My Top 10 Authors!

[@qb4428]

Oda's ability to build a massive fantasy epic for over 25 years with weekly scheduling and little to no editing in between releases is impeccable. To succeed with that handicap makes him the best in my opinion.

[@YourBlackLocal]

There is plenty of editing, what do you mean? He has editors..

[@jojosoni]

@@YourBlackLocal he mean after it is written. Book authors get to edit story after completing them, while once a chapter is published, there is no going back for mangaka. Unless they retcon ofc.

[@jojosoni]

But one otherside, this pressure pushes oda's creativity. We might not have gotten supernova if he it wasn't a weekly release

[@qb4428]

@@YourBlackLocal He doesn't get to go over the whole story before putting it out. He has to make a new chapter regularly while fitting with past chapters from over 20 years ago.

[@ganipra7402]

@@YourBlackLocal when novel get story editing, it's like, ohh.. there will be plot hole / the story not interesting / there are no surprise thing, lets introduce xxx in chapter 2 so it become plot twist in chapter 19. since it novel chapter 1 ~ 20 can be edited before the book release. that's why sometimes early arc of manga more interesting like 'bleach' and 'promise neverland' but letter is more like drag out. since they must release story each week. most people argue that manga would be better if they release weekly until 1 arc/season finish, and let the author 'cook up' the idea into better outcome of next arc/season

[@kevynlevi9894]

I laugh every time the books falls and merphy is "lets pretend nothing happened"

[@britneynicole8903]

My cat always knocks my books over in my room. It is hilarious!

[@scottiecurrie7927]

Especially since Oda's stack of book took nearly 10 seconds to fall over. Had me busting out laughing

[@destro6971]

I finally got my wife to start The Blade Itself. She’s disabled and uses a walker or cane to get around and less than 5 minutes after meeting Glotka I hear her yell out “Yes! F those stairs!!” She’s now an Abercrombie fan 😂

[@britneynicole8903]

Wow! That is awesome!

[@pippaschroeder9660]

That’s hilarious

[@tobluetoblack]

That book drop with One Piece straight up feels like something Oda would write

[@nowaz]

Also just wanted to say that clumsily dropping the books before discussing why said books author is great is such a standard Oda gag, love it.

[@milesclayborne]

Major props to merphy/Corey for not falling for the google image trap of erroneously using an image of Zelda series director Eiji Aonuma instead of Eiichiro Oda in the thumbnail. Even Mother’s Basement fell for that trap and he’s been doing animanga content on KZbin for at least 7 years

[@bendover7841]

It's a meme at this point

[@sinistercat7207]

Hey god

[@bendover7841]

@@sinistercat7207 you've read the forbidden comic

[@sinistercat7207]

@@bendover7841 One cannot ignore a prospect of gold in the deep abyss

[@nicklane607]

7:45 , looks like merphy had her own "Nothing happened" moment

[@jarynlandrum7474]

Here because I knew Oda was going to be on the list. Your respect for him really makes me wanna try some other authors

[@britneynicole8903]

Agreed!

[@SamVimes27]

Do it. I highly recommend Terry Pratchett, Brandon Sanderson and Wheel of Time.

[@britneynicole8903]

@@SamVimes27 Which of Pratchett’s books would you recommend starting with?

[@SamVimes27]

@@britneynicole8903 if you want to start with a semi enclosed series within the Discworld I always recommend the books about the watch. Starting with Guards! Guards!. It works well as a stand alone, has great characters, is extremely funny and is overall a good example about the style of Pratchetts story telling. If you don't want to commit so hard and just want to read a single book, I would go for Small Gods.

[@britneynicole8903]

@@SamVimes27 Okay, thank you so much! I will check those out!

[@mipzy9168]

Anyone else here who isn't really reading any books but is around because we love to see murphy gushing out about the things she likes? Honestly came here because of One Piece content but I'm not getting introduced to other great works. Keep it up, Murphy!

[@neerajcherukuri4052]

Thank you merphy,for getting me into fantasy novels again.Came for the One piece and stayed for the fantasy novels and book reviews and recommendations.Completed Mistborn and First law as of now.I don't regret picking them up😌

[@myrojyn]

Stormlight Archive yes?

[@thatsci-firogue]

Erikson is definitely one of my favourite authors. I finished Malazan Book of The Fallen earlier this year and now I've been getting back in the mood for more Malazan. Abercrombie's First Law was one of the first Fantasy series I reached for after a long period of time of not reading very much in general and it's still one of my favourites. My Mum and Uncles are also huge fans of First Law and Gentlemen Bastards so it's always fun talking to them about these series.

[@andrewjames5373]

I've tried 3 times over the last decade to get into Malazan and just can't, it's frustrating! I get 3 or 4 books in and I just can't get myself to care about any of the characters with the exception of Sorry.

[@pedrocavalcante4939]

Sanderson and Oda are my favorites too. I would also add George R.R. Martin. Despite his books not coming out as often as the others, I absolutely adore his writing voices and style.

[@SouravUldyssian]

Just loved the fact that you spent maximum time on Ericson out of all the authors, despite reading just 3 books out of 10, which clearly shows how big an impact he has made, and how much is there to talk about his work. This is the reason most Malazan tubers do such long discussion videos on his work, because there is just so much to talk about. Once you start House of Chains, I will be waiting for your reading vlogs weekly. And once you finish it, it would be awesome if you do a discussion video with Philip Chase on the book, Vinland style, since he is one of the best booktubers on Malazan, and your discussion videos on Vinland Saga with him are so amazing.

[@jonatanrk]

As someone who mainly watches your One Piece reviews, I'm always glad to also see your love for Backman. As a Swede, he's really one of the only authors we have that consistently deliver fiction that hits, for me, in the midst of our ocean of meh Scandi-Crime. Always able to hit on several emotional levels with every new work that comes out.

[@poomipatlurkudom3883]

Trodde inte jag skulle se en svensk som är en One piece fan men jag är glad för det

[@NotSomeJustinWithoutAMoustache]

I don't know much about the other ones because I'm not well-read outside of manga, but I'm glad Oda made it to your Top 10!

[@ninnusridhar]

I literally can't wait to read The Winners. It's always a good year when we get a Fredrik backman book!!!! I can't wait for a review here

[@britneynicole8903]

I will be reading that in this coming year!

[@ninnusridhar]

@@britneynicole8903 I'm just waiting for it to be available on my domestic audible. The wait is murderous

[@britneynicole8903]

@@ninnusridhar I know! It really is! I want to read it so badly! The wait is painful!

[@thatguy-gk4ky]

Wow finally a KZbinr who chose the right photo of oda

[@anhurdyn3938]

Your phrase "they're real people to me" is something that I experience a lot in media. Well-written characters in fiction but especially in novels can become as intimately familiar to me as any real life person can, and when it comes to fictional characters, they exist in the collective minds of the people who engage in their media. They may not be sentient and tangible but the impact characters can have is tangible.

[@sarumane5380]

I find it appropriate to rank Oda and Sanderson similarly. They both are incredibily intentional authers that live for the big picture moments. Granted I like One Piece more but both are absolute unicorns in terms of production quantity and quality and I would never give away my Cosmere Leatherbounds 🤤

[@tyriquesmith8850]

5:10 ....Anyway I'm crying in tears. I don't know why I found that so hilarious. 10/10 Merphy Moment.

[@Kujakuseki01]

Scott Lynch is so good. Lies and the others are so fun to read. The colorful and creative way characters talk to each other is wonderful.

[@britneynicole8903]

Agreed! In my opinion, their conversations are so organic!

[@pontiusthepilot]

Oh man oh man! I completely forgot about Crichton! Sphere was one of my first sci fi books and that got me into hg wells and the like. Thank you for that nostalgia hit

[@nowaz]

I already have a tons of trilogies/series I still need to read thanks to you (which I'm so excited for) so I'm less here for recommendations but more here to listens to Odas praise :P

[@jcfrostycheesebugga8681]

Merphy I would love your opinion on your favorite Strawhats like a top 10 or maybe your favorite moments I think ur way of thinking is really refreshing and cool

[@andrewwall4250]

It was listening to both your channel and Sanderson’s online lectures that got me back into reading novels (and fantasy) again. Mistborn TFE holds a special place in my heart because it was his first book I read and I loved it and it’s characters, especially Vin. I bought myself the signed leatherbound copy for my birthday this year. There’s a reason One Piece fans affectionally nickname the author “Goda”. 😉 He’s just that good. It’ll always be my all time favourite series. You and other comments I can see have already said enough of what I could say about One Piece. I’m just going to add how great it is that the world keeps moving and evolving outside of our main crew. One of my most anticipated parts of the series is when an arc ends because we usually shift focus to seeing what is happening in other parts of the world with other characters and it’s always so gripping. Gentlemen Bastards is definitely one of my new favourite series. Thanks for introducing me to it Merphy!

[@ginofication]

Firstly, you are Beautiful... Secondly, so happy to hear someone mention Michael Crichton! He was the first author to make me want to read casually. The first book was "The Sphere" (my personal favourite of his). Practically read it in one sitting. "Jurassic Park" is probably his best. Although none of his books are "top 10 worthy", all of them will have you engaged. "The Andromeda Strain" is very good (but not sure how it holds up post COVID). Lastly, read more Michael Crichton!! lol Thank you for always making me smile. Cheers!

[@overcaffeinated_aeryn]

Michael Crichton is one of those authors that I enjoy no matter what the story or genre is that he's writing and even when it's a genre I don't normally gravitate towards. He's so good at explaining incredibly complex ideas and themes in such a way that you don't have to be an expert in whatever topic it is, but at the same time doesn't feel like he's talking down to the reader. I also really enjoyed the three you mentioned, but you should definitely also read Rising Sun and Eaters of the Dead which are both amazing.

[@ShelfCentered]

I've read every Abercrombie but the new trilogy too, I'll try to fit A Little Hatred in by year's end too! Great video as usual, you're the reason I keep coming back to Backman and have read so many more than Ove. Love them! You've also got me to consider reading du Maurier! Mostly, I'm so glad how much you're enjoying Erikson. I'm a die-hard fan. What a wonderful video!

[@almogdov]

I thanked you before and I will thank you again for introducing me to some of those authors. Sanderson became my second favorite author (after Prachett) and it's because of your Mistborn review. He also plays Magic the Gathering which is easy +10 points . :D

[@ladrac198]

If Erikson is already in this list of favorite authors, and based on things you've said in each video reviewing Malazan so far, I think Malazan has a real shot at becoming a top 5 series for you. I think you'll enjoy every book to come!

[@Johanna_reads]

Yes to Erikson, Butler, Abercrombie and Lynch! I still have yet to read some of the other authors you mentioned, and you made a strong case for each one. Funny how you mentioned side-nitpicks about the plot for couple of these. Intrigue is important, but I know I’m immersed in a story when I’m absorbed in the atmosphere, tone, tension, themes, or humor-more often than not-through character perspectives or interactions. The prose also plays a role in gluing all that together. ❤

[@Jayswitch24]

Loved The First Law series and mainly picked it up because of you. Was hesitant going into Erickson's first book but I'm loving it so far. My boy Whiskeyjack needs a vaca.

[@honorspren]

I eagerly look forward to your videos specifically that are "top 10 or favorites" one. Thanks for the recommendations🕶

[@anugrahshrestha8208]

I wonder how many mangaka make it to this list in the future once you get through more titles in this medium. Thanks for the list. I got some authors to check out now.

[@carlosdanielcalderonmontoy3723]

*Indeed!* I think it will be full of them xD

[@britneynicole8903]

I have found so many more authors now! It is wonderful!

[@lixogram]

@@carlosdanielcalderonmontoy3723 in her top 10 I don't think she will have a lot of Mangaka, top 20 definitely

[@carlosdanielcalderonmontoy3723]

@@lixogram at the moment no, because she is barely starting in this world. And for obvious reasons her top 10 list won't have 10 mangakas (but they could perfectly be in there).

[@lixogram]

@@carlosdanielcalderonmontoy3723 Yes I completely agree with you...But I do believe not a lot of Mangaka will be able to move her enough to break the top 10. I wish it's the case tho, she is enjoying her ride with Manga so far

[@perrinaybara8762]

The pure amount of book chaos in this video is outstanding

[@501BlakeG]

You have a beautiful mind! I love listening to you speak about books, you seem very genuine and It’s so refreshing on this platform😅 thanks for taking time out of your day to make these videos! Maybe one day you’ll read one of my books or listen to an album of mine!🤞

[@litlbucky]

Ordered special edition of Sword of Kaigen as soon as KickStsrter went live, such a gorgeous edition!!

[@britneynicole8903]

I agree! It is so beautiful!

[@jeremyfee]

Great video, as always!

[@merandalorian]

Thanks for shouting out the Sword of Kaigen Kickstarter! Hadn't heard of it and just pledged. Read the book after you discussed it and loved it. Excited to support

[@ziggymcdougal]

One of my favorite aspects of Erikson's writing that is both his ability to write amazing friendships and often times do it in a very comedic way. There are some scenes in this series that rival some of Pratchett's humor and it makes the friendships just such a bright point in an otherwise dark world. Book 5 is absolutely famous for this introducing possibly my favorite duo.

[@markbaigent3751]

Your videos have helped expand the authors I pick up so much! Backman and Sanderson are in my top 5 as well. I haven't seen any videos by you reviewing or talking about Emily St. John Mandel, and I I feel compelled to recommend her work if you are not familiar with it. She is a great character and emotions author. Her stories are never (rarely) about the plot, and always about the people in the stories. Station Eleven (most famous), Last Night in Montreal (first), and Sea of Tranquility (most recent) are some notable options if you are interested in starting with her works. Thanks again for all of the great videos and thoughtful analysis!

[@TheHomieInder]

Oda is the type of author that builds something up for like forever and then boom serves you but the serve is just magical like I don’t think one piece will ever not be my personal number 1 story for a long time. I feel like we have soo much more to explores in the. One piece world I’m excited for all the answers and more questions that we get 😊

[@shamaunjiwanmall1987]

You not only are doing one of my most favorite things in the world, which is, you talk about books! 😍 but you are so very beautiful too🤩😍

[@bdup159]

I'm reading Beartown soon. Waiting for it to come in the mail :)

[@redwriggler9743]

I read kindred based off of your recommendation. Great book, thanks!

[@willlyon7129]

Here's my Top 10 favorite authors; H.G. Wells, Rick Riordan, Neil Gaiman, Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury, H.P Lovcraft, Shrilly Jackson, Ursula K Leguein, C.S Lewis, and J.R.R Tolken,

[@StarblindCelestial]

I get a little too excited when I see other people loving Erikson's books. I've only read the Book of the Fallen so far, but I react like the lifelong fan of an underdog who's finally getting the attention he deserves. Not only is his writing fantastic, but he's also incredibly well spoken in all the interviews he does with booktubers. I'm not a writer, but hearing how passionate he is about it makes me wish I was. It would be awesome if you could do an interview with him sometime. Preferably right after you finish a book that cut especially deep. Maybe The Bonehunters? Or possibly Midnight Tides. There's a friendship in there that I think you will absolutely love and want to gush about.

[@thawhid4711]

Jamaica Inn was my first book of hers after it was referenced in a documentary once. Fell in love straight away and she's one of my favourite authors ever since.

[@mugiwaralee9592]

Hey Murphy, here is me yelling at you to read more Crichton. Specifically his book Prey. I've read several of his novels, including Jurassic Park, Lost World, and Timeline among others....Prey is my personal favorite. Absolutely stellar tension and just a rollercoaster of "oh my god" and "holy shit."

[@Ylyrra]

Erikson is in my top 3 authors (CJ Cherryh and Katherine Kerr would be my other two probably), and my go-to recommendation for friends who really like their fantasy. I'd never recommend him to someone new to fantasy, but for anyone who "likes X but wishes the scope of the world was broader" or "likes Y but wishes the world was deeper" or "likes Z but wishes the characters were more..." he's a great recommendation. The way the stories are vast and epic, with sweeping plots, but then you realise kind of the point is that there's ALWAYS something crazy dramatic and world-shaping going on, that's just how history works, and the story is actually about how this transforms the people who encounter these things... and that personality-defining transformation doesn't just happen as part of a character "origin story", it also never ends, that growth is a process not an end. That's the chef's kiss moment.

[@drinkbooks]

Bonding with your videos showing love for Sanderson and Erikson. They give me so much joy. ❤

[@allenruiz964]

If Berserk is ever read, Kentaro Miura would make this list. One day :)

[@carlosdanielcalderonmontoy3723]

A lot of mangakas could be here

[@raquelmarcalsantos]

She’s already said she’s not going to read Beserk because of some themes that are explored in the story that she knows she doesn’t like to read about… :/

[@carlosdanielcalderonmontoy3723]

@@raquelmarcalsantos how tragic for Merph to miss Berserk...

[@TheSteiner12]

Oda likes to touch on real life issues like Racism, sexism, totalitarianism etc. That is why we often find ourselves almost directly influenced by the storyline.

[@s.p.8508]

Top 3 for me are probably: 1: Brandon Sanderson. Nobody does the trifecta of Worldbuilding, deep character work, and plot like Sanderson. Erikson is close, but his character work isn’t up to par with Sanderson (also I’ve only read first 4 of Malazan so far) 2: John Gwynne. I’ve never read books that feel so much like a movie, but also gives the deep character work that gets you invested even more. His fight scenes are almost cinematic, it’s crazy. Automatic read for me. 3: Probably Mitch Albom. I don’t know many people that read him, but his books are PHENOMENAL.

[@burntcookies5427]

The number of book drops brings me joy 😂 Thank you for sharing your favourites and look forward to next year’s rankings

[@michaelstoneham7024]

I feel like Joe Abercrombie's plots improved a lot for me with the age of madness trilogy, but I still go to him for his character work that is driving those plots. There's so many jaw dropping character moments that I've highlighted and gone back to a thousand times to reread for myself and anyone with ears.

[@Hussain_Zaki]

Pratchett totally does it for me. That man was a genius

[@johnathanrhoades7751]

#1 of all time for me. I don't think anyone else will ever come close for me.

[@chasinghaze0962]

Great video. I guess I now have some stuff to read. I used to read novels from authors like Dan Brown, Lee Child and Paulo Coelho etc, but Idk if they are considered good or not. I did enjoyed those novels ngl

[@Dougeb7]

I felt like I was watching a Merphy work-out video, ha-ha! That's some heavy reading! :)

[@eylonaharon6560]

I couldn't agree more about Brandon Sanderson! His twist always surprises me and when they happen I realise he was teasing it all along!!🤯

[@olivetree9920]

This video confirms how tragic it was that Goodnight Punpun did not make it onto the recommended manga reading list. She would love it so much

[@anotherpawn]

Similarly to you, I actually also got back into fantasy because of Sanderson. Although my gateway was the Way of Kings, which I actually found out about by watching one of your videos (2018 or 2019). Keep up the great work and continue to inspire!

[@Glokta4]

So happy you have Joe Abercombie on the list. Easily my favorite author, for the reasons you listed. Worldbuilding and plot are nice, but character work is what hooks me in a book.

[@berserker8884]

Glad to see Erikson on the list! My favorite author!

[@KMort]

Do i like a single one of these authors? No. Was this so fun to watch? 100%😂 I love people's favourites, it's always so passionate and personal.

[@essier5]

Nice List! Du Maurier, Sanderson and Backman are in my top 4. I really like Michael Crichton too but I need to read more by him.

[@jojomojo989]

Good vid! Would be interested in knowing your favorite from each author. Along with a recommendation on which book to start with, for someone new to them.

[@Elanghaus]

Thank you for this, got a whole new authors to check out!

[@funnyvalentine5845]

You should try Jojo! Araki is an absolute legend as a mangaka, I'm sure he'll make it into your next top 10 list!

[@sukeyd.artist]

I'm definitely going to check all these authors out. Thanks, Merphy :)

[@robinburkart6445]

This is the first video I ever saw from you and something about you reminds me about how Logic (the rapper) talks, haha :D subscribed :)

[@colibri224]

Did you know Oda did other stuff ? Of course One piece is the main series he dedicated 25 years of his life. But before that, lil’ teenage Oda did/tried other stories. Check it out if you’re interested.

[@Pockieee]

The manga collector in me hurt when you dropped the one piece manga and I haven't even read it! lol. I like how you just pause and keep going.

[@astroporpoise7802]

7:47 hahaha, you're very fun to watch :) and I love how clearly you convey the gist of books and authors' styles. You're my favorite booktuber! Hope all's well with you, take care, and I can't wait to watch more and learn about other great books to read

[@astroporpoise7802]

Your hair looks gorgeous by the way! Here are my top 10 authors: 1) Herman Melville (His ability to write a perfectly composed sentence has taught me so much when I was in high school--still blows me away years later.) 2) Daphne Du Maurier (Like you said, the atmosphere just swallows you up and the flaws in her characters are so raw and real. Yet I still fall for so many haha, especially the second Mrs. De Winter....amazing character growth.) 3) Carl Sagan (I love the way he writes about science: clearly and with a big-picture perspective.) 4) Marcel Proust (Reading his work just gives me a sense that this is a very important writer.) 5) Doris Kearns Goodwin (What a combo of being such a great historian and a seriously talented writer.) 6) Christopher Hitchens (The wit and the oftentimes razor-sharp attacks against the irrational or wicked is really a stronghold for my own mental and moral strength. Mortality though is a beautiful and courageous book about dealing with terminal cancer.) 7) Alan Moore (I love so much of his work, but The Killing Joke specifically has perfect plotting and pacing without feeling contrived.) 8) Douglas Adams (Pure scifi fun and wild rides; such a treasure!) 9) Lucretius (On the Nature of Things may be his only known work, but this poem is one of the most important writings to me. And A.E. Stallings's translation flows so well, she handles each line and rhyme masterfully. 10) Hunter S. Thompson (His writing is unhinged and free. When talking about a new car with responsive automatic windows, he says, "It jumps up like a frog in a dynamite pond." LOL, such a colorful writer.) What I love about your channel is that I'm learning more about modern writers. You're helping me get to the good ones. So thanks and keep up the great work! :)

[@Comicbroe405]

Love to see a mangaka in here!

[@amukelaniebenezer406]

Love the content Merphy.

[@JayGTheAwkwardBookworm]

I just got a copy of Sword of Kaigen! So excited to pick it up!

[@Maria-mk3uj]

I hope you also check out and review Oda's one-shot mangas, most came out before One Piece. I believe he was 17 years old when he wrote/drew one of those. They're worth loving too.

[@sosoadja7663]

My favorite author is Bradley Beaulieu, who wrote The song of shattered sands, a 6 books oriental fantasy with really good charater, political intrigue and epic battles.

[@donkevinbrown9906]

Joe Abercrombie, Brandon Sanderson, Steven Erikson, Scott Lynch, Stephen Donaldson, Ian Esslemont, and JRR Martin are all great authors. You should finish Erikson and Esslemont. I think you will like them more.

[@riatsila144]

Always wait for Lynch to come up! Between him and Oda, pretty sure I get you, and I'm trying to take your suggestions pretty seriously on what I delve into. Admittedly did this by way of Audiobook, but listened to a reading of Kings of the Wyld at your recommendation in a previous video, and what a great cast of characters. Pretty much a fun journey all the way through!

[@teksnotdead902]

Abercrombies Age of Madness trilogy might be his best plot oriented effort without losing his strength of character. I really loved it.

[@slothrob]

I agree. It may be his masterpiece.

[@KristinKravesBooks]

I have read everything that Tiffany D Jackson has written and completely agree with everything you said about her. I always have to sit with her books when I finish them!

[@captainforest7404]

Thought your takes on the authors I knew were right on the money (Erikson, Sanderson, Abercrombie, Butler). I now wanna check out Backman and Jackson after your glowing endorsements😁

[@annejia5382]

yey! a merphy upload! 💛

[@stews9]

Impossible request, listing one's favorite writers, but: Dickens, May Sinclair, Elizabeth Hand, PKD, Thomas Pynchon, Wilkie Collins, Grady Hendrix, Chuck Palahniuk, Ian McEwan, Stephen King, Clive Barker, Marisha Pessl, Gemma Files, Fujimori Nakamura, Katsuo Kirino, Hideo Yokoyama, "Lars Kepler", Tolkien, Arthur C Clarke, Poe, Ambrose Bierce, Algernon Blackwood, Arthur Machen, Aleister Crowley, Anne Radcliffe, Elizabeth Gaskell, and just on and on.

[@aguy2162]

Crichton is my favorite author. Stoked you read Timeline. It’s probably my favorite of his books. Sphere is really good as well. I love the way he writes scifi

[@abraham5781]

I just started with Sanderson. great author, great stories, really creative. burning through his books because they are such fun.

[@dHodik]

did not expect that sword of kaigen ad, i enjoyed that audio book even though the reader mispronounced like 80% of the Japanese words, I went like 25% thru the book before i realized the guy saying two san was really meaning tousan

[@jordancorso3751]

ok you have convinced me to stat the first law trilogy!

[@arkzulu]

I guess if I had to pick an author that I return to often, it would be Murakami Haruki. Recently a friend gave me Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand, and I'm having issues with the story. Ed Greenwood is also one of my favourite. However the only book I persistently have had a prolonged relationship was Bram Stoker's Dracula. I bought at a library when I was about 10, and took me like six or seven attempts to finish it! Now I can say, it was worth the time.

[@katieschroeder7022]

Great to hear about these authors! One author I have read that gave me major Backman vibes with some dry British humor is Richard Osman. He writes the Thursday Murder Club series. I know mystery isn’t your favorite genre, but his books definitely have great characters that feel 100% real. One of the few authors that has done that for me besides Backman. Highly recommend!

[@Torsin2000]

I think you inadvertently pointed out why Malazan Book of the Fallen edges out of my top ten series list. It's the getting invested in multiple characters during a book, then picking up the next book and having a completely different set of characters in a different place with different tones. Also, of course his over usage of 'new, never before explained magic/power that fixes the dead end alley he was on'.

[@booklanerecommendations]

Despite having many favorite books by many different authors in various genres, picking one favorite author is easy for me. Sanderson is just about the only author who consistently delivers favorites. Some authors have written only one favorite book of mine, and the rest of their books I like but don't love. Other authors have written multiple favorites but have also written books that I actively disliked or thought were boring. So yeah, Sanderson is great for me. And it helps that I love almost every aspect of his writing. His characters are amazing. His twists are amazing. His worldbuilding is amazing. I love the mood of his books as well: he just hits the sweet spot for me, balancing out really dark stuff with hope, humor and friendship. I honestly like his writing style as well (I know a lot of people don't and it's not one of my absolute favorite writing styles, but I do like it).

[@suhailrefaye92]

I would love to hear your thoughts about the similarities and differences between Steven Erikson and Oda. They're my two favourite authors and I feel they're more alike than a lot of people would think.

[@hunterkat]

If you want to read more Crichton, I’d recommend Prey and The Andromeda Strain! Two of my favorites by him

[@floknows]

Merphy is really a combo of luffy and Robin 😂

[@knightofzerosetsuna]

Watching Murphy's face to the books falling is giving me flash backs to the last time I rearranged my book shelves.

[@revanchistvakarian575]

HEY MERPHY YOU SHOULD READ MORE OF MICHAEL CRICHTON'S BOOKS ;) Besides Timeline (which I also really enjoyed), I especially recommend The Andromeda Strain, which is about an extraterrestrial plague, and Prey, which is about nanotechnology. On the flip side, you should actively avoid State of Fear, which is about global warming and is the rare case where Crichton gets the underlying science disastrously wrong.

[@johnathanrhoades7751]

1. Terry Pratchett . . . 2. C.S. Lewis (Moreso his non-Narnia books.) 3. J. R. R. Tolkein 4. Steven Erikson 5. Douglas Adams 6. Oda 7. Joe Abercrombie 8. Brandon Sanderson 9. Ray Bradbury 10. Mercedes Lackey I need to read more authors... Almost done with Memories of Ice and look forward to seeing your video on it!