Daniel Greene I find your reviews to be of high quality even in the times that I may not agree which isn't very often I would love to know your thoughts on Frank Herbert and Brian Herbert
I think only LoLL should be there, the other two were'nt as good imo. That being said, Lies is a true masterpiece and my favourite book if it were a stand alone novel
@Bruno the Lies of locke lamora is amazingly well writen with just the right amount of detailed descriptions and world building so as to not get bored, which is something that might happen with other fantasy classics where the author pays a LOT of attention describing almost every little thing. Also, it's literally Impossible to be bored with this book! I honestly found myself reading looong into the night and going to work ridiculously tired the next day because I couldn't put the book down.
His list: -A Memory of Light (Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson) -The Way of Kings (Brandon Sanderson) -A Dance with Dragons (George R. R. Martin) -The Fifth Season (N. K. Jemisin) -Prince of Thorns (Mark Lawrence) -The Black Prism (Brent Weeks) -The Lies of Locke Lamora (Scott Lynch) -The Poppy War (R. F. Kuang) -A Little Hatred (Joe Abercrombie)
Way of Kings is the book that made me realize that I would read pretty much anything Sanderson put out and I can't say I've regretted buying a single one of his books.
Everyone else while watching this video: *wondering if their fave will make it, assessing books, comparing it with their picks* Me while watching this video: I should read this. I probably should read that one too. Now THAT one sounds good omg
I so agree with you about Scott Lynch. I love the Gentlemen Bastards and the first time I read Lies of Locke Lamora I was completely blown away. It really does not get the love it deserves.
My prediction for the comments: Half -> "Why did you not include (lesser-known book)? A real fantasy fan would!" Other Half -> "You included (lesser-known book)? Bro, horrible pick. No one has even read that!"
For the second category - Middlegame by Seanan Mcaguire. Not enough people have read it or seem to be interested in it. I think you mixed it with her other more popular series Wayward Children.
I've seen previous videos where your fans gifted you with amazing books, which would definitely be on your list, have you managed to read them. So, i suggest in couple of years just do a "RE-DO list" for this past decade.
@@johndavis8746 I'm starting to think Pat just doesn't want to write anymore. His books have made him enough that all motivation is gone, he can sit back and rake in those royalties for the rest of his life.
After reading The Way of Kings, Brandon Sanderson quickly became my favorite author. I've re-read all of the currently released Stormlight Archive books 3 times... and those are THICC ass novels.
Robin Hobb finished off the Elderlings series...maybe its just me, but the series had an indelible effect, fantasy at its best...looking forward to revisiting in the next decade.
Andrew Nelson one of my favorite stories of all time. Absolutely loved it was sad to see it end but happy that it did, I hate when series think they have to go forever.
Read the first 3.... It was honestly the hardest 3 books I have ever dredged through. I had heard amazing things about them. From multiple friends... Everything Robin Hobb scratched down I hated more and more. Loved nighteyes, but Fitz is the worst main character ever to me. i hate him...
Shes so slept on. It fucking baffles me, when people think Sanderson has DEEP characterization especially if you compare it to someone like Hobb. I've read Mistborne one and two, and am about to read the third installmenr, and I honestly find it to be the McDonald's of the fantasy genre. Hobb is definetly one of the biggest names this era and should be treated as such.
Well Brando Sando is on the list and he is here to stay. Looking at his plans only for the cosmere we have at least a couple 10 books to go. Dance of Dragons is almost 10 years old....bro that hit hard.
Brandon has mentioned that once he's done exploring the various Cosmere worlds in their respective series, we're going to see proper cross-over series done with characters and worlds interacting directly. Possible contender for best series of the 2030s :)
Lightbringer was the series that changed all my expectations and notions for storytelling in book form. I didnt imagine that I can have a reading experience in which I am mind blown on every chapter by the twists the story does in an incredibly original and unexpected maner.
Nitpicking here. "The Crippled God" from Stephen Erikson was released 2011. The climax of the Malazan series. It's absolutely tremendous. Besides that, this list was spot on! :D
That's not nitpicking. A Dance of Dragons came out the same year, and he mentioned that steaming pile of Hood's shit. Not mentioning The Crippled God, or the Karkhanas Trilogy, is criminal. The Malazan Series is the best fantasy series ever, and TCG was a worthy conclusion.
Totally agree with your #1 pick. I just love Joe Abercrombie's writing and this twist on the Industrial Revolution with shades of Les Miserables and the aging Glokta and our other favourites from the First Law books lurking in the background was an astounding piece of fantasy literature.
There is really something to be said about books that has no real heroes, and no real villains. Abercrombie are one of the few that i've read who does that really well.
Where can we add submissions for Daniel's TBR list? I never hear him talk about Robin Hobb, but after reading some of her books, she should be a part of this channel. Truly one of the best authors in the genre.
Please stay on CZcams forever, I love you and your opinion and your content and your personality and just absolutely everything about you. Plus, your content is not only very entertaining but also incredibly valuable. How do you not have millions of subs? Literally my first impression when I came across you on here was “Damn this guy must be popular”.
A very important book of this decade was 'Assasin's Fate' by Robin Hobb. A brilliant ending to a beloved series. An often overlooked series of this decade was 'The Traitor Son Cycle' by Miles Cameron, with its especially strong entry, 'The Red Knight.'
The Realm of the Elderlings has a very special place in my heart. I started reading it when I was 12, I think, and finished Assassins Fate last year (having read everything in between). It is a spectacular story
So happy the Poppy Wars series is getting the attention it deserves. The author is so young, and the issues she tackled were really complex. I'm excited to see more books from R.F. Kuang
The only thing that kept me going through last week of vicious winter storm, power outage, worry for the animals on farm was my man @Danielgreen and his endless stream of videos (OK maybe not only him 🤔😉 ) Keep up the great work man love you for it!!! Hope Pips is treating you well with this workload 🐱
Daniel, is like to say a big thank you! Through out this year I’ve taken your advice in reading Stormlight, Lightbringer and just got finished with the first book of First Law. Haven’t steered me wrong yet... thank you for kindling my love for reading ever so. P.S I’ll eventually get to the Wheel of Time
Such amazing books on this list! So many of my favorites & series I need to continue with. This definitely renewed my excitement for the books on my shelf.
Love your vids. Just wanted to give a quick “thank you” for singing Brandon Sanderson’s praises so often. I finally picked up mistborn (I’m not that well read yet so stormlight and WoT are a bit daunting) and I am LOVING every second of it! So thank you for being my favorite booktuber!
I hit like as soon as you said Prince of Thorns! I started the series because of your POT review and it is now one of my all-time favorite series. Book one was good, books 2 and 3 were amazing!
Re-reading The First Law trilogy at the moment, it's been probably 5-6 years since I read it so don't remember much. Almost done with the first book and enjoying it much more than I remember. Can't wait to start A Little Hatred!
God. Dang. I love me some Daniel Greene. You deserve all of the respect and praise you’ve been getting. You’ve introduced me to SO many good books and as someone who doesn’t have any friends who read, you’ve really become something like a friend. Someone to talk to about the things I love. Thanks!
So much love for mentioning Saga in your montage. I love that graphic novels have gotten some respect for story telling. I love your series and pretty much wholly agree with your opinions on books (die hard Wheel of Time fan). I have long argued with some more ‘school educated’ friends about the validity of graphic novel/comic book stories being great stories. Thank you for your channel. I truly love it.
Glad you included Abercrombie, the first law world is just incredible and the best fantasy I've ever read. I know you'll love his standalones when you get to them (if you haven't already? I think I remember you saying you hadn't yet), I (and many others) think they're even more well written than the trilogy.
You and Elliot Brooks got me into the the Cosmere of Branson Sanderson two weeks ago. I have already finished the final empire and now reading Elantris. Good job!
I was watching Sanderson's lectures on youtube without even knowing who he was. I quickly found out he was the author of the final Wheel of Time books, and I looked up top fantasy authors just to see if he would be on the list, and he was twice! Wow.
Great list!I am glad you nodded at the Broken Empire series. I think you'll love it by the time you get to the rest of them. Same with Changes in the Dresden series. I really struggled with Little Hatred. The characters seemed like pale reflections of the their parents.
YES THE POPPY WAR! Currently 100 pages into The Dragon Republic and I am just so beyond excited about this series. It's INCREDIBLE and I want everybody to read it
Great selection Daniel - I would have added the Books of Babel series by Josiah Bancroft. It carries a range of different fantasy settings all in one story line set in and around the tower. It is truly brilliant (and Mark Lawrence would concur).
I have recently created a long-term reading list for myself that both is incredibly daunting and also makes me look forward to the next few years. This video confirmed several of my choices and helped to expand it a little bit (I hadn't previously considered the Broken Earth series).
I feel like the Crippled God deserves a spot on here. I know you haven't read it yet, but the completion of such a massive series deserves credit. Otherwise, I agree with everything else on here.
I absolutely agree. The Crippled God was a great ending to a massively epic series. Daniel has only scratched the surface of Malazan and I can't wait to see his opinions as he continues his journey.
@@t.hussain921 if you can grasp new ideas that aren't explicitly spelled out, it's ABSOLUTELY the best series. There's lots of lazy readers out there who won't give the series a reread which is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY to fully see between the warrens and see the magic of it all.
So many great Fantasy titles! This is why you’re the MAN, Mr. Daniel Greene! You cover all of the most interesting fantasy titles on a consistent basis. I know that with each video of yours that I click on, I am going to be interested in nearly every fantasy book that you mention. Thank you for rarely leaving any important fantasy named book that is trending and popular out of discussion. Every next fantasy book that is on my TBR I get from you. You cover it all. You are at a leading forefront of the competition that is known as Fantasy Booktubing. Cheers to the brand new decade, happy holidays, and onwards to 2020! May you reach all of your career and personal goals in the coming years.
I just got back into reading towards the second half of the year, and also just got into more than just YA, and oh boi do I have a lot to catch up on! So far I'm loving Stormlight Archive! This channel has expanded my tbr soooo much, thanks Daniel!
I think another series on par with Lightbringer and also well representative of trends within fantasy in this decade would be the *Divine Cities* Trilogy by *Robert Jackson Bennett* . For one thing, it was nominated for a bunch of prestigious awards including the Hugo for best series in 2018. It was, from what I can tell, also a respectable commercial success. But more than anything, it explores concepts that have gained increasing traction these past years. Mental and domestic issues, trauma, deconstructions of the divine in particular, the topic of age(ing) for main characters, borrowing from slavic and oriental mythology - all of this has become hugely more prevalent in fantasy. RJB is also an author who's quickly becoming a go-to pick for many people because of his consistently well-written and consistently published books. Much like BrandoSando he hasn't written anything sub par yet and he's known to work on schedule.
To me, this decade signed the discovery of an amazing author (yes it's Brandon Sanderson) and the conclusion of the series I've loved the most, the first that ever made me feel so much things, the beloved Assassin's Fate by Robin Hobb. But there is another series, a french series (which I have no idea if it is popular outside of France but here it's quite something) that began in 2013 and ended in December 2019, the Mirror Visitor by Christele Dabos. It is young adult fantasy, but it reeeally got me, and it is quite original!
Over here letting all of your ads play so you can get 👏🏻 that 👏🏻 bank 👏🏻 bahahaha. Heck yes, I knew Stormlight would be in here but I’m still happy to see it!!! And The Fifth Season, YES! One of my absolute favourites of this year, I’m so chuffed to see people talking about it so that many others notice and pick it up too. 💙 I’ve caught up on ALL of the First Law books this year & I’m getting A Little Hatred for Christmas and I’m beyond excited to start it in 2020. 🤘🏻
I agree with everything you said. There were many books mentioned that I have not read that were added to my already staggering queue of books. I am also excited to see where Rage of Dragons goes. Unless I'm mistaken, it is to be made into a series as well.
I haven't read Prince of Thorns, but I find it interesting that you don't really like grimdark but LOVE Abercrombie. He is unrelenting bleak and exhausting (and I love his work for it)
Well, I guess it is because Abercrombie doesn't do violence for violence’s sake, he always has a point to make. A lot of weaker entries in the grimdark genre are just going for gratuitous shock value, almost like those cheap jump-scare-heavy horror flicks. Staying in that metaphor: A Little Hatred is the Hereditary to everyone else's Paranormal Activity.
I'd also add that, while Abercrombie IS dark, he adds a lot of humor to his writing. Something that can be lacking in other grimdark writers. This humor can help to alleviate the awful things that happen to the characters.
Although ambercombie does write grimdark, it's not really as dark as Prince of Thorns. Like, the protagonist is PoT is a straight up sociopath, even more so than Glokta. Hell, the opening scene of PoT involves a 14 year old slaughtering a town and raping two women.
Lightbringer was epic! I listened to it from start to finish in a couple of months just recently. If you haven’t read the Christian Bible cover to cover though, you will not catch the numerous ties back to it. Lightbringer is quite literally dripping from the pages in references from the Bible. Even some of the characters stories reflect popular Bible stories, not exact mirrors but grabbing heavily from one story and some from another in cases. For an unfinished series, the Stormlight Archive has my vote.
I really loved The Books of Babel by Josiah Bancroft. Blew my mind!!!!! Senlin Ascends, Arm of the Sphinx, and Hod King are brilliant so I hope you give them a try. Fourth book coming out soon (fingers crossed).
Awesome video. I really hope to see more fantasy break away from the traditional euro model. Tribal africa, South America and Asia are so rich with lore and it looks like we are finally starting to crack through. Poppy War looks like it will let authors know it's safer to take culture risks. Rage of Dragons is another one with tribal africa that blew me away. Rebecca Roanhorse is doing some very fun things with Native American lore. It isn't as well written as Rage of Dragons and Poppy War, but it's extremely fun.
I have a very love/hate relationships with joe Abercrombie’s books. I have deeply enjoyed reading his books, and he has some of the best quotes from any author I’ve read in a long time, but while his series is dark throughout, I had a very hard time with the ending. It felt to “pulling the rug out from under you” to me. While having the main characters suffer and even having failures happen can lead to a deeper world, having EVERYTHING fall apart just rubbed me wrong.(yes, I know that there was maybe one “happy” ending, but even that left me feeling uneasy) I stopped reading him after the first trilogy, so maybe he breathed a bit of hope back into that world. But for now my depression isn’t bad enough for a revisit.
I would have to say The LightBringer series is my favorite for the past decade, While I loved WoKs and everything by Brandon Sanderson, It was Brentt Weeks and his books that actually got my back into reading, In 2009 I randomly grabbed his NightAngel Trilogy from a Boarders and I loved it, It got my back into reading and the Light Bringer only deepened that, It was because of Weeks that I became an avid reader again
Having read this post, I felt such shame that I did not leave a review about one of my favorite audio books that I have quickly fixed the issue. I have left a review.
After further inspection, audible has severed the link from the previous edition on the webpage and made a new one, refreshing the reviews and making my review null and void
*The Crippled God* (2011) is an amazing finale in Steven Erikson's epic Malazan Book of the Fallen series, and I'm honestly surprised that it didn't at least get an honorable mention given the general importance of the series within modern fantasy. Erikson's prose and incredibly ambitious world building should be experienced by any serious fan of fantasy. That being said, it's also a pretty challenging read at times due to the immensity of its scope.
Way of Kings and Fifth Season I don't think are just two of the best books of the decade, I honestly think they're two of my favorite books I've ever read.
I read N. K. Jemisin for the first time this year, burned through The Broken Earth and her Short Story Collection (which you should read), have all her other books on my TBR and her 2020 release sounds brilliant too.
To the people who are interested in the Collection but are discouraged by Jeremy's comment, here some professional reviews: bookmarks.reviews/reviews/how-long-til-black-future-month-stories/ or check Goodreads.
This video has really helped me decide what I want to read this year. Need to try wheel of time. Still new to this genre and it seems to be held in such high regard
Daniel Greene, thank you for this list! I clearly have some reading to catch up on... What is your take on the Dragon Age saga for dark fantasy? (If you've already done a video on it I must have missed it.) What started as a game has now a cult following with books and comics. I for one am super excited to see where the story goes next.
Nice picks, I tend to agree with all of your choices. If you are putting in the last wheel of time books, you should do the same for Malazan book of the fallen. An good ending to a crazy series.
Honestly, even if A Song of Ice and Fire should continue, I see no way how the next entries could not be disappointing. The expectations have just become way too high, so even if it were good it would probably not be enough. It also seems to me like Martin's writing style of planting a lot of narrative "seeds" as he put it and seeing how they might turn out is starting to work against him. People have had such a long time to work out every single clue and as such there's pretty much nothing that would still be surprising without feeling like an asspull and that pressure seems to be messing with Martin. In contrast someone like Sanderson meticulously plans his stories before even writing a single word of the actual book and therefore I have complete faith in him to deliver a satisfying conclusion. In addition the resentment people have for the show might also affect the reception of future books. If we assume the larger plot points were somewhat accurate in the show, it doesn't bode well for the books. Even if the show mostly failed on execution, I could for example never imagine how Bran could end up as king without it making me mad (again assuming the show was representative of the future books). While I love the books to death, in my mind I have already accepted that I will never get a satisfying conclusion to the story so I am honestly not looking forward to getting my hopes up when book six is announced only for me to potentially get disappointed again.
These points are really bad and have been disproven many times by now. I'm not talking about the expectations, that I could agree with, but the impact that the show had. Anything that Martin releases people will say it's leagues better than the show. Martin won at the end. If he makes some bad moves, there's no way it will be as bad as the show and people will applaud him for that.
Daniel apparently refuses to read the stand alone First Law books. His loss. I liked Red Country more than The Heroes, but I'll admit that The Heroes was more well written.
Have always loved reading but am new to the fantasy genre. Was first initiated after reading The Ruins of Ambrai by Melanie Rawn and was intrigued enough to dabble in the occasional book. Then The Fifth Season totally blew my mind! And I am hooked! Have just ordered the Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson, and will dive into those next.
Daniel, I’ve only ever read Harry Potter in terms of “fantasy books”, I would like to get into fantasy some more but have no clue where to start. I’m considering picking up the hobbit and lord of the rings. If anyone has recommendations for a series I should start at to get into fantasy, it would be greatly appreciated
I think "The Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings" would be great next steps for you into the fantasy genre. I also think you would like the "Bartimaeus Trilogy"
As someone who is completely in love with Tolkien and his work I totally encourage you to read his books, but I wouldn't recommend them to be your first entry to the genre. His books (Lord of The Rings more than The Hobbit) can be very dense and sometimes hard to get through, but once you're more comfortable within the fantasy genre I would totally recommend it!! A very solid starting point is Brandon Sanderson's work, I'd suggest starting with the Mistborn Trilogy Era 1 (the first book being The Final Empire) but Daniel recently made an excellent video about getting stared with the Cosmere (Brandon Sanderson's work) so you should totally check it out!
As someone who has only recently gotten into fantasy, I would recommend Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn trilogy. The first book (The Final Empire) completely blew me away, and it was a great introduction into the genre. The writing is also very straightforward and the world and magic system are complex yet easy to understand. I've also heard multiple people recommend it as a starting point.
@@Simmi_ I would agree with that pick as well. One of the problems I have with magic is knowing what it can and can't do. Sanderson lays it out so well and makes it easy to understand.
I’ve read all of these 🥲 I’m so happy right now. I’m obsessed with Joe Abercrombie’s work. I’ll be reading ‘The Wisdom of Crowds’ the minute it lands on Kindle.
I have to say I always hope to see one of Brian Staveley's books on a top 10 list. Maybe its just me but even years after reading the Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne it's still with me. I have read a few of the series usually mentioned on the lists and love them to bits. Still maybe someday i will hear someone raving about Staveley 😊
Really great list and some I have really enjoyed, but hands down I have to say Mellisa McPhail - a Pattern of Shadow and Light series - now 5 books in (first book Cephreal’s Hand releases September 2010) is amazing. World building on a greater scale than GRRM, incredible characterisation and a complex and interesting magic system. Everyone should check it out
Cool review Daniel, thanks for posting. If you were to recommend one fantasy book series above all others -- no matter the decade -- which series would it be and why? Thanks again and happy year 2020!!
The Lies of locke lamora is amazingly well writen with just the right amount of detailed descriptions and world building so as to not get bored, which is something that might happen with other fantasy classics where the author pays a LOT of attention describing almost every little thing. Also, it's literally Impossible to be bored with this book! I found myself reading looong into the night and going to work ridiculously tired the next day because I just couldn't put the book down. I'm generation Harry Potter and it made me feel like a little kid, caring so much for these characters and once again in love with reading.
I meant Republic of Thieves, not Lies of Locke Lamora. Damn it!
Daniel Greene I find your reviews to be of high quality even in the times that I may not agree which isn't very often
I would love to know your thoughts on Frank Herbert and Brian Herbert
I think only LoLL should be there, the other two were'nt as good imo. That being said, Lies is a true masterpiece and my favourite book if it were a stand alone novel
@@melleklaver8021 LoLL isn't from this decade though, it's from 2006. Daniel's correction is correct ;)
@@Grimscribe732 oh yeah, didnt notice that that was the reason
The other two weren't as good but I still THROUGHLY en enjoyed them. Really hope book 4 drops this next year 🙏
Daniel Greene- "Brandon Sanderson ruled this decade."
Sanderson- (Cracks knuckles) "Watch me do it again."
Yuup
At this point..I guess it's between him and Joe Abercrombie..since Martin and Rothfuss aren't gonna release books any time soon..
@@leviackerman1799 cannot read Sanderson anymore after Abercrombie.
Makes me think of that spongebob meme, You wanna see me do it again?
@@VeyroneR why? Can you not watch both Tarantino and Christopher Nolan films?
You basically convinced me to start reading fantasy, your genuine love for the genre is intoxicating.
Same as well !
@Bruno the Lies of locke lamora is amazingly well writen with just the right amount of detailed descriptions and world building so as to not get bored, which is something that might happen with other fantasy classics where the author pays a LOT of attention describing almost every little thing. Also, it's literally Impossible to be bored with this book! I honestly found myself reading looong into the night and going to work ridiculously tired the next day because I couldn't put the book down.
Same;)
Same!
Same
'How long can I keep doing this until society collapses?"
That is honestly a great motivation tactic.
Question and answer in a single line?
That didn't age well....
@@Kegle2411 Yup lool
His list:
-A Memory of Light (Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson)
-The Way of Kings (Brandon Sanderson)
-A Dance with Dragons (George R. R. Martin)
-The Fifth Season (N. K. Jemisin)
-Prince of Thorns (Mark Lawrence)
-The Black Prism (Brent Weeks)
-The Lies of Locke Lamora (Scott Lynch)
-The Poppy War (R. F. Kuang)
-A Little Hatred (Joe Abercrombie)
Jemisin 😉
@@ChristmasLore whoops, thanks!
Thanks for the correction, She really deserves it 🎋
Brandon Sanderson's decade?
Seems legit.
And next one will be too
First thought when this video popped up : “ Ok, how many times will Sanderson show up here?”
All the time
I missed mistborn on here tbh
Way of Kings is the book that made me realize that I would read pretty much anything Sanderson put out and I can't say I've regretted buying a single one of his books.
So very cool
Absolutely!
Yep bro yep nothing speaks more truth
I relate so much
Alcatraz - that's the only one that's not for me.
Everyone else while watching this video: *wondering if their fave will make it, assessing books, comparing it with their picks*
Me while watching this video: I should read this. I probably should read that one too. Now THAT one sounds good omg
"Or, you know, the apocalypse"
Really nailed it with this guess Daniel.
Yep, the guess really does age well
Aaaaaaahh
I so agree with you about Scott Lynch. I love the Gentlemen Bastards and the first time I read Lies of Locke Lamora I was completely blown away. It really does not get the love it deserves.
Big facts
I loved Locke Lamora, enjoyed book 2 but wasn't a huge fan of book 3.
All I hear about is how much love it gets....its not over looked at all.
The flash backs chapter's are like nails on a chalkboard for me. I couldn't finish the first one becasue of how much I despised the flashbacks.
i actually didn't like it at all but up to now i'm also the only one
My prediction for the comments:
Half -> "Why did you not include (lesser-known book)? A real fantasy fan would!"
Other Half -> "You included (lesser-known book)? Bro, horrible pick. No one has even read that!"
More like this guy has put out a lot of content the last couple days.
For the second category - Middlegame by Seanan Mcaguire. Not enough people have read it or seem to be interested in it. I think you mixed it with her other more popular series Wayward Children.
Jokes on you, I agree with your list whole heartedly
Well this should be the Pinned comment if you ask me. But yeah the jokes on you. I agree with all on the list.
I've seen previous videos where your fans gifted you with amazing books, which would definitely be on your list, have you managed to read them. So, i suggest in couple of years just do a "RE-DO list" for this past decade.
Speaking of GOT, the Covid 19 is a virus created for GRR to be at home and then finish the series.
As well as Pat Rothfuss
@@johndavis8746 I'm starting to think Pat just doesn't want to write anymore. His books have made him enough that all motivation is gone, he can sit back and rake in those royalties for the rest of his life.
He did say he was spending most of his time in Westeros now....but i dunno if i can belive anything anymore 😭😂😂
@@wingracer1614 we can only hope that money is not the only motivator
And the dream of springs will be just a dream.....
After reading The Way of Kings, Brandon Sanderson quickly became my favorite author.
I've re-read all of the currently released Stormlight Archive books 3 times... and those are THICC ass novels.
Soon you will be on your 15th re read waiting for the Hoid Trilogy
@@nyelbaig wit is such a boss
Robin Hobb finished off the Elderlings series...maybe its just me, but the series had an indelible effect, fantasy at its best...looking forward to revisiting in the next decade.
Andrew Nelson one of my favorite stories of all time. Absolutely loved it was sad to see it end but happy that it did, I hate when series think they have to go forever.
Read the first 3.... It was honestly the hardest 3 books I have ever dredged through. I had heard amazing things about them. From multiple friends... Everything Robin Hobb scratched down I hated more and more. Loved nighteyes, but Fitz is the worst main character ever to me. i hate him...
Shes so slept on. It fucking baffles me, when people think Sanderson has DEEP characterization especially if you compare it to someone like Hobb. I've read Mistborne one and two, and am about to read the third installmenr, and I honestly find it to be the McDonald's of the fantasy genre. Hobb is definetly one of the biggest names this era and should be treated as such.
@@Pakilight93 FACTS
Yes agreed
Well Brando Sando is on the list and he is here to stay. Looking at his plans only for the cosmere we have at least a couple 10 books to go.
Dance of Dragons is almost 10 years old....bro that hit hard.
I dont even think he peaked yet. He's still a rising star.
iirc he once said he's planning on 46 cosmere books.
Brandon has mentioned that once he's done exploring the various Cosmere worlds in their respective series, we're going to see proper cross-over series done with characters and worlds interacting directly. Possible contender for best series of the 2030s :)
@@wanemarr he will peak when we will get that hoid trilogy prequel! 🔥
Ok Dio Brando
Lightbringer was the series that changed all my expectations and notions for storytelling in book form. I didnt imagine that I can have a reading experience in which I am mind blown on every chapter by the twists the story does in an incredibly original and unexpected maner.
lightbringer killed me
This comment alone makes me want to go pick it up.
@@oliviabrakel6129 same
Lightbringer= lucifer? Is the book heavy on satanic things? 🤢🤔
@@gogozeppeli9267 Not heavy but the specific myth of satan as a fallen angel is paralleled in their mythology.
Brandon Sanderson: Wanna see me write a book?... Wanna see me do it again?
Some writers sacrifice quality over quantity but not him. All of the are good
Nitpicking here. "The Crippled God" from Stephen Erikson was released 2011. The climax of the Malazan series. It's absolutely tremendous.
Besides that, this list was spot on! :D
That's not nitpicking. A Dance of Dragons came out the same year, and he mentioned that steaming pile of Hood's shit. Not mentioning The Crippled God, or the Karkhanas Trilogy, is criminal. The Malazan Series is the best fantasy series ever, and TCG was a worthy conclusion.
He hasn't read it yet. Pretty sure he's still on reapers gale
Totally agree with your #1 pick. I just love Joe Abercrombie's writing and this twist on the Industrial Revolution with shades of Les Miserables and the aging Glokta and our other favourites from the First Law books lurking in the background was an astounding piece of fantasy literature.
There is really something to be said about books that has no real heroes, and no real villains.
Abercrombie are one of the few that i've read who does that really well.
Whoaaa
He said there is no order to the list...
Where can we add submissions for Daniel's TBR list? I never hear him talk about Robin Hobb, but after reading some of her books, she should be a part of this channel. Truly one of the best authors in the genre.
Please stay on CZcams forever, I love you and your opinion and your content and your personality and just absolutely everything about you. Plus, your content is not only very entertaining but also incredibly valuable. How do you not have millions of subs? Literally my first impression when I came across you on here was “Damn this guy must be popular”.
I love to have a video from greene everyday
A very important book of this decade was 'Assasin's Fate' by Robin Hobb. A brilliant ending to a beloved series.
An often overlooked series of this decade was 'The Traitor Son Cycle' by Miles Cameron, with its especially strong entry, 'The Red Knight.'
Dance With Me Then I agree with The Traitor son Cycle, thoroughly enjoyed it and it does seem to get very overlooked
Elderlings is my jam
The Realm of the Elderlings has a very special place in my heart. I started reading it when I was 12, I think, and finished Assassins Fate last year (having read everything in between). It is a spectacular story
@@pontuslindheohlsson2184 Thats truly how you write an epic fantasy series of over 20 books 16 of which are in the main story line.
Agreed it should take the place of Fifths Season
So happy the Poppy Wars series is getting the attention it deserves. The author is so young, and the issues she tackled were really complex. I'm excited to see more books from R.F. Kuang
The only thing that kept me going through last week of vicious winter storm, power outage, worry for the animals on farm was my man @Danielgreen and his endless stream of videos (OK maybe not only him 🤔😉 ) Keep up the great work man love you for it!!! Hope Pips is treating you well with this workload 🐱
Daniel, is like to say a big thank you! Through out this year I’ve taken your advice in reading Stormlight, Lightbringer and just got finished with the first book of First Law. Haven’t steered me wrong yet... thank you for kindling my love for reading ever so.
P.S I’ll eventually get to the Wheel of Time
Such amazing books on this list! So many of my favorites & series I need to continue with. This definitely renewed my excitement for the books on my shelf.
Sanderson put out so many amazing works during this decade and I can not wait to see what he has for us in the next 10 years!
Just read A Little Hatred. Glokta is still my favorite character of all time.
Just you wait.
The First Law is my absolute favorite!! Thanks to you. I've yet to read A Little Hatred
Love your vids. Just wanted to give a quick “thank you” for singing Brandon Sanderson’s praises so often. I finally picked up mistborn (I’m not that well read yet so stormlight and WoT are a bit daunting) and I am LOVING every second of it! So thank you for being my favorite booktuber!
I hit like as soon as you said Prince of Thorns! I started the series because of your POT review and it is now one of my all-time favorite series. Book one was good, books 2 and 3 were amazing!
I knew the Powder Mage trilogy wouldn't make the list but I am sooo happy you made it an honorable mention! One of my favorite series by far!
Re-reading The First Law trilogy at the moment, it's been probably 5-6 years since I read it so don't remember much. Almost done with the first book and enjoying it much more than I remember. Can't wait to start A Little Hatred!
God. Dang. I love me some Daniel Greene. You deserve all of the respect and praise you’ve been getting. You’ve introduced me to SO many good books and as someone who doesn’t have any friends who read, you’ve really become something like a friend. Someone to talk to about the things I love. Thanks!
The Licanius trilogy. It is a bit old fashioned but it intorduces some pretty cool and new ideas. Plus the characters are memorable.
I loved this series so far!!!
Yes! I thought it was great! I’m currently reading the third book and it’s super satisfying. Can’t wait to finish it, and read more from this author!
@@janhavi1977, The Will of the Many is in my TBR list once it's released.
Danilo Rezende Is that James Islington’s new book?
@@janhavi1977 it's his current project!! There will be updates January.
So much love for mentioning Saga in your montage. I love that graphic novels have gotten some respect for story telling. I love your series and pretty much wholly agree with your opinions on books (die hard Wheel of Time fan). I have long argued with some more ‘school educated’ friends about the validity of graphic novel/comic book stories being great stories. Thank you for your channel. I truly love it.
Glad you included Abercrombie, the first law world is just incredible and the best fantasy I've ever read. I know you'll love his standalones when you get to them (if you haven't already? I think I remember you saying you hadn't yet), I (and many others) think they're even more well written than the trilogy.
Lord Baelish Best Served Cold is one of the ugliest stories I’ve ever read, but so good...
You and Elliot Brooks got me into the the Cosmere of Branson Sanderson two weeks ago. I have already finished the final empire and now reading Elantris. Good job!
Me: Write that down write that down!
I was watching Sanderson's lectures on youtube without even knowing who he was. I quickly found out he was the author of the final Wheel of Time books, and I looked up top fantasy authors just to see if he would be on the list, and he was twice! Wow.
Great list!I am glad you nodded at the Broken Empire series. I think you'll love it by the time you get to the rest of them. Same with Changes in the Dresden series. I really struggled with Little Hatred. The characters seemed like pale reflections of the their parents.
YES THE POPPY WAR! Currently 100 pages into The Dragon Republic and I am just so beyond excited about this series. It's INCREDIBLE and I want everybody to read it
omg it’s been a year? have you survived the heartbreak?!
So glad to see N. K. Jemisin and Fifth Season in there. Just a remarkable series from top to bottom.
Great selection Daniel - I would have added the Books of Babel series by Josiah Bancroft. It carries a range of different fantasy settings all in one story line set in and around the tower. It is truly brilliant (and Mark Lawrence would concur).
I am so happy you included the Gentleman Bastard books, brilliant series, great characters and amazing world building
I have recently created a long-term reading list for myself that both is incredibly daunting and also makes me look forward to the next few years. This video confirmed several of my choices and helped to expand it a little bit (I hadn't previously considered the Broken Earth series).
I feel like the Crippled God deserves a spot on here. I know you haven't read it yet, but the completion of such a massive series deserves credit. Otherwise, I agree with everything else on here.
I absolutely agree. The Crippled God was a great ending to a massively epic series. Daniel has only scratched the surface of Malazan and I can't wait to see his opinions as he continues his journey.
Wtf is that
@@turtleanton6539
The last book of Malazan series. Probably even the best in the series dare I say.
@@t.hussain921 if you can grasp new ideas that aren't explicitly spelled out, it's ABSOLUTELY the best series. There's lots of lazy readers out there who won't give the series a reread which is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY to fully see between the warrens and see the magic of it all.
So many great Fantasy titles! This is why you’re the MAN, Mr. Daniel Greene! You cover all of the most interesting fantasy titles on a consistent basis. I know that with each video of yours that I click on, I am going to be interested in nearly every fantasy book that you mention. Thank you for rarely leaving any important fantasy named book that is trending and popular out of discussion. Every next fantasy book that is on my TBR I get from you. You cover it all. You are at a leading forefront of the competition that is known as Fantasy Booktubing. Cheers to the brand new decade, happy holidays, and onwards to 2020! May you reach all of your career and personal goals in the coming years.
I just got back into reading towards the second half of the year, and also just got into more than just YA, and oh boi do I have a lot to catch up on! So far I'm loving Stormlight Archive! This channel has expanded my tbr soooo much, thanks Daniel!
Great episode! Articulate, really well-structured and no wasted words. Thanks and happy next decade to you!
I love that Middlegame and Circe got caps off. Also Saga 🎉
I'm still trying to make my list but love this list. Excited for what's yo come
I think another series on par with Lightbringer and also well representative of trends within fantasy in this decade would be the *Divine Cities* Trilogy by *Robert Jackson Bennett* .
For one thing, it was nominated for a bunch of prestigious awards including the Hugo for best series in 2018. It was, from what I can tell, also a respectable commercial success.
But more than anything, it explores concepts that have gained increasing traction these past years. Mental and domestic issues, trauma, deconstructions of the divine in particular, the topic of age(ing) for main characters, borrowing from slavic and oriental mythology - all of this has become hugely more prevalent in fantasy.
RJB is also an author who's quickly becoming a go-to pick for many people because of his consistently well-written and consistently published books. Much like BrandoSando he hasn't written anything sub par yet and he's known to work on schedule.
To me, this decade signed the discovery of an amazing author (yes it's Brandon Sanderson) and the conclusion of the series I've loved the most, the first that ever made me feel so much things, the beloved Assassin's Fate by Robin Hobb.
But there is another series, a french series (which I have no idea if it is popular outside of France but here it's quite something) that began in 2013 and ended in December 2019, the Mirror Visitor by Christele Dabos. It is young adult fantasy, but it reeeally got me, and it is quite original!
Over here letting all of your ads play so you can get 👏🏻 that 👏🏻 bank 👏🏻 bahahaha.
Heck yes, I knew Stormlight would be in here but I’m still happy to see it!!! And The Fifth Season, YES! One of my absolute favourites of this year, I’m so chuffed to see people talking about it so that many others notice and pick it up too. 💙
I’ve caught up on ALL of the First Law books this year & I’m getting A Little Hatred for Christmas and I’m beyond excited to start it in 2020. 🤘🏻
Daniel Greene: Brandon Sanderson ruled this decade.
Sanderson: I will fucking do it again
Great video! It's very thought out and a nice broad scope of books over the decade! Thanks for sharing!
I agree with everything you said. There were many books mentioned that I have not read that were added to my already staggering queue of books. I am also excited to see where Rage of Dragons goes. Unless I'm mistaken, it is to be made into a series as well.
Anthony Ryan’s Blood Song never gets any love
I love it.
First book was good while the second book made me quit reading for a whole week
@Tushar Gage bad, basically it introduces a lot of characters that you have to spend time with that i just wasnt interested in
The third book was a pile of dung
I haven't read Prince of Thorns, but I find it interesting that you don't really like grimdark but LOVE Abercrombie. He is unrelenting bleak and exhausting (and I love his work for it)
Well, I guess it is because Abercrombie doesn't do violence for violence’s sake, he always has a point to make. A lot of weaker entries in the grimdark genre are just going for gratuitous shock value, almost like those cheap jump-scare-heavy horror flicks. Staying in that metaphor: A Little Hatred is the Hereditary to everyone else's Paranormal Activity.
I'd also add that, while Abercrombie IS dark, he adds a lot of humor to his writing. Something that can be lacking in other grimdark writers. This humor can help to alleviate the awful things that happen to the characters.
@@coreydinardo5525 Agreed. A Little Hatred is easily one of the funniest books I have read this year.
Although ambercombie does write grimdark, it's not really as dark as Prince of Thorns. Like, the protagonist is PoT is a straight up sociopath, even more so than Glokta. Hell, the opening scene of PoT involves a 14 year old slaughtering a town and raping two women.
You should. Its great
Lightbringer was epic! I listened to it from start to finish in a couple of months just recently. If you haven’t read the Christian Bible cover to cover though, you will not catch the numerous ties back to it. Lightbringer is quite literally dripping from the pages in references from the Bible. Even some of the characters stories reflect popular Bible stories, not exact mirrors but grabbing heavily from one story and some from another in cases.
For an unfinished series, the Stormlight Archive has my vote.
I really loved The Books of Babel by Josiah Bancroft. Blew my mind!!!!! Senlin Ascends, Arm of the Sphinx, and Hod King are brilliant so I hope you give them a try. Fourth book coming out soon (fingers crossed).
Sanderson is gonna have the next decade too. He's starting with a bang, SA #4 coming in 2020!
Awesome video. I really hope to see more fantasy break away from the traditional euro model. Tribal africa, South America and Asia are so rich with lore and it looks like we are finally starting to crack through. Poppy War looks like it will let authors know it's safer to take culture risks. Rage of Dragons is another one with tribal africa that blew me away. Rebecca Roanhorse is doing some very fun things with Native American lore. It isn't as well written as Rage of Dragons and Poppy War, but it's extremely fun.
Well, it seems I'm a little behind! I love your lists, Daniel. They really help put a spotlight on quality reads.
Slowly gathering the Hardcover editions on The Wheel of Time (4 down 10 to go) with hopes that Juniper Books releases some awesome new cover art.
I find those are half priced books clearance rack non stop
I just started The Eye of The World. I'm so excited!
we might be seeing the new song of ice and fire book soon he said xD it's crazy seeing all our hopes slowing fade into resignation
I have a very love/hate relationships with joe Abercrombie’s books. I have deeply enjoyed reading his books, and he has some of the best quotes from any author I’ve read in a long time, but while his series is dark throughout, I had a very hard time with the ending. It felt to “pulling the rug out from under you” to me. While having the main characters suffer and even having failures happen can lead to a deeper world, having EVERYTHING fall apart just rubbed me wrong.(yes, I know that there was maybe one “happy” ending, but even that left me feeling uneasy) I stopped reading him after the first trilogy, so maybe he breathed a bit of hope back into that world. But for now my depression isn’t bad enough for a revisit.
Always nice to see your videos. They are pure quality! Even tough my choice of top fantasybooks would be soooo different.. Lol😁👌
Anthony Ryan had some great books come out within last 10 years: Raven's Shadow Series and Draconis Memoria Series
I loved Raven's shadow series, but the Draconis series I found disappointing.
Great list. A bunch of my favorites here. The ones I haven't read will be promptly added to my TBR
I'd love to see videos about your picks for some of the previous decades 😁
I would have to say The LightBringer series is my favorite for the past decade, While I loved WoKs and everything by Brandon Sanderson, It was Brentt Weeks and his books that actually got my back into reading, In 2009 I randomly grabbed his NightAngel Trilogy from a Boarders and I loved it, It got my back into reading and the Light Bringer only deepened that, It was because of Weeks that I became an avid reader again
Wow, you’re right. The English version of The Lies of Locke Lemora has ZERO reader reviews on Audible...
Having read this post, I felt such shame that I did not leave a review about one of my favorite audio books that I have quickly fixed the issue. I have left a review.
After further inspection, audible has severed the link from the previous edition on the webpage and made a new one, refreshing the reviews and making my review null and void
Diplomat of Uram will always be one of my favorites but it's from 2020. Great list by the way!
*The Crippled God* (2011) is an amazing finale in Steven Erikson's epic Malazan Book of the Fallen series, and I'm honestly surprised that it didn't at least get an honorable mention given the general importance of the series within modern fantasy. Erikson's prose and incredibly ambitious world building should be experienced by any serious fan of fantasy. That being said, it's also a pretty challenging read at times due to the immensity of its scope.
Way of Kings and Fifth Season I don't think are just two of the best books of the decade, I honestly think they're two of my favorite books I've ever read.
I read N. K. Jemisin for the first time this year, burned through The Broken Earth and her Short Story Collection (which you should read), have all her other books on my TBR and her 2020 release sounds brilliant too.
To the people who are interested in the Collection but are discouraged by Jeremy's comment, here some professional reviews:
bookmarks.reviews/reviews/how-long-til-black-future-month-stories/
or check Goodreads.
This video has really helped me decide what I want to read this year. Need to try wheel of time. Still new to this genre and it seems to be held in such high regard
Daniel Greene, thank you for this list!
I clearly have some reading to catch up on...
What is your take on the Dragon Age saga for dark fantasy? (If you've already done a video on it I must have missed it.)
What started as a game has now a cult following with books and comics. I for one am super excited to see where the story goes next.
Nice picks, I tend to agree with all of your choices.
If you are putting in the last wheel of time books, you should do the same for Malazan book of the fallen. An good ending to a crazy series.
N.K. Jemisin is my favorite author that I discovered this year
read pirate aba's the wandering inn
Honestly, even if A Song of Ice and Fire should continue, I see no way how the next entries could not be disappointing.
The expectations have just become way too high, so even if it were good it would probably not be enough.
It also seems to me like Martin's writing style of planting a lot of narrative "seeds" as he put it and seeing how they might turn out is starting to work against him. People have had such a long time to work out every single clue and as such there's pretty much nothing that would still be surprising without feeling like an asspull and that pressure seems to be messing with Martin. In contrast someone like Sanderson meticulously plans his stories before even writing a single word of the actual book and therefore I have complete faith in him to deliver a satisfying conclusion.
In addition the resentment people have for the show might also affect the reception of future books. If we assume the larger plot points were somewhat accurate in the show, it doesn't bode well for the books. Even if the show mostly failed on execution, I could for example never imagine how Bran could end up as king without it making me mad (again assuming the show was representative of the future books).
While I love the books to death, in my mind I have already accepted that I will never get a satisfying conclusion to the story so I am honestly not looking forward to getting my hopes up when book six is announced only for me to potentially get disappointed again.
Tim T don't lose hope just yet. There are two more books. The big two. Though it might go the other way as well.
Tim T thanks for your essay. B-
IF the next book is announced, my friend, IF
These points are really bad and have been disproven many times by now. I'm not talking about the expectations, that I could agree with, but the impact that the show had. Anything that Martin releases people will say it's leagues better than the show. Martin won at the end. If he makes some bad moves, there's no way it will be as bad as the show and people will applaud him for that.
100% agreed
My favorite book this decade is ”The heroes” by Joe Abercrombie. It is truly a masterpiece.
Daniel apparently refuses to read the stand alone First Law books. His loss.
I liked Red Country more than The Heroes, but I'll admit that The Heroes was more well written.
Love "The Heroes" but for re-reads "Best Served Cold" is just wonderful.
The Faithful & The Fallen series is AMAZING!
I added a few book from this mist.
Thank you!
Have always loved reading but am new to the fantasy genre. Was first initiated after reading The Ruins of Ambrai by Melanie Rawn and was intrigued enough to dabble in the occasional book. Then The Fifth Season totally blew my mind! And I am hooked! Have just ordered the Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson, and will dive into those next.
Daniel, I’ve only ever read Harry Potter in terms of “fantasy books”, I would like to get into fantasy some more but have no clue where to start. I’m considering picking up the hobbit and lord of the rings. If anyone has recommendations for a series I should start at to get into fantasy, it would be greatly appreciated
I think "The Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings" would be great next steps for you into the fantasy genre. I also think you would like the "Bartimaeus Trilogy"
He’s got a video somewhere in his catalog that explains the best books to start with when getting into fantasy.
As someone who is completely in love with Tolkien and his work I totally encourage you to read his books, but I wouldn't recommend them to be your first entry to the genre. His books (Lord of The Rings more than The Hobbit) can be very dense and sometimes hard to get through, but once you're more comfortable within the fantasy genre I would totally recommend it!! A very solid starting point is Brandon Sanderson's work, I'd suggest starting with the Mistborn Trilogy Era 1 (the first book being The Final Empire) but Daniel recently made an excellent video about getting stared with the Cosmere (Brandon Sanderson's work) so you should totally check it out!
As someone who has only recently gotten into fantasy, I would recommend Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn trilogy. The first book (The Final Empire) completely blew me away, and it was a great introduction into the genre. The writing is also very straightforward and the world and magic system are complex yet easy to understand. I've also heard multiple people recommend it as a starting point.
@@Simmi_ I would agree with that pick as well. One of the problems I have with magic is knowing what it can and can't do. Sanderson lays it out so well and makes it easy to understand.
Definitly going to have to try out the 5th season after that review!
I’ve read all of these 🥲 I’m so happy right now. I’m obsessed with Joe Abercrombie’s work. I’ll be reading ‘The Wisdom of Crowds’ the minute it lands on Kindle.
I have to say I always hope to see one of Brian Staveley's books on a top 10 list. Maybe its just me but even years after reading the Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne it's still with me. I have read a few of the series usually mentioned on the lists and love them to bits. Still maybe someday i will hear someone raving about Staveley 😊
You have me hooked! I’m a fantasy author and I love hearing all of the other books for me to read. Cheers to the video!
Really great list and some I have really enjoyed, but hands down I have to say
Mellisa McPhail - a Pattern of Shadow and Light series - now 5 books in (first book Cephreal’s Hand releases September 2010) is amazing. World building on a greater scale than GRRM, incredible characterisation and a complex and interesting magic system. Everyone should check it out
Cool review Daniel, thanks for posting. If you were to recommend one fantasy book series above all others -- no matter the decade -- which series would it be and why? Thanks again and happy year 2020!!
Can’t wait for you to hopefully read City of Brass. Chakraborty is absolutely amazing.
The Lies of locke lamora is amazingly well writen with just the right amount of detailed descriptions and world building so as to not get bored, which is something that might happen with other fantasy classics where the author pays a LOT of attention describing almost every little thing. Also, it's literally Impossible to be bored with this book! I found myself reading looong into the night and going to work ridiculously tired the next day because I just couldn't put the book down. I'm generation Harry Potter and it made me feel like a little kid, caring so much for these characters and once again in love with reading.
I've just finished The lies of Locke Lamora and it was really good, so I'll continue with the series. Thank you for your recommendation.
I was waiting for it and you delivered right at the end. I knew you wouldn't let me down!
Haven't read Way of Kings yet, should I blind buy Stormlight Archives part 2 and 3? Going book shopping on Saturday.
If you like Mistborn or Brandons other work: yes
@@tommyschulz2049 I was a big fan of Mistborn (Fallen Empire) to be honest
yes!
its like wheel of time with anti gravity its awesome
yes. definitely. absolutely.