The Weeks That Were: Channel Updates, Book News, Announcements, and More

[@gobgooby]

I see one piece, I click

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

The One Piece is real!

[@jayko2853]

Lol true

[@El-Californio]

​@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Can we get much higher?

[@DASxOmega]

i see Phillip breaking down something I've read....I click

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@ 😊🙏

[@okAphex]

I have been happy to see you become a part of The Straw Hat Grand Fleet. It has truly been a blessing to hear a literary expert such as your self qualify this epic as truly deserving of analysis and praise.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@okAphex I’m proud to be one of the crew! Cheers! 😊

[@gogotaro1]

The One Piece Fan Letter made ma tear up a lot. To be able to encompass everything that is about One Piece in one episode is incredible.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

It was something special for sure! Cheers, nakama!

[@frosty3393]

Glad you loved the fan letter! It's such a special side story. Looking forward to the next OP reviw!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

It was beautiful and moving, and at the same time, it gave me a sense of how frightening it would be to be an ordinary person in the midst of all the powered up sorts. But we all have our dreams!

[@Awsomeman328]

OP Fan Letter is about a fan letter in more ways than one. In addition to the plot's & the girl's fan letter, the special in of itself is a fan letter to One Piece itself and to its fans. It is definitely a work of art on the sort of caliber that I always worry if the people working on it made sure to spend enough time of their day taking care of themselves and their health instead of working to craft this all day (and maybe even night)! Like, are they remembering to stay hydrated while cranking this out or did they power through? Haha, I don't want these talented people to overwork themselves to death, I want to make sure to see more of what they got and for them to bless the world with their talent! Cheers to all of our book and animation nerds!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@Awsomeman328 We are indeed fortunate to have such storytellers!

[@samfisher6606]

I loved Fan Letter so much! I think my favorite was the older Marine brother. I loved that his love of Luffy was so personal. I loved the girl too. I loved that we never got a clear shot of the Straw Hats, except for that one fan of Brook’s but she’s a fan of Brook the singer, not Brook the pirate and she wouldn’t connect to who Chopper is.

[@arabellawillow]

Philip running around throwing Of War And Ruin through people's windows with a note saying: "read me" attached jumped into my mind 😂

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Ha ha! That would be a unique marketing campaign!

[@Johanna_reads]

I am so excited to chat with you about The Great Ordeal! I'm a mind-blown and satisfied slug when it comes to Bakker's Second Apocalypse series! I understand being overly ambitious or optimistic about reading plans, but there's no doubt your 2024 video will showcase many incredible reading accomplishments. Looking forward to the upcoming DDF episodes and hearing your future channel plans!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I myself am a mind-blown but slightly irked slug at the moment 😁, but I should read to the end to see if Bakker takes this where think he's going to take it. In any case, I am very much looking forward to discussing The Great Ordeal with you, Johanna!

[@dandaman2407]

Amazing review !!! Love your thoughts on the one piece fan letter 🥰 your reviews are amazing !!! Please continue the amazing reviews 🙏❤️

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you so much for the kind words and the encouragement!

[@Brownie1337]

i am so happy that you watched the fan letter :D looking forward to the video

[@arabellawillow]

I can't wait to enjoy 2025, and many more years to come, with you and your channel Philip. We appreciate all that you do for the community 😊

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@arabellawillow Thank you for such thoughtful encouragement, Arabella! I deeply appreciate it!

[@Gl1tch2263]

You are a gentleman and a scholar Dr Chase. Happy holidays!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you for the kind words, and happy holidays to you as well!

[@DoUnicornsRead]

As always it's great to hear what you have been up to and what you're planning, Philip! It's so cool that the BB special edition is doing well. Five years on BookTube -- we probably should multiply that like we multiply dog years. Looking very much forward to find out which books resonated with you in 2024. I'm sure I can guess some, but I'll be looking out for the surprises. And very curious about your channel plans for next year. I'm sure you'll come up with some super interesting things. Thanks for all the good stuff, Philip!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you so much, Angela! There’s no doubt that I have more grey hair now than when I started on KZbin. Of course, given my age, that might have happened regardless. But it’s been a good way to meet wonderful people! 😊

[@Chloes_World_of_Books]

I can't wait for your top/favourite reads, Philip! I myself cannot avoid the call of making top 10s 😅

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’ll have fun making that one! Cheers!

[@BrianBell7]

I love when my Saturday mornings begin with being welllllcome'd to your channel! I've liked and subscribed! Long Live the Quilluminati!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I always forget to say "like and subscribe" -- it's a miracle anyone has bothered doing so! 😂Many thanks, my friend, and I am excited to chat with you soon!

[@astralcommuniorinokripperi9609]

Can't wait for your best of 2024!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

It’s a video I look forward to making every year. Cheers!

[@NerdLevelRising]

Every time you discuss Bakker's work, I get more and more intrigued to move it up my TBR. It doesn't sound like a fun read, but one that is extremely thought provoking and I find myself searching that out more the more well-read I become! And I'm so glad you enjoyed Of War and Ruin, that book was just fantastic and really scratches the epic dragon fantasy itch. Can't wait for DDF!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I will be interested in your eventual thoughts on Bakker's Second Apocalypse series, Jake. DDF was so much fun, and now I must have some more fun while making the thumbnail! 😁

[@NerdLevelRising]

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy can't wait to be immortalized in one of the legendary DDF thumbnails! 🙏😂

[@AReadersJourney]

Oh man the collaboration with Nikhil is so exciting, can't wait to hear what you guys have going on!!!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@AReadersJourney Thank you, Chris! I’m definitely excited about the project with Nikhil!

[@jayko2853]

This special episode was a true love letter for the one piece fans❤️

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

It was beautiful to watch!

[@carloquiazon4497]

So happy you enjoyed the fan letter!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

It was beautiful in the special way that One Piece always manages to be!

[@cronkthebookguy]

Can't wait to chat with you soon! We'll have to discuss some Earthsea, for sure. Congrats on getting your audiobook up on more platforms!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@cronkthebookguy Thank you, Michael! I’m looking forward to our conversation very much!

[@TallShepherd]

The famous calling card of Philip 'The Book Burglar' Chase, a copy of Of War & Ruin smashed through the window! Great video Philip!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@TallShepherd Ha ha! Many thanks, Jack! Sounds like you had an amazing time in Japan. All the best!

[@TallShepherd]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy It was a very lovely holiday thanks Philip! You too!

[@TheNerdyNarrative]

Good gravy! Cahill channeled some Sanderson with that chonky boy! I'm planning to start my Janny Wurtz this month with The Gallant and really looking forward to it. :D

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

My very best to you for the beginning of your Janny Wurts read, Lezlie! She is your fellow Floridian and, in my opinion, one of the most gifted writers to grace SFF.

[@mxoze]

though I'm unfamiliar with most of the books you talk about in these update videos, I thoroughly enjoy listening to the way you speak about these stories! Happy reading and happy holidays sir:)

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@mxoze Thank you so much for watching! I am incredibly grateful for your support, and I wish you the best!

[@waywardrivulet1502]

a one piece discussion between you and the youtuber melonteee would be brilliant, the level of insight would be so fun

[@BookofEli19]

Seconded! Melon is COLD 🥶 with her analysis and shes sooo good with finding the hidden themes of the stories she reads

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Melontee is on my wish list for discussions! Cheers!

[@waywardrivulet1502]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasysuuuuuuuupeeeerrrr! ⭐️

[@kliffi96]

​@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy is Tekking101 also on that list by any chance? He is awesome and has connections to Merphy too :)

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@ Definitely! 😊

[@MichaelRSchultheiss]

You're really encouraging me to look forward to diving back into Wurts in Janny-uary! Cheers, hope you and yours are enjoying the holiday season!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thanks, Michael! I hope you’ll enjoy Janny Wurts’ books when you return to them. All the best!

[@EthanDeems-r6b]

3:03 subtle foreshadowing

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@EthanDeems-r6b 😁

[@esmayrosalyne]

Woohoo, congrats on finishing the brick that is OWAR. Can't wait for the discussion! And oof, I think Bakker and my mental health will not be a great match. Appreciate your honest thoughts. Really looking forward to all the end of the year content fun. Happy reading :)))

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Yep, I would not recommend Bakker to someone who is struggling with feeling like life has meaning. Malazan, Wars of Light and Shadow, Realm of the Elderlings -- these all portray lots of suffering, but they also affirm life with a sense of hope, beauty, connection, compassion, and transcendence. That is not to deny Bakker's brilliance, but I think it's important to note that his vision of us is bleak.

[@esmayrosalyne]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Perfectly said, I have only read RotE, but everyone's harrowing journeys there actually HELP with my own inner strength because it's inspiring to see the hope and defiance despite the suffering.

[@marianneguevara8279]

Don't worry Philip I'll be out in the cold with you on Sanderson. I haven't even started The Way of Kings 😅. Hopefully I'll start it next year. Looking forward to see what you have in store for your channel in 2025!!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you, Marianne! I am glad to have some good company away from the horde of partygoers who are having such a great time with Wind and Truth. Ha ha! My very best to you!

[@Ray.500]

I only just recently caught up with stormlight and had a blast, I was gonna join in the craze with book five but as soon as December was nearing I suddenly lost the desire I had leading up to it lol. (I have all the time in the world, I can read it sometime next year!) I picked up my first guy gavriel kay book (lions of al-rassan, enjoyed it so much I finally made my first ever booktube video surrounding it ahah) This put me in the mood to read stuff I hadn’t prioritised so I finally read gardens of the moon and wow what a solid first book! It left me with so many lingering things I want to learn more about and I’m excited to see where it all goes, I can tell the scope is going to be vast! Now I’m about to start the final Fitz trilogy after holding back for so many months as it’s my favourite current series and I don’t want it to end 😭

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Some fantastic reads there! My very best to you for the finale of Realm of the Elderlings. If you’re like me, you may need to stock up on tissues!

[@nieljohnson7943]

It has been so fun to watch your One Piece arc thus far, I remember when I first came across your channel I was like my god this man is gonna be a staple of the community if he keeps going like this- and here we are, we may see seven figure viewership by the end of 2025! I would recommend mostly watching the anime just for the eye candy of revisiting an event you already read in the manga, and if you do delve further into the anime I recommend looking into this thing called "One Pace" which essential is just a written guide for how to skip over filler material that the anime created whilst the manga was on break or behind the anime. With your limited free time its kind of good to skip over the anime episodes that were like "we're waiting on more manga that we can to turn into anime so this episode will be a completely plot irrelevant inconsequential adventure about how Zoro lost his shoe while fishing and he fights a really big fish to retrieve it and Sanji cooks it" so One Pace kind of saves you from these filler episodes that Oda never wrote

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Many thanks, Niel! I am deeply grateful for your support along this incredible One Piece journey, and I look forward to what's to come!

[@noname3609]

Interesting stuff.Im looking forward on ur thoughts on Fishman Island arc.😊

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I'm excited to finish Fishman Island! All the best!

[@anekarice]

Thanks for your thoughts on TGO, Philip. Personally, I think Bakker will be studied and analysed for many years to come. His writing, his world, and his themes are fascinating.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Bakker's writing deserves to be studied, wrestled with, and praised. I am looking forward to finishing Second Apocalypse!

[@Talking_Story]

Ohhhh you almost forgot to mention the Quilluminatti! Check the bylaws that could have been catastrophic 😂😂. So look forward to all our talks my friend!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I nearly got kicked out of the Quilluminati! Who would have quoted Beowulf in Old English during our next discussion? Thank goodness we averted that crisis. Safe travels back home from Dragonsteel, John -- looks like you had a blast there!

[@Talking_Story]

@ I am thrilled cause my old Norse is rusty!

[@curtjarrell9710]

Hi Philip. Good to hear you're enjoying your reads. I'm about a third of the way into the new Haruki Murakami novel and enjoying it. Before years end, I want to finish Don Quixote, but not sure I can. I still have about 800 pages to go. After that (Probably early 2025) I'll start A Clash of Kings, then in early spring The Way of Edan.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Early spring will be an excellent time to start The Way of Edan! My best wishes to you for all those reads, Curt!

[@RedFuryBooks]

Don't feel bad - I'm not reading Wind and Truth this month either!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@RedFuryBooks In that case, I’m in excellent company! Cheers, Josh!

[@Chance.Dillon]

OWaR realllllly did do a lot different that worked so well for me. Been eagerly awaiting the discussion! Bakker’s commentary and discussion on free will is something so absolutely intriguing to me. The comparison between Malazan and Second Apocalypse does draw me toward it more, but it’s nice to hear your thoughts on the differences

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@Chance.Dillon Erikson and Bakker are both among the most talented authors, but, despite the presence of suffering in the fiction of both, they offer contrasting visions. All the best!

[@AnithaGadeReads]

I am not sure if I ever would read Bakker but I agree with his philosophy. These days, I am seriously wondering if we have any free will. We are all slugs stuck in this track laid for us.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

That may be, but this slug intends to delude himself into thinking that we have some say in the matter! 😂All the best, Anitha!

[@gritgrimdark]

Loved loved loved Cornwell’s Warlord Chronicles. My absolutely fav rendition of King Arthur. Looking forward to your thoughts on it.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’m looking forward to reading it very much. The Last Kingdom is very good so far too. All the best!

[@MacScarfield]

Very glad to get the Broken Binding Edition of «The Way of Edan»! 🤩 I have not heard any shipping dates yet, but «he who waits for something good, waits not in wain!» as we say! So excited (or perhaps awestruck? 😄) to start «Aspect-Emperor» next year! Can also highly recommend Matthew Harffy’s «Bernicia Chronicles»! In November I read (not much due to travel): «The Steel Tsar» (A Nomad of the Time Streams» Trilogy #3) by Michael Moorcock (Multiverse/Alternative History/Time Travel Steampunk(?)😅) «The Stranger» by Albert Camus/illustrated by Jacques Ferrandez (Graphic Novel adaptation of the Absurdist Philosophical Novel) «The Duel» by Joseph Conrad (Napoleonic Historical Military Fiction Novella) «Lord of Light» by Roger Zelazny (Science Fantasy inspired by the Legend of Siddhartha Gautama/the Buddha) «The Fury of the Gods» (Bloodsworn Saga #3) by John Gwynne (Epic Fantasy inspired by Norse Mythology) Currently reading: «The Power Broker» by Robert Caro (Political Biography/Investigative Journalism Classic, my Q4 long-read) Next up on my December TBR: «Dreaming the Eagle» («Boudica» #1) by Manda Scott (Historical Fiction about the Celtic British Queen and her Rebellion against the Romans) «The Wall» (City of Victory Trilogy #3) by Adrian Goldsworthy (Historical Military Fiction set during the building of Hadrian’s Wall) «Baudolino» by Umberto Eco (Historical Fantasy set during the Later Crusades on the border of Myth and History in 13th Century Europe and Middle East) «Dictator» (Cicero Trilogy #3) by Robert Harris (Historical Fiction about the Roman Politician Cicero) «City of Thieves» by David Benioff (Historical Fiction set during the WW2 Seige of Leningrad (Modern Day St. Petersburg)) My November Haul: The final two novels in Mary Gentle’s «The Book of Ash» series (90s Alt-History Military Fiction), «The Wild Machines» & «Lost Burgundy», as well as a Hardback Edition of Tolkien’s «The Fall of Numenor», Matthew Harffy’s «Forest of Foes» (Historical Fiction set in Anglo Saxon Britain), «The Lion & the Sword» by Roberta Cray (90s Fantasy inspired by Alexander the Great’s Conquest of Greece: Something of a hidden gem going by the few, but very enthusiastic reviews I found of it, anyway, I just saw that glorious cover by the lauded Tolkien Illustrator John Howe, and just had to have it!😄) and «The Women of Troy» by Pat Barker (retelling of the aftermath of the Iliad from the perspective of Briseis, the «War Bride» of Achilles)! Cheers Professor! 😊

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

You never cease to amaze me, MacScarfield! So many great reads! I also want to express my gratitude for your support, my friend. I hope you'll love The Broken Binding edition of The Way of Edan. All the best!

[@Jistarii]

I dont know what it is about Bakkers work. I hate to use the phrase required reading but his prose and storytelling is to good to not investigate even if the subject matter is so bleak. Its one of my top 3 favorite fantasy series i dont recommend to people. It holds a very bizzare place in fantasy but i absolutely love it even if its the most depressing thing ive ever read.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I have very similar feelings about it. I do think it deserves to be read and engaged with as it's so brilliant and takes on important themes unflinchingly, but my recommendation would come with certain caveats and warnings.

[@SamNot-so-wise]

Oooh I’m excited about this announcement. Unfortunately I have family plans at that time, which is frustrating as I can never usually make live streams because of the time difference, but this one would have been perfect for me! Grr, stupid family. I’ll be sure to catch the video afterwards though. Happy reading Philip!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

With your musical background, I think you will find the announcement of interest, Sam. I hope you have a fantastic time with your family, though, I mean, you could just make them all watch Nikhil and me . . . 😂

[@SamNot-so-wise]

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Putting you two together I suspected as much....now the two of you have the pressure of trying to impress my musically minded Icelandic family....good luck!

[@certbozo]

One piece in the thumbnail = me viewing the video

[@Red21Viper]

I feel your anguish with what Bakker does 😂. His writing is just something else. I cant wait for your discussion with Johanna I think the Warlord Chronicles are much better than the Saxon books. More nuanced and evocative. I hope you will read that series too. P.S. Wurts is such a great writer. I think she can meander a bit sometimes with her sentences but she is very evocative and immersive

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Bakker is one of the best when it comes to writing talent. He's also a brilliant thinker. And though I find his vision of humanity very bleak, there is tremendous value and validity in what he's trying to get us to see. All the best!

[@thatsci-firogue]

@@Red21Viper Warlord Chronicles has been far and away my favourite of I've read of Cornwell's bibliography. The rest have either been fine (Last Kingdom) or frustrating (Grail Quest).

[@cipriansirbu3699]

Looking forward to hearing your plans for 2025 Sir. I'm currently at 15% into Wind and Truth,pretty good so far.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying Wind and Truth so far, Ciprian! All the best!

[@ToddsBookTube91]

Dear Philip Chase, Happy Holidays Philip! I just ordered a copy of The Way Of Edan from my local bookstore. I wanted to give you some of my support! I will let you know if I like it!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you for your support -- I hope you enjoy The Way of Edan, Todd!

[@ToddsBookTube91]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy You're Welcome!

[@map_hh]

❤

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@bradmiller3367]

The coming year gives me hopes that I can finish The Wars of Light and Shadow (started Bk 3 before my two-month annual read of all things Sherlock Holmes) and finish my research into Venice for my sequel book it write and….we’ll see!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I hope that research on Venice will include a trip there, Brad! All the best!

[@bradmiller3367]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I wish! But then, what are wishes for….🙏🏻

[@MrRorosuri]

💜🤗

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Man thanks, Mr. Rorosuri!

[@vaughnroycroft999]

Lots going on, as usual, I see. It might not surprise you too much to hear that I consider Cornwell one of my foundational authors as a writer. Very soon I will have some fun stuff to share with you, likely when I get back from Iceland (leaving late today--Sigur Ros on Tues eve). I'm still planning on starting Wars of Light and Shadow this month. Enjoy your December reads! I'll be in touch soon. Cheers!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Cornwell as a foundational influence for you makes a lot of sense, Vaughn. I hope you have an amazing time in Iceland, and I look forward to hearing about it!

[@iSamwise]

Well Dr. Fantasy you and Johanna have sold me. Bakker is likely my first read in 2025. Maybe I should have a therapist on speed dial while reading it? Hahaha.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I know you're joking about the therapist, but that's actually not a bad idea . . . I will be keen to see what you make of Bakker's incredible writing, Sam!

[@iSamwise]

@ Ok I will brace for impact when reading…

[@angelamccollister]

Determination is definitely something to struggle with. As a science geek I think it makes sense but it is still hard to conceptualize.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

That's a great point! The science-oriented part of my brain (such as it is) whispers to me that Bakker is likely right about free will. But there's another part of my brain -- call it what you will -- that refuses to give up the quest for meaning. I feel like if I stop that quest, I will have stopped living.

[@MWhaleK]

Fan Letter is peak Fan service.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

It's a beautiful glimpse of a new perspective on the story we love!

[@MWhaleK]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Which is one of my favorite types of story, an old story seen through the eyes of a side character or background character. The POV switch can make an old favorite feel fresh and new.

[@brandoncantoran6190]

Idk if I'm in the minority but I would love to see your live reaction to the episodes you do watch. Like you did with the first half of G8. You're literally my favorite my One Piece creator, dude. I feel like no one else I've ever met (besides my band members) has had the same understanding of Oda's work like you have

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

You are very kind! I worry that watching me react to the anime would be boring for most people, but I did have a blast watching G-8. I’ll give it some thought, and thank you!

[@Gusbusbus]

great video

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@DaKing540]

It honestly insane that oda is on the same list as Shakespeare when it comes to authors and one piece isn’t even over yet…….Oda is the king

[@thatsci-firogue]

To be fair, I prioritise Bakker over Sanderson too haha. Yesterday I started Assassin's Fate and I'm at the edge of my seat to say the least.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Ah, my very best to you for Assassin's Fate. Forget about tissues. Just have a bucket handy.

[@thatsci-firogue]

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy that's a good idea, you can't see the tears if I'm covered from head to toe!

[@Exilum]

KZbin knew to not recommend it to me so I almost missed your reaction to one piece fan letter.

[@Exilum]

One day if you get interested in Japanese fantasy literature, especailly in the young adult segment, I couldn't recommend more reading Youjo Senki (lit. military chronicles of a little girl) / Saga of Tanya the Evil, it's my favorite light novel by far. Every volume that is translated leads to me inevitably forsaking the next night and most of my free time during the following morning to read it. It's a tad more grim than the average light novel (not to western fantasy levels by any means, but still) and the way Tanya's personality is handled from the start to now has been nothing short of perfect. You can feel the author's passion for early 20th century warfare, and especaily the artillery, logistics and internal politics of it. If you ever wondered what WW1.5 would look like in a world where magic is employed for warfare, I couldn't recommend this more. Its takes on personal philosophy are also nothing to scoff at.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@Exilum Thank you for the recommendation!

[@Exilum]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy You do have a thing for making me want to read. I swear hearing you talking about these books reminds me I should get back into western fantasy one day. I had read so much in my teens that I completely stopped at some point. Of war and ruin seems interesting to be be it for what you said about the development in volume 3, the sheer size and the title which really promises "good" vibes (the clinical "of", the center on war, the ruin aspect specifically suggesting this is a story about the negative side of the war with some epic moments still due to the grandeur of the words).

[@Exilum]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Also I need to read the way of edan, I bookmarked it long ago but haven't gotten to it. I'll do it in a huge western fantasy wave or something. And I also have to finish my first novel I haven't touched in 2 years. Maybe the other 2 too even if they're way further from the end.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@ I wish you much fulfillment from your writing, and thank you for considering The Way of Edan!

[@Exilum]

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Thanks, it's a bit of a weird thing to say, but when I see what I wrote, I'm conflicted. I hate how I wrote the first 3 parts, but I think the plotline is great, parts 4-6 are paced very slowly, but the writing style is more creative and I had my share of fun. But I also think in 4-5 years I'm going to think it's a bit cringe, I had trouble with the contrasting POVs. The main character was constantly cheery and we saw the world and story up to there through his eyes. The intent was for his actions and deranged thinking which could pass off as comedic from the inside to be seen from an outside perspective, that of the people dragged into his plans. These are my favorite parts, but they also heavily slowdown, the explanations that were brief moments of respite in the first parts became what highlighted the slow pace of the story as we focused on the characters, their vision of the world, their interactions, etc. It led to great moments but also meant that the average reader who's not into remembering an entire magic system from the previous 4 parts to understand an explanation on top of that would 100% drop out 10 chapters into part 5. All in all, I might end up rewriting parts 1-3 when I finish, but will also likely change some of the storytelling in the later parts as well. I'm holding myself back from doing that because I know I will never finish the novel if I edit part 1-3 for the third time. Each time I get back to writing after a year or two, I end up doing that and burning myself out. Editing isn't fun, writing is.

[@Shelf-Esteem]

I look forward to this segment each and every time! Thanks for the shoutout Philip! So excited to chat about all things Edan tomorrow (and unveil the announcement 👀) We will miss you during the Wind And Truth frenzy hahah but glad you’ll be able to take your time with Rhythm Of War and enjoy it to the full 😊

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

It's going to be great chatting with you, Nikhil! I can't wait to tell everyone about the project!

[@mrpk646]

Hi fellow philip, you have great hair btw. Just a random observation 🤣 I mainly watch you for one piece content tbh but maybe I will find something to read from your other videos. I'm mainly into fantasy I guess, as I grew uo reading harry potter, percy jackson, spooks books etc.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@mrpk646 Thank you! At my age, I feel lucky to have hair. 😂 All the best!

[@akellerhouse83]

Hello from the Dragonsteel Convention! It's the last day of the con (Saturday). I always enjoy being in Utah, even though it's colder than I'm used to, living in Memphis TN. I've been avoiding the R Scott Bakker books. It sounds a little too bleak for me. Abercrombie is about as grimdark as I can handle. I haven't even read the last 3 Red Rising books because I think they're going to be too dark.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Abercrombie's First Law books are less bleak for me than Bakker's solely because of the former's sense of humor. Neither gives us a very flattering view of humanity, though. I'm so glad you made it to Dragonsteel, Amanda, and I hope you have a ton of fond memories from the experience!

[@lock67ca]

We friendly, easy going Canadians sure go to some dark places in our books.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

GGK is another one to add to the list, but I think Bakker takes the cake when it comes to bleak. I myself am 1/4 Canadian, and my home state of Vermont is culturally closer to Canada than it is to many other parts of the States (especially northern Vermont, where I'm from), so perhaps I'm sympathetic. All the best!

[@TheSajClub]

I have a love-hate relationship with the one piece anime. I really feel like it’s a disservice to the manga in a lot of ways, but the people responsible for this episode are just so skilled. I think they’re the same people responsible for the highest rated one piece episode aswell

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I know very little about the anime in comparison to the manga, but this episode was brilliant. All the best!

[@kingplunger1]

I am currently reading "Behave" by Robert Sapolsky, a neuroscientist, and so far I agree with him and Bakker, but even he admits in interviews that he can't function like that for more than a couple of seconds every day, the implications of having no free will are just too great as it would imply that judgement and punishment make no sense etc. Its just too much to think about and consider all the time. There is a reason I said "Second Apocalypse" when asked what the bleakest fantasy series is, but I still think its one of the best and I wish Bakker would come back and write again. Completely off topic : If you ever play a video game, play Disco Elysium. Its the only work that I know of that has the best of both worlds/media, combining absolutely brilliant writing and the interactive nature of games as you choose what your characters says and thus how the game reacts. Its 95% dialogue, apart from running around a little and choosing who to talk to and what to interact with. The art design and music is brilliant, too. When asked what the best game is (after 20 years of gaming), I would say Disco Elysium. I am aware that I told you this already a while ago, I just think its something everyone should experience, even someone who normally doesn't play games. No pressure, I just wanted to make you aware of something that's probably outside your radar. I will be around and who knows, maybe I will remind you again in 2 years or so :P I wish you the best and a great start into 2025 !

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@kingplunger1 Thanks so much! I too agree with Sapolsky and Bakker, or at least intellectually I suspect they’re probably right. But reading a book in which I’m reminded that I have no free will is a little depressing, even if the book is brilliantly written. Thank you as well for the recommendation! I avoid video games, at least for now, because I would probably do nothing else if I played them, but someday, perhaps when I retire, I’ll dive in!

[@kingplunger1]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I will make a mental note ;) Disco Elysium is the kind of work of art that makes you wish, it could impact the direction the medium takes as a whole. But it has been years and so far nothing came close, not to mention that the original creators lost the rights to their world and the studio is in limbo. Publishing a book can probably be a headache, but the gaming industry is just... well. Lets leave it here, before I start ranting xD Thats AP's job :P

[@kingzzz6509]

I actually skipped Tales of Earthsea and skipped from Tehanu to The Other Wind, which was probably a mistake, but The Other Wind is really good.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I'm glad you enjoyed The Other Wind! I can't wait to finally read it!

[@-ClerzZ-]

That book looks like a dictionary... Dayum.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Sometimes reading is a workout -- just holding up that book for hours at a time has increased my grip strength!

[@billyalarie929]

I see Bakker, I click

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

That's not a bad policy either!

[@jasonuerkvitz3756]

Perhaps I've missed the announcement from an earlier video, however I'm curious to learn if you're crafting another novel, either a stand alone, or the start of a new series.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Hello, Jason! Yes, I’m working on a standalone sequel that I hope to release in 2025. All the best!

[@jasonuerkvitz3756]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Good news!

[@RhysWritings]

Most books should be measured by whether or not they would be a good replacement for bricks 😆

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Ha ha! Fantasy would do very well as a genre, I think.

[@RhysWritings]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I don't think there's much competition really non-fiction might have some real chunky tomes in there but fantasy would easily be the best bricks on the building ha

[@mhart3212]

Thanks for all your content thus far! Do you take requests for reviews? My favorite book series, Queen's Thief by Megan Whalen Turner is a story set in a sort of Mediterranean-esque-inspired world, rich in politics, culture, and religion (fictional deities), and it's so cleverly written, I'd love to hear your take on it. That said, I can see you're going through a ton of books and probably have a mile-long list to get through, so I understand if that's not possible at the moment. Either way, keep up the good work! Can't wait to hear your thoughts in your next One Piece update! (Mob Psycho would also be a great manga to get into, if you're looking for a story to touch your heart, but phew, the art for that definitely takes some getting used to.)

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you so much! I always appreciate recommendations!

[@RSFArocks]

5:50 Oh boy, if you love well written, thought-provoking, but bleak, incredibly dark stories, you've gotta read Berserk. Maybe after you catch up to One Piece though, just so you don't have too much on your plate.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@RSFArocks I’m definitely going to give Berserk a go. Cheers!

[@thefantasythinker]

To Bakker, or not to Bakker. That is the question! I really need to get to his series some time next year. Looking forward to all the cool upcoming stuff you've got going on. Cheers!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I think you would find Bakker's story deeply engaging, Jarrod. It doesn't leave me feeling very cheerful, but I am glad to be provoked and awed.

[@alif.8778]

Fun fact the new characters in fan letter don't have names because they background characters for example the nami fan is just fan letter girl

[@nieljohnson7943]

Thoughts on Oda saying that he loves to create characters rather than create stories? He basically said he prefers stories to be the necessary byproduct of the characters he created rather than creating stories and then just inventing whatever characters are necessary to support it.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@nieljohnson7943 One Piece is definitely very character focused, and I think most storytellers will admit they have a favorite aspect of storytelling, something that comes naturally to them as opposed to facets of storytelling that they have to work at. So, I believe Oda when he says that, and I even think it reveals a lot about his story. Cheers, Niel!

[@nieljohnson7943]

also just so you know you have enough numbers to get an audible sponsorship even if only for the One Piece videos, just reach out to their marketing team

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

That’s good to know! Thank you!

[@Mvgical]

Have you considered making a One Piece exclusive channel? Seems like you already figured out that people love when you talk about it and will follow where you go. If you wanted to gain a lot of traction, you could go down the route that the channel "QueenBlazed" did for example, and do a series watchthrough, though I know you have stated multiple times you're more interested in the Manga aspect of it. That's why it could be a separate channel. Just a suggestion 😅

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you! I have thought about it, but it really boils down to a couple things. Most importantly, I feel like what I do with One Piece is exactly the same as what I do for all the other stuff I read for the channel. The main difference is that the audience is obviously much bigger due to One Piece's much deserved popularity. The other thing is that I barely have time for one channel and don't want to complicate things by starting another one. Perhaps when I retire, though!

[@Mvgical]

​@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy You look 40. 😂 You retiring early?

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@Mvgical You’re very kind! Having entered my fifties a few years ago, I’ll take that compliment! 😊

[@SethPlato01]

Hey Doc, are you going to watch The War of the Rohirrim with your nemesis???

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@SethPlato01 I’m still not sure about The War of the Rohirrim, but if I do watch it, I’d love to discuss it with the Nemesis! Cheers, Seth!

[@EricMcLuen]

Just finished Wizard Knight, which was disappointing, and Bakker to Wolfe is another comparison. The writing is often better than the subject of what is being written about. But have been wondering if Johanna has been chomping at the sranc waiting for you to finish. Much like several Malazan books, Bakker just goes bonkers and lets it all out.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Ha ha ha! Chomping at the sranc! You have conjured an image in my brain that will never go away . . . Ha ha! Cheers, Eric!

[@TooMuchCarbs]

I wonder how long does philip, an avid book reader, finish reading a "of a War and Ruin" a comically thick-ass book

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

It took me a couple weeks, at least! I'm very glad I read it.

[@TooMuchCarbs]

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy couple of weeks, huuu~ i thought it only took you days xD

[@toinenosoite3173]

About The Great Ordeal: In my opinion, the series started to go down with it. As I have said earler, I thnk that the pinnacle of the series is White-Luck Warrior. The philosophy of the books has never appealed to me at all, but the writing surely has as well as the world in itself. God, how bleak those two are! In a "good" way for sure. Myself, I found The Great Ordeal to be somewhat bloated, as if noone had edited it at all. And that is probably why I found it very middling. There were, of course, some incredible moments at the end - e.g. an old acquaintace and a mushroom. Unfortunatly, I have to warn you about the last book, which I found to be the absolutely worst one by far. But then again, that is only my totally honest personal opinion. PS. I dnf'd Rhythm of War, and I have decided to leave BS, as his books and style aren't really for me.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

At the moment, White-Luck Warrior is probably my favorite of the series, so we are in agreement there. If The Great Ordeal continues as it has started, I will concede that it's fascinating but ultimately too morbid to sustain my interest let alone my passion. In regard to Rhythm of War, I intend to give it a try. I'm committed to at least finishing the first five Stormlight Archive books, and perhaps The Emperor's Soul (Sanderson at his most "literary," I'm told), but that might be it for me from him. All the best!

[@toinenosoite3173]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Brandon Sanderson is interesting. The first series I read was Mistborn. First book really good, second fairly bad, and third very middling. Well, then I thought that I would give Stormlight a chance. Fortunatly, I got through the, imvho, horrible intro to Way of Kings, as the book in itself was really good. Words of Raidiance I found excellent, and I was expecting something special of Oathbringer. Didn't get it though... And then I read about half of RoW, asked myself if I'm enjoyiing the book, and decided to dnf it. Both Oathbringer and Rhythm of War are so incredibly bloated books, of course, in my personal opinion. After that I read Emperor's Soul, which was more on the level of the first two Stormlight book, but still something of the same. Thus, I decided to leave BS to people who really appreaciate him. There are probably two reasons for my decision: first, my disappointment with Stormlight, and second, BS mostly seems to write about superheroes, and I find that extremely boring.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@ My experience with Stormlight Archive through Oathbringer sounds remarkably similar to yours, which makes me slightly nervous for Rhythm of War. We shall see!

[@toinenosoite3173]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Hopefully you will enjoy it more than I did! RoW was in a way special for me, as I almost never dnf books.

[@BruhBruh-ew7gg]

He better stop reading the manga and watch the anime at wano or at least egg head

[@AnonforGod777]

I DnF Storm Light Archive. I am sorry, but there are just way better writers out there. I don't get it. I have read far better writing, and the following of this Sanderson guy just doesn't feel authentic to me. No one says anything about the huge flaws that are present. It almost feels as if it's a bad business move to say anything. Very Frustrating

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Different strokes for different folks! I’m not a big Cosmere reader, and I don’t tend to be interested in intricate portrayals of magic systems as I prefer the sense of mystery and wonder in more traditional stories with magic. But I’m glad Sanderson’s books exist for those who enjoy them. All the best!

[@AnonforGod777]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Good response. Thank you

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@ It’s my pleasure! Thank you for your comments!

[@yenneferalvarez7122]

Sucks that One Piece falls off HARD after the timeskip