The 10 Best Fantasy Books I’ve Ever Read
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- čas přidán 19. 06. 2024
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In this video, I give my top 10 list of fantasy books (and series). Some are classics of the genre, some are newer - but regardless, these are my favorites.
Authors include: Brandon Sanderson, Philip Pullman, Ursula K. Le Guin, Guy Gavriel Kay, Robert Jordan, Susannah Clarke.
Enjoy!
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Caveats 0:00
The Cosmere 3:05
His Dark Materials 5:16
Earthsea 6:31
Beowulf 8:58
Tigana 10:38
The Once and Future King 12:48
Piranesi 14:14
Discworld 15:01
Lord of the Rings 17:02
Wheel of Time 18:49
Apparently, Rothfuss didn’t think the series was worth continuing either.
😂 funny but painful.
How true!
But he thought recycling a short story was worthwhile...
Too soon😭😭😭
you crazy for that one
Diana Wynne Jones is a highly under-rated fantasy writer in my opinion. Everyone talks about Howl's Moving Castle but the Crestomanci novels are phenomenal.
Jared, I’ve been in such a reading slump and your book selections have really put me back on reading. I look forward to your videos!!
Great selection. I think fantasy can do a better job capturing humanity than realism does at times
That's not even a debate to be honest. You can ask existential questions do things in fantasy and sci fi that you can't do in realism. Esp fantasy since in fantasy you're not beholden to any rules (aside from the ones you set for yourself) while with sci fi you're still stuck with physical limitations and laws. E.g. in fantasy a man or woman can lose their loved ones and go on a journey to get them back from the underworld or something etc etc.
Hey I've seen you in a philosophy video! I think it was Overdose.
@@yonathanasefaw9001 author?
@@Charlie0106 I don't remember the video but it was Philosophy Overdose!
forgot to put a 'you' in that comment.
I loved this so much. It wasn’t just a regurgitation of the booktube favorites. The once and future king is also one of my favorite fantasy books.
I'm glad you're reading Malazan. Personally I've read up to book 4 and it's already one of my favorite series. It can be a bit overwhelming but that's part of the charm!! Loved this video :D
I'm delighted to see Beowulf on your list, Jared! It's my favorite thing to teach, and I view it as more of a lament than an epic. Assuming the poet was a Christian looking back at his pagan ancestors, it is a poignant examination of the fleetingness of life and the ultimate futility of the pagan heroic code, as admirable as it was. Earthsea and Lord of the Rings are two of my favorites as well. I'm glad to hear you're enjoying Malazan so far!
Thank you, Philip. I'm really enjoying Malazan - would love to chat about it once I'm done with Gardens. If you have a way to get in touch, maybe send me an email (my email is in my profile)?
@@_jared Will do!
"Assuming the poet was a Christian looking back at his pagan ancestors, it is a poignant examination of the fleetingness of life and the ultimate futility of the pagan heroic code"
The pagan heroic code is not futile though. If anything it's the opposite; meaning the more futile thing would be converting to the insane cult of Christianity.
@@folksurvival You and I feel that way, but the 8th century Christian poet of Beowulf had a different perspective. Considering how hostile (for the most part) the newly converted Anglo-Saxons were to the old gods, the poet was remarkably tolerant, largely presenting his pagan ancestors in a positive light (though expurgating specific references to the old gods).
@@folksurvivalwhat's the pagan code?
Great video! I agree that sharing Earthsea with a child would be a wonderful experience. I'm up to book 8 in the Malazan Book of the Fallen, and one of the things that astounds me about the series is how well-realized the cultures and history are. I find it comparable to wheel of time in this aspect, although structurally they go about achieving the effect in very different ways. Also, good to see another nod to Piranesi. That book stayed in my thoughts for a long time after reading.
Earthsea was very boring.
That craze of reading a book and finding out what happens before anyone else spoils it (which is now replaced by TV series ) is something which I and everyone of my age around me has only experienced during the Harry Potter books. Its the only time I have seen a waiting queue of people in front of a bookstore . Sadly I don’t think we will see that kind of phenomenon again.
This was such an awesome phenomenon to live through. I remember having loads of conversations around if Snape was good or bad, who would die and who would live, and who the next year’s Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher would be. It was such a fun thing to be a part of and I miss all of the buzz around the movies, the LEGOs, and the like. It was a fun time to be young.
For me the best thing about this video is that you are looking forward to reading to your son.
A friend of mine had to go and put his children to bed one time when I was visiting. When he came back we had a game of bridge (four of us of course). It was quite a wait for him to come back. Why? because he was reading a chapter (one per night) of The Hobbit to his son and daughter before turning out the light. What a great Dad.
I can't wait for the opportunity to share these stories with him!
My daughter was brought up being read the Hobbit over and over by her Dad. She identifies with Smaug. Not sure that was the aim.....
Agree with everything on your list, especially Piranesi, which in my opinion is one of the best books I've ever read. I was excited that you mentioned Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell too!
Terry Pratchett's Discworld blew me away because despite the fantasy setting and the humour, there were a lot of deep topics covered. Every time I reread one of the books, I discover something new. Those books are just precious!
I loved LOTR when I was a teenager sometime in my 20's it became a book I kept because of how much I loved it. Sometime in my forties I picked it up again and rediscovered how much I loved it but I appreciated it levels I couldn't when I was younger.
In my mind that is one of the things that make it such a great book.
So I was actually gifted the His Dark Materials series as a young preteen, but for some reason never got around to reading them until this past year. I’m 25 now.
The books were beautiful. I did not expect to be impacted by them the way I was. Admittedly, I didn’t really “get” the series or start to really enjoy it until the 2nd book, but it’s now one of my favorite fantasy series of all-time, as well.
What a joy again to listen to you talking about my fav books or books that I want to read at some point ❤️❤️
I appreciate the editing, really nice.
It's SO nice to hear someone talking about Guy Gavriel Kay!! He is the one author I will read anything from. Also, I think that was a great list... Please tell us your opinion about the Malazan. I read the first book many years ago but not the rest of them and I'm willing to give it another try
If you want grand epic on the big scale with humour, philosophy and more characters you can keep track of (almost) then dive in. Each book reveals more about the world and characters but it’s one you have to commit to but it’s worth it. Totally worth it imho.
Looking forward to reading some of these I haven’t touched, thanks for the unique recs
GGK 🎉 I haven’t read Tigana yet but a few of his other works have really impacted me! He should be praised far more often imo
Same as you, Tigana is still ahead of me, but The Sarantine Mosaic was splendid.
Thank you for the shout-out for Equal Rites. My favourite book. Doesn't always get the attention it deserves in Discworld just for having come early in Pratchett's oeuvre.
Love how Terry brought it full circle with the final Tiffany book. I’m more a Rincewind fan but do like the Tiffany books.
I don't know if counts as Fantasy 🤷♂ but since I see Beowulf and Tolkien on the list I am going to recommend "Kalevala" a compilation of a finnish creation myth by Elias Lonnröt, another of the biggest Tolkien's incluences. Top tier 🙌
Very well put on all books. I agree with you on WoT. It's a fantastic, immersive series. I've read it many times and it never disappoints.
I feel validated seeing Equal Rites get a shout out as a Discworld favorite. I have read 9 so far and it is for sure my favorite as well. Granny Weatherwax is absolutely hilarious throughout this book.
Piranesi I think has become my favourite book
If you haven't read the Realm of the Elderlings by Robin Hobb, highly recommend it! Hobb has a way of making you fall in love with her characters and feel so strongly for them in a way that I haven't experienced with any other writer
I enjoyed watching the video, thanks. 🙂
I have never been a prolific book reader but I am now trying my best to catch up on lost time. One series I did read when it was first published and one of my favourites, is the initial double-trilogy ‘The Chronicles Of Thomas Covenant’ by Stephen Donaldson. I found it interesting and intriguing but also frustrating and annoying to have a central character that was so easy to dislike and yet so hard to ignore and walk away from, much like Hugh Laurie’s depiction of Dr House in the tv series of the same name! Despite my annoyance with the main character’s seeming lack of backbone and fortitude, I was drawn in and eager to see where the story would take him?
Your description of WOT is also intriguing, and I think I will dip my toe into Book 1 and see how far I get? Thanks.
I am absolutely in love with Wheel of Time. I need to get back to reading the first one again!
Great to see The Once and Future King in your list. It's oone of my top ten books in all genres. I have read it so many times and it still brings me to tears.
I didn't make time to read fantasy during my working years. Finally starting to read new fantasy and started with the WOT. It wasn't for me. It felt like epic-ish okay YA fantasy but I was expecting something as good as LOTR but bigger. I'm looking forward to reading some of the other modern fantasy writers that might be more to my taste. Dark Tower next and then maybe Hobb, Erikson, and Abercrombie.
Great video! Thanks!
Ive picked up the gods of Pegana by Lord Dunsany and am really impressed by his style and proto Lovecraftian sensibility
I am currently obsessively re-reading Piranesi. I put it back on the shelf, and then two days later I'm reading it again. What a journey it is!
I don't know if it qualifies as fantasy, but one of my favorites is The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde. The series weakens near the end, but the first two books are enchanting.
I love all the books on your list with Piranesi being the exception. I read it, thought I missed something, so I read it again and still feel pretty meh about it. Thankfully it's incredibly short so I only gave up a few days.
i'm so glad earthsea was mentioned ❤
Great list! Love finding new booktubers to get ideas from; I've read several from your list already and 2 of them are on my own top 10 list. Here is my list:
10. Deed of Paksenarrion by Elizabeth Moon (this is one of my top 4 or 5 most often reread series; I've never put it into my top 10 until recently but I decided to bump out a few that I haven't read in a long while)
9. Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson (I don't combine the Cosmere books yet like you do; I may later but not as of now)
8. The Banished Lands by John Gwynne (this is one I do combine a couple series; Faithful & the Fallen and Of Blood & Bone; this is a new read for me, not finished with it actually, so this placement may change after I've had more time to think on it)
7. The Belgariad/Malloreon by David Eddings (this is a nostalgia pick; was my favorite series back in the early 90's until I discovered my real #1)
6. Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss (this did work for me, lol. This is one of 2 series that MIGHT have a shot of taking the #1 spot from the current holder; but only if he finishes and it is as good as NotW)
5. First Law by Joe Abercrombie (only read the first trilogy so far; this may change when I read the rest; most likely I will group them all into the same spot)
4. Malazan by Steven Erikson (only read the main 10 so far; I don't think I will combine the different sub series into one as there are 2 authors; but we will see)
3. Drenai Saga by David Gemmell (this was my #2 for about 2 decades; got knocked down a spot a couple years ago but will always be one of my top series)
2. Stormlight Archive by Sanderson (this is the other series that has a shot at #1; Sanderson is probably my favorite living author)
1. Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan/Sanderson (this has been my favorite series since 1997 and honestly I doubt anyone will ever top it; as I said maybe KC or SA but I wouldn't bet any money on it, lol)
Love finding other people who share a love of WoT. I love that series so much; and yeah I don't want to talk about the show either, lol. The characters and the world of WoT far far surpasses ever other series I've ever read in my opinion.
As you may have noticed I don't have LotR on my list; it would be in the top 15 most likely and as you said I have to acknowledge the effect it has had on modern fantasy. But for me it has been passed by many many works. Still amazing after all these years though; just not top 10 amazing.
Others that are hovering around my top 10 are: ASOIAF, Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, Shannara, Rigante, Memory Sorrow & Thorn. It's been decades since I read any of these and my memory of them is faded. I want to reread them all and at the very least Thomas Covenant may very well go back onto my top 10 when I do. I just recently bumped Paks up ahead of it because I realized how much I've forgotten about it.
Anyway, great list. I subscribed and will be checking out more of your videos.
Thanks for such a kind journey through your list! Just finished rereading WoT and i dont think anyone will make an artwork of any sort that tops it for mine. Of course it's riddled with flaws but it has to be to be such a bold and generous masterpiece.
I read Piranesi because of your recommendation, and I absolutely loved it!
Piranesi's ending captured such a beautiful bittersweet mixture: there's palpable loss, but also his endearing will to see beauty. It is not among my favourites, but I am glad for the journey.
The last truly great fantasy books I've read include The Price of Spring by Daniel Abraham, and a number from my Malazan reread this year. Abraham achieved something incredible, and I can't wait until he is recognized.
Bakker's work also comes up in this comment section often: it is grim, but it is of incredible depth. I look forward to your thoughts.
Have you read the Prince of Nothing trilogy? “The Darkness that Comes Before” is the first book and it’s excellent. The series is by R Scott Bakker, a Canadian philosopher, and seems like it would be right up your alley. I’d highly recommend it.
Some good choices on this list. I'll have to look up Piranesi, but I'm glad that they're not all modern books which most lists like this so often are, because so many great books are lost that way.
Wonderful list! I'm excited you're reading Malazan Book of the Fallen and am curious if it will earn a place on your list further down the road. Seeing Tigana on your list makes me excited to get into Guy Gavriel Kay's books!
It is strange that in most best-of-lists Malazan isn't even mentioned or on a rank which is far behind others with no reason. What Jared says about Wheel of Time is just not all-embracingly true. Malazan does that all a thousandfold more complex. History, politics, philosophy, battles, intentions, characters "their own reasons", sometimes not even clear to the characters themselves, cities built on cities upon cities, many many civilizations with there own culture, there own "World War II experience". And all of that culminating in a fitting ending. Erikson is master of 600-page-buildup and 300-page-payoff, almost in every single of his 10 tomes.
Wheel of Time unmatched? Malazan is way ahead of that. There are many weaker entries in the Wheel of Time series, which you cannot say for Malazan. Maybe it is too hard to read and to keep track with those unending many characters, gods, ascendants, peoples. Maybe the first book is throwing the reader in cold water, too much for a casual reader, in the midst of a battle no one can understand by reading it only one time. There is rarely a series which rewards more with a second and third read of the complete series.
Maybe there are other authors which are not mentioned here, Abercrombie, Bakker, Weeks, Lawrence, Martin. Maybe all of those are too gritty, too adult, too philosophical for standard fantasy. To me, the concept of a hero, of chosen ones, is just boring. Donaldson's Thomas Convenant also does not fit those clichés. Noone mentions his chronicles.
Not fitting in Jared's arsenal of "easy" fantasy stories :)
Great list. I read a lot of Fantasy in High School and College. The pace of my world is much faster now but you have made me think of picking up a book again.
Regarding Beowulf: Like many, I read when I was in High School and along side that, our teacher had us read Grendel by John Gardner who tells the story from the "monster's" viewpoint.
I loved the book Grendal. Gardner really captures the monster's persepctive and almost convinces the reader that Beowolf is the bad guy in this epic tale. In the vein of Beowolf, I also recomend Michael Crichton's "Eaters of the Dead." This is a retelling of a historical manuscript by the 10th-century traveler Ahmad ibn Fadlan.
Great selection! I'd be quite interested in hearing your take on George R. R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire"-series; that series would definitely be in my list somewhere.
actually blown away its not even in honorable mentions
Maybe he hasn’t read it… or maybe it’s hard to rank because it’s unfinished
@@canishma If it ever got finished I'm sure it would qualify for an honorable mention, but when you have a series where most people agree that the first three books are great, the 4th is pretty meh, the 5th is merely ok and 12 years later there's still two more unwritten...
Please do a solo review of wheel of time series, showing why one should read it etc. But regardless I really enjoy your videos to the fullest content. Very insightful
I really love Tad Williams fantasy stories, especially Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn and would love to hear / read your opinion about those
This is a very awesome and unique list, especially when you included Beowulf and The Once and Future King. I've really wanted to read both of those works for so long it's not even funny lol. And I definitely think you've motivated me to finally get back to reading The Wheel of Time as well. Even though The Eye of the World can indeed feel a little bit like a homage to Fellowship, it has intrigued me enough to want to keep seeing what wonders that world has! :)
The jump in quality from Eye of the World to The Great Hunt is pretty astounding. And it keeps going for quite awhile!
@@_jared It did pick up in the great hunt, but i still very much enjoyed the first books too. Maybe because i read the series right after reading the hobbit and lotr which i also loved.
Jared, I heard your chat with Steve, and I think it's so funny that you mention that discussion about leaving LotR off the list. Nice choices here--I'm particularly pleased to see Piranesi on your list. Instant classic.
I can’t mention him by name in a video - he’s scared I’ll send him more subscribers!
Clarke is a modern master of the genre. She’s a treasure.
Malazan is my favorite. I'll be curious to hear what you think of it as you go along. I have to admit that I didn't enjoy it all that much the first time through, but the second and third reads really made me appreciate how truly great it is. Although on that note, I do respect those who opine that a series shouldn't have to be read multiple times to be appreciated/understood.
I've read Lord of the Rings, of course, and it is kind of in the nostalgia category since I read it so long ago, but I have actually not read any of the other books on your list, with the exception of Beowulf, which I read quite recently and wholeheartedly endorse. I read the Seamus Heaney translation. I would be interested in further exploration of classics that might be better characterized as "mythology" or as precursors to the modern fantasy genre, such as Beowulf and The Once and Future King, and (included from my own reading) such great works as Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Ovid's Metamorphoses, and even some of Shakespeare (A Midsummer Night's Dream), and Homer (The Odyssey). Possibly some of the fairy tales, like the Grimm Brothers (I'm currently reading the Pullman selections), or Tales of Hoffmann. Big topic!
all your picks that ive read i cant disagree at all so excited to check out your recommendations that im unfamiliar with!
Great list! I love Ian Irvine’s series too (especially the Well of Echoes), and Erin Morgenstern’s The Starless Sea (I’ll have to give Piranesi a go, they’re often compared)…
I agree with you on Name of the Wine. I couldn’t even finish the first book.
If only it was actually about wine....
The first couple of Steven Donaldson 's The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant series and the superb character development and language in the works of Tad Williams , esp. Green Angel Tower.
So glad to see your comments. Donaldson Gets a lot of criticism for Covenant. These impacted me so much as a young person.
Fantastic thoughts and insights to great novels!!
Yes to LOTR!! Surprised that it was number 2, but you have always been thoughtful so I was intrigued to hear your reasoning. I am going to suggest your number 1 pick to my son...! Thank you, brother!
Great to see Beowulf get a mention. Happy to have found your channel!
Have you read the Warlord Chronicles? I’d love to see a video ranking Arthurian books.
First Law series by Joe Abercrombie is a great grim-dark low fantasy series. I've read the first trilogy and it's one of my top reads. I'd suggest if you can pick it up after Malazan!
I just got done with the three standalones following The First Law trilogy and those are awesome. Starting The Age of Madness trilogy in a few days. Cant wait!
@@jeremygunkel That's great! My copy of Best Served Cold arrived and going to pick it up soon.
I can see why it's popular but I competed the trilogy confused why I pushed myself to finish it. I've only been left with that feeling 1-2 other times.
Really enjoying your reviews of these. I'd also be interested to hear your opinion on "The Last Unicorn" and pretty much anything by Lord Dunsany.
I was a bit surprised that The Shadow of the Torturer wasn't on your list since I know you've talked about it in the past. I just finished the first book and while I'm not totally sure how I feel about it yet, I found it incredibly literary and subtle with it's themes.
Oh, and I just started Malazan 4: House of Chains last week and I've been loving every second of it. I'm looking forward to any Malazan videos you might release.
(Slight spoiler ahead so proceed at your own risk)
Book of the New Sun was on my science fiction list. It certainly blurs the line!
@@_jared Ah, that makes sense.
I agree about The Wheel of Time. Although, I'm only 4 books in. I haven't read a lot on the list. One series I do love is The Sword of Truth by Terry Goodkind. I have read and listened to those books many times. Currently, in the middle of one now. I have read Mistborn and Elantris. I have a lot of reading to continue to do. Thanks for sharing!
I loved the wheel of time, but I hadn’t read it for a very long time. After seeing so many people online bash the, I decided to go through it again. I’m actually enjoying more the second time around. Completely agree with the placement, it’s right up there with malazan for me.
Just discovered your channel. Will you make more fantasy book-centric content in the future? I really enjoyed this vid
Have you tried any NK Jemisin? I really loved The City We Became in a lot of ways, and should give The Broken Earth trilogy a try.
I haven't read WOT but the culture and world building work in The Dandelion Dynasty by Ken Liu is truly incredible. It's a top ten series for me.
Try Berserk, it’s good to know a new medium!
have you read the riftwar saga by raymond feist? I was hoping it would be on the list since I wanted to see what was your take on it
I’m not that big of a reader, or fantasy reader for that matter, but I loved it.
I have LOTR and WOT on my list though.
Really glad to have stumbled upon your channel. Its something about the music, how you explain and both the visual and content quality.
greetings from argentina 🇦🇷✨💞
It’s unfortunate you were not a fan of Kingkiller, it’s the first book since LotR/WoT that really sucked me in, and I re-read it every year! :). Oh well, more copy’s for me!
As for LotR and WoT, they flip-flop between one and two depending on my mood. It’s hard to not feel inspired by LotR, but it’s hard to not feel envious at the world building Jordon accomplished. I hear everyone talk about the slog, but I never experienced it.
Maybe it had to do with the fact that I was doing twelve hour shifts in a secure building and couldn’t have electronics. But I was engaged from start to finish.
I’m working through The Stormlight Archive right now, and have been enjoying that immensely!
I keep seeing Ursula K Le Guin from you and others so maybe that’ll be my next fantasy series
I just want to thank you for this response.
I'm not a fan of Kingkiller, and I worried about talking about not liking it would cause some problems. I usually stay positive on this channel. But I'm glad a KKC fan could still enjoy the video.
This is a really solid list. My list would include more of the gritty fantasy. A Song of Ice and Fire, The First Law Trilogy, and Malazan.
Just found your channel, love the list. I don’t entirely agree with your comments on Tolkien, and wonder who has surpassed him or his work but respect your perspective.
One of my nostalgia reads is the Dune series. In particular loved Dune Messiah, which is not everyone's favorite, but it illustrates the limits of power. Also liked the Robin Hobbs series with the Farseer multi=book series. The strongest were the first 3 books.
If you like Arthurian tales, The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley comes highly recommended. I loved Lord Valentine’s Castle (and it’s sequels) by Robert Silverberg back in the day.
Piranesi is definitely on my list of favorite books in general. It's actually the book that helped me to love reading again
Never related to a comment more
Never related to a comment more
I am so glad for the Wolfe shoutout and your recommendation of his opus in the scifi video. I have never read someone this beautiful and compelling and I've been looking for something that matches him and I haven't found it yet. Have you read his fantasy? Wizard Knight is fantastic. Also, what exactly annoyed you about Kingkiller? I liked it when I first read it but I did not know Wolfe then and I think going back to it now would be a very different experience.
Ultimately, the prose fell flat for me. It was sold so hard to me and when I read it nothing clicked.
Wolfe is my favorite author, and, in my opinion, his best book is "Peace". So weird and creepy. I have read it many times.
Malazan Book of the Fallen replaced The Wheel of Time as my favorite fantasy series. Malazan gets even better on re-reads. Beowulf is a nice surprise. Reminds me I haven't read that in years and it is due for a re-read. I haven't read Tigana or Piranesi yet, but I agree with the rest of your list. I didn't realize Susanna Clarke had released a new book, so I have that to look forward to. I really enjoyed Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell.
So glad to see Wot at the top. I’m with you on that! Love it soo much
I like how Brandon bookends your list, I really love the Cosmere, and I’m trying to read the Wheel of Time, but man is it tough. If the ones I’ve read on your list, I generally agree with you (other then the Cosmere is amazing imo)
For me The Wheel of Time is a rehash of Tolkien's work and lacks a new vision or unique personality.
Earthsea is really a gem. It's one of my favorites.
The first 2 books of Wheel of Time are intentionally written that way, if you keep reading, the story gets much much better
That’s why LotR remains my number one. The Wheel of Time can’t derive from it if it wasn’t first. Doesn’t even matter that it got better as the author learned to write.
Glad to see Guy Gabriel Kay on the list. He is overlooked, I feel, but I've read and enjoyed many of his books.
I enjoyed the Witcher series, but more as a simple fun read. I think its at its best in the volumes that are collections of short stories featuring Geralt like a western or samurai travelling from town to town to deal with the "monster of the week." I haven't read everything in Jared's list, but I'd agree with leaving the Witcher off the list. It isn't something you'll be thinking about for week or months after. But fine light reading next time you need to kill a few hours.
Name of the wind of my favorite book of all time lol.
I also just started wheel of time!! Loving it so far
“I don’t want to be so original I say false things.” Struck me profoundly honest and self-aware.
Thanks for giving me some new books to read.
Hey, since you got Beowulf in there . What's your thoughts on epic of gilgamesh? While Beowulf is actually closer to us timeframe wise , it also predates the modern writing era. As for the epic of gilgamesh , it is the oldest written story - but the main theme in it ( dealing with one's own mortality ) is something deeply connected to humans and will always be topical . However it is also something that's been explored many times since , so I'm interested in your thoughts on how does it hold it up compared to modern literature.
Solid list. I am SURE you don’t need any reading recommendations, but I’m going to give one anyway: the Thieves’ World series edited by Robert Lynn Asprin and Lynn Abbey. They are a collection of short stories written in the 80s using a shared world, each told by a different author. The first three titles in the series are the best. It’s the only body of fantasy work that is well-written that I could recommend. You’ve already read many of the other “classics.” Glad to see George R. R. Martin missed the cut.
I don't necessarily need the recommendations, but they are always appreciated!
The Wheel of Time is the best reading experience I have had so far. Despite that I have not read some classics such as Malazan, Realm of the Elderlings, Dark Tower and Discworld.
Have always thought of fantasy as a genre all about quantity over quality and although I have long since advanced onto the classics I did start with this genre and have a soft spot for wheel of time.
Terry Pratchett once said this about Tolkien, and it seems directly relevant: "J.R.R. Tolkien has become a sort of mountain, appearing in all subsequent fantasy in the way that Mt. Fuji appears so often in Japanese prints. Sometimes it’s big and up close. Sometimes it’s a shape on the horizon. Sometimes it’s not there at all, which means that the artist either has made a deliberate decision against the mountain, which is interesting in itself, or is in fact standing on Mt. Fuji."
While i was reading wheel of time i found Ian Irvine and Robin Hobb and i have yet to find anyone who can come close to these three. There have been several very close but these three are my absolute top. I have added your list of books here to my reading list for this year and look forward to seeing their worlds.
If you love the Arthurian legend, can I suggest you make sure you read Jack Whyte's Skystone series of 9 books. It is a spin on the classic tale based from a historical fiction perspective. Set over 3 or 4 generations in Britannia beginning at the time the Roman's leave and the dark ages begin. My favourite series of books along with Malazan.
Kinda like the pendragon cycle? I really liked Merlin.
I’ve been interested in reading Time Enough for Love by Robert A. Heinlein but I was wondering if you’ve read it and your thoughts
The books that got me into fantasy again and literally devastated reading for me is the Assassin's apprentice farseer books. . The characters are like no one else i have read. Had me crying
Have you read all of the books from the main witcher series? Because when I was reading the first two books I didn’t enjoyed them I thought that they are slick but when I read the other books from the series (blood of elves…) I really found them interesting I they are one of my favorite books.
I am not good at writing in English language so I hope that you’ll be able to read it.🤓
I actually dont really care for the battle scenes in the LOTR. I really love the more intimate moments in the books between characters. My favorite scenes were with Sam and Frodo, especially near Mount Doom.
Robin Hobb, Farseer books all the way! Check them out if you haven’t.
Very good choices. My list includes Patricia McKillip's Riddle of Stars. Her prose is beautiful and the ending is gut-wrenching.
Love Wheel of Time, but I’d put the Malazan main books up against them for World and history building. Once you get through the difficult to understand first novel in the series, it’s amazing. After reading a couple of the next ones, I went back to the first one and it all fell into place.
I loved Taigana. The Lion of el Rasaan was even better, again using another culture other then medieval England. I never could make it through Eye of the World. I may have to give it another shot.
Currently on book 10 of the WoT. Can say that EoTW is very different from the rest of the story. The end of Book 1 was the catapult of what the story actually is. Book 2 is when you officially launch off. Who knows, it might not be your cup of tea. With my current experience I can say reading books 2-7 were an absolute delight.
Have you read “the goblin emperor” by Katherine Addison? I loved it as it totally undermined my expectations in a very positive way.
I appreciate most of the list! Personally I think Asoiaf has got to feature. Additionally I’d put witcher in my top 2 along side Lord of the rings (not sure on which triumphs). It’s tricky because so many people are either extremely hot or cold on the Witcher. If you gel with the characters and moral themes and the wry sense of humour, it clicks so well. But if the characters don’t land with you I can understand why it’s “bland”. Personally, there aren’t many characters that rival those of Geralt, Dandelion and Regis and the rest of their group, but I can see why you and many others aren’t so keen
Talking about having to stop watching His Dark Materials (one of my favorite series) is how I felt watching Bridge to Terabithia- I started crying when Jesse left to go to the museum with the teacher b/c I knew what was coming.
Thank you for really good videos
what is your opinion about dune series?
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