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The Slog continues! We're back with Chapters 5–8 of R. Scott Bakker's The Thousandfold Thought, the final installment of The Prince of Nothing trilogy. This week, Steve, Shobz, and Shawn explore some of the most psychologically fascinating developments in the series as Cnaiür continues his descent into madness, Kellhus becomes increasingly mysterious, and the consequences of manipulation begin to reveal themselves. Cnaiür has always been one of Bakker's most complicated characters. But as his memories, emotions, and identity become increasingly fractured, we're left wondering how much of his behavior is truly his own. Is he losing his mind? Is he undergoing another transformation? Or is something even stranger happening? Meanwhile, Kellhus's motivations become increasingly difficult to understand. With fewer opportunities to experience events from his perspective, we're forced to interpret his actions through the people surrounding him. Has Kellhus fundamentally changed since the Circumfix, or is he still the same Dûnyain manipulating everyone around him? We also discuss: Cnaiür's deteriorating mental state and his relationship with Conphas Kellhus, the Circumfix, and the disappearance of his internal perspective Achamian, Seswatha, and the possibility of Kellhus accessing the Mandate's dreams Esmenet's growing understanding of Achamian's suffering The heartbreaking relationship between Achamian and Esmenet The Consult's motivations and their interest in Conphas Connections between the First Apocalypse and the events of the Aspect-Emperor series The recurring themes of manipulation, identity, memory, and history As always, we're approaching this reread with knowledge of the entire series, exploring details, foreshadowing, and connections that might be overlooked during a first reading. ⚠️ FULL SERIES SPOILERS! This discussion contains spoilers for all seven books of R. Scott Bakker's The Second Apocalypse. We strongly recommend finishing the series before listening. CURRENT READ: The Thousandfold Thought — Chapters 5–8 SERIES: The Second Apocalypse Reread Join us as we continue the Slog through one of the darkest and most philosophically challenging fantasy series ever written. Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Support Page Chewing on Patreon Affiliate Links that support the show: Audible Standard Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4z1iKns Audible Standard Monthly Membership: https://amzn.to/3S6vadd Kindle Unlimited Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4wqkYdD Amazon Prime Free Trial: https://amzn.to/3UptxI9 Join Captivate.fm Send a message via SpeakPipe

The tension continues to build in Stephen King's Pet Sematary as Louis Creed moves closer to making a decision that could change everything. In Chapters 46–50, we follow Louis's increasingly desperate efforts to reach Gage's body, while Rachel races back toward Ludlow and Jud prepares to intervene. This section showcases King's ability to build suspense through small obstacles, detailed descriptions, and the thoughts of a character overwhelmed by grief. We also explore how grief drives the characters in different directions, whether Louis is being influenced by something beyond his own desperation, and whether anyone can stop him before it's too late. Join me for another installment of the Page Chewing Pet Sematary read-along as we continue tracking our observations and predictions. Next episode: Chapters 51–54. Spoilers are limited to Chapters 1–50. Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Support Page Chewing on Patreon Affiliate Links that support the show: Audible Standard Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4z1iKns Audible Standard Monthly Membership: https://amzn.to/3S6vadd Kindle Unlimited Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4wqkYdD Amazon Prime Free Trial: https://amzn.to/3UptxI9 Join Captivate.fm Send a message via SpeakPipe

Grief is pushing Louis Creed toward a decision that could change everything. In Chapters 41–45 of Stephen King's Pet Sematary, Louis sends Rachel and Ellie to Chicago while becoming increasingly consumed by the possibility of bringing Gage back from the dead. We explore King's use of Louis's internal thoughts, the desperation driving his decisions, and the questions he doesn't seem willing to confront about what resurrection might actually mean. Meanwhile, Ellie begins receiving warnings through dreams involving Victor Pascow, raising new questions about why she's being contacted instead of Louis. Can Jud stop Louis before he makes a terrible mistake? Join me for another installment of the Page Chewing Pet Sematary read-along as we continue tracking our observations and predictions. Next episode: Chapters 46–50. Spoilers are limited to Chapters 1–45. Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Support Page Chewing on Patreon Affiliate Links that support the show: Audible Standard Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4z1iKns Audible Standard Monthly Membership: https://amzn.to/3S6vadd Kindle Unlimited Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4wqkYdD Amazon Prime Free Trial: https://amzn.to/3UptxI9 Join Captivate.fm Send a message via SpeakPipe

This week on Panel Chewing #152, we're talking about disappointing comics, surprising discoveries, Halloween horror, and two outstanding Picks of the Week. We open with a conversation about the health of the comic book industry. Are comics thriving, or are the big superhero titles hiding problems facing smaller independent publishers? Then we jump into this week's reading. Steve finally reaches his breaking point with Absolute Superman #24. Despite enjoying the early issues, the series has lost the qualities that initially made it interesting. Is it time to move on? Jarrod has a similar experience with The Demon #1, a new DC series featuring Jason Blood and Etrigan. The character has a fascinating history, but does the artwork fit the darker storytelling? We also discuss Rob Liefeld's return to Evangeline, the disturbing body horror of Gastronomique, the Halloween special for Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees, Jeff Lemire's Minor Arcana, Michael Moorcock's Hawkmoon, Jonah Hex, Crowbound, and Midnight X-Men. Comics Reviewed Absolute Superman #24 The Demon #1 Evangeline #1 The Dirt Beneath the Devil #3 Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Halloween Special Minor Arcana #19 Gastronomique #2 Hawkmoon: The Mad God's Amulet #1 Jonah Hex #1 Crowbound #2 Midnight X-Men #1 Picks of the Week Jarrod: Superman: The Stranger #2 Wes Craig continues his Depression-era Superman story, exploring a young Clark Kent who is still searching for his place in the world. Jarrod loves the noir atmosphere, artwork, and developing conflict with Lex Luthor. Steve: Hyde Street #13 The Butcher has arrived, and nobody feels safe. Geoff Johns continues building a disturbing, unpredictable world filled with morally complicated characters and unanswered questions. Steve considers this some of the best comic book storytelling currently available. Lone Wolf and Cub Read-Along Our ongoing group read continues with Volume 20. This volume introduces a particularly dangerous adversary: a master poisoner whose methods challenge Ogami Itto in ways traditional swordsmen cannot. We discuss the growing conflict between Retsudo Yagyu and his new ally, the exploitation of vulnerable people, the changing nature of Ogami's compassion, and how Daigoro may be influencing his father's humanity. Read along with us through Libby or Hoopla, subject to your library's collection. Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Support Page Chewing on Patreon Affiliate Links that support the show: Audible Standard Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4z1iKns Audible Standard Monthly Membership: https://amzn.to/3S6vadd Kindle Unlimited Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4wqkYdD Amazon Prime Free Trial: https://amzn.to/3UptxI9 Join Captivate.fm Send a message via SpeakPipe

After a few days of battling a cold, I'm back with another Page Chewing weekly update! This week I'm announcing our November featured read-along: Shadow & Claw by Gene Wolfe. We'll be taking a slower approach with weekly Friday discussions and a special guest conversation at the end of the month. I'm also sharing my changing opinion of Stephen King as I continue reading Pet Sematary, discussing why Tender Is the Flesh has been such a disturbing experience, and revisiting R. Scott Bakker's The Thousandfold Thought as part of our full-spoiler Second Apocalypse reread. Finally, I want to hear your thoughts on BookTok and its growing influence on the publishing industry. Is social media helping readers discover more books, or is it concentrating attention on a smaller selection of titles? Plus, updates on upcoming Page Chewing videos, Panel Chewing, and Beyond the Page. Thanks for listening! Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Support Page Chewing on Patreon Affiliate Links that support the show: Audible Standard Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4z1iKns Audible Standard Monthly Membership: https://amzn.to/3S6vadd Kindle Unlimited Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4wqkYdD Amazon Prime Free Trial: https://amzn.to/3UptxI9 Join Captivate.fm Send a message via SpeakPipe