My Top 10 Fantasy Series | As Of 2020

Per viewer demand, Mike lists his 10 favorite fantasy series and briefly discusses why for each one.
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0:00 Introduction and rules
3:31 Honorable mentions
4:33 Top 10
#MikesBookReviews #Top10 #Fantasy

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hey bookworms! Per the results of the poll, I'm giving the people what they want. I'm sure no one will be mad that Sword of Truth is #1. Hit me with your favorite fantasy series rankings below.

[@uhm3487]

Hey Mike I was wondering if you could make a top 10 Favorite Fantasy/Sci-Fi Tv Shows, I know the channel is dedicated to Books primarily but it would be fun. Currently watching Buffy for the first time via recommendations from Dresden readers and absolutely loving it.

[@hussienabass567]

I was wondering where did you get all the wheel of time books hardcover in good condition?

[@mikesbookreviews]

When things slow down a bit and I'm dying for new content, sure.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Lots of book shopping. It didn't happen overnight. Multiple small bookstores, garage sales, and a few overpays on eBay.

[@hussienabass567]

@@mikesbookreviews I am from Egypt and many people don't care about fantasy and the bookstores only have the popular titles like Harry Potter, A song of ice and fire and The Lord of the rings in paperback

[@nuklealo]

When Deathly Hallows came out my mom and I flipped a coin to see who got to read it first. I won the toss and she made me stay home from school so that I would finish it faster.

[@Motley365]

this comment made me chuckle - ure mom is awesome

[@Necromasa]

That is so fun!

[@nickmoser1866]

Buy 2 copies :/

[@theloudstarkirby4203]

Is that harry potter?

[@Branniification]

So cute. ❤

[@benjaminsatko3316]

I can't stop staring at the bookshelves. That is the most beautiful collection of fantasy/sci-fi/horror I have ever seen in my life.

[@Navid173]

Me too! Trying to see all the ones ive read as well which is most lol. Wish I could display them like this tho.

[@Jackie.Daytona]

Totally. I want a run down on what’s on that shelf. Better give me a tour of the room too. Books and an awesome chair is all you need.

[@angelacruz71]

I imagine he has more in tubs in storage. It is beautiful though seeing all those hb's in their jackets. (Quite a few look like possible 1rst editions too)

[@GreatOldOne9866]

I know, right? I wish I had that much space and organized collection.

[@Mors_Umber]

A Storm of Swords is the single best experience I've had reading a book. The whole thing is packed with action and twists and beautiful writing. Never drags and leaves you wanting for more. What an absolute roller-coaster of a book.

[@danielefavaretto174]

I have to agree. I wish winds one day will be as great but only time, perhaps decades will tell (if at all).

[@ClayPalette]

Storm of swords was impeccable. Definitely one of my favourite books of all time.

[@mikesbookreviews]

It’s incredible.

[@cesarrodriguez8893]

I can't believe it didn't win the Hugo.

[@lastbaratheon8043]

Yes I definitely agree, I just finished reading ADWD not too long ago and although it's brilliant ASOS is still number one in the whole series. I'm doing a re-read right now and AGOT is reminding me why it is a great book. I'll be reading A Knight if the Seven Kingdoms soon 👌🏾😆

[@David-se5ph]

I’m still eating my way through it, all the crazy stuff has happened already (aka Red Wedding, Purple Wedding, awesome battle with Giants and mammoths.

[@jareddavis554]

A storm of swords is one of the few books that made me set down the book and ponder what I read during several of its scenes. There was one in particular that had me put the book down for days and I’m sure you can guess which scene that was.

[@Abrabeck82]

Lord of the Rings will forever be a lot of people's favorite. It's beautifully written, extremely influential, and just an amazing story.

[@damienchristopher5652]

*puts Harry Potter in front of Wheel of Time Fantasy Community: So you have chosen death

[@mikesbookreviews]

😅😂🤣

[@davidcarter6659]

He's officially a darkfriend now.

[@maxwms]

Potterhead forlife exactly

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@davidcarter6659 Heh. Legacy takes time.

[@galinor7]

I've only read the three couple of WOT books, bur I really fell Rowling wrote using better English. WOT is YA and good YA but no classic. Potter is great.

[@westleyhenry1105]

Chronicles of Narnia is still one of my favorite series I've ever read, recently had a son and I'm excited to take him through them

[@mikesbookreviews]

It’s like a rite of passage.

[@yellowcityflyfishing]

Your comment about standing in line waiting for Harry Potter brought back so many memories for me. Haha good times for sure.

[@mikesbookreviews]

From ages 8 to late 50's, the discussions with fans waiting in line during that book release was truly special. Just an amazing time for the fandom.

[@usmcfutball]

@@mikesbookreviews I was born in 1961. I always felt cheated because I never experienced 'Beatlemania'. But those midnight releases with my own son and daughter of Harry Potter (concluding so magically with The Deathly Hallows) gave me precious insight into a pop frenzy on a par with John, Paul, George and Ringo. Just found your channel. Great content. Tolkien is THEE Master. Also like Donaldson's "The Covenant Chronicles" from my wayward days of the 1980s. Cheers!

[@cloudbloom]

Cheers for putting that time stamp in the description, I personally watch your full vids but it's nice for others to know where to skip to if they want just the list

[@mikesbookreviews]

I was tired of new visitors complaining about me "rambling" at the beginning of vids.

[@gut.6925]

Lotr is immortal, period.

[@mikesbookreviews]

The road goes ever on and on.

[@nemoonbekend2483]

@@mikesbookreviews I can never read that without hearing the tune from the Rankin/Bass animated version. Loved that as a kid.

[@vitocorleone2413]

The most influential, but definately not the best

[@THX-bz8bi]

Gormenghast by Mervin Peake is a treat

[@SamirCirlija]

@@vitocorleone2413 you are joke then

[@jackyc6919]

love how you gave detail explanations on why the series ranked at each place. great list and amazing books 👏🏽

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks! I could have talked about each for longer, tbh.

[@coleton7048]

There's a reason The First Law has "first" in the title. You have to be realistic after all.

[@mikesbookreviews]

You are aware, I suppose, that I lived through two years of torture? Two years in hell, so I can stand before you now. Or lean before you, twisted as an old tree root. A crippled, shambling, wretched mockery of a man making these book videos...

[@joeshafer2123]

@@mikesbookreviews I am reading First Law right now based solely on your and Daniel Greene's recommendations!!!! Going to read mistborn next. I have been delaying because I didn't love some of what BS did with the final three books of a WoT, which is probably unfair.

[@orcanimal]

@@joeshafer2123 Be sure to read the three First Law standalone novels too (in publication order). In most readers' eyes the standalones are superior to the trilogy (which is fantastic already). They are like exercises in genre blending perfected.

[@turtleanton6539]

Berserk.

[@anjuthanm]

@@joeshafer2123 did you finish first law? I read first book an year ago and i didn't like it at all. But people say it'll be different from second book and worth reading. How's it doing for you?

[@anangryscorpion5838]

respect for putting HP on the list, it might get a lot of stick these days but reading it in my formative years, it'll always mean a hell of a lot to me. My current top 10. 10 Gentleman Bastard's. 9 Amber Chronicles. 8 WoT (only 4 books deep, could go way up or way down depending.) 7 lightbringer. 6 Harry Potter. 5 Kingkiller. 4 ASOIAF. 3 Stormlight/cosmere. 2 First Law. 1 Malazan book of the fallen. Aaaannd I forgot to put LOTR on, blasphemous I know. Just pretend it's my top 11 and slot it in between 3 and 4.

[@mikesbookreviews]

It almost seems like folks think they'll be ridiculed if they put Harry Potter on these types of lists. It has remained popular this long for a reason.

[@nemoonbekend2483]

Damn. I forgot about Zelazny. Amber series has some great bits.

[@JLchevz]

Good list I gotta say.

[@omnitheus5442]

Finally someone with taste Ryan ;)

[@annaportillo1016]

This is a great list and it shows that people can enjoy something grimdark AND lighter like Harry Potter. I feel the same way about fantasy, as I am a mood reader, sometimes I want something easy, quick and fun and sometimes I wanna dive into something detailed and complicated. All fantasy is great!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Right. I’m not heartless ha ha

[@bassguitar1919]

I am definitely this type as well! Just depends on what I'm thirsting for at that time in life. Song of Ice and Fire is great and Narnia or HP can be great too!

[@guillermomira2122]

Hi Mike, I am relatively new to the world of fantasy but after reading the First Law saga I find myself wanting to go deeper on the genre... I loved it. Just want to say love your channel and this kind of videos help A LOT. Thank you very much for what you do.

[@goblingunk_]

I really enjoyed this. To be honest, there aren't a ton of books on this list I've read short of Tolkien, Martin, and Lewis. But this is a genre I've always wanted to dig deeper into and just didn't know whose voice to trust until yours. Definitely got my wish list packed up and ordered a few for the meantime. Thank you brother.

[@DianaEvergreen]

I could listen to you for hours....great reviews + radio broadcaster’s voice = 💯

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thank you so much! For years I tried to get into radio but they all want you to intern for years first and I was just never willing to do that.

[@turtleanton6539]

He should read audiobooks

[@jenniferbrooks]

So glad I found your channel!! I agree; when it comes to lists like this, nostalgia is involved and there’s nothing wrong with that. Working my way through Wheel of Time now and I agree with you on that as well. I bet it’s one that will rise, especially upon reread. I really should finish First Law.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Seeing my own reaction to finishing WoT last night only verifies my opinion that it will move up this list.

[@TheHumbleRoots]

The reason I love your channel so much is as follows: I often disagree with you but Alwyas see your point of view without getting my hackles up. A maze ing video. Especially love your reasons for Narnia. Such a good series.

[@cristy-annhoughton755]

Love these reviews gives me ideas for new stuff to read/listen to I have chronic migraines so I love audiobook when I can't focus on the words

[@heedlessthievery]

Totally with you on Storm of Swords, started ASoIaF in 2002, myself.

[@benjaminmackenzie2083]

I’m 29 and I only started reading seriously a year and a half ago. Basically got bored of TV or streaming services. I love your channel and I’m constantly adding books to my TBR from what you have to say! Loving fantasy, can’t wait to try sci fi and horror 👍

[@prog112]

I see your channel has been steadily growing for a while now - plenty of discussion in the comments section these days! Great job Mike, I appreciate the content. Started reading The First Law because of you and I've been having a blast.

[@ianw5114]

The Dragonlance Chronicles, The Elenium/The TAmuli with Sparhawk, Belgarion in The Belgariad/The Mallorean, The Riftwar Saga, The Shannara books. So many wonderful series to explore.

[@ceeece]

Man i love your bookshelves. You pretty much have all the essentials!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks! It’s my pride and joy. Just above my kids. Kidding. Sorta.

[@figjam9530]

no Terry Pratchett. B tier collection by definition.

[@samueldhallreads8990]

Great choices here mate! Thanks for bringing a a song of fire and ice back into the fray

[@gdoggcasey]

Nice list! I am watching vids like this to expand my options as I break into fantasy books for real. I finished WoT a few weeks back, jumped right into Stormlight Archive. I am a *little* burned out on it about two thirds through book 1, so I picked up some new ones. First Law, Dresdin Files and Lightbringer. Really excited to get into First Law as you sold it so well!

[@rscott222]

I liked the Chronicles of Narnia in your top 10! I remember reading that as a kid.

[@denisekim352]

I think u sold me on The First Law. I’ve been wanting to read something fantastical, which is a genre I don’t usually read. Nice channel!

[@willardtk2979]

It can been brutal, but that's what I like about it. Cool, honorable people die? That's called Tuesday. Horrible, selfish people live another day? That's also called Tuesday.

[@Danny_Matson]

Excellent list, Mike. Excited to follow your reading journey as you discover new series in the future too. Keep up the great content!

[@mikesbookreviews]

We shall never read everything.

[@JJJKKK445]

I actually recently started reading fantasy and finished the cosmere and witcher and just started WoT and I can honestly say all 3 are just amazing. I consider myself lucky to have just started this journey and have soooo much to read. Great list I would say, gotta read them all! Lucky I got the time. Love your channel! Keep it up!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks for saying so! Enjoy expanding that TBR.

[@djrenzo8291]

I'm reading the Dresden files right now enjoying every moment of it

[@mikesbookreviews]

It’s consistent as hell even after 17 books.

[@willardtk2979]

I'm on Summer Knight, right now. So far, my favorite as probably been Fool Moon.

[@mrt9043]

I also read The Hobbit in 6th grade in the early 80s. Thanks for the video, I just discovered your channel and look forward to more as I get back into fantasy and sci-fi.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@almu_2197]

Man, you made me cry when talking about the Harry Potter series. So much criticism nowadays regarding this preclude saga. It’s my whole childhood and I will always love it too. New to this KZbin channel and loving it so far.

[@cinematik9726]

Stoked to have found this channel. We share very similar tastes and I’m looking forward to trying some new things 🤩

[@rosierumsey]

Oh man, Stargate mentioned 2 mins in... you sir are officially one of my favorite people on youtube!

[@mikesbookreviews]

*in Teal’c voice* Indeed.

[@kev4366]

@@mikesbookreviewsand it's obviously the time loop episode

[@poeticalvision]

@@kev4366 Which one? The one where Teal'c is in a simulation, or the one where that alien scientist traps them in a timeloop on another planet trying to go back to see his dead wife and O'Niel is the only one that knows they are in a time loop?

[@themostfowl]

@@poeticalvision O'Neil and tealc they had each other in the loop

[@harmanpiano]

Great video! And not only because we have the same top 3. The more I think about the The First Law the more I appreciation I have for it; not just the characters and the world but also Abercrombie’s writing style. Also, I think asoiaf reread is a great idea!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Say one thing for Joe Abercrombie, day he writes wonderful characters.

[@nikk345]

I only just starting reading again recently, after about a decade, and this list really speaks to me. The Hobbit was also the first book I ever read when I was about 10, and The Lord of The Rings is also my favourite series of all time. I remember reading The First Law as the books were released and loved the series. I remember reading the first three ASoIAF books after hearing all the hype online back in 2001 and eagerly awaiting the next in the series because I thought it was just incredible (And I also haven't given up on the book series). Getting back into things I have read the first 4 Stormlight Archive books and they are something special. Currently reading book 1 of The Faithful and The Fallen which I am really enjoying. I really excited to getting back into reading and I feel like I have so many other fantastic worlds to explore.

[@garysandberg6132]

Your Chanel really helping me get into books thank you

[@MobbJacket88]

I haven't read enough fantasy yet to have a top ten list. It's in the works though. I will say that from a nostalgic point of view I'd say that the Redwall series, Wheel of Time, Chronicles of Narnia and the Hobbit are up there for me. I remember back when I was a kid the only thing that took for me to buy a book or get into a new series was the cover art. Walking into a bookstore in the mall and seeing the art for the first book in the Wheel of TIme was all I needed to pick it up.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Redwall has been brought back to my memory in these comments. So fun.

[@DenisLego]

A lot of matches to my list. Would, probably, added Robert Asprin's MYTH series here. Oh, and the Discworld, of course! Terry Pratchett is the ultimate author for anyone who read enough fantasy books to feel he's reading the same story over and over again. Then you open one of the Discworld books and it's like a refreshing spring right there.

[@HeroOfTheDay99]

Completely with you on Storm of Swords. It is a masterclass in fantasy fiction. The reactions I had to certain scenes in that book has not been matched by any other book I've read

[@Rodwil14]

Good choices. Enjoyed hearing about the books I haven't read.

[@shomerfuckingshabbos]

Thanks for the video, it was a great way to while away 33 minutes of the apocalypse. You have a really enjoyable presentation style. Since you did invite viewer top 10s here is mine: 1. LoTR - Incomparable. 2. A Song of Ice and Fire - Gritty and dark with the best world building since Tolkien. 3. Books of Earthsea - Thematically so rich. 4. His Dark Materials - Like Earthsea it's aimed for YA, and also like Earthsea, so rewarding for adults. 5. Malazan - Darkness and world complexity to rival (but not surpass) GRRM. 6. Gormenghast - A true peer to Tolkien. An utterly original imaginary world. Warning: It is a slow read. 7. First Law - Love the darkness. Lacks the prose style and world building to be higher. 8. Chronicles of Thomas Covenant - Obviously influenced by Tolkien but with maybe modern fantasy's first anti-hero protagonist. Great ambition and world building. Advice: Stop after the first trilogy. 9. The Black Company - Maybe the first example of military fantasy? Undoubtedly influenced the Malazan books. 10. Gentleman Bastard series - A fun and fresh setting for fantasy. Author should be commended for not relying on the same tired fantasy tropes found in most modern fantasy works. Note: I haven't read any Sanderson or Butcher yet. I've read the first 6 books of Wheel of Time and let its absence speak for itself.

[@ArtyrVandelae]

During my two re-reads of ASOIAF I read books four and five in chronological order. I found it a more enjoyable way to experience the story over again. Give it a shot if ever go back to those books!

[@mikesbookreviews]

When/If WoW ever gets a hard release date, I will definitely do it this way in a series re-read.

[@phehir9010]

Nice job. I appreciated your comments about The Song of Ice and Fire. Completely agree. When someone told me about the HBO series, I asked: "Did you read the books? A must." Frustrated with delays and delays. Same with Rothfuss. Also liked your comment on The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings. Read it first in 7th grade and did not want to do so. That book got me into Fantasy and have never stopped. Again, good job.

[@MaxCadyS]

The video quality has gotten so much better since this!

[@sjkrum320]

It's interesting how much nostalgia plays into what we love. Like I tried to read Harry Potter in my 30s after wheel of time and lord of the rings and it just didn't do it for me. But, WoT is soooooo damn special to me and I know that life events for me while I was reading it plays a huge part in my deep love. What a fun video. Thsnk you for sharing your thoughts.

[@mikesbookreviews]

For sure. It's the same with movies. Like, I loved The Goonies growing up. My wife has never seen it. So I showed it to her and she was like "meh." Some things you have to grow up with or experience prior to reading series that really warped your mind.

[@josephhirning2642]

Honestly, the Wheel of Time didn't do it for me, but I love Lord of The Rings and Harry Potter.

[@azulsimmons1040]

The First Law was an amazing series. Malazan series is pretty amazing too. You gave Lord of the Rings number one. You get a like. My favorites series of all time as well. It takes a few reads to fully comprehend Lord of the Rings.

[@ShantanuMukherjee4]

Though I actually liked the ending of The Dark Tower series, I agree that there is a gap between the frist 4 books and the rest.. the first 4 books are absolute masterpieces. No other series has taken me on such a diverse journey through a western from the first book to Sci fi in the others, horror, romance in the wizard and glass.. All this while. Being coherent, consistently entertaining with amazing characters and unforgettable moments and not no mention the few trips through the world's in Kings other books. There is just nothing else like The Dark Tower and if you've not read it it's near impossible to describe.. And it'll always be one of my favorite fantasy journeys. Great video, definitely got a lot of recommendations for other books here. Thanks! And always nice to see others describe their journeys to the Tower. Long days and pleasant nights Sai!

[@Navid173]

Trying to find some new booktubers that like my kind of books and omg you have me hooked in first 5mins...started w your collection behind you and then you had me Stargate SG1 mention, just finished my every 3 year binge rewatching all SG series.

[@gaberodriguez4023]

I smiled at your #9 pick! NARNIA was the first series I ever read when I was 9-10, and was what got me into reading. Yes, I know there are criticisms made against it when you revisit it with an adult eye, and it gets a lot of (unfair) backlash because of the Christian content. But regardless, I'll always have nostalgia for it.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I was raised Christian and have no problems with these things. I don't think one has to have the same religious or political beliefs as an author. If that was the case, I'd have no Stephen King books. But I do get how that scares folks away. I've avoided His Dark Materials for a long time due to the ideals that it was his middle finger at CS Lewis. I think it's one of those things you have to read while young to really appreciate.

[@lauramcdonald5004]

@@mikesbookreviews I did the same thing with HDM. I finally read them last year, and the first 2 books I can appreciate, but Pullman goes off the rails in the third book. I couldn't finish it.

[@nemoonbekend2483]

I am not a Christian and I love the Christian themes and allegory in Chronicles of Narnia. Brilliant stuff.

[@lauramcdonald5004]

@@nemoonbekend2483 totally agree. I just finished Magicians Nephew this weekend (I'm reading through the entirety of the series since I never read them all as a kid), and there's obvious Creation and Adam and Eve allegory in that book, but the theme of men choosing their own fate (ie heaven or hell) is genius. "But length of days with an evil heart is only length of misery. All get what they want; they do not always like it."

[@nemoonbekend2483]

@@lauramcdonald5004 That is a great quote.

[@jcm334]

This series falls into a little SciFi and Fantasy, but Anne McCaffrey's Dragon Rider's of Pern books really launched my love of fantasy. I remember having to read a short story from her last book in middle school English and eventually, after almost 15 years, I discovered the series again and devoured the whole thing. It was my jumping off point and I think she is a beautiful writer. I have not read anything from her son and I'm on the fence about it.

[@mikesbookreviews]

If it has Dragons it’s automatic fantasy. Unless they’re robots.

[@keithcassity3267]

This was a fantastic review and after watching this, I now want to reread Lord Of the Rings and A Song of Ice and Fire! You also sold me on Brandon Sanderson. Thank you for this 🙏🏼

[@Andy-jv4pn]

I love you included Narnia. Narnia was what got me into reading fantasy, or well reading at all. The way you described 'the hobbit' is how I felt about Narnia.

[@Angenga]

Sweet summer child here, I remember getting obsessed with Game of Thrones TV series and beginning to read the books after finishing binge-watching the first 4 series, I read through them in about a week or two and absolutely fell in love. It's what made me rekindle my dreams of becoming a writer and put me on the path to start planning my first book, currently all these years later I have refused to go back to them until Winds is announced and with every passing year I get more and more upset with the absence of an ending, I would love to say its my favourite fantasy series of all time but each year brings a new host of great reads and it is sadly falling ever further down my list. But god damn, when that book comes out I'm going to literally cry, then I'll probably cry when I'm finished and I realise there's probably another 10 year wait coming for ADOS. Atleast it has taught me to never keep a series running for that long without a definitive ending if I ever find some sort of success.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I remember thinking I'd feel this way about ADwD because I had convinced myself he had figured out whatever the issue was that held it all up and now that wait seems small by comparison.

[@Angenga]

@@mikesbookreviews I have to feel for someone who began reading all those years ago, must be even more frustrating, especially given the fact the series so far is so damn promising, it would be much easier to deal with the feels of a wait that long if this series was just average/not very good haha

[@amberantk1]

I waited in line for The Deathly Hallows, plus visited a local bookstore to Q&A my favorite podcasters! Brought the book home and my son and I read it lying side by side! (He had to wait for me).

[@mikesbookreviews]

That is a great memory.

[@ChristmasLore]

Back then, I was teaching in Korea, and both ordered the book online, and hit the store in the middle of the night (most big supermarket are open 24/7 there). I called in sick to read it as soon as I got my hands on it.

[@joshfredlang]

Great list and was happy to see Sanderson so high - he is a generational talent

[@mikesbookreviews]

Absolutely.

[@Ulmo90]

Happy to see someone enjoy Narina as well, childhood memory of me as well! You included some series that I haven't read yet, so I might check out the Dresden files next, let's see. Same with Abercrombie, I somehow don't want to read it, but maybe I should. Cool to see that you enjoyed a Song of Ice and Fire, I started reading it when season 1 of the show came out quickly read the 5 main books, a great series, but I personally never fell in love with it. I grew tired of the show during the 5th season and never continued watching, which might have affect my view on the books afterwards. Wheel of Time is definitely one of my current favorites for me from your list currently, doing my reread now, but with the audio books & lovin' it

[@MeatballSandwich1]

Hey Mike, like many i found your channel based on your WoT content, totally respect your opinions here, id just say that WoT truly works because of its rereads, give it a year and a half and tackle it on a slow reread or listen on audio, im sure itll be higher on your list. Btw im starting to dive into Stephen King while on quarantine because of how highly you rate him as an author, keep up the content mate.

[@mikesbookreviews]

That's why I think it'll go up over time.

[@markwarren1302]

WoT entered my top five on my first read. It’s now tied for first with LotR because of rereads. It’s amazing how well planned the plot and character arcs were from book 1 on.

[@Ashwgun]

The sheer forshadowing that Jordan planned, insane

[@miriamblouw]

I love the song of ice an fire. Definitely a reread

[@mikesbookreviews]

If that troll ever puts out the next book I definitely will

[@ChristmasLore]

A re-read if we get the end, otherwise, no.

[@florentinaduquin8256]

Really enjoyed your take on top fantasy novels. I’m wanting to start The Dark Tower series. I’ll keep my expectations for the last two books low now 👍!

[@No1emilybrowningfan]

Absolutely amazing video - you’re my new favourite KZbinr. I love your videos and you’ve given me some great recommendations in your videos. I’m working on my own fantasy series, working on the first novel, and your videos definitely help so I thank you for that. Out of these series, I love Narnia, I love Harry Potter (I’ll read both series again and again), I love the Dark Tower series, but after 5 it did go a little down hill and the ending, while I enjoyed it, didn’t have the impact it should have. Love song of ice and fire but I’ve made myself believe I’ll never get to read last two novels. Tolkien’s world and his writing is my all time favourite. I love Lord of the rings. It’s my favourite book of all time. I read it once a year. I first read it when I was twelve. I’ve got all the extra books which I have yet to read and I’m looking forward to doing so. Keep going with your videos because they truly are amazing. Have you any teaching experience? Because you come across as being someone who is a natural at presenting information in a very informal, intellectual and entertaining way

[@barrilrayder]

Loved this video man. I would love to hear your thoughs on a song of ice and fire. Characters you love, best moments throug out of books. Whatever you wanna tell about these books ill be there.

[@mikesbookreviews]

If that clown ever starts writing and releasing books again, I plan to do a whole retrospective.

[@EJetson22]

For some fun fantasy reading, try The Belgariad and The Mallorean by David Eddings. They are not epic fantasy, but they are enjoyable.

[@someoneyouknow55]

If you had a live stream talking about SG1 I would definitely be there to listen! Just going through it for the first time now with my husband and loving it! I think I’m just barely through the first season of Atlantis that crosses over to it!

[@mikesbookreviews]

It’s so fun.

[@sebastianstark8517]

Right there with you on "A Song of Ice and Fire". That's actually number 1 on my list, and that's even without a proper ending. I don't see anything knocking it off, especially once we finally (will we ever??) have that ending.

[@chriszorander9333]

My personal top 10 fantasy series are 1: Dresden Files 2: One Piece 3: Wheel of Time 4: Belgariad/Malloreon 5: Lord of the Rings 6: Harry Potter 7: Riftwar Cycle 8: Girl Genius 9: Neil Gaiman 10: Discworld - Death series. (Yes, Gaiman is an author, not a series, but he needs to be on this list)

[@andresortiz4707]

I see One Piece there, a man of culture.

[@slavking2797]

OMG I would love a live stream discussing favorite SG-1 episodes! I've watched the show more times than I can count and would love to hear your opinions on it!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Colonel O'Neill is sci-fi icon. As Teal'C would say; INDEED.

[@locolima279]

Rewatched May 22. Loved the lighting. Old list. But, still very entertaining.

[@nahdiabbas1648]

i read David Eddings - The Belgariad, and David Gemmell-Drenai series, Terry Brooks-Shannara chronicles, Robert Jordan, Terry Pratchett and his Discworld and most of those you mentioned ... but there are so many new ones now you have to sort the wheat from the chaff

[@mtallen56]

If you do the ASOIAF re-read I would recommend the Broken Leather order for AFFC and ADWD, it combines both books into one and it helps with a lot of the pacing issues imo.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah it’s the one I have.

[@berentook]

Man i had such a good time when i was young and mum would read Narnia to me at night. I have read harry potter more than 10 times despite its flaws i just love it, i remember when i got The Deathly Hallows as soon as i got home i started it and did not put it down until i finished it. If i didn't count cosmere as a whole my top 10 would probably full of sanderson books lol.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah, Deathly Hallows was a fun all-nighter.

[@natefoldan]

Man so true about First Law! Really sticks with you.

[@gjori4704]

I was just planning on watching the Witcher, but damn, hearing you describe it like that I really want to read it too.

[@egggnome6266]

Thanks for sharing with us; I agree with the high ranking of The First Law, and remember being shocked that a recent series was actually great and not just, well, written. I have a feeling you haven't read any of Michael Moorcock's Eternal Champion series. There's several, but I suggest starting with the Elric of Melnibone, but I really like the Corum and Hawkmoon series as well. I lot of people loved the Jerry Cornelius books but he's more modern and more fantastical than fantasy. They're all aspects of the Eternal Champion though.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Elric is on my radar and I'll be talking about it in a video early next week.

[@egggnome6266]

@@mikesbookreviews I'm looking forward to it. Elric has always been my favourite character; even after Dave Sims did a parody of him in his Cerebus the Aardvark comic in the '70's where is was called Elrod of Melvinbone and talked like Foghorn Leghorn.

[@ssspaceman86]

1) The Lord of the Rings 2) A Song of Ice and Fire 3) Harry Potter 4) The Cosmere 5) The First Law 6) The Witcher Honourable mention: Shannara. For other series I'm in the early books and I don't want to choose between them. Worst series (or at least the first book): Nevernight.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I’ve heard such mixed things on Nevernight.

[@mrwildham4348]

I consider myself lucky to have grown up with Harry. The final book came out when I was finishing high school. I’ve revisited the books multiple times.

[@zipperneckfronkenstein3364]

New to your channel, literally just came here to find books to add to my reading list. Just revived a long dormant passion for reading and have a LOT to catch up on. Will at the First Law to the list :D

[@Coley_-_]

Top fantasy series 1. Zane Hallaway 2. Farseer Trilogy Thanks for your video. I like your list. One day I hope to read the witcher books, lord of the rings, and sword of kaigen.

[@willardtk2979]

The Farseer Trilogy was great. I need to read the Tawny Man books.

[@TheYoungWolfI]

I'm subscribing with the promise of seeing and hearing about ASoIaF reread. Also you may have just sold me on the Dresden Files and The First Law.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I don’t think you’ll be disappointed

[@psychobunnyjones5247]

I just found your channel and I agree with you about Harry Potter. Waiting in line with my niece and reading it with my daughter. Good times

[@mikesbookreviews]

It was an unforgettable experience.

[@liberTvalance]

I read "The Lion the Witch and Wardrobe" as a kid. We went hunting that fall and I kept worrying that I'd walk through a portal between weird looking trees. Narnia was awesome.

[@ad3673]

Two other series: - Memory, Sorrow and Thorn by Tad Williams (amazing) - The Adversary Cycle (including the Repairman Jack series, which is part of The Adversary Cycle) by F Paul Wilson (probably my favorite fantasy horror series ever)

[@Tobratherota]

Omg Memory, Sorrow and Thorn is stellar!!! I honestly didn’t think anyone would’ve recommended it. I’m so glad you did otherwise I was about to.

[@Celise]

Hope you enjoy the rest of The Witcher series. It's a personal favourite! I got a bit stuck with the Dresden Files after disliking book three, but now I'm tempted to continue. I've only just discovered your channel but I already trust your taste haha. I'm reading Eye of The World right now (500 pages in) and I love it. New sub.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I appreciate it. I hate leading people to books they do not enjoy.

[@Queenofthemall1445]

ASOIAF was the very first epic fantasy series i ever read, when i was 18 years old back in 2016 before that i solely read only YA fantasy. Asoiaf was and still is a huge thing for me ive reread it 4 times and love love love it with all my heart really hope we eventually get the last two books i cant imagine whats it lime to have been waiting 20 years Im now starting Wheel of Time just started the first book last night

[@custarddavidson8104]

I agree with you on Harry Potter. I’m 25 so I grew up with it I suppose but one of my favourite memories was me and my mum waiting for the final book at midnight, and me trying to read it in the car driving home at 1am using the light from the streetlights!

[@yrrep27]

Comparing Dresden Files to Buffy.. You just bumped that series way up my reading list.

[@carlocanillas1807]

I didn't really dig the Dark Tower ending until I read the last part of Robert Browning's poem. A bit mindblowing.

[@mikesbookreviews]

The actual ending, as in final pages, I was fine with. It was events in book 6 & 7 I didn't like overall. Especially the final confrontation with the big bad.

[@marcweber8509]

@@mikesbookreviews I felt exactly the same

[@marcweber8509]

@@mikesbookreviews Also the ending of the other main antagonist really wasn't my cup of tea

[@nemoonbekend2483]

@@mikesbookreviews I kind of like the idea that we make evil out to be this big, glamorous thing to be feared, but in the end it turns out more weak and banal than anything.

[@carlocanillas1807]

I agree, the confrontations was rather anti-climactic. But I was even more pissed with book 7 because Cujo's ending is spoiled in a conversation that doesn't even have to do with plot.

[@David_Alvarez77]

Interesting video. You have a good blend of old and new. Tolkien has always been able to capture my imagination. He is a laborious read, but I find much more to think about in his works--especially the Silmarillion--than in other offerings. I agree about the Shanara series. I really enjoyed it in high school, but it does not really reward revisiting. A series I always enjoyed was David Eddings Belgariad/Mallorean.

[@666Astrosmurf]

1. Wheel of Time 2. the Cosmere 3. Sword of Truth 4. Lord of the Rings 5. the Kingkiller Chronicles 6. the Belgariad 7. the Dark Tower 8. The Deed of Paksenarrion 9. the Farseer trilogy 10. Shannara

[@auralealivada]

Terry Pratchett's Discworld is far and away the best series of any genre I've ever read. And the audio books narrated by Stephen Briggs elevate the series even more.

[@figjam9530]

i strongly agree with your first statement but strongly disagree with your second. a LOT of the humor in Discworld is literary in nature. that is, the jokes can only be understood when read off a page. when they are spoken they either make no sense or don't come across at all. Discworld MUST be read.

[@listayngeorge6929]

I was surprised it wasn't there

[@listayngeorge6929]

@@figjam9530 most people don't listen to audio books as their first read..

[@ajpeters2912]

Your bookshelves look amazing

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks!

[@henrywayne5724]

You are right about Sanderson. I see Stormlight Archives becoming a future classic. The Cosmere as a whole is Sanderson’s stamp on fantasy.

[@ProfessorElz]

Great list. I will try First Law series again. My favorite fantasy series is Kingkiller Chronicles.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I’d recommend it.

[@rome8180]

I totally agree that Storm of Swords is the single best fantasy novel. So many story lines coming to a head at once. So many shocking but completely satisfying twists.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I was riveted on the first reading and I just started it over when I finished.

[@harshjoshi8848]

Yeah definitely agree with this i think the red wedding was one of the best fantasy piece i have ever read it was completely unexpected

[@dkmoon7543]

Narnia did have some good quotes. One of my favorites is " Aslan kill". um, Oops, sorry I was thinking "Asha'man kill." Different series so never-mind!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha ha both work

[@shesemerald2011]

Worked at Waldenbooks and did Harry Potter release nights, never read it. I fell in love with fantasy at this time. Started with Shannara series up to Voyage, then Game of Thrones to Memory, Sorrow and Thorn, to just so many others. My beginning was Fear Street all the way back in '92.

[@divyagupta4238]

Great video. Currently alternating wheel of time and Dark Tower as audiobooks and reading Shannara. Plan to tackle Stormlight Archive series next (read Mistborn before). Wanted to mention VE Schwab’s Shades of Magic trilogy... very easy/fun read and not too dark...(unlike her Villains series).