For me it was Raymond Feist and Magician, around 23 years ago now. Damn how time flies. Well, it wasn't the first fantasy author I read, but it was the one that put fantasy on the radar for me and turned it into a full time hobby that had me reading 7-10 hours a day.
Redwall was a big factor for me too, partly because my mom worked in public TV around the time they made animated adaptations of Redwall and I got into the books through those. It was a sad day for me when Brian Jacques passed.
I love the redwall books and will still pick them up occasionally. A lot of the stories are the same, but there's always just enough lore and mystery to keep engaged. Those books are really more about about diving into the feeling of the world; the outdoor feasts, winter evenings in cavren hole, exploring the cellars or attics of Redwall. My screen name watcher of west is because the Badgers of Salamandastron have their fortress with the long patrol they are in charge of on the west coast
I have returned to the comment section to reiterate: no matter what T-shirt gets made, the back of the shirt needs to say "this space left intentionally blank."
I wish there were an episode of Dan guessing LOTR magic cards as Brandon smiles gleefully, and an episode of them discussing influential authors. Instead we got a little of each, and not enough of either.
Gobsmacked they didn’t mention Pratchett as Brandon has said numerous times he’s his favorite author. I think their love for MTG was clouding their mind.
Is it weird that it makes me wonder how ok Pratchett is by the elders or whatever of their faith? They literally have a "you can't read that" list as far as I'm aware, and Pratchett was an ardent atheist.
@@shannoncornaby9795 I'm not gonna pretend to be an expert on Mormonism. And I will take your word for it. But from what I've read, seen and heard from ex Mormons the rules on what you can and can't do can be rather strict. Which also becomes clear from how Brandon and Dan talk about their religion and esp the leaders and what they allow, the chances of being kicked out and the consequences of that etc. They also seem to have 2 completely different experiences growing up with Dan's parents being a lot more conservative in what they allow (shunning a lot of pop culture, regular rock music etc etc all of which Dan got introduced too in college while Brandon was allowed to partake in a lot more of that and his parents seemed more chill when it came to stuff like that) That said, I recently also commented that I thought it was interesting that Brandon had so much LGBT inclusion in his books when his Church likely does not approve of that. And then an LGBT member of your church replied saying that they were openly LGBT in the church and it was pretty tolerant when it came to that nowadays. In the end, I'm no expert. I haven't lived it. And as someone that's a Turk born in Europe I have never met a mormon IRL. You guys seem like a very very nice people from the outside. I mean even Southpark's way to make fun of you guys was by showing you guys as these ultra nice perfect families that are super happy and joyful lol. But I also watched one or two documentaries about some scandals in the Mormon church and of course there is the whole FLDS thing (I find religions esp cults, not calling regular Mormonism a cult, but the FLDS, very interesting) Anyway, I hope I wasn't being offensive or hurtful. After Watching Brandon and Dan's podcast and stuff I kinda get why Southpark portrayed you guys as these joyful perfect family people and communities.
Lloyd Alexander's "Book of Three" literally changed my life. I hated reading before my elementary school librarian read the first chapter to my third grade class. Now I'm an Attorney and read 60+ books a year for fun.
I just came in to mention Lloyd Alexander. He may not be the biggeat name out there these days, but for me I hold him just as dearly in my heart. The story of Taran and Annlaw the Potter still speaks to me as an adult
I just feel strangely validated by the fact that Dan lied to Mrs. Anderegg in 8th grade about reading LOTR because 10 years later, she told everyone in her english classes that I failed the AP English test AND I VERY MUCH DID NOT. So that was bizarrely cathartic for me. Thanks Dan. Also, now I know we went to the same middle school and high school and now I feel WAY cooler.
Hi! I jotted down the names I was able to pick up: Tolkein Terry Brooks David Eddings Anne McAffery Barbara Hanley Melanie Rawn Robin McKinley Fred Saberhagen Stephen Donaldson Ray Feist (Orson Scott Card) Terry Goodkind Lloyd Alexander
After nine reads of the LOTR I still can't figure out the spiritual awe I feel from the work. I've never gotten that particular sense from any other book or series.
indeed, I've read so many things, so many authors and so many genres, and Fantasy is my cozy place. I vividly remember reading A Wizard of Earthsea, at age 10 and rereading it twice right after. That's definitely why I became a Fantasy reader.
I could not believe LeGuin was not on this list in any form. She's such a prolific and influential author, as well as wrote in a style that is incredibly distinct.
Neither one is really a fantasy author though. They're both primarily science fiction authors. Yeah, Ursula did the Wizard of Earthsea but that was about it for fantasy.
The power of Le Guin’s stories cannot be understated. Her handling of conflicts, internal and external, is still impressive. Watching the characters of Earthsea grow and struggle is harrowing and inspiring.
Fun fact about Lloyd Alexander, he actually wasn't Welsh! He was American, but was stationed in Wales during ww2. Loved all the castles and such. It is what inspired him to write the prydain chronicles. We all just assumed he was Welsh because of the obvious inspiration in the book and because his name is Lloyd 😅
I'm with Dan. The Prydain chronicles were my gateway to fantasy fiction in 3rd Grade. Then I tackled Tolkien and Brooks. I read one Pern novel (don't remember which). I finished it, but never read anymore McCaffrey. (I don't know if that counts as 'bouncing off'.) Then Eddings, Jordan, and Goodkind. I eventually grew disgusted with Eddings and Goodkind and offloaded my inventory of their books, but I still have everyone else's.
I guess they didnt think about him whenthey thought about fantasy writers who inspired them, since he is really unique in his writting style and world building.
@@lasseortmann4651 Ive heard Brandon say several times that Pratchett is his favorite author though. But to be fair, he was distracted by his favorite game.
Actually in a Reddit AMA, when asked what his favorite book was, Terry Goodkind said The Sword of Truth series (or Wizard's First Rule, which is book 1) . . . .
I kept wanting them to talk about Ursula Le Guin! When they talked about living fantasy authors, I had to keep reminding myself they wouldn't talk about her since she's dead. But I really thought she's come up here, and I was bummed. Devote an episode to her next
I find it amusing that Brandon talks about the "Anne McCaffrey" style dragons in the Cosmere - I've been writing a story set on an original cosmere planet involving non-deific dragons who bond to humans, yet I've never read McCaffrey. This idea came to me some five years ago literally in a dream; I suspect Eragon solidified my love for dragon riders when I was a kid, aided by books with similar concepts. Recently I did read Dragonsbane, which will definitely have some influence also; I love the depth and varied ways in which a bond between dragon and human changes both to be more like the other.
Pretty sure Eragon owes a lot to McCaffrey. Haven't read it, but it's had such a huge influence on some of my students and they're always very happy to get their hands on McCaffrey next.
@@jen4k2 Yeah, I was trying to imply as such in my own comment, but I realized I did so poorly. Even if Paolini didn't read McCaffrey directly, the concept of dragon riders and dragon bonds had permeated culture enough to that extent that Eragon and other media had taken it up, and it seems a lot of those concepts were established by McCaffrey.
I started a story out of dragons after reading a beloved writer demolish the dragons in his series. I was so annoyed it made me make a story about dragons, they're mythology, the world(s) they exist in. Its a whole thing 😂.
You guys grew up with the same books i did. Dan is right about Taran Wanderer. I started down the linguist path (im a German professor) because of Tolkien I devoured Mcaffery, Saberhagen, McKinnely, Eddings, and Brooks. Didn't quite get Donaldson either, but loved his books.
Melanie Rawn not finishing the Exiles trilogy is one of the biggest sorrows of my life. I've read the first two so many times and every time getting to the end of book two makes an already sorrowful ending even more heartbreaking.
I stumbled into fantasy when I found a Robert Aprin MYTH book on a school bus, left behind, when I was about 7-ish. Up to that point, other than the few comic books I was l lucky enough to read that were not Archie, I had not realized people wrote real books that were about these fantastic worlds. And while the MYTH books are considered middle of the road (some people love them for the puns, others think they are too simplistic and formulaic), they were the first step in building my love of fantasy. Then when I entered grade 6, a teacher read us The Hobbit, similar to Brandon's experience, really enjoyed it tremendously. I reread it on my own that summer, and then tried Lord of the Rings - and that was just too much for me at the time. So Asprin and Tolkien were my foundations into exploring and finding more fantasy. And then several years later, I was assigned Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird, which really expanded my reading world, made me understand the true power of literature, and drove my growing passion for reading. Those are the 3 authors that are the foundation of my love of books.
I'm with Dan. Lloyd Alexander is a name that deserves to be mentioned more. Taran Wanderer is one of those books that spoke to me at 12 and still does at 30. I go back and re-read the series every few years. They're short, so it doesn't take long
Lloyd Alexander is one of my favorite authors, the Prydain chronicles got me into reading as a kid. Him and Pratchett fundamentally changed how I read.
I watched this just to see what authors would be mentioned that I have enjoyed. Wish you would have discussed more. Shame, Brandon, for not reading Lloyd Alexander. Another book of his -- The Iron Ring (drawing on Indian mythologies) -- is another good fantasy romp by him. Young adult-level reading, of course.
1. Jules Verne 2. J. R. R. Tolkien 3. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle 4. Agatha Christie 5. Ariano Suassuna (brazillian author, especialist on the Northeastern brazillian people, from who i'm a very happy member)
I am late to this episode. Great conversation gentlemen. I am so glad that Dan brought up Lloyd Alexander! The Chronicles of Prydain were, and are, foundational for me. I read the series to my two older boys just rather recently. Taran Wanderer is book 4 by the way, the High King is book 5 culminating the series. The series is such good demonstration of growth and development for a young man. When reading the series to my older boys as a 40-something I felt that movie Hermione seems to draw a little bit from Princess Eilonwy in her manner of speech, her at the ready quips as well as her great courage standing on the forefront in many conflicts protecting those she cares for. I have not read the Potter book series so I don't know what similarities the two might have as literary comparisons. On a separate note I am a little surprised that C.S. Lewis was not brought up.
Although the Hobbit and Lord of Rings were the first fantasy series read, my entry as a huge fan of the genre was due a) to David Eddings' books (especially the Begariad; although my favorite of Eddings' series is the Elenium / to me this is the series of Eddings that holds up best today) and b) the Realms of Fantasy be magazine. I read that magazine throughout junior high and high school.
Proof positive that Brandon is a better person than me. My response to Goodkind's representative would have been, "If Terry doesn't want people making fun of him then Terry shouldn't say stupid narcissistic things. If he wants to discuss that further, he can call me himself." I'm not a fantasy author but I was offended for all of them after reading the things Terry Goodkind used to say.
Imagine wearing a shirt with the word “edelstahlkugel” on it and it just has a silvery ball. Pretty awesome. Most people may not be able to pronounce “gnocchi” correctly, but they have at least seen the word.
As a German it would confuse so many people here why I would wear something like that. But I love the idea that it is confusing even when they understand what an Edelstahlkugel is lol.
A list I REALLY want to see, is top Sci fi and fantasy authors that are young(early 40s and younger). I fell in love with books as a kid in the mid to late 80s, and of course had several favorite authors. All of them have since past away or are not writing anymore. I have found other authors of course, but I would like to have a group that I can read and not worry about them passing away from old age any time soon.
I still haven't read the Chronicles of Prydain, but The Wizard in the Tree by Lloyd Alexander is an all-time favorite of mine. The Golden Dream of Carlo Chuchio is also excellent
Being the best and becoming the best are 2 different things. The best usually goes through 150 reincarnations by the time society has become smart enough to realize his genius.
In a limited edition of any of the books, I would love a page with JUST the printed words: THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK. That’s where I want author signatures! Would LOVE it!
My first fantasy read was Jane Yolen's Dragon's Blood and then RA Salvatore's The Legacy. I really liked Dragon's Blood, but for some reason I fell into RA Salvatore's realm and went on a bender through forgotten realms and Dragonlance. I think I'll jump into some Jane Yolen now though. I had no idea she was so highly regarded.
My grandmother was a huge Anne McCaffrey fan so I got to inherit that wonderful series! I started with Dragonsong as a young person; that book is v special to me.
Listened to the whole thing three times, but still think I missed some of their recommendations... someone have a LIST (of their GREATEST DEAD FANTASY AUTHORS)?
Okay, I did a list myself, and thanks to @snakeandturtleqigong in a previous comment. Authors mentioned (whether tangential, fantasy, alive, favorites, or not) Tolkien @16:45, Terry Brooks @17:03, David Eddings @ 17:10, Stephen R. Donaldson @17:52, Anne McCaffrey @21:34, Robin McKinley @21:40 and @33:47, Jane Yolen @21:41, Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman @25:54, Melanie Rawn @26:02, Fred Saberhagen @34:40, Robert Jordan @36:51, Orson Scott Card @37:04, Glen Cook @37:08, Raymond Feist @37:24, Terry Goodkind @44:31, Lloyd Alexander @51:57, Madeline L'Engel @53:42, (and Neil Postman @54:02) Ha ha! :)
Disappointing to hear those things about Terry Goodkind. His Sword of Truth got me into Fantasy, and I consider it one of my favourite series. Yeah some of it was ridiculous or silly, but I still enjoyed it overall. Sounds like he may have had some mental health issues he didn't work through.
ER Eddison (The Worm Ouroboros, 1922), Lord Dunsay (The King of Elfland's Daughter, 1924), and TH White (The Once and Future King, 1958) are the other big titans for me, alongside Tolkien.
I read one of the Prydain books when I was a kid and never felt the need to seek out any more. But mention of Lloyd Alexander has reminded me of Susan Cooper, whose _Dark Is Rising_ sequence draws on various British legends and folklore. When it comes to Terry Goodkind, I enjoyed Sword of Truth, and stuck with the series through to Confessor, where Our Hero saves the day by proving that Book 2 couldn't have happened. That was the last straw for me after having grown increasingly disillusioned with the series as the Wizards Rules revealed passed from universal truths into specific tenets of Objectivism.
The greatest gap sperm fashionable avocado author was Tootandcomeinyourface. Otherwise known as Ramurbottom of Thebes and Ohsirass of Neckropeyerlease II. 😅
I definitely want to see more of this LOTR MTG guessing game. Great episode… Ben, you need to put the pictures on the video! Just have a little window pop up in the middle of the screen when they want to show us something. You have to know the cam don’t focus when Dan hold something up!
By the way, whoever is putting the time stamps in the description, you are creating chapters for this episode that are wildly inaccurate. It might be better to simply have timestamped links to those episodes in the description.
Whew I thought I was going to have to revoke my own 'career computer geek' license because I was thoroughly confused as to what was happening with the links.
That Gandalf the Grey card sounds a lot like Gandalf from the core box of fantasy flight's LOTR LCG. he also gives you a selection of powers he can use and then leaves play.
I started my book reading because I liked sword of truth. That naked attack scene, if I remember correctly, was because the D'hara army almost lost in the past against a tribe that fought nude. Its in the same vibe as the end speech in 300 "sheer terror gripping their heart knowing full well what merciless horrors they suffered"
The Sword of Shannara series didn’t become great until Wishsong though. Sword of Shannara has SOOO many elements that are direct knock-offs of Tolkien. Elfstones was good, but it makes no sense without Sword to come before it (this was my problem with the show). Shannara came into its own with Wishsong and I LOVED the series after that.
My 5th grade teacher read the Hobbit to us. I then read the Lord of the Rings. But, one of my favorite besides Robert Jordan that I'm very surprised they didn't mention Jordan; Piers Anthony the Incarnation of Immortality series.
Next episode: The best not yet born Fantasy Authors to complete the Trilogy
the best new rising authors
Don't forget undead
B
We can borrow the Aztec time machine.
lmfao
The first fantasy author i ever read as a kid was Brian Jacques and his Redwall series. I still believe to this day he got me into the fantasy genre
For me it was Raymond Feist and Magician, around 23 years ago now. Damn how time flies. Well, it wasn't the first fantasy author I read, but it was the one that put fantasy on the radar for me and turned it into a full time hobby that had me reading 7-10 hours a day.
Redwall was a big factor for me too, partly because my mom worked in public TV around the time they made animated adaptations of Redwall and I got into the books through those. It was a sad day for me when Brian Jacques passed.
I received the Redwall cook book as a Christmas present, maybe 12 years ago. I loved that thing so much.
I love the redwall books and will still pick them up occasionally. A lot of the stories are the same, but there's always just enough lore and mystery to keep engaged. Those books are really more about about diving into the feeling of the world; the outdoor feasts, winter evenings in cavren hole, exploring the cellars or attics of Redwall.
My screen name watcher of west is because the Badgers of Salamandastron have their fortress with the long patrol they are in charge of on the west coast
Same for me. I tore through those when I was a kid.
I have returned to the comment section to reiterate: no matter what T-shirt gets made, the back of the shirt needs to say "this space left intentionally blank."
Wait, which space left Intentionally Blank? The studio looks as spacious as ever.
To not mention Le Guin among the late and greats is criminal. She did the most to revolutionize fantasy during the era of Tolkien iterators
I wish there were an episode of Dan guessing LOTR magic cards as Brandon smiles gleefully, and an episode of them discussing influential authors. Instead we got a little of each, and not enough of either.
Brandon and Dan: do a whole episode about Gandalf being a Mary Sue.
Also Brandon and Dan: have we talked about Tolkien?
That was a fun episode
I really wanted them to mention Terry Pratchett. I know Brandon is a fan.
That's why I clicked on the video. TBF, they didn't mention THAT many authors 😐.
Gobsmacked they didn’t mention Pratchett as Brandon has said numerous times he’s his favorite author. I think their love for MTG was clouding their mind.
Is it weird that it makes me wonder how ok Pratchett is by the elders or whatever of their faith? They literally have a "you can't read that" list as far as I'm aware, and Pratchett was an ardent atheist.
@@3choblast3r4There is no ‘you can’t read that’ list. Tons of members are Pratchett fans. We seek good wherever we find it. Including from atheists.
@@shannoncornaby9795 I'm not gonna pretend to be an expert on Mormonism. And I will take your word for it. But from what I've read, seen and heard from ex Mormons the rules on what you can and can't do can be rather strict. Which also becomes clear from how Brandon and Dan talk about their religion and esp the leaders and what they allow, the chances of being kicked out and the consequences of that etc. They also seem to have 2 completely different experiences growing up with Dan's parents being a lot more conservative in what they allow (shunning a lot of pop culture, regular rock music etc etc all of which Dan got introduced too in college while Brandon was allowed to partake in a lot more of that and his parents seemed more chill when it came to stuff like that)
That said, I recently also commented that I thought it was interesting that Brandon had so much LGBT inclusion in his books when his Church likely does not approve of that. And then an LGBT member of your church replied saying that they were openly LGBT in the church and it was pretty tolerant when it came to that nowadays.
In the end, I'm no expert. I haven't lived it. And as someone that's a Turk born in Europe I have never met a mormon IRL. You guys seem like a very very nice people from the outside. I mean even Southpark's way to make fun of you guys was by showing you guys as these ultra nice perfect families that are super happy and joyful lol.
But I also watched one or two documentaries about some scandals in the Mormon church and of course there is the whole FLDS thing (I find religions esp cults, not calling regular Mormonism a cult, but the FLDS, very interesting)
Anyway, I hope I wasn't being offensive or hurtful. After Watching Brandon and Dan's podcast and stuff I kinda get why Southpark portrayed you guys as these joyful perfect family people and communities.
Episode should be renamed into "Brandon does too much multitasking"
I'm so happy Dan mentioned Lloyd Alexander. The Chronicles of Prydain are what got me reading as a kid and made me love fantasy.
Lloyd Alexander's "Book of Three" literally changed my life. I hated reading before my elementary school librarian read the first chapter to my third grade class. Now I'm an Attorney and read 60+ books a year for fun.
I love Lloyd Alexander! I still have a letter he wrote me. I wrote him for a school project and he actually wrote back, an absolutely lovely human.
I just came in to mention Lloyd Alexander. He may not be the biggeat name out there these days, but for me I hold him just as dearly in my heart. The story of Taran and Annlaw the Potter still speaks to me as an adult
I just feel strangely validated by the fact that Dan lied to Mrs. Anderegg in 8th grade about reading LOTR because 10 years later, she told everyone in her english classes that I failed the AP English test AND I VERY MUCH DID NOT. So that was bizarrely cathartic for me. Thanks Dan. Also, now I know we went to the same middle school and high school and now I feel WAY cooler.
XD sounds like retroactive prevenge. More than a little jealous too,
Hi! I jotted down the names I was able to pick up:
Tolkein
Terry Brooks
David Eddings
Anne McAffery
Barbara Hanley
Melanie Rawn
Robin McKinley
Fred Saberhagen
Stephen Donaldson
Ray Feist
(Orson Scott Card)
Terry Goodkind
Lloyd Alexander
After nine reads of the LOTR I still can't figure out the spiritual awe I feel from the work. I've never gotten that particular sense from any other book or series.
Can’t wait to read Dan’s story in the Cosmere! He is such a great writer. I’m hoping for a darker story or fantasy/cyberpunk!
CS Lewis was my first true fantasy author. Actually read his Space Trilogy before Narnia.
Yeah, I was surprised he wasn't mentioned. One of the most influential fantasy authors of all time I think.
21:16 "You earned your minimum wage that day" too real Dan, too real
Ursula K. LeGuin and Octavia Butler would also definitely be on my list
indeed, I've read so many things, so many authors and so many genres, and Fantasy is my cozy place. I vividly remember reading A Wizard of Earthsea, at age 10 and rereading it twice right after. That's definitely why I became a Fantasy reader.
I could not believe LeGuin was not on this list in any form. She's such a prolific and influential author, as well as wrote in a style that is incredibly distinct.
Neither one is really a fantasy author though. They're both primarily science fiction authors. Yeah, Ursula did the Wizard of Earthsea but that was about it for fantasy.
@@maurinet2291beside the Wizard of earthsea there are 5 more books in the cycle. (I risk to be obvious but is better than let anyone miss them!) 😊
The power of Le Guin’s stories cannot be understated. Her handling of conflicts, internal and external, is still impressive. Watching the characters of Earthsea grow and struggle is harrowing and inspiring.
Lloyd Alexander is amazing and Taran Wanderer is one of the best books I have ever read.
Thanks for mentioning Lloyd Alexander. Fantastic author. First two lives of Lukas Kasha is actually one that I remember from gradeschool as well.
Fun fact about Lloyd Alexander, he actually wasn't Welsh! He was American, but was stationed in Wales during ww2. Loved all the castles and such. It is what inspired him to write the prydain chronicles. We all just assumed he was Welsh because of the obvious inspiration in the book and because his name is Lloyd 😅
You didn't mention Pratchett!
I'm with Dan. The Prydain chronicles were my gateway to fantasy fiction in 3rd Grade. Then I tackled Tolkien and Brooks. I read one Pern novel (don't remember which). I finished it, but never read anymore McCaffrey. (I don't know if that counts as 'bouncing off'.) Then Eddings, Jordan, and Goodkind. I eventually grew disgusted with Eddings and Goodkind and offloaded my inventory of their books, but I still have everyone else's.
I am amazed y'all didn't mention Terry Pratchett!
That's what I was thinking! I thought I must have zoned out and missed it or something, can't believe they didn't talk about him!
I guess they didnt think about him whenthey thought about fantasy writers who inspired them, since he is really unique in his writting style and world building.
@@lasseortmann4651 Ive heard Brandon say several times that Pratchett is his favorite author though. But to be fair, he was distracted by his favorite game.
@@EvelyntMild would love a whole episode just talking about him XD
Terry Goodkind's favorite book was Atlas Shrugged, and it definitely showed in the later Sword of Truth books.
Actually in a Reddit AMA, when asked what his favorite book was, Terry Goodkind said The Sword of Truth series (or Wizard's First Rule, which is book 1) . . . .
@@toriwork8891Ayn Rand was his favorite author before he was published and could choose himself.
I kept wanting them to talk about Ursula Le Guin! When they talked about living fantasy authors, I had to keep reminding myself they wouldn't talk about her since she's dead. But I really thought she's come up here, and I was bummed. Devote an episode to her next
I find it amusing that Brandon talks about the "Anne McCaffrey" style dragons in the Cosmere - I've been writing a story set on an original cosmere planet involving non-deific dragons who bond to humans, yet I've never read McCaffrey. This idea came to me some five years ago literally in a dream; I suspect Eragon solidified my love for dragon riders when I was a kid, aided by books with similar concepts. Recently I did read Dragonsbane, which will definitely have some influence also; I love the depth and varied ways in which a bond between dragon and human changes both to be more like the other.
Pretty sure Eragon owes a lot to McCaffrey. Haven't read it, but it's had such a huge influence on some of my students and they're always very happy to get their hands on McCaffrey next.
@@jen4k2 Yeah, I was trying to imply as such in my own comment, but I realized I did so poorly. Even if Paolini didn't read McCaffrey directly, the concept of dragon riders and dragon bonds had permeated culture enough to that extent that Eragon and other media had taken it up, and it seems a lot of those concepts were established by McCaffrey.
I started a story out of dragons after reading a beloved writer demolish the dragons in his series. I was so annoyed it made me make a story about dragons, they're mythology, the world(s) they exist in. Its a whole thing 😂.
As a fantasy newbie, the last episode left me with a laundry list of things to read... Is going to get longer, isn't it?
my tbr shelf/list just keeps getting longer and longer.
Yes
Brandon hasn't read Lloyd Alexander!?!? Dan I love Taren Wanderer it's absolutely incredible. It changed me too when I read it.
You guys grew up with the same books i did.
Dan is right about Taran Wanderer.
I started down the linguist path (im a German professor) because of Tolkien
I devoured Mcaffery, Saberhagen, McKinnely, Eddings, and Brooks.
Didn't quite get Donaldson either, but loved his books.
Sad we didn't get any Terry Pratchett Love in this episode.
Just reread the Prydain books and they hit hard even as an adult. Still some of my favorite books of all time, huge influence.
Melanie Rawn not finishing the Exiles trilogy is one of the biggest sorrows of my life. I've read the first two so many times and every time getting to the end of book two makes an already sorrowful ending even more heartbreaking.
I stumbled into fantasy when I found a Robert Aprin MYTH book on a school bus, left behind, when I was about 7-ish. Up to that point, other than the few comic books I was l lucky enough to read that were not Archie, I had not realized people wrote real books that were about these fantastic worlds. And while the MYTH books are considered middle of the road (some people love them for the puns, others think they are too simplistic and formulaic), they were the first step in building my love of fantasy. Then when I entered grade 6, a teacher read us The Hobbit, similar to Brandon's experience, really enjoyed it tremendously. I reread it on my own that summer, and then tried Lord of the Rings - and that was just too much for me at the time. So Asprin and Tolkien were my foundations into exploring and finding more fantasy. And then several years later, I was assigned Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird, which really expanded my reading world, made me understand the true power of literature, and drove my growing passion for reading. Those are the 3 authors that are the foundation of my love of books.
I might have missed it but they didn't mention Prachett?
I'm with Dan. Lloyd Alexander is a name that deserves to be mentioned more. Taran Wanderer is one of those books that spoke to me at 12 and still does at 30. I go back and re-read the series every few years. They're short, so it doesn't take long
I still have the copy of the Prydain Chronicles my mother studied on a literature class in college, plus an unmarked version for me. Love it!
Saberhagen's Dracula series was what got me into his books, and I'd argue they're more fantasy than anything else.
Lloyd Alexander is one of my favorite authors, the Prydain chronicles got me into reading as a kid. Him and Pratchett fundamentally changed how I read.
I watched this just to see what authors would be mentioned that I have enjoyed. Wish you would have discussed more.
Shame, Brandon, for not reading Lloyd Alexander. Another book of his -- The Iron Ring (drawing on Indian mythologies) -- is another good fantasy romp by him. Young adult-level reading, of course.
Next episode: The greatest undead fantasy authors.
1. Jules Verne
2. J. R. R. Tolkien
3. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
4. Agatha Christie
5. Ariano Suassuna (brazillian author, especialist on the Northeastern brazillian people, from who i'm a very happy member)
I really wanted this discussion to be more organized
Quetzalcotal and Kali fighting over tomatoes... sounds like something that would happen in Chaldea.
I am late to this episode. Great conversation gentlemen. I am so glad that Dan brought up Lloyd Alexander! The Chronicles of Prydain were, and are, foundational for me. I read the series to my two older boys just rather recently. Taran Wanderer is book 4 by the way, the High King is book 5 culminating the series. The series is such good demonstration of growth and development for a young man. When reading the series to my older boys as a 40-something I felt that movie Hermione seems to draw a little bit from Princess Eilonwy in her manner of speech, her at the ready quips as well as her great courage standing on the forefront in many conflicts protecting those she cares for. I have not read the Potter book series so I don't know what similarities the two might have as literary comparisons.
On a separate note I am a little surprised that C.S. Lewis was not brought up.
You're overthinking the tomato thing; you know what else they have in India? Elephants. The Snackoderms strike again!!!
The first series I picked up on my own was Prydain. It wasn't until a reread decades later that I realized The Black Cauldron was an adaptation.
It is waayyy too early to have to decide between heisted gnocchi and heisted whisky! I dont know which way to vote!
If The gnocchi brothers wins, I want a gnocchi plush.
Agreed!
I’m sure that Brandon could make some doomslug themed (real) gnocchi and could throw it in in the next skyward bundle box being released
Yes! A fluffy little gnocchi with a cute little face!
@@Slobrojoe you mean they could be shaped like taynixes? That sounds awesome
wait, that's how gnocchi is spelled?
My first fantasy author was David Eddings. All his works have a special place in my heart.
The way somebody told them the exact definition of Eorlingas as i was typing it out 😭
Although the Hobbit and Lord of Rings were the first fantasy series read, my entry as a huge fan of the genre was due a) to David Eddings' books (especially the Begariad; although my favorite of Eddings' series is the Elenium / to me this is the series of Eddings that holds up best today) and b) the Realms of Fantasy be magazine. I read that magazine throughout junior high and high school.
Phase 2 of my fantasy addiction was Eddings/Kurtz/Rosenberg. :D
Dan, thanks for the Lloyd Alexander plug. Top five or ten dead fantasy authors for sure
I am always surprised this podcast dosent get more views, maybe it does on podcast services but this is my favorite
I've been reading the Sunrunner books recently because I heard Brandon loved them and I have not been disappointed.
Wow, never heard of Fred Saberhagen before but I'm sold after hearing Dan's explanation. Definitely gonna look for that at the library soon
Proof positive that Brandon is a better person than me. My response to Goodkind's representative would have been, "If Terry doesn't want people making fun of him then Terry shouldn't say stupid narcissistic things. If he wants to discuss that further, he can call me himself."
I'm not a fantasy author but I was offended for all of them after reading the things Terry Goodkind used to say.
Imagine wearing a shirt with the word “edelstahlkugel” on it and it just has a silvery ball. Pretty awesome. Most people may not be able to pronounce “gnocchi” correctly, but they have at least seen the word.
As a German it would confuse so many people here why I would wear something like that. But I love the idea that it is confusing even when they understand what an Edelstahlkugel is lol.
A list I REALLY want to see, is top Sci fi and fantasy authors that are young(early 40s and younger). I fell in love with books as a kid in the mid to late 80s, and of course had several favorite authors. All of them have since past away or are not writing anymore. I have found other authors of course, but I would like to have a group that I can read and not worry about them passing away from old age any time soon.
The Cosmere version of Pern? I am now going through withdrawal over a series of books that have not been written.
I’m usually listening to this in my car so I rarely see the video and the quality is amazing!!
I still haven't read the Chronicles of Prydain, but The Wizard in the Tree by Lloyd Alexander is an all-time favorite of mine. The Golden Dream of Carlo Chuchio is also excellent
Chronicles lf prydain is one of my all time favorite series.
Being the best and becoming the best are 2 different things. The best usually goes through 150 reincarnations by the time society has become smart enough to realize his genius.
Now I want to see Brandon, Dan, and others play some MTG on the show, and see the decks they'd build, and how they'd fare against each others' decks
Love that you brought up the Book of Swords, I loved those and don't know many who have read them.
In a limited edition of any of the books, I would love a page with JUST the printed words: THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK. That’s where I want author signatures! Would LOVE it!
Damn, Brandon.
"He's dead," said Sanderson, a twinkle in his eye.
Easy merch, dice set themed like Stormlight spheres
My first fantasy read was Jane Yolen's Dragon's Blood and then RA Salvatore's The Legacy. I really liked Dragon's Blood, but for some reason I fell into RA Salvatore's realm and went on a bender through forgotten realms and Dragonlance. I think I'll jump into some Jane Yolen now though. I had no idea she was so highly regarded.
I'd love a Top 10 Indie Fantasy Authors episode! 😊
I read the first three Prydain books this year but didn't finish the series. But I guess if the finale is so good, then I must go on.
The last two are definitely worth reading. Taran Wanderer, especially
Im surprised that there was no mention of Roger Zelazny
Right? My dad gave me his hardcovers of the Amber Chronicles as a kid and I loved them!
Thanks for the longer episode!!!
My grandmother was a huge Anne McCaffrey fan so I got to inherit that wonderful series! I started with Dragonsong as a young person; that book is v special to me.
Oo! I look forward to critically reviewing Dan's conlang and its literary usage!
Listened to the whole thing three times, but still think I missed some of their recommendations... someone have a LIST (of their GREATEST DEAD FANTASY AUTHORS)?
Okay, I did a list myself, and thanks to @snakeandturtleqigong in a previous comment. Authors mentioned (whether tangential, fantasy, alive, favorites, or not) Tolkien @16:45, Terry Brooks @17:03, David Eddings @ 17:10, Stephen R. Donaldson @17:52, Anne McCaffrey @21:34, Robin McKinley @21:40 and @33:47, Jane Yolen @21:41, Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman @25:54, Melanie Rawn @26:02, Fred Saberhagen @34:40, Robert Jordan @36:51, Orson Scott Card @37:04, Glen Cook @37:08, Raymond Feist @37:24, Terry Goodkind @44:31, Lloyd Alexander @51:57, Madeline L'Engel @53:42, (and Neil Postman @54:02) Ha ha! :)
Disappointing to hear those things about Terry Goodkind. His Sword of Truth got me into Fantasy, and I consider it one of my favourite series. Yeah some of it was ridiculous or silly, but I still enjoyed it overall. Sounds like he may have had some mental health issues he didn't work through.
My favorite or close to top favorite fantasy authors who have passed is probably Roger Zelazny.
Finally finished my Sauron, the Dark Lord commander deck and have been loving the laundry list of abilities he has
The only appropriate follow up.
Can we get an episode about Pratchett? Leaving him out of this discussion seems like a huge miss!
The food heist section continues to be hilarious. I especially liked Dan's Red Market joke.
You guys should talk about Brandon and Dan because you're dead to me. A whole hour and not a single Terry Pratchett shout out. How dare you sirs! 💔
Anne McCaffrey was so influential to me growing up. Her, Tamora Pierce, and Robin Hobb just shaped my reading growing up.
I am SO excited for Dan’s epic fantasy!
ER Eddison (The Worm Ouroboros, 1922), Lord Dunsay (The King of Elfland's Daughter, 1924), and TH White (The Once and Future King, 1958) are the other big titans for me, alongside Tolkien.
Nothin' beats listening to these guys at 1.5x speed.
I read one of the Prydain books when I was a kid and never felt the need to seek out any more. But mention of Lloyd Alexander has reminded me of Susan Cooper, whose _Dark Is Rising_ sequence draws on various British legends and folklore.
When it comes to Terry Goodkind, I enjoyed Sword of Truth, and stuck with the series through to Confessor, where Our Hero saves the day by proving that Book 2 couldn't have happened. That was the last straw for me after having grown increasingly disillusioned with the series as the Wizards Rules revealed passed from universal truths into specific tenets of Objectivism.
Dan should get Tom ford's ombre leather if he loves the smell of leather so much
The greatest gap sperm fashionable avocado author was Tootandcomeinyourface. Otherwise known as Ramurbottom of Thebes and Ohsirass of Neckropeyerlease II. 😅
I definitely want to see more of this LOTR MTG guessing game. Great episode… Ben, you need to put the pictures on the video! Just have a little window pop up in the middle of the screen when they want to show us something. You have to know the cam don’t focus when Dan hold something up!
Goodkind got me into reading... 😢 I'm sad because he was just starting to connect the Law of 9s, and now it'll never be complete 😢
By the way, whoever is putting the time stamps in the description, you are creating chapters for this episode that are wildly inaccurate. It might be better to simply have timestamped links to those episodes in the description.
And the "Great British Fake-Off" episode and time stamp is about Dan's perfume inspector story idea, not the GBFO!
Whew I thought I was going to have to revoke my own 'career computer geek' license because I was thoroughly confused as to what was happening with the links.
That Gandalf the Grey card sounds a lot like Gandalf from the core box of fantasy flight's LOTR LCG. he also gives you a selection of powers he can use and then leaves play.
I started my book reading because I liked sword of truth.
That naked attack scene, if I remember correctly, was because the D'hara army almost lost in the past against a tribe that fought nude.
Its in the same vibe as the end speech in 300 "sheer terror gripping their heart knowing full well what merciless horrors they suffered"
The Sword of Shannara series didn’t become great until Wishsong though. Sword of Shannara has SOOO many elements that are direct knock-offs of Tolkien. Elfstones was good, but it makes no sense without Sword to come before it (this was my problem with the show).
Shannara came into its own with Wishsong and I LOVED the series after that.
It would be fun if you could do this with sci-fi authors
Dan talking about 90's mexican pop music just made my day. Who ever thought that 90's singer Fey would be mentioned here?
Lloyd Alexander is from philadelphia, PA. btw.
My 5th grade teacher read the Hobbit to us. I then read the Lord of the Rings. But, one of my favorite besides Robert Jordan that I'm very surprised they didn't mention Jordan; Piers Anthony the Incarnation of Immortality series.
one of my favorite episodes you have done, love to hear you talk about different authors
"You earned your minimum wage that day" Absolutely LOL'ed at this