The Best of Fantasy: TOP TEN Authors Who AWE You with Their WORLD BUILDING

[@professionalthirdculturekid]

I love these ‘Top Ten Authors who’ series you’ve been doing lately. It’s very creative and a great way to approach the merits of a book from different angles. I look forward to these videos every week. Thanks, Dr. Chase!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you so much! I appreciate the feedback and the kind words!

[@Talking_Story]

Wonderful list as always!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you, John!

[@Omegateck16]

Eichero Oda definitely deserves to be on this list,and youll find out why eventually since your reading One Piece: )

[@berserker8884]

Definitely and I'd put him just behind Erikson, Esslemont and Tolkien.

[@IndiaTides]

I will put him above all three of them.@@berserker8884

[@dhirendersingh3687]

​@@IndiaTides2th for me

[@IndiaTides]

who's the first?@@dhirendersingh3687

[@harshgarg1448]

Oda is definitely first , then Pirateaba, Tolkien distant third(only watched movies) P.S: not read malazan yet

[@someokiedude9549]

I would add China Mieville's Bas-Lag setting, which has quickly shot up to be one of my favorite settings of all time. The city of New Crobuzon is one of the most immersive settings that I've ever encountered in a fantasy novel, one could smell it as you were reading Perdido Street Station. I do hope Mieville returns to Bas-Lag in the future, it's a world that has so many possibilities within it.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Cool! Thank you for the addition, Britton!

[@vaughnroycroft999]

Hey Philip -- I feel the same about your top pick. It's hard to parse whether my feelings of fond reminiscence and the beginnings of my ability to immerse myself in the written word from my adult authorial consideration of what makes for sound world-building, but either way, the good professor did a wondrous job that I don't see being topped for me. You know, I just got back from spending ten days wandering Ireland's northwest coast and northern lakes, and I can see why so many authors seem to draw upon the Emerald Isle in their world-building (I'm guessing maybe even you, in part). The lush, mossy, ancient forests, opening onto deep blue lakes; the scattering of stone ruins; the wind-worn rock of the jagged coastline--it was just a delight for the senses, even when we were getting soaked by windblown rain. As is usual post-journey, I feel filled with inspiration and raring to try to impart future pages with some of the magic encountered. Speaking of Emerald Isle world-building, you didn't mention one of my favorites, who was just on with Tori last night: Juliet Marillier. She certainly captures a bit of that Erin magic in her storytelling. Still loving this series. Great way to approach the whole top-ten thing. Hope all is well with you, my friend. Are you back to tennis? Fingers crossed the weather grows a wee bit less Irish for us both. Sláinte!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you, Vaughn! Sounds like you had a glorious time exploring a beautiful part of our world! I would very much like to see Ireland someday myself. I'll have to check of Marillier's books someday. I am indeed enjoying a good amount of tennis -- perfect late winter weather for it!

[@KindlingEffect]

*INDEX/CONTENTS:* AUTHOR - WORLD (BOOK SERIES) *Honorable Mentions:* 01:25 *R. Scott Bakker* - Eärwa (The Second Apocalypse) 02:05 *John Gwynne* - The Banished Lands (The Faithful and the Fallen), Vigrið (The Bloodsworn Saga) 02:53 *Fonda Lee* - Kekon (The Green Bone saga) 03:16 *Mark Lawrence* - Abeth (Book of the Ancestor) 03:51 *Stephen King* - Multiverse (The Dark Tower) 04:52 *Daniel Abraham* - Khaiem (The Long Price Quartet) 05:29 *Lev Grossman* - Fillory (The Magicians) 06:01 *C.S. Lewis* - Narnia (The Chronicles of Narnia) 06:15 *Josiah Bancroft* - The Tower (The Books of Babel) *Top 10:* 06:52 10. *Tad Williams* - Osten Ard's Underworld (Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn) 08:55 9. *Robin Hobb* - Six Duchess, Bingtown, Rain Wilds, etc. (Realm of the Elderlings) 10:12 8. *Ursula K. Le Guin* - Earthsea (The Books of Earthsea) 11:36 7. *Brandon Sanderson* - Roshar (The Stormlight Archive), Scadrial (Mistborn) 12:50 6. *Robert Jordan* - Randland (A Wheel of Time) 14:01 5. *Janny Wurts* - Athera (Wars of Light and Shadow) 15:18 4. *George R.R. Martin* - Westeros (A Song of Ice and Fire) 17:10 2&3. *Steven Erikson & Ian C. Esslemont* - Planet Wu (Malazan) 20:06 1. *J.R.R. Tolkin* - The Middle Earth (The Lord of the Rings)

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Many thanks!

[@paulwilliams6913]

This video made me realize how little of my fantasy reading has been in secondary worlds. Or, at least, few that have truly enthralled me. Randland sticks out to me for its fullness, and I think the world of the Kingkiller Chronicles might be the world I’ve felt was the most cohesive out of those I’ve read. And I join David Mitchell in saying Earthsea and Middle-earth might be the two most impressive worlds I’ve inhabited. Roshar is also pretty cool, I agree. I should finish Zelazny’s Amber Chtonicles to see if it can match up. And more of Moorcock’s Elric, the Witcher, Ken Liu’s Dandelion Dynasty, and, of course, I need to read Malazan and Elderlings. This is awakening me to realize how much I enjoy worlds that are more simulacra of our world. Probably why my dissertation is on alternate histories? Or maybe my topic has wedged me into reading a narrower band of world? Who can say? I think more of the secondary worlds to impress me are sci-fi, such Dune, Hyperion, and Urth. Anyway, thanks for provoking such thoughts for me, Philip. AP and I will need to have a poolside chat in your honor this coming week ;)

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I'm glad this video was a catalyst for thought, Paul! Have an incredible time at ICFA, and beware of the Nemesis's wiles when you chat with him!

[@ianfrye7900]

That last comment about LOTR is exactly why I love it so much. Every time I put the book down, I see our world differently. It’s like the Secret Fire is seeping through, making things a little brighter.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

That’s one of the main reasons I fell in love with stories and particularly fantasy. All the best!

[@asdfasdf5695]

Hooray for Tad Williams! The varied cultures, languages, geography, history, and religions make Osten Ard an S-tier fantasy world to rival Westeros & Middle-Earth. I can't wait for The Navigator's Children this November.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I'm looking forward to eventually rereading Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn!

[@Snally38]

Great list! Le Guin is probably my favorite when it comes to world building- I'm always amazed at how real she makes Earthsea feel in such a short page count. I also love how Neil Gaiman creates different worlds- he doesn't explain everything but gives a lot of interesting references that flesh out the story

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I wish I could visit Earthsea, but I suppose I do whenever I read the books. Cheers!

[@Hutch.Piper10]

Thank you again, Philip, for these wonderful videos. You have such an unbridled passion for the genre. You have really sparked my interest in the genre. I have started with John Gwynne’s Bloodsworn Series. Oh how I am enjoying it. Thank you so much for sparking my interest in this genre. It appears that I am in for quite a wild ride 😊

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’m so happy to read this comment! Thank you, and my very best wishes to you for the Bloodsworn Trilogy and your future reads!

[@Why_do_I_do_this.]

I want to also mention Discworld .... It's mostly how Terry Pratchett makes it work so good even though it should not. You can say it's very .... absurd 😆 ... But thats the point, right?! 😂 I also want to give a shoutout to the First Law world and how while not having a big focus on worldbuilding Abercrombie manages to do it so smoothly and organically through character conversation (or Bayaz remembering the "good" old days ) 🤣. But for me (up until this moment) George RR Martin is the best to do it. He can show you soooo much while saying/writing very little ✨️ And as usual, great list 😮

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you! Excellent suggestions in Pratchett and Abercrombie! Abercrombie is a favorite of mine for other reasons, and I need to read more Discworld, but I can already see great personality in Ankh-Morpork. Cheers!

[@esmayrosalyne]

These authors awed you with their world building, and you awed me with your ability to even make a list out of your favourite worlds, haha. So many great choices! Totally agree, if heaven is not the Shire, then I don't want to be there 🤣 And yes, the Rainwilds are such an imaginative setting, and I especially loved the tree city of Trehaug!! Also, I can't wait to explore the Malazan world one day, it sounds so epic! Great picks, Philip!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’ll be keen to see what you make of Malazan when you get there, Esmay! Cheers!

[@BrianBell7]

you had me at the safari hat! Excellent list, Philip! I really enjoyed this video and as someone who has created your own fantasy world, it was fun to see who you feel are at the highest peaks of that skill. Love it!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you, Brian! World building is such a central aspect of fantasy, and for many fans it’s primary to the experience. It’s definitely important to me as a fan and an author. All the best!

[@noname3609]

So many great worlds here 😮

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

One of the best things about fantasy is how many worlds we get to explore!

[@noname3609]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Yes.Vigrid is pretty awesome 2.Reading Bloodsworn 1 atm🙏

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@noname3609 Awesome! I think there’s good reason to hope we’ll be seeing Bloodsworn book three late this year! Nothing official yet, but Gwynne’s agent sent out a tantalizing tweet.

[@noname3609]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Thank you for tellin me this.Im even more excited,happy and grateful for picking this series up right after The Banished Land's Tales! Do you like Zoro Btw? 🙏

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@noname3609 Zoro is absolutely fantastic! Luffy is still probably my favorite, and I thought Sanji’s backstory was the best so far, but if I could be any member of the crew, I think I’d pick Zoro.

[@MichaelRSchultheiss]

Excellent list! R. Scott Bakker would probably have to be my number one, though I'm looking forward to Janny Wurts, and at some point I want to try The Wheel of Time again.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Earwa is mind blowing! That said, it’s one world I can definitively say I would never want to find myself in!

[@YouWinILose]

What an excellent list! I hope to start Wurts' Wars series this year, your praise of it has convinced me again and again. And APs video on her prose, so beautiful!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Wurts is a dedicated master of the craft of writing on a level that you rarely see. I hope you'll enjoy her books!

[@robertawalsh2995]

Also on my list are Roger Zelazny (Amber in 10 books), Andre Norton (the Outer Region in 2 books), Marion Zimmer Bradley (Avelon and Darkover) and L. Frank Baum (Oz in 17 books).

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Excellent additions to the conversation! Thank you!

[@Thxlbx]

Ken Liu and his Dandelion Dynasty would most certainly be on my list of great worldbuilders. I have not read any Jenny Wurts, but based on your recommendations and some others on booktube, I will be adding her to my TBR.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I hope you’ll love Janny Wurts’ books! I’ll be starting Dandelion Dynasty in September, and I’m excited for it!

[@akellerhouse83]

World building is probably the reason I read fantasy. I love the thought of escaping to a different world and thinking about how I would survive in these places. I think Robin Hobb's RotE series is my favorite world. Malazan is definitely on my list, anything by Sanderson. I'm so glad to hear you talk about the Magicians. I loved that series. My childhood favorite series was Narnia, and the Magicians is definitely linked to Narnia. One other series that I always bring up for best world building is the Innkeeper Chronicles by Ilona Andrews. It's set in our world, but there are inns that host magical and alien creatures when they come to earth. The inns are magical and are bigger than they appear. They can also change shape to accommodate the guest's needs. It's a really cool concept.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you for adding to the conversation, Amanda! I'll have to look up Ilona Andrews' Innkeeper Chronicles!

[@melaniechristina7361]

Great list, thanks!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@MetalGildarts]

Loved this video. Definitely agree with Sanderson, Gwynne, and Robert Jordan. I have the first two Books of Babel books so I'll probably check them out later this year. A great ill fell upon me this morning and my entire weekend was ruined, so thanks for this video. Have a great weekend.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

My very best wishes for you to feel better, Marco!

[@MetalGildarts]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Thanks Phil. It'll all be taken care of by Monday. Just a life thing. But I'll keep reading and writing. Nothing will halt that.

[@ThrivingWithKat]

I enjoy these videos a lot! As someone getting into fantasy, it's helpful to know which authors/books to try out 😊

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I'm so glad you're finding these videos helpful, Kat! Thanks so much for watching!

[@Stillnothereanymore]

Cool list! I think I would put Mark Lawrence in the top ten, instead of the honorable mentions, just for the interesting connections he builds between nearly all of his trilogies, both subtle and explicit. Ken Liu's Dandelion Dynasty comes to mind as having a very well thought-out, interesting history, which both borrows a lot from history while being very creative in its development of technology. Although arguably less "epic" in scope, SA Chakraborty has some excellent lore and culture in the City of Brass trilogy (inspired by mythologies and creatures around Egypt), and Robert Jackson Bennet's Divine Cities' trilogy has various fun ideas related to the interaction between humans and their gods which impressed me.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Excellent suggestions! I’m looking forward to starting Dandelion Dynasty in September. Lawrence deserves all the love he gets. I read City of Brass and enjoyed it, but I haven’t followed up yet. Many thanks for adding to the conversation!

[@doomfable3378]

Solid list there. I would also add Anne McCaffrey to the honorable mentions.

[@ithrahmunchswallow468]

Me too 🙌🏼🤓

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Yes! A solid addition, though I've read only two stories by her, and that was a very long time ago.

[@stevenburton7725]

Great list. Happy to see Bakker on your list, and sad to not see Abercrombie.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you! Abercrombie has done pretty well on a couple of my other lists, taking a number one and a number two spot. You have to realistic about these things. 😁

[@bethloubet4650]

Definitely a few of my favorites also. I would add Zelazny for Amber, David Eddings, Barbara Hambly, the Deryni world from Katherine Kurtz, and both Ile-Rien and the Raksura world from Martha Wells.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Wonderful additions! Thank you, Beth!

[@Korrale]

No one remember Eddings. :( He is my gateway to high fantasy recommendation.

[@gayanegasparyan4137]

Osten Ard is probably my favourite fantasy world ever, I just wanna know everything about it and I’d like to even live there haha

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’d love to see Osten Ard too! I’m not sure I’d be as adventurous as Simon in entering what’s below the castle, though!

[@geauxreadbooks]

Eormanlond is also a pretty impressive and expansive world!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you, Matt! I will admit that I was more than a little obsessed when I was creating the world for my story!

[@curtjarrell9710]

Awesome world building is the reason I read fantasy. Favorites include Neil Gaiman (Neverwhere), Tolkien (Middle-Earth), Piers Anthony (Xanth), and Roger Zelazny (Amber).

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Excellent additions, Curt! Many thanks!

[@mythologypress9470]

I hadn’t really been aware of Senlin Ascends, so I have ordered it. Thank you! -Palmer Pickering

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Oh, cool! I predict you’ll enjoy it, Palmer!

[@TheJuiceman50]

Very cool list, Philip. Wish I was a faster reader like all you, I’ve got so many worlds to still visit!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

That just means you have a lot to look forward to! My best for all your future journeys!

[@mrt9043]

Moorcock's Multiverse and Donaldson's The Land are two of my favorites. I would have some catching up to do since I have not read most of the modern fantasy writers. Subscribed!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you for the additions to the conversation! I intend to cover Moorcock and Donaldson on the channel in the future. I appreciate the sub!

[@RedFuryBooks]

Another fun list! Your #1 is the undisputed king of world-building, and I liked seeing Jordan on here, as I think there is a trend amongst modern fantasy readers to dismiss The Wheel of Time for some odd reason. Two that I'd add to my list: Michael Moorcock's Elric world is very fresh in my brain, having finished the 8th novel last month, and I am really impressed with Jim Butcher's subtle but effective world-building in the Dresden Files. It almost feels like he's doing it piecemeal, but as elements start to converge, I'm really appreciating his method and think he has a bigger picture in mind as the series progresses.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’m looking forward to seeing that bigger world in Dresden Files as I progress beyond book six. Thank you for the additions, Josh!

[@liviajelliot]

I didn't read that series of Gwynne but Shadow/Hunger, and it was very detailed--definitely a great book. The Long Price I really want it (thanks to Johanna's ravings about it) but it's a case of "can't find a decent edition at a decent price in Australia"; of course, the library doesn't have it T_T, you're just adding to the temptation! My partner is reading Hobb, and I think I'll jump to it once he's done--also, that edition is gorgeous! The SA I think it's amazing in terms of complexity, I was so happy you mentioned it! I agree with some of the comments--I'm surprised you left Wolfe out; his world-building skills were top notch, and the result very unique.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thanks, Livia! Johanna is right - LPQ is indeed brilliant and beautiful storytelling. I hope you’ll be able to get ahold of it someday!

[@ADudeWhoReads]

Fantastic list, Philip, and if I had to make my own, it'd probably look pretty similar. But, I feel like there's one major omission... Did I miss where you mention Discworld!? :)

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I suspect that when I read more Discworld I will have to include Sir Terry more in these lists. I will say that I have a good sense of Ankh-Morpork from the four books I’ve read so far. Cheers!

[@ADudeWhoReads]

​@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I was partly joking, because I realize that building a satirical world is a little different, but at the same time, any world that has a "Science of..." book about it, has probably had its fair share of thought put into it! Keep up the great word, Philip.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@ADudeWhoReads I definitely took your comment in that spirit! All the best!

[@Johanna_reads]

Hooray for fantasy worlds! I need to read Dragonbone Chair at some point. Based on how I felt about The Dispossessed, I find it no surprise that Le Guin was able to build a believable fantasy world in an efficient way. Yes, indeed for your number one choice! Great video!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you, Johanna! There’s no doubt we fantasy fans love to be immersed in wondrous worlds. I look forward to your eventual reactions to Earthsea!

[@TomOrange]

Another great list! I do find it interesting how many fantasy worlds I would want to avoid while the story is taking place.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

No doubt! That’s the problem with peril - it’s always nicer to read about than to go through. Cheers, Tom!

[@totheR0L]

man I cant wait for the upcomming livestream :D I'm already so giddy ^^ watching this now to kill the time until 4pm. well, 4pm where I live

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Ha ha! The One Piece livestream is over now, so I hope you enjoyed it. I know I did!

[@MacScarfield]

Can not wait for you to immerse yourself into Ken Liu’s «Dandelion Dynasty», Professor! Prehaps related to this, but I would love a Top 10 Fantasy Culture list (art, traditions, customs etc), to which I would add several from Guy Gavriel Kay and Mr. Vaughn Roycroft’s «Sundered Nation»!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Great idea, MacScarfield! I have a feeling there are many aspects of Dandelion Dynasty that I'll love. I've ordered the first book, but I think I'll end up starting in September. Cheers!

[@Steve_Stowers]

My list would include The Land, of Stephen R. Donaldson's Chronicles of Thomas Covenant. It's been a long time since I've read the books, but their setting has really stuck with me, and it may be the series' greatest strength.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

When I finally revisit Donaldson's world in the Thomas Covenant series, I may have to consider it for this list too!

[@aysseralwan]

In my opinion GRR Martin is the best in worldbuilding cuz no one I know of has thought this deeply about all the different houses like he has. I mean most fantasy series have their Kingdoms with the ruling house and maybe a family tree of 2 or 3 Generations but Martin has thought of all the vassal lords and the vassal's vassals (tho ofc not in big detail but I think you get the point) and one knows who are rivals and who has alliances and who is loyal and who is even a rival or thorn to the rulers (like the boltons for the Starks) and even with some of them we know this Lord, is related to that other Lord through their grandparents but they are rivals and their sister married this house and on and on. It really impresses me and I never saw anything like that in literature

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

There is no doubt that Martin has been most thorough in portraying all those houses and their vassals. And he's succeeded in giving each house its own personality too. Brilliant stuff!

[@dougsundseth6904]

Considering only the world building of series that I really like and not crossing over with your list: * Katherine Kurtz's Deryni series: Brilliant evocation of medieval European Christianity reflected in a fantasy world, with all its faults but without derision. * Lois McMaster Bujold's Five Gods world: Fascinating interaction of politics and religion with the usual Bujold brilliance of character ad story. * Bujold's Sharing Knife world: Fantasy interacting with existential horror without the horror overtaking plot and character. * Roger Zelazny's Amber series: Surrealism meets fantasy without the surrealism swallowing the narrative. * Steven Brust's Dragaera: An excellent reinterpretation of classical fantasy crossed with heist fiction. * Randall Garrett's Lord Darcy stories: 18th-19th century European fantasy crossed with Sherlock Holmes style detective fiction. To make the puzzles work, the magic is very hard indeed.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Marvelous! I appreciate the additions and the descriptions, Doug! Many thanks!

[@BookishChas]

These are all great recommendations Philip! I’ve been on the fence with Tad Williams, but I do want to try him out one day. Ursula Le Guin had some really unique worldbuilding, and I really enjoyed it.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I hope you’ll enjoy Tad Williams’ books if you try them, Chas. I wouldn’t be surprised if you do!

[@anniecochrane3359]

Yup, Middle Earth number one!! definitely. I guess I'd put the Realm of the Elderlings higher up. I like your other choices

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you! It was a tough list to make as there are so many amazing worlds in this genre. All the best!

[@ayarezk8684]

I know we're not doing science fiction (I won't say Dune I won't say Dune I won't say Dune 😅), but Liu Cixin's Remembrance of The Earth's Past is such a gem in terms of worldbuilding, despite being super-hard scifi. My favorite in fantasy is ASOIAF. I would pay a lot for a ticket to visit inside of GRRM's head while he writes!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Ha ha ha! Thank you so much for adding Liu to the mix! GRRM is incredible for so many reasons, but his world building is definitely one of them.

[@ayarezk8684]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy You're most welcome! My special thanks to Merphy Naper for recommending Liu Cixin

[@thedrownedkingdomsaga7847]

Great video Philip! I think your list was amazing, and all the authors are so deserving! You can imagine, knowing me, on my personal list, I'd put Janny Wurts even higher. Surprisingly, perhaps, I'd have her 2nd behind Erikson/Esslemont. I would actually put Erikson/Esslemont number 1. I have never read anything yet quite as ambitious ( what I have read from Erikson so far ). I'd have GRRM in 3rd place, and believe it or not Tolkien in 4th. I can't believe I've reached a point where Tolkien is no longer undisputed number 1 for me! I guess it all has to do with the expansion of my reading! And for me, Williams surpasses Hobb, as brilliant as Hobb is at worldbuilding. But those are my personal choices, and yours are certainly fabulous! Loved watching this, thank you for making this video! Great food for thought!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I can imagine Janny Wurts climbing higher on this list as I continue in WOLAS. Let’s see! Thanks so much for watching and commenting, PL!

[@bearlincs]

Many thanks for the video, Philip. The world building in a fantasy novel is often my favourite part of it. I agree with you about Tolkien's and Le Guin's worlds, especially the latter. I began reading the Earthsea novels when about ten or eleven and they have stayed with me always. You're not the only one who wishes they could write in such a spare and beautful prose as Le Guin! I'd also add the world Gene Wolfe creates in 'The Book of the New Sun'. It does sound like a pretty fantastic place. You might also enjoy the world of Ryhope Wood in 'Mythago Wood' by Robert Holdstock, and the city-state of Malacia in 'The Malacia Tapestry' by Brian Aldiss.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thanks so much for the recommendations, John! Yes, if I could miraculously write like Le Guin, I’d retire from my day job right now!

[@bearlincs]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasyI forgot to mention the fantasy world of Majipoor in 'Lord Valentine's Castle'(and succeeding novels)by Robert Silverberg; a world that has inspired my own writing. It is one on the borderlands of fantasy and science fiction, built on an epic scale, and prodigal with life and natural and human/alien culture and history; a giant of a world but full of senuous detail.

[@heidi6281]

I agree with all your picks Philip! I would also include the two worlds in Riftwar, Midkemia and Kelewan! If I could live in one if these worlds… light spoiler for LOTR… It would be in Gondor in the 4th age under King Aragorn’s reign. I love Faramir too, so specifically in his precinct.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I've only read Magician, but I suspect a lot of people would agree with you in adding Feist to a list like this. I wouldn't mind living under Aragorn's reign, and I agree about Faramir -- great pick!

[@andrewhanson405]

Great list! Tolkien and Erickson-Essleamont are definitely at the top of world-building. Actually your entire list is pretty S tier, except for me, I personally think Brandon Sanderson world-building is kinda average because to me his worlds come across like early 20th century structural-functionalist social science creations rather than feeling like organic worlds...but that just me. I really like the world that Neil Gaiman had created by the end of The Sandman series and I think Dune has enough fantasy elements to include on the list, so if I did a list like yours it would be pretty similar but I would have to sneak those two on somewhere. Looking forward to your next upload. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you, Andrew! I’m having fun with these lists, and they’re helping me to understand some of the elements that I love in fantasy as well as why I enjoy particular authors’ writing. I’m 20 issues into The Sandman now, so I’m beginning to see what you mean there. All the best!

[@bigaldoesbooktube1097]

Hard to argue with this list 👌

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

These worlds definitely have room to get lost! Cheers, Al!

[@briankinsey3339]

Happy to say that your top 10 all resides on my shelves (or my Kindle). Since we agree on those, I might have to check out some of your honorable mentions that I haven't gotten around to. Other possibilities I'd suggest include Raymond Feist's riftware universe. Your mention of Janny Wurts reminded me since she co-wrote the Empire trilogy that make up part of the extended universe of books in that series. Also Steven Brust's Dragaera novels have an excellently built world. As do Melanie Rawn's Dragon Prince/Dragon Star books (smaller scope but well built and fully realized), and Katherine Kerr's Deverry series.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you for your additions to the conversation, Brian! I read Feist’s Magician a long time ago, but I never followed up. Yet another thing to fix someday!

[@DoUnicornsRead]

Another very nice list, Philip! No surprise with who got the number one spot.😄 Nor with number two. But I was convinced you would mention Piranesi -- and I was wrong!😲 As you do mention Tad Williams, you should read Otherland. It's a hymn to the powers of storytelling and parenthood with worldbuilding on steroids. The unicorns want a word with you about Dune! I might need some steel reinforcements on the portal door for tonight.😁

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you, Angela! Piranesi might not have made this one, but it will come up in my next video in this series for sure! See you in a few hours!

[@adamborst]

Top notch thumbnail!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you, Adam! 😊

[@Maximus0623]

There are only two book series I’ve read where the world feels so immersive that I get the feeling this world actually exists somewhere: Middle-Earth and A Song of Ice and Fire. Some big ones I still need to read are Wheel of Time, Realm of the Elderlings, and Stormlight. Hopefully at least one of those will give me the same feeling.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I hope you’ll find that immersion in those worlds!

[@Oszczywilski]

My favorite is the worldbuilding in Tolkien's works. I particularly enjoy reading the appendices of The Lord of the Rings. This world is incredibly atmospheric and compelling to me.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I love the appendices too!

[@harshgarg1448]

Just waiting for you to complete one piece to experience the world building by a true master at the peak of his craft(the sheer breadth of variety will blow your mind). Pirateaba's wandering inn is second, a song of ice and fire is distant third. P.S not read Malazan yet. Only watched Lord of rings movie, so I don't think I see/imagine shire as you do.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I'm really enjoying One Piece so far, and I can imagine the world opening up tremendously in the arcs to come!

[@ithrahmunchswallow468]

Fun vid 🤪🤓 Love Green bone. Multi verse ❤❤ Earthsea ❤️❤️ We'll see if Hobb or Wurts will make my list. Xanth The Scar - Grave of Empires Elder Empire Earth (according to Jonathan Maberry) The world of Black Tongue Thief The Land - Thomas Covenant First Law Gentlemen Bastards Much as a i dont like LotR, Middle Earth is wonderful.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thanks so much for all those wonderful additions!

[@ithrahmunchswallow468]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I'm still working on starting many of yours 🤪

[@scottferris2686]

What a fun and interesting video. Although I would disagree with the order, I have no problems with the list. I think wheel of time is number one and there is not a close second. Two and three for me, of course would be Robin, Hobb, and Tad Williams. But now I’m just nitpicking. I was a little bummed that you did not talk at all about shared worlds, I think that could be an interesting discussion about the development of worlds like Dragonlance or the dungeons and dragons world. Maybe in another video someday….

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Other than Malazan, I haven’t read a lot of books set in shared worlds, so that sounds like an interesting project that would require some reading. Many thanks, Scott!

[@dougsundseth6904]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Shared-world anthologies were a big thing a few decades ago. If you want a taste, you might consider Thieves' World. I consider it significantly better than any of the D&D novels, though it does devolve a bit after the first few volumes.

[@Valkrill]

I'm writing a fantasy/sci-fi novel, it is my 1st book ever. I'm in love with it, but the only question I have is how do I label it for audiences? How do I know if it's dark fantasy or whatever. I'm sure the publisher will help with that but I just keep thinking about it 😅

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

No label will be perfect for your story, but my advice is to think about which books it’s most similar to and research what label or labels apply to them. It’s sort of important when you’re “selling” your book. Best of luck!

[@gryftkin]

So many good books... so little time :D

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

It’s a terrible but lovely problem!

[@jasonuerkvitz3756]

A world that I loved reading about, and have craved more of ever since, was Fritz Lieber's Lankhmar setting. Lieber wrote with such flare and such clarity, he carved out a very visceral, wild place in his short stories, so much so, I always wished he had treated the characters of Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser with full-length novels. Where Lankhmar ended and new, brilliant--or bleak--cityscapes and wilds met, who knows? He certainly had a special genius and I believe he'd have made an indelible place in everyone's hearts who loved fantasy if he had done so. The other magnificent world seen through the juxtaposed lens of a very dark, humorless, broken man was Steven R. Donaldson's setting for _The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever_ . The Land, as it's simply known, is a vibrant, incredible place breath-taking in scope, yet more importantly, populated by some of the most wondrous, inspiring characters from very unexpected peoples. How one finds redemption in such a world, how that world and its denizens conspire, either wittingly or unwittingly, to cleanse the fallen and stoke into brilliant life the inner nobility and that magnificent spark of the divine that person bears, is incredible, especially when considering who that person is, and what they must go through in order to achieve it. Thanks for the video!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Fantastic additions to the conversation! Thank you!

[@granberryrose1]

If I could suggest Stephen R Lawhead's books, I remember being captivated by the world in The Song of Albion series.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you for throwing in Lawhead’s name!

[@jsthlrd]

Approaching the end of book 9 of the Malazan Tales of the Fallen. There’s definitely nothing like it but you have to be very focused while reading with all the different characters and events taking place.

[@nazimelmardi]

Let’s bet at start: Malazan wins. 😉 You mentioned Filory! I just spoke to the actress of Fen. Such a good cast for the tv series even better than the books. You should watch it if you didn’t do it yet. 👏

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I've only read the trilogy, but I can imagine an interesting adaptation coming from it. By now you know my pick for number one!

[@nazimelmardi]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy it’s an exceptionally good adaptation putting the whole thing on the acting skills probably because they had low budget and by that even the side characters were fantastic. And when they went on they listened to us as feedback and adjusted some changes in the series and storylines and we got what we can call a cult classic. By know we had a rewatch with some actors, they were always answering in comments and live streams. I must say that they were one of the first in that and later several others saw how successful is that to get loyal fans with communication directly with us. 5 seasons they made out of the 3 books and they made a lot of changes in the characters too. As you already know the main character is very annoying in the book. That had to be changed. And one of the side characters Margo was so phenomenal in s1 that we requested her to stay, so she basically became one of the main characters from there. All hail High King Margo! And we should mention the musical parts of the series that they have in every season one at least. Genius work. All the cast is fantastic singer as it turned out. This series has better musical panels than Lucifer or Once Upon a Time, and they implemented it with magic.

[@dant7677]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy The Magicians (TV show) is my go-to example of how to do an adaptation right. They're deliberate about the times they depart from the source material, often acknowledging the difference with some tongue-in-cheek detail. And the departures are almost always in favor of (a) what's feasible within their budget or (b) capitalizing on the strengths of their cast. For example, from time to time (once per season, I think?) they have an episode filled with musical interludes because their lead performers are such strong singers. Edit: My example of adaptation-gone-disastrous is that same network's attempt at Earthsea. If you don't know, Le Guin preemptively published an open letter on Slate to apologize for what they made of it.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@dant7677 Yes, that Earthsea adaptation should be buried and forgotten. I’ll have to check out the television series based on The Magicians - cheers!

[@darnellsimpson4413]

What about Urth?

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Urth is definitely atmospheric, and I could see it making a lot of people's lists. I personally feel like a lot of the world building for Wolfe was secondary to the ideas he was exploring. I'm not saying it was unimportant, but that it served the themes rather than being something Wolfe developed for its own sake. At least that's my take.

[@KindlesandKicks]

I totally agree that Rainwild Chronicles contains great worldbuilding. Others have stated if/when they re-read ROTE, they’d skip Rainwild. I think that would be a terrible idea, because it adds so more to the understanding of the Six Duchies and its history. And color me shocked at MBOTF not being number one!😮

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Erikson takes the top spot in a couple other of these videos, so I’m sure he’ll be okay! 😂 Yes, people should not skip Rain Wilds Chronicles - there is some lovely writing and very important world building there. Cheers, Dark-o!

[@someokiedude9549]

Ok, ok, last comment for the moment. I thought I already posted a comment here. But perhaps I was mistaken. I see Bas-Lag has been mentioned, and I'll echo the sentiment. Might be the most original and striking world I've seen in a long time in a fantasy series. I do very much look forward to the day when you go into the cesspool that is New Crobuzon.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I look forward to it!

[@Oszczywilski]

I like worldbuilding; it's one of the most interesting aspects of fantasy for me. Although I can enjoy a book with minimal worldbuilding, compelling characters and plot are essential for my enjoyment. Have you finished reading The Witcher? I've only watched two videos about the short story collections. I would like to see a video about Grimdark fantasy, exploring your definition of it and providing some examples. I know that The First Law is considered grimdark, but what does "grimdark" really mean? Is A Song of Ice and Fire considered grimdark? Is The Witcher grimdark? Both examples are undoubtedly brutal, with their worlds rich in naturalistic descriptions of harsh realities.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Alas, I have not yet progressed beyond the short stories in The Witcher. I will read the novels eventually, but I’m a little sad about my strong suspicion that a lot of the humor, tone, and richness of the original books in Polish is lost in translation. Still, I am genuinely curious to try them. I’ve been in a discussion about grimdark with my friend AP Canavan over on his channel, A Critical Dragon. I think if you search for “A Critical Dragon Philip Chase grimdark” you’re likely to find it. AP is a brilliant analyst!

[@Oszczywilski]

​@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I have found this video, but I have not watched it yet. I really wonder if I understand "grimdark" correctly. Some people argue that A Song of Ice and Fire (ASoIaF) isn't grimdark, despite being a gritty fantasy (a term rarely used). The Witcher is certainly gritty in its naturalistic descriptions. In Poland, some people also use the term "dark fantasy" for this kind of naturalistic and darker-toned work, although a proper definition of "dark fantasy" includes a fusion with horror elements. However, I believe that this term better suits the more brutal and naturalistic part of the genre than "gritty." I agree that The Witcher has more to offer in Polish. I wonder if its early popularity in Czechia and Russia (back in the '90s) was partially caused by similarities between their languages and Polish, as well as their shared Slavic outlook on life-cynical and sometimes resigned.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@Oszczywilski I wouldn’t be surprised if the linguistic and cultural similarities were an aid in translating the stories. As for grimdark, for what it’s worth, I think it’s fantasy’s representation of existentialism. Some of it might lean even further towards nihilism, but I’ve found that to be rare.

[@marcweber8509]

Great list! Here’s mine. And what the heck, I’m throwing some manga and Dune in there, because imo Oda is the GOAT!! ;D 1. One Piece (you’ll be in for a lot of surprises, Philipp ;)) 2. MBotF 3. Berserk (soon, Philipp!!) 4. Athera (WoLaS) 5. BotNS 6. Westeros (ASoIaF) 7. Dorohedoro 8. Ëarwa (Second Apocalypse) 9. Dune 10. Hunter X Hunter

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Marvelous list, Marc! I’m looking forward to exploring more of the One Piece world!

[@muttineni03]

I've recently read Dune for the first time and was super surprised how didn't feel dated at all and now I'm reading Wayward pines and it's kinda disappointing, I'm looking for world's that can pull me in like Dune. I'll pick a series from your list. Thanks!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Frank Herbert definitely pulled me in too with Arrakis! I hope you'll find more great worlds in these series!

[@muttineni03]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I've read Faithful and the fallen and Blood and Bone and Faithful and the fallen is my all time favourite. Just eagerly waiting for John's next book.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@muttineni03 I’m eager for book three too and will put down everything to read it!

[@mythologypress9470]

Also, I wasn’t aware Malazan wasn’t all Erikson. Who is the other author? I didn’t catch it. Thx. -Palmer Pickering

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Ian C. Esslemont. Between the two of them, there are nearly thirty books in the Malazan world. Cheers!

[@chucklitka2503]

I think perhaps you and other adventurous readers might want to visit the country of Islandia, located on the Karain, that subcontinent in the South Atlantic - Austin Tappan Wright imaginary land. Islandia is a very remarkable novel and I can assure you, that after reading it, you'll remember it as if you'd actually visited it in person - Islandia, and its people are that vivid and nuanced.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thanks so much for the recommendation, Chuck!

[@EricMcLuen]

I would count Mark Lawrence more sci fi, especially the Books of the Ancestor. There is a mirror on the moon after all. Regarding Tolkein and Bakker, you have all this world building in story, then all this background information they came up with outside of the series. It is hard to think of LotR without the Sil or Bakker adding 400 pages or so of appendicies. Which was a little frustrating when each series ended with so many pages left in the final book.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Lawrence treats genre walls as being paper thin or non-existent, which I love about him. I enjoy reading the appendices to Lord of the Rings! In Bakker's case, as brilliant as he is as a writer, I was less interested in lingering in Earwa, but I'm enough of an academic (nerd) to read the stuff at the back anyway. Cheers, Eric!

[@dennislee4899]

I've got some reads from this list but for world building where do you put the cosmere nowhere neat #1!?!? 😮😢😂😅

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I enjoy Sanderson’s books that I’ve read, but I can’t call myself a Cosmere reader. I think he’d be number one for a lot of folks!

[@Chaintis]

This is a really cool list. However, I’m surprised you left off Gene Wolfe. I think his world building rivals anybody. It’s very subtle, complex, intricate, and dreamlike. I think you will appreciate his world building more on a reread.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I look forward to rereading Book of the New Sun! Cheers!

[@amitwagner5075]

Discworld! Particularly Ankh Morpork♥

[@vidarfe]

I'm pretty sure that George R. R. Martin's world does not have any official name. Fans often call it Planetos, but as far as I know that's a fan-made name.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

That's a fun name -- thank you!

[@candydust93]

If someone does not put Tolkien as number 1, I cannot take them seriously. Well, I'm (mostly) kidding ;) But nobody else has created such magic. Malazan is impressive, the Cosmere is amazingly neatly thought out, but for me they just never reach that Tolkien high.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Middle-earth so perfectly expresses a place many of us long for, a world so vibrant in our imaginations that its beauty and sorrow feel like our own.

[@Paul_van_Doleweerd]

I would probably add Dragaera to that list.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you for the addition, Paul!

[@orashionseis]

The dunyuin are something like the uchihas of Naruto Shippuden.😊i truly love R Scott Bakker Universe ❤️

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Bakker has created a deeply compelling world, for sure!

[@aysseralwan]

Randland is really diverse in culture but I always found it so weird that all have the same religion especially in such a culturally diverse setting.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

That's a good point, but perhaps the religion is in some sense an extension of or connected to the magic, which is the same for everyone. There aren't too many fantasy series that really go into detail when it comes to portraying religion, I think.

[@aysseralwan]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy this is a setup for me to mention the Edan Trilogy I feel😂

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@aysseralwan Ha ha! Feel free to do so! Though I think you already did . . . 😁

[@fcsolis]

I think a glaring omission is the world of Hogwarts. Maybe you're not a Harry Potter fan. The fictional world that has awed (spooked?) me the most is the claustrophobic, electrified, monster-proofed, gated community of Wayward Pines by Blake Crouch. Thank you.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’ve read Harry Potter, but keep in mind that I was nearly thirty when the series began, and I didn’t read it until my daughters did, so I was well into my thirties. I do like it, though!

[@MattonBooks]

Who could possibly guess what your top 3 would be? 😆 But seriously, another very cool list, for a guy who hates lists. 😏

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Embracing one of the things I least enjoy doing on BookTube has proven strangely fun and rewarding. Cheers, Matt!

[@麗麗-k2h]

Brando Sando!! I lold

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

😁

[@Korrale]

lol. That is what my kid and I call him.

[@Montie-Adkins]

I feel like the first Senlin book was satirical...merry go round beer...acting level...but the satire was dropped in the sequels.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

That's an accurate observation, I think. Senlin Ascends was more whimsical and satirical, and the books got progressively more serious.

[@ericF-17]

Dune is fantasy. I'll say I'm a bit surprised that you didn't include Susanna Clarke is your honorable mentions, and also I don't think the World of Ice and Fire has a north continent, unless you count the lands norths of the Wall as a seperate continent. I could be wrong though. Now, I don't blame you for having different opinions from me, but putting Jordan above Sanderson is unacceptable. I mean, I'm not really serious, but I just can't comprehend how somebody could think Jordan's world is better done than Roshar. Whoa, Mark Lawrence is only in your honorable mentions??? :)

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Yes, it’s a tough one - this list gave me all sorts of angst, and I left out some cool worlds that I enjoy. That said, Susanna Clarke will appear again in this series very soon! Cheers!

[@ministersormonsters]

You forgot Bas-Lag by China Mieville

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I haven’t read it yet, but I’ll be starting it later this year, I hope.

[@noname3609]

First 😮

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Yay! Thanks for watching!

[@heather_hill_HHH]

Discworld.

[@aysseralwan]

Fans call the World of A Song of Ice and Fire Planetos😂

[@Paul_van_Doleweerd]

Well, that's better than Dnaleri...

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I like it!

[@ithrahmunchswallow468]

Dune is totally fantasy 😉🤪

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I sort of agree . . . But I'm not going to risk the ire of the internet by insisting!

[@Zivilin]

maybe there need to be a list of sci-fantasy for dune and wheel of time. 😉😜

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@Zivilin And Star Wars!

[@ithrahmunchswallow468]

@@Zivilin Isn't that space opera? 🤪🙌🏼

[@ithrahmunchswallow468]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy 👀🤭

[@favrewanab]

I feel like Erikson, Jordan and Sanderson have all passed Tolkien and left him in the dust as far as world building. They are 1, 2 & 3 with Tolkien a distant 4th. Tolkien was the master for decades. But Jordan passed him in the 90's and then Erikson passed Jordan to become the new master. Sanderson hasn't moved ahead of Jordan yet in my mind but he is well on his way too (and I haven't read everything he has out yet so he may already did but I haven't realized it yet, lol).

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

There’s no doubt that they’re all world class world builders!

[@elliotyorkcameron793]

Takes like this really just show a lack of appreciation and understanding for what Tolkien achieved with his world building beyond LOTR/Hobbit. It's totally fine if you feel those other authors have eclipsed him, but the idea that he has been "left in the dust" or is "a distant 4th" is just silly.

[@neutral_narr]

Get off your knees. Tolkien is the gold standard for a reason if you can't see that then that's on you.

[@favrewanab]

@@neutral_narr he was for nearly a half century. But as with everything something better came along. Whether you can accept it or not it doesn't change the fact that it's happened.

[@danielthornton5471]

​@@favrewanabthe fact you would even suggest that Sanderson is even near the same level as Tolkien is laughable.

[@iggydaking9117]

Westeros is the definitive fantasy world.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

It’s a beauty!

[@Paul_van_Doleweerd]

Very pithy... 🤣

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Ha ha! Nice pun(t) on that one, Paul!