The Sword and Laser
Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont
SummaryWelcome to The Sword and Laser, a long-running sanctuary for fans of science fiction and fantasy. Hosted by Veronica Belmont and Tom Merritt, this podcast serves as a vibrant hub for a dedicated community of readers who love to explore the boundaries of the genre. Each episode is a blend of thoughtful literary analysis and genuine camaraderie, where the hosts pair their latest book club picks with wide-ranging conversations about life, creativity, and the occasional culinary experiment. The show is structured around a signature Quick Burns segment, which keeps listeners up to date on the most important industry headlines, from prestigious award announcements and literary prize shortlists to major adaptation news and shifts in the publishing landscape. Beyond the news, the heart of the podcast lies in the monthly book club selections. Whether they are diving into gritty dystopian classics, experimental narrative styles, or the latest breakout hits in romantasy and cozy fantasy, Veronica and Tom offer deep, often spoiler-filled insights that encourage listeners to think critically about world-building, character development, and genre tropes. With over 500 episodes under their belts, the hosts have cultivated an environment that is as nostalgic as it is forward-thinking. They aren't afraid to laugh at themselves, track their own reading quirks, or engage in lively debates sparked by listener feedback. If you are looking for your next favorite read or a community that celebrates the speculative imagination, grab a seat and join the conversation.
Updated Jul 5, 2026
Episodes
#537 - Roman Fantasy is Romantasy?
Explore whether the romantic elements in modern fantasy define the popular Romantasy subgenre.
#536 - That's So Ender's Game
Explore the class-based world of Red Rising and debate whether its intense space action feels like Enders Game.
#535 - Slow Wings
The Sword and Laser crew breaks down the sprawling, immersive experience of Claire North's sci-fi novel, Slow Gods.
#514 - The Rebirths of Wesley Chu
Author Wesley Chu joins the show to discuss the latest in his sci-fi series and the evolution of his writing career.
#513 - A Civil War-burton
Hear a discussion on recent Nebula and Ignite award winners, plus a debate over casting for our current book pick.
#512 - Deep Dish is SciPie
We discuss the unique alien-host dynamics in The Lives of Tao while debating the merits of Chicago deep dish pizza.
#511 - Throw Me in the Corpse Hole
The hosts discuss the philosophical identity questions and hunger-driven tension in Edward Ashton's novel Mickey7.
#510 - A New Theseus
Exploring the philosophical implications of identity and memory through the lens of Mickey7 and the Ship of Theseus.
#509 - New Achievement!
We discuss the switch to subscription-based Patreon billing and dive into the addictive world of Dungeon Crawler Carl.
#508 - Sexy, Sexy, Mind Palace
Discussing Hugo nominations, the Dungeon Crawler Carl phenomenon, and the legacy of early tech podcasting.
#507 - Book Goblin
Revisiting China Mieville’s The City and the City reveals complex layers of perception and social unseeing.
#506 - SECs Unit
Explore the latest science fiction and fantasy news, including reactions to the new Murderbot casting.
#505 - The Roman Empire is My Roman Empire
Nominate your favorite sci-fi and fantasy books for the annual March tournament and help decide our next big read.
#504 - The Miéville Effect
Explore the confusion surrounding our reading history as we discuss whether China Mieville has ever been a book pick.
#503 - Tapeworms and Time Travel
Explore the unique immigrant experience of time travelers and the physiological costs of history in Ministry of Time.
#502 - Rhubarb Abercrumble
Discuss the latest sci-fi trends, time travel novels, and the vibrant magical world of Akata Witch.
#501 - One Missed S-Call-Zi
Brandon Sanderson hits the bestseller list, Nnedi Okorafor's Akata series sparked title changes, and book lists abound.
#500 - 500 Gargle Blasters!
Celebrate 500 episodes with a deep dive into the show's history, favorite memories, and surprising reading stats.
#499 - Hugs for Your Ears
Explore a list of essential works by BIPOC and LGBTQIA authors to support and diversify your reading collection.
#498 - Weird Things With Burritos
Explore the weird and unholy combinations people make with burritos and discuss listener favorites in our book club.
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