I've read 300+ fantasy books and these are the best series

[@RodrigoG-j1k]

You don't need to watch this video. Here you go: 10 - The faithful and the fallen - John Gwynne 9- Farseer - Robin Hobb 8- Mistborn - Brandon Sanderson 7- The Stormlight Archive - Brandon Sanderson 6- The Liveship Traders - Robin Hobb 5- Age of madness - Joe Abercrombie 4- The Green Bone Saga - Fonda Lee 3- The Dark Tower - Stephen King 2- The Wheel of Time - Robert Jordan 1- The Dandelion Dynasty - Ken Liu

[@asrgelpi_author]

I was afraid to see Sanderson listed here… not surprised… 😢 I enjoyed Mistborn but the Stormlight Archive was too much. I finished A Way of King on p 952 and I still had no idea where we were going with the story. Too many flashbacks. Characters that appear and disappear. I enjoyed Kaladin’s and Dalinar’s arcs, but the constant interruption to their storylines, and the lack of pacing toward resolution turned me off to the series.

[@Vanessa-fs7oz]

​@@asrgelpi_author I doubt a random stranger on the internet encouraging you to pick it back up would be that convincing, but the avalanche of surprises at the end makes it so worth it, in my opinion. I will say, I didn't actually take issue with the pacing or flashbacks. I feel like I enjoyed every stage of this book, and due to the length, I expected and really needed the ebb and flow from the multiple storylines. I can't remember what part pg 952 is at and don't want to spoil anything. But even after the final climactic action scenes of the book, the ending chapters as the characters put pieces together blew my mind. I have generally heard Mistborn is more enjoyable to a wider range of readers, perhaps because of the length, but I haven't picked it up yet, so I can't really compare them. Maybe listening to the audiobook for the rest of TWoK would be worth it, just to see where the series is actually headed?

[@asrgelpi_author]

@@Vanessa-fs7oz Thank you for reaching out. Some of the best tips have come from "random strangers." I googled the ending because I wanted to know what happened, especially to Kaladin, but couldn't bring myself to finish the remaining 300 pages. There were things I enjoyed about the book, don't get me wrong, but I found the constant flashbacks jarring, taking me out of the story. I can see why Brandon was selected to finish Jordan's Wheel of Time series, and I enjoyed Mistborn, but I couldn't get into this series. I recommend Tress of the Emerald Sea. A fun read for me.

[@byronkooper]

No David Gemmel, that's a bit sad to see

[@Bamboozler2349]

@@asrgelpi_authorI was also enthralled by the first book but I gotta say I didn’t initially enjoy how much time was spent on reinforcing things we already know like kaladin being depressed etc. I would say however, if you’re going to stop reading the stormlight archive you should atleast finish way of kings and start words of radiance. Words of radiance was much more exciting and had a lot of amazing/memorable moments. I think its worth reading just for those moments (which happen more often than in way of kings)

[@joshtenney6281]

I think putting LOTR in honourable mentions is very smart. You will never be happy where you put it in a top 10 but it goes without saying that it will always be regarded as the father of all fantasy, you cannot compare it with any other series.

[@aniverse_574]

It is But it can be compared

[@masterchief2402]

@@aniverse_574 true but its clouded with so much popularity and nostalgia that its hard to be unbiased when comparing

[@aniverse_574]

@@masterchief2402 there are many series like that and they are compared And when you are making your personal list ,you can be a bit biased

[@kobiwan57]

Thanks for the recommendations. One critique of your presenting is that you say the titles so fast that it comes out as a mumble and even after hearing you say it multiple times, I still don’t understand a word in some of the titles.

[@MrJeanba]

He should put the names on the screen

[@brianbrackeen7499]

Yep agreed here, put the names on the screen as suggested. Sometimes he talks so fast about the 'other' series that I literally could not catch it. Love his in depth comments about the stories tho, it helped me to decide which I want to read and which I don't.

[@joshholmes1372]

Malazan book of the fallen...top 3 for me. Expansive world building , amazing nuanced protagonists and antagonists. So many amazing characters. Maybe time for another reread.

[@krriztin]

Came to comment about this. I am really surprised that people have not discovered Malazan.

[@andrew56964]

​@@krriztinI'm an avid fantasy reader but I have found it so hard to to start. I have started the first book 4 times and finished once. I think I got maybe 25% of the way into book 2 before getting distracted with something else. I really want to read it and it seems most people who do read it love it but I have found it so hard to get into

[@rafarequeni822]

@@andrew56964 I finished the first book without problems, but only to realize I had no interest in discovering how the story or its characters were going to end and so didn't bought any other book of the series.

[@pepehands5257]

@@andrew56964 I had the exact same problem because I had no idea what was going on, then I read some article where they said that you will really start to understand whats going on only after the 4th book, so I kept reading, trying not think about the large complicated plot too much, got to the 4th book and everything suddenly clicked and now it has become prob my favourite fantasy series of all time. And its not that the first 3 books are unenjoyable, I think getting past the 1st is most important, then it is a smooth ride.

[@Insanir]

​@@krriztin It is for me clearly the best. But I also strongly believe there are reasons Malazan is niche. Malazan is the forbidden knowledge, the hidden truth in fantasy. And the small fanbase is its Secret Order.

[@nadefodder2874]

The fantasy books that are never on one of these lists are the books by Raymond E Feist Starting with Magician, published in 1982, first in a trilogy of books called the Riftwar Saga , there are 30 books in the entire series and I have read them all more than once. A must read for any fantasy fan.

[@skevins78]

Was thinking exactly the same. Or Goodkind he is one of a kind.

[@andrew56964]

The problem with the feist books is that whilst magician is amazing (and the mara of the acoma series is amazing) the rest of the books are not that good imo. There are some great characters but the overall quality of the books is not that good.

[@FPL_ChIcKeN]

Magician is my favourite book.

[@FPL_ChIcKeN]

@@andrew56964 I agree that Magician and the 2 books that follow it are great. The Mara of the acoma trilogy is fantastic also, but the quality does go down from there, which is a shame.

[@ChapHammersmith]

Magician was my favourite fantasy book until I read the first 2 Stormlight books (imo far better than the last two). Feists other books are fun but nothing that really stays with you, unlike the scene at the Imperial games where pug really shows what he is capable of.

[@jonathanperkins7398]

Rothfuss is never going to be on any of these lists because of book 3. Such a shame because book one especially is one of the best books I’ve ever read.

[@BommyYabbadabbadoobadoo32112]

@jonathanperkins7398 I have come to terms with the fact that it is probably never coming. Book 2 is also fantastic though, just reread them both.

[@TheForbiddenDance]

After I read book 1 I bought 6 copies and sent them to all my friends

[@jonathanperkins7398]

Love it. Definitely a book worth sharing! Just wish he would finally release 3 but as was stated above I kind of agree, it just might now be coming. Would be such a shame to not wrap up Kvothe’s story

[@YahziCoyote]

@@BommyYabbadabbadoobadoo32112 I wasn't that impressed with book I, and I absolutely laughed at book 2 for reasons I thought were objective and obvious. People's tastes really do differ!

[@T-Flow79]

10) F&F - just started Wrath yesterday 9) Farseer ✅ 8) Mistborn- cued up after F&F 6) Stormlight- 2025 tbr 5) Liveship- also in my 2025 considerations 4) Age of Madness ✅ 3) Green Bone ✅ (need to read the novellas) 2) The Dark Tower✅ (my 1st epic series) 1a) The Wheel of Time✅ 1b) The Dandelion Dynasty- I’ll get there eventually!!! Love these lists to keep me motivated!

[@morniclegreen3534]

My absolute favourite thing about your channel aside from all of the awesome recommendations is you showing all the beautiful editions in close up! I could watch that for hours

[@MT-tx2xd]

great book I love are Words of Radiance, Mistborn, Wizards First Rule, Dawnshard, Lord of Chaos, The Name of the Wind, Otherland, Malice, Earth Awakens, Tale of 2 Cities, Fablehaven, Brisngr, Beyonders, The Rythmatist, The Eye of the World, The Shadow Rising, Rondevous with Rama, Dune, Speaker for the Dead, Stone of Tears

[@DVCBear]

I has an avid Fantasy reader in my youth, stopped reading in my 20’s, not I am in my 50’s. Starting to relive my past through Audio books. Good news is I have not read or heard of 8 series mentioned. Have some new content! In no particular order my favorites from my youth. Riftwar Cycle (Raymond E Feist), The Belgariad ( David Eddings), Shannara Series ( Terry Brooks), Mordant’s Need (Stephen Donaldson), and Iron Tower (Dennis L McKiernan).

[@minothore7585]

Oh I love the Belgariad, and the sequel too

[@benlarsen5627]

Love the Belgariad!

[@betrayedcitizen5135]

I’m same as you but I haven’t heard of the Iron Tower. Will give it a look.

[@cwalker228]

This is the first best fantasy list I’ve ever seen that didn’t even mention ASOIAF.

[@andreiarshavin4488]

So, It's a shitty list.

[@jjhh320]

Thank God

[@mihailosretenovic8620]

Why would you put a series where the author has written himself into a corner and decided to sellout for TV rights instead of actually finishing it, on a list of best anything? It's a good series, that crumbled under its own success, and thats all.

[@Mati-mk5wd]

@@mihailosretenovic8620 were the books modified because shows where made? i dont understand your logic.

[@mihailosretenovic8620]

@@Mati-mk5wd No, what I'm saying is that George overcomplicated his story, and he doesn't know how to resolve it, hence the over-decade long wait for a book that isn't even supposed to be the final one(I forgot how many years exactly by now). He even said himself that he realised too late that he killed of a character that he wasn't supposed to and now it complicated it even more( idk how the hell that happens but ok). He simply cashed in on HBO. I don't mind having shows made, but making deals for 7 adaptations and constantly working on sideprojects instead of finishing the story is a clear cut sign to me that he doesn't know how to finish it, and he is too scared of the reception it's gonna get. I just find it disrespectful from his side to act all ladida, if he cant finish the books, then he should simply enjoy his life and success in peace, instead of pulling fans by the nose to keep hype alive for the TV shows. I hope I get proved wrong and we get the conclusion, and it's as epic as everyone hopes it to be, but until that happens, I don't think an unfinished series deserves a place amongst completed literary classics. I hope I articulated my point better here

[@ammrshfz]

thanks Viking for doing this!! your honorable mentions are so amazing!

[@hettige]

Someone needs to make a 'lesser known/uncommon' top 10 best fantasy series list. Every video i see with this topic, it's always the same books over and over. Makes me roll my eyes

[@saski4ever]

"most underrated fantasy books" - hundreds of videos. No need to complain under this video

[@alexl1518]

thing is when it comes to these lists most people havent read all of them already. So for me personally its very interesting to compare different lists and see what they have in common and what not and what i should read next. So i think its fine really, although im sad that so many people see ASoIaF not even in their honorable mentions. I read a few series and so far nothing comes even close to it.

[@ViperRT99]

@@alexl1518 ASoIaF suffers from being an unfinished book series, and the horrendous ending we were given from the show. IF Winds is ever published we should start seeing it pop up in these types of videos again. But if we never see the end, it will largely go down as a series that was great while being published, but ultimately disappoints due to no real conclusion, especially as we get further away from the publication.

[@manzanogianni4935]

Great! Make your own.

[@azieldaly2965]

​@@ViperRT99 not really, I just think the kind of people that make these lists specifically avoid it due to its popularity.

[@definetheterms1236]

I'm just now getting into the literary world. I've only really heard of a few of these series, the ones that have been made into films/television shows. But the way you talk about these books with so much enthusiasm and joy has me ordering some of these immediately.

[@BookChats]

Have you read N K Jemison's Broken Earth trilogy? Since you have grimdark on this list and you called out how Hobb writes trauma I think you should definitely consider picking up The Fifth Season!

[@knotslip8862]

Great video. I've read a couple of these and plan to read most of the others. Very surprised A Song of Ice and Fire isn't on this list...It is my favorite. But I get that its subjective. I finally decided to give Wheel of Time a try - bought the first two books to give it a try. Dark Tower is probably a no-go for me but I will watch more reviews for it and decide. Thanks!

[@captainnolan5062]

Try these: The Riddle-Master Trilogy by Patricia McKillip, the Earthsea series by Ursula LeGuin, The Chronicles of the Deryni by Katherine Kurtz, The Mabinogion Tetralogy by Evangeline Walton, The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander, Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever by Steven Donaldson, THe Amber Chronicles by Roger Zelazney, The Shannara books by Terry Brooks, The Elric Saga by Michael Moorcock, The Conan series by Robert E Howard, The Crystal Cave series by Mary Stewart, The Gormenghast series by Mervyn Peake, The Belgariad by David Eddings, The Riftwar Saga by Raymond E. Feist, The Redwall books by Brian Jacques, Dragonriders of Pern books by Anne McCaffrey, The Chronicles of the Black Company by Glen Cook, The Witch World series by Andre Norton, Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser series by Fritz Leiber, The Narnia series by CS Lewis, The Song of Ice and Fire books by George RR Martin, The Kingkiller Chronicles by Rothfuss, The Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling, The Way of Shadows books by Brent Weeks, The Jirel of Joiry books by C.L. Moore, The Witcher books by Andrzej Sapkowski and The Dagger and the Coin series by Daniel Abraham.

[@D4narchy]

While I loved A Song of Ice and Fire there is no way I would recommend it to anyone. I started it with the expectation it would be finished and no questions remaining. At this point it will remain unfinished, unless you want to take the utterly shit rendition from the TV series as canon (and no-one does). GRRM has made it clear he doesn't care to finish it so i cant recommend an unfinished story that looks like it will remain that way.

[@captainnolan5062]

@@D4narchy I thought the ending of the television series was just fine (though likely not what Martin would have done). I heartily recommend A Song of Ice and Fire.

[@Al_Does_Stuff]

​The TV show diverged so much from 2nd season on in terms of cutting characters and people being in the wrong place that by the time of the last couple books even some of the broader strikes of the story were changing.​@@captainnolan5062 Id probably not recommend Brian Jacques redwall either as the pacing/action is so different (although I loved that series when I was a youngster). Would personally recommend malazan books of the fallen by Stephen Eriksson for gritty epic fantasy.

[@ah_helou2845]

@@captainnolan5062if you thought the ending was fine then you didnt pay attention to the ridiculously poor writing that butchered many characters and plot-lines

[@jeromerondeau2824]

I started The Wheel of Time and gave up at about book seven for reasons mentioned in your video. Now 20 years later (Yeah I know) I am back starting over at book one (up to #4 as I write this). It seems so fresh and epic. This time I'll force myself though 7 to 10 so I can get that amazing end game! Thank you for making me look forward it this time!

[@symbolguy3609]

Brandon Sanderson (Mistborn, The Stormlight Archive, Elantris) wrote the last three books after Robert Jordan died.

[@ralphwoodruff]

I remember books 6-10 being an absolute slog and Rand was such a moody little brat I couldn’t stand him, but it does pull itself out of its tail dive. Think I was reading them about 09-12’.

[@WHlSKYtx]

It picks back up in the best way after book 10. Stick with it

[@robbedoes77]

I'm currently rereading WOT and while I was having a blast, I approached the dreaded books 7-10 that made me quit while reading it the first time. Now reading it a second time, simply glossing over boring repetitive or uneventful passages really made me love books 7-9 a lot more; all of the frustration was simply gone and I felt like you missed nothing of the story. There are simply a few storylines in those books that are unimportant or tedious, but the overarching ones with Rand and Mat are very good. Book 10 is still awful because not much seems to be going on, but the setup for book 11 (and from then on it's a truly epic ride) is worth it. Good luck :D

[@jaredmitts5203]

Try it as an audiobook maybe that will help. The whole series is done so well.

[@h.a.6060]

I'm so jealous of all those who are going to read the Wheel of Time for the first time! It's like the first time you do something-so vivid and memorable, with fantastic world-building. I love this series so much. The video is awesome, too. I have to check out some of the series I have not read. Thank you.

[@knotslip8862]

I'm about to start The Wheel of Time for the firsts time. I put it off for a long time due to all the talk of the slog and that its not worth it..but it's such a legendary fantasy series that I feel as a fantasy fan, I have to at least give it a try..so I bought the first two books and will see how it goes. I hope I love it as much as you do.

[@gigglingchicken8444]

I am on book seven. It has been an epic journey so far! People say I am going into the slow section of the series but I really am not worried. After the end of book 6 there are so many plotlines I am itching to see what happens. The world has been amazing and I get so excited when they go to a new city because I can't wait to learn about their culture and ways of life.

[@h.a.6060]

@@knotslip8862 It's an amazing and very expansive series. Yes, there will be a bit of slow down from book 8 but the story continues to be interesting. The last book Jordan has written and the three last books by Sanderson will make it all worthwhile.

[@h.a.6060]

@@gigglingchicken8444 Yeah, it will get slower in the next few books but mainly in book 9 and 10 which are slower than the rest, but I would not call them negative books. So I can say from my own reading experience: - Books 1 - 8: Very positive - Books: 9 & 10: Average compared to the rest - Books 11 - 14: Very positive

[@aliciasorenson3807]

​@knotslip8862 If it helps even my 16 now 17 year old son is obsessed with The Wheel of Time. I hope you finish the series, you will be SO GLAD you did! It's also my number 1.

[@ChristopherNavoBooks]

I agree with so many of your choices! With WOT, Jordan painted such an incredible, detailed world, that I could recreate his map from memory. The Green Bone Saga would also be in my top 5, and Hobb's Liveship Trader series is my favorite from her. I'm excited to read the Dandelion Dynasty later this year...(Just waiting on those awesome Broken Binding editions) - Cheers!

[@libraryofaviking]

Awesome! I hope you'll love The Dandelion Dynasty!

[@554cortez]

My top four have to be: 4: second Apocalypse by Bakker 3: MS&T by Williams 2: Dark Tower by King 1: LOTR by Tolkien My most underrated honorable mention is Sword of Shadows by JV Jones and Crown of Stars by Kate Elliott

[@johnmichaelson9173]

R Scott Bakker Prince of Nothing trilogy is brilliant. I need to read the last two books of the follow on trilogy again I was travelling when I first started reading them & kinda preoccupied so I didn't pay the proper amount of attention necessary to Scott's books.

[@gerarddowd318]

Can’t take any more of these “Top Fantasy Books” of all time when none of them have the “Drenai Saga” by David Gemmell in them? Druss is one of the greatest fantasy Characters of all time! 🪓

[@masonfreedman2722]

100% agree.

[@jonsix1928]

Amazing comment, truth

[@lewys9204]

Most favourite is brandon sanderson and then My next top 10 are:- 1. Discworld - terry pratchett 2. Elderlings - robin hobb 3. Game of thrones - r.r.martin 4. Tlotr, hobbit - tolkien 5. Dark tower and the rest - stephen king 6. Kingfisher chronicle - patrick rothfuss 7. Jade books - fonda lee 8. Narnia books (7x) 9. Harry potter books 10. Malazan series - steven erikson More 😂 Nevernight chronicle - jay kristoph The sandman series - Neil gaimen Berserk - Kentaro Miura

[@lavjoshi6170]

Kingfisher Chronicles 🤧

[@lewys9204]

@@lavjoshi6170 if you've read it you would know

[@lordofkoala146]

@@lewys9204yeah it is my #1 series. It is so well written. Not even close imo to #2

[@SDSakuragi]

Yea, I'm really surprised Discworld didn't get at least an honorable mention, there's else nothing quite like it in the fantasy space.

[@akalen1]

It's Pratchett without a doubt, I think it's the second longest running series of all time and all the Canon and lore is connected. Moreover the entire series is encased in humor, and comedy as we know is about the hardest thing you can do. So yes it's discworld number one by miles

[@Abken.]

Oathbringer has one of the strongest flashbacks from all Stormlight imo. Dalinar's backstory was insane. It's hard for me to compare Stormlight books but I guess 2 -> 3 -> 4 -> 1 (first being probably the best technically, a brilliant setup, but at the time I did not enjoy it as much because I was not aware what is setting up)

[@libraryofaviking]

The flashbacks are definitely the best part of Oathbringer!

[@pallor17]

Just found your channel because I was looking for book recommendations to read after Robin Hobb (my absolute FAVORITE author and the person to whom my Master's thesis was dedicated!) and based on your appraisal of her works, I will definitely be checking out your suggestions. I think you absolutely can start with the Liveship Traders. Fitz lost me with the Fitz and the Fool trilogy (I just couldn't with him anymore, lol). But if they would ever serialize Liveship like they did with GoT, it would be the SINGLE. MOST. EPIC. TV. SERIES. OF. ALL. TIME.

[@Falco2Itachi]

Hi, the list really looks intriguing. I already read Mistborn and I’m happy it made it in to the list. I have The Dark Tower at home but I started House of Leaves yesterday and I’m not sure yet wich of my newer books I’ll read next. However I intend to look into these series after that. Thank you very much.

[@kingdom290]

You need to read some older trilogies like The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant by Stephen Donaldson ... Apprentice Adept Series... Tarot Series both by Piers Anthony

[@greciafilia5343]

Deja vu, I feel I've seen that video title ten thousand times in the past 2 years.

[@LeonC0704]

More like the past three months

[@TheAncientMetaler-1963]

Yeah it is odd how every time I see a video listing the top fantasy series, its generally the same ones. Makes me wonder if some are paid to promote certain series. I have read a ton of fantasy books and series too, and some of the best rarely get metioned. How about John Carter of Mars... the Gor novels were hugely popular, and good if you can ignore the D/s psycho-babble. Lord Foul's Bane and the Thomas Covenant series kicked ass. But my absolute favorite series is Spellmonger.

[@ChrisGregory-ci2nh]

Sword of Shannara series? Wizards first rule series? Redwall? So many series not even mentioned here that are waaaaay better then a few of the top 10 here

[@neilbillings5373]

Jeepers, those books are trash, I enjoyed them in my youth but they aren't great books.

[@Al_Does_Stuff]

As a few have mentioned: Stephen eriksson - malazan books of the fallen Terry pratchet - discworld And something slightly different: Lian Hearns - tales of the otori (not high fantasy but think it makes it also a shorter read than most here) Colin Wilson's - spiderworld. Its super strange straddles the line with scifi i suppose and good luck finding a full set. Garth Nix - a more teen focused writer but would say both the keys to the kingdom and the Abhorsen trilogy especially are highly imaginative and worth a read.

[@markdavies2103]

David Gemmell Drenai Saga - Waylander my favourite!

[@MatteoDonCacci]

I would have liked to see David Gemmell in the list

[@jameskottmann8018]

R.A Salvatores series of 30+ books since like 1988 is the best fantasy series of all time. In my opinion. Most Forgotten Realms books are very solid too.

[@JasonPaull]

100% agree.

[@Warliet]

Thx YT for random recomms :D Okay so I never heard of any of the Top 10s, since probably more known in the UK/US or im not just deep into fantasy anymore. But sofar my Top 5: 5 - The Hunger Games 4 - HP 3 - LotR 2 - Eragon by Christopher Paolini 1 - The Dwarves by Markus Heitz

[@NoelleD.]

Have you read/do you plan to read A Song of Ice and Fire?

[@merismisan]

Came here to ask the same thing, it's such a glaring omission on all of the lists that this youtuber makes

[@NoelleD.]

@@merismisan it’s very possible he doesn’t want to read it because it’s not finished. 👀 but idk I have started reading the first book and although I don’t really like sex in my fantasy books, there’s not a lot of it in the first book and I can just skim over it. His writing is so so good and the story is very captivating. I think he’s missing out if it doesn’t check it out

[@gmbp1983]

The storm light archives isn't finished and is in this list ​@@NoelleD.

[@untitled7126]

@@gmbp1983 yeah but martin will not finish his series before dying and storm light archives are really really close to the end

[@EB-bl6cc]

ASOIAF is never going to be finished, at least not by martin. It's looking pretty likely that we won't even get the next book. Kind of a depressing series to start given this information

[@Talking_Story]

Great list my friend. You make me want to get to so many these right away!!

[@libraryofaviking]

Thanks, mate!

[@merismisan]

Do you have any plans to read the A song of Ice and Fire series by George R. R. Martin? Everytime i watch your videos the lack of mention for this series always seems like such a glaring omission seeing as how iconic and beloved the books are

[@fredflintstone1485]

He won't finish the damn series. He's been working on next book in series for many years and is not close to finishing. AND he just mentioned there will be another that he hasn't started. And he is close to 80 years old. Guess my point is although the series is terrific I just don't feel it's worth it to enjoy a series and never have an ending. I've read first 3 and they are terrific but I won't continue until there is a series finale.

[@merismisan]

@@fredflintstone1485 well that's difference in opinion, i definitely think the series is worth reading even though it's not finished and might never be. And the first three books have a satisfactory ending and can be read as a trilogy if one chooses to, so there's that option as well! I just think any book youtuber focusing on fantasy that has read the amount that this guy has but that refuses to read ASOIAF is not one that i would trust to take recommendations from! ASOIAF is a seminal piece in the history of fantasy literature, so it's a big omission to make

[@andreiarshavin4488]

I agree 100%

[@srmarcosx]

Honestly one the coolest things about ASOIAF is the crazy amount of theories the community come up with either because the series is not finished or because the world is so rich that it's fun to just find hidden connections, even on events long before past

[@204017754]

@@fredflintstone1485 I would stop where you are because book 3 is a peak Martin doesn't come close to matching again.

[@quinskii001]

Gotrek and Felix was my favourite as a kid. I still enjoy revisiting it today whether its the audio book version or my old hardcopies.

[@AshenVibes]

No mention whatsoever about Malazan Book of the fallen? It has so many complex characters and diverse magic system alongside with dragons, gods and different type of creatures!

[@Honken55]

Consider his list I understand why Malazan is not on it 😉

[@jamesmcallister8482]

Great video, I too got my introduction to fantasy through the Dark Tower and then through Robin Hobb. Based on your recommendations I am now trying out Wheel of Time. Much appreciated!

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[@Times_Ticking]

Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin. Slow. Amazing. Must read.

[@YahziCoyote]

Yes, that and the Lyonesse trilogy, by Jack Vance, are absolute classics. LotR level classics.

[@skuggikuwa8989]

I will highly highly HIGHLY recommend the Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks. Beautifully written story with twists thatll make you cry. Loved all 3 books

[@smhd55sahilbagnikar46]

Malazan??

[@codygriswold1916]

I have read or listened to close to 300 fantasy books as i have over 200 on audible alone. So it comes down to what stands out in memory for me. One series that i remember fondly but i never see mentioned is the cold fire trilogy starting with black sun rising

[@codyray3061]

Faithful & the Fallen is my favorite fantasy series ever. Everyone should read it.

[@boromirjonah5774]

I would love to see a list of the 300 plus books you've read. I totally agree with your Tad Williams comments. I read slow and To Green Angel Tower was so massive. It's the only book that I think I was actually scared of.

[@GattaoraStudios]

Brilliant book the first battle blows the roof off “slow pace”

[@LagusLykamo]

Great list! will check always on the lookout for new good fantasy, you have some of my favorites on the list so there's good chances I'll enjoy the others!

[@martynharper]

After watching Eragon back in 2006 i always wanted to see more of those films. I loved the whole Inheritance Cycle (yet to read Murtagh) it really drew you in. I'm more of a reader of Historical fiction - Simon Scarrow's Eagles of the Empire books are some of my favourites. As well as Ben Kane, Harry Sidebottom, Giles Kristian and Bernard Cornwell are just a few of my favourite authors. Also likes military fiction and spy fiction. Simon Leather's Spider Shepherd books are good. So, So many books and not enough eyes!!

[@daneelolivaw1976]

I've already read series 6 to 10. Although I don't agree on their particular ranking, I DO agree on having them in the top 10. I will be attacking WoT next, and if I am still alive and I succeed in reading book 14 then I will see what I'll do next.

[@cameron224_]

I just stumbled on this video and its the first of yours I've had recommended so I don't know your reading history. I'm curious about certain books/series that were not included on the list and whether they were omitted because you believe these 10 series are better or because you haven't read them. The ones I'm curious about include A Song of ice and Fire, The Malazan Book of the Fallen, Kingkiller Chronicle, Earthsea, Tigana)

[@tlap1508]

i would sign under The Malazan Book of the Fallen

[@johnmichaelson9173]

R Scott Bakkers Prince of Nothing trilogy is brilliant. The Malazan books are good & I loved the Earhsea books.

[@Dehumanizer3000]

its kinda shocking out of all these lists on youtube they omit classics writers, like Edgar Rice Burroughs, Fritz Leiber, Karl Wagner, Poul Anderson, Michael Moorcock and Robert e Howard. you should read Robert E howard's Conan the Cimmerian, Solomon Kane and Kull of Atlantis, because alot of fantasy tropes trace back to Howard. Howard and Tolkien are the fantasy genres foundation, without Howard, fantasy would be a very different genre. Howard's "The Shadow Kingdom" from 1929 can be said to be one of the first proper fantasy/sword and sorcery stories.

[@giants8585]

They haven’t read the classics except for a couple

[@ericnapoleon283]

Have you read Guy Gavriel Kay? The Sarantine Mosaic (2 book series) The Lions of Al Rassan (1 book) Tigana (1 book) The Fionavar Tapestry Triology, Under Heaven He’s incredible- just amazing I’m also surprised that Roger Zelazny’s The Chronicles of Amber wasn’t mentioned Ty for the list though very much- I will check out a few from it- I like hobb and Abercrombie too. Disagree w Robert Jordan I mean ugh how many times can she tug her braid.. stopped at book 10 I think but if was a trilogy then wheel of time first 3 books great Long/short read Kay he’s the man Also I totally concur w King’s Tower opus he’s incredible

[@tropiq]

I've read Tigana and found it hard to get into due to a lot of world history near the beginning, it took me three attempts to get through it, its a bit of a slow burn, however the ending ties it all together so nicely it was a very rewarding read in the end

[@stephenvictor6263]

Anyone ever read the Belgariad series by David Eddings? I remember reading them a LONG time ago and really enjoying them!

[@kevkeisha]

Also check out "The wandering inn" series. It's taken over my life! The author releases multiple 800 plus page books of quality in the series every year! I believe it's up to 14 books at this point.

[@zacbranch2083]

Very excited to come back around to this list when I need a new series!! I love the Wheel of Time, I am obsessed with Sanderson's Cosmere, and I just finished the Farseer trilogy and loved it! I can't wait to dig in deeper to Robin Hobb's full Elderlings saga, then revisit this list once I've caught up on whatever Brandon has written in the meantime XD

[@Thebluebutterfly99]

I am currently reading the wheel of time. I'm on book 3, and i absolutely love reading them. I also read some of the mistborn books, and i also like them.

[@kennyh4597]

Whole heartedly agree with Robin hlHibb making the list, was surprised to not see David Gemmell or Raymond E. Feist...but that's probably just my biases

[@louisslaats452]

nice list, will try some of your suggestions, I would recommed the Moontide quartet by David Hair, really liked it!

[@wodewick11111111]

Another shout for Malazan, but also, criminally in my opinion no David Gemmell or Stephen Donaldson (I think Donaldson's books are far better than King's, as they share similar themes).

[@ronl0818]

I often watch your videos and mostly agree with your results… how in the world is a song of ice and fire is not even on your list?? This is mind blowing!!!!

[@alcyonae]

Among the honorable mentions are (aside LOTR) those series that are unfinished. The Stormlight Archive will be finished and it is actively been written every year. ASOIAF may remain unfinished, unless GRRM is secretly writing A Dream Of Spring along with Winds of Winter to ensure all the threads are closed satisfactorily.

[@MJ01142]

I thought it would be nr 1 or The Witcher series but both of them are missing lmao

[@velev555]

Hey just found out your channel, great stuff mate. Just 1 thing, can u list all the book+author names in the description for quick google or buy? Thx a lot!

[@mensch8maschine]

You make me want to buy deluxe hardcovers!

[@natasha7672]

Faithful and The Fallen is my favourite fantasy book series.

[@nightfangs]

I got up to the poetry(like watching a film that turns into a musical) in the LOTR & it put off. I'll stay contented 😇 with the 1st film.

[@mourbonaventure7475]

Hobb is one of the greatest treasures of our time. Liveship Traders is incredible.

[@minothore7585]

All her universe with the four series are very good, the concept of magic is very interesting I think

[@bespokeregent48]

The Malazan Book of the Fallen series by Steven Erikson is legendary! Not even an honourable mention 😢

[@joshholmes1372]

Yep top 3 for me. Maybe my favorite. Up there with sotrmlight/cosmere.

[@bluejaysforever3627]

B'cos its full of fluff and terrible ending. Don't get me wrong when it was good it was great, sadly the great moments were drowned out but rambling excess that could of been condensed very easily.

[@levvellene570]

I remember reading Tad Williams' trilogy many years ago. I loved it, and I was not very impressed afterwards, if that makes any sense... I recently read it again, and I now love it a lot. Just goes to show how things varies in your mind between being a youth or an older entity, I guess. 😆

[@YahbiiCot]

It's cool to see The Dark Tower get love. It was the first fantasy series I read all the way throgh.

[@ritamsarkar2859]

Please make a list of underrated fantasy books

[@captainnolan5062]

Here you go: The Riddle-Master Trilogy by Patricia McKillip, the Earthsea series by Ursula LeGuin, The Chronicles of the Deryni by Katherine Kurtz, The Mabinogion Tetralogy by Evangeline Walton, The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander, Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever by Steven Donaldson, THe Amber Chronicles by Roger Zelazney, The Shannara books by Terry Brooks, The Elric Saga by Michael Moorcock, The Conan series by Robert E Howard, The Crystal Cave series by Mary Stewart, The Gormenghast series by Mervyn Peake, The Belgariad by David Eddings, The Riftwar Saga by Raymond E. Feist, The Redwall books by Brian Jacques, Dragonriders of Pern books by Anne McCaffrey, The Chronicles of the Black Company by Glen Cook, The Witch World series by Andre Norton, Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser series by Fritz Leiber, The Narnia series by CS Lewis, The Song of Ice and Fire books by George RR Martin, The Kingkiller Chronicles by Rothfuss, The Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling, The Way of Shadows books by Brent Weeks, The Jirel of Joiry books by C.L. Moore, The Witcher books by Andrzej Sapkowski and The Dagger and the Coin series by Daniel Abraham.

[@ritamsarkar2859]

Damn bro.... Thanks so much

[@captainnolan5062]

@@ritamsarkar2859 You are welcome. Which one appeals most to you?

[@NeverLuckyOP]

@@captainnolan5062 Finally, someone mentioning The Amber Chronicles! Roger Zelazny is a fantasy writing titan, so underrated

[@captainnolan5062]

@@NeverLuckyOP Thank you for the shout out. You are so right Never Lucky OP

[@yremogtnomnad]

The Dandelion Dynasty is also my favorite! It's a masterpiece, no question.

[@OKSooo_TV]

The Wheel of Time series… I just finished them last month. This is my number one series of all time. I recommend the audiobooks if you feel like certain ones are slow. The audio books are amazing.

[@Scientist_Salarian]

LotR is kind of in a category of its own. The honorable mention placement was appropriate. We all know it and love it, it’s the grand-dad of everything we love as modern fantasy readers. Everything Tolkein wrote is so big- both commercially and artistically- that it’s very hard to rank against anything else.

[@heathertowndrow6770]

Otherland by Tad Williams is an absolute masterpiece coming in just behind Sanderson and Hobb on my list - since you enjoy him I’m confident recommending that one! Guy Gavriel Kay is another classic-fantasy style writer who was a favourite of mine until I discovered the above 3 😉

[@WittyName44]

First 100 pages of Tad Williams Dragonbone chair was sooo difficult. But wow was it worth continuing.

[@tommyhinzo7]

I read that book many many years ago, and it's what brought me into the genre. But, ha, yes, those first 100 pages. Simon in the dark cave... Tough sledding, that. I still need to pick up the Witchwood Crown.

[@susansymington9715]

Thanks for including Robin Hobbs; she doesn't get enough credit! I'd be interested in your views on a couple of other not-so-famous/loved authors: Martha Wells (especially her series on the Raksura, which are fabulous--but also her MurderBot books if you think of them as fantasy rather than SciFy). And then there is Guy Gavriel Kay--perhaps alternative history, but really more fantasy...

[@General_153]

Great video! All of these books are very tempting... not another book my ever large collection😅

[@libraryofaviking]

Thank you!

[@tumoni6439]

as a non native english speaker person, this man speaks the most understandable english

[@highcommander2007]

Wheel of Time deserves its spot so high, truly does. While I have not yet read all of Robin Hobb, I really enjoyed The Rain Wild Chronicles tremendously. And yes LOTR is a great honorable mention.. it could and should easily be #1 forever; but for the sake of content keeping it an honorable mention is fine.

[@mraeoius177]

I'm always missing Melanie Rawn with the Dragonprince Series. I remember it as being brilliant and a series that got me hooked on fantasy literature..

[@monalizaaparecida6808]

Eu nunca vi tanto livro lindo em um mesmo lugar. Que edições incríveis 😍

[@GixxerGR]

The Death Gate Cycle - I loved it

[@xMrNomadx]

I always liked the Thieves' World series and the Riftwar saga. Surprised one of these was not up there especially considering the amazing amount of writers in Thieves' World.

[@DarkSouls-Izalith]

I'm looking to dive into a new epic fantasy series and am torn between "The Licanius Trilogy" by James Islington and "The Faithful and the Fallen" series by John Gwynne. I enjoy rich world-building, complex characters, and intricate plots. Which series do you think I should buy, and why?

[@captainnolan5062]

Try some of there: The Riddle-Master Trilogy by Patricia McKillip, the Earthsea series by Ursula LeGuin, The Chronicles of the Deryni by Katherine Kurtz, The Mabinogion Tetralogy by Evangeline Walton, The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander, Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever by Steven Donaldson, THe Amber Chronicles by Roger Zelazney, The Shannara books by Terry Brooks, The Elric Saga by Michael Moorcock, The Conan series by Robert E Howard, The Crystal Cave series by Mary Stewart, The Gormenghast series by Mervyn Peake, The Belgariad by David Eddings, The Riftwar Saga by Raymond E. Feist, The Redwall books by Brian Jacques, Dragonriders of Pern books by Anne McCaffrey, The Chronicles of the Black Company by Glen Cook, The Witch World series by Andre Norton, Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser series by Fritz Leiber, The Narnia series by CS Lewis, The Song of Ice and Fire books by George RR Martin, The Kingkiller Chronicles by Rothfuss, The Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling, The Way of Shadows books by Brent Weeks, The Jirel of Joiry books by C.L. Moore, The Witcher books by Andrzej Sapkowski and The Dagger and the Coin series by Daniel Abraham.

[@DarkSouls-Izalith]

@captainnolan5062 thank for the list. Lewis and Mcdonald is probably my favorite

[@captainnolan5062]

@@DarkSouls-Izalith You bet

[@justballs8476]

I've just started book 3 of licanius and it's definitely worth your time

[@DiamondOrPoor78]

Hot take: I loved the Wheel of Time "slog"

[@Maximus0623]

“Where is the love for the Dark Tower?” I completely agree! It’s crazy to think that a Stephen King series has probably become underrated, as it really isn’t talked about much now. Dark Tower is my #2 series after A Song of Ice and Fire. Roland is easily one of my favorite characters ever. It’s nice to see someone else who loves it!

[@Al_Does_Stuff]

In all honesty it's an old series now (I believe the first three were published before the mid 90's). The dark tower itself is almost 20 years old. That and the shifting tones and settings probably put a lot of people off. One of my favourites though

[@Scaion]

The Dark Tower has been my favorite even after I decade since I read it.

[@nbk46zh]

Check out Iconoclasts trilogy by Mike Shel (amazing dark fantasy with excellent world building and questions about religion and morality). Also Wandering Inn by pirate aba (lit rpg with amazing world building and rich characters with tons of plot twists spanning so many different topics. It's quite long and still ongoing but very engrossing).

[@sephirothx7x514]

It is simply amazing to me that you can read 300+ books and not have anything by David Gemmell or the Malazan Book of the Fallen in your list. I've read most of your list and can say without a shadow of a doubt that Steven Erikson's Malazan books are simply on another level.

[@TheMattman06]

Have you ever read Malazan Book of the Fallen? It’s hard to top it in my personal opinion

[@joshholmes1372]

This!

[@sabinailleyeva8391]

I know that this is about books But i would like to reccomend a novel which is Lord of the mysterious it has amazing wrold building and great characters! It may have a slow start but it will definitely be worth it it has one of the best plot to!!!

[@gnom4530]

A man of culture i see

[@EmyN]

What about a video reading stand alones of these authors? Would be very interesting!

[@SLCclimber]

Wonder where you fall on The Sword of Truth series and any series written by R.A. Salvatore. Those were the books that I grew up reading, and I haven't read a book now in almost 15 years! Looking for new books now, and wondering if my taste aligns with yours.

[@CouchGuy19]

I'm in the same boat as you. My first ever fantasy book I ever read was The Legend of Huma, which is part of the dragon lance series. They may not be the best fantasy books ever written, but they are still some of my favorites to date, and there are a lot of them. After that I discovered Salvatore and I read at least 25 of his books. Then I read sword of truth and the wheel of time series. If you haven't read it yet, Jim Butcher has a 6 book series called The Codex Alera that I really enjoyed as well. Another one to mention is the King Killer Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss, but the 3rd book isn't out yet.

[@secretfirebooks7894]

So, 300+ books boils down to generally the same list as everyone else's top 10 lists. Huh...

[@captainnolan5062]

Try these: The Riddle-Master Trilogy by Patricia McKillip, the Earthsea series by Ursula LeGuin, The Chronicles of the Deryni by Katherine Kurtz, The Mabinogion Tetralogy by Evangeline Walton, The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander, Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever by Steven Donaldson, THe Amber Chronicles by Roger Zelazney, The Shannara books by Terry Brooks, The Elric Saga by Michael Moorcock, The Conan series by Robert E Howard, The Crystal Cave series by Mary Stewart, The Gormenghast series by Mervyn Peake, The Belgariad by David Eddings, The Riftwar Saga by Raymond E. Feist, The Redwall books by Brian Jacques, Dragonriders of Pern books by Anne McCaffrey, The Chronicles of the Black Company by Glen Cook, The Witch World series by Andre Norton, Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser series by Fritz Leiber, The Narnia series by CS Lewis, The Song of Ice and Fire books by George RR Martin, The Kingkiller Chronicles by Rothfuss, The Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling, The Way of Shadows books by Brent Weeks, The Jirel of Joiry books by C.L. Moore, The Witcher books by Andrzej Sapkowski and The Dagger and the Coin series by Daniel Abraham.

[@captainnolan5062]

@@Slater2113 You bet! Which series looks most appealing to you?

[@abigailslade3824]

@@captainnolan5062finally some love for Riftwar.

[@captainnolan5062]

@@abigailslade3824 Indeed Abigail. Indeed.

[@Julfengar]

Generally a reason for that

[@philipcarlson2625]

Dandelion Dynasty is amazing, my number one as well

[@benjamingrunbaum3601]

I assume you didn't include Kingkiller or ASOIAF because they aren't finished? I'd also add my voice to all who recommend Malazan. One I'd definitely include is Tales of Alvin Maker by O.S. Card. Personally, I enjoyed Lightbringer series and the Poppy War series but I know not everyone likes those. Less controversial are Gentlemen Bastards and Broken Earth. Reading Hobb for the first time myself now and, yes, absolutely beautiful! Also, you've given me enough interest to at least start the second Dandelion book. Thanks

[@FreeFantasyAudioBooks]

I love these thanks!

[@Shaad2321]

Great list! I love to see the dandelion dynasty at !! It’s my second favourite completed series!

[@EmyN]

What’s your first?

[@thebranndoful]

I dunno. I've re-read LOTR, Malazan, SOIAF, and TWOT several times each (amongst others), but none of these suggestions seem to match these. Any suggestions for a future read? I'm starved here..

[@justindunbar1377]

Bound and the Broken as an honorable mention is such a shame. Definitely the most refreshing and fantastic ongoing series right now.

[@kelleyceccato7025]

Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn -- loved it! The Liveship Traders -- loved it! The Age of Madness -- loved it! The Wall of Storms -- this one is complicated because I loved it! until the ending; I was not happy with the fate of one of my favorite characters. But the next two books in the series are still high on my To-Read list, because I trust Ken Liu not to leave her in this bad place. She'll get out of it, somehow, because I can tell the author likes and admires this character as much as I do. My jam is epic fantasy that features female characters who feel like individuals rather than walking tropes, which is why I'm fond of the series mentioned above. When I ask for recommendations, The Green Bone Saga keeps coming up, but I've been hesitant to give it a try because the descriptions make it sound... modern, and I don't want modern settings in my epic fantasy. So I'm asking those who know it best: just how modern IS the the world Fonda Lee builds for this series?