Best Fantasy Books For Newcomer to Adult Fantasy!

[@PetrikLeo]

Which books would YOU recommend to newcomer to adult fantasy? 😊

[@misty306]

Do you want the long list or the short one?!

[@PetrikLeo]

@@misty306 up to you!!! 🤣

[@audreyrochemont604]

I will recommend the banished and the banned from James Clemens/Rollins and the codex alera by Jim Butcher.

[@Sumit-de1bg]

I'm very new this fantasy genre. I read mostly historical fictions. Your reviews makes me explore this genre. Currently I'm reading the legend of first empire by Michael J. Sullivan. I'm just 1 book left to complete the series. After completing it I would like to read his the Riyria Revelations. Beside that I'm also planning to complete Of Blood and Bone series by John Gwyne. Last year after reading your review I picked up the 1st book A time of Dread and loved it very much. I hope next year there will be more fantasy books in my reading list.

[@sherlock_omes10]

I think I would add Legend by David Gemmell and Magician by Raymond E. Feist. Also maybe The Icewind Dale Trilogy by R.A. Salvatore.

[@mikesbookreviews]

*clicks play apprehensively, knowing Petrik will continue to expand my TBR*

[@PetrikLeo]

Hahaha! Well, I think you've read some of these, at least! 😊

[@evermoremystic17]

Haha so relatable!

[@CapturedInWords]

Congrats on starting your own booktube channel!! This was a great list with a lot of variety, looking forward to more videos

[@PetrikLeo]

Ah thank you so much, Jay! That means a lot coming from you!! I'll do my best! 😊

[@joelman1989]

You’re one of the most wholesome and well read book tubers. I just got such a good vibe from your recommendations and I can tell you have a true joy for these books. I’ll be checking some of these out.

[@PetrikLeo]

Awww, that's far too kind of you. But yes I do LOVE books! I hope you'll end up enjoying these recommendations! 😊

[@BlackHoon]

I can see you being a top booktuber in a few years. Keep it up

[@PetrikLeo]

That would be superb! 😁 I'll do my best!

[@okolo-obiajulubenedict8781]

I'd have to agree with this

[@mackenziespocket]

that mistborn edition is so stunning!!!

[@PetrikLeo]

My co-bloggers got that for me on my birthday, and now it's one of the most beautiful books I own! 😊

[@abigase135]

Subscribed automatically when I saw Theft of Swords

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you! It's a great series! 😊

[@AnEmbarrassmentofBooks]

The audio book for Ashes of the Sun has an amazing narrator! I actually read and listened to the book (sometimes I actually read along because I wanted to read, but loved the narrator so much).

[@PetrikLeo]

Oh really? I didn't know that. Thanks for letting me know!! :)

[@anya2000]

RE: Kings of the Wyld making you cry - was it the rocks? Gabe carrying rocks? Cause that was what did it for me 😭

[@PetrikLeo]

No, the part that almost made me cry was the end of chapter 3, where Tally told Clay to go follow Gabe and rescue Rose. It just tugged at my heartstring so much!! 🥲

[@fantasybooknerd1961]

I'm sorry Petrik, not coming again. My TBR list has just grown by about 10 feet. Only kidding, this was a great list and I enjoyed the vid.

[@PetrikLeo]

Hahahah c'mon! We can suffer our long TBR pile together!!! xD Thank you, btw!

[@christeascozycorner]

YESSSS ROBIN HOBB QUEEN OF FANTASY

[@PetrikLeo]

Of course!!! Glad you agreed!😁

[@hasanmir]

"I've said so many things about Mistborn, that I don't even know what to say!". The way you look at the Mistborn Final Empire book, with such love in your eyes was pretty funny!

[@PetrikLeo]

It's a trilogy that means so MUCH to me! :)

[@readersgottoread1443]

I think I will try Mistborn. I do not read adult fantasy, so I appreciated this video.

[@PetrikLeo]

That's awesome! I really hope Mistborn will work out for you. That was my gateway into adult fantasy, and if it ends up being the same case for you, I'll be super happy. Let me know! 👌

[@audreyrochemont604]

Petrik that’s a great list you have and you’re right Robin Hobb is the queen of fantasy and at least her saga is complete...

[@PetrikLeo]

I miss her books. Definitely will reread her books one day! 😊

[@Bycle]

As someone who still remembers getting Chriss Woodings Broken Sky books from the scholastic book fair in grade school, I was supremely happy to have something from him more adult. The Ember Blade is definitely worth checking out.

[@PetrikLeo]

I've read The Ember Blade and his Ketty Jay series, I definitely have to try more of his books in the future. There's a chance the sequel to The Ember Blade will come out late next year, let's hope that's true! 😃

[@ginabeck79]

Thank you for the warning regarding Name of the Wind. Whenever I see someone recommend this book, I wonder if they'll mention the fact that the third book will never be. And they never do. So thank you. A beautiful story with no end.

[@PetrikLeo]

You're welcone! I don't mind the unfinished state of the series and it is one of my favorite books, but I think those who haven't started the series should know about the wait before diving into it! 😊 A beautiful story with no end is such a lovely and apt description of the series!

[@johnvalatos4073]

Great picks Petrik, have to agree with you, most of which I have read because of your reviews. Reading The Bard's Blade now because of your review and I have to say Brian D Andrerson writing is some of the best, it is just effortless and so accessible.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, John! Yessss! I'm glad to hear that. I think when you're in the mood for easy-to-read character driven fantasy, you can't go wrong with choosing Bard's Blade! Enjoy!😊

[@gwenwhyvar32]

Great video! I love that you take into account that "best fantasy books for new fantasy readers" is a DIFFERENT list than "my favorite fantasy books of all time." Because too many people recommend books without thinking about who is going to read it. I still maintain that the best intro to fantasy books are ones that cross over into people's other reading interests, so my recommendations are different depending on who I'm talking to. But you covered so many books, I think most new readers would probably be able to find something in there. Excellent work!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Virginia!! That's exactly what I wanted to do with this list, and I'm glad you caught that! 😊 Obviously, the books listed here might or might not work depending on who's reading, but I personally think these are all great books/series (whether they're favorite of all time for me or not) that has the potential of working well for newcomer to fantasy! 😄 Again, thank you, your comment made my day! 😇

[@christycme1]

Your personality really came through in this video...more than your current videos recently, hope you are still enjoying your reading journey. Thank you for the newbies recommendations 👍🏻

[@PetrikLeo]

You're welcome. I definitely still enjoy my reading journey, otherwise I won't continue my channel. :D

[@JackLindenMusic]

Just discovered your channel and was immediately taken with not just your book knowledge but your passion and overall energy. Your enthusiasm pops off the screen and put me in a good mood. Subscribed.

[@PetrikLeo]

Ah that's SUPER nice of you to say. And thank you so much for the subscription! 🙂

[@JackLindenMusic]

@@PetrikLeo also I wanted to thank you for your reviews of wheel of time. I was struggling through the first book and I didn't like it at all. But everyone was so positive and I didn't understand why. You not finishing the series made me feel okay to not force myself to like it. And now I can focus on finishing the series I love (Faithful and the fallen, licanius, etc)

[@PetrikLeo]

@@JackLindenMusic ah you're welcome! There's really no need to force yourself through reading a series you don't enjoy. Plus, Wheel of Time supposedly gets so much worse at book 7-10. If the first books didn't click for us already, serms like we're going to have a bad time continuing. I might continue with it i the future, but definitely not a priority. 😅

[@Hampton480]

I love warbreaker!! It opened my eyes to Sanderson books.

[@PetrikLeo]

Nice! A gate to MANY more awesome Sanderson books!

[@jimmyfortuna-peak4639]

More TBR books let’s go!

[@PetrikLeo]

Yeahhhh! 🥳

[@kingh6647]

Great list, with lots of variety, for newcomers to find authors they'll love. Blood of Heirs was a fun page-turner. The story flowed nicely between the 2 characters. Each character's chapter ends on a mini cliff-hanger that leaves you excited to read on when returning to their view-point again. Never hit the wall that even the best fantasy books have.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you! Well said and I agree with your observation on Blood of Heirs! As I said, great book, and very underrated. Hopefully more readers will give it a go! 👌

[@Tanya-vc7eg]

The Name of the Wind was my stepping stone into the epic fantasy world. Currently reading The Poppy War. Building my 'fantasy brain muscles' to someday experience Malazan Book of the Fallen. Good video, Patrick. I enjoyed watching it.

[@PetrikLeo]

Nice! The Poppy War is another great one! It turns pretty grim from the 2nd half and for the rest of the series, though. That's why it's not on this list. You can do it! 😁

[@muttineni03]

I've just recently started reading Fantasy and read Warbreaker it was an easy read, how about Name of wind and poppy war, are they easy to understand? I mean when writer explains about world especially?

[@Tanya-vc7eg]

@@PetrikLeo Ik! This is my first grimdark. I'm excited and scared in equal parts.

[@Tanya-vc7eg]

@@muttineni03 Name of the Wind is. The writing is easy to understand, but beautiful nevertheless. I liked the second book, The Wise Man's Fear too. Poppy War is grimdark, it's not a difficult read, but I'm only 25% into it, so can't speak much about it yet.

[@muttineni03]

@@Tanya-vc7eg Thanks, I've been thinking about reading Name of the wind, probably after Mistborn, definitely try Warbreaker it was great imo

[@danielgoldman8017]

Your videos are such a treat Petrik! I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again - you are a very calming influence and I love the way you review books. I have much to learn

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Daniel! That's great to hear. Keep on doing your best with your channel, too! :)

[@danielgoldman8017]

@@PetrikLeo will do 💪🏼 Dan from Australia

[@kardsufur2966]

i like how you get straight to the point of whatever you're talking about, very direct and concise speaking style without a lot of fluff that makes me scrub through videos or a lot of flabby bluster. Keep up the good work

[@PetrikLeo]

Haha, thank you so much! I don't know how to do long introduction anyway 😂 I'll keep on doing my best! 😁

[@onfaerystories]

So, I'm new to adult fantasy, but I'm not afraid of challenging books, as long as they capture my attention. I read mostly classics, and sometimes thick ones. Around seven years ago, before following Fantasy booktubers, I actually read Game of Thrones as I thought I might like it better than watching it (which I did - it was too graphic for my faint heart, but in book format, it worked very well), and I was thinking about continuing on with the series, but at that time, it wasn't a priority of mine. After reflecting on it, I realized that I did love so many elements of the story and the characters, but I was bothered by the way Daenerys, a 14 year-old girl, didn't seem to care too much about her pretty traumatizing situation... And I found her sex scenes questionable in the way it was written. Last year, after being tempted to give this genre a chance again, I thought I would start with LOTR (I still need to read Return of The King), and though I liked certain elements of it, I had my issues with quite a few things (Tom Bombadil, non-stop songs, the talking trees, etc.), the density and complexity of the prose not being a problem for me. My main problem was that after so many pages, most characters didn't stand out to me (they are so black or white) and I wish we'd know them better by the end of Two Towers (I did like the end of that part, though, as stakes finally felt higher). :/ Then I read The Name of The Wind, because prose is important to me and I had heard Rothfuss' was great. I agree, I flew through that book because of it, but I did not love the story or the characters enough to continue on and I heard weird choices were made in the second book. For now, my priority is reading Abercrombie's, Hobb's, and N. K. Jemisin's work (The Broken Earth trilogy). They're the ones I can put my hand on easily (and freely), as well as Eye of The World (but I'm apprehensive as Sanderson's writing didn't work for me, and I know he wrote the end of Jordan's series), The Witcher, The Rage of Dragon, Foundryside, Queen of Innis Lear, and Skullsworn (thanks to you ^^). These wouldn't necessarily be the ones I would read first, but my options are scarce, and they might surprise me. Gentleman's Bastards and Malice are on my to-buy list. No choice. But these are the only ones (with First Law) I would be confident enough to buy without having read beforehand because they've been praised so many times by people I trust. ^^"

[@PetrikLeo]

That's a lot of books I loved that didn't work for you, it's unfortunate but I understand. I can certainly agree regarding Tom Bombadil's parts though, no wonder he's cut out from the movies hahaha. Well, I hope Gentleman Bastards and Malice will win you over! 😊 They're some of my favorites, too.

[@onfaerystories]

@@PetrikLeo I told you I have a hard time with Fantasy, I'm very particular with what I like when it comes to literature. I need books to explore deeper themes and to be well-written, that's why I was thinking of buying Sword of Kaigen when you mentioned it. Something I didn't mention is that I did love ASOIF enough to continue, so I was thinking of doing it eventually. :)

[@Ann86dk]

So many great recommendations here. I agree with Hobb and Michael J Sullivan, Brandon Sanderson. I have R.J. Barker and James Islington on my TBR, just haven't managed to fit them into my reading yet. I think Terry Pratchett's Discworld is a great author to start out. You don't have to read all the books in order, and they're all pretty short, so you won't be overwhelmed with 600+ pages.

[@PetrikLeo]

I hope you'll enjoy R.J. barker and Islington's books. I think they're both wonderful. As for Discworld, I have tried Mort and Guards2 but somehow bounced off both of them. I may need to try them again one day! :)

[@mateoazcueta]

I'm currently about 300 pages deep into Kings of the Wyld, and so far it's fenomenal. I also got emotional 3 chapters in (and already a handful of other times), and I'm having such a fun time. The characters are amazing, and the humor is great! Awesome book, and awesome list as well!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Mateo! Kings of the Wyld is one of my favorite books, it's good to hear that you're enjoying it that much! 😊

[@Tamar-ph8ov]

Hi, if you want a bard as main character you should try TIGANA. Also an underrated great series is INDA

[@PetrikLeo]

I've read Tigana! Loved it! I think I've heard of INDA... i think 🤔 I'll check it out!

[@claire78925]

Foundryside is one of my favorite 🥺 it’s so underrated and I’m glad you recommend it

[@PetrikLeo]

I loved it so much, I can't wait to read the third and final book next year! ☺️

[@Zach64612]

lol I like how shook you look when talking about Malazan, i haven't read it yet. I tried to read Gardens of the Moon and couldn't tell what was going on.

[@PetrikLeo]

Every time I see some people recommend that series to newcomer to fantasy, my heart and brain exploded a little because i truly cannot understand why... xD

[@FullMoonHowl2233]

If you decide to continue it, use this guide docs.google.com/presentation/d/1GLRmiaFcxe_cGc93ckE5UItRq5rYsfeU0BhvqcaNq9E/edit#slide=id.i0

[@Zach64612]

@@FullMoonHowl2233 thanks, yeah i'd like to at some point. i just wasnt in the mood to take notes. i was reading wheel of time and the black company at the same time and it was just too much.

[@FullMoonHowl2233]

@@Zach64612 It certainly is.

[@ostrichreads7715]

"Warbreaker" was one of my favourite books last year & now finally got the Mistborn series and "Elantris". I definitely see myself getting a lot more into adult fantasy this year, so thank you for this list! :)

[@PetrikLeo]

You're so welcome! Mistborn series is even better than Warbreaker, imo! Really hope you'll enjoy it. Let me know! 😊

[@afantasybabble6222]

All great recs. I find Sullivan especially good for new readers. I always like to recommend standalones for new readers. Something like Swordheart by T. Kingfisher or The Death of the Necromancer by Martha Wells.

[@PetrikLeo]

Yeah! Sullivan's Riyria is often recommended for newcomer to adult fantasy by many people, and I think that one is a really sound choice. Oh i still have to read T. Kingfisher, heard great things about Swordheart! And Martha Wells, too! 😄

[@TheLibraryofAllenxandria]

Great video! Foundryside is one of my favorite books this year. As far as bards as the main characters, you've read Greatcoats! What are they but quasi-bards! 😛

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you! Hahaha that's true! Great point you make there! 😊

[@louisity]

Great to see fellow Asian male BookTubers. Hello here from the Philippines! 👋 Some of the books/authors that I am eyeing to read are from Evan Winters & Fonda Lee. It's cool to see these videos because I believe the only adult fantasy books that I read was the Eye of the World and Night Circus. I read a lot of middle grade fantasy and YA paranormal fantasy. I also read Rick Riordan's books. 📚

[@PetrikLeo]

Hello fellow Asian BookTubers! Nice to meet you! The Rage of Dragons and Jade City are terrific books, I think you will love them even if you haven't read many adult fantasy yet! I hope so! 😊

[@christine9869]

Great video! There were a lot of books i haven't heard of in here.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Christine! Hopefully you found some interesting books here! 😊

[@bells134]

Great video, thank yo for the recommendations! I was so excited when I saw this video, love your reviews!!

[@PetrikLeo]

Awww thank you, Bells! That's super kind of you! 😊

[@carlosandino5524]

Great job Petrik. Other books I would recommend Brent Weeks' The Black Prism, Promise of Blood by Brian McClellan, Arcane Ascension by Andrew Rowe and a great introduction to LitRPG: The Land by Aleron Kong.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Carlos! Hmm Arcane Ascension would work for sure, but Black Prism might be a bit difficult. I remember I read that one for the first time when I havent read a lot of adult fantasy, and my head hurts from imagining how Gavin's magic boat actually worked or shaped 😅

[@carlosandino5524]

@@PetrikLeo Haha. Thanks for the feedback. I read the Night Angel trilogy first then Warbreaker. But after that I started Lightbringer. It opened me into Epic Fantasy without fear of the size of the book or complexity of magic system. It worked for me so for some it may help as well. After book five, Andross Guile is one of my all time favorite characters. Keep up the great work!

[@PetrikLeo]

@@carlosandino5524 i actually haven't read Night Angel trilogy, but yeah that trilogy (from what I've heard) and Warbreaker are great books to get you into adult fantasy! 😄 And I'm sure Lightbringer would work well, too, for many readers! I enjoyed that series, especially book 2 and 3!

[@rl8792]

Great video Petrik! My favourite part was the Malazan "Don't. No matter what anyone says. Don't." Rage of Dragons and Kings of the Wyld just went even further up my TBR. Currently reading John Gwynne thanks to you and Mikesbookreviews and am loving the banished lands. I'm an experienced fantasy reader and would agree with a lot of these suggestions, particularly mistborn- even though it wasn't dark enough to be a favourite of mine there's no denying its quality and accessibility.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Lloyd! Haha, even though it's one of my favorite series of all time, I just find it baffling that people recommend Malazan Book of the Fallen as a series to read for newcomer to fantasy; it's one of the most complex and dense series out there. I hope you'll enjoy Rage of Dragons and Kings of the Wyld when you get to them, they're incredible. And yay for diving into Gwynne's books! I think practically everyone who knows me know ho much I love his books by now! Yeah, I do believe that accessibility and gradual rise in learning curve is a crucial aspect for newcomer to adult fantasy, that's why I think that Mistborn (and many other books I mentioned) has a great possibility of working nicely. Plus, they're all superb books, too, imo! 😊

[@EntertainmentEncyclopedia]

Almost crying within the first 30 pages is about where I was too. That scene and the final scene in the quarry. Man was I shaken on that character’s resolution.

[@PetrikLeo]

Yeah... there's something special about Kings of the Wyld! I'm glad you agreed, and I look forward to rereading it already! :')

[@someokiedude9549]

Great video dude! While I'd say I'm more well versed in science fiction than fantasy, I do have some recommendations on fantasy to start with if you're curious to start out with reading it. JRR Tolkien: Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit Robert E. Howard: Conan The Barbarian, Solomon Kane Neil Gaiman: American Gods, The Sandman, Coraline Fritz Leiber: Fafhrd and The Grey Mouser Michael Moorcock: Elric of Melnibone George RR Martin: Game of Thrones I did subscribe to your channel and follow you on Goodreads. Keep up the good work.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you for subscribing and following me on Goodreads! I've read everything on the one you mentioned except Robert Howard and Fritz Leiber! I did read Elric of Melnibone graphic novel, and I'm waiting for the novels to be re released at the end of this year!

[@lannister86ns]

Thank you for your list! I was thinking whether to start the Riyria chronicles, and in a way I found my answer here :D

[@PetrikLeo]

Not gonna lie, I haven't read Riyria Chronicles! I definitely have to fix that ASAP! 😁

[@lannister86ns]

@@PetrikLeo I am really thankful for your reviews on novel notions, and I am happy you created a booktube chanel 😁 keep up the good work! 📚

[@PetrikLeo]

@@lannister86ns will do! Keeping up with written reviews and booktubing are hard and time consuming, but I will attempt it! 😆

[@Jeff-yg6er]

Great list Petrik!! I started reading adult fantasy this year and this helps tremendously. Wish it came out sooner so i wouldn’t have started reading fantasy with a song of ice and fire 😂😂😂😂

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Jeffrey! Oh that's a bit more difficult one. Did it work well for you? 😅

[@Jeff-yg6er]

Petrik Leo the writing style was definitely daunting and challenging at first but after the first book I grew used to it...and I was so immersed and obsessed with the world that I didn’t mind slowing down to reread certain parts and take notes. But yes I wouldn’t recommend starting adult fantasy with ASOIAF 😂

[@PetrikLeo]

@@Jeff-yg6er i totally understand that feeling. Glad that it ended up working for you despite the initial struggle! 😊

[@Festie17]

I am an avid reader and I always look forward to reading another great book/series from your recommendations for the past 1.5 years. I am so happy you now have a channel. I look forward to seeing what you have in store for us fans! Keep up the good work, loved this video. I have more TBR now. Thank you!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much for the kind words, Tom! I'm super pleased to hear that my reviews have been helping you finding great books to read! I'll keep on doing my best, and hopefully I can make even better contents in days to come! :)

[@robertdickson3619]

Downloaded 3 from this list now, thanks!

[@PetrikLeo]

You're welcome! Enjoy them! 😊

[@teezka]

Anne Bogel's podcast brought me here :) I love fantasy and the Name of the Wind is one of my most favourite book of all times. Hope we get the ending soon. I read Sanderson's Warbringer and Mistborn trilogy and it was fine. But I didn't understand the hype arpund this author. Then I read The Way of Kings. Wooooow. Awesome book. So speak by myself I recommend to start Sanderson with Stormlight archives first. Everything is perfect - characters, plot, magic system.. :)

[@PetrikLeo]

Hi teezka! Oh really? that's so cool! Can you direct me to the episode!? I wanna hear about it! 😊 Yeah, The Name of the Wind is one of my favorite books! And I'm glad that even though Warbringer and Mistborn trilogy didn't click for you, The Way of Kings did. I truly think that The Stormlight Archive is the best ongoing fantasy series right now, and it is his best series!😊

[@teezka]

@@PetrikLeo OMG, I'm so sorry, it was not you 🙈 I just subscribed to three new booktubers and I accidentally mixed it up. I found you through Goodreads when I scrolled through reviews of Black Sun. It seems all the advanced readers love it :)

[@PetrikLeo]

@@teezka hahaha it's okay!!! 😂 Oh yes, I loved Black Sun! Great book, if you do get around to it, I hope you'll enjoy it! 😁

[@ukkatiss]

Your way of speaking is so soothing. I trust everything you said. 😁

[@PetrikLeo]

Awww, thank you! 😇

[@selvavigneshcb7525]

I know TFATF is your favourite too so I'm surprised it didn't make the list. Your videos are amazing btw, just like your reviews were! Thank you.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much!! Haha, believe me, the urge to put TFATF in this video was HUGE. But I have to consider my target audience on this, which is newcomer to adult fantasy. When I first read Malice, I was quite confused for the first quarter. And I've heard the same complaint from several readers, too. Because of that, I think it's better that it's not recommended to a total newcomer to adult fantasy. In future "favorite series" video, though... yeah, you can rest assured it will be there! 😊

[@selvavigneshcb7525]

@@PetrikLeo Ah, I understand. I agree too, i kinda felt confused at the start. Looking forward to more videos from you!

[@PetrikLeo]

@@selvavigneshcb7525 Cheers! I'll have a new video uploaded within next week. I'm trying to get into the habit of uploading at least one video per week first right now. I'll move the productivity up as time goes by! 😊

[@selvavigneshcb7525]

@@PetrikLeo That sounds bloody amazing!

[@tylerblack301]

I have Kings of the Wyld & The Rage of Dragons on my kindle that I’m hoping to get to by the end of the year. Enjoyed this video as well! Keep up the good work!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Tyler! Both books are amazing, and I think you will love them. Let me know what you think! 😁

[@virginia905]

A book that features bards (but I haven’t read it yet) is “The Harp of Kings”. The two main characters are siblings and on a quest to find the harp, a powerful magical artifact.

[@PetrikLeo]

Ah yeah I've heard of that series! I love the cover arts, too. I have to include that into my list of books to buy one day! 😊

[@misty306]

Great list! And, comparing the magic system in "Rage of Dragons" to the video game "Demon's Souls" is something I should have considered, but didn't! And, "Black Sun" was AMAZING!!! You and I already compared our reviews!!! Great job on your video!!!

[@PetrikLeo]

Right!? It was the first thing that popped to my mind when I read it. Black Sun was soooo good! Glad you enjoyed it, too! 😊

[@muttineni03]

Kinda video I was looking for, I agree with Warbreaker, it has great story and interesting magic system with interesting characters, I could complete it very fast as it was my first Adult fantasy and easy to understand, I'll be reading Mistborn next, great video!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you! Glad to hear you enjoyed Warbreaker. Maybe you'll love Mistborn even more! 😊

[@4dsushi217]

definitely good quality. not the typical books i find on lists and this will expand my reading horizons ALOT lol

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much! Hearing this makes me happy! 😁

[@JakeHowsamLowe]

So many good choices here and even a few I haven’t checked out! I laughed out loud at the Malazan part! Keep up the awesome work Petrik!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much, Jake!! I'll do my best! Hahaha, Malazan Book of the Fallen is one of my favorite series of all time, but oh my god that series is not introductory level. At all. 😂

[@vishmidharmasiri8665]

Found your channel through Elliot Brooks and I'm already loving your content! You are an amazing person! Keep it up.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much! I hope you'll continue to enjoy watching my content! And yeah, Elliot Brooks is a super kind person! :)

[@TheBookCure]

Fantastic video! So comprehensive and with some unique selections that haven’t popped up on similar lists. Definitely quality content :)

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you very much, Saraubs! That's great to hear. I truly appreciate that! ☺

[@Rich-jv2mx]

I loved The Ember Blade so much. And you're right, you just don't see anyone talking about it and thats a shame because its awesome!

[@PetrikLeo]

Same! I read an ARC of it and I was so wowed. For some reasons, it hasnt flew off yet, I hope in the future it will be more popular! 😊

[@VicRibeiro777]

@@PetrikLeo have you read his other series?

[@PetrikLeo]

@@VicRibeiro777 not yet, unfortunately. 😅

[@xtmoua1]

Thanks for this list, my tbr list will never end

[@PetrikLeo]

You're welcome! Hahaha same here! 😄

[@Joharis]

Thanks for the recs! I was new to adult fantasy this year and these were some of the best and firsts I read 😂 Jade City, Foundryside, kings of the wyld, Warbreaker are some of my fav books now

[@PetrikLeo]

You're welcome! I absolutely loved those four books you just mentioned, too! 😍 Guess these recs are spot-on for some readers then! 😁

[@noutsakh.2135]

Your edition of Name Of The Wind is so GORGEOUS!! Thank you for the list, I learned several new titles and I'm gonna add them to my TBR.

[@PetrikLeo]

It's one of the most beautiful books I own, and of course one of my favorites, too!! You're welcome, and thank you for watching! :)

[@leidyengr]

Thank you for coming up with this video. I'm trying to get into fantasy but most recommendations of booktubers are young adult. There are titles that are new to me and will definitely add on my TBR.

[@PetrikLeo]

You're welcome! I hope one or two or more of the books mentioned here will get you into loving adult fantasy! 😄

[@fatmanfalling]

Everyone who compliments Brandon Sanderson always says his writing is "accessible" I picked up Mistborn on countless recommendations and it was the least engaged with a book I've ever been. I have nothing negative to say about the characters or the world building, but the prose were so dull I couldn't force myself to finish it. I only got slightly over half way And I barely got 10% through The Way of Kings for the same reason "Accessibility" has become sort of a dirty word for me in book reviews. When ever I'm interested in a book I check as many reviews as I can to make sure nobody calls their writing "accessible"

[@PetrikLeo]

Reading is always subjective, and accessibility in prose (when it work, and in this case it totally does for me, it never felt dull to me) is one of the benefits of his prose. That being said, if you feel his prose is dull, you're also not wrong and it is your experience. I think it's cool that you decided to stay away from all the books marketed to have accessible prose. I recommend you to check Janny Wurts Wars of Light and Shadow series for a far more difficult prose, maybe it will click with you more. 😁

[@fatmanfalling]

@@PetrikLeo Thank you for the recommendation Daughter of the Empire is already on my list so Janny Wurst is someone I've been meaning to check out. I love your videos, thank you for responding

[@PetrikLeo]

@@fatmanfalling you're welcome! I love Riftwar Empire trilogy. Note that i havent finished a book in Wars of Light and Shadow, but her prose there is often considered to be one of the most difficult even though the series is still relatively under the radar. I've read To Ride Hell's Chasm by her, and that standalone give a great idea on how her prose works! 😁

[@fatmanfalling]

@@PetrikLeo Awesome, I love a challenge

[@anjalyjacob1570]

So many books to add to my already lengthy TBR! Petrik, I've been following your reviews on Goodreads for years. So great that you have a YT channel now!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much!! Yeah, I just started here, I totally appreciate your support!! It's great to see you here, too! :D

[@lorenasstainededges1719]

I've rever heard anyone talk about The Shadow of What Was Lost, good to know it's worth the read! Totally agree with all your recommendations here, I personally think Name of the Wind is a bit long and daunting for beginners 😀 I would also recommend The City of Brass, it is a beautiful, rich Middle Eastern inspired fantasy, it might sound a bit silly in the beginning, but takes some brutal turns, the political complexities are fascinating and the characters have great development 😄 ( and it has a smidge of romance but it isn't the main focus)

[@PetrikLeo]

I've tried City of Brass a long time ago but I got bored with it, or maybe I wasn't in the right mood for it. Maybe I should give it a try again! 😄

[@monemorelight]

Really love your contents. Thank you so much its really help me

[@PetrikLeo]

Ah thank you so muchhh, Molin! And I'm glad the videos helped you!

[@nathanfoung2347]

This video destroyed my TBR. I plan to start with Jade city...

[@PetrikLeo]

Enjoy! I loved Jade City! 😄

[@Magnoliafan13]

Great list. I would actually also recomend Promise of Blood (Powder mage trilogy) by Brian McClellan. It is fast paced which make it a good entry point. And also the Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne by Brian Stavely. The first book is light kind of YA-ish, but the style gets more adult by the next two books.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you! I've read both series and enjoyed them both. Skullsworn by Brian Staveley is one of my favorite books! Looking forward to his return to the series with Empire's Ruin next year!! :)

[@twofishinatank]

Great reviews! Another bardic suggestion would be Magicians Law:Tales of the Bard by Michael Scott, an excellent book and the first in a trilogy.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you! Oh I've never heard of that one! Gonna check it out now. 😊

[@oswintardis]

Thank you! I'm new to reading books in general, lol. I started reading last year. Fantasy is definitely my favorite genre. I added a lot of these to my TBR :P

[@PetrikLeo]

You're welcome! It's never too late! I hope the books that get added to your TBR will be something you enjoy reading! :)

[@oswintardis]

@@PetrikLeo Thank you so much!!!!

[@PamsShenanigans]

Congrats on over 1k subs, Petrik!! You're my most trusted go-to person when it comes to adult SF/F! You're the reason why I read Kings of the Wyld (which I love so much)

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Pam! That's super duper nice of you. I'm still happy that Kings of the Wyld worked that well for you! 😊

[@katxl7]

Your copy of Name of the Wind is very beautiful, too bad the edition is so expensive on Amazon.

[@PetrikLeo]

It seems like the price have increased! I got it as a gift but it was cheaper back then!

[@caitlinl2750]

I’ve read all of these so I love seeing that😂😮

[@PetrikLeo]

Well done, Caitlin!!! 🤩

[@0bscenity]

Great video again! I can't get over how similar our taste tends to be. With the exception of Race the Sands, I've either read (and loved) all of these, or they were already on my TBR. Needless to say, Race the Sands is now on my TBR as well. Can't wait for that grimdark video you mentioned!

[@PetrikLeo]

Race the Sands was great! Give it a try when you're in the mood for a satisfying standalone. Yup! I have a lot of lists video like this I want to make. If only i can be a bit faster with them that would be nice... 🤣

[@0bscenity]

Quality is more important than quantity! I look forward to your next video, whatever the subject matter.

[@PetrikLeo]

@@0bscenity Words to live by! 😊

[@alexnieves]

Great video Petrik! I've read quite a few of these and have heard of nearly all of them. Great recommendations.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Alex!! Hope you'll enjoy the ones you haven't read in the future!

[@anushanthuthayakumar3191]

Bro..greeting from Srilanka..❤ Your reviews are really helpful..I am so interested in Epic fantasy and historical fictions..I am a beginner, so this video is of great help..I could see your love for books in your reviws..Keep posting reviews bro..I love it..🙏🙏🙏

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much for the kind words! You're welcome, and I hope this will be helpful to you! 😁

[@luvBB4lyf]

more books have now been added to the ever growing tbr! 😂I appreciated how you didn't give us too much information on the story of each book, but instead gave us just enough information to let us know if we would find it interesting, because personally, i like going into fantasy without knowing too much. thanks for this video! looking forward to more

[@PetrikLeo]

Haha! I'm always happy to hear when someone's TBR increased because of me! 😂 As to story on books, I will always try my best to keep details of the story at minimum or even non-existent, because often times, a little plot and the reviewer's feelings on the book is all I need. Like you, I like going into a book knowing as little as possible! You're welcome, and thank you for the support! I'll try to have a new video uploaded next week!

[@Nicole-vs2ti]

Awesome video, Petrik! Great picks here :) My first High Fantasy was a Game of Thrones 😂 I personally wouldn't recommend the Licanius trilogy altogether to newcomers because even old-time fantasy readers found it difficult sometimes to understand and struggled reading it. It's also one of my all-time faves but if anything, I recommend it to people who are very familiar with this genre. One of the few series with a level of complexity that increases with each book so the first one is simple enough but considering they should read them in close proximity to each other... yeah it wouldn't work, imo.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Nicole. Yeah, I agree. That's why I said I recommend ONLY the first book to newcomers to the genre. The difficulty in the second book and third book improved significantly, and definitely not suitable for newcomers to adult fantasy! :)

[@CourtneyReads]

Royce and Hadrian have the best bromance! I love it.

[@PetrikLeo]

Together with Locke & Jean, Wax & Wayne, Darrow & Sevro! 😊

[@CourtneyReads]

@@PetrikLeo I haven't been able to get into The Lies of Locke Lamora 😩 (I've tried two or three times), but yes to the others! And although their bromance doesn't get as much page time, I love Kaladin and Adolin's developing friendship too!

[@PetrikLeo]

@@CourtneyReads oh that's too bad! But hey, sometimes that happens, and we can't do anything about it. Glad to hear that you liked the others! 😄 I loved Kaladin and Adolin, it's time to reread the series soon! 😃

[@ellenonoda]

Yay thank you for showing me the link to this video! I had Warbreaker and Mistborn already so I’ll add them to my August TBR! Will also check out these other books you mentioned when book shopping! 📚

[@PetrikLeo]

You're so welcome! Warbreaker and Mistborn are both so good, especially Mistborn! :)

[@erinlee2431]

More adult fantasy 📚 with bards as the main character: THE LAST SONG BEFORE NIGHT

[@PetrikLeo]

Oh I've heard of the 2nd and 3rd book of this series, but somehow never heard of the first book! Thanks for letting me know! 😄

[@LiveItUpDaily]

Please do your top grimdark books!! I can’t wait for that one! 😁

[@PetrikLeo]

Fingerscrossed next month!! 😄

[@laurenb_101]

Ah, I’m so glad I stumbled across your KZbin channel, Petrik. I follow you on Goodreads and you have always been on point with your reviews - I often look to these to inform my decision as to whether I should read a book. I’m really hoping to get to The Name of The Wind this year 🙂 And I adored Black Sun!!

[@PetrikLeo]

You're welcome, Lauren! And hey, thank you so much for letting me know. Hearing that my reviews are helpful never gets old to me. I'm glad I'm able to help your book buying decision! The Name of the Wind is soooo amazing, I'm already inching for a reread just from hearing you're going to read it! 🤣

[@daniellehill1253]

Thanks for the recommendations!

[@PetrikLeo]

You're so welcome, Danielle! 😁

[@dowlinggodin555]

Read the SPELLMONGER series. You won't regret it! Its 11 books long and has everything you would want in a fantasy series!

[@PetrikLeo]

I've never heard of this series before. I'll take a look. Thanks for the recommendation! 😄

[@99Michaelthom]

Loved this video! I subscribed based on this one alone, and it was the first I watched of yours! Thanks for some of those recs!

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Michael! Yeah I'm still new on Booktube. I'll try to pour out more content as soon as I can! 😁

[@99Michaelthom]

Well, you're doing a great job. I think you're English is great. If you get a chance someday, maybe you can give my book a try. Based on your tastes in this video, I think you might like it. www.amazon.com/dp/B0861L5G1J/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_D9cAFb3XFX60N

[@MrTofy1974]

I disagree that any Brandon Sanderson book should be an introduction to fantasy...I feel he's way to in depth...I read Elantris and did not enjoy it as much as I could just for the shear fact that some parts are dragging and too in depth....I think the same would go for Rothfuss and Lynch....those I feel wouldn't be good introductions to fantasy for newcomers....One book I would advice to read as a newcomer is The Belgariad by David Eddings...this is a fantastic classic fantasy series that is a quick read and easy to follow.

[@PetrikLeo]

I will have to agree to disagree then. Mistborn was the first adult fantasy series that I managed to finish and loved, and it's the one that got me into reading adult fantasy; I didn't have difficult reading it. I don't think Elantris is a good place tl start Sanderson's books, it was his debut and it's (imo) one his weakest books so far. I haven't read Belgariad, but from what everyone said, i think it's a spot-on recommendation. 😊

[@jannarosereads4805]

Petrik this is a great list! I'm so glad you have joined booktube 😊.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Janna! I'm still new at this. I appreciate your support! 😄

[@arun22krishnan]

Hi Petrik, love your reviews in goodreads, glad to see you in youtube. One kind suggestion could you change your background to a little more spacious place. The closed, small set now kind of dims down the video a little.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you for the kind suggestion! The next few video might use this background temporarily, but next month I'll try to change background and ask you and the viewer's opinion on which one looks better! I'm setting up some things at the moment! 😊

[@arun22krishnan]

@@PetrikLeo love to hear that, looking forward to it.

[@rossperry8053]

Awesome stuff man! I know you said you were nervous about speaking on booktube with English being your (3rd?) language, but if anything your accent and voice make you sound very dignified LOL

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you soo much, man! Oh yeah, it's my 3rd language. And believe me, the cutting done towards this video was brutal! 🤣 I think that's the first time someone said that about my voice and accent, I'm gonna remmeber this day! 😄

[@davedelfavero3235]

Hi Leo! You’ve read so much fantasy so I’m wondering what books reminded you most of the video game Skyrim?

[@PetrikLeo]

Hmm, that's a bit tricky because Skyrim is so massive that it's kinda impossible to find a book that truly reminded me of it. But I did get the Skyrim feelings here and there from reading The Unspoken Name by A.K. Larkwood, The Winnowing Flame trilogy by Jen Williams, Blood of an Exile by Brian Naslund, and Malazan Book of the Fallen (though this one reminded more of Demon/Dark Souls more than anything else) by Steven Erikson.

[@davedelfavero3235]

Petrik Leo thanks for giving me some books to check out! Skyrim and Witcher 3 are probably 2 of my fav fantasy games of all time and so I always wondered if someone ever wrote any books with similar “vibes”. I’m taking notes of the ones you mentioned for sure! As sucky as 2020 has been i am still so excited and honored to have met such nice new friends such as yourself, Mike, Alex, and others... who share the love of fantasy books!

[@PetrikLeo]

@@davedelfavero3235 You're welcome! Oh I love Witcher 3 so much, that game kinda ruined open world games for me because it was too good 😂 And you're right on that, I'm speaking on behalf of Mike and Alex that we're thankful for your support and friendship! Keep reading and stay safe, my friend! 😄

[@perritohiker]

Thanks for so many recommendations!

[@PetrikLeo]

You're so welcome! ☺️

[@lolmostdenfitly]

YOURE LITERALLY AMAZING

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you!

[@sherlock_omes10]

Great list. I've read a few from these and will now check out the others as well. I'm reading Theft of Swords right now in fact, on Avempartha currently. I think I would also recommend Legend by David Gemmell to newcomers. It's great as well.

[@PetrikLeo]

Nice! The series gets better and better from there. I really need to read Legend, so many people told me to read that book! 😄

[@sherlock_omes10]

@@PetrikLeo read that just before I started Theft of Swords and it's so damn good. One of the best classic fantasy books I've read. So many great authors and the battle scenes are too good. You should really give it a try. It's pretty short as well. Around 300 pages.

[@PetrikLeo]

@@sherlock_omes10 will do! Not anytime soon, but I loved Gemmel's Troy trilogy! 😁

[@ellynbarclay3121]

Brilliant list. Going to look into those I haven't read yet mainly never die which sounds great. Also about the bard thing. One of the main characters in Witcher is a bard. He mainly appears in the short story collections as far as I have read but he is a really amusing character called Jaskier

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Elizabethan!! Oh! I've read only The Last Wish, I'll continue with the series next year! I absolutely loved Witcher 3, though! 😊

[@BridgeFour05]

Finally made it to booktube!! I’m so happy to see you Petrik! The warmest welcome!🥰😍🙏 Looking forward to seeing you in my sub🥳

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you so much for the support! Also, Bridge Four! Your account name couldn't be more cooler! 😍

[@BridgeFour05]

Petrik Leo haha they’re my ride or die crew😂 And you’re welcome. 😊

[@Danny_Matson]

Totally lives up to our expectations. You're awesome Petrik. Keep it up. I definitely have to read Lies of Locke Lamorra and Kings of the Wyld. Can't wait for future content.

[@PetrikLeo]

Thank you, Danny! Always super nice with your comments. Oh yes you do, those two are truly incredible and refreshing books to read! 😊

[@alexanderboukal5332]

There's an entire anthology of fantasy short stories with the theme of having a bard as the main character. It's called Sword and Sonnet, and is edited by Aidan Doyle, Rachael K Jones, & E Catherine Tobler.

[@PetrikLeo]

Oh nice! Thanks for letting me know about it. I'm going to check it out! 😊

[@williamramskill5488]

Chris Wooding is an underrated author, Tales of the Ketty Jay is a great series.

[@PetrikLeo]

Agreed so much. I personally think Ember Blade is still better, but Ketty Jay was indeed great!

[@trinforeman54]

Thank you, Petrik. Now I have more to add to my TBR. 🤣🤣🤣 Great job! There are a few of them that would make my list, too. Also, I see that Anthony Ryan ARC peeking into the frame 😊😊😊

[@PetrikLeo]

You're welcome, Trin!! And thank you for the kind words! Hahaha, good catch spotting that!! 😆