Children of Turin! I love this book so much, I am about to audit my third lecture series on this story. Turin Turumbar is perhaps the best character in literature as a whole. He is very polarizing, but insanely complex. Thank you for including it!
I can't believe Sword Of Kaigen sat so long on my shelf before I finally read it. I loved it so much! I've convinced both my parents to read it and they both loved it as well. (My sister and brother are more stubborn but I shall wear them down eventually)
- Doing Lancelot in January on your recommendation. Can't wait! - Man, I keep saying I need to try Rob J. Hayes and I just keep forgetting to add it to my list, honestly. - Warbreaker is still one of the best fantasy standalones ever and I don't know why it isn't more beloved, honestly. I know Sando fans are passionate but even they seem to rarely talk about that one. Weird. - I love Blake Crouch. I love that you seem to love Blake Crouch, too. - Swan Song is AMAZING, but easy on The Stand slander, dangit! - Boy's Life is spectacular, isn't it? - I backed the Sword of Kaigen Kickstarter even though I've never read it, so you better believe I'll be reading it after paying that much for a hardcover ha ha Great picks!
I look forward to hearing your thoughts on Lancelot! If you want to try Rob J. Hayes books, let me know and I'll ask him to contact you. And I agree with you on Warbreaker. I feel like despite its high average ratings, it is not talked about as often as I expect it would be. I do love Blake Crouch's books! I need to read more by him. I've read only Dark Matter and Recursion! Hahahaha, I just love Swan Song so much that I keep slandering The Stand! xD I love McCammon's books so much, though. After Swan Song and Boy's Life, I'm a fan already, and I look forward to reading Matthew Corbett series by him. I'm curious whether you'll love The Sword of Kaigen or not, it's really different from many epic fantasy books, especially the first quarter. But it's worth persevering, imo, if you struggled through the first part. It's truly incredible, as I keep on saying! But I do believe backing the Sword of Kaigen Kickstarter is the right choice! :D
@@PetrikLeo I paid that much for it, I'm reading Sword of Kaigen haha! Man, I'd definitely be interested in Hayes books. His covers are gorgeous! I have a handful on Kindle.
You're making me want to read Spirits of Vengeance more now! Pawn's Gambit is one of my top 10 books and i didn't think the 3rd book could be better so I've been putting it off.
@@PetrikLeo it's on my schedule to read some time next year. Reading book 1 of about a dozen series right now and then doing book 2, and so forth. It's in the list of when I get to book 3s. I'm crazy for doing this but enjoying it so far!
My favourite standalone is Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison! I loved it so much l read it twice in the space of a few months, because l was feeling the need for a cozy read. I'm interested in trying Warbreaker sometime. As for Spinning Silver, l had looked at it but somehow it didn't seem very interesting to me. l thought Uprooted was ok, and l love Temeraire. With your high recommendation, maybe I'll give Spinning Silver another look.
Wow, that's great! I haven't read Goblin Emperor yet. I heard a few mixed things about the book, but I will still try it someday! And yes, you should give Spinning Silver a try. Who knows, you might just end up loving it, too! :)
I'm so glad Sword of Kaigen finds itself number 1 in your list. I read it back in February and until now no book has topped it yet. It's still my favorite book out there. It's so good and immersive and I'm still confounded why it's still underrated. I also agree with Spirits of Vengeance, I think it's the best compared to the first two books of the series though I also enjoyed Never Die, Spirits of Vengeance brought more emotions than others.
I don't think I'll find a standalone book better than The Sword of Kaigen. It has everything I want in a fantasy novel in one book. I'm glad you agree with me on Spirits of Vengeance! :)
Fantastic list. Of the books you mentioned, I really loved Legends and Lattes, Spinning Silver and Boy's Life. Song of Achilles was very good too. I am interested in reading The Emperor's Soul some day.
Loved watching this updated video, Petrik! I've added Gates of Fire to my TBR as I've been in the mood for some Greek historical fiction (and now I have this one and Troy by David Gemmell to read hopefully in 2023). And now that it's very much winter where I live in Canada, I'm almost tempted to pick up Spinning Silver. I've mostly read Fantasy standalones this year (Tigana, Piranesi, Thousand Doors of January, Skullsworn, Babel, and my absolute favourite too: The Sword of Kaigen - and I'm currently reading The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison), so it would very much be fitting, though I have series to continue on (The Longprice Quartet, The Warlord Chronicles, and The Gentleman Bastards). Oh well, so many books to look forward to!
Thank you so much! Let me know what you think of Gates of Fire after you've read it! And hey, reading Spinning Silver in Winter should be a good choice. Atmosphere enhancement! :D I'm glad you found plenty of superb fantasy standalone, and of course, The Sword of Kaigen, too! I still have to read The Goblin Emperor, though. :D
Glad to see Boy's Life on your list. I finally read it about a month ago, and wow was it good. One of the best books I read this year. An incredibly immersive story that made me feel like I lived in that town, and characters who truly felt alive. Phenomenal book. Can't wait to read more from McCammon, and Swan Song is on my TBR for 2023.
Boy's Life is certainly phenomenal. I can't forget about this book, and I know I will reread it again in the future. I'm confident you'll love Swan Song, too, even if it's such a different book compared to Boy's Life! :)
I read Boy's Life last month and can totally see why you love it so much. It's a quiet, powerful and beautiful story!! Eager to check out Swan Song someday. And I always find it interesting that you adore Skullsworn so much, because even though I ADORE Pyrre, that book is my least favourite by Staveley. I am dying for book 2 in the Ashes of the Unhewn Throne!! Great list Petrik, I hope you find many more new faves over the years!! :)
Thank you, Esmay! The writing in Skullsworn just clicked with me, really. But yes, Empire's Ruin is even better and I look forward to the sequel. I'm gald you loved Boy's Life, too!!! 🥳
Awesome list Petrik. Thanks to you I discovered and loved "The Sword of Kaigen" as well. But my favorite standalone is also my favorite book of all times and it is "Piranesi", the reason I got into Fantasy, my most beloved work of art and I could go on forever. "Babel" was such an impressive work, one of my highlights of the year. I enjoyed "Yellowface" as well, but I admit I prefer R. F. Kuang's works of Historical Fantasy.
Thank you so much, Maria! I'm still pleased that you loved The Sword of Kaigen! I remember how much you loved Piranesi. I don't know when I will get to reading Yellowface. Honestly, the book doesn't interest me. But who knows... We'll see, I guess! xD
Great list! I loved The Emperor’s Soul and Warbreaker. Spinning Silver was just ok for me, but I do love Uprooted 😊 Reading Skullsworn soon and can’t wait!
Thank you, Bradley! At least we can agree on The Emperor's Soul and Warbreaker! I'm pleased you loved Uprooted, and I hope you'll feel the same about Skullsworn! 😁
Great updated list, Petrik! I've been lucky enough to read quite a few of these in the past two years, in large part to your lists and insightful reviews. I've always wanted to thank you for opening my eyes to such great books, but especially for allowing me to discover Robert McCammon. I read Boy's Life in 2021, and just finished Swan Song recently. These were my top reads of 2021 and 2022 respectfully. And your recommendation of Boy's Life really opened the door for me to find a genuine favorite author.
Thank you, David! And I truly appreciate your comment. Robert McCammon is an author whose work I certainly have to read more. Before that, I'm just pleased I can lead you to read Boy's Life and Swan Song. And yes, both are absolutely amazing! :)
I am planning on reading spirits of vengeance by the end of this year (I think never die is still my favourite so far). I really liked warbreaker. I didn’t like elantris as much as warbreaker, but I thought the emperors soul was really good. Great video, Petrik🥰
Thank you again, Holly! Never Die used to be my favorite, too, until I read Spirits of Vengeance. Looking forward to hearing what you think! And I agree. Warbreaker is better than Elantris! :)
After re-watching this video I take back my previous comment, this is a great video that outlines a diverse option of Standalone books that I look forward to reading. Thanks
I’m about 60% through Swan Song and I already know it will go down as one of my favorites of all time. Such masterful story telling! Have you ever done a top 10 fantasy series list? Completed series or not completed included in that list.
Great to hear you're loving Swan Song! I've never done that kind of favorite series video. It's just REALLY hard for me to put completed and ongoing series into the same equation. I'll do my best, hopefully next year!
I also think children of Hurin is J.R.R.Tolkien's best work! I was so surprised when you mentioned it in this video and I'm so happy another person like this book as much as me!🙂
Haha love you having to defend what is or isn't a stand-alone novel because I didn't realize how murky that distinction is especially in fantasy. Nice list!! I really do need to get to the Sword of Kaigen one of these days.
Thank you, Rodger! It's insane. I thought this the definition of a standalone was so simple. One book, not part of any series. But it gets much trickier because many people use the word standalone for any book depending on the story, even if they're part of a series. 😂
@@PetrikLeo hahaha I subscribe to the former definition. It’s also tricky with things like Warbreaker which is technically the first in a series since he plans to go back and continue it so does it really count? Or like Dragon Mage is also technically not a stand alone by that definition. Ah well, your channel your rules so use whatever definition makes you happy. Always happy to hear more about dragon mage hahaha
Nice list there. I had to look at my Goodreads account to see what standalone books I've read, many fantasy books I've read are series lol. Of course Legends and Lattes is on there along with The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune for fantasy/slice of life. Others include Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, The Last Unicorn by Peter S Bealge, Middlegame by Seanan McGuire, Kindred by Octavia Butler, Watership Down by Richard Adams and Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A Heinlein. You did have The Song of Achilles, The Sword of Kaigen and Dragon Mage which are also part of my list as well.
Thank you so much, Cynthia! Haha, I tend to be more attracted to a series, too. I still have to read Watership Down and The Last Unicorn. Heard many great things about those two books! :)
I LOVE One Piece. It is essentially a part of my personality hahaha. I just rarely talk about the series on the channel, and thinking about it, I really should fix that. xD
I finally finished the faithful and the fallen last night I loved it. I'm excited to start the licanius trilogy that I picked up based on your recommendation. Still have to wait for the other banished lands books to get delivered. Like always I'm taking notes during this video to get recomendations for the next thing I'm going to read
Petrik, great video. Lot's of good ones there. Still haven't gotten to Warbreaker of all of Sanderson's books. McCammon is an excellent and much over looked writer, in the shadow of Stephen King. Those two novels I must say are special. Not so sure I agree with you regarding Skullsworn. While I really enjoyed the Chronicles of the Unhewn Throne, I wasn't into the character of Pyrre, perhaps that may well be my issue.
Thank you so much, Frank! I think if you didn't care about Pyrre, it would be so difficult to love Skullsworn. I hope you'll love Warbreaker when you get to it! :)
Great list, as always, Petrik! I have a few of those books, but I haven't gotten around to reading them. Gasp. And now I'm looking for Robert McCammons' novels, no thanks to you! 😅
Recently found your channel and liking your reviews a lot and I must say I watched every review of the book I read in your channel, and also are you going to update your top 10 series of all time bcoz I watched the previous video and iam wandering how the list may have changed now.
Thank you so much! Yes, I will! My updated Top 15 completed fantasy series video is coming this Friday or next Monday. There are two more books I want to finish before I update that list! :D
@@PetrikLeo tq u so much for the reply, I asked it bcoz my two favorite fantasy series are Discworld and Realm of the elderlings, I saw in recent video that your just starting with discworld and I don't know how anyone can recommend with mort, you should start with guards guards or small gods but I want to see if the realm of the elderlings is in same position as in the previous list or not.
Thank you for doing these kinds of videos books are my life and just for the fact that you respond to most every comment I'm subscribing it shows your dedication thank you sir, also I'm going to read the sword of Kaigen
Petrik you should read The Girl Who Fell Beneath The Sea! It's one of my favourite books this year. I don't usually read YA but I think adult fantasy readers will enjoy it.
That one has been on my radar for a while now. The cover art looks so pretty. Plus, it's supposedly Korean-mythology inspired fantasy, too! Maybe I'll give it a try someday!
Yes! I hated Uprooted but was told time and time again to try Spinning Silver so I finally caved and I loved it. It's going to be in my top ten of the year!
Man i have to try legends and lattes. It reminds me of those slice of life fantasy anime by the premise. And also warbreaker. I only read chapter 1 but i remember how cool and unique the magic was
Man I’m sooo excited for Nightblood. I’ve read Era 1, the first 3 in era 2, Warbreaker, and Elantris (also the White Sand graphic novels). I read The Way of Kings and the first half of Words of Radiance. I had a love hate relationship with Sanderson, mostly love but I wasn’t a fan of his simplistic prose (though I can’t talk because my prose is still simplistic as of now, haha). One day, probably a few years from now, I’ll go back and read everything along with whatever new Cosmere and non-Cosmere works I haven’t yet read. I’m really excited for everything he’s doing with the Cosmere and I’m looking forward to Arcanum Unbound the most. I really hope he officially publishes the White Sand prose version too. Also I bought Sword of Kaigen and will get around to it next year, so if you plan to do a read along, I’ll be there 😉
I'm so excited for Nightblood, too! I feel like Nighblood will have SO MANY Cosmere Crossovers. I think if you're not a fan of Sanderson's simplistic prose, it will be hard to enjoy his books. I hope you'll get to like his books, though, eventually! And there's no plan to do any read along for the Sword of Kaigen yet, but maybe in the future after I have the hardcover edition! :D
Here's my picks 1. The clearing by heather Davis 2. Dolores Claiborne by Stephen king 3. Billy summers by Stephen king 4. Best served cold by Joe Abercrombie 5. In the ravenous dark by a.m Strickland 6. The cactus by Sarah Haywood 7. Circe 8. East of eden by John Steinbeck 9. The best of me by nicholas sparks 10. Safe haven by nicholas sparks 11. They never learn by Layne Fargo 12. Love in the time of cholera
Thank you for this video petrik! It has inspired me to get out of my reading slump!! This video has so many favourites of mine, and so many books I’m planning on reading this year. Have you read upgrade? Blake crouch’s new book? Also I’m so happy tsok is still at the top 🎉😎
Thank you so much, my friend! Of course TSoK will stand at the top! 😀 Sorry to hear you're in a reading slump, though. A great standalone is usually good to cure it. I actually haven't read Upgrade! I wanted to get to it last year but well... life got in the way. 😂
Steel Crow Saga (by Paul Krueger) and Elantris should be here IMO. I'm also surprised Tigana didn't make it. All are excellent standalones that I loved. I see I'm going to have to read Sword of Kaigen and Swan Song sometime soon.
Steel Crow Saga is a great book, it almost made it to the list, just like Tigana which actually did made it to my list two years ago. Definitely give Sword of Kaigen and Swan Song a read! :D
@@PetrikLeo I'm in the middle of planning out next year's reading schedule, and sword of kaigen is set for April right now, I figured that while doing malazan, realm of the elderlings, osten ard and a few other big series, a one off will be a welcome change
Funny thing. In case of Tolkien, Children of Hurin are my second favorite. First is Silmarillion and third is Beren and Luthien. LOTR is probably number 4 or 5, because I'm not sure if The Fall of Gondolin is better or worse than LOTR. The problem with Silmarillion is that this is not one story but many and include short version of Children of Hurin, Beren and Luthien and The Fall of Gondolin.
I think LotR is certainly better than Gondolin! I need to reread Silmarillion. First read through was so difficult. I have a feeling it will get much better on second read!
@@PetrikLeo I read Silmarillion about 5 times but from the first time I love this book and wish this was longer :) It probably depends on person because every book of LOTR I read like 5-10 time slower than Silmarillion and few of my friends read it very slow like 2 weeks. Or maybe this depends on language, because I read a Polish version, not English. When I read Silmarillion last year, I read it in 2 days when every LOTR book was like 8 or 12 days.
@@PetrikLeo Just asking around, I want to film something but my phone makes it impossible! Love to know that people have phones that have better quality!
I don't know how much you are into hard Sci Fi but if you haven't explored the genre much I think you would love Citizen of the Galaxy by Robert Heinlein. My all time favorite standalone and our book taste aligns for the most part.
Great list! The Emperor's Soul was the first book I read by BS. I thought it was an incredible story. Sadly, despite the hype, every book I've read by him since has been incredibly underwhelming. Probably an unpopular opinion, but his prose are mediocre at best and I have trouble attaching to his characters...
As I said, only because it is the first book of a main series. If not it would rank so much higher. I've been a diehard fans of the book and series since 2017.
@@PetrikLeo aww man hopefully you at least read the goods ones - and not the fionavar tapestry or Ysabel, I did NOT enjoy those. Lios of al rassan, a song for arbonne, lord of emperors, a brightness long ago are brilliant to me. To each their own. keep up the great work btw, love your channel!
I loved The Martian more. Project Hail Mary was alright! I think the scientific theories there gets a bit out of hand that I got bored plenty of times, though. 😅
my fav 1984 by George Orwell The Stars My Destination by Bester House of Suns by Alastair Reynolds Elantris by Brandon Sanderson Fire and Dust by Gardner, James Alan The Infinite and the Divine by Robert Rath Best Served Cold by Joe Abercrombie Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke The Face in the Frost by John Bellairs Fire and Ice by Peter Fehervari Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
Kaigen!!! Woot woot!! 🎉I have dragon mage, the shadow of the wind, sword of kaigen and recently, thanks to your chanel, spirits of vengeance. .y favoret stand alones are relatos de un naifrago by gabriel garcia marques, el alquimista by paulo coeljo and this present darkness by frank e peretti. Im still reading voices of a distent star and pella by k.thiessen.
Woot woot!! I mean, was there any doubt it would be The Sword of Kaigen at the top? Hahaha. I'm glad my channel lead you to many amazing standalone books! :)
Not trying to hate on anything, but I just don’t get the love for Sword of Kaigen. My most disappointing book of last year. So much hype and I felt it was slow, poorly written at times, and the last 30% was totally unnecessary. Maybe I missed the point or themes or whatever but I got nothing out of that one. 🤷♂️
Children of Turin! I love this book so much, I am about to audit my third lecture series on this story. Turin Turumbar is perhaps the best character in literature as a whole. He is very polarizing, but insanely complex. Thank you for including it!
@@kristenkeys3273 I love Turin Turambar's story. It's one of the most memorable story ib literature. 🥲
I can't believe Sword Of Kaigen sat so long on my shelf before I finally read it. I loved it so much! I've convinced both my parents to read it and they both loved it as well. (My sister and brother are more stubborn but I shall wear them down eventually)
Better late than never, Devlyn! And that's NICE! You're spreading the gospel of the brilliance of Sword of Kaigen! :D
Happy Christmas (Nadolig Llawen) and a great 2023 to you and your family, Petrik 🎄
Thank you, Sarah! Happy Christmas to you and your family, too! 😁
- Doing Lancelot in January on your recommendation. Can't wait!
- Man, I keep saying I need to try Rob J. Hayes and I just keep forgetting to add it to my list, honestly.
- Warbreaker is still one of the best fantasy standalones ever and I don't know why it isn't more beloved, honestly. I know Sando fans are passionate but even they seem to rarely talk about that one. Weird.
- I love Blake Crouch. I love that you seem to love Blake Crouch, too.
- Swan Song is AMAZING, but easy on The Stand slander, dangit!
- Boy's Life is spectacular, isn't it?
- I backed the Sword of Kaigen Kickstarter even though I've never read it, so you better believe I'll be reading it after paying that much for a hardcover ha ha
Great picks!
I look forward to hearing your thoughts on Lancelot! If you want to try Rob J. Hayes books, let me know and I'll ask him to contact you. And I agree with you on Warbreaker. I feel like despite its high average ratings, it is not talked about as often as I expect it would be.
I do love Blake Crouch's books! I need to read more by him. I've read only Dark Matter and Recursion! Hahahaha, I just love Swan Song so much that I keep slandering The Stand! xD
I love McCammon's books so much, though. After Swan Song and Boy's Life, I'm a fan already, and I look forward to reading Matthew Corbett series by him.
I'm curious whether you'll love The Sword of Kaigen or not, it's really different from many epic fantasy books, especially the first quarter. But it's worth persevering, imo, if you struggled through the first part. It's truly incredible, as I keep on saying! But I do believe backing the Sword of Kaigen Kickstarter is the right choice! :D
@@PetrikLeo I paid that much for it, I'm reading Sword of Kaigen haha! Man, I'd definitely be interested in Hayes books. His covers are gorgeous! I have a handful on Kindle.
Hahaha true that! And awesome, I'll let Rob know about your interest in his books, Mike! 😁
okay for sure adding sword of kaigen this year
I hope you'll love it, my friend! Happy new year!!! 😊
Gates of Fire and Boys Life are my favorite books of all time! Glad you think highly of them! You just added more books to my TBR.
Those two books are so damn good. I need to reread them eventually! 😁 Glad you agree!
You're making me want to read Spirits of Vengeance more now! Pawn's Gambit is one of my top 10 books and i didn't think the 3rd book could be better so I've been putting it off.
I personally love the 3rd book more! I hope you will, too. It's also the biggest of the series so far!
@@PetrikLeo it's on my schedule to read some time next year. Reading book 1 of about a dozen series right now and then doing book 2, and so forth. It's in the list of when I get to book 3s. I'm crazy for doing this but enjoying it so far!
The Emperor's Soul is so amazing!
Yeahhh! SO GOOD! :D
One of my favorite stand alones is The Library at Mount Char. Looking forward to checking out Sword of Kaigen soon.
That's another standalone I still have to read! I heard incredible things about it. I hope you will love The Sword of Kaigen!
My favourite standalone is Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison! I loved it so much l read it twice in the space of a few months, because l was feeling the need for a cozy read. I'm interested in trying Warbreaker sometime. As for Spinning Silver, l had looked at it but somehow it didn't seem very interesting to me. l thought Uprooted was ok, and l love Temeraire. With your high recommendation, maybe I'll give Spinning Silver another look.
Wow, that's great! I haven't read Goblin Emperor yet. I heard a few mixed things about the book, but I will still try it someday! And yes, you should give Spinning Silver a try. Who knows, you might just end up loving it, too! :)
ayeee I have the same Luffy shirt :D! fantastic video per usual!
Thank you so much! Haha it's the same Uniqlo tshirt! 😂
I'm so glad Sword of Kaigen finds itself number 1 in your list. I read it back in February and until now no book has topped it yet. It's still my favorite book out there. It's so good and immersive and I'm still confounded why it's still underrated.
I also agree with Spirits of Vengeance, I think it's the best compared to the first two books of the series though I also enjoyed Never Die, Spirits of Vengeance brought more emotions than others.
I don't think I'll find a standalone book better than The Sword of Kaigen. It has everything I want in a fantasy novel in one book. I'm glad you agree with me on Spirits of Vengeance! :)
Fantastic list.
Of the books you mentioned, I really loved Legends and Lattes, Spinning Silver and Boy's Life. Song of Achilles was very good too.
I am interested in reading The Emperor's Soul some day.
Glad we have some crossover favorites! I think you'll love The Emperor's Soul, too! 😊
Warbreaker Yesss! Lightsong is basically tied with Dalinar as far as my favorite Cosmere characters.
Great character!! I need to read Warbreaker again! 😊
Dude, great video. My TBR just got a lot longer. And I've almost finished Babel, and I agree it's excellent.
Thank you, Cameron! Glad you're loving Babel! :)
Your a great sales man, Sword of kaigan. Is on my TBR for 2023 now
Such an amazing book. It worked for me on every aspect. I hope you'll love it!
Loved watching this updated video, Petrik! I've added Gates of Fire to my TBR as I've been in the mood for some Greek historical fiction (and now I have this one and Troy by David Gemmell to read hopefully in 2023).
And now that it's very much winter where I live in Canada, I'm almost tempted to pick up Spinning Silver. I've mostly read Fantasy standalones this year (Tigana, Piranesi, Thousand Doors of January, Skullsworn, Babel, and my absolute favourite too: The Sword of Kaigen - and I'm currently reading The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison), so it would very much be fitting, though I have series to continue on (The Longprice Quartet, The Warlord Chronicles, and The Gentleman Bastards). Oh well, so many books to look forward to!
Thank you so much! Let me know what you think of Gates of Fire after you've read it! And hey, reading Spinning Silver in Winter should be a good choice. Atmosphere enhancement! :D
I'm glad you found plenty of superb fantasy standalone, and of course, The Sword of Kaigen, too! I still have to read The Goblin Emperor, though. :D
I love that legends and lattes has taken the world by coffe. It deserves it.
Taking over the world with coffee and bakery! 🤣
Glad to see Boy's Life on your list. I finally read it about a month ago, and wow was it good. One of the best books I read this year. An incredibly immersive story that made me feel like I lived in that town, and characters who truly felt alive. Phenomenal book. Can't wait to read more from McCammon, and Swan Song is on my TBR for 2023.
Boy's Life is certainly phenomenal. I can't forget about this book, and I know I will reread it again in the future. I'm confident you'll love Swan Song, too, even if it's such a different book compared to Boy's Life! :)
Fantastic video; thank you!!!!
Thank you so much! :)
I read Boy's Life last month and can totally see why you love it so much. It's a quiet, powerful and beautiful story!! Eager to check out Swan Song someday.
And I always find it interesting that you adore Skullsworn so much, because even though I ADORE Pyrre, that book is my least favourite by Staveley. I am dying for book 2 in the Ashes of the Unhewn Throne!!
Great list Petrik, I hope you find many more new faves over the years!! :)
Thank you, Esmay! The writing in Skullsworn just clicked with me, really. But yes, Empire's Ruin is even better and I look forward to the sequel. I'm gald you loved Boy's Life, too!!! 🥳
Awesome list Petrik. Thanks to you I discovered and loved "The Sword of Kaigen" as well. But my favorite standalone is also my favorite book of all times and it is "Piranesi", the reason I got into Fantasy, my most beloved work of art and I could go on forever. "Babel" was such an impressive work, one of my highlights of the year. I enjoyed "Yellowface" as well, but I admit I prefer R. F. Kuang's works of Historical Fantasy.
Thank you so much, Maria! I'm still pleased that you loved The Sword of Kaigen! I remember how much you loved Piranesi. I don't know when I will get to reading Yellowface. Honestly, the book doesn't interest me. But who knows... We'll see, I guess! xD
Warbreaker is awesome! Great that it is getting some love here...
I know right? Someone said my content and taste is laughable because I love Warbreaker. Like what.... 😂😂😂
Great list! I loved The Emperor’s Soul and Warbreaker. Spinning Silver was just ok for me, but I do love Uprooted 😊 Reading Skullsworn soon and can’t wait!
Thank you, Bradley! At least we can agree on The Emperor's Soul and Warbreaker! I'm pleased you loved Uprooted, and I hope you'll feel the same about Skullsworn! 😁
@@PetrikLeo Thank you! I have high hopes for it, I liked the main trilogy.
Great updated list, Petrik! I've been lucky enough to read quite a few of these in the past two years, in large part to your lists and insightful reviews. I've always wanted to thank you for opening my eyes to such great books, but especially for allowing me to discover Robert McCammon. I read Boy's Life in 2021, and just finished Swan Song recently. These were my top reads of 2021 and 2022 respectfully. And your recommendation of Boy's Life really opened the door for me to find a genuine favorite author.
Thank you, David! And I truly appreciate your comment. Robert McCammon is an author whose work I certainly have to read more. Before that, I'm just pleased I can lead you to read Boy's Life and Swan Song. And yes, both are absolutely amazing! :)
I am planning on reading spirits of vengeance by the end of this year (I think never die is still my favourite so far).
I really liked warbreaker. I didn’t like elantris as much as warbreaker, but I thought the emperors soul was really good.
Great video, Petrik🥰
Thank you again, Holly! Never Die used to be my favorite, too, until I read Spirits of Vengeance. Looking forward to hearing what you think! And I agree. Warbreaker is better than Elantris! :)
After re-watching this video I take back my previous comment, this is a great video that outlines a diverse option of Standalone books that I look forward to reading. Thanks
Haha that's good.
Oooh! Recursion has been on my TBR for too long, I need to fix that now!😅📚
Recursion is SO GOOD! I hope you'll love it!
I’m about 60% through Swan Song and I already know it will go down as one of my favorites of all time. Such masterful story telling!
Have you ever done a top 10 fantasy series list? Completed series or not completed included in that list.
Great to hear you're loving Swan Song! I've never done that kind of favorite series video. It's just REALLY hard for me to put completed and ongoing series into the same equation. I'll do my best, hopefully next year!
I also think children of Hurin is J.R.R.Tolkien's best work!
I was so surprised when you mentioned it in this video and I'm so happy another person like this book as much as me!🙂
And I'm happy to hear that it's your favorite Tolkien book, too! :D
Amazing picks!!
Thank you so much!
Haha love you having to defend what is or isn't a stand-alone novel because I didn't realize how murky that distinction is especially in fantasy. Nice list!! I really do need to get to the Sword of Kaigen one of these days.
Thank you, Rodger! It's insane. I thought this the definition of a standalone was so simple. One book, not part of any series. But it gets much trickier because many people use the word standalone for any book depending on the story, even if they're part of a series. 😂
@@PetrikLeo hahaha I subscribe to the former definition. It’s also tricky with things like Warbreaker which is technically the first in a series since he plans to go back and continue it so does it really count? Or like Dragon Mage is also technically not a stand alone by that definition. Ah well, your channel your rules so use whatever definition makes you happy. Always happy to hear more about dragon mage hahaha
Love the video! Keep up the good work :). Gates of Fire looks amazing, ill for sure be picking that up whilst in between a long series!
Thank you so much! Such an inspiring and memorable book, imo. I hope you'll enjoy Gates of Fire! :)
Nice list there. I had to look at my Goodreads account to see what standalone books I've read, many fantasy books I've read are series lol. Of course Legends and Lattes is on there along with The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune for fantasy/slice of life. Others include Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, The Last Unicorn by Peter S Bealge, Middlegame by Seanan McGuire, Kindred by Octavia Butler, Watership Down by Richard Adams and Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A Heinlein. You did have The Song of Achilles, The Sword of Kaigen and Dragon Mage which are also part of my list as well.
Thank you so much, Cynthia! Haha, I tend to be more attracted to a series, too. I still have to read Watership Down and The Last Unicorn. Heard many great things about those two books! :)
I love your One Piece shirt 😍!! Hope you talk more about One Piece considering it's a series you like.
I LOVE One Piece. It is essentially a part of my personality hahaha. I just rarely talk about the series on the channel, and thinking about it, I really should fix that. xD
@@PetrikLeo glad to hear this 😆
I really need to read Children of Hurin and Sword of Kaigen!!!
YES YOU DO!
Great video and recommendations, thank you!
You have two versions of 'Of Darkness and Light'. Where did you get the top one?
Thank you so much, Mike! The top one is the ARC edition sent to me by Ryan Cahill! :)
What an epic list, thanks for reminding me to fit some of these in next year!
Thank you so much, Theo!! 😊
Impeccable list
Thank you very much! :)
I finally finished the faithful and the fallen last night I loved it. I'm excited to start the licanius trilogy that I picked up based on your recommendation. Still have to wait for the other banished lands books to get delivered. Like always I'm taking notes during this video to get recomendations for the next thing I'm going to read
Yayy! Truth and Courage! The second trilogy in The Banished Lands Saga is awesome, too. And I hope you'll love Licanius trilogy by James Islington! :)
Petrik, great video.
Lot's of good ones there. Still haven't gotten to Warbreaker of all of Sanderson's books. McCammon is an excellent and much over looked writer, in the shadow of Stephen King. Those two novels I must say are special. Not so sure I agree with you regarding Skullsworn. While I really enjoyed the Chronicles of the Unhewn Throne, I wasn't into the character of Pyrre, perhaps that may well be my issue.
Thank you so much, Frank! I think if you didn't care about Pyrre, it would be so difficult to love Skullsworn. I hope you'll love Warbreaker when you get to it! :)
Thanks for this, I just got Sword of Kaigen
You're welcome. Glad you got a copy!
Great list, as always, Petrik! I have a few of those books, but I haven't gotten around to reading them. Gasp. And now I'm looking for Robert McCammons' novels, no thanks to you! 😅
Thank you, Camille! Hahaha, Robert McCammon's books are awesome. At least they're one and done so not too intimidating! 😁
@@PetrikLeo You've a great point there!
Recently found your channel and liking your reviews a lot and I must say I watched every review of the book I read in your channel, and also are you going to update your top 10 series of all time bcoz I watched the previous video and iam wandering how the list may have changed now.
Thank you so much! Yes, I will! My updated Top 15 completed fantasy series video is coming this Friday or next Monday. There are two more books I want to finish before I update that list! :D
@@PetrikLeo tq u so much for the reply, I asked it bcoz my two favorite fantasy series are Discworld and Realm of the elderlings, I saw in recent video that your just starting with discworld and I don't know how anyone can recommend with mort, you should start with guards guards or small gods but I want to see if the realm of the elderlings is in same position as in the previous list or not.
My TBR list is growing everyday because of you 🕺
Happy to hear that, Aidan! 😊
Thank you for doing these kinds of videos books are my life and just for the fact that you respond to most every comment I'm subscribing it shows your dedication thank you sir, also I'm going to read the sword of Kaigen
You're so welcome! Haha, not easy to reply to everyone but I try my best to do it. The Sword of Kaigen is a masterpiece. I hope you'll love it! :)
Couldn't agree more with your #1! So, so good. And I can't wait to get to Legends and Lattes and Skullsworn. Hopefully next year!
The number 1 spot deserves it! I think you'll love Legends and Lattes and Skullsworn, too! :)
Not only mentioned Boys Life but it’s in the top 5?!?! You, my good man, earned yourself a sub. 👍
Thank you so much! Haha, I think Robert McCammon is a genius. 😄
I've recently read Flowers for Algernon and I highly recommend it.
That's a classic I haven't read!
You have a good taste for books. Awesome video. My favorite stand alone novel is ''Cien Años de Soledad'' by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
Thank you so much, Luis! I'll check out book you mentioned! :)
Petrik you should read The Girl Who Fell Beneath The Sea! It's one of my favourite books this year. I don't usually read YA but I think adult fantasy readers will enjoy it.
That one has been on my radar for a while now. The cover art looks so pretty. Plus, it's supposedly Korean-mythology inspired fantasy, too! Maybe I'll give it a try someday!
@@PetrikLeo it reminded me of a studio ghibli movie i really loved it
Yes! I hated Uprooted but was told time and time again to try Spinning Silver so I finally caved and I loved it. It's going to be in my top ten of the year!
Yesss! So glad you agree, Kristin! Spinning Silver is one of my favorite books of this year, too!
I agree also. I read Spinning Silver first and loved it. I expected great things from Uprooted and it was a big nope!
Redemption for Naomi Novik!! Sword of Kaigen is phenomenal 💙
Yeahhhh! Novik did it! 😂😂 Agreed on The Sword of Kaigen!
I just finished legends and lattes today and absolutely adored it
That's great! Glad you loved it! 😁
Man i have to try legends and lattes. It reminds me of those slice of life fantasy anime by the premise. And also warbreaker. I only read chapter 1 but i remember how cool and unique the magic was
You're not too far off about Legends and Latte hahaha. Definitely worth a try. That and Warbreaker! 😊
Man I’m sooo excited for Nightblood. I’ve read Era 1, the first 3 in era 2, Warbreaker, and Elantris (also the White Sand graphic novels). I read The Way of Kings and the first half of Words of Radiance. I had a love hate relationship with Sanderson, mostly love but I wasn’t a fan of his simplistic prose (though I can’t talk because my prose is still simplistic as of now, haha). One day, probably a few years from now, I’ll go back and read everything along with whatever new Cosmere and non-Cosmere works I haven’t yet read. I’m really excited for everything he’s doing with the Cosmere and I’m looking forward to Arcanum Unbound the most. I really hope he officially publishes the White Sand prose version too.
Also I bought Sword of Kaigen and will get around to it next year, so if you plan to do a read along, I’ll be there 😉
I'm so excited for Nightblood, too! I feel like Nighblood will have SO MANY Cosmere Crossovers. I think if you're not a fan of Sanderson's simplistic prose, it will be hard to enjoy his books. I hope you'll get to like his books, though, eventually! And there's no plan to do any read along for the Sword of Kaigen yet, but maybe in the future after I have the hardcover edition! :D
Here's my picks
1. The clearing by heather Davis
2. Dolores Claiborne by Stephen king
3. Billy summers by Stephen king
4. Best served cold by Joe Abercrombie
5. In the ravenous dark by a.m Strickland
6. The cactus by Sarah Haywood
7. Circe
8. East of eden by John Steinbeck
9. The best of me by nicholas sparks
10. Safe haven by nicholas sparks
11. They never learn by Layne Fargo
12. Love in the time of cholera
Best Served Cold is amazing. I haven't read the other books on your list except Circe, though! 😅
@@PetrikLeo wow I'm surprised that you haven't read Billy summers or Dolores Claiborne they are really good
Thank you for this video petrik! It has inspired me to get out of my reading slump!! This video has so many favourites of mine, and so many books I’m planning on reading this year. Have you read upgrade? Blake crouch’s new book?
Also I’m so happy tsok is still at the top 🎉😎
Thank you so much, my friend! Of course TSoK will stand at the top! 😀 Sorry to hear you're in a reading slump, though. A great standalone is usually good to cure it. I actually haven't read Upgrade! I wanted to get to it last year but well... life got in the way. 😂
Steel Crow Saga (by Paul Krueger) and Elantris should be here IMO. I'm also surprised Tigana didn't make it. All are excellent standalones that I loved.
I see I'm going to have to read Sword of Kaigen and Swan Song sometime soon.
Steel Crow Saga is a great book, it almost made it to the list, just like Tigana which actually did made it to my list two years ago. Definitely give Sword of Kaigen and Swan Song a read! :D
Glad to hear that about the Naomi Novik book, because I definitely didn't care for Uprooted!
I HATED Uprooted. Most likely the worst book I've ever read. 😂
Petrick is right. Same thing here...hated Uprooted but loved Spinning Silver. Give it a try.
Yes, agree with the #1 book! Unforgettable, heart-wrenching, traumatizing, and triumphant!
Totally agree, Marie! :)
I really need to read sword of kaigen, I've had it on my kindle forever, but always gets bumped off the tbr
It's truly a masterwork, imo. I hope you'll love it when you get around to it! 😊
@@PetrikLeo I'm in the middle of planning out next year's reading schedule, and sword of kaigen is set for April right now, I figured that while doing malazan, realm of the elderlings, osten ard and a few other big series, a one off will be a welcome change
FINALLY some love for Turin 😍🤩😍
This is one of the best books I ever read.
Turin Turambar is one of the most memorable characters! He deserves more recognition!
Funny thing. In case of Tolkien, Children of Hurin are my second favorite. First is Silmarillion and third is Beren and Luthien. LOTR is probably number 4 or 5, because I'm not sure if The Fall of Gondolin is better or worse than LOTR. The problem with Silmarillion is that this is not one story but many and include short version of Children of Hurin, Beren and Luthien and The Fall of Gondolin.
I think LotR is certainly better than Gondolin! I need to reread Silmarillion. First read through was so difficult. I have a feeling it will get much better on second read!
@@PetrikLeo I read Silmarillion about 5 times but from the first time I love this book and wish this was longer :)
It probably depends on person because every book of LOTR I read like 5-10 time slower than Silmarillion and few of my friends read it very slow like 2 weeks. Or maybe this depends on language, because I read a Polish version, not English. When I read Silmarillion last year, I read it in 2 days when every LOTR book was like 8 or 12 days.
I have ordered sword of kaigen form Amazon almost every TH-cam book channel has recommended this book 📖 curious to see how good it is
Wonderful. I hope you'll love it. I truly think it's a rare masterpiece! :)
Have you read ‘Alexander: God of War’ by Christian Cameron? I’ve enjoyed many of the historical fictions you’ve recommended.
I haven't! I own that book already, though! 😁
Hi 👋 like ur stand-alone books that you’ve read.... are u excited about 2023 books? I’m excited for next year reads 😊😊😊 happy reading to you!! 🎄❄️
Thank you so much! Yes, I am! So many exciting 2023 books! :D
Children of hurin is amazing, one of the most tragic and beautiful books I've read.
Very true! 🥲
Petrik - no on mentions what I consider the best sci-fi standalone ever written- Richard Morgan’s “13”, titled “Black Man” in the UK
I haven't heard of them yet. Thank you for the recommendation! 😊
Piranesi belongs imo if it counts as "fantasy" - which is a difficult call!
True! It's a great book! 😄
I loved The Sword Of Kaigen. It was favorite fantasy of the 2022.
Great pick!! Totally understandable! 😊
Hi Patrick, I was wondering, what do you use to make your video's? Camera, phone or a tablet?
Hi Manisha! I use my phone. 😅 It's an old one, too. My phone is Samsung S10
@@PetrikLeo Just asking around, I want to film something but my phone makes it impossible! Love to know that people have phones that have better quality!
I don't know how much you are into hard Sci Fi but if you haven't explored the genre much I think you would love Citizen of the Galaxy by Robert Heinlein. My all time favorite standalone and our book taste aligns for the most part.
I tend to love soft sci-fi more than hard sci-fi, but I like reading hard sci-fi occasionally. I'll check Citizen of the Galaxy out!
Hey, thanks for that. I read Heilein when I was younger, then stopped for some reason. Gonna check this one out.
I couldn’t finish Brian Staveley novels.
Great list! The Emperor's Soul was the first book I read by BS. I thought it was an incredible story. Sadly, despite the hype, every book I've read by him since has been incredibly underwhelming. Probably an unpopular opinion, but his prose are mediocre at best and I have trouble attaching to his characters...
Thank you so much, Niko! Ah that's unfortunate. But no worries. Plenty of readers agree with you. 😂
How can Kings of the Wyld only get an honourable mention? This was an awesome book.
As I said, only because it is the first book of a main series. If not it would rank so much higher. I've been a diehard fans of the book and series since 2017.
Guy Gabriel Kay has some great stand alone a as well!
Especially Tigana. 😃
@@PetrikLeo yes! have you read all of his books?
@@tia_lenay nope. I've read a few. Unfortunately, he's not an author for me. I've read probably 5 and I love only Tigana. 😅
@@PetrikLeo aww man hopefully you at least read the goods ones - and not the fionavar tapestry or Ysabel, I did NOT enjoy those. Lios of al rassan, a song for arbonne, lord of emperors, a brightness long ago are brilliant to me. To each their own. keep up the great work btw, love your channel!
What about Project Hail Mary?
I loved The Martian more. Project Hail Mary was alright! I think the scientific theories there gets a bit out of hand that I got bored plenty of times, though. 😅
my fav
1984 by George Orwell
The Stars My Destination by Bester
House of Suns by Alastair Reynolds
Elantris by Brandon Sanderson
Fire and Dust by Gardner, James Alan
The Infinite and the Divine by Robert Rath
Best Served Cold by Joe Abercrombie
Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke
The Face in the Frost by John Bellairs
Fire and Ice by Peter Fehervari
Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
Best Served Cold is awesome. I need to read House of Suns. Heard many great things about it! :)
Sword of Kaigen was amazing!
Absolutely! 😁
Was waiting for sword of kaigen 😀
Yeahhhh!!!
Sword of Kaigen.. yes. It is the best standalone.
Truly phenomenal! 🥳
The Cemetery of forgotten books its an amazing series that I dont see talked much on the english booktube comunity. So sad that Zafon passed away.
I got SO EMOTIONAL hearing his passing. I can't believe Zafon has passed. A talent lost to this world. :(
Kaigen!!! Woot woot!! 🎉I have dragon mage, the shadow of the wind, sword of kaigen and recently, thanks to your chanel, spirits of vengeance. .y favoret stand alones are relatos de un naifrago by gabriel garcia marques, el alquimista by paulo coeljo and this present darkness by frank e peretti. Im still reading voices of a distent star and pella by k.thiessen.
Woot woot!! I mean, was there any doubt it would be The Sword of Kaigen at the top? Hahaha. I'm glad my channel lead you to many amazing standalone books! :)
Go Petrik!
Thank you so much! :)
A Knight of 7 kingdoms
Loved that book! :)
Have you read the man who spoke snakish?
Nope. This is the first time I heard of this book.
@@PetrikLeo it is
An Estonian folktale. I read it years ago and no one has ever talked about it . I really enjoyed it and got me back into reading .
I love best served cold and children of time
Both are so impressive! 😄
Every time I watch your videos my bank account suffers😆
Oops! 🤣🤣
Don't forget Dark Matter by Blake Crouch!
Project Hail Mary MUST be listened to on AUDIOBOOK!
I've re-read Warbreaker about 5-6 times.
I love Recursion more than Dark Matter but yeah it's great, too! I need to do another reread of Warbreaker this year!
Not trying to hate on anything, but I just don’t get the love for Sword of Kaigen. My most disappointing book of last year. So much hype and I felt it was slow, poorly written at times, and the last 30% was totally unnecessary. Maybe I missed the point or themes or whatever but I got nothing out of that one. 🤷♂️
Nothing wrong with feeling that way toward the book! No book is for everyone! :)
Putting the King James Bible in all 15 places and honorable mentions was a weird decision but you do you mate
Huh? I don't even have any bible. Your comment is weird but you do you mate