt the weight, the world-building, and the payoff.Spoilers ahead: Gandalf’s return, the march to war, Frodo/Sam/Gollum through the marshes, and that spider. If you value integrity, patience and quiet courage, this one hits deep. If you’ve read it, tell me your favourite moment (Helm’s Deep or Shelob?). If you haven’t: persevere — the last hundred pages cook.Chapters00:00 – Intro & why this book now00:26 – Edition & context (movies vs book)00:56 – Darker tone; two storylines01:23 – Reading over 2–3 months; dense lore02:34 – Detail overload: when it works/doesn’t04:35 – Book split: company/Helm’s Deep vs Frodo/Sam05:56 – Helm’s Deep: thrill + I wanted more06:29 – Frodo/Sam/Gollum: the slow march07:35 – The drag before the payoff08:16 – “Shelob’s Lair”: can’t-put-down stretch09:40 – Sam takes the Ring; cliffhanger10:00 – “Pain is a teacher” & Frodo’s burden11:44 – Sam’s unsung heroism12:40 – Who should read; how to read it13:37 – Verdict: “savage, beautiful middle movement”Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

Alex Rider returns in Never Say Die — a fast, zany, throwback instalment that swaps grit for velocity. I break down what works (pace, scale, that classic Rider ingenuity), what doesn’t (the Jack twist), and the one big philosophy that matters: leadership is action, not announcement.What you’ll hear:How the plot kicks off post-Egypt and why Alex goes rogue to follow a single clue.Why the “Jack is alive” reveal felt forced compared to the darker mid-series tone.The pivotal switch: when Alex stops following orders and starts leading.The core lesson: people follow what you do, not what you say.Chapters(00:00) – Welcome & series context(01:18) – Setup: Jack presumed dead, mysterious email, post-Egypt timeline(02:19) – Solo hunt: Egypt → Cromwell brothers → bigger operation revealed(03:20) – Verdict: not as strong as the darker mid-series books(04:16) – The Jack twist: why it doesn’t land(05:21) – Throwback energy: action, travel, excitement(06:05) – Adults feel clumsy; impact drops(06:45) – Real stakes: not gold — kidnapped kids; Alex steps up(07:27) – “Shoot me out”: the ejector plan & leadership in motion(08:20) – Leadership by doing, not telling(09:39) – Older, more capable Alex (with restraint)(10:17) – Final thoughts & recommendationIf you’re new to Alex Rider: read earlier books first; this one assumes you know the history.Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

Horowitz turns the camera away from Alex and into the fire that forged Yassen. Set around the Stormbreaker timeline, this darker companion novel binds the series together with grit, symmetry and consequence. It’s not for first-timers, it’s a reward for the faithful.00:00 “Assassins aren’t born; they’re forged.”00:25 What this book is (context + where it fits)01:40 Non-spoiler thoughts, tone, pacing, payoff03:20 Themes, the 14-year-old crucible, mirror principle04:45 Accessibility, fans vs newcomers05:20 Spoilers start, key backstory beats that matter07:10 Series connections you’ll actually feel08:15 Who should read this (and in what order)08:55 Final verdict & rating09:20 What I’m reviewing next + CTAConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

Alex Rider stops being bulletproof. In Scorpia Rising, Anthony Horowitz cashes in every IOU the series has dodged: real stakes, identity games, and a gut-punch that actually lands. Today I break down why this is the first truly adult entry in the YA spy saga and what it teaches about cost, courage, and growing up without permission.00:00 Cold Open — “The end begins here”00:38 Why Scorpia Rising Matters02:02 Spoiler-Safe Synopsis04:05 What Horowitz Does Differently06:11 Villains That Bite: Razim08:03 Identity Warfare: Julius Grief10:02 The Cost of Winning12:09 Major Spoiler: The Blow That Lands14:05 Who Should / Shouldn’t Read15:18 Best Lines & Takeaways16:40 Final Rating + Next Read17:35 CTAConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

A new villain and a new frontier. Crocodile Tears throws Alex Rider into the jaws—literally. We open in Scotland, meet philanthropist-on-paper Desmond McCain of the First Aid charity, and quickly discover a disaster-profit scheme that weaponises tragedy for donations. From GM-food labs and biodomes to fake cops, forced travel and a crocodile interrogation in Kenya, this one moves.Highlights we cover:The McCain playbook: create chaos, cash in on sympathyThe school sequence & realism check (fun, if implausible)Nuclear-plant scare, dam finale, and why the collateral “cost” is part of the messageBig idea: Urgency is non-negotiable—how to build it into your day without burning out00:00 – Cold Open: “New villain, new frontier” hook00:25 – Meet Desmond McCain & the First Aid façade01:00 – Scotland opener: party, near-drowning, immediate stakes01:42 – GM lab & biodome chase (the white-line injury)02:20 – School sequence & “could that really happen?”02:55 – Kidnapped by fake police → drugged transit → Kenya03:35 – Crocodile pit interrogation: the plan revealed04:20 – Indian intel ally, nuclear-plant scare, jets & fields05:05 – The dam decision & collateral damage question05:40 – The philosophy: Urgency is non-negotiable (applied)07:00 – Verdict: who should read Crocodile Tears (and why)Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

“The enemy isn’t out there. It is within.” That line sets the tone for Snakehead, the seventh Alex Rider novel: darker, sharper, and closer to the bone. We open in Australia (very on-brand for me), surge into Bangkok, and tangle with human-trafficking rings and a bomb plot on the water. Along the way, we meet Ash and face the kind of betrayal that doesn’t fit neatly into “good guy / bad guy.”Big idea: Reality is messy. Moral clarity often arrives after the decision. I’ll show you how to act decisively when you can’t see the full board, then learn fast and adjust.What you’ll get:A spoiler-lite overview of the plot beats that matterThe Ash dilemma and why “the enemy within” cuts deepA practical framework to make better choices under uncertainty(00:00) Cold Open(00:24) Series context & why this entry hits different(00:56) Crash-landing in Australia & the SAS test vibe(01:39) Snakehead & Scorpia: the Southeast Asia operation(02:02) The bomb at sea & Bangkok detour(02:36) Pacing & world-hopping done right(03:09) Enter Ash: darker threads & moral fog(03:32) Godfather angle & the “enemy within” theme(03:53) Big philosophy: “Reality is messy”(05:20) Personal reflections: choices, service, and uncertainty(06:39) You only get the options you create(07:28) Final verdict & who should read thisConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

Into space we go!Ark Angel takes Alex Rider higher, literally, as he stumbles from a hospital bed into a conspiracy that leads straight into orbit. Anthony Horowitz throws his young spy into billionaire plots, CIA entanglements, and finally, a space station showdown that decides the fate of nations.(00:00) – Welcome: Alex Rider in Ark Angel(00:19) – Why the series always feels limitless(00:56) – Picking up after Scorpia(01:22) – The hospital incident & mistaken identity(01:59) – Enter Nikolei Drevin, billionaire philanthropist or villain?(02:26) – The plot escalates: CIA, Washington, and Ark Angel(02:45) – Yes, Alex actually goes into space(03:08) – The philosophy of recklessness & willingness(03:54) – Alex’s reluctance: a real 14-year-old in the fire(04:57) – Risk, persistence & personal reflection(05:27) – The go-kart race with Drevin(06:27) – Pacing: strong start, slower middle, explosive ending(07:05) – Horowitz’s acknowledgements & research(07:45) – Final reflections: Ark Angel as outrageous but thrillingConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

Scorpia isn’t just another Alex Rider adventure, it’s the book where everything shifts. Darker, grittier, and more morally complex, this is where Alex discovers the terrifying legacy of his father, the manipulative power of Scorpia, and the harsh truth that both MI6 and his enemies will use him as a pawn.In this review, I explore how Scorpia raises the stakes, the deeper philosophical undertones about identity and manipulation, and why this is the turning point that makes the Alex Rider series unputdownable.(00:00) – Welcome & Introduction(00:23) – Recap of Alex Rider so far(01:04) – Why Scorpia raises the stakes(01:28) – Alex’s family secrets and Scorpia’s manipulation(02:14) – The recurring theme: Alex always gets played(02:55) – Darker tone & injuries at the end(03:17) – Philosophical takeaway: truth isn’t always freedom(03:55) – Alex’s identity crisis: good or evil?(04:15) – The chilling moment: Alex nearly assassinates Mrs Jones(05:09) – Training with Scorpia & struggle to become a killer(05:29) – The danger of stories that manipulate(06:24) – Reflections on identity & making your own story(06:59) – Why Scorpia is so fun to read at any age(07:37) – The 2004 setting & outdated tech references(07:55) – Final thoughts: the darker turn of the seriesConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

In this review, we dive into Eagle Strike, the fourth Alex Rider book by Anthony Horowitz. Alex finds himself on his own against the billionaire villain Damian Cray, with MI6 refusing to back him. Packed with action, foreshadowing of Scorpia, and a surprising philosophical twist, this book marks the bridge between the light beginnings of the series and the darker arcs that follow.(00:00) - Welcome & Intro to the Review(00:55) - The Premise: Alex Rider in France & Damian Cray’s Rise(02:20) - Action Highlights: Bikes, Gadgets, Air Force One(02:43) - Why the Alex Rider Books are Accessible & Fun(04:11) - Outdated Tech: The “Game Slayer” Detail(05:20) - Nostalgia Factor vs. Modern Readers(07:31) - Life Application of the Book’s Theme(08:11) - Reflections on Villain & Alex’s Character(08:32) - The Series Grows Darker & More Complex(09:06) - Increasing Book Length & Depth Over Time(09:24) - Closing Thoughts & RecommendationsConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

There will always be someone selling BS, but you can learn how to spot it.'Bad Science' by Ben Goldacre is an expose of sorts showcasing instances of media (individuals & as a whole) distorting statistics & scientific data. He explains the various errors they commit while examining the various reasons as to why they occurred. There are 16 chapters focusing on topics like the placebo effect, the MMR Hoax, homeopathy & nutrition.If you got value from the podcast please provide support back in any way you best see fit!Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:39) Themes/Questions(00:25:18) Author & Extras(00:33:24) Summary(00:36:11) Value 4 Value(00:36:59) Coming Up/Join Live! Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

The future of Asia is interesting but even more so is the man who created it!'Lee Kuan Yew' by Allison & Blackwill is a compiled selection of speeches & quotes from Lee Kuan Yew bundled together to come across as a single interview. The focus is on his opinions over the years on what he imagines the future will look like. It's split into 10 chapters on topics like democracy, China/USA/India, geopolitics & Islamic Extremism.If you got value from the podcast please provide support back in any way you best see fit!Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:01:49) Themes/Questions(00:26:56) Author & Extras(00:33:57) Summary(00:37:18) Value 4 Value(00:39:10) Coming Up/Join Live! Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

Tolkien doesn’t write chapters; he builds civilisations. The Fellowship of the Ring is a slow, deliberate march through languages, histories and the lived feel of time, a marathon of meaning more than a sprint of action. I respect the scope, loved the journey, but prefer punchier reads.(00:00) “You shall not pass.”(00:09) Welcome & why review Fellowship now(01:14) Trilogy intent & page heft (535pp!)(01:34) Comparing to The Hobbit — brisk romp vs dense saga(02:15) Tolkien the philologist: languages → world → story(03:46) Book vs films; songs, lore, and density(04:50) When detail drags — what I skimmed & why(06:25) Feeling the journey: Tolkien makes time pass on the page(07:52) “Feels familiar” because it birthed the genre(08:31) Fellowship in a nutshell (plot sketch)(09:44) What I loved vs what I didn’t (I like punch)(10:51) Verdict, who should read it, and why — 7/10(11:31) Sign-off & CTAsConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

A world changing industry that kind of happened by coincidence.'Chip War' by Chris Miller is a detailed history of the semiconductor industry from its origins in the 1950's to the present day. Important individuals/companies rise and fall as it goes from a new emerging technology created by theorists/tinkers to the global powerhouse companies influenced by countries. It's split into 8 parts with 52 chapters in total.If you got value from the podcast please provide support back in any way you best see fit!Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:38) Themes/Questions(00:21:57) Author & Extras(00:26:10) Summary(00:28:18) Value 4 Value(00:29:28) Coming Up/Join Live! Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

In this Mere Mortals book review, we revisit Skeleton Key, the third Alex Rider novel, blending teenage espionage with lessons on stoicism, discipline, and composure. Beyond the action-packed spy drama, I explore how the book’s villain, the General, embodies a powerful, minimalistic strength that shaped my early understanding of discipline and quiet resilience. This isn’t just about the plot, it’s about the philosophy hidden between the lines.(00:00) – Welcome & New Studio Setup(00:19) – Introducing Skeleton Key by Anthony Horowitz(00:42) – Why Revisit Alex Rider as an Adult(01:15) – Plot Setup: From Wimbledon to the World of Spies(02:09) – CIA Involvement & Dangerous Missions(02:28) – Enter the Villain: The General and His Henchman(03:16) – High-Stakes Action: Submarines & Survival(04:13) – The Real Focus: A Villain Worth Admiring(05:16) – Strength Without Noise: The General’s Philosophy(06:16) – Stoicism Before I Knew What It Was(07:22) – Composure in a World That Sees It as Weakness(08:35) – Final Thoughts & Recommendation(09:14) – Closing & Future Book ReviewsConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast