New Series On My 2025 TBR...In Permanent Ink

[@praetorxyn]

I'll be doing Dandelion Dynasty next year too, but it will probably be a bit as I need to wrap up the rest of the Cosmere stuff I won't have read by then to finally get that monkey off my back. I read the first book of Phillip C. Quaintrell's Ranger Archives series as part of the last Keymark readathon and it was the highlight for me. Went in with zero expectations and really enjoyed it.

[@brycedouglas620]

I just got the first 3 Echoes Saga books. Guess I'll hold and start them when you do. At least I'll hopefully have someone to chat with about them since none of the readers I know have read this series.

[@flemingstephen16]

The man never disappoints. I’ll certainly be checking out some of these series with you next year! Alex Verus sounds cool.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Would be awesome to have you along!

[@Tralala001]

It's always so fun yet stressful deciding your TBR. I like to choose at least 30, and choose from those so I still pick based on mood. It's also fun discovering an automatic author for you is releasing a new book the next year.

[@mikesbookreviews]

There are worse problems to have, for sure.

[@SamHarrison2099]

That’s a great idea! I might do that for my channel for 2025, thanks for sharing.

[@Severian1]

I am so glad you'll be trying Dandelion Dynasty. I'm reading the Veiled Throne right now and I have come to love this series so much.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I look forward to it!

[@Hombredemadera]

Dandelion Dynasty would be a top 10 series for me if it went through a serious editing process. I love so many things about it, but man there are massive amounts that need to be cut and it would be so much more enjoyable to read. The way it is now-not even in my top 20 favorite series lol.

[@andrewlavigne44]

Heads up but when you do Last King of Osten Ard there are technically 6 books you will want to read: in addition to the main quartet there will be the "interquel" Heart of What Was Lost first (barely 200 pages long, lol) and between books 2 and 3 will be a quick trip back to 1,000 years before MST in Brothers of the Wind (only 250ish pages). Despite it being a prequel I think Brothers makes most sense in publication order because things in it (both plot and character work) will tie into the next two books of the series so it's nice to have it fresh. For my reading I'll just be trying to on with things I've started: I'm only 6 books into the 50+ Animorphs, have 1 to go in Lloyd Alexander's Prydain, am halfway through the first Deverry Quartet by Katherine Kerr, etc.

[@FreeLatveria]

Thanks for the Tad Williams heads up. I just started Stone of Farewell this week, but I expect I will move onto The Last King of Osten Ard next year sometime when I finish Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn.

[@ravenbellebooks5665]

Grace of Kings and Malazan are also on my list for next year. Rise of the Ranger looked interesting too, I may add that my never- ending TBR, haha The Bone Ships also keeps calling to me from my bookshelf, but I keep telling myself I need to read Realm of the Elderlings first, but I'm not sure why.

[@mikesbookreviews]

If only someone would pay us to read full-time...

[@ravenbellebooks5665]

@mikesbookreviews 100% our ✨️Dream Job✨️

[@DanielGarcia-fz7qr]

Hi Mike! I’m a little bummed that you’ve not gotten around to Song of the Shattered Sands. I feel it’s right up your alley. Fingers crossed to see it in 2026. Meanwhile, I’m so pumped to see you read the Bond Ships! This was my #1 series of 2022. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts. One of the best character-first series I’ve come across.

[@asfaloth12]

So many series and so little time! I love your videos, but they are murder on my already massive TBR. I read Grace of Kings eons ago and thought it was quite good. I really need to re-read it and then continue the series. I hope you enjoy it. Thanks for sharing and happy reading! 📚

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha ha happy to help

[@peterp9918]

Echo saga is a cracking series, and you've reminded me that I think there's a prequel series focusing on one of the characters which I need to check out. Ship of Bones is also a good one, although I seem to remember that it was a bit of a slow starter.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Heard unanimously great things about Echoes.

[@LEONBARBER1]

Excited to read along with Gunmetal Gods, Dandelion Dynasty and Tide Child. Maybe Song of the Shattered Sands in 2026.

[@iSamwise]

Great list! I definitely want to start Malazan next year but I’m not sure if it’ll be for me or not. I also want to read more of Matthew Stover since I think he’s an excellent author and I want to read more of his original work.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Malazan isn't going to be a hit with everyone. But those it clicks with LOVE it.

[@andersnrbkmadsen6706]

I finished the Dandelion Dynasty this year. In my opinion you are in for a treat and I hope you like it and finish the series, looking forward to your thoughts. Just remember, it can get a bit slow at times, but it all makes sense in the end :P

[@mikesbookreviews]

I don't mind a slow burn if the payoff is worth it

[@richwar2417]

Agreed on The Toll. One of the few books I've DNFed that I made it halfway through.

[@mrgoodkat8448]

I've got The Grace of Kings down to start early next year along with Gardens of the Moon and The Darkness That Comes Before. Gunmetal Gods is another one I hope to get to soon. Got Kagen the Damned on its way to me already which I want to try and read before the new year and ordered The Bone Ship earlier today. I read The Echoes Saga a couple years ago and really enjoyed it. The last trilogy in particular is excellent.

[@AndrewsWizardlyReads]

LORD OF A SHATTERED LAND!!!!!! Yesssss

[@ashleyholbird4287]

Mike i started The Sun Eater. Bro. Bro bro bro bro. This series is beyond amazing. About 60 pages into demon in white!

[@mikesbookreviews]

You're in for a wild ride!

[@Fianna1775]

Hope you have a blast next year! I'm hoping to begin His Dark Materials, Masters of Rome, and Shadows of the Apt after I finish Children of Time and Legend of the Galatic Heroes. Happy Reading! 📖

[@kingzzz6509]

2:50 I hope to start The Dandelion Dynasty when you start. 5:52 Riyria Chronicles is an exciting pick, and you reading it might give me the push I need to buy the book and get back to the power duo. 7:36 I think I will probably start with Court of Assassins by Philip C. Quaintrell first, but I have The Echoes Saga as well. Next year I also want to start Malazan: Book of the Fallen and commit to Sun Eater as well as The Cosmere and The Wheel of Time. The part you said about finishing The Echoes Saga makes you want to re-read it that I’m much more excited for that series now.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah, I'm anxious to start Echoes

[@xcBlackDiamond]

On book 2 of Dandelion Dynasty right now. The series is crazy good.

[@thereadingrogue]

I don't know where I learned this but it was in a recent video, the Kagen the Damned series has a whole universe connected to it? Some of the author's other series take place in a world and Kagen The Damned is a post-apocalyptic setting of that same world, or something like that. Thought that was pretty cool!

[@ozkantd]

I like how you see us Malazan fans peakin in through the door with hopeful eyes haha. As always get back to it only when you feel like it!

[@Kellen81]

Great list, a lot of these have been on my TBR as well, hope to read along with several of them next year

[@mikesbookreviews]

Let's go!

[@EmilyWado]

Mike the Breaker of hearts 😆

[@jadapandy]

Rise of the ranger, along with the 5 after it, for me, have been damn good. Much, much better than Mayberry Kagen.

[@davidjaramillo7187]

ill be reading Dandelion Dynasty on 2025 too!!

[@OnlyTheBestFantasyNovels]

These are some great picks! Alex Verus is incredibly under rated, have fun with it!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I've heard good things!

[@soab24]

ASOIAF is objectively way way way more complex than Dandelion Dynasty in terms of number of characters and locations. And I LOVE them both.

[@michaelkibble740]

More books to think about thanks Mike and happy Thanksgiving

[@mikesbookreviews]

You too!

[@brandicockrum]

Good morning 😊 watching with my coffee this morning!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Welcome!

[@jamesellis1635]

The Jackta books are great… Harry Dresden even gets a shout out in the first book. It has a very cool magic system too.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I look forward to it!

[@KalleVilenius]

Tad Williams has shorter books! I'm reading The Dirty Streets of Heaven, the first volume of the Bobby Dollar books right now, it's just 400 pages and the other two don't look any bigger.

[@mikesbookreviews]

That's like a prologue for Tad ha ha

[@logan-ex2dc]

Let’s gooo grace of kings

[@mikesbookreviews]

About time, right?

[@Shaad2321]

Great video! Alex verus is a 12 book series! I hope you love dandelion dynasty! I hope you love chronicles too!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Really excited about these

[@FreeLatveria]

Grace of Kings is on my TBR, just not quite top tier. I might get to it next year, but unlikely. What I am going to get to next year is Rise of the Ranger. Back during Ryan Cahill's Day of the Dragon I bought the first book of every author that participated, and because it seemed the most interesting I bought several of Quaintrell's books. I just finished Of War and Ruin earlier this week, so now I've got two Cahill novellas to read and my plan would then follow it up with Rise of the Ranger.

[@TheNickcone]

Kagen the Damned was a fun read, but I really thought the first Dandelion Dynasty book to be derivitive of history and the rest of the series is all over the place. So maybe you will like it more. On another note, RJ Barker is great. I highly recommend the Tide Ship series.

[@hhumca]

Hahasome Romantic Fantasy series Mike!

[@assassin415]

Zamil Akhtar just released Dark Drinker in September which is the 4th entry for the Gunmetal Gods

[@Talking_Story]

25 Looks like it is gonna be a great year!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'm optimistic

[@laurencallahan9837]

If you’re looking for something different I’d suggest The Failures by Benjamin Liar. I’m about 70% through the audiobook and it’s so out there and confusing in the very best way.

[@thebookthatnooneread]

I really like the Alex Verus series, it is similar to Dresden Files, which I love, but that’s one of the reasons I picked it up in the first place. And probably why I like it so much. 😁

[@mikesbookreviews]

I have room in my life for a Dresden supplement.

[@Michael_L_Morrison]

I haven't given much thought on new series I'm starting, other than Legacy of Ash (Legacy Trilogy #1) by Matthew Ward. I have a bunch of books 2 and 3 of series I'm continuing, such as Dandelion Dynasty book 2, Bloodsworn Saga book 3, The Reborn Empire book 2, Mortal Techniques #3, Stormlight Archive book 3, Farseer Trilogy book 2, Kagen the Damned book 2, and Gunmetal Gods book 2, just to name a few.

[@MacScarfield]

Yes, «Dandelion Dynasty»! 🙌 I also hope to get to the «Hanuvar» series by Howard Andrew Jones (Heroic Fantasy/S&S, inspired by Hannibal Barca), but that one is more of a MBR then a TBR in 2025. As for myself: The «Aspect-Emperor» series by R. Scott Bakker (Grimdark/Dark Epic Fantasy inspired by the Crusades, Silmarillion, Blood Meridian & Dune) «The Last King of Osten Ard» series (plus the standalone prequels) by Tad Williams (Epic Fantasy, Sequel Series to the «Memory, Sorrow & Thorn» Trilogy) The «Kane» stories by Karl Edward Wagner (S&S, Proto-Grimdark) The «Arthurian Saga» by Mary Stewart (Arthurian Fantasy) The «Wolf Den» Trilogy by Elodie Harper (Historical Fiction set in the «Red Light District» of Ancient Pompeii) Cheers Mike! 😎

[@mikesbookreviews]

Some great picks!

[@RidleyJones]

I've read the first two Dandelion Dynasty books and I found the first two books QUITE different from each other especially in the writing style. Ken Liu is an amazing short story writer, and that short story style can still be seen in the first book (whether it comes across efficient or choppy is a matter of interpretation), but the second book feels more novel-y. So whatever you think of the first book, don't expect that to hold in the same way for the second book.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I've heard this a lot

[@BrianBell7]

Yep, there are 12 books in total for Alex Verus. It's similar to Dresden really only in genre (urban fantasy). Harry & Alex are very different. I think you will really like it. Alex is quite a bit less "good" and more "neutral" than Harry.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Being a huge Hellblazer fan, gimme all of the moral questioning of my "protagonist."

[@BrianBell7]

@@mikesbookreviews yeah, Alex Verus has much more of a Constantine personality than Dresden. (and Sandman Slim even more...eventually...)

[@yremogtnomnad]

The Dandelion Dynasty is my favorite series! It's a f*cking masterpiece

[@mikesbookreviews]

So I keep hearing

[@ammrshfz]

good plans!!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Here's hoping!

[@Henry-jp3mc]

Hot take.... I DNF'd The Dandelion Dynasty 😮

[@garyredman892]

Some strong series here that I'll be interested in hearing your thoughts, but another year passes with no Moorcock's Elric

[@mikesbookreviews]

Not enough days in the year.

[@jonathankoan]

My pitch for Lord of a Shattered Land is “What if Hannibal survived the sacking of Carthage and set out on a quest to free his captive people”…but it’s stylized like Conan.

[@MichaelSmith-zx5lw]

Not my brain picturing Hannibal Lecter and going WHOAH THAT SOUNDS AMAZING before the penny dropped

[@jonathankoan]

@ ha. No not that Hannibal.

[@mikesbookreviews]

tis a good pitch!

[@jonskogen9477]

100% right concerning self publishing. The demographic is not like us lol

[@AndrewsWizardlyReads]

I’m on book 2 of Kagen and I’m enjoying it. Book 1 wasn’t super Grimdark IMO. It’s got nods to lovecraft eldrich horror

[@stephennootens916]

So it is horror fantasy like the Dark Tower?

[@AndrewsWizardlyReads]

@ no it’s more like heroic fantasy mixed with lovecrafian horror

[@stephennootens916]

@AndrewsWizardlyReads well I do like Lovecraftian horror so I might pick it up if I see it at my local library.

[@DevinThorpeWrites]

Been subscribed to you for a while and love your content. I'm an indie author and would really like to send you my series. It's Game of Thrones but with werewolves and vampires instead of dragons. But I know your TBR is ever-expanding, so I understand if you don't have time for it now! (And if you like it, I'd love to come on the channel for a chat!)

[@mikesbookreviews]

What I always tell folks is I make no promises about when or even if I'll ever get around to reading it but if they want to send me their book I can show it off in my monthly book haul video and drop a link. If that is of interest to you, my PO Box is in the description below.

[@benbryan4468]

A lot series I'd be interested in reading as well. Also, when are you going to read Disquiet Gods my guy? 😆

[@mikesbookreviews]

Oh sometime in '25 I would imagine

[@unicornblends5285]

Im starting the Dark Tower mext year cant wait then the red rising books.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I support both of these decisions

[@Tim_with_Tomes_and_Tales]

I've heard Lord of a Shattered Land is loosely based on Hannibal vs Rome, but I could be wrong. Still, happy reading.

[@stephennootens916]

I heard the same thing.

[@cdh111868]

Mike you HAVE to read dungeon crawler carl

[@Marcus-id5ur]

I hated Grace of Kings but I find I'm a bit of a prose/dialogue snob and something may be lost in translation. I think you will probably like it.

[@radudumanovschi3387]

Philip C. Quaintrell's books are very expensive. I decided to postpone their purchase and focus on other fantasies

[@mikesbookreviews]

Keep an eye on the digital. They always go on sale for 1-2 bucks per book.

[@philipc.quaintrell7589]

Sorry about that! Being and indie that writes big books, the manufacturers have me by the knackers 😅 Like Mike said though, all my ebooks are about the same price as a Starbucks cup of coffee, but they’ll last waaaay longer 😆

[@radudumanovschi3387]

@@philipc.quaintrell7589 Philip, you have nothing to feel sorry for. You know you worked for them. The books are very beautiful, but there are not many who can afford a physical copy. One day I will buy them

[@RhinoViper]

The Grace of Kings was probably my biggest disappointed this year....it wasn't horrible, but very meh and my expectations were through the roof. First book and done for me...i'll be curious if you like it at all.

[@flemingstephen16]

Fascinating, because it gets hyped quite a lot within Booktube! I haven’t checked it out yet!

[@johnnorwood3366]

I’ve got in next on my shelf. Definitely been hyped. Hope it lives up to it.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I've heard as many people say it won't be for me as those who say I will love it

[@Marcus-id5ur]

You got farther than me. I DNF around 50% but I suspect my main issues may be rooted in the fact it was translated and may have lost something in the process. Same translator as 3BP which I also hated.

[@wsmith4020]

Mike, have you read Chasing The Boogeyman by Richard Chizmar yet? I'm about 100 pages in and it's pretty good so far. A sequel recently came out that has good reviews as well. It's fiction sprinkled with some truth.

[@mikesbookreviews]

First I've heard of it.

[@jadapandy]

You've been begging for a return to classic sci-fi, but seem to pass up the awesome Donovan series by best-selling author of decades - w. Michael Gear.

[@andyreichert499]

I really enjoyed Gunmetal Gods, but it didn't really click with me until near the end of the first book.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Interesting

[@tomhunter7672]

“Kagan The Damned” is messed up grimdark and some DNF’d because the themes are too much to handle? To each his own of course, but I suppose I don’t understand the hype or now people’s tenor of this book. It is a decent book, but if one finds it too grim to handle then their entertainment enjoyment must be limited.

[@silverx_1848]

Please take Alex verus with a pinch of salt. I love the seires but the first book is a bit eh. It's only like 300 pages though

[@egilgarberg9893]

Rise and fall series by M.Sullivan was better than the legend series in my view

[@mikesbookreviews]

Legends vastly let me down.

[@ernstbrehm1135]

Well I just saw that Stephen King is coming out with another Holly book😡 Not too happy about it!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Definitely not what I was hoping for.

[@stephennootens916]

What is the big deal about her? I have only read the first book in the trilogy she was years ago and I can't remember anything bad about her.

[@jameslhota3712]

Why don’t you talk about One Piece anymore

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'm streaky on comics/manga. I'll read a ton and then I won't read any for awhile. It'll come back around.

[@jadapandy]

Kagen was good, but sequels sucked.

[@jameswitts3793]

I've got a recommendation Finish Malazan Book of the Fallen

[@mikesbookreviews]

LOL