Bookshelf Tour Part 1

[@avesadmortem]

Great Video! Hearing all your different opinions and breakdowns of the series' is awesome, always been a fan of longer form content! Definitely gonna check out that book of yours when I can!

[@ericbowdenbooks]

Thanks for stopping by, and I greatly appreciate it! Gonna try and continue with these longer form, unedited videos going forward. Bookshelf Tour Part 2 is on the way!

[@PageTurnersbooktube523]

Im halfway through the gunslinger.......AND HATE IT lol not sure if I'll finish

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

Name of the Wind is my favorite book of all time. Everything about it from the writing style to the character work to the world to the magic system, is the absolute best. It’s everything I ever wanted in a fantasy book. I’m okay with it not being finished. I doubt it will ever get finished. But I’m thankful I have 4 of Patrick’s books to enjoy over and over again. Right now I’m about finished with book 8 of Wheel of Time. It’s been a year and 3 months since I started. I haven’t strayed from it for another book. It is DENSE. It is a living and breathing world with the of the most realistic pacing I’ve ever seen. Characters that develop in the most natural ways. It is slow but it is worth it. Don’t read to have read. Read to enjoy the journey! Because once you get to the destination, you’ll be thinking of that journey. and that’s why I’m taking my time with Wheel of Time. Excited for you to begin your journey!

[@ericbowdenbooks]

Well you definitely sold me on Wheel of Time! Can’t wait to get into it, but I will definitely have to prepare myself for the slower pacing. From what I read in NOTW, it was already shaping up to be one of my favorites. Cannot wait to continue on. Thanks for stopping by, and I’ll let you know what I decide to read next after HP!

[@Josh-s8g]

Name of the Wind is my favorite book as well. I'm not that big of a "reader" either (not as if that matters) but this captivated me from the start and I think it all comes down to Patrick's writing style. A Wise Man's Fear is great as well and so is his latest - The Narrow Road Between Desires. I'm super excited to have found this channel!

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@@Josh-s8g The way Patrick writes, not only paints a picture so vividly and real, but makes you feel something. Truly feel something. And it's been 4 years since I first read it and I am still feeling that feeling.

[@truthless8261]

Ive read all the cosmere. wheel of time. a song of ice and fire. im on book 9 of Malazan audio, plus a few world books along the way. very tough for the reason you mentioned, its magnified with the audio style. but you get use to it and the readers are amazing imo. Malazan is the best of all these stories, and im not even done yet. the characters are just so good, and there are so many. there was a long time where i couldnt get into anything that wasnt sanderson. im a 6 or 7 books into the robin hobb world, highly recommend

[@ericbowdenbooks]

I’m super excited to get into Malazan. I’ll probably make review videos covering the books I enjoy along the way, as well as the entire series when I finish it. I wish I could start it now from everything I’ve heard, but I don’t think I have enough fantasy experience under my belt yet. Will probably try to start it early next year after reading more books. Thanks for getting me hyped for it!

[@veraanastasiaramirezrozas1633]

So, I'm one of few who rarely if ever love the first book in a series. It doesn't matter how well-written or excellent done the book is. The books I love in series turns out to be second, and so forth. Possibly because I already remember the world and the characters. The first book for me is a stepping stone, an introduction to a new world. And with that perspective I tend to be quite forgiving if the first book turns to be good enough to continue. With the first book I have difficulty in enjoying mostly because I'm figuring out the story and the characters. And that's just me.

[@ericbowdenbooks]

I look at it in a similar way! Very forgiving as well, and I’m willing to continue on even if the first wasn’t my absolute favorite. That being said, if the first book is great, I take it as a sign that the rest will be incredible!

[@julianexist]

I think starting Mistborn is a pretty good entry for Sanderson, the magic system is interesting and the action scenes are very engaging.

[@ericbowdenbooks]

Looking forward to reading it!

[@matthewhosfield6300]

Hello, really enjoyed this, I think we have a similar taste. Just wondering - where did you get those editions of the Harry Potter books? I love the covers but can’t seem to find it anywhere online.

[@ericbowdenbooks]

Glad you enjoyed it! I originally bought those hardcovers on Amazon. They were in the trunk box set. I’ve got a link to them in the description of my Harry Potter review video.

[@IbbyMelbourne]

KZbin recommended me your video! Awesome choice of books, and I love seeing your comics and manga. Most people on booktube don't really explore other mediums. Tbh, sometimes I feel overwhelmed trying to balance all the movies, games, and books I want to get to.

[@ericbowdenbooks]

Thanks for stopping by! I appreciate it. I try and get exposed to as many stories as I can whether it be books, movies, shows, video games, comics, or manga. If there’s story and character, I want to learn about it no matter the medium. And there’s so many good stories but not enough time. 😅 I feel that 100%. Just gotta take it piece by piece and make time for it!

[@kurtiswilliams8453]

Excellent foray into a different kind of video for your channel! I still have to check out those Invincible compendiums. Loved the father/son conflict in the animated series! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on those later Harry Potter books. Also, I found Red Rising incredibly grating too 😂

[@ericbowdenbooks]

Thanks, Kurtis! Definitely check out Invincible and let me know what you think. If you enjoyed the show, you’ll love the comics no doubt. I should have a lot more time to read now that my book is finally coming out, so I hope to cruise through the rest of the HP books and have a review out soon. As for Red Rising, glad to know I’m not the only one! Darrow was so angry the entire book, it was just really hard to connect!

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

I just made a video on how I really wanted more from Harry Potter. And that answer is Name of the Wind! My favorite book! Excited for you to dive into it eventually. Truly one of the most beautifully written stories ever.

[@ericbowdenbooks]

The way things are shaping up, I think NOTW will be my next read! Can’t wait to get into it.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@@ericbowdenbooks LETS GO!!!!

[@joan98610]

I saw Malazan in the thumbnail and immediately subscribed

[@ericbowdenbooks]

Can’t wait to start it. Going to make a lot of Malazan related content when I do. Perhaps individual book reviews along with the series review at the end. Stay tuned for all of that to come 💪

[@goodwllhuntin]

great video and a lovely collection! I love Stephen King and recently treated myself to all the Dark Tower books, loved to hear your thoughts. You also definitely convinced me to read Invincible

[@ericbowdenbooks]

Thanks a lot! The Dark Tower is one of the craziest pieces of art I’ve ever come across. Glad to finally share my thoughts on it, and I’m happy it resonated with you. Enjoy Invincible, and let me know what you think!

[@sundaysareforreading]

You would do a video about reading The Percy Jackson series as an adult if you haven’t already.

[@ericbowdenbooks]

I think I might! I re-read it 2 years ago, so I wouldn’t be able to talk about too many specifics since I’ve forgotten a lot of it, but I still have some thoughts to share!

[@JasonHenry42]

1. I wonder if your distaste for Dune has anything to do with the omniscient POV. It's not a tight 3rd person like most current spec fic, so it does feel more distant from the characters; it lacks the immediacy in exchange for scope. 2. Darrow only gets less likeable. 😅 I loved the first Red Rising trilogy, not sure if I will keep reading though; Dark Age was so brutal. 💀😭

[@JasonHenry42]

3. Skip Elantris; start with Mistborn. It's a magical heist/assassination. The magic system is SO much cooler than Elantris too. 4. We're all deeply sad that Name of the Wind remains unfinished. But it's for sure worth it to read the first 2 by themselves.

[@ericbowdenbooks]

I think you hit the nail on the head with Dune. If I had known that going in, I probably would’ve lowered my expectations for what it was. Still a great book, but that actually makes sense and helps me understand what I was feeling about it. And don’t tell me that about Red Rising 😭 He already seemed way too angry, how could it get worse 😂 And I’ll definitely start with Mistborn then. As for Name of the Wind, yes it’s definitely sad but at least we got two great books.

[@LeonC0704]

Oh but Lightbringer is so much fun and light and hopeful. Read it you won't regret it

[@ericbowdenbooks]

Will do!

[@shonenboy382]

I would recommend Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard. It follows Magnus Chase, a Norse demigod and cousin of Annabeth Chase from Percy Jackson.

[@ericbowdenbooks]

Awesome. I’ll check it out!

[@ronlussier8570]

I read the first series of Mistborn and honestly, I found his writing to be kind of meh. I know, people love him - I think he is a bit overrated. And you were misdirected about the first book to read of his. You might want to try Mistborn - best villains. I liked The Name of the Wind, but I really disliked the protagonist, which was an issue for me. I agree with you, the prose is great.

[@michaelsquires1177]

I don't know why but your version of deadhouse gates is quite bigger from mine

[@ericbowdenbooks]

That’s interesting 🤔 It’s just the mass market paperback. The only one I could get my hands on

[@michaelsquires1177]

@@ericbowdenbooks I have the mass market as well.

[@CapAnson12345]

Ooh boy are you in for a treat with Wheel of Time.

[@ericbowdenbooks]

I cannot wait to start it. I’ve heard so many great things, and I’m a sucker for prophecy stories 🙌

[@LeonC0704]

oh man, the second book of red rising is the best of the series

[@ericbowdenbooks]

I’m excited to read it! I’m not sure if I’ll ever like the prose, but I’m sure the story is great.

[@Phils_Nerdyverse]

If you love heros in comics. Check out radiant black at image comics. In fact check out the entire 'massiveverse'. It's not violent like invincible but it's doing some good things.

[@ericbowdenbooks]

I’ve got a few of the Radiant Black comics. I talked about them in my video “Bookshelf Tour Part 2”. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the first one I read, but I’d like to keep going. The premise is very intriguing, and I love stories with armored suits and superpowers so I’d probably like it, just need to read more of it.

[@Phils_Nerdyverse]

@@ericbowdenbooks part 2 is on my play list lol I'm an hour into part 1 ... Enjoying it so far. I'm now subbed.

[@ericbowdenbooks]

Really appreciate the support! 🙏

[@smithee4129]

I've always heard and seen nothing but good things about Stormlight Archive butttt I'm just over half way through The Way of Kings and i'm struggling to find reasons to carry on reading it lol. Not sure if it's just me or other people feel this way to

[@ericbowdenbooks]

I’ve heard similar things which is why I’m not rushing to it. Plus, it’s a MASSIVE book. I’ll read mistborn before I get into it, but I’m not sure if I’ll like it as much as others do. I still need to see if I vibe with Sanderson’s style.

[@CNavo.TheNextChapter]

Hey fellow Booktuber, just discovered your channel! I'll be back to check out your videos, as I'm also a reader of SF/F with my own channel and writing my first fantasy novel. - Cheers!

[@ericbowdenbooks]

Thanks for stopping by! Good luck with your own writing, and I appreciate the support 💪

[@Atrulion]

As someone whose wiring inspiration came from Harry Potter, EVERYTHING you said about it: I absolutely agree with all of what you said.

[@ericbowdenbooks]

I am reading Deathly Hallows right now, so I will make a full series review once I finish it. I will definitely have more positive than negative things to say about it!

[@Atrulion]

@@ericbowdenbooks Excited!

[@anirbandutta1371]

Enjoy this relaxing video ❤. I am currently reading 'The Earthsea Series' and it's phenomenon. I recommend you to check that series, you might like it too 😊

[@ericbowdenbooks]

Awesome. I’ll check it out!

[@noemie8029]

Yeah I'm not a fan of red rising.. I just really dislike Darrow and having only his pov didn't help. I finished the first trilogy but stopping there. I did really enjoy Elantris but it's definitely slower and I don't think it's the best entry into the cosmere for that reason

[@ericbowdenbooks]

Glad I’m not the only one who thought that about Red Rising! Ok, that’s good to know. I think I’ll start with Mistborn and come back to Elantris at a later date. Thanks for the insight!

[@Slim3398]

Where is part 2?

[@ericbowdenbooks]

It’s on the way. I’m currently focused on making my book release date of June 15th. The video will release either before then or a few days after 👍

[@lewisb.3242]

Iron Gold and Dark Age are the wrong way around😩😂

[@ericbowdenbooks]

Shit, I need to throw away the whole shelf now… 😅

[@lewisb.3242]

@@ericbowdenbooks Having got to the Red Rising segment of the video, it’s interesting to hear your gripes with the first book. I am a massive fan of the series, to think back on the first book it’s insane to see where it got to in Lightbringer. I would love you to read the rest of the series and hear your thoughts later, I hope you do.

[@ericbowdenbooks]

I have made a promise to go back to it at some point because so many people have said great things about it. I also know the first book isn’t the best indication of what’s to come. My only worry is that I don’t connect well with the writing style, nor Darrow as a character. But, I’ll still read it and post my thoughts about it on this channel!

[@MorgothsBalrog]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who believes Harry Potter is a flat protagonist. The main 3 characters are not really that good of characters. The adult characters are better, in my opinion.

[@ericbowdenbooks]

Yea, I agree. It works because we’re all Harry in a way, learning and seeing the world as we go, but it’s just more obvious reading it as an adult that everything is just happening to him and that he’s pretty passive.

[@SLMDNKAHO]

Just my random opinion: To me the passiveness made sense. He didn’t ask for any of the things that happened to him. Kinda thrust into the situation from birth. *I could be totally wrong*

[@Divitkumar967]

Bro berserk is not a graphic novel its a manga man 😭

[@TheRyulus]

Your mic is a stereo mic, and your voice is constantly moving between my left and right ears in my headphones, which makes it difficult to watch for me. I love your bookshelf and wish you luck with your channel.

[@ericbowdenbooks]

Thanks for the heads up. I’ll try and stay more centered with it. That’s usually just the case with these unscripted videos where I’m moving around a lot

[@AreTheMan98]

@@ericbowdenbooks You can just make the sound mono in your editing software.

[@ericbowdenbooks]

Ok, I’ll do that next time. Thanks for the tip!

[@Cheyenne526]

Do your books include sexual content? I would like to read them but try to stay away from things like that.

[@ericbowdenbooks]

The Golden Academy does not.