I love the way you describe everything with such passion, it hypes me up to wanna read the series that I haven't read.

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

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.

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

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!

@CurieBohr

5 ай бұрын

Hopefully he’ll finish the story some day

I just found your channel, and I loved checking out your thoughts! Well done, John!! Best to you from NH!

@Talking_Story

3 ай бұрын

Thanks so much! Welcome to the channel!

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! ❤

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Thanks so much! Welcome to the channel So glad you enjoyed the list.

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Also let me know when you begin your channel so I can check out your booktube content!

@MoniquetheBookGeek

5 ай бұрын

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

5 ай бұрын

@@MoniquetheBookGeek nice! Let me know what you pick to start first.

@MoniquetheBookGeek

5 ай бұрын

@@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. 🙂

First time viewer - love the passion and thoughtfulness in your commentary! subscribed!

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Thanks so much! Welcome!

Fun list. I like that you included Sandman. He’s an incredible story teller

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Omg yes!

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!!

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Can’t wait to see your list my brother. It is sooo hard!

Just discovered your channel, such an easy subscribe for me. Loved it!

@Talking_Story

2 ай бұрын

Thanks a ton and welcome to the channel!

Awesome video, love your description of the books you talk about. New sub!

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Thank you and welcome!

Crazy this channel only has 2500 subscribers. Love this guys passion and well worded reviews, not to mention the whole camera setup

@darkeuropa7

5 ай бұрын

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

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

@@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!

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!

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

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.

Awesome list. I am so glad I found your channel ❤

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Thanks so much! Welcome.

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!

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

It was crazy hard. As I read more I know it will only get harder. Thanks so much Dr. Chase.

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.

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Just finished listening to DCC on a road trip today and loved it! The others I def have plans for. Thanks and welcome!

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!

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

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.

Words of Radiance will def make Stormlight shoot up your list, such a good book! Also, awesome list! You’ve earned a sub!

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

I am loving it so far. Thanks so much and welcome!

I love your review so much. So enthusiastic❤

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for checking out the list and the kind words!

Awesome list John! ASOIAF is my favorite series of all time. Great choice! Sandman is absolutely fantasy, and it’s one of my favorites.

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Thanks my friend.

@imperialinquisition6006

5 ай бұрын

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.

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

@@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!

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

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

John Gwynne is on my list to catch up on! Thanks for checking my list out!

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

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Thanks so much I will be checking out your channel as well. Just subbed!

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.

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

I am determined to do the same and get back to it this year. Thanks so much for checking out the list!

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.

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

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.

@zinc1024

Ай бұрын

The Wheel of Time is pretty good...as long as you skip books 5-12.

@scottferris2686

Ай бұрын

@@zinc1024I would disagree - book 5 6 and 7 are amazing as was books 11. But I respect your opinion.

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!

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

I am looking forward to Arbonne with you in February!

@BooksWithBenghisKahn

5 ай бұрын

@@Talking_Story indeed!

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.

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Thanks Bryce! I cannot wait to see the end of your top list.

@MattonBooks

5 ай бұрын

Bryce! It’s a COMIC! 😳 A huge part of the experience is the art! Use your eyeballs man!

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

5 ай бұрын

Wow. I have book 1 waiting. This makes me wanna get to it ASAP!

@Existomalus

5 ай бұрын

​@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

@MattVickers

5 ай бұрын

Thankfully, Malazan sticks the landing with TCG among the very best in the series

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

@@Existomalus I rarely DNF so I see no prob with sticking in for 3 books before I make a judgement call. Thanks!

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

@@MattVickers I am committed to this journey.

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 .

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

I will pass that along to Jakob sure he can do that.

@omochi196

5 ай бұрын

@@Talking_Story awesome, thanks

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

@@omochi196 you got it.

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.

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Thanks so much! Sure it will be changing as I keep going.

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.

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

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.

@lottiephillips7805

5 ай бұрын

@@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 ...

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

@@lottiephillips7805 I will have to put those on my list thanks! I plan on starting Marc Lawrence’s trilogy book of the ancestors soon.

Great list, happy to see some of my faves

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Awesome! Thanks!

Thanks. Your top 5 matches my top 5 exactly (so far).

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Awesome!

Really good video, thank you!

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Thank you for checking it out!

Great video. You really seem to love these books. Definitely subbing.

@Talking_Story

3 ай бұрын

Awesome! Welcome to the channel.

@PaxRomanaYoutube

3 ай бұрын

@@Talking_Story Just curious are you on any other social media platforms?

@Talking_Story

3 ай бұрын

@@PaxRomanaKZread we are on twitter. Check the about page for the link if you would like.

I can't agree more ASOIAF is truly amazing.

@Talking_Story

Ай бұрын

So true!

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.

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

I have bought the first book and am excited to start!

Great list! Looking forward to more videos!

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Thanks so much!

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

I will be checking out your channel as well. Just subbed.

@QuestBoundReader

5 ай бұрын

I appreciate that!@@Talking_Story

A song of ice and fire is also my favorite fantasy series! ❤ Those books saved my life.

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

They are absolutely special IMO. Thanks so much for checking out the list.

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!

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

I will be doing of my top 10 favorite moments of that trilogy soon so thoughts and spoilers galore will be coming!

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.

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Harry Potter has such a special place in my heart. Keep me updated. There are some twists and turns coming your way. Enjoy!

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

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Big fan of Dresden too! Thanks so much for the kind words.

Very interesting list, many of these I have to get to big time! 2024 will be a busy year

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

For us both my brother. Buddy read next month!

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!

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Thanks so much I have not checked out Gwynne yet but he is on the upcoming list for sure.

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).

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Thanks so much! All the Malazan love is really pushing me to start sooner than I was planning!

Helluva list! Loved the inclusion of Sandman. Great comic.

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Love it!

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.

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

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!

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.

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

I am a bit over 300 pages in and all I can say is wow!

@CodyvWorld

5 ай бұрын

@@Talking_Story Man - “wow” shortly won’t cut it😆 Enjoy.

I didn't know some of the authors in the top 10. Thank you for the clarification and review.

@Talking_Story

28 күн бұрын

Thank you 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!

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Gwynne is most assuredly on my list! Your comment makes me want to get there even faster. Thanks!

Great list! My top three are the same as yours, though the rest differs somewhat.

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Great minds think alike on the top 3. I love it!

Great list. I feel like my list would just be constantly changing based on my mood on the day. Haha

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Yes! Mine would be different on different days for sure. Thanks!

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.

@Talking_Story

Ай бұрын

Just did a buddy read of that and we discussed each book as we finished over on Red Fury books

Sir, you made a 29 min uncut youtube video, And it's one of the best booktube videos I have seen recently.

@Talking_Story

4 ай бұрын

Thanks so much. That is very kind of you. Kinda made my day.

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. 😜

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

I am sure the list will get blown up time and time again. 😂

@MattonBooks

5 ай бұрын

@@Talking_Story That’s what it’s there for! 😜

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

@@MattonBooks Absolutely!!

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!

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Awww thanks for sharing Heidi. I love how you get Narnia on there just under the wire!

It’s hard to whittle it down to just ten. Good list

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Thanks brother!

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 😊

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Can’t wait to get to the second trilogy. Have to jump on stand alone pretty quick here. Thanks for checking out the list.

@Alaztyr

5 ай бұрын

YES THANK YOU I'm so tired of people ragging on the second trilogy

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!

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

That is my goal as well to be caught up in time.

Great video. Do you have Goodreads?

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

I do. I keep track of what I read on there. I don’t post reviews.

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

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

So well said. Art is entirely subjective there is not a right or wrong just appreciation. Your words have absolutely made my day.

I looooove seeing Lies of Locke Lamora on this list!!!

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Sooooo good!

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 !!!!

@Talking_Story

2 ай бұрын

Thanks so much. Great minds I guess 😀

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

@Talking_Story

18 күн бұрын

It is not only on the list but check back for this months book haul coming up.

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

4 ай бұрын

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.

@MaedBetweenthePages

4 ай бұрын

@@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 👀

@Talking_Story

4 ай бұрын

@@MaedBetweenthePages orphans raised by theif made me think of the Oliver Twist.

@MaedBetweenthePages

4 ай бұрын

Ahhh gotcha! @@Talking_Story

The Warlord Chronicles is one of my favorite trilogies. In my opinion, Cornwell is the best at immersion.

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

He sure sucked me in deep. I adored this trilogy.

i love this video so much and LOTR is also my top book of 2023

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Thanks so much!

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

Ай бұрын

Adding that to my list right now.

Ah to be on this list, a dream come true

If you like Cornwall, you will love any John gwynne. His books are fantastic.

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

He is for sure on my list of upcoming reads!

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

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

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!

@thatsci-firogue

5 ай бұрын

@@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.

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

@@thatsci-firogue ok why not?

@thatsci-firogue

5 ай бұрын

@@Talking_Story unrelenting bleakness

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

@@thatsci-firogue I can dig that kinda thing.

I like your channel, pls make a video about Belgariad series.

@Talking_Story

16 күн бұрын

I am 2 books in. I will do a video when I wrap up the series. Thanks so much for the kind words.

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).

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

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!

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.

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

I will be reading him in 24. Looking forward to it!

@heavendude101

5 ай бұрын

Awesome. You're in for a good time.

@moresoysauce5489

5 ай бұрын

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.

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

@@moresoysauce5489 Wow that is great vote for Gwynne. I hope to try him out in 24.

We gotta get you into Malazan!

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

I have bought book 1 and I wanna did it. Just wanna catch up with Cosmere before I start another massive series.

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

5 ай бұрын

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.

@esmayrosalyne

5 ай бұрын

@@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

5 ай бұрын

Ohhhh yes Esmay! Read Sandman. It’s sooo good. 😍

@esmayrosalyne

5 ай бұрын

@@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!

The Last War is AWESOME! As is First Law, The Warlord Chronicles, Sandman, LotR and A Song of Ice and Fire!

@Talking_Story

Ай бұрын

Will you and me my friend. Great minds think alike!

@Talking_Story

Ай бұрын

I am starting Papa Gwynne’s Bloodsworn this year and fully expect it crash this list!

If I did this, I’d probably have just as many honorable mentions…

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

It was sooo hard😂

Fun list

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Thanks!

Have you read the Mists of Avalon? If you like Arthurian stories it’s definitely fantastic. I know there are more books in the series and admittedly I haven’t read them but the first one is 100/10.

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

I have not and I am adding this to the list immediately!

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

@goodluckiz2669

5 ай бұрын

Also A Song of Ice and Fire is peak fiction, best fantasy series I’ve read bar none

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

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.

@goodluckiz2669

5 ай бұрын

@@Talking_Story bet on that

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.

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

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.

@strawberryorange3755

3 ай бұрын

Absolutely 💯

@Talking_Story

3 ай бұрын

@@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.

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.

@Talking_Story

Күн бұрын

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?

Stromlight Archive is my all-time favorite. especially the first three books. Words of Radiance may be the most perfact book ever.

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Check out my weekly update that went up today for some thoughts on WoR. I can’t disagree with you. Sooooo good!

I got nothing to tell you what SHOULD or SHOULDN'T be on this list. These are great series. If I hadn't read them, they're certainly on my own TBR. I have been meaning to get to First Law for about 3 years now, and fingers crossed 🤞 that I can touch it in 2024. My only series I've read in 2023 is Realm/Elderlings- I'm on the 8th book, and she's becoming one of my favorite all time writers. But my priorities for next year will be First Law, John Gwynne's Faithful/Fallen (his Bloodsworn books are fantastic) and Kagen the Damned.

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

I have got into Hobb yet and from what I hear she will blow me away!

@Jake_D_Dogg

5 ай бұрын

@@Talking_Story Excited for you to read her works (my all-time favorites), but beware the Hobb Hangover - every character in the boks I've read these past several months since finishing Realm of the Elderlings has felt shallow in comparison to Hobb's characters!

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

@@Jake_D_Dogg Wow high praise indeed.

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

5 ай бұрын

I would not doubt you at all. I am picking it up this coming year. My break has been long enough!

‘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.

@Talking_Story

4 ай бұрын

I have both of those on my list. The Bakker is a trilogy right?

@kierenvarney2159

4 ай бұрын

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.

@Talking_Story

4 ай бұрын

@@kierenvarney2159 got it thanks. I try look forward to this 1.

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?

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

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.

you know there are books that can give you some extra years

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Would love to learn about those😀

If you find time and can read Berserk it will deff be up in your top 5

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Have never done any manga. I should definitely try some out.

Two series that aren’t and won’t ever be finished in the top 3 is crazy. Love and own both series but I unlike you do begrudge the authors that lured me into these amazing stories and left me hanging all these years. Especially a song of ice and fire where they adapted it to tv and gave us the worst ending possible

@Talking_Story

2 ай бұрын

I hear you. I do completely understand. For me I will always be thankful for the artist for what I have got. But I do get it.

So many books, so little time... From the list I've only read Mistborn era 1, the Name of the Wind and the Fellowship of the Ring. I'd like to read Malazan this next year and already read Gardens of the Moon.

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

I really want to get into Malazan as well. What did you think of it?

Yaaaaaas!! Asoiaf is the best imho too

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Great minds think alike😀

Solid list and ASoI&F is also #1 for me. I don’t care that it’s unfinished and probably won’t be by the original author. I have no nostalgia for it like I do for the Redwall series. It’s comparable to me finally joining the party late by watching/reading Berserk and Hunter X Hunter in 2017; both top tier manga/anime that I highly recommend even if you’re new to manga/anime. Berserk is especially influential as seen by the Dark Souls series and other games by FromSoftware such as Bloodborne and Elden Ring. George R.R. Martin himself has acknowledged Berserk. Hunter X Hunter reminds of Final Fantasy VII due to both being fantastical versions of our modern day world, with engaging stories that put themselves very high on fans’ lists. I look forward to any possible changes after you read Malazan, stuff by Robin Hobb, the Redwall series, AND, folks, let’s not forget one of the other godfathers of today, Tad Williams!

@Talking_Story

2 ай бұрын

I have just started into manga with a bit of One Piece and I have picked up Dragonborn Chair. This list will be changing year to year quite a bit I’m sure. Thanks so much for the recommendations.

@felldoh9271

2 ай бұрын

Absolutely and thanks for this list.

I'm turning 18 this birthday. Need recommendation of best novels for my age group. Yea I am a huge fan of Harry Potter series so you know my genre right?

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Have you tried Name of the Wind by Rothfuss? It is series that is not finished but is so amazing and the first book takes place at a wizard’s academy so fans of the Potter series could have a lot to like. The prose is beautiful. Let me know if you try it and have a great birthday!

@raza00700

5 ай бұрын

@@Talking_Story Ahh danke schön 🤝🏻

@raza00700

5 ай бұрын

@@Talking_Story I've a list can ya plz rate 🙂 the silent patient good girl guide to murder trilogy inheritance games trilogy Harry Potter series caraval trilogy the song of achilles lunar chronicles six of crows percy jackson series hunger games series we were liars the daughter of the pirate king the cruel prince trilogy mistborn saga scythe series

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

@@raza00700 I have only read 3 of those Mistborn, Potter and Achilles. You rate some of the others so I can maybe check out some of the others.

@raza00700

5 ай бұрын

@@Talking_Story Good girls guide to murder, Inheritance games, caraval were like awesome mann. Just try em, you wont regret 😁

Watching this instead of reading the book I'm halfway through 🎉

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Thanks for taking a break😂

I know haven’t read The Malazan Book Of The Fallen Series. But you should, it’ll be in your top 3. 😊

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

I am getting a lot of requests for that series and Hobb. I must get to both.

I second Warlord Chronicles. This trilogy is so special to me. Also, the narrator on Audible is perfection. I highly recommend fantasy readers. The biggest thing for me is early Christianity in this vs Paganism it's incredible

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Yes! Thanks so much for this.

Im surprised not to see wheel of time on this list, but agree with all the others, and youve given me a few other series to conider great video

@Talking_Story

3 ай бұрын

I am on book 7 I think on WoT and will get back into it. I am loving a lot of it but struggling with some pacing issues.

@KBaiL

3 ай бұрын

@Talking_Story yeah there are defo pacing issues especially in the middle, it's not my fave series but I still love it and most people have it in there top 10, I'm not saying you should I was just surprised to see someone not have it that's all 👍

@Talking_Story

3 ай бұрын

@@KBaiL very curious how I feel about it when I wrap it up. I know the ending is loved by most all I talk to.

If you're open to try something new, I would recommend 2 most famous S.Korean webnovel series "Omniscient reader's viewpoint" and "Trash of the Count's family". I have to note that the writing quality might not be the most sophisticated or anything and they're a bit more beginner, YA fantasy. But I found them strangely entertaining. I watched many booktubers and these have never been mentioned (even in the category of bad fantasy books 😂) so I thought I should let you know that they are out there

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Thanks so much I will add them to the list but web series don't make to the top of my TBR due to it messes with my eyes when I read from a screen.

@0okuzukirio0

5 ай бұрын

@@Talking_Story very fair, reading from a screen is painful. I just searched and I think they do have physical books available on Amazon. They don't deliver to my country so I barely use Amazon, but I guess you can look around over there 🥰

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

I will check it out for sure!@@0okuzukirio0

Dude, just do a top 15! :-)

@Talking_Story

3 ай бұрын

😂you got me.

@bpuryea

3 ай бұрын

@@Talking_Story Enjoyed the video!

@Talking_Story

3 ай бұрын

@@bpuryea Thanks so much!

If you haven’t read the Bound and Broken series ya effing up playa, lol seriously tho, incredible fantasy series

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

Have plans to start that as a buddy read in March. Very much looking forward to it!

@nolansnyder8861

5 ай бұрын

@@Talking_Story ah man that’s a long wait, will be worth it, I saw you got a copy of The Will of The Many, just finished that, loved it as well

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

@@nolansnyder8861 awesome to hear!

GRRM would have said you missed one for your top 10. The Amber Series from Roger Zelazny.

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

That is on my list to get to for sure. Especially now that the TV show may be coming.

@WINO1964

5 ай бұрын

@@Talking_Story It's perfect for a TV series. Possibilities are endless.

@Talking_Story

5 ай бұрын

@@WINO1964 Stephen Colbert picked up the rights and he is a super fan so could be good.