@@Talking_Story yay!!! It’s actually one of my favorite things when an author creates a playlist for a book (like Mitchell did for The Bone Clocks). Would love to hear your playlist!
@@Talking_Storythat's a great idea. Would love to see that. I've only really done a few playlists for my own characters i did for a d&d roleplaying game but always interesting to see what people put together. :D
This list is great! I’m totally gonna grab a copy of those Matthew Corbett books! I had completely forgotten those! And I totally cut my teeth on monster books-my HS years were ALL about Robert McCammon! I must’ve read Swan Song every year for a decade…lol
Swan Song is 1 of my all time favs. Matthew Corbett is a bit of a different vibe but I can't imagine a McCammon fan not loving it. Let me know when you get into it.
I love that you included Bertran and Aelis. I am a bit surprised but I totally agree. Also, YES Vin and Elend!!! Lets Go! Don't know why everyone hates Elend. He is amazing. Princess bride is also amazing.
Matthew and Berry!! ❤️ Love them so much. I'm about to start Cardinal Black in a few days, the way Freedom of the Mask ended was insane. So freakin good.
I'll admit, even though I wasn't as pleased with The Republic of Thieves, I really dug the romance between Locke and Sabetha. It really felt like one of those romances where they don't always know what to do with each other. There's also the doomed romance between Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan that always hits hard, even after all these years. But I know that's not fantasy, not really. What can I say? I'm a romantic at heart. Another great video as always John!
Love the video! I haven't read many of the books mentioned yet, but my favorite couple is Jake and Sadie from 11/22/63❤ . I know it's not a fantasy book I believe it's worth mentioning here too ☺
1) Young Roland Dechain & Susan Delgado in Wizard & Glass/ Dark Tower . Wow with 11/22/63 & this book who says King is not the master of romance too!! ( do not worry still no romance in Duma Key) 2) Claire & Jamie from the first 3 Outlander books… 1945 War World II nurse falls through a standing stone and meets a handsome 18th century Scottish warrior… no need to say more! 3) Folda & Murchad in the Words of Kings and Prophets. Yes, not only does the Gael Song have great and powerful women it has a very touching romance that I did not see coming!!
John, I have a list of couples in books that I consider great romances, but note that not all of these are fantasy romances. The first couple is featured in a mystery series, and that is Mr. Alex Cross and his wife, former chief of detectives, Bri Stone. The characters are written by Mr. James Patterson, who has a way of bringing his characters to life (which, in my opinion, no other author can copy). The next couple is brought to life by a young author in a series known as “The Inheritance Cycle”. This is, of course, the relationship between Eragon and his dragon Saphira. Mr. Christopher Paolini is such a talented wordsmith, and this can be seen from page one, book one, in “The Inheritance Cycle” (there are four books in the series). The last couple are characters that are written and brought to life by Ms. Patricia Daniels Cornwall. We are talking about the famous Kay Scarpetta and her now husband Benton Wesley. Those are three of my top romance couples in books! Please read about those three couples and their stories when you have time! Thank you very much!
Absolutely love this! Will add these to my wish list for sure. Haven’t read any of these yet but as you can tell I am there for some good romance in my stories. Thanks for the tips!
@@Talking_Story I just got to your Red Rising couple. Victra is by far my favorite character in the series. I need her as a main POV character in the final book.
I like John Skipp and Craig Spector, Ray Garton, Clive Barker and David Skal. Check them out and see if there is any thing that interests you. If you like a vampire story I would Light at the End and Live Girls have some splatter punk goodness for sure.
Thans a lot! I love vampire stories in general, I will sure check them out! Would you mind making a video for us who love extreme horror and splatterpunk with your personal favorites and recommendations? I bet a lot of horror lovers would check it out! Plus, keep up the good work!
I was introduced to a Historical fiction writer back in late 2021, Sharon Kay Penman. She, in my opinion, writes the BEST romances-- especially for people who usually don't give a crap about romances in books. First example would be The Land Beyond the Sea. If you've ever watched the Orlando Bloom movie Kingdom of Heaven, then you know of the love story between Balian and Queen Maria (not Sibylla as seen in the movie 😄) Second example would be Here Be Dragons, which features Llewellyn the Welsh prince, and Joan who is daughter of King John. (And side note, King John was very well written in this book).
@@Talking_Story All warranted! And if you ever want to do a live read of Blaise and Beltran chasing sheep in the mountains and need a Blaise, don’t hesitate to give me a message! 😄 Cheers, John!
@@Talking_Story Indeed! I am very much an amateur and I don’t have much of a demo to showcase, but I actually played the lead of a local historical play, set during the Black Plague: I show up about halfway in this video, after the much more talented female lead’s song. Unfortunately it is in Norwegian, but essentially she is lamenting her limited opportunities as a woman and I am lamenting that the poor may be equal to the rich in God’s eyes, but not in the eyes of the rich! ruclips.net/video/JV7RRgHWKg8/видео.htmlsi=eb0-Lr_hxV7naJU2
So impressed that you know about, and appreciate, the Feist/Wurts Empire Trilogy. Mara and Kevin. When I saw this topic I thought of them first. Although, what about Mara's spy master, Arakasi, who falls in love with a prostitute, I think she was? Though I can't remember what happens in the end with them. But the way it changed his life was very moving. He is a terrific character.
She was a prostitute. She did change his life. Great couple! I am currently reading To Ride Hell’s Chasm by Janny Wurts. It is great as welll. I am getting ready to interview her on the channel coming up.
You need to check out the Dreamer Duology. The writing is beautiful, the worldbuilding is stunning and the romance(s) are off the charts. It is one of my favorite series! That said, I didn't disagree with any of your choices. At least among the novels I read and I trust that you won't listen to the haters. LOL!
Vin and Elend are one of my favorite couples in fiction in general. 🥰🥰🥰🥰 They are a perfect representation of what a beautiful healthy couple should be like and they support each other despite adversity. Now, even though they are great characters, I don't consider Logen and Ferro a couple. I mean, they only had a few interactions and some sex. And that's it. It doesn't seem enough to me to consider them a couple. But hey, that's just my personal opinion.
I mean, save for the Princess Bride (great choice) I have not read these, but it's hard to think of a more Epically destined couple then Beren and Luthien, especially as written in the Lay of Liethian. Talk about journeying into hell, multiple times for the sake of the other, and the result of the union having vast repercussions for good (and some tangential evil). Tolkien didn't write a lot about romantic love, and some of them were huge tragedies, but the best shining beacon of love was inspired by his own, and that's beautiful. That said, I'm also big a big fan of: Gabriel Knight and Grace Nakimura - from the Gabriel Knight series (hey, she did adapt the games into books). Best banter couple. Raistlin Majere and Crysania Tarinius - Dragonlance Legends - Obviously not the most healthy relationship, but they taught each other much as they used each other and makes you wish it could be different. Lyra Belacqua and Will Parry - They may be children just breaching adulthood, and it takes till the trilogy to get there, but I dare you not to have your heart broken by how it ends. Goliath and Elisa Maza from Gargoyles - OK, maybe this one's an animated series, but it's been continuing as a comic book - regardless it's a beautiful slow burn Beauty and the Beast dynamic
What an awesome, well thought out list can’t thank you enough. I am looking up all the ones I have not read yet. I remember Gargoyles from when it first came out. Have not kept up with the comics I hope the quality is good.
@@Talking_Story It's been great - the old show runner is involved (unlike season 3 which they ignore). There's not too much to catch up with, a couple years and a couple spin offs. And sorry, buying Gabriel knight novels is a tricky out of print prospect now - especially the 2nd one - you can play the games though, if you can handle old adventure games - there's good writing there too and mostly the puzzles aren't bad.
@@Talking_Story My advice for the first game; the original is better then the remake, and not only because it's got Tim Curry, Mark Hamill and other cool voice actors.
Im really surprised nobody has mentioned The Faithful and the Fallen. You mention that you may read the series, so i wont give names, dont want to spoil it for you., but wow, I LOVED the romance of two characters that grew during the series.
Oooh yes, give me all the love, baby!! I couldn't agree more on Sevro & Victra and Red & Blue, and how could anyone NOT love Elend with his bookish charm?!?! Also, I am ashamed to admit that I have never read or watched The Princess Bride, guess I'll have to rectify that mistake soon! My personal favourite couples would include Tashué and Stella in Legacy of the Brightwash, the main throuple in A Chorus of Dragons, Gideon and Harrow in Gideon the Ninth, Hilo and Wen in Greenbone Saga, and Ronan & Adam in The Raven Cycle series. Probably many more that are slipping my mind right now, just overwhelmed by all the love hahah 🤩 Also, I just wanted to add that I loved the editing in this video! Your content always looks amazing but this was slick, loved it!
Thanks so many of you top choices are on my list to get to. I will make sure Jakob gets the editing kudos you have sent his way. And for the love of all the world go watch Princess Bride...like right now!
Gollum and the Ring. I mean, he's been trying to finger bang it for decades after he lost it. That's love!!! But seriously. The romance of the main characters in The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson, as messed up as it is, it's pretty tangible.
@@Talking_Story theyre from the night circus... but just barely... you just get to hear very briefly about their love story, but Tsukiko features frequently in the book and the way her character is based on their relationship always just devastates me and I love them, and I neeeeeeed a novella based on them, lol. so it kinda doesn't count since the book isnt about them, but.... 😭
@@Talking_Story this is a Valentine video, it's implied. I dunno, man. I'd be too busy holding back my vomit to think about romance in these "fantasy" books
Oh wow! Have you thought about being a narrator? You reading that piece from A Song for Arbonne was amazing!
Thank you so much.
It was awesome.
@@richardadcock5450 you are very kind as well
I was thinking the very same thing! You can definitely see your theatre background coming through
@@puckettrita75 you guys are making my week!
Loved your list!! I would add Eddie Dean and Susannah from The Dark Tower and Aragorn and Arwen from LOTR. ❤❤❤
Thanks so much. Both of those are amazing adds!
Loved all your choices! We just need a song dedicated to each couple on a mixed tape. ❤
That is why you are the best of us Johanna you have the most amazing ideas!!
I am putting together a play list on Spotify. See old dog new tricks…it is possible😂
@@Talking_Story yay!!! It’s actually one of my favorite things when an author creates a playlist for a book (like Mitchell did for The Bone Clocks). Would love to hear your playlist!
@@Talking_Storythat's a great idea. Would love to see that. I've only really done a few playlists for my own characters i did for a d&d roleplaying game but always interesting to see what people put together. :D
This was such a fun video! 😊
Thanks so much!
Well done dude, lovely video ❤ and I totally agree about Logan 9 fingers and Ferro!!!
Thank you so much for the kind words.
This list is great! I’m totally gonna grab a copy of those Matthew Corbett books! I had completely forgotten those! And I totally cut my teeth on monster books-my HS years were ALL about Robert McCammon! I must’ve read Swan Song every year for a decade…lol
Swan Song is 1 of my all time favs. Matthew Corbett is a bit of a different vibe but I can't imagine a McCammon fan not loving it. Let me know when you get into it.
Great idea for a video! 😊
Amazing list!
Thanks so much!
I KNEW you would have Kevin and Mara on this list!
Had to do it!!
I love that you included Bertran and Aelis. I am a bit surprised but I totally agree. Also, YES Vin and Elend!!! Lets Go! Don't know why everyone hates Elend. He is amazing. Princess bride is also amazing.
Yeah I’m with you on team Elend.
Matthew and Berry are such perfect complements to each another!
Yes! I am hoping for a happy ending for the 2 of them.
Matthew and Berry!! ❤️ Love them so much. I'm about to start Cardinal Black in a few days, the way Freedom of the Mask ended was insane. So freakin good.
Cardinal Black is a creepy 1. Have fun.
Victra and Sevro got that top-tier, badass, passionate, endgame love. Love that pick for Red Rising.
Yes. Endgame love so well said!
Yes! Came to say this!
I'll admit, even though I wasn't as pleased with The Republic of Thieves, I really dug the romance between Locke and Sabetha. It really felt like one of those romances where they don't always know what to do with each other.
There's also the doomed romance between Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan that always hits hard, even after all these years. But I know that's not fantasy, not really.
What can I say? I'm a romantic at heart. Another great video as always John!
Locke and Sabetha is a great 1!
Love the video! I haven't read many of the books mentioned yet, but my favorite couple is Jake and Sadie from 11/22/63❤ . I know it's not a fantasy book I believe it's worth mentioning here too ☺
Amazing couple!
1) Young Roland Dechain & Susan Delgado in Wizard & Glass/ Dark Tower . Wow with 11/22/63 & this book who says King is not the master of romance too!! ( do not worry still no romance in Duma Key)
2) Claire & Jamie from the first 3 Outlander books… 1945 War World II nurse falls through a standing stone and meets a handsome 18th century Scottish warrior… no need to say more!
3) Folda & Murchad in the Words of Kings and Prophets. Yes, not only does the Gael Song have great and powerful women it has a very touching romance that I did not see coming!!
Another reason I wanna get to Gael Song. Thanks Heidi!
Yes Roland and 11-23-63!
John, I have a list of couples in books that I consider great romances, but note that not all of these are fantasy romances. The first couple is featured in a mystery series, and that is Mr. Alex Cross and his wife, former chief of detectives, Bri Stone. The characters are written by Mr. James Patterson, who has a way of bringing his characters to life (which, in my opinion, no other author can copy). The next couple is brought to life by a young author in a series known as “The Inheritance Cycle”. This is, of course, the relationship between Eragon and his dragon Saphira. Mr. Christopher Paolini is such a talented wordsmith, and this can be seen from page one, book one, in “The Inheritance Cycle” (there are four books in the series). The last couple are characters that are written and brought to life by Ms. Patricia Daniels Cornwall. We are talking about the famous Kay Scarpetta and her now husband Benton Wesley. Those are three of my top romance couples in books! Please read about those three couples and their stories when you have time! Thank you very much!
Absolutely love this! Will add these to my wish list for sure. Haven’t read any of these yet but as you can tell I am there for some good romance in my stories. Thanks for the tips!
@@Talking_Story you’re welcome, John! Once again, it is a pleasure to be a subscriber and to be discussing books with you!
@@genestacy6723 pleasure is mine as well my friend.
I about lost my mind when you folded that cover back to read the GGK line. 😂😂😂😂
Couldn’t help myself😀
@@Talking_Story I just got to your Red Rising couple. Victra is by far my favorite character in the series. I need her as a main POV character in the final book.
@@mattamant915 I am so down with you on that Matt. Would love that!
Have you ever read the splatterpunk genre? And if yes, what are your raccomendations?
I like John Skipp and Craig Spector, Ray Garton, Clive Barker and David Skal. Check them out and see if there is any thing that interests you. If you like a vampire story I would Light at the End and Live Girls have some splatter punk goodness for sure.
Thans a lot! I love vampire stories in general, I will sure check them out! Would you mind making a video for us who love extreme horror and splatterpunk with your personal favorites and recommendations? I bet a lot of horror lovers would check it out! Plus, keep up the good work!
Great idea! I will think on that. For now check out my vampire list it is mostly splatter punk stuff from the 80's @@alkivancic
@@Talking_Story sure will! Thanks a lot! I'm looking forward to the video!
@@alkivancic awesome let me know if it gives any good recommendations.
I was introduced to a Historical fiction writer back in late 2021, Sharon Kay Penman. She, in my opinion, writes the BEST romances-- especially for people who usually don't give a crap about romances in books.
First example would be The Land Beyond the Sea. If you've ever watched the Orlando Bloom movie Kingdom of Heaven, then you know of the love story between Balian and Queen Maria (not Sibylla as seen in the movie 😄)
Second example would be Here Be Dragons, which features Llewellyn the Welsh prince, and Joan who is daughter of King John. (And side note, King John was very well written in this book).
Nice I am looking up Sharon Penman right now!
Vin and Eland for the win. I love them
Right?! What a journey they take to bring each other to full potential! Love it.
Told you John, you reading Beltran’s lines would be absolutely fire! 🔥 Huzzah! 😄
You are very kind my friend.
@@Talking_Story All warranted! And if you ever want to do a live read of Blaise and Beltran chasing sheep in the mountains and need a Blaise, don’t hesitate to give me a message! 😄
Cheers, John!
@@MacScarfield 😂 I will keep you at the top of the list. What an awesome character Blaise is as well!
@@Talking_Story Indeed! I am very much an amateur and I don’t have much of a demo to showcase, but I actually played the lead of a local historical play, set during the Black Plague: I show up about halfway in this video, after the much more talented female lead’s song. Unfortunately it is in Norwegian, but essentially she is lamenting her limited opportunities as a woman and I am lamenting that the poor may be equal to the rich in God’s eyes, but not in the eyes of the rich! ruclips.net/video/JV7RRgHWKg8/видео.htmlsi=eb0-Lr_hxV7naJU2
Dude what a voice! that is crazy impressive!@@MacScarfield
So impressed that you know about, and appreciate, the Feist/Wurts Empire Trilogy. Mara and Kevin. When I saw this topic I thought of them first. Although, what about Mara's spy master, Arakasi, who falls in love with a prostitute, I think she was? Though I can't remember what happens in the end with them. But the way it changed his life was very moving. He is a terrific character.
She was a prostitute. She did change his life. Great couple! I am currently reading To Ride Hell’s Chasm by Janny Wurts. It is great as welll. I am getting ready to interview her on the channel coming up.
You need to check out the Dreamer Duology. The writing is beautiful, the worldbuilding is stunning and the romance(s) are off the charts. It is one of my favorite series! That said, I didn't disagree with any of your choices. At least among the novels I read and I trust that you won't listen to the haters. LOL!
Surprising my choices have brought no hate so far. I will for sure check out the Dreamer.
RED AND BLUE!!!!!
Vin and Elend are one of my favorite couples in fiction in general. 🥰🥰🥰🥰 They are a perfect representation of what a beautiful healthy couple should be like and they support each other despite adversity. Now, even though they are great characters, I don't consider Logen and Ferro a couple. I mean, they only had a few interactions and some sex. And that's it. It doesn't seem enough to me to consider them a couple. But hey, that's just my personal opinion.
I seem to be a bit off key for this pick. But I can live with that😀
I mean, save for the Princess Bride (great choice) I have not read these, but it's hard to think of a more Epically destined couple then Beren and Luthien, especially as written in the Lay of Liethian. Talk about journeying into hell, multiple times for the sake of the other, and the result of the union having vast repercussions for good (and some tangential evil). Tolkien didn't write a lot about romantic love, and some of them were huge tragedies, but the best shining beacon of love was inspired by his own, and that's beautiful.
That said, I'm also big a big fan of:
Gabriel Knight and Grace Nakimura - from the Gabriel Knight series (hey, she did adapt the games into books). Best banter couple.
Raistlin Majere and Crysania Tarinius - Dragonlance Legends - Obviously not the most healthy relationship, but they taught each other much as they used each other and makes you wish it could be different.
Lyra Belacqua and Will Parry - They may be children just breaching adulthood, and it takes till the trilogy to get there, but I dare you not to have your heart broken by how it ends.
Goliath and Elisa Maza from Gargoyles - OK, maybe this one's an animated series, but it's been continuing as a comic book - regardless it's a beautiful slow burn Beauty and the Beast dynamic
What an awesome, well thought out list can’t thank you enough. I am looking up all the ones I have not read yet. I remember Gargoyles from when it first came out. Have not kept up with the comics I hope the quality is good.
@@Talking_Story It's been great - the old show runner is involved (unlike season 3 which they ignore). There's not too much to catch up with, a couple years and a couple spin offs.
And sorry, buying Gabriel knight novels is a tricky out of print prospect now - especially the 2nd one - you can play the games though, if you can handle old adventure games - there's good writing there too and mostly the puzzles aren't bad.
Love adventure games I will look it up for sure.@@MagusMarquillin
@@Talking_Story My advice for the first game; the original is better then the remake, and not only because it's got Tim Curry, Mark Hamill and other cool voice actors.
@@MagusMarquillin those are some heavy weights for sure!
Im really surprised nobody has mentioned The Faithful and the Fallen. You mention that you may read the series, so i wont give names, dont want to spoil it for you., but wow, I LOVED the romance of two characters that grew during the series.
Nice! Hearing this makes me want to get to it even faster.
Oooh yes, give me all the love, baby!! I couldn't agree more on Sevro & Victra and Red & Blue, and how could anyone NOT love Elend with his bookish charm?!?! Also, I am ashamed to admit that I have never read or watched The Princess Bride, guess I'll have to rectify that mistake soon!
My personal favourite couples would include Tashué and Stella in Legacy of the Brightwash, the main throuple in A Chorus of Dragons, Gideon and Harrow in Gideon the Ninth, Hilo and Wen in Greenbone Saga, and Ronan & Adam in The Raven Cycle series. Probably many more that are slipping my mind right now, just overwhelmed by all the love hahah 🤩
Also, I just wanted to add that I loved the editing in this video! Your content always looks amazing but this was slick, loved it!
Thanks so many of you top choices are on my list to get to. I will make sure Jakob gets the editing kudos you have sent his way. And for the love of all the world go watch Princess Bride...like right now!
@@Talking_Story Hope you love them as much as I do whenever you get to them!
And aye sir, I will get on it asap! 😅😂
You big softie, you. :D You know, you could be a wonderful Dread Pirate Roberts
As you wish.
YES!!! SEVRO AND VICTRA!! 💕
Right?!
I'm just glad you didn't include Jamie and Cersei Lannister
😂uhh no…
Gollum and the Ring. I mean, he's been trying to finger bang it for decades after he lost it. That's love!!!
But seriously. The romance of the main characters in The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson, as messed up as it is, it's pretty tangible.
Have not read the Gargoyle will add that to my list. Thanks!
😂 Gollum and the ring! Hilarious
I like sevro and Victra but I am still behind darrow and mustang :)
I do hope overall they come out alright for sure. Who knows what Mr Brown has in store for us?
Tsukiko & Hinata
Fill me in on them
@@Talking_Story theyre from the night circus... but just barely... you just get to hear very briefly about their love story, but Tsukiko features frequently in the book and the way her character is based on their relationship always just devastates me and I love them, and I neeeeeeed a novella based on them, lol. so it kinda doesn't count since the book isnt about them, but.... 😭
@@eliotopian ahhhh I did read Night circus long ago but old man brain got the better of me there. Wonderful add!
Orso and Savine 😅
Nice!
Hhrmmmm. Read to book 3... that's all I'll say 🤐
I am back into your series this year for sure!
I respect your passion, even if you're wrong about most of the stuff you say.
I will take as a great compliment🤣
@@Talking_Story don't rush to that conclusion.
@@Talking_Story I mean seriously? First Law as an example of heartwarming romance? Were you on shrooms when you were reading that abomination?
Don't think I said heartwarming but I dug the connection those 2 characters found despite themselves. No shrooms involved. @@AndrewFrancisIlyrian
@@Talking_Story this is a Valentine video, it's implied.
I dunno, man. I'd be too busy holding back my vomit to think about romance in these "fantasy" books