The 10 Best Fantasy Books I’ve Ever Read

[@DarrenChamberlain]

Terry Pratchett once said this about Tolkien, and it seems directly relevant: "J.R.R. Tolkien has become a sort of mountain, appearing in all subsequent fantasy in the way that Mt. Fuji appears so often in Japanese prints. Sometimes it’s big and up close. Sometimes it’s a shape on the horizon. Sometimes it’s not there at all, which means that the artist either has made a deliberate decision against the mountain, which is interesting in itself, or is in fact standing on Mt. Fuji."

[@Dejasmo]

Apparently, Rothfuss didn’t think the series was worth continuing either.

[@scotttracht2470]

😂 funny but painful.

[@colinwoods7678]

How true!

[@evandickinson6393]

But he thought recycling a short story was worthwhile...

[@WestTexasGothic]

Too soon😭😭😭

[@SpaceExplorer]

you crazy for that one

[@debsllewelyn230]

Diana Wynne Jones is a highly under-rated fantasy writer in my opinion. Everyone talks about Howl's Moving Castle but the Crestomanci novels are phenomenal.

[@greyone40]

For me the best thing about this video is that you are looking forward to reading to your son. A friend of mine had to go and put his children to bed one time when I was visiting. When he came back we had a game of bridge (four of us of course). It was quite a wait for him to come back. Why? because he was reading a chapter (one per night) of The Hobbit to his son and daughter before turning out the light. What a great Dad.

[@_jared]

I can't wait for the opportunity to share these stories with him!

[@flannerypedley840]

My daughter was brought up being read the Hobbit over and over by her Dad. She identifies with Smaug. Not sure that was the aim.....

[@MH-ql4nh]

Agree with everything on your list, especially Piranesi, which in my opinion is one of the best books I've ever read. I was excited that you mentioned Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell too! Terry Pratchett's Discworld blew me away because despite the fantasy setting and the humour, there were a lot of deep topics covered. Every time I reread one of the books, I discover something new. Those books are just precious!

[@debbiec6723]

I loved LOTR when I was a teenager sometime in my 20's it became a book I kept because of how much I loved it. Sometime in my forties I picked it up again and rediscovered how much I loved it but I appreciated it levels I couldn't when I was younger. In my mind that is one of the things that make it such a great book.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I'm delighted to see Beowulf on your list, Jared! It's my favorite thing to teach, and I view it as more of a lament than an epic. Assuming the poet was a Christian looking back at his pagan ancestors, it is a poignant examination of the fleetingness of life and the ultimate futility of the pagan heroic code, as admirable as it was. Earthsea and Lord of the Rings are two of my favorites as well. I'm glad to hear you're enjoying Malazan so far!

[@_jared]

Thank you, Philip. I'm really enjoying Malazan - would love to chat about it once I'm done with Gardens. If you have a way to get in touch, maybe send me an email (my email is in my profile)?

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@_jared Will do!

[@folksurvival]

"Assuming the poet was a Christian looking back at his pagan ancestors, it is a poignant examination of the fleetingness of life and the ultimate futility of the pagan heroic code" The pagan heroic code is not futile though. If anything it's the opposite; meaning the more futile thing would be converting to the insane cult of Christianity.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@folksurvival You and I feel that way, but the 8th century Christian poet of Beowulf had a different perspective. Considering how hostile (for the most part) the newly converted Anglo-Saxons were to the old gods, the poet was remarkably tolerant, largely presenting his pagan ancestors in a positive light (though expurgating specific references to the old gods).

[@threelilies9453]

​@@folksurvivalwhat's the pagan code?

[@something00witty]

Great video! I agree that sharing Earthsea with a child would be a wonderful experience. I'm up to book 8 in the Malazan Book of the Fallen, and one of the things that astounds me about the series is how well-realized the cultures and history are. I find it comparable to wheel of time in this aspect, although structurally they go about achieving the effect in very different ways. Also, good to see another nod to Piranesi. That book stayed in my thoughts for a long time after reading.

[@user-pg3pe4gx4p]

Earthsea was very boring.

[@samm8190]

I loved this so much. It wasn’t just a regurgitation of the booktube favorites. The once and future king is also one of my favorite fantasy books.

[@JLchevz]

I'm glad you're reading Malazan. Personally I've read up to book 4 and it's already one of my favorite series. It can be a bit overwhelming but that's part of the charm!! Loved this video :D

[@ReynaSingh]

Great selection. I think fantasy can do a better job capturing humanity than realism does at times

[@3choblast3r4]

That's not even a debate to be honest. You can ask existential questions do things in fantasy and sci fi that you can't do in realism. Esp fantasy since in fantasy you're not beholden to any rules (aside from the ones you set for yourself) while with sci fi you're still stuck with physical limitations and laws. E.g. in fantasy a man or woman can lose their loved ones and go on a journey to get them back from the underworld or something etc etc.

[@yonathanasefaw9001]

Hey I've seen you in a philosophy video! I think it was Overdose.

[@Charlie0106]

@@yonathanasefaw9001 author?

[@yonathanasefaw9001]

@@Charlie0106 I don't remember the video but it was Philosophy Overdose!

[@yonathanasefaw9001]

forgot to put a 'you' in that comment.

[@hannahyalea]

So I was actually gifted the His Dark Materials series as a young preteen, but for some reason never got around to reading them until this past year. I’m 25 now. The books were beautiful. I did not expect to be impacted by them the way I was. Admittedly, I didn’t really “get” the series or start to really enjoy it until the 2nd book, but it’s now one of my favorite fantasy series of all-time, as well.

[@Stella-fc7tc]

It's SO nice to hear someone talking about Guy Gavriel Kay!! He is the one author I will read anything from. Also, I think that was a great list... Please tell us your opinion about the Malazan. I read the first book many years ago but not the rest of them and I'm willing to give it another try

[@stevenredpath9332]

If you want grand epic on the big scale with humour, philosophy and more characters you can keep track of (almost) then dive in. Each book reveals more about the world and characters but it’s one you have to commit to but it’s worth it. Totally worth it imho.

[@rishabhaniket1952]

That craze of reading a book and finding out what happens before anyone else spoils it (which is now replaced by TV series ) is something which I and everyone of my age around me has only experienced during the Harry Potter books. Its the only time I have seen a waiting queue of people in front of a bookstore . Sadly I don’t think we will see that kind of phenomenon again.

[@HabitualJoker]

This was such an awesome phenomenon to live through. I remember having loads of conversations around if Snape was good or bad, who would die and who would live, and who the next year’s Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher would be. It was such a fun thing to be a part of and I miss all of the buzz around the movies, the LEGOs, and the like. It was a fun time to be young.

[@rosshardy210]

Thank you for the shout-out for Equal Rites. My favourite book. Doesn't always get the attention it deserves in Discworld just for having come early in Pratchett's oeuvre.

[@stevenredpath9332]

Love how Terry brought it full circle with the final Tiffany book. I’m more a Rincewind fan but do like the Tiffany books.

[@marygriffiths6818]

Great to see The Once and Future King in your list. It's oone of my top ten books in all genres. I have read it so many times and it still brings me to tears.

[@tine272]

i'm so glad earthsea was mentioned ❤

[@internetenjoyer1044]

Ive picked up the gods of Pegana by Lord Dunsany and am really impressed by his style and proto Lovecraftian sensibility

[@Jake_D_Dogg]

If you haven't read the Realm of the Elderlings by Robin Hobb, highly recommend it! Hobb has a way of making you fall in love with her characters and feel so strongly for them in a way that I haven't experienced with any other writer

[@hannahbrown397]

Jared, I’ve been in such a reading slump and your book selections have really put me back on reading. I look forward to your videos!!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

GGK 🎉 I haven’t read Tigana yet but a few of his other works have really impacted me! He should be praised far more often imo

[@Imperial_Ossas]

Same as you, Tigana is still ahead of me, but The Sarantine Mosaic was splendid.

[@DavidMetcalfe-s1i]

I feel validated seeing Equal Rites get a shout out as a Discworld favorite. I have read 9 so far and it is for sure my favorite as well. Granny Weatherwax is absolutely hilarious throughout this book.

[@griseusasmr]

I don't know if counts as Fantasy 🤷‍♂ but since I see Beowulf and Tolkien on the list I am going to recommend "Kalevala" a compilation of a finnish creation myth by Elias Lonnröt, another of the biggest Tolkien's incluences. Top tier 🙌

[@liamhemmings9039]

Very well put on all books. I agree with you on WoT. It's a fantastic, immersive series. I've read it many times and it never disappoints.

[@yonathanasefaw9001]

I am absolutely in love with Wheel of Time. I need to get back to reading the first one again!

[@triciahutchins5407]

I am currently obsessively re-reading Piranesi. I put it back on the shelf, and then two days later I'm reading it again. What a journey it is! I don't know if it qualifies as fantasy, but one of my favorites is The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde. The series weakens near the end, but the first two books are enchanting.

[@joanwilliams8129]

The first couple of Steven Donaldson 's The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant series and the superb character development and language in the works of Tad Williams , esp. Green Angel Tower.

[@guitargrin]

So glad to see your comments. Donaldson Gets a lot of criticism for Covenant. These impacted me so much as a young person.

[@Mnnwer]

I appreciate the editing, really nice.

[@sayeesaran]

First Law series by Joe Abercrombie is a great grim-dark low fantasy series. I've read the first trilogy and it's one of my top reads. I'd suggest if you can pick it up after Malazan!

[@jeremygunkel]

I just got done with the three standalones following The First Law trilogy and those are awesome. Starting The Age of Madness trilogy in a few days. Cant wait!

[@sayeesaran]

@@jeremygunkel That's great! My copy of Best Served Cold arrived and going to pick it up soon.

[@jacobharper4501]

I can see why it's popular but I competed the trilogy confused why I pushed myself to finish it. I've only been left with that feeling 1-2 other times.

[@alexiskiri9693]

Glad to see Guy Gabriel Kay on the list. He is overlooked, I feel, but I've read and enjoyed many of his books.

[@reginaldcampos5762]

I actually dont really care for the battle scenes in the LOTR. I really love the more intimate moments in the books between characters. My favorite scenes were with Sam and Frodo, especially near Mount Doom.

[@connorsummach9888]

Have you read the Prince of Nothing trilogy? “The Darkness that Comes Before” is the first book and it’s excellent. The series is by R Scott Bakker, a Canadian philosopher, and seems like it would be right up your alley. I’d highly recommend it.

[@amcmillion3]

This is a really solid list. My list would include more of the gritty fantasy. A Song of Ice and Fire, The First Law Trilogy, and Malazan.

[@juditurner779]

Roger Zelazny,s Nine Prince,s in Amber is one of my favorites

[@lukeorloki]

I didn't make time to read fantasy during my working years. Finally starting to read new fantasy and started with the WOT. It wasn't for me. It felt like epic-ish okay YA fantasy but I was expecting something as good as LOTR but bigger. I'm looking forward to reading some of the other modern fantasy writers that might be more to my taste. Dark Tower next and then maybe Hobb, Erikson, and Abercrombie. Great video! Thanks!

[@Aidanrvb09]

I agree with you on Name of the Wine. I couldn’t even finish the first book.

[@flannerypedley840]

If only it was actually about wine....

[@edmundplamowski8527]

Have you read the Warlord Chronicles? I’d love to see a video ranking Arthurian books.

[@MaximilianP-rf5hq]

Great selection! I'd be quite interested in hearing your take on George R. R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire"-series; that series would definitely be in my list somewhere.

[@canishma]

actually blown away its not even in honorable mentions

[@peenweinerstein9968]

Maybe he hasn’t read it… or maybe it’s hard to rank because it’s unfinished

[@korganrocks3995]

@@canishma If it ever got finished I'm sure it would qualify for an honorable mention, but when you have a series where most people agree that the first three books are great, the 4th is pretty meh, the 5th is merely ok and 12 years later there's still two more unwritten...

[@tomharner83]

Reading aSoIaF didn't strike a nerve for me... I've read them all and the more I think about the central themes, the less I like the books. I wholeheartedly disagree with the fundamental premise that "all people suck and nothing really matters". The pessimism is overbearing. I don't believe that they deserve to be on this list.

[@Elfeeta]

Just found your channel, love the list. I don’t entirely agree with your comments on Tolkien, and wonder who has surpassed him or his work but respect your perspective.

[@gianlucacrippa8429]

Try Berserk, it’s good to know a new medium!

[@connecticutaggie]

Great list. I read a lot of Fantasy in High School and College. The pace of my world is much faster now but you have made me think of picking up a book again. Regarding Beowulf: Like many, I read when I was in High School and along side that, our teacher had us read Grendel by John Gardner who tells the story from the "monster's" viewpoint.

[@staceywinter3835]

I loved the book Grendal. Gardner really captures the monster's persepctive and almost convinces the reader that Beowolf is the bad guy in this epic tale. In the vein of Beowolf, I also recomend Michael Crichton's "Eaters of the Dead." This is a retelling of a historical manuscript by the 10th-century traveler Ahmad ibn Fadlan.

[@Lectric_Blue]

I enjoyed watching the video, thanks. 🙂 I have never been a prolific book reader but I am now trying my best to catch up on lost time. One series I did read when it was first published and one of my favourites, is the initial double-trilogy ‘The Chronicles Of Thomas Covenant’ by Stephen Donaldson. I found it interesting and intriguing but also frustrating and annoying to have a central character that was so easy to dislike and yet so hard to ignore and walk away from, much like Hugh Laurie’s depiction of Dr House in the tv series of the same name! Despite my annoyance with the main character’s seeming lack of backbone and fortitude, I was drawn in and eager to see where the story would take him? Your description of WOT is also intriguing, and I think I will dip my toe into Book 1 and see how far I get? Thanks.

[@warrenwise8798]

I’m reading the Wheel of Time…on book 10. I just can’t understand why this book is so loved. I try to love it, but I just can’t. Maybe Sanderson will change things for me

[@katrieladolphus920]

Please do a solo review of wheel of time series, showing why one should read it etc. But regardless I really enjoy your videos to the fullest content. Very insightful

[@mtngrl5859]

One of my nostalgia reads is the Dune series. In particular loved Dune Messiah, which is not everyone's favorite, but it illustrates the limits of power. Also liked the Robin Hobbs series with the Farseer multi=book series. The strongest were the first 3 books.

[@cat_pb]

Piranesi I think has become my favourite book

[@uh9139]

I really love Tad Williams fantasy stories, especially Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn and would love to hear / read your opinion about those

[@charlesbrown8117]

Piranesi is definitely on my list of favorite books in general. It's actually the book that helped me to love reading again

[@le_fich]

Never related to a comment more

[@le_fich]

Never related to a comment more

[@alyssaeldredge7508]

I know this is an older video, but- I was surprised The Last Unicorn didn’t make your list! I think based on a lot of the items on the list, you would really enjoy it.

[@typoholic]

Solid list. I am SURE you don’t need any reading recommendations, but I’m going to give one anyway: the Thieves’ World series edited by Robert Lynn Asprin and Lynn Abbey. They are a collection of short stories written in the 80s using a shared world, each told by a different author. The first three titles in the series are the best. It’s the only body of fantasy work that is well-written that I could recommend. You’ve already read many of the other “classics.” Glad to see George R. R. Martin missed the cut.

[@_jared]

I don't necessarily need the recommendations, but they are always appreciated!

[@cdeford]

Some good choices on this list. I'll have to look up Piranesi, but I'm glad that they're not all modern books which most lists like this so often are, because so many great books are lost that way.

[@rjg6139]

Great to see Beowulf get a mention. Happy to have found your channel!

[@closerlookbooks]

“I don’t want to be so original I say false things.” Struck me profoundly honest and self-aware.

[@Elijah_Gillard]

I like how Brandon bookends your list, I really love the Cosmere, and I’m trying to read the Wheel of Time, but man is it tough. If the ones I’ve read on your list, I generally agree with you (other then the Cosmere is amazing imo)

[@wjaston4161]

I appreciate most of the list! Personally I think Asoiaf has got to feature. Additionally I’d put witcher in my top 2 along side Lord of the rings (not sure on which triumphs). It’s tricky because so many people are either extremely hot or cold on the Witcher. If you gel with the characters and moral themes and the wry sense of humour, it clicks so well. But if the characters don’t land with you I can understand why it’s “bland”. Personally, there aren’t many characters that rival those of Geralt, Dandelion and Regis and the rest of their group, but I can see why you and many others aren’t so keen

[@MonkeyDPirateKing]

I have read the 1#cosmere, 2#realm of the elderlings and 3#wheel of time and I would rank them in this order. I didn't enjoy The Wheel of Time as much as I thought I would, I was annoyed by a good portion of the cast and how they acted towards others that didn't do anything wrong, also most of the events in this series were grand but not epic but it got better towards the end. On the other hand, I absolutely loved the royal assassin, mistborn, stormlight, warbreaker and others.

[@susinok]

I loved Taigana. The Lion of el Rasaan was even better, again using another culture other then medieval England. I never could make it through Eye of the World. I may have to give it another shot.

[@happykaladin78]

Currently on book 10 of the WoT. Can say that EoTW is very different from the rest of the story. The end of Book 1 was the catapult of what the story actually is. Book 2 is when you officially launch off. Who knows, it might not be your cup of tea. With my current experience I can say reading books 2-7 were an absolute delight.

[@jeremygunkel]

I love all the books on your list with Piranesi being the exception. I read it, thought I missed something, so I read it again and still feel pretty meh about it. Thankfully it's incredibly short so I only gave up a few days.

[@scp240]

I've read Lord of the Rings, of course, and it is kind of in the nostalgia category since I read it so long ago, but I have actually not read any of the other books on your list, with the exception of Beowulf, which I read quite recently and wholeheartedly endorse. I read the Seamus Heaney translation. I would be interested in further exploration of classics that might be better characterized as "mythology" or as precursors to the modern fantasy genre, such as Beowulf and The Once and Future King, and (included from my own reading) such great works as Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Ovid's Metamorphoses, and even some of Shakespeare (A Midsummer Night's Dream), and Homer (The Odyssey). Possibly some of the fairy tales, like the Grimm Brothers (I'm currently reading the Pullman selections), or Tales of Hoffmann. Big topic!

[@themasstermwahahahah]

Can we just get one of these for every genre, thank you

[@timkjazz]

1) Little, Big - John Crowley 2) One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez 3) The Talisman & Black House - Stephen King & Peter Straub 4) Aegypt (4 books) - John Crowley 5) The Crystal Cave, The Hollow Hills, The Last Enchantment - Mary Stewart 6) The Unlimited Dream Company - J G Ballard 7) The House of the Spirits - Isabel Allende 8) Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell 9) His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman 10) Pedro Paramo - Juan Rulfo --- Honorable Mention -- Days Between Stations - Steve Erickson & Fiskadoro - Denis Johnson

[@rdh-daliasjb3796]

How does John Crowley barely get a mention even in the majority of KZbinr's lists of top 50 or 100 books?

[@timkjazz]

Mind-boggling isn't it.@@rdh-daliasjb3796

[@brettcody76]

Yes to LOTR!! Surprised that it was number 2, but you have always been thoughtful so I was intrigued to hear your reasoning. I am going to suggest your number 1 pick to my son...! Thank you, brother!

[@andybarker8787]

So glad to see Wot at the top. I’m with you on that! Love it soo much

[@ryansharman8124]

No Raymond E. Feist?

[@mrs.brightside]

I’ve been interested in reading Time Enough for Love by Robert A. Heinlein but I was wondering if you’ve read it and your thoughts

[@carolynnanctildesign]

I was introduced to the fantasy genre through a gift of The Hobbit my older brother gave me. It remains my favourite of all the Tolkien books. Today, my all time favorite fantasy series is the Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb. I love the court intrigue, and the magic elements that are subtly woven into the story line. Again, the first in that series, Assassin's Apprentice is my favorite.

[@JonWood]

Not sure if anyone has mentioned yet, but have you read any Neil Gaiman? He's my favorite fantasy author. My top ones of his are Stardust, American Gods, and The Ocean at the End of the Lane.

[@_jared]

I have - I like him, but I don't love him. I like his short story 'Chivalry', though, and Good Omens.

[@JonWood]

@@_jared He does have some really good short story collections. Smoke and Mirrors I think his first is called

[@GandalfsHorse84]

Robin Hobb, Farseer books all the way! Check them out if you haven’t.

[@lukeskywalkerthe2nd773]

This is a very awesome and unique list, especially when you included Beowulf and The Once and Future King. I've really wanted to read both of those works for so long it's not even funny lol. And I definitely think you've motivated me to finally get back to reading The Wheel of Time as well. Even though The Eye of the World can indeed feel a little bit like a homage to Fellowship, it has intrigued me enough to want to keep seeing what wonders that world has! :)

[@_jared]

The jump in quality from Eye of the World to The Great Hunt is pretty astounding. And it keeps going for quite awhile!

[@Zivilin]

@@_jared It did pick up in the great hunt, but i still very much enjoyed the first books too. Maybe because i read the series right after reading the hobbit and lotr which i also loved.

[@MrAelin]

Spanish reader here: i knew you had good taste when you said that Sanderson's book weren't that good, and then you mentioned my favourite fantasy books of all times, all the Discworld. They're the books i go back to everytime i need to cheer up, they're funny, cozy, and amazing. In my opinion any good reader of fantasy that creates a ranking of fantasy books, lord of the rings should be at least in the top 3.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

Name of the wind of my favorite book of all time lol. I also just started wheel of time!! Loving it so far

[@thebluesmurfdude]

It’s unfortunate you were not a fan of Kingkiller, it’s the first book since LotR/WoT that really sucked me in, and I re-read it every year! :). Oh well, more copy’s for me! As for LotR and WoT, they flip-flop between one and two depending on my mood. It’s hard to not feel inspired by LotR, but it’s hard to not feel envious at the world building Jordon accomplished. I hear everyone talk about the slog, but I never experienced it. Maybe it had to do with the fact that I was doing twelve hour shifts in a secure building and couldn’t have electronics. But I was engaged from start to finish. I’m working through The Stormlight Archive right now, and have been enjoying that immensely! I keep seeing Ursula K Le Guin from you and others so maybe that’ll be my next fantasy series

[@_jared]

I just want to thank you for this response. I'm not a fan of Kingkiller, and I worried about talking about not liking it would cause some problems. I usually stay positive on this channel. But I'm glad a KKC fan could still enjoy the video.

[@madiantin]

Rothfus' writing being annoying: Yep. I got through the first book by skipping bits. Got to the end and realized there was a cliffhanger of sorts, and that was that. Haven't read anything else since. Absolutely uninterested. Discworld: Love the night watch and Vimes and Carrot and Vetinari and Angua - so fun. Love the Moist Von Lipwig series. SO good and funny. My husband loves the golems: his fave is Feet of Clay.

[@thomasrockhoff]

I enjoyed the Witcher series, but more as a simple fun read. I think its at its best in the volumes that are collections of short stories featuring Geralt like a western or samurai travelling from town to town to deal with the "monster of the week." I haven't read everything in Jared's list, but I'd agree with leaving the Witcher off the list. It isn't something you'll be thinking about for week or months after. But fine light reading next time you need to kill a few hours.

[@alway5sleepy]

Malazan Book of the Fallen replaced The Wheel of Time as my favorite fantasy series. Malazan gets even better on re-reads. Beowulf is a nice surprise. Reminds me I haven't read that in years and it is due for a re-read. I haven't read Tigana or Piranesi yet, but I agree with the rest of your list. I didn't realize Susanna Clarke had released a new book, so I have that to look forward to. I really enjoyed Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell.

[@jamistardust5181]

I threw the 4th book of "Wheel of Time"across the room. They were way too wordy, It would never be in my top ten. That was the last "new" series that I started. The complexity and all the different characters in the Wheel of Time made it really difficult to keep everything connected. It seemed to never go anywhere. I couldn't handle the anxiety of not going anywhere, In a way, it reminded me of TV soap operas.

[@brandondodd3140]

Looking forward to reading some of these I haven’t touched, thanks for the unique recs

[@IrohDOW]

I loved the wheel of time, but I hadn’t read it for a very long time. After seeing so many people online bash the, I decided to go through it again. I’m actually enjoying more the second time around. Completely agree with the placement, it’s right up there with malazan for me.

[@secondlook]

Thanks for such a kind journey through your list! Just finished rereading WoT and i dont think anyone will make an artwork of any sort that tops it for mine. Of course it's riddled with flaws but it has to be to be such a bold and generous masterpiece.

[@tomharner83]

I just finished the Wheel of Time series based almost entirely on the recommendation in this video... I started it shortly after the video dropped so it took me a little offer a year to read them all. I agree fully with Jared's assessment. I'll be reading more of these books. Btw... Bella has got to be the most bad ass horse in any book series.

[@Shinintendo]

I will add some great authors - Joe Abercrombie(The First Law), John Gwynne(The Faithful and the Fallen), Jim Butcher(The Dresden Files) and Michael J Sullivan(The Riyria Revelations).

[@UnsuttleMisspelling]

If you like Arthurian tales, The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley comes highly recommended. I loved Lord Valentine’s Castle (and it’s sequels) by Robert Silverberg back in the day.

[@adamcrawford6421]

This was great to watch. I never realized you were this well-read in the fantasy genre. If you're looking for recommendations, I would suggest The Bas Lag books by Chinal Mieville; particularly The Scar. It can be read as a standalone novel and can be read in a week. Mieville has a great and vivid imagination, and his worlds are truly unique in the genre. His characterizations are solid, as are his prose and work with themes. But his world building is where he truly shines.

[@elyse49]

These are on my tbr, I read The City & The City last year and loved it.

[@stevebradley704]

Wonderful stuff. Great writer.

[@adamcrawford6421]

@@elyse49 I've heard good things about The City & The City. I hope you enjoy the Bas Lag series. Especially the first 2 books :)

[@georginatoland]

Mieville is brilliant. Never disappoints. ❤

[@ziploc2000]

I loved the Wheel of Time, for the first 3 books. At the end of that one I discovered we weren't even close to finishing. I read two more weighty volumes as they were published before giving up in frustration and disgust, as they didn't seem to have carried the main story characters on any further, while introducing yet more side characters and side plots. I seem to recall that one of the original four main characters, (was it Perrin?) appeared in just one chapter in one of the books. Even the author wasn't able to finish the series before it killed him. I can't read a book series over 23 years and have all the details stay fresh in my mind.

[@samcostello2861]

Have you read Robin Hobb's Realm of the Elderlings?

[@_jared]

Not yet. It's on the list.

[@double_jump_]

Do you have any recommendations for eastern fantasy books?

[@erinmcmahon3785]

Talking about having to stop watching His Dark Materials (one of my favorite series) is how I felt watching Bridge to Terabithia- I started crying when Jesse left to go to the museum with the teacher b/c I knew what was coming.

[@Johanna_reads]

Wonderful list! I'm excited you're reading Malazan Book of the Fallen and am curious if it will earn a place on your list further down the road. Seeing Tigana on your list makes me excited to get into Guy Gavriel Kay's books!

[@rabbitbert]

It is strange that in most best-of-lists Malazan isn't even mentioned or on a rank which is far behind others with no reason. What Jared says about Wheel of Time is just not all-embracingly true. Malazan does that all a thousandfold more complex. History, politics, philosophy, battles, intentions, characters "their own reasons", sometimes not even clear to the characters themselves, cities built on cities upon cities, many many civilizations with there own culture, there own "World War II experience". And all of that culminating in a fitting ending. Erikson is master of 600-page-buildup and 300-page-payoff, almost in every single of his 10 tomes. Wheel of Time unmatched? Malazan is way ahead of that. There are many weaker entries in the Wheel of Time series, which you cannot say for Malazan. Maybe it is too hard to read and to keep track with those unending many characters, gods, ascendants, peoples. Maybe the first book is throwing the reader in cold water, too much for a casual reader, in the midst of a battle no one can understand by reading it only one time. There is rarely a series which rewards more with a second and third read of the complete series. Maybe there are other authors which are not mentioned here, Abercrombie, Bakker, Weeks, Lawrence, Martin. Maybe all of those are too gritty, too adult, too philosophical for standard fantasy. To me, the concept of a hero, of chosen ones, is just boring. Donaldson's Thomas Convenant also does not fit those clichés. Noone mentions his chronicles. Not fitting in Jared's arsenal of "easy" fantasy stories :)

[@lesliesmith6586]

While i was reading wheel of time i found Ian Irvine and Robin Hobb and i have yet to find anyone who can come close to these three. There have been several very close but these three are my absolute top. I have added your list of books here to my reading list for this year and look forward to seeing their worlds.

[@vwkflynn]

I haven't read WOT but the culture and world building work in The Dandelion Dynasty by Ken Liu is truly incredible. It's a top ten series for me.

[@tomaslecuna]

have you read the riftwar saga by raymond feist? I was hoping it would be on the list since I wanted to see what was your take on it I’m not that big of a reader, or fantasy reader for that matter, but I loved it. I have LOTR and WOT on my list though. Really glad to have stumbled upon your channel. Its something about the music, how you explain and both the visual and content quality. greetings from argentina 🇦🇷✨💞

[@nsavch]

Glad that ASOIF didn't even get to the caveats section :) For me the most imortant thing in fantasy is if the author pays proper attention to cosmogony and eschatology of the world and how the world's deity interacts with the world and the characters. Of course, interesting cultures, locations, histories and characters are great, but without eschatology the world will inevitably lack the ultimate goal and all adventures of the story will feel boring. It's sad that most fantasy writers pay too much attention to magic systems but don't focus on metaphysics enough (if at all). Tolkien did great job for his world in this aspect, and WoT has quite defined metaphysics as well, so I totally agree with them being at #1 and #2 spot (although I'd personally have LOTR on #1).

[@_jared]

My editor asked me about ASOIF, and it was only then that I remembered it. I've forgotten almost everything about it since I read the last book.

[@serphenyxloftnor4194]

​@@_jared Seems to me the author of the book have as well. You're not alone in that.

[@Goodoldpal_]

@@serphenyxloftnor4194 stone cold 😂

[@berniekatzroy]

Not sure if you consider it fantasy but a canticle of liebowitz is a great story that traverses time.

[@YouWinILose]

Love Canticle! He already has it in his sci-fi list though.

[@VeraGolosovaArt]

What a joy again to listen to you talking about my fav books or books that I want to read at some point ❤️❤️

[@j.j.5731]

I don't know this list is lacking Jack Vance and Poul Anderson. The Dying Earth The Broken Sword

[@YouWinILose]

Piranesi's ending captured such a beautiful bittersweet mixture: there's palpable loss, but also his endearing will to see beauty. It is not among my favourites, but I am glad for the journey. The last truly great fantasy books I've read include The Price of Spring by Daniel Abraham, and a number from my Malazan reread this year. Abraham achieved something incredible, and I can't wait until he is recognized. Bakker's work also comes up in this comment section often: it is grim, but it is of incredible depth. I look forward to your thoughts.

[@andrewmccormack4526]

If you love the Arthurian legend, can I suggest you make sure you read Jack Whyte's Skystone series of 9 books. It is a spin on the classic tale based from a historical fiction perspective. Set over 3 or 4 generations in Britannia beginning at the time the Roman's leave and the dark ages begin. My favourite series of books along with Malazan.

[@rjj5574]

Kinda like the pendragon cycle? I really liked Merlin.

[@lisr1634]

I agree about The Wheel of Time. Although, I'm only 4 books in. I haven't read a lot on the list. One series I do love is The Sword of Truth by Terry Goodkind. I have read and listened to those books many times. Currently, in the middle of one now. I have read Mistborn and Elantris. I have a lot of reading to continue to do. Thanks for sharing!

[@johnschrader8363]

what's your take on the witcher books?

[@peterkeleher]

all your picks that ive read i cant disagree at all so excited to check out your recommendations that im unfamiliar with!