Best Jim Scriven Podcasts (2025)

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Fantasy, Sci-Fi & Horror’s Greatest Opening Lines | How Many Do You Know? 14:25

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2h ago14:25

14:25

Some opening lines stay with you forever. From the mysterious, the chilling, and the downright legendary, these first words transport us into other worlds and unforgettable stories. In this episode, Jim takes you on a journey through 30 of the best opening lines in fantasy, science fiction, and horror — moving from lesser-known gems to the most ico…

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Steven Erikson's Weirdness Unleashed in Bauchelain & Korbal Broach 6:52

1d ago6:52

6:52

Bauchelain and Korbal Broach are back—and things are as dark, grotesque, and hilarious as ever. In this episode, I review The Second Collected Tales of Bauchelain and Korbal Broach by Steven Erikson, which bundles together three novellas: The Crack’d Pot Trail (2009), The Wurms of Blearmouth (2012), and The Fiends of Nightmaria (2016). Join me for …

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Most Heartbreaking Fantasy Deaths (That We Still Aren’t Over) 48:39

2d ago48:39

48:39

💔 Some characters die. Others take a piece of us with them. In this gut-punch of an episode, Jim and Zach dig deep into the most devastating deaths in fantasy fiction—the ones that made us cry, rage, or throw the book across the room. From noble sacrifices to unexpected gut-wrenchers, these are the moments that left permanent scars. 📚 Whether it’s …

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Top 10 Sci-Fi Novels Critics Love But Fans Hate! 7:09

3d ago7:09

7:09

Not all “classics” are created equal. Some science fiction novels are hailed as visionary, genius, and even essential by critics… while regular readers toss them across the room in frustration. In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim takes on 10 sci-fi novels since 1930 that critics adored but fans couldn’t stand. From psychedelic word salads …

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10 Fantasy Books Critics Loved But Fans Hated 8:05

4d ago8:05

8:05

Some fantasy novels win awards, earn glowing reviews, and get called “masterpieces” by critics… but when actual fans picked them up? They cried, “Boring!” “Pretentious!” and “I want my weekend back!” In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim counts down 10 fantasy novels since 1930 that critics adored but general readers couldn’t stand. From spr…

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The Mt Rushmore of Fantasy Authors: Only 4 Can Make It! 19:09

5d ago19:09

19:09

🗿 Only FOUR can be carved in stone. Who gets eternal glory… and who gets left in the rubble? In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim and Zach face one of the most impossible challenges in fantasy fandom—choosing the ultimate Mount Rushmore of Fantasy. We each make our author nominations and fiercely defend our picks. Expect: • Legendary names …

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The Wildest Zombie Story You’ve Never Read | “Zombie Bake Off” 7:33

6d ago7:33

7:33

🍩🧟‍♂️ Wrestling rings, cooking contests, pothead antics, and… zombies? That’s the insane mash-up at the heart of Stephen Graham Jones’ Zombie Bake-Off (2012), a fast, funny, and gloriously absurd take on the zombie apocalypse. In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim dives into a spoiler-lite review of the book—sharing why it’s such a blast to …

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Top Horror Novels of the 2020s (2020–2025 So Far) 17:16

7d ago17:16

17:16

The 2020s have already delivered some unforgettable horror. From the pandemic years through 2025, every year has given us stories that terrified, thrilled, and captured readers’ imaginations. In this episode, we’re revealing the three best horror novels of each year from 2020 through 2025 (so far)—ranked not by opinion, but by the numbers. Our data…

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The 30 Best Horror Novels of the 2010s – Ranked by Sales, Awards & Fans 27:02

9d ago27:02

27:02

The 2010s brought horror roaring back into the mainstream. From breakout bestsellers to bold new voices, the decade proved that the genre wasn’t just alive—it was thriving. In this episode, we’re revealing the three best horror novels of each year from 2010 through 2019—ranked not by opinion, but by the numbers. Our data-driven formula balances: 1️…

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2000s Horror: The 30 Books That Ruled the Decade 26:28

10d ago26:28

26:28

The 2000s were a turning point for horror. Gone were the days of endless paperback racks at the drugstore—instead, horror was evolving, experimenting, and mixing with thrillers, fantasy, and even postmodern storytelling. In this episode, we’re counting down the three best horror novels from each year of the 2000s, ranked not by opinion, but by the …

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These 90s Horror Novels Still Give Nightmares! 26:33

12d ago26:33

26:33

The 1990s were a strange time for horror. After the explosive boom of the ’80s, the genre shifted, experimented, and evolved—sometimes darker, sometimes subtler, and sometimes downright unexpected. In this episode, we’re counting down the three best horror novels of the 1990s, ranked not by opinion, but by the numbers. These rankings are powered by…

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Top Three Horror Novels Each Year of the 1980s! 27:58

13d ago27:58

27:58

The 1980s weren’t just neon lights and big hair—they were also a golden age for horror fiction. In this episode of our series, we’re counting down the three best horror novels of the 1980s, ranked not by opinion, but by the numbers. These rankings are built from a formula that blends: 1️⃣ Sales performance – the books that dominated shelves and nev…

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Top Three Horror Novels of Each Year, By the Numbers - The 70s! 27:54

15d ago27:54

27:54

The 1970s weren’t just polyester suits and disco balls—this was the decade when horror exploded onto the bestseller lists and refused to let go. In this episode of our series, we’re counting down the three best horror novels of each year of the 1970s, ranked not by opinion, but by the numbers. These rankings come from a unique formula that blends: …

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Top Three Horror Novels of Each Year, By the Numbers - The 60s! 33:46

16d ago33:46

33:46

This kicks off a viewer-requested series to discover the definitive list of best horror novels from each year—ranked by the numbers, not opinion. In this episode, we count down the top three horror novels of each year of the 1960s. In every episode of this series, we count down the top three horror novels from a specific decade, using a data-driven…

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Top 10 Fantasy Duos That Totally Rule! 43:22

18d ago43:22

43:22

Some heroes are great on their own… but when they’re paired up? Legendary. In this episode, Jim and Zach go head-to-head (in the friendliest way possible) to debate and rank the Top 10 duos in fantasy fiction. From lifelong companions to unlikely allies—and even a few rival pairings—we’ll argue, laugh, and maybe surprise each other (and you) with o…

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The Most Cinematic Horror Novel You’ll Ever Read – Demon Theory 7:17

20d ago7:17

7:17

What if a slasher film wasn’t something you watched… but something you read? Stephen Graham Jones’ Demon Theory isn’t just a horror novel—it’s a cinematic experience, written as a literary film treatment that puts you right behind the camera. Creepy settings, unstoppable killers, and a pace that never lets up—this is slasher horror reimagined for t…

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The 30 Best Unknown Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Horror Books Since 1970 18:33

21d ago18:33

18:33

Think you’ve read all the best fantasy, science fiction, and horror novels? Think again. In this episode, I’m counting down 30 spectacular but little-known books published since 1970—hidden gems you probably haven’t read, but absolutely should. From eerie Southern Gothic to brain-bending science fiction, and from dark, lush fantasy to inventive hor…

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Full Spoil Deep Dive – Zach Reacts to Red Sister by Mark Lawrence 20:29

22d ago20:29

20:29

It’s time for a full spoil conversation about Red Sister, Book 1 of The Book of the Ancestor trilogy by Mark Lawrence! In this episode, Jim interviews Zach about his very first read-through of this brutal, brilliant, and beautifully written dark fantasy. Nothing is off-limits—we’re talking every twist, reveal, and gasp-worthy moment. What You’ll He…

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Assassins, Intrigue, & Ravens – A Dark Fantasy You’ll Love 12:11

23d ago12:11

12:11

Step into a world of assassins, political intrigue, and mysterious magic in my review of A Conspiracy of Ravens by Stephen Hubbard — Book 1 of The Codex of Wretches & Kings. In this spoiler-lite discussion, I share why this dark fantasy debut hooked me from the very first page, why classic D&D fans will love the tone, and 10 reasons you might want …

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MOST EPIC Fantasy Heroes of the 2020s 8:29

24d ago8:29

8:29

Join us as we count down the most epic fantasy heroes of the 2020s! From magical warriors to legendary mages, we're exploring the most iconic and powerful heroes that have captivated audiences in recent years. Get ready to revisit some of the most memorable characters from fantasy novels of the decade (so far), and discover new ones to obsess over.…

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MOST INCREDIBLE Fantasy Heroes of the 2010s! 11:13

25d ago11:13

11:13

Join us as we count down the most iconic fantasy heroes of the decade! From mythical warriors to magical mavericks, we're celebrating the characters that have captured our imaginations and inspired our dreams. With epic battles, unforgettable quests, and legendary powers, these heroes have left an indelible mark on the world of fantasy. So, sit bac…

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Bold. Broken. Brilliant! — Best Fantasy Protagonists of the 2000s! 12:16

26d ago12:16

12:16

Dive into the world of 2000s fantasy and uncover what makes the protagonists of this iconic era so brilliant! From incredible wit to mind-boggling courage, we're exploring the characteristics that make these heroes unforgettable. Join us as we delve into the world of fantasy and discover what sets these 2000s protagonists apart. Whatever your fanta…

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These 90s Fantasy Heroes Changed Everything! 12:32

27d ago12:32

12:32

Join Jim on a nostalgic trip back to the epic decade of fantasy icons! From the wisecracking heroes to unforgettable creatures, we're diving into what made these legends of the fantasy world so iconic. With their memorable backstories and epic journeys, it's no wonder these 90s fantasy icons continue to inspire new generations of fans. Get ready to…

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Awesome 80s Fantasy Heroes You’ll LOVE! 8:51

28d ago8:51

8:51

Get ready for a blast from the past as we count down the most epic fantasy heroes of the 80s! From sword-wielding warriors to magic-wielding wizards, we're exploring the iconic characters that defined a decade of fantasy storytelling. Join us as we revisit the heroes who captured our imaginations and inspired our sense of wonder. Grab your sword, d…

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Most EPIC Fantasy Book Heroes of the 1970s! 13:13

28d ago13:13

13:13

Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey through the world of fantasy! In this epic countdown, we're revisiting the most iconic heroes of the 1970s, the decade that brought us some of the most unforgettable characters in fantasy history. From sword-wielding warriors to magical wizards, these legendary heroes have captivated audiences for generati…

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From Ged to Gurgi: 1960s Fantasy’s Finest! 7:27

1M ago7:27

7:27

Join me on a thrilling journey as we delve into the fascinating world of fantasy legends from the 1960s! In this episode, we're counting down the most iconic protagonists from Ged to Gurgi, exploring their origins, unique qualities, and the impact they've had on modern fantasy. Get ready to revisit the fantastical heroes that shaped a generation. S…

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Fantasy’s First Heroes: BEST Protagonists of the 1950s! 7:58

1M ago7:58

7:58

Explore the epic fantasy heroes of the 1950s era! Join us on a thrilling journey through the most iconic characters that shaped the fantasy genre. From legendary warriors to mythical creatures, we'll delve into the fascinating world of fantasy heroes that captured the hearts of readers and audiences alike. Get ready to revisit the golden age of fan…

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Why The Silver Chair Is the Most Underrated Narnia Book | A Deep Dive Review 8:36

1M ago8:36

8:36

Dive into the magical world of Narnia as we explore the often-overlooked gem, The Silver Chair. Is it the most sleeper hit in the series? Join us as we delve into the story, characters, and themes that make this book a hidden treasure. From the White Witch knock-off to the mysterious underground world, we'll uncover the magic that makes The Silver …

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Top 10 Millennial Sci-Fi and Fantasy Authors You Need to Know! 27:53

1M ago27:53

27:53

Join the conversation as we delve into the world of Science Fiction and Fantasy writing, where Millennials are making their mark! From epic fantasy quests to dystopian futures, this new generation of writers is bringing fresh perspectives and ideas to the table. In this episode, we'll explore how Millennials are attempting a take-over of SFF writin…

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Generation X Authors TAKE OVER Science Fiction Fantasy! 28:05

1M ago28:05

28:05

Get ready for a literary revolution! In this epic episode, we're shining the spotlight on the trailblazing Generation X authors who are taking the science fiction and fantasy genres by storm. From groundbreaking novels to thought-provoking short stories, we're sharing our Top 10 Gen Xers, visionary writers who are redefining the boundaries of specu…

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Top 10 SFF Authors by Generation: The Baby Boomers! 24:47

1M ago24:47

24:47

Join us on a journey through literary history as we explore the most iconic books of all time, written by the talented baby boomers who shaped the world of science fiction and fantasy literature. From classic novels to thought-provoking tomes, we'll delve into the works of authors who defined a generation. Which baby boomer authors will make the cu…

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Zombie Apocalypse Fans REJOICE Over This Fresh Take! 8:04

1M ago8:04

8:04

Get ready to experience the undead like never before! This fresh take on the zombie apocalypse is a game-changer for fans of the genre. From heart-pumping action sequences to unexpected twists and turns, this spin on the classic concept is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat. Whether you're a die-hard fan of The Walking Dead or just looking …

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SHUNNED by Awards: Forbidden Fantasy Novels of the 2010s & 2020s 21:20

1M ago21:20

21:20

Explore the uncharted territory of fantasy novels from 2010-2023 that were shockingly snubbed by major awards. In this episode, we'll delve into the fascinating stories and worlds that flew under the radar, despite their captivating characters, intricate plots, and richly detailed settings. From hidden gems to underrated authors, we'll uncover the …

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Overlooked Fantasy Gems of the 2000s! 16:15

1M ago16:15

16:15

Get ready for a blast from the past as we dive into the forgotten fantasy gems of the 2000s! From brilliant debut novels to overlooked fantasy treasures, we're counting down the fantasy tales of the decade that were completely disregarded by the international fantasy award judges. Whether you're a fan of high fantasy, urban fantasy, or something in…

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What 90s Fantasy Books Got ROBBED of Awards? 17:32

1M ago17:32

17:32

Join Jim traveling down memory lane to explore the era of 1990s fantasy novels, particularly the best books to be snubbed by the award circuit. From beloved classics to cult favorites, we're counting down the novels that deserved more recognition. Did your favorite fantasy tome of the 90s get robbed of the Hugo or Locus, and not even get the nomina…

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WE Hit 3K Subscribers — LIVE Party EVENT! 1:43:24

1M ago1:43:24

1:43:24

Check out this audio of our livestream event, where we celebrated that major milestone - 3,000 subscribers! This epic celebration was a ton of fun, filled with laughs, games, surprises, fiction recommendations, and EIGHT guests! Unforgettable! #FantasyForTheAges #Fantasy #SFF #scifi #horror #contentcreator #booktube #booktuber Enjoyed our guests? H…

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Forgotten 80s Fantasy Gems That Deserved More! 18:34

1M ago18:34

18:34

Join us on a thrilling journey through the forgotten fantasy novels of the 1980s, where magic, monsters, and mythical creatures await! In this episode, we'll be exploring some of the fantasy gems of the decade, loved by readers but scorned by the award committees and voters, from cult classics to popular bestsellers of their day. Get ready to redis…

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Overlooked 70s Fantasy MASTERPIECES That Deserved Better! 19:34

2M ago19:34

19:34

Join me on a journey through the forgotten realms of 1970s fantasy fiction, where we'll uncover the hidden gems that deserved more love and attention. From cult classics to obscure oddities, we'll reveal the overlooked masterpieces that are known to many, but may be completely new to you. Whether you're a fan of sword and sorcery, mythic quests, or…

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Forgotten 1960s Fantasy Gems Critics Got WRONG! 16:11

2M ago16:11

16:11

Join Jim as he unearths more hidden fantasy gems of the 1960s, all ones that critics got wrong! We're diving into the decade's most fascinating yet critically overlooked fantasy stories. No literary awards here, yet still all very successful and popular books! Get ready to discover the magic that flew under the critics’ radar, discovering more to a…

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Final Girls & Bloody Legends: Spoiler-Filled Discussion of The Indian Lake Trilogy 54:01

2M ago54:01

54:01

Get ready to uncover the secrets of the Indian Lake Trilogy! In this episode, guest Eric Haan joins Jim to dive into the world of Stephen Graham Jones’ Indian Lake Trilogy. From Jades goth beginnings to her angelic finish, we're exposing the truth behind this amazing character and the cast and events around her, along with what makes them so legend…

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This Dungeon Crawler Carl Thing: What the Heck?! (Books 1-7) 19:46

2M ago19:46

19:46

Get ready to dive into the world of Dungeon Crawler Carl! In this episode, Jim explores the fascinating world of this beloved LitRPG Fantasy series, first spoiler-lite, than full on spoil, sharing thoughts on what makes it so addictive. From its unique game mechanics to its charming banter, to it’s over-the-top “Carl-ness,” he’s covering it all. So…

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Why I Love Trashy Books and You Should Too! 15:12

2M ago15:12

15:12

Join me as I proudly declare my love for trashy books! From guilty pleasure fantasy novels to zombie drama-filled page-turners, I'm embracing my inner bookworm and celebrating the joy of reading whatever makes me happy. Whether you're a fellow trashy book lover or just looking for some new book recommendations, let's get this book club started! #Fa…

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Back to the Beginning: Classic Fantasy Worlds Worth Revisiting 30:43

2M ago30:43

30:43

Join us on a thrilling journey as we delve into the enchanting realm of classic fantasy worlds that will transport you back to a time of wonder and awe. From the whimsical lands of Middle-earth to the mystical forests of Narnia, we'll rediscover the magic that captivated our imaginations and inspired our sense of adventure. Whether you're a nostalg…

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WHAT SFF Novels Did You MISS in the 2010s? 32:16

2M ago32:16

32:16

Looking back at the 2010s, it's easy to get caught up in the hype of popular fantasy novels like A Song of Ice and Fire and The Kingkiller Chronicle. But what about the hidden gems that flew under the radar? In this episode, Jim is revealing the most underrated fantasy & science fiction novels from each year of the 2010s, great books you probably m…

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Fantasy & Sci-Fi Fans, Discover These HIDDEN GEMS of the 2000s! 33:56

2M ago33:56

33:56

Uncover the most underrated fantasy and science fiction novels of the 2000s that flew under the radar! From magical adventures to mythical creatures, get ready to discover a treasure trove of hidden gems that will transport you to a world of wonder and magic. Whether you're a fan of epic fantasy, hard sci-fi, or something in-between, this episode i…

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Discover the HIDDEN GEMS of 1990s Science Fiction and Fantasy Novels! 28:39

2M ago28:39

28:39

Explore the uncharted territories of 1990s science fiction and fantasy literature, where groundbreaking authors and forgotten classics await discovery. In this episode, we'll delve into the hidden gems of the decade, uncovering novels that have fallen through the cracks of time. From space operas to epic fantasies, get ready to uncover new favorite…

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Forgotten Fantasy and Sci-Fi Gems of the 80s 29:43

2M ago29:43

29:43

Join me on a nostalgic journey as we uncover the forgotten fantasy and sci-fi gems of the 1980s! From hidden cult classics to overlooked masterpieces, we'll delve into the three most underrated sci-fi and fantasy novels of this classic decade that flew under the radar. Get ready to rediscover the magic of a bygone era and explore the fantastical wo…

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MOST OVERLOOKED SFF Books of the 1970s Revealed? 30:30

2M ago30:30

30:30

Get ready to discover the hidden gems of science fiction and fantasy literature! In this episode, Jim’s counting down the most overlooked SFF books of the 1970s that deserve more attention. From forgotten classics to under-appreciated authors, we're diving into a decade that shaped the genre. Join us as we explore the lesser-known SFF novels of the…

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What Are The MOST OVERLOOKED SFF Books Of The Year? (Part 1: The '60s) 28:45

2M ago28:45

28:45

Discover the hidden gems of science fiction and fantasy literature! In this episode, we're counting down the most overlooked SFF books of each year since 1960, books that deserve attention from the book community. From debut authors to under-appreciated series, we're shining a light on the books that flew under the radar. Whether you're a seasoned …

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REVIEW: Travis Beacham's EPIC Impact Winter Season 3 13:09

2M ago13:09

13:09

Get ready for an in-depth review of the epic Audible Original Impact Winter Season 3! Creator Travis Beacham's fourth installment of this audio drama will be arriving soon, so let’s dive into all the twists and turns of Season 3 in preparation, a season that was unforgettable. From the shocking reveals to the heart-pumping action sequences, Jim is …