I’m glad you enjoyed a Game of Thrones. Your channel made me want to read The Lord of the Rings. I finished The Hobbit yesterday and I am super excited to start The Lord of the Rings tomorrow! I hope you enjoy the rest of the A Song of Ice and Fire books, the third one is amazing.
I would really recommend reading Narnia in publishing order, not chronologic order. This is not how mosr books arrange them though. It would mean putting of The Magician's Nephew and The Horse And His Boy til later in the series. Nephew really is a better read if you have some better understanding of the world. And Horse really slows it all down to much to early. I think most people gets stuck there.
His Dark Materials (along with The Hobbit) is what made me love reading as a child. Its very easy prose, the last few pages at the end of the first book is some of the best writing I’ve ever read. That World of Ice and Fire book has some incredible artwork!
In my opinion you should try Robin Hobb's books from the Elderling Realm sometime. The world building is phenomenal and the characters are so lifelike and complex that I have found it positively addictive to read❤
I would recommend the Gormenghast trilogy - Mervyn Peake's classic, started in 1946. Titus Groan, Gormenghast and Titus Alone. Considered by many to be one of the greatest works of Fantasy of the 20th Century.
You should absolutely continue reading ASoIaF in my opinion, especially if you haven't watched the tv-series. Winds of Winter might be years away, and who knows when, or if, A Dream of Spring comes out. It's one of my top three fantasy series of all time, and since you enjoyed the first book I think you'll be blown away by that which follows! :)
7:53 I always love art especially for a book series that has been adapted into film/ television, since it usually provides a different take on that vision. For instance, Peter Jackson’s films and their look/ take of Middle-earth have been pretty much the default look in most people’s mind for 20 years now. And having read the books recently, while in broadszrokes I agree with this vision, I often have slightly different versions of the characters and places in mind. That’s also one reason why I find TROP so compelling, because it’s a different take on the vision of middle-earth even if it borrows from Jackson’s films it’s not aligning itself too closely.
I highly recommend Robin Hobb. Her Realm of the Elderlings is a fantastic series! Quite long, it comprises 16 books, but it's divided into several shorter series, which can all be read separetly. It's all connected though, so I strongly suggest to read them in order. Hobb is a master of character writing, so if you enjoy that, definitely give the Realm a try. I also recommend Ursula K. Le Guin's Earthsea series. I have only read three of the books in the series, but what I've read has made me deeply fascinated by her world, it's quite unique.
More to the list, thanks! I had been considering the Earthsea series for a while now and I heard of Hobb’s worldbuilding skills. Will definitely check them out thanks 😃
Earthsea only gets better! All the philosophical undercurrents are great! The later books are also very meta in the sense that Le Guin through here characters are commenting on her own worldbuilding from her newer changed perspectives. Worth a read. I did not really get the hype while reading to be honest. But then the the books stayed with me in my mind for ten years, great experience!
I recently purchased a similar boxset of the Harry Potter collection, haven't found the time to read it though. I've been looking at the Dune books, but haven't settled on what I want to purchase at the moment. I think at some point I want to start reading the Witcher books as well. Do you own any novels? Would be great to see a video on what non-fantasy books you have read/own and could recommend.
if you enjoyed The Knight of the seven kingdoms i highly recommend to read the 5 main books and then reread knight of the seven kingdoms :) it will be even better
I have always felt Narnia is at its best in 1 2 4 5 - even after multiple reads 3 6 and 7 never stuck. It was the first series I read all those 40 years ago. I now own only those four books ( the Celebration editions)
I would also suggest the Witcher series by Andrzej Sapkowski. Two short story volumes followed by a 5 novel series and lastly a standalone novel. There is a videogame series that acts as a "what if" sequel (so not canon to the books) and a Netflix adaptation, but in my opinion the books are better than both the show and the game series.
You should really give a new chance to His Dark Materials. It's certainly one of the best fantasy stories I've ever read. Written by another Oxford teacher by the way 😉!
If you love epic fantasy, than read "Malazan book of the Fallen" by Steven Erikson. It's a ten book series: "Gardens of the Moon";"Deadhouse gates";"Memories of Ice";"House of Chains";"Midnight tides";"The Bonehunrers";"Reaper's Gale";"Toll the Hounds";"Dust of Dreams";"The Crippled God". It's very epic, about Malazan empire's conquest of Genabackis, Sevem cities and many other tales. If you have time and money, read it.
Well, since like myself you're a Folio Society fan, their 'Wizard of Earthsea', 'Tombs of Atuan' and 'The Farthest Shore' editions are the ones that I own, and hopefully are lovely enough to make you want to too! Or there's a one volume 'The Books of Earthsea: The Complete Illustrated Edition' worth looking up on Amazon. But I prefer the Folio editions / illustrations myself. Good luck - I shall look forward to your review!
If getting the The Books of Earthsea collection, make sure to get the us version with the red dustjacket. It is beautiful, but also it has sewn binding unlike the black uk version which has glued binding.
Definitely try Brandon Sanderson’s fantasy novella The Emperor’s Soul. It’s a very short read, but it showcases Sanderson’s wonderful creativity in developing new, fresh magic systems. It’s my favourite story from him so far (I’ve read the Mistborn trilogy, Elantris, Warbreaker and a few short stories and novellas from Arcanum Unbounded - that’s where you can find The Emperor’s Soul).
Cheers for that 😃 Sanderson has been on my list for quite some time now, but I had never gotten round to reading his books. I sense that’s about to change 😁
I’m glad you enjoyed a Game of Thrones. Your channel made me want to read The Lord of the Rings. I finished The Hobbit yesterday and I am super excited to start The Lord of the Rings tomorrow! I hope you enjoy the rest of the A Song of Ice and Fire books, the third one is amazing.
I would really recommend reading Narnia in publishing order, not chronologic order. This is not how mosr books arrange them though. It would mean putting of The Magician's Nephew and The Horse And His Boy til later in the series.
Nephew really is a better read if you have some better understanding of the world. And Horse really slows it all down to much to early. I think most people gets stuck there.
Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll definitely look into it that way 🙂
His Dark Materials (along with The Hobbit) is what made me love reading as a child. Its very easy prose, the last few pages at the end of the first book is some of the best writing I’ve ever read.
That World of Ice and Fire book has some incredible artwork!
Thanks for the insight! 👍
In my opinion you should try Robin Hobb's books from the Elderling Realm sometime. The world building is phenomenal and the characters are so lifelike and complex that I have found it positively addictive to read❤
Thanks so much for the suggestions. I’ll have a look at Hobb’s books 😃
The Black Company by Cook is a great series.
Cheers for that 👍 Will look into it 🙂
I would recommend the Gormenghast trilogy - Mervyn Peake's classic, started in 1946. Titus Groan, Gormenghast and Titus Alone. Considered by many to be one of the greatest works of Fantasy of the 20th Century.
You should absolutely continue reading ASoIaF in my opinion, especially if you haven't watched the tv-series. Winds of Winter might be years away, and who knows when, or if, A Dream of Spring comes out. It's one of my top three fantasy series of all time, and since you enjoyed the first book I think you'll be blown away by that which follows! :)
Thanks for your comments 👍 I’m very intrigued now in continuing the series. You have given me a new reading goal 😁
@@brewingbooks A Storm Of Swords is a great book. But you'll have to read A Clash of Kings first.
7:53 I always love art especially for a book series that has been adapted into film/ television, since it usually provides a different take on that vision. For instance, Peter Jackson’s films and their look/ take of Middle-earth have been pretty much the default look in most people’s mind for 20 years now. And having read the books recently, while in broadszrokes I agree with this vision, I often have slightly different versions of the characters and places in mind. That’s also one reason why I find TROP so compelling, because it’s a different take on the vision of middle-earth even if it borrows from Jackson’s films it’s not aligning itself too closely.
Well said! Thanks for your input 😃
I highly recommend Robin Hobb. Her Realm of the Elderlings is a fantastic series! Quite long, it comprises 16 books, but it's divided into several shorter series, which can all be read separetly. It's all connected though, so I strongly suggest to read them in order. Hobb is a master of character writing, so if you enjoy that, definitely give the Realm a try.
I also recommend Ursula K. Le Guin's Earthsea series. I have only read three of the books in the series, but what I've read has made me deeply fascinated by her world, it's quite unique.
More to the list, thanks! I had been considering the Earthsea series for a while now and I heard of Hobb’s worldbuilding skills. Will definitely check them out thanks 😃
@@brewingbooks You're welcome! Enjoy the read :)
Earthsea only gets better! All the philosophical undercurrents are great! The later books are also very meta in the sense that Le Guin through here characters are commenting on her own worldbuilding from her newer changed perspectives. Worth a read.
I did not really get the hype while reading to be honest. But then the the books stayed with me in my mind for ten years, great experience!
I recently purchased a similar boxset of the Harry Potter collection, haven't found the time to read it though.
I've been looking at the Dune books, but haven't settled on what I want to purchase at the moment. I think at some point I want to start reading the Witcher books as well.
Do you own any novels? Would be great to see a video on what non-fantasy books you have read/own and could recommend.
I do have quite a number of novels. I’m thinking that might be my next video … 😃
if you enjoyed The Knight of the seven kingdoms i highly recommend to read the 5 main books and then reread knight of the seven kingdoms :) it will be even better
Thanks for that 🙂 Will certainly give it a try 👍
I have always felt Narnia is at its best in 1 2 4 5 - even after multiple reads 3 6 and 7 never stuck. It was the first series I read all those 40 years ago. I now own only those four books ( the Celebration editions)
I have a real fondness for Magician’s Nephew. It was something unexpected but extremely pleasant to read 🙂
Do you think I can read the knight of Steven kingdoms before a game of thrones
Absolutely! It has no direct bearing on A Game of Thrones, and is it’s own set of stories.
Love your videos, James! Such an channel! Thank you!
Thank you so much for your kind words 🙂
At least read the first three for ASOIAF. Genuinely one of the most rewarding trio of books I’ve ever read.
Cheers 😀 will certainly do 👍
I would also suggest the Witcher series by Andrzej Sapkowski.
Two short story volumes followed by a 5 novel series and lastly a standalone novel.
There is a videogame series that acts as a "what if" sequel (so not canon to the books) and a Netflix adaptation, but in my opinion the books are better than both the show and the game series.
Thanks for the suggestion! Will certainly have a look at them 🙂
You should really give a new chance to His Dark Materials. It's certainly one of the best fantasy stories I've ever read. Written by another Oxford teacher by the way 😉!
I most certainly will! I’ve only read good things about it so I’m pretty sure I was the issue at the time I picked this up to read 😅
would be great if you react to the new lotr on prime teaser! i think you will like it a lot :)
Still have to watch that! 😅
Do you like Joe Abercrombie?
I have not yet had the opportunity of reading the author’s books. Would you suggest any particular titles?
@@brewingbooks
First Law trilogy.
If you love epic fantasy, than read "Malazan book of the Fallen" by Steven Erikson. It's a ten book series:
"Gardens of the Moon";"Deadhouse gates";"Memories of Ice";"House of Chains";"Midnight tides";"The Bonehunrers";"Reaper's Gale";"Toll the Hounds";"Dust of Dreams";"The Crippled God". It's very epic, about Malazan empire's conquest of Genabackis, Sevem cities and many other tales. If you have time and money, read it.
Was reading about this recently. It certain looks intriguing. Thanks! 😃
What! - No Earthsea?
I know I know! 😞 Really looking forwarding to getting into that world some day. Any thoughts or tips on diving into this series? 🙂
Well, since like myself you're a Folio Society fan, their 'Wizard of Earthsea', 'Tombs of Atuan' and 'The Farthest Shore' editions are the ones that I own, and hopefully are lovely enough to make you want to too! Or there's a one volume 'The Books of Earthsea: The Complete Illustrated Edition' worth looking up on Amazon. But I prefer the Folio editions / illustrations myself. Good luck - I shall look forward to your review!
If getting the The Books of Earthsea collection, make sure to get the us version with the red dustjacket. It is beautiful, but also it has sewn binding unlike the black uk version which has glued binding.
Definitely try Brandon Sanderson’s fantasy novella The Emperor’s Soul. It’s a very short read, but it showcases Sanderson’s wonderful creativity in developing new, fresh magic systems. It’s my favourite story from him so far (I’ve read the Mistborn trilogy, Elantris, Warbreaker and a few short stories and novellas from Arcanum Unbounded - that’s where you can find The Emperor’s Soul).
Cheers for that 😃 Sanderson has been on my list for quite some time now, but I had never gotten round to reading his books. I sense that’s about to change 😁
I love the vid but I think the double brewing books intro is a bit much. Once is fine, using it twice makes it annoying.
Haha, point noted. Thanks for sharing :)
kinda surprised he didn't include the land of storie here. well maybe he doesn't heard of it or its too childish for him?
Never heard of it. Care to share with us? 🙂
@@brewingbooks well the plot is kinda similar to narnia. 2 children gets sucked in to another world.
The Everyman edition of His Dark Materials is much more readable, and is a beautiful volume.
Thanks for that! Do you have the ISBN by any chance?