My Top 10 Fantasy Series | As Of 2022

Due to viewer demand, Mike gives an update to his favorite fantasy series as of April 2022.
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0:00 Introduction & Background
1:27 Honorable Mentions
4:38 Top 10 Fantasy Series
26:08 Final Thoughts
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#MikesBookReviews #Top10 #FantasySeries

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hello, everyone. Please not that it is not meant to be disrespectful when I say that if I have yet to read a series I clearly couldn't put it on my Top 10. These are just my personal 10 favorite that I have read. Thanks for watching!

[@thedefiant6244]

you got to try Verelyn the Dastardly by Brandon Baltes. It just released but it's better than 90% of the fantasy I'veread. If you liked Dalinar in SA, you will love it almost guaranteed! I want to see a review as soon as realistically possible please!

[@aniruddhsathe2420]

MALAZAN?

[@jennyjustjenny7634]

You have a great taste! John Gwynne came also out of nothing for me (it's hard to find his books in Germany since not all of them are translated/not in print anymore) and I absolutely love his characters and way of writing. I mostly read books in german cause I'm afraid I don't understand English good enough for Fantasy.. I still have the Stormlight Archives waiting on my shelfs.

[@The_Reality_Filter]

I've subbed and hit the bell because you have The First Law in first place. LotR is above a top ten list it is the list.

[@MA-qf3zi]

Does Dune not qualify because it’s more sci-if, or did Dune just not make your top 10?

[@nightmarishcompositions4536]

I finally read Harry Potter for the first time last year and i was shocked by how much I genuinely loved each book in the series. This is coming from a guy who reads almost nothing but adult horror and grimdark fantasy stories haha. I defend its place on this list!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Right? It's just such a fun time and some of the best coming of age stuff I've read.

[@dragancete]

I’m 43 years old, I have read a fair amount of fantasy series and still reading more, and I love Harry Potter books, with all his flaws.

[@deelak2329]

Harry Potter is an amazing tale.

[@jedpc807]

I just finished the last book a while ago. Love the seried

[@rkgrkg]

Same. Despite the plot holes and the author drama, the books themselves are so quirky and fun. Still waiting for a chance to go to USJ to visit the Wizarding World.

[@ElrohirGuitar]

The Lord of the Rings gets better with age. As you learn more in your life, the series becomes more true and inspiring.

[@mikesbookreviews]

💯

[@jaredhamburg]

You are so correct!

[@dougnaville9008]

Agreed, just finished full trilogy on Audible - I forgot a lot from when I read in the 80s lol

[@davidalves1745]

I thought the same last night, just finish the two towers for the second time

[@LiamReynolds666]

I read it at 19 and then again at 24 and just in those 5 years the difference in my perspective was nuts. I empathised so much with Faramir in the second read, what a man.

[@CRohrscheib]

San Dan Glokta is by far the most interesting character I've ever had the pleasure of reading in fantasy. Abercrombie's dialogue is second to none.

[@kevinbayer8916]

Body floating by the docks

[@oliverdemille7953]

The audiobook narration does him so well too. I love the juxtaposition of hearing Glokta's thoughts in a very articulate and educated voice, but when he speaks he has that terrible lisp. Very well done.

[@archlectoryarvi2873]

The only author I feel matches Joe in that regard would be Terry Pratchett. Both of them are my favorite authors.

[@rattled1557]

@@kevinbayer8916 remind me again, but does he referencing to himself on that phrase?

[@BelleMort6]

@@oliverdemille7953 Just finished the trilogy less than an hour ago listening to it on audiobook, and the narrator was absolutely phenomenal! So many characters and they all had a perfectly crafted voice. And you're spot on - Glokta was especially fantastic, both inner monologue and spoken voice. Listening to his narration fleshed this world out for me in such a spectacular way.

[@TechnicalHotDog]

Agree with your defenses of Harry Potter and ASOIAF. Harry Potter is just so much fun, and ASOIAF while incomplete, just brings something to the table than no other series really does.

[@saldanamoreno]

I have to just say, the Game of Thrones show got me interested in the books and the books. THE BOOKS! Got me back into reading. Now I’m an avid reader because of GRRM. I even dabble in writing because of it. So. Good.

[@bogie501st8]

Same case for me

[@JonahsWail]

Yup. Can’t stand seeing people on the internet talking endless shit over every mention Grrm. Yea there’s a chance he doesn’t finish, but the dudes old and has labored all his life. I love seeing fantasy writers getting paid bank. Live it up Grrm!

[@ghoulishfool]

Yup, same with me!

[@JJ-nu8qi]

I'm with you man those books were so great. I hope he finishes them but if not oh well still love them.

[@turtleanton6539]

metoo

[@impo55iblegirl96]

I love these lists! Thank you as always for being honest and enjoying books with us.

[@ToasterTheTerrible]

I'm glad to see you bring up Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn. I just stumbled onto your channel today for totally unrelated reasons, but that has always been one of my favorite series. I like to read through it every few years just like Lord of the Rings.

[@kirsireima5758]

I just stumbled upon this channel today and was taken back to my teenage years with the mention of Memory, Sorrow and Thorn. I think it was my third fantasy series I ever read after I'd completed Eddings' Belgariad and Malloreon. I just remember eating up each of those books. Fun fact, here where I'm from the trilogy was actually published as a series of 12 books. The books basically took up one whole shelf at our small library. :D Fun fact number two, Wheel of Time got similar treatment here, so instead of 14 there's almost a gazillion installments of The Wheel of Time series.

[@jacobswatek2504]

You introduced me to the First Law universe and I couldn't thank you more. I'm now sitting here after finishing the Wisdom of Crowds and waiting for the next!

[@brandocalrissian3294]

I bought the first law trilogy without reading them based on your recommendation and you did not let me down. It's brutal and I love it.

[@talkamardesh7562]

Man I loved the first trilogy but the ending really left me wanting more :/ excited to pick up Age of Madness now that it’s complete

[@SaintJoseph911]

Putting the Dresden files on here just got me to subscribe! Such an underrated series. That, Harry Potter, and the Eragon series are what got me into reading years ago as a teen. Two of those series have ended. Dresden files keeps on going, keeps getting better and better

[@turtleanton6539]

it just needs a good tv-series and it will blow up. maybe after he finishes it

[@mrkojak-ci1zm]

@@turtleanton6539 hope they try again but this time stay true to the books 👍

[@tyneshaanthony5768]

Love the Dresden files! And if you like those I would suggest Larry Correia's Monster Hunter and Grimnoir Chronicles.

[@CarlosRodriguez-dd4sb]

Cmon Jim - watch this review 😉

[@timkirsten6184]

Nice vid as always Mike. I'm glad I had no problems with the last 3 DT books. I actually loved how self-indulgent and experimental King was in those books, because no one else could pull it off, and it's one of the weirdest set of stories I'll ever read.

[@thebrothersgwynne]

This is for sure an awesome list! LotR, First Law, Harry Potter, The Banished Lands! Can't get much better. I'm just about to read A Game of Thrones for the first time so that is going to be a great experience! Will

[@mikesbookreviews]

Oh man, I can't wait to hear you two talk about those!

[@AnthemNotBanal]

The First Law trilogy... SO GOOD! I actually listened to the audiobook for this and Steven Pacey brings EVERYTHING to life. Totally agree that I was rooting for Glokta the entire time, and he's certainly one of my favorite character of all fantasy. Right up there with Drizzt for me

[@mikesbookreviews]

Glokta is the best. And if you disagree he will torture you until you do agree.

[@AnthemNotBanal]

@@mikesbookreviews 😂😂😂

[@Bourne1984]

The greatest. TFL is up there as one of the absolute best and the audiobooks are incredible. I loved the first 2 Storm light books but hated the next 2, couldn’t even finish the 4th. I am too a mega fan of the first 4 possibly 5 books of the dark tower and of course potter and LOTR are incredible. Great list and vids.

[@codyison2790]

Just want to give a special thanks! Got me into First Law with this video. First two books done in less than a week! Appreciate what your doing!!!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Glad it helped!

[@kevinamburgey1627]

I'm in the same boat as you. I have that nostalgia love for Tolkien, but when I reread it, I'm still taken there. I still love every word and get that special feeling. It will always be #1 for me. But First Law, in the same vein, has me so excited. I'm going through my first read now and just finished book 1. I haven't been this excited for a series in a long time. I love your take and taste in books and will be following for sure.

[@andrewpequita6569]

Im a huge fan of Professor Tolkien's work. Its always there for me when I need it. The Silmarillion especially. The Andy Serkis narrated audio LOTR trilogy was a revelation to me. Never has something so familiar felt so fresh. The first 100 pages of so of Fellowship is so great, going from this idyllic life of the Shire to years of trying to piece together if its the One Ring to Frodo and company moving to Crickhollow and then embarking for real. Intoxicating and 100% timeless.

[@historymax3d775]

Codex Alera (Jim Butcher's other main series) is also worth putting on this list IMO. The worldbuilding, plot and the writing-especially the action-is nothing short of amazing. I absolutely loved it.

[@donnahylton6931]

That was a good series. Made me wonder if it was written before or after the movie Starship Troopers (1 and 2) because of the evolving insects similarity.

[@Onceawkgogreek]

I really wish Butcher would come back to this I really enjoyed it.

[@CarlosRodriguez-dd4sb]

Codex Alera was terrific work! Plus, it was the result of a dare - look it up

[@bluearboleda23]

Agree!! Wish this one got more cred.

[@lijana]

I haven't read a full novel in years other than Dresden Files but I was pleasantly surprised to see that I have read most of your top 10 and special mentions. Brilliant!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Excellent to hear your picks, Mike! No flipped tables here. I have complete respect for how hard it is to make one of these "my top ten" videos (with emphasis on "my") since I've attempted it twice already. At this point, I'm not sure I'll make another unless I can figure out how to squeeze twenty series into "my top ten"!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hey, our guy Durfee can fit 45 into his top 10. So dream big.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@mikesbookreviews 🤣🤣🤣

[@marcweber8509]

Just pull a Brian Lee Durfee. His Top 10 always consist of 15-20 books. Cheating encouraged ;D

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@marcweber8509 I’ve watched one of his with more than thirty, I believe. The man is very well read!

[@marcweber8509]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Insanely well read. Also reading like a madman as well. How can anyone read so much so fast? :D I'm more like you, reading more slowly (slower than you actually haha), chewing on sentences and imagery and trying to fully immerse myself and even daydream inspired by lines I've read.

[@joshuacarlisle9901]

As a massive Sanderson fan, I was happy to see you mention the flaws with ROW. I happen to love Elantris, but ROW felt like a real departure from the sheer epic scale of the preceding three entries in the series. Hopefully Knights of Wind and Truth can finish out the story in a satisfying way

[@RedFuryBooks]

Glad to see the update - I remember your first video on this and list! You made me think about my top 10 and I have you to thank for #4, so thank you! Mine are 1. Lord of the Rings, 2. Wheel of Time, 3. Realm of the Elderlings, 4. The First Law, 5. The Dark Tower, 6. Cosmere, 7-10 I'm not sure lol.

[@sarahorme1200]

What a great top ten! It’s solid so many of those I’d agree with! Some still on my TBR, but I loved watching this!

[@izchomp]

this video is such a delight. thank you so much for sharing mike! i am currently starting to delve into the fantasy scene and i’m super excited to read the first law trilogy which i’ve heard amazing things about. keeping a lot of these series in mind for my future fantasy endeavors!

[@fakejohnbackup8907]

I am about to finish it, its amazing

[@yourmother7845]

I’m sad to hear you didn’t like Elantris! It helped me understand who Brandon was as a writer and I love seeing how he grew from it. Are there issues with it? Sure some of the dialogue and plot points show his immaturity but it still tells the stories of 3 compelling characters trying to save their own world not necessarily the world as a whole and I love it! I also really love the forward im that was added to the 10th anniversary edition if you haven’t read it I highly recommend just reading that as it also helps understand where Brandon started as a writer.

[@sonofapollo6814]

Love elantris

[@scottfeinstein2422]

One of my all-time favorites that is omitted is the Kingkiller Chronicles. The only negative is that we've been waiting on book 3 for over a decade now.

[@mtrmario-ok1tg]

this guy dont like that series he said it in other videos

[@deepsquat600]

Even if he does produce that book I will never ever read it because he took so long same with George RR Martin on finishing up songs of ice and fire took too long too bad not going to pay for it

[@thomaskonecny4215]

I reread the series couple months ago and i must say the first book is incredible, but i fucking hate the second book yeah some moments are good but over all i didnt feel as connected as the first book, getting to know the world Rothfuss created and the characters, sadly we probably have to wait another 10 years for book 3

[@deepsquat600]

@@thomaskonecny4215 sadly you're kidding yourself if you think sometime in the next ten years he's going to come out with one book in the last 10 years at least in regard to kingkiller

[@Cooz.]

The most overrated recommendation

[@manueldelosangeleszampedri7869]

Man I really loved this video i recently started reading the cosmere and I'm almost up to date and was wondering what else I could read. Really nice list I'll probably check out most of them :)

[@MikeGonzales92]

Awesome vid. I just finished the first law trilogy and man it was an incredible ride. I’ll be starting the stand alones next then the age of madness. Great list Mike. Your vids keep adding books to my TBR list 😂

[@dalejones100]

Love the list. I am a newbie in fantasy novels, but I love The First Law series. There's so much to read.

[@Madcrafter13Gaming]

I’m 4 books into Discworld by Terry Pratchett and I’m absolutely in love. I’m reading them in release order (which I think adds to them) and I already plan to read all 41

[@farhad_s]

Release order is the only way to read them. Books 1-3, and 5, are bottom tier though compared to the rest of the series. It really kicks off with Guards! Guards! But reading from the very start allows you to appreciate how his writing evolved, along with his characters and the Discworld itself

[@turtleanton6539]

​@@farhad_s true

[@SveinNOR]

Interesting Times, Guards Guards! and Feet of Clay are my favourites. Pratchett is the greatest!

[@cosmo588]

I’ve just started reading The Colour of Magic! I’m already so excited

[@johnbeardshall2898]

I've gotten into dark fantasy the last few years so I always read a disk world in between to lighten up and they always make me laugh my favorites are the 3 witches with nanny OGg my all-time top character

[@FeralMutiny]

Great channel sir! Been reading since my mother got my first library card as a very young kid. Now, at the age of 48, I have honestly read so many different kinds of stories that it's really unbelievable! Same as you the Dark Tower series and Lord Of The Rings are the benchmark for fantasy! If you get some time, check-out a British author by the name of Tim Lebbon. He writes horror as well, but what got my attention was his fantasy story Dusk and Dawn! They were so different and so well crafted that I literally lost myself inside that world! It's been roughly 15 years since discovering them and I can still picture that world and those characters as if I was still reading them today. Just stunning!!!

[@chadandrews4347]

I think it takes guts to do a top ten theses days. I love your show because you do have different books you enjoy more than I, which introduces me to new authors and convinces me sometimes to do a re-read on a novel that I might have thought was ok the first time around. I admit I was happy to see my boy Dresden crack your top ten!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah, folks do love some Top 10's...except when they differ. Ha.

[@aaronsmith1676]

Props on giving Dresden files respect, it doesn't get enough love. First law left me speechless. I truly don't know what to think of the story and that was a great experience.

[@mrkojak-ci1zm]

Definitely have to keep tight reins on "Bob" 👍

[@babygap720]

Harry Potter was the narrative, love of my life growing up. It did make me into a reader and I honestly wouldn’t be who I am today if not for that series. I read the first book in 5th grade and from there is was history. ❤ Thank you putting it on the list

[@mikesbookreviews]

HP will always hold a special place for me.

[@theringoffire67]

Commenting as I'm listening. I also just finished Wheel of Time. It probably took me 3 years to read but I'm glad I did. Fantastic series.

[@dannycorsaro546]

I just finished reading them for the second time 😃

[@benscott19841]

I've been looking for something new to start some good ideas here thank you. Nice shirt btw, one of my favorite movies.

[@alexgeorge2993]

My favourite author is Julian May, I loved the series of fantasy books she wrote. The Saga of Pliocene Exiles and the The Galactic Milieu Series, Unfortunately not enough people know these works and they would make an awesome TV show or movies series!!

[@chimpymcmonkey5402]

I totally agree! The Many Colored Land was genious,as was the entire Pliocene Exile saga,but I got the feeling this was just part of a larger series then I heard of the books Diamond Mask and Magnificat which I think featured Marc Remillard as the main protagonist. This was all pre -internet, so info was hard to come by. Interesting note: My friend's mom had an anthropology book written by a Julian May. I aways assumed they were the same person because anthropology features heavily in the Pliocene Exile. The premise had me hooked immediately: a 1-way portal is discovered that leads to earth's Pliocene epoch, hundreds of thousands of years in earth's past. At first, the criminals and degenerates are sent through, and, eventually, those disillusioned with society venture through to start a new life. After that, factions form, and epic wars occur. Deep themes are explored, did humanity cause its own rise to intelligence? The series is a must read for sci fi/ fantasy fans. I can't recommend it highly enough.

[@jnwhite13]

Right there with you on Sanderson. He was such a high watermark when I first got back into reading but over time I felt that I have had more strikeouts than homeruns with him. I am still working through Malazan but man is it going into the top 5 after. Also you got me to read first law and faithful and the fallen and they are now my one and two all time now. So thanks for that

[@mikesbookreviews]

My pleasure! So glad you liked them.

[@robertmerino6171]

Thanks for the great list! I’m so glad you placed First Law so high on the list. I would have to say that you didn’t mention how good Best Served Cold was or how fantastic the newest trilogy really is. As for what could be on the list is Dagger and Coin by Daniel Abraham. Enjoyed how they included currency as a plot mover. Anthony Ryan’s Pariah series seems promising. Also I wish we include the two tales of Jack Evans Cudgel character (as it it is way underrated). I will be checking out a few that you mentioned, especially Stephen Kings. Thanks again!

[@TheObsessiveBookseller]

Great lineup! My favs are Hobb, Abercrombie, and Ryan (Waking Fire, specifically). It is fun to re-evaluate every few years to see how things have changed. Two years ago Abercrombie wasn't even on my list and now he's a solid favorite.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Better late than never on Joe!

[@dennisflynn2669]

Malazan Book of the Fallen will be on the list when you're finished. This was a great list. Thanks for putting it together!

[@caolan3202]

I read the first book but really got kinda bored and bogged down and it's not even because of length(reading stormlight rn), so does Malazan get better?

[@deepsquat600]

@@caolan3202 .. Yep I could not do it.. Have the audiobooks.. Still could not do it... Too much left for you the trader to figure out . And you can't h until maybe 6 book in.. The authors have said they refuse spoon feed us...wtf...I thought we were why they were writing.. To entertain

[@Showingtampa]

I’m ashamed to say prisoner of Azkaban is the first book I really enjoyed reading, I was 13! And I loved it! Changed my life ❤ seriously. Before the series reading was torture. Thanks for keeping it on the list!

[@headcaptainyamamoto7015]

That's ok, Prisoner of Azkaban is my favorite HP movie and i hope it's my favorite book since i started reading the books

[@Ibelieveicanfly262]

Love the video man! Tons of good material of books I want to read! I do wish you would hold up the physical copy when you list it off! Keep it up!

[@debashisbandyopadhyay13]

Love your list with your honest opinions on the books... great video 🌻

[@mscott976]

One of the greatest fantasy series of all time in my humble opinion is the Dragon Riders of Pern by Ann McCaffrey. This Introduced me to fantasy literature after Tolkien and CS Lewis.

[@dawnetaverner1382]

Yes!!!!

[@ambiej123]

Technically, Pern is a scifi series, as there is no magical powers and the dragons are genetically modified species on a new planet…

[@hunterzaninovich6687]

My top ten 1. The wheel of time 2. A song of ice and fire 3. First law 4. Malazan 5. Cosmere 6. The prince of nothing 7. Memory, sorrow, and thorn 8. Harry Potter 9. Lightbringer 10. Six of crows

[@jahanshah1538]

You were doing so well until six of crows

[@brianmckeefrey1446]

Loving the light bringer reference

[@r1ofdeath920]

@@jahanshah1538 Lol I couldn't bring myself to read it.

[@padanfain7466]

There....is....no...Tolkien...?

[@zs1982]

Man love this series. I’m new to your channel. First law trilogy is incredible. Thanks for digging in on these.

[@vinodvagadurgi414]

I love videos like this and comment sections on this Gives me a window to explore more awesome fantasy

[@Mark-iv6yg]

The Dark Tower simply does not get the credit it deserves, Stephen King not only broke the mold, he took all the jagged little pieces and made something strange and beautiful and endearing, it’s an extraordinary work

[@mikesbookreviews]

100 percent.

[@Tom-sd9jb]

I was really enjoying it until just after the boy came to Midworld. I was really put off by the whole train storyline buildup and I stopped shortly after they left the old people village. I just wasn't interested in what was probably going to be a demented demon train?

[@brianmurphy250]

I noped out when King starts literally putting himself into the books as a meta character. Too much like when the Saturday Spiderman cartoon would cross the dimensions and talk to Stan Lee. It’s just too 4th wall breaking

[@steviekaiser9974]

I think it's the greatest story I've ever read

[@dawnetaverner1382]

The dark tower is an awesome read.I started it once and put it down… there was too much happening in life and I couldn’t concentrate on it the way I needed to. I still found it tough the second time. I pushed myself to get down to it but it was a different kind of “King” bizarreness that hooped me up for a good while. All of a sudden one day I picked it up and was finally able to get to that place. Worth the struggle ten times over

[@miriam-thebookhunter5393]

It makes me so happy to see other people love my favorite authors! I'd definitely have Middle Earth and the Banished Lands as well, Harry Potter too because yeah it was just so important to me. I'd add Malazan and Realm of the Elderlings. I just love Hobb's characters and Steven Erikson taught me how much effort goes into writing a fantasy novel.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I need to read more Hobb before RotE would crack this (only read Farseer) but I have heaps of respect for her talents.

[@tamahagane6083]

Thanks for putting this review of your top ten series out there. I agree with you on many of them. A new series that I recently finished was the Alex Verus series by Benedict Jacka. It had a similar feel to Harry Potter to me, though it was more adult themed with many characters that you care about through the series. Incredible reads and not enough time to read them all. Very glad for Audible :). Thanks again!

[@karamarie6781]

You are the best! I am starting to get into fantasy because of YOU! Thank you🙏🏼💕

[@mikesbookreviews]

My pleasure!

[@kathieprater2431]

Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn was stellar. I read it when it first came out and have reread it a few times since. I just loved it!

[@stevebowman2368]

My fav too,amazing series.

[@michaeldelving8033]

It's a truly fantastic series. Have you read the new sequel series, Kathie?

[@sebblanckaert5011]

Just a suggestion: Roger Zelazny - Nine Princes in Amber… Blew my mind, a mix of G RR Martin’s GoT, King’s Dark tower and K. Dick’s sci-fi… or is it the other way around ?

[@codypesta9604]

Thank you this list gives me a couple series to look forward to. I can't wait to read The first law.

[@guilhermelacerda7777]

I really love the video! Your top 10 is filled with amazing series and I hope to read every and each one of them. About what you said about Joe Abercrombie I agree 100%, and its not uncommon to see people who likes more the Shattered Sea than First Law because of the improvement in Abercrombie's writting but the universe, the characters, especially Glokta, and all that makes up what Firs Law fantasy scenario is amazing. I wish we could have the second trilogy The Age of Madness in Brazil, but with the current editorial crisis and the prices enhancement of the foreign fantasy, unfortunately I dont see it comming soon.

[@jdk7798]

What a great list! There is a lot on it I want to get to, including Faithful amd the Fallen, Book of the Fallen, Memory Sorrow and Thorn. List like this inspire me to read more. I haven't read nearly as much as you but my top 10 are: 1) A Song of Ice and Fire 2) Wheel of Time 3) Lord of the Rings including The Hobbit 4) Mistborn Era 1 5) Harry Potter 6) The Magicians 7) First Law 8) Book of the Ancestor - I haven't read any of the Book of Ice trilogy yet 9) The Dark Tower 10) The Witcher

[@robertstrawser1426]

Tolkien just stands out because it was so meticulously well crafted. And there’s timeless wisdom and depth in it that continues to be relevant. You never know where the road may take you when you take that first step and it’s not up to us to decide the times we live in but what we do with the time we are given. It’s always been inspirational and I think it’s largely because of that quality in it that we have such a rich legacy of fantasy literature today. As great and fun as other fantasy series’ are, Tolkien’s work is still the only one, for me at least, that’s inspiring in my own life when I’m in difficult situations or facing difficult choices, even in the darkest places there is light and hope. Wisdom from a man that witnessed the horror of the trenches in WWI. It still boggles the mind to think that modern Fantasy literature began with Tolkien scribbling on notebooks in one of the darkest places imaginable. I think that, more than anything, is why it feels just as relevant when you’re 50 as it does when you’re 16.

[@Sirrwinn]

This video and your comment are the reasons I'm about to reread the LOTR and finish the rest of the books in the universe.

[@matthewyeiser3451]

I can think of 100 books to read before tolkien. He was one of the firsts, but god, not one of the best.

[@ankithpillai7293]

​@@matthewyeiser3451100 books maybe but 100 fantasy series before LOTR u kidding mate , LOTR definitely in top 25 in fantasy genre for most people if not in top 10 depending on personal preferences offcourse

[@matthewyeiser3451]

@@ankithpillai7293 I'd put every WoT in front of lotr. that's 15, all of The black company, another 9, game of thrones, brandon sandersons stormlight archive, realm of elderlings by hobb, Terry goodkinds 21 books, malazan books - 13, the dragaeran books by brust - 17 and counting, king arthur, princes bride, bram stokers dracula, every Ursula le Guin book. black sun rising series (3), first law by joe abercrombie... I could go on and on... lotr gets credit for being the first, but is WAY overblown as to how good it is.

[@johntencate4781]

​@@matthewyeiser3451Lol you cannot tell me Crossraods of Twilight is better than Lord of the Rings😂

[@sherbetmango]

Love a top 10 list. Thank you for the video!

[@jaygosev3589]

Great list! Spot on with Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn

[@brightyell0wgun]

Harry Potter, A Song of Ice and Fire, and the Middle Earth books will always be some of my all time favorite fantasy series :) I just started the Second Apocalypse series by R. Scott Bakker and I'm only on the second book, but I feel like already that's going to be up as one of my favorites! You've made me really want to read the First Law series! And The Dresden Files!

[@blinkyschannel]

Highly recommend the audiobooks for Dresden, amazing!

[@drathmardarkstar7911]

Just found this while looking for new series to read and love it (though my list would be quite a bit different for sure) and found a few to try from it that I haven't read. Definitely love seeing Dresden files there. The big ones missing for me are the Belgariad by David Eddings (though I admit that could just be my nostalgia as that is the series that got me into fantasy as a teen) and the Riftwar Cycle by Raymond E Feist which was the first multi-series fantasy world I got into.

[@marcusbrown3880]

Couldn't agree more, more and more of these tuber readers, seem to bypass Feist, Eddings, Gemmel and Brooks, the real authors that put Fantasy books into the hands of kids and adults.

[@tn_onyoutube8436]

Agreed. Magician is my favourite book of all time!

[@linjicakonikon7666]

Very good list. Couldn't agree more regarding #1 and #2.👍🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@terryrobbins5977]

I completely agree with you about Abercrombie and "The First Law" series. You think okay you got your Gandalf type wizard guy check, and your reluctant doubting hero guy check, but nooo wait, the ending blows you away! I mean he does give you some hints during the story, but man I love how he turns this fantasy story on it's head! I also agree that the moral greyness is really what makes this series stand out. Glokta was my favorite character too! We need more characters this in the fantasy genre. A wonderfully sharply witted relatable evil inquisitor? Who knew?

[@jaimeosbourn3616]

I'd recommend "The Black Company" by Glen Cook, 'The Epic of Prydain" by Lloyd Alexander and "The Traveler in Black" by John Brunner. The last one is a collection of interconnected short stories.

[@heberrodriguez3310]

I second that.

[@sampetrie340]

I don’t know the third one, but the first two are outstanding.

[@jaimeosbourn3616]

@@sampetrie340 The third one is rather obscure. The only printing I know of is an Ace paperback from 1976

[@OrcusMaximus]

Black Company - my #1 fantasy series too.

[@WestChamber21]

The Chronicles of the Black Company possibly my favorite. I love how it doesn’t hold your hand but easy enough to understand and see where it’s going. Many others I am just unsure how to rank in my top ten…

[@mikesbookreviews]

Have yet to go down that road, but I do own the first 10.

[@andreamiller3578]

I just finished the first three and will definitely be reading the rest!

[@JonahsWail]

Black company is awesome, I love the aesthetic and character stylings. Perfect dark fantasy.

[@enwezornzegwu2494]

Nice to hear your Top 10. The Spellmonger Series by Terry Mancour is absolutely solid gold for me. Came out of nowhere and the books have just got better and better. It's hard to put any fantasy series above LOTR but I put Spellmonger above everything else. Have a read.

[@valerionfishscales.2262]

So very informative I was looking for my next book thanks I decidedto buy The First Law thank you.

[@printplay4776]

My list includes: Hearne, Iron Druid Cronicles. Loved the magic system, God's system and Oberon. Wight, Cradle. Loved the unique magic, fight progression system. Just my two cents.

[@dillonpatterson4310]

I had some serious iron druid chronicle problems. It was like diet dresden. It was weak in some areas and came out with a lot of last minute saves from nowhere. Then the me too ending was so cringe that It made no real sense in a logical way

[@othin5229]

I would like to make a recommendation for you to read. I feel this quintet is at least honorable mention worthy. It's my favorite series written by Brent Weeks called The Lightbringer Series. It has a unique magic system, political system, and religion. Brent's character to character dialogue is unparalleled in my opinion and it's beautiful how he ties all five books together and surprises you time and time again. Please read this series and do a book review. I feel so many people are missing out on this book. Thank you, loved the list. I'm going to start The First Law. Cheers!

[@othin5229]

Well It was your number 1 series to never finish. We'll have to agree to disagree on that point. I still respect your opinion and will still start The First Law. However, the 5th book really does tie in all four really really well but I understand if you don't finish it. again, cheers!

[@Chaka301]

I just finished the Black Prism and it is a quality and interesting and most fast moving story with sn interesting magic system but between the disturbingly graphic ultraviolent scenes, the horrific actions of one character described in high detail and Kip’s endless self loathing inner dialogue that went on to a point where I ( as someone who thinks of themselves as fairly empathetic ) found him hard to deal with, I don’t think I can continue with the series. It was actually my frustration with that book that got me to look for this video do I could find other fantasy books to read. Btw, I strongly agree with most of the other recommendations on this list, and clearly have feeling about this particular novel. 😅

[@oliviafrost1808]

If you haven't already read them, try David Hair's moontide quartet and sunsurge quartet series. Right up there with Abercrombie and Gwynn in my opinion. Thanks for the list, always looking for new series to read.

[@ColinsCornerYT]

Great video mike! I still have to read a lot of these for the first time, LOTR, ASOIAF, First Law, Dresden. This got me even more excited!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Enjoy!

[@seanfinley2069]

Hard to argue with heavy hitters like this. The one big omission that I'd put in my top list would be Terry Pratchett and the Discworld series. Those books are endlessly inventive, mixing caustic social commentary, thoughtful satire, and earnest emotional moments with scintillating prose and one memorable idea after another.

[@BlissfulCounterstroke]

Additionally the books are so very culturally British. Like, talking to your mate's nan at the corner shop in the village type stuff. Everyday Briton just after a cuppa and a biscuit suddenly thrust into the light and very severely burned by it but stoically carrying on because it's just what you do isn't it dear

[@stoneybaloney8935]

I am surprised that Discworld didn't make it on the list. Discworld is some of best fantasy I have read. I have literally laughed out loud at Terry Pratchetts work

[@donnahylton6931]

Another series would be on my list. I enjoyed the Discworld.

[@thebookborough]

So happy to see Banished Lands up there! And can't wait to start on Sullivan's work next year.

[@lowdzmusic823]

Memory Sorrow & Thorn was the first epic series I read when I got into fantasy, after dipping my toes in with David Gemmell. I’ve always loved it - particularly the second book.

[@YourLastGreatkNight]

I agree that Harry Potter was a world wide phenomenon and it was kind of my introduction into fantasy and will always love it for that. But I disagree a bit with your take on the reasoning why no one will be at bookstores at midnight waiting on the release. The biggest reason is Amazon, when Winds or Doors of stone comes out everyone will just preorder for shipping rather than waiting outside the bookstore. Love the channel keep up the great work.

[@neondemon5137]

Harry Potter was a worldwide crazy phenomenon. Nothing else will ever compare in popularity.

[@tylerhoffman2271]

You have to remember that just because these books are huge to you doesn't mean that they are to even 20% of the rest of the world. These books are very adult oriented meanwhile you had Harry Potter that literally expanded across all ages. Those two would still be a drop in the bucket in terms of hype and notoriety among the world at large even if it was still the year 2005 compared to HP.

[@FelixS.]

Buddy...Doors of stone doesn´t exist, it won´t ever come out...

[@YourLastGreatkNight]

@@tylerhoffman2271 I wasn’t disagreeing with his premise that Harry Pottter was a huge phenom. I clearly stated that I was referring to his point about people waiting outside bookstores at midnight waiting on a release. If we did not live in a age where you can preorder a book with just a click from your phone, people would be waiting at midnight for those books in droves, but obviously not as worldwide as people were for Harry Potter.

[@squngy0]

@@neondemon5137 Twilight came surprisingly close, sold a third as many books

[@baccydemon3489]

The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne has to be a top 3 pick for me well worth reading

[@alyssafinnegan6544]

First video I've ever seen from you and immediately subscirbed! You are so genuine and relateable. Loved hearing your opinons on some great fantasy series out there.

[@robinmixon6999]

Dude I love that you are wearing The Princess Bride T-shirt! You rock!

[@mikesbookreviews]

As you wish.

[@linushell4726]

Any author finding themselves on a top 10 list should be honored by that alone, Regardless of placement.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I agree.

[@mmerri9780]

Based on our mutual love of The First Law, I just picked up Malice. I'm excited to have a new series, thanks for the recommendation!

[@justinfrancis41]

I discovered First Law and the Banished Land in this channel. Thank you, Mike!

[@angelaholmes8888]

The banished lands definitely is a great series glad it's on your list john gwynne gets better with each book I really enjoyed of blood and bone more 🌟😃🙂 this series definitely needs to be adapted

[@reshi5492]

one of the best books I’ve ever read, just insanely great writing and story telling called the final face by Sebastian stark. It has become one of my favorite books ever. It’s on the darker side of fantasy, but by everything I stand for. This book is a hidden treasure that I hope maybe one person will read and give it a chance. The author seriously deserves it.

[@dracul74]

Great list. Subbed! Have a Tad Williams book on the shelf… might have to move it up the next read list :) Love J Butcher and agree with your comments.

[@dinocollins720]

I was so excited for this video! So fun!

[@Silk1970]

One of the reasons that Lord of the Rings held up for me is that it's a different book now. When I was young, it was a great adventure. Now, it's about loss and change. The book hasn't changed, but what I bring to it has.

[@musheopeaus4125]

Wise words- I love what you just said

[@squngy0]

This was actually a bit hard because I mostly prefer Sci-fi, but my current top 10 for fantasy: 1. Discworld - Terry Pratchett, this is no contest, the other places in my list go up and down depending on my mood, but this is always my firm #1 2. The Wheel of Time - Robert Jordan, putting the epic in epic fantasy 3. Storm Light Archive - Brandon Sanderson, some of the most memorable moments ever written 4. A song of ice and fire - George R. R. Martin, Makes you fear for the characters more than any other 5. The Lies of Locke Lamora - Scott Lynch, More personal than most fantasy 6. Sufficiently advanced Magic - Andrew Rowe, If Harry Potter was an adventurer in a Fantasy world (Harry Potter is not on my list because I didn't like the latter books as much, the first half of the series by itself would be on this list) 7. First Law - Joe Abercrombie, Some of the best characters ever written 8. Liveship Traders/Farseer Trilogy - Robin Hobb, Makes you cry for the characters 9. 1001 Arabian nights, I say this counts as fantasy and it ranks pretty damn high! I put it here partly because I think it is underappreciated. Loved this as I child and still do. (I'd probably put LoTR here if I read it sooner, but I somehow got to it quite late and although it is excellent it didn't make as big of an impression on me after I had already read a lot of fantasy that was made in its image) 10. Spellmonger - Terry Mancour, Starts as a very generic Fantasy, but evolves into a proper epic series with lots of political intrigue and perhaps the most convincing descriptions of a feudal society I've read so far.

[@turtleanton6539]

good list but it lacks berserk

[@squngy0]

@@turtleanton6539 I didn't include manga. If I did, I'd put Berserk, Vagabond and FMA on it for sure, maybe others, but I don't have a list like that ready.

[@collegestreetkolkata9669]

Hey Mike thanks a lot for this..I'm in about halfway into Ruin and I was wondering and looking for advice about whether I should get to reading Stormlight Archive or Of Blood n Bone after I finish Faithful & Fallen..I got my answer now.

[@Buquenque]

What are your thoughts on RA Salvatore the legend of Drizzt? The crystal shard is a great series in my opinion. Thanks for the video!

[@HattemAlHajry]

12:52 when he says "before I go to the Grey Havens" you know what will the no. 1 series be

[@DanExploresBooks]

Reading Harry Potter to my 8 year old has been such a treat. Seeing it through her eyes brings be back to how I was excited about the series so long ago.

[@joebarrera334]

Updoot for MST. Finally got into the newer stuff with the bridge novels. Can't wait to start Last King of Osten Ard!

[@iWizard]

Great list. I don’t feel like I’ve read enough fantasy to make one of these yet, but maybe next year.

[@MagusMarquillin]

10.The Dark is Rising - by Susan Cooper 9. Myst - by Rand Miller and David Wingrove 8. The Chronicles of Narnia - by C.S. Lewis 7. Earthsea - by Ursula K. Le guin 6. Abarat - by Clive Barker 5. Harry Potter - by JK Rowling 4. His Dark Materials - by Phillip Pullman 3. Dragonlance - by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman 2. Death Gate Cycle - by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman 1. Middle Earth Legendarium - by JRR Tolkien

[@vaildog1]

The myst books are ridiculously underrated in the fantasy fan community and I can see why-who would expect a point and click game from the 90s to have one of the richest and most fully realized worlds in the genre?

[@MagusMarquillin]

@@vaildog1 I've got a lot of more modern books to read before I'll make that claim, but yeah, there's something really uniquely beautiful about Myst as a book or game. I think there's lots of point and click games with rich and well-realized worlds, just not a lot of them made good novelizations also. Gabriel Knight did both though, I considered putting that on my list.

[@LoyaFrostwind]

I love DragonLance!

[@MagusMarquillin]

@@LoyaFrostwind Did you get the new DL book that came out this month (first in 12 years or so)?

[@LoyaFrostwind]

@@MagusMarquillin not yet, but soon!

[@victordealmeida3323]

I very rarely hear anyone talk about The Belgariad by David Eddings. I loved that series. Really influenced me.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I missed that one in my youth.

[@Pyriold]

I loved that one when i was young, but i think it's not really top notch, too much deus ex machina going on. Still the characters are pretty well written.

[@treesarenotgreen]

Re-read this during lockdown. So sad when I finished both the series and the 2 extra books about Polgara and Belgareth. Just wanted more, wasn't as fussed on his later series. Always wanted them to make a film but apparently he didn't want that to happen. And Eddings was a dodgy child abuser so maybe that's why.

[@ExplosiveYoda]

Just finished the blade itself. I loved it and can’t wait to continue the series.

[@Johanna_reads]

Wonderful list! You cannot go wrong with Tolkien at the top. I am so eager to read some Tad Williams. I have a feeling Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn could be a favorite for me as well!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I see zero chance you won't like it.

[@ssherman]

I dont read as much as I used to but one of my favorites has always been The Riftwar Saga from Raymond Feist...good stuff!

[@bobbybelew6721]

Feist is an underrated GEM! Good call!

[@abigailslade3824]

Totally agree Magician is still my favourite book.

[@louisbrown4620]

Magician is the best. Some people have no idea what they’re talking about.

[@treesarenotgreen]

Have you read Fairie Tale by Feist? Highly recommended.

[@ssherman]

@@treesarenotgreen yea..read it...good book