In this episode, it’s tricky to put the World in WorldCon, alternate history first contact, and Tom is really excited about next month’s pick. Plus, we wrap up our ultimately satisfying read of Black Leopard, Red Wolf.

We talk with Sam Maggs about her new novel Unstoppable Wasp: Built on Hope, and about writing different stories in different platforms, from video games to comics to novels.

The first rule of Short Story Club, SFF with a smile, and how to get the most out of Black Leopard, Red Wolf.

We talk with L. E. Modesitt Jr, the bestselling author of two science fiction series and four fantasy series, who has published more than seventy novels. His latest book, Quantum Shadows is described as blending science fiction, myth, and legend in an adventure that pits old gods and new against one another in a far-future world.

We address the harassment accusations against authors, discover that the July pick could be classified as horror (to Veronica’s horror), and have a whole lot of good TV coming based on a whole lot of good books.

Tom starts throwing money at Becky Chambers and Veronica defends her rose quartz. Plus, new Star Wars short stories coming and lots of great tie-in novels up for Scribe awards! Also our first impressions of A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine.

Congrats to the Locus Nominees and Nebula winners! We’ve read a bunch of those but there are some great new picks to be discovered too. Everybody wins! Plus long-time Sword and Laser listener TerpKristin joins us to wrap up Magician: Apprentice.

We’re beefing up our reading lists with Japanese and British award lists. Also it’s fun to see what critically-acclaimed movies are hated by the authors whose books they are based on. Plus, we preview our June pick and have a few thoughts on the May pick!

We’re going to get some good Discworld TV! We talk about why sometimes you don’t want to read old stuff, and whether you’re someone who likes depressing consequences or happily ever after stories. All that and our first non-spoiler impressions of Magician: Apprentice.

We invited Andrew Heaton, Host of Alienating the Audience, to join us! Oh Dune… is there any wrong way to enjoy you? Possibly yes. We also wrap up How to Lose the Time War.