Fantasy Tier List | 33 Book Series | Classic and Modern

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Thanks for watching!

[@nikk345]

Just seeing those 80s/90s book covers like Dragonlance etc makes me hate the vast majority of fantasy covers we have today.

[@RedFuryBooks]

I love the old covers - Boris Vallejo, Larry Elmore, etc. I think a lot of the indie fantasy covers nowadays outdo the main publishing houses today.

[@nikk345]

@@RedFuryBooks I totally agree I have seen some amazing indie book covers, and some very bland published covers. I've no idea why this this trend of bland book covers is happening, and there might even be good reason for it, but I really do miss those old fantasy book covers.

[@RedFuryBooks]

@@nikk345 some publishers are still doing great - I'm thinking about Orbit Books - but I think the mainstream 5 often just tend conservative on their art design.

[@RekindledReader]

This was fantastic! Definitely some on the list I want to try and prioritize as well. Fun video, Josh!

[@TallGuyReads]

Awesome list Josh! Happy to see Wheel of Time up towards the top! While a lot of people have a number of very valid criticisms of it, I really enjoyed my time reading that series! Great video Josh!

[@RedFuryBooks]

I agree. No series is perfect - even Tolkien - but the overall journey of the Wheel of Time was truly fantastic. Thanks for watching!

[@BooksWithBenghisKahn]

Loved this video as it gives me such great insight into your reading history and our shared taste! Im right with you on WoT, the Cosmere books, First Law, and Farseer, and it seems like I definitely need to read further into the Realm of the Elderlings!

[@RedFuryBooks]

Thank you for your nice comment, and yes, I agree these bigger ranking videos help people see what people have read and enjoy. I hope you enjoy Realm of the Elderlings as much as I have!

[@justjuanreader]

This was so much fun to watch!! Oh boy you’re going to love the Fitz and the Fool!

[@RedFuryBooks]

CAN'T WAIT! It's on tap for October.

[@davidm6751]

Man I’m impressed you are the ONLY book reviewer I’ve heard even mention such as Dragon lance/ Conan. While maybe not the best, both had a huge influence on me as a teen. However equally surprised you DIDNT mention other series I’ve heard a lot of. Example, The Banished Lands series, Malazan, Gentleman Bastards, Jade Bone trilogy.. The bastards are a good read, really enjoyed, just starting on the Banosjed lands… cheers and props for the mention of Conan and Dragon lance.. 👍🏻

[@RedFuryBooks]

I have 15 DragonLance books on my shelf, and plan on rereading them all at some point. (I've reread the Chronicles and Legends series). And I think Conan was the only one on this tier list that if I did it again at this point would go a tier higher. As for the gaps you mentioned, I'm tackling Malazan next year and will also hope to read some John Gwynne next year as well.

[@BookishChas]

Awesome video Josh! You’re not wrong about Narnia. The allegory is very heavy handed, and I will probably unhaul it one day if my kids will let me lol. It was one of their first introductions to fantasy. Shannara was my first introduction, and I can understand how you feel about Heritage. The main character was overly reluctant haha. Voyage of Jerle Shannara was very good.

[@RedFuryBooks]

Oh, good to know someone else likes my Narnia choice lol. But I'll reread it next year and am genuinely curious. As for Shannara, I say I'm done, but then I see those beautiful omnibus editions on peoples shelves and think "maybe someday." HA!

[@ethanr6394]

Great video! I read a lot of fantasy in middle school and just got back into it last year (I’m in my third year of university now). From your list I’ve read the first 6 First Law books, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and Narnia. I agree with your placements of these except I’d put Narnia at the top of B, and I’d place the First Law standalones at the bottom of S. I’ll provide a list of the other series/standalones I have read and give my rating for them as well. American Gods, Neil Gaiman: S (If you haven’t read this I can’t recommend it enough, the writing and imagery is truly beautiful) Percy Jackson (the original 5 books + the five after), Rick Riordan: S (there is definitely nostalgia here, and this is a middle grade series I read in middle school, but I think I’ll love it just as much on a reread) The Ocean at the End of the Lane, Neil Gaiman: A (Some pretty great horror elements to this story paired with Gaiman’s beautiful writing. It says a lot about how we lose our imagination as we get older) The Books of Babel, Josiah Bancroft: A- (Great characters and a very interesting and zany world. It would be in S for me if it weren’t for the fourth and final book, which I found to be a little disappointing) Kings of the Wyld, Nicholas Eames: B (A fun book that can be read as a stand alone and doesn’t take itself too seriously. I love the characters and their friendship dynamics) Small Gods, Terry Pratchett: B- ( I was a little disappointed with this, but it was a fun book with good humour and a weird and interesting world. I will continue the discworld series with the death books and I think I will like these a lot more) That’s all the fantasy I’ve read so far, but I am looking forward to reading more!

[@RedFuryBooks]

Thanks for commenting and I love reading about some of your choices. I do freely admit that I may be wrong about Narnia - we'll see when I reread them next year. I agree with American Gods - maybe not S tier for me - but I really enjoyed that one quite a bit. I plan on dipping my toes into Discworld at some point. I think I read a few way back when, but it's so long that I can't quite remember. It looks like you've read some good things - hopefully my list can provide you with some more ideas. Cheers!

[@ethanr6394]

You’ve definitely got me interested in reading Hobb, although I don’t know when I will actually get around to it since it’s such a big series! Mistborn will also definitely be one of my next fantasy series. I’m also planning on reading the Witcher based on your reviews (but I only plan on reading the short stories). Stephen King is also my favourite author and I’ve read 10 of his books so far. So it goes without saying that the Dark Tower will be a must read for me too, I just want to read The Stand, Different Seasons and Revival first, because I already have physical copies of those. I’ll also read The Wheel of Time one of these days, but I’d like to get more fantasy under my belt first.

[@RedFuryBooks]

@@ethanr6394 you have some great books ahead! Mistborn is fantastic, enjoy!

[@dinocollins720]

I'm about to start liveship and I'm getting super excited!

[@RedFuryBooks]

It's FANTASTIC. You're in for a treat!

[@shawn4white]

“Dreams of spring is just a dream to be honest” lmaoooo

[@djskinny123]

I just finished The Dark Tower series and would definitely put it at the top. The last book especially is so full of brilliant ideas. You told me that the last book was controversial, and I can see why, but a lot happened that I was expecting. I won’t spoil anything for those who have not read the books.

[@RedFuryBooks]

I plan on rereading that series maybe next year, so that would be a perfect way to announce it!

[@djskinny123]

@@RedFuryBooks awesome! I look forward to your Dark Tower reviews

[@heidi6281]

It is heartening to me that you had the WOT as the best of best! It is getting much unjustly hate on booktube lately! Maybe in your 5000 sub celebration you can address to your viewers that it is still worthwhile!! I think it is foundational fantasy, if there was a course you could take, it would be in an Intermediate Class. I have been making my way through fantasy classics for the first time and the Black Cauldron to me was just the perfect book. It had everything!! I finished A Little Hatred and loved all the action in the middle of the book! I loved Justice of Kings, the main character, not the POV, is riveting! I am listening to Deathwalker and it is pure fun. I am laughing more than First Law. I just read a few pages of Quicksilver and every sentence has a metaphor! It is not dense but I am taking it slow to catch the poetry not because I do not understand. A commentator on BLD’s channel told me he was jealous that I get to read it for the first time. It has been on my TBR forever but I finally got it because you plan to read at the end of 2024!!

[@RedFuryBooks]

The Wheel of Time isn't perfect, but in many ways is THE BRIDGE between classic fantasy and modern fantasy. Although I understand a lot of the criticism, I still think it's one of the best completed fantasy series ever written. After watching Durfee's review of Quicksilver, it definitely gets me to want to read it sooner rather than later!

[@reksai485]

From one "ReadHead" to the next, I loved your tier list! Would love to see more! Have a nice day, Josh!

[@RedFuryBooks]

Thanks so much!

[@thelibraryladder]

Great list, Josh. In general, I agree with your relative positioning of most of them, although not always the specific tier. (I’ve read all but two in your list-Poppy War and Queen of Tearling.) I completely agree with your assessments of The Witcher series, Eddings, and Harry Potter. I’d rank Feist, Dark Tower, and some Hobb a little lower, and Zelazny and Narnia a little higher (although my enjoyment of the Narnia books varies widely across the seven books).

[@RedFuryBooks]

Thanks for checking it out and letting me know where you’d rank things too! I’m very much looking forward to rereading Narnia next year. Also glad you agree with me and the Witcher- this video is one of my few to not have a 100% like/dislike ratio and I suspect it’s Witcher fans not liking my calling the novels lousy!

[@thelibraryladder]

@@RedFuryBooks That’s unfortunate. It’s frustrating that a small but vocal percentage of viewers and commenters sometimes seem to take it as a personal affront when someone voices an opinion that differs from their own. I think it’s perfectly reasonable to express the view (as you did) that an author produced works that aren’t uniformly great. Keep up the good work!

[@RedFuryBooks]

Thanks and agreed!

[@dinocollins720]

Your shelf is beautiful!!!

[@RedFuryBooks]

Thank you! Check out my Bookshelf Tour if you want to see details!

[@dinocollins720]

@@RedFuryBooks will do!!!

[@Thecatladybooknook_PennyD]

Great ranking!

[@RedFuryBooks]

Thank you!

[@Greyhound53200]

There is no right, there is no wrong. There is only you and your individual taste. While not having read all of these series this tier is pretty much okay with me. Very pleased with your summaries which stirred my curiosity to take up on some series I have not started yet.

[@RedFuryBooks]

Agreed! This is all subjective! I'm really happy to hear that some of my short summaries have made you interested in reading some of the series. I'd love to hear your thoughts after you read them!

[@Greyhound53200]

@@RedFuryBooks My 'To Read' list is extensive but I promise to report back to you as soon as I can.

[@RedFuryBooks]

I hear ya!

[@stephenmartinez8772]

The Amber series by Rodger zelazny the Shannara series by Terry Brooks the belgariad David eddings the gereg series by Stephen bruste

[@iliana.m]

I really enjoyed this video! I just started reading the Wheel of time, literally yesterday!

[@RedFuryBooks]

Awesome! Enjoy that journey! And glad you lied the video too!

[@johngrimshaw7193]

Just found your channel. Awesome stuff. It’s so refreshing to hear someone who actually read the books. Wheel of Time is the best one

[@RedFuryBooks]

Thanks for checking out the channel - glad you're here and a fellow Wheel of Time fan!

[@Johanna_reads]

I tried to read the Elenium series 2-3 times many years back! I kept getting stuck losing interest. Great to see your choices. Can’t go wrong with Lord of the Rings in Best of the Best!

[@RedFuryBooks]

Eddings is the only author that seemed to get worse with each series! His formula stopped working when he didn't develop his characters enough for us to love them. Thanks for watching!

[@theell9014]

Thanks for your list and for your concise rationales. Personally, I gave up on Wheel Of Time after book six; just got too complicated with so many characters, I just got lost. I stuck with the Shannara books, and they did get better with amazing new storylines; I am currently on Book #20 of the 29 book series. And finally, I see that you have not tackled the Thomas Covenant books by Stephen Donaldson - they are complex and wordy, but great reads with the most hated yet fascinating main character I have ever come across.

[@RedFuryBooks]

Wow! I didn't realize there were so many Shannara books, but I guess Terry Brooks has been at it awhile! I actually read the first two Chronicles of Thomas Covenant in high school, but it's so long ago, I didn't want to rank them as I've forgotten so much. But I still own them and will reread them at some point!

[@Paromita_M]

No argument with your best of the best. Reread earlier this year and loved it just as much.

[@RedFuryBooks]

I love to hear that! Easy pick for me. :)

[@BaldBookTuber]

Awesome video Josh! I would love to do this same type of video, but have no idea from a technical standpoint how to film a tier ranking. LOL. Of our crossovers, and how I personally rank them (your rankings are correct, just different then mine!): ASOIAF - The S"est" of the S - I love books 4 and 5 as much as 1 - 3, as well as loving everything else in-world he has written. Will never be displaced as my #1. LotR - S Tawny Man, Liveship - S, Farseer - A, Rainwild - B (Fitz and the Fool - S) Wheel of Time - B Mistborn Era 1 - A, Mistborn Era 2 - C, Stormlight Archive - S First Law - S, Great Leveler Standalones - A, (Wisdom of Crowds - S), Shattered Sea - only 2 of 3 books in, but C so far Shannara - Initial Trilogy, Heritage Quartet and Voyage Trilogy - B, everything else C or below that I've read so far Narnia - A for the nostalgia, and getting me into the genre. Not sure how it would hold up on a re-read Dark Tower - Looking a lot like S (just started The Dark Tower Book 7 today) So, I've read almost half of the things you have rated, and a few things you haven't. :)

[@RedFuryBooks]

Thanks for your tier list! And I hope you love Dark Tower as much as I do! :). Fitz and the Fool I'll likely be reading in October, so I hope it's S tier like Tawny Man and Liveship! As for Martin's books, I can't argue with S tier. I genuinely think that if he somehow finishes the series well, it certainly may deserve a spot next to all the best the genre has ever seen.

[@veronicagarcia2025]

Great list! I really need to read Joe Abercrombie's first law series...There;s a chance of a sci-fi tier list (Stand alone or series)?

[@ethanr6394]

A sci-fi list would be awesome!

[@RedFuryBooks]

The First Law can't be more different than Realm of the Elderlings, but I'd have to say that Hobb and Abercrombie are #1 and 2 in my ranking of favorite fantasy authors. I may have to do a sci-fi list, although I may just do a top 10 or something like that, as I don't know if I have the depth there as in the fantasy genre. Thanks for watching!

[@mrgauth]

We agree on more than we disagree. Most of those I have started but could not finish- Hobb, Sanderson, Jordan, and King chief among those I could not finish. Turned the page on all those. Never trying again. Interesting no Malazan.

[@RedFuryBooks]

I'm tentatively planning on starting Malazan next year. I took a bit of a break reading the fantasy genre and just haven't gotten there yet. I will admit that I am a little intimidated by it, but still plan on giving it a read soon. Thanks for watching!

[@joseyong]

Great tier list! Dandelion Dynasty and Green Bone saga are one my favorites. Will start Malayan soon

[@RedFuryBooks]

I'll likely be reading Malazan next year. Those two are also on the TBR. So many books! LOL

[@SurferKroky]

Green bone saga is absolutely AMAZING

[@giants8585]

I am very new to fantasy, I've only completed (5) and I enjoyed the Witcher. But I knew it wasnt great. I getting excited to start checking out these series that everyone loves

[@RedFuryBooks]

Enjoy your journey through the fantasy genre! I'm enjoying being back to reading it a lot as I took over a decade away from the genre. And a lot of people love the Witcher books, so you're not alone! I loved the short stories but just didn't connect personally to the novels. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@jorgemedina8083]

Tawny Man over Liveship Traders? You opened my eyes to that possibility. Ill have to think about it, but my immediate impression after the shock is that I agree! Wow! Didn’t know I would agree. Still, this is an opinion to wrestle over.

[@RedFuryBooks]

After reading Liveship I thought nothing could top it... until Hobb topped it in the next trilogy. So so so good!

[@jorgemedina8083]

@@RedFuryBooks I’m in shock

[@davidstenton5181]

Totally agree about Eddings. I enjoyed the Belgariad, but the Malloreon left me cold. It reminded me of record reviewer in the 1960s, who reviewed Gary Puckett's follow-up to the excellent "Young Girl": he said, "This is the same song sideways." That was my opinion of the Malloreon too.

[@RedFuryBooks]

It's really unfortunately with Eddings, because I still place the Belgariad in high regard. One of the only authors I know that actually got worse the more he wrote.

[@shawnbadger2737]

I agree with all of your placements, except I would put Wheel of Time down to "good", and I would put Narnia up in good as well. WoT had some really great moments of brilliance, but they were too few and far between for how large the series is.

[@RedFuryBooks]

I can see that with WoT - a lot of my love for that series is that it was the series that brought me back to the fantasy genre after a 15-20 year break. So there's some nostalgia there. And I may revise my Narnia placement! I'm reading it right now one per month and am definitely enjoying it more than I did as a kid.

[@zan8152]

"My least favorite fantasy trope is the overly reluctant hero" "Wheel of time is #1!" Make it make sense! (Kidding, that's totally fine. Video is great fun, I always love stuff like this.)

[@RedFuryBooks]

HA! Maybe a contradiction there. But I don't think Rand whined as much as Walker did in that SHannara series! Glad you liked the video :)

[@michaelsamerdyke108]

I loved Prydain when I was a kid. And you are right, "The High King" ends things on a great note. Lloyd Alexander wrote a number of fine fantasies. "Westmark" is a good (non-magical, imaginary world) trilogy.

[@RedFuryBooks]

I love to see all the comments for Prydain, since it was my "gateway drug" into the Fantasy genre!

[@alexwolfe7879]

I definitely agree with you on The Chronicles of Narnia. I feel like this is one of those rare cases where the movies are leagues better than the books. (More so as the series progresses; the first book is excellent)

[@Vexarax]

I was obsessed with the books as a kid, they're amazing. Magicians Nephew, Silver Chair, and Last Battle were my favourites and were all far better (and darker and weirder) than any of the movies they made, in my personal opinion. I never expected to see anyone saying the movies were better than the books :o Each to their own though lol Also when you say first book, do you mean Magician's Nephew or The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe? Because LW&W is actually book 2! :)

[@danbe6280]

Pretty cool list, the same happened to me with TWoT, it was the series that brought me back to read fantasy not that long ago. Since you can be consider an expert or at least a very dedicated fan of Stephen King, it would be great if you do a video without spoilers about why we should read The Dark Tower.

[@RedFuryBooks]

Glad you enjoyed the list! I'm planning a reread of the Dark Tower sometime so that might be a great way to announce that. Thanks!

[@wyluli-dt9wv]

I can't argue with much of what you've done up there. I'd have the WoT lower (down in the good/great) but that is my only real quibble. There are some authors I'm surprised aren't represented in your list. You said you don't like military fantasy so I wouldn't recommend you read the Malazahn stuff but I do believe you'd enjoy Glenn Cook's "Black Company" series. Its fantastic. It looks like you appreciate Robin Hobb like I do so I'd recommend the only other author who writes characters as well as she does... Guy Gavriel Kay! He is simply a master of his craft and in my opinion the best fantasy author still writing. I'd suggest "The Lions of Al-Rassan" or "A Song For Arbonne" as good starting points for his work. Well done on your list! You have earned a like and subscribe from me!

[@RedFuryBooks]

Thanks for the like and sub! Yes, there are some notable gaps in my fantasy reading, because I didn't read much fantasy from around 2000-2018. But Guy Gavriel Kay is a priority, along with Mark Lawrence and a few others. I was most likely going to start with A Song for Arbonne, as Bridger over at The Library Ladder recommended that one very highly to me. Thanks for checking out the channel!

[@stevetennispro]

Have you read the Dark Elf Trilogy? Dryzzt (spelling?) is great! (book #1 Homeland. I believe all 3 books are in one volume now.) How about "The Incarnations of Immortality" by Piers Anthony? (book #1 is On a Pale Horse) Her Majesty's Wizard (Wizard in Rhyme, #1) by Christopher Stasheff is a favorite series, of mine at least. Anne Mccaffrey had some of my faves too. Like the Brainship series and The Talent series to name just two. Mercedes Lackey Has so many great series. I would start with Heralds Of Valdemar Books. Book #1 is "Arrows of the Queen")

[@RedFuryBooks]

I haven't read the Dark Elf Trilogy, but the Drizzt books are definitely on the TBR. I read some Piers Anthony in HS and remember enjoying it, but it has been so long I didn't remember well enough to include it on the list. Thanks for the tip with Mercedes Lackey - that's an author I've heard quite a bit about but nothing concrete.

[@JacobMcMillen]

I agree with you on the placement for pretty much everything here that I've read. A little miffed with Chronicles of Narnia, but I was still a Christian back when I read it, so I can't really take issue until I've given it another read through as an agnostic. Nice to see someone trash talk The Witcher a little, because the writing is rough. Ciri's character arc is the only thing worth reading in my opinion. Everything else is so linear and unconnected. The author very obviously gets ideas for his next scene while writing the previous scene and just calls that foreshadowing. Plus it's just an episodic collection of rewritten fairy tales. Love the games. Books are massively overrated. Adding The First Law Trilogy as my next read. When you get a chance, check out The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winters and Master of Sorrows by Justin Travis Call. Those are the two current series I'm most excited about continuing. Also just a random note, but Way of Kings and Rhythm of War are two of the most tedious reads I've ever pushed through. I think the series still deserves a spot in outstanding just based on the scope, world, and characters, but fuck those were tough, mostly unenjoyable reads, which is a shame.

[@RedFuryBooks]

Thanks for your comments! I'm actually going to be rereading Narnia next year, so I'll see how my original thoughts change or remain the same. We definitely agree about the Witcher; I did enjoy the short stories, but the novels were just not very good. (I only read the first 3 and won't be continuing). I hope you enjoy The First Law! One of my favorites, and having read all 10 books in the entire world now, I can say it's a top 5 series in general. Rage of Dragons is on the TBR, although I may wait until he releases the third book and read them all together. I've seen quite a bit of praise for that series that I'm definitely intrigued. I agree with you to a point with Rhythm of War. I felt the pacing was slow, the book bloated, and the experiments on Stormlight dull and self-indulgent. I sometimes feel that Sanderson gets so excited about his magic system that he just tends to word vomit about it, and a lot of us just aren't that interested.

[@JacobMcMillen]

@@RedFuryBooks 💯💯💯

[@ciaranirvine]

I was surprised at just how many of these I've read - almost all of them :) I'd push the two Dragonlance down a few notches, ASOIAF tbh between Stormlight and the Abercrombie standalones, and Prydain up a couple but those are minor quibbles, overall I agree. Main takeaway for me is that I really need to get around to reading Robin Hobb!

[@RedFuryBooks]

Yes! You must read Robin Hobb! Although I had LOTR at the very top, Hobb is my favorite fantasy author.

[@Chyrnobyl66]

As much as you seem to like Abercrombie, i'm surprised not to see Mark Lawrence's Broken Empire on the list. It has a very grim dark style, and i really enjoyed it.

[@RedFuryBooks]

Mark Lawrence is a big priority for me next year! I plan on reading at least the Broken Empire and Red Queen's War trilogies.

[@harrycorbiniv]

Just started WOT (Huge commitment) and because of this video my TBR stack got wayyyy bigger. So, thanks. 😂

[@RedFuryBooks]

I feel ya! I read 10 books and my TBR gains 20 more! Glad you liked the video, though! 😁

[@harrycorbiniv]

@@RedFuryBooks loved it! keep up the great content

[@RedFuryBooks]

@@harrycorbiniv thank you so much!

[@StElna]

It's great to see classic fantasy get some love on booktube, particularly The Riftwar Saga. Do you have any plans to read Thomas Covenant, Memory, Sorrow and Thorn, or The Book of the New Sun? All fantastic series.

[@RedFuryBooks]

I read Thomas Covenant - the first two trilogies - in high school, and do plan on rereading them again. Memory, Sorry and Thorn for sure at some point! I've heard mixed things about The Book of the New Sun, but I will likely read it at some point. For classic fantasy, I will be rereading The Riftwar Saga again in December because I want to read The Empire Trilogy in January.

[@hiredmuscle404]

Fantastic list. I Agree with almost all of it though i haven't read at least 5 of the series up there and dont remember a few. Its difficult for me to go back and re read series so ive been DIGGING for a "new kid on the block". But its hard llol, fantasy is saturated with YA books that are (IMO) crude and unimaginative. Im tired of seeing them get more attention that 3/4 of this list. Im a pretty young guy and ive been looking for another series that is similar to wheel of time my favorite and i honestly cant find anything.

[@RedFuryBooks]

Glad you liked my ranking and mostly agree! :) Best of luck finding more gems! As for Wheel of Time, I suspect if I combined the Realm of the Elderlings, it might be my new #2, but it's a hard series to top in my opinion. But I do feel that both Sanderson and Martin have the potential to do so, and one series I've heard bandied about as the best ever that I haven't read yet is Malazan Book of the Fallen.

[@certified_geek7536]

Please read the rangers apprentice series!

[@RedFuryBooks]

I've never heard of that one, but thanks for putting it on my radar!

[@patrikfranciak751]

Have you read Terry Pratchett's Discworld ? I was surprised that it didn't pop up in this tier list, so if you didn't i highly recommend it 🙂 and thanks for new books in my tbr

[@RedFuryBooks]

I read a couple of them in high school because it was a friend of mine's favorite series. But it's been so long that I couldn't remember well enough to rank it. But I'll definitely read some in the future - I've heard such high praise from so many people!

[@SurferKroky]

Stormlight archive for me is absolutely S tier fantasy in every way

[@RedFuryBooks]

I may revise my A list placement after book 5, because I have no doubt that Sanderson will stick the landing for this first arc.

[@richardpinferi118]

Haven't read much fantasy, and what I have read was a long time ago when I was in my late teens. LOTR of course remains one of my all-time faves across all genres. But I also remember really enjoying the Thomas Covenant series by Stephen Donaldson. It doesn't seem to come up in any of these lists. Was it not as popular as I remember, or not as good as I thought?

[@RedFuryBooks]

There's a great review of the three Thomas Covenant series by the Library Ladder that I recommend. I read the first two series in high school, but couldn't remember them well enough to accurately place them on this tier list. But I'll definitely reread them at some point!

[@richardpinferi118]

@@RedFuryBooks Nice! Donaldson also wrote an SF series (The Gap Series). Again, SF is not a genre I read a lot of, but this one totally blew me away!

[@RedFuryBooks]

@@richardpinferi118 someone else mentioned the Gap Series to me recently!

[@richardpinferi118]

@@RedFuryBooks The first book in the series is very short (it's really just a prologue) but the events in it are difficult to read. But don't let it put you off from reading the remaining books - the story proper begins in Book 2 and the pace just doesn't let up from that point on.

[@RedFuryBooks]

@@richardpinferi118 that's good to know if I pick those up. I'll likely reread the first two Thomas Covenant Chronicles first, since I already own those. Thanks!

[@georgimihalkov9678]

The Witcher novels are decent imo. They're not great books which make you go "Wow, that was awesome!" at the end, but going through them makes it worth it by the end.

[@RedFuryBooks]

Good to know. I did enjoy the Witcher short story collections.

[@georgimihalkov9678]

@@RedFuryBooks they're my fav part too haha

[@noname3609]

Stormlight bellow Wheel of Time,First Law,Lotr,Asoiaf and Mistborn ? Nope.Stormlight is above all.

[@RedFuryBooks]

I hear ya, but found Rhythm of War quite weak, so that really influenced my placement. (If I had to rate Wheel of Time after reading Crossroads of Twilight, it would also be a lot lower!). I do think it'll likely be S tier when it's done because Sanderson does tend to stick the landing all the time.

[@noname3609]

@@RedFuryBooks Row was amazing.Loved Kaladin,Navani and Adolin arcs and I also loved the flashbacks and strong interludes.Its a masterpiece !!! Words of radiance is the highest rated book on goodreads 4.76 !!! Rest of the stormlight books are at least 4.65 ! I still need to read more of the other series though.😄

[@RedFuryBooks]

@@noname3609 Way of Kings + Words of Radiance is definitely S tier for me- we'll see where book 5 lands!

[@noname3609]

@@RedFuryBooks Best Stormlight books for sure. 😁 I expect book 5 to be really good. RHYTHM OF WAR was just a setup for next book!!!

[@RedFuryBooks]

@@noname3609 That's my hope as well.

[@truthless8261]

what about the fitz and the fool series?

[@RedFuryBooks]

Just finished it last week, but definite S tier.

[@habitshare]

I feel the same way about Narnia.

[@RedFuryBooks]

Glad I’m not the only one!

[@stevenhockenberry9596]

Have you read Malazan and if so your thoughts

[@RedFuryBooks]

I haven’t read Malazan yet, but it’s likely going to happen in 2023. I plan to at least start the series sometime next year.

[@jaker2542]

No love for Jim Butcher or Piers Anthony?

[@RedFuryBooks]

I read some Piers Anthony in high school, but it's been so long, I don't remember well enough to place his works on the list. As for Jim Butcher, I've only read the first two Dresden Books and if I had to place him on the list right now, I'd put it in the "Skip It" tier based on those first two books. But I have plans of reading at least the next two books before I evaluate it. I don't feel I've read enough to make a good enough assessment right now.

[@jaker2542]

@@RedFuryBooks Butcher actually had a fantasy series too, Codex Alera

[@RedFuryBooks]

@@jaker2542 yeah, that's another one I see mixed reviews. I know Mike is reading that right now and think he may have DNF'd? I still have more Dresden to try before I consider that one. Too many series on the TBR!

[@aaronbrown5776]

Okay, serious, what the HECK!!! No, Chronicles of Prydain are not below Shanarra (and I love Elfstones)! That was a series that imparted an important life lesson about how it doesn't matter where you come from, it matters what you do with what you have. And Alexander did it brilliantly, disguising it as a 'chosen one' scenario when instead it was all about what he learned and who he grew into along the way that proved to be of key importance. I agree on the Conan books. They are very strange and no one could do it like Howard. The guy is the ultimate pragmatist. He'll lose a fortune and be all, 'oh well' the very next short story. I also agree with disliking the reluctant hero. That is why I couldn't make it past book one of the Stormlight Archive. There was that general guy who was reluctant for the entire doorstop of a novel and everyone is poking, prodding, and disrespecting him at every turn. And I'm thinking, "Seriously? They would seriously keep prodding the bear after hearing all the stories of just how much of a badass he was?" I just couldn't go on. But it sounds like I need to read some Robin Hobb...

[@RedFuryBooks]

I can't disagree with your reasoning with Prydain. I think I put it lower because those first 2 1/2 books are really just lighter children's fare. But it definitely gets more heft, in Taran Wanderer in particular. And, yes, I always highly recommend people read more Robin Hobb! She's my favorite fantasy author hands down.

[@parkseoyin5957]

Try read the faithful and the fallen series by john gwynne.

[@RedFuryBooks]

That's definitely on the short list.

[@jonathonlayton6245]

I’ve watched a few of these tier list videos and always wonder why I haven’t seen one person list R. A. Salvatore’ s Dark elf books or anyone review his books.

[@RedFuryBooks]

They’re on my TBR! I know Mike at Mike’s Book Reviews has reviewed some of them. But I do hope to start those books soon, because I’ve heard a lot of great things!

[@jonathonlayton6245]

@@RedFuryBooksThank you for the reply. I just watched a review where the reviewer put them in his S tier. I couldn’t recommend any fantasy series before these books. I haven’t read many high fantasy series but have bought a few to start. I hope you enjoy the Dark Elf series as much as I did. Enjoy!

[@RedFuryBooks]

Thanks! I do hope to get to them next year!

[@johngrimshaw7193]

Have not read any Robin Hobb. Where do you recommend to start ?

[@RedFuryBooks]

I think it's best to start with Assassin's Apprentice and read the Farseer Trilogy first. You could technically start the Liveship Traders Trilogy, which is a better trilogy, but there are a few crossovers that I feel are best experienced in the order she wrote them.

[@LPMagic341]

Please please tell me what problem you possibly could have had with the ending of Harry Potter!

[@RedFuryBooks]

I could do a whole video on the Epilogue alone, but I'll leave that out of this! I found the whole book a bit flawed. We were subjected to 100s of pages of Harry, Hermione and Ron wandering aimlessly through the woods trying to find these horcruxes, while Dumbledore's Army is fighting back at Hogwarts. I would've loved to see more of THAT! Additionally, I've always had respect for authors that aren't afraid to make bold choices, kill characters, etc., to tell a more compelling story, and JKR was obviously afraid to do it. It lowered the stakes and my overall enjoyment of the finale. The story would've had so much more heft had oe of the big three died - Harry in particular (or even Ron - how great would his character arc had been had he died bringing Harry the sword of Gryffendor?!). No one of real importance died (except maybe Lupin - I always thought he was an underrated character). And there were minor plot beats that made no sense, like Mrs. Weasley out dueling Bellatrix Lestrange - the whole book made these villains seem so small and weak. I was disappointed, because I thought the sixth book was so strong and my favorite of the series. I still love the series, though, despite my misgivings above!

[@LPMagic341]

@@RedFuryBooks Wow, that’s a fun and hot take. But yea I disagree, I think it was great to see Molly do some fighting, and I think the deaths of Lupin and Tonks (especially after having their kid), along with Fred, Snape, Dobby, Hedwig, Mad-Eye, and even small character like Lavender and Colin Creevey definitely made it the perfect amount in my opinion. Like, poor little Colin, that’s so freakin sad that he died. I love fetch quests done well, and the Horcruxes is definitely that in my opinion. And the fact that it all culminates with a final battle at Hogwarts is just poetic. But great list !!

[@RedFuryBooks]

@@LPMagic341 agree to disagree, but I forgot about Hedwig! Maybe the saddest death of them all to be honest! Glad you enjoyed the list (except for the HP placement!) 😀

[@LPMagic341]

@@RedFuryBooks Actually A tier is a great spot (even though it’s S for me) … our main difference is… um…. … Uhhh… … Well ya see… Lord of the Rings 😳

[@RedFuryBooks]

@@LPMagic341 😳😳😳😬😬😬😝 Although I disagree entirely, art is subjective! We're allowed to dislike things others love.

[@robertghejan1074]

You should give Malazan a chance, it rips off Black Company quite a lot but it's still one of the best I've ever read. I can't just label it military fantasy because the books cover like 10 continents and because of that scale is difficult to label it one specific sub-genre/thing. It has so many plots and "holy shit" moments that I've had to stop and pace a little to recover.

[@RedFuryBooks]

Robert, I definitely will read Malazan, or at least start it! Most likely sometime next year. I honestly am drawn towards the challenge, knowing that this series has defeated a lot of people!

[@Canoe64]

@@RedFuryBooks Three years ago (age 55), Gardens of the Moon became my first fantasy book. I came across it by accident while looking for another historical fiction. I have no idea why I read the Kindle sample, but I was intrigued by the first paragraph and hooked by the end of that sample. I was so fascinated by what I was reading, that I continued until I had read all ten books. Took me 14 months, but it was so worth it! I had no idea that fantasy could be written like this and this well. I've been reading fantasy ever since. Better late then never.

[@RedFuryBooks]

@@Canoe64 your comments finds me one day removed from officially deciding to read Malazan next year! Thanks for your comment. I’ve had so many people tell me what a profound journey that series is, and I look forward to reading it!

[@joecoffee7750]

Have you read Malazan?

[@RedFuryBooks]

Not yet, but it's a priority next year!

[@richieb74]

Where’s kingkiller go? That’s got to be s or a right?

[@RedFuryBooks]

Hard to say as I haven't read it yet! Although I do want to read it, I'm putting it off as long as I can. I honestly don't want another George R. R. Martin in my life. :(

[@lordvongg]

You look like you could be a half brother to Bill Burr

[@RedFuryBooks]

Haha so I’ve heard!

[@AndrewsWizardlyReads]

Tawny man IS better than

[@Belsteak]

I like robin hobb, but I find that her main character are a too much crying babies... For me I consider Feist as one of the best :)

[@RedFuryBooks]

I'm enjoying Magician right now (I started a reread last night of the author's definitive edition - I have never read it as a single volume, only in the two paperbacks from my youth).

[@Belsteak]

@@RedFuryBooks that version is very nice... I read it already a few times and also listened to the audio book version... What I like is to read the book then in the chronological order. After the rift war read the 3 books of the daughter of the empire. It is really nice to have the books that overlook one side and then we see from the other side.

[@RedFuryBooks]

@@Belsteak I'm reading the Empire Trilogy later this year! One reason I wanted to reread the Riftwar Saga. I'll likely read the rest of the books set in that world periodically as well - the only others I've read up to this point are the Krondor's Sons duopoly, which I liked.

[@Belsteak]

@@RedFuryBooks the krondor son is nice, but they don't totally follow the set of 3 books for each set of story... Each one bring something different and Feist arrives to make us like many different person... Other than milamber/pug i really like the personnage of Jimmy the hand. And after the story with his sons... The lore about the elves, the other worlds etc is also very nice.

[@Belsteak]

if you can read in French, one guy wrote some fantasy books very nice. look for jean-Louis Fetjaine. I Don't know if they translated into english unfortunately

[@duffypratt]

You are wrong about Narnia. It belongs in skip it. I read it as an adult and was so bored. Historical value, perhaps. But there are two many good books to read to waste time on it. For me, A feast for Crows was middling, and A Dance With Dragon was skip it. About as useless as nipples on a breastplate (an eye rolling expression that Martin trots out twice, from two separate characters in this smorgasbord of lazy TV writing).

[@RedFuryBooks]

I'm actually planning on rereading Narnia next year - sporadically. We'll see how I think! They are all short, and I'll be reading them after installments of Malazan, which are quite the chunkers, to balance things out!

[@ahill6858]

I guess I truly am a 90's child because Harry Potter is Best of the Best tier for me.

[@RedFuryBooks]

Ah, it’s all subjective! So you’re certainly allowed to love those books as many people do!

[@tia_lenay]

I am surprised malazan wasnt in this list. maybe you have no read it yet??

[@RedFuryBooks]

I'm starting in January!

[@jujubean9063]

I feel bad for Rowling. She doesn't deserve the treatment she is getting. People are getting so political about literally everything. Harry Potter for me is in the Best of the Best category. For YA fiction, it's the best of all time. There are issues with the story, but the sense of wonder she imparts in her stories is magnificent. I can see why an analysis of the story might lead people to put this in the truly outstanding category, but I don't think her plotting issues are enough to drag down the score. Her books are quite literally, magical. I've read these multiple times as an adult and I always enjoy it. It feels like Christmas to me. It's sad that we live in a world where someone can make the claim that males and females are fundamentally different, and that claim will lead to a relentless hate campaign directed at them. Bigotry is an intolerance of other peoples views and, objectively speaking, these "cancel culture" types are the bigots. Rowling's belief was shared by nearly the entire planet 10 years ago. Even if she is in the wrong, which I don't think she is, there should be some understanding. The gender ideology being mainstream is relatively new and she is an older woman... give her a break. I'm not Dem or Rep, I do lean right but so what? I'm very libertarian as well. It's complicating. But... I don't agree with a lot of Rowling's politics... and yet... amazingly... I still think she is wonderful. I've read "better series" than Harry Potter, but HP captures child like wonder so well that it doesn't matter. It is and always will be in the best of the best. I don't think your opinion is wrong, I just personally judge her work differently.

[@RedFuryBooks]

I'm glad that you love Harry Potter - it is a book series that's loved by a lot of people, and as I think I mentioned in the video, likely a book phenomenon we'll never see again. I placed it A tier based entirely on the books and what I personally felt were shortcomings (but still in the "Truly Outstanding" tier!), and had nothing to do with anything besides the text.

[@feldegast]

What!?!? Where is Discworld? You are missing out!

[@RedFuryBooks]

You're right! I read a couple of them in high school, as a friend was quite the fan, but didn't feel I remembered them well enough to rank them here. But I'll definitely be exploring that world in the near future.

[@feldegast]

@@RedFuryBooks as a tip skip the first 2 books initially but read them before Sorcery... There are about 5 sub series as long as those are Dead in order you should be fine...

[@RedFuryBooks]

@@feldegast Good to know! I do know that the arcs with Death and the Guards Guards arcs sound the most interesting to me.

[@feldegast]

@@RedFuryBooks Arcs are, Death, City Watch, Witches, Wizards, Industrial Revolution, Tiffany Aching... Each appeal to people differently... While books reference characters and stories in other arcs the links are incidental... Reading in chronological (publication) order is ideal... You get more world building etc... The style first 2 books is a little different... I think they can be read after Equal Rites, Mort and Guards! Guards without an issue

[@RedFuryBooks]

@@feldegast I'm saving this comment on my phone for when I give it a shot!

[@diamonddog5275]

i don't know you or your channel but i saw your thumbnail and thought: "why is bill burr reviewing books???"

[@RedFuryBooks]

Haha, but did you subscribe to the fake Bill Burr's channel? 🤣Seriously, though, once I started buzzing the hair so short, I started getting the Bill Burr comments a lot!

[@diamonddog5275]

@@RedFuryBooks fair point! i'm gonna subscribe now. saved this video to watch later!

[@RedFuryBooks]

Sweet, man, I hope you enjoy the video!

[@swampwatr]

☠️⭕️☠️

[@petcudavid9563]

Pls read Christopher Paolini It's just amazing🥲