That cover is so well suited to "We"'s pseudo-mathematical world building. It's interesting that modern urban architecture pioneered by Le Corbusier's is also so pseudo-mathematical and dystopian looking too.
Fun fact: Andrzej Sapkowski introduced me to Joe Abercrombie. Back in 2010, at Comic-Con in Kyiv, Sapkowski urged everyone to pay attention to the name Joe Abercrombie (as well as Patrick Rothfuss). He continued to mention in various interviews that Abercrombie is the best contemporary fantasy author. It was on Sapkowski's recommendation that I started reading Abercrombie, and I’ve never regretted it.
What that’s awesome! I think Joe and Andrzej are very similar in the way they write (how they like to focus not on what separates fantasy but what connects it to all other genres and their bleak atmosphere mixed with humour). I encourage readers of both to read the other. That’s so cool tho! Thanks for sharing 💞
… I can’t believe Jerald is being hate crimed and his identity stolen. Will have to notify him promptly when he arrives. Congrats on being before him finally thi! 😂
Randomly got recommended your recent Witcher videos and I have watched 5 or 6 videos now, so basically keep making commentary videos you have some interesting insights. Also I just started reading Sanderson (on Hero of Ages now) and it was cool seeing the tier list video! Keep up the good work!
I came here via the Witcher videos and stayed because her enthusiasm reminds me of my daughter whenever she finds something that kinda takes over all of her interest. My wife, who is from the Philippines (I'm in the UK), also enjoys listening to her.
Same! Got hooked on the Witcher and her really open personality, she seems real and not "fake" if you know what i mean in her speech and representation. She just says what the thinks, she curses, she jokes, she makes fun of things, its just so damn refreshing seeing someone that isnt 100% scripted and stuck up and just, real you know?
I really enjoy the enthusiasm you display even when talking about the books you disliked. It really gets me inspired to try and find this passion for books again.
Great video! It's always so fun to see differing opinions of people's reading lists for the year. I also read the Southern Reach series this year, but I absolutely loved it. Ironically, Authority was my favorite of the 4 books (including the just released fourth book, Absolution). I think what frustrates you about the sequels is the exact reason they excel for me: they're strange, horrifying, and borderline absurdist. Can't wait to see what you read in 2025!
Can't believe the worst book is Norwegian Wood. This is one of my all time favourite books. I have 3 sisters and my father died when I was young. I grew up with my grandmother, aunt and in late adolescent my mother. Anyways, always great to listen to your perspectives in books
Your passion for the literary space (and such a broad range, too!) is truly infectious and inspiring. My TBR (that being books that I _already own_ ) is comically long, despite the fact that I'm working through it regularly. But your passion here makes me eager to dive right back into it. And thank you so much for a video like this, because I'm adding Joe Abercrombie (Age of Madness Book 1, and a preorder for The Devils) into my owned TBR as I write this. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts on all these books with the world, and good luck with all your endeavors. 🙏 I'm SO tuned in.
I love the awards idea!!! I found this part even more enjoyable than your Top 5 haha. But the whole video was very well crafted and your reviews were very interesting and poignant, while not spoiling at all.
Thank You for recommending Cormac McCarthy, terrific writer. I love “No country for old man”, I was dissapointed with “The Road”, but I can understand for what and why people praise that book so much.
I really like how you are reading a wide variety of books and classics, and not just the modern trends and releases. Whether or not your popularity is because of that, please keep doing it. It makes us all know and realize you are reading what you want and not for clicks and likes. Dude-bro fiction 4-Eva! Satire!
Happy new year Wera! I must say i cannot wait to see all the new content from you this year and of course huuuuge congratulations on having such sucessful 2024! 🎉
Joe Abercrombie all the way! Based on what you liked this year, I would recommend The Son by Philipp Meyer. It’s a western from a Texan family’s PoV, but you see a lot of native and mexican experiences, and the writing is so good
Another thank You for the recommendations: I will definitely add to my “to read” list more McCarthy, King in Yellow, Abercrombie and Kafka on the Shore.
If there’s one book I think everyone should read this year, it’s keezano’s Your Life Your Game. It beautifully shows how connecting with God and building meaningful relationships can lead to spiritual growth, and success in both your personal and professional life. This book truly changed my life…a must-read. God bless!💟
Interested in hearing your further thoughts on Comarc McCarthy. Completely agree that he's a brilliant writer and The Road will always be one of my all-time favorite books. It always stinks when a creator you really admire turns out to have skeletons in their closet. Keep up the good work! Also, REALLY want to check out The King in Yellow at some point because that was one of the primary inspirations for H.P. Lovecraft's work.
Really interesting to see what won your awards (I like 'most thought provoking' as a category) and see the top 5. It's a wide range of genres. Even though you said you enjoyed them at the time, it's good to know that Funny Story and The King in Yellow stuck with you enough to make the top 3. No surprise about number 1. I'm sure Joe will be happy walking away with two inaugural Weras for his mantelpiece. Of the 4 I haven't read, my library has Transcendent Kingdom and White Nights, so I hope to try them. I can't disagree with Farseer and I'm glad I checked out early with Southern Reach. Norwegian Wood by Lars Mytting sounds like a much better book than Murakami's. Hopefully 2025 will be as good, if not better!
Reading Stephen King during a lightning storm? That’s perfect! I do want to read his works, I’m thinking Misery is top on my list. Joe Abercrombie as well.. love your videos! 🎉🎉
Awesome video. Pet Sematary was also in my top 5 books of the year! And I’ll be starting Joe Abercrombie and The First Law for the first time this year. Excited to get into it!
I remember reading The King in Yellow. I remember the last stories being so different from the first ones, it changes from horror to living a bohemian life in France. But the first stories are awesome.
Giving Joe Abercrombie's The Age of Madness Trilogy a try with the first book, "A Little Hatred", I have a bunch of Audible credits to burn, and these are nice 20+ hour listens to get me through my training runs, thanks!
I read the first two books of the Far Seer Trilogy and I even went on forums to try and talk to fans of the book and figure out how ANYONE could like those books. It was mostly older women saying, "Fitz is just so clueless." So they had pity for him. But as a Main Character, he does nothing. And every time Robin Hobb wants sympathy for him, she kills a dog.
Hi, new to the channel and really enjoy it. I would love to watch your comments about some Lovecraft short stories like "Dagon", "The Hound" or "The Outsider". (For me and this is one of those unpopular opinions "The Call of Cthulhu" is overrated, but its just me) Hope to watch more content form you, Happey new year, and cheers from México. Saludos!
Thank you for the donation! I actually haven’t read any Lovecraft besides the Call of Cthulhu and didn’t love it but it is very reassuring that he has other stuff that’s great. I’m gonna try to dive into him during this spooky szn!
Can’t believe The Bee Sting got best characters over Mr. Beasts “The Beasting.” I thought Mr. Beasts subtle self-insert character, “The Beast” was incredibly nuanced and thought provoking. Maybe next year 😞 Happy new year! : )
I love how youre not afraid to call out popular books and their bullshit! Although i do heartily disagree with you and your opinions on the Southern Reach trilogy, I love your passion and bravery on these topics!
Great list! A nice balance of contemporary and classic reads. A King in Yellow has that reputation of getting people to obsesse over it and try to excavate it's secrets, so it's not surprising that you had to hunt down and read it's influences. I've read all of the first law except the final trilogy but the way people talk about it, it needs to be a priority fantasy read for me in 2025. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Happy new year! Of these I've read: - Pet Sematary: I enjoyed it a lot. I like how the big thing only happens so late and you spend the first half just following the lives of the family. And there's a part where the family is all happy and you're told by the narration "Little did he know that [the big thing] would happen soon" - I think this made that thing even stronger. - Funny Story: I liked it when I read it but it's not aging too well in my mind. I think People We Meet on Vacation was the superior book. I should advance on the First Law some day. Only read the first trilogy.
I love Savine as well, definitely my favorite character of the new trilogy. I'm glad you loved the character as well. Seems like a lot of people don't "get" her and end up hating her guts. But I quite like her, even though Orso and Rikki are more easy to like.
This is an excellent channel. Just discovered it yesterday when looking for Blood Meridian reviews. I've added lots of your recommendations to my tbr list. Cheers for that. Greetings from Ireland.
I am always happy to hear someone who doesn't like Murakami😅I read 1Q84 this year and it has the same problems as Norwegian Wood. This author gets too much praise. And, as you enjoy White Nights I definitely recommend Devils and The Brothers Karamazov!
Read through all the first law series the past few months, so glad more people are loving Age of Madness. My all time favorite is The Heroes but the end of WoC was so good.
I wouldn't put to much stock in the whole Cormac controversy. The whole article reeks of 'citation needed'. In fact, there is a new disclaimer on said article saying as such.
When are you gonna do a full review of wind and truth, I want to hear more of your thoughts on why you didn’t like some of the other parts in it Oh and would recommend, if you’re into horror, Stephen king! I would recommend reading night shift for starters, an anthology of short stories that are absolutely crazyy, that’s all! Love the videos :)
i'll be doing one with Jake from Nerd Level Rising I think (that is the plan atm). watch his channel for what that goes live or keep an eye on my community tab bc i always post my collabs there!
So, if you don't have that much time to read a physical book, do audiobooks count as 'books read throughout the year'? What is the people's take on this? I listened to a bunch at work, but it doesn't feel as though I think about what I 'read' as much as when it's words on a page... Which is why I tend to get most of the personally interesting materials for Kindle or hardback if I want to have it as part of my collection. Then I can think, theorize and actually reference certain parts of the book. Speaking of Abercrombie... Ah, I miss Glokta.
Great picks! I knew Crowds was going to be your number 1! Here's mine: Best characters: Ship of Magic - Robin Hobb Best Tone: To Kill A Mockingbird- Harper Lee Most thought-provoking: Howling Dark - Christopher Ruocchio Biggest surprise: Recursion - Blake Crouch Biggest disappointment: A Time of Blood - John Gwynne Top 5 books of 2024: 1. Sword of Kaigen 2. Assassin's Quest 3. Howling Dark 4. Wrath 5. To Kill A Mockingbird
Great picks Kal! Tho I don’t understand why Recursion is a surpriseeeee….. suuuurely you know that if I recommend it it’s gonna be a hit???? What were ur thoughts on Wind and Truth?
@valliyarnl I knew I would like Recursion but I didn't know how much I would absolutely love it! And I unfortunately haven't read Wind and Truth yet. Some life things happened, I picked up some new hobbies, and I lost a book in a hotel room lol, and it's slowed down my reading. I'm trying to get back in the swing of things and I'm currently avoiding all opinions on WaT. That's why I haven't watched your Cosmere ranking video yet. I'll let you know as soon as I've finished it!
I cant wait for you to read The Crossing by McCarthy. It might be my 2nd fav after Blood Meridian. Its amazing. Im starting the year off with The Road, which mighy seem like a weird one for first book of the year. Yeah it is but its been calling to me lately.
Relatively new to this channel but man you have inspired me to read , I’ve started reading Moby dick recently and also finally picked up the witcher novels. Looking forward to your new content this year.
Great video Wera! That is such a interesting cover of We. I read that back in 2022 and think it should get mentioned more with the likes of 1984, Fahrenheit 451 and animal farm. Also we had two of the same book in our top 5 this year!
The cover of WE is a based on a design by Le Corbusier. I also recommend Neal Stephenson ; for example Diamond Age or Anathem. He just published Polostan (Poland?)
Love to see The Dark Forest getting an Award! As a father of 2 I could not agree with you more about The Road and Pet Cematery being must read books for parents. 🙌 I guess I’ll have to read Abercrombie at some point. 😂
I am so happy I found this channel! These reviews are short for the list but so entertaining, this is a great video. 8:00 This is the worst feeling, when you see how great something COULD be! Some questionable and deliberate choices later, and oof, you're might be the Southern Reach series and win the 2024 Wasting Wera's time award 🤣 How dare you Jeff VanderMeer. (Rewatching episode 1 of the Netflix Witcher. I remember thinking, "Wow they might nail this!". . .)
0:15”… I still read 66 books, and I enjoy [most of them]…” so sad OP couldn’t stand my fav Farseer Trilogy … but it’s wonderful to hear from perspectives different from our own 😅
Im not a big reader but I like listening to how passionate you are about them. Plus when you get excited you tilt to your left and your shoulders shuffle, really shows you care!! :) Im here mostly for your Witcher vids as I wanted to hear what the original text was like.
I love the King in Yellow, but I must have read a different version because there was other short stories included. I specifically remember the Demoiselle d'Ys, and The Street of Four Wings.
I listened to The King in Yellow audiobook this year (expertly read by Stefan Rudnicki). The cosmic horror was more fleeting than I'd have preferred, but what else the book had to offer elivated it above my expectation. Not my favorite book this year, but it was good.
May have commented about the series before, but I must recommend the “Iron Druid Chronicles”. It’s so eloquently written. Some of the characters have “Shakespeare Duels”. It has so many mythologies and pantheon, some not talked about enough, especially that of the main character, who is a 2100 year old druid who worships the gods of the old Celtic Mythology. Not my favorite character, but easily the BEST character is the main character’s best friend, the talking dog Oberon. This series actually does well with what you’ve touched upon as a problem in the English translation of “The Witcher” Series. This American based author knows how to do sexual encounters that are power plays! On top of that, every “steamy” moment in the series HAS purpose or at least an explainable reason. Unlike what the old book covers might portray, there actually aren’t that many throughout the LONG series. I think you’ll love the series for its interesting and wide variety of characters, the touching reflections upon the intricacies of life through the eyes of one or many old characters, an eloquently spoken main character who constantly reminds you by that why he’s such a fan of Shakespeare, with the extra flavor of jokes so varied in range you could roll your eyes at one joke and be only the floor crying at how funny the next one is. Oberon himself is one of the funniest characters, as well as quite the philosopher. XD You would NOT regret giving the series a try!
Savine, Savine, Savine! 💜 Three of your five favorites are some of mine as well! I loved the White Nights quotes and will have to pick that up. Great choices, Wera!
I could not agree more with your take on the southern reach trilogy. after the enjoyment i got from reading annihilation, i was so let down by the other books.
Funny, Pet Sematary was probably my biggest disappointment of the year and I absolutely loved the Farseer trilogy and the entire Realm of the Elderlings (on Rain Wilds Chronicle atm). Looking forward to reading some Abercrombie in 2025!
Happy New Year, Wera. And Great video too! Are you planning to read more Stephen King this new year? For me it’s been a while and I’m gonna start this year off with Insomnia, because I heard it’s pretty great. Also I think I’m finally gonna start the first law trilogy after hearing your enthusiastic praise for Abercrombie in this video lol ❤
love the huge array of authors & genres on your list! it’s SO hard for me to stray from my comfort zone of fantasy/horror/sci-fi but i’m trying 😭 ps. pet sematary is the only King book i’ve binged 5/5
I read all of Stormlight last year for the first time so OFC that was my fave, will probably be my fave series for a long time to come 🥹 Journey before destination 🫶🏽
Dostoyevsky Is one of my favorite authors of all time. I've even been studying Russian, so i can hopefully read his work in it's native language one day. I have never heard of White Nights before (facepalm) Thank you so much!
Not all these are fantasy! White nights is a classic that’s really quite short! Also haha studio is saying too much 😂 it’s a corner of my room and I blast light at myself. My mic is literally on top of a pile of books
@valliyarnl haha. just a long novel in general ( and english gets in my way which could be one reason). and the studio does it's job!, but definitely can go for something fancy.
okay i know we are here for the gushing, but salty wera freaking out over southern reach and norwegian wood was peak entertainment 🤣 anywayyy, I am DYING to try some cormac mccarthy after all your gushing!! and age of madness is highest priority for me this year, so get ready for me to join the hype train asap 🤩
i get very passionate haha ... tbh i wonder sometimes if it comes across as inauthentic? idk i dont care about a lot of stuff but the ones i do, i care about A LOT and ... it shows. :) ESMAY I CANT WAIT FOR YOU TO JOIN THE JOE HYPE TRAIN
@valliyarnl okay girl honestly if there is anyone who is the furthest thing from inauthentic, it's you. don't let your brain bully you into thinking that!! AND I AM ALREADY ON THE JOE HYPE TRAIN!!! I have just been putting off Age of Madness because I couldn't stomach the idea of not having any unread Abercrombie left hahahha stupid
The "best cover" book uses the "Modulor" diagram created by french architect Le Corbusier like 100 years ago
Thank you so much!!
That cover is so well suited to "We"'s pseudo-mathematical world building. It's interesting that modern urban architecture pioneered by Le Corbusier's is also so pseudo-mathematical and dystopian looking too.
Was about to say Corbusier when I read this.
There's one thing this cover is missing and it's √-1
Man, your enthusiasm is truly infectious. Way to make people feel inspired to read!
Awwhhh I’m so glad! 🥰
I really like how you express yourself, your facial expressions and gestures really show how passionate you are about these stories.
Wind's howling
Finally! Was getting worried.
@@Jerald_radanian at long last! The world is as it should be!
@valliyarnl funny
@Justjustinp thanks for remembering me
Fun fact: Andrzej Sapkowski introduced me to Joe Abercrombie. Back in 2010, at Comic-Con in Kyiv, Sapkowski urged everyone to pay attention to the name Joe Abercrombie (as well as Patrick Rothfuss). He continued to mention in various interviews that Abercrombie is the best contemporary fantasy author. It was on Sapkowski's recommendation that I started reading Abercrombie, and I’ve never regretted it.
What that’s awesome! I think Joe and Andrzej are very similar in the way they write (how they like to focus not on what separates fantasy but what connects it to all other genres and their bleak atmosphere mixed with humour). I encourage readers of both to read the other. That’s so cool tho!
Thanks for sharing 💞
“Winds howling”
Take that, Jerald 😂
… I can’t believe Jerald is being hate crimed and his identity stolen. Will have to notify him promptly when he arrives.
Congrats on being before him finally thi! 😂
Yen watch out!
@@Jerald_radanianReturn of the king 🫡 👑
@ZerrikanianWiedzimin thanks young apprentice
Randomly got recommended your recent Witcher videos and I have watched 5 or 6 videos now, so basically keep making commentary videos you have some interesting insights. Also I just started reading Sanderson (on Hero of Ages now) and it was cool seeing the tier list video! Keep up the good work!
Oh my god you’re in for a RIDE! Hope you love it ☺️
I came here via the Witcher videos and stayed because her enthusiasm reminds me of my daughter whenever she finds something that kinda takes over all of her interest. My wife, who is from the Philippines (I'm in the UK), also enjoys listening to her.
Same!
Got hooked on the Witcher and her really open personality, she seems real and not "fake" if you know what i mean in her speech and representation.
She just says what the thinks, she curses, she jokes, she makes fun of things, its just so damn refreshing seeing someone that isnt 100% scripted and stuck up and just, real you know?
I really enjoy the enthusiasm you display even when talking about the books you disliked. It really gets me inspired to try and find this passion for books again.
Great video! It's always so fun to see differing opinions of people's reading lists for the year. I also read the Southern Reach series this year, but I absolutely loved it. Ironically, Authority was my favorite of the 4 books (including the just released fourth book, Absolution). I think what frustrates you about the sequels is the exact reason they excel for me: they're strange, horrifying, and borderline absurdist. Can't wait to see what you read in 2025!
This has been my new favorite channel! Thanks Wera (:
Same for me!
same here!!
Awwww thank you guys! 🥹🥹🥹💞
@valliyarnl most welcome my dear! TY!
Tie for best booktube channel with Bookborn😉
Can't believe the worst book is Norwegian Wood. This is one of my all time favourite books. I have 3 sisters and my father died when I was young. I grew up with my grandmother, aunt and in late adolescent my mother. Anyways, always great to listen to your perspectives in books
I love Norwegian Wood also, and pretty much everything by Murakami.
Your passion for the literary space (and such a broad range, too!) is truly infectious and inspiring. My TBR (that being books that I _already own_ ) is comically long, despite the fact that I'm working through it regularly. But your passion here makes me eager to dive right back into it. And thank you so much for a video like this, because I'm adding Joe Abercrombie (Age of Madness Book 1, and a preorder for The Devils) into my owned TBR as I write this. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts on all these books with the world, and good luck with all your endeavors. 🙏 I'm SO tuned in.
Jerald’s absence has not gone unnoticed. How can we allow this?
I’m about to call the FBI that he went missing.
@valliyarnl call the nilfgaardian secret service
@@Fishingrod2538 down with nilfgaard
I love the awards idea!!! I found this part even more enjoyable than your Top 5 haha. But the whole video was very well crafted and your reviews were very interesting and poignant, while not spoiling at all.
Thank you!
Thank You for recommending Cormac McCarthy, terrific writer. I love “No country for old man”, I was dissapointed with “The Road”, but I can understand for what and why people praise that book so much.
Thinking about getting back to the habit of reading books. Glad TH-cam recommended your channel to me.
Glad you’re here! Good luck on ur reading journey 💞
You've convinced me to give Joe Abercrombie a try... Happy New Year!
I really like how you are reading a wide variety of books and classics, and not just the modern trends and releases. Whether or not your popularity is because of that, please keep doing it. It makes us all know and realize you are reading what you want and not for clicks and likes.
Dude-bro fiction 4-Eva!
Satire!
This was really fun! I’m excited for what you’ve got coming in 2025.
Thank you!
Glad you found Cormac McCarthy!
Happy new year Wera! I must say i cannot wait to see all the new content from you this year and of course huuuuge congratulations on having such sucessful 2024! 🎉
Thank you so much for your support! Definitely more to come ☺️
Joe Abercrombie all the way!
Based on what you liked this year, I would recommend The Son by Philipp Meyer. It’s a western from a Texan family’s PoV, but you see a lot of native and mexican experiences, and the writing is so good
Another thank You for the recommendations: I will definitely add to my “to read” list more McCarthy, King in Yellow, Abercrombie and Kafka on the Shore.
I love listening to her talk
🥹
Thank you
If there’s one book I think everyone should read this year, it’s keezano’s Your Life Your Game. It beautifully shows how connecting with God and building meaningful relationships can lead to spiritual growth, and success in both your personal and professional life. This book truly changed my life…a must-read. God bless!💟
amazing book f sure
What a year King in Yellow and Cloud Atlas?!! Cmon now!! Fantastic!
Thanks John!
Even if i'm not a reader (yet), i still enjoy to watch your video !!! Thank you for that !!
Love these categories for honorable mentions!
Interested in hearing your further thoughts on Comarc McCarthy. Completely agree that he's a brilliant writer and The Road will always be one of my all-time favorite books. It always stinks when a creator you really admire turns out to have skeletons in their closet. Keep up the good work!
Also, REALLY want to check out The King in Yellow at some point because that was one of the primary inspirations for H.P. Lovecraft's work.
Really interesting to see what won your awards (I like 'most thought provoking' as a category) and see the top 5. It's a wide range of genres. Even though you said you enjoyed them at the time, it's good to know that Funny Story and The King in Yellow stuck with you enough to make the top 3. No surprise about number 1. I'm sure Joe will be happy walking away with two inaugural Weras for his mantelpiece. Of the 4 I haven't read, my library has Transcendent Kingdom and White Nights, so I hope to try them. I can't disagree with Farseer and I'm glad I checked out early with Southern Reach. Norwegian Wood by Lars Mytting sounds like a much better book than Murakami's. Hopefully 2025 will be as good, if not better!
Reading Stephen King during a lightning storm? That’s perfect! I do want to read his works, I’m thinking Misery is top on my list. Joe Abercrombie as well.. love your videos! 🎉🎉
Yes Steve! Misery is amazing! Happy new year! Hope you and your mom are doing well!
Doing great thanks! Happy New Year to you! And to you Maya!
Is it Maya? Or Maja?
11:16 the most iconic moment of pure enjoyment and demand i've ever experienced. Thank you for that :)
Aww thanks 🥰
Awesome video. Pet Sematary was also in my top 5 books of the year! And I’ll be starting Joe Abercrombie and The First Law for the first time this year. Excited to get into it!
CANT WAIT TO HEAR UR THOUGHTS
@ If the high opinions of many of the booktubers I enjoy, such as yourself, tell me anything, I’m sure my opinions will be high as well.
I remember reading The King in Yellow. I remember the last stories being so different from the first ones, it changes from horror to living a bohemian life in France. But the first stories are awesome.
Giving Joe Abercrombie's The Age of Madness Trilogy a try with the first book, "A Little Hatred", I have a bunch of Audible credits to burn, and these are nice 20+ hour listens to get me through my training runs, thanks!
Yes yes yes! Steven Oaceys narration totally elevated it even more!
Have you read the new Witcher book? Its not in English yet, but I know you can read it in Polish.
I’m one chapter in! Humour is great as always
I read the first two books of the Far Seer Trilogy and I even went on forums to try and talk to fans of the book and figure out how ANYONE could like those books.
It was mostly older women saying, "Fitz is just so clueless." So they had pity for him.
But as a Main Character, he does nothing. And every time Robin Hobb wants sympathy for him, she kills a dog.
Where's Jerald?
Gone with the wind??
@meltemithewind 😂 wind howled too much?!?!
@marshalleigh1911 I’m wondering that myself … 👀
@valliyarnl maybe it's just a calm day for once and the winds are settled?
@valliyarnl Could be a New Years resolution keeping him away from his meteorology... Or he's on holiday 😂
Weersy mate, this is such a good format!!!!!!!!!!! Excellent best of, bloody 10/10.
Thank you!!! 👊🏻👊🏻
Hi, new to the channel and really enjoy it. I would love to watch your comments about some Lovecraft short stories like "Dagon", "The Hound" or "The Outsider". (For me and this is one of those unpopular opinions "The Call of Cthulhu" is overrated, but its just me) Hope to watch more content form you, Happey new year, and cheers from México. Saludos!
Thank you for the donation! I actually haven’t read any Lovecraft besides the Call of Cthulhu and didn’t love it but it is very reassuring that he has other stuff that’s great. I’m gonna try to dive into him during this spooky szn!
I like most Lovecraft stories less in execution than in concept. There are some gems, such as Color Out of Space, which is genuinely creepy.
I have never read White Nights, but his Crime and Punishment is one of my favorites.
I have to retry it! I think I was too young when I read it
@valliyarnl Notes From Underground is another fantastic novella from him.
White Nights? Yes Twin!
And then The Dark Forest!? 😋
Assassins Apprentice... 😐
Joe Abercrombie... We Back. We Back.
Hahaha this thread has been an emotional journey I see 😅
I've been wanting to try something by Joe Abercrombie this year, but your enthusiasm on his work made me even more excited to pick something up by him
Loved how you organized this! I will need to read Funny Story!
Please do! It’s so good!
Can’t believe The Bee Sting got best characters over Mr. Beasts “The Beasting.” I thought Mr. Beasts subtle self-insert character, “The Beast” was incredibly nuanced and thought provoking. Maybe next year 😞
Happy new year! : )
Reed. I would like this comment, but my reviewer integrity forbids me to.
(Joke)
thanks for watching and happy new year mate!
I love how youre not afraid to call out popular books and their bullshit! Although i do heartily disagree with you and your opinions on the Southern Reach trilogy, I love your passion and bravery on these topics!
Great list! A nice balance of contemporary and classic reads. A King in Yellow has that reputation of getting people to obsesse over it and try to excavate it's secrets, so it's not surprising that you had to hunt down and read it's influences. I've read all of the first law except the final trilogy but the way people talk about it, it needs to be a priority fantasy read for me in 2025.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
That’s a great parallel! I felt like Johnny from House of Leaves!
Love that you made a biggest waste of time category. Might not agree with ya on the choice, but I respect the spice!
Happy new year! Of these I've read:
- Pet Sematary: I enjoyed it a lot. I like how the big thing only happens so late and you spend the first half just following the lives of the family. And there's a part where the family is all happy and you're told by the narration "Little did he know that [the big thing] would happen soon" - I think this made that thing even stronger.
- Funny Story: I liked it when I read it but it's not aging too well in my mind. I think People We Meet on Vacation was the superior book.
I should advance on the First Law some day. Only read the first trilogy.
Please please please read the rest of first law! People we Meet on Vacstion is my second fave from her. Thank u for supporting me so long Rafael 🤍
I love Savine as well, definitely my favorite character of the new trilogy. I'm glad you loved the character as well.
Seems like a lot of people don't "get" her and end up hating her guts. But I quite like her, even though Orso and Rikki are more easy to like.
Definitely
This is an excellent channel. Just discovered it yesterday when looking for Blood Meridian reviews. I've added lots of your recommendations to my tbr list. Cheers for that. Greetings from Ireland.
Thank you! I hope you liked this video. Blood Meridian is great. I’m sure you’ll get lots out of it! Happy new year
Great list! Glad you like McCarthy and Abercrombie!
I am always happy to hear someone who doesn't like Murakami😅I read 1Q84 this year and it has the same problems as Norwegian Wood. This author gets too much praise. And, as you enjoy White Nights I definitely recommend Devils and The Brothers Karamazov!
Yesss Devils and more Dostoevsky definitely on the reading list for this year
Great list. I was always suspicious about how much the Annihilation sequels get ignored i assumed first one was the only good one.
Not to be a hater but oh boy u have no idea
Read through all the first law series the past few months, so glad more people are loving Age of Madness. My all time favorite is The Heroes but the end of WoC was so good.
I loooove The Heroes too! Made last years list
Clicked faster than The Flash. Happy New Year witchers!!
Happy new year to u too
hello comrades i see we've all come to check the books
It’s bookin time
I wouldn't put to much stock in the whole Cormac controversy. The whole article reeks of 'citation needed'. In fact, there is a new disclaimer on said article saying as such.
Pet Sematary is probably my favorite Stephen King book together with the Dark Tower series.
Great taste! I want to read the Dark Tower series too 😁
When are you gonna do a full review of wind and truth, I want to hear more of your thoughts on why you didn’t like some of the other parts in it
Oh and would recommend, if you’re into horror, Stephen king! I would recommend reading night shift for starters, an anthology of short stories that are absolutely crazyy, that’s all! Love the videos :)
i'll be doing one with Jake from Nerd Level Rising I think (that is the plan atm). watch his channel for what that goes live or keep an eye on my community tab bc i always post my collabs there!
I went into The King in Yellow completely blind and was crushed when I realized it was only the first four stories that were related
Me too 😭
Ho ho ho! Opening with Dostoyevsky. White nights is amazing. Just beautiful.
What better beginning of a video could I have asked for? Those quotes are magical ✨🤍
I didn't expect "That" reaction to be elicited in biggest waste of time part 😂
It was a crime against me
So, if you don't have that much time to read a physical book, do audiobooks count as 'books read throughout the year'? What is the people's take on this? I listened to a bunch at work, but it doesn't feel as though I think about what I 'read' as much as when it's words on a page... Which is why I tend to get most of the personally interesting materials for Kindle or hardback if I want to have it as part of my collection. Then I can think, theorize and actually reference certain parts of the book.
Speaking of Abercrombie... Ah, I miss Glokta.
Great video. All the best for 2025, Wera!
Thanks Sam! You too!
Great picks! I knew Crowds was going to be your number 1!
Here's mine:
Best characters: Ship of Magic - Robin Hobb
Best Tone: To Kill A Mockingbird- Harper Lee
Most thought-provoking: Howling Dark - Christopher Ruocchio
Biggest surprise: Recursion - Blake Crouch
Biggest disappointment: A Time of Blood - John Gwynne
Top 5 books of 2024:
1. Sword of Kaigen
2. Assassin's Quest
3. Howling Dark
4. Wrath
5. To Kill A Mockingbird
Great picks Kal! Tho I don’t understand why Recursion is a surpriseeeee….. suuuurely you know that if I recommend it it’s gonna be a hit????
What were ur thoughts on Wind and Truth?
@valliyarnl I knew I would like Recursion but I didn't know how much I would absolutely love it!
And I unfortunately haven't read Wind and Truth yet. Some life things happened, I picked up some new hobbies, and I lost a book in a hotel room lol, and it's slowed down my reading. I'm trying to get back in the swing of things and I'm currently avoiding all opinions on WaT. That's why I haven't watched your Cosmere ranking video yet. I'll let you know as soon as I've finished it!
Happy New Year, Wera! And other book lovers in the comment section.
Wisdow of crowds is fantastic 🔥
Yes Kyle!
I cant wait for you to read The Crossing by McCarthy. It might be my 2nd fav after Blood Meridian. Its amazing. Im starting the year off with The Road, which mighy seem like a weird one for first book of the year. Yeah it is but its been calling to me lately.
That’s really high praise! And tbh I think The Road is a good one to start the year with. It suits the atmosphere I think…
Relatively new to this channel but man you have inspired me to read , I’ve started reading Moby dick recently and also finally picked up the witcher novels. Looking forward to your new content this year.
Oh my gosh that’s awesome!
Great video Wera! That is such a interesting cover of We. I read that back in 2022 and think it should get mentioned more with the likes of 1984, Fahrenheit 451 and animal farm. Also we had two of the same book in our top 5 this year!
Heck yeah Tom 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻
I’m saving all the other best books of 2o24 books in a playlist for when I’m gonna make my mega list! Yours is number 1
The cover of WE is a based on a design by Le Corbusier. I also recommend Neal Stephenson ; for example Diamond Age or Anathem. He just published Polostan (Poland?)
Thank you for this!
Love to see The Dark Forest getting an Award!
As a father of 2 I could not agree with you more about The Road and Pet Cematery being must read books for parents. 🙌
I guess I’ll have to read Abercrombie at some point. 😂
I am so happy I found this channel! These reviews are short for the list but so entertaining, this is a great video. 8:00 This is the worst feeling, when you see how great something COULD be! Some questionable and deliberate choices later,
and oof, you're might be the Southern Reach series and win the 2024 Wasting Wera's time award 🤣 How dare you Jeff VanderMeer.
(Rewatching episode 1 of the Netflix Witcher. I remember thinking, "Wow they might nail this!". . .)
I’m sure Mr VanderMeer would be very happy to recieve that reward. 😂
0:15”… I still read 66 books, and I enjoy [most of them]…” so sad OP couldn’t stand my fav Farseer Trilogy … but it’s wonderful to hear from perspectives different from our own 😅
Im not a big reader but I like listening to how passionate you are about them. Plus when you get excited you tilt to your left and your shoulders shuffle, really shows you care!! :) Im here mostly for your Witcher vids as I wanted to hear what the original text was like.
Perfect timing, now i know what to watch while having dinner 🙃
Bon apetit!
I love the King in Yellow, but I must have read a different version because there was other short stories included. I specifically remember the Demoiselle d'Ys, and The Street of Four Wings.
Yeah so the collection has more but the King in Yellow cycle is the first four!
I listened to The King in Yellow audiobook this year (expertly read by Stefan Rudnicki). The cosmic horror was more fleeting than I'd have preferred, but what else the book had to offer elivated it above my expectation. Not my favorite book this year, but it was good.
Glad you at least liked it :) happy reading!
May have commented about the series before, but I must recommend the “Iron Druid Chronicles”. It’s so eloquently written. Some of the characters have “Shakespeare Duels”. It has so many mythologies and pantheon, some not talked about enough, especially that of the main character, who is a 2100 year old druid who worships the gods of the old Celtic Mythology. Not my favorite character, but easily the BEST character is the main character’s best friend, the talking dog Oberon. This series actually does well with what you’ve touched upon as a problem in the English translation of “The Witcher” Series. This American based author knows how to do sexual encounters that are power plays! On top of that, every “steamy” moment in the series HAS purpose or at least an explainable reason. Unlike what the old book covers might portray, there actually aren’t that many throughout the LONG series. I think you’ll love the series for its interesting and wide variety of characters, the touching reflections upon the intricacies of life through the eyes of one or many old characters, an eloquently spoken main character who constantly reminds you by that why he’s such a fan of Shakespeare, with the extra flavor of jokes so varied in range you could roll your eyes at one joke and be only the floor crying at how funny the next one is. Oberon himself is one of the funniest characters, as well as quite the philosopher. XD You would NOT regret giving the series a try!
Great video! You read some bangers this year!
I really did! Was very lucky 😊
Savine, Savine, Savine! 💜 Three of your five favorites are some of mine as well! I loved the White Nights quotes and will have to pick that up. Great choices, Wera!
Thanks Johanna! 💜💜 and yes please read White Nights! It’s super short ☺️
Really enjoying your content! Just when I’m getting back to reading, despite my trouble with ADD :) Keep it up!
That’s awesome! 🤩
Good picks ... not one hot take ! Can't wait to read Abercrombie's The Devils later this year.
Thanks! Me too ;)
Love the variety!
Thanks Matt!
I could not agree more with your take on the southern reach trilogy. after the enjoyment i got from reading annihilation, i was so let down by the other books.
The monologues in the beginning of White Nights are fantastic.
Yesss
I've been meaning to check out Funny Story!!! Glad to hear good things.
Pet sematary is indeed a great book, i also enjoyed it greatly.
Sooo glad people of great taste are finding this channel hehe
I can't wait to see the Sun Eater on the 2025 list
Haha I’m definitely expecting great things from SunEater :)
Funny, Pet Sematary was probably my biggest disappointment of the year and I absolutely loved the Farseer trilogy and the entire Realm of the Elderlings (on Rain Wilds Chronicle atm). Looking forward to reading some Abercrombie in 2025!
Pet Semetary Is the best . I am going to reading this for second time on 2025 .
Yesss 💪💪
Happy New Year, Wera. And Great video too! Are you planning to read more Stephen King this new year? For me it’s been a while and I’m gonna start this year off with Insomnia, because I heard it’s pretty great.
Also I think I’m finally gonna start the first law trilogy after hearing your enthusiastic praise for Abercrombie in this video lol ❤
So excited for you! And yeah definitely want to do more SK this year. I think getting thru 11/22/63 will be the goal. Enjoy Insomnia!
love the huge array of authors & genres on your list! it’s SO hard for me to stray from my comfort zone of fantasy/horror/sci-fi but i’m trying 😭
ps. pet sematary is the only King book i’ve binged 5/5
Thanks! What was ur favorite this year?
I read all of Stormlight last year for the first time so OFC that was my fave, will probably be my fave series for a long time to come 🥹
Journey before destination 🫶🏽
Season 1 of the show True Detective on HBO is based on The King in Yellow
Ahhhh I have to check it out!
Dostoyevsky Is one of my favorite authors of all time. I've even been studying Russian, so i can hopefully read his work in it's native language one day. I have never heard of White Nights before (facepalm) Thank you so much!
super film you are the best youtuber in the world
Awww that’s very kind! Thank u 😊
very adorable. And nice studio. Reading a big story/fantasy novel though, hard for me.
Not all these are fantasy! White nights is a classic that’s really quite short!
Also haha studio is saying too much 😂 it’s a corner of my room and I blast light at myself. My mic is literally on top of a pile of books
@valliyarnl haha. just a long novel in general ( and english gets in my way which could be one reason). and the studio does it's job!, but definitely can go for something fancy.
okay i know we are here for the gushing, but salty wera freaking out over southern reach and norwegian wood was peak entertainment 🤣
anywayyy, I am DYING to try some cormac mccarthy after all your gushing!! and age of madness is highest priority for me this year, so get ready for me to join the hype train asap 🤩
i get very passionate haha ... tbh i wonder sometimes if it comes across as inauthentic? idk i dont care about a lot of stuff but the ones i do, i care about A LOT and ... it shows. :)
ESMAY I CANT WAIT FOR YOU TO JOIN THE JOE HYPE TRAIN
@valliyarnl okay girl honestly if there is anyone who is the furthest thing from inauthentic, it's you. don't let your brain bully you into thinking that!!
AND I AM ALREADY ON THE JOE HYPE TRAIN!!! I have just been putting off Age of Madness because I couldn't stomach the idea of not having any unread Abercrombie left hahahha stupid
Happy to see more disappointment with Southern Reach. 2 & 3 are like reading about paint drying.