I'm an old white guy who loves SF and Fantasy and I accidentally stumbled onto a well-written book with black characters and African culture and thought "Holy Shit! It's about time!" Watching a black man who loves Brandon Sanderson interview the black author who enjoys Drizt Do'Urden is awesome. Its kinda like the early days of Obama's presidency, when black folks had a degree of pride and confidence I've not seen before or since. I want to see more of that. I'm loving the first book.
Just finished Rage of Dragons based of Smitty’s recommendation. Read it in 5 days which for a slow reader like myself speaks to how great this book was. Idk why other youtubers aren’t talking about this book but thank you for sharing tour thoughts on it
@@Smitty1423 I hope you get to do more interviews with the authors of more beloved books and storytellers whom you don't think are getting enough love. ^J^
What a great interview all around! Smitty being a skilled interviewer truly invested in these books, and Winter being an honest interviewee truly interested in his readership, all tied up in the mutual respect they have for one another, it all made for an amazing hour of rich exchanges that just flew by and made me even more excited for The Lord Of Demons when it comes (my guess will be 2026, but any time it is ready, I will for sure reach for and read it)!✨💖📚
I found Rage of Dragons cause it was one dollar in Kindle. I was blown away by page 20. I was absolutely hooked. I am glad the third is about to come out, now I just have to buy the second (at whatever price it is) and finish it by the time the third releases. Awesome interview.
i'm so hyped to read "trod"! I'm white and I think it's so hype that he made a fully black/African story we need more of them for sure. If I ever write a book I would want to represent my (scandinavian) culture aswell. So cool interview, you did a great job!!
Currently reading The Fires of Vengeance and despite having both books on my tbr for years, Smitty is the reason I finally picked it up. Thank you both for doing this interview. It is so refreshing to see two black men discuss their love for books and reading. ❤
This was food for me cause I write scripts but needed to find a way to better find a way to outline my stories better evan winter ter is humble and nice makes me like him more as a author thanks smitty for showing me these books
So glad to see this happen! Its awesome to see where you've taken your channels from the early days and the growth into interviewing authors. I found Rage of Dragons after loving so many books with black and POC FMC and wanting to read books with a black mmc and it did not disappoint. Excited for the next books from Evan and who you'll interview next.
New fan of your channel. And Rage of Dragons is one of the 2nd books I’ve ready because of your recommendations. The saddest feeling is that I will only ever get to experience reading this book for the first time once.
I dont really go on TikTok so I'm grateful you posted this here! And shoutout Zambia 🇿🇲 🇿🇲 . I don't read much fantasy but I'm definitely going to read this!
What a great interivew! Rage of Dragons is one of those books that got its hooks in me and I couldn't put it down until I finished and immediately had to read the second. Evan has such a captivating style of writing that sucks you into these fantasy worlds.
Finished the Rage of the Dragons not long ago and it’s in my top 3 for sure. The building of Tau is insaneeee. Will be reading the Fires of Vengeance as soon as I finish the Greenbone saga. So keen!
Just listened to the first two books on audible while at work and i can't wait for the next one. I think it could make an excellent movie if they stayed true to the book.
First off I just have to comment on how much I’m loving watching two black men discuss books 😍 love it! Thank you! And looking forward to seeing more of it! and thank you Mr. Winters for writing a book that not only I can see myself in but my daughter can too. Representation is soooo important! Thank you ❤
Oh Mr winters you’re very politically and socially conscious as well, definitely good to know although it definitely sows in the writing, but I happen to have an affinity for black authors who use the political and social conscious in their art as well. Yes we read to escape BUT change is needed and requires sacrifice! Love it!
Sweet interview. Your channel is awesome. You have quickly climbed to compete with Mikes Book Reviews as far as booktubers I love. Can’t wait to see what other authors show up to talk with you in the future . Evan is amazing
@@Smitty1423 do you find yourself enjoying one platform over the other as far as TikTok vs TH-cam? Disregarding the fact that your TikTok following is probably way bigger
I really like Evan’s mentality around side characters. MCs are often hit or miss and the best way to save a novel where I don’t like the main is by having awesome side characters and worldbuilding. I also hate it when side characters in books have no personality, growth or intelligence, which isn’t common in the books I usually stick with. My prediction for book 3 would probably be September of next year, maybe even December
"Write as smart as you can." Yes! Challenge me! Make me expand my horizons! That's why I read sci-fi and fantasy. If you don't do that, you're wasting my time.
"Its odd how sci-fi and fantasy get tied together." Both genres explore 'what-if' and how things could be rather than how things are. Both have the potential to push the boundaries of reality in ways that make us re-examine the world around us.
I guess you were recording this on a laptop, i personally recommend just putting the laptop higher so the camera doesn't look UP at you like this ^^ weird angle
I am a black man watching a black man interview a black author
So fire
@@Smitty1423 thank you both. I am grateful
I'm an old white guy who loves SF and Fantasy and I accidentally stumbled onto a well-written book with black characters and African culture and thought "Holy Shit! It's about time!" Watching a black man who loves Brandon Sanderson interview the black author who enjoys Drizt Do'Urden is awesome. Its kinda like the early days of Obama's presidency, when black folks had a degree of pride and confidence I've not seen before or since. I want to see more of that. I'm loving the first book.
Literally in the middle of reading rage of dragons because of your recommendation this is great
That’s so dope how are you liking it?
Yes!!! Honor to spend time with such a talented creator. Thanks to Smitty for recommending Rage of Dragons. Yup found your book because of Smitty❤
@@pattypage6723 ahh so amazing!!
I was one of those that found Rage of Dragons because of your channel! Sad I missed this live! Congrats man!
That’s so dope thank you so much! Hope you enjoy the replay!
Rage of Dragons was one of the very few 5star reads I had last year! It was so good!
So epic!
Just finished Rage of Dragons based of Smitty’s recommendation. Read it in 5 days which for a slow reader like myself speaks to how great this book was. Idk why other youtubers aren’t talking about this book but thank you for sharing tour thoughts on it
So glad you enjoyed it and yes more people should be talking about it for sure
Very cool interview. Evan Winter is right about your enthusiasm and encouraging others to read.
It was such a fun time and yeah Evan Winter is so nice haha
@@Smitty1423 I hope you get to do more interviews with the authors of more beloved books and storytellers whom you don't think are getting enough love. ^J^
What a great interview all around! Smitty being a skilled interviewer truly invested in these books, and Winter being an honest interviewee truly interested in his readership, all tied up in the mutual respect they have for one another, it all made for an amazing hour of rich exchanges that just flew by and made me even more excited for The Lord Of Demons when it comes (my guess will be 2026, but any time it is ready, I will for sure reach for and read it)!✨💖📚
@@emroyka love this comment so much and yes loved Evan’s authenticity with his answers! Excited for book 3 for sure
@@Smitty1423 Thank you!😊🎉
I found Rage of Dragons cause it was one dollar in Kindle. I was blown away by page 20. I was absolutely hooked. I am glad the third is about to come out, now I just have to buy the second (at whatever price it is) and finish it by the time the third releases. Awesome interview.
Glad you loved the interview and the rage of dragons! One of my favorites for sure
i'm so hyped to read "trod"! I'm white and I think it's so hype that he made a fully black/African story we need more of them for sure. If I ever write a book I would want to represent my (scandinavian) culture aswell. So cool interview, you did a great job!!
Hope you enjoy it!
Currently reading The Fires of Vengeance and despite having both books on my tbr for years, Smitty is the reason I finally picked it up. Thank you both for doing this interview. It is so refreshing to see two black men discuss their love for books and reading. ❤
So glad you picked it up and yes such a great interview!
I’ve gotta get to Evan’s books. Just hearing his passion is intoxicating
I know! If I didn’t read his books before hand hearing his passion in this one would be that push for sure
Rage Of Dragons is amazing.
I'm now re-reading RAGE OF DRAGONS for the third time. I don't do that much re-reading, but right now I need a lot of comfort reading.
Tau is a beast.
Tau is soooo legit!
This was food for me cause I write scripts but needed to find a way to better find a way to outline my stories better evan winter ter is humble and nice makes me like him more as a author thanks smitty for showing me these books
Got you!
I already loved the books, but this interview made it clear I will read anything Evan writes in the future
That’s incredible yeah he’s a must buy author for me for sure
So glad to see this happen! Its awesome to see where you've taken your channels from the early days and the growth into interviewing authors. I found Rage of Dragons after loving so many books with black and POC FMC and wanting to read books with a black mmc and it did not disappoint. Excited for the next books from Evan and who you'll interview next.
It’s been a journey! This was definitely an amazing part of it! I’m excited fire what’s next as well!
New fan of your channel. And Rage of Dragons is one of the 2nd books I’ve ready because of your recommendations. The saddest feeling is that I will only ever get to experience reading this book for the first time once.
Ahh I relate to this so much!
Evan is brilliant! Thank you for sharing 🤍
@@angelreed1177 he really is and got you!
I dont really go on TikTok so I'm grateful you posted this here! And shoutout Zambia 🇿🇲 🇿🇲 . I don't read much fantasy but I'm definitely going to read this!
Def check this out but I’m glad you’re here!
Great interview. Absolutely love Evan's books. Fun to hear his passion for writing and reading.
It was soo good to hear that passion from him in this interview. You can feel it in his writing as well!
Man, I'm so glad to hear Evan's making progress on book three! I loved the first two. Can't wait. 🔥
Book 3 is going to be 🔥
I’m reading rage of dragons right now 🔥 it’s amazing
So dope!!
Definitely checking out his books. Solid dude and great interview!
Yepp! Such a great guy!
What a great interivew! Rage of Dragons is one of those books that got its hooks in me and I couldn't put it down until I finished and immediately had to read the second. Evan has such a captivating style of writing that sucks you into these fantasy worlds.
@@Jdreash17 Yepp 1000%! Can’t wait until book 3
This is incredible!! I found that series because of you!! So happy for you!!!
This is so fire!
I still need to get into Fires of Vengeance omg, Rage of Dragons was my favourite fantasy book 3 years ago
Book was so incredible! Fires of Vengeance was fire too!
Finished the Rage of the Dragons not long ago and it’s in my top 3 for sure. The building of Tau is insaneeee. Will be reading the Fires of Vengeance as soon as I finish the Greenbone saga. So keen!
Yepp 1000%! Happy reading!
Great interview, love this series and author!
Thank you and same here!
Good interview. I will need to add his works to my TBR.
You should! They are really fire
Great book and a great interview too, thank you both
I agree and thank you!
Can't wait for the next book of the series.
Same here!
incredible interview!! thank you so much for posting, i was so bummed that i missed the live but grateful i get to watch here :)
@@notjenkim so glad you are able to watch here!
Saw the interview on Tiktok live and it was great, congrats Smitty 💯.
Appreciate you ✊🏾
Man! Y’all are gonna get me to read fantasy.
Hope so!
OMG! thank you for posting it on here! I was sad to miss the live.
@@alisonvotaw8445 got you!
Just listened to the first two books on audible while at work and i can't wait for the next one. I think it could make an excellent movie if they stayed true to the book.
@@CowboyChuntis I 1000% agree!!
Evan winter is a sweetheart
Guy is a legend
Mannnn I’m so excited for special edition as well.
Yeppp same!!
Such a great interview! I haven’t read any of Evan’s books yet, but definitely will pick them up.
@@thegreatwaugh amazing!
First off I just have to comment on how much I’m loving watching two black men discuss books 😍 love it! Thank you! And looking forward to seeing more of it! and thank you Mr. Winters for writing a book that not only I can see myself in but my daughter can too. Representation is soooo important! Thank you ❤
So dopeeee and yes so important
Thank you so much for posting this!
No problem hope you enjoy!
I loved book one, and I'm hoping more dragons will be featured in book 2 and 3.
Yepp!
Just in time as I’m reading it now
Incredible
You put this book on my tbr and I’m so excited to read it hopefully soon
Hope you enjoy it!
amazing interview! Sucks that i missed it 😭
Love how Evan is also a fan of the Drizzt books 💟
Write as smart as you can -> so true!
He’s a huge fan!
YES I have been waiting for this ever since i missed your live with him on tic tok!!!!!!!!!!
@@UltraLaidback hope you enjoy! It was a fun conversation!
Oh Mr winters you’re very politically and socially conscious as well, definitely good to know although it definitely sows in the writing, but I happen to have an affinity for black authors who use the political and social conscious in their art as well. Yes we read to escape BUT change is needed and requires sacrifice! Love it!
✊🏾✊🏾
Sweet interview. Your channel is awesome. You have quickly climbed to compete with Mikes Book Reviews as far as booktubers I love. Can’t wait to see what other authors show up to talk with you in the future . Evan is amazing
That’s a dope compliment thank you so much!
I subscribed video one. And asked if you read LOTR. You said not yet. You start it yet bro ?🤔lol
@@tysmith1742 😭😭😭 not yet still
@@Smitty1423 do you find yourself enjoying one platform over the other as far as TikTok vs TH-cam? Disregarding the fact that your TikTok following is probably way bigger
@@tysmith1742 it’s a good question it’s honestly split now which says a lot about how much I’m loving TH-cam
I found Rage of Dragons from your recommendayions and currently half way through Fire of Vengeance. Amazing books, thank you!
The books are so insane!
I'd been wondering about book 3. Now we have a satisfying answer.
Yepp!!
Fantastic interview. You're good at this!
Appreciate you!
Thank God for your interview bc i can't find anything about him online about book 3
Lets Go!! The upload I was waiting for !!!!
Let’s gooooo
Incredible stuff man, great interview and so glad you were able to do this!
I’m so glad too! Such a great one
Awesome interview! Can't wait for book 3!
Yepp same!
Just stumbled upon this channel I’m starting this audio book now due to this interview
Let's gooo
Congrats! Amazing!
Thank you!
I really like Evan’s mentality around side characters. MCs are often hit or miss and the best way to save a novel where I don’t like the main is by having awesome side characters and worldbuilding. I also hate it when side characters in books have no personality, growth or intelligence, which isn’t common in the books I usually stick with. My prediction for book 3 would probably be September of next year, maybe even December
Yes that’s why I asked him the side character question! Like I need strong side characters for sure
I’ve been waiting for you to post this! Upset I missed the live.
@@Youngthundercat67 got you! Enjoy!
This is amazing so glad that you got to go this. I’m going have to follow you on TikTok so I don’t miss any more live interviews 😂
Haha you never know I might do one on here very very soon!
okay fine! i’ll read it after sword of kaigen and demon in white 🙏🏽 My tbr can never stay as is 😂
Haha my tbr too
This is awesome! Gonna check this series out!
You should!
THE FACT THAT I JUMPED UP AND FIST BUMPED TO THE FACT THAT HE SAID 4 BOOKS TO THIS SERIES.
Dope right??
The pre-order on The Lord of Demons will be insane.
Will move mountains
Where we fight!
The world burns!
The GOAT has a yt channel😭😭
We here
OMGGG YESSSSSSSSS
We here!
I got here faster than the wind lmaooo but I think abt Tau and Tsiora EVERY SINGLE DAY it’s actually insane 😭
@@slay.123 hope you enjoy the interview!
@@Smitty1423 I just knowwww I will
Let’s goooooo
🔥🔥🔥
Dude get in contact with Mike . He has a great collab series I think you guys would be freaking awesome to see together for a collab
✊🏾✊🏾
hope one day his books get a brazillian portuguese translation
One day!
I was thinking when I read his books that he must be practicing martial arts to some extend.
Yeah he really has those scenes down
is there a lot of spoilers? haven't read this yet so i'll need to circle back to this video once i read it
There is not!
"Write as smart as you can." Yes! Challenge me! Make me expand my horizons! That's why I read sci-fi and fantasy. If you don't do that, you're wasting my time.
"Its odd how sci-fi and fantasy get tied together." Both genres explore 'what-if' and how things could be rather than how things are. Both have the potential to push the boundaries of reality in ways that make us re-examine the world around us.
I guess you were recording this on a laptop, i personally recommend just putting the laptop higher so the camera doesn't look UP at you like this ^^ weird angle
@@misantrope6267 it was on TikTok live so on my phone!
36:50 quoting the author his own quote freaking epic
One of my favorite quotes of all time!
Damn I gotta get around to finally read rage of dragons 🫠
@@Kaladin0622 you should!