Underrated Epic Fantasy | The Forgetting Moon by Brian Lee Durfee
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- Опубликовано: 1 окт 2024
- Hi everyone! Today's video is a spoiler-free book review of The Forgetting Moon, the first book in The Five Warrior Angels series, by @B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS! I read this book for the first time in 2019, and I'm rereading through The Forgetting Moon and The Blackest Heart in preparation for the upcoming Lonesome Crown next month! My thoughts on The Forgetting Moon, after my reread, remain mostly the same. I loved it, and I think this series is still criminally underrated and underhyped. Let me know whether you've read or plan to read this series! And if you've read it, what do you think about it?
Arts:
-The Five Isles Map by Robert Lazaretti
-The Forgetting Moon by Richard Anderson
-The Forgetting Moon by J Caleb Design
-The Forgetting Moon by Federico Musetti
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THANKS!!!
You're so welcome, Brian!!
Durfee is the man, I love this series so much. It's so sad that his eyesight is going downhill, I hope he's able to somehow keep writing for a long time, but it's not looking super good right now sadly
I genuinely got sad hearing about his deteriorating eyesight... I hope he'll recover from it, somehow. 😢
You don’t need to see to write, he could still dictate. Not ideal but very possible.
I mentioned dictation in another comment on another video. I just hope we get more fantasy from him because if THIS is his first trilogy, imagine where he can go. Compare Forgetting moon as a debut to say elantris.
The potential is sky high
As beautiful as the cover art of his books is, it's sad that he cannot illustrate them himself. He is so talented. His paintings are gorgeous.
@@tramasrarasoddplots I agree. But I assume he wants to give work to professionals in the industry
Love this Petrik! Funny timing - I actually just released a Top 10 video today on the most underrated fantasy book series and gave Five Warrior Angels the #1 slot.
Thank you, Matt! I literally just watched your video and it pleased me to see Five Warrior Angels at the top! 😂 It's time to give Durfee the exposure he deserves!!!
I just want to thank Brian Lee Durfee for sending his novel to you to read and review.
I'm so grateful for it, too! 😁
One of the main things that drove me to Petrik's channel is how he talks and brings forth books and series from independent authors or not well known ones. The way he talks about each of them truly gives you a perspective of the worlds and stories you are missing out, not because you're actively avoiding them, but because you didn't know about them, therefore Petrik is there to passionately let you know about the incredible authors out there. Honestly, among all the booktubers I follow, this is my go-to place for new additions to my TBR. Keep up the good work!!!
Ah, thank you so much, Andres! It means a lot to hear that. I will keep doing my best to shed light on underrated and underhyped books! 😁
I got the trilogy because of your recommendation. The Forgetting Moon and The Blackest Heart were so good. But I would be lying if I said I loved Lonesome Crown as much. I guess this will be the point where some will like it and some won't. This series is just making me realize that being unpredictable in how you use tropes does not necessarily make for a satisfying ending. Even with great characters, unpredicatability and grim can become tropes too. If it has to be done, I still prefer the way John Gwynne did it. Having it be such a long ending made me wish it was over when I realized what's coming. Around page 611, I was dreading the next half of the book. I was disappointed with the reveals, and the ending was okay. Maybe predictability is not always a bad thing. Someone needs to analyze the Faithful and the Fallen. John Gwynne even struggles to recreate his own magic there. John Gwynne had the best book where killing characters and unpredictability (the modern Game of Thrones gimmick) worked. Regardless, I am still happy I read it.
That's fair! And I think John Gwynne has done something truly amazing with The Faithful and the Fallen. Everything he wrote is incredible to me. But The Faithful and the Fallen is special. As you said, predictability is not always a bad thing. At the end of the day, it always depends on the execution! Glad you loved The Forgetting Moon and The Blackest Heart, though. Blackest Heart is my favorite of the trilogy! :)
The Forgetting Moon was the first fantasy book I had ever read and still is one of my favorite books ever.
That's so awesome to hear! 😁
you must be young....
You did such a good job recommending that it is now out of stock everywhere!😅 too bad for us physical readers.
Really!? 😅 I don't think that's because of me, but if yes, woohoo!!!
Just finished this a couple months ago. Incredibly underrated! Its shocking that's it's not huge like Michael j Sullivan's books or John Gywenn or something. It's right up there. Anyone watching this video or seeing this comment,just go out and get the books soon as you can. You won't be disappointed
Yeah! That's what I've been saying for the past three years. Really not sure why it's still criminally underrated to this day.
@@PetrikLeo I know it's so weird. But thank you for giving it the spotlight it deserves. Hopefully someday it will get it due.
Just bought book one!
Awesome!
This a great series. Easily one of the most memorable series, for me, in recent years.
I totally agree! 😁
Petrik, I am reading it right now. I am enjoying writing style and the world-building. I love the twists and turns... I heard his books supposed to be a five book series,but his publisher's company changed and his books ended up shorten into a trilogy. That's why the books were so long... I even heard he got refluences with rock music and Terry Brooks' Shavannah series... I has admitted that he can write. He is really good writer, but I really hope he's doing okay. I will pray for him for best. 🙏
I hope you'll continue to enjoy the series! Durfee didn't change publisher, but yeah Saga Press did decide to change the series to a trilogy. Fingerscrossed this bode well for the series!
I just started this book 2 days ago and it's hard to put down.
It's amazing. I'm going to start the 3rd book soon! 😁
One of the best books I have read in the past ten years.
I'm pleased to hear that!! Blackest Heart is even better! :D
@@PetrikLeo I will have to agree with that. I should have said, one of the best books in ten years along with The Blackest Heart. Can’t wait for The Lonesome Crown!
Hi Petrik,
Will you do a series wrap-up once you have read and finish the series?
I would be interested in hear your thoughts. For instance, if the series sticks the landing and whether or not the conclusion is managed well.
I'm curious about the series. The reviews made by Mike's book reviews and The Fantasy Nuttwork, drawn my attention. Mainly due to the holy books theme.
Thank you Petrik!
Hi, Simon! Yes that's certainly the plan. Lonesome Crown is released at the end of November, so if all goes according to plan, I want to post a series review.... probably December or January! 😃
@@PetrikLeo thanks! I'll keep an eye for it.
I have heard nothing but great things about this series, so I am beyond excited to start it soon! I mean, I should be able to squeeze it in before the end of the year, I suppose. Malice and The Ember Blade were both huge hits for me, so I can't imagine a scenario in which I wouldn't at least enjoy this story. Give me allll the prophecy goodness!!!
Your enthusiasm is super infectious, thanks for sharing this review!! 🥰
Thank you so much, Esmay! Yeah, I have a feeling you will love this one, too, considering how much you enjoyed Malice and The Ember Blade! :)
I actually just started this book yesterday.
Then I hope you'll love it! 😊
I have this on my TBR. My preference is to read long epic fantasies in the winter months. I'm excited to read this. I love a good prophecy in my epic fantasies. It works for me every time!
That's totally understandable! I hope you'll love this one. I think if you love prophecies in epic fantasy, you'll really love this series! :)
Loved The Forgetting Moon and just started The Blackest Heart. Recently received The Lonesome Crown so plan on reading the entire series back to back. Will probably invest in the Audio Version as well as I love re-reading these big epic series via Audible for a 2nd read. I catch a lot of things I missed on my first read that way.
That's a good plan! Blackest Heart is even better! I'm starting The Lonesome Crown tomorrow. So excited! 😊
I’m really interested in reading this but the size does put me off a little😂. Hopefully when the final book comes out I will read it.
Great video, Petrik🥰
Thank you so much, Holly!! The final book comes out soon. I hope you'll read it and love it! 😁
Just Bought the first two books based on your recommendation Petrik, I am sure I am going to love it you haven’t lead me wrong so far..haha.
Woohoo! Fingers crossed you'll love the series! 😁
I... might read this. I hear it's quite dark and am not sure I want to deal with that. I also hear very mixed things about the prose/dialogue which is something that often really affects my enjoyment of a series. Glad it's getting more exposure!
Prosr and dialogue are things you have to experience yourself, but yes the series do have some intensely dark scenes. 😅
Grimdark isn't really my cup of tea, so I won't be reading this series just yet. But speaking of underrated, Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky is a series I highly recommend to any fantasy fan. I'm currently on book 2, and thus far it's proved a well-written, complex and fascinating series. The characters, world and action in particular are superb. I particularly like Stenwold and Thalric, Thalric being my favorite character thus far. His arc is very compelling.
Yeah! Shadows of the Apt is so often mentioned as underrated. I have to get to the series someday! 😁
@@PetrikLeo Is Five Warrior Angels grimdark?
@@Walpurgis117 i think it is. It used many classic fantasy tropes but most of the main characters are very morally grey, and some scenes were incredibly graphic.
@@PetrikLeo How does it compare to Brian Staveley's books in terms of level of 'grimdarkness'?
@@Walpurgis117 i'll say they're about the same level!
This one has already been on my radar (your fault, as always). Just wish I could find a trade paperback size 😢
Hahahaha! That your fault, as always made me laugh. xD
I thought there is only one paperback size for this series, and I think it is trade paperback size. Unless you meant UK edition?
Great review I'm really looking forward to reading this series now that it's all finished I'll be starting it soon another great video from the best booktuber on RUclips
Thank you so much! I think you'll love this one. Especially the 2nd and 3rd book! 😁
Great review.
picked up this book in original hardcover by accident about 5 years ago, and loved it. The graphic scenes were amazing and made me shiver. The second book I enjoyed even more, have been waiting patiently for The Lonesome Crown. Planning on rereading starting 11/1, and moving right into The Lonesome Crown to finish the month!!
Thank you so much, Frank! Ah yeah... that graphic scene with Jubal in the invasion... So intense and insane. I look forward to rereading The Blackest Heart next month! :)
Sounds just up my street, thanks Petrik. Mount TBR a little higher today 😍😍
You're so welcome, Miriam! I hope you'll like it! :)
Another fantastic video!!! Thank you Petrik!!! This has been on my TBR for a long time!!! I have to get to it.
Thank you so much! Yes you should! 😃
Ooooh, another fabulous video Petrik!! This is going on my list! Always after more epic fantasy 🤩🤩🤩
Thank you so much!! 😁 This is another awesome one for you to read!
Hi 👋 thank you for the review, might check it soon.... happy reading to you!! ⚔️🕸
Thank you! Happy reading to you, too!
Malice + Ember Blade + A song of ice and fire... Some elements from thses epics.
Definitely I will read this series of Durfee
Yeah! Certainly give the series a try! 😁
🎉 nice! I just finish The Blackest Heart a few days ago. Fantastic read!
I LOVE The Blackest Heart! Much more than The Forgetting Moon, and that's saying a lot! 😃
Half way thru the first book and Im hooked. So far its lived up to the recommendation
Wonderful! I hope you will continue to love the book! :)
Just bought it on audible. Look forward to reading it at work. House of the Dragon has me in a large scale fantasy epic.
I hope you'll love it! House of the Dragon is amazing. Every episode has been very impressive! :)
Amazing review! I love the majestic artwork here, the mythological grandeur, and the elevated prose style. I’ll have to check it out.
Thank you very much, James! Yesss please give this series a read. it's awesome! :)
Thanks Petrik, I've just bought the first two after this review 😊
Awesome, Trace! Here's hoping you'll enjoy the series! :)
I prefer to binge series so I am eagerly awaiting my pre-order of The Lonesome Crown.
Totally understandable! I have to reread for the sake of refreshing my memories hahaha. xD
I read this and didn't love it but decided to read the sequel some time later on a whim. I was wrong these are great books and the sequel is easily one on the best book I read in the last 5 years
To be fair, The Blackest Heart is a vast improvement over The Forgetting Moon! Glad it won you over! 😃
Your explanation will make me order this book from Amazon. It seems pretty good the book.
It truly is, especially if you love classic fantasy tropes done with modern voice! :)
Excellent review of a great book.
Cheers and happy reading!
Thank you so much, Paromita! :)
I’m excited to read this. Your very thorough review made up my mind for me. Thanks Petrik!
Thank you so much, Chas!! I hope you'll enjoy it!! 😊
I read the forgetting moon last year I absolutely enjoyed it I'm glad I decided to give the series a try I'm definitely will be reading the final book
Glad you loved it, Angela!! I think it's still very much underrated and underhype! 😁
Yes, I absolutly agree, The Forgetting Moon is amazing! The second book is even better. So happy that you made a review, Petrik, so more people can pick it up. 😊👌
Thank you so much, Kari! Yeah, I read it three years ago, I might as well post a review here since I just finished my reread! 😁
@@PetrikLeo Yes, I would love to hear your thoughts on the epic battle scenes in this book. 😊😄 I loved them. Especially the river battle scene. It was very intense.
I’m just waiting for the last book to be released to start the series, or maybe when it draws near
Understandable! Not long from now, the day will come! 😃
In regards to the question at the end of your video, I plan to read all 3 books. I read a sample from kindle and enjoyed what I read. Thanks for asking.
Awesome!! Here's hoping you'll love the entire series! 😁
@@PetrikLeo thank you, Petrick. I enjoyed your video. Very much.
I finished The Blackest Heart this month. It is my all time favorite book to date. This series is so good! Thx for putting a spotlight on it!
Superb! You're so welcome! 😃 The Blackest Heart is truly awesome!
It's been a fun read so far. I have been reading slowly but it has been worth keeping on.
That's wonderful. It keeps getting better and better, imo! :)
Thanks Petrik - just got it out of our local library!!
Woohoo! That's awesome, Annie! :D
I bought the first two books and have the third ordered. I can’t wait to start reading them! I plan to read them back to back.
That will be a great idea. There are many details in the series, and I think it will be better to read them closer to each other! :)
I am really glad that people are finally talking about this criminally underrated trilogy, really looking forward to picking up the third book.
The series deserve so much more recognition and buzz, really.
Ok, OK!!! I ordered a copy!
🤣
This has been on the TBR awhile. I really need to get to it soon!
Yes you should!! especially with the final book coming soon! :)
I have never been led astray by your recommendations. Currently I'm reading Speaking bones by Ken Liu (on your recommendation) and it is soooooooo goood. I hope this series fills the gap The Dandelion dynasty leaves after I'm done with that.
Thanks again for your great recommendations.
I think you will enjoy the forgetting moon it's really great
You're so welcome! It's hard to fill in the gap after finishing The Dandelion Dynasty, but hey, this series has the chance to do it! :)
Very underrated. Second one is even better. Can't wait for the last one next month
I totally agree. Here's hoping Lonesome Crown will be even better! :)
I have had this sitting on my tbr for years and added The Blackest Heart when it came out. I have been trying to finish a couple other series before starting it so I can fully focus on it. I tried the first chapter a while ago and was really drawn in. I am really excited to pick it up now hearing how much you enjoyed it, even on a re-read.
I hope you'll love this, Ang! The Blackest Heart is even better than The Forgetting Moon! :)
@@PetrikLeo I think I have my first reads of 2023, guess I am adding a book to my Christmas wish list so I can binge them all.
Hi Petrik. Great video and I agree with the book. I don't understand why there isn't more buzz about the book.
Thank you, Samuli! I know right? I've been shouting about this series for a few years now. Definitely in need of more buzz!
@@PetrikLeo I just read both books. I waited until now so that I don't have to wait long for the last part.
This series is so amazing! Everyone read it!
I totally agree, Gwyndon! :D
Great video. We need more spotlight videos.
Thanks! The next spotlight video will be coming soon! 😁
Solid two books. Looking forward to 3rd one.
Same here!! 😄
I read this book last month and let me tell you it was surprisingly amazing , a five star book
Yessss! Glad you agree, Garima. Blackest Heart was absolutely impressive, too!
@@PetrikLeo finished it 2 days ago, I'm hooked , can't wait for the Lonesome crown!!!
Definitely hope to read this next year, Petrik. Nice video :)
Thank you so much, Theo! As long that it is on your radar! 😃
@@PetrikLeo For sure! I have the first one, and I've engaged with Durfee a bit, and really want to give it a try!
@@PetrikLeo plus The Faithful and the Fallen comparisons people mention is something that intrigues me because FATF is one of my favourites!
I can't wait to dive into this series at some point. I keep hearing so many good things about it
I hope this will be right up your alley! 😁
@@PetrikLeo between you and Mike's Book Reviews it sounds like it is
I bought forgetting moon when it came out, but held off reading it for a long time. Its a big book which makes it intimidating, and at the time there wasn't a lot of reviews to show if it was worth the time. There was also the risk of it not being completed due to it originally being scheduled for 5 books, and cut to 3. Now in 2023 with the series completed I started it, and I am SO glad I waited. With the entire story available I am just DEVOURING the pages as fast possible. SUCH AN UNDERRATED FANTASY SERIES!!!
It's an incredible series. I loved every book in the now trilogy. If you loved The Forgetting Moon already, you will love the rest of the trilogy. Underrated fantasy series indeed! :D
Why isn't the third book on audio?
I used the cover of this book for several examples to explain to my artist what I want 😍😍 it's so well executed!!
I think you're making the right decision. The cover art of this series, whether it's the US/German edition looks so damn good! :)
No I don’t like it. Digital and fantasy don’t go together.
@@reginaldforthright805 Completely disagree. So many digital art work superbly well for the fantasy genre.
@@PetrikLeo trendy but objectively terrible. It will go the way of parachute pants.
@@reginaldforthright805 again, completely disagree. What you said as objective is just your opinion. Feel free to think that, though.
Totally agree. This is a great series and a throwback (of a sorts) to epic fantasy of the past.
Hear hear, Chris!! 😃
This is a really good series that truly deserves some more love and wider recognition, but I wouldn't call it severely underrated. Idkn, it maybe just me, but this series just keeps popping up in my recommendation list, even though I read it a while ago...
Nahhh, I have to disagree. It's been published for 6 years, and it has 1,200 ratings (3.9 average ratings) on Goodreads. For its awesome quality, I certainly think it's severely underrated and underhyped. Just a few fantasy debut comparisons, The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter was published in 2017 and it already has 25,000 ratings and 4.33 average ratings. Kings of the Wyld was first published in 2017, too, and it already has 39,800 ratings (4.29 average ratings) on Goodreads. So yes, despite the recommendation videos on RUclips, I think this series is still in dire need of exposure.
@@PetrikLeo Now that you've put it that way, it is odd, I have personally heard less about the other two that you've mentioned, yet indeed they seem to be huge. Very odd indeed...
I’ve seen on GR that there will be a fourth book?!
Pretty sure that's a mistake. Someone just decided to add it randomly. Brian has mentioned the series was originally five books but it has been compressed to a trilogy.
I enjoyed both The Forgetting Moon and The Blackest Heart, and am looking forward to The Lonesome Crown.
Same here, Michael! I look forward to rereading The Blackest Heart! :)
£25 for a paperback on Amazon is a bit expensive,hopefully will be able to find it a bit cheaper in the future.
Ah, that's quite pricey indeed! I hope you will be able to secure a cheaper copy in the future! :)