Merphy: "My number one series is no surprise to anyone at all." Me: *Grabs my copy of TLOLL* Merphy: "The chronicles of Narnia" ... I have never felt more confused and betrayed and relieved in 2 seconds.
@@Morfeusm I am confused by using a quote which is probably one of the most perfect examples of irony in all of fiction. Are you implying that her statement was ironical?
@@danelmore6553 no, I was just poking fun at OP for fishing Merphys heart/like/comment like that but nothing wrong with that I just thought it funny using Star Wars quote on a guy who obviously knows Star Wars judging by the avatar picture. See now you made me feel bad about making fun of them. 😂
"About half of my favorite magic systems aren't on my favorite series list. That's interesting." And that, my fellow writers, is the perfect example of how your best magic system does not necessarily make the best book ever.
@@Wild-Coma I'm assuming you mean Eragon. And for that, I would agree. Nowdays, I would put that under the magic system in WoT, but still above other common choices like Mistborn's.
Merphy: "My number one series is no surprise to anyone" Me: Gentleman's bastards Merphy: "Chronicles of Narnia" Me: *heart attack* Merphy: sike Me: phew
@@Morfeusm yeah? Glad it wasn't just me. I found that first book super jarring. **SPOILERS** The whole crew dying then he spends this weird section of the book talking about the life of a mundane book keeper at a bank. It threw me out the immersion. Then book two goes from setting up a card game heist to suddenly we're pirates? I saw none of it as brilliant storytelling and it struck me as an ADHD author that's confused about what genre their writing.
@@Raltie It’s complicated. I don’t mind breaking and meshing genres. Yes, there is something in his writing which is bothering me and I can’t quite put my finger on it. From first book I mainly liked the main plot twist and contrast of the first part with trivial schemes and second much darker part. Main villain was good too. Second book had off putting start, I DNFd it three times and took me two years to get to the pirates which I really enjoyed for some reason, don’t ask me why. So far I really like the third book while it has it’s problems. I think this author isn’t bad or anything close to it, for me he started average in first two books and actually third one has some good prose, and it kind of struck my cords. But it’s very depressing and even more adhd. It concerns with death, unrequited love, stage actors, and many actually interesting themes which I was not expecting to find in fantasy. I finally got to enjoy Jean and Locke friendship which is genuinely good written. But yeah it’s all over the place. It’s not for everyone.
Murphy: My number one pick should be a surprise to no one... Me: Oh I know this, The Gentleman Bas-- Murphy: The Chronicles of Narnia Me: Wait, what the hell? Murphy: Just kidding it's The Gentleman Bastards >< You really me going for 0.5 seconds there!
I mean by that logic any classic ever can be written off as "not being suitable to modern readers." There is a reason LOTR was and still is one of the most popular books of all time, and it's because it is great.
LOTR was old fashioned when it was written as many critics pointed out (and scorned it for) at the time. That was the point. Tolkien hated modernity and the industrialisation of civilisation. He wanted to create a mythology for England set in its prehistory. He excluded words created after a certain time to add to its verisimilitude. This was all very deliberate by Tolkien and it's a huge part of what makes LOTR timeless.
When you picked up Chronicles of Narnia instead of the Gentleman bastards I was literally shocked for a second. I was like, " Wait, do I not know Merphy at all?" Hahaha
@@NinaNiterose86 Actually, under those conditions Merphy doesn't know Darknight ... but he can learn a great deal about, and come to know, her. It's like the group Rush has a lyric that goes, "I can't pretend a stranger is a long-awaited friend." It's about meeting fans. Because the fans feel like the group members ARE old friends, from years or decades of being fans...but the band has never even met them. It's an uneven relationship, a totally one-sided relationship. And can be very unbalancing for both people when they do meet. So yeah, Darknight probably feels, with justification, as if he (she, they) know Merphy fairly well. Can't say they're wrong.
That tiny, blurry Iroh Pop in the shelf behind Merphy makes me so happy. He's just sitting there, drinking his tea, watching over Merphy, as Iroh would do.
I actually agree regarding Sanderson's prose. The expressions he chooses to use can get very repetitive. But then again, he is an amazing story-teller and I appreciate the straightforward writing style, at the same time.
@@vanjakatarina1517 Prose would be ones writing style. More specifically the word choice, sentence construction, and the overall rhythm and flow of the passages.
I had my husband start the audiobook for Mistborn: Final Empire right after I finished listening to Name of the Wind and the difference was... jarring... to say the least. I feel like he definitely stepped up his prose in the later Stormlight books after finishing off Wheel of Time.
I had a hard time reading The Fellowship of the Ring the first time, but the moment I clicked with the writing style, I really fell in love not only with the book and the whole trilogy but the writing style itself. It gives a unique charm. I think the whole LotR is such a brilliant masterpiece. Everything about it is just beautiful for me.
I had no idea liking LoTR was something people weren’t allowed to do anymore, my mom read that to us as children and it’s one of my favorite memories. The lord of the rings is amazing
I read an article about mental health rep in The Stormlight Archive and I saw the best pitch for the series that anyone has ever come up with, in my opinion: "Broken people save the world."
My favorite books will always be The Lord of the Rings. But can you imagine how epic the Stormlight Archive will be once the whole 10 books are finished??
I just read The Odyssey, and yeah The Scouring of the Shire is the finale of The Odyssey. It's that finale for their new developed selves. Odysseus, his son Telemachus, the swineherd and cowherd against the suitors exploiting Odysseus's wealth = Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin against Saruman and the orcs exploiting the Shire!
@keretaman The Odyssey is a bit different. The Iliad is the story of the war, with the focus on Achilles. The Odyssey is the story of Odysseus’ trip home, with many interludes showing the crisis at home during his 20 year absence, from the perspective of Telemachus, the son he left behind.
@@keretaman omg that's brilliant! as a huge fan of both lotr and greek myth can't believe i never noticed it. the whole idea of "we just need to get home" being switched for "but home has been changed since we've been gone, and we need one last battle to put things back to how they were" is such a key part of both these stories and their characters. thanks for pointing it out!
I'm with you on Return of the King ! It's a rare things in both book and movies to see the results of the climax, to see the world's "new status quo" establishing itself and get an idea of the character's fate after the main events :) It can be extremely satisfying especially when the events brought a lot of change to the world
I think for many people it's just the fact that it's so different from anything written in modern language. If you're not used to archaic writing styles it can take a minute getting used to it.
So glad you included Lord of the Rings. Elitist can hate all they want. It started it all and it definitely holds up. I agree with every single thing you said about it.
I've just started watching but this list is absolutely legendary! The Stormlight Archive hit me so hard it made me create this RUclips channel just to gush about it! I loved hearing your thoughts on The First Law Trilogy as well, I'm planning to get onto that after my long journey through the Cosmere. Thanks for the great content as always Merphy :)
Merphy- "If you aren't going to watch the video, I wan't you to take awa the best books." You don't need to tell what is your fav. LITERALLY EVERYBODY KNOWS! Btw, just read Lies Of Locke Lamora and it's absolutely great
@Dan Evans ok fascist. It’s VERY clear what you’re trying to do here… take a look at the world around you and ask yourself ‘could I make this a better place?’. The answer is yes, if only you would stop misgendering people… You’re welcome, have a GREAT day.
Some of my favorite fantasy series (besides all things Tolkien): Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin Thomas Covenant Chronicles by Stephen R. Donaldson Memory, Sorrow, Thorn by Tad Williams Avaryan Rising by Judith Tarr A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin Dragon Prince and Dragon Star Trilogies by Melanie Rawn
Whilst doing my makeup and hair for the day, I always watch your videos. The part where you said my favourite "chronicles of Narnia" no lie, lip stick went down my face and past my chin and had to do a double take 😂😂😂
I feel like the only one here that's sad that she did the Chronicles of Narnia dirty like that. Edit: Okay Merphy, I forgive you after that LOTR gush/throwing shade at haters who think it's not "modern enough".
Agreed on Narnia. Merphy has stated she is a Christian so I was hoping Narnia would at least make the list. Though I admit I actually like The Song of Alvion better than Narnia. I'm trying to point Merphy towards it but since I'm not a Patreon and I can't afford to purchase her a copy (OMG, I just realized, I'm literally a peasant right now) so my voice is drowned out.
@@thebkg Yeah, that's the downside of large channels/communities. You don't really have a voice unless you're in the "inner circle". Even sending them copies doesn't guarantee anything. I sent Daniel Greene a copy of the Chronicles of Prydain and even that got lost in the shuffle because it wasn't being requested on Discord and Patreon.
@@the_corvid97 Trilogy by Stephen Lawhead. It's based on Celtic lore and its absolutely awesome! Lawhead also did a King Arthur series that's from a Biblical Worldview point. Like a Christian version. My friend recommended it but for whatever reason I never read it. But he had a hard time getting his Alvion series back from me till I could buy my own. 😂😂😂
When you went on the LotR "rant" - I felt that. Not necessarily with those books (really need to reread them) but MAN, the passion! That's why you are my favourite booktuber! I love you ☺️
I loved the Silmarillion too. I really think these books hold up. It’s really a matter of language. If you can appreciate the language, which just takes time to absorb, it truly is amazing. There is something you get from reading a book you don’t get other forms of consumable media that is just amazing here. It really sparks the imagination. It’s a feeling unique to reading. And I love it. And Tolkien did it best.
I think Tolkien takes me longer to read than any other fiction author, but there’s so much baked into his wording. It’s like a rich steak that you want to chew slowly so you don’t miss anything.
Merphy’s persistent praise for the Gentlemen Bastards series finally convinced me to order Lies of Locke Lamora. I’ll be starting it tomorrow! Also, 7:30. 😂
I just started The Lies of Locke Lamora yesterday (and by “started” I mean I read the 30pg prologue) and I can already tell it’s going to be a favorite!
So glad that Death Note made this list! It’s one of my absolute favorites! I literally had the mystery genre ruined for me because Death Note was the first mystery I read and it is so well executed. I just know that no other mystery series can ever satisfy me the way Death Note can. It is a work of genius.
9/10. Thats crazy! Mine are almost exactly the same. It makes sense since i am not super well read and pretty much all of what i have read so far has been based on glowing reviews online. Gentleman Bastards is my all time favorite and is what got me back into reading as an adult. I am like most people who grew up with Harry Potter and then dropped reading for a while. The only difference to your list is Deathnote which i haven't read, so i would have to swap that out for The Band series by Nicholas Eames :D
Merphy, the fact that you read The Silmarillion, and liked it... That is awesome!!! It can be hard, and it should not be read as other normal stories, it is very dense... but OH MAN, it adds so much to Tolkien's world... I loved it.
Death Note? Horror? Nah. Psychological thriller or Mystery with heavy supernatural element. that's it. So modern day real-life setting with fantasy elements. Borderline fit for the list. ^^
I still love Lord of the Rings, even though as an adult I quibble over the constant need for monarchies as an ultimate good in fantasy literature. I really love the effort Christopher Tolkien has put into releasing his father's notes and early drafts of each of his works, as it allows you to follow through how Tolkien rewrote and thought his way through the world he created.
There's a radio interview with Tolkien on RUclipswhere he talks about that. But St. Thomas Aquinas does consider Monarchy to be the best form of government (read 'Dē Regnō').
My number 1 fantasy series is definitely One Piece, for essentially the same reasons you gave for liking the wheel of time series. The massive, complex world, & massive cast, & cool magic system, & masterful foreshadowing. I really cannot recommend it enough, my favorite book series of all time. It's rarely discussed on booktube, & I look forward to every fresh perspective I can get on it, so please please consider it for your list. I know it's long, but it's definitely worth it, for the freedom & pirates & adventure! The first 60 or so chapters are fine, but the story doesn't seem too special, & then it hits a tipping point, & I promise you'll be hooked forever. Each character is impactful, & the world is constantly moving, even or especially when the MCs aren't around. Each island has a full culture right at its core, so that it all makes sense even under scrutiny. The devil fruit magic system is so simple, yet so insanely creative. Don't watch the anime... it's... it's not... Please don't watch the anime, they ruined the pacing, & it still hurts me. Read the manga, it's so so so good.
Honestly I very much doubt any youtube book reviewer will ever get on board to read something as long as One Piece, they have a lot of books to read and that would take a huge comitment and a lot of money to buy all those mangas
@@laiaal.3324 It's available legally online for the price of a Viz membership right hya: www.viz.com/shonenjump/chapters/one-piece & available free online as well, but probably not legally? Idk. & idk if length is really an issue, considering she just finished wheel of time recently... besides that, OP's chapters can be collected into volumes, & then those into arcs. She could review any of these denominations individually at her leisure, & that kind of regular, reliable, sure-to-be-popular video series are a youtuber's dream. But even if she never made a video on it, I'd still want her (& you) to read it bc it's legitimately that good. Have you ever left a story wanting more? One Piece embodies that feeling *& then delivers on it*. I know it's long & you're scared, & what little you've heard about it on the internet makes it sound like a little kid's fever dream where all the radically different toys in their toybox all somehow exist in the same universe. Just trust me on this: it's worth it.
Isn’t it more accurate to discuss someone’s “writing style” rather than their “prose”? Prose is literally defined as “writing that isn’t verse”. So almost everything we read nowadays is prose. When discussing an author’s word choice, sentence structure, descriptiveness, etc it seems like it makes more sense to refer to it as that author’s writing style. I could be wrong but since you’re not comparing an author’s prose to their verse (if you were comparing the two, then it would make sense to say something like “his prose is somewhat bland, but his poetry is beautiful “), but rather commenting on their style, this makes the most sense to me.
Udy Kumra I suppose. It just seems like a “booktube” thing to me. I was an English major and don’t recall any of my literature teachers using the word “prose” like this. Seems that a couple of booktubers started using it in their videos and then others picked it up. Doesn’t feel accurate so it sort of diminishes what’s being said, IMO. Just a personal preference though.
Totally agree with you on Lord of the Rings. At the end of the day it’s a story about an epic journey and somehow Tolkien makes you feel like you’re on an epic journey too and then you get to recover and say goodbye at the end.
Now let me recommend something slightly different: Ascendance of a Bookworm. Yes, I know it’s a Japanese light novel series (and an reincarnation isekai at that), but while its world building might not reach tLotR in the macroscopic range it is extremely detailed in the micro area. I am not generally very fond of stories told in first-person perspective, but in this case, it helps the immersion of the world building since we learn about the world together with the protagonist. The English translation is very good as far as translations go, so if you like a story driven by character interaction with a slow methodic buildup and excellently thought out world than have a look at it.
My high school journalism teacher loved The Name of the Wind so much that he had the European cover painted as a massive mural on his classroom wall. So I read it and loved it and I thought that Kvothe was SO much like my teacher that I actually started to wonder whether my teacher was the author. He’s not, but honestly the similarities are so crazy and I just adore that series. It’s been a long 10 years waiting for The Doors of Stone.
You inspired me to read Lord of The Rings :) I’m a 24 year old book worm and have begun to dive into so many more genres and literature. I stayed away from LOTR because of the hype but...there’s gotta be a reason for the hype right? I’m a fantasy fiend and live for it so ...I’m excited! Love your vids!
The First Law is my favorite series ever. I love everything about Abercrombie's writing, but especially the characters, the writing style, and the humor. And I love his bleak and cynical vision of the world.
On my latest reread of LOTR, the Scouring of the Shire was the single moment of character development clarity four Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin. To see them stand up to Sharkey's thugs showed exactly how much they'd grown. "You don't scare me, I convinced a tree to go to war/hamstrung a lich king/wrestled an acromantula/threw a horcrux into a volcano/stared down a Maiar/saved the world. In comparison, you're small potatoes. We're gonna boil you, mash you, stick you in a stew, and take back our home."
I love that my favorite author technically made the list three times! Hahaha Sanderson is just that incredibly amazingly good! I agree about the pros by the way but he really really is just that good.
I love how passionately you talk about your favourite books I am 33 years old and I have never been a big reader, I have read very few books in my life partly due to being forced to read boring books in school, and also how computers have taken over everything. This Christmas I got a kindle e reader as a gift and I have already read 3 books and now I feel like this completely new world has just opened up to me. There are so many books and stories I cant wait to explore I just cannot believe how much I have been missing out all this time. Later I might even attempt difficult books like the idiot by Dostojevski which I find really interesting but for the time being I'm sticking with adventurous books with themes of exotic places and great story telling.
As a mangreader I was really glad when you talked about "Death Note" ☺ if you love reading manga then I highly recommend you to read the manga I mentioned below :- 1) Berserk 2) Attack on Titan 3) Hell's Paradise 4) Demon Slayer 5) Mashle : Magic and Muscles
Your top 10 and 9 are my top 1 and 2, and your top 1 is one of the few fantasy series I've ever DNF'd....😂 Crazy to see how different people see things differently! Love your videos🧡🧡
The Book of Babel! Give this series some love!!!!! Senlin Ascends is so good. Actually all three books are so good, but waiting on the 4th to come out next year!!!!
I deeply appreciate the fact that you start the LotR section by stating that it is in fact one book, published in three volumes. That just made my Tolkien-trash soul sing with joy.
@@Morfeusm That would be high indeed! I have not the power to leap into huge trees to avoid Huan (not that I would want to avoid him). Will dancing with joy among the hemlocks, albeit not with the grace of Lúthien, suffice? :)
I'm from Brazil and I love watch your videos, I don't understand all the things that you say because I'm still learning but congratulations to your beautiful job!!! Edit: when I'm watchig your videos I want read so many books but same of them I can't read because don't have in Brazil, it's sad but I need move on!
Oii Guilherme! Quero apenas falar para vc não desistir e ir tentando aos pouquinhos! No início do ano eu achava que não era capaz de ler em inglês e hoje já li the way of kings e outros! Comece com livros de não fantasia e depois vá aumentando o nível aos pouquinhos! Não adianta achar que não consegue e não tentar, pq muitas vezes nos auto-sabotamos! Tenho certeza que vc irá conseguir e arrasar!
Muito obrigado pelas dicas! Eu gosto muito do idioma porém ainda n consigo ler, e com a pandemia estou estudando por conta própria, aí gosto de ver alguns vídeos em inglês de assuntos que eu gosto, como livros, para ir praticando
So strong-willed. I don't think you get that in the films. How extraordinary his resistance was. Even though he cracked in the end. It's still extraordinary.
I'm so happy that you read Death Note! It really is such an amazing manga/anime :) edit: I'm actually in the small percentage of fans who really loved the second half too
Great list. I would add Steven Erikson's "The Malazan Book of the Fallen", Nicholas Eames' "The Band", George Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire", Andrzej Sapkowski's "The Witcher" (although the short stories are in my opinion better than the novels), Neil Gaiman's "American Gods" Universe (it's not a real series, but four interconnected books and novellas) and (maybe for nostalgia) Paul S. Kemp's "The Chronicles of Erevis Cale" (Forgotten Realms).
My favorite chapter of Silmarillion is Ainulindale, the creation story (symphony). All through the rest of the book and LotR, I can see the influence of the progression of that music. I read Lord of the Rings in college in the 80's and didn't find it too daunting, albeit I was a determined reader. I even read Phantastes by 19th century writer George McDonald because I was engrossed with the Inklings (ie Tolkien, Lewis, Chesterton, and Charles Williams) for a while, and several of them were inspired by him. But I'm just getting into more modern fantasy, (except Harry Potter which I've read several times, as well as Gaiman) and lists like yours and Dan's are very helpful for that. So thanks if you read this so long after your post. ☺
When you pulled of Rage of Dragons and a SECOND book, I had to immediately look to see what was up with that. I was lucky enough to do an earlish review of Rage of Dragons so I've been pretty excited about reading the sequel. I'm excited that it's on the list.
Top5 for me is something like this: 1 - The Cosmere (Brandon Sanderson) 2 - Realm of the Elderlings (Robin Hobb) 3 - Powder Mage series (Brian McClellan) 4 - First Law (Joe Abercrombie) 5 - Gentlemen Bastards (Scott Lynch)
The name of the wind is my favorite book but I don't know how this serie is ending because I think that or the last book will be very very good or will be very very bad
Making a top 10 list is difficult. I respect that you were able to put together one. I think my list would LOOSELY go like this 1. Wheel of Time 2. The Belgariad/Mallorean 3. The Farseer Trilogy 4. Stormlight Archive 5. Mistborn 6. Sword of Truth 7. Tyrants and Kings 8. Song of Ice and Fire 9. The First Law 10. Gentleman Bastard If I were to judge Ender's Game, Dune, or Name of the Wind as standalone novels, they'd be in this list too.
So I just finished the first book of the Gentlemen Bastards series because of your recommendation, so thank you! Loved it despite the slow build up, but so worth it to be able to piece everything together. Watching this list of your favorite series and your reasons for them, all I could think was “Have your read the Riyria Revelations series?” and “would it be on your favorites list if you did?” Amazing friendship and an immersive world full of lore. I’m sure I’m not the first to recommend it, but I’m just going to add my voice to theirs.
I am sure I am nowhere near the first person to write this to you, but your recommendation of Locke Lamora is probably the single biggest addition to my reading life since I picked up The Gunslinger twenty years ago. Thank you, and thank you, and thank you.
I love the story telling in LOTR but I felt a lot more invested in the characters in the silmarilion. Parts were kind of hard to get through but some parts are absolutely fantastic.
Every book mentioned in this video is a certified banger within the fantasy book community and a popular choice at that. Well done for having great personal taste as well as taste that compliment the masses. You have made a lot of readers proud with this one.
Favourite series in no particular order, Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman - Librarians trying to acquire books from different earth's while avoiding the notice of dragons and Fae, the Liaden universe by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller, the five god's series by Lois McMaster Bujold, LOTR, Discworld, Stormlight Archive, the Sixth World by Rebecca Townhouse, Divine Cities and The Founder's series by Robert Jackson Bennett, Robin Hobb Farseer books, Steerswomen by Rosemary Kirstein
I agree! I love the amount of closure Tolkien gives us. As much as I absolutely loved The Wheel of Time, I felt so cheated by the lack of closure with the world. I never get to see what happens to all of these beloved characters I spent FOURTEEN books with!!
I just finished Oathbringer (stormlight archives) last night and holy shit the last part was an emotional rollercoaster. Brandon Sanderson knows how to pack a punch in the last 200 pages.
#1 Magician series by Raymond E Feist #2 LOTR - Tolkien #3 The Belgariad - David Eddings #4 Shanara Series - Terry Brooks #5 Word/Void series - Terry Brooks #6;Night Angel series - Brent Weeks #7;Farseer series - Robin Hobb #8 Icewind Dale series - RA Salvatore #9Cleric Quintet - RA Salvatore #10 Harry Potter- JK Rowling Honorable mention - The Redemption of Athalus - David Eddings. (Stand alone, but a great anti-Hero character). These are mine...so we only have 2 in common. 😄
@@jaycievictory8461 Definitely 😊 I was told im SO old school...lol. ill take that as a compliment. My FIRST fantasy book was The Hobbit when I was 11. Up till then, I read every Western my dad had, so I was a big Louis L'Amour fan...but...fantasy...magic...elves...dwarves....lol. I was hooked.
@@rustydaboyrobot my first was the Hobbit too! Age 8. Dad wouldn't let me read LOTR until I was 10 cos he thought I was too young to fully appreciate. Then I found "Queen of Sorcery" in my school library age 11 and came home asking questions. Dad practically cracked his knuckles with glee, and thus my Eddings education began. You would get on so well with my Dad! He's also got a massive collection of Louis L'Amour novels 😂
One of my top fantasy book series, besides Harry Potter, is Skulduggery Pleasant. I personally think it has one of the best and deepest friendship i have ever read. And also lots and lots of black humor. Also the writing style is very special.
I had a strange thing happen when I read "The Wise Man's Fear." I was undergoing cancer treatment and was reading it when I went for surgery. I read the section in the "Fae Realm" right after surgery while I was on a morphine pump. So I am not certain if I read that section "wrong" or read it "perfectly." The weird realm while on drugs.
Merphy: "My number one series is no surprise to anyone at all." Me: *Grabs my copy of TLOLL* Merphy: "The chronicles of Narnia" ... I have never felt more confused and betrayed and relieved in 2 seconds.
I swear to God... 😅
Merph and Daniel throw SO much shade at c.s. its unreal
Cole Mallette does she have video about Narnia?
Merph we need that Narnia video ! Please include "the Screwtape Letters 🥴
@Billyfighter69 Narnia is very not subtle with allegory, which a lot of people are not fans of, especially booktubers.
"Listen, just let people like things."
-Merphy Napier
“Don’t choke on your aspirations”
-Anakin Skywalker
@@Morfeusm I am confused by using a quote which is probably one of the most perfect examples of irony in all of fiction. Are you implying that her statement was ironical?
@@danelmore6553 no, I was just poking fun at OP for fishing Merphys heart/like/comment like that but nothing wrong with that I just thought it funny using Star Wars quote on a guy who obviously knows Star Wars judging by the avatar picture. See now you made me feel bad about making fun of them. 😂
@@Morfeusm Ahh, I see. Well don't feel bad. Its the internet, so anything more sophisticated than calling someone names is better than average.
Quote at 6:00
"About half of my favorite magic systems aren't on my favorite series list. That's interesting." And that, my fellow writers, is the perfect example of how your best magic system does not necessarily make the best book ever.
Agree. I would say the magic system in Mistborn for example is maybe the fourth or fifth best thing about the book.
I don't care, it's my baby!
Aragon is my all time fav for it's magic system. I loved it so fuckin much
@@Wild-Coma I'm assuming you mean Eragon. And for that, I would agree. Nowdays, I would put that under the magic system in WoT, but still above other common choices like Mistborn's.
What if the book is a description of my super awesome magic system?
The best part of the video was when Merphy said: "I am not a mega fan of WOT like some people" * and inserts daniel's photo*😂🤩
lmaoo, yes
Was perfect
Yeah man same here😂😂
People who skipped to the end immediately will be getting very confused.
They fell for the classic blunder
@@am3703 mate in 3, a classic opening trap
Merphy: "My number one series is no surprise to anyone"
Me: Gentleman's bastards
Merphy: "Chronicles of Narnia"
Me: *heart attack*
Merphy: sike
Me: phew
How is life after heart attack going?
People like that series?
@@Raltie Gentleman Bastards? It’s not bad, but I have love hate relationship with it honestly. Murph loves it though...
@@Morfeusm yeah? Glad it wasn't just me. I found that first book super jarring. **SPOILERS**
The whole crew dying then he spends this weird section of the book talking about the life of a mundane book keeper at a bank. It threw me out the immersion.
Then book two goes from setting up a card game heist to suddenly we're pirates?
I saw none of it as brilliant storytelling and it struck me as an ADHD author that's confused about what genre their writing.
@@Raltie It’s complicated. I don’t mind breaking and meshing genres. Yes, there is something in his writing which is bothering me and I can’t quite put my finger on it. From first book I mainly liked the main plot twist and contrast of the first part with trivial schemes and second much darker part. Main villain was good too. Second book had off putting start, I DNFd it three times and took me two years to get to the pirates which I really enjoyed for some reason, don’t ask me why. So far I really like the third book while it has it’s problems.
I think this author isn’t bad or anything close to it, for me he started average in first two books and actually third one has some good prose, and it kind of struck my cords. But it’s very depressing and even more adhd. It concerns with death, unrequited love, stage actors, and many actually interesting themes which I was not expecting to find in fantasy. I finally got to enjoy Jean and Locke friendship which is genuinely good written. But yeah it’s all over the place. It’s not for everyone.
Murphy: My number one pick should be a surprise to no one...
Me: Oh I know this, The Gentleman Bas--
Murphy: The Chronicles of Narnia
Me: Wait, what the hell?
Murphy: Just kidding it's The Gentleman Bastards ><
You really me going for 0.5 seconds there!
Why .
Narnia is Awesome.
"But I'm nonconfrontational, so I didn't send them back!"
I felt that in my soul.
that’s why i never return things i buy online. even if it means wasting tons of money 😞
I mean by that logic any classic ever can be written off as "not being suitable to modern readers." There is a reason LOTR was and still is one of the most popular books of all time, and it's because it is great.
LOTR was old fashioned when it was written as many critics pointed out (and scorned it for) at the time. That was the point. Tolkien hated modernity and the industrialisation of civilisation. He wanted to create a mythology for England set in its prehistory. He excluded words created after a certain time to add to its verisimilitude. This was all very deliberate by Tolkien and it's a huge part of what makes LOTR timeless.
crazymaner2003 well said
Yup. Same as Narnia.
here have a poor mans version of a RUclips plack: 🏅 You just reached 100 likes!
Merphy: "And I'm non-confrontational so i didn't fight back."
Same, Merphy, same
I came looking for this comment, because I’m right there with you.
confrontation requires effort *slacks on couch*
Avoiders unite
Quote at 13:48
When you picked up Chronicles of Narnia instead of the Gentleman bastards I was literally shocked for a second. I was like, " Wait, do I not know Merphy at all?" Hahaha
Ok, i read this comment before watching and i was still like WTFFFF for a second
Wait. What?!
That was a truly LOL moment for me. Didn't believe it for a second.
If you only watch her videos and never talked to her irl, then no, you don't know her.
@@NinaNiterose86 Actually, under those conditions Merphy doesn't know Darknight ... but he can learn a great deal about, and come to know, her.
It's like the group Rush has a lyric that goes, "I can't pretend a stranger is a long-awaited friend." It's about meeting fans. Because the fans feel like the group members ARE old friends, from years or decades of being fans...but the band has never even met them. It's an uneven relationship, a totally one-sided relationship. And can be very unbalancing for both people when they do meet.
So yeah, Darknight probably feels, with justification, as if he (she, they) know Merphy fairly well. Can't say they're wrong.
That tiny, blurry Iroh Pop in the shelf behind Merphy makes me so happy. He's just sitting there, drinking his tea, watching over Merphy, as Iroh would do.
I actually agree regarding Sanderson's prose. The expressions he chooses to use can get very repetitive. But then again, he is an amazing story-teller and I appreciate the straightforward writing style, at the same time.
I'm sorry, can someone explain what prose are?? I feel bad for not understanding..😅🙈🙏
I am raising my eyebrow at you right now
@@vanjakatarina1517 Prose would be ones writing style. More specifically the word choice, sentence construction, and the overall rhythm and flow of the passages.
I had my husband start the audiobook for Mistborn: Final Empire right after I finished listening to Name of the Wind and the difference was... jarring... to say the least.
I feel like he definitely stepped up his prose in the later Stormlight books after finishing off Wheel of Time.
@@mlell Thank you!!💕💕🙏😅
I had a hard time reading The Fellowship of the Ring the first time, but the moment I clicked with the writing style, I really fell in love not only with the book and the whole trilogy but the writing style itself. It gives a unique charm. I think the whole LotR is such a brilliant masterpiece. Everything about it is just beautiful for me.
Anyone else a long time subby that remembers the days when merph didn’t read Fantasy? (So glad she discovered her love for it!!)
Yes! Remember when she felt meh about The Lies of Loch Lamora 😂
What!!! She never liked Fantasy!! I would never have guessed that.
Not me, I didn't discover her until Daniel's visit to her and Corey's place a while back, around when they did their first collab video.
I had no idea liking LoTR was something people weren’t allowed to do anymore, my mom read that to us as children and it’s one of my favorite memories. The lord of the rings is amazing
I read an article about mental health rep in The Stormlight Archive and I saw the best pitch for the series that anyone has ever come up with, in my opinion: "Broken people save the world."
I love that
That’s how I’m going to describe it next time I recommend it!! Thanks
@Maester Gryphon After all, who has a better story than Bran
Who else keeps watching booktube vids and buying the recommended books instead of actually reading them?! Please tell me I'm not alone 😅
Lalala. I'm not confirming anything. *whistles innocently*
That's hilarious... That's me with Kindle offers
nOoO
.
.
.
k maybe
My favorite books will always be The Lord of the Rings. But can you imagine how epic the Stormlight Archive will be once the whole 10 books are finished??
THE SCOURING OF THE SHIRE IS THEMATICALLY NECESSARY YES THANK YOU!!
It's so important for Merry and Pippin's arcs!
It is in the book because it’s a hobbitcentric story. Not so much in the movie.
I just read The Odyssey, and yeah The Scouring of the Shire is the finale of The Odyssey. It's that finale for their new developed selves.
Odysseus, his son Telemachus, the swineherd and cowherd against the suitors exploiting Odysseus's wealth = Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin against Saruman and the orcs exploiting the Shire!
@keretaman The Odyssey is a bit different. The Iliad is the story of the war, with the focus on Achilles. The Odyssey is the story of Odysseus’ trip home, with many interludes showing the crisis at home during his 20 year absence, from the perspective of Telemachus, the son he left behind.
@@keretaman omg that's brilliant! as a huge fan of both lotr and greek myth can't believe i never noticed it. the whole idea of "we just need to get home" being switched for "but home has been changed since we've been gone, and we need one last battle to put things back to how they were" is such a key part of both these stories and their characters. thanks for pointing it out!
Throwback to when Mistborn was like number one on this list! Before Merphy read all those other series
Wow that is a big change
I'm with you on Return of the King ! It's a rare things in both book and movies to see the results of the climax, to see the world's "new status quo" establishing itself and get an idea of the character's fate after the main events :) It can be extremely satisfying especially when the events brought a lot of change to the world
Round of applause for "Listen, just let people like things okay"
(and round of applause for the editing close up too - I assume Korey?)
MOOD! I know it's the internet, but we've just got to let people like what they like.
I am currently reading Lord of the Rings at the moment, and I thought I'd have a harder time with Tolkien's writing, but I'm enjoying it so far.
I think for many people it's just the fact that it's so different from anything written in modern language. If you're not used to archaic writing styles it can take a minute getting used to it.
Especially if you have trouble with reading
When Merphy almost dropped her Lord of the Rings books lol
the "No!" 😂 i had to laugh really hard
I physically winced
I was eating cereal and I almost spat it out.
Someone should edit a montage of every book she’s dropped.
I was impressed at how classy she handled it. I would have shouted the C word at the top of my lungs
"And I'm nonconfrontational, so I didn't send them back"
Oh, I truly feel that, Merphy.
I love how dramatic you gesture with the LOTR books in your hands as you preach it gurl! 🧡 will put storm light series on my list. Thanks!
Ya I saw that too haha
It's an amazing series you will love it. Or not. Who knows, I did though.
So glad you included Lord of the Rings. Elitist can hate all they want. It started it all and it definitely holds up. I agree with every single thing you said about it.
I've just started watching but this list is absolutely legendary! The Stormlight Archive hit me so hard it made me create this RUclips channel just to gush about it! I loved hearing your thoughts on The First Law Trilogy as well, I'm planning to get onto that after my long journey through the Cosmere. Thanks for the great content as always Merphy :)
She does the #1 first to let us know instead of starting at #10 to keep us watching. Truly a woman of the people
Merphy- "If you aren't going to watch the video, I wan't you to take awa the best books."
You don't need to tell what is your fav. LITERALLY EVERYBODY KNOWS!
Btw, just read Lies Of Locke Lamora and it's absolutely great
It would be funny if Rothfuss started the third book with Kvothe realizing he’s going to need a fourth day to finish the story 😅
makes me think of Sanderson when he was finishing Wheel of Time. They were like "finish the last book"....... yea 3 books later. It didnt fit
hahahaha
that got a legit LOL out of me. Well played
He's taking over 10 years because he realised he's fucked himself there lol
*Possible Spoiler?*
Is there any chance of Kvothe surviving? Because I'm still reading the second book and it does NOT look good for him.
"I take real-life situations and think about Death Note."
Police? Yes, that woman right there.
Death note is my favourite Anime
he/she/they may not identify as a woman. I'm not saying you're a bad person, just be more careful in the future...
@Dan Evans ok transphobe
@Dan Evans ok fascist. It’s VERY clear what you’re trying to do here… take a look at the world around you and ask yourself ‘could I make this a better place?’. The answer is yes, if only you would stop misgendering people… You’re welcome, have a GREAT day.
Some of my favorite fantasy series (besides all things Tolkien):
Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
Thomas Covenant Chronicles by Stephen R. Donaldson
Memory, Sorrow, Thorn by Tad Williams
Avaryan Rising by Judith Tarr
A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin
Dragon Prince and Dragon Star Trilogies by Melanie Rawn
Whilst doing my makeup and hair for the day, I always watch your videos. The part where you said my favourite "chronicles of Narnia" no lie, lip stick went down my face and past my chin and had to do a double take 😂😂😂
That little picture of Daniel during the wheel of time had me wheezin lol
I feel like the only one here that's sad that she did the Chronicles of Narnia dirty like that.
Edit: Okay Merphy, I forgive you after that LOTR gush/throwing shade at haters who think it's not "modern enough".
Agreed on Narnia. Merphy has stated she is a Christian so I was hoping Narnia would at least make the list. Though I admit I actually like The Song of Alvion better than Narnia. I'm trying to point Merphy towards it but since I'm not a Patreon and I can't afford to purchase her a copy (OMG, I just realized, I'm literally a peasant right now) so my voice is drowned out.
@@thebkg Yeah, that's the downside of large channels/communities. You don't really have a voice unless you're in the "inner circle". Even sending them copies doesn't guarantee anything. I sent Daniel Greene a copy of the Chronicles of Prydain and even that got lost in the shuffle because it wasn't being requested on Discord and Patreon.
@@thebkg I have not heard of Song of Alvion, what is it?
@@the_corvid97 Trilogy by Stephen Lawhead. It's based on Celtic lore and its absolutely awesome! Lawhead also did a King Arthur series that's from a Biblical Worldview point. Like a Christian version. My friend recommended it but for whatever reason I never read it. But he had a hard time getting his Alvion series back from me till I could buy my own. 😂😂😂
@@thebkg I will have to look into it, many thanks!
When you went on the LotR "rant" - I felt that. Not necessarily with those books (really need to reread them) but MAN, the passion! That's why you are my favourite booktuber! I love you ☺️
I loved the Silmarillion too. I really think these books hold up. It’s really a matter of language. If you can appreciate the language, which just takes time to absorb, it truly is amazing. There is something you get from reading a book you don’t get other forms of consumable media that is just amazing here. It really sparks the imagination. It’s a feeling unique to reading. And I love it. And Tolkien did it best.
I think Tolkien takes me longer to read than any other fiction author, but there’s so much baked into his wording. It’s like a rich steak that you want to chew slowly so you don’t miss anything.
Merphy’s persistent praise for the Gentlemen Bastards series finally convinced me to order Lies of Locke Lamora. I’ll be starting it tomorrow!
Also, 7:30. 😂
I've been stuck in LoLL for like a month now 😖 I wish I could be as enthusiastic about it as Merphy
I just started The Lies of Locke Lamora yesterday (and by “started” I mean I read the 30pg prologue) and I can already tell it’s going to be a favorite!
So glad that Death Note made this list! It’s one of my absolute favorites! I literally had the mystery genre ruined for me because Death Note was the first mystery I read and it is so well executed. I just know that no other mystery series can ever satisfy me the way Death Note can. It is a work of genius.
9/10. Thats crazy! Mine are almost exactly the same.
It makes sense since i am not super well read and pretty much all of what i have read so far has been based on glowing reviews online. Gentleman Bastards is my all time favorite and is what got me back into reading as an adult.
I am like most people who grew up with Harry Potter and then dropped reading for a while.
The only difference to your list is Deathnote which i haven't read, so i would have to swap that out for The Band series by Nicholas Eames :D
When Death Note came I literally screamed. I LOVE Death Note (and Mangas and Animes generally)
Manga & anime is cool bc it's so weird & unattached from western norms & social values. ReadOnePiece
Monster is better
oh Merphy rubbing in that you got The Fires of Vengeance early and making us jealous 😭😭
Merphy, the fact that you read The Silmarillion, and liked it...
That is awesome!!!
It can be hard, and it should not be read as other normal stories, it is very dense... but OH MAN, it adds so much to Tolkien's world... I loved it.
Death Note? Horror? Nah. Psychological thriller or Mystery with heavy supernatural element. that's it.
So modern day real-life setting with fantasy elements. Borderline fit for the list. ^^
I still love Lord of the Rings, even though as an adult I quibble over the constant need for monarchies as an ultimate good in fantasy literature. I really love the effort Christopher Tolkien has put into releasing his father's notes and early drafts of each of his works, as it allows you to follow through how Tolkien rewrote and thought his way through the world he created.
There's a radio interview with Tolkien on RUclipswhere he talks about that. But St. Thomas Aquinas does consider Monarchy to be the best form of government (read 'Dē Regnō').
You got me to read the gentleman bastards and even if they are not my favorite fantasy books I want to thank you for such a good recommendation!
My number 1 fantasy series is definitely One Piece, for essentially the same reasons you gave for liking the wheel of time series. The massive, complex world, & massive cast, & cool magic system, & masterful foreshadowing.
I really cannot recommend it enough, my favorite book series of all time.
It's rarely discussed on booktube, & I look forward to every fresh perspective I can get on it, so please please consider it for your list. I know it's long, but it's definitely worth it, for the freedom & pirates & adventure!
The first 60 or so chapters are fine, but the story doesn't seem too special, & then it hits a tipping point, & I promise you'll be hooked forever.
Each character is impactful, & the world is constantly moving, even or especially when the MCs aren't around.
Each island has a full culture right at its core, so that it all makes sense even under scrutiny.
The devil fruit magic system is so simple, yet so insanely creative.
Don't watch the anime...
it's... it's not...
Please don't watch the anime, they ruined the pacing, & it still hurts me.
Read the manga, it's so so so good.
Honestly I very much doubt any youtube book reviewer will ever get on board to read something as long as One Piece, they have a lot of books to read and that would take a huge comitment and a lot of money to buy all those mangas
@@laiaal.3324
It's available legally online for the price of a Viz membership right hya: www.viz.com/shonenjump/chapters/one-piece
& available free online as well, but probably not legally? Idk.
& idk if length is really an issue, considering she just finished wheel of time recently... besides that, OP's chapters can be collected into volumes, & then those into arcs.
She could review any of these denominations individually at her leisure, & that kind of regular, reliable, sure-to-be-popular video series are a youtuber's dream.
But even if she never made a video on it, I'd still want her (& you) to read it bc it's legitimately that good.
Have you ever left a story wanting more? One Piece embodies that feeling *& then delivers on it*.
I know it's long & you're scared, & what little you've heard about it on the internet makes it sound like a little kid's fever dream where all the radically different toys in their toybox all somehow exist in the same universe.
Just trust me on this: it's worth it.
@@laiaal.3324 this didn’t age well
Isn’t it more accurate to discuss someone’s “writing style” rather than their “prose”? Prose is literally defined as “writing that isn’t verse”. So almost everything we read nowadays is prose. When discussing an author’s word choice, sentence structure, descriptiveness, etc it seems like it makes more sense to refer to it as that author’s writing style. I could be wrong but since you’re not comparing an author’s prose to their verse (if you were comparing the two, then it would make sense to say something like “his prose is somewhat bland, but his poetry is beautiful “), but rather commenting on their style, this makes the most sense to me.
It’s just shorthand. Everyone knows it really means writing style.
Udy Kumra I suppose. It just seems like a “booktube” thing to me. I was an English major and don’t recall any of my literature teachers using the word “prose” like this. Seems that a couple of booktubers started using it in their videos and then others picked it up. Doesn’t feel accurate so it sort of diminishes what’s being said, IMO. Just a personal preference though.
Totally agree with you on Lord of the Rings. At the end of the day it’s a story about an epic journey and somehow Tolkien makes you feel like you’re on an epic journey too and then you get to recover and say goodbye at the end.
"Just let people like things."
Yes.
I know that sounds ridiculous but the German cover of HP1 you just hold up gave me pure nostalgia and made me feel so much better. Love your videos!
Now let me recommend something slightly different: Ascendance of a Bookworm. Yes, I know it’s a Japanese light novel series (and an reincarnation isekai at that), but while its world building might not reach tLotR in the macroscopic range it is extremely detailed in the micro area. I am not generally very fond of stories told in first-person perspective, but in this case, it helps the immersion of the world building since we learn about the world together with the protagonist.
The English translation is very good as far as translations go, so if you like a story driven by character interaction with a slow methodic buildup and excellently thought out world than have a look at it.
My high school journalism teacher loved The Name of the Wind so much that he had the European cover painted as a massive mural on his classroom wall. So I read it and loved it and I thought that Kvothe was SO much like my teacher that I actually started to wonder whether my teacher was the author. He’s not, but honestly the similarities are so crazy and I just adore that series. It’s been a long 10 years waiting for The Doors of Stone.
Merphy, I never vibed with you more than when you talked about Lord of the Rings.
You inspired me to read Lord of The Rings :) I’m a 24 year old book worm and have begun to dive into so many more genres and literature. I stayed away from LOTR because of the hype but...there’s gotta be a reason for the hype right? I’m a fantasy fiend and live for it so ...I’m excited! Love your vids!
The First Law is my favorite series ever. I love everything about Abercrombie's writing, but especially the characters, the writing style, and the humor. And I love his bleak and cynical vision of the world.
On my latest reread of LOTR, the Scouring of the Shire was the single moment of character development clarity four Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin. To see them stand up to Sharkey's thugs showed exactly how much they'd grown. "You don't scare me, I convinced a tree to go to war/hamstrung a lich king/wrestled an acromantula/threw a horcrux into a volcano/stared down a Maiar/saved the world. In comparison, you're small potatoes. We're gonna boil you, mash you, stick you in a stew, and take back our home."
I love that my favorite author technically made the list three times! Hahaha Sanderson is just that incredibly amazingly good! I agree about the pros by the way but he really really is just that good.
I love how passionately you talk about your favourite books I am 33 years old and I have never been a big reader, I have read very few books in my life partly due to being forced to read boring books in school, and also how computers have taken over everything. This Christmas I got a kindle e reader as a gift and I have already read 3 books and now I feel like this completely new world has just opened up to me. There are so many books and stories I cant wait to explore I just cannot believe how much I have been missing out all this time. Later I might even attempt difficult books like the idiot by Dostojevski which I find really interesting but for the time being I'm sticking with adventurous books with themes of exotic places and great story telling.
I'm in the middle of the Poppy War series, and with the last one coming out in November it's a great time to dive in. I think you'd like it.
As a mangreader I was really glad when you talked about "Death Note" ☺ if you love reading manga then I highly recommend you to read the manga I mentioned below :-
1) Berserk
2) Attack on Titan
3) Hell's Paradise
4) Demon Slayer
5) Mashle : Magic and Muscles
@Kesh1354 yeah Vinland Saga is awesome too.
Your top 10 and 9 are my top 1 and 2, and your top 1 is one of the few fantasy series I've ever DNF'd....😂
Crazy to see how different people see things differently! Love your videos🧡🧡
I also did not finish book 3 in the Gentleman Bastard series.
The Book of Babel! Give this series some love!!!!! Senlin Ascends is so good. Actually all three books are so good, but waiting on the 4th to come out next year!!!!
The Rage of Dragons series is called The Burning! :)
I deeply appreciate the fact that you start the LotR section by stating that it is in fact one book, published in three volumes. That just made my Tolkien-trash soul sing with joy.
Makes you jump higher than Telvido the Prince of Cats?
@@Morfeusm That would be high indeed! I have not the power to leap into huge trees to avoid Huan (not that I would want to avoid him). Will dancing with joy among the hemlocks, albeit not with the grace of Lúthien, suffice? :)
I'm from Brazil and I love watch your videos, I don't understand all the things that you say because I'm still learning but congratulations to your beautiful job!!!
Edit: when I'm watchig your videos I want read so many books but same of them I can't read because don't have in Brazil, it's sad but I need move on!
Your English is amazing
@@wwfix3224 Really? Thank you!
It's very good to listen ( read kkkk) this!
Oii Guilherme! Quero apenas falar para vc não desistir e ir tentando aos pouquinhos! No início do ano eu achava que não era capaz de ler em inglês e hoje já li the way of kings e outros! Comece com livros de não fantasia e depois vá aumentando o nível aos pouquinhos! Não adianta achar que não consegue e não tentar, pq muitas vezes nos auto-sabotamos! Tenho certeza que vc irá conseguir e arrasar!
Eu leio tudo em inglês mesmo. É o jeito :/ continue estudando o idioma! Valerá a pena
Muito obrigado pelas dicas!
Eu gosto muito do idioma porém ainda n consigo ler, e com a pandemia estou estudando por conta própria, aí gosto de ver alguns vídeos em inglês de assuntos que eu gosto, como livros, para ir praticando
I totally agree with you about Frodo, he is amazing in the books!!
So strong-willed. I don't think you get that in the films. How extraordinary his resistance was. Even though he cracked in the end. It's still extraordinary.
I'm so happy that you read Death Note! It really is such an amazing manga/anime :)
edit: I'm actually in the small percentage of fans who really loved the second half too
Great list. I would add Steven Erikson's "The Malazan Book of the Fallen", Nicholas Eames' "The Band", George Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire", Andrzej Sapkowski's "The Witcher" (although the short stories are in my opinion better than the novels), Neil Gaiman's "American Gods" Universe (it's not a real series, but four interconnected books and novellas) and (maybe for nostalgia) Paul S. Kemp's "The Chronicles of Erevis Cale" (Forgotten Realms).
Can't wait for you to start BEST SERVED COLD! I just started A LITTLE HATRED and it's so damn good. Abercrombie just keeps getting better :)
My favorite chapter of Silmarillion is Ainulindale, the creation story (symphony). All through the rest of the book and LotR, I can see the influence of the progression of that music. I read Lord of the Rings in college in the 80's and didn't find it too daunting, albeit I was a determined reader. I even read Phantastes by 19th century writer George McDonald because I was engrossed with the Inklings (ie Tolkien, Lewis, Chesterton, and Charles Williams) for a while, and several of them were inspired by him. But I'm just getting into more modern fantasy, (except Harry Potter which I've read several times, as well as Gaiman) and lists like yours and Dan's are very helpful for that. So thanks if you read this so long after your post. ☺
Merphy - Puts Harry Potter at 9th number
Potterheads- *There is something Siriusly Ron with you*
Lol
😂😂😂😂
When you pulled of Rage of Dragons and a SECOND book, I had to immediately look to see what was up with that. I was lucky enough to do an earlish review of Rage of Dragons so I've been pretty excited about reading the sequel. I'm excited that it's on the list.
The way Merphy assumes that the third Name of the Wind book will actually come out one day is really cute 😅
Top5 for me is something like this:
1 - The Cosmere (Brandon Sanderson)
2 - Realm of the Elderlings (Robin Hobb)
3 - Powder Mage series (Brian McClellan)
4 - First Law (Joe Abercrombie)
5 - Gentlemen Bastards (Scott Lynch)
Not enough people have mentioned Robin Hobb.
I'm even more sure now: You would absolutely LOVE Attack on Titan (also a Manga/Anime)
I like your jumper, the colours work really well together, the blue stands out. Great video as well, thanks!
The name of the wind is my favorite book but I don't know how this serie is ending because I think that or the last book will be very very good or will be very very bad
It will be good or not at all.
Bold of you to assume there will be a book 3. 10 years later there's still no word.
Making a top 10 list is difficult. I respect that you were able to put together one. I think my list would LOOSELY go like this
1. Wheel of Time
2. The Belgariad/Mallorean
3. The Farseer Trilogy
4. Stormlight Archive
5. Mistborn
6. Sword of Truth
7. Tyrants and Kings
8. Song of Ice and Fire
9. The First Law
10. Gentleman Bastard
If I were to judge Ender's Game, Dune, or Name of the Wind as standalone novels, they'd be in this list too.
Merphy: "Book two isn't out yet, it will be out in november" while holding up BOOK 2!!
Give it to me 👀
So I just finished the first book of the Gentlemen Bastards series because of your recommendation, so thank you! Loved it despite the slow build up, but so worth it to be able to piece everything together. Watching this list of your favorite series and your reasons for them, all I could think was “Have your read the Riyria Revelations series?” and “would it be on your favorites list if you did?” Amazing friendship and an immersive world full of lore. I’m sure I’m not the first to recommend it, but I’m just going to add my voice to theirs.
Hey Merphy, We would absolutely love to see you taking us to your book store 😍😍( A Vlog maybe!).. Lots Of Love from India❤🥰
I am sure I am nowhere near the first person to write this to you, but your recommendation of Locke Lamora is probably the single biggest addition to my reading life since I picked up The Gunslinger twenty years ago. Thank you, and thank you, and thank you.
we all know what's going to be number one for her XD
Severus snape-Obviously
Lol
@Seth Kok same...
Narnia of course lol
The return to the shire at the end of LOTR was way different in the books and yet I kinda like how each one has it's own special feeling and tone.
I love the story telling in LOTR but I felt a lot more invested in the characters in the silmarilion. Parts were kind of hard to get through but some parts are absolutely fantastic.
Every book mentioned in this video is a certified banger within the fantasy book community and a popular choice at that. Well done for having great personal taste as well as taste that compliment the masses. You have made a lot of readers proud with this one.
Subscribed at “Just kidding...it’s the Gentleman Bastards.” 😂
Why what was it
Favourite series in no particular order, Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman - Librarians trying to acquire books from different earth's while avoiding the notice of dragons and Fae, the Liaden universe by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller, the five god's series by Lois McMaster Bujold, LOTR, Discworld, Stormlight Archive, the Sixth World by Rebecca Townhouse, Divine Cities and The Founder's series by Robert Jackson Bennett, Robin Hobb Farseer books, Steerswomen by Rosemary Kirstein
I agree! I love the amount of closure Tolkien gives us. As much as I absolutely loved The Wheel of Time, I felt so cheated by the lack of closure with the world. I never get to see what happens to all of these beloved characters I spent FOURTEEN books with!!
Totally. I'm still having to wrap up all the loose ends in my head with my own predictions and that's a lot less satisfying.
I just finished Oathbringer (stormlight archives) last night and holy shit the last part was an emotional rollercoaster. Brandon Sanderson knows how to pack a punch in the last 200 pages.
#1 Magician series by Raymond E Feist
#2 LOTR - Tolkien
#3 The Belgariad - David Eddings
#4 Shanara Series - Terry Brooks
#5 Word/Void series - Terry Brooks
#6;Night Angel series - Brent Weeks
#7;Farseer series - Robin Hobb
#8 Icewind Dale series - RA Salvatore
#9Cleric Quintet - RA Salvatore
#10 Harry Potter- JK Rowling
Honorable mention - The Redemption of Athalus - David Eddings. (Stand alone, but a great anti-Hero character).
These are mine...so we only have 2 in common. 😄
Oh wow so old school
Ahhhhhhhhhhh! The Belgariad needs more love!
@@Morfeusm Lol. DEFINITELY old school. I read new stuff, and some are quite good, but she said top 10 favs...and had to go with the ones I picked. 😆
@@jaycievictory8461 Definitely 😊 I was told im SO old school...lol. ill take that as a compliment. My FIRST fantasy book was The Hobbit when I was 11. Up till then, I read every Western my dad had, so I was a big Louis L'Amour fan...but...fantasy...magic...elves...dwarves....lol. I was hooked.
@@rustydaboyrobot my first was the Hobbit too! Age 8. Dad wouldn't let me read LOTR until I was 10 cos he thought I was too young to fully appreciate. Then I found "Queen of Sorcery" in my school library age 11 and came home asking questions. Dad practically cracked his knuckles with glee, and thus my Eddings education began.
You would get on so well with my Dad! He's also got a massive collection of Louis L'Amour novels 😂
One of my top fantasy book series, besides Harry Potter, is Skulduggery Pleasant.
I personally think it has one of the best and deepest friendship i have ever read.
And also lots and lots of black humor.
Also the writing style is very special.
AH I've been looking for some new books to read! Honestly cant wait to see whats recommended
So glad you commented on Sanderson's prose. Workmanlike is a charitable description, but he's totally worth reading anyway.
I had a strange thing happen when I read "The Wise Man's Fear." I was undergoing cancer treatment and was reading it when I went for surgery. I read the section in the "Fae Realm" right after surgery while I was on a morphine pump. So I am not certain if I read that section "wrong" or read it "perfectly." The weird realm while on drugs.
I love how expressive you are a kit these books! I haven't heard/seen so much passion in years!