Making top 10 lists are so hard. There's just so much good stuff out there. We're really lucky about that! I'm also still completely in love with Kingkiller Chronicle and I read them almost 8 years ago now. The lore and mythology is so incredibly rich, it pulled me in like nothing else. I'm also a sucker for ''the main character tells his/her life's story'' trope.
Fantastic list, John! I'm a big fan of most of your choices. That said, I'm pretty sure I'll never be able to make another top ten fantasy series video because there are just too many I would want to include at this point. I might try anyway. Maybe I'll cheat and make a top twenty video. Or a top thirty . . . Unranked . . . Anyway, thank you for the excellent video!
By the way, seeing some of the other comments here and knowing you will read this comment I just gotta say I finished book 1 of malazan very recently. Although it’s a very “active” read, it was very unique. Loved having to take it slow doing research and reading chapter summaries to help my comprehension, and I never felt like I was lost because of that. Kinda like building a puzzle
@@darkeuropa7 thanks so much for the kind words! Malazan is definitely in the plan. I love how you described it as a puzzle of a book. I could definitely get into that. Welcome to the channel!
Got to be honest I really don’t like ASOIAF that much in retrospect. I hugely respect what Martin has done, in terms of his world-building and whatnot, taking inspiration from real history was a good move. But I find the books very long, complicated(not in that I don’t understand what’s going on, but in that there are a huge number of different storylines and POV characters) if not convoluted, which is especially unhelpful given that it no doubt makes them harder to finish(this looks less and less likely every day). On top of all of that, while I don’t think that this a a flaw as such, given that it is the point of the books, they are frankly depressing, sometimes even more so than the history they are based on, and while it’s an interesting take on fantasy, to me personally I do get a bit sick of everything and everyone being awful, and would prefer to read a somewhat more hopeful fantasy franchise.
@@imperialinquisition6006 I can absolutely see your takes on this. I enjoy a bright heroic fantasy as well and sometimes am looking for that singular heroes journey. Art is completely subjective we bring who we are to the interpretation so it hits us all so differently. It is just wonderful that this genre is vast enough to have favorites for all of us!
Enthusiasm with great production quality? Subbed instantly. Words of Radiance is also my final read (or listen, in this case) of 2023. I'm definitely not the first to say this, but the Stormlight audiobooks are top notch! One nitpick, though: leave the covers of books on the screen (at least longer) while you talk about them. Great video!
We will absolutely leave the covers up longer. Thanks so much for the kind words. Let me know what you think when you finish WoR. I have been warned to look out for chapter 56.
Really interesting list ! A Song of Ice and Fire is also my favourite series , and Stormlight Archives is my second favourite. I still need to form my list after that but it gets difficult to rank 😂number 3 is probably Faithful and the Fallen
killer list John! Super well thought-out and those are great reasons to have your list look like that. Your passion for the books on this list is fantastic!!
The Warlord Chronicles was definitely the biggest surprise for me on how great it was, glad to see it on your list. The latter books definitely felt like fantasy novels when some of the fantastical things that occurred had no discernable rhyme or reason for their causes that could be waved away by happenstance or luck. They do belong on anyone's fantasy list
Beside LOTR and TSOIAF (both brilliant) I mostly read Stephen King and Thriller/Crime Novels. But seeing you talk with so much passion has tempted me to dive into some more fantasy books. I am thinking of starting with either Brandon Sanderson (Mistborn or Stormlight?) or some Patrick Rothfuss. I heard nothing but amazing things about both of them. Greetings from germany!
I would say Rothfuss. So much of the classic vibe is there but told with so such a fresh and bracingly beautiful voice and narrative hard to go wrong there. Wow Germany. Amazing!
I've finished book 7 of Wheel of Time. It's a comfort read for me but I can see how it didn't make your Top Ten. Loved most of your list (Yay, Sandman!), but I could quibble with the order (First Law at 8???). That said, I've tried to read Name of the Wind multiple times. It just doesn't work for me, though I can understand why others love it. I look forward to seeing how your list changes as your reading journey continues.
My list: Series: LOTR w/ The Hobbit, Bloodsworn, Song of Ice & Fire, First Law, Warlord, WOT & the Witcher! Books: Blacktongue Thief, The Magician, Daughter of the Empire, The Black Cauldron, Boudica Dreaming the Eagle, Wizard & Glass, Voyager, Time & Again and last but not least The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe!
i don't know if you have read the faithful and the fallen series by John Gwynne, i liked that a lot, got me into reading again, and i hear nothing but praises for his new series the bloodsworn saga. Great video!
@@FunFantasyBooks Oathbringer is special to me because I soooo relate to Dalinar. I have my Bondsmith Tattoo designed and ready to go. Gonna get it before Jakob and I hit Dragonsteel this year.
@@Talking_Story I was originally gonna say that I hope you don’t relate because of Evi as a joke, but then I died of good jealousy!! I can’t believe you guys are going to dragonsteel! Ahh so happy for you guys!
I’m late to the party, but I’d recommend The Faithful and The Fallen by John Gwynne. Brutal, intense combat, awesome take on the chosen one trope. 11/10
Great list so far, and I'm definitely interested in seeing how it changes over the next year+! I just found your channel today, but I'm glad do be a new subscriber along for the journey. As far as recommendations that may make the list for you: Malazan (obviously); Dandelion Dynasty; Dungeon Crawler Carl (best if you're in to video games at all, but very good even if you aren't); The Five Warrior Angels; Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn; The Faithful and the Fallen. And yes, your opinion will change after Words of Radiance (my personal favorite of the series), but it will also probably change after the next two as well. They're still very good, just not quite as good in my opinion.
It’s a very nice top 10! I saw that my fellow Brigeburners already recommended Malazan and all I can say is: it is a masterpiece of Fantasy (and literature in general). Greetings from Brazil (Brasil).
Todd here. I just discovered your channel very nice list! I read The Blade Itself, the ending made me giggle, I would like to read the other two in the trilogy. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones
Happy New Year! I'm so happy to have stumbled onto your channel via this video tonight! Love how you talk about books and look forward to watching more of your videos! ❤
Will do@@Talking_Story. 🙂 Like you, John, I'm a huge fan of fantasy fiction. Of the books you mentioned in this video, I've read and loved the Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter series. Although I haven't yet read any of the other books you talked about, most of them have been on my TBRs and/or radar, so you've convinced me to read all of your favorite fantasy books ASAP. 😊📚
@@Talking_Story Was surprised to see the ebook and audiobook of your #1 choice, Game of Thrones, available via my library today (there used to be a SUPER long wait list), so I borrowed both formats in hopes of immersion reading this and several other books within the next 21 days. 🤞 I've been on the fence about reading the G.R.R. Martin book series, with what I've heard/read about the show, but with what you said, John, you've convinced me to give the books a chance. 🙂
My personal favorite is all 10 books of first law. Both trilogies and the 4 standalones blew me away, it such a well built world. And absolutely devastating at times. Ps. The second trilogie is even better than the first 😊
Second Trilogy is better written, but the first trilogy has the better actual story and characters. Similar to how Final Fantasy 9 has better storytelling, but Final Fantasy 7 ends up being the superior game despite that because the story and characters are better, if not better written
Good list, if a bit on the safe side. What I liked was how you illustrated specifically why some of these series worked so well for you (eg, Sandman). If you haven’t yet, I’d recommend taking a good look at Memory, Sorrow and Thorn by Tad Williams, some of Guy Gavriel Kay’s stand-alones: Song for Arbonne, Tigana, Lions of Al-Rassan, and MZ Bradley’s Mists of Avalon. Some of these neo-classics (of similar vintage to Feist) are truly remarkable.
I have a Song for Arbonne buddy read coming in February! I have only read Otherland by Williams I do have his others on my radar though. Thanks so much!
I read all of the Dresden Files in 2023, and First Law first trilogy. Totally different, but loved them. What a great list. Well done and with enthusiasm ✨ Happy 2024 to you and yours. Lynn
So happy to see that you’ve included Stephen King’s Dark Tower series. He is my favorite author and his writing is unsurpassable. Another author I love is Brian Lee Durfee with his 5 Warrior Angels trilogy.
The bright side to my reluctance read beyond stand-alones means I can keep Narnia and Dragonlance Chronicles on my top10 list for the time being, but I tremble that the time will come when they'll have to face all the skill sets of modern fantasy! Maybe they'll be safe on most "beloved" series as opposed to "best", but maybe not. Surely Middle Earth can't be budged from #1. But I met and loved the Lies of Locke Lamora this year, and I'm many issues into Sandman, (Three Septembers and a January) I know how surreal and resonant and exciting and daring they can get. It's going to be hard to judge the clash of the titans - how does one tabulate such immensity?
I gotta go with Malazan Book of the Fallen. Even though I'm only on book 8, it has dropped nuclear bombs on what I imagined was possible through fiction
@Talking_Story it's going to be notoriously difficult getting into at first because the author doesnt hold your hand. At all. Lol but he does it in a way thats so intriguing. Gets much better after the first book, which is still really great. But bro, it is fucking insane. Get through the first 3 and then decide if you want to continue or quit. Book three, Memories of Ice, is a literary masterpiece. It will rock your fucking world. Hard NOT to continue after that one lol
I love top 10 lists like this. You did a fab job. My top 10 would be different but who cares! because reading is so personal and subjective. There are pleny of books that get really high ranks but i DNF them and books I adore that other people think are not so good. Plus, I still have a long way to go in terms of reading enough fantasy- Im sorely lacking in the number of books I have managed to read .I'd say my only personal litmus test is whether LOTR gets love. If a booktuber does not appreciate Tolkien ( and it doesnt have to be their favorite- just respected) , I feel like we are probably too out of sync. anyway- loved your list
The Sandman is great! I read via dramatized audiobook through Audibile and its like a movie... next in the series on my list. I also recommend the sleep podcast as well.
Wish he would keep the image of the book up the entire duration he is speaking on that book. I listen while driving and don't see image when I look down and idk, just think it would be better to always have a image up on the side .
Blown away by this wonderfully, passionate review. Great to know there are others like me out there. I am just beginning my fantasy book journey and this has been a great help. So many recommendations noted and anticipated for 2024. Clicked the like button and subscribed. Will be back for more ... Best wishes from Lottie in England.
Wow your kind words have made the start to my 24 great! Welcome to the channel I am catching up on so many fantasy reads after starting this channel so we can compare notes. Let me know what titles you are reading in 24.
@@Talking_Story I was totally smitten with Katherine Arden's "Winternight Trilogy" - amazing characters and plot! Also read Mark Lawrence's "The Book That Wouldn't Burn" and am still thinking about it ...
Although our lists are 100% different, I do appreciate these videos. My list would include Wheel of Time at the top followed by Memory, Sorrow and Thorn, Realm of the Elderlings, Dresden, Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings.
Mine very well also when I go forward with WoT and get to Hobb and someday Tad Williams. I am with you on Dresden I just put it on my Great horror series.
I would love to hear your thoughts on John Gwynne, author of The Faithful and the Fallen series and The Bloodsworn trilogy. He's my favorite fantasy author.
This was my favorite series this year, even better than first law, mistborn, etc for me. I just couldn't put it down. Its just pure classic fantasy and I loved every page. So many late night with this series because I didn't want to leave the world I was in.
What a list! Only recognized a few authors, but now I want to add these books to my 2024 TBR! I really want to get into fantasy this coming year. My first go at it has been the Harry Potter series and I’m currently on the 5th book.
hey man! amazing videos! new fan for sure, Can we please please please have a spoiler review or deep discussion video on Warlord Chronicles? thanks so much!
It looks like this video has blown up, congrats my man! Also a great list as well. Some series' I enjoy, and some that I haven't read yet. To be honest with you, I'm nervous to make a video about this subject. Not only am I not sure where I would start, I don't know if I've read enough series' to justify a list. Also my favorite fantasy of all time is a stand alone!! AGH! I'm also glad to see The Sandman on the list. It may be a comic, but it is just as worthy as being called a fantasy epic as Lord of The Rings or A Song of Ice and Fire is. Keep it up my man!
Thanks Britton. I will admit such a hard list to make. I feel I have not read enough either but wanted my list to go up so I could track how it changes.
Yassssssssss love me a top-10 series vid, and I have plenty of overlaps in my own favs! Right there with you on First Law, Warlord Chronicles (def reads like fantasy!), Stormlight, and ASoIaF! Gentlemen Bastards has been a bit up and down for me but I’m pretty into it at this point too. I love getting hyped for things I haven’t tried yet like Last War, Dark Tower, and the Empire Trilogy!
I have a few big names that I wish where on there for one the Green Bone Saga by Fonda Lee is fantastic, and Berserk by Kentaro Miura & One Piece should've at least been in the honorable mentions if it was my list, but I'm guessing you haven't read those two. Also Discworld by Terry Pratchett, The Realm of the Elderlings by Robin Hobb, and many more. It's your list though so I respect your opinion and I thought the video was well made.
@@Lilo_D._Boom all great suggestions I hope to get to all of them soon. The only 1 on your list that I have started is One Piece. I have only read the first 3 volumes. I’m sure this list will be changing a lot as I go forward. Thanks so much for checking out the list and sharing your suggestions.
@@Talking_Story Makes sense that you have not included One Piece after only three volumes as the beginning is probably the weakest part, but it's absolutely worth sticking around because it gets incredible with some amazing characters, worldbuilding, and iconic moments.
Solid list! I agree 110%, Sandman absolutely belongs on there. I may have to redo my list. 🤔😆 Speaking of redoing your list, get ready to, once you read Malazan. 😜
Great list, read many of these. Just a little sad Malazan Book of The Fallen doesn't make a lot of theses lists. Check it out if you haven't, but remember, a huge time sink and a lot of mental effort invested (I went through it 3 times, probably a year of my life, but worth it).
I've read many of the books on this list, though I'm only part of the way through a couple of them. As much as I love the Kingkiller Chronicles, I can't add it to any all-time fave lists because I'm not confident that it'll ever be finished. Same with ASOIAF (though I don't like it anywhere near as much as Kingkiller Chronicles). Malazan Book of the Fallen, to me, is the absolute king of fantasy series. I love that the co-creators of the world keep adding to it world through other side series. The fact that the Book of the Fallen is complete -- that alone puts it miles ahead of even Tolkien, since he could never actually finish what he started. I genuinely have difficulty reading other fantasy authors now.
Seen a lot of rumblings about The Lost War recently! Definitely has caught my attention 👀 Yesss!!! Lies is wonderful. The non linear storytelling in the first installment is one of my favorite aspects :) Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on Words of Radiance! It’s the best book in Stormlight so far in my opinion.
@@Talking_Story oh I haven’t gotten to that video yet!! But you have taste sir 🤌🏼 I never made the Dickens connection but now it makes me want to re-read it 👀
‘The 2nd apocalypse’ by R. Scott Bakker. I will die on this hill this series is a masterpiece; anyone who hasn’t read this and likes dark fantasy I couldn’t recommend enough, you don’t know what your missing 🤯🤯 This is only behind Malazan for me and that’s with reading 90% of fantasy series by far the most under-appreciated set of books in fantasy.
Prince of nothing is a trilogy and then Aspect emperor is 4 books. Yes it’s very dark and there’s a lot of sexual violence, however the writing is amazing and the story is like nothing you have ever read. I finished the series over a year ago and still can’t stop thinking about it.
I keep an eye out for top 10 lists so I can get reading ideas for my TBR, lol. I need to add the Shackle & Cromwell series looks like, lol. Here is my top 10: 10. The Deed of Paksenarrion by Elizabeth Moon 9. The Band by Nicolaus Eames 8. Powder Mage universe by Brian McClellen 7. Belgariad universe by David Eddings 6. Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss 5. Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson 4. Drenai Saga by David Gemmell 3. First Law universe by Joe Abercrombie 2. Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson 1. Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan/Brandon Sanderson WoT has been my #1 series since I started reading it back in 1997. Doubt anything will knock it out of the top spot. SA might if book 5 & the second set are as good as the first 4 but that's a long way off. KC might also have a shot if Rothfuss ever finishes it and it's as good as NotW (not going to hold my breath or anything).
Thanks so much for checking out the list. I will be starting the Belgariad soon and I have books 1 in Malazan and Drenai waiting for me as well. So I look forward to checking out your choices and changing up my list as time goes by. Thanks agree for sharing!
That's a great list, John. Got a few favourites of mine on there. Always fun to see what will and won't change in the years to come. Mine would be: Honourable Mentions: Broken Empire / Mark Lawrence Greatcoats / Sebastien De Castell Lord of the Rings / Tolkien The Burning / Evan Winter Predictions: (Series I've started but am not caught up yet, that could make the 10) Books of Babel / Josiah Bancroft Dandelion Dynasty / Ken Liu Discworld City Watch / Terry Pratchett Earthsea / Ursula K LeGuin Kingkiller Chronicle / Patrick Rothfuss Shadows of the Apt / Adrian Tchaikovsky The rest of Realm of the Elderlings / Robin Hobb Wars of Light & Shadow / Janny Wurts Series 10 - 4: The Witcher Saga / Andrzej Sapkowski Sarantine Mosaic / Guy Gavriel Kay Red Queen's War / Mark Lawrence Gentleman Bastard / Scott Lynch Farseer / Robin Hobb Dresden Files / Jim Butcher Long Price Quartet / Daniel Abraham First Law / Joe Abercrombie The Top 3 (Order Really Doesn't Matter) A Song of Ice & Fire / GRRM Malazan Book of the Fallen / Steven Erikson Second Apocalypse / R Scott Bakker
Love your list almost the same as mine. Sandman yes,dark tower yes(drawing of three wizard and glass) and game of thrones is always #1 god you explained the appeal of game of thrones so well !!!!
Great list! Most of them are also my favorites. What I think is missing is the Realm of the Elderlings, Robin Hobb. To me she is the best fantasy writer so far.
@@strawberryorange3755 I have changed my mind on this. I have been told to treat the series like trilogies with breaks between so I am getting into the first series coming by up pretty quick.
Mad respect for committing to making the list (even if you cheated with all the honourable mentions, haha). I am curious to see how the finale to The Last War is going to affect its ranking, hopefully you won't regret this choice within a month's time 🤣 Heeeeck yes for the Gentleman Bastard and Kingkiller love, just goes to show that a good series doesn't need to have an ending to make an immense impact on a reader. And I can't believe I still haven't read Sandman, because I consider Gaiman one of my favourite authors! Loved seeing your picks, and I can't wait to see how this list is going to change over the years. Here's to finding many more faves! 🤩
@@Talking_Story I'll trust your word on that! And the pleasure has honestly been all mine, I can't thank you both enough for all the joy you've brought me with your videos!! ☺
@@MattonBooks I mean, it's not like I needed to get any more excited... but here we are! Thanks Matt, I will make sure to get to this in 2024, top priority!
I must get around to reading the Dark Tower series again and Stormlight Archive is definitely on my radar for 2024...especially since book five comes out in December. I want to be caught so I can experience the anticipation along with everyone else!
That is a series I have picked up in the store many times but have yet to take the plunge. Thanks for the recommendation. I will make sure it is on the list.
With everything you said about LotR and ASoIaF, I can’t help but feel that Wheel of Time will be in your top 3 by this time next year. To me, WoT is a more fleshed out LotR that isn’t afraid to do things its own way. Robert Jordan is a master craftsman with story and character (though sadly not with romantic relationships), and Sanderson ends it all with a bombastic symphony like he does so often. I’ve read the entire series twice and I suspect I’ll keep coming back every couple years or so. Just push through the slog, and by the end you’ll be wanting to jump right back in and discover all the sprinkled in Easter eggs and foreshadowings.
@@Talking_Story maybe i used the wrong word. im just really in awe/jealous of your ability to describe why you love a book. if i don't like a book i can tell you exactly why. when i love a book, my brain malfunctions and i don't know what to say :)
@@valliyarnl we are hardest on ourselves. I think you and your book descriptions are awesome. Loved the video Irish authors while you are in Ireland. Took me right to 1 of the best trips of my life.
Entertaining to see booktubers lists. I never see the older fantasy I grew up with on anyone's list though, with exception of Lord of the Rings. Most people's lists are fantasy that came out in the last 25 years or so. No one ever mentions the Belgariad/Mallorean, Discworld, Wheel of Time, Magic of Recluse, or the Shannara books. But most of those came out in the 70s/80s/90s. But even some more popular fantasy aren't on any lists either. Like Harry Potter. I've only seen a couple booktubers mention them but they are great fantasy. Especially the last 4 or 5 books. I guess the mainstream stuff is not as cool as it used to be. But never have I seen the world grind to a halt and hold its breath for a book like it did for the final Harry Potter book. Holy crap I don't think a fantasy book will ever be that popular again. Not even if Winds of Winter was coming out.
I agree Harry Potter is great and I don’t think we will see that again. I am in the middle of the Belgariad now. I do see WoT on a lot of lists and I am about halfway through it. My fav from 80s to 90s would Riftwar by Feist. Have you checked that out?
@@ReneeSky people are divided on it. I love it. I so hope it hits for you. You gotta let me know. If you are cool with the back and forth in time you should be great.
I really enjoy sanctuary by robert j crane. Its fun to watch the main character enter the guild sanctuary. He grows gains new comrades loses old ones. Every triumph is shadowed by the dark opening, and each book brings us closer to it and then beyond. Its humurous its magic races and gods are well balanced.
@@Talking_Story with that being said great video! Haha enjoyed the list … I’m getting back into reading fantasy series Loved Lotr my fav Song of ice and fire Mistborn Inheritance To be read Malazan Wheel of time Stormlight First law Rob hobb/john Gwynn series Of these what would you recommend starting with or are there any others you would recommend ?
@@shawn4white I would say First Law. So good. Classic fantasy feel with genius modern character arcs. Get into the first trilogy at least. A lot of your others are on my list as well. Maybe we can get through some together.
@@Talking_Story haha yeah and share how we felt about them! I’m just starting way of kings rn but I’ll start first law next! I have it I just haven’t started reading it
I love the way you describe everything with such passion, it hypes me up to wanna read the series that I haven't read.
Wow this has made my day, thanks!
Making top 10 lists are so hard. There's just so much good stuff out there. We're really lucky about that! I'm also still completely in love with Kingkiller Chronicle and I read them almost 8 years ago now. The lore and mythology is so incredibly rich, it pulled me in like nothing else. I'm also a sucker for ''the main character tells his/her life's story'' trope.
I as well love that framing device of a character telling his own story. You are right we are very lucky to have so much amazing work to get to!
Hopefully he’ll finish the story some day
Fun list. I like that you included Sandman. He’s an incredible story teller
Omg yes!
Fantastic list, John! I'm a big fan of most of your choices. That said, I'm pretty sure I'll never be able to make another top ten fantasy series video because there are just too many I would want to include at this point. I might try anyway. Maybe I'll cheat and make a top twenty video. Or a top thirty . . . Unranked . . . Anyway, thank you for the excellent video!
It was crazy hard. As I read more I know it will only get harder. Thanks so much Dr. Chase.
Crazy this channel only has 2500 subscribers. Love this guys passion and well worded reviews, not to mention the whole camera setup
By the way, seeing some of the other comments here and knowing you will read this comment I just gotta say I finished book 1 of malazan very recently. Although it’s a very “active” read, it was very unique. Loved having to take it slow doing research and reading chapter summaries to help my comprehension, and I never felt like I was lost because of that. Kinda like building a puzzle
@@darkeuropa7 thanks so much for the kind words! Malazan is definitely in the plan. I love how you described it as a puzzle of a book. I could definitely get into that. Welcome to the channel!
Awesome list John! ASOIAF is my favorite series of all time. Great choice! Sandman is absolutely fantasy, and it’s one of my favorites.
Thanks my friend.
Got to be honest I really don’t like ASOIAF that much in retrospect. I hugely respect what Martin has done, in terms of his world-building and whatnot, taking inspiration from real history was a good move. But I find the books very long, complicated(not in that I don’t understand what’s going on, but in that there are a huge number of different storylines and POV characters) if not convoluted, which is especially unhelpful given that it no doubt makes them harder to finish(this looks less and less likely every day). On top of all of that, while I don’t think that this a a flaw as such, given that it is the point of the books, they are frankly depressing, sometimes even more so than the history they are based on, and while it’s an interesting take on fantasy, to me personally I do get a bit sick of everything and everyone being awful, and would prefer to read a somewhat more hopeful fantasy franchise.
@@imperialinquisition6006 I can absolutely see your takes on this. I enjoy a bright heroic fantasy as well and sometimes am looking for that singular heroes journey. Art is completely subjective we bring who we are to the interpretation so it hits us all so differently. It is just wonderful that this genre is vast enough to have favorites for all of us!
Enthusiasm with great production quality? Subbed instantly.
Words of Radiance is also my final read (or listen, in this case) of 2023. I'm definitely not the first to say this, but the Stormlight audiobooks are top notch!
One nitpick, though: leave the covers of books on the screen (at least longer) while you talk about them.
Great video!
We will absolutely leave the covers up longer. Thanks so much for the kind words. Let me know what you think when you finish WoR. I have been warned to look out for chapter 56.
I just found your channel, and I loved checking out your thoughts! Well done, John!! Best to you from NH!
Thanks so much! Welcome to the channel!
Really interesting list ! A Song of Ice and Fire is also my favourite series , and Stormlight Archives is my second favourite. I still need to form my list after that but it gets difficult to rank 😂number 3 is probably Faithful and the Fallen
John Gwynne is on my list to catch up on! Thanks for checking my list out!
A song of ice and fire is also my favorite fantasy series! ❤
Those books saved my life.
They are absolutely special IMO. Thanks so much for checking out the list.
I absolutely agree with this list. If I may suggest Malazan? It's right up your avenue and I'm confident you'll love it.
I have bought the first book and am excited to start!
killer list John! Super well thought-out and those are great reasons to have your list look like that. Your passion for the books on this list is fantastic!!
Can’t wait to see your list my brother. It is sooo hard!
The Warlord Chronicles was definitely the biggest surprise for me on how great it was, glad to see it on your list. The latter books definitely felt like fantasy novels when some of the fantastical things that occurred had no discernable rhyme or reason for their causes that could be waved away by happenstance or luck. They do belong on anyone's fantasy list
This 1 makes my week! Yes they are magical and belong on so many people’s list. Thanks so much for this.
Words of Radiance will def make Stormlight shoot up your list, such a good book! Also, awesome list! You’ve earned a sub!
I am loving it so far. Thanks so much and welcome!
Up until now I have not followed any book tubers. You make me excited about the books you talk about. You make me want to read them.
@@marcyrogers13 thank you so much. This compliment has made my week.
Beside LOTR and TSOIAF (both brilliant) I mostly read Stephen King and Thriller/Crime Novels. But seeing you talk with so much passion has tempted me to dive into some more fantasy books.
I am thinking of starting with either Brandon Sanderson (Mistborn or Stormlight?) or some Patrick Rothfuss. I heard nothing but amazing things about both of them.
Greetings from germany!
I would say Rothfuss. So much of the classic vibe is there but told with so such a fresh and bracingly beautiful voice and narrative hard to go wrong there. Wow Germany. Amazing!
First time viewer - love the passion and thoughtfulness in your commentary! subscribed!
Thanks so much! Welcome!
Great list. And I think every Wheel of Time reader agrees; the slog is real. I just pulled my braid and smoothed my skirts and pushed through.
I am determined to do the same and get back to it this year. Thanks so much for checking out the list!
I have been reading The Faithful and the Fallen series by John Gwynne this year and I am loving it!
Gwynne is most assuredly on my list! Your comment makes me want to get there even faster. Thanks!
I've finished book 7 of Wheel of Time. It's a comfort read for me but I can see how it didn't make your Top Ten. Loved most of your list (Yay, Sandman!), but I could quibble with the order (First Law at 8???). That said, I've tried to read Name of the Wind multiple times. It just doesn't work for me, though I can understand why others love it. I look forward to seeing how your list changes as your reading journey continues.
Thanks so much! Sure it will be changing as I keep going.
If you like Cornwall, you will love any John gwynne. His books are fantastic.
He is for sure on my list of upcoming reads!
My list:
Series: LOTR w/ The Hobbit, Bloodsworn, Song of Ice & Fire, First Law, Warlord, WOT & the Witcher!
Books: Blacktongue Thief, The Magician, Daughter of the Empire, The Black Cauldron, Boudica Dreaming the Eagle, Wizard & Glass, Voyager, Time & Again and last but not least The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe!
Awww thanks for sharing Heidi. I love how you get Narnia on there just under the wire!
The Warlord Chronicles is one of my favorite trilogies. In my opinion, Cornwell is the best at immersion.
He sure sucked me in deep. I adored this trilogy.
i don't know if you have read the faithful and the fallen series by John Gwynne, i liked that a lot, got me into reading again, and i hear nothing but praises for his new series the bloodsworn saga.
Great video!
Thanks so much I have not checked out Gwynne yet but he is on the upcoming list for sure.
Loved this list! It gave me so much joy see how excited you were by these books (*cough cough keep reading Stormlight please, cough cough*)
@@FunFantasyBooks no way I am not gonna be caught up for December! All I have left is RoW which is scheduled for November.
@@Talking_Story well done!!! Which one have you liked the most so far?
@@FunFantasyBooks Oathbringer is special to me because I soooo relate to Dalinar. I have my Bondsmith Tattoo designed and ready to go. Gonna get it before Jakob and I hit Dragonsteel this year.
@@Talking_Story I was originally gonna say that I hope you don’t relate because of Evi as a joke, but then I died of good jealousy!! I can’t believe you guys are going to dragonsteel! Ahh so happy for you guys!
@@FunFantasyBooks thanks! This Cosmere catch has all been leading up to it. We are so excited!
I’m late to the party, but I’d recommend The Faithful and The Fallen by John Gwynne. Brutal, intense combat, awesome take on the chosen one trope. 11/10
It is not only on the list but check back for this months book haul coming up.
Great list so far, and I'm definitely interested in seeing how it changes over the next year+! I just found your channel today, but I'm glad do be a new subscriber along for the journey. As far as recommendations that may make the list for you: Malazan (obviously); Dandelion Dynasty; Dungeon Crawler Carl (best if you're in to video games at all, but very good even if you aren't); The Five Warrior Angels; Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn; The Faithful and the Fallen. And yes, your opinion will change after Words of Radiance (my personal favorite of the series), but it will also probably change after the next two as well. They're still very good, just not quite as good in my opinion.
Just finished listening to DCC on a road trip today and loved it! The others I def have plans for. Thanks and welcome!
Sir, you made a 29 min uncut youtube video, And it's one of the best booktube videos I have seen recently.
Thanks so much. That is very kind of you. Kinda made my day.
It’s a very nice top 10! I saw that my fellow Brigeburners already recommended Malazan and all I can say is: it is a masterpiece of Fantasy (and literature in general).
Greetings from Brazil (Brasil).
Thanks so much! All the Malazan love is really pushing me to start sooner than I was planning!
Todd here. I just discovered your channel very nice list! I read The Blade Itself, the ending made me giggle, I would like to read the other two in the trilogy. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones
Thanks so much I will be checking out your channel as well. Just subbed!
Happy New Year! I'm so happy to have stumbled onto your channel via this video tonight! Love how you talk about books and look forward to watching more of your videos! ❤
Thanks so much! Welcome to the channel So glad you enjoyed the list.
Also let me know when you begin your channel so I can check out your booktube content!
Will do@@Talking_Story. 🙂 Like you, John, I'm a huge fan of fantasy fiction. Of the books you mentioned in this video, I've read and loved the Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter series. Although I haven't yet read any of the other books you talked about, most of them have been on my TBRs and/or radar, so you've convinced me to read all of your favorite fantasy books ASAP. 😊📚
@@MoniquetheBookGeek nice! Let me know what you pick to start first.
@@Talking_Story Was surprised to see the ebook and audiobook of your #1 choice, Game of Thrones, available via my library today (there used to be a SUPER long wait list), so I borrowed both formats in hopes of immersion reading this and several other books within the next 21 days. 🤞 I've been on the fence about reading the G.R.R. Martin book series, with what I've heard/read about the show, but with what you said, John, you've convinced me to give the books a chance. 🙂
My personal favorite is all 10 books of first law. Both trilogies and the 4 standalones blew me away, it such a well built world. And absolutely devastating at times. Ps. The second trilogie is even better than the first 😊
Can’t wait to get to the second trilogy. Have to jump on stand alone pretty quick here. Thanks for checking out the list.
YES THANK YOU I'm so tired of people ragging on the second trilogy
Second Trilogy is better written, but the first trilogy has the better actual story and characters.
Similar to how Final Fantasy 9 has better storytelling, but Final Fantasy 7 ends up being the superior game despite that because the story and characters are better, if not better written
Wow, great list, we align quite a bit and I've been loving Sandman on audiobook so I completely see why it's made the list.
Thanks Bryce! I cannot wait to see the end of your top list.
Bryce! It’s a COMIC! 😳 A huge part of the experience is the art! Use your eyeballs man!
Very interesting list, many of these I have to get to big time! 2024 will be a busy year
For us both my brother. Buddy read next month!
Good list, if a bit on the safe side. What I liked was how you illustrated specifically why some of these series worked so well for you (eg, Sandman).
If you haven’t yet, I’d recommend taking a good look at Memory, Sorrow and Thorn by Tad Williams, some of Guy Gavriel Kay’s stand-alones: Song for Arbonne, Tigana, Lions of Al-Rassan, and MZ Bradley’s Mists of Avalon. Some of these neo-classics (of similar vintage to Feist) are truly remarkable.
I have a Song for Arbonne buddy read coming in February! I have only read Otherland by Williams I do have his others on my radar though. Thanks so much!
I read all of the Dresden Files in 2023, and First Law first trilogy. Totally different, but loved them. What a great list. Well done and with enthusiasm ✨ Happy 2024 to you and yours. Lynn
Big fan of Dresden too! Thanks so much for the kind words.
Awesome video, love your description of the books you talk about. New sub!
Thank you and welcome!
So happy to see that you’ve included Stephen King’s Dark Tower series. He is my favorite author and his writing is unsurpassable. Another author I love is Brian Lee Durfee with his 5 Warrior Angels trilogy.
Just did a buddy read of that and we discussed each book as we finished over on Red Fury books
It’s hard to whittle it down to just ten. Good list
Thanks brother!
The bright side to my reluctance read beyond stand-alones means I can keep Narnia and Dragonlance Chronicles on my top10 list for the time being, but I tremble that the time will come when they'll have to face all the skill sets of modern fantasy! Maybe they'll be safe on most "beloved" series as opposed to "best", but maybe not. Surely Middle Earth can't be budged from #1.
But I met and loved the Lies of Locke Lamora this year, and I'm many issues into Sandman, (Three Septembers and a January) I know how surreal and resonant and exciting and daring they can get. It's going to be hard to judge the clash of the titans - how does one tabulate such immensity?
It was sooo hard for me. But I was determined to get it up my first year on booktube so I could track my changes. Thanks so much for checking it out.
I gotta go with Malazan Book of the Fallen. Even though I'm only on book 8, it has dropped nuclear bombs on what I imagined was possible through fiction
Wow. I have book 1 waiting. This makes me wanna get to it ASAP!
@Talking_Story it's going to be notoriously difficult getting into at first because the author doesnt hold your hand. At all. Lol but he does it in a way thats so intriguing. Gets much better after the first book, which is still really great. But bro, it is fucking insane. Get through the first 3 and then decide if you want to continue or quit. Book three, Memories of Ice, is a literary masterpiece. It will rock your fucking world. Hard NOT to continue after that one lol
Thankfully, Malazan sticks the landing with TCG among the very best in the series
@@Existomalus I rarely DNF so I see no prob with sticking in for 3 books before I make a judgement call. Thanks!
@@MattVickers I am committed to this journey.
I looooove seeing Lies of Locke Lamora on this list!!!
Sooooo good!
Just discovered your channel, such an easy subscribe for me. Loved it!
Thanks a ton and welcome to the channel!
I love top 10 lists like this. You did a fab job. My top 10 would be different but who cares! because reading is so personal and subjective. There are pleny of books that get really high ranks but i DNF them and books I adore that other people think are not so good. Plus, I still have a long way to go in terms of reading enough fantasy- Im sorely lacking in the number of books I have managed to read .I'd say my only personal litmus test is whether LOTR gets love. If a booktuber does not appreciate Tolkien ( and it doesnt have to be their favorite- just respected) , I feel like we are probably too out of sync. anyway- loved your list
So well said. Art is entirely subjective there is not a right or wrong just appreciation. Your words have absolutely made my day.
I love your review so much. So enthusiastic❤
Thanks so much for checking out the list and the kind words!
The Sandman is great! I read via dramatized audiobook through Audibile and its like a movie... next in the series on my list. I also recommend the sleep podcast as well.
@@deeslifestyleloves awesome thanks!
Thank you. Subscribed.
@@bettinanielsen6336 welcome to the channel!
Wish he would keep the image of the book up the entire duration he is speaking on that book. I listen while driving and don't see image when I look down and idk, just think it would be better to always have a image up on the side .
I will pass that along to Jakob sure he can do that.
@@Talking_Story awesome, thanks
@@omochi196 you got it.
I can't agree more ASOIAF is truly amazing.
So true!
Great list John! I’m about 60% through Words of Radiance. Stormlight is very much knocking on the door of my number 1 fantasy series slot.
I am a bit over 300 pages in and all I can say is wow!
@@Talking_Story Man - “wow” shortly won’t cut it😆 Enjoy.
Great video. You really seem to love these books. Definitely subbing.
Awesome! Welcome to the channel.
@@Talking_Story Just curious are you on any other social media platforms?
@@PaxRomanaTH-cam we are on twitter. Check the about page for the link if you would like.
Blown away by this wonderfully, passionate review. Great to know there are others like me out there. I am just beginning my fantasy book journey and this has been a great help. So many recommendations noted and anticipated for 2024. Clicked the like button and subscribed. Will be back for more ... Best wishes from Lottie in England.
Wow your kind words have made the start to my 24 great! Welcome to the channel I am catching up on so many fantasy reads after starting this channel so we can compare notes. Let me know what titles you are reading in 24.
@@Talking_Story I was totally smitten with Katherine Arden's "Winternight Trilogy" - amazing characters and plot! Also read Mark Lawrence's "The Book That Wouldn't Burn" and am still thinking about it ...
@@lottiephillips7805 I will have to put those on my list thanks! I plan on starting Marc Lawrence’s trilogy book of the ancestors soon.
Although our lists are 100% different, I do appreciate these videos. My list would include Wheel of Time at the top followed by Memory, Sorrow and Thorn, Realm of the Elderlings, Dresden, Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings.
Mine very well also when I go forward with WoT and get to Hobb and someday Tad Williams. I am with you on Dresden I just put it on my Great horror series.
The Wheel of Time is pretty good...as long as you skip books 5-12.
@@zinc1024I would disagree - book 5 6 and 7 are amazing as was books 11. But I respect your opinion.
I would love to hear your thoughts on John Gwynne, author of The Faithful and the Fallen series and The Bloodsworn trilogy. He's my favorite fantasy author.
I will be reading him in 24. Looking forward to it!
Awesome. You're in for a good time.
This was my favorite series this year, even better than first law, mistborn, etc for me. I just couldn't put it down. Its just pure classic fantasy and I loved every page. So many late night with this series because I didn't want to leave the world I was in.
@@moresoysauce5489 Wow that is great vote for Gwynne. I hope to try him out in 24.
What a list! Only recognized a few authors, but now I want to add these books to my 2024 TBR! I really want to get into fantasy this coming year. My first go at it has been the Harry Potter series and I’m currently on the 5th book.
Harry Potter has such a special place in my heart. Keep me updated. There are some twists and turns coming your way. Enjoy!
hey man! amazing videos! new fan for sure, Can we please please please have a spoiler review or deep discussion video on Warlord Chronicles?
thanks so much!
I will be doing of my top 10 favorite moments of that trilogy soon so thoughts and spoilers galore will be coming!
I didn't know some of the authors in the top 10. Thank you for the clarification and review.
Thank you for checking out the list!
Really good video, thank you!
Thank you for checking it out!
Thanks. Your top 5 matches my top 5 exactly (so far).
Awesome!
It looks like this video has blown up, congrats my man! Also a great list as well. Some series' I enjoy, and some that I haven't read yet. To be honest with you, I'm nervous to make a video about this subject. Not only am I not sure where I would start, I don't know if I've read enough series' to justify a list. Also my favorite fantasy of all time is a stand alone!! AGH!
I'm also glad to see The Sandman on the list. It may be a comic, but it is just as worthy as being called a fantasy epic as Lord of The Rings or A Song of Ice and Fire is.
Keep it up my man!
Thanks Britton. I will admit such a hard list to make. I feel I have not read enough either but wanted my list to go up so I could track how it changes.
Yassssssssss love me a top-10 series vid, and I have plenty of overlaps in my own favs! Right there with you on First Law, Warlord Chronicles (def reads like fantasy!), Stormlight, and ASoIaF! Gentlemen Bastards has been a bit up and down for me but I’m pretty into it at this point too.
I love getting hyped for things I haven’t tried yet like Last War, Dark Tower, and the Empire Trilogy!
I am looking forward to Arbonne with you in February!
@@Talking_Story indeed!
Helluva list! Loved the inclusion of Sandman. Great comic.
Love it!
I have a few big names that I wish where on there for one the Green Bone Saga by Fonda Lee is fantastic, and Berserk by Kentaro Miura & One Piece should've at least been in the honorable mentions if it was my list, but I'm guessing you haven't read those two. Also Discworld by Terry Pratchett, The Realm of the Elderlings by Robin Hobb, and many more. It's your list though so I respect your opinion and I thought the video was well made.
@@Lilo_D._Boom all great suggestions I hope to get to all of them soon. The only 1 on your list that I have started is One Piece. I have only read the first 3 volumes. I’m sure this list will be changing a lot as I go forward. Thanks so much for checking out the list and sharing your suggestions.
@@Talking_Story Makes sense that you have not included One Piece after only three volumes as the beginning is probably the weakest part, but it's absolutely worth sticking around because it gets incredible with some amazing characters, worldbuilding, and iconic moments.
@@Lilo_D._Boom I definitely plan on going back!
Awesome list. I am so glad I found your channel ❤
Thanks so much! Welcome.
Solid list! I agree 110%, Sandman absolutely belongs on there. I may have to redo my list. 🤔😆 Speaking of redoing your list, get ready to, once you read Malazan. 😜
I am sure the list will get blown up time and time again. 😂
@@Talking_Story That’s what it’s there for! 😜
@@MattonBooks Absolutely!!
Great list, read many of these. Just a little sad Malazan Book of The Fallen doesn't make a lot of theses lists. Check it out if you haven't, but remember, a huge time sink and a lot of mental effort invested (I went through it 3 times, probably a year of my life, but worth it).
@@TerminalGuitar I am starting my Malazan journey early in 25. Fully expect it to crash this list.
I've read many of the books on this list, though I'm only part of the way through a couple of them. As much as I love the Kingkiller Chronicles, I can't add it to any all-time fave lists because I'm not confident that it'll ever be finished. Same with ASOIAF (though I don't like it anywhere near as much as Kingkiller Chronicles). Malazan Book of the Fallen, to me, is the absolute king of fantasy series. I love that the co-creators of the world keep adding to it world through other side series. The fact that the Book of the Fallen is complete -- that alone puts it miles ahead of even Tolkien, since he could never actually finish what he started. I genuinely have difficulty reading other fantasy authors now.
@@alanrussette2819 I am picking up Gardens of the Moon in February if not before and I can’t wait to dig in.
Seen a lot of rumblings about The Lost War recently! Definitely has caught my attention 👀
Yesss!!! Lies is wonderful. The non linear storytelling in the first installment is one of my favorite aspects :)
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on Words of Radiance! It’s the best book in Stormlight so far in my opinion.
Words of Radiance was my read of the year in 23. Totally agree with about the non linear nature of Locke Lamora. I also love the Dickensian elements.
@@Talking_Story oh I haven’t gotten to that video yet!! But you have taste sir 🤌🏼
I never made the Dickens connection but now it makes me want to re-read it 👀
@@MaedBetweenthePages orphans raised by theif made me think of the Oliver Twist.
Ahhh gotcha! @@Talking_Story
‘The 2nd apocalypse’ by R. Scott Bakker.
I will die on this hill this series is a masterpiece; anyone who hasn’t read this and likes dark fantasy I couldn’t recommend enough, you don’t know what your missing 🤯🤯
This is only behind Malazan for me and that’s with reading 90% of fantasy series by far the most under-appreciated set of books in fantasy.
I have both of those on my list. The Bakker is a trilogy right?
Prince of nothing is a trilogy and then Aspect emperor is 4 books. Yes it’s very dark and there’s a lot of sexual violence, however the writing is amazing and the story is like nothing you have ever read. I finished the series over a year ago and still can’t stop thinking about it.
@@kierenvarney2159 got it thanks. I try look forward to this 1.
I keep an eye out for top 10 lists so I can get reading ideas for my TBR, lol. I need to add the Shackle & Cromwell series looks like, lol. Here is my top 10:
10. The Deed of Paksenarrion by Elizabeth Moon
9. The Band by Nicolaus Eames
8. Powder Mage universe by Brian McClellen
7. Belgariad universe by David Eddings
6. Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss
5. Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson
4. Drenai Saga by David Gemmell
3. First Law universe by Joe Abercrombie
2. Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson
1. Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan/Brandon Sanderson
WoT has been my #1 series since I started reading it back in 1997. Doubt anything will knock it out of the top spot. SA might if book 5 & the second set are as good as the first 4 but that's a long way off. KC might also have a shot if Rothfuss ever finishes it and it's as good as NotW (not going to hold my breath or anything).
Thanks so much for checking out the list. I will be starting the Belgariad soon and I have books 1 in Malazan and Drenai waiting for me as well. So I look forward to checking out your choices and changing up my list as time goes by. Thanks agree for sharing!
Great list. I feel like my list would just be constantly changing based on my mood on the day. Haha
Yes! Mine would be different on different days for sure. Thanks!
We gotta get you into Malazan!
I have bought book 1 and I wanna did it. Just wanna catch up with Cosmere before I start another massive series.
That's a great list, John. Got a few favourites of mine on there. Always fun to see what will and won't change in the years to come.
Mine would be:
Honourable Mentions:
Broken Empire / Mark Lawrence
Greatcoats / Sebastien De Castell
Lord of the Rings / Tolkien
The Burning / Evan Winter
Predictions:
(Series I've started but am not caught up yet, that could make the 10)
Books of Babel / Josiah Bancroft
Dandelion Dynasty / Ken Liu
Discworld City Watch / Terry Pratchett
Earthsea / Ursula K LeGuin
Kingkiller Chronicle / Patrick Rothfuss
Shadows of the Apt / Adrian Tchaikovsky
The rest of Realm of the Elderlings / Robin Hobb
Wars of Light & Shadow / Janny Wurts
Series 10 - 4:
The Witcher Saga / Andrzej Sapkowski
Sarantine Mosaic / Guy Gavriel Kay
Red Queen's War / Mark Lawrence
Gentleman Bastard / Scott Lynch
Farseer / Robin Hobb
Dresden Files / Jim Butcher
Long Price Quartet / Daniel Abraham
First Law / Joe Abercrombie
The Top 3
(Order Really Doesn't Matter)
A Song of Ice & Fire / GRRM
Malazan Book of the Fallen / Steven Erikson
Second Apocalypse / R Scott Bakker
So many I need to get to including 2 of your top 3. I so look forward to changing this list as time goes by. Thanks for all the great recommendations!
@@Talking_Story I don't recommend Second Apocalypse as readily as I would most of the others on my list but for me the journey was more than worth it.
@@thatsci-firogue ok why not?
@@Talking_Story unrelenting bleakness
@@thatsci-firogue I can dig that kinda thing.
Love your list almost the same as mine. Sandman yes,dark tower yes(drawing of three wizard and glass) and game of thrones is always #1 god you explained the appeal of game of thrones so well !!!!
Thanks so much. Great minds I guess 😀
Great list! Most of them are also my favorites. What I think is missing is the Realm of the Elderlings, Robin Hobb. To me she is the best fantasy writer so far.
Have not read her yet but she is for sure on the list coming up. Just want to catch up with the Cosmere before I start another major series.
Absolutely 💯
@@strawberryorange3755 I have changed my mind on this. I have been told to treat the series like trilogies with breaks between so I am getting into the first series coming by up pretty quick.
Great list! Looking forward to more videos!
Thanks so much!
I will be checking out your channel as well. Just subbed.
I appreciate that!@@Talking_Story
I’m two books deep into WOT but I still might put it on the list, although I haven’t read 10 fantasy series lol
Also A Song of Ice and Fire is peak fiction, best fantasy series I’ve read bar none
Think I am 5 or 6 books in. I will pick it up again in 24. If you keep going we will have to compare thoughts.
@@Talking_Story bet on that
Great list, happy to see some of my faves
Awesome! Thanks!
Great list! My top three are the same as yours, though the rest differs somewhat.
Great minds think alike on the top 3. I love it!
Mad respect for committing to making the list (even if you cheated with all the honourable mentions, haha). I am curious to see how the finale to The Last War is going to affect its ranking, hopefully you won't regret this choice within a month's time 🤣
Heeeeck yes for the Gentleman Bastard and Kingkiller love, just goes to show that a good series doesn't need to have an ending to make an immense impact on a reader. And I can't believe I still haven't read Sandman, because I consider Gaiman one of my favourite authors!
Loved seeing your picks, and I can't wait to see how this list is going to change over the years. Here's to finding many more faves! 🤩
I think you will adore Sandman when you get to it! Thanks for all the kind words and support you have shown us. Means the world to me and Jakob.
@@Talking_Story I'll trust your word on that! And the pleasure has honestly been all mine, I can't thank you both enough for all the joy you've brought me with your videos!! ☺
Ohhhh yes Esmay! Read Sandman. It’s sooo good. 😍
@@MattonBooks I mean, it's not like I needed to get any more excited... but here we are! Thanks Matt, I will make sure to get to this in 2024, top priority!
If I did this, I’d probably have just as many honorable mentions…
It was sooo hard😂
Ah to be on this list, a dream come true
I must get around to reading the Dark Tower series again and Stormlight Archive is definitely on my radar for 2024...especially since book five comes out in December. I want to be caught so I can experience the anticipation along with everyone else!
That is my goal as well to be caught up in time.
Im devastated you dont have any Tad Williams on the list. Give him a try!
@@leslielovesreading5665 I have the first book on the stack and hope to get to it soon. I have read his Bobby Dollar and Otherworld series.
@@Talking_Story good to hear!
Have you ever read The Sword of Truth series by Terrry Goodkind? The first book is Wizards First Rule. Very good read. 13 books to chomp into.
That is a series I have picked up in the store many times but have yet to take the plunge. Thanks for the recommendation. I will make sure it is on the list.
With everything you said about LotR and ASoIaF, I can’t help but feel that Wheel of Time will be in your top 3 by this time next year. To me, WoT is a more fleshed out LotR that isn’t afraid to do things its own way. Robert Jordan is a master craftsman with story and character (though sadly not with romantic relationships), and Sanderson ends it all with a bombastic symphony like he does so often. I’ve read the entire series twice and I suspect I’ll keep coming back every couple years or so. Just push through the slog, and by the end you’ll be wanting to jump right back in and discover all the sprinkled in Easter eggs and foreshadowings.
I would not doubt you at all. I am picking it up this coming year. My break has been long enough!
John? When’s the masterclass in blurbing books coming?
😂I have never blurbed. I would be way too long winded.
@@Talking_Story maybe i used the wrong word. im just really in awe/jealous of your ability to describe why you love a book.
if i don't like a book i can tell you exactly why. when i love a book, my brain malfunctions and i don't know what to say :)
@@valliyarnl we are hardest on ourselves. I think you and your book descriptions are awesome. Loved the video Irish authors while you are in Ireland. Took me right to 1 of the best trips of my life.
Entertaining to see booktubers lists. I never see the older fantasy I grew up with on anyone's list though, with exception of Lord of the Rings. Most people's lists are fantasy that came out in the last 25 years or so. No one ever mentions the Belgariad/Mallorean, Discworld, Wheel of Time, Magic of Recluse, or the Shannara books. But most of those came out in the 70s/80s/90s. But even some more popular fantasy aren't on any lists either. Like Harry Potter. I've only seen a couple booktubers mention them but they are great fantasy. Especially the last 4 or 5 books. I guess the mainstream stuff is not as cool as it used to be. But never have I seen the world grind to a halt and hold its breath for a book like it did for the final Harry Potter book. Holy crap I don't think a fantasy book will ever be that popular again. Not even if Winds of Winter was coming out.
I agree Harry Potter is great and I don’t think we will see that again. I am in the middle of the Belgariad now. I do see WoT on a lot of lists and I am about halfway through it. My fav from 80s to 90s would Riftwar by Feist. Have you checked that out?
I bought The Lies of Locke Lamora because it was on this list, let's see how we go!
@@ReneeSky people are divided on it. I love it. I so hope it hits for you. You gotta let me know. If you are cool with the back and forth in time you should be great.
@@Talking_Story I will report in, it is my holiday read for the next four days so hopefully will sink right into it!
@@ReneeSky I hope so
The dark tower book sounds interesting. I think they made a movie about it, but thankfully i didnt' see it
@@Ascendsean35 yes that 1 unfortunately IMO is not worth seeking out.
I really enjoy sanctuary by robert j crane. Its fun to watch the main character enter the guild sanctuary. He grows gains new comrades loses old ones. Every triumph is shadowed by the dark opening, and each book brings us closer to it and then beyond. Its humurous its magic races and gods are well balanced.
Adding that to my list right now.
Atleast tolkein wrote an ending for lord of the rings. Dream of spring is just a dream at this point.
Winds of Winter is in that same dream land. Wish it were different.
@@Talking_Story with that being said great video! Haha enjoyed the list … I’m getting back into reading fantasy series
Loved
Lotr my fav
Song of ice and fire
Mistborn
Inheritance
To be read
Malazan
Wheel of time
Stormlight
First law
Rob hobb/john Gwynn series
Of these what would you recommend starting with or are there any others you would recommend ?
@@shawn4white I would say First Law. So good. Classic fantasy feel with genius modern character arcs. Get into the first trilogy at least. A lot of your others are on my list as well. Maybe we can get through some together.
@@Talking_Story haha yeah and share how we felt about them! I’m just starting way of kings rn but I’ll start first law next! I have it I just haven’t started reading it
@@shawn4white I have Oathbringer set up for this month. I think you will truly enjoy Stormlight.
check our the empire series by feist and wurst. similar to asoiaf in that there is alot of house/family conflicts
@@Suitofboots I love that trilogy and it has lead me to get into a lot more Wurts coming up.
The Last War is AWESOME! As is First Law, The Warlord Chronicles, Sandman, LotR and A Song of Ice and Fire!
Will you and me my friend. Great minds think alike!
I am starting Papa Gwynne’s Bloodsworn this year and fully expect it crash this list!
Stormlight, Kingkiller, Mistborn, LOTR, Song of Ice and Fire, Wheel of Time where what I expected in positions respectively spots 6-1.
@@rhueoflandorin as I read more maybe I can surprise you with some updates.
Stromlight Archive is my all-time favorite. especially the first three books. Words of Radiance may be the most perfact book ever.
Check out my weekly update that went up today for some thoughts on WoR. I can’t disagree with you. Sooooo good!
i love this video so much and LOTR is also my top book of 2023
Thanks so much!
You should not be forgetting about Six of Crows duology.
@@pavandhabekar9912 I need to read that 1! Is it your number 1 fav?
I would have a similar list with Malazan as a clear #1 - you should try it
@@37stu I have it scheduled to begin next year. Looking forward to it!
If you find time and can read Berserk it will deff be up in your top 5
Have never done any manga. I should definitely try some out.