I have a spin the wheel for my tbr when I am not sure what to read next with over 300 books and it landed on I am Legend. A few minutes later I clicked on this video and its the first one on your list! The universe is telling me I need to read this book next! I can't wait to start it tonight.
An excellent list, Johan! I found myself nodding in agreement many times during the video. I'll be starting Dandelion Dynasty later this year, and your praise for The Wall of Storms has me excited for it. Thank you for the video!
This was great. I thought for a second it was just gonna be a mashup of ten popular fantasy books but you chose some unique niche ones. Your content never disappoints!! Added Invisible Life to my tbr.
I read Piranesi this past weekend and I'm still thinking about it, so I think you hit the nail in the head there. I would also add This is how you lose the time war, it was a very powerful read for me as well.
Babel was a DNF for me - a book that centers on linguistics and then has a bunch of language foibles - made it hard to read. I also felt the characters really bland and I got halfway through and just couldn't care enough to read more. I'm very excited to read the Sword of Kaigen for all the things you said and more. I just bought the Illustrated version of LotR and I'm hoping to reread the books this summer. I used to read it each year for about 10 years but it's been a long time since my last re-read. I bought the Farseer trilogy and I'm so excited to start my Robin Hobb journey. I'll make sure to keep tissues nearby. Great list!
As a translator I was quite expecting to read this, since I'd heard good things about it and it's not everyday when you get a fantasy book where translation is in such a major role. Boy, was I dissapointed. I ploughed through just to see if the book would eventually deliver, but no. It was just bland and a bit simplistic and I never really managed to wrap my head around the magic system. I also feel I wouldn't have missed a thing had the book been 200+ pages shorter. And, of course, it didn't help that the Finnish translation had loads of typos and even missing words.
Compelling list! I loved Assassin's Apprentice, and the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe (although Till We Have Faces is my favorite Lewis fantasy by about a million!!!) and all the rest of these are high on my TBR! I've read Grace of Kings and you've convinced me I need to continue the series.
Thank you for giving motivation to read the wall of storms :) I've read Grace of kings some time ago and I really enjoyed it. Wall of storms is on my shelf for a while. Pity that polish publisher decided not to publish last two books in that series, so I will have to read them in the future in English. Hope it'll be worth it.
There have been three adaptations of "I am Legend". The first was entitled "The last man" and starred Vincent Price. The second was "the Omega Man" with Charleton Heston. The third and worst was Will Smith's version.
Supposedly the VP version is the closest to the book, although for some reason, they changed his name to Morgan. Like you, I didn't care for the WS version, as an adaptation. It's a fun popcorn flick, but that's it. The book is so much deeper. I haven't seen Omega Man...
I will say Memory, Sorrow and Thorn by Tad Williams has lived rent free in my head and I finished the series nearly a year ago. His series Otherland will definitely be with me for the rest of my life. The ending alone of that series is very very impactful in many different ways.
I’m happy to hear that Addie LaRue worked for you. I just really tend not to care for romance as, pretty much, the main plot. It didn’t click for me even though I love stories that follow immortals.
Love your list! Definitely agree with Piranesi, I still go back and reread that one from time to time. One of my absolute favorites of all time that will always have a place on my shelves is The Passage trilogy by Justin Cronin. Probably not a popular opinion but 🤷🏼♀️ I just love the way he writes, and the ending is so satisfying to me. Thanks for sharing!
If you liked needful things i think you might like "In the lost lands" a short story by George RR Martin. "You can buy anything you might desire from Gray Alys, but its better not to" is the opening
Interesting picks. I haven't read anything from Schwab as yet, and that SK pick is one I keep hearing come up as one of his best. Books 5,6,7 and 10 live rent free in my brain since I read them. Hard to argue with any of the list!
Interesting list! For truly memorable reads I’d personally add Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss for its beautiful prose and great depth of worldbuilding. Its mysteries and lore theories still intrigue me to this day.
I still need to read Needful Things, but many of King’s books stick with me. Two that I think nobody will forget are Pet Sematary and 11/22/63. Pet Sematary evoked the most emotional reaction to any book I’ve read and 11/22/63 might have the best ending I’ve ever read.
I''m going to suggest "Childhood's End," by Arthur C. Clarke. Everyone I know who's read it just sat, stunned, for like half an hour after finishing. Meantime, I have "Kaigen" and "Piranesi" and "Assassin's Apprentice," just never started them, so I'm going to take your advice. Thanks!
I really like your videos. From your list The lord of the Rings, The Sword of kaigen, Assassin's Apprentice love them. I would include the book thief and The book of disquiet.
Unfortunately, the only reason I am Legend stuck with me was because of my dislike for it. Other than that, I am willing to give your other suggestions a try. I have got some of the Realm of the Enderings series and a few of the other books you suggested. Ken Liu is definitely on my radar. Thanks for the suggestions.
The Wall of Storms made me so angry woth a couple of the characters. No spoilers here, but wow I can't wait to see what happens next. I'm starting The Veiled Throne this week.
Id be very interested for you to check out my take on sword of kaigen - have dealt with loss and i think it was handled clumsily (whereas in something like pet semetary it was done masterfully)
One book I've read and has stayed with me was "Johnny Got His Gun" by Dalton Trumbo. I found out about it when I saw the movie first and found out the movie was based on the book. I then got the book and, needless to say, the book was so much better. The only thing I'll say about the book is it's an anti-war book, but Trumbo takes it into a different direction.
Love some, despise some. Needful Things- Yes, brilliant. King at his best. Piranesi - good read, for sure. Assassins Apprentice - Not my favourite by Hobb but really stays with me. The Sword of Kaigen - Have started a couple of times but it hasn't caught my intrest, at all. Will try again. Babel - Just no. Dull, unlikable characters without dept, living uninteresting lives. And I keep wondering: -If people of any other colour than white had been described across the board as stupid, mean, spiteful and unempathic as they are in this book, had this book been released at all? Or had it been labeled as racist?
I think Vincent Price, adaptation of I am legend is better than Will Smith🤷🏻♀️ I am currently reading the Narnia series last year. I read two books last year. I’m not in a rush to consume it.
Yes, the Narnia books may be a Christian allegory, but there were so many pagan elements as well. Plus, as an adult I have major criticisms of The Last Battle. It was depressing and flawed. There was also the question of Susan (and what happens to the rest of the Pevensie children).
Sorry-but Sword of Kaigen is one of the most boring books I have ever read ! I only powered through because so many booktubers raved about it, otherwise it would have been a hard DNF!
Dropped Sword of Kaigen when the obvious twist came in. Did not care to continue with those characters. I can't relate to the people that think it was smart lol. Robin Hobb is a bad bitch though. Super dark books with sad characters. You'll start saying "all manner of folk" in your head all the time while you read it. There are 13 books in the elderlings world. I think RF Kuang is a terrible author lol. Awful characters, development, and writing in poppy wars and babel. Piranesi is a great book. I'll have to check out Ken Liu.
Obviously, this is not a Top 10 ranking. There are probably 50 more books I could have added! Let me know if you want a part 2 😊
Yes please do a part 2 and 3 and 4 ;)
And 5 & 6 😊
Yes, Yes
I have a spin the wheel for my tbr when I am not sure what to read next with over 300 books and it landed on I am Legend. A few minutes later I clicked on this video and its the first one on your list!
The universe is telling me I need to read this book next! I can't wait to start it tonight.
An excellent list, Johan! I found myself nodding in agreement many times during the video. I'll be starting Dandelion Dynasty later this year, and your praise for The Wall of Storms has me excited for it. Thank you for the video!
Thank you, Philip. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on The Dandelion Dynasty!
Love that you just get straight to it!
👊
I'm excited that I've actually read 7 of the books on your list and I totally agree with your choices!
All but two of these were either already on my TBR or I have read so I'm doing pretty good and will look into the others. Thanks for the suggesitons!
This was great. I thought for a second it was just gonna be a mashup of ten popular fantasy books but you chose some unique niche ones. Your content never disappoints!! Added Invisible Life to my tbr.
Thank you for the nice comment!
I read Piranesi this past weekend and I'm still thinking about it, so I think you hit the nail in the head there. I would also add This is how you lose the time war, it was a very powerful read for me as well.
So glad you LOVED it. I am yet to read This Is How You Lose The Time War!
Babel was a DNF for me - a book that centers on linguistics and then has a bunch of language foibles - made it hard to read. I also felt the characters really bland and I got halfway through and just couldn't care enough to read more. I'm very excited to read the Sword of Kaigen for all the things you said and more. I just bought the Illustrated version of LotR and I'm hoping to reread the books this summer. I used to read it each year for about 10 years but it's been a long time since my last re-read. I bought the Farseer trilogy and I'm so excited to start my Robin Hobb journey. I'll make sure to keep tissues nearby. Great list!
I agree 100 percent, the book was bland and lifeless.
As a translator I was quite expecting to read this, since I'd heard good things about it and it's not everyday when you get a fantasy book where translation is in such a major role. Boy, was I dissapointed. I ploughed through just to see if the book would eventually deliver, but no. It was just bland and a bit simplistic and I never really managed to wrap my head around the magic system. I also feel I wouldn't have missed a thing had the book been 200+ pages shorter. And, of course, it didn't help that the Finnish translation had loads of typos and even missing words.
I have read 6 out of 10 and could agree more! The rest I can't wait to get to.
Amazing!
Needful Things and I Am Legend are soooo good. Definitely need to check out the rest of your list.
Both awesome books!
I also love Needful Things.
Compelling list! I loved Assassin's Apprentice, and the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe (although Till We Have Faces is my favorite Lewis fantasy by about a million!!!) and all the rest of these are high on my TBR! I've read Grace of Kings and you've convinced me I need to continue the series.
@libraryofaviking can we get a Bookshelve tour please?
So many great recommendations. I love Robin Hobb's, she is one of those writers that one can re-read her books again and again.
Great list! I want to check out all of these!!!
Thank you for giving motivation to read the wall of storms :) I've read Grace of kings some time ago and I really enjoyed it. Wall of storms is on my shelf for a while. Pity that polish publisher decided not to publish last two books in that series, so I will have to read them in the future in English. Hope it'll be worth it.
There have been three adaptations of "I am Legend". The first was entitled "The last man" and starred Vincent Price. The second was "the Omega Man" with Charleton Heston. The third and worst was Will Smith's version.
I saw the Charlton’s Heston one, but ya you are 100% correct on everything
Supposedly the VP version is the closest to the book, although for some reason, they changed his name to Morgan.
Like you, I didn't care for the WS version, as an adaptation. It's a fun popcorn flick, but that's it. The book is so much deeper.
I haven't seen Omega Man...
@@Mermer-16 Omega man is kind of meh. The VP is the closest to the book, I have it on dvd. It's an old black and white movie
I will say Memory, Sorrow and Thorn by Tad Williams has lived rent free in my head and I finished the series nearly a year ago. His series Otherland will definitely be with me for the rest of my life. The ending alone of that series is very very impactful in many different ways.
Have you read the continuation of the series yet? Curious as to whether or not these hold up to the original trilogy.
I'm moving Grace of Kings up on my property to get to.
I'm also planning to re-read LOTR later this year.
I’m happy to hear that Addie LaRue worked for you. I just really tend not to care for romance as, pretty much, the main plot. It didn’t click for me even though I love stories that follow immortals.
The one that always pops into my head and was my favorite novel for decades is Ender's Game.
You should totally give Lockwood and Co a read if you haven't great book series!
Love your list! Definitely agree with Piranesi, I still go back and reread that one from time to time. One of my absolute favorites of all time that will always have a place on my shelves is The Passage trilogy by Justin Cronin. Probably not a popular opinion but 🤷🏼♀️ I just love the way he writes, and the ending is so satisfying to me. Thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed the video!
great video once again 👍
Nice video bro. Can’t agree more to your stand on the sword of Kaigen
Thanks!
Couple more for the TBR & full agreement on several more that I have read!!
The neverending tbr 😅
If you liked needful things i think you might like "In the lost lands" a short story by George RR Martin. "You can buy anything you might desire from Gray Alys, but its better not to" is the opening
Interesting picks. I haven't read anything from Schwab as yet, and that SK pick is one I keep hearing come up as one of his best. Books 5,6,7 and 10 live rent free in my brain since I read them. Hard to argue with any of the list!
Thanks for watching! I have only read Addie Larue but would recommend it!
Interesting list! For truly memorable reads I’d personally add Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss for its beautiful prose and great depth of worldbuilding. Its mysteries and lore theories still intrigue me to this day.
I still need to read Needful Things, but many of King’s books stick with me. Two that I think nobody will forget are Pet Sematary and 11/22/63. Pet Sematary evoked the most emotional reaction to any book I’ve read and 11/22/63 might have the best ending I’ve ever read.
I''m going to suggest "Childhood's End," by Arthur C. Clarke. Everyone I know who's read it just sat, stunned, for like half an hour after finishing. Meantime, I have "Kaigen" and "Piranesi" and "Assassin's Apprentice," just never started them, so I'm going to take your advice. Thanks!
I really like your videos. From your list The lord of the Rings, The Sword of kaigen, Assassin's Apprentice love them. I would include the book thief and The book of disquiet.
Thank you!
Get list! I am Legend - amazing. Sword of Kaigen - one of my all time favorites. Robin Hobb - yes.
Thanks!
Sword of Kaigen 🙌🙌🙌 Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay should be on this list too! Epic, masterfully written standalone. Keep up the great videos!
For me it would have to be LOTRs, purely for the depth of worldbuilding, and recognition of Tolkien's incredible imagination.
Needful things was one of my favorite Stephen king books it was so crazy 😭
Unfortunately, the only reason I am Legend stuck with me was because of my dislike for it. Other than that, I am willing to give your other suggestions a try. I have got some of the Realm of the Enderings series and a few of the other books you suggested. Ken Liu is definitely on my radar. Thanks for the suggestions.
Of the 6 I've read I can see why they are on your list.
Assassins Apprentice was definitely a DNF for me. Maybe I need to try it again.
Sword of Kaigan still has the single most heartbreaking scene in any novel ever!!
The Wall of Storms made me so angry woth a couple of the characters. No spoilers here, but wow I can't wait to see what happens next. I'm starting The Veiled Throne this week.
Enjoy! It’s the best fantasy series I’ve ever read. Happy reading!
Happy reading!
Id be very interested for you to check out my take on sword of kaigen - have dealt with loss and i think it was handled clumsily (whereas in something like pet semetary it was done masterfully)
Jade Legacy would have to be on my list.
One book I've read and has stayed with me was "Johnny Got His Gun" by Dalton Trumbo. I found out about it when I saw the movie first and found out the movie was based on the book. I then got the book and, needless to say, the book was so much better. The only thing I'll say about the book is it's an anti-war book, but Trumbo takes it into a different direction.
I did a movie marathon of the three film adaptations when I read I Am Legend 🤪
Maybe I need to reread Needful Things because I didn’t think much of it. And I’m a massive King fan 😅
I would put Dune on this list, it definitely still sticks with me!
Love some, despise some. Needful Things- Yes, brilliant. King at his best. Piranesi - good read, for sure. Assassins Apprentice - Not my favourite by Hobb but really stays with me. The Sword of Kaigen - Have started a couple of times but it hasn't caught my intrest, at all. Will try again. Babel - Just no. Dull, unlikable characters without dept, living uninteresting lives. And I keep wondering: -If people of any other colour than white had been described across the board as stupid, mean, spiteful and unempathic as they are in this book, had this book been released at all? Or had it been labeled as racist?
The Sword of Kaigen: I don't think you can really tell what the book is going to be like from just the beginning.
I think Vincent Price, adaptation of I am legend is better than Will Smith🤷🏻♀️
I am currently reading the Narnia series last year. I read two books last year. I’m not in a rush to consume it.
Yes, the Narnia books may be a Christian allegory, but there were so many pagan elements as well. Plus, as an adult I have major criticisms of The Last Battle. It was depressing and flawed. There was also the question of Susan (and what happens to the rest of the Pevensie children).
I really thinking about Robin Hobb books
Hobb is magic!
Needful Things? Liked the movie too. Max von Sydow and Ed Harris… 👀
Robin Hobb is on my short list, but I didn't know she was a female. This is normally a no-go for me.
I think Vincent Price, adaptation of I am legend is better than Will Smith🤷🏻♀️
Love the list, but Babel was so awful. Finished it quickly, but couldn't stand it
Sorry-but Sword of Kaigen is one of the most boring books I have ever read ! I only powered through because so many booktubers raved about it, otherwise it would have been a hard DNF!
Dropped Sword of Kaigen when the obvious twist came in. Did not care to continue with those characters. I can't relate to the people that think it was smart lol.
Robin Hobb is a bad bitch though. Super dark books with sad characters. You'll start saying "all manner of folk" in your head all the time while you read it. There are 13 books in the elderlings world.
I think RF Kuang is a terrible author lol. Awful characters, development, and writing in poppy wars and babel.
Piranesi is a great book.
I'll have to check out Ken Liu.
First