7 Great SFF Series Worth Pushing Through the First Book!
Vložit
- čas přidán 30. 06. 2024
- Hi everyone! Today's video will be about 7 amazing series worth reading beyond the first book. Epic grimdark fantasy, urban fantasy, science fiction, and historical fiction. For these 7 series I will talk about today, I have received many questions asking me whether it is worth persevering through the slow start of the relatively weaker first installment. I am happy to say yes. Sometimes there are some series that require reading past the first book before you can reap all the greatness of it. But how long should you stay or be patient with a series before quitting it? That is the main purpose of this video. To help you fully decide whether to continue or when to stop reading the series.
Timestamps and affiliated links are below.
0:00 Intro
1:05 The Five Warrior Angels by @B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS amzn.to/3V1ZIdC
3:03 The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie amzn.to/3Vjb5PN
5:40 The Sun Eater by Christopher Ruocchio @SunEaterBooks amzn.to/3KiscL1
8:30 Remembrance of Earth's Past by Cixin Liu amzn.to/456ReXi
10:30 Paternus trilogy by Dyrk Ashton amzn.to/3KEpmAt
12:23 Heartstrikers by Rachel Aaron amzn.to/4bAl4Wy
13:24 Warlord Chronicles by Bernard Cornwell amzn.to/452dGAz
15:58 Closing
Support my reviews and channel:
Patreon: / petrikleo
Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/petrikleo
Buy books from Blackwells (Free International Shipping) using my affiliate link: www.blackwells.co.uk/?a_aid=p...
Follow me on:
Goodreads: / petrik
Twitter: / petrikreads
Instagram: / petrikleo
Blog: novelnotions.net - Zábava
I started gardens of the moon from your recommendation and I am surprised by how invested I am, 70% through the book and its only getting better and better
People kept telling me it's hard and you need to concentrate and you need to make notes to fully enjoy the series, nope I have been listening to ten very big books podcast alongside the book and I don't feel that lost
Oh that's wonderful. If you love Gardens of the Moon already, it will only get better and better from here on out! :)
I just finished Gardens of the Moon recently and absolutely LOVED it! I also heard it was so confusing, but whilst I concentrated on it, I didn't feel the need to take notes etc. I did immersion-read it alongside the audiobook and it was a fun experience and I haven't laughed out loud reading a book for ages, so an extra gold star! 🌟
Am really looking forward to experiencing the rest of the series 🙂📚⚔
@@ladyfox6705 Same! I definitely had to concentrate to keep track of the many pov shifts but it wasn't as tough as I expected
@@atomicbaby832 As much as I enjoyed the Gardens of the Moon, it has left me with an enormous book-hangover however.
Having trouble connecting with any other books right now 😅 📚
I think Red Rising is another series worth trying beyond the first book - I thought book one was fine, but honestly might not have continued without all the people saying how much better the series gets! So glad I did now!
Oh I completely agree!! I have mentioned Red Rising in my previous episode of this series of videos. Golden Son is a HUGE improvement upon Red Rising!
I'm on the last book of the Five Warrior Angels trilogy. This series is amazing. So much going on, and the twists are epic.
The final battle in Lonesome Crown is EPIC! Enjoy!
@@PetrikLeo I'm on chapter 80. It's all kicking off.
@PetrikLeo
That author needs money. Hopefully, Grim Oak or Marrick or Wraithmarked or broken binding can make a special edition to help with medical costs. See new south park special to see how bad America Healthcare system is.
I've read the first two, both easy 5 stars. I don't get how it is so under read.
I’m going to start the sun eaters series very soon!
Woohoo!! Enjoy!
Brian Lee Durfee’s trilogy is excellent and well worth pushing through the first book as the second is such an improvement even though the Forgetting Moon is still a good read. The Paternus trilogy is also excellent. Reminiscent of American Gods but truly epic in scope.
Exactly that! Also a reminder that I should probably try reading American Gods someday. I haven't read that one yet!
I really liked the first even though I needed a couple of fluffy listens to center my psyche 😬🤔🤪
I clicked knowing you'd discuss Sun Eater. I am currently in the middle of it and it is RAMPING up. I am getting so invested in the world. The beginning was slow, but definitely not a bad slow. It's just taking time for me to get used to.
Well said! Glad to hear you are enjoying your time reading Sun Eater so far. The series keeps getting better and better!
I’m so glad you included First Law because I am currently reading the first book and it put me into a reading slump at first. Honestly listening to the audiobook saved it for me because omg the narrator is actually amazing and made me love parts of the book I was ehh about. Good to know it gets better from here!
I heard nothing but amazing things about the audiobook of The First Law series. Steven Pacey supposedly did an excellent job with the narration! :)
Glokta in the audiobook is pure genius.
Happy reading to you!! 😊
Have been wanting to get to The Warlord Chronicles so good to know about the first book. Also, have The Three Body Problem on my TBR. I like the fact that you indicated it’s less character driven. I don’t mind that because I like sci fi that focuses on ideas. Will also get to The Suneater series so appreciate the heads up about that too. My TBR is like a mile high!
if you don't mind a less character-driven narrative, I think 3-Body Problem will be a big hit. Enjoy! I'm in the middle of watching the show right now! :)
@@PetrikLeo thanks Petrik, haven’t started the show since I think I’ll read the books first. Watching Dark Matter (sci fi) by Blake Crouch at the moment.
Another fantastic video!!! Thank you Petrik!
Thank you, Dino!
Great video Petrik! I'm always happy to see heartstrikers mentioned! I love the series! I agree on the warlord chronicles and Sun Eater!
Thank you so much, Shaad! It's been a while since I talked about Heartstrikers. Such a fun and great series!
Reading Howling Dark right now
ENJOY!
Awesome video Petrik! I am definitely grateful for you hyping up Warlord. It quickly became an all-time favorite for me!
You're welcome! I remember being blown away by the trilogy, too. 😄
Thank you so much for this video. I was reading the forgetting moon and the empire of silence. But couldn't get completely into it. Thanks for this motivation to keep going. New subscriber here😀
Glad to hear the video is useful! I hope your perseverance will payoff nicely! :)
Five Warrior Angels really deserves the Broken Binding treatment
You're so right about this. Will mention it to them!
@@PetrikLeo I'd definitely buy it just so I could finally have the entire set in hardcover!!
I agree so much! Matching hardcovers set is needed so much for this series!
@PetrikLeo omg yes please 🙏😭
Yes please, I have just finished book 2 it's amazing!
This was well timed for me as I will be starting the Warlord Chronicles in a couple of weeks!
I hope you will love it, Sam!
Extremely useful. Thank you!!
Thank you, friend!!
These types of videos are sooo useful, thanks for putting it together friend! I can't wait to dig into Sun Eater and Heartstrikers. I read my first Rachel Aaron (Hell For Hire) recently and I now want to read anything and everything she has ever written! Soooo fun 🤩
You're so welcome, Esmay! Glad you love this kind of video. Rachel Aaron's books are so good and fun. I need to try Hell for Hire as well! :)
The Traveler's Gate is tough to follow in the beginning but so worth it.
Noted! Might be a while before I get to this series. 😆
@@PetrikLeo What? Your TBR isn't full is it? 😉🤭🤪
I recently finished The Lesser Devil in the Sun Eater series and I really liked it even though I didn’t think I would enjoy anything with Crispin as a character 😊
Yay! That's good to hear. Onward to Howling Dark now!!
Listened to the Paternus trilogy on your rec....LOVED it ❤
That's great to hear! :)
I've not heard of Paternus before.. Cool - I am glad to get a new Petrik-Approved urban fantasy!
Give it a try, Brian! It's one of my favorite urban fantasy! :)
@BrianBell7 I listened to it on Petrik's rec and loved it. Audible also sells the trilogy as a set
I've had the trilogy on audio for a while but it's easy to get buried in my audio library 😬
@@PetrikLeo I finished Alex Verus last month and it's a top 3 urban fantasy for me 🙌🏼💖
I did not know you are a fan of Bernard Cornwall! Excellent! I’ve been reading him for decades. But even you cannot get me to continue with Cixin Liu. My brain hurts just thinking about it! Love the shirt! Love Bleach so much!
Thank you so much! And yeah, I'm a fan of Bernard Cornwell's books. Warlord Chronicles is still my favorite, though. I have read The Last Kingdom and I think it's too long for its own good. That's fair on Cixin Liu's books. Many moments in Death's End definitely went over my head. I need to reread the series! :)
Just added Empire of Silence to the TBR!
Woohoo! Here's hoping you will love it!!
I loooove The Blade Itself ❤ and Forgetting Moon 🙌🏼
Sun Eater in August 🎉
Three Body is in my library but not in the queue yet...
I own Paternus, bumping it up the list 🙌🏼 it doesn't look urban from the cover so I've left it out 😬
THANKS 🙌🏼
You're welcome! Glad you loved Blade Itself and Forgetting Moon, too. I hope you'll love 3 Body and Paternus!
@@PetrikLeo I'm the weirdo whose favorite Abercrombie is Red Country 🤪 He and Rothfus were the first fantasy books i read after a 20 year hiatus. That was 800 books ago 🤪
Awesome Video Petrik. Will start the Sun Eater series after Im up to date with the Bound and the Broken haha. 2/3 novella, 1 novel and 1 novella to go.. haha in that order 😉
Thank you so much, Jiunn! A worthy series after The Bound and the Broken!
I don’t understand the dislike that even people that like the series have for “Empire of Silence”. I thought it was phenomenal and i was in love with the series from the very beginning.
Me too!! Haha someone just commented how they dislike Empire of Silence but love the rest of the series. I love the series from the beginning!!
I would've also thrown Red Rising there. Golden son opens the scope so so much
I have included Red Rising in my previous episodes!
Awesome shirt! I have that same one :)
Cool Bleach tshirt!
Paternus has sick cover art!!!
I completely agree! 😁
Thanks for mentioning Heartstrikers! So good and unexpected, especially from book 3 onwards. More people should read it. However l would say the other DFZ books are ok but not as good. But her epic fantasy series Legend of Eli Monpress is a fun light read with interesting ideas, similar to Heartstrikers in that sense.
In terms of other series, the first thing that came to mind when l saw the video title was Cradle actually... Unsouled only started to pick up for me towards the end of the book. But from then on it was so addictive and l blew through all the rest of the available books...
You're welcome on Heartstrikers! I still haven't read DFZ yet. I heard great things about it, though. Same as Eli Monpress. I'm so behind on her books. Need to fix that! 😄
I mentioned Cradle in the first episode of this series of videos! Definitely fitting!
I'm always on the lookout for some fun urban fantasy, but I've never heard of Heartstrikers. I might have to give it a shot.
I think Heartstrikers will surprise you. Give it a try. Happy reading! :)
I dropped Howling Dark within the first hundred pages, sounds like I may have to go back one last time to see if it sticks. Empire of Silence wasn't bad by any means, but there were far too many references to how significant and epic subsequent events would be without actually delivering much in the current book. This coupled with a rather flat, low stakes ending just didn't quite sell me on the series. If the consensus is to stick with it into the second act of Howling Dark though, ill have to go back.
Yeah! That's a good plan. The first 100 pages of Howling Dark was an odd reading experience. It got much better after they reached Vorgossos.
This year I started reading both Erikson and Abercrombie for the 1st time and loved them both!
Both The Blade Itself and Gardens of the Moon are supposed to be the weakest of these series and I fell in love with both, so I'm excited to read the rest!
Still waiting for my order of Three Body Problem to show up, taking way too long.
That's absolutely true on both accounts, imo. Well, they are not the weakest but one of the weakest of the series. Blade Itself is one of my favorite books! I think you will love the rest of these two series!
I agree with most of theses some not read so not all but the faithful and the fallen I didn't get the hook set in me until the 2nd novel but once it set I couldn't get through what is there fast enough not sure anyone but me has felt like this but so worth it
Oh absolutely! Valour is when the series turned to something so unstoppable!
Nice shirt! Kurosaki-kuuuunnn 😂
BANKAIIII!
@@PetrikLeo Your Bankai is just reading 20 books at once lol
I thought the Painted Man section was awesome in HD. Sun Eater is incredible
I agree! 😃
Hi Petrik! Unrelated to the video but wanted to know if Gods of the Wyrdwood by R J Barker was on your soon to be TBR? I saw you marked it on Goodreads and I would love to hear your thoughts. It’s such a unique book that I think you’ll love.
Gods of the Wyrdwood is on my TBR for sure. I have read everything by R.J. Barker, and will definitely read this series, too. Probably will read it after the series is completed, though. :)
I wish I could sit down and chat with some people who don't get into these books or have to be told, "at least go to X book in the series." I'm generally hooked by these books and it only gets better as I get into the series. Maybe I'm too easy to please lol.
I know right!? Also, I am positively thinking it will be easier and more polite to chat about books in person than on text. I feel like people can get easily mean on text. 😂
@@PetrikLeo This would 100% be an in person conversation. Any time you are seeking to understand someone, it cannot be done via text. We don't have the luxury of multiple drafts and editors for out texts to make sure they come across as intended!
I would be interested in knowing if there are stand alone books that could be in this category though, as I think a slow/off start could more easily kill a desire to finish that one book.
Hi Patrik, I loved the first law world and i found the first 2 books really amazing, i love slow burn. In last last book especially the last part of the story which is mostly the war i found it really confusing. Did you experience the same on your first read? Or is it only me who found the events slightly confusing.
I didn't find the events of the last part confusing. But there's nothing wrong with that. You can read it again someday! :)
Interesting video, I was just thinking that the sunk cost fallacy doesn't exist for fantasy readers 😂
Like when we get told to read at least up to book 3 of a 4 book series because that's where it "gets good" 😂
Not gonna lie, that's Dresden Files. Hahaha! Book 4 is where the series starts to get good! :D
@@PetrikLeo You won't hear me argue that, Summer Knight is one of my favorites from the entire series 😂 Though I do seem to be one of the rare people that was completely hooked from Storm Front . . .
I am "salty warbot" upon seeing empire of silence!!!! lol
also on the durfee!
SALTY WARBOT! xD
@@PetrikLeo Hehe, seriously though, I know you love the series!
Great video.
I am not really an Urban Fantasy fan and I like YA even less. Paternus, I have never heard of it, haven't read Rachel Adams either. Otherwise I have read everything else here and really enjoyed them.
Thank you! I highly recommend Paternus trilogy. It will surprise you in the best possible ways! :)
Its not listed, but the Terry Brooks Shannara Series, where is it is an absolute must that you get past the first book. The first book Sword of Shannara is incredibly derivative of Tolkein and even Brooks admits its not very good--but you have to get though it to introdiuce the major families that persist as main characters thoughout the Saga. But after Sword, Brooks finds his voice and the entire Shannara Saga, which spans 42 books and centuries of in-world time presents a fantastic read with incredible world building and memorable characters and even goes to places and explores themes that most SFF stories do not go.
Great suggestion! I haven't read the Shannara series, but that's what I hear all the time about the first book. 😅
impossible to find hardcover copies of the suneater series, such a beautiful set
Empire of Silence hardcover has been reprinted! And the sequels are soon to follow!
@@PetrikLeo that is great news, I hope to get my hands on a copy and complete the set
For Urban Fantasy I have two recommendations. The first is The Dresden Files. I know several people who never got past the first book, and it is honestly not a great read. The second book is a huge improvement, but it's in the third book where the series really hits it's stride. After that it's hard to put them down.
The other is The Iron Druid Chronicles. I had a hard time with the first book. I didn't really like the main character very much. He tended to come across as very self centered, but as the series goes on, he really grows as a person, and other characters that are added to the series are fun to follow as well.
I have read and really enjoyed Dresden Files. I agree so much with you. I haven't read Iron Druid Chronicles, though! :)
Not related to the video but I started Licanius and I kinda freaking hate you for recommending it because I’m not even halfway through book 1 yet there have been so many plot twists that I’m worried my brain’s gonna be completely fried by the end! (The characters are a lot better written than what I’ve been told though so that’s a plus at least)
Oh that's so wonderful. The plot twists and revelations will keep on coming throughout the trilogy. Islington really planned things organically. 😄
I hated the characters in The Three Body Problem and it was too much concept/ideas, so I finished the book and never continued with the trilogy. People say The Dark Forest is even "more challenging" which was the nail to the coffin for me. But if it's that much better in characters, I might give it a try! :0
I don't think Dark Forest is more challenging than Three-Body Problem. Somehow, it felt easier. And yes, the narrative is more character-centered unlike Three Body and Death's End. I strongly recommend it! :)
The Dresden Files is definitely a series worth reading past the first book. The first book is just okay, but the series becomes great. Books 2 and 3 are better than 1, but book 4 is when the series goes to another level and becomes representative of the quality of the rest of the series.
Book 4 is indeed where the series starts to get much better for Dresden Files. And it's so consistently great as well. I have read every book in Dresden Files and can vouch for this! :)
The Blade itself might be one of Abercrombie's weakest books yet its still amazing! 😁
You like Bleach? Zaraki Kenpachi is my favourite character! 😊
I completely agree with you! I love the Soul Society Arc the most in Bleach. As for the rest, I felt mixed about them. There were times when I was obsessed with Bleach as one of the big three of manga. I still think the series should've ended after they defeated Aizen, though. :)
@@PetrikLeo I loved Soul Society Arc but yeah,I agree with you on most part.I only read The manga and stopped watching the anime after SS Arc😂
I almost gave up on the blade itself when i got to a scene (early in the book) where Logan is talking to Bayaz and Bayaz asks him a question and then Logan proceeds to give a complete, unrealistic, out of character, uninterrupted monologue... so I thought this author was not what i was looking for. But i didnt give up! and read all three. There is a lot of plot issues and world building issues with the first law, there basically is none! its all about the characters. Which you would think would be a bit boring, but no, its amazing to me how well expertly written characters can hold themselves up without a plot.
I wouldn't so no plot except for The Blade Itself, which was minimum, but you're right that the expertly-written characters winning over everything else. I always say, when you care about the character, you can overlook everything else. :)
Never understood why people think Blade Itself is slow or not good. That book is fantastic! Before they are Hanged is one of my favourites from Joe Abercrombie. and The Heroes.
I agree with you. Loved the heck out of Blade Itself. Great characterizations and writing = zero boredom. 😄
I was hoping the Licanius trilogy would be mentioned. I DNF'd book 1 halfway through. It's the only book I couldn't finish in the last decade.
Ah that's unfortunate. I love the series, but I think if you're not a fan of book 1, I don't think you'll enjoy the rest of the series.
I can respect the First Law series for what it is but it is one of the only series I've ever read where, upon completion, I was just confused at why I finished it. It has it's own style and if doesn't mesh for you early on, don't bother continuing as it doesn't really change going forward.
I think it depends. If the reader love the style and writing but wanted more out of the storyline progression, they should definitely continue. But IF they don't mesh with the writing and style from the first book, then yeah it might not be worth it.
Does the pacing improve in sun eater after book 1? I have read first 200 pages of empire of silence but nothing significant ever happens to surprise me or move the plot forward in anyway. Does the plot get fast paced
Most of the beginning portion of each book in The Sun Eater series is a slow burn. But Ruocchio is an author that ramp up the tension as the book gets closer to its end. I strongly recommend continuing! As long that you're having a great time reading Ruocchio's prose, though! :)
@@PetrikLeo Yes, love his prose. World building is good too just I want something exciting to always happen in my books with twists & turns. Thanks for the detailed info though, will continue the series
@kushal4516 through the first three books, while they improve as they go, I would never call them fast paced. Red Rising they are not (which is a good thing IMO).
I struggled with it as well. Once Hadrian challenges the priest to a duel, I couldn't put it down after that. Enjoy!
Red Rising is another good one....I loved the first book but it seems a lot of people are luke warm on it or think it's going to be YA...but nah, that series starts to go nuts and is certainly not YA and becomes something far more than the first book seems like it will be. Also, Dresden Files, the first couple books can be samey and you just aren't sure why you should bother, but particularly since the books are such quick reads, you should stick with it if there is anything at all you like about it because it certainly progresses into some really fun stuff and lots of character progressions. They make great pallatte cleansers.
Agreed on both accounts. I have mentioned them in my previous episode of this series of videos. Golden Son is a huge step up from Red Rising. And Dresden Files gets so much better later on! :)
This was Faithful and the Fallen to me.(I know a ton of others felt the same) The first half of the first book was so boring. Like 500 names in 10 chapters and I didn't care if they all got unalived. It ended up getting into my top 3 series of all time.
Yeah! The first half of Malice can be a challenge to get into. The second half and beyond the first book is breathtaking. Love the series so much! :)
The First Law is the best stuff out there. The Best. Nothing compares to it.
Hear hear. A truly terrific series!
You forgot to include Ken Liu's Dandelion Dynasty- Book-1 The grace of kings to your list 😅
I already did in my first video. This is the third video. I don't want to repeat what I've listed. 😀
I know this is a totally random comment, but what happened to you reading “The Fall Of Hyperion”?
I was in a sci-fi slump back then. 🥲 Need to do a second read of Hyperion and this time continue to the end!
Liu Cixin is a SciFi God!❤
He's an incredible sci-fi writer!
Dark Forest has a really weird part where the MC asks the GOV to go find a girl for him and she is for some reason subservient to him. It's really strange.
Yeah that part is weird. To be fair, Luo Ji is an odd person too. 😂😂
@@PetrikLeo But yeah, TDF is the best book in the series. I agree.
I actually thought the first suneater was stronger than the second
Oh that's good! :D
Soooo, read the 1st 2 books. Got it.
Yes.
@@PetrikLeo I pay attention. ;)
📖🥰📚📚📚📚📚
The Gap Cycle is worth it despite the first book
That's another series I have to read someday!
Five warrior angles needs special editions and author needs money for medical care
Very true.
@PetrikLeo
People at Broken Binding never heard of it. Maybe you can inform them or connect Durfee with Wraithmarked or Merrick, that way he could get help, maybe bookmarks or pins, if no special editions can be made.
Peeeeeetrik
Zeeeeeeennnnn
But if it is Sun Eater? Never Give Up 😡
Though I agree haha, 7 books, short story collections, and 3 novellas is a commitment for uninvested readers
You know my heart is telling everyone to read everything in Sun Eater 😂😂
You gotta invest, lord it's so worth it! @@samuelbarber6585
The whole video in 5s:
Just read the second book
I didn't even think about that. it's a coincidence. But you're right. For those not interested in the explanation, this is it!
No, NO!, no book is worth "pushin through", you don't have unlimited time, there's so many other great things you can do, why waste the time on badly written book? a book should be great from first sentence.
Nothing wrong with that mindset. I and some other readers just like pushing through one or two books before the series reached the full potential. 🙂