The Highlands Burn with Joe Kassabian

·1 hr 1 min·5 clips

Joe Kassabian reveals his new gunpowder fantasy novel, mixing Napoleonic-era warfare with low, dirty magic.

The episode begins with casual banter about weather and travel woes, including a story about a woman passing out in a customs line. Francis introduces Joe Kassabian, author and podcaster, to discuss his new novel 'The Highlands Burn'. Kassabian describes the book as a gunpowder fantasy, blending military elements with low magic, inspired by series like 'The Shadow Campaigns' and his mother's love for Napoleonic war books. He explains his preference for grounded, rule-based magic over classical wizards, aiming for a grim but realistic tone. The novel's setting avoids Western European tropes, instead drawing from Caucasus history and anti-colonial themes, with the main character Syatt modeled after Armenian figure Soghomon Tehlirian. Kassabian details Syatt's arc from revenge to found family, emphasizing the brutal, realistic soldiering experiences, including executions, starvation, and moral numbness. The mercenary group, the Foundlings, operates on volunteerism without forced conscription, contrasting with historical hazing practices. Realistic elements like camp followers, sutlers, and loot economies are woven into the narrative. Kassabian shares his writing process, crediting editor Ari Nielsen, and announces the book's release date of May 29th. Francis praises the novel's progression and world-building, noting Kassabian's growth as a writer since his earlier work 'Hooligans of Kandahar'. The episode ends with promotional details and a reflection on their long-standing podcasting relationship.

As heard by us

Weather banter gives way to war, medicine, and a grimly funny look at damage that keeps going.

The episode opens with Francis and Joe Kassabian in a weather ritual, moving from spring in Northern Europe to Midwest Fool's Spring and the stubborn refusal to turn the heat back on.

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Why you'd press play

Weather talk opens the door, then Joe Kassabian takes you from spring cold into war, wounds, and deadpan humor.

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