Hot Take Books

Full spoilers ahead — if you haven't read Well of Ascension, Ryan will personally escort you to the nearest bookstore.The boys cover everything: Zane and Vin burning through 300 guards at Hastings Manor, the Tensoon reveal, Straff Venture's deeply satisfying exit via Coloss sword, and the Elland problem — a polisci major who got a kingdom and couldn't just hold the election after the siege. Plus the debut of Cosmere Corner, where Ryan calls Preservation and Ruin before Rich admits he's right.The big debate: is Vin just exceptionally skilled, or is she actually built different from every other Mistborn? Rich has his argument. Ryan has his screenshots. They agreed on scores for the first time ever — same number in every single category — and still spent twenty minutes talking each other through it.Score: 8.7 out of 10. Hard Buy.---Show Notes**Episode Type:** SpoilerTake**Book:** Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson**Series:** Mistborn Era 1, Book 2 — part of the Cosmere**Score:** Worldbuilding/Lore 8 / Characters 9 / Story 9 — Overall 8.7 out of 10**Verdict:** Hard Buy### Timestamps- [00:24] — Intro: both already fanboying, Rich's beanie (Ryan's idea)- [01:33] — How hard it was not to spoil anything during the FastTake- [02:12] — Book intro + spoiler warning- [02:41] — Score reveal: 8.7 out of 10 — Hard Buy- [03:14] — Spoiler scope: Mistborn only, Cosmere Corner at the end- [03:55] — Vibe check: first impressions on Book 2 vs Book 1-[04:54] — Mistborn fight scenes: why they hit so much harder than Book 1- [06:00] — The Vin debate begins: built different or just very skilled?- [10:23] — Scoring philosophy: why they held it back from a 9- [11:19] — First time ever: same scores in every single category- [12:04] — World building + lore: Kandra, Koloss, and the political landscape- [17:48] — Allomancy expansion: Duralumin deep dive- [19:31] — Rich goes from Duralumin skeptic to convert- [23:30] — Vin controlling the Koloss with emotional allomancy- [24:33] — Lord Ruler's safeguards and what the epigraphs reveal- [26:35] — Elland becoming Mistborn via the mystery bead- [28:46] — Characters section- [29:41] — Vin: did she take too big a step forward in one year?- [34:08] — Elland Venture: the polisci major problem- [40:51] — Zane: Ryan's favorite antagonist and why- [43:02] — Rich was briefly, genuinely Team Zane- [44:33] — Hastings Manor: Vin and Zane rip through 300 guards- [46:29] — Straff Venture: Rich says layered, Ryan says one-note- [49:43] — Story section- [51:44] — "Shifting focus from overthrowing tyranny to governing chaos"- [52:43] — The thieving crew fraying under pressure; who Breeze really is- [54:26] — One-star Goodreads reviews- [59:48] — Wrap-up + Cosmere Corner warning for non-Stormlight readers- [1:00:38] — Cosmere Corner: Preservation and Ruin as shards- [1:01:59] — Ryan's call from page 387; Rich gives partial credit- [1:04:37] — Rich's theory: Preservation + Ruin = Harmony- [1:08:05] — Hero of Ages teaser + outroLinksTikTok: @hottakebksInstagram: @hottakebooks

No cold open. No fluff. Just a straight shot of enthusiasm for a book the boys clearly had to talk themselves down from. Well of Ascension — Book 2 of Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn Era 1 — picks up after the revolution and immediately asks a harder question: now what? It's Sanderson at his most focused, and the result is a massive leap from Book 1.Rich has a 500-page rule. Books over that threshold better earn every chapter. At 590 pages, Well of Ascension earns them. Ryan, the guy who read Mistborn years ago and felt nothing, is a full convert. The boys were actively fighting themselves from scoring this too high.Score: 8.7 out of 10 — their highest of the year, and Rich says it's miles beyond Mistborn and, yeah, Words of Radiance too.---Show Notes**Episode Type:** FastTake**Book:** Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson**Series:** Mistborn Era 1, Book 2 — part of the Cosmere**Score:** 8.7 out of 10### Timestamps- [00:25] — Intro: no cold open, trying something new- [01:53] — What is a FastTake / episode framing- [02:33] — Should you continue Mistborn? Ryan's conversion story- [04:14] — Rating system explained- [05:38] — Score reveal: 8.7 out of 10 — highest rated book of the year- [07:58] — Sanderson wrote all three Mistborn books before Book 1 released- [08:35] — Page count, pacing, and the Stormlight comparison- [11:35] — "Winning the revolution was the easy part"- [12:06] — Book 1 criticism / the Lord Ruler problem- [14:31] — How Book 2 enriches Book 1- [15:09] — World building explosion: factions, creatures, magic system- [17:52] — Villains: why they work so much better here- [19:06] — Straff Venture breakdown- [20:52] — The 500-page rule- [21:49] — Rich's favorite Sanderson Part 3- [22:36] — Most underrated Sanderson sequel- [23:20] — Wrap-up + where to followLinksTikTok: @hottakebksInstagram: @hottakebooks

Rich and Ryan go full spoilers on Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn and somehow still find time to argue about buffet etiquette and cast the movie nobody asked them to produce. They dig into Vin's transformation from street urchin to ball-attendee, Mistborn-fighting force of nature, debate whether Kelsier's wife subplot earned its page count, and geek out over a magic system that turned Rich from skeptic to superfan one pewter flare at a time. Plus: one-star Goodreads reviews get roasted, a $125 leatherbound sparks a philosophical debate about what a book has to score to deserve your wallet, and the Cosmere Corner returns with metal-to-fabrial breakdowns that'll make Stormlight fans feel very seen. An 8 out of 10, and they'll tell you exactly why that's a big deal.

Rich and Ryan tackle Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn a fantasy heist story where metal-burning outlaws plot to topple a thousand-year-old tyrant. They break down the magic system, debate whether "the bad guys already won" is the right pitch, argue about Star Wars power structures, and explain why an 8 out of 10 is basically a standing ovation from two hosts who've been called "too harsh" when it comes to Sanderson book ones. No spoilers just everything you need to know before deciding if this 541. page ride deserves a spot on your nightstand.

Rich and Ryan have a new obsession, and they're not being subtle about it.Thorns, Feathers, and Bones by Anderson W. Frost, affectionately known as "Snowman" by the boys, has officially entered the chat. This isn't just a recommendation. This is a declaration. Rich says if Frost drops new content, he's putting down whatever he's reading (Pierce Brown excluded). Ryan wants to personally convert five new readers. The energy is unhinged in the best way.They break down why this underrated epic fantasy hits different: tight pacing, deep world-building, compelling characters, and a story structure that uses one warrior's decade-long return home as a vehicle for something much, much bigger. First 15 minutes are spoiler-free. After that, the walls come down and the gushing gets specific.GO READ THIS BOOK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No notes. No structure. Just vibes.Welcome to the first-ever Hot Take Books Riff Sesh. Rich and Ryan just finished Thorns, Feathers, and Bones by Anderson W. Frost and they need to talk about it immediately—completely spoiler-free.This is the book they can't believe nobody's talking about. An indie debut that feels like the next Middle Earth: giants, elves, dwarves, humans, and a world where all of them intermingle—socially, politically, and yes, romantically. There's a disgraced warrior on a journey, a half-giant queen, political intrigue that sneaks up on you, and fight scenes that hit like a truck.Rich calls it sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Ryan says it feels like Anderson turned a legendary D&D campaign into a novel. Both agree: if you're a fantasy fan, this is a crime to miss.Solidly a Buy. Go read it.

Rich and Ryan are back in the den to break down Fires of Vengeance, Evan Winter's explosive follow-up to Rage of Dragons, and yes, the Red Rising comparisons are still flying.The boys dig into Tau's never-ending rage spiral, debate whether this book delivers on the "responsibility of a book two," and ask the big question: can obsession-fueled strength ever lead to peace? Rich thinks it's a great book but an okay sequel. Ryan thinks the world building finally caught up. Both agree: if you're feeling that Red Rising withdrawal, this series scratches the itch.

In this episode of Hot Take Books, Ryan and Rich go all-in on The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter—no shields up, full spoilers allowed.What starts as a candid confession about toxic traits (TikTok-induced overconfidence and hobby jumping included) quickly turns into a passionate, sometimes combative, and ultimately thoughtful breakdown of one of the most adrenaline-fueled fantasy reads we’ve covered. Coming off a collective Red Rising hangover, the question looms large: does The Rage of Dragons actually scratch that itch, or does it just poke the bruise?We dig deep into:Tau’s obsessive, self-destructive drive for vengeance—and why it worksA world that sparks debate: African-inspired setting, matriarchal power structures, dragons, demons, and a magic system tied to sacrificeWhether the book’s relentless pacing is its greatest strength or its biggest limitationStandout characters like Tau, Hadith, Uduak, Jayad, and the complicated shadow of Kellan OkarBrutal fight scenes, iconic one-liners, and moments that made us physically stop reading just to reactA live score change on mic and what finally pushed the worldbuilding score upWe also read and react to some spicy one-star reviews, argue about what a “5” really means in our scoring system, complain (politely but firmly) about glossaries being in the back of books, and end with a clear verdict:This isn’t a subtle book. It’s rage, sweat, steel, and obsession—all gas, very little brake—and for the right reader, it’s an absolute blast.Final Score: 8/10 — BuyNot for everyone. But if you want heart-pounding action, raw motivation, and a protagonist who will destroy himself to reach his goal, this one delivers.#fantasybooks #spoilers #rageofdragons

In this Spoiler Free episode, Ryan and Rich dive into their thoughts on The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter. This episode is designed for listeners who want to know exactly what kind of book this is before committing.They cover:Why The Rage of Dragons is one of the best recommendations for readers dealing with Red Rising withdrawalA clear, spoiler-free breakdown of the setting, caste system, and magicTau as a protagonist—why he starts out unlikable, and why that’s intentionalThe book’s relentless pacing and action-heavy structureHow vengeance, obsession, and rage drive the story forwardThe African-inspired worldbuilding and what makes it stand out in modern fantasyWho this book is perfect for—and who might bounce off itRyan admits he started the book cold (and biased), while Rich comes in fully fired up—but by the end, both land on a strong recommendation.Final Score: 7.8/10 — BuyIf you love fast-paced, rage-fueled fantasy with a morally gray lead and nonstop momentum, this should be high on your TBR.Spoilers stay locked away for the full episode—this is your safe entry point before the deeper debate.#fantasybooks #rageofdragons #spoilerfree

The tuxedos are on (well, Rich's is.....Ryan didn't get the memo), and the awards are ready. Welcome to The Hotties, Hot Take Books' first-ever year-end awards show, where Rich and Ryan hand out accolades for the best lines, boldest characters, and hottest takes of their 2025 reading journey.Categories include Coldest Line of the Year, Goodie and Baddie of the Year, Story of the Year, World Building & Lore, Character of the Year, Book of the Year, and, of course, Hottest Take. The boys debate, argue, and occasionally agree on which books truly delivered. Some winners were unanimous. Others? Not so much.It's chaotic, nostalgic, and fully Hot Take Books energy. Plus, they look ahead to 2026 with some bold predictions and even bolder reading goals.⚠️ Heads up: This episode includes discussion of books we haven't released full episodes for yet—consider it a preview of what's coming. Also, the first 8 minutes contain minor spoilers for Red Rising (specifically from the first 30% of book one). Skip to the 8-minute mark if you're avoiding those.TikTok: @hottakebks | Instagram: @hottakebooks

Rich and Ryan tackle James Islington's Strength of the Few. Spoiler warning at 12 minutes for those who haven't read it yet!Vis gets replicated across three worlds and somehow none of them are having a good time. Between Res, Obiteum, and Luceum, the boys debate whether juggling three storylines is ambitious worldbuilding or just exhausting—spoiler: it's both.They break down what works (druids are always cool, Egyptian scarabs, that lake scene where Vis literally arms himself), what doesn't (becoming a Quintus off-camera, time-jumping past all the good training montages, three worlds that barely talk to each other), and why Luceum carried this book on its back. Plus: the most suspicious identical 7/10 scoring in podcast history, one-star reviews that actually slap, and the realization that this might've been homework for book three.

Welcome back to Hot Take Books, folks! In this episode, Rich and Ryan dive back into the world of 'Will of the Many' as they set the stage for the highly anticipated sequel, 'Strength of the Few.' The boys break down James Islington's fresh take on magic with consequences, the cutthroat political tension of the Catenan Republic, and why this book had them texting each other mid-read. If you haven't read Will of the Many yet, hit pause—spoilers are lurking around every corner!

Join Rich and Ryan as they dive deep into the tangled web of 'Assassin's Apprentice.' Get ready for a spicy conversation where they weigh the burdens of book one versus the pressures of the trilogy’s finale. Expect Hot Takes on the heavy lifting that protagonists do, and find out why Ryan believes book twos are just vibecatchers at the party—sipping cocktails while leaving the hard work to the first and last installments. Spoiler alert: Regal is not to be underestimated, and neither is the emotional rollercoaster that Fitz goes through. The ending is a whirlwind of emotions and the character development might just convert the most hardened critics into fans.

Our dynamic duo tackle the magic system of Hobb's world, think of it like sprinkling a little fairy dust on a medieval drama. Fitz juggles his forbidden powers while navigating the shadows of the court, and the fun doesn't stop there! Rich and Ryan explore the nuances of personal growth, mentorship, and Dootchies Vs. 'Dutchies'. Mispronunciations aside, they keep the discussion flowing, blending humor with genuine insights. Want to know if the Farseer Trilogy should be on your TBR, your in the right place.

The spoiler walls are down, and the Radiants are on the couch. Rich and Ryan dig into Wind and Truth, Brandon Sanderson’s emotional (and occasionally chaotic) finale to Stormlight’s first arc.Rich thinks he spoiled himself halfway through the read—turns out he didn’t—and Ryan brings the internet’s wildest one-star reviews to the table. From Adolin’s armor glow-up to Dalinar’s divine identity crisis and Kaladin’s full-blown therapy arc, the boys cover everything Sanderson threw at the wall.It’s equal parts laughter, lore, and light emotional damage as they ask the big questions: Was the ending earned? Is “group therapy” the tenth Radiant order? And why does every Sanderlanche need a feelings montage?Messy, heartfelt, and hilarious—just the way a Hot Take Books SpoilerTake should be.

The six-star review madness has to stop. Rich and Ryan open this spoiler-free FastTake by calling out BookTok’s chaotic scoring habits before diving headfirst into Brandon Sanderson’s Wind and Truth, the long-awaited finale to Stormlight’s first arc.It’s part rant, part celebration, and fully Hot Take Books energy. Rich compares the book to a Hall-of-Fame victory lap, Ryan swears it’s his most-highlighted read yet, and somewhere in there they debate whether a single jalapeño seed counts as “spice.”They talk pacing, payoff, and why this series remains the cornerstone of the Cosmere—warts and all. Because Wind and Truth might not be perfect, but it’s bold, heartfelt, and ambitious as hell.By the end, they land on the only comparison that feels right: this book is the chocolate-chip cookie of the Cosmere—warm, satisfying, and messy AF.

Three Shallans walk into a bar… and the hot takes start pouring. In this full-spoiler deep dive on Brandon Sanderson’s Oathbringer, Rich tries to hold the line as the resident Stormlight skeptic while Ryan fully embraces the mob mentality. From Dalinar’s “You cannot have my pain” moment to Szeth’s Skybreaker glow-up, Adolin’s underrated greatness, and yes, all three Shallans, the pod unpacks what makes this book messy, massive, and absolutely unforgettable.

Is listening to an audiobook the same as reading? We kick things off with that spicy debate before diving into Brandon Sanderson’s Oathbringer. From slow-burn stretches to avalanche payoffs, we talk Dalinar’s big spotlight, Radiant struggles, and why the flashbacks are back in a big way. Spoiler-free, full of banter, and just enough to help you decide if it’s time to keep journeying through the Stormlight Archive.

🎧 SpoilerTake: Words of Radiance - Spoiler Warning!!!!!!The boys dive all the way into Words of Radiance, and it’s nothing but hot takes, arguments, and love for Sanderson’s epic. Rich struggles with his score, Ryan calls him out for Stormlight gaslighting, and both agree this book fixes nearly every critique they had of The Way of Kings.From Parshendi lore and radiant orders to Kaladin hitting rock bottom, Shallan’s lies and truths, and that unforgettable duel, this one is packed with chaos. Add in hot takes on Rock, debates on whether Adolin’s big moment was satisfying enough, and yes even some shots fired at the Stormfather—and you’ve got the most unfiltered pod breakdown of Words of Radiance out there.Scores, banter, and maybe a little slander—it’s all here.Catch us on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@hottakebks?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcAnd Insta - https://www.instagram.com/hottakebooks/reel/DMf-0HbxtQ7/

🎧 FastTake: Words of Radiance - Spoiler-free, full banter, and all the chaotic energy you’ve come to expect.Rich has a villain origin story brewing (his words, not ours). He also can’t help but call out Ryan for falling way too hard for Stormlight even though, somehow, their ratings end up almost identical.Do the boys think this one paces better than The Way of Kings? Why is Ryan in full-blown Sanderson mode? And are they a little delusional for talking like Brandon himself is secretly listening to their very small podcast?Catch us on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@hottakebks?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc