Reader’s Table is a literary-culture podcast about books, movies, video games, and the stories that stay with us. Join Nick Roth and Priscilla for relaxed conversations about fantasy, sci-fi, horror, literary fiction, mythology, film, and creativity.
Through BookBites, TableTalks, and guest interviews, we explore why stories work, what they mean, and why some stay with us long after the final page or closing credits.
Priscilla’s art: wanaleewoods.com
Nick’s writing: nickrothbooks.com
Best Books & Movies of 2026 So Far | Summer TableTalks
What are the best books and movies of 2026 so far? In this Summer TableTalks episode of Reader’s Table, we look back at the stories that have stayed with us during the first half of the yea, and ahead to everything still coming.
We talk about the books we’ve been reading, including Red Rising by Pierce Brown and The Unicorn Hunters by Katherine Arden, before turning to some of the films we’ve seen in cinemas this year: The Drama, The Devil Wears Prada 2, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Backrooms, The Odyssey and Kokuho. We also touch on Project Hail Mary, Wuthering Heights and The Housemaid.
Then comes the important question: what are our favourite book and movie of 2026 so far?
Finally, we look ahead to the second half of the year and the stories we’re most excited about; from Dune and Avengers: Doomsday to Practical Magic 2, Resident Evil, Clayface, Klara and the Sun, Robert Eggers’ Werwulf and more. On the reading side, we’re already looking toward Red God, Dune and Talisman 3.
Pull up a chair and join us for a mid-year conversation about books, cinema, anticipation and the stories worth sitting with.
🎙️ Listener Seat: What is your favourite book or movie of 2026 so far? Tell us in the Spotify comments.
More from Reader’s Table and Nick Roth:
https://nickrothbooks.com (https://nickrothbooks.com/)
3 Aug 2026
BookBites: The Unicorn Hunters by Katherine Arden
In this BookBites episode of Reader’s Table, we journey into The Unicorn Hunters by Katherine Arden, a richly imagined historical fantasy where medieval history, folklore, political intrigue, and myth intertwine. Inspired by the real-life Anne of Brittany, the novel follows a young ruler determined to preserve her kingdom as she ventures into an enchanted forest where legends prove more real, and more dangerous, than anyone imagined.
Whether you're already a fan of Katherine Arden's Winternight Trilogy or looking for your next immersive historical fantasy, join us at the table for a conversation about myth, power, and the stories that shape nations.
⚠️ This episode contains minor spoilers for The Unicorn Hunters.
Learn more about The Unicorn Hunters: Katherine Arden – The Unicorn Hunters (https://katherineardenbooks.com/books/the-unicorn-hunters?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Explore more podcast episodes, essays, and fiction at Nick Roth Books (https://nickrothbooks.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com).
Reader’s Table is a podcast about books, storytelling, mythology, creativity, and the ideas that stay with us long after the final page.
13 Jul 2026
BookBites: Red Rising by Pierce Brown
In this BookBites episode of Reader’s Table, we explore Red Rising by Pierce Brown—a brutal blend of dystopian sci-fi, Roman empire, and mythological storytelling. We discuss Darrow’s journey from oppressed Helldiver to Gold, the novel’s fascinating worldbuilding, and the deadly Institute that recalls The Hunger Games while forging the rulers of a future empire.
We also dive into the book’s roots in Greek and Roman history, its themes of class, identity, and rebellion, and what makes Red Rising such a compelling start to the saga.
⚠️ Contains minor spoilers up to Act II of Red Rising.
Discover the Red Rising saga here: Pierce (https://www.piercebrown.com/redrisingsaga?utm_source=chatgpt.com)Brown's Red Rising Saga
More essays, and fiction from the Hosts: Nick Roth Books (https://nickrothbooks.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Reader’s Table is a podcast about books, stories, creativity, and the ideas that stay with us long after the final page.
Reach and audience
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YouTube views
4,818,331
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
3.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
4.9 / 5
14 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 65 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
55
Social presence
91
YouTube
93
Engagement
51
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