Forbes Top Fantasy Series Of All Time

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Forbes Released its top fantasy series of all time, and here are my thoughts on it!
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[@turtleanton6539]

@@Josh_R2.17 no dont watch mojo

[@hawks5999]

The Long Price Quartet by Expanse writer Daniel Abraham needs more coverage in lists like this.

[@stephenbarrett8861]

Guy Kay assisted Christopher Tolkien with the compiling of the Silmarillion. Also the blurb on the cover of his latest book has him described as the greatest living writer of epic fantasy, by a fella called Brandon Sanderson. Interested Daniel?

[@andrewmonnig7270]

Add Tigana to your read list. Read it years ago but from what I remember really well done.

[@abett6111]

@@andrewmonnig7270 I agree, read a few by him and while not as great as some they are a good counter point to other more action orientated books.

[@emmajamon1758]

My problem is that I constantly want to eat pastas but when I do I'm not hungry anymore

[@megaguy8314]

I feel u😟😅

[@Law-of-EnTropy]

My problem? I didn't hear Discworld.

[@itchyshiels1999]

While you could argue that comedic fantasy isn't essential to the genre. Being one of the top 10 selling series of all time should make it essential.

[@turtleanton6539]

Hm

[@derpimusmaximus8815]

@@itchyshiels1999 Discworld certainly is essential to the genre, since most of it revolves around deconstructing some of the more common fantasy tropes, or turning them up to 11. Sam Vimes and Granny Weatherwax are 2 characters anyone with even the slightest interest in fantasy ought to know about.

[@itchyshiels1999]

@@derpimusmaximus8815 I wasn't saying it wasn't it's my favorite series. Not only everything you said but it's one of the series that was on going during the evolution between classic and modern fantasy.

[@Grimscribe732]

Yeah, something from Discworld should be essential. However, it is hard to pick a single book from the series and describe it as essential reading for fantasy. The series as a whole is too big and at times to niche to be considered essential. I'd probably go with recommending reading either Death's arc or the Watch's arc. Both give you a good chunk of the Discworld experience and don't consist of 30-something books.

[@UltimateKyuubiFox]

I’d seriously recommend Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell. And, with regards to historical fantasy’s importance, if sci-fi is the genre of exploring the future then fantasy is the genre of exploring the way we perceive the past. Nothing can do that in a more concrete and also heightened way than historical fantasy. When done properly, it’s essential. The Once and Future King is proof of that.

[@grier2593]

I had to pause the video and come and comment when he said he had not read Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, it's just one of the best books ever. Daniel please, please read, I guarantee* you will love it (no actual guarantee given).

[@furak]

i have to support this, Strange & Norrell is an amazing book

[@spinnerling]

I also want to highlight that the live-action series adaptation is FANTASTIC, even doing some things (dare I say?) BETTER than the book, though I love the book as well.

[@furak]

@@spinnerling oh yeah, the mini series was what brought my attention to the book in the first place, i watched it before reading the book.

[@mastersal4644]

This is probably the best fantasy book which builds on the mythical underpinnings of fantasy. Plus literary fantasy or speculative fantasy fiction is essential reading to show the breath of the genre. Interesting list by Forbes

[@joebroughton1861]

Guy Kaverial Kay is a amazing author. I highly recommend everything he has written. You definitely need to put him on your books to read Daniel

[@xjohnwebsterx]

I can't speak for any of his works other than Tigana, but I second this. Tigana is amazing.

[@Morfeusm]

Tigana is amazing!

[@grandpawnshere2836]

*an I'm sorry

[@Morfeusm]

@@grandpawnshere2836 hehe

[@sophiasshelves5496]

the sarantine mosaic= best duology ever. read it!

[@UltimateKyuubiFox]

The Last Unicorn is not a children’s book just because there’s a unicorn in it. Is what I have to say about that. It’s more than its appearances-and the influence of appearances is also the defining theme of the book, on both an individual and metaphysical level. I’d recommend a reread.

[@hulkamania5071]

the witcher has unicorns

[@UnreasonableOpinions]

Most of its themes won't even make sense to someone who hasn't had at least some life experience. The unicorn's character arc is innocence trying to survive a world that does not allow it to. Molly doesn't work unless you've had that moment you see how far you've fallen from your childhood dreams. Schmendrick doesn't work unless you've had to insist that you are still a thing you've completely failed to be. Hagsgate doesn't work unless you've faced a moment where doing the right thing means admitting you've been doing wrong for a long time.

[@Milamberas45]

You would add Wheel of Time? I'm shocked to the very core of my being!

[@Andrew_Sword]

Im surprised he didnt add wizerd's first rule.

[@cloudbloom]

Blood and bloody ashes!

[@mattah]

Guy Gavriel Kay is a great author. Some of the most beautiful writing I've read in any genre.

[@VicRibeiro777]

@mattah few people realize that he helped Christopher Tolkien edit some of the works of his late father. I have not read his works myself, yet, but what I heard was that it is clearly influenced by Tolkien, and how can that be a bad thing, right? :) Which series would you suggest to start off on with Kay? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Gavriel_Kay

[@MaxCadyS]

The Sarantine Mosiac was a good read but my god, did I hate Tigana. He's definitely gotten better over the years. Best to worst of what I've read is The Sarantine Mosiac > Under Heaven > The Lions of Al-Rassan > Tigana

[@riakm921]

Memory, Sorrow and Thorne should definitely have been on the list. It is a quintessential stone in the bridge from classic to modern fantasy

[@oana-mariauliu5828]

Especially since it inspired ASoIaF.

[@michaeltweezer7403]

Nobody ever talks about this incredible series :(

[@bryanbaker6040]

The Last Unicorn may have a unicorn in it, but that doesn't make it a children's book. The prose alone is advanced enough that I can't really imagine too many young people getting through it. Beautiful book. The Darkness That Comes Before is grimdark with a PHD. It makes Abercrombie look like My Little Pony and is thankfully not as dense as Bakker's academic writing. Not for the faint of heart, but excellent nonetheless.

[@deadlyk12538]

My problem is that I'm trying to eat nachos in a silent classroom

[@edgarpalomino3044]

Oh, Tigana! I do think that you should read some Guy Gavriel Kay. I have not seen much talk of him on booktube even though he is so highly respected in the genre. You should definitely fill that hole. It would be weird saying he is underrated (because his books are so highly regarded), but he is severely under appreciated in the booktube world.

[@theupperechelon7634]

Completely agree!

[@VictorDiGiovanni]

Tigana is a great example of a stand-alone fantasy novel, which I believe were outlawed by the late 90s.

[@themanmrbijok7364]

He has now accomplished this task.

[@PCote]

Tigana and the whole work of GGK should be on this list. I'm his biggest fan (well not like the pretty lady in the Misery book from Stephen King), but you know what I mean.

[@TheLuckless]

Man, I'm surprised you haven't read 'Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell'. That is an amazing book that definitely deserves a place as essential fantasy. It opens up a whole field of kinds of stories that fantasy can tell, and it does it in an impeccable style (especially if you like footnotes; seriously, read the footnotes).

[@Yesica1993]

I usually welcome the challenge of huge books. But this one intimidates me even now!

[@TheLuckless]

It's huge, but it's delightful the whole way through.

[@Yesica1993]

@@TheLuckless Cool. I am still willing to give it a try. But I'll have to get an ebook or maybe even audio version. I don't have anywhere comfortable to read at home. (Long story) I do most of my reading on the go, either on the train or going elsewhere to read. I'm not lugging that beast around!

[@Bahana102]

Tigana is probably my favorite stand alone book. I love the way what Guy does with the importance of history.

[@tomfool23]

Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell is probably a difficult one to define in terms of 'what they were going for' because it's so much it's own thing - which in itself might be what they were going for. Less historical and more that kind of folklore faerie flavour ... but with the world building (there's a ton) building out sideways from a (sort of) pastiche of Jane Austen's England. It's great. Very English, mind you.

[@elsadiqq]

Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrel is certainly essential and belongs to any amazing fantasy list. It is in a class of its own and I think one needs to read it to be well rounded in the fantasy genre.

[@user-ng9ld7yo4v]

In his recent tour Brendon Sanderson called Tigana "the best stand alone fantasy I've ever read" I don't know about you but it certainly jumped in my TBR

[@theskyisteal8346]

I didn't hear Malazan Book of the Fallen despite it being how I would define epic fantasy, one the most essential subgenres.

[@PCote]

I can't say this one is essential to fantasy, BUT I can say it is massive lol

[@sophieberger5094]

You should definitely read Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell! It's amazing and very much shows what Fantasy is capable of being as it's very unique in its approach to world building (which is probably why the article picked it as one aspect of essential fantasy - simply because of its different approach and style)

[@dougperry691]

I was about to right basically the same thing. I think it earns a spot on the essentials list showcasing what fantasy can accomplish defeating tropes and expectations.

[@buchdrache1409]

Exactly what I wrote (albeit more rudely!). It is such a good book. Read it less than a year ago and feel like rereading it already!

[@generalescort9306]

I just started reading Tigana! It’s amazingly well-written and engrossing. Great political intrigue and worldbuilding so far. I’d love to see you do a review of it or The Lions of Al-Rashan

[@timg9099]

Yes please

[@slavking2797]

Tigana and all Guy Gavriel Kay books are top notch fantasy in standalone form! They are popular but unfortunately don't get enough attention because they are not series...

[@Sirchud68]

I would have thought the Earthsea books would have snagged the YA category.

[@KFoxtheGreat]

Ursula Le Guin and Terry Pratchett are two I want to shove in every list.

[@TheTheode]

I love the absurdism from Pratchett and the zen philosophy from Le Guin.

[@hasltisl]

Daniel, on the 2016 Writing Excuses cruise, I asked Brandon Sanderson who his favorite fantasy author was, and Brandon named Guy Gavriel Kay. Check him out!

[@stephenbarrett8861]

Guy Kay assisted Christopher Tolkien with the compiling of the Silmarillion. Also the blurb on the cover of his latest book has him described as the greatest living writer of epic fantasy, by a fella called Brandon Sanderson. Interested Daniel?

[@Mark-iv6yg]

Stephen Barrett BOOM!

[@stephenbarrett8861]

Thanks. Best recommendation I can give!

[@timg9099]

I've been waiting for Daniel Green to review a Kay book.... this video proves it's time. Do it.

[@violetbliss4399]

Tigana is actually really good imo, as is the Fionavar Tapestry. For its time, at the very least. Kay is very underappreciated in general, but perhaps it's natural being of a similiar era as Tolkien and the shadow he cast.

[@jamesadams1698]

Two things stand out to me: 1) I need to catch up on my essentials 2) You seriously need to read some Kay. I can't speak as to Tigana, but Lions of Al-Rassan is one of the best fantasy novels I've ever read.

[@W4ldgeist]

Weirdly all those lists don't have Robert E. Howard on it, or someone like Michael Moorcock. Both absolute juggernauts of Fantasy. Both incredibly influential for all modern writers.

[@assfault]

Waldgeist those guys are the non Tolkien thread of fantasy(Erickson being maybe the next step from those guys). I’d like to see that covered because there is so much great work that wasn’t influenced by Tolkien(who is also great, of course)

[@Princeofknowelege]

A fantasy list without Jordan or Brooks is suspect in my opinion.

[@strangeloopJH]

Moorcock doesn't get enough credit/attention. Seriously no mention of Eric?

[@maroonstranger8277]

omg I've heard everyone talking about these raid shadow legends ads for a while but I'd never come across one until this video... now I feel like I'm a genuine member of the fantasy community :D thank you Daniel for initiating me

[@benno2504]

I'm crying that my all time favorite is not on the list ....Magician: Raymond E Feist....WOT being a very close second for me.. the fact that both missed this list is a tragedy

[@paulware9411]

I totally agree that magician needs to be up there on the list. Would put WOT above it though.

[@Westly.3]

What no Feist that is my new problem. With this poll.

[@haroldniver]

Wow, you really should read Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell. I was working in a bookstore when it came out and it was a big deal, so I picked it up. Read it 4 or 5 times. It’s amazing. Ms. Clarke hasn’t published anything since, but she has 2 books being published in 2020. Can’t wait. In any case, that book definitely belongs on this list.

[@buchdrache1409]

2 books!!???!! Off to do some googling!

[@greentriangler]

Darkness that Comes Before is absolutely amazing, and you need to put that on your list of things to read. The series has some problems, but it is a great example of an author not telling you everything but instead dropping breadcrumbs so you have to work to figure it out. And it's just beautifully. written.

[@jefferyrlc]

I don't see the Elric Saga on that list. Absolutely essential. It is the missing link between Lord of the Rings and A Song of Ice and Fire. Otherwise, the list was solid.

[@Ponderingbooks]

Thanks to you and Merphy, I’ve actually read some of the books in this list now and I started “The Blade Itself” last night! The rest have been added to my ever-growing TBR.

[@ragnarfreyr]

Tigana is on my essential list. I absolutely loved it on Audible.

[@sethmurray9974]

I know there is never enough time to read all that we should, but Guy Gavriel Kay and Susanna Clarke are unquestionably the two best writers of prose on this list. In terms of literary merit, maturity and complexity of theme, and elegance of style, they are unrivaled here. Please, please check them out

[@Luciferwinchester]

The Last Unicorn is not YA, it's adult fantasy. That's how it was written and marketed originally. The Last Unicorn is likely on the list because it is known for it's poetic prose which directly inspired authors like Patrick Rothfuss. Actually the last Unicorn was massively influential in fantasy after Tolkien in a way I don't think was rivaled until the 90's with Jordan and others coming into the mix. It is a must read classic that does not get enough love here on booktube. All that being said it cannot be switched out because there really isn't anything else that really fills the slot for what The Last Unicorn is, as a fan I was excited to see TLU included on a list like this as it's one of those books that everyone just calls a classic and moves on without looking at what the actual writing style did for the genre as a whole. The fact that TLU was included on this list shows that this author did their research and knows that any well represented fantasy list will have TLU on it. In all these years there still isn't another book like TLU in terms of writing style, world, and concise plot. It's short and that just makes it all the more impressive what Peter S Beagle was able to create with so few words compared to other fantasy authors. A lot of people call it YA or childrens because of the movie(which was also great), when that is not the case. If you can't tell I am a big time Last Unicorn fangirl Also thank you, I love your analysis of these "top fantasy list" videos

[@horsegirlz93]

And emphatic YES to every point made here. TLU is perhaps the single most beautiful piece of literature I've ever read.

[@patricionunez3521]

The title should be "Forbes Top Fantasy Series Of All Time... But here you have my personal favorites!"

[@VladMaggot21]

bruh, you gotta read Tigana, Sanderson named Kay as the best fantasy author right now

[@MaxCadyS]

Tigana is trash. Any of his other works is so much better.

[@Andrew_Sword]

Because it would be weird if he named himself.

[@RaggaDruida]

"The Darkness That Comes Before" is definitevely a must read! While it is very dark, it is the start to the best saga to show the philosophical potential of fantasy, and how it can serve to explore more complex ideas... Personally "Second Apocalypse" is my favourite series so I may be a bit biased, but still, a must read!... Amazing worldbuilding, character development and, repeating myself, philosophical musings... It is dark/grim tho...

[@OJKarton]

Good to see some love for The Master and Margarita. Great pick Daniel

[@rokkkrinn2793]

I'm not sure why Dragonlance and Forgotten Realms are always left off these types of lists. Classic fantasy that sold millions of copies, yet never spoken of. I don't get it.

[@katieamarsh]

Amen!

[@matebakk5187]

I think it is because they are D&D books in other words not really original. If we can look past that, then yes they should be on the list. Also Warhammer Fantasy I believe should be mentioned.

[@generalescort9306]

Honestly I think it’s cause they don’t really hold up. I reread Dragonlance recently and while I have a lot of fond memories of it and the characters, the first trilogy is really lacking in prose style and complex characterization. Everyone is a standard fantasy archetype and everyone’s motivations and feelings are basically explicitly laid out by the narration and the characters themselves. It was great for it’s time but it’s definitely lost some of its luster since I read it in middle school

[@Mark-iv6yg]

Dragonlance was my YA growing up, loved those books...

[@matebakk5187]

@Jim Logan The problem with them as I rethought my earlier sentences (and Warhammer as well) that there are so many of them that they vary widely in quality and couldn't be considered just one series.

[@bogdanmoskaliuk12]

I think Tigana is the great pick for both standalone novel (not part of the series) and classic Arthurian fantasy =)

[@abeeba2495]

"The Darkness That Comes Before." The first book in Bakkers trilogy, "The Prince of Nothing." I would call this Grim Dark before we had Grim Dark; this series came out before "First Law."

[@heedlessthievery]

This is the best series I've read that I never recommend to people, it's amazing, but so dark and depressing.

[@abeeba2495]

Yeah, I'm hesitant to recommend this series for a handful of reasons. It takes a moment for things to pick up in this story. Bakker in general has an issue with pontificating (in this trilogy and subsequent series at least.) That said, these are some odd the most memorable characters I've read.

[@nickd5158]

Cavern of Black Ice. First thing that felt Grim Dark that I can remember reading.

[@MrLocuzt]

In the grim darkness of.... Thats how all Warhammer products and books started back in the day... Thats where the term is from....

[@abeeba2495]

@@MrLocuzt Thank you. Had a passing interest in the terms origins.

[@Grimscribe732]

I'd add the following as essential reads: American Gods by Neil Gaiman, Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch, New Crobuzon Trilogy by China Mieville. American Gods is a modern take on the points you brought in with Master and Margarita, relevant especially in a time with lots of discussions about identity. Rivers of London is a good representation of Urban Fantasy and as a first book is much stronger than Jim Butcher's Storm Front. As a whole series, I'd obviously recommend the Dresden Files but too many books can become intimidating quickly. The New Crobuzon trilogy contains everything that makes Weird Fantasy great. Beauty, wonder, and utter insanity combined into one hell of a mixture of fairytales, sci-fi, horror, fantasy, steampunk, and speculative fiction. It's big, it's bold, it's mad. Absolutely essential.

[@marktgreene]

I have to insist on book that belongs on this list but I don't know where to put, so I'll make up a new category: "Classic Grim Dark." The best book for that (and that must be on this list) is "Dracula."

[@benstannard3574]

I'm not sure I agree that Dracula is Grimdark. As much as I love the book and recommend it, I would argue it's not even really considered in the fantasy genre. Yes, of course there are fantastical elements to it but it takes more than that. It's written as a philosophical study (similarly to Frankenstein), about the nature of humanity and the monster within. In that respect, I can see where you're coming from to say it's Grimdark, but Grimdark usually has a dark setting which Dracula deosn't really have save for the Castle which doesn't feature that much. And as Daniel point ut in this video, Grimdark is often characterised as good not necessarily overcoming evil, which clearly doens't apply to the ending of Dracula at all. I would say Dracula is classic literary fiction rather than genre fiction with a sprinkling of Grimdark qualities.

[@marktgreene]

@@benstannard3574 I'll certainly concede on the Grimdark classification as I'm barely conversant on that genre. However, I very much consider Dracula fantasy (regardless of sub-genre) and Frankenstein sci-fi. Both are extraordinarily important well-written ground breakers in their respective genres. (And both are often and rightly classified as "horror." Genres need not be mutually exclusive.)

[@benstannard3574]

@@marktgreene I think you're correct. I so often see books put into either the 'genre fiction' category or the 'literary fiction' category that I'd forgotten that they are not mutually exclusive.

[@armorfrogentertainment]

Dracula is Gothic, not Grimdark. One could argue that Gothic is the precursor to Grimdark, however, Dracula isn't a particularly grim story. It's suspenseful, but never hopeless. Additionally, Dracula is one of the major sources for the Gaslamp Fantasy subgenre.

[@grimmonaute4347]

I'd love to hear you talk about what you think is essential sci-fi reading even though you're not as much into sci-fi as fantasy, maybe a collab?

[@joecourtney8552]

Doctor Arctic the expanse

[@sernoddicusthegallant6986]

Another Daniel Greene upload - Another dark day for Malazan bois

[@Mark-iv6yg]

SerNoddicusTheGallant don’t worry he’s started the series, Malazan will have him ruined as well 😄

[@rickb575]

Daniel, if you were to read Guy Gavriel Kay, read Lions of Al Rassan, Tigana, and the Sarantine Mosaic. I know your reading list must be extensive, but Kay is definitely one of the greats and you'd be doing yourself a disservice not to pick him up. that is all.

[@smolmipha]

I kinda agree that Harry Potter was more influential (how could it not be), but I am happy to see The Last Unicorn get some love, that is an amazing and underrated book imo

[@tonkinblake3131]

I agree with you about the master and margarita, but I couldn't rule out Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrel - besides being wonderfully well-written, the story is incredibly original, the characters humanly flawed - it's the kind of reading that makes us want to go back to the beginning after ending it. That's why it's one of my favorite books, not just of this genre

[@TheBralessDiaries]

I’ve read 4/6. Not bad for just starting reading again in the last year and a half.

[@alicemcimen]

Man I'm happy that you've brought up Dune. Tho still I will be waiting for your reread/rereview before the movie comes out.

[@grimreads]

Tigana is a great standalone fantasy novel. This is a reason to have it in the list, as well as Jonnathan Strange and Mr. Norrell

[@W4ldgeist]

David Eddings - Elenium is also an incredible novel. Sadly it's not as "hyped" as others.

[@readingreptiles]

I love this series. Sparhawk is one of my favorite characters in fantasy.

[@genuinehawken]

David Eddings is the reason I love fantasy today. Could not agree more with you.

[@brianwatts25]

I liked that series but think I prefer the Belgariad and related books. They seem to have more reread value. I also enjoyed the way Eddings handled prophecy.

[@martinroodt5715]

Love Eddings but all his books are the same book with the window dressing adjusted a bit.

[@jonathancampbell5231]

You substituted sci-fantasy "Dune" for Dr Strange and Mr Norrell because you don't think historical fantasy is essential reading, yet you substituted "The Once and Future King" (which is kind of historical fantasy in itself) for "The Prince of Nothing" trilogy, which is sci-fantasy in itself as well as a super-grimdark mash of LotR and....well, Dune. Not sure what to make of that.

[@VicRibeiro777]

forgive the knecht, he has not read the works he hath discarded... xD

[@hayleyhistorynerd2211]

The Master and Margarita sounds like it would be up my alley! Thank-you so much for the recommendation Daniel I'm definitely going to add it to my TBR. Great video. I'm always looking to see what people are saying are fantasy must reads. Hayley ^_^

[@user-sk9jd2dc6z]

Hi, just a little piece of advice, Master and Margarita has religious part in it. And even if you stuck in this part, please, continue. It definitely worth it! But try to find edition with translation which is good. Seen some reviews about poor translation.

[@hayleyhistorynerd2211]

@@user-sk9jd2dc6z Hi'a, Thanks for the advice. I don't mind religious parts in fantasy stories, be it a religion from our world, or a part of the fantasy world. I'll do some homework about translations and editions. I definitely appreciate the heads up. ^_^ I'm looking forward to this novel! Hayley :)

[@oana-mariauliu5828]

I haven't read Tigana yet, but I love Under Heaven and I think River of Stars is very good, too. I admire Guy Gavriel Kay's writing style (so far) and most people who have read Tigana highly recommend it. I am looking forward to reading it. People who like Joe Abercrombie's books also like Kay's or China Mieville's, even though they are quite different. Some rather literary writing, actually, which isn't for everybody, but very effective for creating the atmosphere. The Name of the Wind is almost literary, but not hard to read, right? Just like in Joe Abercrombie's books, I've found complex characters, intrigue, and depth. I'd like to read more Kay and Mieville in December and January. Anyone interested in a buddy read?

[@Mark-iv6yg]

Oana-Maria Uliu under heaven is one of my favourite books

[@MaxCadyS]

I've found Tigana to be the weakest of Kay's works, and the overall ratings on GoodReads agree. The Sarantine Mosiac duology is so much better, pick those books up instead if you can.

[@oana-mariauliu5828]

@@MaxCadyS What about the Fionavar Tapestry?

[@drawyrral]

The Darkness that Comes Before is a must read. It is in my top 5.

[@juliangomez3662]

The whole series is a must read

[@moi-cb9yh]

When Dan said my beautiful, wonderful children.. I felt that 👌😭💯💞

[@jeremydanchuk1897]

For Arthurian fantasy, A Dream of Eagles by Jack Whyte is fantastic, modern and not a flop.

[@vagabondvlad]

Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell deserve its place in this list more than any arthurian fantasy I read before. In historical subgenre it is like LotR in epic fantasy. And yes its language is just amazing. Rufus or Key are not even close to such perfection with their texts. Characters, plot, magical system are just fantastic. I was never a fan of historical fantasy before, only after finishing this book I changed my mind. While reading it I suddenly understand that it is maybe the best fantasy novel I read in ten years.

[@thatsaterribletitle4650]

Great pick with Master & Margarita. And yes, you really should read Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell. Wander some paths that other men have not seen. Behind the sky. On the other side of the rain... (also, Neil Gaiman called Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell "unquestionably the finest English novel of the fantastic written in the past 70 years"...so there's that)

[@jondaniel7955]

Also you want the best Arthurian fantasy. It is the Warlord chronicles by Bernard Cornwell. One of the best historical fiction authors plus the way he writes and sets the scenes of his battle sequences in my opinion are second to none.

[@orionhammerfall1874]

Tigana DEFINITELY deserves to be on that list. Just my opinion, but yeah.

[@wild_gypsy_rose]

I am so glad you read this list... I DID NOT KNOW THE LAST UNICORN WAS A NOVEL!!! The movie was my favorite when I was a child and I am so happy to see that it was a novel first. I can't believe that I did not know. Even though you swapped it out I am glad you mentioned it. After reading the reviews for this book I am definitely going to read it!

[@HelenaHermione]

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell might be historical fantasy, but it's also an example of elfish/fairy folklore that other books mentioned in the list might lack. The elves and fairies that appear in the story are the dark elves and fairies that legends and myths used to abound about, stealing people away and causing even more mayhem and mischief. There are a lot of dark elves/fairies fantasy books that are coming out now, and this might've kickstarted part of that trend.

[@surferonacid596]

10:40 "Grim Dark is not a Torture Porn!!" - Daniel Greene

[@kahlbutomacfarland]

Dark Tower deserves something. Certainly, to the best of my knowledge, a unique take on the genre.

[@AnilKumar-mp9hk]

1. Lord of the rings 2. Gentlemen bastards 3. The last unicorn 4. Mistborn 5. Tigana 6. The name of the wind 7. Asoif 8. Jonathan strange and 9. The darkness that comes before 10. The first law trilogy

[@Rita-RT09]

My problem is that it's not wheel of time Wednesday yet

[@jeffdauscha1436]

I’m aware this video is two years old at this point… but… The timing is awesome. Finishing Tigana tonight and it’s a good story, good world building, and at least heading into the last chapter okay magic. The reason I got it and read it? I was watching an author’s panel with Brandon Sanderson and two others. One author said it was the best single volume fantasy novel… and Sanderson agreed.

[@gracelingaccountant]

It makes me upset that so few people have read John gwynne's the faithful and the fallen series it's so freaking good and the quality is seriously up there

[@joecourtney8552]

Kayla M yes finally somebody with me ha. I rarely see it talked about, I’m about to finish the 3rd and it’s fantastic, probably top 3 all time for me. I hope the sequel series is just as good.

[@gracelingaccountant]

@@joecourtney8552 it's hard for me to say it is or isnt. I read the two books in the sequel series right after I finished the original series and I was so obsessed with the original that i had a tough time liking it as much. That being said I still gave the sequel series five stars 😂

[@shannonginther2015]

Guy Gavriel Kay is Canadian. He helped in writing the Silmilarion ( JRR Tolien) . Kay is an excellent author. I'm usually not a fan of Canadian authors...but Kay and Charles de Lint are must reads. Charles does beautiful urban fantasy, page turners

[@McRino1]

Not read all books on the list but most, and I agree with the picks made where I've read them. I love the blade itself series, very dark, I would argue that the chronicles of the black company are also a great high fantasy grimdark series that is a must read...

[@theupperechelon7634]

The Forbes list is okay. Having The Prince of Nothing, First Law and Tigana on the list is a good sign of a well read fantasy conneseur. They all deserve their spot. What is missing is: Malazan Book of the Fallen Wheel of Time The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant (the first trilogy) The Reality Dysfunction (the first book in the Night's Dawn trilogy - sci-fi)) The Moontide Quartet Lightbringer (granted I haven't read the last book yet) The Shadow Campaigns The Black Company and maybe Inda

[@darrenrouselle180]

you should not dismiss a book or seties because you havent read it. tigana is fantastic as well as anything g.g.k has written.

[@aquamarine9568]

Guy Gavriel Kay definitely deserves to be on this list though maybe not the book Tigana. He is a master when it comes to historical fantasy. What I love so much about his work is how his characters are always shades of grey, even his heroes. The stories are complex and well developed and the settings are well researched. The fantasy aspect of his work is often subtle and mystical. It almost feels possible in the real world.

[@willforlife_]

Patricia McKillip? I do have a nice feeling about her have has it for a while, the riddle master of he'd and the forgotten beasts of eld are classics I hear and her new stuff from the 90's and on I can imagine has evolved a ton, my feeling says extremely underrated as an author

[@MrJordwalk]

Guy Gavriel Kay is an amazing author! I'm currently in the thick of 'Ysabel' and loving it.

[@shawn6745]

I liked Ysabel but its considered one of his weakest, so you have a lot to look forward too.

[@georgevelis4651]

7:00 did they just say say the ending of GoT was a positive? I'd rather I got cancelled that what we got

[@kornbreadjones6670]

The Darkness that came before is an amazing first book to a great series surprised you haven't read it

[@ThiLI0n]

My science fantasy book pick: The Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe.

[@Mark-iv6yg]

ShellPie just about to start a reread of this extraordinary series

[@ThiLI0n]

@@Mark-iv6yg :-)

[@speedcuff8160]

Terry Brooks Shanarra books; Stephen R Donaldson the Chronicles of Thomas Covenant ; Brent Weeks the Dark Angel trilogy; David Eddings anything;; just a few of my favorites ;-)

[@farmerkip692]

I didn’t think I was a fantasy nerd yet. I’ve read like 70% of these books. Maybe I’m getting there.

[@Nobody-fb7ni]

Haven’t really read any but I guessed a few of the picks. What does that make me?

[@nathaniel4334]

Hi @Daniel Greene - Some recommendations for you. I would love you to read and review some of the Fantasy books that I love and loved, and had an impact on me. I think you'll enjoy Raymond E Fiests, Magician, Silverthorn, and Darkness at Sethanon. David Gemmell, Legend. (He wrote this when he was told he had a brain tumour and he only had 10 months to live. But through the writing process he healed the tumour). Also, his book - The Lion of Macedon. Next, The Darkness that comes before... I'm not sure you'll like this one so much given your normal tastes. It's philosophical, gritty, dark, historical in feel, but outstanding in scope and imagination. I love it. Keep up the great work with your channel.

[@evandickinson6393]

If you can squeeze it into your ever growing list...check out the Warlord Chronicles. Bernard Cornwell's Historical Fiction approach to the Arthur mythos is my favorite of all the ones i've read!

[@astraliguana9485]

The Darkness that Came Before is an unpleasantly brilliant book. The characters are all horrifically flawed, the world is fascinating, and really, really bad things happen in truly grotesque ways. It's a horror/sci-fi/fantasy crossover and it is very, very clever.

[@turtleanton6539]

Will Probably try Mistborn.

[@leonidasnoble6939]

I love the way you can separate your feeling from what you know is right (Dune). I understand and respect, you don't care for it but you understand its place in history and the love those have for it. Wish more people in your position could do the same.

[@ducovanderwoude6971]

Sci-fi as in science fiction is most certainly not the same as science fantasy. The first is possible with forms of real physics, while science fantasy is not (like the jedi force stuff in Star Wars).

[@QuestLegacy]

My problem is that waking up early is so hard. At least I get to be one of the first people to see all the booktube video drops

[@jamesholder13]

While using the term series in the title might be a stretch (Tigana, The Last Unicorn, and Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell are all standalone novels), I am surprised by the list. It is quite good with some interesting choices.

[@kendalljennings3417]

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell is one of my favorite books of all time. Absolutely beautifully lyrical writing (one of my top criteria in a book), a phenomenal villain, creepy folklore based mystery and horror, it’s like 800 pages but I couldn’t put it down. Also I love the Arthurian legend genre.. I probably read The Mists of Avalon five times in high school.

[@aaronmurry6014]

Beowulf essential fantasy. Terry Brooks and David Eddings also good Shannara series are great just don't go off the shows.

[@rd6416]

Jonathan Strange and Mr.Norrell is historical / Shakespearean inspired fantasy. Raymond E Feist - "Magician" Rift War Saga?

[@ElizabethMagicalGarden]

You are so amazing, although I feel like I have a lot of catching up you have literally opened the world of fantasy genre to me I truly appreciate you✨🤗☺️😅

[@mrsmobsluvzbooks8558]

I normally dont do patreon but your hard work shows so yeah.

[@Zmacdon1]

Good historical fantasy does belong on the list. But I really prefer the Temeraire series in that spot! Napoleonic War WITH DRAGONS? Super good read, highly recommend it. Also Dragons of Pern in Psi-Fantasy or John Varley's Titan series

[@jnew42]

It was a decent list. I do agree that they should have either substituted a few books or added a few. The Eye of the World, maybe the Dark Elf Trilogy, The Chronicles of Narnia for a I guess childrens classic. EOTW and Dune both have slow points, all but the last 20 pages of Winter's Heart for instance, still excellent works.