Empty Netters Podcast - Sci Fi Section Ep 10: Golden Son Chapters 12-17

Episode Date: September 30, 2026

We are diving deep into Pierce Brown’s world of the Red Rising saga. Join us for Chapters 12-17 of book 2, Golden Son. The episode you’ve all been waiting for! It’s Gala time fellow howlers. Like the sound of a frozen cracking in winter, this one is going to make some noise… Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 1:32 - Chapter 12 Blood for Blood 31:45 - Chapter 13 Mad Dogs 39:42 - Chapter 14 The Sovereign 45:36 - Chapter 15 Truth 57:14 - Chapter 16 The Game 1:00:37 - Chapter 17 What the Storm Brings 1:09:28 - The Honors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Explorers, warriors, magi, intergalactic voyagers, and hell divers. Man, your battle stations, draw your swords, and prepare for destiny. This is sci-fi section. A journey where we will be taking you through the epic expeditions of our favorite fantasy and sci-fi stories. The board is set. The pieces are moving. This adventure will be a deep dive. Dab, Dab! Rig for Deep Submergence. to the world of Red Rising.

I am Chris Powers, ready to live in a science-created hell after lying to an Oracle, and by my side is a man who would stick a stylus in my back right before I get my head chopped off, Dan Powers. Head on a swivel, baby. Head on a swivel. Wands at the ready, and it is a swish and flick, a swish and flick on that subscribe button and that like button. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it, and those who don't subscribe Subscribe to this channel. We'll never find these videos. Today we will be talking about chapters 12 through 17 of Golden Sun.

However, we have read this entire series. There will be spoilers galore. So if you venture any further, do so with the knowledge that you may hear things that you wish you hadn't. And now we begin. Darrow has found an unlikely ally with the jackal. And after seeing Mustang with Cassius, his fury for the golds nearly brought him to commit a suicide bombing. But that wasn't Eos vision. and he must find a new way.

We head into part two, break. Chapter 12, blood for blood. Pliny hisses my name. I pass him by. He knows nothing of what I have in store. Bitch, this is about to be so long. And yeah, I want to make an announcement to everybody. This episode, I'm sure this episode will be about the same length as our episodes.

It will be. But this chapter is going to be nearly half the episode. Half the episode. So just buckle up, make you so comfortable. and get your popcorn ready, grab a little diet do. Get a rag for sweat and maybe other things, because this is the greatest chapter in all of these books. Yep.

So here we go. Darrow stalks back into the gala. After removing the Pegasus pendant bomb, he placed under the Augustin table, he makes his move. I always think that part's funny, by the way, where he's just like, and no one's like, what are you doing? You're doing, bro. Calm down.

Walking sure-footed through the crowd of golds and directly for the balona table. Before anyone can make a move, to stop him or even question his motives. Darrow springs 30 feet into the air and lands hard on the table, smashing dishes and spilling wine. All the golds are appalled, confused. Some like Victor and Tactus are intrigued and excited.

From the book, boy, sit down, someone shouts. Make him, Tactus replies drunkenly. No, that's what I surmised. You love that part. He's incredible. That's my boy right there. Darrow marches the table and exclaims that the balonas are a treacherous,

treasonous family attempting to steal power illegally from Nero. a line that sounds fitting. He says that he's been wronged by this disgusting family twice now, and he demands satisfaction. And with that, he tips a wine decanter into Cassius' lap. The madness begins. From the book, Snow on the ground crunches under my heavy boots.

I bend down as the sovereign speaks. She tells of honor and tradition, how martial duels mark the greatness of our race, so she makes an exception for this day. We may duel beyond the gaming grounds. This blood feud must be put to rest here, now in front of the August of our life. our race. So confident is she in her newest Olympic night, but why wouldn't she be? He's killed me

before. The preparations are made and the sovereign makes a grand speech to honor the duel. Darrow stands with Nero and the other lancers of his house. He catches the eye of the jackal who gives him a nod. Perhaps he's learned to trust Darrow. Darrow makes a meal of his approach to Nero. From the book, I don't do it for love, my liege. No, no. I bow my head to him and remember Mateo's high lingo. The duty of the sun is the father's glory. Is it not? I fall to a knee. You are not my son. No, the balona killed him, stole him from you.

Your firstborn son, Claudius, was all a man could hope for. A son better and wiser than his father. So let me make you a present of their favorite son's head. Enough quibbling, enough of their politics, blood for blood. He tells Nero that the sovereign will soon replace him with the balonas. Look how she favors them. He should not let them scheme, and he should be king. From the book, I pull a knife from my boot and make a quick cut beneath my eyes.

The blood falls like tear drops. This is an old blessing from the iron ancestors, the conquerors, and it will chill those who see it, a relic of a bygone, harder age. It is a Mars blessing, one of iron and blood. Of the raging ships that burned the famed Britannic armada above Earth's North Pole and dashed the fast killers from the land of the rising sun amid the asteroid belt.

My master's eyes ignite like dormant coals breathed upon slowly. Then all at once, I have him. Dude, this is again where I'm like, Darrow has just learned all this stuff like a year ago. You know, he has access to like everything ever. As Darrow enters the dueling circle, he's approached by Mustang. She challenges his decision, and he quickly claps back with disgust that she is with Cassius. From the book, jealousy, that's ripe.

She leans in with a harsh whisper. Shame, you don't respect me enough to suppose that I have my own plan. You think I'm here because my aching loins thrust me into Bologna arms? Please, I'm no bitch in heat. I protect my family by any means necessary. Who do you protect but yourself? Darrow knows he needs to stay a villain in her eyes in this moment. She tells him Cassius will kill him, and she wishes he hadn't come.

As they face off, Cassius immediately attempts to stir fury in Darrow by speaking of how he's taken Mustang. He goads him with comments of pleasuring him. Darrow remains calm and tries to wake the human in Cassius. Finally, Darrow mentions Julian in a way Cassius doesn't like, and the fight is on. From the book. Despite his anger, Cassius is perfect in his form. His feet shuffle, never crossing. His hips swivel and his lunges in the compact salvos.

His breath comes measured, paced. He lashes his whip forward in a sweep, then hardens the blade and swings it up, aiming for my groin. His movements flicker fast, trained, honed by masters of swords of the society. It's easy to see why he has devastated his opponents since childhood, why he gutted me at the institute, because his enemies fight like him, but slower. I don't fight like them. I learned that lesson. Now he will learn his.

Bitch. Cassius taunts Darrow as he moves around him. Darrow can't keep up. Finally, he gets Darrow down to a knee panting and delivers what he thinks is his last message. From the book. Do you hear that, he asks? I hear nothing but the wind

and the throbbing of my heart. That is the sound of dying alone. No one to weep, no one to care. Arcos will care, I whisper. He stiffens. What did you say? Lorne Ar Ararchos will care if his last student dies.

I say dropping the falsely ragged breath, straightening proudly. Cassius stares at me as if he's seen a ghost. He hesitates. So too do those who hear what I say. While you ate, I trained. While you drank, I trained. While you sought pleasure, I trained for the weeks after the institute to the days before the academy.

Lorna Arcos doesn't accept students, Cassius hisses, not for 30 years. He made an exception. Liar. Oh, I laugh. Did you think I came here to be killed? Did you think yourself entitled to my life? No, Cassius. I came here to cut you down before your parents.

Dera performs the Willow Way, taught to him by the legend. our Arcos and he begins to dismantle Cassius piece by piece. He moves in ways Cassius has never seen, slashing him open and laughing while he does it. Darrow has turned Cassius into a bloody mess and now he makes a show of it. He stalks toward the Bologna family from the book. I pace about the circle like a cage lion till I come in front of Imperator Bologna. Your son is going to die, I say savagely, a foot away from his face. Darrow taunts the Bologna's, but the Imperator says none shall interfere. That is, until Lady Belona makes a pleading motion to the sovereign, who stops the fight to everyone's shock. From the book, she can't be so stupid, can't she?

The interruption confirms the rumors for me, for everyone. The sovereign reveals her favoritism. She's chosen the Bolona family. They will supplant the Augustus's on Mars. Cassius would have been important to that plan. Now, because of her miscalculation, he's about to die, and her plan is going to be squabbled. Still, I had no idea she'd do as she is about to do. It is so stupid, so short-sighted. Her pride has made her a fool. She declares that the rules have been changed, then the fight will either end in death or surrender. The other houses, including the telemanuses, declare their outrage. Darrow will not be denied. Darrow charges Cassius, who makes one last attempt at defense. From the book, he lunges for my throat. It's a faint. He whips his razor down to wrap

around my leg. He expects me to recoil. I charge straight at him, inside the arch of his swing, jump over his head in the low gravity, then swing my whip backward without looking. My whip coils around his extended right arm. I press the button that makes the razor contract, and with the sound of a frozen tree branch cracking in winter, I claim the sword arm of Cassius Abelona. The sovereign shouts for him to stop, but Darrow marches toward Cassius defeated on the ground to strike the killing blow.

But then a soft, delicate hand wraps his wrist. I might cry right now. From the book, I could not imagine E.O. watching me from the veil. In this hell, I've lost my face. Mustang brings it sweeping back. I-O may watch me, or she may not. Only one thing is certain. Mustang watches me now,

and what I see in her eyes is enough to let my hand fall to my side. It's then she smiles, as if seeing me again for the first time in years. There you are. Then the Bologna is charged like cowards, but not to be intercepted by Darrow's defenders. Mustang deflects a thrown blade by the bitch, Cagney, who is quickly cut clean in half by tactis. Madness ensues as everyone attacks.

Dero tries to find Mustang, but she shouts out to protect her father. Carnus charges narrow and Leto jumps to his defense, slashing him back. Just as he's about to take Carnus's life, he freezes as though stung, long enough for Carnus to chop off his head. Darrow turns confused to see the jackal tucking his silver stylus into his sleeve. He has made a deal with the devil. The greatest chapter in any book. Oh, brother. Dude, I did, I was going to say this at the end, I do... The greatest chapter in any book.

It is, I think the, I wrote down as a top two chapter in fantasy books ever. I think the prince's tale in Potter is most people's pick because it's seven years, well, more years, but it's like seven books worth of like, here was the ruse. Here's everything you've ever needed to know. I'm actually partial to the wandmaker in seven, that chapter. I think that's the best chapter in any fantasy book ever because it's Harry choosing uh, Hor Crux's over hallows and finally for the first time ever being,

especially after book five, order the Phoenix, angsty Harry, he's getting everything wrong. Um, and then Half-Bled Prince, he's kind of the man again, but seven, he is fully mad.

He can feel his mind slipping into the Voldemort vision, but, and he has to choice and he knows where Voldemort's going. And they're like, what should we do, Harry? And he's like, shut the fuck up. He's just so in charge. Yeah. Unbelievable chapter.

this is the best chapter in this this is probably best chapter in this series because there are a fucking few Well the beauty is it's the best so far Oh my God And we will continue to measure Every new chapter against this

Yeah This chapter The amount of times I've read this book As I've said This is my favorite book of the series I still freak out

Fearing this is going to be The Viper in the Mountain like every moment I read it and I'm like this please don't make a mistake please don't get too cocky and let Cassius get you

and even when he charges him and he's like Cassius goes for my throat it's a faint I'm like fuck you idiot but then he's like this but I'm ready for it and I'm like yes he is just totally in control Cassius completely caught off guard and fucking humiliated

and the humiliation of the entire shit heel Bologna family is so so delicious it's perfect Dan and I wrote this down later but let me see if it's in here. Actually, I think it's in the next chapter, so I'll wait. So, okay, here, I'm just going to take you through my emotions during this.

Oh, yeah. Darrow jumps up on the table, smashes down, and starts lecturing them. And I love before that, so as if you remember, Theodore spills wine on his white suit. Yeah, yeah, yeah, dude. Now he wears, yeah, now he wears his black military suit, dressed for a funeral. Awesome that Mustangs also dressed in black. but I love right before that he goes, I don't wear dress shoes. I have my military boots on it.

And I'm like, oh, yeah, dude. And if anyone was slightly aware, they would have seen that and been like, this fucking dude is about to do something bad. It's full red wedding. Like, it's full lady cat grabbing, who is it? It's, um, uh, Ruth Bolton's. And he has chain mail on. And he's like, what's happening?

Like, Dero showing up in military boots. I'd have been like, yo, we need to leave. Yeah. Everyone get out. Get out. Get out. This is a fucking disaster. So he jumps up on the table, starts lecturing them. Obviously, we know it's about to happen, but for the first time readers, even if you didn't know yet, this is the most edge of your seat reading.

Oh, my God. Right when he's stomping across the table, because you know we are on the precipice of fireworks. Oh, yeah. You know for sure. It's that, you know the graphic of like the dude in the chair and then he's like, it's literally that. Well, as we said, it's like, before this, we're 100 pages into this book and it's nothing but shit for Darrow. And you're like, Jesus Christ. And now this happens.

And when he jumps on that table, you're like. yeah you got a plan you're doing some fireworks so then he does the my honor has been pissed on and I demand satisfaction and tips the wine over into Cassie's his lap and now there go the fireworks oh yeah yeah yeah first firework goes up in the air and I'm I am at that moment currently fully erect I had it was resting my Kindle on my cock like this I was reading like this yeah yeah and then you have to you got oh oh that is that's good I get it yeah kindle you were hunch forward now your your cock is a kickstand Yeah, cox stand. It's a cock stand. Well done. I had Kindle cockstand. As soon as the wine gets tipped into Cassius, boom. Then, dude, the sovereign allows the fight. And she's like, go ahead, go. Go ahead. Go. And she says to the death and no one objects. Well, she says, no, she says it out loud. She goes, it will be, as our ancestors, it will be to the death. Yes. Yeah. She goes back on it because the white doesn't do it. Yeah, of course. No, no, she's a coward. So she says, to the death, no one objects. And you said it. I know later, Darrow's like, it's cool he trusts me.

But in that moment, the Jackal must have been like, we just made a plan two minutes ago. Well, this, so this is my take. What's the literal fuck are you doing? This is, this is my take. I think there are two people in that entire gala who know, Darrow knows something we do not. And I think it is Adrius and Mustang.

Truly. I think they're the only two, because like truly, I think Adrius is systematic enough to be like, no one would do that. Yeah. Unless he, because he was like, you need to get trained with a razor. And Darrow's like, I know how to fight with a razor. He's like, not what I've heard. Yeah.

But also he's like, it's all I've heard, but like no one's actually seen you fight. That's the thing. And then for him to do that to challenge Cassius, Adrius must have been like, oh my God. Bro. He knows, he like, he must be confident. And I think Mustang is like, Darrow's not this stupid. Whereas, like, I think Tactus and Vecta and Karnas and everyone are like, oh my God. Yeah, yeah.

This is just psychotic. I actually can't believe Victor didn't say something. Tactis was just like, whatever. He's like, I don't care who guys. He's like, I'm going to watch Darrell get his fucking head cut off and it's going to be action. I can't believe no one says anything. And dude, I love your take. Because I even wrote, of all the people here, everyone here, this is all the most powerful

golds in this society. Yeah. Except for the rim, I guess. Of all the people here. Yeah, dude. Careful. Yeah. One person.

One person here has had, has had. their hand stuck through with a knife by Darry. And it's the one who knows that there's tricks afoot. Yeah. So I'm with you there where he's like, uh, this dude is outsmarted me. He's not just walking in to get killed by Cassie's. Yes. So I actually would be there, but I did just die laughing at the thought of the jackal

me like, we cool. And he's like, yes. Cassius. And you're like this good Lord, brother. What are you doing? Okay. So then the, uh, the blood from under the eye. That part is like weirdly my fucking favorite.

Me too hard. Like, like, though. I put that full quote in because it is just so fucking electric. When he says, I have him, you're like, oh, hell. An old blessing of Mars. Yes. I will be doing that for every fight I get in. I'm not a big fighter, but any fight I get in for the rest of my life outside a bar or something, I'm literally going, if you're there, anybody's there, I'm literally going to cut under my eye and look at someone and be like this for Mars.

It is. And then I dare anyone to fight me. I don't think in any of these books, anyone ever. fully speaks to another person so perfectly than this. Like, Nero has completely cut him off and he, like, Nero's watching this. He's,

what are you doing this for? Yeah, for love and he's like this, I'm doing this for you, dude, for your son. Yeah. And then he fucking cuts under his eye and Nero is like,

dear God almighty. Like I, he's drunk. Oh my God. Yeah. I love how Pierce describes it that way where Nero's fucking greedy, fat, pilt oink, like piggy.

Yeah. But I love how we get both. Like, he, he first says like this, his eyes light like a fire. Yeah. Or his eyes light like,

a fire because I'm like, yeah, dude, that's what would happen. But then Darrow is like this, he's such a piece of shit, dude. But I'm like, yeah, but that one moment was sick. Like, I bet for a second there, Darrow was like, I'm pretty fired up. I'll fucking die for you, bro. He's like, dude, adopt me, re-adopt me, please. So, dude. Then Mustang is fucking goaded because that's just such a good combo. And she dominates Darrow in that combo, I thought. Like, he's trying to like be the villain in her eyes, quote, but she's like, what are you doing? And do you think I'm a joking about, I'm no bitch and heat you fucking fall on me too yeah so good i love her introduction there so then i'm fully erect right i've been i've been like throbbing throbbing dick then cassius begins talking

and i've never lost a boner quicker because dude this must have been hard dan when he is like i know how she kisses i know how she sighs when i touch her neck just so yeah i know how she moans my name. In fact, quote from the book, in fact, she moaned when I went inside her this morning. Awful, dude. That is. Darrow keeping his cool. That. And like, right before that, he's like this, I've had her in ways that you haven't. Yeah. And Darrow is like this. I never had her and I assure you, you don't either. And then he does all this. He does that. But it's just so good because Darrow just doesn't fucking falter. Like he's like, bro, I'm, I am not going to buy into this. Dude. And the way he bitches him with like, he's like, you are a little bitch and you cannot

best to anyone like me and he's like I bested Julian well enough yeah and like literally Cassie starts the fight so like even Darrow knows what he knows yeah as in the Willoway and he's like I'm going to fucking humiliate you but then in that moment too when he's like I dude like he's still this worked up about Julian yeah and like he gets him to start the fight that soon like darrell was like oh buddy you are finished dude I think there are you and I could both rip off you know top five most sad I've ever been in a fantasy book yeah um That, no joke, and some deaths I would say in fantasy books make me mad too, mad and sad. Oh, yeah.

That, when I, in fact, she moaned when I went inside of this morning might be the most mad. Yeah. I've ever been in a fantasy book, literally ever. And I've read 200 of them. Dude, so I wrote this down. It's what I love about it so much is he, Cassius is horrific in this moment. Yes. And, you know, we love that quote at the end of Red Rising when he calls him a whelp.

And he's like, this is a blood feud. Yeah. He is so mad, but he's not yet evil. This is evil. However, I love this quote from Darrow. He doesn't laugh. He may loathe what he says, but he'd say anything to hurt me. In most ways, he's not a bad man.

He's just my bad man. I love that line too. I love that line so much because we, like you just said, how mad you got. Darrow kind of reminds us the reader. He's like, I don't believe Cassius is this bad of a person. I believe he has been thrust into this situation by his psychotic brother, his insolid, his insane family and the situation. But he's trying to be a bad man that maybe he isn't.

And it was a good reminder because I also was like, cut this fucker's head off. Absolutely. So I'm fuming mad, flaccid as I've ever been in my life. Then Arcos will care. It's one of the great lines. Little blood flow goes back because I don't know yet. And I'm going like this, what does that mean?

And as we've said a couple episodes, Arcos has been referenced many times at the beginning of books as a reminder of who he is. So now I'm going, whoa, what do you mean? What do you mean by that? When Cassius, Cassius, it says Cassius stiffens, I'm stiffening. Yes, I'm stiffing. You are also stiffing. Then Dan, from the book, I stop and move backward fluidly, posing with the whip as it slithers into a curved sling blade.

Those who watch this will never forget. Are you shitting? Are you shitting me? How I am fully erect again, fully erect again. And then taunting Cassius' family, that whole section, is just fucking incredible. You read the talk about it to his dad. Dude, you, I, again, this fucking section is just so, so remarkable. But going up to Imperator Bologna and going, your son is going to die.

Well, he can do nothing. Yep. Is horrific? And dude, he goes, he's like, is this all? Is this all you're going to? one's going to do anything, Lady Bologna? And dude, she, we made a joke about her last episode where she's like, the dinner thing. And she's like, still, no head of darrow. And I haven't eaten for two years. If you were going to act like that and then when you get your shot, the fucking chosen one,

you're a champion. Time to wave the white flag, you lose her. And you are looking at the sovereign being like, call the fight. Oh yeah. You're a coward. You are a fucking joke. Oh, yeah. She sucks so much and should be shunned out of gold society forever for this behavior. I think the great, Truly, the greatest coward in this whole section is Carnus. He gets up at least. What? He tries to go and in period of all. No, no, no.

It's after this happens, a fair fight, a fair duel, you then charge. And after he's clearly stunned by something, you cut off Letto's head, you're a pussy, dude. Like, if any of these, after his speech about pride, after this, if you don't do anything but go like this, that was a fair fight. And Cassius underestimated you and was. bested. The Bologna should sit there and fucking take their medicine. They are all fucking cowards. Unbelievable cowards. And watching Tactus cut Cagney clean in half.

Unbelievable. And like that bitch loser throws her razor at Dero. She's too afraid to even get near him. Oh my God. Every one of them should be beheaded. Execute. Correct. Except for Cassius's dad.

Imperator Bologna. Imperator Bologna is like, on my honor, no Bologna will do anything. He's the only one worth of fucking shriveled up ball set. The rest of them are fucking pathetic. And Cassius's his mom, I can't even speak up. An utter pathetic loser. Dude, so they, he goes, those who watches will never forget, I am fully fucking torquished. So can we talk about the story?

There's kids at this gala, by the way. Like there are children all over the place at this gala, gold children who have heard the rumors and seen hollow cubes of what Darrow did at the Institute, how he literally killed a proctor with that sling blade. to see him for the first time whip out his razor and toggle a sling blade, people must have been like, dear fucking Christ. Dude, he's the conquer. Run! The reaper returned.

So they will remember this forever. No one who will see this will ever forget. I am fully fucking torqued. Taunting Cassius' mom, I am literally edging, Dan. And then with the sound of frozen tree branch cracking in winter, I take the sword on of Cassius Abelona, literally come everywhere. I have never achieved erection like that. The first time I read this, I have never achieved an erection like that and an ejaculation like that. and it will never happen again.

I've been hunting. I've been hunting that orgasm. You'll never find it. You'll never find it again. I will never find it. But I will say the post, the post nut cigarette was tactis cut in half. Like, agree. I was so happy.

I really did achieve like bliss, universal bliss. And then I just took a drag of that cigarette when Cagney got cut in half. But what's crazy is Pierce Borderline doesn't even let us enjoy it. He takes the sword arm and I was like, oh. My God. It's the greatest moment of all that. Then he goes to kill him. They stop it.

And then the Cagney moment happens. And I was like, yes. But then Leto dying. I was like, are you fucking kidding? There's just mayhem in this chapter. But I did love this quote. When they're fighting, this is just such a brilliant way of describing what he does. He goes, as he's about to take his arm, he goes, his defense is precise.

And if I fought as he taught me to fight, I would die to him. But I was taught to move by my uncle and to kill by a legend. I love the callbacks, the dancing with Nero and all that stuff. It's actually so important. So, yes, in the chaos, Antonio, dude, is literally going to kill Darrow. She's on the U.S.

side. She's literally about to kill Darrow. The biggest fucking clown I've ever seen. Like, she gets conchied to hell by tactics and victor. But I'm like, she is the jackal dude. Like, she is literally like, in the chaos, she's like, oh, I'll just kill Darrow because.

And why? What is your problem? You were in how smart? and you just chose the wrong side. Insane, dude. Freak. That was so mad. And then, dude, as you said, Leto, we don't even get to enjoy the end of the chapter, really.

I was so fucking sad for Leto in this moment. And I barely know him, right? But I'm so sad in this moment. And there is a moment in book five that is so similar to this for me. And no spoilers, but the rereaders will know what I'm talking about. But he just deserved so much more. Letto did. and he deserved to kill Carnus.

Like I actually thought Carnus's, or sorry, Claudius's murderer. This is so well said, dude. Should be killed by the war and narrow chose to be Claudius. Yes, this is such a good take. He deserved to kill Carnus. And the fact that he gets stabbed in the back by the jackal and then gets his head cut off by Carnus in chapter, whatever the fuck,

12 of his first book. I'm like, damn it, dude. It sucks. You know who he is? I'm trying to find his name. Achilles' right hand man in Troy. Achilles is, oh, his right-hand man or Achilles' cousin? Not Patrick Lus, his right-hand man.

Adderas. Uterus, uterus, uterus, uterus. Not like that kind of uterus. That's brutal. Udorus, that's what it is. Udores, we got there, folks. He is Udorus in that he's just like so loyal. It's not the same in that Lotto's being just schemed and tricked, which sucks.

But, dude, that would have been so poetic for him to finally be able to kill Carnus. And you could see it in his, the way he steps forward and says Hicksunt Leonis. And he's, and the way Carnus is like, oh, fuck. Like, Lotto is about to bitch him. Yeah. That was heartbreaking for me. I almost wanted, like, it's better this way, 100% so good job, Pierce. But I almost wanted Letto to kill Carnus and then the jackal like get him in the back.

Yeah. And it's like, what happened to Letto? Just at least he would have had that moment of like, I honored my father. It's just such bullshit that Carnus is alive. Dude, it's like, you're actually right, Dan. It is a total dagger from. I'm like, I have just come everywhere. And had my cigarette.

And then now everyone's like, and then someone walked in on me. And they're like, is that the porn you're watching? I was like, oh, no. Like things let really poorly. Top two chapter in any book ever, I think. Do you want, we have to discuss this at some point in this section. Do you want to have a combo about the secret Lauren training choice now? Sure.

Okay. This is, for now that you're all here, if you're watching this episode, this is certainly the most critiqued part of the first. trilogy. Yes. Is that they're like off camera, Darrow became a razor. Like his only flaw, many,

if you're listening to this, I've been talking about the quoth problem a lot from, King Killer, where it's like, oh, our hero's good at everything. And people loved book one because they were like,

it's actually amazing that Darrow's horrible with their, a lightsaber, basically, like the weapon we use. And then between books one and two, Darrow is now actually

the best at that weapon ever. I hear that complaint. Very much so. I don't. It's an incredible reveal, so it's worth it. It's so fun. But it is kind of funny that you're like, our character's one flaw was solved off

camera. Here is my spin zone and defense. Yeah. And why I think is perfect. Number one, shut the fuck up, everybody. It's a fictional book. It is meant to entertain us, thus leading to an unbelievably entertaining moment. Number two, in a society where it is impossible to keep secrets.

Yeah. It is impossible to keep things. from being on HoloCube, recorded, whispers, things like that, it makes sense that this had to be such a secret that it was even kept from us. Yeah. So we're in Darrow's head and monologue, but he knows he can never talk about this or even think about it. Otherwise, people might forget, might find out.

Yep. And that's, that's actually a fun spin zone because that is, I would say my complaint about it is that I buy. Like, some people get mad that he trained in secret. I actually buy that. What I don't buy is we've just been given 11 chapters of Darrell like, oh, no, I got to kill myself and Cass. And all he would actually be thinking is, well, I could just go kill Cassius. But in the rereads, there is never a part where it is brought up.

The only time is when people kind of snidly are like, you can't fight with a razor. And he does defend it there. Like he's like, fuck you. Well, he's like this, I know how to fight. Yeah, yeah. There's no need for him to in his head go, I know how to fight. I trained with Lorne. He can just go like this.

I know how to fight. He never lie. He's like they're never in his inner monologue is he like they're right. I don't know how to fight. So he never lies to us. He just withholds information in his own internal monologue. And I will say this again. I don't want you to say another word because my take again is just shut the fuck up and enjoy it.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Like it's so lame the people who are like, well, technically just shut up, Brian. Just shut up, Brian. It's so pathetic. Just fucking enjoy it. It's awesome. Happy Gilmore. I've had to sit here listening to your yammering all day.

I mean, that is correct. I won't hear another word about it. So go move on to something else if you want. I am. I am right. No, no. Darrow would have gone when they went like, you're going to get dueled to death.

He would have gone, no, I'm not. Like he would have thought in his head, I don't actually need to be worried about anything. Well, he kind of, he, again, no, he's like, I'm running for my life. My fucking, there's a, there's a bounty on my head. And I'm like, who cares? You can literally beat anybody except all.

Yeah, but someone could assassinate him. That's what he's worried about. Yeah, okay, fair enough. It's unbelievable. It's the greatest. fucking chapter ever and I am just so far. And you're right overall. I actually have more issues with the Willoway later than I do with this. Some people get mad about this and I'm like I'm mad about something later. It then gets addressed perfectly. Amazing. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So this, this,

if you got a problem with that, Dan wants you to shut up. I hear you, but I also want you to shut up. You got a big dump in your pants. Just enjoy. Chapter 12 was fucking all time. Electric. Which brings us to chapter 13, mad dogs. This is what what it's like being the alpha, the primus. The others look to you for guidance. They can smell the tangy odor of blood on you before it's even there. Age doesn't matter. Experience doesn't matter. All that matters is that I provide these six sons of bitches with fresh kills. Darrow and the rest of House Augustus flee to the gravlifts and make their escape along with the other great houses. Something happens that they didn't expect. This opens the door to other

feuds between houses and many start killing. In the lift, they see the faults completely wipe out house thorn, including the children. Darrow commands golds, including the telemanuses, as they head for their ships, only to find that the ships were ordered to fly home two hours ago. Something is up. Suddenly, from the sky, a horde of obsidian praetors and gold knights captains land in front of them prepared for battle. Ninety-nine strong stand before them until finally their leader lands from the sky. The rage knight, the post Lorne held for 60 years. He wears a golden cloak and a wolf-scull helmet. Darrow tells him to reveal himself, and Fitchner pulls back his helmet. Darrow and Tactus are happy to see Fitchner, knowing they won't be killed. But Fitchner and

Nero squabble. They are all to be placed under house arrest and stay on Luna. Nero asks Fitchner if he's forgotten Mars in his new post. He calls him a servant of the sovereign, to which Fitchner applies they all are. Nero insults Fitchner one too many times, and Fitchner shoots him in the chest with a sunfist. When the jackal steps forward to reason with him, he gets shot as well. Dude, when he's going thum-thum-thum-thum-thum. When all the, all the obsidians are landing, I was like, jeezer Jesus Christ. Oh, you're like, oh, no. So sick.

Dude, the, this line is what I was going to say from the previous, I was going to say in the previous chapter. It's the very start of this chapter. And Darrow goes quote from the book, I've set things in motion. For once, it couldn't have gone better. And I, I was like, I know. I agree. Like, literally everything is fucked. Every single thing that happens in book one is completely fucked.

There is never any joy. You win, we get wins, but it's like immediately followed by someone's throw. getting cut or like a dear friend dying or or the plan goes to tell this is the only chapter I would venture to say in this entire series chapter 12 not 13 where it's perfect yes fucking perfect and other than leto but yes oh yeah fair fair but it's a good point but it's still it's like everything that we wanted to happen just happened and I love it because we all universally every reader of this book is like chapter 12 book two is the best chapter of all time and then darrow goes that was actually amazing and I'm great and I go I know wonder we should do that more

Like, can we have some wins more? Like, I picture them in the grab lift, and Darrow's like, you guys pumped? I'm fucking, who, pooh, I'm pretty pumped. Little one, two, little. Yeah, yeah. Do you see that shit? Dude, I, I'm like, I want Pierce Brown to go back and reread this line and go for once,

it couldn't have gone better. And I'm like, hey, more of that, please, dude. I don't need it all the time. That would make these less special, but I do need a few more because that was fucking incredible. Also, I fucking told you that Darrow should have bet money on himself when they were having that haggle in the plane. Yeah, you're right.

He's going off at 1,000 to 1. Darrow has the Willow Way. I didn't want to say it in last episode. Dude, but they drained his funds. But that's what I'm saying. He's poor. He has no money to bet with. They don't know that.

Just go like this. I bet you a $20 million. And they'll go, done. You're a dead man walking. And then he goes, Willow way. Cassius dead. Rich, rich, rich. Fucking blow me.

And he has no issues, dude. That was a mass. Honestly, the only reason I think he maybe didn't is he would have put people on to the scent. Why is he betting on himself? Even this moment is crazy. Because when those preatorians show up, you're like, oh, Jesus, this is like, are we dead again here? What is happening? And then seeing Fitchner is awesome. Yeah. You're like, this is so great. But also comes with a

twist of like, he's working for the sovereign. He is one of the Olympic nights. And while you're so happy to see him, you're also kind of like, wait, are we what's happening? Where we're being put on house arrest. So it's kind of a great reunion, but also more confusion. Dude, absolutely. The entire exchange with Fisner was so fun. The reveal is great because you're like, oh shit. And I'm like, as the reader, I'm happy for him. I'm like, oh, bitch. But I love it too. You know too. When you see the wolf helmet, you're like, that's got to be Fitchner. And it's awesome. It is. So I'm pumped for him. Then the banter's great because he's just, he is awesome. He would fit right in with hockey boys. Oh, yeah. Like he's going to the best chirpers in the game. Oh, for sure. And to absolutely

giving it to you. Maybe several, but that tracks because like they're, yeah. And then I, I love him flexing on Augustus because Augustus is right in a lot of ways where he's like, I come from better stock than you and that's what Golds care about. But, Vichner's also like, shut the fuck up, dude. I'm an Olympic night now, you know, kiss the rings, bitch. And I'm like, God, that was so good. I really like that. The, you talked about when the other houses are there, like through the trees, like gold's

around fucking killing everybody. Yeah. Dude, the, I love, it's literally like the purge. Like the rule, Darrow says the rules fade away. And I'm like, like, it is, it is, you best not be outside. Yeah, I mean, it's pure mayhem going on. It's fucking crazy. So awesome.

And dude, how has no one? Antonia, I understand comes, is the daughter of the richest family in the galaxies. So she is the worst, but I understand how she breathes. How is Lilith out there stomping on babies? Like, how has no one put Lilith down yet? Seeing Lilith at all, I was like, is this idiot still living? And her fucking family is out here literally stomping on the skulls of children. And I'm like, perfect quote.

Like literally think about this, dude, the jackal. I'm being dead serious here. The jackal is the son and heir to the arch governorship of Mars. Yeah. And on Pluto, he ate students and was a freak. but was the leader of House Pluto and he is slumming in the lost we den getting fucking gang banged by randoms

Lilith had teeth in her hair Lilith would be shunned and like Lilith is the biggest loser in Institute history True. Why is she here? Why is she at the summit gala stomping on children? And after that how is she not put to death?

Like what the fuck and then this line from Nero you made this Chaos Darrow, deliver me from it. That is a bitch made line, dude. I'd piss me off because he should be sucking Darrow's dick right now. He's a- He is a bitch, and also what he does with Fichner, when Fichner, when he's like, this, you're a servant of the sovereign. He's like, you're running from her. Yeah. What are you talking about? We all are. She's the sovereign. Do you know what that word means, my good man? My good man. You idiot. Dude, it is fucking sick that everyone is obeying Darrow, no questions asked. Like, he is primus at the Institute all over again.

I mean, it's the perfect use of Alpha. And I like how it's made. making him feel good. Oh, yeah. He was born for this shit, dude. And again, at the beginning of this, he's just been, he's been taking L's. Yeah, yeah.

It was good to get that next win, dude. And the next one is always huge after a string of else. Yes, dude. And this is a chapter, this is an all chapter theme, I would say,

but I like the logic from Pierce here that, just from a storytelling standpoint, that the sovereign can't just wipe out the whole family. Yes. Because part of me, although the fault family parent, apparently can't,

yeah, I know, because part of me as the reader, legitimately is like, yes, she could. Like, whatever, but because as a gold just care about power and she has the furies

and she can just fucking kill them. But, and would have the balona on her side. But anyone who likes Augustus would be dead so she can do it. But for the purposes of the story, I actually believe this logic.

Like that totally satiates any complaints I might have in this scene where I'm like, why isn't she just killing them? Where Pierce is like, the sovereign can't just kill the Augustus family there with the issues. And I go, okay.

Keep reading and I'm fine. Correct. So that's really good. I like that. It's unbelievable. taking us into chapter 14, the sovereign. Why would you want a man who so easily trades his allegiance? I turn and look Fitchner dead in the eye.

Such a man is little more than a common whore. Darrow and House Augustus stand before the sovereign. She asks why he disobeyed her, and he replies because he could. He exposed her hypocrisy and lies. Sitting beside her is Aja, the Protean Knight, and the last student of Lorne before Darrow. She is a dangerous woman. A young boy of nearly eight runs out to

sit beside her. The sovereign's only grandson, Lysander. The sovereign questions Darrow's motives, and he declares it was for survival and the blood feud. Asha exchanges a threat to which Dero applies in equal fashion. Fitchner warns him who he insults. Asa is not one to play with. Darrow says he should like to apologize for the disturbance. The sovereign says this was not a disturbance, but treason, an apology will not suffice. Dero says he wants an apology from her. Aja rises in anger. He says she broke the law when she did not let the rules of the dueling compact be fulfilled by death. Darrow demands the head of Cassius. She declines. As Darrow turns to leave and head for Mars, the sovereign says he should stay and join her. Dero rejects her offer saying his

allegiance cannot be so easily bought. Three stained descend on Darrow and he takes out his razor, only to be stopped by the voice of Lysander. Lysander tells Darrow how he's watched all of his videos numerous times. Darrow is this boy's hero. From the book, We need not see you die tonight. Could you not find a home here as you found with several? with roke and tactis and packs the howlers and all your great warriors we have warriors too noble ones you could lead them but he steps back if you fight then you die because you make the mistake of believing righteousness puts you beyond my grandmother's power it's a fucking smart eight-year-old dude i just picture ender like little ender wigan just like i was like shut the fuck up

lice damn fichner urges darrow to accept the offer he relaxes and hears them out the sovereign presents a box no weapons but a game if darrow wins he may ask anything of her. If she wins, she gets the same. Daryl opens the box. I fucking hate Aja, and it's not fair because she's so good, as everyone keeps reminding us. And she's, I get that she's cocky, because she is that good. But she's such a waste of talent, blindly following the sovereign that that's what pisses me off. And I'm allowed to hate her. That's all I have to say about it. I accept that. Yeah. I accept your hate.

It is unfair, though, because she, her, her, aja's fueled by hate, but also loyalty. She is a very loyal beast, and I do respect that. Like, she loves Lysander, and she loves the sovereign. And I think you hate her mostly because she is worthy. Dude. I mean, in this chapter, there's a, Adaro says, like, she literally bears her teeth at him like a, like a cat.

And he looks away. he's like, I might as well fucking knelt to her. Yeah, that was an awesome. And that, I mean, to make Darrow do that, Pierce does an unbelievable job of making us be like, damn, bro. I'm kind of afraid of it. Even Fichner already.

I mean, you will start, if this is your first read, you will get ready, get used to hearing quotes like the one from Fichner where he was like, she will cut you in half. Yes. But it's also that when Fitchner doesn't use little jibes and, you know, funny lines, when he is like, watch your tongue and be careful who you insult. Yeah. When Fichner's talking in high lingo.

and very seriously, you are kind of, you do pay attention to me. You're like, oh, shit, man. Totally. This is not a joke. I love this exchange. I'm curious, what did you want out of that duel? The same as Cassius Abolona, the heart of my enemy.

Do you hate him so much? No. But my survival instinct is enthusiastic. Cassius, as far as I am concerned, is a stupid boy crippled by his upbringing. I love that. My survival instinct is enthusiastic. I'm like, yeah. What a line.

what an intro from Lysander no spoilers obviously but that interaction as you just said is not a regular kid interaction like he's eight and you need to calm down Lysander when he invokes Roke Severeaux

the howlers I'm like this dog you are a super fan shut up like it's so funny when Darrow's like Jesus Christ I'm his fucking hero he's like I'm literally his hero but dude that is so believable any kid I clearly you know in you know an entourage when

Terrence is like, when Sloan saw Platoon at 8, she said, that, dad, that's the one. Yeah. About Charlie Sheen. Charlie Sheen, yeah. And I'm like, he's like, you always like, you let her watch Platoon at 8. All the gold kids, I'm like, you let them watch the Institute feed, but they have to. And since every eight-year-old watching the Institute feed from this season, 100% is like Darrow is the literal goat.

Oh, yeah. The goat of goats. Like he would be, he's on, his posters on everybody's fucking bedroom. No question. So I totally believe that. No question. And then I will say this, dude, this is actually my kind of last thought in this chapter. This chapter is awesome in the same way that Tyrion Lannister is so many people's favorite character in Thrones. I've often said these books are heroin and there is no time to relax ever. True. Especially book one. But starting in book two, we get moments like this, this chapter. And it is a relaxation from the constant fighting in battles. But the intensity. is just as strong with the mental maneuvering that's happening here. Because this is a fucking heavyweight fight between Darrow and sovereign. Back and forth. Make no mistake about that. And just and Darrow being good at this shit is actually

just as exciting to me, the reader. And I think a lot of people. Agree. Twisting her words, making his points. Like that is legit just as fun. I'm like, yes, go, dude. Go. Back her into a fucking corner. Yeah. Like all that shit is, that sparring is amazing. Which gets better in this next chapter. Which gets better in chapter 50. Truth. It takes everything I am not to flee. What comes hissing from the box is pulled out of a nightmare. Darrow is frozen by what comes out of the box.

From the book, the carved creatures from the box, two of them, stare at me with three blind eyes apiece, part scorpion, part pit viper, part centipede. They move like liquid glass, organs, skeleton, visible through skin, chitness mouths chattering and hissing at the same time as one slithers onto the table. Lysander cuts his sleeve to the elbow and tells Darrow that no harm will come to him, so long as he doesn't lie. The sovereign cuts a small nick in Darrow's wrist and won on herself.

An oracle slithers around each of their wrists, sucking at the blood and hanging a scorpion tail waiting to strike. They begin to ask each other questions. Like where Narrow hides his unregistered electromagnetic weapons. The sovereign has never lost this game, so she has no fear of information leaving this room. Darrow plays well as they exchange information. The sovereign asks why Lauren took him as a student,

and Darrow says because he thinks they're the same sort of man. Then she asks about Ares, and Darrow's heart rate quickens. Mustang enters the room and interrupts the game. She says all ships have been grounded and yellows are preparing to replace Cassius' arm. Darrow asks one last question. From the book,

Tonight at the gala, during the sixth course of the meal, did you plan to allow the balona to assassinate arch-governor Augustus and all those who sat at his table? Aja freezes. Mustang slowly turns to look at the sovereign, whose face shows no hints of dishonesty. The woman breathes easily, and with a soft smile lies through her teeth.

No, she says. I did not that oracles barb-tail strikes at her flesh. Cool game. Extremely cool game. Also, Pierce could have stopped at part scorpion, part pit viper, part centipede, and I would have been satisfied. I would have been like this. That's fucking disgusting.

You didn't need to go further. Like, what a disastrous, monstrous creation. And it's, because you mean it's like also translucent? Yeah, but it's just like three things that I would not want on my wrist. Like, I didn't need that they're like, it's skeletal. tin and I'm like, ugh. Jesus. So brutal. The, it's, it's so dune, right? Like, it's so dune. It, it's, yes. Which is fine. It's a little bit, it's a little bit dune. Put your hand in the box, you know, but also, and the, the, the,

this thing is a, uh, makes, the tell the truth test is a common trope, right? But this version of it is really fun. Like, this is a really fun version. Yeah. Like you said, hideous monster contraption. And if you're going to pull from anything, well, he pulls from a, Pierce pulls from fantasy goats all the time. Yeah. The best way. And I love that moment in dude. Oh, that's so cool.

Sick. This part, dude, he never lies. Aja says proudly. None of us do. Lies are rust on iron, a blemish on power. End of quote. Power they're so drunk on. They can't even remember how many lies they stand upon.

Tell my people you don't lie, you brutus bitch and see what they do to you. Love. Dude, that is a sick line because this is really. my issue with gold like Aja. I wanted to say this in the previous chapter, but I was saving it for here. It's the narcissism, dude. It's the hypocrisy. It's the delusion. Like she literally believes, Dan, that she never lies. Oh, yeah. Yeah. She's not like chirping darrow. The gold's going, we're better than you. That is correct. They believe it. But golds are better than the other colors, right? Like I look at death eaters. Death eaters, it's a racism, right? Like, they think they're

better than muggles and they deserve to rule because of their power. But they know they're doing bad Death theaters aren't like, this is how you, like, they're bad guys. Yeah. But they're like, we're only doing this because we're supposed to. The golds are brainwashed in a way that most, all the best infuriating villains are. Where I'm like, are you insane? Like that is so good. And what's so good about these books is the levels of them are unbelievable, like Roque in these moments.

Look, when he said, he's like, it's just a game. Don't worry. And Darrow's like, how many low colors died? But Roak is not being insensitive in his mind. He's, he's, in fact, the most sensitive gold Darrow has ever met. Yep. But it's like these golds are truly living in a delusion of their own creation. It's unbelievable.

Yeah, it's remarkable. We never lie. Shut the fuck. It is crazy. I loved this part in this moment as the oracle slithers around him. Aja starts with her ear, just tracking his pulse. And it says, my pulse quickens as I watch the tail sway. 65, Aja says, of my pulse.

He was resting at 29 beats per minute. The sovereign lifts her head at that. As low as 29. Dude, I said that. She's like, bro is fit. I said that, dude. I was like, that's some good shit, my brother, 29. Dude, we gotta get this boy a whoop.

Are you kidding me? Bro's sleeping. Dude, his HRV, when he sleeps well. Oh, bro. I imagine Darrow after a few drinks, they must be like this, bro, your HRV's out of control, dog. Holy shit. And then Aja, I love how they're often like, oh, their eyes are keen and they can see far and their bone density. You know when the red's like, it's just gold density.

Yeah. But they do all that stuff all the time. But Aja, and I don't even mean this in a chirping. way, but Aja being able to hear his pulse is hilarious. I was like, okay. She's like, do my ears ever lie? I'm like, Jesus Christ. Fuck off. Fuck off, dude. This, Dan. So I got some shit here. Okay. Would you assassinate

me tonight if you could? This is from the book. Sovereign question. Yeah. Would you assassinate me tonight if you could? No. We all watch the Oracle. Even I. That's what Darrow says. How funny would it be if Darrow just got stung there? He's like, oh, fuck. He's like, I wasn't actually sure. That wasn't even that bad of a question. Like, he could have been like, yeah. Yeah, like you're my enemy. That's the funny. That's what I love about this is like you can talk to people who run lie detector tests.

What are they called? Polygraphs? Polygraphs. And they're like, it's not literally a magic button that knows if you're lying. It tracks your pulse. Yeah. And what's funny there is like he might, yes. That's what I mean.

But like genuinely like his pulse and his reaction to that, he's like, no. Yeah, he's like, I don't think so. But then like I'm sure his head was like, wait, would I? It was just such a funny. I feel like you can't look at that thing, dude. That's going to make your pulse scar. And you're like, right off the rip, dude. He's like, oh, took you one.

Sure. Okay. And then someone said this in the YouTube comments. So shout out them. I forget who, but they'll know because they're probably listening to this. I forgot Octavia gave Carnus that ship to rant. Yes. Like that is actually sick because I was bitching about that scene where I'm like, this is ridiculous, dude.

Like, it's such blatant cheating. And somebody was like, I think Octavia rigged the whole thing. Yes. That was awesome. And that makes more sense. also great win that's a dub for darrow he's like did you fucking cheat for carnes

and she's like yeah and he's like this boom you know it like I fucking knew I had it dude and then dude she goes right after that she goes were you really going to launch yourself

at his bridge what a waste of a question dude my man is attached to an oracle like you could ask you literally anything here the game is fucking flying by the way you know like it looks like it looks like speed chest stand when like two masters like

do do and they're just fucking bang bang what about this about this. Give me the nuke codes. You give me the york new codes. And then she's like, were you really going to go fight back against Carnus? And he's like, yes. What a ridiculously... What the fuck do you think, Octavia? But I love it because there's no timeline here. Right? I'd ask him any... But we're trading turns here. Like, that was your turn.

For sure, but also as we see what happens, she's... She's not... She's never lost this game. Like, you're confident. And frankly, I respect that she's has some respect for his fucking dude, dude, game respect game. Yeah. She's like, were you about to do that shit? That's crazy. He's like, yeah. She's like, obviously. I love it. Do you like that Lorne, legend, Rage Night for 60 years,

Lorne Arcos is called Stoneside because a gray bet him he wouldn't eat stones. Yes, I love it when there's a badass name that you, like rumors start about why is it called this? And then it's actually just something so hilarious. That's actually a good take dad. I remember being disappointed at that the first time. I was like, oh, he ate rocks.

A ate a rock, dude. To prove a point. But it's actually, is that rock just sitting in his stomach? I think so. Or did he have to have yellows, cut him open? open and take those out. Yeah, they must have, do you know how painless it must be to pulverize kidney stones in gold society?

Dude. Like, everybody probably don't even feel a thing. Yeah, urologists in the society here. Beauties. They probably don't pulverize them. They probably just shoot those pigs out. Yeah. Fucking pebbles coming out.

Just give me a stem. I'll be fine. Dented urinal. It's like, dude. Is that a stone? That is good. I want a, and per my, did you really launch your spit tube, I actually want. I actually want to do, I didn't have time to do this, but I want to run down of all these questions

because I know that Darrow couldn't have been prepared for this because like he didn't know this is going to happen. But I do feel like there's a lot of wasted bullets in here. Like we had- Cloud of Sovereign. By both. Like we had questions to ask and I'm like, but he says at one point towards the end of this chapter, he's like I could ask all of these military things, but it would raise too many questions. Looks too weird. He is, he's playing, I mean, you got to remember, it's like when you are telling someone a riddle and you know the answer. The whole time you're going, how are they not guessing this? That is how Darrow feels every waking moment of being like this. How do they not know I'm a red? And it's like, are you an idiot?

Why would they ever suspect that? So he right here and us, the reader, are fearing that as well, but like, why would she ever ask a question like that at all? Which is actually amazing when she's like, who is Aries? And you're like, but it's also awesome because he's like, I don't know. Dude, I wrote so huge harmony didn't tell him. Yeah. His was last last section. Like he was like, let me meet Aries. And she's like, no, not yet. And I'm like, he'd be literally dead. he'd be dead right here. And Pierce says a great job of tactically. Like some of Darrow's answers are he answers in a perfect way that's like, that's not a lie.

Yeah. Even though it's not. That one was sick when he's like, I met the jackal. Yeah. To discuss a plant. Like the things like. Yes. He's like, I was in the lost city with the jackal to meet the jackal.

With the flip. To form a lines. Yeah. And the Oracle's like, okay. And he's like, woo. And I will give Darrow credit. I like the two greatest fears question a lot. Like, you know, Osha's like Octavia.

And she's like, shut up, Asha. And I was like, ooh, that was good. information to get because that doesn't look that weird but now you have i know i also hate when we get for villains like this or when she goes that my grandson will turn out like my father and you're like this fucking guy i didn't need a human answer i know dude stay a villain stay a villain don't be a relatable person and i'm like you are your father you moron like you are worse than he ever was i mean of course that's all villains are are blinded by that but yes that was really great and then uh so fucking clutch that mustang walks in so darrow can ask that question in front of her so fucking clutch

I love how Octavia still lies Like he's just fucking gold I like how she smirks too I can actually respect that Like she's like nope And then And also dude Carnus you fucked up

Like Carnus ran his fat fucking mouth Before the thing and he was like Hope you tune in for the sixth course buddy That's how Darrow pieces this together And dude it's a cool line because in the active read I think he means we're gonna kill you In the sixth course Like that's how you read it the first time

But here Darrow's like oh shit I'm piecing this together So Carnus is a fucking moron. And I guess I kind of want to know how long ago Darrow did figure this out. Well, no, carnes is a moron. I was going to say, no, I know. It's like, dude, do not fucking celebrate until the fucking check clears. Exactly. And you did. And you did. And this was the only way really to get proof. Yeah. Like with waiting for Mustang to come in like all that shit. Do you think this was, I know you're going to say no because you never lost, but do you think this was outrageous, an outrageous decision by Octavia to play this game? No. You think it was fine.

I think it's fine. She didn't fuck with Darrow. Because it's another one of these things. It's Like, people don't understand, bro. Like, they all fucking, I mean, eventually you're going to start learning your goddamn lessons. Like, how many more things does he need to do to make you all be like this? We keep underestimating this guy. Yeah. But it is what it is. Yeah.

Now to chapter 16, the game. A quick one. Here we go. Yes, really short chapter. That man is dead. Do with a new one as you like. What a lie. Fitchner pulls his razor and chops the tail of the Oracle before it can strike.

Mustang scolds the sovereign for lying and she tells Mustang to sit. The sovereign explains. that Nero is a threat to peace and order. He hanged the girl that started the revolution the sons of Aries cling to. He hoards and raises the prices of helium-3 for political gain. He disturbs the foundation of the society.

She believes that removing Nero will bring back a sense of peace and order. She shows footage of Venus, where her Praetorians found the sons of Ares and mowed them down. Darrow tried to warn harmony of this, and now he fears how many sons they've lost. Mustang is shocked by the footage and disinformation.

She says the man her father was when her mother was alive is long gone. The sovereign can do with him as she wishes. Quick one here. Quick one. Quick one of just, Mustang is like, you treacherous asshole.

Yep. And the sovereign is just like, wake up, dude. Like your dad has lost it. He is a full on tyrant. And look at what the sons of areas are doing. And this is because of your father, it needs to stop.

And that, so I really only have two things to say, but I will, well, I guess three, because I'm going to add this in, that is the only chirp that is not Nero's fault. Like everyone keeps being like he hanged the girl.

And I'm like, she did the reaping song. She sung the reaping song, which is literally punishable by death. Like everyone in this whole, this whole book so far, y'all would have done the same. He's been beaking Nero for this. He literally followed your law, you dumb bitch. Like he actually didn't do anything wrong. He did plenty wrong.

But that, which he keeps getting blamed for, I'm like, what would you have done? She did, however, say hang the rusting bitch lest she has. more. Yeah. He didn't need to do that. He didn't need to do that. He didn't need to do that. Virginia's line at the end is awesome because I do like that it hints about a,

and you just said I don't like humanizing villains, but I do like that it hints a softer, narrow before he lost his wife before he lost Claudius. We will probably never see that man again as readers of this series. But I like knowing that he was there once because it helps me understand how a woman like Virginia could exist in his. his upbringing. You know what I mean? If he's, if he's the Nero I know, I'm like, how did Mustang, how is Mustang not the jackal? Yes. This feels ridiculous. But when she goes, we used to lie in the

flowers. I'm like, oh, like it's just so good character. Because I'm like, oh, I actually see how Mustang became Mustang. Then Claudius died. Then his wife died. You know, I hate to admit it. I soften for Nero a bit the first time you hear of what happened to Claudius. Yeah. I was like, fuck, that's ass. So I think that's really cool. And then Adria's is your backup. Brutal. Brutal. And then Letto dies. Yeah. And then Octavia's reasoning for killing the Augustus family again perfectly sound, perfectly sound. And it actually, I feel like I always reference this. I feel like James Carville in old school.

And I'm like, Virginia's like, I have no response. That was perfect. That was perfect. And dude, smart into agonis. Will of the many. I say it a million times. Will of the many is the fucking goat because you just, everyone is on this next level playing field. If Octavia here goes like, I don't know, the Bologna paid me or something, you're like,

boo. Yeah. But she's like, listen, Virginia. look and then Virginia's like damn I get it yeah it's brutal smart antagonists incredible work from Pierce per usual which takes us to chapter 17

what the storm brings Mustang might have brought us from the rim but we didn't come for her we didn't come for Augustus we came for you Reaper Fitchner walks Darrow to his suite he says he's proud of him for finally learning how to play the game he's left him a pink

laying on the bed and Darrow says he doesn't know him at all Fitchner says that This isn't a bad hand to be dealt. Working for the sovereign provides great opportunity. Dero doesn't like the idea of sitting around while Roke, Victor, and Tactus are killed. He paces his room thinking of the longings in his life, his family, Eo, Mustang.

Then the door opens and a male pink enters and gives him a box. He takes the pink from the bed and leaves. Inside the box, Darrow finds a hollow cube. It's Mustang. She simply says, take cover. From the book, the power goes out and the door locks by default. The room is plunged into darkness. lightning lashes through the clouds outside thunder rumbles and i hear something a howling it is not the wind another flash of lightning and he appears floating in the bitter storm like the ugliest angel ever shit out of heaven a wolf pelt hangs from his shoulders whips in the wind his black metal helmet is that of a wolf's head and he's armed to the bloody teeth several has come and he's brought friends nine howlers in total quin clown pebble screw face all of them brought back from the rims

by Mustang. Mustang did have a plan. Darrow knew the second she pulled out the horse ring he gave her when she came into the room with the sovereign. She would never conspire to kill her own father. Severo says they've come for him. From the book, we saw what you did to Cassius, and we want what you're trying to make. And that is, I ask, more than a little confused. What poor killers always want, war, he growls, and all its spoils. They say that Mustang said Darrow would know what to do. Just then the door behind Darrow groans and glows red-hot. A bag, Severo brought, sits on the floor, and starts to move. Several opens it. Credit to us for ending on this chapter for this section. Amazing cliffhanger. This is why I say every episode we do,

it's just a TV show. Credit to us. You guys are watching a TV show right now. Once again, dude, for a God God, dude, several. I was just like, but once again, Pierce puts Darrow in really tough spots and I love it because it's so believable and convincing either way. Fitchner goes, dude, this is your new life, boyo. Chill the fuck out, right? And think about it, dude. Even if, Dan, and at this point in Darrow's head, major if, even if Darrow is still working for the sons, right? Yeah.

Being next to Octavia is super helpful. Good job. Like they'll go, wow, great. Jesus. Great promotion, dude, you're sitting next to the sovereign. So from that regard, if he's working for the sons, he should take this new life. And if he isn't, it's a dream job. And if he isn't working for the sons, this is just an amazing life.

Take it. Why would you go back to Augustus and be killed? Fisner goes, dude, this is good for you in either scenarios. But the cost of it is killing Roke and Tactis and Victor, letting people die that he actually cares about and are essentially his friends. There's just so much betrayal and so much heartlessness. And that's the struggle with either. direction, you know, it's brutal. Which is amazing. And then do you go, well, wait, dude, I'm a

fucking red. Like, why do I care if Tactus and Roke and Victra live? Like, what the fuck am I doing? This is why I love Darrow's brain is so complicated because he's like, oh, no, Victor. And I'm like, what do you mean? Oh, no, Victor. Victra's the richest gold alive and you hate her. Yeah. Right. So it's like, every time Dara goes, oh, I don't want to let my friends die, like any hero in any fantasy book, you're like, but are they your friends? And it's hard for us to know. I don't know. Are you a red? Are you a gold? Like, what is happening here? Pierce puts these conflicts in him that are so not black and white that it's fucking amazing. It's amazing.

I do like this quote. Well played, Boyo. Good reading on her. Knowing she wants what she can't have. Gory damn clever. Warm's my heart to see you finally playing the game and winning, you little pisser. Yeah. So good.

But I mean, this chapter is just all about Severo's return. Like it is so great. It's almost like this is the come down of the adrenaline. Yeah. After everything that happened. Then you have the Oracle. You have the full conversation. and it seems like Mustang is like this, you know what, fuck my dad, let's kill him.

And he's now just in this room like, what do I do? Yeah. And then you get that HoloCube and even seeing Mustang's face must have been such a cell for him of like, after thinking it was the pink. He's like, yeah, and he's like, because he saw her put that ring on. Yeah. And he's like, does that mean something? And then this, you're like, thank God it did.

And then to see that goblin from hell bust through that window and you're like, thank God, dude. I also love, they come in and kneel to him. it's like I almost made that my quote do you remember what he says he goes stand up friends you're already short enough so good dude like the howlers howler won with all of his people

and like they just immediately go back to fucking joking around and shit it's like and also I love those several seasons I mean it's like this you little pansy bitch yeah yeah like look at your fucking room yeah it's so good there's a swimming pool dude in sauna uh Mustang's take cut when the hollow cube just goes take cover it reminds me of sully going

brace for impact oh yeah in the Hudson Riverpoint. Awesome reveal about the horse ring. That was so cool because in that previous chapter, he said, she's fudging with a ring and you're like, kind of ignore it. I don't know and realizes that then. Darrow does great Easter egg.

And then, dude, like you said, or like they say, Mustang brought them back. And not only right now, she brought them back weeks ago because she knew this was all going down and she wishes Darrow never came to this mood. But if he did, she had it covered the whole time. Sit here and fucking tell me she's not the goat. sit here and tell me she's fucking Taylor Swift one more fucking time. I swear to God. But she is, dude. She's so fucking dope. That was amazing.

I want to say this thing about several, but I just need to ask you this. Okay. Darrow gets into this new room before anything and it's insane and he has $60 million in his bank account now and you know, he throws a blanket over the pink. And I feel bad for this kid because he even says in that section, in many ways I'm still a boy. Yeah. And he is a boy. And he's so frustrated all this. the time. And there's so many things going through his head. He doesn't know how to feel. He doesn't know what to do. He's really stressed fucking wire, piano wire, fucking tight. Are we 1,000% sure? Banging a pink one time wouldn't just help him his mind. Of course not. How could we ever be 1,000% sure? That's not even possible. I'm not saying get addicted to it. I'm not saying, you know, live in the brothel. And we also don't even need to go full horny, Chris. How about a back rub?

Dan, yes. How about a gentle hand on the thigh just to show some form of comfort? What was the last time you felt any comfort? Yeah, maybe a little friction. Give me a little friction. Relax. I'm just saying, Dan, they're built. They're built for pleasure.

You're a piece of shit. And Dan, he's tight. He's tight. He's tight up here. Don't say it that way. Don't say it that way. You know what he needs? He needs to lay on that bed with the pink, his head on one side, her head on the other,

and they each give each other foot rubs. You want a 69 foot rub? Yes. It's the most lovely connection between two people. You're giving each other pleasure, but it's also not in a sexual way yet. And it's just a really lovely gesture to each other. That is a good start. So if the foot rub can evolve.

I heard that yet. The foot rub evolves. I got to say, dude, if there's a 69 orientation and you only get a foot rub out of it, you have fucked up. I'm just saying, that is pleasure, brother. We, Darrow. That is pleasure for both. It's mutual. It's consensual.

There's possible that a man could have jumped. in there, there's be no way of knowing. There's back-to-back episodes of the creed quote. You know? I'm just saying Darrow, consider clearing your mind. Consider clearing your mind. That's all I have to share. Sure. The Severo stuff. It's awesome having several back. We are 30, I'm on Kendall. We are 35% of the way into this book. I love how every book now we get an awesome Severeaux entrance. Exactly. Dude. It's really special. We've been without him again for a long time. And it's one of those things where you don't realize how much you miss a thing until you get it. You know, and you're like, he comes back and you're like, oh, dude.

How have I been reading this whole book? I know. All this bad shit's been happening. We haven't had several. And he's missing in a lot of book one too, right? Like you just said, this is kind of how it goes. Rarely do you see a character with do this, this much and have so little screen time. Like, how'd be this important.

It's very Draco Malfoy of him, you know, in the good way. But you're like, oh, man, you're not here that much. Yeah. But he's fucking so vital. So it's incredible. Oh, I mean, he's literally the most important guy in the world. It's unbelievable. And then he doesn't, Pierce doesn't do this.

that that often, but this is a top-notch chapter end. He rarely does like the full cliffhanger. And it is crazy. If you start reading the next couple of pages, it still doesn't really say what's in the bag. Yeah, yeah. So we will get into what's in the bag next episode. Yeah, exactly right. So for now, it is time to go to the sci-fi section honors. We will start with from the scrolls of Tyrion Lannister given to the character who provided the most impactful words, the youngest recipient of this award, award ever. Yeah. Lysander. A young pup. He is remarkable in this book and in this intro to see in the moment you have the most dangerous woman Dara has ever seen next to the sovereign and then this eight year old boy comes in, only to reveal that he is his biggest fan. He is like, Darrow, you are my hero. But then to have that intelligence to calm him down, to make him see reason and to have that much of an interest in what is going on here is pretty remarkable. This is a section that actually doesn't have that many people speaking with a lot of reason.

It's a lot of duplicitous nature. It's a lot of tactics. Yeah. And Lysander does stand out in this section as being someone who is merely thinking with his head. He's not scheming. He's just using reason and logic to make his decisions. Extremely well said, dude, I'm hard pressed to think of many times in this whole, where we are in this series. I guess probably the whole series.

Any time where someone isn't the words coming out of someone's mouth is it. for some gain. Yeah. There's some few intimate convos with Darrow and Mustang, of course. But for the most part, someone's talking and some bullshit is happening. Yeah. And Lysander, you're so right. He's literally just speaking.

Yeah. What he thinks to be true because he's so smart. Very few words in this book, but we just thought it was so cool that, and Daryl, like, knowing what we know now that he already saw Mustang's ring and all the shit, like he probably, it probably wasn't just Lysander that calmed him down. But Lysander's words to us are so cool in this because, it helps explain to us the big picture. It tells us he's his hero, which is so gas.

And it just shows that, it says the most impactful words, this kid is impactful. Very much so. Okay, that's really cool. So we're going Lysander for the Scrolls of Tyrion, Lannister. The next honor is Dobby the house self,

given to the character who is the unsung hero providing aid behind the scenes. We went Mustang. Now, Dan, honestly, she could have been MVP, but she lost a point for letting Cassius bang her. Do you think he was lying?

No. You don't? No. Unfortunately. She did say she would do anything for her family. Yeah, she's in deep cover. Does that include butt stuff? Like she said I would do anything

for my family. Hey, I'm not going to play this game with you. Okay. I just don't like that she said that word. Deal with your grief the way that you need to deal with it. Don't rope me into it. Anything? Don't rope me into it. I did not enjoy that, Dan.

I really hope not. But here, we learn that while Darrow fucked off to the academy, our beautiful Mustang did not abandon him at all, which is what he feared. She's nestling up to Octavia for the same reason Darrow takes all his jobs. It's the best chance to kill your boss. Become the assistant to the guy you're trying to kill and then you can kill him. So she's making plans all along and she brought the Howlers back weeks ago, by the way. We just said that, but that is so sick. She pulls out the horse ring and she's always talking in code with Darrow. That's a theme kind of throughout after this moving forward. And because they, after all those nights in the cave and breaking the institute, they are so aligned. They finish each other's sandwiches. Yes, they do. And I also

want to point out that her convos with Darrow pre-dual are awesome because she's so disappointed in him. I really like, she's like, are you actually insane? That's a funny line. Yes. I've always wondered, like, are you fucking tapped, dude? And it's because she doesn't want him to be a upon go back to that line from book one evolved darrow and of course he actually has now that we know what happens and so is she and it's the love for her that stops darrow from maybe killing cassius i'm not sure if he was actually going to kill cassius there but i think he was it's the love for her that stops him and she is fire and autumn leaves as pierce says and i actually need someone to make me a mustang candle yeah that exists one of the listeners please fire and autumn leaves candle

i do have to say this and i'm sorry that's okay i do have to say actually i said it's okay for hearing what you say. I love Mustang as well, but sometimes I want an apology from her because how often, and it's because we get Darrow's internal monologue, but when she is like, Darrow's like, of course she had a plan. Yeah. When he whips out the willow way and bitches Cassius, I want her to be like this. I apologize. Of course you had a plan. You were not insane. That's fair, Dan. But I do like, I almost, I'm giving her too much credit here, as I always do. but her coming through and stopping him, I almost think is her version.

She's like, yo, yo, you want to stop. Yeah, yes. It absolutely is. I see your plan. You did it. Don't kill him. She's like, hey, good job. But also, don't fucking cut it's out.

Yeah, yeah. Yeah, my bad. My bad. She is the goat. Next, the way of the Benad Jeser, given to the character who cannot be trusted or shows outright devious nature. This goes to the sovereign.

Without question. There is an opportunity to have given it to Lady Belona. That fucking loser. L7 wee. But as far as devious nature and cannot be trusted, the sovereign. The sovereign is just making up laws as she goes, revealing that she has been cheating and scheming left and right, cheated with Carnus at the academy,

cheated to try to get narrow out of power. She is cheating in the Oracle game. She's cheating at the duel. So treacherous, devious. She plays favorites and she doesn't hide it. she's terrible she's terrible and even in this moment when she is doing the classic i want something that i cannot have darrow sees through it every bit of what she does having aja as her you know private bodyguard is is just another like jesus man like you are you are a dangerous and

untrustworthy person dude she is i was kind of saving this for this section everything i bitched about aja so is she she is completely fucking delusional when she says that line and I want Lassen to become my dad. You are your dad. You did, like, you're getting fucking cell rejuvenation therapy so you can still look young and look good in the mirror. Who's the fairest of them all? Not you, bitch.

Not you at all. And I, she is a problem with everything in gold. She's so stupid. She's saying her word is law when the whole point is her word is not law. And I love, we kind of, there's so much happening in chapter 12, but I love when she stops the fight and Darrow's like, squeak. Are you a fucking moron? Squeeze me?

I was doing this so I could start this civil war, and I knew that you couldn't be dumb enough to reveal that you favorite the Bologna. So I'm just going to kill Cassius, and then we'll start the war, and it'll be fine. And then she stops it, and Darrow is literally flabbergasted at how stupid she is. So she sucks.

And, but is a, Asha is worthy. The sovereign isn't worthy, but she is formidable. And so that's going to be a real problem. Yeah. But you can get bent. Fuck you. Correct.

The final honor, the sword axe and bow, given to the character deemed to have earned our loyalty, belief, and trust above all. Surely this person will win the most sword axe and bows over the course of this series. He's won one, maybe two already. Just one. So congratulations on your second Darrow, Aandromedaus, the Reaper of Mars. I could do, I could say one sentence and justify this award. With the sound of a frozen tree branch cracking in winter, I take the sword arm of Cassius Hubelona.

That could be the end of my debate, my award, presentation for Darrow in this section. Yeah, dude. I mean, it is like, it's just, this is a lock. This is a unanimous decision, unanimous vote into the Hall of Fame, this section.

Darrow is perfection. There's a description, Dan, that he jumps over his head and throws the whip back without looking. Yes. Maybe it's underhand, but he's like, who.

Doof. Like, dude, it's the coolest moment of all time. I'm telling you, dude, full cox stand. It's Achilles killing Boagris. Like, he like, jumps, sword and then just is like staring at the army. I like to imagine he does that and then just turns to the balanus.

Me too. Me too, dude. There's another scene in three, which I cannot wait for that I also picture a certain way. But in this, I totally agree. I don't even think he looks back at him. I just think he's staring at him. Oh yeah, yeah, yeah. For sure. Dude, training with Lorne before first light, you little pricklic, unbelievable. There is a scene, that scene, actually, Dan, is like a, you know, the scenes when like a star athlete forgets why they love the game. Yeah. And then they have to go play with like the streetballers.

I know Roy Kent does it. There's another one I'm forgetting. That's like they take it. But that is a great one. That's a great one. Yeah, yeah. He brings, um, uh, Roy. No, but, uh, I keep wanting to say Silas, but it's not Silas.

It's, uh, oh, oh, the captain. There's another dude there. Yeah, I forgot about that. That's who it's for. Oh, Roy brings him. Yeah. It's not Roy playing. Yeah.

I can't, what the fuck's happening to my brain? You watched Ted Lasum. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'll get it. So, but yeah, it's like this whole scene, dude, when your mentor takes you back to return to your love, remember why you play. Yeah, yeah. There's, uh, this, Darrow got so caught up in the gold machine that he forgot what it was like fighting in the fucking mud. And this is Darrow bag.

Yeah. This section, this section is Darrow bag. Isaac. Isaac. Isaac. Yeah. Isaac McAdo, dude. Dude, war vets, like seasoned war vets are looking at Darrow like he's a fucking iron gold of the conquerors.

Yeah. in this section and taking orders from him. Mustang loves him again. He took Cassius behind the barn and fucking shot him. He took the pants off the sovereign and fucking spanked her bad, baby, bad baby. The howlers are back. Spanked. Let's fucking ride, dude.

Darrow MVP, sword axe and bow. It's just like, again, he's perfection. It's the sword arm of Cassius Obelona. Holy fuck. I hope you all rewind this episode and just re-listen to that chapter over and over again. It is so good. I might get at the audiobook just to listen to that chapter. I know.

Well, like, crack. The unbelievable. We are left on an unbelievable cliffhanger that wraps up this episode of sci-fi section. And someone commented this. We're going to tell them what we're going to read the rest of the part two. Do you know? Yeah, well, I can't remember what the numbers, but we're reading the rest of part two. Okay, so we will read until the end of part two for those reading along with us.

It's like six or seven chapters. Yes, join us. And we will see you next time. Hail Reaper.