Grab some of these books if you haven't already read them and let me know below what your favorite standalones are! If you feel the vibe, please Subscribe!
Great video, Brian, though I had to see not one but ten Nemesisses! 😮 Susanna Clarke has written two of my favorite standalone fantasy novels in Piranesi and Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norell.
Thanks, Philip!! Apologies for the multitude of nemesi. (ps, both of those Clarke books were included in my original 5 standalone videos... great minds!)
Putting Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy on the TBR, as I write stuff like that. I saw you community post, yes, the intro was very funny and clever. I liked it, and it sets up the viewer to continue on. Just signed a contract today for a cover design for my debut novel, a dark satircal comedy with speculative fantasy and sci-fi elements. Its a standalone prelude to a genre blender conspiracy theory distopian satire. It's been professionally edited and I feel it has a lot of merit to it, on a literary level. If you like, I will send you a signed copy (hardback) when it's done. Satire!
Lol!!! The lion under the tree had me even before you started talking about the bugs killing the tree. To Ride Hell’s Chasm sounds amazing! Adding to my list!
This has to be one of your best intros yet, I love it hahahah. I've only read To Ride Hell's Chasm from this list (which is objectively one of the best books I have ever read, even if I didn't fully enjoy it at the time of reading due to personal non-native English speaker struggles with the descriptive prose), so I have my work cut out for me in reading these others! Especially Cloud Atlas and Lions are high up on my priority list! Some of my favourite standalones are The Starless Sea and The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, The Necessity of Rain by Sarah Chorn, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by VE Schwab, and The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna!
Thanks, Esmay! I'm adding the Morgenstern books to TBR Mountain now! I can't imagine reading a children's book in another language let alone Janny Wurts...
Dude, that intro! Nailed it. I love having a good stand alone. There are too many long series and getting that sense of closure is nice every once in a while.
I only read half of Book of the New Sun but enjoyed what I read. For me the narrative had such a dreamlike quality to it that my enjoyment was really dependent on my mood. Great one for the road, I need go back to finish what I started.
I like how, while it's one book, it is split up to time it the best way that works for you. I hope you get back to it because much is revealed in acts 3 and 4! Thank you for the One For The Road compliment, as well :)
Nice collection! I haven't read all, but I'll get there! One of my favorite stand-alones is the first book I read in the Vorkosigan series by Lois McMaster Bujold: Captain Vorpatril's Alliance. There's humor, there's derring-do, there's family dynamics, there's interstellar politics, there's romance, there are spies and conspiracies and -- there's oh so much. This book barely includes the main protagonist of the series, Miles Vorkosigan. While it is a complex world, the introduction is clear and easy to follow-- and it does not matter that you haven't read any before (and you don't have to read any more to feel completion.) Highly recommended.
I wanted to say thank you for always encouraging your audience to challenge ourselves with what we pick up. I think that's the best advice you could give somebody about reading a book they're intimidated by: "It's just a book." Things like this have a stacking effect. Once you finish the first "intimidating book", the next one feels less out of reach. I'm starting The Wizard Knight by Gene Wolfe this week, and I'm very excited for it. I was planning to read New Sun when I stumbled upon this, and the kindle sample just hooked me, lol. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I also find that I really enjoy reading shorter series in omnibus form. In August I read Cycle of Fire by Janny Wurts in the 1999 single volume, and it was incredible.
Battlemage by Peter Flannery is my favorite stand alone Ive read so far. Amazing story about the main character having to come to grip with his fathers legacy as a traitor while the world is suffering a demonic invasion.
Had Charleton Heston and Sopia Loren from El Cid in my head while reading Lions. I predict GGK eill make the next several top 5 stand alones. Curse of Chalion - is book 4 of a series but can be a stand alone. There is a sequel which is also just as good. Armor - John Steakley Am currently reading Knight by Wolfe. Am getting over that it should really be the Knight Wizard duology. A lot different than New Sun and is a little more approachable.
Some of mine: Silverlock, John Myers Myers - A fascinating trip through historical fantasy societies with some of the vibe of Captains Courageous. The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, RA Heinlein - Perhaps the single best SF novel ever written. And, IMO, the most common answer to "What was the most memorable SF novel you have ever read?" among SF fans of a certain age. Stand on Zanzibar, John Brunner - A prescient dystopian novel written mostly in the form of news reports. It's stylistically difficult, but worth the time. Star Guard, Andre Norton - A short novel of military SF, with excellent character work, strong world building, and a tense plot.
Well folks, it's been real. Don't forget to tune into The Fantasy Nuttwork for all your SFF needs. It's fun to stay at the DMCA! (that's digital media copyright act for those playing at home) It's fun to stay at the D M C A hay!
i recommend A Night in the Lonesome October, by Roger Zelazny, first, because i can think of few book better suited for the season and second because you can read it very fast, in less than a day
I wish people wouldn't rave quite so much about the complexity of BotNS. I do think it is generally meant as a rave rather than a rag though, and i very much understand the impulse. At least part of the X factor that makes it so incredible is the interplay of nuance and unreliability and how that leaves room for complex interpretations. It is very much one of those things you have to experience to appreciate though, and by touting the depth and inscrutability I think some readers get scared off. As a story, it is both coherent and excellent, even just engaging with it at surface level. However, the magic in the writing is that you cant help but be drawn into engaging with the murky bits below the surface,. IMO, it doesnt feel overwhelming while reading it, at worst mildly confused about details and implications moment to moment. All that is to say, everyone should give BotNS a try. it is absolutely deserving of its reputation as one of the great works of imaginative fiction.
Many consider Cloud Atlas to be David Mitchell's best book, however I prefer The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet which has the advantage(?) of a more traditional narrative structure. I know I've mentioned the book before so I promise this will be the last time lol. If you have a secret literary fiction TBR that you don't tell your SFF booktube friends about, definitely put this on it.
I'm not sure. This one was mostly focused on standalone full books. But maybe, yeah, if people want to see style-wise. But without Severian, I'm not sure how much they'd enjoy by comparison.
@@BrianBell7Was mostly asking since i have two short stories of his in a time travel collection i'll be reading sometime soon. («Against the Lafayette Escadrille» and «The Lost Pilgrim») 😀
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Grab some of these books if you haven't already read them and let me know below what your favorite standalones are! If you feel the vibe, please Subscribe!
Great video, Brian, though I had to see not one but ten Nemesisses! 😮 Susanna Clarke has written two of my favorite standalone fantasy novels in Piranesi and Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norell.
Thanks, Philip!! Apologies for the multitude of nemesi. (ps, both of those Clarke books were included in my original 5 standalone videos... great minds!)
I LOVED THE 7 JOHANNAS! This is an amazing list! Thank you, Brian! ❤ Perfect “One for the Road” for this one. 😊
You rock! I had a lot of fun making this one ;)
Putting Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy on the TBR, as I write stuff like that.
I saw you community post, yes, the intro was very funny and clever. I liked it, and it sets up the viewer to continue on.
Just signed a contract today for a cover design for my debut novel, a dark satircal comedy with speculative fantasy and sci-fi elements. Its a standalone prelude to a genre blender conspiracy theory distopian satire. It's been professionally edited and I feel it has a lot of merit to it, on a literary level. If you like, I will send you a signed copy (hardback) when it's done.
Satire!
Waited all day to watch this list. Great 1 brother!
Thanks brother! I knew there were 2 on this list you haven't hit yet!
@@BrianBell7 I gotta get to Lions!
@@Talking_Story I'm telling ya.. just give me your TBR for a month and it'll be the best month ever!
@@BrianBell7 dont doubt that
@@BrianBell7This is totally a video that needs to be made!!!!!
Lol!!! The lion under the tree had me even before you started talking about the bugs killing the tree.
To Ride Hell’s Chasm sounds amazing! Adding to my list!
YES! I love that, Maeve! (ps, new segment coming to my channel soon that I think you'll like)
@@BrianBell7 I can’t wait to see what it is!!
This has to be one of your best intros yet, I love it hahahah. I've only read To Ride Hell's Chasm from this list (which is objectively one of the best books I have ever read, even if I didn't fully enjoy it at the time of reading due to personal non-native English speaker struggles with the descriptive prose), so I have my work cut out for me in reading these others! Especially Cloud Atlas and Lions are high up on my priority list!
Some of my favourite standalones are The Starless Sea and The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, The Necessity of Rain by Sarah Chorn, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by VE Schwab, and The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna!
Thanks, Esmay! I'm adding the Morgenstern books to TBR Mountain now! I can't imagine reading a children's book in another language let alone Janny Wurts...
@@BrianBell7 Hahah, it was definitely humbling to read Janny's prose. Never felt so insecure about my English proficiency 🤣
Dude, that intro! Nailed it.
I love having a good stand alone. There are too many long series and getting that sense of closure is nice every once in a while.
Thanks, Chris! I was hoping the intro would work!! I think I'm going to keep a part of it to use from time to time as well :)
Great idea for a video Brian! I DNFd both Cloud Atlas and Book of the New Sun lol.
They are probably pretty commonly DNF'd. But for me, bring them on :)
I only read half of Book of the New Sun but enjoyed what I read. For me the narrative had such a dreamlike quality to it that my enjoyment was really dependent on my mood. Great one for the road, I need go back to finish what I started.
I like how, while it's one book, it is split up to time it the best way that works for you. I hope you get back to it because much is revealed in acts 3 and 4! Thank you for the One For The Road compliment, as well :)
I NEED TO READ LIONS. another great endorsement for Mr. Kay.
yes you do!
Nice collection! I haven't read all, but I'll get there! One of my favorite stand-alones is the first book I read in the Vorkosigan series by Lois McMaster Bujold: Captain Vorpatril's Alliance. There's humor, there's derring-do, there's family dynamics, there's interstellar politics, there's romance, there are spies and conspiracies and -- there's oh so much. This book barely includes the main protagonist of the series, Miles Vorkosigan. While it is a complex world, the introduction is clear and easy to follow-- and it does not matter that you haven't read any before (and you don't have to read any more to feel completion.) Highly recommended.
Thank you! I did a video a couple weeks ago about series that I really want to get to and the Vorkosigan series was on there! Great minds :)
Cloud Atlas is peak. Read it this year and adored it. great recommendations all around
Thanks, Wera!
I think this might be my favourite Belltube video so far, well done sir that was awesome 🥳🥳🥳
thank you SO MUCH! I'm trying to improve each time! You rock!
Awesome video, have all these on my list! Will be getting to Hell's Chasm next month 😎
YES! Enjoy that ride!
So many great books! Thank you for the recommendations ❤ My bank account might not be happy, but you know… ‘tis the life of a reader 😂
I do know the life of a reader!! Thank you so much for watching! I've also heard there's a bunch of library apps too.
Great list!
Thanks! I love recommending books that I feel passionately about!
That intro may be goated
ha, Thanks, Chance! I think I'm going to use the question graphics and music more often :)
@@BrianBell7 the rating scale without context😂😂😂
The book of the new sun rec is baller. Such a good book “series”
@@BrianBell7and I did not know there were no made up words in BOTNS… that’s absolutely wild.
I wanted to say thank you for always encouraging your audience to challenge ourselves with what we pick up. I think that's the best advice you could give somebody about reading a book they're intimidated by: "It's just a book." Things like this have a stacking effect. Once you finish the first "intimidating book", the next one feels less out of reach.
I'm starting The Wizard Knight by Gene Wolfe this week, and I'm very excited for it. I was planning to read New Sun when I stumbled upon this, and the kindle sample just hooked me, lol. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I also find that I really enjoy reading shorter series in omnibus form. In August I read Cycle of Fire by Janny Wurts in the 1999 single volume, and it was incredible.
You are so welcome for any encouragement you may find here! Keep me posted what you think of The Wizard Knight. It's on TBR Mountain!
Battlemage by Peter Flannery is my favorite stand alone Ive read so far.
Amazing story about the main character having to come to grip with his fathers legacy as a traitor while the world is suffering a demonic invasion.
I've heard Battlemage brought up in the comments a bunch of times recently. Consider it added to TBR Mountain!
Had Charleton Heston and Sopia Loren from El Cid in my head while reading Lions.
I predict GGK eill make the next several top 5 stand alones.
Curse of Chalion - is book 4 of a series but can be a stand alone. There is a sequel which is also just as good.
Armor - John Steakley
Am currently reading Knight by Wolfe. Am getting over that it should really be the Knight Wizard duology. A lot different than New Sun and is a little more approachable.
I haven’t read that Wolfe one but it’s on TBR Mountain! So is ALL GGK! So good!
@@BrianBell7 My chaotic TBR is often determined by Half Price Bookstore.
Battle mage by Peter Flannery is a great stand-alone as well
Cool! I'll check it out now!
Some of mine:
Silverlock, John Myers Myers - A fascinating trip through historical fantasy societies with some of the vibe of Captains Courageous.
The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, RA Heinlein - Perhaps the single best SF novel ever written. And, IMO, the most common answer to "What was the most memorable SF novel you have ever read?" among SF fans of a certain age.
Stand on Zanzibar, John Brunner - A prescient dystopian novel written mostly in the form of news reports. It's stylistically difficult, but worth the time.
Star Guard, Andre Norton - A short novel of military SF, with excellent character work, strong world building, and a tense plot.
Doug, once again, coming in HOT with the recs! Adding two of those now on Goodreads!
Filing my copyright strike now BUCKO
Well folks, it's been real. Don't forget to tune into The Fantasy Nuttwork for all your SFF needs. It's fun to stay at the DMCA! (that's digital media copyright act for those playing at home) It's fun to stay at the D M C A hay!
@@BrianBell7Nice knowing you! Remember to keep turning the page!
Filing copyright for what? @@BrianBell7
@@nathancroft just an inside joke
@@BrianBell7 Ah haha. For a moment I thought was serious.
Anyway, great vid. BotNS one of my faves of all time.
I mean, Lions is on here so by default you've already made a spectacular video. Not much more I can add to it 😂
RAWR! That was me doing a lion. Poorly.
i recommend A Night in the Lonesome October, by Roger Zelazny, first, because i can think of few book better suited for the season and second because you can read it very fast, in less than a day
Cool, it seems seasonal! Will add it!
One of my book Hot Takes is I did not enjoy Hitch Hikers Guide.
Tom Tom Tom... ha, well, there's always a few I don't align with people on :)
I wish people wouldn't rave quite so much about the complexity of BotNS. I do think it is generally meant as a rave rather than a rag though, and i very much understand the impulse.
At least part of the X factor that makes it so incredible is the interplay of nuance and unreliability and how that leaves room for complex interpretations. It is very much one of those things you have to experience to appreciate though, and by touting the depth and inscrutability I think some readers get scared off.
As a story, it is both coherent and excellent, even just engaging with it at surface level. However, the magic in the writing is that you cant help but be drawn into engaging with the murky bits below the surface,. IMO, it doesnt feel overwhelming while reading it, at worst mildly confused about details and implications moment to moment.
All that is to say, everyone should give BotNS a try. it is absolutely deserving of its reputation as one of the great works of imaginative fiction.
100% agree!
Brian did you ever read Urth of the New Sun?
I've been waiting on Mister Nutts as we are going to read it together. More like The Fantasy Slowwork.... amiright?
@@BrianBell7 Hahhaa. That’s fair. I think Urth is the most difficult personally but also helps put into a different context much of the main Book.
Many consider Cloud Atlas to be David Mitchell's best book, however I prefer The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet which has the advantage(?) of a more traditional narrative structure. I know I've mentioned the book before so I promise this will be the last time lol. If you have a secret literary fiction TBR that you don't tell your SFF booktube friends about, definitely put this on it.
Thatcher, you have my absolute 100% free reign to continuously remind me about the book until I read it. I get lost in the Halls of TBR Mountain.
@@BrianBell7 Haha...I'll try to keep it to one mention every few months. And if you do eventually read it, and hate it, I'll slink away in shame.
@@TF-lk6co slink, baby, slink! hahaha, I'm adding to goodreads right now before I forget.
@@BrianBell7 Now I'm feeling the pressure. Just kidding, don't read it!
Wouldn't one of his short stories be a better place to start with Gene Wolf? To get a taste of his writing style.
I'm not sure. This one was mostly focused on standalone full books. But maybe, yeah, if people want to see style-wise. But without Severian, I'm not sure how much they'd enjoy by comparison.
@@BrianBell7Was mostly asking since i have two short stories of his in a time travel collection i'll be reading sometime soon. («Against the Lafayette Escadrille» and «The Lost Pilgrim») 😀