Reviews
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“Phil and Metz definitely helped my understanding of the entirety of BOTNS and Urth. Little details I might have missed or thought insignificant were expanded on in ways I probably wouldn’t have caught till a 3rd or 4th read. Recommend for anyone reading the Solar Cycle! Can’t wait for their...”Read full review »
MicletteK via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
04/13/24
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“These folks are insane (in the most awesome possible way) and make no attempt to hide it.”
farnasirim via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
03/23/24
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“Have to admit, when I found a podcast about Gene Wolfe, I was ready for it to be suuuuper dry but you guys are great, keep it up!”
Bluedeviltj via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/19/23
“These guys helped me appreciate Wolfe's writing on a much deeper level than I would have been able to on my own. Now I can't get enough of Wolfe - what a writer - thanks, guys!”Read full review »
dementia13 via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
05/26/23
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“These guys are great. I recommend reading a couple chapters ahead and then listening to the episode as not only will it provide the insights which you may have missed, but it will also help you remember and identify details you may have thought unimportant and skimmed over.
An absolute must for...”Read full review »
Griffwillpooponu via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
05/18/23
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“Gene Wolfe has quickly become one of my favorite authors. He can of course be a bit esoteric and his genius can fly over the heads of us mere mortals. But don’t fret, because this podcast exists! It enhances reading Wolfe to the point that I would consider it to be nearly essential if you aren’t...”Read full review »
baldander via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/01/22
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“Amazing!
We live in a world with three podcasts about the great SF-writer Gene Wolfe - the only one in the genre who could be nominated for the Nobel price!
This is the first and funniest podcast.
Its also the best - good balance between academic analysis and simple common sense.”
NisseG33 via Apple Podcasts ·
Sweden ·
07/06/21
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“As I have recently started rereading Long Sun it has been a delight to have Phil and Metz to guide everyone through the nooks and crannies of each section chapter by chapter. An entertaining walkthrough that I binged over a series of afternoons. Oreb is the true star, and I love your commentary...”Read full review »
Koz2421 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
05/02/21
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“Very pleased with the content these guys are creating. The hosts have a lot of personality and I respect that each are willing to bring different perspectives to the table - I don’t personally agree with some of their takes, but it’s always interesting to listen and it’s clear that both are...”Read full review »
Derek Suds via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
03/17/21
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“Phil and Metz bring a perfect balance of insightful close-reading and good humor to their read-alongs of Wolfe's work. If you're a first-time reader or revisiting old favorites, you'll find new perspectives and discoveries in each episode.”Read full review »
colonelk via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
12/07/20
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“It's like having a small book club . . . where the other two people did much more research on the book than you did . . . and you can take it with you and even participate sneakily in public . . . and when you occasionally yell at their interpretation, they do not yell back.
Phil and Metz...”Read full review »
aure entuluva via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
04/10/20
“Genuinely made me understand the Book of the New Sun as I was reading it. Really quite good at minimizing spoilers.”
Danishlightning via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
11/28/19
“If like me you got that sinking feeling that maybe you spent a year reading The Book of the New Sun only to be left with just a magic cloud of beauty and nonsense...worry no more!
Listening to this podcast made the first reading totally worth it! I finally feel I’m getting a good grasp on what...”Read full review »
Gaston8008 via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
09/03/19
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“At this point I’ve probably spent nearly as much time listening and reading books about Book of the New Sun than I have
Actually reading the books. You don’t have to agree with every theory or interpretation the hosts throw out but there are often details that they point out that help to add...”Read full review »
Andy's Profile via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/25/19
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“I am humbled by, and grateful for, the thoughtful efforts these two hosts put into analyzing the work of Gene Wolfe. Their love of the material is obvious and they seem familiar with the secondary literature e.g. Borski and Andre-Driussi. Listening to their analysis of The Book of the New Sun was...”Read full review »
I&O via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
05/26/19
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“Looking for a good companion read/listen as I dig in to Gene Wolfe’s writing. After listening to the first few SOTT chapter summaries I have already heard more mewling about gender grievances than I care to endure. I wish the hosts were not so concerned with moralizing and virtue signaling. I do...”Read full review »
bvn09090909 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
05/16/19
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“This podcast was a great companion to accompany book of the new sun. Not too much banter, but enough to keep things light. Great analysis, great personality, and super helpful.”
c_papscott via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
04/26/19
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“I recommend this to any Wolfe fan or just sci fi fan in general. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed re-reading the stories and books with podcast’s commentary at my side.
Also, the two guys end up adding a point of view that is relatable and fun. Something a deep dive on any Wolfe book certainly can gain...”Read full review »
Red Alzabo via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
04/26/19
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“I admit that I slacked on writing podcast reviews until I started my own, and found out how meaningful they are. I've been listening to Alzabo Soup for a while, and these guys are very enjoyable. While I may fall more on the symbolist side of Wolfe interpretation, Phil and Metz really do...”Read full review »
Particle Noun via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
02/12/19
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“Excellent and entertaining analysis of Master Wolfe and other works. The hosts have a great rapport. Very enjoyable. Five out of five pringles.”
R. Goodfellow via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
12/13/18
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“You are not alone in your love of following the obscure clues left by Gene Wolfe. These two gentlemen do an enjoyable and thoughtful job of tracing and weaving the many seemingly loose threads you might have perhaps missed when you did this alone. See new vistas materialize. Well done guys.”
No more worky!! via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/13/18
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“Really thorough and interesting companion cast for Gene Wolfe stuff. Listening along with my first read through of Book of the New Sun and it's super helpful. Can't wait to check out the other stuff they've covered too!”Read full review »
islandraiders via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/02/18
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“Brian and Metz help you unravel the most tangled of SF stories.”
Sammy_Doc via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/27/18
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“I discovered Alzabo Soup a few months ago, at exactly the same time as I started to re-read Gene Wolfe's "Book of the New Sun," and I've really been enjoying it. Perhaps more importantly, their commentary on that Book has helped me to understand-- and enjoy the book better...”Read full review »
Jchokey via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
05/07/18
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“These guys are great. Give it a listen if you like people taking a deep dive into interesting books. Highly recommend.”
Mr. Jiggz via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
04/21/18
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“I mean that in the best possible way. These guys are not only great fun to listen to, they are articulate, well-informed, and enlightening in their analyses. Great listen for fans of Wolfean sci-fi lit. Highly recommend.”
Tyler Bumpus via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/19/18
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“These guys are great. Not only are they just fun to listen to, but they give great insight into the greatest writer of our time. They’re the only people I support via Patreon because they are just worth it. (Also, can we get an Alzabo Soup: Bob Fosse Edition episode?)”
EE Patty via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/15/18
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“This is an essential podcast for those who like Gene Wolfe, and in particular his BOOK OF THE NEW SUN. A story by story, and chapter by chapter, close reading of Wolfe's science fiction emphasising character and motivation, but also duplicity and manipulation. One's understanding of the...”Read full review »
Xenoswarm via Apple Podcasts ·
France ·
02/09/18
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“After unsuccessfully trying to get all of my friends into Gene Wolfe so I could have some healthy discussion, I stumbled upon this podcast. It’s great to finally hear people discuss things I’ve had floating around in my head ever since I finished BoTNS a year ago! My only problem is that when I...”Read full review »
iron halen 5150 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
02/06/18
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“I started listening in conjunction with reading Shadow of the Torturer for the first time, and I’m happily impressed with Phil & Metz. They give great commentary and insight into a fairly complex book! I appreciate that they’ve taken the time to research possible influences of the themes,...”Read full review »
Barbecue Johnson via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
01/09/18
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“If someone had told me ten years ago that there would a podcast doing in-depth discussions on the works of Gene Wolfe and that would also be entertaining and funny, I would have smiled indulgently and said "Uh-huh. And I suppose that this will be around the same time that Red Vines become a...”Read full review »
L.R. Gordan via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
12/03/17
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“I read the books many years ago but have bought them as gifts occasionally. It's a lot of fun to listen to the hosts talk about the texts and and hear all the things I missed on my first reading -- and I missed a lot. I've been listening to this every week.”Read full review »
graysocks via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
11/28/17
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“Great, well-researched podcast, brings up a good range of ideas without ever straying into wild speculation (and one easily could). Accessible to less-literary people, and Phil and Metz are very welcoming and open to talking to their audience. I strongly recommend this podcast.”
Sam___________________________ via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
11/27/17
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“If one's looking for a thorough interrogation of Gene Wolfe's work without being drowned by symbolism (though that is not necessarily a bad thing either) this is the place to start.”Read full review »
kabirsart via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
11/23/17
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“This podcast does really great readhthroughs of speculative fiction books. I've mostly only listened to their Gene Wolfe read-throughs, but they are excellent. They are currently going through all of Book of the New Sun, which is a serious undertaking.
They do a really good job of getting...”Read full review »
Systran via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
11/08/17
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“I cannot recommend this podcast enough! I'm new to Gene Wolfe and it's been a real joy to have these guys as companions to my reading. I started with The Sorcerer's House episodes and am currently working my way through Book of the New Sun for the first time. Being able to listen to...”Read full review »
sophoes via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
10/23/17
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“If there was ever an obvious choice of an author to dedicate a podcast to, then Gene Wolfe is it. With their commentary, Phil and Metz are great guides on an exploration of Wolfe - both because of the rigor of their insights and the obvious enthusiasm they share for the subject.”
dpoole88 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/30/17
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“If you are a fan of Gene Wolfe, then this podcast is a dream come true. They give in depth and thoughtful analysis of an author who's well crafted work deserves it. If you don't know Gene Wolfe, but you appreciate literature that requires thought and a little effort to fully appreciate,...”Read full review »
mikes117 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/22/17
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“Recommended for people who like Gene Wolfe, thinking, and/or pleasure.”
Meowzin' via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/17/17
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“Like many readers of Gene Wolfe, I've often found myself coming up short when plumbing the depths of his works and trying to piece together what's between the lines. Most of the fan / academic discussions of Wolfe available online are either insufferable, inaccessible, or heavily slanted...”Read full review »
Glangton via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/13/17
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“Gene Wolfe has been long overlooked by the academic establishment and it's difficult to understand why, for example, he isn't often taught or discussed in English departments. Neil Gaiman has called him the "smartest and most dangerous writer alive", Ursula Le Guin "our...”Read full review »
meisterchang via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
08/10/17
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“This podcast is great, and is one of just a few that I look forward to and listen to the day of release. Phil and Metz cover books by Gene Wolfe and other sci-fi / fantasy authors, devoting an hour per week to a few chapters, a single chapter, or (in the case of Fifth Head of Cerberus) just a few...”Read full review »
GoMrPickles via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/29/17
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“It's funny, instructive, & entertaining. Honest. Not churlish. Offers critical analysis & commentaries that celebrate the subjects of their work. Considering its scholary subject matter, the show is unusually organic & is always getting better. An infectious curiosity and...”Read full review »
Jonathan Dayton Pierce via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/29/17
“...dedicated to one of my favorite authors, Gene Wolfe. The hosts are great and bring wonderful insights to the texts. I look forward to every single episode. Seriously, if you're a Gene Wolfe fan, why aren't you listening to this podcast? Do it!”Read full review »
a_band via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/18/17
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“Like mystery plots? Like the idea of a book club? Give it a chance! Forget any complaints you might have heard about the complexity of Gene Wolfe's books. This podcast starts off covering The Sorceror's House - which is a fantastic introduction to Wolfe, costs just a couple bucks online...”Read full review »
InspectorRex via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
05/03/17
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“I'm a long-time reader of Gene Wolfe, and delighted to hear Phil and Metz discuss it with the same sort of enthusiasm that I feel. Their quirky humor livens things up, and their careful reading of Wolfe and Tom Stoppard has really helped me appreciate those works in new ways. Thanks guys,...”Read full review »
poco_forte via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
04/15/17
“Alzabo Soup is one of my favorite podcasts. Every time I read a Gene Wolfe story, I want to go have a long conversation with someone about it. The next best thing is listening to Phil and Metz discuss the story instead. The first time they branched out from Wolfe, the selection was excellent: Tom...”Read full review »
EThomasVerum via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
04/09/17
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“Fills the long-lamented need of a podcast that focuses on the works of Gene Wolfe. Not so scholarly as to be inaccessible to the layman nor so vulgar as to be despised by the intellectual, it strikes the proper balance between two extremes. For anyone who's wished they knew someone else who liked...”Read full review »
Bob M via ·
03/21/17
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