OK CHECK HERE FOR COMMON SERIES MENTIONED THAT ARE MISSING: (Sorry I'm tired of writing it out every time lol) Malazan: I read Gardens a decade ago and thought I was too stupid for the series (lol). I plan on starting the Malazan journey in 2023 and am very excited to revisit it. Broken Earth: While I absolutely LOVE the Fifth Season, the second and third books didn't do it for me quite as much. I consider Jemisin incredibly talented but that series doesn't quite make the list for me. Gentleman Bastards: Haven't read it yet, but it's been on my tbr for ages. SOON! Robin Hobb: I've read the Farseer trilogy, and while I'll always claim that Royal Assassin is probably the best second book in a trilogy ever, something about the third book just didn't QUITE do it for me, making it miss this list. However, I plan on reading Liveship soon, and from everything I've heard, I'm sure it'll be making this list. Lightbringer: Read 4/5. Loved the first two. Third was good. Fourth was okay. Then I heard a lot of bad things about the fifth and never ended up picking it up. I probably will eventually, and then I can evaluate where it stands on this list. ASOIAF: I haven't read this for personal reasons (don't love books with graphic descriptions of sex and lots of plotlines involving sexual assault) The Witcher: Read the first two, weren't for me.
Very good selection on the main video (you have given me two new series I should try - Greenbone and Dandelion). The written list above is great (though I have never read the Witcher, the rest are all amongst my favourites). I would add from my personal reading Sebastien de Castell's Spellslinger series, Peter V Brett's Demon Cycle and if it is ever finished Patrick Rothfuss' The Kingkiller Chronicle (but is hard to recommend Rothfuss as I do not believe it will ever be completed satisfactorily).
The Traitor Son by Cameron is pretty good, also Theft of swords is really good. My all time favorite is Malazan. I started reading WoT in grade nine back in 1993...yes I am that old.
It seems impossible at the rate fantasy is being written to ever catch up with the history of fantasy. That being said, there were a couple of series that were hugely popular before LOTR blew up into popular culture. Robert E. Howard's Conan series and Fritz Lieber's Fahfrd and the Gray Mouser series were hugely popular in the 60's and 70's. Another series that was reflecting the environmental movements ideas in the 70's was hard SF author Larry Niven's The Magic Goes Away series that used the novel notion that magic was a limited resource that was already mostly used up.
Yeah, ASOIAF plunges you into a very medieval world, with all the crimes, blood and brutality that comes with that. Not for someone who is going to feel triggered or queasy. It feels very real as well, for a series with so many fantasy elements. Martin is an exceptional writer though, particularly when it comes to medieval politics and smart dialogue exchanges, a good deal of which was straight up lifted for the TV series (this is one reason why the writing quality for the GOT TV series sharply declined, once they passed the latest books in the storyline).
Listen, I did some math. I'm only asking people to read 35,541 pages over 55 books.... (and that's if you only include the 10 Discworld I've read and not the full 41 😅)
@@Bookborn one of my favourites is book 10 Moving Pictures, it introduces the unseen university faculty as long standing characters who are fantastic. it's a satire of the film industry. highly recommended
On the topic of long series that were ultimately worth it, the Malazan Book of the Fallen is my favorite series that I feel like I can never recommend to my friends because it's so ridiculously steep. Reading that series was legitimately so much pure fun. It just happened to have all of my favorite story archetypes and elements and I am so happy I decided to climb that hurdle to read it.
I’m not particularly well read in fantasy, but of those that I did go through Malazan is by far my favourite. The non-linear approach to storytelling is a highlight.
The app I use to read estimates how long is left in the books I'm reading and before I started the Malazan omnibus says nearly 300 hours... yep this gonna be a long ride
Love seeing the Cosmere shout-outs! Mistborn was the first fantasy series I read, and Stormlight Archive is my favorite series! Brandon Sanderson is directly responsible for my love of fantasy, so I'm always happy to see his work recognized!
Mistborn was the first fantasy book I've read other than Lord of the Rings and I still remember how much the ending of Hero of Ages resonated with me. Maybe the most I've been moved emotionally by any book.
A few series for your consideration - The Licanius Trilogy by James Islington; The Legends of the First Empire by Michael J. Sullivan; The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss; Founders Series by Robert Jackson Bennett; The Daevabad Trilogy by S.A. Chakraborty; A Tale Of The Coven by R. A. Salvatore; and pretty much anything by Trudi Canavan (The Black Magician, The Traitor Spy, etc). Cheers!
My top three adult fantasy novel series of all-time are: 1) Dandelion Dynasty 2) Greenbone Saga 3) Realm of the Elderlings ^these changed my life!! (taught me a lot and inspired me in my real life) Others that could perhaps maybe dethrone RotE (when they're completed): 4) A Song of Ice and Fire 5) Stormlight Archives I also wanted to mention One Piece because imo it rivals the dandelion dynasty in its ability to tell a foundational EPIC about the emergence of a new people its crazy how similar they are (themes tackled, etc) despite one being a comedy at its heart Oh, also the Condor Trilogy by legendary author Jin Yong. His wuxia novels are often compared to lord of the rings+harry potter in terms of cultural impact (in regards to east asia) so its a shame not many people have consumed it here in America, etc
These words are accepted. Edit: Also, one that wasn't mentioned that I personally loved is the Shades of Magic trilogy by V. E. Schwab. It managed to scratch my fantasy itch while I was waiting for Rhythm of War. Highly recommended!
Ahhh so I just LOVED the first one of that series! Tbh, the four Londons is probably one of my favorite piece of worldbuilding ever, which is saying a lot. But I felt like 2 and 3 didn't live up to the first one 😭 Didn't hate them or anything but they just didn't measure up ultimately for me.
@@Bookborn Hey, that's fair! I do have to agree that the first one is the best one out of the three. But yeah, the worldbuilding is what really made the trilogy great to me. And Lila. I know she's a divisive character but I loved her lol
Seeing how much overlap we have just confirms why you’re probably my favorite Booktuber (or at least the one whose preferences are most aligned with mine)! Definitely want to check out all the ones here I haven’t read.
Raymond E. Feist deserves a look at. Magician is the first book followed by Silverthorn and Darkness at Sethanon but the series with, Daughter of the Empire, Servant of the Empire and Mistress of the Empire are exceptional and extremely well written. Many of Terry Pratchetts books have been made into short series that are worth checking out if you can find them.
I highly recommend The Lyonesse Trilogy by Jack Vance, who was a multiple Hugo/Nebula award winner. Bring a good thesaurus, you'll need it. Jack was a master of the English language and had a great fondness for using obsolete and archaic words in his stories.
I absolutely concur! The Lyonesse Trilogy is superb. While the breadth and scope of the LotR trilogy is likely without peer, for a true, Euro-style Fantasy in it's highest form, I've found none that set the bar as high as Lyonesse
Misborn is borderline "young adult" so I am not sure I would put it on this list - but I think the following should definitely be in the list: - Malazan Book of the Fallen (Steven Erikson); - Gentlemen Bastards (Scott Lynch); - Realm of the Elderlings (Robin Hobb); - A Song of Ice and Fire (George RR Martin) (I personally don't love this series, but it is still very good - just not my personal jam); - The Band (Nicholas Eames); and - The Kingkiller Chronicles (Patrick Rothfuss).
Thank you for recognizing the classics, like WoT and LotR. The Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series by Tad Williams is up there for me. I should really get around to First Law soon! Despite all the love for Green Bone saga, I doubt I would like it since I am totally uninterested in Godfather-esque stories. I like a little more fantasy in my fantasy. (Other commenters mentioned Robin Hobb, and I love Farseer, but haven't ventured into the rest of the Realm.)
What's so interesting is I didn't read greenbone for the longest time because I HATE mafia stuff! But I finally gave it a shot and loved it. It might surprise you! I've seen Tad Williams mentioned again and again on here, so I really need to get to him.
The First Law series is absolutely amazing. One of my first series I read when I started seriously reading again. But so far the series that has blown my mind the most, even though I'm only halfway is Malazan Book of the Fallen. I'm curious how my reading experiences will will be after I finished that and continue with The Age of Madness. I know the feeling of starting a new series. Especially after having read a really long series. You get used to the characters, places, storylines and then it's a complete reset and you have to start fresh. I always take a few days of rest before I start something new, just to let the dust settle.
YES, I totally know that feeling. And it's hard sometimes for anything to live up because you just feel like you knew those other characters SO WELL. I'm starting my Malazan journey next year and am very excited. I read the first book a decade ago and never went further, so I'm going to reread it and try again.
Having read the Discworld novels pretty much as they were coming out, and the other related series, it took me sometime to start the last one... a year after I got it, knowing it would be the last new one I would ever read. I have started re-reading them all, now on a Kindle, because I gave the collection to a Hospice for Children. Pratchett's writing and levels of humour changed as the series went on going into saterising our "modern" world... HEX with the bugs in it be a minor point and then later realising the Monstrous Regiment actually reflected events in the first World War...
My current series is Earthsea by Urula K. Le Guinn. The beautifully dense descriptions of nature, people and history are what make this series such a treat to read again and again.
After seeing the video, my thoughts went to Earthsea also. I devoured all of LeGuin's books back in the 1960's and 70's and loved them all, but went back and reread Earthsea several times because it has a special place in my fantasy-loving heart. LeGuin's prose is unique and beautiful and it is a shame that your comment is the only one to mention it. I have humbly sailed through life with Ged.
Totally agree with Brandon Sanderson series. Although I prefer Mistborn Wax and Wayne over the original trilogy. I also love Anne McCaffereys Dragonriders if Pern series.
My top three of all time are and will probably always be: The Lord of the Rings, The Wheel of Time and The Stormlight Archive. I would highly recommend reading John Gwynn. His, The Faithful and the Fallen (4 books) is amazing and his work in progress series, The Bloodborn Saga (Shadow of the Gods) is also epic! I'm currently reading, Last Argument of Kings in the First Law trilogy.
I really love Sanderson and have literally read everything he had written. But another author I have enjoyed was Daniel Abraham his long price quartet was really good and I was really pulled into his Dragon and coin series.
Thats a great list. Mine now is: (It Changes over time) 1. Malazan: Book of the Fallen 2. Witcher 3. Lord of the Rings 4. Stormlight Archive 5. First Law 6. Shannara Series 7. Mistborn 8. Chronicles of Thomas Covenant 9. Game of Thrones 10. Broken Empire
All great choices. I'll admit I tried to get into Shannara but couldn't (the first book was just way too much like LOTR for me) but I do hear it gets better...
@@Bookborn I did not like the first Shannara book either. It seemed more for a 12 year old but by the 3rd book I was hooked and the writing style improved. By the 19th Book I was very happy with them. There is nothing like finishing Malazan. I feel like I went with them on each adventure and battle. I am reading Esslemont's Books Now. I like them very much also.🙂
Do you really like Malazan? I’ve read the first three cause everyone says it’s awesome. But man it’s a slog for me. I feel like it’s a huge conspiracy to get people to read it cause ‘if I waisted all those hours I’m going to get others to do it too’. All the reviews are like it starts slow but you have to read it all. Kind of stuff.
@@danielcoleman2378 I genuinely enjoyed it, but I worry about recommending Malazan because it's hard to get into and it's not for everyone. I think if you enjoy epic fantasy and D&D-esque world building and storytelling, Malazan could be worth the effort.
Hey, a fellow Ravenclaw here, I think you left out a Song of Ice and Fire. There is a reason he is called the American Tolkien as his world building and characterization is top notch, and the world feels very lived in. Do try out Memory, Sorrow and Thorn series too. Tad Williams is very under appreciated. I stumbled upon your channel yesterday and subscribed. Have a wonderful day ahead!!
I haven't actually read ASOIAF or watched GOT for personal reasons - I don't generally like stories that have graphic sexual descriptions/use of sexual assault. Although, I know they'd top most people's list!
@@Bookborn Ohh ok, surprisingly i even abhor unnecessary graphic stuff but the books don't focus on it at all. There is a very inherent focus on the story and the characters over any kind of violence and unless one goes looking for it one won't find it. The show i admit is graphic but mostly it adds to the story than being there for the sake of it. I would say give the books a chance 🙂
1-The Banished Lands Saga 2-A Song of Ice and Fire 3-His Dark Materials 4-Winnowing Flame Trilogy 5-The Cosmere 6-The Realm of The Elderlings 7-Conqueror 8-Warlord Chronicles 9-Book of The Ancestor 10-Greenbone Saga Dandelion Dynasty is my most anticipated now since I read the paper menagerie short story collection which was amazing 👍
This is a 9 series list, because Threadlight is the secret 10th series that we are just supposed to assume you love, but can't say because of an obvious bias
I am currently reading Speaking Bones and this series is phenomenal! I can definitely see it being a fantasy staple and becoming a fantasy "classic." It's so unique and deep and emotional.
It's funny, I just came from your first law trilogy review and was really surprised to see it on your favorites list! You liked it but decided grim dark wasn't for you... but you kept going with the first law world and loved it. I'm just now starting the first stand alone, and you've got me excited for them.
Yes! I enjoyed it enough to keep going, but it wasn't until the Heroes that somehow it all finally clicked retrospectively and I started to REALLY fall in love with the series. I'm so glad I kept going.
Brandon sanderson i am working on, wheel of time i finished, Discworld gets better as it goes... Pratchett develops as an author and his stories are amazing
My list favorite series in no particular order: 1) Lord of the Rings 2) Mistborn 3) Imager (L.E. Modesitt) 4) Alvin Maker (O.S. Card) (I would include Ender, but it is Sci-Fi) 5) Sword of Truth (RIP Terry I wish he could have continued his Jack Raines series) I discovered Wheel of Time and Sword of Truth about the same time and enjoyed SOT much more than WOT which is much further down my list. For me SOT had a better magic system and I like that each had a moral to the story (the wizards rules). I also found his protagonists complex and dealing with real ethical problems, but eventually I also realized that he really only has variations on one over the top villain.
I read the first SOT five years ago and I didn't love it 😬 Although I did absolutely love the worldbuilding in it. I love Ender's game but I've only read three of the series so I felt like I hadn't read enough to say it was my favorite lol! But as stand alones, I love Game, Shadow, and Speaker.
Kushiel's Legacy is a favorite of mine. It might be partly because it was something I needed at the time I read it (2017/2018). But just... it gets really dark at times but love prevails and I really needed that in a story. It's got romance, sex, and violence (sometimes all at once due to the proclivities of the first trilogy's protagonist). I do think Jaqueline Carey is a great author even in spite of fortuitous timing though. Her prose is beautiful.
Codex Alera by Jim Butcher 6 books vary from 400-700 pages each. I'm a big fan of when a series has each book focus on a distinct period of the characters life, and I felt like this series did that very well. Also the Crescent City series by Sarah J Maas currently 2 books 800 pages each planned to be a trilogy I believe. It's a very solid take of a fantasy world in a modern setting, and the main character is one of if not my favourite protagonist
The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever by Stephen R. Donaldson was my favorite during my teen years when I absolutely devoured series after series. I’m not familiar with all the popular stuff from the last 25 years, so I don’t really know how it compares, but for me it was on another level relative to other stuff coming out at that time (early to mid 80s).
Wow, the only one I haven't read is the Dandelion Dynasty (but it's on my TBR). Excited for you to read Age of Madness! I liked it more than the original trilogy!
The Legends of the First Empire by Michael J. Sullivan is one of my favourites and The Belgariad Series by David Eddings as I have fond memories of reading it as a kid. I think Michael J. Sullivan is on a par with Brandon Sanderson
Great list. Read most of them. I can really recommend The Black Company. It's quite gritty and unique in it's story telling style, but that makes it so amazing. The Gentleman Bastard series and the Kingkiller Chronicle, thou both not finished, are also absolutely fantastic! The book of Corum and Elric Saga are also really good.
A very good list that captured many of my favorites. I really enjoyed WoT but coming off of it, I was in the mood for something with a bit more bite. That's when I discovered Joe Abercrombie. Jay Kristoff's Nevernight Chronicles has similar vibe. One of my favorites that may not count as adult fantasy is Marie Brennan's Lady Trent Series. I loved all the dragon lore and that series.
Solid list. I too feel I must now include Greenbone Saga on my favorites list. Can't recall if you're not a Hobb fan, but that's the most notable omission for me. I mean, I know some people don't like Realm of the Elderlings, but it's fairly rare for those who've gone much deeper than the Farseer Trilogy.
Farseer just doesn't quite make the list for me. I still stand by Royal Assassin being probably the best second book in a series I've ever read. But something about the third book just didn't quite do it for me. I think it might've been too depressing 🤣 I have the first Liveship traders book though and I have a felling that will become one of my favorites.
@@Bookborn Perfectly understandable. FWIW, I don't think I fully appreciated Farsser until I'd read on. I'll bet you enjoy Liveship--it's very different. (Although Hobb never shies away from being depressing, lol.)
With the series on your list, it sounds like you would also enjoy the Lightbringer series by Brent weeks. It is a great story, five books in total, with a unique color-based magic system. Also, for a short trilogy with great character interactions, you might also check out the Gentleman Bastard books by Scott Lynch. I would also recommend Robin Hobbs' books, as she is also very good with character-driven stories. She has a few different series, but you would want to start with the Farseer trilogy. I believe she has 15 or 16 books total in that series, also called the Realms of the Elderlings, but the Farseer trilogy is the first 3 books.
I have actually read Lightbringer! Well...4/5 books anyway. I really loved the first three. The fourth was just ok, and then I heard all this bad stuff about the fifth and never got around to finishing the series 😅. I may eventually go back and finish though. Gentleman Bastards has been on my list for ages and I just need to prioritize it. I'm pretty positive I'm going to love it! I have read the Farseer trilogy, and while I still think the second book is perhaps the best second installment in a series I've ever read, something about the third book just misses for me, making it not make this list. However, I plan on starting Liveship soon and with everything I've heard, I'm guessing that trilogy will make the list!
One I love, that I don't expect to see a lot 😂, is the Aegypt Cycle by John Crowley. I totally understand why it's not bigger though. Mass appeal it does not have.
Indeed. I generally goes with "Little, Big" for a truly personal motivation, but there are a decent amount of fantasy authors with little mass recognition, despite the quality. "Ash" and "White Crow" by Mary Gentle, "Gormenghast" by Mervyn Peake, "Silverlock" by John Myers Myers, "Chronicles of an Age of Darkness" by Hugh Cook, "Viriconium" by M. John Harrison, "Chronicles of Master Li and Number Ten Ox" by Barry Hughart or "Neveryon" by Samuel R. Delany.
After LOTR, my list immediately jumps to Realm of the Elderlings, Dandelion Dynasty, and Greenbone, but for the sheer joy of reading Ben Aaronovitch’s Rivers of London can’t be left off my list.
Hey I know I‘m a little late to the party, but I was kinda surprised the King Killer Chronicles is not on your list. I know it is technically not finished. But given the quality of the writing I expected that it would at the very least get an honorable mention.
Unfortunately the last 1/4 of Wise Mans Fear was a HUGE let down for me. Doors of Stone may change my mind on it, but as it's likely not coming out anytime soon, KKC doesn't quite make my list. I loved the first one, but that just isn't enough for me.
I totally agree with your opinion of Pratchett's Discworld and Tolkien's Lord of the Ring. Based on your description, I will be checking out Brandon Sanderson's work as well. Chad over at Chadiversity has a similar opinion of his work. I am a bit surprised that Piers Anthony's Xanth series is missing. Others you might like include The Shanara books by Terry Brooks, The Thomas Covenant series by Stephen Donaldson, and the many, many series by David Eddings. Happy reading!
I'm the same way. I don't usually want to start huge books or series but all my favorites are long. The longer the book the more detail there is and more room for character growth. These are some of my favorite things to see in books or tv.
1 Malazan 2 Wheel of Time 3 Mistborn Currently working towards the end of The Realm of The Elderlings. Caught up on Stormlight Archive. Read the First Law trilogy. Any suggestions after I finish Realm of the Elderlings?
Yesss Green Bone Saga 😍😍 My obsession with that series just keeps growing exponentially haha. And I just started Grace of Kings this month (enjoying it so far but I can see what people mean about the distant-feel writing style).
My top three favorite series at the moment are: 1) Greatcoats by Sebastien de Castell, 2) The Aurelian Cycle by Rosaria Munda, and 3) Green Bone Saga. I think I remember you saying in a live show that you weren't sure about trying Greatcoats but I highly recommend giving it a go if you like character-driven, emotional stories and a strong focus on friendship and justice.
Yeah grace of kings is a removed writing style but it really works as the series goes on and I hope you like it! I’ve heard so much great things about Greatcoats I just get nervous that it’s not my style 😅 but I’ll probably try it out eventually!
I like what you like! You have great taste and a passion for sharing! You might find Terry Goodkind, Dennis McKiernan, Terry Brooks, R.A. Salvatore, and a quirky series called Gor by John Norman, which are usually found on eBay, etc., very interesting. That should be another good rabbit hole for you to see if you find value and entertainment!
I loved the Three-Body series, I was blown away, even typically being a character-focused reader. I thought The Dark Forest was even better than the first book. Also, totally agreed on the First Law series as a whole. I really like how the world and the timeline is built gradually with each book simply by introducing us to great characters who are in different regions, giving us a character-based attachment to all the different parts of the world. The Age of Madness trilogy was amazing, in my opinion, and tops both the first trilogy and the standalones for me. I hope you'll like it.
If Sci fi is on the table, I enjoy all of John Scalzi's writing. I was introduced to him by his Interdependency series (and I blew threw those SOO quickly), but both the Lock in series and The Old Man's War series are absolutely fantastic. And his standalone novel Redshirts makes me laugh so hard.
My first fantasy reading as an adult was the Wheel of Time series and i really enjoyed it! You got my attention as i agree on most of your commentary on the adaptation. I do think im little more into dark and gritty but else your reviews here are spot on as far as the series ive been reading. I Really like Abercrombie, The Heroes is a fantastic standalone in the First Law world. From your list i do miss a song of ice and fire. Why is that -to much gore? Martins writing is sublime imo. Glad i found your channel :)
Haven’t read ASOIAF just because I heard there’s a lot of sexual assault and I just don’t love reading that. I may try it and just skip graphic descriptions because I do think I’d love it
@@Bookborn Thats an interesting point. My reaction to depictions of violence (in books and movies) very much depends on the distintion between depictions of violence Iincluding sexual violence) as a mean of its own end; and such depictions as a mean to create context, understanding of characters, their motivations and the world they live in etc. For me, SOIAF is well on the right side of that distinction. Its very violent, but not explicit in a way that makes me cringe.
This is my first video of yours, what a great list. Nearly every series you mentioned is also in my top 10. Wheel of time and the scifi series I have no interest in so haven't read those and The Dandelion Dynasty is now on my TBR. P.s your explanation about Joe Abercrombies works is exactly how I felt and now I am re reading the blade itself after reading ALL of his works and enjoying it much more the second time.
I love the First Law world by Joe Abercrombie. I, too, cannot separate the first trilogy from the standalones (and short stories) or the 2nd trilogy. I just picked up the last of the Age of Madness and I am ridiculously excited to get into it. The characters and world are so good but I adore the humor. On my own list I'd have to include the Nevernight Chronicle by Jay Kristoff and The Expanse series by James S.A. Corey. They have some dark stuff but, much like First Law, it's balanced out with some great, dark humor. All three of these series have such memorable characters and lines that are quotable. Like in the Expanse on character wearily asks, "Do you ever feel like the world is out to get you?" Followed by another sarcasticly responding, "No. But I think it's out to get you." I am considering checking out the Green Bone Saga. I haven't read any Sanderson either, but I want to, and picked up The Way of Kings. I read really slow and my physical TBR is way too long lol. But there are so many amazing books out there! Thanks for sharing your faves
@@Bookborn And it's one of the few series that got a good tv adaptation. The authors the comprise Corey were heavily involved. One of them, Ty Franck, even has a podcast with an actor from the show where they breakdown the episodes and talk about the decisions they made to make it work for tv.
Some of my favorite fantasy series are -The stormlight archive -Super powereds -The lightbringer saga Most people at this point know stormlight is a good series and its by far my favorite, everything of his is really. Super powereds is so incredibly underrated or maybe I just like super heros too much but its a more grounded look at what it takes to be a super hero and the characters are amazing and the action is great. I very highly recommend it The lightbringer saga i like because the characters are interesting and the magic system is so cool. Sure it could be better but i still think its cool
[Non-fantasy] if you like those aspects of The Three-Body Problem, you may like the Children of Time series (Adrian Tchaikovsky). It's got a similar focus on big ideas and, the first book especially, left me thinking about it long after I finished! Though it seems like the Big Ideas focus is true for most recently-written Sci-fi series I've read, so maybe it's just part of the genre at this point
I really enjoy Trudi's take on a "subtle" magic system. It's a shame she is not writing anymore due to her back injury, but I've loved every book I've read of hers.
Love that sweatshirt! As a fellow Ravenclaw, I need one! Also I'm jealous that you can even wear it this time of year - here in the stifling midwest it's impossible to wear anything with long sleeves until November. 🥵☠
A few I would add to the list that others haven't mentioned yet: - Brent Weeks Night Angel series - Brent Weeks - Lightbringer series - Scott Lynch - Gentleman Bastards series - Sebastion de Castell Greatcoats
I’ve read Lightbringer actually! Well 4/5 books anyway 😅 I’ve been meaning over and over again to get to Gentleman Bastards. I really think I’m going to love that one
I would recommend Katharine Kerr's Deverry series if you enjoy long and complex story. The first book is Daggerspell and there are 15 books in total, split into 4 subseries. The world is very Celtic inspired and as complex as their knots. I reread the whole lot in lockdown. She has also a two book series - Sorcerer's Luck and Sorcerer's Feud set in San Francisco that is excellent.
Would be interested to hear what you think of Malazan, The Witcher, The Farseer trilogy, the poppy war, a song of ice and fire, and the king killer chronicles. Two sci-fi series that I think tread pretty close to fantasy are the dune saga and the book of the new sun. Would really like some coverage of those. Love your list tho, I’ve been making my way through the dandelion dynasty on your recommendation 👍
OK YOU READY Malazan - tried the first book a decade ago and thought I was too stupid to go on because the first book was tough for me even though I enjoyed it LOL. Now I know that's a normal feeling and can't wait to try the series again in 2023 (my plan). I'm expecting to really like it this time around. The Witcher: Read the first two, wasn't for me. Farseer Trilogy: Amazing trilogy. Still one of the best second books in a trilogy I've ever read, Hobb is a legend. Something about the third book though makes it just miss this list for me. I'm doing Liveship soon and I'd be surprised if that doesn't end up on this list though, from what I've heard. KingKillers: Could potentially make the list if Doors of Stone ever comes out. The ending of the second was disappointing enough for me that I can't add it to the list unless the third fixes it lol ASOIAF: Not reading for personal reasons: graphic sex and repeated depictions of sexual assault are not my thing. Dune: Read the first one and enjoyed and respected it, but didn't feel the need to go on.
@@Bookborn wow! Thanks so much for such a thorough response. I am sort of stalling out on malazan book 4 so maybe I’ll hop back on if you do a read along next year. Also, not a series, but I’m pretty pumped for RF Kuang’s Babel coming out next week! Looking forward to more great booktube content from you 😁
My Top 3 would be: A Song of Ice & Fire - GRRM Malazan Book of The Fallen - Steven Erikson The Second Apocalypse - R Scott Bakker Followed closely by: Dresden Files - Jim Butcher Farseer - Robin Hobb First Law - Joe Abercrombie I need ro read Dandelion Dynasty and Greenbone Saga but I'm VERY slowly coming out the other side of Fantasy series fatigue so I'm trying to finish up some series first lol
Finally someone who mentions R Scott Bakker. It's such an amazing story! Different yet the same basis as a lot others, but there's so many new ideas too, great characters, such a great, dark world.
Memory Sorrow Thorn and Malazan I think are kind of like Tolkien in that they’re both hyped (I mean, like every r/fantasy series post mentions them so many times) but both also deserve every bit of the hype and are consistently peoples favorites for a reason.
Great list. I definitely have a lot of overlap with Sanderson, WoT, LotR, Discworld. Everything else in your list is in my TBR. :) I haven't actually thought deeply enough to make a top ten of my own, I very clearly have two series (Malazan and Dune) that are absolute favourites. Others just go into big of "stuff I like". Looking forward to you giving Malazan another go. I think booktube has made a huge difference to Malazan, both for first time readers and re-readers. Discussion of Dune is also having a resurgence after the movie. I find having that community around the books makes the whole experience so much richer.
Cool video! I've read the first two Wheel of Time books (liked the first, loved the second), but considering it's such a long series, I'm taking a hiatus and reading a few shorter series in between. I actually just started Mistborn Book 1 and am really liking it so far; it's my first Sanderson book. Eventually (once I'm done with the Mistborn Trilogy and have read more WOT) I'll start the Stormlight Archive. Also, I agree on LOTR, although I read it back in high school (around 2009-2010). As much as I love the films, the atmosphere of the book is in some ways completely different, from what I remember.
I would like to point to some well written series that get overlooked as they are older. The Belgeriad and Mallorian with the subsequent Belgarath the Sorcerer and Polgara The Ellinium and the Tumli The Dark Elf Trilogy and all of it's related series that come after. The Magician and all the rest of its follow up books. The Dragonlance novels as there are a ton of related it is hard to list them all. Silvestre's other independent works after leaving D&D brands are all worth a look aswell.
It's good to hear that you'll give Malazan another go. It is far too much for inexperienced readers, but you are a long way past that stage now. Remember that Malazan requires some patience as the various story threads slowly interweave.
I LOVE the green bone Saga - excited to read the others on the list as Jade City was one of my first novels since picking up reading again post university lol
Great list but please check out: The Gentlemen Bastard series The Kingkiller Chronicle The Dresden Files Game of thrones The Farseer Trilogy The Lightbringer Series
Read Lightbringer but it started going downhill after a great first two books imo. Never even ended up reading five although I may some day 😅 Love Farseer but the third book just made me not quite want it on this list although Hobb is a legend and Royal Assassin is probably the best second book in a series I’ve ever read. I’m guessing liveship will make this list when I eventually read it! Dresden wasn’t for me personally from the first book but I’ve heard it gets a lot better so I’ll probably circle back eventually!
@@Bookborn Dresden doesn't get going until book three, your critique of Farseer is dead on(I wouldn't have it on my top 10 but it's still a decent read). Lightbringer was pretty good and imo far superior to the Night Angel Trilogy, I will have to revisit it someday, probably not top 10 material I admit. I must reiterate: Kingkiller Chronicle The Gentlemen Bastards Game of Thrones I'm guessing you have read them all but if not I think you will enjoy them. All three would be in my top 10 even though none are finished 🤷 You list was fantastic overall, I found myself agreeing with everything on your list that I have read!
@@Bookborn I just recently learned about his work. Since his books seem to be self contained, thus easier to go through, I'm very curious to check them out. Unfortunately, they are rare to find in local shops 😑
@@Bookborn it is I am blown away, by George martins work, his style of developing characters , his in-depth building of characters ,their personalities ,their thoughts ,emotions unbelievable The battle sequences, humour, his narrative of the world 🤪 Conversations and dialogues amongst characters It does a great job challenging ones imagination 👌🏼👌🏼 that’s the best part about fantasy novels Also I am gryfindor 😊
I've only read LOTR and First Law (the trilogy for now) on that list (and they're both favourites too!), but I'm looking forward to reading The Greenbone Saga, The Dandelion Dynasty series and try some Pratchett in English at some point (they only had Guards! Guards! in French in my library and wow what was that 😂 I read only a few pages and thought "that's not funny at all, I need to read the original" - as a translator myself, I know how translating humour is a pain in the ass from one language to another, especially if there are numerous puns!).
Oh my gosh, I never even thought about how difficult translating Pratchett must be - his stuff is just FULL of puns and word humor and like...those don't translate well at all I bet 😂
@@Bookborn Translating absurdist fiction of any kind means you have to completely adapt it, so it actually becomes something new. I knew it but was still curious to give it a try, but man the range of skills you must have to get it just right is truly endless! And even then, you have to rewrite whole passages and invent something new so it would fit in the very fabric of your target language. I do admire the French translator for even trying, and maybe I should have given him more time, but I just felt I was missing out and decided I'll be patient and just read the original because... well, I can. 😅
The Foreigner series by C. J. Cherryh is good. After the first 6 titles, of which, it's for the dedicated only :-) From her Alliance Universe: Heavy Time and Merchanter's Luck are good. There are others, for which, one's mileage varies. I tried BS before but he failed to impress. I'll have another try, for to be certain :-)
Excellent distillation of favorite fantasy series!! Wheel of Time!! Where would I be had I not been introduced to Eye of the World by Robert Jordan!! I wonder if you had an eye in the future perhaps on Stephen King’s Dark Tower series? A kinda almost western scifi fantasy blend with tons of prose! If folks have read Malazan’s book one Gardens of the Moon,, surely they would not be intimidated by starting with The Gunslinger.
OK CHECK HERE FOR COMMON SERIES MENTIONED THAT ARE MISSING: (Sorry I'm tired of writing it out every time lol)
Malazan: I read Gardens a decade ago and thought I was too stupid for the series (lol). I plan on starting the Malazan journey in 2023 and am very excited to revisit it.
Broken Earth: While I absolutely LOVE the Fifth Season, the second and third books didn't do it for me quite as much. I consider Jemisin incredibly talented but that series doesn't quite make the list for me.
Gentleman Bastards: Haven't read it yet, but it's been on my tbr for ages. SOON!
Robin Hobb: I've read the Farseer trilogy, and while I'll always claim that Royal Assassin is probably the best second book in a trilogy ever, something about the third book just didn't QUITE do it for me, making it miss this list. However, I plan on reading Liveship soon, and from everything I've heard, I'm sure it'll be making this list.
Lightbringer: Read 4/5. Loved the first two. Third was good. Fourth was okay. Then I heard a lot of bad things about the fifth and never ended up picking it up. I probably will eventually, and then I can evaluate where it stands on this list.
ASOIAF: I haven't read this for personal reasons (don't love books with graphic descriptions of sex and lots of plotlines involving sexual assault)
The Witcher: Read the first two, weren't for me.
Very good selection on the main video (you have given me two new series I should try - Greenbone and Dandelion). The written list above is great (though I have never read the Witcher, the rest are all amongst my favourites). I would add from my personal reading Sebastien de Castell's Spellslinger series, Peter V Brett's Demon Cycle and if it is ever finished Patrick Rothfuss' The Kingkiller Chronicle (but is hard to recommend Rothfuss as I do not believe it will ever be completed satisfactorily).
The Traitor Son by Cameron is pretty good, also Theft of swords is really good. My all time favorite is Malazan. I started reading WoT in grade nine back in 1993...yes I am that old.
It seems impossible at the rate fantasy is being written to ever catch up with the history of fantasy. That being said, there were a couple of series that were hugely popular before LOTR blew up into popular culture. Robert E. Howard's Conan series and Fritz Lieber's Fahfrd and the Gray Mouser series were hugely popular in the 60's and 70's. Another series that was reflecting the environmental movements ideas in the 70's was hard SF author Larry Niven's The Magic Goes Away series that used the novel notion that magic was a limited resource that was already mostly used up.
Have you read The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne?
Yeah, ASOIAF plunges you into a very medieval world, with all the crimes, blood and brutality that comes with that. Not for someone who is going to feel triggered or queasy. It feels very real as well, for a series with so many fantasy elements.
Martin is an exceptional writer though, particularly when it comes to medieval politics and smart dialogue exchanges, a good deal of which was straight up lifted for the TV series (this is one reason why the writing quality for the GOT TV series sharply declined, once they passed the latest books in the storyline).
Added years to peoples TBRs with this one.
Listen, I did some math. I'm only asking people to read 35,541 pages over 55 books.... (and that's if you only include the 10 Discworld I've read and not the full 41 😅)
Which 10 discworld did you read? I’m curious about the total word count now.
@@RockMonsterDad straight in pub order for the first 9, and then I also read “The Truth” because Sanderson said it was his fav.
~11,500,000 words
Over half of that can be attributed to SA and WoT
@@Bookborn one of my favourites is book 10 Moving Pictures, it introduces the unseen university faculty as long standing characters who are fantastic. it's a satire of the film industry. highly recommended
On the topic of long series that were ultimately worth it, the Malazan Book of the Fallen is my favorite series that I feel like I can never recommend to my friends because it's so ridiculously steep. Reading that series was legitimately so much pure fun. It just happened to have all of my favorite story archetypes and elements and I am so happy I decided to climb that hurdle to read it.
I’m not particularly well read in fantasy, but of those that I did go through Malazan is by far my favourite. The non-linear approach to storytelling is a highlight.
The app I use to read estimates how long is left in the books I'm reading and before I started the Malazan omnibus says nearly 300 hours... yep this gonna be a long ride
My top 3:
3) The Fionavar Tapestry trilogy by Guy Gavriel Kay
2) The Strange the Dreamer duology by Laini Taylor
1) The First Law by Joe Abercrombie
Love seeing the Cosmere shout-outs! Mistborn was the first fantasy series I read, and Stormlight Archive is my favorite series! Brandon Sanderson is directly responsible for my love of fantasy, so I'm always happy to see his work recognized!
Oh I love that he's the reason you love fantasy! Sanderson is my fav and so I'm just always going to give him credit here no matter the nay sayers 😅
So glad you included Pratchett. I feel any fantasy list is incomplete without his works.
Mistborn was the first fantasy book I've read other than Lord of the Rings and I still remember how much the ending of Hero of Ages resonated with me. Maybe the most I've been moved emotionally by any book.
I'm always shocked when people don't like that ending. It FLOORED me.
I just started Elantris a few days ago and once im done I'll FINALLY jump in SA !!! 🥳🥳 Can't wait
AHHHH you've got such good things ahead of you. I'm sort of jealous lol
I was on board through first two books... The last two... I wasn't excited to read. Not sure why, but Sanderson has lost me
i just finished the first book of sa but i cant find the 2nd part so i started elantris
Oh nice the first series is The Stormlight Archive. I'm actually reading through The Way of Kings for the first time right now and really enjoying it.
Wait til you get to Words of Radiance.
The Way of Kings is.. Priceless 😏
AHH So jealous you get to experience Words of Radiance for the first time...it's just so good...
A few series for your consideration - The Licanius Trilogy by James Islington; The Legends of the First Empire by Michael J. Sullivan; The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss; Founders Series by Robert Jackson Bennett; The Daevabad Trilogy by S.A. Chakraborty; A Tale Of The Coven by R. A. Salvatore; and pretty much anything by Trudi Canavan (The Black Magician, The Traitor Spy, etc). Cheers!
WoT, Stormlight, Mistborn, & Dandelion Dynasty would make my list as well. Definitely plan on checking out the three series I haven’t read yet too 😁
My top three adult fantasy novel series of all-time are:
1) Dandelion Dynasty
2) Greenbone Saga
3) Realm of the Elderlings
^these changed my life!! (taught me a lot and inspired me in my real life)
Others that could perhaps maybe dethrone RotE (when they're completed):
4) A Song of Ice and Fire
5) Stormlight Archives
I also wanted to mention One Piece because imo it rivals the dandelion dynasty in its ability to tell a foundational EPIC about the emergence of a new people
its crazy how similar they are (themes tackled, etc) despite one being a comedy at its heart
Oh, also the Condor Trilogy by legendary author Jin Yong.
His wuxia novels are often compared to lord of the rings+harry potter in terms of cultural impact (in regards to east asia) so its a shame not many people have consumed it here in America, etc
I know I"d probably really enjoy One Piece but something about everything I've heard and the giant fandom intimidates me a bit LOL
@@Bookborn Don't let the fandom instill fear in you. One Piece is so worth it.
These words are accepted.
Edit: Also, one that wasn't mentioned that I personally loved is the Shades of Magic trilogy by V. E. Schwab. It managed to scratch my fantasy itch while I was waiting for Rhythm of War. Highly recommended!
Ahhh so I just LOVED the first one of that series! Tbh, the four Londons is probably one of my favorite piece of worldbuilding ever, which is saying a lot. But I felt like 2 and 3 didn't live up to the first one 😭 Didn't hate them or anything but they just didn't measure up ultimately for me.
@@Bookborn Hey, that's fair! I do have to agree that the first one is the best one out of the three. But yeah, the worldbuilding is what really made the trilogy great to me. And Lila. I know she's a divisive character but I loved her lol
Seeing how much overlap we have just confirms why you’re probably my favorite Booktuber (or at least the one whose preferences are most aligned with mine)! Definitely want to check out all the ones here I haven’t read.
Raymond E. Feist deserves a look at. Magician is the first book followed by Silverthorn and Darkness at Sethanon but the series with, Daughter of the Empire, Servant of the Empire and Mistress of the Empire are exceptional and extremely well written.
Many of Terry Pratchetts books have been made into short series that are worth checking out if you can find them.
Yes! Daughter of the empire (sub)series is amazing!
Empire series is gold standard for me
I highly recommend The Lyonesse Trilogy by Jack Vance, who was a multiple Hugo/Nebula award winner. Bring a good thesaurus, you'll need it. Jack was a master of the English language and had a great fondness for using obsolete and archaic words in his stories.
I absolutely concur! The Lyonesse Trilogy is superb. While the breadth and scope of the LotR trilogy is likely without peer, for a true, Euro-style Fantasy in it's highest form, I've found none that set the bar as high as Lyonesse
Misborn is borderline "young adult" so I am not sure I would put it on this list - but I think the following should definitely be in the list:
- Malazan Book of the Fallen (Steven Erikson);
- Gentlemen Bastards (Scott Lynch);
- Realm of the Elderlings (Robin Hobb);
- A Song of Ice and Fire (George RR Martin) (I personally don't love this series, but it is still very good - just not my personal jam);
- The Band (Nicholas Eames); and
- The Kingkiller Chronicles (Patrick Rothfuss).
Great choices here :) Specially Erikson, Lynch, Hobb and Eames ♥
Thank you for recognizing the classics, like WoT and LotR. The Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series by Tad Williams is up there for me. I should really get around to First Law soon! Despite all the love for Green Bone saga, I doubt I would like it since I am totally uninterested in Godfather-esque stories. I like a little more fantasy in my fantasy. (Other commenters mentioned Robin Hobb, and I love Farseer, but haven't ventured into the rest of the Realm.)
What's so interesting is I didn't read greenbone for the longest time because I HATE mafia stuff! But I finally gave it a shot and loved it. It might surprise you!
I've seen Tad Williams mentioned again and again on here, so I really need to get to him.
The First Law series is absolutely amazing. One of my first series I read when I started seriously reading again. But so far the series that has blown my mind the most, even though I'm only halfway is Malazan Book of the Fallen. I'm curious how my reading experiences will will be after I finished that and continue with The Age of Madness. I know the feeling of starting a new series. Especially after having read a really long series. You get used to the characters, places, storylines and then it's a complete reset and you have to start fresh. I always take a few days of rest before I start something new, just to let the dust settle.
YES, I totally know that feeling. And it's hard sometimes for anything to live up because you just feel like you knew those other characters SO WELL. I'm starting my Malazan journey next year and am very excited. I read the first book a decade ago and never went further, so I'm going to reread it and try again.
Having read the Discworld novels pretty much as they were coming out, and the other related series, it took me sometime to start the last one... a year after I got it, knowing it would be the last new one I would ever read.
I have started re-reading them all, now on a Kindle, because I gave the collection to a Hospice for Children.
Pratchett's writing and levels of humour changed as the series went on going into saterising our "modern" world... HEX with the bugs in it be a minor point and then later realising the Monstrous Regiment actually reflected events in the first World War...
My current series is Earthsea by Urula K. Le Guinn. The beautifully dense descriptions of nature, people and history are what make this series such a treat to read again and again.
I’ve only read 2/4 so far but I’d be surprised if that doesn’t make my list once I finish.
After seeing the video, my thoughts went to Earthsea also. I devoured all of LeGuin's books back in the 1960's and 70's and loved them all, but went back and reread Earthsea several times because it has a special place in my fantasy-loving heart. LeGuin's prose is unique and beautiful and it is a shame that your comment is the only one to mention it. I have humbly sailed through life with Ged.
You’re my favorite booktuber because you articulate the emotions and motivations for enjoying a book without giving any spoilers.
Totally agree with Brandon Sanderson series. Although I prefer Mistborn Wax and Wayne over the original trilogy. I also love Anne McCaffereys Dragonriders if Pern series.
My top three of all time are and will probably always be: The Lord of the Rings, The Wheel of Time and The Stormlight Archive. I would highly recommend reading John Gwynn. His, The Faithful and the Fallen (4 books) is amazing and his work in progress series, The Bloodborn Saga (Shadow of the Gods) is also epic! I'm currently reading, Last Argument of Kings in the First Law trilogy.
Yes I know I need to get to Gwynn! I have Shadow of the Gods on my shelf currently
I really love Sanderson and have literally read everything he had written. But another author I have enjoyed was Daniel Abraham his long price quartet was really good and I was really pulled into his Dragon and coin series.
I am so eager to try these. Just yesterday I finished Leviathan Falls and I need more of his writing!
Thats a great list.
Mine now is: (It Changes over time)
1. Malazan: Book of the Fallen
2. Witcher
3. Lord of the Rings
4. Stormlight Archive
5. First Law
6. Shannara Series
7. Mistborn
8. Chronicles of Thomas Covenant
9. Game of Thrones
10. Broken Empire
All great choices. I'll admit I tried to get into Shannara but couldn't (the first book was just way too much like LOTR for me) but I do hear it gets better...
@@Bookborn I did not like the first Shannara book either. It seemed more for a 12 year old but by the 3rd book I was hooked and the writing style improved. By the 19th Book I was
very happy with them. There is nothing like finishing Malazan. I feel like I went with them on each adventure and battle. I am reading Esslemont's Books Now. I like them very much also.🙂
Do you really like Malazan? I’ve read the first three cause everyone says it’s awesome. But man it’s a slog for me. I feel like it’s a huge conspiracy to get people to read it cause ‘if I waisted all those hours I’m going to get others to do it too’. All the reviews are like it starts slow but you have to read it all. Kind of stuff.
@@danielcoleman2378 I genuinely enjoyed it, but I worry about recommending Malazan because it's hard to get into and it's not for everyone. I think if you enjoy epic fantasy and D&D-esque world building and storytelling, Malazan could be worth the effort.
@@danielcoleman2378 I love it.
Hey, a fellow Ravenclaw here, I think you left out a Song of Ice and Fire. There is a reason he is called the American Tolkien as his world building and characterization is top notch, and the world feels very lived in. Do try out Memory, Sorrow and Thorn series too. Tad Williams is very under appreciated. I stumbled upon your channel yesterday and subscribed. Have a wonderful day ahead!!
I haven't actually read ASOIAF or watched GOT for personal reasons - I don't generally like stories that have graphic sexual descriptions/use of sexual assault. Although, I know they'd top most people's list!
@@Bookborn Ohh ok, surprisingly i even abhor unnecessary graphic stuff but the books don't focus on it at all. There is a very inherent focus on the story and the characters over any kind of violence and unless one goes looking for it one won't find it. The show i admit is graphic but mostly it adds to the story than being there for the sake of it. I would say give the books a chance 🙂
@@Bookborn Glokta cutting a guys nipple off is way worse than anything I've seen in asoiaf.
1-The Banished Lands Saga
2-A Song of Ice and Fire
3-His Dark Materials
4-Winnowing Flame Trilogy
5-The Cosmere
6-The Realm of The Elderlings
7-Conqueror
8-Warlord Chronicles
9-Book of The Ancestor
10-Greenbone Saga
Dandelion Dynasty is my most anticipated now since I read the paper menagerie short story collection which was amazing 👍
This is a 9 series list, because Threadlight is the secret 10th series that we are just supposed to assume you love, but can't say because of an obvious bias
😂😂😂
She told me secretly that is her least favorite series. Don't fact check this
@@readbykyle3082 Fact -checked. You are correct.
I am currently reading Speaking Bones and this series is phenomenal! I can definitely see it being a fantasy staple and becoming a fantasy "classic." It's so unique and deep and emotional.
YES. Oh man, the ending of Speaking Bones is so good too 😭
It's funny, I just came from your first law trilogy review and was really surprised to see it on your favorites list! You liked it but decided grim dark wasn't for you... but you kept going with the first law world and loved it. I'm just now starting the first stand alone, and you've got me excited for them.
Yes! I enjoyed it enough to keep going, but it wasn't until the Heroes that somehow it all finally clicked retrospectively and I started to REALLY fall in love with the series. I'm so glad I kept going.
Brandon sanderson i am working on, wheel of time i finished, Discworld gets better as it goes... Pratchett develops as an author and his stories are amazing
He's SIR TERRY for a reason. Such a genius.
My list favorite series in no particular order:
1) Lord of the Rings
2) Mistborn
3) Imager (L.E. Modesitt)
4) Alvin Maker (O.S. Card) (I would include Ender, but it is Sci-Fi)
5) Sword of Truth (RIP Terry I wish he could have continued his Jack Raines series)
I discovered Wheel of Time and Sword of Truth about the same time and enjoyed SOT much more than WOT which is much further down my list. For me SOT had a better magic system and I like that each had a moral to the story (the wizards rules). I also found his protagonists complex and dealing with real ethical problems, but eventually I also realized that he really only has variations on one over the top villain.
I read the first SOT five years ago and I didn't love it 😬 Although I did absolutely love the worldbuilding in it. I love Ender's game but I've only read three of the series so I felt like I hadn't read enough to say it was my favorite lol! But as stand alones, I love Game, Shadow, and Speaker.
Kushiel's Legacy is a favorite of mine. It might be partly because it was something I needed at the time I read it (2017/2018). But just... it gets really dark at times but love prevails and I really needed that in a story. It's got romance, sex, and violence (sometimes all at once due to the proclivities of the first trilogy's protagonist).
I do think Jaqueline Carey is a great author even in spite of fortuitous timing though. Her prose is beautiful.
Codex Alera by Jim Butcher 6 books vary from 400-700 pages each. I'm a big fan of when a series has each book focus on a distinct period of the characters life, and I felt like this series did that very well. Also the Crescent City series by Sarah J Maas currently 2 books 800 pages each planned to be a trilogy I believe. It's a very solid take of a fantasy world in a modern setting, and the main character is one of if not my favourite protagonist
The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever by Stephen R. Donaldson was my favorite during my teen years when I absolutely devoured series after series. I’m not familiar with all the popular stuff from the last 25 years, so I don’t really know how it compares, but for me it was on another level relative to other stuff coming out at that time (early to mid 80s).
Oh I've heard a LOT of good things about Thomas Covenant, so I'll get to it eventually for sure
Wow, the only one I haven't read is the Dandelion Dynasty (but it's on my TBR). Excited for you to read Age of Madness! I liked it more than the original trilogy!
I'm so excited. Starting it really soon!
The Legends of the First Empire by Michael J. Sullivan is one of my favourites and The Belgariad Series by David Eddings as I have fond memories of reading it as a kid. I think Michael J. Sullivan is on a par with Brandon Sanderson
Yea, the Belgariad was a fun read. As was the sequel series The Malloreon. And The prequels. And the "Sparhawk" books.
Great list. Read most of them. I can really recommend The Black Company. It's quite gritty and unique in it's story telling style, but that makes it so amazing. The Gentleman Bastard series and the Kingkiller Chronicle, thou both not finished, are also absolutely fantastic! The book of Corum and Elric Saga are also really good.
A very good list that captured many of my favorites. I really enjoyed WoT but coming off of it, I was in the mood for something with a bit more bite. That's when I discovered Joe Abercrombie. Jay Kristoff's Nevernight Chronicles has similar vibe. One of my favorites that may not count as adult fantasy is Marie Brennan's Lady Trent Series. I loved all the dragon lore and that series.
Solid list. I too feel I must now include Greenbone Saga on my favorites list. Can't recall if you're not a Hobb fan, but that's the most notable omission for me. I mean, I know some people don't like Realm of the Elderlings, but it's fairly rare for those who've gone much deeper than the Farseer Trilogy.
Farseer just doesn't quite make the list for me. I still stand by Royal Assassin being probably the best second book in a series I've ever read. But something about the third book just didn't quite do it for me. I think it might've been too depressing 🤣 I have the first Liveship traders book though and I have a felling that will become one of my favorites.
@@Bookborn Perfectly understandable. FWIW, I don't think I fully appreciated Farsser until I'd read on. I'll bet you enjoy Liveship--it's very different. (Although Hobb never shies away from being depressing, lol.)
What the heck? No love for the Threadlight trilogy? 😜
hmmm, is that series any good?
@@jakebishop7822 It's the greatest and best series in the world...'s tribute.
Great vid and overview! Multiple series are also on my top list. I’m reading wall of storms now and I’m blown away 💜😜
With the series on your list, it sounds like you would also enjoy the Lightbringer series by Brent weeks. It is a great story, five books in total, with a unique color-based magic system. Also, for a short trilogy with great character interactions, you might also check out the Gentleman Bastard books by Scott Lynch. I would also recommend Robin Hobbs' books, as she is also very good with character-driven stories. She has a few different series, but you would want to start with the Farseer trilogy. I believe she has 15 or 16 books total in that series, also called the Realms of the Elderlings, but the Farseer trilogy is the first 3 books.
I have actually read Lightbringer! Well...4/5 books anyway. I really loved the first three. The fourth was just ok, and then I heard all this bad stuff about the fifth and never got around to finishing the series 😅. I may eventually go back and finish though.
Gentleman Bastards has been on my list for ages and I just need to prioritize it. I'm pretty positive I'm going to love it!
I have read the Farseer trilogy, and while I still think the second book is perhaps the best second installment in a series I've ever read, something about the third book just misses for me, making it not make this list. However, I plan on starting Liveship soon and with everything I've heard, I'm guessing that trilogy will make the list!
Memory, Sorrow, Thorn by Tad Williams is a great series
Damn. Flashbacks to weeks sick undercovers reading these as a kid. Such a great series Damn.
My favorite fantasy so far.
Love that series. I feel it is very underrated.
David Eddings - Belgariad
Robin Hobb - Liveship Traders
Anne Rice - Vampire dealies
Frank Herbert - Dune
One I love, that I don't expect to see a lot 😂, is the Aegypt Cycle by John Crowley. I totally understand why it's not bigger though. Mass appeal it does not have.
Indeed. I generally goes with "Little, Big" for a truly personal motivation, but there are a decent amount of fantasy authors with little mass recognition, despite the quality. "Ash" and "White Crow" by Mary Gentle, "Gormenghast" by Mervyn Peake, "Silverlock" by John Myers Myers, "Chronicles of an Age of Darkness" by Hugh Cook, "Viriconium" by M. John Harrison, "Chronicles of Master Li and Number Ten Ox" by Barry Hughart or "Neveryon" by Samuel R. Delany.
Great list! Dandelion Dynasty and Greenbone would be two recent series that would be amongst my favorites as well
They were both just SO good. Can't believe I finished two such excellent series in the same year.
After LOTR, my list immediately jumps to Realm of the Elderlings, Dandelion Dynasty, and Greenbone, but for the sheer joy of reading Ben Aaronovitch’s Rivers of London can’t be left off my list.
I haven't even heard of Rivers of London, but considering I love all the series you mentioned, then I should probably go check it out...
Hey I know I‘m a little late to the party, but I was kinda surprised the King Killer Chronicles is not on your list. I know it is technically not finished. But given the quality of the writing I expected that it would at the very least get an honorable mention.
Unfortunately the last 1/4 of Wise Mans Fear was a HUGE let down for me. Doors of Stone may change my mind on it, but as it's likely not coming out anytime soon, KKC doesn't quite make my list. I loved the first one, but that just isn't enough for me.
@@Bookborn I see, what happened in the fae stays in the fae, I guess. The tuition scheme makes no sense either. But the books are beautifully written.
Awesome list! I haven't read some of them, but the ones I have read also land on my Top 10. Thanks for sharing!
I totally agree with your opinion of Pratchett's Discworld and Tolkien's Lord of the Ring. Based on your description, I will be checking out Brandon Sanderson's work as well. Chad over at Chadiversity has a similar opinion of his work. I am a bit surprised that Piers Anthony's Xanth series is missing. Others you might like include The Shanara books by Terry Brooks, The Thomas Covenant series by Stephen Donaldson, and the many, many series by David Eddings. Happy reading!
I'm the same way. I don't usually want to start huge books or series but all my favorites are long. The longer the book the more detail there is and more room for character growth. These are some of my favorite things to see in books or tv.
1 Malazan
2 Wheel of Time
3 Mistborn
Currently working towards the end of The Realm of The Elderlings. Caught up on Stormlight Archive. Read the First Law trilogy. Any suggestions after I finish Realm of the Elderlings?
Try Greenbone! or Dandelion Dynasty since you clearly aren't scared of the long haul.
@@Bookborn thank you for the recommendations!
Yesss Green Bone Saga 😍😍 My obsession with that series just keeps growing exponentially haha. And I just started Grace of Kings this month (enjoying it so far but I can see what people mean about the distant-feel writing style).
My top three favorite series at the moment are: 1) Greatcoats by Sebastien de Castell, 2) The Aurelian Cycle by Rosaria Munda, and 3) Green Bone Saga. I think I remember you saying in a live show that you weren't sure about trying Greatcoats but I highly recommend giving it a go if you like character-driven, emotional stories and a strong focus on friendship and justice.
Yeah grace of kings is a removed writing style but it really works as the series goes on and I hope you like it!
I’ve heard so much great things about Greatcoats I just get nervous that it’s not my style 😅 but I’ll probably try it out eventually!
Great review! I’m a sci-fi reader, just dipping my toes in fantasy (reading Stormlight now), and I’m enjoying this new world of books. 🙂
I like what you like! You have great taste and a passion for sharing! You might find Terry Goodkind, Dennis McKiernan, Terry Brooks, R.A. Salvatore, and a quirky series called Gor by John Norman, which are usually found on eBay, etc., very interesting. That should be another good rabbit hole for you to see if you find value and entertainment!
Great list and I agree with you on a lot of them. One that I would add is The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin.
The Fifth Season is one of the coolest reading experiences I've ever had. I just LOVED it. The other two didn't quite live up to it for me though 😭
I loved the Three-Body series, I was blown away, even typically being a character-focused reader. I thought The Dark Forest was even better than the first book.
Also, totally agreed on the First Law series as a whole. I really like how the world and the timeline is built gradually with each book simply by introducing us to great characters who are in different regions, giving us a character-based attachment to all the different parts of the world.
The Age of Madness trilogy was amazing, in my opinion, and tops both the first trilogy and the standalones for me. I hope you'll like it.
If Sci fi is on the table, I enjoy all of John Scalzi's writing. I was introduced to him by his Interdependency series (and I blew threw those SOO quickly), but both the Lock in series and The Old Man's War series are absolutely fantastic. And his standalone novel Redshirts makes me laugh so hard.
Oh I'm going to try to read Redshirts next month as a part of my hugo reads! I've heard it's such a funny book
Hi 👋 you got some great book list series on ur list!! Happy reading to you!! 🦋🎥🎬
Fantastic list! I need to get to Dandelion Dynasty! I have nothing but FOMO and it's becoming too much lol
I get it like it's kind of a hard series to start because it's SO long and a little slow at times. BUT ITS WORTH IT I PROMISE
I'm watching this video and I'm just like yep, yep, yep, yep, oh haven't read that yet, yep, yep. Brilliant list.
My first fantasy reading as an adult was the Wheel of Time series and i really enjoyed it! You got my attention as i agree on most of your commentary on the adaptation. I do think im little more into dark and gritty but else your reviews here are spot on as far as the series ive been reading. I Really like Abercrombie, The Heroes is a fantastic standalone in the First Law world. From your list i do miss a song of ice and fire. Why is that -to much gore? Martins writing is sublime imo. Glad i found your channel :)
Haven’t read ASOIAF just because I heard there’s a lot of sexual assault and I just don’t love reading that. I may try it and just skip graphic descriptions because I do think I’d love it
@@Bookborn Thats an interesting point. My reaction to depictions of violence (in books and movies) very much depends on the distintion between depictions of violence Iincluding sexual violence) as a mean of its own end; and such depictions as a mean to create context, understanding of characters, their motivations and the world they live in etc. For me, SOIAF is well on the right side of that distinction. Its very violent, but not explicit in a way that makes me cringe.
This is my first video of yours, what a great list. Nearly every series you mentioned is also in my top 10.
Wheel of time and the scifi series I have no interest in so haven't read those and The Dandelion Dynasty is now on my TBR.
P.s your explanation about Joe Abercrombies works is exactly how I felt and now I am re reading the blade itself after reading ALL of his works and enjoying it much more the second time.
I love the First Law world by Joe Abercrombie. I, too, cannot separate the first trilogy from the standalones (and short stories) or the 2nd trilogy. I just picked up the last of the Age of Madness and I am ridiculously excited to get into it. The characters and world are so good but I adore the humor.
On my own list I'd have to include the Nevernight Chronicle by Jay Kristoff and The Expanse series by James S.A. Corey. They have some dark stuff but, much like First Law, it's balanced out with some great, dark humor. All three of these series have such memorable characters and lines that are quotable. Like in the Expanse on character wearily asks, "Do you ever feel like the world is out to get you?" Followed by another sarcasticly responding, "No. But I think it's out to get you."
I am considering checking out the Green Bone Saga. I haven't read any Sanderson either, but I want to, and picked up The Way of Kings. I read really slow and my physical TBR is way too long lol. But there are so many amazing books out there! Thanks for sharing your faves
I've been meaning to get to Corey for ever. I keep seeing his name everywhere and I feel like I'm really going to like his stuff.
@@Bookborn And it's one of the few series that got a good tv adaptation. The authors the comprise Corey were heavily involved. One of them, Ty Franck, even has a podcast with an actor from the show where they breakdown the episodes and talk about the decisions they made to make it work for tv.
@@Bookborn we have been over this, Corey is two people, get it together 😂
Some of my favorite fantasy series are
-The stormlight archive
-Super powereds
-The lightbringer saga
Most people at this point know stormlight is a good series and its by far my favorite, everything of his is really.
Super powereds is so incredibly underrated or maybe I just like super heros too much but its a more grounded look at what it takes to be a super hero and the characters are amazing and the action is great. I very highly recommend it
The lightbringer saga i like because the characters are interesting and the magic system is so cool. Sure it could be better but i still think its cool
Super powereds is a fun series! Best super heroes series by a long way.
@@danburke6568 im glad someone else has read it, its very underrated
[Non-fantasy] if you like those aspects of The Three-Body Problem, you may like the Children of Time series (Adrian Tchaikovsky).
It's got a similar focus on big ideas and, the first book especially, left me thinking about it long after I finished!
Though it seems like the Big Ideas focus is true for most recently-written Sci-fi series I've read, so maybe it's just part of the genre at this point
Tchaikovsky has been on my author bucketlist for ages, I just need to finally make time for it!
Series I think you might want to dive into. Black Magician Trilogy by Trudy Canavan.
The second trilogy in the same world was also enjoyable.
I really enjoy Trudi's take on a "subtle" magic system. It's a shame she is not writing anymore due to her back injury, but I've loved every book I've read of hers.
Love that sweatshirt! As a fellow Ravenclaw, I need one! Also I'm jealous that you can even wear it this time of year - here in the stifling midwest it's impossible to wear anything with long sleeves until November. 🥵☠
Oh I wore it only for this video LOL it's new and I'm dying to wear it, but even in Seattle it's been too hot to actually wear it for real sadly haha
A few I would add to the list that others haven't mentioned yet:
- Brent Weeks Night Angel series
- Brent Weeks - Lightbringer series
- Scott Lynch - Gentleman Bastards series
- Sebastion de Castell Greatcoats
I’ve read Lightbringer actually! Well 4/5 books anyway 😅
I’ve been meaning over and over again to get to Gentleman Bastards. I really think I’m going to love that one
Oh it is so funny to see that you believed that ASOIAF was not going to be for you now! I am so happy that it turned out to be so epic for you!
I would recommend Katharine Kerr's Deverry series if you enjoy long and complex story. The first book is Daggerspell and there are 15 books in total, split into 4 subseries. The world is very Celtic inspired and as complex as their knots. I reread the whole lot in lockdown. She has also a two book series - Sorcerer's Luck and Sorcerer's Feud set in San Francisco that is excellent.
Ohhh nice! I'll check it out!
I mostly read sci-fi and The Remembrance of Earth’s Past trilogy is also one of my favourite series. It melted my brain!
I'll give you three
The Daevabad Trilogy by S.A. Chackraborty
Invisible Library Series by Genevieve Cogman
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
Ooh haven't heard of the first two! I probably won't ever read The Poppy War because I think it's to dark for me lol
Would be interested to hear what you think of Malazan, The Witcher, The Farseer trilogy, the poppy war, a song of ice and fire, and the king killer chronicles. Two sci-fi series that I think tread pretty close to fantasy are the dune saga and the book of the new sun. Would really like some coverage of those. Love your list tho, I’ve been making my way through the dandelion dynasty on your recommendation 👍
OK YOU READY
Malazan - tried the first book a decade ago and thought I was too stupid to go on because the first book was tough for me even though I enjoyed it LOL. Now I know that's a normal feeling and can't wait to try the series again in 2023 (my plan). I'm expecting to really like it this time around.
The Witcher: Read the first two, wasn't for me.
Farseer Trilogy: Amazing trilogy. Still one of the best second books in a trilogy I've ever read, Hobb is a legend. Something about the third book though makes it just miss this list for me. I'm doing Liveship soon and I'd be surprised if that doesn't end up on this list though, from what I've heard.
KingKillers: Could potentially make the list if Doors of Stone ever comes out. The ending of the second was disappointing enough for me that I can't add it to the list unless the third fixes it lol
ASOIAF: Not reading for personal reasons: graphic sex and repeated depictions of sexual assault are not my thing.
Dune: Read the first one and enjoyed and respected it, but didn't feel the need to go on.
@@Bookborn wow! Thanks so much for such a thorough response. I am sort of stalling out on malazan book 4 so maybe I’ll hop back on if you do a read along next year. Also, not a series, but I’m pretty pumped for RF Kuang’s Babel coming out next week! Looking forward to more great booktube content from you 😁
3:23 - That's the reason I don't use high shelvs. Only those I can easily reach with a stretched hand
I’m 5’2. If I did that I would not have room for my books in my house lol I have to use normal sized bookshelves 😂
@@Bookborn try high heels…
Of course I love all the Sanderson! I still need to read Greenbone! I've been meaning to pick it up forever now.
I KNOW you'll love it. I just have this feeling haha
@@Bookborn I mean our taste does line up pretty well for a lot of books
My Top 3 would be:
A Song of Ice & Fire - GRRM
Malazan Book of The Fallen - Steven Erikson
The Second Apocalypse - R Scott Bakker
Followed closely by:
Dresden Files - Jim Butcher
Farseer - Robin Hobb
First Law - Joe Abercrombie
I need ro read Dandelion Dynasty and Greenbone Saga but I'm VERY slowly coming out the other side of Fantasy series fatigue so I'm trying to finish up some series first lol
Oh I totally get that. For a while I needed a break from super long books. I love them, but it does give you fatigue for sure
Finally someone who mentions R Scott Bakker. It's such an amazing story! Different yet the same basis as a lot others, but there's so many new ideas too, great characters, such a great, dark world.
Goated taste for real. Love the mention of Remembrance of Earths past trilogy
Memory Sorrow Thorn and Malazan I think are kind of like Tolkien in that they’re both hyped (I mean, like every r/fantasy series post mentions them so many times) but both also deserve every bit of the hype and are consistently peoples favorites for a reason.
Very excited to start Malazan next year. It's long...complicated... sounds like it belongs on my list of favorites lol
can someone suggest some fantasy novels where the mc is leaning more towards darkness and operates in a morally grey zone?
You want the First Law trilogy!
Great list. I definitely have a lot of overlap with Sanderson, WoT, LotR, Discworld. Everything else in your list is in my TBR. :)
I haven't actually thought deeply enough to make a top ten of my own, I very clearly have two series (Malazan and Dune) that are absolute favourites. Others just go into big of "stuff I like".
Looking forward to you giving Malazan another go. I think booktube has made a huge difference to Malazan, both for first time readers and re-readers. Discussion of Dune is also having a resurgence after the movie. I find having that community around the books makes the whole experience so much richer.
Cool video! I've read the first two Wheel of Time books (liked the first, loved the second), but considering it's such a long series, I'm taking a hiatus and reading a few shorter series in between. I actually just started Mistborn Book 1 and am really liking it so far; it's my first Sanderson book. Eventually (once I'm done with the Mistborn Trilogy and have read more WOT) I'll start the Stormlight Archive. Also, I agree on LOTR, although I read it back in high school (around 2009-2010). As much as I love the films, the atmosphere of the book is in some ways completely different, from what I remember.
I would like to point to some well written series that get overlooked as they are older.
The Belgeriad and Mallorian with the subsequent Belgarath the Sorcerer and Polgara
The Ellinium and the Tumli
The Dark Elf Trilogy and all of it's related series that come after.
The Magician and all the rest of its follow up books.
The Dragonlance novels as there are a ton of related it is hard to list them all.
Silvestre's other independent works after leaving D&D brands are all worth a look aswell.
I've just read 3 body problem and am looking forward to the rest of the series
I hope you enjoy them! The last book is sooo good.
Julian May's Saga of Pliocene Exile, followed by Intervention, and finishing with the Galactic Milieu Trilogy.
Nuff said.
It's good to hear that you'll give Malazan another go. It is far too much for inexperienced readers, but you are a long way past that stage now. Remember that Malazan requires some patience as the various story threads slowly interweave.
I have read all the Discworld books, including the Tiffany Aching books. LOVE THEM!
I LOVE the green bone Saga - excited to read the others on the list as Jade City was one of my first novels since picking up reading again post university lol
Great list but please check out:
The Gentlemen Bastard series
The Kingkiller Chronicle
The Dresden Files
Game of thrones
The Farseer Trilogy
The Lightbringer Series
Read Lightbringer but it started going downhill after a great first two books imo. Never even ended up reading five although I may some day 😅
Love Farseer but the third book just made me not quite want it on this list although Hobb is a legend and Royal Assassin is probably the best second book in a series I’ve ever read. I’m guessing liveship will make this list when I eventually read it!
Dresden wasn’t for me personally from the first book but I’ve heard it gets a lot better so I’ll probably circle back eventually!
@@Bookborn Dresden doesn't get going until book three, your critique of Farseer is dead on(I wouldn't have it on my top 10 but it's still a decent read). Lightbringer was pretty good and imo far superior to the Night Angel Trilogy, I will have to revisit it someday, probably not top 10 material I admit.
I must reiterate:
Kingkiller Chronicle
The Gentlemen Bastards
Game of Thrones
I'm guessing you have read them all but if not I think you will enjoy them. All three would be in my top 10 even though none are finished 🤷
You list was fantastic overall, I found myself agreeing with everything on your list that I have read!
Nice list! I believe those were sound choices. I was wondering if you have any opinion on Guy Gavriel Kay's works.
Haven't read him yet! I've heard incredible things about Tigana so that's probably where I'm going to start!
@@Bookborn I just recently learned about his work. Since his books seem to be self contained, thus easier to go through, I'm very curious to check them out. Unfortunately, they are rare to find in local shops 😑
I agree with most of your choices, and the rest… well I guess I’ll have to read them now.
Nice vid
I love fantasy novels 📚
Brandon sanderson I need to start with
Right now reading storm of swords
Nice! GoT is always a solid option
@@Bookborn it is
I am blown away, by George martins work, his style of developing characters , his in-depth building of characters ,their personalities ,their thoughts ,emotions unbelievable
The battle sequences, humour, his narrative of the world 🤪
Conversations and dialogues amongst characters
It does a great job challenging ones imagination 👌🏼👌🏼 that’s the best part about fantasy novels
Also I am gryfindor 😊
I've only read LOTR and First Law (the trilogy for now) on that list (and they're both favourites too!), but I'm looking forward to reading The Greenbone Saga, The Dandelion Dynasty series and try some Pratchett in English at some point (they only had Guards! Guards! in French in my library and wow what was that 😂 I read only a few pages and thought "that's not funny at all, I need to read the original" - as a translator myself, I know how translating humour is a pain in the ass from one language to another, especially if there are numerous puns!).
Oh my gosh, I never even thought about how difficult translating Pratchett must be - his stuff is just FULL of puns and word humor and like...those don't translate well at all I bet 😂
@@Bookborn Translating absurdist fiction of any kind means you have to completely adapt it, so it actually becomes something new. I knew it but was still curious to give it a try, but man the range of skills you must have to get it just right is truly endless! And even then, you have to rewrite whole passages and invent something new so it would fit in the very fabric of your target language. I do admire the French translator for even trying, and maybe I should have given him more time, but I just felt I was missing out and decided I'll be patient and just read the original because... well, I can. 😅
The Foreigner series by C. J. Cherryh is good. After the first 6 titles, of which, it's for the dedicated only :-) From her Alliance Universe: Heavy Time and Merchanter's Luck are good. There are others, for which, one's mileage varies. I tried BS before but he failed to impress. I'll have another try, for to be certain :-)
Excellent distillation of favorite fantasy series!! Wheel of Time!! Where would I be had I not been introduced to Eye of the World by Robert Jordan!! I wonder if you had an eye in the future perhaps on Stephen King’s Dark Tower series? A kinda almost western scifi fantasy blend with tons of prose! If folks have read Malazan’s book one Gardens of the Moon,, surely they would not be intimidated by starting with The Gunslinger.
Thank you for that list! Most are also my favorites but I have to read the dandelion saga now ;)
You had me worried for a second that the TFL-universe wouldn't be on here :p
I highly recommend u check Chronicles of Amber or any other Zelazny book.