I hate that newcomers to classic fantasy can’t experience how great and unique Lord of the Rings was when I read it 50 years ago. We are all spoiled now with so many great authors that have such awesome world-building. Most of that evolved from Tolkien. I hear other content creators kinda pan LOTR because they can only compare it to modern epic fantasy. So glad I got to experience the evolution of fantasy stories over the last 5 decades.
me too , Lord of the rings is phenomenal, in it's time like nothing else but even today the world building is second to none and the whole epic story is so emotional and amazing
yeah, i wish I could have experienced it with the context of when it was written. I read it in middle school in the 90s, and it was kinda cheesy back then compared to the Wheel of Time I was reading. but I know it's just because I had too much future knowledge to properly enjoy it in its prime.
I also had that pleasure. So many fantasy authors copies the Lord of the Rings, that people think that Lord of the Rings contains clichés (when it is the more recent works that are the clichés, and was Tolkien the original). I still have not read a better book that The Lord of the Rings [since I read it in 1973). Many modern fantasy authors write poorly, use modern idioms (that are jarring in a fantasy world), and are not original. Terry Brooks Sword of Shannara is a good example of a Tolkien rip off (in fact Del Rey Books said it was so much like Lord of the Rings that they made Brooks change things to avoid a lawsuit). Per the internet: "Del Rey Books, the publisher of "The Sword of Shannara" by Terry Brooks, reportedly pressured Brooks to make significant changes to his manuscript because they believed it was too similar to "The Lord of the Rings" and risked a potential lawsuit due to copyright infringement concerns; essentially asking him to distance the story from Tolkien's work to avoid legal trouble. " Also, "Robert Jordan had to alter the start of The Wheel of Time to be like Lord of the Rings just because that's what publishers thought would sell. I think the same thing may have happened to Brooks, although perhaps he did his a bit more blatantly."
You have to check out “Red Code” by Keezano! This book dives into the dynamics between men and women, offering insights on charisma and leading a joyful life. It’s been a total game-changer for me, and I just know you’ll love it too! A must-read for sure!
1. Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien 2. A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin 3. Conan The Barbarian series by Robert E. Howard 4. Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser series by Fritz Lieber 5. The Earthsea series by Ursula LeGuin 6. One and Future King tetralogy by T. H. White 7. Chronicles of the Deryni by Katherine Kurtz 8. The Mabinogion Tetralogy by Evangeline Walton 9. Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander 10. Riddle-Master Trilogy by Patricia McKillip 11. John Carter of Mars series by Edgar Rice Burroughs
Just finished the Discworld cycle in their publication order. I would say that is the best way to experience these books even though it could be read by main protagonist cycles.
Raymond Feist’s Magician was my gateway to Fantasy, which had a little bit of everything that matched my tastes: magic, dragons, romance, suspense, dark elves, etc. But also a bit of Sci Fi: historical fiction meets fantasy meets science fiction. It’s like Lord of the Rings with dragons meets Stargate. I don’t know how this series would read today, but I’m will to reread. Saving this video to check out the rest of your list.
Love this channel! You are one of my favorite book tuber!! I appreciate all of your hard work it shows you love what you do. i agree with your assessment of classic fantasy also what others have mentioned.
Thanks for all this information! Although I have spent most of my time reading fantasy lit (which is admittedly limited) in the classic category, there were several of these I hadn't heard of! So I learned something today. 😊 Plus these classics, in my humble opinion, need to be talked about more anyway. Well done!
I need to reread Watership Down, but I remember it as quite dark, possibly more so if reread now. It’s a rabbit fantasy that should strike deep with us because of how our behaviors directly negatively impact another species without the buffer of an “alien” population or different planet or timeline to separate the reader from personal responsibility. It’s not just a rabbit character stand -in for humans.
The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant are by far my favorite fantasy of all time. Its a difficult read though, Covenant is not in a good place mentally, makes many mistakes, and its difficult to be in his head for long periods of time. Worth it if can get past it.
Thank you so much for this list! I've just finished reading The Last Unicorn for the first time and I loved it, the rhymes, the writing, everything! I will probably reread The Hobbit and LOTR at some point. Love your videos! xx
I've read embarrassingly few of these. In the past I have indeed been scared away from reading Thomas Covenant because of how dark it supposedly gets, but the premise sounds absolutely amazing so I think I'll end up giving it a try in the future!
I read the trilogy in the 1980s when I was in college. I don't recall thinking it was particularly dark. The main character is dealing with a serious illness and the depression that comes with it, but, if I recall correctly, he does deal with it.
Thank you for the video, I will definitely read some of those books. Btw you mostly talk about book of english-speaking authors, do you also read some other authors or do you prefer original language? Maybe the witcher-saga from Adrzej Sapkowski or the dwarf saga from Markus Heitz would be interesting for you too
Lewis Carroll's mentor was George MacDonald who wrote fantasies like Phantastes, The Light Princess, The Princess and the Goblin, and Lilith. He also had a big influence on C.S. Lewis. Not well known now, but MacDonald was the grandfather of modern fantasy.
What an awesome list! Definitely adding some to the TBR. Maybe I’ll use it to do a classic fantasy video?m 👀 (when I’m not as burnt out on fantasy). Great work 💞💞
For me it would be Chronicles of Narnia, the Discworld series and something you did not mention but I found wonderful was the Belgariad trilogy by David Eddings. True epic fantasy in my opinion
The Wizard of Oz is an often overlooked classic series. ER Eddison is a challenging clssic author to read. The Belgariad should have been on the list. Many people started with that one. That top 50 had a couple scifi series that did not fit - Ender's and Foundation.
19:25 fair share of criticisms because the author had religious beliefs that came out in his books? Does every book get that same type of critical mention when it also writes about the authors ideology?
I don't want to scare you away, but trust me, the Earthsea books are not what you're expecting. The first book is that, mostly, but you will be shocked how different all the books are. I didn't finish them, I read them up to Tehanu which I hated and made me drop the series.
@@FunFantasyBooks Well, like you said the first book is a coming to age story and it's really good. But the later books have Sparrowhawk (the protagonist of the 1st book) as a side character, while technically it's still about his journey. It's really weird, at least I never saw a storytelling like that before. Also don't expect huge magical scenes. Magic in this book is more of a backstory than a tool that the characters use. And like I said the books have different themes. You can say the first 3 books are coming to age stories with different messages and main characters. Also some books are more about an adventure, while some take place at a single location. I really can't say anything more without spoiling anything, but I can't wait to hear your opinion about the different books, if you're gonna make video about it.
@@FunFantasyBooks I haven't read that one yet but The Last Unicorn and it is amazing, so I imagine that I'm Afraid You've got Dragons will be good as well.
I wis more read the Elric series by Michael Moorcock! I havent read the entire series yet but I really like it! It isnt the best thing I have read but it influenced alot of authors.
Wonderfull video! I don't think the mencion to religion in Chornicles of Narnia are too much! Spirituality is such a big part of human life that is only natural that a artist express their belive through their work! Lewis's allegories are beautifiul, and enrich the story, regardless of the belief of the reader
Thank you!! I guess it is a very subjective point depending of how spiritual each person is - when I read it as a kid I did not even realize the allegories!
Shannara is a great old-school fantasy series. It kind of became repetitive in later volumes, but the first dozen or so books in the series are great reads. The tv series didn't do it justice. The show felt more modern and less like fantasy. It seems they were leaning towards the feel of the prequel books which were set in our world.
I tried the first Shanarra book several years ago, but only made it through the first few chapters. I was a little hesitant as the story started, not sure if I liked his writing or not. But then I came across the most Deus Ex Machina BS I think I've ever read and that was the end for me. I have not picked it up since and have no desire to try again. I still feel insulted by it some 15 years later, haha.
Some people shoot it down for that one reason. But most I've seen that don't care for it is because Covenant himself isn't a pleasant person to be in the head of for a long time. It's why the 2nd series is regarded better, with is deuteragonist to take some of the pressure off.
Really nice list. Cool to see Thomas Covenant get a shoutout - that book gets an undeservedly bad rep because of one particularly ugly choice. Have you seen Brian Lee Durfee's review of Redwall? You should check it out. It's worth the watch even if you've never read the book. You should check out Hope Mirrlees' Lud-In-The-Mist at some point! If I made a list like this, that book would be right at the top. It's an incredible tale and right up your alley.
I had the older cover of your lord of the ring where you buy your I love the cover with the good edge lord of the rings is a sl time classic and influenced to many
You have to be careful wading through the fantasy backlist and ask a few critical questions. Are female characters a) strong but killed or assaulted to start the story or b) Only there to pant heavily in a metal bikini? If so ditch the male fantasy and try James Tiptree Jr, Ursula K LeGuin or Anne McCaffrey. Meredith Ann Pierce was a childhood fave of mine too, but I haven't read Firebringer in 20 years. Still good?
Says who? How did you gather the information you base your assertions on. Did you commission a broad spectrum survey. Or as is more likely, this is just your opinion which is probably very different than mine or that of thousands of other avid readers.
@@davidsmithy123 Because it's not consistent, christianity is basically a religion supercut, made from mostly greek and norse myths, but it contains celtic traditions and gods know whatsoever.
@@Delenai hahahaha Norse gods? Thats a new one. Anyways - The Torah, Bible and Quaran is basically the same book thats been edited 3 times beginning with the OG Torah. At least its original
@@Delenai Norse gods.Thats a new one! Dont remember Thor being in the Bible. Lets just hope you are correct with which magical book you believe. Otherwise you will join me and all the others atheists in hell!
I hate that newcomers to classic fantasy can’t experience how great and unique Lord of the Rings was when I read it 50 years ago. We are all spoiled now with so many great authors that have such awesome world-building. Most of that evolved from Tolkien. I hear other content creators kinda pan LOTR because they can only compare it to modern epic fantasy. So glad I got to experience the evolution of fantasy stories over the last 5 decades.
That's pretty cool 😎
Hahah I agree with the comment! It is pretty cool you could have that experience!
me too , Lord of the rings is phenomenal, in it's time like nothing else but even today the world building is second to none and the whole epic story is so emotional and amazing
yeah, i wish I could have experienced it with the context of when it was written. I read it in middle school in the 90s, and it was kinda cheesy back then compared to the Wheel of Time I was reading. but I know it's just because I had too much future knowledge to properly enjoy it in its prime.
I also had that pleasure. So many fantasy authors copies the Lord of the Rings, that people think that Lord of the Rings contains clichés (when it is the more recent works that are the clichés, and was Tolkien the original). I still have not read a better book that The Lord of the Rings [since I read it in 1973). Many modern fantasy authors write poorly, use modern idioms (that are jarring in a fantasy world), and are not original. Terry Brooks Sword of Shannara is a good example of a Tolkien rip off (in fact Del Rey Books said it was so much like Lord of the Rings that they made Brooks change things to avoid a lawsuit). Per the internet: "Del Rey Books, the publisher of "The Sword of Shannara" by Terry Brooks, reportedly pressured Brooks to make significant changes to his manuscript because they believed it was too similar to "The Lord of the Rings" and risked a potential lawsuit due to copyright infringement concerns; essentially asking him to distance the story from Tolkien's work to avoid legal trouble. " Also, "Robert Jordan had to alter the start of The Wheel of Time to be like Lord of the Rings just because that's what publishers thought would sell. I think the same thing may have happened to Brooks, although perhaps he did his a bit more blatantly."
You have to check out “Red Code” by Keezano! This book dives into the dynamics between men and women, offering insights on charisma and leading a joyful life. It’s been a total game-changer for me, and I just know you’ll love it too! A must-read for sure!
yesss, amazing book
❤❤❤
One of my favorite series from my childhood was the Dragon Riders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey.
1. Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
2. A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin
3. Conan The Barbarian series by Robert E. Howard
4. Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser series by Fritz Lieber
5. The Earthsea series by Ursula LeGuin
6. One and Future King tetralogy by T. H. White
7. Chronicles of the Deryni by Katherine Kurtz
8. The Mabinogion Tetralogy by Evangeline Walton
9. Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander
10. Riddle-Master Trilogy by Patricia McKillip
11. John Carter of Mars series by Edgar Rice Burroughs
Just finished the Discworld cycle in their publication order. I would say that is the best way to experience these books even though it could be read by main protagonist cycles.
I hope you enjoyed Discworld! I can’t wait to keep reading!
Raymond Feist’s Magician was my gateway to Fantasy, which had a little bit of everything that matched my tastes: magic, dragons, romance, suspense, dark elves, etc. But also a bit of Sci Fi: historical fiction meets fantasy meets science fiction. It’s like Lord of the Rings with dragons meets Stargate.
I don’t know how this series would read today, but I’m will to reread.
Saving this video to check out the rest of your list.
Love this channel! You are one of my favorite book tuber!! I appreciate all of your hard work it shows you love what you do. i agree with your assessment of classic fantasy also what others have mentioned.
My TBR always grows when I watch your videos, Isa! Great video!!!
I love your approach on this! (And your intro is fantastic!)
Great list and analysis. I find myself constantly altering my reading list from your videos. Thanks!!
I fell in love with Terry Pratchett's writing at the end of last year. What an amazing mind 😊
Thanks for all this information! Although I have spent most of my time reading fantasy lit (which is admittedly limited) in the classic category, there were several of these I hadn't heard of! So I learned something today. 😊 Plus these classics, in my humble opinion, need to be talked about more anyway. Well done!
I need to reread Watership Down, but I remember it as quite dark, possibly more so if reread now. It’s a rabbit fantasy that should strike deep with us because of how our behaviors directly negatively impact another species without the buffer of an “alien” population or different planet or timeline to separate the reader from personal responsibility. It’s not just a rabbit character stand -in for humans.
The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant are by far my favorite fantasy of all time. Its a difficult read though, Covenant is not in a good place mentally, makes many mistakes, and its difficult to be in his head for long periods of time. Worth it if can get past it.
Alice in Wonderland was published in 1865, not 1965.
Thank you so much, I clearly don’t know how to read numbers!
Piers Anthony's Xanth series is one I don't hear people talk about, full of puns and humor
Ahh thanks for the recommendation!!
I remember reading this way back when I was in high school, just starting on sci fi/ fantasy. Always wanted to reread it as an adult
Fond memories of A Wrinkle in Time Read it 1968.
I really would like to read it!
I read five of The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant series, while not a bad story Covenant personality wore on me causing me to give up on the series.
He definitely sounds like a really dark and hard person!
@@FunFantasyBooks It's more his defeatist woe is me attitude.
@@bobkeane7966exactly- I just found them disturbing
Thank you so much for this list! I've just finished reading The Last Unicorn for the first time and I loved it, the rhymes, the writing, everything! I will probably reread The Hobbit and LOTR at some point. Love your videos! xx
I've read embarrassingly few of these. In the past I have indeed been scared away from reading Thomas Covenant because of how dark it supposedly gets, but the premise sounds absolutely amazing so I think I'll end up giving it a try in the future!
Hahaha likewise! I haven’t read as many of these as I would like! Not sure though if Covenant is for me haha
I read the trilogy in the 1980s when I was in college. I don't recall thinking it was particularly dark. The main character is dealing with a serious illness and the depression that comes with it, but, if I recall correctly, he does deal with it.
I was hoping to see Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser series by Fritz Leiber and The Gormenghast Trilogy by Mervyn Peake
Thank you for the video, I will definitely read some of those books.
Btw you mostly talk about book of english-speaking authors, do you also read some other authors or do you prefer original language?
Maybe the witcher-saga from Adrzej Sapkowski or the dwarf saga from Markus Heitz would be interesting for you too
Lewis Carroll's mentor was George MacDonald who wrote fantasies like Phantastes, The Light Princess, The Princess and the Goblin, and Lilith. He also had a big influence on C.S. Lewis. Not well known now, but MacDonald was the grandfather of modern fantasy.
I adore McDonald, The Princess and the Goblin is a gem!
Ahh I didn’t know this! Thank you so much for letting me know! I’ll check him out!
@@FunFantasyBooks the princess and the goblin is fantastic and the princess and \curdie . I was obsessed with them as a child
The Redwall series is one of my favorites although I haven't read them all yet. But each one I have read is a keeper.
I can’t wait to read it! Thanks for recommending it!
What an awesome list! Definitely adding some to the TBR. Maybe I’ll use it to do a classic fantasy video?m 👀 (when I’m not as burnt out on fantasy).
Great work 💞💞
Do it!!! I’ll love that!
I enjoy reading John Norman's The Gor series. First book came out in the late 60's. And I think he is still writing it.
Thank you so much for sharing!!
For me it would be Chronicles of Narnia, the Discworld series and something you did not mention but I found wonderful was the Belgariad trilogy by David Eddings. True epic fantasy in my opinion
The Wizard of Oz is an often overlooked classic series. ER Eddison is a challenging clssic author to read. The Belgariad should have been on the list. Many people started with that one.
That top 50 had a couple scifi series that did not fit - Ender's and Foundation.
Agreed with Ender & Foundation! I loved the Wizard of Oz!
The Complete Guide to Middle-earth by Robert Foster is a great resource to have on hand while reading Tolkien's books.
Yes! So I’ve heard! Sounds really useful!
I think it's also worth adding Jack Vance's Lyonesse trilogy as well as Andre Norton's rather forgotten Witch World series.
Thank you so much for recommending!
19:25 fair share of criticisms because the author had religious beliefs that came out in his books? Does every book get that same type of critical mention when it also writes about the authors ideology?
The Once and Future King began my obsession with all things King Arthur
I don't want to scare you away, but trust me, the Earthsea books are not what you're expecting. The first book is that, mostly, but you will be shocked how different all the books are. I didn't finish them, I read them up to Tehanu which I hated and made me drop the series.
Oh no! Why is that?? I really want to read Earthsea!
@@FunFantasyBooks Well, like you said the first book is a coming to age story and it's really good. But the later books have Sparrowhawk (the protagonist of the 1st book) as a side character, while technically it's still about his journey. It's really weird, at least I never saw a storytelling like that before. Also don't expect huge magical scenes. Magic in this book is more of a backstory than a tool that the characters use.
And like I said the books have different themes. You can say the first 3 books are coming to age stories with different messages and main characters. Also some books are more about an adventure, while some take place at a single location.
I really can't say anything more without spoiling anything, but I can't wait to hear your opinion about the different books, if you're gonna make video about it.
The Last Unicorn is one of my favorite books that I have re-read so many times.
Ohh! I need to read it! Have you read I’m afraid you’ve got dragons already?
@@FunFantasyBooks I haven't read that one yet but The Last Unicorn and it is amazing, so I imagine that I'm Afraid You've got Dragons will be good as well.
I wis more read the Elric series by Michael Moorcock! I havent read the entire series yet but I really like it! It isnt the best thing I have read but it influenced alot of authors.
Wonderfull video! I don't think the mencion to religion in Chornicles of Narnia are too much! Spirituality is such a big part of human life that is only natural that a artist express their belive through their work! Lewis's allegories are beautifiul, and enrich the story, regardless of the belief of the reader
Thank you!! I guess it is a very subjective point depending of how spiritual each person is - when I read it as a kid I did not even realize the allegories!
The absence of The Chronicles of Amber is feeling almost painful.
The fact that you recommend it helps others! Thank you!
Shannara is a great old-school fantasy series. It kind of became repetitive in later volumes, but the first dozen or so books in the series are great reads. The tv series didn't do it justice. The show felt more modern and less like fantasy. It seems they were leaning towards the feel of the prequel books which were set in our world.
Just read the first book and watched the TV series and must say that the series did not make it justice!
I think you will like Earthsea Cycle.
I tried the first Shanarra book several years ago, but only made it through the first few chapters. I was a little hesitant as the story started, not sure if I liked his writing or not. But then I came across the most Deus Ex Machina BS I think I've ever read and that was the end for me. I have not picked it up since and have no desire to try again. I still feel insulted by it some 15 years later, haha.
The chronicles of Thomas Covenant is great. It's too bad that everyone shoots it down over one little paragraph that happens in the first book 😂
Thanks for recommending it! It definitely sounds like a great premise, albeit a dark one!
Some people shoot it down for that one reason. But most I've seen that don't care for it is because Covenant himself isn't a pleasant person to be in the head of for a long time. It's why the 2nd series is regarded better, with is deuteragonist to take some of the pressure off.
Classics... before the 90s... naci en el 88 T_T
Really nice list. Cool to see Thomas Covenant get a shoutout - that book gets an undeservedly bad rep because of one particularly ugly choice.
Have you seen Brian Lee Durfee's review of Redwall? You should check it out. It's worth the watch even if you've never read the book.
You should check out Hope Mirrlees' Lud-In-The-Mist at some point! If I made a list like this, that book would be right at the top. It's an incredible tale and right up your alley.
Thank you so much! I will have a look at both the review and the books!
I had the older cover of your lord of the ring where you buy your I love the cover with the good edge lord of the rings is a sl time classic and influenced to many
And the One Piece to bring them all and in the darkness bind them. The One Piece is real!!! Greatest story ever told.
Alice in Wonderland is a 1865 book, not 1965
Yes! Another person mentioned it as well! Thank you! I clearly misread my own notes!
You have to be careful wading through the fantasy backlist and ask a few critical questions. Are female characters a) strong but killed or assaulted to start the story
or b) Only there to pant heavily in a metal bikini? If so ditch the male fantasy and try James Tiptree Jr, Ursula K LeGuin or Anne McCaffrey. Meredith Ann Pierce was a childhood fave of mine too, but I haven't read Firebringer in 20 years. Still good?
Thanks for the recommendations!!!
Says who? How did you gather the information you base your assertions on.
Did you commission a broad spectrum survey. Or as is more likely, this is just your opinion which is probably very different than mine or that of thousands of other avid readers.
Where is the Quaran? Best fantasy book. So fun and full of made up magic
Same as the Bible❤
@ true. But very few people actually believe in the Bible anymore. But muslims truly belives in the magical allah-man.
@@davidsmithy123 Because it's not consistent, christianity is basically a religion supercut, made from mostly greek and norse myths, but it contains celtic traditions and gods know whatsoever.
@@Delenai hahahaha Norse gods? Thats a new one. Anyways - The Torah, Bible and Quaran is basically the same book thats been edited 3 times beginning with the OG Torah. At least its original
@@Delenai Norse gods.Thats a new one! Dont remember Thor being in the Bible. Lets just hope you are correct with which magical book you believe. Otherwise you will join me and all the others atheists in hell!