I have a GIVEAWAY going on over at my IG page for Peace and Turmoil, for those that are interested: instagram.com/ebnovels/ Relevant videos and amazon affiliate purchase links to books mentioned: The Blade Itself: amzn.to/36eGR7f -First Law trilogy review: ruclips.net/video/PX1alAXbmwg/видео.html -First Law funny one star review: ruclips.net/video/v6lMwoMID4I/видео.html Vinland Saga: amzn.to/2GhZ3SE Ninth Rain: amzn.to/3cDdj4m -Ninth Rain review: ruclips.net/video/AvRHlYrMOk4/видео.html Peace and Turmoil: amzn.to/3i6pt6Y Way of Kings: amzn.to/2S9h1sY -Stormlight Archive playlist: ruclips.net/p/PL-WCMA9LkyeyVWQGUcSp8sdNQB6oJ45WM -Brandon Sanderson playlist: ruclips.net/p/PL-WCMA9LkyewXJ6w64z19u5sBkocaiTAQ Strange the Dreamer: amzn.to/36dOJ8W -Strange the Dreamer review: ruclips.net/video/QTAW0NuOAlQ/видео.html -If you like Strange the Dreamer recommendations: ruclips.net/video/5NXwdaFr6Lk/видео.html -Strange the Dreamer funny one star reviews: ruclips.net/video/LbK6KYG-UJ8/видео.html Fireborne: amzn.to/349Jcxt -Fireborne review: ruclips.net/video/MtkRf5GuD_k/видео.html Fullmetal Alchemist: amzn.to/30f0sk3 -Why everyone should read FMA: ruclips.net/video/FYzg6fSLRV8/видео.html
I actually loved the beginning of Strange the Dreamer with my whole heart. I loved the rest of the book too. But his life at the library before Lazlo leaves his city, getting to know him and Thyon - that is my most favourite part in the whole book.
I definitely agree that The Way of kings and The blade itself are a slow start, but Fireborn had me hooked from the very first chapter! Strange the dreamer picked up pretty fast for me too. Another great book that has a rough start is THE FIFTH SEASON! It has become one of my favorites, but boi it was hard to get into first. Great video 😘
I almost DNFed Lies of Locke Lamora, I hated the flashbacks and Lynch’s prose. after 2 months of hiatus I started to read it again out of spite; hard to ignore the praise it gets and waste of money. After first 150 pages, its plot became one of my all time favourites, and was sad to see you didn’t like the book :’( Elliot.
I saw Vinland Saga in my library after your husband recommended it last year. I read the beginning and loved it. Hearing that it gets deeper makes me want to read more. On the flip side of things, I am currently 761 pages into Way of Kings and still struggling to figure out why this book is happening. It picked up around the 400 page mark but not enough.
Not to sound like a suck up, but Peace and Turmoil had me from the beginning, I didn’t feel it was a slow start and I wanted to know more about each of the characters each time it switched POV. I’ve recently started reading Way of Kings and I completely agree with this description of it starting multiple times. But I’m powering through because of how many people have told me it’s an amazing series!
Hey, I was in two minds with The Blade Itself but decided to listen to the audiobook. Being primarily a plot driven reader I was surprised how quickly the opening gripped me😍😌💯
I feel like memoirs of a geisha is one of the books with a very slow start. The book covers her childhood and it isn't until she's 15 that the book really becomes just engrossing. It takes place right before during and after ww2. I know there's a lot of controversy around this book but don't let other people tell you what you cant read. Just borrow it from the library if you aren't sure you want to support the author. That's what I did and it really is an unforgettable book.
@@kennymocivnik6408 yeah it definitely took me a long while to get into it and then when it's finally interesting and she's finally a geisha ww2 starts. I was soooo mad! I could have read a whole book of just the geisha life and lifestyle. Its still a good book tho I also really enjoyed the movie
I always thought Brandon Sanderson's books looked a bit daunting because they're so thick but I'm gonna give "The Way of the Kings" a try! Btw, love your hair!!
Very well said regarding First Law - I couldn’t agree more that it starts with character development, and the plot doesn’t snap into focus until book two, but it’s a wonderful ride the whole way. I’ve never read Manga, but as a medievalist specializing in Old English and Old Norse, I’m usually down for anything Viking. I’m going to check out Peace and Turmoil! Great video - thanks!
I am obsessed with Strange the Dreamer! Reading it now and it’s already one of my top favorites! But I was hooked from the first line and page, so I guess I prefer the more detailed style of writing. AMAZING 🥰
Thank you so much for this video! Sometimes I am looking for a "quick read" (and not ashamed to admit it, lol) and a slow start will have me moving elsewhere. The problem with this approach, though, is that the books I've stepped away from during those times (including Strange the Dreamer, The Blade Itself, and FMA, interestingly enough) have just stayed unread. Now I'm going to dust off whatever negative association I formed regarding those books and will try again. Thanks again for this one!
I just picked up The Blade Itself today after a super long hiatus, and I am actually finding that I am instantly hooked by this book! I definitely don't know what's going on yet (I'm literally 40 pages in haha) but Joe Abercrombie's writing style is really great and I am really intrigued by this characters...I think this is going to be a great one!!
I'm in the homestretch of First Law book 3. The first book is such a slog to get through. I understood spending a whole book to cement the characters personalities as they are, so we can so the growth that happens within each throughout book 2 and 3, but I almost laid it down half way through. I'm very excited that I stuck through it.
I think Anne Rice series were hard to get into at first as they are quite wordy and extremely detailed, but they are some of my favorite series. In Mayfair Witches, for instance, you learn about an entire lineage of this family and really get to know them.
such a good video idea! I definitely struggled a bit to get into Nevernight because of the writing style and those footnotes but once I got into it I loved it so so so much !!
The Way of Kings grabbed me on the very first line. But yes having to “restart” or read another beginning started to get daunting. I was afraid of forgetting everyone.
A Game of Thrones had a rough start for me. I put it down twice before I finally stuck with it and read it all the way through. I am glad I persevered. I loved the beginning of TWoK and The Blade Itself, but I was forewarned for them. All of them are worth pushing through imo
Yeah, the prologue of A Game of Thrones was rough for me. The end of the first Jon chapter got me hooked. "And with that he turned and sauntered back into the feast, whistling a tune. When he opened the door, the light from within threw his shadow clear across the yard, and for just a moment Tyrion Lannister stood tall as a king." Some of his writing is hard, but some of it is beautiful.
How did I know The Blade Itself would be here. I have started it and got to page like 150 maybe? I just set it aside and keep meaning to come back to it! Also, LoLL was definitely a slow start for me. Another book I set down and came back to a few months later. I am so glad I did because I loved it so much!
The Third Law Trilogy took me forever to get into, but now it is one of my all time favorites. That was a trilogy with a really nice payoff in the third book.
I’m ... trying the first book again. I dnf’d it once before. I don’t know if it will be for me in the long run though. 😭. I basically dislike all the plotlines and characters except /maybe/ Logan’s right now. The less said about the inquisitor the happier I’d feel honestly.
It really is a great ride. once all the pieces start coming together for the plot of the series it’s intriguing but the characters are the forefront of the first law trilogy. In my opinion the best book in the first law world is best served cold. There’s not too much spoiled or referenced in the standalones minus one major plot point from the series but maybe it would be interesting enough to help keep you from giving up on the first book.
Galactic Reads it definitely gets better. I think the start does a good job of introducing some of the characters but it’s when they start intermingling with each other that it takes off. Then the main plot and subplots start driving the narrative but the characters still respond realistic to situations they are in. Hopefully you enjoy them as much as I did.
@@imnotwadewilsonsee3656 I hope I enjoy them too :) The character work is what I'm most excited for! It's been a while since I've read grimdark and it's a perfect genre to write interesting characters
Galactic Reads I’ll keep a lookout for your review on your channel. Also if you’re taking suggestions I’d recommend “The Faithful and the Fallen” series. Not really grimdark but it’s a good fantasy series. The follow up series “Of Blood and Bone”, from what I’ve heard, has more of that grimdark feel.
I knewwwww Vinland Saga was gonna be on here and I completely agree with you! I really really had to push through it but it was really worth it. Also, I just really love how much you bring up a lot of my favorite manga! It's very refreshing to see. Awesome video! ♥♥
For me lightbringer was a rough start, I was very confused by the magic system and didnt like the start. I only read the first book but I thought it was great
I'm not sure if I would've kept reading if I picked up the physical copy of The Blade Itself. The audiobooks are the best, which is the said thing in the Abercrombie fandom. I'm glad I pursued them in that medium; Joe Abercrombie has quickly become a fave author of mine and I'm up to date on his books. :D Characterisation, intent, voice, prose = incredible.
There are so many books in this video I need to get to but as someone who falls into a reading slump easily, I find these type of intimidating. But I know I'll probably enjoy them because I really enjoyed so many on this list (Peace and Turmoil, Strange the Dreamer)
I thought Way of Kings was a rough start, and I LOVE the series. I am glad I pushed through it for sure but I can see why some people struggle with it to start with. I am only a little in so far, but I am enjoying Peace and Turmoil so far for sure :)
Nearly at the end of watching FMAB and I do think I will pick up the manga in the future. The anime was incredible! Will definitely be picking up the First Law trilogy and Peace and Turmoil 😜
I put off reading Six of Crows for over a year because I only read that first chapter (or prologue? Don't remember) as a sneak peak at the end of my edition of Ruin & Rising 🙈
I read the beginning of Way of Kings and the first scene was a nice action prologue but then it went on to another action prologue and it felt so slow! That coming from Sanderson, who says he doesn't like to put action scenes right away without establishing things for us to care/understand.
Mentioning Peace and Turmoil as if it weren't yours... 😂, followed by The Way of Kings... I should say I had no trouble getting into Peace and Turmoil, while The Way of Kings is still on my shelf because I just couldn't...
I haven’t been able to get into any Sanderson books and I’ve tried like four of them. I dunno why 🤷♀️. I might try again someday. I also couldn’t get into lies of Locke Lamora. I just didn’t care what happened to the characters. Although strange the dreamer had me hooked from the beginning. Read both books in two days.
Hi Elliot, what scene got you hooked on The Blade Itself? I'm currently just about finished the first book (50 pages to go) and I love it, though definitely agree with your "rough start."
I believe it’s right before part two, when Ninefingers has to face off with someone he’s always respected but has always been on opposing sides from :)
You have the best video ideas, I always always always enjoy listening to you talk about books!😍 and this video was so helpful, thank you so much, I hope you have a great week ❤
To be honest, if it weren't for the fact that I had already invested a lot of time in the cosmere I would have probably put the book down after the first line; "Kalak rounded a rocky stone ridge and stumbled to a stop before the body of a dying thunderclast". But I'm truly glad I managed to push through. :)
I feel this way about The Queen’s Thief series. That first book is a bit slow and you don’t really know where it’s going, but that series is one of my all time favorites now. I also struggled through the beginning of the Cruel Prince, and Crescent City, and by the end adored them. (I love romance so... 😆)
I nice slow start is fine by me. I have been meaning to read Strange The Dreamer. Everytime you mention it the book comes back to my mind. The book that has a slow start but that I enjoyed is The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams. I think this is the book that defines a slow start for many. We follow a kitchenboy as he goes around his daily duties in a castle.
Hardest book for me to ever get into that has great elements, and with a thick suspension of disbelief is awesome, is "Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson". It has some generic sci-fi elements blended together and the start with the Pizza delivery guy is almost too absurd, once you get past that though and kind of immerse yourself in the world it's enthralling. Here's the opening paragraph of Chapter 1: "The Deliverator belongs to an elite order, a hallowed subcategory. He's got esprit up to here. Right now, he is preparing to carry out his third mission of the night. His uniform is black as activated charcoal, filtering the very light out of the air. A bullet will bounce off its arachnofiber weave like a wren hitting a patio door, but excess perspiration wafts through it like a breeze through a freshly napalmed forest. Where his body has bony extremities, the suit has sintered armorgel: feels like gritty jello, protects like a stack of telephone books."
In my opinion I loved the beginning of Way of Kings, getting to know Shallan and Jasnah, feeling the consequences of the kings assassination and especially seeing Kaladin rise from being a slave. But the first interlude put me off the book for almost a year.
I DNFed Fireborne at 10%, I couldn't understand where the plot was going and the fairy-tale style confused me to no end. I wanted to like it so much, I heard only enthusiastic reviews about this book, but man, I couldn't read five sentence in a row! I hope it will be translated in my native language, to remove one possible barrier between me, ready to love this book, and the actual content!
I'm intrigued. :) Haven't read any of them, except Strange the Dreamer and unfortunately, it was a DNF for me. But I will pick up Way of Kings soon. I feel like autumn is the perfect time for reading this epic tome. Btw, I feel like mabe it would have been good to mention that you are the author of Peace and Turmoil - with regards to new viewers.
I see Malice on your shelf, i guess you have not read it yet. I would put that in this video because the first 30% is kinda slow and there are a lot of POV and a big world BUT the pay off is huge. Also once you get later in Malice it doesnt slow down for the rest fo the 4 book series. its amazing.
i hate when books, especially books in a series, end on a cliffhanger,.. the reason being that i cant even begin to count the number of series that stopped prematurely for one reason or another and all you had for an ending was the cliffhanger.
Oh my goodness Russian fantasy where have you been all my life Fireborn 😍 The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater has a slow start, but the audiobook is so amazing! The author uses her own music for it.
Wow, the first 1 you mentioned. I have tried to read that so many times and I can’t make it past the prologue. The bad thing is I bought the trilogy. Even my adult daughter who loves reading forced herself to read the first 100 pages and quit. Sorry but I can’t get into it. Chomping at the bit for Rhythm of War though.
Hi Elliot, I’m new to your channel, and I tried looking for videos on the First Law stand-alone books and couldn’t find any. Do you plan on reviewing those? I think they address one of your criticisms of the first trilogy in that they more heavily feature female characters, and I’d love to hear your take on them. Great channel though, love your videos!
Let me answer you in the same way: the Lightbringer series is amazing and you are missing out a lot by DNFing it. You mentioned lots of concerns in your videos, but they are actually all (and I mean, all) addressed later and it works like a charm!
Vinland Saga! So freaking good, I don't want to be "that person" but read the manga if you want to get into the series, the delivery of the history is so much better and I think the slower pace didn't translate well to anime.
I am almost the opposite nowadays, when I read a book and a character is getting into some serious action and the plot picks up almost immediately I am like: what, wait, wait, I cannot be excited yet for this development, it is only the third chapter! I should be confused and ambivalent about everything right now so that I feel like I am having my mind blown! (#readingtoomuchsandersonandfantasyingeneral)
Slow at the begining? Hard to get into? Sounds like my WIP and life work 😂 I have heard lots of people have got confused as I tend to explain and yet explain nothing as I know everything about the characters and about the word and tend to forgot to open it all up to the reader 😂
I'm glad you mentioned Way of Kings. I got it as my first audiobook and I thought there must be something wrong with me. I've seen nothing but praise for it and I'm just sitting here at chapter 27 thinking "when does this get good / do something unexpected?". I'll keep giving it a chance 👍
I'm 44 seconds in and I already know TWoK is on this list because, well, of course it is, but also, your head is strategically placed over the hole on the bookshelf where it belongs LOL
I have a GIVEAWAY going on over at my IG page for Peace and Turmoil, for those that are interested: instagram.com/ebnovels/
Relevant videos and amazon affiliate purchase links to books mentioned:
The Blade Itself: amzn.to/36eGR7f
-First Law trilogy review: ruclips.net/video/PX1alAXbmwg/видео.html
-First Law funny one star review: ruclips.net/video/v6lMwoMID4I/видео.html
Vinland Saga: amzn.to/2GhZ3SE
Ninth Rain: amzn.to/3cDdj4m
-Ninth Rain review: ruclips.net/video/AvRHlYrMOk4/видео.html
Peace and Turmoil: amzn.to/3i6pt6Y
Way of Kings: amzn.to/2S9h1sY
-Stormlight Archive playlist: ruclips.net/p/PL-WCMA9LkyeyVWQGUcSp8sdNQB6oJ45WM
-Brandon Sanderson playlist: ruclips.net/p/PL-WCMA9LkyewXJ6w64z19u5sBkocaiTAQ
Strange the Dreamer: amzn.to/36dOJ8W
-Strange the Dreamer review: ruclips.net/video/QTAW0NuOAlQ/видео.html
-If you like Strange the Dreamer recommendations: ruclips.net/video/5NXwdaFr6Lk/видео.html
-Strange the Dreamer funny one star reviews: ruclips.net/video/LbK6KYG-UJ8/видео.html
Fireborne: amzn.to/349Jcxt
-Fireborne review: ruclips.net/video/MtkRf5GuD_k/видео.html
Fullmetal Alchemist: amzn.to/30f0sk3
-Why everyone should read FMA: ruclips.net/video/FYzg6fSLRV8/видео.html
You're a great youtuber, Elliot! And I really respect you for acknowledging that even your own book isn't perfect and not trying to sell it as it was
I actually loved the beginning of Strange the Dreamer with my whole heart. I loved the rest of the book too. But his life at the library before Lazlo leaves his city, getting to know him and Thyon - that is my most favourite part in the whole book.
I LOVED getting to know Lazlo before all the exciting adventures!
Same
Me too! It's one of my top favorites
Same.💕
Same!!! Love every chapter of this book
I love how you can refer to your own book as having a slow start haha. I’m really interested in reading it at some point
Next should be books that get me invested in really fast
Good idea
yeah, books to end reading slumps or something :)
please!
Peace & Turmoil actually has a brilliant prologue and great first sentence (but yeah it slows down after it little bit 😅)
Hahahaha, indeed 😆
I definitely agree that The Way of kings and The blade itself are a slow start, but Fireborn had me hooked from the very first chapter! Strange the dreamer picked up pretty fast for me too.
Another great book that has a rough start is THE FIFTH SEASON! It has become one of my favorites, but boi it was hard to get into first.
Great video 😘
I love how she mentioned her own book!! LOL!!
I almost DNFed Lies of Locke Lamora, I hated the flashbacks and Lynch’s prose. after 2 months of hiatus I started to read it again out of spite; hard to ignore the praise it gets and waste of money. After first 150 pages, its plot became one of my all time favourites, and was sad to see you didn’t like the book :’( Elliot.
I saw Vinland Saga in my library after your husband recommended it last year. I read the beginning and loved it. Hearing that it gets deeper makes me want to read more. On the flip side of things, I am currently 761 pages into Way of Kings and still struggling to figure out why this book is happening. It picked up around the 400 page mark but not enough.
I DNF’d strange the dreamer 60 percent through. This made me want to give it a second chance
please give it a chance! Its good, hope you liked it too
I'm 600 pages into Oathbringer, and I love this series, but I finally feel like the story is finally starting XD
Not to sound like a suck up, but Peace and Turmoil had me from the beginning, I didn’t feel it was a slow start and I wanted to know more about each of the characters each time it switched POV.
I’ve recently started reading Way of Kings and I completely agree with this description of it starting multiple times. But I’m powering through because of how many people have told me it’s an amazing series!
I adored Strange the Dreamer!
Hey, I was in two minds with The Blade Itself but decided to listen to the audiobook. Being primarily a plot driven reader I was surprised how quickly the opening gripped me😍😌💯
I feel like memoirs of a geisha is one of the books with a very slow start. The book covers her childhood and it isn't until she's 15 that the book really becomes just engrossing. It takes place right before during and after ww2. I know there's a lot of controversy around this book but don't let other people tell you what you cant read. Just borrow it from the library if you aren't sure you want to support the author. That's what I did and it really is an unforgettable book.
I read memoirs of a geisha, and I have to agree.
@@kennymocivnik6408 yeah it definitely took me a long while to get into it and then when it's finally interesting and she's finally a geisha ww2 starts. I was soooo mad! I could have read a whole book of just the geisha life and lifestyle. Its still a good book tho I also really enjoyed the movie
I always thought Brandon Sanderson's books looked a bit daunting because they're so thick but I'm gonna give "The Way of the Kings" a try! Btw, love your hair!!
Very well said regarding First Law - I couldn’t agree more that it starts with character development, and the plot doesn’t snap into focus until book two, but it’s a wonderful ride the whole way. I’ve never read Manga, but as a medievalist specializing in Old English and Old Norse, I’m usually down for anything Viking. I’m going to check out Peace and Turmoil! Great video - thanks!
I am obsessed with Strange the Dreamer! Reading it now and it’s already one of my top favorites! But I was hooked from the first line and page, so I guess I prefer the more detailed style of writing. AMAZING 🥰
Thank you so much for this video! Sometimes I am looking for a "quick read" (and not ashamed to admit it, lol) and a slow start will have me moving elsewhere. The problem with this approach, though, is that the books I've stepped away from during those times (including Strange the Dreamer, The Blade Itself, and FMA, interestingly enough) have just stayed unread. Now I'm going to dust off whatever negative association I formed regarding those books and will try again. Thanks again for this one!
Currently reading ninth rain... I was about to drop it 😂😂. But let's see how it goes. Strange the dreamer and way of kings were really good
I just picked up The Blade Itself today after a super long hiatus, and I am actually finding that I am instantly hooked by this book! I definitely don't know what's going on yet (I'm literally 40 pages in haha) but Joe Abercrombie's writing style is really great and I am really intrigued by this characters...I think this is going to be a great one!!
I'm in the homestretch of First Law book 3. The first book is such a slog to get through. I understood spending a whole book to cement the characters personalities as they are, so we can so the growth that happens within each throughout book 2 and 3, but I almost laid it down half way through. I'm very excited that I stuck through it.
I think Anne Rice series were hard to get into at first as they are quite wordy and extremely detailed, but they are some of my favorite series. In Mayfair Witches, for instance, you learn about an entire lineage of this family and really get to know them.
such a good video idea!
I definitely struggled a bit to get into Nevernight because of the writing style and those footnotes but once I got into it I loved it so so so much !!
Vinland Saga sounds awesome, I've been doing a lot of reading about the Vikings lately. This may be a nice light-ish read. Thanks for sharing!
You're so adorable when you gush over books you're not "technically" promoting lol. Nice list though. :)
The Way of Kings grabbed me on the very first line. But yes having to “restart” or read another beginning started to get daunting. I was afraid of forgetting everyone.
A Game of Thrones had a rough start for me. I put it down twice before I finally stuck with it and read it all the way through. I am glad I persevered.
I loved the beginning of TWoK and The Blade Itself, but I was forewarned for them. All of them are worth pushing through imo
I'm probably sounding stupid here but What is twok? Lol. I thought wheel of time but doesn't fit lol
@@tonyasullivan1133 The Way of Kings :)
Yeah, the prologue of A Game of Thrones was rough for me. The end of the first Jon chapter got me hooked. "And with that he turned and sauntered back into the feast, whistling a tune. When he opened the door, the light from within threw his shadow clear across the yard, and for just a moment Tyrion Lannister stood tall as a king." Some of his writing is hard, but some of it is beautiful.
@@wescraven2606 There are some great quotes. Definitely worth persevering!
Soooo agree on the first law trilogy and strange the dreamer!! This was a great video! ❤️
How did I know The Blade Itself would be here. I have started it and got to page like 150 maybe? I just set it aside and keep meaning to come back to it!
Also, LoLL was definitely a slow start for me. Another book I set down and came back to a few months later. I am so glad I did because I loved it so much!
The Third Law Trilogy took me forever to get into, but now it is one of my all time favorites. That was a trilogy with a really nice payoff in the third book.
I actually like the third book the least 😅 But I’m glad you felt differently!
I’m ... trying the first book again. I dnf’d it once before. I don’t know if it will be for me in the long run though. 😭. I basically dislike all the plotlines and characters except /maybe/ Logan’s right now. The less said about the inquisitor the happier I’d feel honestly.
I've tried reading the Blade Itself a few times now and always give up. Perhap this is what I need to finally push through!
It really is a great ride. once all the pieces start coming together for the plot of the series it’s intriguing but the characters are the forefront of the first law trilogy. In my opinion the best book in the first law world is best served cold. There’s not too much spoiled or referenced in the standalones minus one major plot point from the series but maybe it would be interesting enough to help keep you from giving up on the first book.
@@imnotwadewilsonsee3656 thanks for replying! I will definitely be giving it a read. Knowing that it gets better helps ^_^
Galactic Reads it definitely gets better. I think the start does a good job of introducing some of the characters but it’s when they start intermingling with each other that it takes off. Then the main plot and subplots start driving the narrative but the characters still respond realistic to situations they are in. Hopefully you enjoy them as much as I did.
@@imnotwadewilsonsee3656 I hope I enjoy them too :) The character work is what I'm most excited for! It's been a while since I've read grimdark and it's a perfect genre to write interesting characters
Galactic Reads I’ll keep a lookout for your review on your channel. Also if you’re taking suggestions I’d recommend “The Faithful and the Fallen” series. Not really grimdark but it’s a good fantasy series. The follow up series “Of Blood and Bone”, from what I’ve heard, has more of that grimdark feel.
I can totally agree with way of kings...I put that book down for like four months and than I picked it back up..and I'm sooo glad I did
I knewwwww Vinland Saga was gonna be on here and I completely agree with you! I really really had to push through it but it was really worth it. Also, I just really love how much you bring up a lot of my favorite manga! It's very refreshing to see. Awesome video! ♥♥
For me lightbringer was a rough start, I was very confused by the magic system and didnt like the start. I only read the first book but I thought it was great
I'm not sure if I would've kept reading if I picked up the physical copy of The Blade Itself. The audiobooks are the best, which is the said thing in the Abercrombie fandom. I'm glad I pursued them in that medium; Joe Abercrombie has quickly become a fave author of mine and I'm up to date on his books. :D Characterisation, intent, voice, prose = incredible.
Completely agree; the audiobooks are the best I’ve come across :D
There are so many books in this video I need to get to but as someone who falls into a reading slump easily, I find these type of intimidating. But I know I'll probably enjoy them because I really enjoyed so many on this list (Peace and Turmoil, Strange the Dreamer)
I thought Red Sister was extremely slow to start then by the end I loved it and loved the entire Book of the Ancestor trilogy
I thought Way of Kings was a rough start, and I LOVE the series. I am glad I pushed through it for sure but I can see why some people struggle with it to start with.
I am only a little in so far, but I am enjoying Peace and Turmoil so far for sure :)
Nearly at the end of watching FMAB and I do think I will pick up the manga in the future. The anime was incredible! Will definitely be picking up the First Law trilogy and Peace and Turmoil 😜
I put off reading Six of Crows for over a year because I only read that first chapter (or prologue? Don't remember) as a sneak peak at the end of my edition of Ruin & Rising 🙈
Such a good video idea! I hope more people do these ☺️
I read the beginning of Way of Kings and the first scene was a nice action prologue but then it went on to another action prologue and it felt so slow! That coming from Sanderson, who says he doesn't like to put action scenes right away without establishing things for us to care/understand.
Mentioning Peace and Turmoil as if it weren't yours... 😂, followed by The Way of Kings... I should say I had no trouble getting into Peace and Turmoil, while The Way of Kings is still on my shelf because I just couldn't...
Haha, I guess I just figure everyone knows it’s mine at this point 😄
@@ebnovels Well, yes... I'm waiting for the next volume, but no pressure, ok? 😁
I haven’t been able to get into any Sanderson books and I’ve tried like four of them. I dunno why 🤷♀️. I might try again someday. I also couldn’t get into lies of Locke Lamora. I just didn’t care what happened to the characters. Although strange the dreamer had me hooked from the beginning. Read both books in two days.
Hi Elliot, what scene got you hooked on The Blade Itself? I'm currently just about finished the first book (50 pages to go) and I love it, though definitely agree with your "rough start."
I believe it’s right before part two, when Ninefingers has to face off with someone he’s always respected but has always been on opposing sides from :)
You have the best video ideas, I always always always enjoy listening to you talk about books!😍 and this video was so helpful, thank you so much, I hope you have a great week ❤
To be honest, if it weren't for the fact that I had already invested a lot of time in the cosmere I would have probably put the book down after the first line; "Kalak rounded a rocky stone ridge and stumbled to a stop before the body of a dying thunderclast". But I'm truly glad I managed to push through. :)
I feel this way about The Queen’s Thief series. That first book is a bit slow and you don’t really know where it’s going, but that series is one of my all time favorites now. I also struggled through the beginning of the Cruel Prince, and Crescent City, and by the end adored them. (I love romance so... 😆)
I think I’ll have to pick up Crescent City at some point; I know Jashana had a great time with it too :D
@@ebnovels the first six hundred pages are slow. 😆 The last two hundred pages are 🔥.
I nice slow start is fine by me. I have been meaning to read Strange The Dreamer. Everytime you mention it the book comes back to my mind.
The book that has a slow start but that I enjoyed is The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams. I think this is the book that defines a slow start for many. We follow a kitchenboy as he goes around his daily duties in a castle.
Hardest book for me to ever get into that has great elements, and with a thick suspension of disbelief is awesome, is "Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson". It has some generic sci-fi elements blended together and the start with the Pizza delivery guy is almost too absurd, once you get past that though and kind of immerse yourself in the world it's enthralling. Here's the opening paragraph of Chapter 1:
"The Deliverator belongs to an elite order, a hallowed subcategory. He's got esprit up to here. Right now, he is preparing to carry out his third mission of the night. His uniform is black as activated charcoal, filtering the very light out of the air. A bullet will bounce off its arachnofiber weave like a wren hitting a patio door, but excess perspiration wafts through it like a breeze through a freshly napalmed forest. Where his body has bony extremities, the suit has sintered armorgel: feels like gritty jello, protects like a stack of telephone books."
In my opinion I loved the beginning of Way of Kings, getting to know Shallan and Jasnah, feeling the consequences of the kings assassination and especially seeing Kaladin rise from being a slave. But the first interlude put me off the book for almost a year.
I DNFed Fireborne at 10%, I couldn't understand where the plot was going and the fairy-tale style confused me to no end. I wanted to like it so much, I heard only enthusiastic reviews about this book, but man, I couldn't read five sentence in a row! I hope it will be translated in my native language, to remove one possible barrier between me, ready to love this book, and the actual content!
I almost dnf'd Strange the Dreamer due to the slow start, and I'm so glad I didn't! It's now one of my favorite books!
Glad to have the heads up before I start Strange the Dreamer - thank you for this list
I'm intrigued. :) Haven't read any of them, except Strange the Dreamer and unfortunately, it was a DNF for me. But I will pick up Way of Kings soon. I feel like autumn is the perfect time for reading this epic tome. Btw, I feel like mabe it would have been good to mention that you are the author of Peace and Turmoil - with regards to new viewers.
Currently 100 pages into Fireborne based off your recommendations. Next is Christina Henry's The Ghost Tree.
That Full metal alchemist brotherhood in the back *chefs kiss*
I see Malice on your shelf, i guess you have not read it yet. I would put that in this video because the first 30% is kinda slow and there are a lot of POV and a big world BUT the pay off is huge. Also once you get later in Malice it doesnt slow down for the rest fo the 4 book series. its amazing.
i hate when books, especially books in a series, end on a cliffhanger,.. the reason being that i cant even begin to count the number of series that stopped prematurely for one reason or another and all you had for an ending was the cliffhanger.
I think it’s to help keep books from being too long. I don’t mind them, but I get why others would!
I loved The First Law from page one.
Watching this makes me want to read Way of Kings again but it will have to wait for after Rhythm of War. And Legion
Strange the Dreamer thoughts. i think it has a great start the part 1 was well written showing the background of Lazlo.
Oh my goodness Russian fantasy where have you been all my life Fireborn 😍
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater has a slow start, but the audiobook is so amazing! The author uses her own music for it.
Loving these daily uploads :)
I LOVED fireborne, probably will be on my top 3 best books ive read this year
Also who doesnt appreciate a heroine named Antigone? Its my absolute favorite fantasy name, so powerful
I would add Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson, and Foucault's Pendulum by Umberto Eco.
Homie pointed out Vinland saga as good, well before most people watched it. Good call.
Peter F. Hamilton's Pandora's Star stars pretty slow, but great alien later.
Wow, the first 1 you mentioned. I have tried to read that so many times and I can’t make it past the prologue. The bad thing is I bought the trilogy. Even my adult daughter who loves reading forced herself to read the first 100 pages and quit. Sorry but I can’t get into it. Chomping at the bit for Rhythm of War though.
Sometimes there are just books that are like that! It definitely took me a long time to get into :)
So so true, the cliff hanger in Strange the Dreamer just broke me
Hi Elliot, I’m new to your channel, and I tried looking for videos on the First Law stand-alone books and couldn’t find any. Do you plan on reviewing those? I think they address one of your criticisms of the first trilogy in that they more heavily feature female characters, and I’d love to hear your take on them.
Great channel though, love your videos!
Okay, I am a bit more hopeful now that I may end up liking Strange the Dreamer, after all!
I almost DNF‘d Strange the Dreamer too but loved the last 1/3 of the book
I feel like Red Rising was kinda slow in the beginning, not unbearably so, but still kinda slow.
Whole Malazan Book of the Fallen starts pretty bad tbh. But it get so much good in the end.
Is it bad that I picture tinker bell every time Syl talks to Kaladan?
Let me answer you in the same way: the Lightbringer series is amazing and you are missing out a lot by DNFing it. You mentioned lots of concerns in your videos, but they are actually all (and I mean, all) addressed later and it works like a charm!
I found The Lies of Locke Lamora pretty slow. Didn't continue with the series.
Vinland Saga! So freaking good, I don't want to be "that person" but read the manga if you want to get into the series, the delivery of the history is so much better and I think the slower pace didn't translate well to anime.
I am almost the opposite nowadays, when I read a book and a character is getting into some serious action and the plot picks up almost immediately I am like: what, wait, wait, I cannot be excited yet for this development, it is only the third chapter! I should be confused and ambivalent about everything right now so that I feel like I am having my mind blown! (#readingtoomuchsandersonandfantasyingeneral)
I love Roy Mustang!
Have you read or planning to read Berserk or Vagabond?
Vagabond I will, Berserk I won’t (I know it’s great, but I also know about the 20 page rape scene, and that’s just a little too dark for me!).
What has to happen to get you to read and review the dark tower? My favorite series and book tuber need to be friends
Sounds like Strange the Dreamer takes a lot from The Magicians
Currently in WaY of Kings(part1)..even at 80% I cant seem to get myself to finish it.
The last chunk is very emotional; everything starts to come together! But it also might not be for you :)
@@ebnovels Will let you know once I complete this :) Thanks
I just finished it..Not for me :( Feels bad man.
this is such a great idea for a video!
FMA is brilliant 😭😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Slow at the begining? Hard to get into? Sounds like my WIP and life work 😂 I have heard lots of people have got confused as I tend to explain and yet explain nothing as I know everything about the characters and about the word and tend to forgot to open it all up to the reader 😂
All Mangas are slow start for me.....I just can't get into them and I TRY ok 😭 but I love watching some anime
1:20 I thought she had said "Among Us".
I need some therapy...
Same
OMG same! I played for an hour before I went to bed last night and I literally dreamt that I was playing it all night xD
I said “a manga” :)
@@ebnovels or maybe you are the impostor and want us to believe that... :0
@@ebnovels jk, great vid!!
I'm glad you mentioned Way of Kings. I got it as my first audiobook and I thought there must be something wrong with me. I've seen nothing but praise for it and I'm just sitting here at chapter 27 thinking "when does this get good / do something unexpected?". I'll keep giving it a chance 👍
I'm 44 seconds in and I already know TWoK is on this list because, well, of course it is, but also, your head is strategically placed over the hole on the bookshelf where it belongs LOL
Just started Rage of Dragons and kinda hoped this book was in this video. I dunno, I somehow don't really feel it.
It gets sooo good.
It takes a while to get into the real plot, but once you're there it's great
I found the prologue to be the best part, and then disliked the book more and more because the main character was-imo-very stupid.
I want Elliott to act out all of Way of Kings.
Ok, ok. Ninth Rain, Fireborne, next month. I promise. I'm a little behind. Just get off my back, ok?
Ok, ok, I’ll ease up ;)
What are u currently reading?? Always luv watching ur channel... 😊📖🍂🍁
Ninth House is the main thing!
I really excited that you doing other giveaways for your book I really want to read this book hopefully I win
Ooo yes, I’ve heard strange the dreamer is slowwww