Power Rankings: My Favorite Authors (As Of 2020)

Mike talks about his favorite working authors as of 2020 and why he would consider them automatic purchases.
0:00 Introduction and Rules
3:06 #8
4:18 #7
5:40 #6
7:49 #5
10:43 #4
13:08 #3
15:45 #2
19:28 #1
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#MikesBookReviews #FavoriteAuthors #TopAuthors

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hey bookworms! Let me know your top CURRENTLY STILL WORKING authors below. There are no wrong answers!

[@noname-bk7bc]

I had three on this list. I would add Timothy Zane, Orsen Scott Card, and Kevin Hearn to the list

[@viennacircle1]

Nk jemisin, jm coetzee, stephen king, brandon, grrm if he counts

[@imnotwadewilsonsee3656]

Jonathan Maberry and a good number of the ones mentioned in your video.

[@Grimscribe732]

Just updated the list a bit. Realized I forgot some authors when I looked at my recent readings from 2017-2020. All of them will be almost auto-buys for me. 1. Joe Abercrombie 2. Neil Gaiman 3. Jim Butcher 4. Andy Weir 5. Michael R. Fletcher 6. Pierce Brown 7. Brom 8. Darcy Coates 9. Joe Hill 10. Peter V. Brett 11. Ed McDonald 12. Jonathan Janz 13. Sylvain Neuvel Of course, where Rothfuss and/or GRRM put something out there, I'd pick it up - but I think it's fair to take them out of a list like this, at least for the moment.

[@francoisbouchart4050]

In no particular order: Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries), James S.A. Corey, Mary Robinette Kowal (The Lady Astronaut), Mark Lawrence, John Gwynne , Brandon Sanderson.

[@PetrikLeo]

You're always welcome, Mike. I'm very pleased that you're now a part of Gwynne's warband, too! We'll start Bloodsworn Saga together next year! Great list, btw! :)

[@mikesbookreviews]

Truth and courage, my friend.

[@akellerhouse83]

I'm currently reading The Faithful and the Fallen books because you constantly talk about it. I'm still on Malice. I like it so far.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Awesome! They only get better.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Great to see your list! The authors you named (or those that I know among them) also seem like very reliable, productive sorts. I've only recently started Butcher's Dresden Files myself, and since I'm just a bit older than you (six years older, I think, since you mentioned your age in another video recently), those cultural references serve me well too. Storm Front was a lot of fun. Tough to argue against Sanderson -- solid writer whose Stormlight Archive could go down as one of the greatest fantasy series. I'm just as enthusiastic about Abercrombie as you are. In fact, I recently reviewed A Little Hatred, and honestly I think Abercrombie is getting even better! I'm also looking forward to getting to know King's work better as I continue with The Dark Tower series. You've got me interested in reading John Gwynne -- not sure how I'll find the time, but I will. Thanks for the video!

[@mikesbookreviews]

For sure! I hope you'll give John Gwynne a go. I still have no idea why his books aren't appointment reading by the modern fantasy community.

[@farhad_s]

You really know how to push authors up my TBR.

[@AWalleye]

My first book of Jim Butcher's that I ever read was The Aeronaut's Windlass! I absolutely loved the steam punk aspect of it and that book got me excited to read all of Jim Butcher's books!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I will get there eventually.

[@AWalleye]

TBR's are always never ending!!

[@bryanvanloh8217]

Sanderson blows my mind. I wasn’t expecting to like skyward and loved it. Flew through the sequel and am eager for more. I only read it because it is Sanderson and it just reaffirmed the affinity my reading has for his style. I agree with the whole video and guesses basically right since I watch nearly all your videos. Robin Hobb and despite some hiccups, Brent Weeks and Anthony Ryan are there for me. Guy Gavariel Kay and Robert McCammon too but I haven’t read that much by them yet. But I’ll buy whatever I can by them and read when possible. So good.

[@kevinalbora562]

Codex Alera is a hidden gem among fantasy series. Really overshadow by Butcher’s Dresden Files.

[@lathspell87]

Agreed... after you get passed the first 60% of Furies of Calderon. From there on, it is great.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I've been told of the slow start, but I'm sure I'll enjoy it.

[@michaelhutchinson3901]

Agreed

[@JoanaSousaReads]

Before the video started I made the list in my head and I got them all except for the scifi duo xD didn't think i knew you this well. My autobuy authors are : Brandon Sanderson, Joe Abercrombie, Robin Hobb ( I am not sure if she is still writing), R F Kuang, Evan Winter. I am going to start reading Gwynne and King because of you, so those might get bumped up at some point :) happy reading

[@mikesbookreviews]

I am nothing if not predictable.

[@BookedandBusy]

I’ve watched maybe 6 of your videos and somehow you’ve moved First Law to the top of my tbr! I read The Gunslinger earlier this year and I’m excited to continue with The Dark Tower.

[@BookedandBusy]

My auto buy authors right now are Robin Hobb, Brandon Sanderson, and NK Jemisin.

[@mikesbookreviews]

First Law isn't going to hit everyone the same, but for those it clicks with...it REALLY clicks with.

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@BookedandBusy Excited to read Hobb starting in January!

[@carnissa]

Awesome list! Cheers from Brazil

[@MrShaiya96]

HORROR RECS: Koji Suzuki Ryu Murakami Junji Ito Thomas Ligotti(def the best horror in America) Arthur Machen Iain Reid Robert McCammon

[@zainshaikh527]

Thank you!

[@clairemeehan7250]

Great list Mike 😊 I would have trouble to prioritise my list but it includes: Joe Abercrombie; Mark Lawrence; Brandon Sanderson; Jim Butcher; John Gwynne; Nicholas Eames; Josiah Bancroft; and Anna Stephens. The only one I could rank is my number 1 - Robin Hobb 😍 Possible future additions to the list may include: R J Barker; M L Wang; Katherine Arden; and Becky Chambers.

[@raireads]

For me definitely Sarah Ash and N.K. Jemisin; I'm slowly expanding my repertoire and have quite a few authors on my TBR that you've featured here so I'm hoping some of them will become firm favourites!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Finding new authors is fun.

[@ahojahojish]

I thought number 1 was gonna be Stephen Erikson. Just kidding. Great video as usual. Keep it up man!

[@JamesI88]

Licanius in 2021, ha ha, good one😁 Abercrombie and Gwynne were both new for me this year, and I now want everything each of them has written.

[@nealhoffman7518]

I'm currently in the middle of a Codex Alera reread. I think that it will be a great series for you to sprinkle into 2021. It's different enough from Dresden in style and setting, and still maintains his character work and overarching planning from beginning to end. Of course, if Olympian Affair gets a 2021 release date, you may want to bump up a reading of Aeronauts Windless

[@WinterLady87]

Just finished a re-listen of both Codex Alera and The Aeronaut's Windlass, and tempted to go back through. May possibly be addicted🤔

[@nealhoffman7518]

It's easy enough to do. I have enjoyed many authors and books, but my most frequent rereads have been Butcher and Pratchett... and Austen I suppose. There's something about the characters and stories that do stay in the back of the brain, calling you constantly back. Though I have reduced my rereading of Discworld since sir Terry's passing, out of mourning

[@stephensimpson1963]

You make great content Mike

[@mikesbookreviews]

Gracias!

[@markmiles3768]

I loved Red Rising. I haven't read the fourth book. I am in the middle of Mistborn Era 2 right now! Wax and Wayne are amazing!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I enjoy the Red Rising sequels. Others seem mixed because he takes it so Grimdark. But that's my brand.

[@MilesWilliams88]

Sweet shirt, dude.

[@jtlivin]

My list 1-8: Stephen King, Michael Connelly, Kate Atkinson, Justin Cronin, Bernard Cornwell, John Irving, Haruki Murakami, Dennis Lehane.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Looking forward to reading Cornwell in the future.

[@burge2695]

Murakami❤

[@eboniestevenson231]

Oooo yes Murakami..a MUST when it comes to good authors.

[@coleton7048]

Hey Mike, got a recommendation I'm 100% sure you'd love: John Scalzi and his book Redshirts (which won the Hugo award for best sci-fi novel) and his Old Man's War series. Redshirts is a book literally tailor made for Star Trek fans. Put it on your TBR.

[@Grimscribe732]

Seconded! Also, I just finished my tear through Michael R. Fletcher's bibliography. That guy can write! I can't recommend Beyond Redemption enough, probably the epitome of what makes Grimdark great - and man, haven't laughed this much about horrible things happening since reading A Little Hatred.

[@stephanielohutko3085]

I only started with Scalzi in the last couple of years and he has quickly become an automatic read author for me.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I have several of the OMW books on Kindle.

[@coleton7048]

@@mikesbookreviews Awesome! And check out Redshirts! As a Star Trek fan obviously you know what the title is referring to. ;) The book is a hilarious and amazing Star Trek parody about the expendable low rank crew members of a spaceship realizing there's something strange going on as to why they're the ones to always die on away missions but never the commaning officers. It's seriously a Trek fans dream book, and it's only 300 pages. Super fast and fun read that will have you laughing your head off the whole way through. Read on and prosper!

[@AndrewsWizardlyReads]

Red rising is on my 2021 TBR

[@AllenFreemanMediaGuru]

“Later”-a great book!

[@illinirick1]

Good list Mike. I'd drop Butcher in favor of Erickson and slide King down to 5th or 6th and bump the rest up a spot. Agree about Martin as well

[@mikesbookreviews]

It'll be interesting to see how this list looks 1-2 years from now.

[@SwipeSide19]

Daaang, hair looks good buddy

[@StealthySwine87]

I predicted your top 4 perfectly (and I knew that Jim Butcher would be in here too just didn’t know where). Maybe I’ve watched too much of your channel lol

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah, not very mysterious for Constant Watchers.

[@DarthSnugglePuss]

1. Brandon Sanderson 2. Joe Hill 3. Joe Abercrombie 4. Stephen King 5. Neil Gaiman 6. R.F. Kuang I only have six.

[@annetteanderson7482]

I love your channel but tend to read more urban fantasy, although I am trying to expand my horizons. My 8 in no particular order are 1) Jim Butcher, 2) Patricia Briggs, 3) Ilona Andrews, 4) Eileen Wilks, 5) James Rollins, 6) Stephen King, 7) Robin Hobb, and 8) C.L. Wilson.

[@mikesbookreviews]

See, I've always avoided Urban Fantasy because I don't think I understood it, really. But Dresden has made me very interested in it.

[@harmanpiano]

Hey Mike, I’ve been reading the Books of Babel by Josiah Bancroft and they are truly superb. I’d recommend adding him to your new authors of 2021!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I get this rec a lot.

[@Luke-cp2jz]

I’d love to see a list like this but for passed away authors. Tolkien, Jordan, Herbert, etc. If they were to come back to life and write one more book, what order would you read the authors in?

[@mikesbookreviews]

If that's something viewers want, I could certainly do that.

[@annehelatrix4627]

I picked up Red Rising by Pierce Brown and so far I'm enjoying it? Glad you sold me to it

[@mikesbookreviews]

So glad folks are giving it a go.

[@ceeece]

I shy away from most fantasy these days because of how they are all geared to long series. I like a perfectly told single volume and move on. I am not against series as long as they don’t go on and on. One of the reasons i have never read WOT is because I don’t want to invest that kind of time when i could be reading other things. Stephen King is my man also and i have almost read his complete published works of fiction. So i usually like to free up time to read King since he continues to churn out 1-2 books a year. And i am ready to reread several of his books including The Dark Tower. I agree about Crichton as well. He’s my #2 favorite author. I hate that he died. Love the content, Mike!

[@mikesbookreviews]

It is getting tiring. Especially when something that very clearly should have been a trilogy (LIGHTBRINGER!) is fluffed up to be 5-7 books.

[@calebmauer1751]

Same. I'm always looking for good single books to read. At the very least, let them be completed series so I don't have to wait for the next one.

[@FatCandyProduction]

As a fantasy reader I've actually been enjoying Haruki Murakami alot lately! And they are standalones! Lovely to read I. Between those big fantasy series

[@mikesbookreviews]

I miss stand alones. King and Crichton were always my saving grace while reading long series.

[@FatCandyProduction]

@@mikesbookreviews stephen king is great for standalones too yes! Have plenty of them haha

[@dorkwithstyle73]

Jim Butcher for sure, cannot wait for Battleground (you really need to read Codex Alera, so good), James Patterson, the Expanse boys, Brandon of course (love mistborn, halfway through AWay of Kong’s). I want to include Martin, and yes he has written Fire & Blood and a Knight if they Seven Kingdoms, and they are on my TBR, but really where is book 6. James Rollins and Steve Berry are on my list

[@AllenFreemanMediaGuru]

I love your list! Stephen King is #1. Right now I’m into Robert McCammon who I see similar to King. I’ve read Mine, The Five and Boy’s Life. Currently enjoying Swan Song.

[@alexisdumas84]

I started out **loving** The Expanse series, and still to this day really like those early books. But somewhere around book 5, something started feeling a little repetitive, in that the theme and overall structure of the books stayed really similar. I'll probably go back to the series soon, but there's other stuff that I like a lot more that I still want to read first. I'll probably do a reread when the final book comes out.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Interesting. Most I've talked to have Babylon/Persephone as their favorite Expanse books. I'll keep this in mind though.

[@alexisdumas84]

Mike's Book Reviews I stopped reading right before those books - at Nemesis Games, which was book 5. So it might get better after.

[@Marcus-id5ur]

I thought book 5 completely changed the structure with the crew being split up and really really big things happening. I'm looking forward to the release of the last book.

[@andrewhallam237]

My eight from 8 to1 are 8. Lani Taylor 7. Jay Kristoff 6. M.L Spencer 5. John Scalzi 4. Bernard Cornwell 3. John Gwynne 2. Michael J Sullivan and ofcourse at number 1. Brandon Sanderson. Our tastes in books are quite similar but I don't like grimdark much, I like most of my protagonists to live and win the day :)

[@mastersal4644]

Bernard Cornwall ! Yes! Also has a backlist that can help one survive the next decade

[@mikesbookreviews]

I own books from a lot of these authors but haven't started yet.

[@masoodvoon8999]

Great list. I guess John Gwynne is the series I start next spring.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Highest of recommends.

[@emilybuskey8679]

Excellent list! I would add Mark Lawrence as at least an honorable mention. His Broken Empire universe is just mind blowing to me.

[@goldenspiral6008]

Mike doesn't like him though.

[@emilybuskey8679]

@@goldenspiral6008 Apparently Mike doesn’t like black ppl either. I stopped following him a while ago.

[@goldenspiral6008]

@@emilybuskey8679 Where do you get that from?

[@emilybuskey8679]

@@goldenspiral6008 He made some controversial tweets around the time the George Floyd riots were happening. I’m sure they’re all deleted by now, but I done with this dude.

[@elbauldelosrecuerdosdemigu5137]

GRRM put out a book two years ago. Fire and Blood. Even if it's not the book the fandom wants, it is a very good book. He also put out The World of Ice and Fire in 2014. It's unfair you say he hasn't put out a book in a decade, because that's just not true. I'm also waiting for WOW and he IS writing, you can see that on some ofhis more recent blog posts. I agree the man is slow, and he's kind of written himself into a corner with the current state of the series, but I trust the man, I think he will put out Winds by next year, or as late as 2022. I wouldn't put my hand on the fire for Dream of Spring, though. I'm sorry, but I felt I had to defend the man that got me into epic fantasy.

[@mikesbookreviews]

If you want to count what amounts to history books to fulfill his obligations to the publisher, you’re allowed to do that. I just don’t.

[@PizzaNife]

10. Dennis Lehane 9. Robert Crais 8. Ace Atkins 7. Steve Berry 6. James Lee Burke 5. Mark Greaney 4. Michael Connelly 3. Daniel Silva 2. Matthew Reilly 1. Jim Butcher I watch Mike’s vids to help expand my fantasy reading haha

[@mastersal4644]

Excellent video. Am pushing up the faithful and the fallen up on the TBR. Hope some of the new authors make your top authors. My bet would be Robin Hobb or Glen Cook. Mine - other than romance / urban fantasy author Patricia Briggs - would be Brent Weeks or Mark Lawrence. And Hobb but she breaks me heart too much that it takes me forever to read her.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hoping to read Black Company after Malazan finishes.

[@yanuarsubianto3312]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@yanuarsubianto3312]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@yanuarsubianto3312]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@yanuarsubianto3312]

😊

[@Marcus-id5ur]

We have two in common with Sanderson and Corey. I actually think the SF writers today are better than the fantasy ones. I would add Hamilton, Reynolds and Morgan (hardcore grimdark SF and fantasy, maybe someday you will pick up your kindle and move him up your TBR list). McClellan might make his way onto this list as well, I've only read one book so far. Martin would make the list but... Also a side note, Sanderson has a series of his lectures from BYU on here. I watched a few and they are pretty interesting. He treats writing like a job, sets aside 8 hours a day (two 4 hour blocks) to close his office and just type. We can only hope GRRM also watched that lecture.

[@epicgamer2727]

I’m not sure if you’ve ever read anything by Robert Jackson Bennet but his divine city’s trilogy is some of the best fantasy released in the last 20 years and his follow up Foundryside (and the sequel Shorefall) are just as good. Highly recommend if you haven’t heard of them, he’s just a consistent author that’s an insta-buy from me

[@mikesbookreviews]

I own the DC trilogy, but no immediate plans. Have heard great things!

[@kirple6589]

I think I'd still include GRRM in my list, as tired of waiting as everyone else but I still wouldn't hesitate to jump on WoW without thinking twice. As for the 'currently working' status, I know a lot of people had a problem with what's essentially hundreds of pages of procrastination but I really enjoyed Fire and Blood! As for others, Abercrombie goes without saying, he's the first author with more than a couple of books that I've collected everything from. Sanderson too but only the Cosmere would be an auto buy. Also this year I've really grown to love Neil Gaiman, I haven't read everything from him yet but nothings let me down so far, even his more middle grade/YA stuff is brilliant and feels so unique.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Like I've told others, if you want to include GRRM on your list, by all means do it. It isn't frustration for me, I just can't count a couple of basically lore/history books to satisfy the obligations of the publisher as currently working.

[@Michael_L_Morrison]

My list is just Stephen King, as my favorite. There are many authors whose books I like a lot, including many you listed in your video. I just have trouble trying to put them in a list. So I will stick with Steve. It's a safe pic. I have read The Blade Itself, and I loved the character Sand dan Glokta. Can't say why I didn't continue with the series. Eventually I want to, but I have a lot on my book plate right now. I've also read Shattered Sea book 1. It wasn't bad at all. I think you will like it. I know you probably get book recommendations often, so I will give my two cents worth. If you have never read Swan Song by Robert R. McCammon, you should. Highly recommended. It's a little dated now (1987), but it still such a great freaking read. The first time I read it, I felt it was a book worthy to be mentioned in the same sentence as The Stand. In fact, I've read Swan Song more times than I have read The Stand. Up to to, but go put it on your TBR anyway. LOL. And with that, have a good evening!

[@mikesbookreviews]

King is more than just a clever name.

[@nathancutler232]

Right now, I'll read anything by Josiah Bancroft in his Books of Babel series (Senlin Ascends is the first book), novels by Evan Winter (The Rage of Dragons), Will Wight (Cradle Series) and Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries)

[@currangill430]

1. Abercrombie 2. GRRM 3. Neil Gaiman 4. R.F. Kuang 5. Cormac McCarthy 6. Naomi Novik (tie with Rowling but I bumped her down because of her shitty comments) Authors I"m excited to read: -R.F. Kuang only read one book so far -Anna Stephens -John Gwynne -Pierce Brown -Leo Carew -R. Scott Bakker -N.K. Jemisin -Fonda Lee -Laini Taylor (the cover looks beautiful okay?!)

[@altodomino2721]

Mike have you read Clive Barker's Imajica? I think it'd be right up your alley

[@mikesbookreviews]

I own it, but folks chose Weaveworld for Fright Fest over it. If I enjoy that one, I'll certainly read Imajica.

[@nicodemogawronski2052]

I love Stephen King but somehow I prefer Sanderson/Abercrombie. For Stephen King, I love the stories but not necessarily the characters. They are usually normal people and I tend to forget about them after reading the book. With some of modern fantasy authors you mentioned, I am both interested in the story and the characters and usually don't forget them. But yeah, great list thank you. I haven't read all these authors and I saved the video so that when I finish all Joe Abercrombie's books I know already what to read!

[@mikesbookreviews]

We all have our favorites. There can't be a wrong answer.

[@caldwell0729]

I wasn't a huge fan of The Crown Conspiracy by Sullivan. Is it worth continuing on? Or is that one a good representation of his books?

[@Kardan74]

I known you started watching The Expanse before reading the books. Is that what you recommend a beginner should do with the series?

[@mikesbookreviews]

It’s not a bad plan.

[@JLchevz]

We have such a similar story regarding the "something different" thing (looking for some good grimdark or similar types of stories), I'm sort of frustrated (not really, but I love ASOIAF) waiting for ASOIAF and I guess it's my time to read the First Law.

[@mikesbookreviews]

First Law will definitely scratch that ASOIAF itch.

[@JLchevz]

@@mikesbookreviews excellent, thanks 😁

[@meacham313]

I guessed 4 of 8, I think I've watch too many Mike's Book Reviews videos lol. Reading the Stand right now, probably the longest book I've ever tried to read. Very good so far 700 pages in. I have a friend that struggles with King, says he doesn't care about Kings characters. Which book would everyone recommend of King's for him?

[@mikesbookreviews]

The Stand is just wonderful.

[@waymire01]

He may just not get on with King.. but if you give me a short list of what he didn't like I can suggest something else. I've read everything he's written that is available in print lol.

[@LiveItUpDaily]

7:50 yessss

[@bobgdn]

For me King is King. I think he made a quote where he said he could scribble some words on a bar napkin and millions of people would buy it. I’m one of those people who would stand in line and throw my cash down for that napkin. Abercrombie and Sanderson are on my list too and I’m sure Gwynne and some of the others on your list will be making it to mine. Neil Gaiman is starting to creep up on my list too.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I would be in line right there with you.

[@CliffsDarkGems]

Hey Mike, not sure if it is "OK" to comment on older videos. It seems nobody else comments unless it is a new release. I've recently subscribed to your channel and am enjoying your older content. This is also true re some other horror channel content I have enjoyed. Anyway, I am also a SK freak with fifty + novels, novellas and short story collections read and look forward to purchasing some of his more recent novels. By the way, In my opinion, The Institute is criminally under-rated. It is seriously dark, traumatizing and the "back" room left me nauseated.

[@Enigmanaut]

Regarding Jim Butcher's non-Dresden Files output. Read Cinder Spires before you move onto Alera. There's only one so far in that series, so you'd be instantly caught up after a single book. I've only read the first Alera book, and it was decent, but I wasn't really that captured by it. I do intend to read the rest of it in time, but Cinder Spires was a more interesting story for my money.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Will do!

[@francoisbouchart4050]

Guessed 5 of 8. All good choices! (but there are no wrong answers 😉)

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah, Constant Watchers probably didn't find many surprises here.

[@writerfox]

Just started the video, waiting to hear Gwynne, Abercrombie, and Brown.

[@mikesbookreviews]

You didn't have to wait too long.

[@MilesWilliams88]

I'm on a big Cormac Mccarthy kick right now. I've went back and started reading all his work. He hasn't put out a book since 2006 though haha. Not so sure he will ever put another one out.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I've only read The Road, but really liked it. Did he retire?

[@MilesWilliams88]

@@mikesbookreviews No he's supposed to be working on a new novel called Passenger, but there's been no news on it in years. He's 87 years old though, so who knows if it will actually ever come out. He's been writing since the 60's and has only put out 10 books... which is a shame because I can't get enough of his work! Haha. I feel in love with his writing style after I finished Blood Meridian a while back.

[@jeremy6604]

Hey I love the video but next time you do one of these can you put the spelling up on the screen? Just wanting to find the right authors :)

[@Indianagal77]

People always look at me crazy when I say that my favorite Stephen King books are not horror books. He does so much more than horror.

[@mikesbookreviews]

1000% true.

[@Severian1]

Lysander got too OP in DA but I still love the books! Any word on book six?

[@mikesbookreviews]

He tweeted he was writing it during quarantine. If his usual output is any signifier, I'd expect it in 2021.

[@Severian1]

@@mikesbookreviews Oh that's great. Felt a little empty when there was no more RR books after DA.

[@scottsm6527]

On the topic of Stephen King: Mike I started The Talisman and in the last video you put out you said you haven’t read it yet, just do it, read it it is sooo good

[@mikesbookreviews]

CAN'T WAIT!

[@briankregg6329]

Mike's Book Reviews Peter Straub!!

[@danielvanrooyen9602]

Earth is part of the Cosmere, and Brandon Sanderson is actually Hoid, writing his own story of world hopping and events past and to come. Investiture keeps him awake.

[@mikesbookreviews]

A great theory.

[@luketufts6827]

He’s in a perpetual Mistborn era 2 time bubble

[@cipriansirbu3699]

I'm a little disapointed on just the fourth place for Sanderson,I expected to be second to Stephen King,but it's your list,for me Sanderson is Number 1.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I knew that would stun some folks.

[@sjkrum320]

You need to see the funny Brandon Sanderson video Danial Greene made a few weeks agom it'll crack you up! Sanderson is my number 1 for sure! King was my number one back in the day though.

[@michaelhutchinson3901]

With Dresden and Jim Butcher climbing so quickly into your list.. Move here👇 When you need that palate cleanser with balls out fun and modern twists on age old lore... Go with the HappyFace baby... Larry Correia and “Monster Hunter Internatonal” Look for an interview with Jim Butcher on what series he recommends to fans of Dresden...... and MHI is always mentioned....

[@keithsagers14]

Reading book four of The Faithful and the Fallon, and yeah, John Gwynne has become an automatic read for me.

[@mikesbookreviews]

He’s an incredible author.

[@WINO1964]

I've three authors not mentioned that are automatic buy for me that I think you'd like. John Scalzi, Hugh Howey, NK Jemmison and Douglas R Richards.

[@WINO1964]

Mostly for Sci-fi

[@mikesbookreviews]

I have some Scalzi on my Kindle.

[@WINO1964]

@@mikesbookreviews Sweet

[@Marcus-id5ur]

Wool was such a good book, and a quick read too. I didn't really like the sequel as much since it kinda ruined everything that was accomplished in Wool.

[@Tinahgirl83]

Seanan Maguire (Wayward Children), Martha Wells (Murderbot), Jane Harper. Most of my favorite authors are deceased.😂

[@Stewart000]

I have more than 10 authors on my auto-buy list. These are the ones that came to mind first & the list is alphabetized- Chuck Wendig E E Knight J D Robb Jim Butcher Lilith Saintcrow Matt Wallace Michael J. Sullivan Richard Kadrey Robin Hobb Stephen Blackmoore

[@tommyboyscalemodeling4988]

King is the GOAT. No question.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Those are the facts.

[@alexcalder2224]

You should check out the TV show Dark. Really great Sci fi

[@mikesbookreviews]

Man, I was hyping Dark a year ago! I’m glad so many others are finally getting into it.

[@rahulmatthew8035]

Dark is in the top 5 of my series recommendations. The Wire, Breaking Bad, Chernobyl, and GOT(Till 6 season). If King wanted to do a German series, Dark would be it for its small-town secrets about time travel. The writers of the show were influenced by Sai King.

[@GamingDreamer]

I'll tell you the truth I don't care about the ranking, I'm here for more books

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha, hope I got you some new ideas.

[@patrickc3419]

Mine are (no specific order): John Steinbeck John Grisham CS Lewis Frank Peretti Louis L’Amour

[@mindysbookjourney]

I love The Expanse book series and the TV Series. Stephen King is always a good choice.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Indeed.

[@dorston.graves]

Lol, Sanderson on a coffee break....

[@licenciado1970]

You already know my holy trinity: Goodkind, Clive Barker, and Stephen R. Donaldson. I might have to put Abercrombie on that Mount Rushmore, and make room for Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman as well.

[@TunezCottage]

Goodkind? I just have to question that pick. What could you possibly like about his writing? Genuinely curious as it only came off as horribly unoriginal and monologuey to me

[@licenciado1970]

TunezCottage I’m genuinely curious as to what you didn’t like about it. Let me see, besides the fact he writes some of the best characters in fantasy, doesn’t bore the reader with unnecessary info drops or details, is a mater at the ebb and flow of pacing a story, writes very good action sequences, and overall knows how to tell a good yarn, I guess there isn’t much to like about his writing. He is one the best writers in fantasy, one of the most successful, and one of the best with his fans, who comprise one of the biggest fandoms in fantasy. If you did not like Sword of Truth it is certainly your prerogative and, in my opinion, your loss.

[@TunezCottage]

@@licenciado1970 he took Smeagol, named him Samuel and dropped him in his book. The guy is a hack. His protagonist is the dumbest, whiniest, most annoying character I've ever had the misfortune of having to read. So I disagree wholeheartedly on all of that. Not to mention the author himself is just a despicable human. He publicly humiliated an artist for having made the cover to one of his books according to his publishers specifications, that's utterly disgusting behavior... I mean that alone is reason enough for me never to touch his work ever again.

[@licenciado1970]

TunezCottage The fact the Samuel character is a very minor character makes the Sméagol reference unimportant. Richard is one of the greatest protagonists in fantasy and his relationship with Kahlan is the greatest romance in the genre, bar none. The fact he had that incident with them artist, ooooh, what a horrible human being that makes him. Sanderson is anti-gay and a Mormon and people still read his books. All of the authors we love and revere have philosophies and viewpoints that would cause people to not read their books. A fight with a publisher and an artist is not a make or break for me. It’s a shame you have let it cloud your judgment.

[@TheWorldAccordingToJ]

Since I'm a horror guy, Stephen King is an automatic buy. Probably Bentley Little, Joe Hill and Grady Hendrix. This year I've really gotten into small more independent authors. Todd Keisling Devils Creek is my book of the year. EVERYONE SHOULD GET A COPY! Duncan Ralston is another top independent.

[@MrShaiya96]

HORROR RECS: Koji Suzuki Ryu Murakami Junji Ito Thomas Ligotti(def the best horror in America) Arthur Machen Iain Reid Robert McCammon

[@mikesbookreviews]

I was impressed by NOS4A2 and it warmed my heart to see it took place within the King Multiverse. Knowing that Joe will keep it going after the King leaves us gives me some comfort.

[@robpaul7544]

In no particular order , all auto-buy Steven Erikson Joe Abercrombie Jim Butcher Tom Holt / KJ Parker Jacqueline Carey Richard Kadrey Raymond Feist James Lovegrove Nicholas Eames Wesley Chu Jonathan L Howard Christopher Moore

[@mikesbookreviews]

Folks are stumping for me to read Eames constantly.

[@robpaul7544]

@@mikesbookreviews Yeah, I can imagine.. think you'll love it too. It's fun, well-written, easy-going fantasy - with a strong D&D feel. Good palette cleanser for next year, maybe..?

[@IvoLouro]

I was a bit surprised you didn't put Michael Crichton on this list... since you like him so much.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I was doing authors still working. Mr. Crichton passed in 2008.

[@IvoLouro]

@@mikesbookreviews oh ok... I see

[@randy11748]

Steven Brust’s Taltos series. Hands down.

[@mikesbookreviews]

First I've heard of this one. I'll look it up.

[@philipgeyer926]

Why be daunted by long series? If anything, series writers are easier to commit to than stand-alone writers because if you don't like the first book, you can cross-off the whole series. With stand-alones you can't do that. There's always the feeling that the next one might just be IT.

[@RFazor]

Contrary to what many might think, SK writes literature.

[@MrRys]

idk, GRR Martin does release books, just not the books that we want him to release :D

[@allanfarrell9306]

Neal Stephenson is an automatic by for me everytime.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I've heard this more than once.

[@illinirick1]

I love most of his work. Can't wait for my next reread of the Baroque Cycle!

[@kylefunk546]

IF grrm passes before finishing ASOIAF do you think Brandon Sanderson should get the torch to finish it? Just curious i came into Grrm books late haha and i feel for yall that are life long fans waiting for his original saga to be finished haha

[@AJPzaworld]

Made me realize most of my favorites have long since passed. Any who, if I had to list eight: 1) Tetsuo Hara and Buronson: Authors of my favorite series of all time, Fist of the North Star 2) Hirohiko Araki: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is my 2nd favorite series ever 3) Haruki Murakami: Stephen King of Japan in my eyes; lots of hits, and some horrid misses. 4) Tatsuki Fujimoto: Bizarre man with masterful writing. Chainsaw Man and Fire Punch are amazing, near masterpieces. 5) Stephen King: No explanation needed 6) R. Scott Bakker: The Second Apocalypse is amazing 7) Kumo Kagyu: Goblin Slayer means a lot to me, and I just adore everything about the series. Objectively, not the greatest thing to the heavens, but it just resonates a lot with me 8) Anna Smith Spark: Empires of Dust is amazing, some of the best grimdark out there. Honorable Mention to Hara Yasuhisa for KINGDOM, one of the best manga out there, and one of my all time favorites, who is in my top 10 all time favs, but I can only do eight. Also, Kentaro Miura for BERSERK, despite its never ending hiatuses (which knocks it down a few pegs).

[@MetalGildarts]

Ah, Japanese authors here. Respect. I’m assuming these are mangas, cause I know Goblin Slayer is a light novel series which the anime is based on. Btw can’t wait for season two.

[@AJPzaworld]

Marco Meza Same here, the light novels are simply fantastic when it comes to characterization! Haruki Murakami is not a mangaka, but he is one of the most acclaimed authors in Japan. He covers stuff from dystopian magical realism to suicide and depression. I’d highly recommend you read Norwegian Wood, Hardboiled Wonderland at the End of the World, or Kafka on the Shore to get an idea of him.

[@MetalGildarts]

The World of A.J.P. There are English translations of his works I’m assuming? Despite loving all things Japan I speak no Japanese lol

[@AJPzaworld]

Marco Meza Yep, there are plenty, from the most obscure of his work to his most popular. The English translations are top notch, keeping much of the character and personality of his prose intact, so no worry for bad translations. Also, he recently released another novel this year, and it is already in English.

[@MetalGildarts]

The World of A.J.P. Yeah I’ve been wanting to look into Japanese fantasy literature for a while.

[@Morfeusm]

I love your videos so I am not a hater but Martin released plenty of books last few years, you even have one just behind you!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I don’t count history and lore books.

[@marcusmusings]

You want a good coming of age story, check out Boys Life by Robert McCammon

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'd have to read Swan Song first.

[@QuirkyQuillify]

I also thought of Boys Life. Although when I read it, I was constantly reminded of King. I just couldn't shake the feeling that it's an imitation SK book. It's really good in its own right, but King writes coming-of-age so well that his influence is undeniable in that genre.

[@marcusmusings]

@@QuirkyQuillify I'll concede to that point. Boys Life came first for me though by a good 6 years or so before reading King

[@bluesmanfromWales]

@@mikesbookreviews I tried reading Swan Song in the early 90s thinking it was like The Stand but couldn't get into it. Finally, read it last year and it was fantastic. The only other one I've read of McCammon was Mine, which wasn't very good. I'll have to do a bit of research on Boys Life as I admit, I don't know what it is.

[@dorkwithstyle73]

My favorite book. I had to read it freshman year in high school. I have probably read it at least five times. My wife gave my a signed copy for last christmas

[@Rogue_VI]

Favorite currently working authors include Erikson, C.S. Friedman (Coldfire Trilogy), Sanderson, and Larry Correia (Monster Hunters)

[@thatwasprettyneat]

michael crichton is the ultimate ghost writer

[@AllenFreemanMediaGuru]

words in Tommyknockers: 241,570

[@nicholasgerdak1672]

My favorite working authors 5. Michael J. Sullivan 4. John Gwynne 3. Joe Abercrombie 2. James Islington 1. Brandon Sanderson

[@mikesbookreviews]

Strong. Reading Licanius right now.

[@gaberodriguez4023]

Neil Gaiman for me.

[@mikesbookreviews]

No idea why I've never read him. He seems to be everything that I'd love.

[@stuart1346]

Read his book on Norse mythology before Bloodsworne comes out since that’s its main inspiration?

[@briankregg6329]

Mike's Book Reviews overrated, you are not missing anything, well maybe some aggravation 🙁

[@larryladeroute971]

Salvatore and Drizzt are comparable to Dresden in the length of time and number of consistent books. Does not bother me you excluded GRRM but he has been releasing stuff...just not what we want.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Right. I don't count history books as new ASOIAF books.

[@dphunk87]

So glad to see Michael Sullivan making the list

[@mikesbookreviews]

He's brilliant. And brave as hell. Leaving Orbit to become an independent publisher all from kickstarter? Just fantastic.