Costis and Kamet start a new job, and we wonder about slavery in Medea versus Sounis, why don’t Kamet and Costis wonder what caused the boat fire, why do the real guards think a fake guard has infiltrated their midst, and what’s the significance of a broken, stapled cup? Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WdQMJ-NOtdsyICKClHh6J4UEaUwC-1xs-bqrgDNJ11U/edit?usp=sharing...
Kamet and Costis set off, and we ponder resourcefulness, the format of the Immakuk and Ennikar stories, in-universe connections with heroic myths, divine priorities, and going off into the great unknown. Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wNYWUPVPrvAyL4wy6nleiMhIEIuzOzhwKYAs49FBOg4/edit?usp=sharing
In our first episode on Thick as Thieves , Kamet sets the stage, and our friend Blythe joins us to discuss epigraphs, self-presentation, purposeful omissions, how disability enhances Kamet’s story, and the real-life army of giants created by King Frederick I of Prussia. Content warning for discussion of abuse at 6:49 - 10:00 and sexual abuse at 12:32 - 14:00 and 19:56 - 22:20. Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15ydeuzyOPlnixaDExHN31nT6QCV173VJ2CUPFqP18XE/edit?usp=shar...
All is revealed to Sophos as the story closes. He and Helen agree to marry, and the Medes will find the Peninsula united against them. As we wrap up our discussion of this book we ponder what changes when the characters have proof of the gods' existence, the interconnection between triumph and loss, and how this series compares with other “chosen one” narratives. Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G3rQQ_zRyYYk4NIvzLjVXb9JmWedm0e3WvC0dNBqZfQ/edit?usp=sharing...
Sounis swears loyalty to Attolis and has a Big Romantic Speech for Helen. We wonder—why is the queen of Attolia uninvolved in the ceremony? Why does Helen get so mad at Sophos? Is the Attolian rumor mill ever out of grist? And (we promise this is relevant) when was tissue paper invented? Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Jhl8YydDQi80M1CghNzR3x3kkhTe-tnEsOVjqjQzHzY/edit?usp=sharing...
Sophos wins the final battle, cleans up, imprisons Nomenus, and finally reunites with his mother and sisters. We discuss the anonymity of kingship, what we’re meant to take from Nomenus’s role in the series, responsibility towards enemies as well as friends, and the joys of Queen’s Thief modern AUs. Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/133KvzumxQwHN5cysL81CXSMrohqU2-z2TkStBkdBpZA/edit?usp=sharing...
A sacred truce is broken, two people get shot, an army appears, and a king is elected - what a good thing no one skipped the theater today. We ponder: What was Akretenesh gonna do after committing regicide? Does it matter that Sophos shot with his left hand first? Why is Sophos the only Queen’s Thief narrator who swears? And … if you could put one F word in the series, where would you put it? Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OTFvGeaA-g_kpCKDlzIGuIY73fmCN0Ejt54WBJUNZ...
A Conspiracy of Kings, Chapter 19, Part I: Oligarchy in Action Sophos discusses principles of government with dozens of uninterested barons. We discuss the tradition of the Baron’s Meet, political theater taking place in an actual theater, accidental intimidation, leaps of faith, and symbolic murals. Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-50JflQ2MmR-vbq8oUF1MfutI47TCnIgM-0AJaGD3eg/edit?usp=sharing...
This Just In: Akretenesh slips up, Hanaktos is acting weird, Helen is still crafty AND hot, Sophos is putting two and two together, and THE THIEF HAS BEEN OPTIONED BY DISNEY+. Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WhWrF2fj5uzggi7Lm6MResWfnnAeQpoKxizpPtuvBQM/edit?usp=sharing
Sophos reaches Brimedius as planned. Akretenesh battles Nahuseresh for title of Most Annoying Mede. We wonder—does being king have an upside? Will the seat of culture shift from Ferria to Attolia if Sophos founds a university? Would Costis and Sophos be friends? And what possible message could be secreted in a half-page love letter? Minor RotT spoiler included. Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QvStGlpBTk1fhNzfAwtGcHyV5eRZ1uDlPzuYmaVsyoc/edit?usp=sharing...
Sophos leaves to go conquer. We discuss PDA, impaling people on spikes, unnecessary diffidence, what it takes to wield authority, and turtles all the way down. Minor spoilers for RotT. Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Jr2fvHXqqt9zvx6EMIpdwIEhKS9MKokoGHmIaI1QjIQ/edit?usp=sharing
Two kings walk into a bar … We discuss sneaking out romcom style, who built all the secret palace doors, miraculous solutions to life’s problems, and why Sophos is no longer blessed with divine dreams. Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1T9WGas2c8Z-u303y1-1Mmuvt4s8I6kE1P2T93sj133w/edit?usp=sharing
It’s Not Opposite Day - Sophos drinks with his enemy and hockey checks his best friend. We discuss manners, self-destruction, trophy husbands, and more. Note: minor spoiler joke for RotT at the end of the outro music. Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12l8U7HgaB6iCYgAk1TFP3avjEJ31kOfV3ukx2p-SI_M/edit?usp=sharing
Here’s what we thought of Return of the Thief ! Warning: we talk about the whole book, so if you haven’t finished it yet and don’t want to know what happens, hold off! Spoiler: WE LOVED IT. Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qZinSgS1_tmCovBh0FScBH87f2gB2MkRyba8j8rqOlc/edit?usp=sharing Become a sponsor here (if you want!): https://anchor.fm/attolian-archives-pod/support...
Sophos is inundated with meetings but also gets some garden downtime. We wonder - is having political meetings in your bedroom a power move? Who’s really in charge here? Is this all an elaborate performance meant to distract us? Why is Attolia being so helpful? Have the goats gotten into the laundry again? Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FQLIRXkNlo8M-OpRVHDe41Xg2zzmGJ9XbJ5ffP6yERE/edit?usp=sharing Become a sponsor here (if you want!): https://anchor.fm/attolian-arc...
Sophos is finally reunited with Helen! Also in store: Emotions! Mail theft! Accidental ghosting! Friendship! Forgiveness! The Continent! Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LJG-biLIRreem_NB0YM6Fsl86E00jh0OWKBMWVFrpQo/edit?usp=sharing Become a sponsor here (if you want!): https://anchor.fm/attolian-archives-pod/support...
Sophos has a very uncomfortable twenty minutes with Attolis and four hundred of his closest friends. We ponder long-distance friendship, political performance, first-person versus third-person narration, whether the queen’s thief books exist in-universe, and fancy fancy dress. Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hw24oEpmExORPUMStfIgeEHacysCcQ6Ztk6b0ffWkks/edit?usp=sharing Become a sponsor here (if you want!): https://anchor.fm/attolian-archives-pod/support...
Sophos escapes another assassination attempt and then hits the road, while we discuss anti-Mede sentiment, women’s literacy in Sounis, what it takes to win a war, “protective alliances,” and hilarious narration. Thanks to tumblr user ms-digne for the maps comment and links we discuss here! Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1K7Q0WvMY7S5y8KMj77cYhg-XIE8arAjC_k28shsVRLI/edit?usp=sharing Become a sponsor here (if you want!): https://anchor.fm/attolian-archives-pod/support...
As Sophos and co. make a break for it, we discuss broken amphorae, what Sophos owes to other people, international trade routes, and how to tell your dad to shut up. Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FBa6cAeDC-5QbWFFb79HTFiGYjNjDKasU93rDuxt5mY/edit?usp=sharing Become a sponsor here (if you want!): https://anchor.fm/attolian-archives-pod/support...
Sophos begins his escape! With our new guest Blythe, we consider whose choices have weight, how to pronounce Eddis, young love, kingliness, lucky coincidences, and locally grown artisanal cults. Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_CG3ujVZnKZmWL9f8uVsps17RBCLrTYeyI6pYMK9wq0/edit?usp=sharing Become a sponsor here (if you want!): https://anchor.fm/attolian-archives-pod/support
Daily life continues in Hanaktos, and we discuss impossible choices, humility, authenticity, metaphorical wolves, storytelling, and the library in the sky. Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1h4-EFF5voy-Qy5j2W_liXyPmu1UrM1titBhWgLhO_e8/edit?usp=sharing
Sophos adjusts to a new life, and we talk about who’s in on this plot, Berrone’s thought process, murder (again), and the joy of poetry. Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EPtoXmy2YFA7C5rnpt4GdkybL3VMtaukGLeyH93vGcc/edit?usp=sharing
As Sophos’s fate is left in the hands of … well, not his worst enemy exactly, we touch on botched plans, professionalism, whale watching, elitism, and how to give hints to your crush. Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-HN3VVzbvDyxfCrj-OMsMQy5RFIORu9_MtCKwKSUkXU/edit?usp=sharing
Sophos discovers the perils of fake friends. We discuss self-image, Baby’s First Murder, Greek myths, slavery in ancient Greece, and slavery in the QT universe. Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vVt-fYkvaGT2hKEy3E_tWXY7Ll3zsWyydaW_Gv8d8-c/edit?usp=sharing
Local Teen Loses Fight With Table! We discuss this shocking development, as well as unreliable narrators, sisters, epic poetry, timelines, even more gender, and Sophos getting too down on himself. Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CZOgv4KVT0js5is585vsooK5Z4WGv3TU_9eEUKer05E/edit?usp=sharing
As two dangerous Sounisian assailants end up in jail, we discuss flashbacks, narrative perspective, foreign visitors, and The Emperor’s New Groove. Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-CjiTTS34I1uY4l3zqitp51j8TMEiQwbxqM_1Utqc8g/edit?usp=sharing
Short story time! An overambitious juggler gets more than he bargained for. Eugenides has a night out. Back in the real world, we discuss channeling the divine, Gen being nice, the origins of horse hate, surprisingly accurate likenesses on money, the Attolian DIY scene, and big small stories.
In our first Quarantine Episode, Eugenides is King of Attolia and also sweaty and in need of a bath, so he takes one with a bunch of other sweaty dudes. It's symbolic or something. Meanwhile, we discuss push-ups, godlike influence, scars, soldiers, and babies.
“I hope that now that you have remembered me, you won’t forget me again,” Laecdomon says. Well, we forget him every time. Discussion points: extreme competence, suspense or lack thereof, Arundhati Roy, minor villains, the word “demesne,” David Sedaris, and whether being good at swords makes you a king.
Costis and Gen have a religious experience. Gen gets a massive hangover. We discuss bringing in the emotional cavalry, Costis getting dragged, connections to 30 Rock, why this book would make a great sitcom, HONOR—and who on Earth could be targeting our sweet boy Costis?
