This is the kind of thing that keeps me up at night. All of the books I'll never get to read, and those amazing books published after I'm gone. This is the only reason for a Time Machine.
Me, too. But also, he's mostly just talking about ones he doesn't want to go to, haha.. and then there's all the books i want a read, but end up wanting to RE-READ stuff I'm in love with, but I have to disciple myself. 😭
Sometimes I wonder what will I read after my current series but then I smile when I realize there’s always going to be plenty of books to read….. now will the series I’ve loved get finished before the authors die? That I don’t have an answer for 😅
Aaggyhh, my friend gave me all his Steven Erikson books and he couldnt put them down, couldnt stop talking about the story, and it's the series i finally plan to read next!
Some people find Malazan difficult (some don't). There is a lot to this world, so I would suggest listening to a podcast review as you read. They will help you review what you just read and pick up on small connections. Most of them are spoiler-free too! They have helped me a lot. I am currently on the fourth book right now. There's a lot of RAFO (Read And Find Out), where you might not understand something but you will get more details later. It's awesome in my opinion.
Season of Storms is the best book in the Witcher Series, Sword of Destiny and The Last Wish are just short story collections that add context before the actual series starts with Blood of Elves. I’d at least read through the short stories and give the first novel (Blood of Elves) a chance before DNFing the series. 🙏
MALAZAN DO IIIIIIT!! I think the important thing to note about Malazan is that you need to have faith that you will eventually get the answers to the clues laid out in the books, but also to see the message Erikson is putting out in each book. Gardens of the Moon I was so bloody confused but intrigued so I gave Deadhouse Gates a shot. Deadhouse Gates kind of felt like I was being pulled along for a slow ride where I had no idea what was happening, but that ending absolutely rocked me and hooked me in.
Malazan Books of the Fallen are worth the journey! I read them all at the beginning of this year and I was not disappointed by a single one. Several of them get very, very INTENSE. I highly recommend reading them all. I also recommend reading the entirety of the Hyperion Cantos. Yes, the first book may be the best, partly because of its framing device, but the rest of the books in the series are very much worth the effort as well. Most of the mystery boxes that are set up in Hyperion are answered satisfactorily as we find out the truth behind the mysteries of the planet Hyperion. Great stuff!
I'm sad you weren't feeling the first book in The Burning by Evan Winter. I read the two that are out now, and loved them. Favorite reads of the year so far. I even backed the Kickstarter to get the Special Edition of book 1 after I read them. The characters do start to progress in book 2, and I am very, very excited to see what ends up happening in book 3. Hopefully you make it back and end up loving it!
Thank you for this! What I really love is that you explain WHY you didn't like some of these. I personally do enjoy swashbuckling humour and so I can now try the ones in that category you didn't like. Loving all your content! Big thanks! PS: I get why you stop it but I have to say it nevertheless: Cradle REALLY does get better at book 3. Every time my husband and I start a re-read we start at book 3! T
I know he's one of the internet's favorite fantasy authors right now and I may give him another shot later on, but I've actually given up on The Cosmere (for the time being) not because it's bad or because I didn't find them enjoyable, but because as I've gotten older, the very action/thriller-esque writing and very rigid worldbuilding and magic systems have appealed to me less and less. I'll probably try again at some point (who knows how many books I'll have to read at that point), but for now, it's just not clicking with me.
The Witcher books are great, some amazing characters and ambience however the plot in its totality can be a bit loose, but I still thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.
A fellow fan👍🏻 It seems like most of the people I listen to on book tube aren’t too hot on them, except for Allen Walker (who I then found out chose the Triss romantic option in the games. Devastating). Cheers
Have you played the video games? That is how I fell in love with the witcher. Romance is one of my least favorite aspects of a story but for some reason I am quite enamored with Yen and Geralt. I still need to read the series though so that may change but I think CD project Red did a good job imo displaying how well they work as a couple especially after the whole gin thing is settled. After I finish the WoT I will finally pick up the witcher series. I am going to buddy read it with my mom as she is fluent in polish and we are going to discuss any discrepancies between the original and the English translation.
Witcher 3 is a masterpiece. I play it with my friend quite a bit (which really involves me sitting in a comfy chair with snacks, bellowing instructions while he does the actual work). Yen and Geralt are pretty damn hilarious. The ending you can get in Blood and Wine with the two of them was beautifully done. My only nit pick with the game is that they undermined Ciri and Yen’s relationship a bit probably because of the love triangle element. Ah well. Still prettty much perfect. I’m audio booking my way through Wheel of time now. Wish me luck. Happy Reading!
@Fianna1775 true. I get why the love triangle is there to give the player a choice but I do think it messes with the overall story of the game and Ciri. I played witcher 1 and 2 as well and I found Triss to be overbearing and creepy as she tries really hard to tell Geralt who has amnesia that Yen wasn't good for him and she and him always had a connection. She gave off stalker vibes so I didn't even consider her. Lol and you are right the end of Blood and Wine with Yen is chefs kiss. I hope you enjoy WoT I have been liking it quite a bit for the overall plot, some side plots, the politics, and the world building. I like the characters enough and I am rooting for them but really haven't connected to any of them at this point. The romances I have found to be annoying. I am just over halfway of book 7 currently. Happy reading to you as well!
@alisonfarnell7228 Not yet. I have the next 2 on my shelf, but I haven't gotten to them. I plan to before the end of the year, though, as part of my mission to finish the year without a ton of unfinished series lol
It’s funny, Witcher is my absolute favorite fantasy series and larger fantasy world. However, i completely understand why others would find it less appealing. It can be really bloody weird. But please don’t become a fan of the Netflix show. Please, for my sake?
Haven't read it myself yet but I heard you should definitely read The Fall of Hyperion, the other 2 are not that necessary to read but as I haven't read any of them yet...maybe others can agree or disagree with what I only heard.
I'd say definetely try A Day of Fallen Knight, one of my biggest issues with Priory (which is a great book) were that at times it did drag on a little and that the final battle was a little anticlimactic. But ADoFN fixes a lot of these things, the final battles in this books (because there are several) are all exciting and emotional and there's always something happening each chapter. I do admit that I wasn't 100% happy with one of the relationships but It's genuinely one of my favorite books of all time. It's definetly worth reading, specially since Samantha Shannon is planning on writing amother 3 books in the series.
I have an idea for a video make a video about the top ten most Anticipated upcoming fantasy book sequels which you are most excited or everyone is so hyped about it like Stormlight archive book 5 please reply your thoughts I request you please reply ❤
With Discworld I suspect you started with the first books, a choice I would not recommend. If I had started there I may also have given up on what turned out to be my favorite author. As most of them are stand alone stories you could begin anywhere else. Even if the humor remains, they turn less absurd and much more story focused. I recommend reading 'Guards! Guards!', 'Reaper Man', 'Wyrd Sisters' or 'Going Postal'. After giving one of these a chance you will know if you truly dislike Discworld or (more likely) not.
Hurts my heart hearing about the Children series.. Children of Memory was such a masterpiece :D but to each their own. (also Pratchett and Witcher) but fair play to you for trying to give Malazan another shot, I love that series but its definitely not for everyone. I agree with you on the Romance part, it very very often takes me out of the story unless its subtle and not the main focus.
I'm currently listening to the murderbot audiobooks, and I don't find them funny, but I really like the story and characters. But if it's not for you then that's ok
I LOVED Children of Time, but have been sooo hesitant to pick up the next book because so many people seem to not like it. I'm sure I'll pick it up eventually, but I'm pretty nervous about it.
The Hyperion Cantos was the first sci fi series I read as an adult and it was amazing specially the 1st and second book. I would for sure read the second book. (:
I read mark Lawrence some works and dropped them unfinished. Didn't work for me. Main character are proud and rash and quick to anger. But plot armour protects them.
Ugh, *Fourth Wing*... I am entirely obsessed with dragons and dragon riders. It takes active work to make a dragon rider story that I don't like, but somehow that one managed. Predictable plot points, lackluster action scenes, unlikeable characters, lack of focus on the actual dragon riding lessons at the *dragon rider university*, and ***absolutely nonsensical*** worldbuilding and naming conventions that continually broke any semblance of immersion I managed to scrape together.
I'm with you on The Rage of Dragons... I have the second book, but I don't know if I want to continue that story. Are you thinking of reading the Parable of the Talents by Octavia E Butler?
I'm almost done with Memories of Ice right now, and I don't think i will continue. I really don't like this post-modern, post-structureual style of writing. Not for the reason you gave, but because i tend to find them to be a bit predictable. And umm... honestly? Kind of shallow. The overarching theme is not impressing me. Though i do have to say if you're wondering and confused. That's how you're supposed to feel. If you do continue i imagine you'll really love it.
I was exactly like you with Malazan - Gardens of the Moon was difficult, I read half of Deadhouse Gates and started it over, I wanted to stick with it because its fans love it - and the end of Deadhouse Gates blew me away, it was incredible. Also had trouble with Memories of Ice, started it over, and again it was great. My advice is, keep trying! Three books in this has easily become my favorite fantasy series. It helped me to study names, races, etc. at the front and back of the books, and to read summaries online when I really didn't understand something.
thats also the hard part, why should you try again and again to enjoy such a series when there is a dozen other unique ones you could get into. the whole stick or re read malazan thing is exactly what creates its difficult rep and drives folks away
@@moyhdehehe9493 if you like what Malazan is selling, there aren't any other dealers around with that kind of product. I've heard Gene Wolfe and R Scott Bakker have some similarities in the depths of their worlds, prose, and narratives, but I haven't explored them. Deadhouse Gates had the hardest hitting emotional climax I've ever read in the book. I recommend it for that, but it's not a short book.
@@Greenslime300I suppose that's true. But I hate post structuralism. It's a writing style designed to get you invested first. Then, the mid moments feel impactful because you're already invested. I suppose it can work for some people, and really that's fine. Whatever works. But I'm on book 3 and kinda predicted the big twist at the end because I find this writing style predicable. It might be the best salmon in the world, but I don't like seafood.
In March of 2023 I started reading the Mistborn trilogy era 1 in the span of 15 days I had finished the first 2 books but I still to this day haven't touched the 3rd book because I absolutely loved the Final empire but the second book is the purest form of disappointment I've felt while reading fantasy. I mean when the amount of cons overshadows the pros with a huge margin you get Well of ascension
I DNF'd Malazan, but not for the reason most others have. It had nothing to due with the length or reading difficulty. It was the r@pe and abuse. Take that out and I probably would have read the series multiple times by now. There are enough excellent books out there without such graphic material in them that I doubt I will ever go back to Malazon.
You don't like Discworld?! How DARE you have a different opinion! lol I can understand why it isn't for you. (I also didn't find Murderbot humorous at all.) I think there is definitely a time to give up on a series. However, there can be some surprises around the corner. I'd read a couple Discworld books years ago and, like you, wasn't thrilled. Years later, I picked up Guards Guards and fell in love with it, and am so glad I tried again. That said, I highly doubt I will EVER revisit WoT.😄
After you ditch the Witcher i decided to check all other series which i do not know, and which you ditch as well. Witcher books in my opinion is crown achivement in fantasy. And by the way you are right. Its translarion into english is just terrible. All clever, witty and amazing parts are butchered in English translation. I guess the translators of books are the same talanted as authors of Witcher TV series (which i ditched myself after first season)
You're not wrong about the Witcher. Overall, I thought the series was okay. I found that the earlier books were better, and the quality went downhill. I really didn't like books six and seven.
That Children of Time-thing happend to me with The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet. The first book is one of my all time favourites and I've read it several times. The second book, oh boy, I just couldn't find a way to connect to the story or any of the characters. A real shame.
I kinda felt the same way, just finished A Closed and Common Orbit, took my awhile to get into it. I've heard the 3rd Wayfarer book is more beloved, so I'll keep trucking!
Reading Cradle this year and just wrapped up book 10. Book 1 was meh. Interesting enough and short enough to be worth another read. Book 2 literally almost ruined my run. Probably the worst book I've read this year. Book 3 flipped my opinion and I cant stop now. First progression series for me too, but I would 100% advocate getting through book 3 before forming a final opinion.
I was fortunate to read it in Ukrainian - it’s very similar to Polish and the translation was simply amazing. The edition that I got had translator’s notes and explanation where they would go into details and explain why a certain word was used, why the character’s name was slightly changed (the editors/translator even reached out to Sapkowsky himself and confirmed with him if that’s alright). I think the Witcher series originated from short stories that were published in a magazine first, maybe that’s why the first book feels a bit disconnected and very novella-like. Nevertheless, it grew on me, maybe because I read it in the right moment and got the better translation, but I hope you give it a second chance someday :)
I'm honestly so shocked! How could you get through Gardens of the Moon, but stop halfway with Deadhouse Gates?? Personally, GotM was not easy to get through, but DG and beyond just FLEW for me
I really didn't get on with Murderbot either! I think you're the only person I know who hasn't adored it!! I did love Cradle and hope if ever you gave the third book a try (the audios are amazing) you like it more, but sometimes a series just isn't for you! Talonsister is on my TBR (adored Williams' Copper Cat trilogy) so I am very curious about it
Haha Murderbot seems universally loved but I know of some people that felt average towards it. I am still slightly intrigued by Cradle but might have to restart the whole thing! I LOVE The Winnowing Flame trilogy so it is a bit of a shame I didn't love Talonsister.
This list is fascinating. Most of the series you love I've never heard of. More books to explore! (Though I can say Terry Pratchett's Discworld has gotten me through some seriously dark times. And I did get through two of the Children of Time books, I couldn't connect to the third.) On the Hyperion series: It's worth reading all the way to the end. Quite mind bending. Grimdark is the only mention I just can't get into. It's too depressing.
My Malazan opinion: if you're not into it, or drawn to it in some way, stop reading. It's an extreme time investment, and if you're not enjoying it, don't force your way through it. It's not for everyone. I'm not even sure it's for me, but I at least was intrigued enough to keep reading for all ten books (took almost five years) and want read them again at some point.
I totally understand why Malazan can deter some people. I'm currently reading Reaper's Gale but it took me 7 years and countless attempts to get through GotM for the same reasons that you cite. It was so worth it to push through that initial uptake period because, even though I'm not yet finished, it is my favorite series of all time. So very worth the effort!
I'm on book 10 of Malazan. I started out loving books 2-6. Some of the best books I've read. But then it's slogs supremely from book 7 on. I don't think it's the life-changing series everyone makes it out to be.
It’s all over the place and I don’t think he even does a good job nailing his ‘compassion’ theme as a whole. His argument seems to be the alternative is terrible, but that’s not really good enough to justify ten books that are each the length of the LOTR trilogy. Nihilistic sort of argument towards compassion that is centered on “just because” isn’t that good.
I would have preferred the story was centered on the fall of the empire going on from book 2, but then it totally goes in this other wild direction instead.
Discworld is an interesting series. I've read 6 books so far (not in chronological order, although I did try) and while I don't think I'll read every book I did find a few that I really liked. (Going Postal, which can be read independently.)
Malazan is exquisite, though you have to work upon reading it. Well worth it, maybe try audiobooks at 1.5x speed. Once you gather Steven Erikson’s complex writing style. You will learn to appreciate and love his storytelling. I would suggest other greats such as Philip C. Quaintrell, Michael J. Sullivan and Anthony Ryan. Though as a writer myself, hoping to be publish one day. Learn from the Greatest and form your own style. From George R.R. Martin and J.R.R. Tolkien to Frank Herbert and Michael Crichton. Perhaps even give criminally underrated authors as Lloyd Alexander, Rick Riordan and Brian Jacques a go. Remember, For RedWall!
As soon as I read Cradle book 3, I thought, "This should be 1 book in 3 parts." So if you like action/adventure/found family, try book 3. Also, I thought City of Brass was rather meh, but book 2 was a glowing 5 stars, and the ending was perfect. (And I didn't like the romance in book 1 either).
I’m not sure why people say that Last Wish is the best book. I mean it’s a book of short stories and it’s okay but I prefer the actual books. The tv show is disastrous so don’t watch it. I also never connected with Prachett. I tried and gave up
Rise of Hyperion is definitely worth reading. It is the conclusion of the 1st half of series. I also enjoyed Children of Time but Children of Ruin was just needing some editing. I think it got a bit long winded at times. I'll give it some time then give book 3 a shot same with the last 2 books of Hyperion. I'm pretty much with you on comedy in books. There is a difference with comedy vs humour. Comedy is a case of funny 1st and story/character/etc 2nd while humour is an added bonus to what is happening. I didn't care for the Witcher either for some reason - could be the translation or just not ready to read it.
I got the first four Murderbot novellas for free. The first three were kind of tedious, with limited plots and little character development. That said, I think treating those four novellas as independent/series entries is probably not right. I think the first four books should be seen as a single novel. Treated that way, there's solid character development, an interesting plot, and an actual resolution. That said, I don't have much desire to continue. I agree about Terry Pratchett's books. I understand what he's doing in the books, I just don't like the way he does it. I find it heavy-handed and not particularly humorous. See also: Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Cradle, IMO, starts as a routine prog fantasy that just gets weaker with every book. And I say this as a fan of prog fantasy/LitRPG. It has a serious case of Lensman Arms Race (see TVTropes) and very little in the way of story or character development. I thought Eames's books were OK. "OK" isn't enough to inspire me. See also: Mistborn. Sapkowski's stuff is kind of boring. I don't like the characters much and the plots are not compelling.
I DNF'd the book that wouldn't burn by Mark Lawerence. I was reading it so slow and I couldn't wrap my head around a lot of what he was trying to say. I am glad other people enjoyed this book, it just wasn't for me.
Fall of Hyperion is very good. It's also less a book 2 than the rest of the first book: they were meant to be published as a single entry but it was just too long. Endymion, however, I would say you could and should skip.
Yaaaa I’ve paid attention to your Malazan journey and I’m happy you seem open to it still. Our brains have a tendency to want to connect point A to a potential point B, and it’s probably so hard for someone as well read as you to flip that off in a world like Malazan. I guess I was at an advantage having not been too experienced a reader getting into it, I just let myself watch what the characters were doing and letting my brain absorb it, which means I did a lot of drooling 😂 If you do pick back up deadhouse gates, you might as well start where you left off and just grind through to the end 🤷🏻♂️ maybe that’s terrible advice but if that ending doesn’t hit you, then definitely just let it go. But I also may be a bad person to ask cause I would jam my head into a brick wall if it meant getting more story 😂
Dreams: Nightmare in Piers Anthony's Xanth series, Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor, dream sequences in The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan. Orcs, Goblins, Trolls: several books in Xanth series, Orconomics by J. Zachary Pike (great satire of capitalism), The Goblin Emperor by Sarah Monette. Criminals: The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch, of course. Eldritch Creatures: The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett (fantastic). Short Stories: maybe go with novellas to cover this category, like The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells. Also, I, Robot by Isaac Asimov (each story is interrelated in some way to Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics). Bards: Mercedes Lackey books, A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross. Reference Materials: Lord of the Rings, which includes maps, songs and appendixes (history, creatures and races, languages, lore).
Do you keep these books that you know you won’t finish the series, or declutter them? My fantasy reads are all on ebook, borrowed or purchased. They are too heavy and take up too much shelf space. I try to only buy them one at a time in case I don’t love them and I have borrowed many that I have ended DNF-ing.
Have u finished all ur book series that you’ve started????? It takes me long time to finish a big epic fantasy.. Will u ever read Malazan series again???????
Wow! I also have a lot of those series on my will not finish list! I wanted to love Tchaikovsky because so many love him. I even read some of his standalones. He has great ideas, but his books are written in a manner that I find tiresome, like a science journal. Cradle, Samantha Shannon, The Witcher books, the Hannah Kaner books, and Mark Lawrence books are all on my tried and will not finish. About Malazan, it IS difficult. If you do decide to pick it back up, may I suggest listening to a read along podcast. The podcasts have helped me to digest what is going on; I am on the fourth book and getting more and more in love with the series as I go!
I wasn’t 100% keen on the priory of the orange tree, but decided to read A day of fallen night. I found the beginning very entertaining but after a while it became a real chore to read. I found the plot to be very similar to Priory. The character development was better, granted, but I only gave it 3 stars. Sounds harsh but the only thing good about the book(in my opinion) is it’s cover
Discworld is great because it's like a parody of every Fantasy trope. I think it's pretty refreshing to not always take things seriously, because in the end Fantasy is impractical but at best mind bending escapism. The absurdity of Discworld at the least bends the mind some, and makes a person think creatively in uncommon, silly ways, while not pretending to be anything more than it is. That there are so many books is equally as ridiculous, again mocking the Fantasy obsession with longer series. It's the ultimate love/annoying.
The Book that Wouldn’t Burn was one of my top favorite books from last year. I’m saddened it didn’t work for you. I’m currently reading the first Book of the Ancestor series and I don’t think it will work for you considering you didn’t care for the other series
Finally, someone else who didn't like Rage of Dragons (which has almost no dragons in it). I had high hopes for it based on Daniel Greene's gushing over it and it was all tell, no show which fell flat. As for Hyperion, the books get a bit weirder as they go on, but not as mind bending weird as the Dune series.
I am so happy you have DNF'd the likes of Discworld, Mark Lawrence, The Burning, and others that I have also just did not get on with but other booktubers are besotted with.
Pity that you're DNFing the witcher but as a pole I'm proud that it's wdidely known. There's no sense to read that series at a push, especcialy when first book was not so fascinating for you.
Never say never, man. Right now I'm reading books if you'd told me 5 years I ago I'd be enjoying immensely, I'd have laughed you off. Have you tried K.J. Parker as yet? I feel like he'd work really well for you given you like how Abercrombie leverages humor.
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I'm never going to finish _The Kingkiller Chronicles_ by Rothfuss or _A Song of Ice and Fire_ by Martin.
Or maybe I have _already_ finished them 🤔
No one will 😭
@@GHShadowWellHonestly, I feel these two authors are in a contest on who can procrastinate longer. 😂
Malazan … DO IT … DO IT!!!!!!! 🤓 I am about to start on the final installment, The Crippled God. Two years in the making.🎉
This is the kind of thing that keeps me up at night. All of the books I'll never get to read, and those amazing books published after I'm gone. This is the only reason for a Time Machine.
Me, too. But also, he's mostly just talking about ones he doesn't want to go to, haha.. and then there's all the books i want a read, but end up wanting to RE-READ stuff I'm in love with, but I have to disciple myself. 😭
Sometimes I wonder what will I read after my current series but then I smile when I realize there’s always going to be plenty of books to read….. now will the series I’ve loved get finished before the authors die? That I don’t have an answer for 😅
🤣
Aaggyhh, my friend gave me all his Steven Erikson books and he couldnt put them down, couldnt stop talking about the story, and it's the series i finally plan to read next!
Some people find Malazan difficult (some don't). There is a lot to this world, so I would suggest listening to a podcast review as you read. They will help you review what you just read and pick up on small connections. Most of them are spoiler-free too! They have helped me a lot. I am currently on the fourth book right now. There's a lot of RAFO (Read And Find Out), where you might not understand something but you will get more details later. It's awesome in my opinion.
Season of Storms is the best book in the Witcher Series, Sword of Destiny and The Last Wish are just short story collections that add context before the actual series starts with Blood of Elves. I’d at least read through the short stories and give the first novel (Blood of Elves) a chance before DNFing the series. 🙏
MALAZAN DO IIIIIIT!! I think the important thing to note about Malazan is that you need to have faith that you will eventually get the answers to the clues laid out in the books, but also to see the message Erikson is putting out in each book. Gardens of the Moon I was so bloody confused but intrigued so I gave Deadhouse Gates a shot. Deadhouse Gates kind of felt like I was being pulled along for a slow ride where I had no idea what was happening, but that ending absolutely rocked me and hooked me in.
My tastes are so varied that I love that many of my favorites are here but your favorites are also among mine 🙌🏼🤪
Malazan Books of the Fallen are worth the journey! I read them all at the beginning of this year and I was not disappointed by a single one. Several of them get very, very INTENSE. I highly recommend reading them all.
I also recommend reading the entirety of the Hyperion Cantos. Yes, the first book may be the best, partly because of its framing device, but the rest of the books in the series are very much worth the effort as well. Most of the mystery boxes that are set up in Hyperion are answered satisfactorily as we find out the truth behind the mysteries of the planet Hyperion. Great stuff!
I'm sad you weren't feeling the first book in The Burning by Evan Winter. I read the two that are out now, and loved them. Favorite reads of the year so far. I even backed the Kickstarter to get the Special Edition of book 1 after I read them. The characters do start to progress in book 2, and I am very, very excited to see what ends up happening in book 3. Hopefully you make it back and end up loving it!
Thank you for this! What I really love is that you explain WHY you didn't like some of these. I personally do enjoy swashbuckling humour and so I can now try the ones in that category you didn't like. Loving all your content! Big thanks!
PS: I get why you stop it but I have to say it nevertheless: Cradle REALLY does get better at book 3. Every time my husband and I start a re-read we start at book 3! T
Thanks for the nice comment!
I know he's one of the internet's favorite fantasy authors right now and I may give him another shot later on, but I've actually given up on The Cosmere (for the time being) not because it's bad or because I didn't find them enjoyable, but because as I've gotten older, the very action/thriller-esque writing and very rigid worldbuilding and magic systems have appealed to me less and less. I'll probably try again at some point (who knows how many books I'll have to read at that point), but for now, it's just not clicking with me.
The Witcher books are great, some amazing characters and ambience however the plot in its totality can be a bit loose, but I still thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.
A fellow fan👍🏻 It seems like most of the people I listen to on book tube aren’t too hot on them, except for Allen Walker (who I then found out chose the Triss romantic option in the games. Devastating).
Cheers
Have you played the video games? That is how I fell in love with the witcher. Romance is one of my least favorite aspects of a story but for some reason I am quite enamored with Yen and Geralt.
I still need to read the series though so that may change but I think CD project Red did a good job imo displaying how well they work as a couple especially after the whole gin thing is settled.
After I finish the WoT I will finally pick up the witcher series. I am going to buddy read it with my mom as she is fluent in polish and we are going to discuss any discrepancies between the original and the English translation.
Witcher 3 is a masterpiece. I play it with my friend quite a bit (which really involves me sitting in a comfy chair with snacks, bellowing instructions while he does the actual work). Yen and Geralt are pretty damn hilarious. The ending you can get in Blood and Wine with the two of them was beautifully done.
My only nit pick with the game is that they undermined Ciri and Yen’s relationship a bit probably because of the love triangle element. Ah well. Still prettty much perfect.
I’m audio booking my way through Wheel of time now. Wish me luck.
Happy Reading!
@Fianna1775 true. I get why the love triangle is there to give the player a choice but I do think it messes with the overall story of the game and Ciri. I played witcher 1 and 2 as well and I found Triss to be overbearing and creepy as she tries really hard to tell Geralt who has amnesia that Yen wasn't good for him and she and him always had a connection. She gave off stalker vibes so I didn't even consider her. Lol and you are right the end of Blood and Wine with Yen is chefs kiss.
I hope you enjoy WoT I have been liking it quite a bit for the overall plot, some side plots, the politics, and the world building. I like the characters enough and I am rooting for them but really haven't connected to any of them at this point. The romances I have found to be annoying. I am just over halfway of book 7 currently. Happy reading to you as well!
Fall of Hyperion just makes Hyperion even better. In my head, I just consider them to be 2 halves of one book.
I agree completely! Have you read further? Loved Endymion too, just about to pick up the last one.
@alisonfarnell7228 Not yet. I have the next 2 on my shelf, but I haven't gotten to them. I plan to before the end of the year, though, as part of my mission to finish the year without a ton of unfinished series lol
I had the exact same experience with children of ruin.
I read the last wish and put off witcher for a while, but then i returned to it in 2020 during lockdown and absolutely loved the other books
It’s funny, Witcher is my absolute favorite fantasy series and larger fantasy world. However, i completely understand why others would find it less appealing. It can be really bloody weird. But please don’t become a fan of the Netflix show. Please, for my sake?
Haven't read it myself yet but I heard you should definitely read The Fall of Hyperion, the other 2 are not that necessary to read but as I haven't read any of them yet...maybe others can agree or disagree with what I only heard.
I'd say definetely try A Day of Fallen Knight, one of my biggest issues with Priory (which is a great book) were that at times it did drag on a little and that the final battle was a little anticlimactic. But ADoFN fixes a lot of these things, the final battles in this books (because there are several) are all exciting and emotional and there's always something happening each chapter. I do admit that I wasn't 100% happy with one of the relationships but It's genuinely one of my favorite books of all time. It's definetly worth reading, specially since Samantha Shannon is planning on writing amother 3 books in the series.
I have an idea for a video make a video about the top ten most Anticipated upcoming fantasy book sequels which you are most excited or everyone is so hyped about it like Stormlight archive book 5 please reply your thoughts I request you please reply ❤
With Discworld I suspect you started with the first books, a choice I would not recommend. If I had started there I may also have given up on what turned out to be my favorite author. As most of them are stand alone stories you could begin anywhere else. Even if the humor remains, they turn less absurd and much more story focused.
I recommend reading 'Guards! Guards!', 'Reaper Man', 'Wyrd Sisters' or 'Going Postal'. After giving one of these a chance you will know if you truly dislike Discworld or (more likely) not.
Hurts my heart hearing about the Children series.. Children of Memory was such a masterpiece :D but to each their own. (also Pratchett and Witcher) but fair play to you for trying to give Malazan another shot, I love that series but its definitely not for everyone. I agree with you on the Romance part, it very very often takes me out of the story unless its subtle and not the main focus.
I'm currently listening to the murderbot audiobooks, and I don't find them funny, but I really like the story and characters. But if it's not for you then that's ok
I LOVED Children of Time, but have been sooo hesitant to pick up the next book because so many people seem to not like it. I'm sure I'll pick it up eventually, but I'm pretty nervous about it.
The Hyperion Cantos was the first sci fi series I read as an adult and it was amazing specially the 1st and second book. I would for sure read the second book. (:
11:50 how can it be to slow when you read Robin Hobb? 😅
Give Red Sister by Mark Lawrence a go. I really enjoyed that one 👌
A Day of Fallen Night is better than The Priory of the Orange Tree, but slow paced at the beginning
Baptism of Fire is hands down the best Witcher book.
I completely agree with #1. The rest you might want to give it a 2nd thought
You read Soul Fraud a few years back, any plans to continue? Hope you have a good day.
I read mark Lawrence some works and dropped them unfinished. Didn't work for me.
Main character are proud and rash and quick to anger. But plot armour protects them.
If you start Malazan again, i wouldn't recommended starting all the way over. Book 3 is where i hot hooked even though book 2 was rough
Ugh, *Fourth Wing*...
I am entirely obsessed with dragons and dragon riders. It takes active work to make a dragon rider story that I don't like, but somehow that one managed. Predictable plot points, lackluster action scenes, unlikeable characters, lack of focus on the actual dragon riding lessons at the *dragon rider university*, and ***absolutely nonsensical*** worldbuilding and naming conventions that continually broke any semblance of immersion I managed to scrape together.
I'm with you on The Rage of Dragons... I have the second book, but I don't know if I want to continue that story. Are you thinking of reading the Parable of the Talents by Octavia E Butler?
It is on my tbr so as it stands - yes!
Words of Kings and Prophets is even better than Children of Gods and Fighting Men. I really recommend continuing.
I'm almost done with Memories of Ice right now, and I don't think i will continue. I really don't like this post-modern, post-structureual style of writing. Not for the reason you gave, but because i tend to find them to be a bit predictable. And umm... honestly? Kind of shallow. The overarching theme is not impressing me.
Though i do have to say if you're wondering and confused. That's how you're supposed to feel. If you do continue i imagine you'll really love it.
I would say continue to children of gods and fighting men! Some of your definite dnfs I totally agree ahahhaha! And I phished through and regretted😂
Definitely agree with you on Malazan.. it is super confusing for me as well.. I stopped halfway through Deadhouse Gates
I was exactly like you with Malazan - Gardens of the Moon was difficult, I read half of Deadhouse Gates and started it over, I wanted to stick with it because its fans love it - and the end of Deadhouse Gates blew me away, it was incredible. Also had trouble with Memories of Ice, started it over, and again it was great. My advice is, keep trying! Three books in this has easily become my favorite fantasy series. It helped me to study names, races, etc. at the front and back of the books, and to read summaries online when I really didn't understand something.
thats also the hard part, why should you try again and again to enjoy such a series when there is a dozen other unique ones you could get into. the whole stick or re read malazan thing is exactly what creates its difficult rep and drives folks away
@@moyhdehehe9493 if you like what Malazan is selling, there aren't any other dealers around with that kind of product. I've heard Gene Wolfe and R Scott Bakker have some similarities in the depths of their worlds, prose, and narratives, but I haven't explored them.
Deadhouse Gates had the hardest hitting emotional climax I've ever read in the book. I recommend it for that, but it's not a short book.
@@Greenslime300I suppose that's true. But I hate post structuralism. It's a writing style designed to get you invested first. Then, the mid moments feel impactful because you're already invested.
I suppose it can work for some people, and really that's fine. Whatever works. But I'm on book 3 and kinda predicted the big twist at the end because I find this writing style predicable.
It might be the best salmon in the world, but I don't like seafood.
In March of 2023 I started reading the Mistborn trilogy era 1 in the span of 15 days I had finished the first 2 books but I still to this day haven't touched the 3rd book because I absolutely loved the Final empire but the second book is the purest form of disappointment I've felt while reading fantasy. I mean when the amount of cons overshadows the pros with a huge margin you get Well of ascension
Have you read the Locked Tomb series?
I DNF'd Malazan, but not for the reason most others have. It had nothing to due with the length or reading difficulty. It was the r@pe and abuse. Take that out and I probably would have read the series multiple times by now. There are enough excellent books out there without such graphic material in them that I doubt I will ever go back to Malazon.
You don't like Discworld?! How DARE you have a different opinion! lol
I can understand why it isn't for you. (I also didn't find Murderbot humorous at all.) I think there is definitely a time to give up on a series. However, there can be some surprises around the corner. I'd read a couple Discworld books years ago and, like you, wasn't thrilled. Years later, I picked up Guards Guards and fell in love with it, and am so glad I tried again. That said, I highly doubt I will EVER revisit WoT.😄
After you ditch the Witcher i decided to check all other series which i do not know, and which you ditch as well. Witcher books in my opinion is crown achivement in fantasy. And by the way you are right. Its translarion into english is just terrible. All clever, witty and amazing parts are butchered in English translation. I guess the translators of books are the same talanted as authors of Witcher TV series (which i ditched myself after first season)
You're not wrong about the Witcher. Overall, I thought the series was okay. I found that the earlier books were better, and the quality went downhill. I really didn't like books six and seven.
We don't care ♡
Priory of the Orange Tree was so disappointing.
God killer is that trilogy
I agree with The Witcher books. Really bad prose.
Malazan is a hard pass for me.
I have a signed Sunbringer if anyone wants it 😂
That Children of Time-thing happend to me with The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet. The first book is one of my all time favourites and I've read it several times. The second book, oh boy, I just couldn't find a way to connect to the story or any of the characters. A real shame.
That is the worst feeling! I really want to give The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet a read!
I kinda felt the same way, just finished A Closed and Common Orbit, took my awhile to get into it. I've heard the 3rd Wayfarer book is more beloved, so I'll keep trucking!
Good to know. I loooove Long Way...
Should have been a stand-alone story.
SAME! I just got so tired of the cutesy crap. My husband read them all but I couldn’t get into the second one.
Reading Cradle this year and just wrapped up book 10. Book 1 was meh. Interesting enough and short enough to be worth another read. Book 2 literally almost ruined my run. Probably the worst book I've read this year. Book 3 flipped my opinion and I cant stop now. First progression series for me too, but I would 100% advocate getting through book 3 before forming a final opinion.
I am with you on the Terry Pratchett, Murder Bots and Kings of the Wyld books.
I’m about to unhaul my Pratchett collection. I love the idea of it more than I actually love it.
I was fortunate to read it in Ukrainian - it’s very similar to Polish and the translation was simply amazing. The edition that I got had translator’s notes and explanation where they would go into details and explain why a certain word was used, why the character’s name was slightly changed (the editors/translator even reached out to Sapkowsky himself and confirmed with him if that’s alright).
I think the Witcher series originated from short stories that were published in a magazine first, maybe that’s why the first book feels a bit disconnected and very novella-like.
Nevertheless, it grew on me, maybe because I read it in the right moment and got the better translation, but I hope you give it a second chance someday :)
I am after a good story to to read and disappear into for a while.
I'm honestly so shocked! How could you get through Gardens of the Moon, but stop halfway with Deadhouse Gates?? Personally, GotM was not easy to get through, but DG and beyond just FLEW for me
I really didn't get on with Murderbot either! I think you're the only person I know who hasn't adored it!! I did love Cradle and hope if ever you gave the third book a try (the audios are amazing) you like it more, but sometimes a series just isn't for you!
Talonsister is on my TBR (adored Williams' Copper Cat trilogy) so I am very curious about it
Haha Murderbot seems universally loved but I know of some people that felt average towards it. I am still slightly intrigued by Cradle but might have to restart the whole thing!
I LOVE The Winnowing Flame trilogy so it is a bit of a shame I didn't love Talonsister.
I really enjoyed book 1 in Murderbot, but I felt like book two was bit of a let down.
I did not get on with Murderbot too! And I tried the 1st 3 novellas too.. but nope still not connecting fully
This list is fascinating. Most of the series you love I've never heard of. More books to explore! (Though I can say Terry Pratchett's Discworld has gotten me through some seriously dark times. And I did get through two of the Children of Time books, I couldn't connect to the third.)
On the Hyperion series: It's worth reading all the way to the end. Quite mind bending.
Grimdark is the only mention I just can't get into. It's too depressing.
My Malazan opinion: if you're not into it, or drawn to it in some way, stop reading. It's an extreme time investment, and if you're not enjoying it, don't force your way through it. It's not for everyone. I'm not even sure it's for me, but I at least was intrigued enough to keep reading for all ten books (took almost five years) and want read them again at some point.
I totally understand why Malazan can deter some people. I'm currently reading Reaper's Gale but it took me 7 years and countless attempts to get through GotM for the same reasons that you cite.
It was so worth it to push through that initial uptake period because, even though I'm not yet finished, it is my favorite series of all time. So very worth the effort!
I'm on book 10 of Malazan. I started out loving books 2-6. Some of the best books I've read. But then it's slogs supremely from book 7 on. I don't think it's the life-changing series everyone makes it out to be.
It’s all over the place and I don’t think he even does a good job nailing his ‘compassion’ theme as a whole. His argument seems to be the alternative is terrible, but that’s not really good enough to justify ten books that are each the length of the LOTR trilogy. Nihilistic sort of argument towards compassion that is centered on “just because” isn’t that good.
I would have preferred the story was centered on the fall of the empire going on from book 2, but then it totally goes in this other wild direction instead.
Discworld is an interesting series. I've read 6 books so far (not in chronological order, although I did try) and while I don't think I'll read every book I did find a few that I really liked. (Going Postal, which can be read independently.)
Malazan is exquisite, though you have to work upon reading it. Well worth it, maybe try audiobooks at 1.5x speed. Once you gather Steven Erikson’s complex writing style. You will learn to appreciate and love his storytelling. I would suggest other greats such as Philip C. Quaintrell, Michael J. Sullivan and Anthony Ryan. Though as a writer myself, hoping to be publish one day. Learn from the Greatest and form your own style. From George R.R. Martin and J.R.R. Tolkien to Frank Herbert and Michael Crichton. Perhaps even give criminally underrated authors as Lloyd Alexander, Rick Riordan and Brian Jacques a go. Remember, For RedWall!
I finished Gardens of the Moon last night and I would DIE for Crokus
As soon as I read Cradle book 3, I thought, "This should be 1 book in 3 parts." So if you like action/adventure/found family, try book 3.
Also, I thought City of Brass was rather meh, but book 2 was a glowing 5 stars, and the ending was perfect. (And I didn't like the romance in book 1 either).
Giving up the Witcher? Ahhh, this breaks my heart. I think you should read one more.
I’m not sure why people say that Last Wish is the best book. I mean it’s a book of short stories and it’s okay but I prefer the actual books. The tv show is disastrous so don’t watch it. I also never connected with Prachett. I tried and gave up
Sometimes its just time to say farewell.... or just take a break....
Pick up Malazan again
Rise of Hyperion is definitely worth reading. It is the conclusion of the 1st half of series. I also enjoyed Children of Time but Children of Ruin was just needing some editing. I think it got a bit long winded at times. I'll give it some time then give book 3 a shot same with the last 2 books of Hyperion.
I'm pretty much with you on comedy in books. There is a difference with comedy vs humour. Comedy is a case of funny 1st and story/character/etc 2nd while humour is an added bonus to what is happening.
I didn't care for the Witcher either for some reason - could be the translation or just not ready to read it.
I got the first four Murderbot novellas for free. The first three were kind of tedious, with limited plots and little character development. That said, I think treating those four novellas as independent/series entries is probably not right. I think the first four books should be seen as a single novel. Treated that way, there's solid character development, an interesting plot, and an actual resolution. That said, I don't have much desire to continue.
I agree about Terry Pratchett's books. I understand what he's doing in the books, I just don't like the way he does it. I find it heavy-handed and not particularly humorous. See also: Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
Cradle, IMO, starts as a routine prog fantasy that just gets weaker with every book. And I say this as a fan of prog fantasy/LitRPG. It has a serious case of Lensman Arms Race (see TVTropes) and very little in the way of story or character development.
I thought Eames's books were OK. "OK" isn't enough to inspire me. See also: Mistborn.
Sapkowski's stuff is kind of boring. I don't like the characters much and the plots are not compelling.
I DNF'd the book that wouldn't burn by Mark Lawerence. I was reading it so slow and I couldn't wrap my head around a lot of what he was trying to say. I am glad other people enjoyed this book, it just wasn't for me.
Fall of Hyperion is very good. It's also less a book 2 than the rest of the first book: they were meant to be published as a single entry but it was just too long. Endymion, however, I would say you could and should skip.
You want humor that works in a fantasy book? Read Kingz of the Wyld. It works so well.
Yep, I was wondering whether Malazan would pop up in this list… 😂
Guy admits he doesn't have a sense of humour 😂
Yaaaa I’ve paid attention to your Malazan journey and I’m happy you seem open to it still.
Our brains have a tendency to want to connect point A to a potential point B, and it’s probably so hard for someone as well read as you to flip that off in a world like Malazan.
I guess I was at an advantage having not been too experienced a reader getting into it, I just let myself watch what the characters were doing and letting my brain absorb it, which means I did a lot of drooling 😂
If you do pick back up deadhouse gates, you might as well start where you left off and just grind through to the end 🤷🏻♂️ maybe that’s terrible advice but if that ending doesn’t hit you, then definitely just let it go. But I also may be a bad person to ask cause I would jam my head into a brick wall if it meant getting more story 😂
The day of fallen night is better for people who struggled with the first book.
Cradle Series should be listened to, not read. Travis Baldree (Legends & latte Author) is one of the best narrators out there
Great video! Too little time and too much awesome stuff to read to plod through series you don't enjoy!
Dreams: Nightmare in Piers Anthony's Xanth series, Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor, dream sequences in The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan.
Orcs, Goblins, Trolls: several books in Xanth series, Orconomics by J. Zachary Pike (great satire of capitalism), The Goblin Emperor by Sarah Monette.
Criminals: The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch, of course.
Eldritch Creatures: The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett (fantastic).
Short Stories: maybe go with novellas to cover this category, like The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells. Also, I, Robot by Isaac Asimov (each story is interrelated in some way to Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics).
Bards: Mercedes Lackey books, A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross.
Reference Materials: Lord of the Rings, which includes maps, songs and appendixes (history, creatures and races, languages, lore).
Do you keep these books that you know you won’t finish the series, or declutter them? My fantasy reads are all on ebook, borrowed or purchased. They are too heavy and take up too much shelf space. I try to only buy them one at a time in case I don’t love them and I have borrowed many that I have ended DNF-ing.
Have u finished all ur book series that you’ve started????? It takes me long time to finish a big epic fantasy.. Will u ever read Malazan series again???????
Wow! I also have a lot of those series on my will not finish list! I wanted to love Tchaikovsky because so many love him. I even read some of his standalones. He has great ideas, but his books are written in a manner that I find tiresome, like a science journal. Cradle, Samantha Shannon, The Witcher books, the Hannah Kaner books, and Mark Lawrence books are all on my tried and will not finish. About Malazan, it IS difficult. If you do decide to pick it back up, may I suggest listening to a read along podcast. The podcasts have helped me to digest what is going on; I am on the fourth book and getting more and more in love with the series as I go!
I wasn’t 100% keen on the priory of the orange tree, but decided to read A day of fallen night. I found the beginning very entertaining but after a while it became a real chore to read. I found the plot to be very similar to Priory. The character development was better, granted, but I only gave it 3 stars. Sounds harsh but the only thing good about the book(in my opinion) is it’s cover
Anxiously watched to make sure Memory, Sorrow and Thorn wasn't on the list lol... I have super mixed feelings about continuing Hyperion as well..
Discworld is great because it's like a parody of every Fantasy trope. I think it's pretty refreshing to not always take things seriously, because in the end Fantasy is impractical but at best mind bending escapism. The absurdity of Discworld at the least bends the mind some, and makes a person think creatively in uncommon, silly ways, while not pretending to be anything more than it is. That there are so many books is equally as ridiculous, again mocking the Fantasy obsession with longer series. It's the ultimate love/annoying.
The Book that Wouldn’t Burn was one of my top favorite books from last year. I’m saddened it didn’t work for you. I’m currently reading the first Book of the Ancestor series and I don’t think it will work for you considering you didn’t care for the other series
Finally, someone else who didn't like Rage of Dragons (which has almost no dragons in it). I had high hopes for it based on Daniel Greene's gushing over it and it was all tell, no show which fell flat.
As for Hyperion, the books get a bit weirder as they go on, but not as mind bending weird as the Dune series.
I am so happy you have DNF'd the likes of Discworld, Mark Lawrence, The Burning, and others that I have also just did not get on with but other booktubers are besotted with.
Pity that you're DNFing the witcher but as a pole I'm proud that it's wdidely known. There's no sense to read that series at a push, especcialy when first book was not so fascinating for you.
don't read the witcher, instead read elric of melnibone by michael moorcock, the witcher is a poor man's elric
Im going to be giving up red rising after book 3. I hate the writing style so much. Which really sucks because the plot is so good but just...no.
Dead house Gates is rough but I've made it through Memories of Ice and though the audio is rough, I'm determined to get to Crippled God 🙌🏼
11:18 you right, I heard the same. 1st book is great ‘, second is weak but 3rd and 4th have satisfying ending to it all.
I wonder if you would like Tge Elder Empire by Will Wight 🤔 It's my favorite series in straight-up fantasy.
Do yourself a huge favor and read the second Hyperion book. Such a satisfying ending.
Stormlight Archive is also a kind of progression fantasy, right?
Never say never, man. Right now I'm reading books if you'd told me 5 years I ago I'd be enjoying immensely, I'd have laughed you off.
Have you tried K.J. Parker as yet? I feel like he'd work really well for you given you like how Abercrombie leverages humor.
Absolutely! I might get back to all of these series someday!
I haven't read any KJ Parker but now I am intrigued 👀
I wish had infinite time to read all of the books on my tbr
Was looking forward to ur reviews on a lot of these series hahahah