Go to www.magicmind.com/capturedinwords CAPTUREDINWORDS20 gets you up to 48% off your first subscription for the next 10 days or 20% off for a one time purchase #magicmind #mentalperformance #productivityhacks Let me know your favorite fantasy books!
Again, no mention of Chronicles of Prydain or the series by Tamora Pierce. Thanks by the way for Dragon Riders of Pern, those were my first series that I actually have up to All the Weyrs of Pern.
I know that this comment is not related to this video, but I really wanted to recommend the Shahnameh book to you. The subject of the Shahnameh is the myths and history of Iran from the beginning to the Arab invasion of Iran in the 7th century AD. But the Shahnameh is not a completely historical book and contains three mythological, heroic and historical parts. And because books with fantasy genre are rarely found in Iranian literature. I decided to recommend Shahnameh to you to know your professional opinion about this book. Please share your opinion about Shahnameh. It means a lot to me.
I have issues with Beserk being higher than earthsea and gentlemen bastards, and im sure im the only one, never read the riyria chronicles so i cant judge on that one.
@Bt-cq6te I would argue Berserk's Golden Age arc is the pinnacle of fantasy that not only outshines them but most (esp Earthsea, which a lot actually don't put that highly despite it being somewhat old classic)
*INDEX/CONTENTS:* TOP 10: 03:55 10. The Riyria Revelations - Michael J. Sullivan 07:10 9. Gentleman Bastard - Scott Lynch 10:06 8. Earthsea Cycle - Ursula K. Le Guin 12:00 7. Berserk - Kentaro Miura 15:06 6. The Faithful and the Fallen - John Gwynne 17:07 5. Discworld - Terry Pratchett 20:25 4. The Stormlight Archive - Brandon Sanderson 24:44 3. The Wheel of Time - Robert Jordan 26:55 2. The Book of the New Sun - Gene Wolfe 29:09 1. The First Law - Joe Abercrombie BONUS SPOT: 34:28 The Lord of the Rings - J.R.R. Tolkien HONORABLE MENTIONS: 36:30 The Realm of the Elderlings - Robin Hobb 37:34 Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn - Tad Williams 38:31 A Song of Ice and Fire - George R.R. Martin 39:37 Dragonlance Chronicles - Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman 39:50 Dragonriders of Pern - Anne McCaffrey 40:12 The Broken Earth - N.K. Jemisin 40:55 The Legend of Drizzt - R.A. Salvatore 41:56 Dungeon Crawler Carl - Matt Dinniman 43:11 Malazan Book of the Fallen - Steven Erikson 43:59 The Belgariad - David Eddings 44:19 The Mistborn Saga - Brandon Sanderson 44:43 Harry Potter - J.K. Rowling 45:28 The Kingkiller Chronicle - Patrick Rothfuss 46:27 The Dresden Files - Jim Butcher 46:45 Gormenghast - Mervyn Peake
My ADHD head jumps around so many different series rather than sticking to just one and reading it to completion. I know one month I'll end up on the last book of about 5 different series at the same time and emotionally collapse.
Now I'm wondering if I have ADHD because I do the same thing 😂 I jump around several different series and it takes me forever to actually finish them. I do this with TV shows and videogames as well
@@jorisschelfhout2348 I feel like there’s so much I don’t know about because I got introduced into reading bc of romance and then realized I am a fantasy person through and through. I keep reading older books and realizing this is what I like to read. I don’t read romance anymore and I keep getting recommended romantic fantasy and they is NOT what I want.
Thomas Covenant series, Melanie Rawn’s Dragon Prince books, even the Deryni books and I could go on and on, are what gave fantasy the depth to hold up these more modern icons. Wheel of Time is my favorite series but would I have even heard of it if Magic’s Pawn’s Vanyel, Tasslehoff Burrfoot, Bold Shea and timid Flick, dark Allanon and dangerous Garet Jax, powerful Sioned and beautiful, intelligent Rohan, the dwarves Bruenor Battlehammer with Ivan and Pikel Bouldershoulder. the dryad Ce’Nedra, Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser, Gord the Rogue, Pug and Thomas and Ahsen-Shugar riding a dragon among the stars, and stories seemingly beyond counting not given me a deep and abiding love of the genre? I do very much enjoy the more modern books but I am not sure they make me feel what the earlier books did. Maybe I am just too old, but a fire built by Durnik to warm me, a meal from Aunt Pol to sustain me and a yarn from Mister Wolf to chill or delight me, sounds about as good as life can get to me right now.
10:Riryia chronicle's 9:gentlemens bastard's 8: earth sea 7:beserk 6:the faithful and the fallen 5:disc world 4:stormlight archive 3:wheel of time 2:the book of the new sun 1:the first law trilogy
I truly fell in love with the First Law because of the characters and Joe's writing style. I feel like I really know all of the characters - including all of their quirks. I always associate *'click, tap, pain'* with Glokta lol. Just masterful stuff from Lord Grimdark himself!
Strength before weakness. Journey before destination. "Honour is dead, but I'll see what I can do" "Sometimes a hypocrite is just a man who is in the process of changing" "Szeth Son-Son Volano wore white on the day he was to kill a king. White to give warning, white to stand out. For if you were going to assassinate a man, he was entitled to see you coming"
hellyeah i luv the dragonlance series, i'm re-reading it now as a warmup to get back into a lot of these recent fantasy series i've missed over the last 15-20 years.
You really have to read more of Realm of the Elderlings! I'm reading the last book and all of it is a rollercoaster of emotions. I've cried and laugh so much with Fitz. This series is amazing and I don't think it gets as much recognization as it deserves, no many people know about it. I'd really excited to hear your thoughts about te other ROTE books
Started reading The Bound and the Broken series by Ryan Cahill ...absolutely loving it so far its like LotR meets Eragon meets Star Wars with a touch of Game of Thrones and Full Metal Alchemist ...if you grew up as a kid in the late 90's early 2000s this series was written for you
I finished the 1st book and it was good but nothing that blew me away. It just felt like a copy of eragon. Does the series get better? I did really like rist as a character.
@@Logan-lz5gu second book is miles a head of the first and third is miles ahead of the second ...they just get better and better with every new release
I’ve been looking at Book of the New Sun all week as a potential option in between ROW and the wait for Wind and Truth. I think you’ve convinced me to do it!
Your description of Discworld was spot on. Pratchett was a gift to the world. Do yourself a favor and stop with Unseen Academicals. After that, his Alzheimer's led him to read like increasingly bad fanfiction. These days I look at Pratchett as the writing equivalent a long and happy marriage with a couple of bad years at the end.
This is a really great list, I know because I would have had a pretty similar top 10 - and the ones I didn't I will be absolutely checking them out on your recommendation.
1st Law is hard to beat, keep banging that drum because I haven't heard anything about it at all until I found Mike's book reviews (while reading the Dune sequels) and it got me back into reading fantasy after years. I'm sure some random person looking for a new fantasy series will stumble on this and find out why we live Glokta and Logan so much
I've never felt so justified with my opinions on The Blade Itself than after listening to your review! I finished Book 1 yesterday and had a hard time getting into it. I felt like I was waiting for the plot to kick in until the 80% point. But I loved the individual characters - they're absolutely fascinating. I've described it to others as "fantasy Seinfeld" with the characters just doing their own thing, completely unrelated to the plot. I listened to the audiobook (since that's the only way for me to get through more than 1 book every 3 years), and it absolutely elevated my experience with the book. I'm excited to get into Book 2 since it seems like Book 1 set up the next book well.
So happy to see the Ryiria love! If you haven't read the 3,000 year prequel Legends of the First Empire, it is also soooooo good!! Such an incredible cast of characters!!
I'm reading The Dragonbone Chair right now and I love the slow start. I'm about a third of the the way through it and Tad's writing is so captivating. I really enjoy it and if this is supposed to be the worst part then I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy.
I'm gad you're enjoying the beginning!! For me, I initially enjoyed the slow cozy start but then I felt like it went on for a bit too long. But if you are having no issues with it, then you will definitely enjoy the rest of the series!
I can not wait for book 5 of The Stormlight Archive. I completely agree with you about some of the character's growth getting stalled, I felt Rhythm of War was very slow in the middle but it did finally pick up and it's still a good book. Still love the characters and can't wait to see what happens next! Willshaper talking here 😊
I love to see someone so young including some of the best fantasy books ever, but quite “old”, like Le Guin and Wolfe. Nowadays is so rare! Subscribed right away.
I started reading The Faithful and the Fallen after watching one of your other Best of Fantasy video, and Im really glad I did! Im thoroughly enjoying it. I just finished book 3 and want to give myself some time to process the events, before I start book 4. Im watching this video now to find another recommendation from you to start after I finish this one.
Wheel of Time was my first epic fantasy series and is what truely got me into the genre. It will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for mentioning Memeory Sorrow and Thorn. I agree its slow to get going and I also almost DNFed it. Williams' prose are just so delicious, and I find the series to be "cozy" reading because of the prose.
Hopefully the upcoming Broken Binding editions of Memory, Sorrow and Thorn will bring more people to read and love the series. I've been collecting the Grim Oak Press special editions and got book 2, Stone of Farewell, last month. I'll be starting my reread as soon as I finish my reread of Rhythm of War. Two big rereads this year to prepare for my two most anticipated books of 2024: 1) The Navigator's Children by Tad Williams 2) Wind and Truth Yes, I have a book that I am (barely) more excited for than a Stormlight book. Lol
Robin Hobbs Realm of the Elderlings is a masterpiece, come on man you owe it to yourself to finish the series. I know it's a big commitment but please trust me it's totally worth it. I'm currently on the 11th book. Honestly it's absolutely incredible. From what I've heard the finale Trilogy is out of this world.
I've already forgotten the book but it is the first book that was presented. Will have to look into that one. Thanks for the presentation; these are great books!
Hadrian and Royce made me cry. i absolutely loved their dynamic and it was such an emotional, wild ride. and the last book broke my heart. Glokta has to be one of the best characters ever written. often think about the books too. the audiobook is also amazing. the ending still haunts me. wont ever be able to forget. james islington's debut series Licanius is also a worthwile mention imo. Far from perfect but great development. ye kingkiller wont be a trilogy at the current rate it is going.
Same here!! Their dynamic is perfect. Also YESSS I agree with you about Glokta, he's by far one of my all time favorite characters, and I wasn't expecting to like him as much as I did. I definitely need to get to Licanius soon!
Just picked up reading as a hobby and need books to read. Fantasy is my favorite genre since I started with Lord of the rings and Potter. This video is helpful, thank you.
Dungeon Crawler Carl is amazing!! I’ve read all but 2 series on your list and I think it deserves a spot just due to the sheer enjoyment of the books. Especially the audiobooks. Best audiobooks I’ve ever listened to and it’s not even close!
Thank you for this Jay! I have only started reading fantasy over this past year and have mainly dove into Sanderson. I’m a huge fan of all 5 books I’ve read of his so far and I love to keep up with his weekly updates. That being said I have been really wanting to branch away from Sanderson and see if something else fits me more. I have 6 non-Sanderson series on my shelf right now I am excited to try. (Middle Earth, WoT, Realm of the Elderlings, First Law, Faithful and the Fallen & the Dandelion Dynasty) if yall have any other suggestions, lmk!
That is a really great lineup. I haven't read a few of these like Dragonlance or Dungeon Crawler Carl, and there's a few that didn't work for me like Gwynne and Wolfe, but the rest are all top tier stuff for me. Great video!
Great video. One thing you didnt mention is that the Theft of Swords is actually a compilation of two books as are the next two books. Each one is a 2 book compilation that makes up the 6 books in that series. I couldn't get through Gentlemen Bastards, not because it wasn't good, just wasn't what I was in the mood for at the time. I'll try it again later. The ones on your list that I haven't yet read but plan to are Stormlight archive, Book of the New Sun, Faithful and the Fallen, wheel of Time and most of your honorable mentions. Reading The Belgariad by David Eddings right now and enjoying it. ASOIAF is my all time favorite series, book 3 is my highest rated book to date along with Ordinary Grace which is a completely different type of book. Thank for the great video!
Couple new additions to my top 10 this year as well: 10. The Belgariad/Malloreon by David Eddings (not new; been in top 10 since the mid 1990's) 9. Kingkiller Chronicles (since 2022; was top 5 for awhile but it's never going to be finished so will probably drop out) 8. The Band by Nicolaus Eames (added last year) 7. Broken Empire/Red Queen's War by Mark Lawrence (new this year; I combine these two because they are set in same world with some overlapping story elements) 6. Mistborn Era 2 by Brandon Sanderson (new this year; I don't combine the Era's since they are so different; Era 1 is top 20) 5. Malazan by Steven Erikson (added 2022) 4. Drenai Saga by David Gemmell (since 1990's) 3. Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson (since 2021) 2. First Law by Joe Abercrombie (I combine all of them, stand alones & AoM trilogy into 1 group; added 2022) 1. Wheel of Time by Jordan/Sanderson (been my #1 since 1997)
Guards! Guards! is one of those rare books I reread parts of regularly. If you get the audiobooks, Death is voiced by Christopher Lee. His performance is too awesome for words to tell.
I have read the Coldfire trilogy! It's one of my favorites, such a great series that is overlooked by many. Love the scifi elements and I'd almost consider it grimdark before grimdark was fully defined. I'll definitely make a video on it at some point!
I always enjoy this update because of your extensive list of honorable mentions - all of us can find our favorite on that list and assume it was #11! 🤣 My top 5 at the moment: 5. The Wheel of Time 4. The Dark Tower 3. The First Law Universe 2. The Lord of the Rings 1. The Realm of the Elderlings Thanks for the video! I'm reading the Sarantine Mosaic and Memory, Sorrow and Thorn soon and think they may disrupt my list!
Yes definitely read the bloodsworn saga. With the 3rd book coming out in October, you will not be disappointed. I absolutely love this series. My favourite series is The Demon Cycle by Peter V Brett
My favorite fantasy of all time is from an author of my country and in my language (Germany/german), i do not know if there is any english translation to be honest with you... It is about a vampire and begins in the 15 century and he tries to find out what is wrong with him, he thinks it is like disease etc., so it is not clear for him that he is vampire. It also has a twist later on, if a vampire kills another one he gets his powers, so it is like Highlander too. There are round about 20 books so far and you are following him through Europe, Asia and so on. And the time is relevant too, so you are able to experience different centuries, he meets a friend (someone he turned on a slavery ship), finds and losts love, he encounters many different other "creatures" like werewolves, humans that are demigods (Egypt) and other stuff. It is really entertaining, well written and combines a lot of fantasy, but in a different mixed way so to speak. It is from the author "Wolfgang Holbein" and is called "Die Chronik der Unsterblichen" "The Chronicals of the Immortals". There are even comics, graphic novels and like i said round about 20 books. I would really love to see this as a series or that it would get more recognition outside of the "german speaking realm".
Wow this sounds really cool! I like that Highlander aspect, where killing a vampire gives you their powers as well. Sounds super interesting! I wish there was an English translation, because I would definitely give it a shot
Thanks for the wonderful list. So many of my favorites were included. I will give you one of my top 10 fantasy series that wasn't included. I loved the Vega Jane series by David Baldacci. Give it a try.
No a song of ice and fire 😭 but it’s okay you haven’t gotten to it yet. Your list was interesting that malice one sounds good I like action scenes so I might check that one out
If G.R.R. Martin will stop procrastinating and finish then maybe I'd agree with you. He is STILL working on the Winds of Winter and that's not even the last one. He still has to write the Dream of Spring afterwards. Personally, I don't like to read series that are not finished which is why I regret reading GoT.
Love the Dragonlance call out. It was the first fantasy series after the lord of the rings for me and that was my start to reading. It also wouldn't be in my top ten so I feel very similar about it.
I really think people should give more credit to Raymond E. Feist's work. I believe he has created some amazing series of books, especially Magician. I highly recommend reading it!!!
honestly great list the only series i think that deserves at least an honorable mention is the Inheritance cycle by christopher paolini such great books with awesome story telling and the fact he was able to write them at such a young age is even better
I'm currently reading 2nd Lamora book and I like it more than 1st so far. Good stuff! So far I like the series more than First Law - just more plot and twists with pretty 3D characters (the main duo). I haven't read every book from the Riyria world, but the ones I've had are really good. Percepliquis is my favorite ending ever KKC is still my top1 series/duology of all time
I've actually never read Goodkind! I've always been interested, though I have heard some controversy about the author himself which has made me less interested in giving his books a read. But I think at some point I will definitely need to read the Sword of Truth series and see what I think
First Law audiobooks are next level. Awesome that Pacey does them all. I quite liked all of the Realm of the Elderlings audiobooks as well. Anne Flosnik and Elliot Hill versions are the ones I listened too.
Ok I’m one of those fantasy fans who had never read manga, until now… Thank you for introducing me to Berserk. I just blasted through volume 1 in two sittings. Just waiting for Volume 2 to arrive in the post!
ASOIAF has been my favorite for a while now. I’m currently on book 6 of Malazan, The Bonehunters, and this series is starting to become my new favorite.
I HIGHLY recommend going on and reading the other series in the Ryria world. The Ryria Chronicles gives The back story of Hadrian and Roy so you get a lot more fun with the duo and see their relationship develop. The Legends of the First Empire series is 1000 years in the past and lays down the history for what happens in the first Ryria series, and the Rise and Fall series shows off the transition between the time periods. There are also half a dozen short stories that help flesh out the lore of the world and it reeeeally really elevates the series from just a fun little fantasy adventure to a massively high fantasy world. You gotta do it man. Every single book in this world is so so worth it and really elevates the overall series far beyond just that initial trilogy.
I've read the Faithful and the Fallen. I can't say the series is underrated because everyone who reads it, loves it, and appreciates it for the master piece (especially Ruin) that it is for the most part. It's just a series that deserves more attention than it gets. Most of these would be in my top 10, but I'd have to shout out The Green Bone Saga. It's a personal favourite of mine and would rank very highly in my top 10 (probably top 3).
The faithful & the fallen is my favorite fantasy series all time. Could not recommend this series more to a person looking to read their first fantasy series. Also reading the First Law series at the moment, just finished the Blade Itself. I think I’d consider listening to just the audiobook. It’s amazing.
Tough list to put together since it's so subjective and personal. But I totally agree with your number 1! Such an amazing series. Since fantasy can be such a broad category what are your thoughts on The Dark Tower series from SK?
Go to www.magicmind.com/capturedinwords CAPTUREDINWORDS20 gets you up to 48% off your first subscription for the next 10 days or 20% off for a one time purchase #magicmind #mentalperformance #productivityhacks
Let me know your favorite fantasy books!
Again, no mention of Chronicles of Prydain or the series by Tamora Pierce.
Thanks by the way for Dragon Riders of Pern, those were my first series that I actually have up to All the Weyrs of Pern.
I know that this comment is not related to this video, but I really wanted to recommend the Shahnameh book to you.
The subject of the Shahnameh is the myths and history of Iran from the beginning to the Arab invasion of Iran in the 7th century AD. But the Shahnameh is not a completely historical book and contains three mythological, heroic and historical parts.
And because books with fantasy genre are rarely found in Iranian literature. I decided to recommend Shahnameh to you to know your professional opinion about this book.
Please share your opinion about Shahnameh. It means a lot to me.
Adding berserk is such a Huge W
Dude I just ordered the 5th book, so exited to read it
I have issues with Beserk being higher than earthsea and gentlemen bastards, and im sure im the only one, never read the riyria chronicles so i cant judge on that one.
@Bt-cq6te I would argue Berserk's Golden Age arc is the pinnacle of fantasy that not only outshines them but most (esp Earthsea, which a lot actually don't put that highly despite it being somewhat old classic)
Berserk is the best piece of fantasy ever made
Clang
*INDEX/CONTENTS:*
TOP 10:
03:55 10. The Riyria Revelations - Michael J. Sullivan
07:10 9. Gentleman Bastard - Scott Lynch
10:06 8. Earthsea Cycle - Ursula K. Le Guin
12:00 7. Berserk - Kentaro Miura
15:06 6. The Faithful and the Fallen - John Gwynne
17:07 5. Discworld - Terry Pratchett
20:25 4. The Stormlight Archive - Brandon Sanderson
24:44 3. The Wheel of Time - Robert Jordan
26:55 2. The Book of the New Sun - Gene Wolfe
29:09 1. The First Law - Joe Abercrombie
BONUS SPOT:
34:28 The Lord of the Rings - J.R.R. Tolkien
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
36:30 The Realm of the Elderlings - Robin Hobb
37:34 Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn - Tad Williams
38:31 A Song of Ice and Fire - George R.R. Martin
39:37 Dragonlance Chronicles - Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman
39:50 Dragonriders of Pern - Anne McCaffrey
40:12 The Broken Earth - N.K. Jemisin
40:55 The Legend of Drizzt - R.A. Salvatore
41:56 Dungeon Crawler Carl - Matt Dinniman
43:11 Malazan Book of the Fallen - Steven Erikson
43:59 The Belgariad - David Eddings
44:19 The Mistborn Saga - Brandon Sanderson
44:43 Harry Potter - J.K. Rowling
45:28 The Kingkiller Chronicle - Patrick Rothfuss
46:27 The Dresden Files - Jim Butcher
46:45 Gormenghast - Mervyn Peake
Thank you
@@sparklegemrose You're welcome ☺
My ADHD head jumps around so many different series rather than sticking to just one and reading it to completion. I know one month I'll end up on the last book of about 5 different series at the same time and emotionally collapse.
Wow thats pretty extreme 😀 for me its the opposite
I'm just the same. It's gonna be a great month when we finish those 5 series 😅
Now I'm wondering if I have ADHD because I do the same thing 😂 I jump around several different series and it takes me forever to actually finish them. I do this with TV shows and videogames as well
Fellow ADHD'er here. I currently have 5/6 series on the go also. I really really need to stop doing this!! xD
Same! I dont have adhd but keep reading the first book of a series and then go and read a book one of another series.
Man, finally somebody including "The book of the new Sun" in a top 3... Thanks and thanks again.
I’ve actually started John Gwynne with The Bloodsworn Saga, and it’s truly awesome. I’ll definitely get to The Faithful and The Fallen one day
I love the Faithful and the Fallen but Gwynne's prose is much better in Bloodsworn saga cuz of his writing experience ! :D
@@noname3609 oh interesting! Good to know
Faithful and the fallen is the greatest book series ever written 👌
@@thisisnotmyrealname5658 It's really good but I wouldn't go that far maybe ! :D
@@noname3609 to each their own! 👌 I really didn’t gel with Mistborn and I feel very much like that goes against the grain!
YOOOOOO thank you for the shoutout, Jay! So many more very serious interviews on the way.... so many.....
FAITHFUL AND THE FALLEN! Sooooo happy for the Papa Gwynne love. Cheers Jay!
Ed and Will
I would love an underrated fantasy series list or a fantasy we forget about. I love new releases but I love older fantasy more.
Good idea!!
Same here.. prefer the old classics: feist, weis & hickman, goodking, Sara douglass, david gemmell ❤😊
@@jorisschelfhout2348 I feel like there’s so much I don’t know about because I got introduced into reading bc of romance and then realized I am a fantasy person through and through. I keep reading older books and realizing this is what I like to read. I don’t read romance anymore and I keep getting recommended romantic fantasy and they is NOT what I want.
I have a hard time with older fantasy. Gemmel is the only classic author that can keep my attention.
Thomas Covenant series, Melanie Rawn’s Dragon Prince books, even the Deryni books and I could go on and on, are what gave fantasy the depth to hold up these more modern icons. Wheel of Time is my favorite series but would I have even heard of it if Magic’s Pawn’s Vanyel, Tasslehoff Burrfoot, Bold Shea and timid Flick, dark Allanon and dangerous Garet Jax, powerful Sioned and beautiful, intelligent Rohan, the dwarves Bruenor Battlehammer with Ivan and Pikel Bouldershoulder. the dryad Ce’Nedra, Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser, Gord the Rogue, Pug and Thomas and Ahsen-Shugar riding a dragon among the stars, and stories seemingly beyond counting not given me a deep and abiding love of the genre? I do very much enjoy the more modern books but I am not sure they make me feel what the earlier books did. Maybe I am just too old, but a fire built by Durnik to warm me, a meal from Aunt Pol to sustain me and a yarn from Mister Wolf to chill or delight me, sounds about as good as life can get to me right now.
10:Riryia chronicle's
9:gentlemens bastard's
8: earth sea
7:beserk
6:the faithful and the fallen
5:disc world
4:stormlight archive
3:wheel of time
2:the book of the new sun
1:the first law trilogy
Berserk*
There’s no need to add apostrophes like this 😂
50 pages in to the way of kings… I’ll never get over how sanderson just absorbs you into his worlds he creates
I truly fell in love with the First Law because of the characters and Joe's writing style.
I feel like I really know all of the characters - including all of their quirks. I always associate *'click, tap, pain'* with Glokta lol.
Just masterful stuff from Lord Grimdark himself!
These vids always come out just as I get back into reading😂always good to listen to a top 10 which I've heard a million times
Surprised not to see Kingkiller on the list, considering how much you like the book and how much content on Kingkiller you have.
STORMLIGHT ARCHIVE GANG
Life before death!
Strength before weakness. Journey before destination.
"Honour is dead, but I'll see what I can do"
"Sometimes a hypocrite is just a man who is in the process of changing"
"Szeth Son-Son Volano wore white on the day he was to kill a king. White to give warning, white to stand out. For if you were going to assassinate a man, he was entitled to see you coming"
Strength before weakness!
Journey before destination!
Overrated
hellyeah i luv the dragonlance series, i'm re-reading it now as a warmup to get back into a lot of these recent fantasy series i've missed over the last 15-20 years.
Awesome!!! I need to re-read it soon! I remember Raistlin being one of my favorite characters
You really have to read more of Realm of the Elderlings! I'm reading the last book and all of it is a rollercoaster of emotions. I've cried and laugh so much with Fitz. This series is amazing and I don't think it gets as much recognization as it deserves, no many people know about it. I'd really excited to hear your thoughts about te other ROTE books
Honestly this so true. It's massively underrated I'm currently 11th book Dragon Haven. OMG what a journey it's been so far
Just finished Words of Radiance and it’s one of the best books I’ve ever read. I’m starting The First Law in September and I can’t wait. Great video!!
Started reading The Bound and the Broken series by Ryan Cahill ...absolutely loving it so far its like LotR meets Eragon meets Star Wars with a touch of Game of Thrones and Full Metal Alchemist ...if you grew up as a kid in the late 90's early 2000s this series was written for you
Oooooooo thank you for the recommendation. How long is it?
@@rubeuspotter719 3 books 3 novelas ....4th book releases either end of this year or early next year
@@Lycan3303 thank you
I finished the 1st book and it was good but nothing that blew me away. It just felt like a copy of eragon. Does the series get better? I did really like rist as a character.
@@Logan-lz5gu second book is miles a head of the first and third is miles ahead of the second ...they just get better and better with every new release
I’ve been looking at Book of the New Sun all week as a potential option in between ROW and the wait for Wind and Truth. I think you’ve convinced me to do it!
Here to show love for the OSRS Sea Shanty track during Number 5. :) loved the list too. So many of these series are in my must read.
Your description of Discworld was spot on. Pratchett was a gift to the world. Do yourself a favor and stop with Unseen Academicals. After that, his Alzheimer's led him to read like increasingly bad fanfiction. These days I look at Pratchett as the writing equivalent a long and happy marriage with a couple of bad years at the end.
So happy Michael J Sullivan's works are mentioned ♥. They are so much fun to read.
Love Riyria! It's such a fun series, I can't wait to read the prequel books now
Some great books mentioned there. Happy reading to you and best wishes.
This is a really great list, I know because I would have had a pretty similar top 10 - and the ones I didn't I will be absolutely checking them out on your recommendation.
Thanks for sharing your 2024updated top 10 fantasy of time ! Glad to know that The book of new Sun on the list!
My pleasure! Book of the New Sun is incredible! :)
@@CapturedInWords Have you read Urth of the New Sun?
and i totally agree.
YOU WANT THE AUDIO version in the firstlaw series. it is a MUST
1st Law is hard to beat, keep banging that drum because I haven't heard anything about it at all until I found Mike's book reviews (while reading the Dune sequels) and it got me back into reading fantasy after years. I'm sure some random person looking for a new fantasy series will stumble on this and find out why we live Glokta and Logan so much
I've never felt so justified with my opinions on The Blade Itself than after listening to your review! I finished Book 1 yesterday and had a hard time getting into it. I felt like I was waiting for the plot to kick in until the 80% point. But I loved the individual characters - they're absolutely fascinating. I've described it to others as "fantasy Seinfeld" with the characters just doing their own thing, completely unrelated to the plot.
I listened to the audiobook (since that's the only way for me to get through more than 1 book every 3 years), and it absolutely elevated my experience with the book.
I'm excited to get into Book 2 since it seems like Book 1 set up the next book well.
So happy to see the Ryiria love! If you haven't read the 3,000 year prequel Legends of the First Empire, it is also soooooo good!! Such an incredible cast of characters!!
Riyria Revelations for the win! Your list may be backwards though. You said it’s 1 right.
Agreed
Yes this series is fantastic and I don’t hear people talk about it much. Also one of my favorite Audio books. The Narrator is amazing
I'm reading The Dragonbone Chair right now and I love the slow start. I'm about a third of the the way through it and Tad's writing is so captivating. I really enjoy it and if this is supposed to be the worst part then I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy.
I'm gad you're enjoying the beginning!! For me, I initially enjoyed the slow cozy start but then I felt like it went on for a bit too long. But if you are having no issues with it, then you will definitely enjoy the rest of the series!
I always like these lists where I discover something new.
The whole Riyria Revelations series seems to be free on Audible plus.
I can not wait for book 5 of The Stormlight Archive. I completely agree with you about some of the character's growth getting stalled, I felt Rhythm of War was very slow in the middle but it did finally pick up and it's still a good book. Still love the characters and can't wait to see what happens next! Willshaper talking here 😊
I love to see someone so young including some of the best fantasy books ever, but quite “old”, like Le Guin and Wolfe. Nowadays is so rare! Subscribed right away.
22 books into Discworld, and I throughly enjoyed Color of Magic, I feel it's solid world building that gets the series going.
Thank you for acknowledging both Dragonriders of Pern and the Belgariad. Both are my all time favorites!
I started reading The Faithful and the Fallen after watching one of your other Best of Fantasy video, and Im really glad I did! Im thoroughly enjoying it. I just finished book 3 and want to give myself some time to process the events, before I start book 4. Im watching this video now to find another recommendation from you to start after I finish this one.
man kaladin swearing the the fourth ideal was a moment ill never forget
All 9 (or 10) books of First Law should be considered as a hole series. The overall story is just amazing, and the characters are the absolute best
I really want to get into malazan!! I just need it to go on sale. 😢
You could get them from your library for free.
@@hannahbrennan2131 I could, but I like spending money. Plus I’ll probably find them used someday
Yeah I only own the first 3 books so far 😅 I try to buy them used or when i find them on sale
You had me at sea shanty 2 as background music, well done sir
Wheel of Time was my first epic fantasy series and is what truely got me into the genre. It will always hold a special place in my heart.
Thank you for mentioning Memeory Sorrow and Thorn. I agree its slow to get going and I also almost DNFed it. Williams' prose are just so delicious, and I find the series to be "cozy" reading because of the prose.
Hopefully the upcoming Broken Binding editions of Memory, Sorrow and Thorn will bring more people to read and love the series. I've been collecting the Grim Oak Press special editions and got book 2, Stone of Farewell, last month. I'll be starting my reread as soon as I finish my reread of Rhythm of War.
Two big rereads this year to prepare for my two most anticipated books of 2024:
1) The Navigator's Children by Tad Williams
2) Wind and Truth
Yes, I have a book that I am (barely) more excited for than a Stormlight book. Lol
Robin Hobbs Realm of the Elderlings is a masterpiece, come on man you owe it to yourself to finish the series. I know it's a big commitment but please trust me it's totally worth it. I'm currently on the 11th book. Honestly it's absolutely incredible. From what I've heard the finale Trilogy is out of this world.
I've already forgotten the book but it is the first book that was presented. Will have to look into that one. Thanks for the presentation; these are great books!
Have you read Red Rising? You should if you haven't. I have only read the first book, but i can't wait to read the rest!
That us military sci-fi, not fantasy. Great series, nonetheless.
Hadrian and Royce made me cry. i absolutely loved their dynamic and it was such an emotional, wild ride. and the last book broke my heart.
Glokta has to be one of the best characters ever written. often think about the books too. the audiobook is also amazing. the ending still haunts me. wont ever be able to forget.
james islington's debut series Licanius is also a worthwile mention imo. Far from perfect but great development.
ye kingkiller wont be a trilogy at the current rate it is going.
Same here!! Their dynamic is perfect.
Also YESSS I agree with you about Glokta, he's by far one of my all time favorite characters, and I wasn't expecting to like him as much as I did. I definitely need to get to Licanius soon!
Very unique list.
I've tried or read nearly all the entries except Riyria.
🙏🏽
Just picked up reading as a hobby and need books to read. Fantasy is my favorite genre since I started with Lord of the rings and Potter. This video is helpful, thank you.
I thought you didn’t continue reading Berserk, so glad you did. It’s my favorite story of all time. Looking forward to your future Berserk videos!
Subscribed just for putting discworld on the list, one of my favourite sagas of all time.
Thanks for the sub! Discworld is incredible, I've loved every one of them I've read so far
Dungeon Crawler Carl is amazing!! I’ve read all but 2 series on your list and I think it deserves a spot just due to the sheer enjoyment of the books. Especially the audiobooks. Best audiobooks I’ve ever listened to and it’s not even close!
A song of Ice and Fire is absolutely amazing. Easily my favourite book series!
Worth the read even if it may never finish?
@@Karma7711wait til it’s done. The wait is taking years off my life. 😂 Especially considering how much xcellent the series is.
@@Karma7711 Absolutely!
@@Karma7711 Yep, it is as much about a world, as about a story. And the world stays in any case.
Not finished so not top anything!
Thank you for this Jay! I have only started reading fantasy over this past year and have mainly dove into Sanderson. I’m a huge fan of all 5 books I’ve read of his so far and I love to keep up with his weekly updates. That being said I have been really wanting to branch away from Sanderson and see if something else fits me more. I have 6 non-Sanderson series on my shelf right now I am excited to try. (Middle Earth, WoT, Realm of the Elderlings, First Law, Faithful and the Fallen & the Dandelion Dynasty) if yall have any other suggestions, lmk!
That is a really great lineup. I haven't read a few of these like Dragonlance or Dungeon Crawler Carl, and there's a few that didn't work for me like Gwynne and Wolfe, but the rest are all top tier stuff for me. Great video!
Glad you enjoyed the video! :)
Great video. One thing you didnt mention is that the Theft of Swords is actually a compilation of two books as are the next two books. Each one is a 2 book compilation that makes up the 6 books in that series. I couldn't get through Gentlemen Bastards, not because it wasn't good, just wasn't what I was in the mood for at the time. I'll try it again later. The ones on your list that I haven't yet read but plan to are Stormlight archive, Book of the New Sun, Faithful and the Fallen, wheel of Time and most of your honorable mentions. Reading The Belgariad by David Eddings right now and enjoying it. ASOIAF is my all time favorite series, book 3 is my highest rated book to date along with Ordinary Grace which is a completely different type of book. Thank for the great video!
Currently reading the first law first in the series and OMG it's sooooooo good 🔥
I've just started Malice . I'm so excited for this one. I feel like it will be a 5 star.
Awesome!! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
i can see the pain of cutting the name of the wind
Couple new additions to my top 10 this year as well:
10. The Belgariad/Malloreon by David Eddings (not new; been in top 10 since the mid 1990's)
9. Kingkiller Chronicles (since 2022; was top 5 for awhile but it's never going to be finished so will probably drop out)
8. The Band by Nicolaus Eames (added last year)
7. Broken Empire/Red Queen's War by Mark Lawrence (new this year; I combine these two because they are set in same world with some overlapping story elements)
6. Mistborn Era 2 by Brandon Sanderson (new this year; I don't combine the Era's since they are so different; Era 1 is top 20)
5. Malazan by Steven Erikson (added 2022)
4. Drenai Saga by David Gemmell (since 1990's)
3. Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson (since 2021)
2. First Law by Joe Abercrombie (I combine all of them, stand alones & AoM trilogy into 1 group; added 2022)
1. Wheel of Time by Jordan/Sanderson (been my #1 since 1997)
Your editing is unreal 🤩🔥
Thank you! 🙌 😁
Read all of John Gwynns books so far and he is my favourite author. Cannot wait to see what he comes up with next
Your vids make my day!
This comment made my day! 😁
Guards! Guards! is one of those rare books I reread parts of regularly. If you get the audiobooks, Death is voiced by Christopher Lee. His performance is too awesome for words to tell.
Love the Discworld audiobooks! and 100% agree with Christopher Lee's performance, it is amazing
I've been looking for a channel like this! #fantasynerd
I'm happy you found my channel! Fantasy nerds unite ✊
I love sea shanty 2 playing quietly in the background of this video!! How long have you been playing old school runescape or runescape in general?
You should read the Coldfire trilogy by C.S Friedman it’s original and dark bordering on horror/sci fi.
I have read the Coldfire trilogy! It's one of my favorites, such a great series that is overlooked by many. Love the scifi elements and I'd almost consider it grimdark before grimdark was fully defined. I'll definitely make a video on it at some point!
I always enjoy this update because of your extensive list of honorable mentions - all of us can find our favorite on that list and assume it was #11! 🤣 My top 5 at the moment:
5. The Wheel of Time
4. The Dark Tower
3. The First Law Universe
2. The Lord of the Rings
1. The Realm of the Elderlings
Thanks for the video! I'm reading the Sarantine Mosaic and Memory, Sorrow and Thorn soon and think they may disrupt my list!
Yes definitely read the bloodsworn saga. With the 3rd book coming out in October, you will not be disappointed. I absolutely love this series.
My favourite series is The Demon Cycle by Peter V Brett
My favorite fantasy of all time is from an author of my country and in my language (Germany/german), i do not know if there is any english translation to be honest with you...
It is about a vampire and begins in the 15 century and he tries to find out what is wrong with him, he thinks it is like disease etc., so it is not clear for him that he is vampire.
It also has a twist later on, if a vampire kills another one he gets his powers, so it is like Highlander too. There are round about 20 books so far and you are following him through Europe, Asia and so on. And the time is relevant too, so you are able to experience different centuries, he meets a friend (someone he turned on a slavery ship), finds and losts love, he encounters many different other "creatures" like werewolves, humans that are demigods (Egypt) and other stuff. It is really entertaining, well written and combines a lot of fantasy, but in a different mixed way so to speak.
It is from the author "Wolfgang Holbein" and is called "Die Chronik der Unsterblichen" "The Chronicals of the Immortals". There are even comics, graphic novels and like i said round about 20 books. I would really love to see this as a series or that it would get more recognition outside of the "german speaking realm".
Wow this sounds really cool! I like that Highlander aspect, where killing a vampire gives you their powers as well. Sounds super interesting! I wish there was an English translation, because I would definitely give it a shot
Thanks for the wonderful list. So many of my favorites were included. I will give you one of my top 10 fantasy series that wasn't included. I loved the Vega Jane series by David Baldacci. Give it a try.
I am lowkey shocked to not find Kingkiller on YOUR list :D reread the in my vacation and I am no mad again for not having the Third Book already
No a song of ice and fire 😭 but it’s okay you haven’t gotten to it yet. Your list was interesting that malice one sounds good I like action scenes so I might check that one out
If G.R.R. Martin will stop procrastinating and finish then maybe I'd agree with you. He is STILL working on the Winds of Winter and that's not even the last one. He still has to write the Dream of Spring afterwards. Personally, I don't like to read series that are not finished which is why I regret reading GoT.
I had a hard time getting into the books. Maybe because i have seen the show and know a lot of the twist and turns. Im not sure.
Love the Dragonlance call out. It was the first fantasy series after the lord of the rings for me and that was my start to reading. It also wouldn't be in my top ten so I feel very similar about it.
GOAT: Kingkiller (also could you make more kingkiller theory videos? Maybe ranking or tier list of how likely that theory is true?
I really think people should give more credit to Raymond E. Feist's work. I believe he has created some amazing series of books, especially Magician. I highly recommend reading it!!!
honestly great list the only series i think that deserves at least an honorable mention is the Inheritance cycle by christopher paolini such great books with awesome story telling and the fact he was able to write them at such a young age is even better
I'm currently reading 2nd Lamora book and I like it more than 1st so far. Good stuff! So far I like the series more than First Law - just more plot and twists with pretty 3D characters (the main duo).
I haven't read every book from the Riyria world, but the ones I've had are really good. Percepliquis is my favorite ending ever
KKC is still my top1 series/duology of all time
Please start a book club on Fables with the Belgariad series!
So awesome to see The Faithful and the Fallen on this list! Truth & Courage
Where in the love of Eru did you get that LotR artwork from!?!? I need it!!!!
Quite surprising how high New Sun has risen on your list. Love to see it.
Including runescape music as background music is amazing
Always appreciate your analyses and opinions. I wondered if you’d ever read any Terry Goodkind and the Sword of Truth series. Keep up the great work!
I've actually never read Goodkind! I've always been interested, though I have heard some controversy about the author himself which has made me less interested in giving his books a read. But I think at some point I will definitely need to read the Sword of Truth series and see what I think
Faithful and fallen was my first fantasy series. Was very good. Read the trilogy that follows 100 years later.
Discworld is amazing! I cant recommend it enough. I started with Mort and still think about it to this day
First Law audiobooks are next level. Awesome that Pacey does them all.
I quite liked all of the Realm of the Elderlings audiobooks as well. Anne Flosnik and Elliot Hill versions are the ones I listened too.
Ok I’m one of those fantasy fans who had never read manga, until now… Thank you for introducing me to Berserk. I just blasted through volume 1 in two sittings. Just waiting for Volume 2 to arrive in the post!
Just started Memory Sorrow and Thorn again. The first book is killing me with how slowly it starts
I grew up on Raymond E Feist and Terry Brooks, do you rate them?
Ive read Magician series and Shannara original trilogy at least 8 times, fantastic reads.
I hope you plan on reading the other books in the World of Elan. Legends of the First Empire is so good, I like it more than Riyria.
ASOIAF has been my favorite for a while now. I’m currently on book 6 of Malazan, The Bonehunters, and this series is starting to become my new favorite.
Just read the Dandilion dinesty series and it jumps straight into my top 10, amazing series
I HIGHLY recommend going on and reading the other series in the Ryria world. The Ryria Chronicles gives The back story of Hadrian and Roy so you get a lot more fun with the duo and see their relationship develop. The Legends of the First Empire series is 1000 years in the past and lays down the history for what happens in the first Ryria series, and the Rise and Fall series shows off the transition between the time periods. There are also half a dozen short stories that help flesh out the lore of the world and it reeeeally really elevates the series from just a fun little fantasy adventure to a massively high fantasy world. You gotta do it man. Every single book in this world is so so worth it and really elevates the overall series far beyond just that initial trilogy.
I've read the Faithful and the Fallen. I can't say the series is underrated because everyone who reads it, loves it, and appreciates it for the master piece (especially Ruin) that it is for the most part. It's just a series that deserves more attention than it gets.
Most of these would be in my top 10, but I'd have to shout out The Green Bone Saga. It's a personal favourite of mine and would rank very highly in my top 10 (probably top 3).
omg READ THE REALM OF THE ELDERLINGS! Read it before you make next year's list! also, great video!
New visitor to the chanel. I love first lore, WoT and stormlight. So going to look at the books on your list I haven't read.
The faithful & the fallen is my favorite fantasy series all time. Could not recommend this series more to a person looking to read their first fantasy series.
Also reading the First Law series at the moment, just finished the Blade Itself. I think I’d consider listening to just the audiobook. It’s amazing.
Tough list to put together since it's so subjective and personal. But I totally agree with your number 1! Such an amazing series. Since fantasy can be such a broad category what are your thoughts on The Dark Tower series from SK?