I honestly love when Jay does these type of videos as well as the essays. I either end up learning something new about my favorite books OR end up adding something to my TBR. It's honestly a win-win situation.
I was almost going to include Percy Jackson, but just couldn't include every series I wanted to. But Percy Jackson is amazing! :) Holds up really good too
Normally, I wash dishes and watch a booktube video or two. But then you release an hour and eighteen minute long video, and I say to myself, save this for when you time to really pay attention to the art. Jay you never disappoint- this is another amazing video.
Man this is a stunning video. If you hadn't posted the list in the description, no way I could keep track with all those visuals. Spectacular stuff. The list is great too! I've read 41 of them and it's definitely some of the best fantasy has to offer.
The Dark Tower is a phenomenal series. I love these videos because I learn of new books to read. Of course, my TBR list keeps growing. Keep up the good work Jay!
I really appreciate this video. I got into reading fantasy a couple years ago, and just recently started wanting to read fantasy classics. This is perfect! Thanks,
Great video! Doing a top 10 or top 15 list is still easy but top 50 really shows how much work was put in! Ended up adding quite a few to the never ending PTR
I abosolutely adore LitRPG getting a spot on this list with Dungeon Crawler Carl! Matt did such an amazing job with the series, getting the Genre more to the forefront!
Greetings, Sir Captured. I have been reading Tolkien since the 1970s, and I measure every writer against the dear Professor. Since I taught English as my career, I've had to stay on track and have not been able to wander far into other realms of fantasy. I did read Anne McAffery's Dragonrider series, and still have the books here. But my favorite author after Tolkien is Patricia McKillip. You named The Forgotten Beasts of Eld, which is great and unique. But I'd have to say McKillip's epic work is the Quest of the Riddlemaster trilogy. Her writing, as you say, is lyric, and her depth of characterization, world-building and lore is unmatched. If you haven't read this trilogy, you really must. She's also written several other books, but I haven't read everything I've bought, so I'll leave it there. You really would do well to recommend McKillip's trilogy to your subscribers. Take care & God bless.
Thanks for the list. Lots of new book ideas. I'm a huge Sanderson fan. I loved the Kingkiller Chronicles. Might I suggest the two series by Brent Weeks for antihero fantasy and The Warded Man by Peter V. Brett.
Cool to see Dragonflight (Dragonriders of Pern) made the list. That was a book given to me by my best friend right before I started college and I spent a lot of downtime between classes reading those books outside around campus. Also, Piranesi was a great pick. I randomly picked that one up when it came out and now I recommend it to everyone.
So many good selections to choose from, thank you so much for taking the time to write the list for it Jay. The only other must read I would say you need to read is: Strange the Dreamer Duology by Laini Taylor, trust me you won’t be disappointed!
Phenomenal list!! Oh and I saw that. 😁 That extra book title. (Even 2 technically speaking) 🎉. Because I write out your lists analogously). Very appreciated! Very well done!! Thank you so much!! 🙌🏼🙏🏻✌🏻‼️🥳
Great vid I have ordered a full collection on series 1 og the deltora Quest by Emily rodda can't wait to read you have mentioned so many time ever knowing a YA book want to get rest of series soon
Fantastic list! I wouldn't add anything, because then the list would be much longer, and the number 50 looks much more compact:) But if you ask me... The Chronicles of Amber by Roger Zelazny is the first one that came to my mind.
I enjoyed learning about books and series I’ve never seen, and love the fact that you can sometimes stumble upon great fantasy books. Two I recommend is The Complete Compleat Enchanter by DeCamp (if you can find it) and the Iron Tower Trilogy by Douglas McKiernan
That is a really solid list. Probably I would do some little changes to match my taste, which is expected, but I will definitely recommend this list. Just out of curiosity, people who recommend Michael J Sullivan, usually goes for Riyria Revelations, but I think that "The Legends of the First Empire" is his Magnum Opus. Did you read, Jay?
I'm at 2000 books on my book giveway at work in 9 months . I thrift them to make sure kids and teens are still reading I love helping them find love of reading
More people should read _The Tale of Alvin Maker_ by Orson Scott Card. I have read the first two books, and I have liked both. They take place in an alternative history North America in the 1800s where the American revolution failed, and Washington got executed. Alvin is a boy who can make stuff happen with his will, and William Blake is a character.
Good content. Didn’t Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein start the genre? I’d add Kindred and Wild Seed (Octavia E. Butler) to the list. Without Butler we wouldn’t have NK Jemisin’s books. Jemisin shared that Octavia Butler inspired her.
The author of "Bleeding Stubs" brought me here. Besong just gave a talk about the story in my magazine's discord. We are amazed by the charitable work he is doing with the sales. What a mesmerising writer!
58:31 Book of the New Sun isn't everyone's cup of tea. A more approachable book from Wolfe is "The Knight", followed by "The Wizard" if the reader enjoys the first novel. Two omitted authors I would have included are: Julian May - series "The Saga of Pliocene Exile", a criminally underrated collection. David Eddings - series "The Belgariad".
Been reading fantasy since the 80s and IMHO...the greatest epic fantasy novel was Morigu: The Desecration. Yes...not many people have heard of it...but for those that were lucky enough to come across Mark Perry's two Morigu books...you know what I'm talking about :P
Great list. The top 5 tracked my childhood fantasy discovery reading exactly. But you overlooked one of the best fantasy series of the 1960s/70s : Chronicles in Amber by Roger Zelazny. Zelazny is a genius of psychedelic-era SFF with a breezy, conversational style. Also his Science fiction reads like fantasy - Lord of Light is a must read in that vein. But arguably its not Fantasy per se. Thanks for the list I found a lot that I want to read.
Awesome video! So many of my favourites. You were so right about Harry Potter with us growing with the three heroes. I was 12 when I first read Philosophers a year after it was first published - I was the age group and demographic she originally wrote for. It was such a massive part of my childhood and my teenage years. I'll always be grateful for JK Rowling for keeping me interested in reading. Harry Potter will always be my number one (even if it's actually First Law lol)
My favorite at the moment is "The Faithful and the Fallen" series. I could kick myself fot not reading it sooner. On the other hand I just can't get into "First Law". My all time favorite will always be "The Simarillion"
I was on 47 and I was like, OMG is he not going to mention Malazan, I am going to lose my mind, and you did it on 48 and everything was right in the world.
I am constantly upset that nobody ever recommends Lois McMaster Bujold in any of these videos. Yes she is mostly known for her SF series the Vorkosigan Saga, but her Five Worlds books ESPECIALLY The Curse of Chalion, is one of the most vividly drawn fantasy worlds I’ve ever read, and I recommend it to everybody. Please, please, please check it out. Sooo good
You ALWAYS miss David Eddings. The Belgariad/Mallorian series gives you a LOTR feel, while the Elenium/Tamuli gives you a philosophical POV. All of Eddings characters are rich and loveable... even the ones you love to hate. Dialog is full of humor and intellect... he's AMAZING
The Elenium/Tamuli is some of the greatest fantasy! Philosophical like you said, but it's also got some of the best humor I've ever read in fantasy. I understand a lot of people's reservations about getting into Eddings because he did some seriously terrible stuff in his life. But if you can manage to separate the art from the artist, all of his books are well worth the read!
@sheridynwarwick852 I agree. He was a hard man but he and Leigh truly protected his literary works. He also had dementia later in life. Yet he cared for Leigh after her strokes. He was complex l, like all of us. It reflects in his work. I read them.almost every year and I still laugh and cry and cheer with the characters like I do with Tolkein. Only he does it with more action, humor and strong characters amd less narrative, description and irrelevant plot points. Love Tolkein but he has his flaws. Even that last series which was not so great still had the humor and immersion Eddings will ALWAYS be my favorite.
I haven't heard anyone talk about Michael G. Manning. He is very similar to Terry Brooks in that he writes in small interconnected fantasy series. The Blacksmith's Son is the first book. A very new author is Tim Facciola and his Vengeful Realm series. It is a gladiator fantasy story that is very well written!
Ahhh I can't believe I didn't put Mark Larence on the list! I was thinking of either adding the Broken Empire or his Library series but then I completely forgot to add them lol. Glad you're enjoying Lawrence!
The Green Bone Saga imo is the greatest fantasy series ever written. The first book is one of the best action fantasy books I've read. The second is one of the best political fantasy books I've read. And the third is one of the best drama fantasy books I've read. It's a perfect series.
The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold, The Iron Dragon’s Daughter by Michael Swanwick, The Wizard Knight by Gene Wolfe, The Book of the Damned by Tanith Lee, The Dirty Streets of Heaven by Tad Williams (also Otherland is y’all are brave enough to cross over into the brilliant land of Sci-fi)
Strongly agree that Guards! Guards! is where to start reading Pratchett. I'd also strongly recommend stopping Unseen Academicals. His Alzheimer's really showed in his last five or six books.
Here's a linktree with direct downloads to them: linktr.ee/lotr_audiobooks Or they can also be found here on the internet archive: archive.org/details/the-fellowship-of-the-ring_soundscape-by-phil-dragash
One of my favorite series is David Eddings' Elenium trilogy. This is the first Sparhawk series. I find this series holds up better (and is more enjoyable read for an adult) than Eddings' Belgariad series. As for current on going series I am enjoying Ryan Cahill's Then Bound and Broken series as well as Thiago Abdalla's The Ashes of Avarin. Thiago's series has a group of warriors who bond with giant griffins.
A lot of the background music I get from my subscription to MotionArray, for instance this one called Orbit of Uncertainty I use quite often: motionarray.com/royalty-free-music/orbit-of-uncertainty-143157/ I also use a lot of songs by Kevin Macleod like Serpentine Trek: incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100428&Search=Search A lot of the music by him is also used by Critical Roll, which is where I initially heard it. And then I also will sometimes use some Old School Runescape music in my videos as well, like during the intro to this video. Hope that helps! 😁 let me know if there's any specific song I used that you'd like to know the name of
Dungeon crawler Carl is amazing! I’m not into this type but dam !!! Will always recommend 😇 princess dress donut is a hoot and I love Carl ❤ I am on 4th book but each book is so gripping ❤❤❤ I’ve laughed so loud at work 😅😅
Upgrade your fall wardrobe with INTO THE AM’S Fall Collection! Use my link, grab your favorites from the Fall Collection: intotheam.com/CAPTUREDINWORDS and don’t forget to use my code CAPTUREDINWORDS for a 10% discount at checkout!
Here are the timestamps and affiliate links for the books mentioned!
0:00 - Intro
2:19 -Hobbit
3:29 -LOTR
4:43 -Shannara: geni.us/SwordofShannara
6:11 -Once and Future King: geni.us/OnceAndFuture
7:13 -Greenbone Saga: geni.us/JadeCity
8:49 -Senlin Ascends: geni.us/SenlinAscends
10:33 - Retribution Falls: geni.us/RetributionFalls
11:30 - Riftwar: geni.us/Riftwar1
12:50 - Conan: geni.us/ConanComplete
14:30 - Farseer: geni.us/AssassinsApprentice
16:34 - Dying Earth: geni.us/DyingEarth
19:07 - American Gods: geni.us/AmericanGodsGaiman
20:25 - Dark Tower: geni.us/TheGunslinger
21:29 - Witcher: geni.us/TheLastWish
23:20 - Dungeon Crawler Carl: geni.us/DungeonCrawlerCarl1
25:34 - Mistborn: geni.us/MistbornBook1
27:21 - Six of Crows: geni.us/SixofCrowsBoxset
28:27 - Drenai Saga: geni.us/DrenaiSaga1
30:05 - Kings of the Wyld: geni.us/KingsoftheWyld
31:45 - Forgotten Beasts of Eld: geni.us/ForgottenBeastsofEld
33:00 - His Dark Materials: geni.us/TheGoldenCompass
34:03 - Broken Earth: geni.us/BrokenEarth
35:19 - Kingkiller Chronicle: geni.us/NameofWindAnniversary
37:46 - Black Company: geni.us/BlackCompany
38:39 - Berserk: geni.us/BerserkVol1
39:25 - Earthsea: geni.us/EarthseaComplete
40:54 - Narnia
42:02 - Guards Guards: geni.us/GuardsGuards-Discworld
43:19 - Perdido Street Station: geni.us/Perdido
43:59 - Memory Sorrow and Thorn: geni.us/DragoneboneChair
45:38 - ASOIAF
47:50 - Piranesi: geni.us/-Piranesi
48:54 - Gormenghast: geni.us/GormenghastTrilogy
50:04 - Dragonriders of Pern
51:04 - Eragon: geni.us/Eragonillustrated
53:17 - Dresden Files: geni.us/Stormfront
54:13 - Gentleman Bastards: geni.us/GentlemanBastards
55:42 Sword of Kaigen: geni.us/SwordofKaigen
57:17 - Riyria Revelations: geni.us/RiyriaBoxSet
58:31 - Book of New Sun: geni.us/BookoftheNewSun
59:57 - Sabriel: geni.us/Sabriel
1:01:22 - Faithful and Fallen: geni.us/MaliceBook1
1:02:34 - Harry Potter: geni.us/HarryPotter1MinaLima
1:04:54 - Wheel of Time: geni.us/EyeoftheWorld
1:07:08 - Stormlight Archive: geni.us/WayofKings
1:09:01 - Elric Saga: geni.us/ElricSagaBook1
1:11:41 - Tigana: geni.us/Tigana
1:12:47 - First Law: geni.us/FirstLawBook1
1:14:36 - Malazan: geni.us/MalazanBook1
1:15:50 - Drizzt: geni.us/DrizztBook1
1:17:00 - Spinning Silver: geni.us/SpinningSilver
I honestly love when Jay does these type of videos as well as the essays. I either end up learning something new about my favorite books OR end up adding something to my TBR. It's honestly a win-win situation.
Here are timestamps and affiliate links for the books mentioned! Using the affiliate links helps out the channel 😊
2:19 -Hobbit
3:29 -LOTR
4:43 -Shannara: geni.us/SwordofShannara
6:11 -Once and Future King: geni.us/OnceAndFuture
7:13 -Greenbone Saga: geni.us/JadeCity
8:49 -Senlin Ascends: geni.us/SenlinAscends
10:33 - Retribution Falls: geni.us/RetributionFalls
11:30 - Riftwar: geni.us/Riftwar1
12:50 - Conan: geni.us/ConanComplete
14:30 - Farseer: geni.us/AssassinsApprentice
16:34 - Dying Earth: geni.us/DyingEarth
19:07 - American Gods: geni.us/AmericanGodsGaiman
20:25 - Dark Tower: geni.us/TheGunslinger
21:29 - Witcher: geni.us/TheLastWish
23:20 - Dungeon Crawler Carl: geni.us/DungeonCrawlerCarl1
25:34 - Mistborn: geni.us/MistbornBook1
27:21 - Six of Crows: geni.us/SixofCrowsBoxset
28:27 - Drenai Saga: geni.us/DrenaiSaga1
30:05 - Kings of the Wyld: geni.us/KingsoftheWyld
31:45 - Forgotten Beasts of Eld: geni.us/ForgottenBeastsofEld
33:00 - His Dark Materials: geni.us/TheGoldenCompass
34:03 - Broken Earth: geni.us/BrokenEarth
35:19 - Kingkiller Chronicle: geni.us/NameofWindAnniversary
37:46 - Black Company: geni.us/BlackCompany
38:39 - Berserk: geni.us/BerserkVol1
39:25 - Earthsea: geni.us/EarthseaComplete
40:54 - Narnia
42:02 - Guards Guards: geni.us/GuardsGuards-Discworld
43:19 - Perdido Street Station: geni.us/Perdido
43:59 - Memory Sorrow and Thorn: geni.us/DragoneboneChair
45:38 - ASOIAF
47:50 - Piranesi: geni.us/-Piranesi
48:54 - Gormenghast: geni.us/GormenghastTrilogy
50:04 - Dragonriders of Pern
51:04 - Eragon: geni.us/Eragonillustrated
53:17 - Dresden Files: geni.us/Stormfront
54:13 - Gentleman Bastards: geni.us/GentlemanBastards
55:42 Sword of Kaigen: geni.us/SwordofKaigen
57:17 - Riyria Revelations: geni.us/RiyriaBoxSet
58:31 - Book of New Sun: geni.us/BookoftheNewSun
59:57 - Sabriel: geni.us/Sabriel
1:01:22 - Faithful and Fallen: geni.us/MaliceBook1
1:02:34 - Harry Potter: geni.us/HarryPotter1MinaLima
1:04:54 - Wheel of Time: geni.us/EyeoftheWorld
1:07:08 - Stormlight Archive: geni.us/WayofKings
1:09:01 - Elric Saga: geni.us/ElricSagaBook1
1:11:41 - Tigana: geni.us/Tigana
1:12:47 - First Law: geni.us/FirstLawBook1
1:14:36 - Malazan: geni.us/MalazanBook1
1:15:50 - Drizzt: geni.us/DrizztBook1
1:17:00 - Spinning Silver: geni.us/SpinningSilver
no percy jackson?? why??
I was almost going to include Percy Jackson, but just couldn't include every series I wanted to. But Percy Jackson is amazing! :) Holds up really good too
Normally, I wash dishes and watch a booktube video or two. But then you release an hour and eighteen minute long video, and I say to myself, save this for when you time to really pay attention to the art. Jay you never disappoint- this is another amazing video.
Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed the video!! :)
Man this is a stunning video. If you hadn't posted the list in the description, no way I could keep track with all those visuals. Spectacular stuff.
The list is great too! I've read 41 of them and it's definitely some of the best fantasy has to offer.
I love the art you chose to put in the bg for each book!
An hour long video, you spoil us!!😊
Hope you enjoy!! 😁
I applaud you for the huge effort in putting this video together. I really enjoyed every moment.
The Dark Tower is a phenomenal series. I love these videos because I learn of new books to read. Of course, my TBR list keeps growing. Keep up the good work Jay!
I really appreciate this video. I got into reading fantasy a couple years ago, and just recently started wanting to read fantasy classics. This is perfect! Thanks,
I'm so glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching! :)
1 hour + vid on fantasy..... I am so ready
First book is literally what i'm reading rn 😭
Great video! Doing a top 10 or top 15 list is still easy but top 50 really shows how much work was put in! Ended up adding quite a few to the never ending PTR
great vid!! and respect the dedication a hour long video is crazy keep it up
Best booktuber I’ve come across
I really wish your channel gains a lot more attention
I abosolutely adore LitRPG getting a spot on this list with Dungeon Crawler Carl! Matt did such an amazing job with the series, getting the Genre more to the forefront!
Thank you for compiling this Epic List! So many already on my TBR and so many just added. 😅
Glad you enjoyed it!!
I’m saving this video to keep it as a guide and a deep pool of good recommendations. Thank you 😊.
I'm glad it's helpful! Thanks for watching! :)
Realm of the Elderlings is such a magnificent and intimate series. 16 books have never felt like they've gone by so quick. My absolute favorite.
Greetings, Sir Captured. I have been reading Tolkien since the 1970s, and I measure every writer against the dear Professor. Since I taught English as my career, I've had to stay on track and have not been able to wander far into other realms of fantasy. I did read Anne McAffery's Dragonrider series, and still have the books here. But my favorite author after Tolkien is Patricia McKillip. You named The Forgotten Beasts of Eld, which is great and unique. But I'd have to say McKillip's epic work is the Quest of the Riddlemaster trilogy. Her writing, as you say, is lyric, and her depth of characterization, world-building and lore is unmatched. If you haven't read this trilogy, you really must. She's also written several other books, but I haven't read everything I've bought, so I'll leave it there. You really would do well to recommend McKillip's trilogy to your subscribers. Take care & God bless.
Thanks for the list. Lots of new book ideas. I'm a huge Sanderson fan. I loved the Kingkiller Chronicles. Might I suggest the two series by Brent Weeks for antihero fantasy and The Warded Man by Peter V. Brett.
Cool to see Dragonflight (Dragonriders of Pern) made the list. That was a book given to me by my best friend right before I started college and I spent a lot of downtime between classes reading those books outside around campus. Also, Piranesi was a great pick. I randomly picked that one up when it came out and now I recommend it to everyone.
So many good selections to choose from, thank you so much for taking the time to write the list for it Jay.
The only other must read I would say you need to read is: Strange the Dreamer Duology by Laini Taylor,
trust me you won’t be disappointed!
The Belgariad by David Eddings was one of my first beloved fantasy series.
Same!
But its so boring and so slow read, very slow, without any conflict. Nope for me.
When u metion name of the wind , farseer trilogy and first law trilogy u really made my day. I loved this books so much
One of my fav booktube videos ever! 👏
So glad you mentioned Raymond e Feist. I love all the books.
Phenomenal list!!
Oh and I saw that. 😁
That extra book title. (Even 2 technically speaking) 🎉. Because I write out your lists analogously). Very appreciated!
Very well done!! Thank you so much!! 🙌🏼🙏🏻✌🏻‼️🥳
Great video, Jay! I'm curious, tho, about the soundtrack you used for The Hobbit section.
Wow!! Fantastic book list!! Happy reading to you!! 😊
Thank you Safina!! 😊 You too!
Great vid I have ordered a full collection on series 1 og the deltora Quest by Emily rodda can't wait to read you have mentioned so many time ever knowing a YA book want to get rest of series soon
Really good list. I definitely added a few to the bucket list
Fantastic list! I wouldn't add anything, because then the list would be much longer, and the number 50 looks much more compact:)
But if you ask me... The Chronicles of Amber by Roger Zelazny is the first one that came to my mind.
Loved shannara series & battle of the word & void series….started jade city pretty good so far.
I enjoyed learning about books and series I’ve never seen, and love the fact that you can sometimes stumble upon great fantasy books. Two I recommend is The Complete Compleat Enchanter by DeCamp (if you can find it) and the Iron Tower Trilogy by Douglas McKiernan
One of the most underrated channels not just on booktube but all of TH-cam.
Well if 50 books are being added to my tbr😂😂
51 actually. 😉
That is a really solid list. Probably I would do some little changes to match my taste, which is expected, but I will definitely recommend this list. Just out of curiosity, people who recommend Michael J Sullivan, usually goes for Riyria Revelations, but I think that "The Legends of the First Empire" is his Magnum Opus. Did you read, Jay?
I'm at 2000 books on my book giveway at work in 9 months . I thrift them to make sure kids and teens are still reading I love helping them find love of reading
My favorite Must Reads
1. Superpowerds Year 4 (superpowerds #4)
2. Words of Radiance (stormlight archive #2)
Great list, we even got an extra one since there are two at #32 😊
Oh wow I didn't even notice that lol 😂
Thank you for reading Riftwar Saga! Check out The Empire Trilogy by Raymond E Feist and Janny Wurts too
More people should read _The Tale of Alvin Maker_ by Orson Scott Card. I have read the first two books, and I have liked both. They take place in an alternative history North America in the 1800s where the American revolution failed, and Washington got executed. Alvin is a boy who can make stuff happen with his will, and William Blake is a character.
Good content. Didn’t Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein start the genre? I’d add Kindred and Wild Seed (Octavia E. Butler) to the list. Without Butler we wouldn’t have NK Jemisin’s books. Jemisin shared that Octavia Butler inspired her.
I love the little tip of the hat to OSRS
I KNEW I WASN’T THE ONLY ONE WHO HEARD IT❤️🙌😂
The RuneScape music nostalgia always hits me right in the face man…
I knew i recognized the music! lol
The author of "Bleeding Stubs" brought me here. Besong just gave a talk about the story in my magazine's discord. We are amazed by the charitable work he is doing with the sales. What a mesmerising writer!
This video deserves way more views and likes than it's gotten. 🙏
Thanks for watching!!
thank you for putting piranesi in there!! very important one
Of course! Piranesi definitely deserves a spot 😊
Nice list, I would add The Belgarion by David Eddings and the Travelers Gate Trilogy by Will Wight.
Great list and video!
The Dragon's Path (The Dagger and the Coin, 1) - not good enough for this list? Was it considered? Daniel Abraham
58:31 Book of the New Sun isn't everyone's cup of tea. A more approachable book from Wolfe is "The Knight", followed by "The Wizard" if the reader enjoys the first novel.
Two omitted authors I would have included are:
Julian May - series "The Saga of Pliocene Exile", a criminally underrated collection.
David Eddings - series "The Belgariad".
Thank you so much for this video.
You are so welcome! And thanks for watching :)
Assassin's Apprentice- Robin Hobbs
The Dark Tower is amazing. 💯 MUST READ
Just finished the series. Amazing journey!
STAWP! The weight of my TBR is crushing my soul
Been reading fantasy since the 80s and IMHO...the greatest epic fantasy novel was Morigu: The Desecration. Yes...not many people have heard of it...but for those that were lucky enough to come across Mark Perry's two Morigu books...you know what I'm talking about :P
Great list. The top 5 tracked my childhood fantasy discovery reading exactly. But you overlooked one of the best fantasy series of the 1960s/70s : Chronicles in Amber by Roger Zelazny. Zelazny is a genius of psychedelic-era SFF with a breezy, conversational style. Also his Science fiction reads like fantasy - Lord of Light is a must read in that vein. But arguably its not Fantasy per se. Thanks for the list I found a lot that I want to read.
Awesome video! So many of my favourites.
You were so right about Harry Potter with us growing with the three heroes. I was 12 when I first read Philosophers a year after it was first published - I was the age group and demographic she originally wrote for. It was such a massive part of my childhood and my teenage years. I'll always be grateful for JK Rowling for keeping me interested in reading. Harry Potter will always be my number one (even if it's actually First Law lol)
My favorite at the moment is "The Faithful and the Fallen" series. I could kick myself fot not reading it sooner. On the other hand I just can't get into "First Law". My all time favorite will always be "The Simarillion"
I was on 47 and I was like, OMG is he not going to mention Malazan, I am going to lose my mind, and you did it on 48 and everything was right in the world.
The Demon Cycle Series by Peter Brett. The Warded Man is such an underrated book.
1. Stormlight Archive
1b. Superpowerds
2. Nyxia Triad
3. Skyward
4. I am number 4 series
5. Red Rising
Dude! +1 for Superpowereds. It's so good. I would love to see a Netflix adaptation of that.
Awesome list! I've never heard of Superpowerds but after looking into it, it sounds really interesting!
I am constantly upset that nobody ever recommends Lois McMaster Bujold in any of these videos. Yes she is mostly known for her SF series the Vorkosigan Saga, but her Five Worlds books ESPECIALLY The Curse of Chalion, is one of the most vividly drawn fantasy worlds I’ve ever read, and I recommend it to everybody. Please, please, please check it out. Sooo good
i appreciate you😭 you saved me so much time doing the same thing
I highly recommend the Codex Alera series by Jim Butcher, always gets overshadowed by the Dresden Files but it’s fantastic and actually finished
100% agree! I almost mentioned it in this video actually, and wish that I did. Codex Alera is fantastic
i’ve been waiting for a video like this
Green Bone Saga is amazing! Lee's other books Exo and Crossfire are also very good.
I'm currently reading WitchWorld by Andre Norton (Scifi-Fantasy).
Just seeing this. I know how I'm spending the next hour. Thanks
Thanks for watching!!
Hey, how many books are there in the Elric Saga??
You ALWAYS miss David Eddings. The Belgariad/Mallorian series gives you a LOTR feel, while the Elenium/Tamuli gives you a philosophical POV. All of Eddings characters are rich and loveable... even the ones you love to hate. Dialog is full of humor and intellect... he's AMAZING
The Elenium/Tamuli is some of the greatest fantasy! Philosophical like you said, but it's also got some of the best humor I've ever read in fantasy. I understand a lot of people's reservations about getting into Eddings because he did some seriously terrible stuff in his life. But if you can manage to separate the art from the artist, all of his books are well worth the read!
@sheridynwarwick852 I agree. He was a hard man but he and Leigh truly protected his literary works. He also had dementia later in life. Yet he cared for Leigh after her strokes. He was complex l, like all of us.
It reflects in his work. I read them.almost every year and I still laugh and cry and cheer with the characters like I do with Tolkein. Only he does it with more action, humor and strong characters amd less narrative, description and irrelevant plot points. Love Tolkein but he has his flaws. Even that last series which was not so great still had the humor and immersion
Eddings will ALWAYS be my favorite.
Any update on the stormlight archive recap series?
Hey Jay I highly recommend reading The Ember Blade by Chris Wooding if you enjoy his The Ketty Jay books series.
I've been meaning to read Ember Blade! Hope to get to it soon, thanks for the rec!
I haven't heard anyone talk about Michael G. Manning. He is very similar to Terry Brooks in that he writes in small interconnected fantasy series. The Blacksmith's Son is the first book. A very new author is Tim Facciola and his Vengeful Realm series. It is a gladiator fantasy story that is very well written!
As if my tbr wasn't long enough.... But then again the tbr can never be long enough >:)
Adding Thieves World series, masterful short stories in a shared world
Mark Lawrence landed on my must read list this year.
Ahhh I can't believe I didn't put Mark Larence on the list! I was thinking of either adding the Broken Empire or his Library series but then I completely forgot to add them lol. Glad you're enjoying Lawrence!
The Green Bone Saga imo is the greatest fantasy series ever written. The first book is one of the best action fantasy books I've read. The second is one of the best political fantasy books I've read. And the third is one of the best drama fantasy books I've read. It's a perfect series.
I loved Jade City. Really looking forward to Jade War (probably in a couple of weeks). I hope it lives up to my expectations.
The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold, The Iron Dragon’s Daughter by Michael Swanwick, The Wizard Knight by Gene Wolfe, The Book of the Damned by Tanith Lee, The Dirty Streets of Heaven by Tad Williams (also Otherland is y’all are brave enough to cross over into the brilliant land of Sci-fi)
Thank goodness you mentioned Abhorsen/Sabriel. I was beginning to think I was nuts lol.
What do you think about dandelion dynasty series ?
Haven't read that yet, but I hope to get to it near the end of the year
Strongly agree that Guards! Guards! is where to start reading Pratchett. I'd also strongly recommend stopping Unseen Academicals. His Alzheimer's really showed in his last five or six books.
I've been in a decision paralysis for picking my next read. I was hoping your list would help me pick. I think you just made it harder!🤣
Oh noooo! 🤣 Sorry about that! Hope the one you choose ends up being a new favorite!
@@CapturedInWords there could be worse problems to have!
True!
Could someone post that LOTR audio book he mentioned in the beginning?
Here's a linktree with direct downloads to them: linktr.ee/lotr_audiobooks
Or they can also be found here on the internet archive: archive.org/details/the-fellowship-of-the-ring_soundscape-by-phil-dragash
One of my favorite series is David Eddings' Elenium trilogy. This is the first Sparhawk series. I find this series holds up better (and is more enjoyable read for an adult) than Eddings' Belgariad series.
As for current on going series I am enjoying Ryan Cahill's Then Bound and Broken series as well as Thiago Abdalla's The Ashes of Avarin. Thiago's series has a group of warriors who bond with giant griffins.
Please tell me where you get your music so i can read with it. im going to ask every video
A lot of the background music I get from my subscription to MotionArray, for instance this one called Orbit of Uncertainty I use quite often: motionarray.com/royalty-free-music/orbit-of-uncertainty-143157/
I also use a lot of songs by Kevin Macleod like Serpentine Trek: incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100428&Search=Search A lot of the music by him is also used by Critical Roll, which is where I initially heard it.
And then I also will sometimes use some Old School Runescape music in my videos as well, like during the intro to this video. Hope that helps! 😁 let me know if there's any specific song I used that you'd like to know the name of
Loved it!
NEW ACHIEVMENT you know about Dungeon Crawler Carl Now :P
I would have included the inheritance cycle aka Eragon tho. One of the best fantasy series in my opinion, underrated too.
Dungeon crawler Carl is amazing! I’m not into this type but dam !!! Will always recommend 😇 princess dress donut is a hoot and I love Carl ❤ I am on 4th book but each book is so gripping ❤❤❤ I’ve laughed so loud at work 😅😅
I would say Legend of the Condor Heroes by Jin Yong.
This! Definitely needs more translated works on here. I'd even suggest Inkheart as well for that reason
Loved this video!! Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching and commenting! 😄
❤
Tnx for including Riyria! It is my dogs, Royce & Hadrian 's favorite!
A great series missed is The Aurelian Cycle. Check it out!
2 favourite things, fantasy and a nice long video
Thanks for watching!!
Retribution falls is a great books series
Glad to see someone else who's read it!
No Sword of Truth love? I have a feeling you are not the biggest fan of Goodkind!! Love your stuff!
I haven't read Sword of Truth! Maybe I should add it to my TBR and let you know what I think :)
@@CapturedInWords love them! They are also a beast to read though!
I'd add Riyria to the list. *Any of the books in the World of Elan.
Riyria is there, I talk about it around 57:17 :)
An underrated fantasy manga i feel like a lot of people are sleeping on is Basara by Yumi Tamura.