Man this is why I’m subscribed you, you just know how to talk about a book like no one else I want to read all these right now all at once because the way you sell them is amazing! All the literature ones excite me a lot I’ll see if can read any of them this summer
I'm taking this as my sign to re-read Slaughterhouse Five and since I watched not one, not TWO but THREE people TODAY recommend Suneater - I'll start that series today. Jakob is right btw - you're REALLY selling these books with the love that you obviously have for them and the way you speak on them.
Subscribed my friend! When it comes to reviews, I rarely put value to them, because I simply don’t trust that the person reviewing them shares the same interests as I do, or they may not critique it in the same light as I do. But if I know who the critic is, and I know what they like, then I tend to value and trust their opinion on matters much more. I’ve read a few books on your top 10, and most of them would be on mine as well, for the very same reasons you mentioned. I judged you in many ways, including your bookshelf feng shui lol. Your taste and elaborate passionate breakdowns have earned you a new faithful subscriber! Thankyou 😂
Not gonna lie, I was nervous how you were going to keep upping the excitement and gushing after you started off so strong with number 10, but I should never have worried, haha. So much passion in this video, I love it! I will definitely have to pick up Hyperion, Cloud Atlas and Sun Eater sooner rather than later. With Sun Eater though... I am almost nervous I won't enjoy it because I have a sneaking suspicion that 99% of the deeper references will go straight over my head, lol. Anyway, thanks for sharing this epic list! Hope you find many more faves over the years here on booktube!!
Watched and enjoyed your Ruocchio interview, and this video popped up in my feed a couple days later. Starting your list with The Sparrow earned my sub! One of the coolest books I've ever read
@@GeekShiek I so love that book. Her follow up to it is good too but didn’t quite have the magic for me as the Sparrow. Thanks for the sub! Welcome to the channel!
What a wonderful list. Really love how you talk about books and you gained a subscriber through this video. That said, I would say definitely read the Expanse series. It's on my top 5 list because of the characters, the scope, the pure... Expanse of it all.
@@Hekilikaua I have read the first couple but like a kid in a candy store I got tempted by other things and just have not got back yet. I definitely plan to. Welcome to the channel!
Currently reading City of Thieves based on your review and it’s awesome! My first historical fiction book. I’m new to your channel and I really like it.
I'm telling you John, in another life you would have been a magnificent salesman. You're getting me to want to drop everything and get all these books. I don't even like Dune, and you're getting me excited about it! Keep up the great work uncle!
Wow now THAT'S how you sell books and stories, incredible. Half of the list I have never heard of - onto my reading list they go. Subbed immediately. 🙂
Late to the party. It's not often that I am so surprised by a suggested book (I've been an avid reader for over 40 years now). How have I never heard of The Sparrow!!! Sounds like a great series and just ordered both and should have next week. Take my subscription and thank you so much for this review! Happy Holidays!
I was a voracious reader as a child and teenager. However, I've been in a reading slump for almost a decade now. Between my children who I adore and my demanding work schedule, my mind just shuts down when I finally have time and peace. I did manage to finish The Icarus Hunt and The Mountain in the Sea last month, which felt really great. I love your passion for these books, and it's really lighting that fire again after watching a few of these videos now. I have been super curious about the Sun Eater series. I think I will definitely go for it and find a copy to read after hearing your thoughts on it. Thank you for sharing your passion for story with us.
@@jdtusler I have definitely had those periods in my life when reading took a distant back seat. Even now yesterday could not get to it. Who knows about today. It is soooo great you celebrate getting 2 books read in a month. That’s awesome. I don’t set up a goal for the year or anything cause reading is my time for myself and not a contest. 1 book is huge! Suneater starts a bit slow but if you feel like a slow burn character driven read jump in and let me know how it hits with you. Thanks so much for checking in and sharing.
This was such an interesting top 10, with a load of books I’ve NEVER heard on. I dropped Slaughterhouse 5 earlier this year - but your explanation has made me want to pick it back up and give it another go!
@@Talking_Story well, Empire Of Silence is DEFINITELY on my list from how much you’ve spoken about it! However, I kind of bought 19 books yesterday - so I need to finish some more before I buy another one!
@@Talking_Story they were £1 each, would’ve been rude to say no! Picking up some Robin Hobb, Gaiman, Jim Butcher and the First Law Trilogy! Can’t wait….
The Sparrow is one I always recommend! You made such a great point about them not being found on Sci-fi shelves! I just hauled Cloud Atlas and am super stoked to read it!!! What a great list!! Of course it would be incomplete without Sun Eater 👍🏼😂
Cool list! Frankenstein, Sun Eater, Slaughterhouse-Five, and Hyperion are some of my all-time favourites too. I own Station Eleven but haven't read it yet, and I hadn't heard of Cloud Cuckoo Land but I just added it to my TBR. The description reminded me a little of Cloud Atlas so I thought it was funny that you also had that on your list.
12:40 Great list. I have a huge fan of the red rising series also. When red God covers out, I think it’s going to focus a lot on Pax. I look forward to reading some of the books on this list and I’m surprised to just find yours channel now.
Great list. According to your criteria i am surprised Childhood's End is not here. That book left me melancholic for many days. Hyperion would be my number one. Honorable mention Flowers for Algernon. Great video!
Flowers for Algernon the movie kills me every time I watch it. I read the book so long ago gotta be time for a re read. I have added Childhoods End to my list today. Thanks!
I'm looking to dive into a new epic fantasy series and am torn between "The Licanius Trilogy" by James Islington and "The Faithful and the Fallen" series by John Gwynne. I enjoy rich world-building, complex characters, and intricate plots. Which series do you think I should buy, and why?
Excellent list! So many that I would’ve never thought to put on there but you’ve once again added to TBR Mountain! It’s true. So many amazing books, like some that you’ve highlighted, get lost to us SFF readers because they aren’t in the section we hang out in. Lesson learned for sure!
Great list! I've been meaning to read cloud atlas and hyperion soon, and I'm very happy to see Vonnegut on the list! I love all his books (sirens of titan is my personal favorite) and don't see him talked about very much. Thanks for sharing!
You are incredibly articulate when explaining why you appreciate these works. Your verbal prowess are impeccable, how did you become such a good communicator ?
It’s awesome ruocchio is in your top 5 already two books deep. Demon in white and the following two are so insanely good I’d be stoked to see this last after you finish those
@@Talking_Story The two I mentioned above are, I believe, his most highly regarded, and Fire was written before Deepness (even though the latter is technically a prequel). Either order would work, but I think I'd start with Fire Upon the Deep.
The Sparrow was a brilliant, and surprisingly powerful novel - I found it quite shocking near the end and I'll be reading more from Mary Doria Russell in the near future. Great list, personally I'd have Children of Time in there somewhere.
John, first off, that list sounds daunting, but knowing you, I think you will be able to complete the list with no problem! Secondly, I have finished the first volume in the Mistborn series, which is, of course, “Final Empire”. Mr. Sanderson is already blowing my mind, and I’ve got six more of these behemoths to go (though I am working my way through “The Well of Ascension” currently)! What a masterpiece of a work by a wordsmith that obviously knows his craft. I cannot wait to continue this series! Thank you for putting this on my radar, as did so many other RUclips channels! Thanks John!!
Thanks for sharing your list! I’m obviously an OG scifi fan & I haven’t read racchio yet. Thanks for the suggestion. Been reading sci-fi since introduction to Heinlein in 1965, at 9 yrs old.
I have just found your channel last week! Thank you for not spoiling any of these books but making someone who reads nonfiction and fiction with history and some fantasy make me want to read sci fi. Your enthusiasm is unmatched and very much appreciated in this space. I think after seeing both Dune movies I will pick up Dune! Thanks again.
You’ve convinced me to read Golden Son. I liked Red Rising but didn’t love it but I might go on. I’ve had The Sparrow on my list for a while so I’m going to pick that up. And oh Dune… tried to read it many years ago and gave up after about page 30. Didn’t like the “older” movie. But times have changed. Perhaps time to try again. And I loved Station 11. Good list!
Great video and list! A few suggestions if you haven't considered or read them: The great dystopias (Nineteen Eighty-Four, Brave New World, Fahrenheit 451, A Canticle for Leibowitz, The Road, The Handmaid's Tale); The Le Guin masterpieces (The Left hand of Darkness, The Dispossessed, The Lathe of Heaven); Flowers for Algernon; A Case of Conscience; The Stars My Destination; Ender's Game and Speaker for the Dead.
I'm glad you came up in my recommended feed. There are several books on this list I'm going to have to check out. I love that all your books are character-driven-I feel a lot of science fiction fails to give us characters that we actually want to care about. Hyperion and Fall of Hyperion are both incredible novels, and I would give a slight edge to the first book; however, I did not like Endymion or Rise.
So glad you checked us out. If you try any on the list that are new to you please let me know all your thoughts. Sci-fi can sometimes be weak with character but when it’s special with great ones that work ooooooh nothing like it!
May I ask where you would rank Jurassic Park? I finally read it last year and it jumped up to the top of my list as not only one of my favorite sci fi, but also one of my favorite books. I knew I would probably love it as Michael Crichton is one of my favorite authors, but also because I loved the movie so much. I also saw below that the Expanse didn't connect with you, but you were willing to give it another try. I loved that series and if you do decide to go back and try again, I would look forward to seeing your thoughts.
@@Talking_Story Jurassic Park is amazing. If you enjoyed the movie, I would say you’ll like the book even more. Until I read it last year Eaters of the Dead was my favorite Crichton. It’s is what The 13th Warrior is based on. Those two are a great starting point with Crichton. If you enjoy pirate books, he has one called Pirate Latitudes that’s awesome. There are not a lot of bad choices. I think you have read Blake crouch right? If you have and enjoy his novels, you’ll love Crichton.
What a great list. John, you mentioned few books that you’ve reread which includes Dune. I’d be curious to know books you’ve reread or your favorite rereads. Also big Dune fan. Which one is your fav?
i am deep into the red rising saga and i am definitely saving the sun eater series for the perfect moment. red rising shot me back into reading and my library went from 3 books to 80 (all tbr lol but theyre ready to go) ive used audible for years and i finally got the itch to actively read and it's great. slaughterhouse-five is assigned reading for my intro history class and im really excited for that as well. cloud atlas was one of those movies that changed my perspective on everything and really solidified my love of sci fi. i tried reading it when i was in my early teens but i wasn't ready. I might read that very soon! my friends and i shared our top five movies and i decided to put cloud atlas in there! looking forward to growing the tbr! thanks! dune #1 no brainer. that might become a scheduled re-read
@@borpaSpin0 so happy to hear about the return to reading! Let me know how Slaughterhouse 5 hits you when you pick it up. Cloud Atlas is tough in the beginning to get into due to the language but OMG doesn’t pay off 😀
Forget Foundation, I think Clarke’s Childhood’s End is the foundational science fiction novel of that Golden Age. I see it’s main theme in most fantasy novels too just presented more realistically in Clarke’s novel. The Light needs the Dark, Good needs Evil, blah, blah, blah…or humanity needs suffering in order to thrive, that is the ticket.
Man, big thx for the top 10 list. I have just found your channel and i do like your passion! Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir should be your next big thing to read. Such a great sci-fi story. Check it out when you'll have time!
@@domosed8228 thanks so much! I have read The Martian and Artemis I hear he takes it up a notch with Hail Mary. It is on the list. I will try to get to it sooner rather than later.
Wow - The Sparrow made your top 10! It is a fantastic book but oh my it was difficult to read after a certain point (you know). I read my first Vonnegut last year (Cat's Cradle) after years of avoiding/assuming I wouldn't like him only to find that I loved it and can't wait to read more.
Dune has always been my favorite book since I read it as a teenager. I recently read the entire series (which I didn't as a kid) and I was blown away by book 4 - God Emperor of Dune. No book has made me think more philosophically about so many things. I was wondering if you have read that book, and if so, what are your thoughts on it?
I tell peoplei i dont read much sci fi but i have read a few of these! And now i really want to read the rest😂, already have a beautiful copy of cloud atlas on my tbr shelf! Hyperion is tempting me this past while too must look out for a copy. I vote with Jakob today cause u definately killed it, i felt that perfermance all the way over here in the emerald isle, wow did u blow my hair back!!!
This was a great list John. The only top 10 list I’ve encountered that has one of the best sci-fi books I’ve ever read and one of the most disappointing LOL. Love it!
I've not read a single one of them lol. Red rising and sun eater I'll start when they're all out and available. I WILL be finishing book 4 of expanse today, I have 2 chapters left, so I'm thrilled I'm getting closer to being back on schedule. I'm hoping to keep that death speed I had going through book 4 for the rest of the series, helped having time off though.
@@Talking_StoryI'm sure I could sell it given some time. I'm very persuasive. But yeah, if you don't like Holden and Miller, you're pretty screwed on that first one. Since I have the show visuals, I loved Miller from the start, I enjoyed having more time with him, plus I grew up reading mysteries (lots of Nancy Drew) so I like solving puzzles. I actually prefer Alex and Naomi from the first book more than their show counterparts in the first third. Naomi was not my favorite in the show for a long time (muliple seasons), Alex I liked once he piloted the Roci (show). So if you actually watch the show along with the book, it might change that for you because the characters are a bit different in the beginning. Book 2 of course is where the political intrigue comes into play. Book 3 was rough for me because of the Melba chapters, really couldn't stand her. Book 4 I like the book better than the show, that was the weakest season for me, couple character changes. Still a flawed book, but I really liked the space parts (more Alex, feel like in the first 3, he's just there) and the relationship between Holden and Amos (who will forever look like Wes, don't care how the book describes him and he's a very scrumptious pick, so I appreciate that). I know Mike has said it really picks up in book 5, but there's a lot of good stuff before then too. I was dreading book 4 because of the show.
@@jenn9027 I have watched all the seasons of the show. I truly enjoyed it. I believe I just was not in the right headspace when I started the series. Also I know it would be different now that I have amazing bookish friends to share and talk about the reads with😀.
@@Talking_Storyoh it's definitely better to have people to talk to, if I wasn't so far behind on every single book ever, I'd join all the chats, but I can really only concentrate on one at a time sadly and mood is definitely a factor. Should see how many audiobooks I've started only to stop because I found something else to focus on, plus those are difficult because I don't absorb as much, I'm visual. I also can't read a lot from electronics, I stare at a screen long enough as is during work and it's not fun material, medical records.
I agree with the Sparrow, I did read the series which was amazing and nothing like any other Sci fi i have ever read.. Also Subscribed.. love your enthusiasm.
Great video and list! May I make 2 recommendations? These are 2 different series and they are the first entry in each series. The Shadow of the Torturer by Gene Wolfe The Darkness That Comes Before by R. Scott Bakker The Shadow of the Torturer (series is called The Book of the New Sun) is unlike anything I've ever read and it's beautiful. I'm hesitant to say too much about it because I think part of its charm is discovering it. The Darkness That Comes Before (series name is The Prince of Nothing) is also amazing. The first book alone is one of the best I've ever read. It appears on the surface to be more of a fantasy. However, as it progresses, sci-fi elements emerge and are hinted at. Also, it's often labeled as sci-fi and was in the sci-fi section at the library. I'm in the third book right now and I get the feeling that the series is more sci-fi than it appears at first glance. I wouldn't be surprised if more info is revealed in this regard.
I have both of these on my list. I actually bought all three of the Bakker books last month. Thanks so much for sending this my way. Makes me want to pick them up even faster!
Such an awesome list John! Dune is my number one as well, and Hyperion is my number two. I still need to read so many on here like Vonnegut and Sun Eater. Cloud Atlas was a dnf for me unfortunately. I loved the movie though.
Emily St. John Mandel's books, all 4 that I've read anyway, really touch me. Have you read The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell? I think I love it more than Cloud Atlas. I am a sucker for those novels with separate yet interconnected stories. How High We Go in the Dark is another good one.
I’m in the middle of Alastair Reynolds Revelation books right now, but tackling Suneater next! Really looking forward to it If you haven’t read the Culture books, please do, layers of wonderful characters and concepts, extraordinary stuff…
Excellent list, and I echo all other comments that your passion for these novels is infectious. Subscribed. Here is my top ten list: 1. Blindsight by Peter Watts 2. Dune by Frank Herbert 3. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley 4. Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell 5. Hyperion by Dan Simmons 6. Neuromancer by William Gibson 7. The Road by Cormac McCarthy 8. The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin 9. Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke 10. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
Great list. I suggest you to try the "Four-BEE" duology by Tanith Lee, and/or "Fool's run" by Patricia McKillip. I love "Hyperion", but I prefer "Fall of Hyperion". Thank you
Joining the long list of recommendations. Schismatrix Plus by Bruce Sterling is a very often overlooked classic work from the 80s that defined the scifi/cyberpunk genre . But It's not just pure cyberpunk because of its vast world, politics and complexity compared to Neuromancer. This work predates Gibson's book and was infuential for younger authors like Alastair Reynolds. I think you might enjoy it. Cheers!
Great top 10 love your descriptions! Got a lot more books added on my TBR after this video lol my list: 1. Solaris 2. Frankenstein 3. Dune 4. I am Legend 5. Ubik 6. Morning Star/Red Rising series (so far i've only got up to Iron age looking forward to moving onto the next books!) 7. Cloud Cuckoo Land 8. City of Illusions 9. Fahrenheit 451 10. The Martian Chronicles
@@Talking_Story I got back into reading in 2019 (think it was a new year resolution) i went into my local WHSmiths (not sure what the nearest equivalent is in America is but book/stationery/sweets type shop) found Solaris and Nod (which is also a great book) and the rest is history!
Funny Story: This comment was sent straight to the most random youtube short ever instead of on this video. Cloud Cuckoo Land- added to my list (you convinced me, the first time I had heard of it was when someone I know took it from the library and was talking about it with an old history teacher of mine) Frankenstein- Already on my list, so many friends have told me to read it and one of my favorite English teachers told me I would love it, I know I need to get to it. The way you phrased it convinces me that I will love it. I love stories about parents and their children and hearing such a… I guess horrific might be the right word for it, twist on that base premise. Cloud Atlas- You convinced me to read months ago but I can’t remember where though. This makes me very excited to check it out, AND YOU KEEP TALKING ABOUT IT IN A WAY THAT MAKES ME FEEL LIKE I’M MISSING OUT. THERE IS TOO MUCH TO READ! I’ll find a place for it this year, I think. I hope. I already know I need to read Malazan, more Hobb, and Dandelion Dynasty. Station Eleven- You had me at post apocalypse. I don’t read enough of that genre, I have high expectations now. Have you read Annihilation? It has a sort of Eldritch Post apocalypse feel to it. Slaughterhouse Five- Wow, I remember hearing “it’s a really good book” about Slaughterhouse from my 8th grade English teacher, but you just made me want to read it badly. Any art that acts in the way you so perfectly described is a piece of art I want to have in my noggin. Red Rising- I know I will love this series, but I am knee deep in so many series. I just started Wars of Light and Shadow (9 more books to go, I am counting ships of merior as one),I will be starting Dandelion Dynasty, Malazan, I have about 7 more books in Realm of the Elderlings and I’m not even caught up on Suneater, which is my priority. Suneater- My favorite Sci-if series of all time. Easily because it is the only piece of media to make me cry in my entire life. And so much about it that I love. Dune- I love Dune, it is probably my third favorite sci fi book/series (2 being Project Hail Mary). I can’t describe my feelings for it. It’s just great. What are your thoughts on the later books? My favorite was God Emperor but I know most people dislike Heretics and Chapterhouse. Hyperion- that’s number four for me. I love it and I don’t and I love it, mostly because I think some of the stories told are some of my favorite ever, like the consul’s and the priest’s tale and Rachel (God that one broke me). While others I found oddly forgettable like the investigation one but it is great nonetheless. Just some of the tales were not my taste. I read Fall and liked it, should I continue on to Endymion? Anyways, down with my rambling, I hope you have a great day. Wonderful video.
You are so right so many amazing books not enough time. You have some great series going though it sounds like. I really like the initial trilogy of Dune I even like some of the madness of 4 and 5 but I have a harder time recommending it. Can’t wait for you to try Cloud Atlas and Frankenstein my friend!
As an archeology graduate student, I look forward to reading the sparrow since I love studying first contact between europeans and other cultures. Likewsie, I already have a copy of cloud cuckoo land and look forward to reading that as well.
I have a thing where I can't bring myself to read Cloud CCL because the premise is so simular to Cloud Atlas? And both books have Cloud in the title? It's jarring to me idk
I love em both but I cannot say they are not similar. They just hit those things that move me so well. If you are gonna do 1 gotta be Cloud Atlas though.
Can't say enough about the Sun Eater and Red Rising sagas! They're my two favorite sci-fi series of all time, glad to see them on this list! Its not huge to the story/plot but i think Pierce Brown writes the best combat scenes I've ever read.
@Talking_Story A book I didn't see on this list that I know you'd REALLY enjoy is Blindsight by Peter Watts. Give it a look when you have the time. Just from watching your stuff I feel it's in your wheel house.
I'm finishing empire of silence and seems a bit derivative of other works, but I expect the following books to be more unique since I heard good things about the series.
@@ElMarcoh I definitely think he finds his own voice in the narrative going forward but with his background in the classic he does wear his influences proudly for all to see I think.
I have many 7 of your 10 Presently on Empire of Silence What gifts 🎁 Sci Fy and also huge Fan of Fantasy ! Thanks for an Excellent Soaring High Video on Your 10 Best of 2024 sci-fi ! !!!!! Agree on your assessment !
"Hyperion" has become my #1, re-read it this Spring, caught on to way more the second time around and cried even harder during Sol's and Rachel's story, I have 4 kids myself so I felt Sol's pain as his daughter aged backwards and couldn't remember anything from her older years, just heartbreaking
I have not done Samuel Delaney where should I start? Octavia was so close to cracking the Sparrow for the 10th spot. I should probably give Kindred a re read. Has been so long.
based on your love for the sweeping and mind bending, I'd do NOVA. It's got some dreamy passages and is just awe inspiring. STARS IN MY POCKET LIKE GRAINS OF SAND is my all time favorite book, it's gorgeous and powerful. And I have yet to read DHALGREN but it's usually on everyone's top 20 or so scifi lists and it's on my tbr.
While the horrifying nature of the times are keeping me from reading any in depth scifi anymore, I found your recommends interesting. Listening to how you enjoyed these books made me want to drop this book on you. Besides the Starseed series (which I LOVED) this single book changed how I look at history, the present and the future of humanity (and I remain vague for big reasons). I mean CHANGED. I would not be the person I am today without having read this book: Santiago. It's old, maybe 80s early 90s. The tech is probably as dated as the Venus Prime tech (that's a series I should have left to the brighter light of my memories instead of trying to reread). For that reason I've not revisited Santiago. I probably won't. But I will recommend it to people like you who love stories that change you from the inside out. I may have gotten more out of it that was intended, but damn. Read it for the space cowboy narrative. It's fun. But... the end... damn. That's what changed everything. Santiago: A Myth of the Far Future by Mike Resnick. Enjoy.
So Cloud Cuckoo Land and Cloud Atlas both on my list, Dune in my top three, I loathe Kurt Vonnegut to the ends of the earth, but you and I both make what, IMO, is a mistake in our lists. I have noticed this recently and, for me, I feel like I probably need to adjust accordingly. All the books in both our lists are deep think books. I feel like I fail to value fun and humor enough. Something like Floating Hotel or *facepalm* ANY Discworld book. Or maybe the power of a gentle book like A Psalm for the Wildbuilt. Anyway, just something I’m considering I thought I would pass along. Oh! And I didn’t say so earlier but sans Vonnegut (we have to agree to disagree on him) your list is great. I would slot in Shadows of the Apt instead of Red Rising but no one goes wrong with Emily St John Mandel.
That’s great food for thought. Value the fun! Maybe fun deserves a list all to its own beautiful self. Let me think on this. But I thank you much for thought provoking comment my friend.
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Man this is why I’m subscribed you, you just know how to talk about a book like no one else I want to read all these right now all at once because the way you sell them is amazing! All the literature ones excite me a lot I’ll see if can read any of them this summer
I want full reports about what you try!
Also thanks so much for the kind words.
Exactly this!
I'm taking this as my sign to re-read Slaughterhouse Five and since I watched not one, not TWO but THREE people TODAY recommend Suneater - I'll start that series today. Jakob is right btw - you're REALLY selling these books with the love that you obviously have for them and the way you speak on them.
Can't wait to hear what you think of Suneater.
@@Talking_Story - I won't lie - I get scared when something is THIS highly hyped up - but I have good feelings about this.
@@michelleizoco I will say it gets progressively better as the series goes along. Book 1 is bit of slow burn character piece but a great journey.
@@Talking_Story Lucky for me I love a good slow burn character piece. Thanks for the head's up!
@@michelleizoco Perfect!
Subscribed my friend! When it comes to reviews, I rarely put value to them, because I simply don’t trust that the person reviewing them shares the same interests as I do, or they may not critique it in the same light as I do. But if I know who the critic is, and I know what they like, then I tend to value and trust their opinion on matters much more. I’ve read a few books on your top 10, and most of them would be on mine as well, for the very same reasons you mentioned. I judged you in many ways, including your bookshelf feng shui lol. Your taste and elaborate passionate breakdowns have earned you a new faithful subscriber! Thankyou 😂
Wow thanks so much! This comment has made my week. Welcome to the channel!
Not gonna lie, I was nervous how you were going to keep upping the excitement and gushing after you started off so strong with number 10, but I should never have worried, haha. So much passion in this video, I love it! I will definitely have to pick up Hyperion, Cloud Atlas and Sun Eater sooner rather than later. With Sun Eater though... I am almost nervous I won't enjoy it because I have a sneaking suspicion that 99% of the deeper references will go straight over my head, lol.
Anyway, thanks for sharing this epic list! Hope you find many more faves over the years here on booktube!!
Thanks Esmay. Can’t wait to hear what you think of them.
Watched and enjoyed your Ruocchio interview, and this video popped up in my feed a couple days later. Starting your list with The Sparrow earned my sub! One of the coolest books I've ever read
@@GeekShiek I so love that book. Her follow up to it is good too but didn’t quite have the magic for me as the Sparrow. Thanks for the sub! Welcome to the channel!
What a wonderful list. Really love how you talk about books and you gained a subscriber through this video. That said, I would say definitely read the Expanse series. It's on my top 5 list because of the characters, the scope, the pure... Expanse of it all.
@@Hekilikaua I have read the first couple but like a kid in a candy store I got tempted by other things and just have not got back yet. I definitely plan to. Welcome to the channel!
Just finished Hyperion yesterday and I already want to re-read it. What a masterpiece
Could not agree more with you!
@@Talking_Story Great video btw! Happy I found this channel.
@@kaki295 thanks so much and welcome!
Keep going. I just finished Endymion, the third in the series.
@@navsquid32all 4 books are one story.
Currently reading City of Thieves based on your review and it’s awesome! My first historical fiction book. I’m new to your channel and I really like it.
Thanks so much! I am so glad City of Thieves is hitting you the way it did us.
I'm telling you John, in another life you would have been a magnificent salesman. You're getting me to want to drop everything and get all these books. I don't even like Dune, and you're getting me excited about it! Keep up the great work uncle!
Thanks nephew.
Man, I LOVE your passion for books! Especially your reviews!😊
You've just expanded my TBR list big time
Cheers!🍻
@@allysonmcgrory2180 that is so wonderful to hear. Let me know if you try any of these out.
Great video! Are the sequels to Dune worth reading? I never hear anyone talking about them?
I would say Messiah and Children absolutely. God Emperor and above for the hardcore fans cause they get pretty weird. But I do dig them.
Wow now THAT'S how you sell books and stories, incredible. Half of the list I have never heard of - onto my reading list they go. Subbed immediately. 🙂
Thanks so much welcome to the channel!
@@Talking_Story Thanks, have you read the Trisolaris books by Cixin Liu? I am curious to what you think about them. Currently reading the first one.
Late to the party. It's not often that I am so surprised by a suggested book (I've been an avid reader for over 40 years now). How have I never heard of The Sparrow!!! Sounds like a great series and just ordered both and should have next week. Take my subscription and thank you so much for this review! Happy Holidays!
@@Killzun awesome welcome to the channel. You gotta let me know what you think of The Sparrow as soon as you read it.
I was a voracious reader as a child and teenager. However, I've been in a reading slump for almost a decade now. Between my children who I adore and my demanding work schedule, my mind just shuts down when I finally have time and peace. I did manage to finish The Icarus Hunt and The Mountain in the Sea last month, which felt really great.
I love your passion for these books, and it's really lighting that fire again after watching a few of these videos now. I have been super curious about the Sun Eater series. I think I will definitely go for it and find a copy to read after hearing your thoughts on it. Thank you for sharing your passion for story with us.
@@jdtusler I have definitely had those periods in my life when reading took a distant back seat. Even now yesterday could not get to it. Who knows about today. It is soooo great you celebrate getting 2 books read in a month. That’s awesome. I don’t set up a goal for the year or anything cause reading is my time for myself and not a contest. 1 book is huge! Suneater starts a bit slow but if you feel like a slow burn character driven read jump in and let me know how it hits with you. Thanks so much for checking in and sharing.
This was such an interesting top 10, with a load of books I’ve NEVER heard on. I dropped Slaughterhouse 5 earlier this year - but your explanation has made me want to pick it back up and give it another go!
Let me know if you pick anything else off the list. Would love to hear.
@@Talking_Story well, Empire Of Silence is DEFINITELY on my list from how much you’ve spoken about it! However, I kind of bought 19 books yesterday - so I need to finish some more before I buy another one!
@@TheNerdLounge oh wow what a haul. I totally get you on that brother.
@@Talking_Story they were £1 each, would’ve been rude to say no! Picking up some Robin Hobb, Gaiman, Jim Butcher and the First Law Trilogy! Can’t wait….
@@TheNerdLounge nice!!
The Sparrow is one I always recommend! You made such a great point about them not being found on Sci-fi shelves! I just hauled Cloud Atlas and am super stoked to read it!!! What a great list!! Of course it would be incomplete without Sun Eater 👍🏼😂
Can't wait to hear what you think of Cloud Atlas!
I like your style! Subscribed :)
Thanks also for some very unique recommentations!
Welcome! Thanks so much for the kind words!
Have you read Alien from Earth by Sobers Rodrigues. Its very original story in sci-fi.
I have not read that 1. I will look for it.
Cool list! Frankenstein, Sun Eater, Slaughterhouse-Five, and Hyperion are some of my all-time favourites too.
I own Station Eleven but haven't read it yet, and I hadn't heard of Cloud Cuckoo Land but I just added it to my TBR. The description reminded me a little of Cloud Atlas so I thought it was funny that you also had that on your list.
They are similar and they hit me just right so I love them both. Let me know if you try out either.
@@Talking_Story I enjoyed Cloud Atlas (and think the movie is underrated!) so I think Cloud Cuckoo Land might hit for me 🤞
Are you/have you read the expanse series? I just picked up the first three books and know people love that as well
I read the first book it did not connect great with me. Feeling like I should maybe try again.
12:40
Great list. I have a huge fan of the red rising series also. When red God covers out, I think it’s going to focus a lot on Pax. I look forward to reading some of the books on this list and I’m surprised to just find yours channel now.
@@polkadotkimmy I cannot wait to see how he ends that series! Welcome to the channel.
Other than Red Rising and Dune, I need to read all of these! Especially Empire of Silence. You have added a lot to my TBR...
Only fair after the brothers adding to mine as much as you guys do! 😆
Great list. According to your criteria i am surprised Childhood's End is not here. That book left me melancholic for many days. Hyperion would be my number one. Honorable mention Flowers for Algernon. Great video!
Flowers for Algernon the movie kills me every time I watch it. I read the book so long ago gotta be time for a re read. I have added Childhoods End to my list today. Thanks!
I'm looking to dive into a new epic fantasy series and am torn between "The Licanius Trilogy" by James Islington and "The Faithful and the Fallen" series by John Gwynne. I enjoy rich world-building, complex characters, and intricate plots. Which series do you think I should buy, and why?
I have not read either of those yet. So maybe when you get into them you could let me know!
Excellent list! So many that I would’ve never thought to put on there but you’ve once again added to TBR Mountain! It’s true. So many amazing books, like some that you’ve highlighted, get lost to us SFF readers because they aren’t in the section we hang out in. Lesson learned for sure!
Thank so much Brian! Can’t wait for your Cloud Atlas read this month. Sorry bout the Wolves.
Great list! I've been meaning to read cloud atlas and hyperion soon, and I'm very happy to see Vonnegut on the list! I love all his books (sirens of titan is my personal favorite) and don't see him talked about very much. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much to you!
You are incredibly articulate when explaining why you appreciate these works. Your verbal prowess are impeccable, how did you become such a good communicator ?
A lot of years in the theatre I guess.
It’s awesome ruocchio is in your top 5 already two books deep. Demon in white and the following two are so insanely good I’d be stoked to see this last after you finish those
Can’t wait to get to Demon!
@@Talking_Story and KoD and AoM are absolute perfection. emotional damage and badassery tied perfectly together
@@Chance.Dillon you are speaking my language!
Another excellent video - you just blew up my TBR! Completely moved to read Cloud Atlas and Slaughterhouse Five after those reviews.
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts.
You're so well-read. May I ask your thoughts on Vernor Vinge? (Fire Upon The Deep, Deepness in the Sky) I'd value hearing them.
@@ButOneThingIsNeedful it as well read as you thought. I have not read any Vinge. Where would be a good place to start?
@@Talking_Story The two I mentioned above are, I believe, his most highly regarded, and Fire was written before Deepness (even though the latter is technically a prequel). Either order would work, but I think I'd start with Fire Upon the Deep.
@ adding it to the list now. Thanks!
The Sparrow was a brilliant, and surprisingly powerful novel - I found it quite shocking near the end and I'll be reading more from Mary Doria Russell in the near future. Great list, personally I'd have Children of Time in there somewhere.
I have not read that 1 but it is on my list to get to. Thanks!
You throw your passion for these books straight at us. And I am all in. Bravo!
@@PaulTHoffman-e2y lovely thing to say. Thanks so much!
Ok John, where did that shirt come from?
Was a Christmas from my wife 😂
John, first off, that list sounds daunting, but knowing you, I think you will be able to complete the list with no problem! Secondly, I have finished the first volume in the Mistborn series, which is, of course, “Final Empire”. Mr. Sanderson is already blowing my mind, and I’ve got six more of these behemoths to go (though I am working my way through “The Well of Ascension” currently)! What a masterpiece of a work by a wordsmith that obviously knows his craft. I cannot wait to continue this series! Thank you for putting this on my radar, as did so many other RUclips channels! Thanks John!!
My pleasure. The trilogy wrap up is special. Every little breadcrumb he has dropped he pays off in spectacular fashion.
@@Talking_Story Great! Can’t wait to read it, and can’t wait to watch your next videos! Thanks John!!
Another great video. You added a couple to my TBR, thank you sir.
No problem 😉
Thanks for sharing your list! I’m obviously an OG scifi fan & I haven’t read racchio yet. Thanks for the suggestion. Been reading sci-fi since introduction to Heinlein in 1965, at 9 yrs old.
@@-Gramps wow! that’s awesome. I would love for you to hit me up with a classic scifi list I should seek out.
I have just found your channel last week! Thank you for not spoiling any of these books but making someone who reads nonfiction and fiction with history and some fantasy make me want to read sci fi. Your enthusiasm is unmatched and very much appreciated in this space. I think after seeing both Dune movies I will pick up Dune! Thanks again.
If you love history give Cloud Cuckoo land or Cloud Atlas a try. Welcome to the channel!
@@Talking_Story Thank you! and I definitely will!
You’ve convinced me to read Golden Son. I liked Red Rising but didn’t love it but I might go on. I’ve had The Sparrow on my list for a while so I’m going to pick that up. And oh Dune… tried to read it many years ago and gave up after about page 30. Didn’t like the “older” movie. But times have changed. Perhaps time to try again. And I loved Station 11. Good list!
Try the new movies they are great. Let me know what you think if you try Dune again. Thanks so much for the kindness.
@@Talking_Story will at least try the movies.
Great video and list! A few suggestions if you haven't considered or read them: The great dystopias (Nineteen Eighty-Four, Brave New World, Fahrenheit 451, A Canticle for Leibowitz, The Road, The Handmaid's Tale); The Le Guin masterpieces (The Left hand of Darkness, The Dispossessed, The Lathe of Heaven); Flowers for Algernon; A Case of Conscience; The Stars My Destination; Ender's Game and Speaker for the Dead.
Thanks so much I have added quite a bit to my TBR!
Wow, you have a lot of passionate words for these books. Glad to see some love being paid to Cloud Cuckoo Land. Very much enjoyed this. Thanks.
Thanks you for checking it out.
Great video John! Love seeing such variety
Thanks Nev!
I love books but can only hope they make me feel the same way they make you feel someday. Great video. Love the passion.
@@tonyfabiano3053 thank you so much that is very kind of you.
Stellar list. Your tastes, like mine, are definitely literary leaning. So happy to see The Sparrow here. One of my favorite novels in any genre.
More people need to jump on board that 1! Thanks so much.
I'm glad you came up in my recommended feed. There are several books on this list I'm going to have to check out. I love that all your books are character-driven-I feel a lot of science fiction fails to give us characters that we actually want to care about.
Hyperion and Fall of Hyperion are both incredible novels, and I would give a slight edge to the first book; however, I did not like Endymion or Rise.
So glad you checked us out. If you try any on the list that are new to you please let me know all your thoughts. Sci-fi can sometimes be weak with character but when it’s special with great ones that work ooooooh nothing like it!
May I ask where you would rank Jurassic Park? I finally read it last year and it jumped up to the top of my list as not only one of my favorite sci fi, but also one of my favorite books. I knew I would probably love it as Michael Crichton is one of my favorite authors, but also because I loved the movie so much. I also saw below that the Expanse didn't connect with you, but you were willing to give it another try. I loved that series and if you do decide to go back and try again, I would look forward to seeing your thoughts.
I would be willing to give Expanse another go. I have not read any Crichton. I have seen many movies. Which should I start with?
@@Talking_Story Jurassic Park is amazing. If you enjoyed the movie, I would say you’ll like the book even more. Until I read it last year Eaters of the Dead was my favorite Crichton. It’s is what The 13th Warrior is based on. Those two are a great starting point with Crichton. If you enjoy pirate books, he has one called Pirate Latitudes that’s awesome. There are not a lot of bad choices. I think you have read Blake crouch right? If you have and enjoy his novels, you’ll love Crichton.
@@WesTyson I will add Jurassic on my list. I have only read Recursion by Crouch.
Love this video, love your chemistry with your family. You gained a sub
@@yeahthatsright33 thanks so much and welcome to the channel!
I love the sigh you released after you said “This” to beginning talking about Sun Eater… Me too my friend, me too… Favorite series of all time.
It is so good.
What a great list. John, you mentioned few books that you’ve reread which includes Dune. I’d be curious to know books you’ve reread or your favorite rereads.
Also big Dune fan. Which one is your fav?
@@jaya5264 I would say the first 3 books are all great and I have re read them several times. Don’t know if I could pick a fav.
@@Talking_Story besides the first one God Emperor is my fav
i am deep into the red rising saga and i am definitely saving the sun eater series for the perfect moment. red rising shot me back into reading and my library went from 3 books to 80 (all tbr lol but theyre ready to go) ive used audible for years and i finally got the itch to actively read and it's great.
slaughterhouse-five is assigned reading for my intro history class and im really excited for that as well.
cloud atlas was one of those movies that changed my perspective on everything and really solidified my love of sci fi. i tried reading it when i was in my early teens but i wasn't ready. I might read that very soon! my friends and i shared our top five movies and i decided to put cloud atlas in there!
looking forward to growing the tbr! thanks!
dune #1 no brainer. that might become a scheduled re-read
@@borpaSpin0 so happy to hear about the return to reading! Let me know how Slaughterhouse 5 hits you when you pick it up. Cloud Atlas is tough in the beginning to get into due to the language but OMG doesn’t pay off 😀
The passion you transmit in this video made me subscribe and like and want to read everything everywhere all at once
Thanks so much. Made my week with this 1.
Forget Foundation, I think Clarke’s Childhood’s End is the foundational science fiction novel of that Golden Age. I see it’s main theme in most fantasy novels too just presented more realistically in Clarke’s novel. The Light needs the Dark, Good needs Evil, blah, blah, blah…or humanity needs suffering in order to thrive, that is the ticket.
I will put that on the ever growing list. Thanks Heidi!
Man, big thx for the top 10 list. I have just found your channel and i do like your passion!
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir should be your next big thing to read. Such a great sci-fi story. Check it out when you'll have time!
@@domosed8228 thanks so much! I have read The Martian and Artemis I hear he takes it up a notch with Hail Mary. It is on the list. I will try to get to it sooner rather than later.
@@Talking_StoryThe audible audiobook for Project Hail Mary takes the whole thing up a couple notches. Really great.
@ thanks!
Wow - The Sparrow made your top 10! It is a fantastic book but oh my it was difficult to read after a certain point (you know). I read my first Vonnegut last year (Cat's Cradle) after years of avoiding/assuming I wouldn't like him only to find that I loved it and can't wait to read more.
I know exactly the point! Let me know what Vonnegut you pick up next.
@@Talking_Story It probably will be Slaughterhouse 5
@@TheJellicle1 Awesome choice!!
Dune has always been my favorite book since I read it as a teenager. I recently read the entire series (which I didn't as a kid) and I was blown away by book 4 - God Emperor of Dune. No book has made me think more philosophically about so many things. I was wondering if you have read that book, and if so, what are your thoughts on it?
I have read it and I would completely agree. Mind blowing and altering book!
I tell peoplei i dont read much sci fi but i have read a few of these! And now i really want to read the rest😂, already have a beautiful copy of cloud atlas on my tbr shelf! Hyperion is tempting me this past while too must look out for a copy. I vote with Jakob today cause u definately killed it, i felt that perfermance all the way over here in the emerald isle, wow did u blow my hair back!!!
😂ohhhh thanks for that 1. Awesome!
You really need to read the Foundation Trilogy.
@@michaelharvey7613 I read the first book in high school. You are so right I need to go back and finish up.
This was a great list John. The only top 10 list I’ve encountered that has one of the best sci-fi books I’ve ever read and one of the most disappointing LOL. Love it!
U gotta tell me which is which 😀
Love your enthusiasm... 🙂
Thanks so much!
I've not read a single one of them lol. Red rising and sun eater I'll start when they're all out and available. I WILL be finishing book 4 of expanse today, I have 2 chapters left, so I'm thrilled I'm getting closer to being back on schedule. I'm hoping to keep that death speed I had going through book 4 for the rest of the series, helped having time off though.
I should give the Exspanse another try. Book 1 just didn't land great with me.
@@Talking_StoryI'm sure I could sell it given some time. I'm very persuasive. But yeah, if you don't like Holden and Miller, you're pretty screwed on that first one. Since I have the show visuals, I loved Miller from the start, I enjoyed having more time with him, plus I grew up reading mysteries (lots of Nancy Drew) so I like solving puzzles. I actually prefer Alex and Naomi from the first book more than their show counterparts in the first third. Naomi was not my favorite in the show for a long time (muliple seasons), Alex I liked once he piloted the Roci (show). So if you actually watch the show along with the book, it might change that for you because the characters are a bit different in the beginning. Book 2 of course is where the political intrigue comes into play. Book 3 was rough for me because of the Melba chapters, really couldn't stand her. Book 4 I like the book better than the show, that was the weakest season for me, couple character changes. Still a flawed book, but I really liked the space parts (more Alex, feel like in the first 3, he's just there) and the relationship between Holden and Amos (who will forever look like Wes, don't care how the book describes him and he's a very scrumptious pick, so I appreciate that). I know Mike has said it really picks up in book 5, but there's a lot of good stuff before then too. I was dreading book 4 because of the show.
@@jenn9027 I have watched all the seasons of the show. I truly enjoyed it. I believe I just was not in the right headspace when I started the series. Also I know it would be different now that I have amazing bookish friends to share and talk about the reads with😀.
@@Talking_Storyoh it's definitely better to have people to talk to, if I wasn't so far behind on every single book ever, I'd join all the chats, but I can really only concentrate on one at a time sadly and mood is definitely a factor. Should see how many audiobooks I've started only to stop because I found something else to focus on, plus those are difficult because I don't absorb as much, I'm visual. I also can't read a lot from electronics, I stare at a screen long enough as is during work and it's not fun material, medical records.
@@jenn9027 we are a pair! I don’t audio and paper is where it is at!!
I agree with the Sparrow, I did read the series which was amazing and nothing like any other Sci fi i have ever read.. Also Subscribed.. love your enthusiasm.
@@jeffhall2411 welcome to the channel and thanks so much for the kind words.
Great video and list! May I make 2 recommendations? These are 2 different series and they are the first entry in each series.
The Shadow of the Torturer by Gene Wolfe
The Darkness That Comes Before by R. Scott Bakker
The Shadow of the Torturer (series is called The Book of the New Sun) is unlike anything I've ever read and it's beautiful. I'm hesitant to say too much about it because I think part of its charm is discovering it.
The Darkness That Comes Before (series name is The Prince of Nothing) is also amazing. The first book alone is one of the best I've ever read. It appears on the surface to be more of a fantasy. However, as it progresses, sci-fi elements emerge and are hinted at. Also, it's often labeled as sci-fi and was in the sci-fi section at the library. I'm in the third book right now and I get the feeling that the series is more sci-fi than it appears at first glance. I wouldn't be surprised if more info is revealed in this regard.
I have both of these on my list. I actually bought all three of the Bakker books last month. Thanks so much for sending this my way. Makes me want to pick them up even faster!
Such an awesome list John! Dune is my number one as well, and Hyperion is my number two. I still need to read so many on here like Vonnegut and Sun Eater. Cloud Atlas was a dnf for me unfortunately. I loved the movie though.
Cloud Atlas can be a hard 1 to get into but oh it pays off!
Refreshing list! Thank you.
Thank you for checking it out.
Emily St. John Mandel's books, all 4 that I've read anyway, really touch me.
Have you read The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell? I think I love it more than Cloud Atlas.
I am a sucker for those novels with separate yet interconnected stories. How High We Go in the Dark is another good one.
Read all of Mitchell but I will go seek the other 1 you mentioned I have not read that 1.
Love the interconnected stories as well. I think it illustrates how we are all connected so beautifully.
Absolutely great dad energy, good taste in scifi and he looks like a cooler Alec Baldwin who isn't a total a hole. 10/10
@@solatis 😂well I will not be showing this 1 to Mr Baldwin.
Great list! I have all of Mitchells books on my shelf, but haven't gotten to them yet. There are too many awesome authors!!
Yes it is such a wonderful problem for us to have!
Thank you placing The Sparrow on your list. A truly under appreciated novel.
@@richb8303 absolutely! I wish more would give it a try.
Have you read the Remembrance of Earth’s Past trilogy? The second book is definitely top 10 for me personally
@@lilpear4333 I have not. I have it on the list. Hope to get to it soon.
I’m in the middle of Alastair Reynolds Revelation books right now, but tackling Suneater next! Really looking forward to it
If you haven’t read the Culture books, please do, layers of wonderful characters and concepts, extraordinary stuff…
The Culture is most definitely on my list!
Excellent list, and I echo all other comments that your passion for these novels is infectious. Subscribed. Here is my top ten list:
1. Blindsight by Peter Watts
2. Dune by Frank Herbert
3. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
4. Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
5. Hyperion by Dan Simmons
6. Neuromancer by William Gibson
7. The Road by Cormac McCarthy
8. The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin
9. Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke
10. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
@@HeroOfTheDay99 man you got a great list. I wanna get to some of these and seeing them here pushes me to get them moved up on the TBR!
@Talking_Story Maybe one will work its way onto the next iteration of your list!
@ would not be surprised at all!
You should read Roadside Picnic by Boris & Arkady Strugatsky
I will put it on the list thanks so much!
@@Talking_Story NP😁
Wow loved this and I am ordering some of these right now 😂
@@danieldelicate8015 can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
Great list. I suggest you to try the "Four-BEE" duology by Tanith Lee, and/or "Fool's run" by Patricia McKillip. I love "Hyperion", but I prefer "Fall of Hyperion". Thank you
I will add both of those to the list thanks!
Joining the long list of recommendations. Schismatrix Plus by Bruce Sterling is a very often overlooked classic work from the 80s that defined the scifi/cyberpunk genre . But It's not just pure cyberpunk because of its vast world, politics and complexity compared to Neuromancer. This work predates Gibson's book and was infuential for younger authors like Alastair Reynolds. I think you might enjoy it. Cheers!
Adding it to the list now thanks!!
Great top 10 love your descriptions! Got a lot more books added on my TBR after this video lol
my list:
1. Solaris
2. Frankenstein
3. Dune
4. I am Legend
5. Ubik
6. Morning Star/Red Rising series (so far i've only got up to Iron age looking forward to moving onto the next books!)
7. Cloud Cuckoo Land
8. City of Illusions
9. Fahrenheit 451
10. The Martian Chronicles
Love this list so many mastic’s mixed in with the new. Also you have added to my TBR I have not read you number 1!
@@Talking_Story I got back into reading in 2019 (think it was a new year resolution) i went into my local WHSmiths (not sure what the nearest equivalent is in America is but book/stationery/sweets type shop) found Solaris and Nod (which is also a great book) and the rest is history!
Good to see Dune & Hyperion where they should be. ♥️ And I expect Ruocchio to shake your list once you get through Howling Dark. 😉
I have finished Howling. Onto Demon in July. HD was amazing. I am wondering if Simon Jimenez crashes the list after listening to you and Evie?
I'm halfway into Sun Eater - up to #3 - and am backtracking through the filler novellas. It's an extraordinary work and I'm loving it.
I will be starting Demon next month. Those novella are absolutely worth going back for.
wow! tey way you talk about these books makes me want to grab these books! and im only like two books into the review!
What a wonderful compliment thanks you so much. Let me know if you do end up trying any out.
Funny Story: This comment was sent straight to the most random youtube short ever instead of on this video.
Cloud Cuckoo Land- added to my list (you convinced me, the first time I had heard of it was when someone I know took it from the library and was talking about it with an old history teacher of mine)
Frankenstein- Already on my list, so many friends have told me to read it and one of my favorite English teachers told me I would love it, I know I need to get to it. The way you phrased it convinces me that I will love it. I love stories about parents and their children and hearing such a… I guess horrific might be the right word for it, twist on that base premise.
Cloud Atlas- You convinced me to read months ago but I can’t remember where though. This makes me very excited to check it out, AND YOU KEEP TALKING ABOUT IT IN A WAY THAT MAKES ME FEEL LIKE I’M MISSING OUT. THERE IS TOO MUCH TO READ! I’ll find a place for it this year, I think. I hope. I already know I need to read Malazan, more Hobb, and Dandelion Dynasty.
Station Eleven- You had me at post apocalypse. I don’t read enough of that genre, I have high expectations now. Have you read Annihilation? It has a sort of Eldritch Post apocalypse feel to it.
Slaughterhouse Five- Wow, I remember hearing “it’s a really good book” about Slaughterhouse from my 8th grade English teacher, but you just made me want to read it badly. Any art that acts in the way you so perfectly described is a piece of art I want to have in my noggin.
Red Rising- I know I will love this series, but I am knee deep in so many series. I just started Wars of Light and Shadow (9 more books to go, I am counting ships of merior as one),I will be starting Dandelion Dynasty, Malazan, I have about 7 more books in Realm of the Elderlings and I’m not even caught up on Suneater, which is my priority.
Suneater- My favorite Sci-if series of all time. Easily because it is the only piece of media to make me cry in my entire life. And so much about it that I love.
Dune- I love Dune, it is probably my third favorite sci fi book/series (2 being Project Hail Mary). I can’t describe my feelings for it. It’s just great. What are your thoughts on the later books? My favorite was God Emperor but I know most people dislike Heretics and Chapterhouse.
Hyperion- that’s number four for me. I love it and I don’t and I love it, mostly because I think some of the stories told are some of my favorite ever, like the consul’s and the priest’s tale and Rachel (God that one broke me). While others I found oddly forgettable like the investigation one but it is great nonetheless. Just some of the tales were not my taste. I read Fall and liked it, should I continue on to Endymion? Anyways, down with my rambling, I hope you have a great day. Wonderful video.
You are so right so many amazing books not enough time. You have some great series going though it sounds like. I really like the initial trilogy of Dune I even like some of the madness of 4 and 5 but I have a harder time recommending it. Can’t wait for you to try Cloud Atlas and Frankenstein my friend!
As an archeology graduate student, I look forward to reading the sparrow since I love studying first contact between europeans and other cultures. Likewsie, I already have a copy of cloud cuckoo land and look forward to reading that as well.
You gotta hit me up when you get into those.
Glad to hear some love for the sparrow!!
Sooooo Gooood!
I had never heard of this one but it's on my wishlist now!
@@michelleizoco Oh it is so good!
Great list. I have read a morjority of these books. I look forward to reading some that I haven't read. I have read "Dune" several times myself.
Thanks so much for checking out the list!
I have a thing where I can't bring myself to read Cloud CCL because the premise is so simular to Cloud Atlas? And both books have Cloud in the title? It's jarring to me idk
Oh! But you also included Cloud Atlas lol!!!
I love em both but I cannot say they are not similar. They just hit those things that move me so well. If you are gonna do 1 gotta be Cloud Atlas though.
Several books on this list I've never read. Definitely going to check some of them out.
@@FreeLatveria please let me know what you think of them when you pick them up.
Great list. Bangers. Cloud Atlas one of my faves of all time.
Please replace Dune with Book of the New Sun. 😜
@@nathancroft I do have plans of getting Book of the New Sun so we will see what happens to the list. Thanks for checking it out.
@@Talking_Story I hope you get to it. It's literary science fantasy at its finest. Wolfe's prose is just gorgeous and layered and has so much depth.
@@nathancroft Oh I will absolutely get to it.
nice pick, very original
@@Gothenburg1 thanks!
"Pierce Brown "wiill stick the landing" ... giggle ... as I glance at the TV and see Simone Viles do her thing.
I'm multi-tasking.😎
Great list!
📖😃📚
I totally trust him to stick the landing and I will be there release day for it!
Anyone would be lucky to have a dad like this 😯
Wow! Thanks so much
Your channel, like these books, is underrated.🌟
@@glendacea7422 oh you are very kind. Thank you.
Can't say enough about the Sun Eater and Red Rising sagas! They're my two favorite sci-fi series of all time, glad to see them on this list! Its not huge to the story/plot but i think Pierce Brown writes the best combat scenes I've ever read.
Mr Brown can ramp up the action and excitement!
@Talking_Story A book I didn't see on this list that I know you'd REALLY enjoy is Blindsight by Peter Watts. Give it a look when you have the time. Just from watching your stuff I feel it's in your wheel house.
@@loganhanna7061 I will add it to the list thanks!
Did you read all six of Frank Herbert’s Dune books?
@@irfanb4332 I did
Nice to see Cloud Atlas on the list! Where is the Mote in God's Eye or Footfall?
I will add both of those to the list. I have some scifi catching up to do.
@@Talking_Story Wonderful! IT is great to see you are willing to expand your reading horizons. I know you will love them.
@@captainnolan5062 oh my friend that is the whole point of making this channel to find the good books and great people!
@@Talking_Story I completely agree!
I'm finishing empire of silence and seems a bit derivative of other works, but I expect the following books to be more unique since I heard good things about the series.
@@ElMarcoh I definitely think he finds his own voice in the narrative going forward but with his background in the classic he does wear his influences proudly for all to see I think.
Every time I watch the Cloud Atlas trailer I end up bawling.
I would die for Frobisher and Sixsmith 💔💔💔
Yes! Yes!!
I have many 7 of your 10
Presently on Empire of Silence
What gifts 🎁 Sci Fy and also huge Fan of Fantasy ! Thanks for an Excellent Soaring High Video on Your 10 Best of 2024 sci-fi ! !!!!! Agree on your assessment !
Thanks so much!
Well done, sir
@@rogersongster3967 thank you!
"Hyperion" has become my #1, re-read it this Spring, caught on to way more the second time around and cried even harder during Sol's and Rachel's story, I have 4 kids myself so I felt Sol's pain as his daughter aged backwards and couldn't remember anything from her older years, just heartbreaking
@@Spencer_Beard absolutely heartbreaking.
Also, no books from POC? I thought youd have an Octavia Butler or Samuel Delany book in your top 10 based on your interest in literate scifi
I have not done Samuel Delaney where should I start? Octavia was so close to cracking the Sparrow for the 10th spot. I should probably give Kindred a re read. Has been so long.
based on your love for the sweeping and mind bending, I'd do NOVA. It's got some dreamy passages and is just awe inspiring. STARS IN MY POCKET LIKE GRAINS OF SAND is my all time favorite book, it's gorgeous and powerful. And I have yet to read DHALGREN but it's usually on everyone's top 20 or so scifi lists and it's on my tbr.
While the horrifying nature of the times are keeping me from reading any in depth scifi anymore, I found your recommends interesting. Listening to how you enjoyed these books made me want to drop this book on you. Besides the Starseed series (which I LOVED) this single book changed how I look at history, the present and the future of humanity (and I remain vague for big reasons). I mean CHANGED. I would not be the person I am today without having read this book: Santiago. It's old, maybe 80s early 90s. The tech is probably as dated as the Venus Prime tech (that's a series I should have left to the brighter light of my memories instead of trying to reread). For that reason I've not revisited Santiago. I probably won't. But I will recommend it to people like you who love stories that change you from the inside out. I may have gotten more out of it that was intended, but damn. Read it for the space cowboy narrative. It's fun. But... the end... damn. That's what changed everything. Santiago: A Myth of the Far Future by Mike Resnick. Enjoy.
@@rosewelsh4634 oh wow thanks so much I am adding to the list right away!
So Cloud Cuckoo Land and Cloud Atlas both on my list, Dune in my top three, I loathe Kurt Vonnegut to the ends of the earth, but you and I both make what, IMO, is a mistake in our lists. I have noticed this recently and, for me, I feel like I probably need to adjust accordingly. All the books in both our lists are deep think books. I feel like I fail to value fun and humor enough. Something like Floating Hotel or *facepalm* ANY Discworld book. Or maybe the power of a gentle book like A Psalm for the Wildbuilt. Anyway, just something I’m considering I thought I would pass along. Oh! And I didn’t say so earlier but sans Vonnegut (we have to agree to disagree on him) your list is great. I would slot in Shadows of the Apt instead of Red Rising but no one goes wrong with Emily St John Mandel.
That’s great food for thought. Value the fun! Maybe fun deserves a list all to its own beautiful self. Let me think on this. But I thank you much for thought provoking comment my friend.