I tried the first few books in WoT, and find there to be a crazy amount of whining. And find it hard to continue. I often like/agree with a majority of your recommendations. Do you not think they are super whining or annoying?
1:08 - 10. His Dark Materials 3:00 - 9. Murderbot 5:12 - 8. Farseer Trilogy 7:05 - 7. Green Bone Saga 9:22 - 6. Malazan Book of the Fallen 10:19 - 5. First Law 11:21 - 4. The Cosmere 12:17 - 3. The Foundation Series 13:06 - 2. The Lord of the Rings 13:22 - Honorable Mentions (Dark Tower, Lightbringer, Red Rising, ASoIaF, The Expanse, Dresden Files 14:12 - 1. Discworld 13:54 - Actual 1. - Wheel of Time
Dresden files actually got me into reading for fun so I love it and changes broke me but I will say with the first 6 being noir with fantasy and as some would say the fan service elements in some of the later books I can understand why its and honorable mention
@@DanielGreeneReviews very fair I've never ranted about things I dislike in a series I love as much as i do in dresden at times.(looking at you Butters in peace talks)
@@DanielGreeneReviews I was wondering why you never really did a deeper dive into the two-parter from the summer. And to go from #3 on your list from last year to just an honorable mention. I am very curious what changed. Hopefully you will ruminate on your thoughts and share them. I get people taste change and that's cool. But that was a significate jump, so color me interested on your thoughts.
Daniel's changing opinions on Malazan over the years confirms that the series does infact have a Hero's journey structure its just that its Daniel who went on said journey
Ahhhhhhhhh Discworld!!!! I'm so ecstatic. Once it got to the top 5, I was hopeful but as it got closer to #1, I started letting it go. Wonderful execution of an emotional rollercoaster, you disheveled goblin, you!
Your mention of Discworld reminds me how few series are being written these days where each book is a self-contained story, as opposed to a continuation of some longer saga that has to be read in order. While I certainly don't want every series to be like that, I wish there were more good fantasy series like that.
I’ll be surprised if realm of the elderlings doesn’t continue to climb as you go through the series, the best character work I’ve ever read in that series.
... want a mini spoiler ... I got this spoilt and for me it enhanced the experience but I didn't consent to it so I give you a choice. Would you like a little hint so as to enjoy the entire Realm of the Elderlings more?
SO happy to see Discworld in the top spot, I don't think enough people read and talk about them compared to all the more recent fantasy. Terry Pratchett was such a gift to the world and his books hold up so so well over time.
I’m still 4 mins in but I just realized that the mic is actually on Little Daniel... and now idk if it’s really Big Daniel speaking, or if it’s Little Daniel speaking and Big Daniel is just lip syncing
Both Witcher, Dresden and Book of the Ancestor respectively dropped from top 2-3 spots throughout the past 2 rankings to not even being on the lists, GB isnt even the biggest dropout
There's so many good book series tho, I suppose these are the ones that just stuck in his mind. Doesn't mean the others are bad. If you made a top 10 every month with daniel's reading list you'"d have a different one every time I think.
I couldn't even finish the 3rd book :/ So much of the characters and their 'wit' just came across so cringe and forced to me that it would make me irrationally mad
I'm sorry to hear that you went/ are going through depression and anxiety. Please remember that we are always here and will understand if you ever need to take a break from youtube
Woah, Farseer is already in his top 10 after only reading the first trilogy? 2023, after he finishes the entire Realm of the Elderlings, top 5 at least for sure!
I just got the First Law trilogy for my birthday, super excited to read it!! Thanks for recommending it Daniel, always on the lookout for good fantasy/sci-fi.
The level you have reached of just pure entertainment is incredible. Let alone the content, Daniel you’re editing has improved SO much in the last year or so, you seem more confident and you’re funny. My FAVORITE book tuner! Go you.
Started falling in love with these books right after Golden Compass was released over 20 years ago, way before all the hype, when it was just this obscure little unknown title with an intriguing cover art...Gets me every time. I was beyond ecstatic a decade later when it became a movie & not so much when it flopped. But then HBO to the rescue! Bringing in a new age of fans & doing the book series some justice. Bringing the story to life in a way that the movie failed to do. Bravo for having it included on your list 👏
@@shouvikroychoudhury7908 You are the one who is confused and clearly does not understand the english language. "Most favourite" is a superlative. It's just poor english and especially in this context is not correct.
Just want to add my thanks for helping me get back into reading and into more importantly into fantasy, I’ve have done gentleman bastards, first law, green bone, The Band and couple of others. Within the next month I’m going to finally go for WoT!
I’m loving discworld. I got into it after Bradon Sanderson described it as one of his favorite pieces of literature and a large inspiration to his work. Terry Prachett hasn’t disappointed yet.
As someone who hasn't read it yet, it's really interesting to see how Daniel's opinion developed over time. From kind of a sceptic at first to a full convert :D Makes me all the more curious to start it. Overall, the best thing about this list is probably how much of the series I haven't read yet :)
Today's the first time I hear about Murderbot. I can't read series that aren't closed and finished. Is it done or when will it be? Does it end? Like no cliffhangers?
@@AspienPadda - there's still another book to come, and hopefully there will be more Murderbot adventures, but the series could end at its current point and I'd be happy. Does that help?
Yes thankee @@prinnywizzard9608 that does help. Imma hold off on reading Murderbot then for now. I usually gobble up series one after the other all at once and if I get to the end and it's not the end there's problems! I'll get to Murderbot in due time, life is long and boring.
Currently reading the foundation series and although I wasn't too impressed with the first book, it's really grown on me. 2nd book was a massive turnaround and I'm in the midst of the 3rd book. Can't deny the majestic scope of Asimov's vision though, oh my god. What an ideas man!
I think he did that - let me check... Edit: yes, here: th-cam.com/video/xouqVZ7Hbz4/w-d-xo.html Great to see a whole video of someone singing the praises of Discworld ^^
I just finished watching one of your old videos (your review of The Last Wish), and it's mind-blowing how far you've come since then in production quality, comfort on screen, and depth of analysis. Keep up the good work 🍻
Your videos are only getting better and better. This channel is one of the biggest reasons I’m reading more. Currently reading the first law trilogy with the farseer trilogy next. Along with basically all of these
I am currently reading Oathbringer because of your praise for the stormlight archive/whole cosmere in your previous top 10 list and other videos about it and it is so amazing. Without you I wouldn't have the chance to explore the beautiful world of roshar, thank you!
I'm actually thinking of the first video on my channel being a vlog where I'm reading Jade City and Jade War, so I'm so excited to record my reactions to these. I've only heard good things from so many other Booktubers. I'm nervous, but excited and you just gave me the little push to just DO IT because the books sound so great.
Man I thought you would have added Orson Scott Card in this list....Enderverse is amazing, thought provoking and intelligent that really touches on life. I think it is brilliant
I literally decided to start reading Mistborn because I saw a video of Brando Sando saying Discworld was the greatest fantasy series of modern times and decided he must be smart. So thanks again Pratchett, I guess?
I was thinking of trying to start wheel of time this year. And maybe mistborn. I admit, fantasy is less enjoyable on average for me than scifi, but im gonna give them a shot finally i think
Can I recommend the Broken Earth Trilogy by NK Jemisin? I adore that it’s not only a study of abuse, it’s a study of how someone who has suffered the worst the world can give them and shows how to heal from trauma. It’s so full of hope and shows that even someone who is utter broken can healed through community and giving back to people. Having worked as a Forensic Support Worker, the Broken Earth trilogy does what most people wish they could do to the most vulnerable members of society. It helps that it’s written by a psychiatrist who knows what they’re doing!
Hi Daniel I couldn't agree more with everything you had to say about Discworld. Sir Terry Pratchett has long since been my favourite author, and I've yet to find another that brings me such immense happiness within the pages of his books. He was one of a kind, and knew his craft so well; you could do multiple re reads and spot references or puns you hadn't noticed before. I had the honour of meeting him during a reading of Johnny and the Bomb (going back to the 1990's My god I feel old!). I haven't read all of the series you've mentioned, so I think I'll add them to my tbr list, I've never been disappointed by any of your recommendations so I have high hopes 😊 Anyway, nice video! Keep it up, love from over in a freezing cold UK xx
I would really love to read Murderbot, you make it sound soooo good! For some reason the books are just so expensive, I can buy like 2 Stephen King books and a happy meal for the same price as 1 Murderbot book. Great video Daniel! You keep on making me want to read more.
Yep WOT is one of the best, except the final books by Sanderson were garbage and utterly killed the experience. Robert Jordan’s world was like looking out a window on to a beautiful landscape, Sanderson’s attempts look like a childcare painting stuck on the fridge by comparison.
i literally just finished reading his dark materials and the romance part touched me a lot which usually doesn't happen so much - the most well executed love story i've personally seen in a while
The Spellmonger series by Terry Mancour is also a really awesome fantasy series and has excellent world building. The first book gets people hung up on a particular scene but that is minor in the scope of the rest if the books. Has very little “setup-itis” It can get somewhat “analytical” as the protagonist is also a teacher of sorts but that fits the story very well as he tries to figure out what the hell is going on and how to deal with whats happening ( not an amnesia trope- dont worry ) If you can give the first few books a go :) ( there are 14 books so far and they are from different POVs at overlapping times in the series )
I love The Wheel Of Time! I have read the whole series. Have you been keeping up with the TV series on amazon? Was looking for something else to read since i'm caught up on Sanderson and King, think I'll try Discworld. Thanks!
Watching your Top videos gets me excited about reading Please keep doing them ! I've already started Poppy War, Wheel of Time and Book of the Ancestors thanks to you
Jade City is by and far one of my top 3 favorite series period. The way that the characters, family dynamics, and culture are written hits so close to home coming from an asian-american household
I've been obsessed with first law for over a year. I started reading mistborn and I took getting used to for me to get back into the high fantasy magic lol. I sortoff hoped to see the witcher in here for its character work and different take on fantasy, but considering you also put in sci-fi I understand how there's no room.
Love your Top 10 everytime. The shadow is distracting though! But Wow to your reading list...I have started with The Eye and The World this year on your recommendation ❤️🤗🙏🤗❤️🥰
I can post this here: I just got into an argument with a guy who tried to tell me that Moiraine was the Ringbearer, Rand was the Ring, and that there were 13 books in the series. Just lol
Of all your recommendations, First Law is just freaken amazing and has changed my world, lightbringer is also dam good but I am struggling with Sanderson.
Red rising is so freaking good, im so glad you mentioned it in your honorable mentions, i can recommend it to anyone, especially because brown is not shitting the bed in his final and also n ot on the new saga lol
I desperately want to read discworld, but my love of good omens is holding me back because I'm terrified it might be replaced as my favorite and the thought that that might happen is incomprehensible
But you're missing so much more Terry Pratchett, a world's worth of Terry Pratchett. It's like a world's worth of Good Omens. But Good Omens still remains Good.
The craziest thing about Discworld is that each book (with some exceptions) is functionally a standalone--his characters are enjoyable and consistent enough in each that you can drop in anywhere on the, for example, the Watch series, and probably have as good a time as any other.
Agree to disagree on this. I was lent a copy of book #5 or #8 or something & had to stop reading around page 50 or so because it felt as though I was jumping into the middle of something really good & missing a lot. I do plan to revisit the series, but I'll be starting from the beginning next go around. I feel like it's along the lines of the Dresden Files in that pretty much every book can be read by itself, but you are missing so much of the bigger picture & references by not reading them all.
You need to read Live Ship Traders by Robin Hobb as well. I just read it last year and it surprised me a lot, as I was expecting to not like a book without Fitz :) especially the characters are amazing as some of them you'll hate but grow to like nonetheless
I liked the list. Personnaly, id make some few changes like: - Lower GrimDark postition. - Lower Foundation Position (i prefer character progression, which Foundation can't deliver properly since its has a "long-term story progression") - Brandon Sanderson 1st (Be it Mistborn or Stormlight Archive, anything the guy writes is gold). - The Wheel of Time 2nd. - LOTR 3rd. (I havent read Discworld yet)
Just yesterday night I finished red rising and wanted to start new series. Was hoping Daniel would do a top 10 soon. Guess dreams do come true! Also a big thank you daniel your recommendations are on point. Loved red rising, wheel of time and kings of wyld (something I would have put way down on my tbr If not for u)
Even Pratchett said they werent the best but they are a start. A welcoming to his world. But there is no question that there are books that will leave you in dumbstruck AWE! As someone who is almost sadly reading the last few books now I envy you your journey.
I think he is definitely affected by wanting to have the video to be different from previous years. I would expect this list to change by at least three entries every year even though it will not be because things were released in 2021 that will alter things (As many of these series are done and dusted). We can tell this from the very light touch on things he has already said a lot about. Daniel is a reviewer but he is primarily a You Tuber and he knows varying his content is key to encouraging growth. Simply repeating that the best series of all time last year are pretty much the best ten this year does not build interest. It is indeed the twists that will garner more looks otherwise why rewatch. I think he genuinely could put two dozen series in here and he will switch it up year on year.
Here's an unashamedly alternate list that I like better... no offence of course... hope you are ok with a little pushback: 1. Memory, Sorrow and Thorn, Tad Williams - one of the pioneering non-LoTR clones and simply the best; 2. Dune, F. Herbert, B. Herbert, K. J. Anderson - richest and most creative Sci-Fi series; 3. Mars Trilogy, Kim Stanley Robinson - the best take on believable terraforming I've encountered with characters so vivid I remember them decades later; 4. Farseer, Robin Hobb - we agree on this one; her writing style and characterization reminds me of Tad (nuff said); 5. A Song of Ice and Fire, George R. R. Martin - I fell in love with this long before there was a TV show; might climb higher on my list if it gets finished; 6. Dragon Prince, Melanie Rawn, similar in style and tone to ASoIaF, but smaller in scope and less complicated/convoluted cast and story; 7. Avalon, Marion Zimmerman Bradley - 'Mists of Avalon' is an unparalleled masterpiece that retells the King Arthur cycle from multiple POVs of key, and astonishingly grey-scale, female characters. The subsequent volumes add richness; 8. Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien, the original and still one of the best (and our second overlap); 9. The Black Company, Glen Cook (The Godfather of Grimdark) - Neither Ambercrombie nor Erikson have shown me enough quality to unseat Glen, who balances a charming blend of grit, humour and a little (but not too much) wtf-is going on-ness; 10. The Gap Cycle, Stephen R. Donaldson - grimmest, darkest Sci-Fi I've read, with morbidly fascinating characters. Honourable Mention: Lazarus Long/Future History, Robert A. Heinlein: not really a series but some highly entertaining, inter-related classic Sci-Fi; Ringworld, Larry Niven: fascinating world building, but characterization and latter volumes drop in quality; Pern, Anne McCaffrey: outstanding world building, strong characterizations, but average plotting, Valdemar, Mercedes Lackey: great stories, well told but with less nuanced storytelling. Not Up to Snuff (this will anger some): Wheel of Time, Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson: The Slog is simply unforgivable; if I had a braid I would be furiously tugging it now; Dark Tower, Stephen King: as a huge fan of his early work I found this series disappointingly self-indulgent, of inconsistent tone and just generally poorly envisioned, particularly the later volumes; Foundation, Isaac Asimov: this was stitched together from several smaller pieces and it shows with a lack of flow, not to mention weak characterization and an unclear over-arching plot. Jury's Still Out: Malazan Book of the Fallen, Steven Erikson - after 2 volumes I am skeptical at this point that this will crack my top 10, but time will tell; Cosmere, Brandon Sanderson: having only read Elantris (and the WoT finale), colour me underwhelmed... next up is Mistborn; I won't touch Stormlight Archive until it is completed or its completion is imminent (for reasons that Martin, Rothfuss, Rawn, Britain and others can vividly explain). So there!
Some of my favorites are on your list! I DNF'ed His Dark Materials, but may pick up book 3 sometime. I have read/reread LOTR, WoT, Dresden, Cosmere, and the Expanse in the last year and love them all. I am halfway through The Color of Magic as my first Discworld book!
I love Fitz, but if you like character writing, you should definitely also read the Liveship Traders books (set in same universe, chronologically the next books Hobb wrote but not including Fitz). But I agree with pretty much all you said (and I should really get to reading Wheel of Time huh)
Top 10 list are always so hard, but here we go. 10. Deathgate Cycle 9. Runelords 8. Broken Earth 7. First Law trilogy 6. Shannara 5. Lightbringer 4. Asofai 3. Cosmere(he did, do I'm doing it) 2. Wheel of Time 1. Malazan Book of the Fallen Honorable mentions: Sword of Truth, Riftwar saga, Witcher, Farseer chronicles, Paternus trilogy, Broken Empire, Poppy War, Kingkiller chronicles, Night Angel, and last but not least, what author doesn't love their own books.. The Lycan War Saga and the Shards of the Coven series
In reality, I can’t actually read.
Also the gentleman bastards.
Isn’t it called an oopsy
A big oopsy indeed
Oof. Also, how dare you not include the objective masterpiece that is The Fifth Sorceress?
Same buddy
But I'm here anyway
In the honour of Discworld, Daniel's #1 pick, I just want to say this. "When life pushes you to be a Terry, be a Pratchett and not a Goodkind"
That's brilliant lol 🤣🤣🤣
How about a Brooks?
@@eshaanagarwal6081 yeah I was about to say, Brooks ain’t a bad kind of terry either
One could also say that a goodkind of Terry is a Pratchett, not a Goodkind.
@@vaibhavbhatnagar9188 how about be the good kind of Terry, Pratchett not Goodkind.
Your microphone choices never cease to amuse me.
I like your profile pic
I'm about to get your profile pic and read it for the first time. So excited to dive in!
He is getting closer but he'll never surpass Gus Johnson attaching the mic to a gun XD
Total Gus Johnson vibes
I tried the first few books in WoT, and find there to be a crazy amount of whining. And find it hard to continue. I often like/agree with a majority of your recommendations. Do you not think they are super whining or annoying?
1:08 - 10. His Dark Materials
3:00 - 9. Murderbot
5:12 - 8. Farseer Trilogy
7:05 - 7. Green Bone Saga
9:22 - 6. Malazan Book of the Fallen
10:19 - 5. First Law
11:21 - 4. The Cosmere
12:17 - 3. The Foundation Series
13:06 - 2. The Lord of the Rings
13:22 - Honorable Mentions (Dark Tower, Lightbringer, Red Rising, ASoIaF, The Expanse, Dresden Files
14:12 - 1. Discworld
13:54 - Actual 1. - Wheel of Time
Ty
I love you
@@blacksoul_1078 thank you
*hugging my shelf of Dresden Files books* "Shh shh, it's ok. You are still my number 1."
I do LOVE it, but I have... thoughts. I need to meditate on Dresden a bit.
Dresden files actually got me into reading for fun so I love it and changes broke me but I will say with the first 6 being noir with fantasy and as some would say the fan service elements in some of the later books I can understand why its and honorable mention
@@DanielGreeneReviews very fair I've never ranted about things I dislike in a series I love as much as i do in dresden at times.(looking at you Butters in peace talks)
@@DanielGreeneReviews I was wondering why you never really did a deeper dive into the two-parter from the summer. And to go from #3 on your list from last year to just an honorable mention. I am very curious what changed. Hopefully you will ruminate on your thoughts and share them. I get people taste change and that's cool. But that was a significate jump, so color me interested on your thoughts.
@@DanielGreeneReviews Maybe make a video on ur....thoughts?
Daniel's changing opinions on Malazan over the years confirms that the series does infact have a Hero's journey structure its just that its Daniel who went on said journey
It was interesting, and gratifying, watching his opinion evolve as he progressed through the series.
And kudos for admitting it.
It sure has been fun to watch Discworld's steady climb up Daniel's list over the years.
@Dasset Who I bought Hat Full of Sky when I was maybe 8 or 9 years old and every year I find my love for Pratchett deepens. GNU Terry Pratchett!
Editor: So what b-roll do you want in the background for the intro?
Daniel: Yes
Conspiracy theory: The puppet is actually Green Daniel and it's the one who's controlling the actual puppet, Daniel.
This is just the truth
Yep
There is nothing that would contradict this theory.
It must be true.
Hairloc Daniel
This is a very underrated channel on the internet. Even if you have no idea about a lot of books, Daniel can entertain veey well.
Ahhhhhhhhh Discworld!!!!
I'm so ecstatic. Once it got to the top 5, I was hopeful but as it got closer to #1, I started letting it go. Wonderful execution of an emotional rollercoaster, you disheveled goblin, you!
Just plugged off my phone from charging. I have been waiting for this list for a long time
Your mention of Discworld reminds me how few series are being written these days where each book is a self-contained story, as opposed to a continuation of some longer saga that has to be read in order.
While I certainly don't want every series to be like that, I wish there were more good fantasy series like that.
'The Goblin Emperor' by Katherine Addison is a great standalone novel. I'd highly recommend it.
I’ll be surprised if realm of the elderlings doesn’t continue to climb as you go through the series, the best character work I’ve ever read in that series.
YESSSSSS THE DISCWORLD APPRECIATION!!!! THANK YOU DANIEL
i'm so happy the farseer trilogy is here. currently reading it
... want a mini spoiler ...
I got this spoilt and for me it enhanced the experience but I didn't consent to it so I give you a choice. Would you like a little hint so as to enjoy the entire Realm of the Elderlings more?
SO happy to see Discworld in the top spot, I don't think enough people read and talk about them compared to all the more recent fantasy. Terry Pratchett was such a gift to the world and his books hold up so so well over time.
Mother: "Wait, wait. Is that guy talking into a *muppet*?"
Me: "Eh... yeah? Roll with it I guess."
I’m still 4 mins in but I just realized that the mic is actually on Little Daniel... and now idk if it’s really Big Daniel speaking, or if it’s Little Daniel speaking and Big Daniel is just lip syncing
Or little daniel speaking and big daniel is the mike...
Wow Gentlemen Bastards went from in 2019 being “firmly” in your top 10 to not even being an honourable mention. RIP
Both Witcher, Dresden and Book of the Ancestor respectively dropped from top 2-3 spots throughout the past 2 rankings to not even being on the lists, GB isnt even the biggest dropout
Was meant to be an HM. That was a slip!
There's so many good book series tho, I suppose these are the ones that just stuck in his mind. Doesn't mean the others are bad. If you made a top 10 every month with daniel's reading list you'"d have a different one every time I think.
I think part of it is because he included sci fi series too. Those had to push some others out of the list
I couldn't even finish the 3rd book :/ So much of the characters and their 'wit' just came across so cringe and forced to me that it would make me irrationally mad
Just like to thank you for releasing so many vids recently. You keep me sane during these times 👍
I'm sorry to hear that you went/ are going through depression and anxiety. Please remember that we are always here and will understand if you ever need to take a break from youtube
Woah, Farseer is already in his top 10 after only reading the first trilogy? 2023, after he finishes the entire Realm of the Elderlings, top 5 at least for sure!
*whispers* So good
Then he'll read the Fitz and the Fool trilogy and want to rip his eyes out
Tiny Daniel, Drunk Daniel, Daniel Greene Screene, The Goblin, what's next? Giant Daniel?!?!?!?
Don't give him ideas! I already see the nightmares xD
Greene Daniel, HO HO HO Daniel Greeeene Giant.
"i guess i'm holding a tiny Daniel... I like it."
whoa there, we don't need to know what you and "tiny Daniel" do when feeling adventurous
"Hold me closer, tiny Daniel"
Discworld is perfection. Terry was a king. “A man is not dead while his name is still spoken.” - GNU.
I have one question. Is it like one piece which has a good story and everything is ridiculous and hilarious.
@@Kal_Al_Thor it's his old classic aburdism. It had compelling characters, good stories in an utterly ridiculous and funny world and situation.
@@Kal_Al_Thor You can see it as similar to one piece, but there is almost 0 fighting, it is not like shonen.
I just got the First Law trilogy for my birthday, super excited to read it!! Thanks for recommending it Daniel, always on the lookout for good fantasy/sci-fi.
It's good, gritty fun!
Some of my favourite characters in all of fantasy.
Glokta is just evilly awesome.
The level you have reached of just pure entertainment is incredible. Let alone the content, Daniel you’re editing has improved SO much in the last year or so, you seem more confident and you’re funny. My FAVORITE book tuner! Go you.
You putting Discworld at 1 made me tear up. It is definitely my number 1. There is a book for everyone in that universe.
man this is the booktuber you go to for great editing and effort!!
Yesssssss finally someone who values His Dark Materials as much as it should be valued. I love it so much
Right? It’s my #1 for sure, and I get so excited when people love it. Especially people whose opinions I value!
Same. It's been my untouchable number 1 for the last 6 years.
Started falling in love with these books right after Golden Compass was released over 20 years ago, way before all the hype, when it was just this obscure little unknown title with an intriguing cover art...Gets me every time.
I was beyond ecstatic a decade later when it became a movie & not so much when it flopped.
But then HBO to the rescue! Bringing in a new age of fans & doing the book series some justice. Bringing the story to life in a way that the movie failed to do.
Bravo for having it included on your list 👏
Terry Pratchett is Brandon Sanderson's favorite author. I think that says a lot.
*Sir* Terry Pratchert, you dimwit
That is interesting because I don't love BS and could never get into Discworld. It kinda makes more sense now!!
Wouldn't his favourite author be Robert Jordan?
@@DrunkenGyarados You can have multiple favourites. You are confusing favourite with "most favourite."
@@shouvikroychoudhury7908 You are the one who is confused and clearly does not understand the english language. "Most favourite" is a superlative. It's just poor english and especially in this context is not correct.
Just want to add my thanks for helping me get back into reading and into more importantly into fantasy, I’ve have done gentleman bastards, first law, green bone, The Band and couple of others. Within the next month I’m going to finally go for WoT!
I am 10 books short of buying the Discworld series. Sitting on 31 lacking 10 more and got 3 under my belt already. I am in love.
Love the list, Discworld is my favourite fantasy series too .
Why did I really want his shadow to start moving independently like Peter Pan?
speaking of Peter Pan, have you read the Peter and the Starcatchers series? I highly recommend it.
@@Harbz No I haven’t! I’ll have to check it out
Discworld made number one. Now I can die in peace. Bless your exquisite taste, good sir
I’m loving discworld. I got into it after Bradon Sanderson described it as one of his favorite pieces of literature and a large inspiration to his work. Terry Prachett hasn’t disappointed yet.
Oh I love how you added a unique song for each series ❤️ That’s such a nice and immersive touch!
As someone who hasn't read it yet, it's really interesting to see how Daniel's opinion developed over time. From kind of a sceptic at first to a full convert :D Makes me all the more curious to start it. Overall, the best thing about this list is probably how much of the series I haven't read yet :)
Wow Daniel, didn't expect The Fifth Sorceress to be the one that dethrones Wheel of Time as your #0. To each their own I guess
Be gone, troll XD
Yesss! Discworld at n°1!
By far my favorite fantasy series.
just finished the greenbone saga. Loved it. Great series. It ended well. I was full not hungry for more. just satisfied. loved.
I just finished Murderbot yesterday. Thanks for constantly recommending the series, it was really what I needed right now. I love Murderbot!
Today's the first time I hear about Murderbot. I can't read series that aren't closed and finished. Is it done or when will it be? Does it end? Like no cliffhangers?
@@AspienPadda - there's still another book to come, and hopefully there will be more Murderbot adventures, but the series could end at its current point and I'd be happy. Does that help?
Yes thankee @@prinnywizzard9608 that does help. Imma hold off on reading Murderbot then for now. I usually gobble up series one after the other all at once and if I get to the end and it's not the end there's problems! I'll get to Murderbot in due time, life is long and boring.
Currently reading the foundation series and although I wasn't too impressed with the first book, it's really grown on me. 2nd book was a massive turnaround and I'm in the midst of the 3rd book. Can't deny the majestic scope of Asimov's vision though, oh my god. What an ideas man!
I'm watching the series and I'm Hella interested in reading the books
DANIEL THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR VIDEOS! THEYRE THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY DAY
Waiting for a "Before you read Discworld" now... loved this top 10!
I think he did that - let me check...
Edit: yes, here: th-cam.com/video/xouqVZ7Hbz4/w-d-xo.html
Great to see a whole video of someone singing the praises of Discworld ^^
@@prinnywizzard9608 cool! Thanks :D
I just finished watching one of your old videos (your review of The Last Wish), and it's mind-blowing how far you've come since then in production quality, comfort on screen, and depth of analysis. Keep up the good work 🍻
Your videos are only getting better and better. This channel is one of the biggest reasons I’m reading more. Currently reading the first law trilogy with the farseer trilogy next. Along with basically all of these
I will always remember going to Waldenbooks, then Borders, and lastly Barnes on release day totally excited to get my hands on the new Discworld book
F for Dresden getting knocked out
I've read Discworld, but none of these other books. Thank you for the recommendations.
Ahhhhh! So excited to see Malazan make the list now!!!
I am currently reading Oathbringer because of your praise for the stormlight archive/whole cosmere in your previous top 10 list and other videos about it and it is so amazing. Without you I wouldn't have the chance to explore the beautiful world of roshar, thank you!
I'm actually thinking of the first video on my channel being a vlog where I'm reading Jade City and Jade War, so I'm so excited to record my reactions to these. I've only heard good things from so many other Booktubers. I'm nervous, but excited and you just gave me the little push to just DO IT because the books sound so great.
Man I thought you would have added Orson Scott Card in this list....Enderverse is amazing, thought provoking and intelligent that really touches on life. I think it is brilliant
[Gets to number 1]: A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one.
Love the list! OOF Dresden dropped from 3 to honorable mention.
I'm so fuckin' hyped for this list now that Daniel's read just a shit ton of stuff in the last 6-ish months especially
I literally decided to start reading Mistborn because I saw a video of Brando Sando saying Discworld was the greatest fantasy series of modern times and decided he must be smart.
So thanks again Pratchett, I guess?
Wow your number one cought me of Guards! Guards!.
Great list Daniel, keep it up.
Was just happy to see Murderbot getting this kind of love.
I was thinking of trying to start wheel of time this year. And maybe mistborn. I admit, fantasy is less enjoyable on average for me than scifi, but im gonna give them a shot finally i think
Mistborn is amazing! The way Sanderson does his plot twists is seriously rad
Good luck!
Mistborn is definitely a good entry point
You will not be disappointed by either
Can I recommend the Broken Earth Trilogy by NK Jemisin? I adore that it’s not only a study of abuse, it’s a study of how someone who has suffered the worst the world can give them and shows how to heal from trauma. It’s so full of hope and shows that even someone who is utter broken can healed through community and giving back to people. Having worked as a Forensic Support Worker, the Broken Earth trilogy does what most people wish they could do to the most vulnerable members of society. It helps that it’s written by a psychiatrist who knows what they’re doing!
YES!!!
I love top 10!❤😁
I havent even watched the video but i know its gonna be great!
Fantasic video Daniel!
Hi Daniel
I couldn't agree more with everything you had to say about Discworld. Sir Terry Pratchett has long since been my favourite author, and I've yet to find another that brings me such immense happiness within the pages of his books. He was one of a kind, and knew his craft so well; you could do multiple re reads and spot references or puns you hadn't noticed before. I had the honour of meeting him during a reading of Johnny and the Bomb (going back to the 1990's My god I feel old!).
I haven't read all of the series you've mentioned, so I think I'll add them to my tbr list, I've never been disappointed by any of your recommendations so I have high hopes 😊
Anyway, nice video! Keep it up, love from over in a freezing cold UK xx
The fact that you ended the video with “goodbye” and not “peace” made my heart break just a lil
I would really love to read Murderbot, you make it sound soooo good! For some reason the books are just so expensive, I can buy like 2 Stephen King books and a happy meal for the same price as 1 Murderbot book.
Great video Daniel! You keep on making me want to read more.
I am so happy you loved Murderbot 🧡 Who doesn’t love badass anxiousness??
When wheel of time will be dethroned from spot number 0, I will be there, smiling maniacally while I pet my black cat.
Never!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HERESY!!!!!!
I found the darkfriend
Yep WOT is one of the best, except the final books by Sanderson were garbage and utterly killed the experience. Robert Jordan’s world was like looking out a window on to a beautiful landscape, Sanderson’s attempts look like a childcare painting stuck on the fridge by comparison.
@@generaldamage3282 ironically I think stormlight has a high chance of surpassing WOT once completed with it's 10th book
So pleasantly surprised with the list's #1. Such an absolutely amazing series.
i literally just finished reading his dark materials and the romance part touched me a lot which usually doesn't happen so much - the most well executed love story i've personally seen in a while
The Spellmonger series by Terry Mancour is also a really awesome fantasy series and has excellent world building.
The first book gets people hung up on a particular scene but that is minor in the scope of the rest if the books. Has very little “setup-itis”
It can get somewhat “analytical” as the protagonist is also a teacher of sorts but that fits the story very well as he tries to figure out what the hell is going on and how to deal with whats happening ( not an amnesia trope- dont worry )
If you can give the first few books a go :)
( there are 14 books so far and they are from different POVs at overlapping times in the series )
I love The Wheel Of Time! I have read the whole series. Have you been keeping up with the TV series on amazon? Was looking for something else to read since i'm caught up on Sanderson and King, think I'll try Discworld. Thanks!
Watching your Top videos gets me excited about reading
Please keep doing them !
I've already started Poppy War, Wheel of Time and Book of the Ancestors thanks to you
Jade City is by and far one of my top 3 favorite series period. The way that the characters, family dynamics, and culture are written hits so close to home coming from an asian-american household
I've been obsessed with first law for over a year. I started reading mistborn and I took getting used to for me to get back into the high fantasy magic lol.
I sortoff hoped to see the witcher in here for its character work and different take on fantasy, but considering you also put in sci-fi I understand how there's no room.
Love your Top 10 everytime. The shadow is distracting though! But Wow to your reading list...I have started with The Eye and The World this year on your recommendation ❤️🤗🙏🤗❤️🥰
I can post this here:
I just got into an argument with a guy who tried to tell me that Moiraine was the Ringbearer, Rand was the Ring, and that there were 13 books in the series.
Just lol
Love this comment! I hope it is true!
Discworld as #1! You're a man of true taste Daniel!
You helped get me back into reading and I'm loving it!
I haven't read many series, but:
1. Stormlight
2. Book of the Ancestor
3. Lies of Locke Lamora
4. Warbreaker
5. Dresden Files
6. Mistborn
Of all your recommendations, First Law is just freaken amazing and has changed my world, lightbringer is also dam good but I am struggling with Sanderson.
Red rising is so freaking good, im so glad you mentioned it in your honorable mentions, i can recommend it to anyone, especially because brown is not shitting the bed in his final and also n ot on the new saga lol
I desperately want to read discworld, but my love of good omens is holding me back because I'm terrified it might be replaced as my favorite and the thought that that might happen is incomprehensible
But you're missing so much more Terry Pratchett, a world's worth of Terry Pratchett. It's like a world's worth of Good Omens. But Good Omens still remains Good.
I am so happy you are talking about terry pratchett I feel not enough people understand how influencial he was
The craziest thing about Discworld is that each book (with some exceptions) is functionally a standalone--his characters are enjoyable and consistent enough in each that you can drop in anywhere on the, for example, the Watch series, and probably have as good a time as any other.
Agree to disagree on this. I was lent a copy of book #5 or #8 or something & had to stop reading around page 50 or so because it felt as though I was jumping into the middle of something really good & missing a lot.
I do plan to revisit the series, but I'll be starting from the beginning next go around.
I feel like it's along the lines of the Dresden Files in that pretty much every book can be read by itself, but you are missing so much of the bigger picture & references by not reading them all.
i’m really interested in reading discworld, what book would you recommend starting with?
@@melwood2 book 1 ofc
You need to read Live Ship Traders by Robin Hobb as well. I just read it last year and it surprised me a lot, as I was expecting to not like a book without Fitz :) especially the characters are amazing as some of them you'll hate but grow to like nonetheless
I liked the list. Personnaly, id make some few changes like:
- Lower GrimDark postition.
- Lower Foundation Position (i prefer character progression, which Foundation can't deliver properly since its has a "long-term story progression")
- Brandon Sanderson 1st (Be it Mistborn or Stormlight Archive, anything the guy writes is gold).
- The Wheel of Time 2nd.
- LOTR 3rd.
(I havent read Discworld yet)
Just yesterday night I finished red rising and wanted to start new series. Was hoping Daniel would do a top 10 soon. Guess dreams do come true! Also a big thank you daniel your recommendations are on point. Loved red rising, wheel of time and kings of wyld (something I would have put way down on my tbr If not for u)
I agree on Discworld. It is so much fun, it's elaborate, the characters are spectacular and His language is just brilliant
I just read the first Discworld. I loved it. The fact that people say it's one of the weakest books makes me very happy.
wait until you get to Equal Rights and then just literally everything after it
I don't think there really is a bad book in the series. Some are stronger than others but I have never read a Pratchett I didn't enjoy.
Even Pratchett said they werent the best but they are a start. A welcoming to his world. But there is no question that there are books that will leave you in dumbstruck AWE! As someone who is almost sadly reading the last few books now I envy you your journey.
I love Daniel angrily declaring Wheel of Time the best thing ever written. The ending was so solid.
The Expanse... man, I can't not put it in a top 10 list of sci-fi/fantasy. It's just so good in every possible way.
So happy to see farseer here, one of the first I read after Harry potter and LOTR and it was amazing to realize that there was more out there!
Biggest plot twist I've ever seen: Daniel puts Cosmere on #4 and not #2 (like I think it was last time)
The biggest plot twist was witcher, book of the ancestor, dresden files, etc go from being in the top 5 to not on the list at all Lol
@@Harsh-th7im Yeah I am kinda perplexed by this list.
I think he is definitely affected by wanting to have the video to be different from previous years. I would expect this list to change by at least three entries every year even though it will not be because things were released in 2021 that will alter things (As many of these series are done and dusted). We can tell this from the very light touch on things he has already said a lot about. Daniel is a reviewer but he is primarily a You Tuber and he knows varying his content is key to encouraging growth. Simply repeating that the best series of all time last year are pretty much the best ten this year does not build interest. It is indeed the twists that will garner more looks otherwise why rewatch. I think he genuinely could put two dozen series in here and he will switch it up year on year.
Here's an unashamedly alternate list that I like better... no offence of course... hope you are ok with a little pushback:
1. Memory, Sorrow and Thorn, Tad Williams - one of the pioneering non-LoTR clones and simply the best;
2. Dune, F. Herbert, B. Herbert, K. J. Anderson - richest and most creative Sci-Fi series;
3. Mars Trilogy, Kim Stanley Robinson - the best take on believable terraforming I've encountered with characters so vivid I remember them decades later;
4. Farseer, Robin Hobb - we agree on this one; her writing style and characterization reminds me of Tad (nuff said);
5. A Song of Ice and Fire, George R. R. Martin - I fell in love with this long before there was a TV show; might climb higher on my list if it gets finished;
6. Dragon Prince, Melanie Rawn, similar in style and tone to ASoIaF, but smaller in scope and less complicated/convoluted cast and story;
7. Avalon, Marion Zimmerman Bradley - 'Mists of Avalon' is an unparalleled masterpiece that retells the King Arthur cycle from multiple POVs of key, and astonishingly grey-scale, female characters. The subsequent volumes add richness;
8. Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien, the original and still one of the best (and our second overlap);
9. The Black Company, Glen Cook (The Godfather of Grimdark) - Neither Ambercrombie nor Erikson have shown me enough quality to unseat Glen, who balances a charming blend of grit, humour and a little (but not too much) wtf-is going on-ness;
10. The Gap Cycle, Stephen R. Donaldson - grimmest, darkest Sci-Fi I've read, with morbidly fascinating characters.
Honourable Mention: Lazarus Long/Future History, Robert A. Heinlein: not really a series but some highly entertaining, inter-related classic Sci-Fi; Ringworld, Larry Niven: fascinating world building, but characterization and latter volumes drop in quality; Pern, Anne McCaffrey: outstanding world building, strong characterizations, but average plotting, Valdemar, Mercedes Lackey: great stories, well told but with less nuanced storytelling.
Not Up to Snuff (this will anger some): Wheel of Time, Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson: The Slog is simply unforgivable; if I had a braid I would be furiously tugging it now; Dark Tower, Stephen King: as a huge fan of his early work I found this series disappointingly self-indulgent, of inconsistent tone and just generally poorly envisioned, particularly the later volumes; Foundation, Isaac Asimov: this was stitched together from several smaller pieces and it shows with a lack of flow, not to mention weak characterization and an unclear over-arching plot.
Jury's Still Out: Malazan Book of the Fallen, Steven Erikson - after 2 volumes I am skeptical at this point that this will crack my top 10, but time will tell; Cosmere, Brandon Sanderson: having only read Elantris (and the WoT finale), colour me underwhelmed... next up is Mistborn; I won't touch Stormlight Archive until it is completed or its completion is imminent (for reasons that Martin, Rothfuss, Rawn, Britain and others can vividly explain).
So there!
I just finished reading Jade City and it was awesome. I'm gonna pick up Jade War really soon.
Thank you for giving Disc world the credit it deserves!
Some of my favorites are on your list! I DNF'ed His Dark Materials, but may pick up book 3 sometime. I have read/reread LOTR, WoT, Dresden, Cosmere, and the Expanse in the last year and love them all. I am halfway through The Color of Magic as my first Discworld book!
I love Fitz, but if you like character writing, you should definitely also read the Liveship Traders books (set in same universe, chronologically the next books Hobb wrote but not including Fitz). But I agree with pretty much all you said (and I should really get to reading Wheel of Time huh)
Top 10 list are always so hard, but here we go.
10. Deathgate Cycle
9. Runelords
8. Broken Earth
7. First Law trilogy
6. Shannara
5. Lightbringer
4. Asofai
3. Cosmere(he did, do I'm doing it)
2. Wheel of Time
1. Malazan Book of the Fallen
Honorable mentions: Sword of Truth, Riftwar saga, Witcher, Farseer chronicles, Paternus trilogy, Broken Empire, Poppy War, Kingkiller chronicles, Night Angel, and last but not least, what author doesn't love their own books.. The Lycan War Saga and the Shards of the Coven series