Excellent year, Petrik, and it's fantastic to hear about the reads that moved you the most. Of those you've praised here (all of them being deserving, I'm sure), I'm most interested in reading RF Kuang's Babel, Brian Lee Durfee's trilogy, and Ken Liu's Dandelion Dynasty. Just in case this ends up being your last video of the year, my very best wishes to you for another awesome year in 2023!!!
Thank you so much, my friend!! Oh Philip, it will be so good to hear your take on Babel, Five Warrior Angels, and The Dandelion Dynasty!! But yes, just in case this is the last video of this year, HAPPY NEW YEAR! :D
Sounds like a great list! I'm already excited to read Dandelion Dynasty, Illborn, and Legends and Lattes next year and now have a lot of these others on my radar too. Hope you find lots of new favorites in 2023!
I love the last two books of the Wheel of Time. It's mind blowing how some of the threads tie together and they both feel like they're moving at a gallop. However, looking back I appreciate several of the earlier books more than I did when I was reading them because I now truly understand what happened.
I truly can't wait to get to the last three books of Wheel of Time written by Sanderson. But slow and steady win the race. I'll get there eventually! :)
Thanks for the great videos this year. I started Dandelion Dynasty based on your glowing reviews and I'm loving the first book. Sometimes our taste doesn't align (Illborn and The First Binding I hated lol), but I appreciate your honest and great reviews on this channel and Goodreads.
You're welcome, Andrew! Glad you're loving Dandelion Dynasty so far. No worries about hating Illborn, the First Binding, or other books I enjoy! We can't like the same books all the time! :D
I love how you managed to fit in your hate for Uprooted even in this video 😂. I have bought so many books because of your videos in 2022 Petrik!! My bank account may be sad but my shelves have been so thankful to you 😂 I recently finished the Crown Tower based on your Riyria recommendations and really enjoyed it. It was such a fun introduction to this world and characters (I'm reading Riyria chronologically) and I can't wait to continue! One of the best books I read this year was the Forgetting Moon, also based on your recommendation. I'm currently rereading it and hoping to binge the whole series and I couldn't thank you enough for introducing me to this series, I love it so much! Your praise for the Lonesome Crown just makes me all the more excited 😍 Thank you for being such a positive light on the internet and feeding our passion for SFF. I hope your channel reaches new and amazing heights in 2023 and wish you all the best in the new year!!
Thank you so much!! Your comment makes me happy. My hate for Uprooted just came out of me unconsciously now... xD So pleased to hear you love The Crown Tower and The Forgetting Moon. I guarantee you'll love the rest of The Riyria books and The Five Warrior Angels if you love the first volume already! :)
It's been a slow reading year for me, been busy so had to be selective and often looked to your reviews and recommendations which have mostly hit the mark. But I gotta say "The First Binding" was a real slog, did not enjoy the characters or writing - took me an unexpected 3 weeks to finish, and put me in a reading slump until I read Babel which was eons better, thank the gods. You've also encouraged me to give wax and wayne another shot, I dropped it years ago after reading the first book. All in all, thank you for the list, your reviews, and your recommendations throughout the year, keep them coming!
Thank you so much, Michel! Sorry to hear that The First Binding put you into a slump, but glad to hear Babel saved you from it. I will do my best to recommend more great books in 2023! :D
I usually watch on my TV so don't really comment but I just want to say how sorry I am that you've suffered anxiety because of a book review, that really sucks. People need to respect subjectivity when it comes to art. Anyway, great video as always, Petrik! You always get me spending what little money I have on books 😅😂😇
No worries! Mentally, I'm strong enough to handle negative comments; they can't be avoided when you're a reviewer/content creator. But with First Binding, the comments are constantly, obsessively, defending or hating the book. It's seriously mind-boggling to me. But anyway, thank you!! :D
Great list! I love how your list includes lesser known books along with more well-known ones, even if it does murder by TBR list. Counting only 1 book per series, my favorites this year are: 1. Jade Legacy by Fonda Lee 2. The Empire's Ruin by Brian Staveley 3. The Wisdom of Crowds by Joe Abercrombie 4. The Lost Metal by Brandon Sanderson 5. Wrath by John Gwynne 6. The Shining by Stephen King 7. The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne 8. Kings of Ash by Richard Nell 9. The Stand by Stephen King 10. The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin Honorable mention: The Emperor's Soul by Brandon Sanderson
Damn. I absolutely love your best books list, James! I haven't read The Shining yet, and I feel lukewarm on The Stand. But I totally love the rest you mentioned! :)
Talking about being late for your best of 2022 when the year isn't even over yet is some sort of real overachiever mindset Petrik. Got to say that seeing The Wheel of Time on a best of fantasy list from you is a plot twist I didn't see happening. I personally think The Shadow Rising is one of the most average installments in the series and personally prefer "slog" books 7-9 (minus their prologues and Perrin portions) to it, so I'm definitely with you that the two follow up books are much better. You got me super excited about the Durfee book.
Hahaha, I guess that's true, Andrew! xD And yeah, believe me, The Wheel of Time is a plot twist I didn't expect would appear in my list of favorites, too. It's good to hear you prefer the slog books over Shadow Rising. Fingers crossed it will be the same case for me!
Thank you for covering the last war trilogy. I stumbled on your channel a few months ago looking for new things to read, and that series quickly became one of my favorites
That's one banger of a favourites list! Priest of Crowns, The Wall of Storms, Babel, The Exile, Legends & Lattes, Illborn and The Jade Setter of Jan Loon are all books that I really loved as well! I am sorry to hear that your review of The First Binding has gotten such mixed reactions, but I am happy for you that you found a new story to adore. Always love this end of the year content, thanks for sharing your list!!
Thank you so much, Esmay! Glad to hear we have plenty of overlap! No worries about the mixed receptions on my review. It's the price to pay as my channel get larger. 😅
Well, first of all, after such a passionate review of The Lonesome Crown, I will relent and go back to The Forgetting Moon and see what happens. 2ndly, wow! This year was surprisingly tough for me; perhaps because last year was so easy? But, gun to my head? We are way off! Which is great! 1) Age of Ash - Daniel Abraham 2) Fevered Star - Rebecca Roanhorse 3) The Justice of Kings - Richard S Swan 4) Locklands - Robert Jackson Bennett The fact that the only overlap we have is Locklands, the 3rd book in a trilogy, and one that you acknowledge as being a bit controversial, at least from your followers' perspective, is throwing me for a bit of a loop, which is fun! Thanks for the well-thought-out, considered reviews, and for once again challenging me to read something outside of my wheelhouse, or look at something in a different light. D
Thank you so much, Derek!! I love Justice of Kings, too. And as a fan of Daniel Abraham, I'm ashamed to say I haven't read Age of Ash yet. I should get that rectified next year! I also need to read Fevered Star, I loved Black Sun! :D
Ohh that was such a satisfying video to watch! For now, my priority books on that list are Ken Liu's series and possibly Spinning Silver as I can borrow it from the library. I've read Babel this year, and though it didn't become a favourite, I loved the first half of the book, especially as a translator. I thought that magic system so very clever and honestly wish I had come up with it too. :P
Thank you so much! Making Ken Liu's books a priority is a great decision, imo. At least you loved the first half of Babel, too bad it didn't click with you entirely! :D
I agree with you about Babel. Kuang has improved so much, I will read anything she writes. Ah, I love the Lost Metal as well, definitely the best of Mistborn era 2. Great video Petrik.
So fun to see your joy around all these books Petrik! I am finally going to read Legends & Lattes this month, so I'm curious to see what my appreciation will be! Babel, Illborn, and The Forgetting Moon are on my TBR and shelf, so I am excited to get to these, as well!
Your review made me want to buy The First Binding and I've been enjoying the world Virdi created from the very first page. Love this book and am grateful to your review for showing me this exciting new author (who has become an online friend).
That's great to hear, Joe! Hopefully the second book and beyond will be more different than Kingkiller Chronicle, and of course, better than the first book! :)
This is a fabulous list and you described all of them in a way that makes me want to read them too. I look forward to finishing the Dandelion Dynasty next year and suspect that 2023 will be The Year of Liu for me. My favorite fantasy book this year was Grace of Kings. I also really loved Luke Arnold’s One Foot in the Fade. Arnold turned the whole trilogy with a twist and absolutely stuck the landing.
Thank you so much! If you love The Grace of Kings already, I suspect you'll love the rest of the series, too. And thanks for the reminder I should read One Foot in the Fade! 😁
Petrik, the series that concludes with One Foot in the Fade begins with The Last Smile in Sunder City. The three books in this series read REALLY fast, think Dresden speed, so I was able to binge them back to back in the time it normally takes to read one book. Also, the author, Luke Arnold, is an actor and he reads the audio books so the audio is first rate.
@@PetrikLeo OH! I’m so glad you have already read the first two!! I was amazed by how much One Foot in the Fade changed the whole series for me. It was fascinating. I can’t wait to hear what you think.
Thank you for sharing us your best readings of this year Petrik! I am eager to read Durfee's trilogy, and given your #3 it lays more hype! I'll keep my radar on if you plan to do a wrap-up on this trilogy, I don't see many people talking about it.
Totally agree on the Lost Metal, Lord of Chaos, and Legends and Lattes all being awesome! Hopefully the slog will be as enjoyable for you as it was for me (only limited to parts of Crossroads of Twilight). This has me so excited to try the Dandelion Dynasty, 5 Warrior Angels, Founders trilogy, and Swan Song!!!!
Thank you, brother! There may be no hope for Crossroads of Twilight... I never heard any good things about that one hahaha! xD As you go through these series, I will catch up on The Sun Eater! 2023 will be filled with amazing books for us! :D
A great year of reading! I think Babel will end up being in my top 3 this year; it was one of the best books I have ever read! Glad to see The Jade Settler of Janloon here! I picked up a copy and have been waiting to pick it up soon!
Ever since finding the Echoes Saga through your channel, I've been on the look out for a book to rec in turn. Thanks so much for these videos! If I hadn't come across your channel, I might still be in a reading slump lol
Fantastic list of books, Petrik. I have just got Babel for Christmas, so am looking forward to reading that. Thank you for including ILLBORN in your top list.
Great video, Great list of books. I'm in the middle of Last of the Dragorn (#8), I must say this series is great, I am looking forward to Volume 9, next month. Priest of Crowns was fantastic, and there could be more. Several debuts, impressive. The Lonesome Crown, I'm 75% done, what a build up, agreed so underrated. Have to read the last three books in the Dandelion Dynasty, but still have to reread book one. Petrik, an absolute pleasure this past year, your videos are fantastic, and full of so much info, keep it going.
Thank you so much, Frank! I appreciate your support. I will do my best in 2023, too! I'm halfway through the final book of Echoes Saga. It might become my faborite of the series! And I'm glad you're loving Lonesome Crown. Fiery Absolution is INSANE. I hope you'll love the remaining three books in Dandelion Dynasty! 😁
I know its late but Nollaig Shona Dhuit! (Irish for Merry Christmas) I'm 100 pages into Grace of Kings and really enjoying it so far, can't wait to see how the series develops.
Fun video! I'm interested to see how the First Binding develops. If the second and third book turn out well, l would definitely be interested to read it. Sorry you got much backlash abt it. I'm thankful l haven't read it yet so l can still reserve judgment and not get caught up in any arguments! I'll take another look at Spinning Silver - you sure know how to make a book sound intriguing! Dandelion Dynasty and Priest of Lies are on my radar thanks to you. I'm not sure about the Priest books as I'm afraid they might be a bit too violent for me - Peaky Blinders was very good but very violent... Anyway Happy New Year and I'm so glad l can watch your channel!
Thank you! Haha, no worries. It comes with the territory I guess. I hope you'll love Spinning Silver!! And if you're afraid of the violent content, it might be a better idea to avoid reading War for the Rose Throne. It's pretty grim!
This list has definitely motivated me to read more next year. Current (abbreviated) TBR: Farseer, Republic of Thieves, A Touch of Light by Thiago Abdalla, Earthsea, and mustering up the courage to finish Way of Kings (it’s so long!)
Man, I really need to read The Jade Setter of Janloon! Since of course Greenbone is an all-time fave for me as well 😄 I'm really glad that Lord of Chaos worked so well for you and that you're enjoying the series again, even though I am one of the people who thinks The Shadow Rising is the best entry in the series 😂 Great list Petrik!!
Thank you so much, Grace! Hahaha, you're not the only one who thinks that about Shadow Rising. I think I was on a Wheel of Time burnout back then. And it didn't help that I'm not a fan of Perrin. Six books in so far and I still think of him as a walking brute dominated by his wife. xD I look forward to continuing, though!!
Hi 👋 I can’t choose which my best top ten books for 2022.... I was great full that I’ve read some amazing books... some were DNFs too... like ur video 📽 wishing u the best for 2023 reads! 🌬🌧☃️
This video proves it that me and you have rly similar tastes because the 6th wheel of time book is by far my favorite too. I wasn't able to finish the series though the 8th book broke me, but I love the 6th one.
@@PetrikLeo I just couldn't do it anymore. The same things just kept happening over and over and thousands and thousands of pages could be completely avoided if the characters just talked to each other lol.
We can have different opinions on books, but we can also show respect for differing opinions. I love your channel, so much that I sought out one of your videos to take my mind off the passing of my little best friend and dog 🐶 companion this am. Thank you. ♥
Dear god... so sorry to hear that. 😢 And yes, we definitely can have different opinions on books! I truly appreciate your kind words. But more importantly, stay strong. I'm glad my video can help you a bit.
What a wonderful list of favorites for 2022! I enjoyed hearing your thoughts on all of these, and I thank you for inspiring me to pick up Legends and Lattes and Sons of Darkness this year! I will be reading Durfee's trilogy in 2023 and am determined to get to the Dandelion Dynasty at some point. Wishing you another amazing reading year in 2023!
Thank you so much, Johanna! Wishing you the same in 2023. I'm glad you end up loving Legends and Lattes and also Sons of Darkness. I hope you will enjoy Five Warrior Angels and Dandelion Dynasty when you get around to them, too! 😁
Great list. Really liked Legends and Lattes and Spinning Silver too. Unfortunately The First Binding didn't work for me at all. Its a shame you received harsh comments for your review which is very fair and well-written, really sorry to hear about that. So nice that Sons of Darkness worked for you so well. I am interested to see what happens in the sequels. The Lonesome Crown yes! I really liked the conclusion too. I really liked The Dandelion Dynasty. My favourite book was Speaking Bones though.
Thank you, Paromita! No worries, I think if I had reread The Name of the Wind more often, I would've been more bothered by First Binding, too. The last time I read The Name of the Wind was in early 2018, I think. The Lonesome Crown was so good and crazy. Fiery Absolution was bonkers! :D
Cant wait for your completed fantasy series vid mate, keep up the good work and hope you have a great year. Your vids give me a nice bit of chill time during my busy work schedule, so keep posting your awesome vids man :)
Very much enjoyed your year-ender, thank you for all your good efforts. A minor series I loved reading this year is by Shion Miura, The Easy Life In Kamusari & Kamusari Tales Told at Night, a sort of slice of life amidst a mythical mountain forest. Happy New Year.
Have you tried any of the wandering inn yet? It's very slice of life/cozy feeling. Love slice of life stuff when I'm not in the mood for anything super serious. Great video brother.
I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU RANKED IT SEVENTH IT IS THE FIRST BINDING NOT THE SEVENTH BINDING!!!! There you go, another weird and harsh comment based on a book I haven't read :) Another excellent video!!! Some incredible books on this list from some great authors. I'm stoked to read Ken Liu next year. My top books this year were The Lost Metal, Dragon Mage and Malice.
Super glad I got to read sons of darkness before everything went down, I didn't love it, but it was unique enough to keep me wanting to continue the series.
My «Personal Enjoyment Reads» List for 2022: 12-«By Force Alone» by Lavie Tidhar (Loved the Grimdark Prologue with Uther and Merlin, but it would have been better either longer or with a sequel delving into “Guy Ritchie Gangster” Arthur’s Camelot, also Lancelot’s main plot is straight out of Mel Brooks: Very funny, but a bit off from the Grimdark opening. Predator-reference had me ROFL) 11-«The Hood» by Lavie Tidhar (Much more evenly balanced: «Breaking Bad» Rebecca of York/Robin Hood meets «Heart of Darkness»/«Apocalypse Now») 10-«The Broken Sword» by Poul Anderson (A S&S Classic: Anderson effortlessly changes between huge laughs, epic fight and deep tragedy. Vikings meets Myth(s)) 9-«Beowulf» (JRR Tolkien’s interpretation: A Literary Classic for a reason + excellent commentary from the Professor Himself!) 8-«Storm of Swords» by Matthew Harffy (The «Bernicia Chronicles» is my «palett cleanser» book series: While this is essentially Anglo-Saxon «Taken», the characters have grown on me and loved the «Ship Wrecker»-«sidequest») 7-«Snakewood» by Adrian Selby (While the structure of the story is not the most welcoming, there is great action, diplomacy and heartfelt laughs and tragedy) 6-«Legend» by David Gemmell (While a bit generic in World Building, I definitely got great action and a incredible positive surprise in the immense humanity in Gemmell’s writing, even to what could easily have been stock side characters and antagonists!) 5-«Hunger of the Gods» by John Gwynne (I liked the expansion of the World presented in the first book and found Guthvar a delightful pov-antagonist I loved to hate in the vein of “Blackadder”: A grandiose opportunistic coward!) 4-«Banner Saga: Gift of Hadrborg»/«Tales from the Caravan» (especially the short stories «Haugr’s Grin» & «Too Much Rope») (GoH: Vikings+Gang Wars+A dash of Indiana Jones: Neat!/TotC: Great action, great tragedy!) 3-«The Severing Son» by Vaughn Roycroft (Great Culture Building, Loved the characters, especially the leaders: The dynamic between adopted brothers Captain Urias and Lord Thadmeir of great trust even in (often) disagreement, the dastardly Desdrusan and cunning Keisella!) 2-«Finn and Hengist» (JRR Tolkien’s interpretation) (While incredibly short, it contains rivalries, dilemmas and tragedies worthy of a full Greek Drama or Norse Saga! Great scholarly work by the Professor, on a part of history/myth unfairly often overlooked!)! 1-«Sarantine Mosaic: Sailing to Sarantium» by Gay Gavriel Kay (The Prose, The Characters, The Setting, The World Building: GGK is one of the best writers of today! The Prologue and the Epilogue is both top notch!)
I haven't read most of the books you mentioned! Thanks for mentioning briefly why you love each and every one of them, too. I look forward to reading The Severing Son in 2023! :)
Thank you for all the literary motivation fot this year! So excited to start "The Dandelion Dynasty"! For me this was the Octavia E. Butler year, both "Parable of Sower" and "Parable of Talents" are my best books of the year. "Kindred" by the same author and "Babel" by R. F. Kuang are on my top 3 books ot the year. After "Earthseed", "The Poppy War" is my favorite series so far in my 2 years of SFF reading. Have a happy New Year Petrik!
You're welcome, and thank you for watching! Those are great picks for favorites. It's unfortunate I haven't read the second book in Earthseed duology yet. I have to reread Kindred, too! Have a Happy New Year!! :D
I’ve only read Ken Liu’s 2 collections but I’m so excited for dandelion dynasty next year. Paper menagerie and other stories it my best book of the year essentially tied with Fools Assassin, so hard to choose between them.
That's how I started with Ken Liu's books, too. The Paper Menagerie is the best short story I've read, and I'm happy to include Dandelion Dynasty in my list of favorites, too. I hope it will be the same case for you! :)
Thanks for introducing me to The First Binding by R.R. Virdi - it was one of my top books of the year! I can see where it's very similar to kingkiller, but I'm more impressed with the depths of the framing narrative, and I feel like the voice of an older narrator comes through very well. Have you heard how long we'll all have to wait for the sequal?
Half way through with Jade Legacy now. Wish I could hop on Dandelion Dynasty but I’ve already got too much to read for next year. Gonna try to support a lot of indie authors in 2023. And lmao, people really got so mad about your First Binding review? Probably a bunch of KKC stans 😂 we’re a devoted fan base but some of us are downright crazy. Lots of books take heavy inspiration from their predecessors. Even the Poppy War straight up took Kvothe and Elodin’s relationship and that only made the book better. But I think the book I look forward to most next year is Sword of Kaigen. I’ll share my thoughts in Discord once I’m done, I just have to finish a few books beforehand
Understandable! And yeah, it's definitely KKC stans. I mean, I LOVEEE KKC, too. But harassing other authors and readers doesn't help Doors of Stone appear soon. If I'm not mistaken, I heard KKC took its naming from Earthsea Cycle, too!
I am new to the fantasy world, but I think your channel is the best on youtube and your reviews on goodreads are among the best I've ever read, and your knowledge about fantasy is incomparable. I liked your video about series to read if you liked Faithful and the Fallen .... I wish we get One for ASOIAF. And Also If there is a novel or a Serie which has mysteries like Attack on Titan and One Piece. BTW, you're reading a lot of manga and I've never seen you speaking about AoT, I love to read your opinion about it.
Thank you so much! That's very kind of you! I still have plenty to learn, and I will keep improving myself. I will make sure to do more "If you like this, read this" series next year. Definitely one for A Song of Ice and Fire, too. I LOVE manga. I've been reading manga since I was a kid and I still do it to this day. I just rarely talk about them on my channel because it's focused on fantasy novels. Attack on Titan is another one of my favorites, I think I have a video talking about it with another youtuber here! :)
@@PetrikLeo haha yes that's the trend. Don't feel guilty though! Nothing wrong with doing your own thing. I'm re-reading Wheel of Time...starting A Crown of Swords (book 7) soon. I def agree Lord of Chaos is my fav so far too.
War for the rose throne was also a top series from this past year. It has a lot of unique aspects you don’t see much like PTSD and the strong emphasis on leadwrship and his Thomas is is a leader. With its own twists and turns, it’s very good and original.
Tomas Piety is one of the most memorable protagonists I've read. His distinct narration is just... unforgettable. And yeah, the theme of leadership and greed was executed magnificently! :)
I just finished readin The Age of Madness trilogy on audiobookm, I will consider this as 1 book. Best I read in 22. Narrator is world class as well as the books
Here’s mine: 1. The Wall of Storms 2. Words of Radiance 3. Children of Time 4. Jade Legacy 5. Empire of the Vampire. The Wall of Storms is also my book of the year!
You've already gotten me going on Dandelion Dynasty, so thanks. I'm so sorry that you've experienced anxiety over ANY book review. That's just plain wrong and backward to how it should be. You should always be commended, as your honesty and integrity, as well as your insight, are a part of the invaluable service you provide to readers. Thanks for that.
Thank you so much, Vaughn! I'm usually pretty strong mentally. I'm happy to say after reviewing books for years, it is not easy for comments to faze my mind now. But yeah, First Binding is a bit difficult. Every comment or message I receive regarding that book is either super positive of my review (but by saying those who dislike the books are stupid, and I disagree with this) or just outright so hateful. xD
Great video Petrik! I was on the fence about getting into Michael J. Sullivan - one of those authors that sounds like he might be up my alley, yet I was uncertain - but you've sold me with your words about his writing over time!
@@PetrikLeo thank you! Your TBR is long, of course, and I know you have your priorities. However, if you'd ever like copies gifted to you, it'd be my pleasure. No worries if you don't - if they're not your thing! I'll always be a fan of your channel! Keep making great content!
@@thedrownedkingdomsaga7847 it would be my pleasure to receive your books. Just a word of caution that I can't promise when I'll get to them! I will showcase them on my book haul video first, though, at list. If that's alright with you, feel free to chat me on Twitter or email! 😁
@@PetrikLeo that is very kind of you to feature them in your book haul! Even if you never get to read them, I truly appreciate the gesture! I'll try you on Dms or email! Thanks so much for being wonderful!
Great list! Thankfully you didn't increase my TBR....at least not this time. My favorite read of the year is a toss up between Ruin by John Gwynne and The Forgetting Moon by Brian Lee Durfee.
Thank you, Matt! Hahaha dammit. Not an increase in TBR!? Unacceptable! :p I'll pick Ruin if given the dilemma, but The Forgetting Moon is pretty good, too!
@@PetrikLeo most of what you mentioned was already on my TBR. I guess you'll have to try harder 😉 I look forward to your thoughts on what you read in the coming year.
I swear every time you talk about the echoes saga you make me want to drop everything and read it lol. Yaaaas so happy Age of War made your list. Dang that sucks that comments on your first binding review started to give you anxiety. I’m sorry that happened to you, people on the internet can be so wild sometimes. Ok ok you’ve convinced me to try the dandelion dynasty. Are you satisfied? 🤣
I finished Echoes Saga and it is a satisfying conclusion! Worth a read for sure. Haha, it's okay. I have a thick skin, it's just for this book, every comment is just constant anger instead of a polite discussion. 😅 I hope you'll love The Dandelion Dynasty! 😁
@@PetrikLeo oooh love hearing when the ending is worth the journey. Yeah people are wild sometimes. For me the only video I’ve ever gotten critiques (or rudeness on) is my Babel review because I didn’t love it 💀🤣 I own The Grace of Kings now so…thanks I suppose? 💀🤣
The First Binding has been a whole controversy. It reminds me a lot of The Eye of the World in its comparisons, and when I'm comparing a modern fantasy book to the first WoT book then you really shouldn't be that worried. Still glad you loved that book!
Thank you, Dwayne! That's a great comparison, imo. the first time I read Eye of the World, it felt to me like it is almost a complete copy of Lord of the Rings. But the second book and beyond the series started to become its own thing. I hope that will be the case for The First Binding, too! :)
Here I come to stroke your ego :P Most favorite fantasies this year: (you'll be shocked) The Justice of Kings and The Helm of Midnight; my bang to end the year is Dreams of the Dying and I have a very good feeling it will join the other two...holy shit that's good stuff. I'm fascinated and terrified at the same time because Nicolas has been very very quiet all year, so there's not even a tentative date for the sequel. This worries me greatly. But! be proud that you played a huge part in my choosing all three of these amazing reads. Thanks, P. Favorite YA: The Year of the Plague, Strands of Bronze and Gold and The Kingdom of Little Wounds, a syphilitic fairy tale that doesn't read at all like YA: it's gory, perverted, dark and so so disgusting, but brilliant. Happy New Year, P. Based on your choice of series for next year I have a feeling 2023 will beeven better than 2022.
Oh yesss. Thank you for stroking my ego. xD Seriously, though, glad you loved The Justice of Kings and The Helm of Midnight. Dreams of the Dying is another one of my favorites. The exploration on mental health and the characterizations in that book is superb, imo. I loved the Polynesian setting, too! Regarding the second book, Nicolas Lietzau has mentioned to me it is very likely the sequel will be out in 2023. Both Dreams of the Dying and the sequel has a self-contained story, though. So no worries about cliffhanger! :D
@@PetrikLeo did Nicolas mention how far into 2023 will it be out? I kind of knew DotD was going to be a self contained story, I'm drooling in anticipation for the cover and I really want The Cure for Living to be as long (if not longer) than the first one. I want to finish it before the 1st so it's my last book of the year. It's one of the most interesting and fascinating books I've ever read. Loved? I'm OBSESSED with TJoK. I love it so much it's sick.
@@PetrikLeo So am I, P. But I will reread TJoK just because I want to savor it again. Not that I need a recap because that book is seared in my brain, but if I marathon TJoK and TToF I would be reading the first book twice this year.
My top 10: 1 - Nevernight (Jay Kristoff) 2 - Saint’s Blood (Sebastian de Castell) 3 - Fairy Tale (Stephen King) 4 - Fire & Blood (George R R Martin) 5 - Last Argument of Kings (Joe Abercrombie) 6 - Jade Legacy (Fonda Lee) 7 - Priest of Crowns (Peter McLean) 8 - The Shadow of the Gods (John Gwynne) 9 - Pennyblade (J L Worrad) 10 - The Justice of Kings (Richard Swan) My 2 runners-up are The Ember Blade (Chris Wooding) and The Hellborn King (Christopher G Brenning). Swan Song is my #1 of my rereads. And this is the second year in a row that a Jay Kristoff book occupies the #1 spot in my top 10.
My best 2022 book gotta be Demon in White by Christopher Rucchio. In fact the whole series is the best thing I've read this year. It was thanks to this channel that I stumbled upon such a gem!
Here's my list 1. Dolores Claiborne by Stephen king 2.the great peace by mena suvari her memoir 3. Billy summers by Stephen king 4. Not my father son by Alan Cumming his first memoir 5. They never learn by Layne Fargo 6. The heart principle by helen Huang 7. The cactus by Sarah Haywood 8. The charm offensive by allison Cochrane 9. King of battle and blood by scarlett st claire 10. Iron widow 11. Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey his memoir 12. The dead zone by Stephen king 13. In five years by rebecca serle 14. The gilded cage by lynette nomi 15 revival by Stephen king
Best books I read this year were The Hunger of the Gods, Jade Legacy, Boy's Life and The Justice of Kings. I've also got to include Stephen King's masterpiece It on the list, even though it shouldn't really count as it was my 4th re-read.
So The First Binding was a book I read that I thought was better than in the Name of the Wind, so I don't care what the Rothfuss Fans think, don't let negative people change your views,I've read both, it was just done better and at least I won't have to wait a bunch of years to get booked 2 or 3,Sons of Darkness awesome book I read on your recommendation is probably in my top five, I completely agree with you on Swan Song by Robert McCammon way better than The Stand and definitely better more satisfying ending haven't read it in years but I remember it, I commend you for even being able to figure out your top 15 books especially after reading so many, I think my top book of the year with everything included as far as pace of the book characterization, action and Dark Worlds,would probably be Empire of a the Vampire by Jay Kristoff, there was something about the flow of this book,In 800pgs it's hard to keep interest of a reader but this book from start to finish was action-packed the World building was dark and the characters were even darker I loved everything about it but I've read so many books this year that's one of many great ones another great video keep up the great content........and 1 more thing,Hunger of the Gods,John Gynne weakest book very surprising hearing that from you I would love to talk to you about why just to hear your opinion have a happy New Year
Thank you so much! I won't change my mind. I love The Kingkiller Chronicle, but I like The First Binding, too. Hey, at the very least we'll get an ending to this series hahaha. Glad you loved Sons of Darkness, and that you agree with my thoughts on swan Song! It was a hard pick, tbh. I wanted to include more but oh well! xD I enjoyed Empire of the Vampire, too, but I struggled with the first half of it. I REALLY enjoyed the second half of Empire of the Vampire, though. As for The Hunger of the Gods, I've talked about it in detail in my review on the channel! check it out! :D
@@PetrikLeo I will look at your review for Hunger of the Gods that's a little older material that I haven't watched yet I'll check it out man thanks I love your opinion on everything whether I like it or not we all have different opinions but I have gotten so many great book recommendations from you that have been just excellent, oh yeah I picked up The Sword of Kaigen yesterday for 99 cents for e book another book I purchased on your recommendation and I picked up up on deal
For me Babel is the best book I read this year and I hoped it would be higher on your list. It might have hit harder for me though as I am from one of the countries colonized by the British Empire and the themes of colonialism explored in the book resonated with me.
The best books I read this year are probably Curse of the Mistwraith and Shadow of The Gods. I might have included The Forgetting Moon but there's no way I will finish it before the end of the week. The first third is really good.
I will be reading Curse of the Mistwraith in 2023. Great to hear it's one of your favorites this year! If you love The Forgetting Moon already, you will love The Blackest Heart even more! :)
My top 10 this year are: 1. The Hunger of the Gods 2. Gardens of the Moon 3. Project Hail Mary 4. The Gathering Storm 5. A Memory of Light 6. The Shadow of the Gods 7. Memories of Ice 8. The Forgetting Moon 9. Warbreaker 10. A Time of Dread I think The Hunger of the Gods is one of the only books so far that I disagree with you about. Imo it’s the best John Gwynne book out there, and one of my favorite books of all time. 6/5 stars
We certainly have to disagree on that, but I'm pleased you loved it! And hey, I haven't read The Gathering Storm and A Memory of Light yet, but I love all the other books you listed there! :)
@@PetrikLeo if you make it though the WoT slog, you will not be disappointed with 11,12, and 14 (I didn’t like 13 very much). My least favorite John Gwynne book has to be A Time of Blood FYI.
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Thanks for including Lonesome Crown!!! Hope you do a longer review at some point!!!
You're welcome! Writing the review as we speak. Want to make sure I do it right! 😁
Petrik, you're the classiest booktuber I know 📚🤵
Absolutely on point.
Thank you, Scully! It is much appreciated! :)
Excellent year, Petrik, and it's fantastic to hear about the reads that moved you the most. Of those you've praised here (all of them being deserving, I'm sure), I'm most interested in reading RF Kuang's Babel, Brian Lee Durfee's trilogy, and Ken Liu's Dandelion Dynasty. Just in case this ends up being your last video of the year, my very best wishes to you for another awesome year in 2023!!!
Thank you so much, my friend!! Oh Philip, it will be so good to hear your take on Babel, Five Warrior Angels, and The Dandelion Dynasty!! But yes, just in case this is the last video of this year, HAPPY NEW YEAR! :D
Hey, thanks for your help in finding good books. Currently I am reading Speaking Bones from Ken Liu and I absolutely love the series too!!!
You're so welcome! So happy to hear you're loving The Dandelion Dynasty! :)
Sounds like a great list! I'm already excited to read Dandelion Dynasty, Illborn, and Legends and Lattes next year and now have a lot of these others on my radar too. Hope you find lots of new favorites in 2023!
Thank you so much, Maria! I hope I find many new favorites in 2023. And out of those, make sure to prioritize Dandelion Dynasty! :D
I love the last two books of the Wheel of Time. It's mind blowing how some of the threads tie together and they both feel like they're moving at a gallop. However, looking back I appreciate several of the earlier books more than I did when I was reading them because I now truly understand what happened.
I truly can't wait to get to the last three books of Wheel of Time written by Sanderson. But slow and steady win the race. I'll get there eventually! :)
Thanks for the great videos this year. I started Dandelion Dynasty based on your glowing reviews and I'm loving the first book. Sometimes our taste doesn't align (Illborn and The First Binding I hated lol), but I appreciate your honest and great reviews on this channel and Goodreads.
You're welcome, Andrew! Glad you're loving Dandelion Dynasty so far. No worries about hating Illborn, the First Binding, or other books I enjoy! We can't like the same books all the time! :D
I love how you managed to fit in your hate for Uprooted even in this video 😂. I have bought so many books because of your videos in 2022 Petrik!! My bank account may be sad but my shelves have been so thankful to you 😂 I recently finished the Crown Tower based on your Riyria recommendations and really enjoyed it. It was such a fun introduction to this world and characters (I'm reading Riyria chronologically) and I can't wait to continue!
One of the best books I read this year was the Forgetting Moon, also based on your recommendation. I'm currently rereading it and hoping to binge the whole series and I couldn't thank you enough for introducing me to this series, I love it so much! Your praise for the Lonesome Crown just makes me all the more excited 😍
Thank you for being such a positive light on the internet and feeding our passion for SFF. I hope your channel reaches new and amazing heights in 2023 and wish you all the best in the new year!!
Thank you so much!! Your comment makes me happy. My hate for Uprooted just came out of me unconsciously now... xD So pleased to hear you love The Crown Tower and The Forgetting Moon. I guarantee you'll love the rest of The Riyria books and The Five Warrior Angels if you love the first volume already! :)
It's been a slow reading year for me, been busy so had to be selective and often looked to your reviews and recommendations which have mostly hit the mark. But I gotta say "The First Binding" was a real slog, did not enjoy the characters or writing - took me an unexpected 3 weeks to finish, and put me in a reading slump until I read Babel which was eons better, thank the gods. You've also encouraged me to give wax and wayne another shot, I dropped it years ago after reading the first book. All in all, thank you for the list, your reviews, and your recommendations throughout the year, keep them coming!
Thank you so much, Michel! Sorry to hear that The First Binding put you into a slump, but glad to hear Babel saved you from it. I will do my best to recommend more great books in 2023! :D
I usually watch on my TV so don't really comment but I just want to say how sorry I am that you've suffered anxiety because of a book review, that really sucks. People need to respect subjectivity when it comes to art. Anyway, great video as always, Petrik! You always get me spending what little money I have on books 😅😂😇
No worries! Mentally, I'm strong enough to handle negative comments; they can't be avoided when you're a reviewer/content creator. But with First Binding, the comments are constantly, obsessively, defending or hating the book. It's seriously mind-boggling to me. But anyway, thank you!! :D
Great list! I love how your list includes lesser known books along with more well-known ones, even if it does murder by TBR list.
Counting only 1 book per series, my favorites this year are:
1. Jade Legacy by Fonda Lee
2. The Empire's Ruin by Brian Staveley
3. The Wisdom of Crowds by Joe Abercrombie
4. The Lost Metal by Brandon Sanderson
5. Wrath by John Gwynne
6. The Shining by Stephen King
7. The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne
8. Kings of Ash by Richard Nell
9. The Stand by Stephen King
10. The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
Honorable mention: The Emperor's Soul by Brandon Sanderson
Damn. I absolutely love your best books list, James! I haven't read The Shining yet, and I feel lukewarm on The Stand. But I totally love the rest you mentioned! :)
Talking about being late for your best of 2022 when the year isn't even over yet is some sort of real overachiever mindset Petrik.
Got to say that seeing The Wheel of Time on a best of fantasy list from you is a plot twist I didn't see happening. I personally think The Shadow Rising is one of the most average installments in the series and personally prefer "slog" books 7-9 (minus their prologues and Perrin portions) to it, so I'm definitely with you that the two follow up books are much better.
You got me super excited about the Durfee book.
Hahaha, I guess that's true, Andrew! xD
And yeah, believe me, The Wheel of Time is a plot twist I didn't expect would appear in my list of favorites, too. It's good to hear you prefer the slog books over Shadow Rising. Fingers crossed it will be the same case for me!
Thank you for covering the last war trilogy. I stumbled on your channel a few months ago looking for new things to read, and that series quickly became one of my favorites
You're so welcome, Michael. Glad you love the trilogy! :D
That's one banger of a favourites list! Priest of Crowns, The Wall of Storms, Babel, The Exile, Legends & Lattes, Illborn and The Jade Setter of Jan Loon are all books that I really loved as well!
I am sorry to hear that your review of The First Binding has gotten such mixed reactions, but I am happy for you that you found a new story to adore. Always love this end of the year content, thanks for sharing your list!!
Thank you so much, Esmay! Glad to hear we have plenty of overlap! No worries about the mixed receptions on my review. It's the price to pay as my channel get larger. 😅
Well, first of all, after such a passionate review of The Lonesome Crown, I will relent and go back to The Forgetting Moon and see what happens.
2ndly, wow! This year was surprisingly tough for me; perhaps because last year was so easy? But, gun to my head? We are way off! Which is great!
1) Age of Ash - Daniel Abraham
2) Fevered Star - Rebecca Roanhorse
3) The Justice of Kings - Richard S Swan
4) Locklands - Robert Jackson Bennett
The fact that the only overlap we have is Locklands, the 3rd book in a trilogy, and one that you acknowledge as being a bit controversial, at least from your followers' perspective, is throwing me for a bit of a loop, which is fun!
Thanks for the well-thought-out, considered reviews, and for once again challenging me to read something outside of my wheelhouse, or look at something in a different light.
D
Thank you so much, Derek!! I love Justice of Kings, too. And as a fan of Daniel Abraham, I'm ashamed to say I haven't read Age of Ash yet. I should get that rectified next year! I also need to read Fevered Star, I loved Black Sun! :D
Ohh that was such a satisfying video to watch! For now, my priority books on that list are Ken Liu's series and possibly Spinning Silver as I can borrow it from the library. I've read Babel this year, and though it didn't become a favourite, I loved the first half of the book, especially as a translator. I thought that magic system so very clever and honestly wish I had come up with it too. :P
Thank you so much! Making Ken Liu's books a priority is a great decision, imo. At least you loved the first half of Babel, too bad it didn't click with you entirely! :D
I agree with you about Babel. Kuang has improved so much, I will read anything she writes. Ah, I love the Lost Metal as well, definitely the best of Mistborn era 2. Great video Petrik.
Thank you, Karen!! Glad you loved Babel and The Lost Metal, too! :D
Time to binge watch 2 months of your videos !! 🎉🤗🌈 I’m behind !
Oh wow. I hope you'll enjoy watching them! 🤣
Illborn is fantastic, it'll hook you in at the beginning.. great list too Petrik :) thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Kit! The prologue in Illborn is truly something! :D
So fun to see your joy around all these books Petrik! I am finally going to read Legends & Lattes this month, so I'm curious to see what my appreciation will be! Babel, Illborn, and The Forgetting Moon are on my TBR and shelf, so I am excited to get to these, as well!
Thank you!! That's great to hear. I hope you'll love Legends and Lattes and the other books on your TBR! 😁😁
I am so glad I found your channel. Never heard of most of these, and they sound amazing!!
Ah, thank you so much, Emily! I'm glad to hear that! 😊
Your review made me want to buy The First Binding and I've been enjoying the world Virdi created from the very first page. Love this book and am grateful to your review for showing me this exciting new author (who has become an online friend).
That's great to hear, Joe! Hopefully the second book and beyond will be more different than Kingkiller Chronicle, and of course, better than the first book! :)
This is a fabulous list and you described all of them in a way that makes me want to read them too. I look forward to finishing the Dandelion Dynasty next year and suspect that 2023 will be The Year of Liu for me. My favorite fantasy book this year was Grace of Kings. I also really loved Luke Arnold’s One Foot in the Fade. Arnold turned the whole trilogy with a twist and absolutely stuck the landing.
Thank you so much! If you love The Grace of Kings already, I suspect you'll love the rest of the series, too. And thanks for the reminder I should read One Foot in the Fade! 😁
Petrik, the series that concludes with One Foot in the Fade begins with The Last Smile in Sunder City. The three books in this series read REALLY fast, think Dresden speed, so I was able to binge them back to back in the time it normally takes to read one book. Also, the author, Luke Arnold, is an actor and he reads the audio books so the audio is first rate.
@@arlissbunny yup! I've read and enjoyed the first two books. Will try to read the third one ASAP! 😁
@@PetrikLeo OH! I’m so glad you have already read the first two!! I was amazed by how much One Foot in the Fade changed the whole series for me. It was fascinating. I can’t wait to hear what you think.
I've been waiting for this particular video from you😍. You're videos are great!! 👍
Thank you so much! Sorry for the delay! 😂
Thank you for sharing us your best readings of this year Petrik!
I am eager to read Durfee's trilogy, and given your #3 it lays more hype!
I'll keep my radar on if you plan to do a wrap-up on this trilogy, I don't see many people talking about it.
Thank you so much, Simon! Five Warriors Angel trilogy is soooo underrated. Definitely worth the attempt at least! :D
I think your review of the First Binding is great! I cant wait to read it. I hope to read war for the rose throne soon hehe
Great video Petrik!!
Aww thank you so much, Estela! That means a lot to me. 😊😊
I am near enough a year behind on videos😂
I still need to read so many of these.
Great video, Petrik🥰
Thank you so much! Haha don't worry about catching up. Take your time!
Totally agree on the Lost Metal, Lord of Chaos, and Legends and Lattes all being awesome! Hopefully the slog will be as enjoyable for you as it was for me (only limited to parts of Crossroads of Twilight).
This has me so excited to try the Dandelion Dynasty, 5 Warrior Angels, Founders trilogy, and Swan Song!!!!
Thank you, brother! There may be no hope for Crossroads of Twilight... I never heard any good things about that one hahaha! xD
As you go through these series, I will catch up on The Sun Eater! 2023 will be filled with amazing books for us! :D
@@PetrikLeo Amen, brother!!
A great year of reading! I think Babel will end up being in my top 3 this year; it was one of the best books I have ever read! Glad to see The Jade Settler of Janloon here! I picked up a copy and have been waiting to pick it up soon!
Thank you! I hope 2023 will be even better. Babel is amazing! Depending on my mood, I can see it ranking higher on the list. 😂
Ever since finding the Echoes Saga through your channel, I've been on the look out for a book to rec in turn. Thanks so much for these videos! If I hadn't come across your channel, I might still be in a reading slump lol
Glad Echoes Saga got you out of your slump! I'm reading the final book in the series right now!! :D
@@PetrikLeo i'm at the end of book 3
Fantastic list of books, Petrik. I have just got Babel for Christmas, so am looking forward to reading that. Thank you for including ILLBORN in your top list.
Thank you so much, Dan! I hope you'll love Babel when you get around to it! :)
Great video, Great list of books.
I'm in the middle of Last of the Dragorn (#8), I must say this series is great, I am looking forward to Volume 9, next month. Priest of Crowns was fantastic, and there could be more. Several debuts, impressive. The Lonesome Crown, I'm 75% done, what a build up, agreed so underrated. Have to read the last three books in the Dandelion Dynasty, but still have to reread book one.
Petrik, an absolute pleasure this past year, your videos are fantastic, and full of so much info, keep it going.
Thank you so much, Frank! I appreciate your support. I will do my best in 2023, too!
I'm halfway through the final book of Echoes Saga. It might become my faborite of the series! And I'm glad you're loving Lonesome Crown. Fiery Absolution is INSANE. I hope you'll love the remaining three books in Dandelion Dynasty! 😁
So very awesome to see The Lonesome Crown so high on this list! Finally diving into that series this year!
I need to write a review for Lonesome Crown ASAP, but yes, it is SO GOOD! :)
I know its late but Nollaig Shona Dhuit! (Irish for Merry Christmas)
I'm 100 pages into Grace of Kings and really enjoying it so far, can't wait to see how the series develops.
Nollaig Shona Dhuit!! I hope you'll continue to love The Grace of Kings and the rest of the series! :)
So glad to see Illborn on the list - it's such a good book! I might do a re-read of it before I read Aiduel's Sin 🤔
I am sooo looking forward to reading Aiduel's Sin, too! Not sure I can do a reread before it, though! xD
Fun video! I'm interested to see how the First Binding develops. If the second and third book turn out well, l would definitely be interested to read it. Sorry you got much backlash abt it. I'm thankful l haven't read it yet so l can still reserve judgment and not get caught up in any arguments!
I'll take another look at Spinning Silver - you sure know how to make a book sound intriguing! Dandelion Dynasty and Priest of Lies are on my radar thanks to you. I'm not sure about the Priest books as I'm afraid they might be a bit too violent for me - Peaky Blinders was very good but very violent... Anyway Happy New Year and I'm so glad l can watch your channel!
Thank you! Haha, no worries. It comes with the territory I guess. I hope you'll love Spinning Silver!! And if you're afraid of the violent content, it might be a better idea to avoid reading War for the Rose Throne. It's pretty grim!
This list has definitely motivated me to read more next year. Current (abbreviated) TBR: Farseer, Republic of Thieves, A Touch of Light by Thiago Abdalla, Earthsea, and mustering up the courage to finish Way of Kings (it’s so long!)
Awesome! I wish you the best of luck. The Way of Kings is sooooo brilliant. I still have to read Earthsea and A Touch of Light, too! :)
Man, I really need to read The Jade Setter of Janloon! Since of course Greenbone is an all-time fave for me as well 😄 I'm really glad that Lord of Chaos worked so well for you and that you're enjoying the series again, even though I am one of the people who thinks The Shadow Rising is the best entry in the series 😂 Great list Petrik!!
Thank you so much, Grace! Hahaha, you're not the only one who thinks that about Shadow Rising. I think I was on a Wheel of Time burnout back then. And it didn't help that I'm not a fan of Perrin. Six books in so far and I still think of him as a walking brute dominated by his wife. xD
I look forward to continuing, though!!
Hi 👋 I can’t choose which my best top ten books for 2022.... I was great full that I’ve read some amazing books... some were DNFs too... like ur video 📽 wishing u the best for 2023 reads! 🌬🌧☃️
Just goes to show you've read plenty of grat books, Safina! Wishing you the best in 2023, too! :)
This video proves it that me and you have rly similar tastes because the 6th wheel of time book is by far my favorite too. I wasn't able to finish the series though the 8th book broke me, but I love the 6th one.
Oh god, I hope the rest of the series won't broke me then. xD
@@PetrikLeo I just couldn't do it anymore. The same things just kept happening over and over and thousands and thousands of pages could be completely avoided if the characters just talked to each other lol.
@@muxx2810 this is why I make sure to take a few months break before I read the next installment. 😅
We can have different opinions on books, but we can also show respect for differing opinions. I love your channel, so much that I sought out one of your videos to take my mind off the passing of my little best friend and dog 🐶 companion this am. Thank you. ♥
Dear god... so sorry to hear that. 😢 And yes, we definitely can have different opinions on books! I truly appreciate your kind words. But more importantly, stay strong. I'm glad my video can help you a bit.
I really want to read Dandelion Dynasty! I'm familiar with Liu from his translations, excited to check out his own novels
His translation is good, too, but his own books and stories are even better! :)
What a wonderful list of favorites for 2022! I enjoyed hearing your thoughts on all of these, and I thank you for inspiring me to pick up Legends and Lattes and Sons of Darkness this year! I will be reading Durfee's trilogy in 2023 and am determined to get to the Dandelion Dynasty at some point. Wishing you another amazing reading year in 2023!
Thank you so much, Johanna! Wishing you the same in 2023. I'm glad you end up loving Legends and Lattes and also Sons of Darkness. I hope you will enjoy Five Warrior Angels and Dandelion Dynasty when you get around to them, too! 😁
Great list.
Really liked Legends and Lattes and Spinning Silver too.
Unfortunately The First Binding didn't work for me at all. Its a shame you received harsh comments for your review which is very fair and well-written, really sorry to hear about that.
So nice that Sons of Darkness worked for you so well. I am interested to see what happens in the sequels.
The Lonesome Crown yes! I really liked the conclusion too.
I really liked The Dandelion Dynasty. My favourite book was Speaking Bones though.
Thank you, Paromita! No worries, I think if I had reread The Name of the Wind more often, I would've been more bothered by First Binding, too. The last time I read The Name of the Wind was in early 2018, I think. The Lonesome Crown was so good and crazy. Fiery Absolution was bonkers! :D
Great content this year Petrik!!! SO grateful for all the work you put in this year! Can't wait for the great content in 2023!!!
Thank you so much for the support this year, Dino!! I'll do my best in 2023, too! :D
@@PetrikLeo Can't wait!!! I'll be supporting!
Cant wait for your completed fantasy series vid mate, keep up the good work and hope you have a great year. Your vids give me a nice bit of chill time during my busy work schedule, so keep posting your awesome vids man :)
Thank you so much!! I will do my best. The plan is to post that updated fav series video this month! 😊
Very much enjoyed your year-ender, thank you for all your good efforts. A minor series I loved reading this year is by Shion Miura, The Easy Life In Kamusari & Kamusari Tales Told at Night, a sort of slice of life amidst a mythical mountain forest. Happy New Year.
Thank you so much, Thomas! I haven't read the series you mentioned, I will have to look into those, too. Happy New Year to you, too! :)
Have you tried any of the wandering inn yet? It's very slice of life/cozy feeling. Love slice of life stuff when I'm not in the mood for anything super serious. Great video brother.
Not yet! But it is on my TBR. I plan to tackle some smaller webnovel like Worm first before reading Wandering Inn! 😁
Got a gift card and eager to buy one of your recommendations! Love your choices! Happy New Year!
Thank you, Marie! I hope you'll love whichever book you decide to get! :)
I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU RANKED IT SEVENTH IT IS THE FIRST BINDING NOT THE SEVENTH BINDING!!!!
There you go, another weird and harsh comment based on a book I haven't read :)
Another excellent video!!! Some incredible books on this list from some great authors. I'm stoked to read Ken Liu next year. My top books this year were The Lost Metal, Dragon Mage and Malice.
Thank you so much, Joshua! That comment genuinely made me laugh hahahahaa! xD
Super glad I got to read sons of darkness before everything went down, I didn't love it, but it was unique enough to keep me wanting to continue the series.
Yeahhh! I hope things will be better for Sons of Darkness and the author! :D
I’m surprised by some of your choices but I trust you and now I have to add more to my TBR!
Oops. I hope you'll love them, whichever books they are! 😂
The only ones I’ve read here are Swan Song and the War for the Rose Throne books. I agree they’re amazing!
Both of them were amazing! glad you loved them, too! :)
My «Personal Enjoyment Reads» List for 2022:
12-«By Force Alone» by Lavie Tidhar
(Loved the Grimdark Prologue with Uther and Merlin, but it would have been better either longer or with a sequel delving into “Guy Ritchie Gangster” Arthur’s Camelot, also Lancelot’s main plot is straight out of Mel Brooks: Very funny, but a bit off from the Grimdark opening. Predator-reference had me ROFL)
11-«The Hood» by Lavie Tidhar
(Much more evenly balanced: «Breaking Bad» Rebecca of York/Robin Hood meets «Heart of Darkness»/«Apocalypse Now»)
10-«The Broken Sword» by Poul Anderson (A S&S Classic: Anderson effortlessly changes between huge laughs, epic fight and deep tragedy. Vikings meets Myth(s))
9-«Beowulf» (JRR Tolkien’s interpretation: A Literary Classic for a reason + excellent commentary from the Professor Himself!)
8-«Storm of Swords» by Matthew Harffy (The «Bernicia Chronicles» is my «palett cleanser» book series: While this is essentially Anglo-Saxon «Taken», the characters have grown on me and loved the «Ship Wrecker»-«sidequest»)
7-«Snakewood» by Adrian Selby (While the structure of the story is not the most welcoming, there is great action, diplomacy and heartfelt laughs and tragedy)
6-«Legend» by David Gemmell
(While a bit generic in World Building, I definitely got great action and a incredible positive surprise in the immense humanity in Gemmell’s writing, even to what could easily have been stock side characters and antagonists!)
5-«Hunger of the Gods» by John Gwynne (I liked the expansion of the World presented in the first book and found Guthvar a delightful pov-antagonist I loved to hate in the vein of “Blackadder”: A grandiose opportunistic coward!)
4-«Banner Saga: Gift of Hadrborg»/«Tales from the Caravan» (especially the short stories «Haugr’s Grin» & «Too Much Rope») (GoH: Vikings+Gang Wars+A dash of Indiana Jones: Neat!/TotC: Great action, great tragedy!)
3-«The Severing Son» by Vaughn Roycroft (Great Culture Building, Loved the characters, especially the leaders: The dynamic between adopted brothers Captain Urias and Lord Thadmeir of great trust even in (often) disagreement, the dastardly Desdrusan and cunning Keisella!)
2-«Finn and Hengist» (JRR Tolkien’s interpretation)
(While incredibly short, it contains rivalries, dilemmas and tragedies worthy of a full Greek Drama or Norse Saga! Great scholarly work by the Professor, on a part of history/myth unfairly often overlooked!)!
1-«Sarantine Mosaic: Sailing to Sarantium» by Gay Gavriel Kay (The Prose, The Characters, The Setting, The World Building: GGK is one of the best writers of today! The Prologue and the Epilogue is both top notch!)
I haven't read most of the books you mentioned! Thanks for mentioning briefly why you love each and every one of them, too. I look forward to reading The Severing Son in 2023! :)
Thank you for all the literary motivation fot this year! So excited to start "The Dandelion Dynasty"! For me this was the Octavia E. Butler year, both "Parable of Sower" and "Parable of Talents" are my best books of the year. "Kindred" by the same author and "Babel" by R. F. Kuang are on my top 3 books ot the year. After "Earthseed", "The Poppy War" is my favorite series so far in my 2 years of SFF reading. Have a happy New Year Petrik!
You're welcome, and thank you for watching! Those are great picks for favorites. It's unfortunate I haven't read the second book in Earthseed duology yet. I have to reread Kindred, too! Have a Happy New Year!! :D
Great review and summary of these great 📚
Thank you, Meeki!! 😁
I’ve only read Ken Liu’s 2 collections but I’m so excited for dandelion dynasty next year. Paper menagerie and other stories it my best book of the year essentially tied with Fools Assassin, so hard to choose between them.
That's how I started with Ken Liu's books, too. The Paper Menagerie is the best short story I've read, and I'm happy to include Dandelion Dynasty in my list of favorites, too. I hope it will be the same case for you! :)
I'll admit, I expected Babel higher on your list. I'm so happy you loved Dandelion Dynasty. Next year I want to read Illborn
It was a hard decision putting Babel there, but can't help it, I found many awesome books in the second half of this year! :D
@@PetrikLeo fair! I think it's just a testament to what a great reading year you had. Hope you are having a good holiday season
@@TheShadesofOrange you too!! 😊
Thanks for introducing me to The First Binding by R.R. Virdi - it was one of my top books of the year! I can see where it's very similar to kingkiller, but I'm more impressed with the depths of the framing narrative, and I feel like the voice of an older narrator comes through very well. Have you heard how long we'll all have to wait for the sequal?
Ah, you're welcome, John! I'm happy to hear that. The sequel will be out next October! Unless something changed in the future, of course! :)
Half way through with Jade Legacy now. Wish I could hop on Dandelion Dynasty but I’ve already got too much to read for next year. Gonna try to support a lot of indie authors in 2023.
And lmao, people really got so mad about your First Binding review? Probably a bunch of KKC stans 😂 we’re a devoted fan base but some of us are downright crazy. Lots of books take heavy inspiration from their predecessors. Even the Poppy War straight up took Kvothe and Elodin’s relationship and that only made the book better.
But I think the book I look forward to most next year is Sword of Kaigen. I’ll share my thoughts in Discord once I’m done, I just have to finish a few books beforehand
Understandable! And yeah, it's definitely KKC stans. I mean, I LOVEEE KKC, too. But harassing other authors and readers doesn't help Doors of Stone appear soon. If I'm not mistaken, I heard KKC took its naming from Earthsea Cycle, too!
I am new to the fantasy world, but I think your channel is the best on youtube and your reviews on goodreads are among the best I've ever read, and your knowledge about fantasy is incomparable.
I liked your video about series to read if you liked Faithful and the Fallen .... I wish we get One for ASOIAF.
And Also If there is a novel or a Serie which has mysteries like Attack on Titan and One Piece.
BTW, you're reading a lot of manga and I've never seen you speaking about AoT, I love to read your opinion about it.
Thank you so much! That's very kind of you! I still have plenty to learn, and I will keep improving myself.
I will make sure to do more "If you like this, read this" series next year. Definitely one for A Song of Ice and Fire, too.
I LOVE manga. I've been reading manga since I was a kid and I still do it to this day. I just rarely talk about them on my channel because it's focused on fantasy novels. Attack on Titan is another one of my favorites, I think I have a video talking about it with another youtuber here! :)
@@PetrikLeo Thanks for your reply Petrik, I will definetly check it.
I don't think your video is late. To me, it makes sense to read until we ring in the New Year then decide which books were the best reads for us.
I think peer pressure got to me hahaha. Many booktubers I followed have posted their best books of 2022 at least a week earlier than me.
@@PetrikLeo haha yes that's the trend. Don't feel guilty though! Nothing wrong with doing your own thing. I'm re-reading Wheel of Time...starting A Crown of Swords (book 7) soon. I def agree Lord of Chaos is my fav so far too.
War for the rose throne was also a top series from this past year. It has a lot of unique aspects you don’t see much like PTSD and the strong emphasis on leadwrship and his Thomas is is a leader. With its own twists and turns, it’s very good and original.
Tomas Piety is one of the most memorable protagonists I've read. His distinct narration is just... unforgettable. And yeah, the theme of leadership and greed was executed magnificently! :)
I just finished readin The Age of Madness trilogy on audiobookm, I will consider this as 1 book. Best I read in 22. Narrator is world class as well as the books
Age of Madness trilogy is damn good. Wisdom of Crowds is Abercrombie's best work just like Last Argument of Kings, imo! :)
Here’s mine:
1. The Wall of Storms
2. Words of Radiance
3. Children of Time
4. Jade Legacy
5. Empire of the Vampire.
The Wall of Storms is also my book of the year!
HECK YEAHHH! :D
You've already gotten me going on Dandelion Dynasty, so thanks. I'm so sorry that you've experienced anxiety over ANY book review. That's just plain wrong and backward to how it should be. You should always be commended, as your honesty and integrity, as well as your insight, are a part of the invaluable service you provide to readers. Thanks for that.
Thank you so much, Vaughn! I'm usually pretty strong mentally. I'm happy to say after reviewing books for years, it is not easy for comments to faze my mind now. But yeah, First Binding is a bit difficult. Every comment or message I receive regarding that book is either super positive of my review (but by saying those who dislike the books are stupid, and I disagree with this) or just outright so hateful. xD
Ouch, my overwhelmed, straining TBR list!
Hahaha! I know the struggle! 😂
Great video Petrik! I was on the fence about getting into Michael J. Sullivan - one of those authors that sounds like he might be up my alley, yet I was uncertain - but you've sold me with your words about his writing over time!
Thank you so much! Your books sounds pretty awesome, too. I love the mammoth in the cover art! 😁
@@PetrikLeo thank you! Your TBR is long, of course, and I know you have your priorities. However, if you'd ever like copies gifted to you, it'd be my pleasure. No worries if you don't - if they're not your thing! I'll always be a fan of your channel! Keep making great content!
@@thedrownedkingdomsaga7847 it would be my pleasure to receive your books. Just a word of caution that I can't promise when I'll get to them! I will showcase them on my book haul video first, though, at list. If that's alright with you, feel free to chat me on Twitter or email! 😁
@@PetrikLeo that is very kind of you to feature them in your book haul! Even if you never get to read them, I truly appreciate the gesture! I'll try you on Dms or email! Thanks so much for being wonderful!
Great list! Thankfully you didn't increase my TBR....at least not this time.
My favorite read of the year is a toss up between Ruin by John Gwynne and The Forgetting Moon by Brian Lee Durfee.
Thank you, Matt! Hahaha dammit. Not an increase in TBR!? Unacceptable! :p
I'll pick Ruin if given the dilemma, but The Forgetting Moon is pretty good, too!
@@PetrikLeo most of what you mentioned was already on my TBR. I guess you'll have to try harder 😉
I look forward to your thoughts on what you read in the coming year.
I swear every time you talk about the echoes saga you make me want to drop everything and read it lol.
Yaaaas so happy Age of War made your list.
Dang that sucks that comments on your first binding review started to give you anxiety. I’m sorry that happened to you, people on the internet can be so wild sometimes.
Ok ok you’ve convinced me to try the dandelion dynasty. Are you satisfied? 🤣
I finished Echoes Saga and it is a satisfying conclusion! Worth a read for sure.
Haha, it's okay. I have a thick skin, it's just for this book, every comment is just constant anger instead of a polite discussion. 😅
I hope you'll love The Dandelion Dynasty! 😁
@@PetrikLeo oooh love hearing when the ending is worth the journey.
Yeah people are wild sometimes. For me the only video I’ve ever gotten critiques (or rudeness on) is my Babel review because I didn’t love it 💀🤣
I own The Grace of Kings now so…thanks I suppose? 💀🤣
This books look amazing.
I've read alot of Cosmere, Some Wheel of Time and I had re-read Asoiaf. 🙏
Thank you so much! Still many amazing books beyond the three series you mentioned! :)
@@PetrikLeo Yeah, I know. 🙏
Im planning to read Abercrombie and Rothfuss in 2023. 🙏🙏🙏
Always good books recommendation from you Petrik! Happy New Year and thank you once again for the effort by making all the videos!
Thank you so much!! I'll do my best to post one more video before the year ends, if not, then see you again in January! :D
The Wall Of Storms is also my fav book of the year!! just a masterpiece 😍😍
Great minds think alike!! 😊🤩
Great list Petrik!
Thank you!! 😁
11:30 lol exactly - I was more shocked that a WoT book made the list at all!
I'm still shocked myself. 😂😂
The First Binding has been a whole controversy. It reminds me a lot of The Eye of the World in its comparisons, and when I'm comparing a modern fantasy book to the first WoT book then you really shouldn't be that worried.
Still glad you loved that book!
Thank you, Dwayne! That's a great comparison, imo. the first time I read Eye of the World, it felt to me like it is almost a complete copy of Lord of the Rings. But the second book and beyond the series started to become its own thing. I hope that will be the case for The First Binding, too! :)
Here I come to stroke your ego :P
Most favorite fantasies this year: (you'll be shocked) The Justice of Kings and The Helm of Midnight; my bang to end the year is Dreams of the Dying and I have a very good feeling it will join the other two...holy shit that's good stuff. I'm fascinated and terrified at the same time because Nicolas has been very very quiet all year, so there's not even a tentative date for the sequel. This worries me greatly. But! be proud that you played a huge part in my choosing all three of these amazing reads. Thanks, P.
Favorite YA: The Year of the Plague, Strands of Bronze and Gold and The Kingdom of Little Wounds, a syphilitic fairy tale that doesn't read at all like YA: it's gory, perverted, dark and so so disgusting, but brilliant.
Happy New Year, P. Based on your choice of series for next year I have a feeling 2023 will beeven better than 2022.
Oh yesss. Thank you for stroking my ego. xD
Seriously, though, glad you loved The Justice of Kings and The Helm of Midnight. Dreams of the Dying is another one of my favorites. The exploration on mental health and the characterizations in that book is superb, imo. I loved the Polynesian setting, too! Regarding the second book, Nicolas Lietzau has mentioned to me it is very likely the sequel will be out in 2023. Both Dreams of the Dying and the sequel has a self-contained story, though. So no worries about cliffhanger! :D
@@PetrikLeo did Nicolas mention how far into 2023 will it be out? I kind of knew DotD was going to be a self contained story, I'm drooling in anticipation for the cover and I really want The Cure for Living to be as long (if not longer) than the first one. I want to finish it before the 1st so it's my last book of the year. It's one of the most interesting and fascinating books I've ever read.
Loved? I'm OBSESSED with TJoK. I love it so much it's sick.
@@cilliansands6166 I think he said sometime around August-October 2023. Fingers crossed! I will read Tyranny of Faith next month! 😊
@@PetrikLeo So am I, P. But I will reread TJoK just because I want to savor it again. Not that I need a recap because that book is seared in my brain, but if I marathon TJoK and TToF I would be reading the first book twice this year.
My top 10:
1 - Nevernight (Jay Kristoff)
2 - Saint’s Blood (Sebastian de Castell)
3 - Fairy Tale (Stephen King)
4 - Fire & Blood (George R R Martin)
5 - Last Argument of Kings (Joe Abercrombie)
6 - Jade Legacy (Fonda Lee)
7 - Priest of Crowns (Peter McLean)
8 - The Shadow of the Gods (John Gwynne)
9 - Pennyblade (J L Worrad)
10 - The Justice of Kings (Richard Swan)
My 2 runners-up are The Ember Blade (Chris Wooding) and The Hellborn King (Christopher G Brenning). Swan Song is my #1 of my rereads. And this is the second year in a row that a Jay Kristoff book occupies the #1 spot in my top 10.
Wonderful list! I haven't read Fairy Tale, The Hellborn King, and Pennyblade yet, but I loved all the other books you mentioned, Michael! :)
@@PetrikLeo Thanks Petrik! I've added quite a number of books to my TBR because of your videos.
My best 2022 book gotta be Demon in White by Christopher Rucchio. In fact the whole series is the best thing I've read this year. It was thanks to this channel that I stumbled upon such a gem!
I still have to read that series, anis! And I certainly will in 2023! :D
@@PetrikLeo i am planning to read Dandelion Dynasty in 2023 after hearing such high praises from you!
Here's my list
1. Dolores Claiborne by Stephen king
2.the great peace by mena suvari her memoir
3. Billy summers by Stephen king
4. Not my father son by Alan Cumming his first memoir
5. They never learn by Layne Fargo
6. The heart principle by helen Huang
7. The cactus by Sarah Haywood
8. The charm offensive by allison Cochrane
9. King of battle and blood by scarlett st claire
10. Iron widow
11. Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey his memoir
12. The dead zone by Stephen king
13. In five years by rebecca serle
14. The gilded cage by lynette nomi
15 revival by Stephen king
Great to see your list! I haven' read any of the books you mentioned... xD
@@PetrikLeo you definitely should give revival and billy summers a try they are really great
Awesome list
Thank you so much, Danel!! 😁
Best books I read this year were The Hunger of the Gods, Jade Legacy, Boy's Life and The Justice of Kings. I've also got to include Stephen King's masterpiece It on the list, even though it shouldn't really count as it was my 4th re-read.
Ohhh yesss I LOVE your picks. Jade Legacy was my favorite book of 2021! I loved Boy's Life and The Justice of Kings, too!! 😊
TH-cam unsubbed me from the channel again T^T
However, i now have more books on my TBR after this, so... silver linings?
Yikes! Why TH-cam do that!? 😅 Thanks for watching and subscribing again! 😊
So The First Binding was a book I read that I thought was better than in the Name of the Wind, so I don't care what the Rothfuss Fans think, don't let negative people change your views,I've read both, it was just done better and at least I won't have to wait a bunch of years to get booked 2 or 3,Sons of Darkness awesome book I read on your recommendation is probably in my top five, I completely agree with you on Swan Song by Robert McCammon way better than The Stand and definitely better more satisfying ending haven't read it in years but I remember it, I commend you for even being able to figure out your top 15 books especially after reading so many, I think my top book of the year with everything included as far as pace of the book characterization, action and Dark Worlds,would probably be Empire of a the Vampire by Jay Kristoff, there was something about the flow of this book,In 800pgs it's hard to keep interest of a reader but this book from start to finish was action-packed the World building was dark and the characters were even darker I loved everything about it but I've read so many books this year that's one of many great ones another great video keep up the great content........and 1 more thing,Hunger of the Gods,John Gynne weakest book very surprising hearing that from you I would love to talk to you about why just to hear your opinion have a happy New Year
Thank you so much! I won't change my mind. I love The Kingkiller Chronicle, but I like The First Binding, too. Hey, at the very least we'll get an ending to this series hahaha. Glad you loved Sons of Darkness, and that you agree with my thoughts on swan Song!
It was a hard pick, tbh. I wanted to include more but oh well! xD
I enjoyed Empire of the Vampire, too, but I struggled with the first half of it. I REALLY enjoyed the second half of Empire of the Vampire, though. As for The Hunger of the Gods, I've talked about it in detail in my review on the channel! check it out! :D
@@PetrikLeo I will look at your review for Hunger of the Gods that's a little older material that I haven't watched yet I'll check it out man thanks I love your opinion on everything whether I like it or not we all have different opinions but I have gotten so many great book recommendations from you that have been just excellent, oh yeah I picked up The Sword of Kaigen yesterday for 99 cents for e book another book I purchased on your recommendation and I picked up up on deal
Yaaaay Michael J.Sullivan made your list 😍😍😍😍
This made my day 😂
Of course!! :D
great video and love the unpopular opinions
Thank you so much, Nate. 🙂
So many good recommendations.
Cheers, Luis! 😁
I guess I'll have to fix that as soon as possible!
(Having not read Ken Liu)
YES YOU SHOULD! :)
Nice choices!
Thank you, Dyrk!! :)
Lord of chaos is as far as I've gotten in wheel of time, which I loved. I'll grt to finish it eventually. Maybe 2025, as next year is PACKED
Lord of Chaos was awesome. I was going to read the seventh book this month, but life got so busy I have to postpone it! xD
Can The Exile be read as a standalone book? i.e. without any background on the series?
I don't think so. Technically you can, but I think at least familiarity with the world is required for it to be enjoyed to the fullest!
Is the hunger of the gods and that series completely separate from the banished lands stuff or is it related
Totally separated! They're unrelated to each other. Different characters, plot, and world! :)
For me Babel is the best book I read this year and I hoped it would be higher on your list. It might have hit harder for me though as I am from one of the countries colonized by the British Empire and the themes of colonialism explored in the book resonated with me.
It's still in the top 10 list, which is pretty good, though! I've read many awesome books this year! I'm glad it resonated highly with you. :)
The best books I read this year are probably Curse of the Mistwraith and Shadow of The Gods.
I might have included The Forgetting Moon but there's no way I will finish it before the end of the week. The first third is really good.
I will be reading Curse of the Mistwraith in 2023. Great to hear it's one of your favorites this year! If you love The Forgetting Moon already, you will love The Blackest Heart even more! :)
yess coffe and calmness!
*sips coffee*
Just waiting for Sons of Darkness to become available (not scalper prices).
I'm sure it will be available again this year! :)
My top 10 this year are:
1. The Hunger of the Gods
2. Gardens of the Moon
3. Project Hail Mary
4. The Gathering Storm
5. A Memory of Light
6. The Shadow of the Gods
7. Memories of Ice
8. The Forgetting Moon
9. Warbreaker
10. A Time of Dread
I think The Hunger of the Gods is one of the only books so far that I disagree with you about. Imo it’s the best John Gwynne book out there, and one of my favorite books of all time. 6/5 stars
We certainly have to disagree on that, but I'm pleased you loved it! And hey, I haven't read The Gathering Storm and A Memory of Light yet, but I love all the other books you listed there! :)
@@PetrikLeo if you make it though the WoT slog, you will not be disappointed with 11,12, and 14 (I didn’t like 13 very much). My least favorite John Gwynne book has to be A Time of Blood FYI.
I wish I could buy Sons of Darkness. It hasn’t been available on Amazon for weeks now😢
Yeah... i hope the situation will be remedied soon! 😅
I honestly think that Studio Ghibli should pick up Legends and Lattes as their next project.
Oh my god that would be amazing! 🤩
Wwll hwres 15 books to go to my tbr pile
Mwahahaha! Happy to hear that! :D