The Side Quest Book Club Podcast

Join Slava and Jonathan as they discuss the books they are reading.

Author: Slava & Jonathan

Join Slava and Jonathan as they discuss the books they are reading. Explore world-building, characters, and story developmentand share some laughs along the way. Side Quest Book Club a literary adventure podcast.
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Language: en

Genres: Arts, Books, Fiction, Science Fiction

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Wintersteel Part 3 - Will Wight - Progression Fantasy Book - Fantasy Book
Tuesday, 23 December, 2025

In this episode of The SideQuest Book Club Podcast, Slava and Jonathan—joined by Casey, JT, and Spenser— continued to break down Wintersteel from Will Wight’s Cradle series. The guys explore character dynamics, relationships, and major themes of identity, growth, and progression fantasy. The conversation highlights foreshadowing, power dynamics, hubris, and how literacy, wealth, and opportunity shape advancement in the Cradle universe. We also examine key characters, such as Daiji and Eithan, discussing their motivations and the narrative choices that drive the story. (00:00) Introduction to The SideQuest Book Club Podcast (feel free to skip to the next chapter, as we talk about costumes that can't be seen on screen)(09:32) Further Exploring Wintersteel (17:54) Character Dynamics & Relationships (29:47) Themes of Identity & Growth (34:28) Foreshadowing & Key Revelations (35:22) Character Dynamics & Plot Devices (40:44) Defining Progression Fantasy (44:01) Character Growth & Power Dynamics (45:44) The Role of Hubris in Fantasy (56:57) Literacy & Character Development (01:02:58) Wealth, Power & Opportunity (01:14:18) Final Thoughts & Future ExpectationsOur website: www.thesidequestpodcast.comDiscover Side Quest: https://linktr.ee/asidequestOur IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Leave us a comment & connect with us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our TikTok Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Music by HoliznaCC0v