The 15 Worst Books I've Read Since Starting This Channel

Mike talks about the worst times he's had reading some particular books since beginning this channel in 2019.
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0:00 Introduction & Explanation
1:47 2019
5:15 2020
7:30 2021
16:54 2022
22:00 Final Thoughts
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#MikesBookReviews #WorstBooks #top15

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hi Bookworms! I truly do hope you will listen to the first minute of the video where I define what I mean by "worst." I by no means try to insinuate that these are bad writers or even necessarily bad books. I just had the worst of times reading them. Enjoy!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

A few books here that I actually like . . . even love . . . but the wonderful thing about stories is that there are different ones for all sorts of people at different points of their lives. Total respect for you, Mike -- you always give us your honest take, even when it's a book by King.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I figured Hobb and Erikson being on here would hurt your soul a little. My bad.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@mikesbookreviews No worries! 😁

[@TheKyfe]

There are several books by Hobb that I don't like, but Assasin's quest trilogy, and the sequel trilogy (the tawny man), are not among them, lol.

[@ParthapratimsChannel]

Even when! Right, he's just a StevieFanboy! Excuse him

[@ChrisAlexander1]

Hearing about what elements contributed to a poor reader experience is actually really helpful learning material for us aspiring authors who are working on our craft.

[@skystrickland4416]

Maaaaan. You tapped out right when Cradle was about to kick off. The 3rd book is where it gets amazing. If I ever do a reread, I'll be leaving the first two out. I warn everyone that starts this series. But after book two, it gets so good and just keeps getting better.

[@ivanjelenic5627]

Yup, I'm glad I didn't stop reading, same with Dresden Files and Malazan book of the fallen.

[@Ethan-42]

Really nice intro, I appreciate that and your opinions a whole bunch!

[@Johanna_reads]

For me, Reaper’s Gale felt like the incline of a rollercoaster that kept dipping a little flat, but the end gave me a massive drop I was not expecting, and so it paid off for me personally. I hope you have a good experience when you return to the series!

[@execute92]

I loved Reaper's Gale. It's one of my favourite Malazan books. But as always, opinions differ.

[@osoisko1933]

I felt similar to Mike on my read of RG, but it all pays off in DoD and TCG.

[@Johanna_reads]

@@osoisko1933 I still loved the ending of RG, but I also agree with you that there is further payoff of this book in DoD and TCG!

[@osoisko1933]

@@Johanna_reads Yeah I enjoyed the ending too. It was the Red Mask plot line that had me wondering what was the point of this, aside from showing the tragedy tribal peoples face against imperial states. It's s theme that has a personal meaning to myself, but to the overall narrative, again, I was like what does this have to do with everything else. But I trusted Erikson and pressed on and it was worth it.

[@graemew2600]

Personally, I feel that Ericsson wants to portray the wider impact of the actions of bigger, more powerful nations as they seek to expand and lay claim to resource. That could give the impression of sidetracking, I guess, but for me it’s part of the wider theme of the entire series of inviting the reader to ‘witness’. The events do not only impact the big players; they impact everyone, intended or unintended.

[@zacmatney7938]

I truly do appreciate you reading the material before you judge it I do also see tons of people on KZbin bash books and authors without reading or trying them out. True respect man👍👍

[@matthewkirkhart2401]

I love this video! It's such a celebration of that feeling when you get to the end of a book and have that "I want my time back!" moment.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hate that feeling ha ha

[@jthespiceoflife]

That's my feeling with E. Cline stuff lol

[@DemmyD]

If you felt ambushed by Path of Daggers, you have no idea. My friends and I in discovered WoT in high school after book 7 came out and were frothing at the mouth for book 8. We even had a parent drive us hours away to a signing Jordan was doing when book 8 was being released. I had him sign my dogeared Eye of the World paperback I had loaned to my friends to get them all hooked, as well as the brand new amazing, couldn’t-wait-to-dive-into book 8. I was so disappointed and let down by it that I think I was in shock. I told myself I will not read the rest of this series until it finished. I never picked up book 9, and never did read the rest. I suppose I will one day because I know people did like it overall when it ended, but man, I can’t get over how bummed out I was by that book.

[@MattAT95]

Yeah, I remember being in college and being super excited to read it and realizing nothing happened was painful, I made myself read the rest of the series but it took until Sanderson's takeover for things to pick back up.

[@andreww4751]

idk to me book 9 and 10 are even worse

[@DemmyD]

@@andreww4751 Not making me excited about finishing the series lol

[@shannon2123]

I felt let down by the slog, especially using what precious little free time I had from grad school to read it. However, books 11-14 are just as magnificent as book 8 was bad. The end is so good and worth all the tedious build up. It’s thrilling, fast paced, heart breaking, and just leaves you wanting more at the end. The character development is unreal. I would suggest paring audio books along with a physical book if you’re only doing one or the other. The audiobook narrators are fantastic and really help with the slower scenes while some scenes are worth it to read out right. I really hope you give the series another chance!

[@mnbgfdsa]

Book 10 is the real test. I was prepared for the worst, and still got agitated :D, but after that it's only uphill.

[@callmeal4183]

Hi Mike. Really good video, as always! Anyway, for me the most disappointing (worst) books are usually follow-ups. Earlier this year I read Seth Dickinson's The Traitor (the first in the Masquerade series) which I thought was superb, where the tight editing resulted in an admirable debut political fantasy novel. However, the two subsequent books (Monster and Tyrant) were much much longer and just regurgitated themes which became jaded at the end. I understand there is a fourth book due (?). I recommend get a competent editor and a large red pen!

[@ulflilienthal8120]

Nice honest video Mike. I think sometimes some of our favorite authors set such high expectations with some of their work that we tend to judge them more harshly against themselves as well. Bottom line, if a book does not entertain you, it's crazy to spend more time on sequels and/or other material from that author. I am struggling a bit in my early reading of Brandon Sanderson's stuff. I have invested in all his Cosmere books because I got really excited about reviews and felt it sounded like something that would be right down my ally since I loved WOT and really like the 3 books he did for that series. I just read my first Cosmere book, Warbreaker, and I was really disappointed at first because I was very bored with all the focus on the colors and hair etc.... , however, after the first 100 to 150 pages it started to improve quite a bit for me and by the end I was really invested and I do hope he writes another novel that goes back to that part of the Cosmere so we can see what happened next... Look forward to more of your videos.

[@carlosbranca8080]

Blood Meridian is brilliant. The Judge is a character that stayed with me for a long time. I didn't mind the writing style, i just got along with it.

[@calebmauer1751]

Hell of an ending too.

[@TomorrowWeLive]

​@@calebmauer1751one of those rare ambiguous open endings that nonetheless was satisfying because of its perfection. Maybe the best ending ever

[@Getyourknowledge45]

I agree. A coworker recommended it to me since I was a fan of Red Dead Redemption and it’s easily in my top 5 book list. I’m still thinking about all the various monologues given by the judge. The violence was raw, but it’s what makes all those monologues and cantina gun fights so tense and potent. BUT I can definitely see how someone might not like the run on sentences dense with RICH vocabulary. I enjoyed every description of those landscapes where it’s geology is not stone but fear!

[@26curtains69]

I thought that the writing style was beautiful

[@jekw23]

You have to kind of go with the writing style. I found it easier to stop analysing it and just let it sink in. Then it became a lot easier….although not easy.

[@jameswitts3793]

Hi Mike, I've finished Malazan Book of the Fallen recently and I definitely agree with your opinion of Reaper's Gale but luckily I was reading it on my honeymoon so I enjoyed the length of the book Hope when or if you get back to Malazan you enjoy the journey

[@karamarie6781]

Oh, wow...I really loved Alma Katsu's The Hunger. Granted, it wasn't "scary," per se, but I enjoyed the story. Thanks for your opinions - I love your channel, Mike!

[@dionnasoares8332]

I liked it , too.

[@brastongray2480]

I’m the biggest Malazan fan and also The Fisherman is my favorite horror book of the past decade. But I love and adore your channel and respect your opinion! I also find myself agreeing a lot with these too.

[@zabdeetv]

. Your so inspirational...im a young writer and I just started my own channel looking at some of my favourite books from my own library..I really appreciate what your doin and I have learnt a few things from you..thank

[@sarahgonzalez162]

Thank you for being brave and saying Poppy War was bad!! It was so ridiculously unrealistic, and I agree I hated all the characters and was rooting against her. She was as deep as cardboard

[@mikesbookreviews]

It was absolutely horrendous

[@blandface9957]

I remember when I read the poppy war I legit thought that maybe I read a different book than everyone else because I hated it that much.

[@Jay_Mike]

Haha good video man, enjoyed it

[@grimreads]

Soulsmith: I remember disliking book 2 of the Dresden files, then I got to book 3 and I was blown away since. Cradle is also like that, the first books are kinda off, then it hits some amazing highs.

[@mnbgfdsa]

For me it was book 4 that hooked me

[@matthewahearn5448]

I read the first two books and was like meh....I might go back at some point.

[@grimreads]

@@matthewahearn5448 I was underwhelmed in books 1 and 5. After Book 6 I couldn't stop reading it. Book 12 will come out soon-ish so I would give it a try when it is over.

[@ToriTalks2]

"It's the end of the world and the protagonist is worried about choosing between two cute boys." Literally everything wrong with YA in a nutshell XD Preach.

[@Zivilin]

open world rpgs in a nutshell

[@kylenorman5250]

Although possibly a fairly accurate representation of how teenagers would actually act lol

[@ToriTalks2]

@@kylenorman5250 I was not that teenager XD

[@kylenorman5250]

@@ToriTalks2 neither was I haha but teenagers definitely aren't a demographic known for their rock solid priorities in all circumstances. However, it still makes for a really frustrating read as you said.

[@kaiju_k5042]

You have the best intros Mike, loved this video. The only one I read form these was The Fisherman, the audiobook was great but I hated the flashbacks, if it kept up the momentum of the first 1/3 or so of the story it would have been better.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha, thanks, love.

[@kristenjohnson6583]

I started watching your videos regularly when you began reading The Dresden Files and really enjoy them, though I admit I haven't watched all of them. So, I'm wondering if you've read/reviewed Mary Stewart's Merlin trilogy (The Crystal Cave, The Hollow Hills, The Last Enchantment) and/or Lloyd Alexander's Prydain Chronicles. Thanks!

[@Yamp44]

Hi Mike! :D I'm having a good time reading right now, revisiting the classics (HP Lovecraft, Algernon Blackwood, M.R. James, Shirley Jackson, Daphne Du Maurier, etc). I've also been reading some books by Asian authors (Haruki Murasami, Ito Ogawa, Durian Sukegawa) and I'm really loving discovering these countries through their books. Ig guess I'm lucky reading only good books! The one that I struggled with that many people adore was actually "Ghost Story", by Peter Straub. I like some part of it, and I think my dislinking it was mostly part of my not really being able to relate to the characters. I found it difficult to read a book where the only female character of note was the villain. I usually don't mind reading an all-men cast book, but this time I thought the male characters didn't do it for me. I still finished it, and I really don't want to see this is a bad book by any means. It just wasn't for me. Now that you've done the worst books you've read since starting this channel, I hope you will do one on the best books you've discovered since starting this! :D

[@alynam82]

I didn't get Blood Meridian either. BUT it's something I plan to revisit with another perspective. I watched a video by a guy named Benjamin McEvoy, real smart dude -- brilliant actually-- and he broke down the book and a lot of the context. I was impressed to the point of wanting to return for a second try

[@carlosbranca8080]

Benjamin is great, one of my favorite booktubers. I did like Blood Meridian, the Judge is such a complex and great character...

[@PsilocybeJedi]

I LOVED the violence and the setting, but the lack of punctuation and the lack of narrative and internal dialogue made me DNF which was my first DNF in a decade

[@alynam82]

@@PsilocybeJedi I felt pretty much the same. I had put it down before half way

[@kevinrussell1144]

Ben IS a smart guy, but it's okay if your taste in books doesn't always mesh with his. He loves Blood Meridian and Wuthering Heights?! Woa. Some books you're not EVER ready for.

[@pjfreeman4789]

I agree. Ben is brilliant.

[@robbydrae8802]

I love your shirt! Ok going to continue watching video now 🎃

[@Speed202]

I had the hardest time with Jade City. I hated all the characters and their pretentious world of jade....LOL. But, once we had that character death and I found some hope with Shae, that helped me to really like Jade War and subsequently Jade Legacy. Ironically, if it weren't for all the background and world-building of City, War and Legacy could never have happened.

[@mandyhuybregts3235]

I love the fact that your are very respectfull, but direct about the stuff you don't like. That's also why i love your video's!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Why thank you :)

[@JoffJk]

I read the read assassin's quest years ago and stop. This year I read all the realm of the elderlings starting with the liveship traders once I finished the trilogy I decided to go back and read the first trilogy and absolutely loved assassin's quest the second time.

[@LAZERMAC87]

I just picked up The Fisherman yesterday. Glad I heard what you didn’t like about it! I can go in with that in mind. I also hate flashbacks that take too long, but I can stand them if I know what I’m getting into before reading!

[@trunkage]

You know, I took a 5 year break from reading Malazan after reading Reaper's Gale, and mainly for the reasons you stated I have gotten back on track and finished the last 3 books in six months

[@calebmauer1751]

That was me with Toll the Hounds. Kind of just stopped reading part way through and it was ten years before I finally started over and read the whole series.

[@Wanderwilderreading]

I’m currently on booK 5 of the WOT and have been mentally preparing for Crossroads of Twilight. I had no idea about Path of Daggers. Now I feel prepared. Thanks Mike 😅

[@stevenredpath9332]

Pacing is important in large novel series and Jordan lacked in that regard. He needed to up the pace long before he did. But he was still better than Terry Goodkind who had every book start off at a crawl regardless of how the previous one finished.

[@jasonlarkin8807]

Keep pushing thru, remember 3 or 4 books were slow and not great but overall well worth it with an epic multi book conclusion. Great world, even the slow books were not bad aside from the pacing

[@Wanderwilderreading]

@@jasonlarkin8807 Overall I am really enjoying being so immersed in the epic world. True the pacing is a bit awkward at times but I haven't hit the wall yet. I'm nervous for the few books before BS started writing them.

[@Wanderwilderreading]

@@stevenredpath9332 The pacing is definitely a bit awkward at times, but overall I'm still really enjoying the world and the story.

[@stevenredpath9332]

@@Wanderwilderreading that’s good. I can’t fault Jordan for his world building.

[@TheOriginalCameron]

I loved the way you gave your opinions on the the books without putting down the authors. 👍

[@mikesbookreviews]

Every single one of them are talented. Would be dumb for a nobody like me to insult them ha ha

[@math1mom]

Books: 2019- B. Weeks- Blood Mirror, P. Brett- Daylight War, R Jordan- Path of Daggers. 2020- M Lawrence- Emperor of Thorns, A Katsu- Hunger 2021- R. Kuang- Dragon Republic, L Bardugo- Siege and Storm, S Erikson- Reaper's Gale, J Langan- Fisherman, C McCarthy- Blood Meridian, S King- Lisey's Story, R Hobb- Assassin's Quest 2022- B Weeks- Way of Shadows, W Wights- Soulsmith, M Sullivan- Age of Swords. Thank you

[@meris8486]

I think it's important to take breaks from Malazan and process the books, many of which I've grown to appreciate as I look back on them. Having a reading schedule of 1 book per two months is a quick pace for massive books so it's no wonder you got burned out. Reapers Gale is my least favourite Malazan book as well, the second half where the Bonehunters show up is what saves the book for me, Beak especially is my favourite character in the series.

[@Furniture121]

The Malazans definitely make the book bearable, I find the entire Tiste Edur plot dull... I understand why it exists, but I don't enjoy it. They are the boiled Brussel Sprouts of the series.

[@meris8486]

@@Furniture121 I like some of the Edur stuff like Rhulad, Hannan and Trull but a lot of them don't get nearly enough page time compared to the new characters that are introduced. I couldn't stand the new Letheri characters mostly because they were all horrible except Tehol. At least the nasty characters die

[@shinigami2502]

Same here. Reaper's Gale and Toll the Hound are the books that i took the longest to finish for malazan series. Only the appearance of malazan got me through the books

[@ivanjelenic5627]

Agree on Beak. Also my favorite character.

[@scottferris2686]

Good video, and you’re correct, not every book is for everyone. My biggest miss by far has been Game of Thrones. Hated the writing, the plot, the characters etc (obviously I’m in a very small minority) - not every book is good for every person. Keep it up Mike, love the channel

[@MargueriteKrux2]

Same for me

[@kurtbeck3400]

I just got done with Reapers Gale last night so I feel everything you said there 100%. And I'm in the same place with Malazan as well, need a break now.

[@simonorourke4465]

I have never been able to get past the 2nd book in the malazan saga, I have tried so many times to go back and I just can't do it. It's really annoying as in theory I should love the series as it ticks so many of the fantasy and storytelling boxes that I normally love but something about Erickson's writing just keeps making me switch off when I try and read it.

[@Jane-w]

Interesting list. Prince of Thorns is a series I intend to read. The Dragon Republic I've been delaying because I didn't love The Poppy War. Funnily enough, I liked Siege and Storm more than Ruin and Rising because I liked the introduction of the new character in book two.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Man, if you didn't like Poppy War I can't wait to see what you think about TDR

[@emosongsandreadalongs]

Mike, I have 2 questions: - Do you have a copy of A Case of Need by Jeffery Hudson, a.k.a. Michael Crichton? - Have you read or do you plan to read David Mitchell's books (Cloud Atlas, The Bone Clocks, number9dream, etc.)? I'm not sure exactly how they would be categorized, but they definitely have fantastical elements. Not to mention they are interconnected in various ways (like Sanderson's and King's work), so that's super cool to me.

[@briteskin]

I had my own issues with 'Lisey's Story'. It is one of the things that led me to booktube in the first place. I got through half way or little more and feeling like I was struggling with the material and not just my eyes still recovering from a stroke. I decided to start the audio book in hopes of helping me finish it. It did but the audiobook made me realize I was confused about a lot of details. It may be King's fave but it is one of my least. Since started following your channel only two book's felt like a complete waste of time. 'Battlefield: Earth' by L Ron Hubbard started off with such potential and I should have DNF'ed it rather than reading on thinking it has all these pages their has to be something else. The other was 'The Vampire Armand' by Anne Rice. It ended my Vampire Chronicle's read for now. I was so interested in his back story but instead of a history book got a romance book which I was far from the mood to read. I also know the Mayfair Witch stuff crosses over and that trilogy got me to stop reading Rice in the first place. So for now have put a stake through the heart but have yet to cut off the series head and done the other things to truly kill the vampire.

[@bettinanielsen6336]

Try Jay Kristoff's Empire of the Vampire. It is sooo good.

[@annarien4333]

Looking forward to your take on Toll the Hounds because my god. I'm a little sad you didn't stick with psycho Jorg until he did the one non-psycho thing that redeemed him, but eh. Good on you for not finishing the RF Kuang trilogy (I did, sadly for me) but aaaaaargh... I pulled through the Way of Shadows a second time purely out of solidarity with your suffering. And you bailed... aaaaargh. 😋

[@BooksWithBenghisKahn]

I couldn’t agree with you more about the Blood Mirror and Dragon Republic!!! They’re both made even worse by how little they end up mattering for the final books of those series which also stunk, so you made great choices to DNF! I’m also with you on Reaper’s Gale being a disappointment (and Toll the Hounds), but I do think you’ll find most of the last 2 books get it back on track. I also liked Riyria Revelations, and my Sullivan disappointment was trying the Chronicles books-I thought the first one was outright bad, and the third one bores me to tears-maybe it’ll just be a one-series author for me

[@claytonhomer3096]

I agree with you on Assassin's Quest, at the time I really felt it slowed the story down a lot and the ending was a lot of confusing stuff happening with no context. However after reading the next 2 trilogies and the dragon books I will say it's the one I feel I would get the most out of a re-read because of the added knowledge. That alone doesn't change what it is for first time readers but I believe it might gain the most from a re-read and become one of the best for them. Cheers Mike!

[@simonorourke4465]

Yeah I love Robin Hobb, but Assassins quest is my least favourite of her books, the first two books are just so good and then the finale just takes so long to get anything done, and this is coming from somone who normally enjoys a slow burn read. Liveship traders, rain wild chronicles and tawny man are brilliant aswell but I also did not enjoy fools assassin and havn't yet got round to finishing that last trilogy.

[@kevinjones8896]

Good video, I was a little sad to see Emperor of Thorns on there but it's defiantly not for everyone. If you want something from him that's a little less on the ultra violence. Check out The Red Queen's War it takes place in the same world at the same time there are even some crossed paths.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I've gotten that rec a few times.

[@AndrewsWizardlyReads]

The only books I disagree on is Assassins Quest and cradle I loved all of it. 😅

[@mikesbookreviews]

Congratulations on the 1,893 XP you earned with this comment. You're super close to the next level!

[@AndrewsWizardlyReads]

@@mikesbookreviews lol 😂 if I work hard enough I’ll get there some day

[@DangerToastLmtd]

Of the 8 books i actually own on the list, I enjoyed them all, but definitely get the criticisms. To each their own. Keep up the good work.

[@matthewkirkhart2401]

Thank you for putting Lisey's Story on this list! My wife and I listened to this audiobook together while driving across the country and we had a running joke which was related to when they introduce a new chapter in the audiobook ... "Lisey's Story, Chapter 7482". An EXTREMELY long book for as near as I can tell no reason. And talk about a tough ending. I'm glad you liked the series. I actually disliked it too, I thought the few interesting things in the book were left out of the series. I love Stephen King, but I'm with you, this book just didn't grab me at all.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Even the best of authors has a miss sometimes.

[@tonyyy2812]

Love your content man. Do you ever feel bad giving a bad review of an author you’ve had on your show before? I’m curious how booktubers feel about this

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thankfully I haven't had to do that yet. I think the closest was saying Codex Alera wasn't anything special.

[@AndrewsWizardlyReads]

Lol 😂 I dislike poppy war with a passion it’s the one series I just can’t understand the love. Didn’t like it from 20% into book 1 and hate read the rest of the first book and DNF 2 chapters into Dragon Republic

[@dinocollins720]

I've been watching your channel far too long Mike because I could have guessed every single book on this list haha 😂

[@AnthemNotBanal]

You're spot on with Legends of the First Empire. I got through all 6, and I listed it at a B-. Riyria Revelations is masterful, A grade from me. I understand why he has Chronicles, to keep his boys going, but sometimes the disjointed nature of it all isn't my favorite. One of my biggest gripes with Sullivan's works is that the big struggle to overcome is always hinged on one magical element, a Gilarabrywn. I wish he was able to up the ante in someway, or just not use the same thing on repeat

[@harveydent8515]

I read the night angel trilogy back in high school. I remember there being some cool parts that I liked, I don’t remember if they were well written or not though. That being said even back then I thought the ending was rushed, that has kept me from reading them again. Also I’m not sure if I’d still like them at 28 like I did at 17.

[@blinkyschannel]

I enjoyed the series, but yeah the first book was pretty cring

[@knightofzerosetsuna]

Just finished The Poppie War the other day. I agree it was a good book though the last part felt out of sinc with the rest. Sad to hear that Dragon republic was a miss for you. I'll still give it a shot and see how I feel about it.

[@michaeljdauben]

I had to force myself to finish Poppy War. I though it started out good, but I hated the graphic violence (and yes, I know about the historical basis for the events, I just didn't want to read it), and by the end I hated the MC. I never had any desire to continue the series.

[@CliffsDarkGems]

Great, honest video. I used to love fantasy when I was younger, but I suppose it just became too much of a time investment for me. I quit halfway through book ONE of The Wheel of Time. Perhaps I should have soldiered on but I am far more interested in horror now. As you say- to each their own.

[@theonsp]

I agree with most of the books, and at least understand some of the others without necessarily agreeing (Path of Daggers, Soulsmith). I can only say a really hope you at least read Cradle book 3 before making a final decision on this series, the books really aren’t long. Will Wight published the 1st 3 books as a compilation later on; I believe a big reason for this was the characters only really start coming into their own and ‘becoming’ people in the 3rd one. Anyways, thanks for the honest opinions, love hearing your thoughts!

[@NOORPHANSTUBE]

Wow it’s like you read my mind, just two days ago I searched your channel for a worst books list and here you are delivering! I was disappointed by Josh Malermans newest “Daphne”. I loved Birdbox so much and the sequel “Malorie” was pretty good (though a far cry from Birdbox) but I just couldn’t connect with Daphne. Had some creepy moments but by and large it read like a YA. Wanted to like it but.. ya knowww

[@kingzzz6509]

I’m trying to get into fantasy right now. I’m trying to finish The Lord of the Rings right now, but after I finish it I’m going to try and read The Wheel of Time. I’m going to take your advice Mike and take my time with the series. I’ll probably read a Wheel of Time book and then read something else, and then read another Wheel of Time book and so on. I’m concerned about “The Slog,” but I think I’ll probably be able to “muscle my way through it.”

[@dkropelnicki9819]

I tapped out after book 7. Couldn't handle it anymore. But I read one after the other. However, I cant read something else in between, as I fear I'll forget characters or events. But I've binged other series and didn't get burned out. Book 4 was the best of the 7 I read. I lied to myself saying I'd come back to it. But I wont, lol.

[@angelaholmes8888]

That's what I have been doing with the wheel of time series

[@neondemon5137]

Getting into fantasy by getting bogged down by a huge series isn't the best idea.

[@morpheusdamon348]

@@neondemon5137 true. Best try some trilogy, like mistborn or green one saga, and if particularly inclined towards grimdark then first law. Easy reads and fantastic stories.

[@tbone6924]

May I suggest going the audiobook route? It makes getting through "the slog" of the middle books much easier, and the narrators are very good.

[@nobodybutzach]

My thoughts exactly about Assassin's Quest. I started out really enjoying it, in fact Farseer was on the way to becoming one of my favorite trilogies, but book 3 derailed that. It felt like we got the cliff notes version of the final act. I'm still excited to get into Liveship Traders next year. Robin Hobb is a great writer. The only other two books that really stick out as not enjoyable this year for me were Summer of Night and Jade City. Nothing against Fonda Lee, it just didn't click for me.

[@alvinmarcus5780]

I'll give a book maybe 150 pages to interest me, and if it hasn't done so I ain't going farther. Not read a single book on your list. Or even started. Guess I'm blessed.

[@wesleywyndam-pryce4081]

How do you decide to start reading 📚 a book do you do a little research or just go on instinct I.E the premise interesting

[@theuntimelyhippo7232]

I’m about to start my first time though WoT. I just bought the first one a couple weeks ago, and I’m planning to start it after I finish IT

[@robm6502]

Bummed you didn’t enjoy The Fisherman or Blood Meridian, but hey we all have different views and that makes talking about books/movies/music so much fun.

[@farhad_s]

I really liked The Broken Empire, but can't see the First Law comparisons. I remember your Hunger review, but can't believe it's been two years! I could've bet you read it last October. Completely agree on Reaper's Gale. Biggest non event in fantasy. Who am I to comment on the genius of Cormac McCarthy, but honestly, Blood Meridian had some amazing characters that just weren't developed enough.

[@jarod9135]

I honestly think this video is so neat, I'm still trying to get into fantasy

[@ladrac198]

Hard disagree on Reaper's Gale, it's one of my favorites of the series (still probably number 6 for me though lol) I really enjoy politics and being introduced to the new Letherii vs Edur politics after Rhulad's ascension really scratched that itch for me. Once the familiar characters arrive it skyrockets to peak fantasy for me, and Beak's story is one of the most emotional things I've ever read. That said, totally understand, this book is a divisive one for readers for sure.

[@ivanjelenic5627]

Beak! Agree.

[@tbone6924]

WOW...yes this is all subjective, but the dislike for Brent Weeks is so weird to me...IMO, as someone who has been reading Fantasy since the 70's, and has read hundreds of different authors from all the well-known names to the most obscure, I would easily put Brent Weeks in my top 10. I respect not liking an author or particular book...it is all subjective of course, but calling Way of Shadows "cringe"? HUH?!?! I think Mike was reading a different book than everyone else. On the other hand, I have to agree totally with the Poppy Wars...that book and author got SOOOOO much hype that I picked it up out of pure peer pressure and was totally underwhelmed. Some of the world building is great, and many of the scenes are very well described, but ALL of the characters are sooo unlikable and frankly boring that it is hard to becomes invested in a story where you just don't care about the characters.

[@JasonFalter]

Way of Shadows wasn't just cringe, it was PURE CRNGE!!! (For me too). Again... subjective but I've talked to more people that dislike it than like it.

[@tbone6924]

@@JasonFalter weird, I loved the book as does everyone I know...lol, but if we all agreed that would be boring! To each their own :)

[@syntaxterror9479]

I loved The Fisherman and Blood Meridian, but they're definitely acquired tastes.

[@timkirsten6184]

I might try read The Hunger out of curiosity. I've seen it in various top 50 horror book lists but remembered you not enjoying it much. I'm curious to see where I'll fall on it.

[@akellerhouse83]

I read Path of Daggers, Assassin's Quest, Reapers Gale and Soulsmith from this list. I disagree with you about all of those (except PoD) but I still love your content. 🙂 You should read Book of the Ancestor. It's really creative and the setting is so different.

[@regulah2125]

The jump from Soulsmith to Blackflame is like the jump from Fool Moon to Grave Peril/Summer Knight in the Dresden series. Then the later books become this series Small Favor/Changes/Skin Game etc. I'd recommend reading book 3 but if you don't even like that one I'd say drop the series.

[@loripeterson]

I've tried to read the Cradle series several times; never made through the first book because it didn't feel all that immersive enough and I never really felt connected to the characters to really care about them trying to come back to the series.

[@musicgenius1948]

If it’s not for you it isn’t for you but I will say you don’t meet any of the main characters in the series besides Limdon of course in book 1. The series is so much more than the narrow tropey glimpse you get in the beginning of book 1

[@archlectoryarvi2873]

18:40 When ppl talk about about manga, they usually mean "shounen battle manga", the most popular genre/demographic of manga targeted at young male audiences where the main goal of the protagonist is usually to get stronger (level up) to achieve a certain goal. Stuff like Berserk and Vinland saga are classified as seinen which are usually targeted towards an older audience and tackle more serious and mature themes.

[@Jabberwhorl_Cronstadt]

I fully agree on Reaper's Gale. It's my least favorite of the series. I was afraid I was fully burnt out and had lost the Malazan magic. But I soldiered on to Toll the Hounds and it might be my favorite book ever. That Erikson, he's always keeping you on your toes lol

[@alexandermendez4653]

Oh man, I was about to start the Malazan series. Now I'm concerned. Book 7 is 1400 pages and it's not good? Should I do this to myself?

[@JD.78]

I listened to The Fisherman audiobook and i quite enjoyed it. It's more like two stories in one linked together than one cohesive story. I heard beforehand that it was a lovecraftian type tale which it sort of is, but to be honest i thought it would've been a bit darker and more creepier, though i still enjoyed it.

[@JoshSinnott97]

The only reason I read Riyria Revelations before legends of the first empire was so that I could read his series in publication order The legends of the first empire was supposed to be the better series too so I'm shocked to hear you quit the series. I may pick it up in the future, but there's so many other series I'll probably get to first if that's how you feel

[@benconlin3557]

My biggest miss in a while was ‘Interview with the Vampire’. I know you and many others love it but, while I admired elements of it, I just found it a bit of a chore to read, I guess it was the writing style. Loved Empire of the Vampire so wanted another vampire novel but it didn’t do it for me

[@cloudbloom]

I suggest trying the Necroscope series by Brian Lumley, excellent vampire horror series

[@savingpyro]

Hey Mike, just wondering if you had any plans on reading Dead Man's Hand by James Butcher. Jim's son. Just curious.

[@drathmardarkstar7911]

I have to agree on both Wheel of Time and the Malazan books, these two are both the books that made me walk away from the series. I did end up finishing WoT eventually, still need to finish Malazan though. Even unfinished and despite this book it is by far one of my favorites just due to the worldbuilding and magic system outside of the story itself which I really like for the most part. Only one I've read and disagree with on here is Assassins Quest but its been a long time since I have read it even on the most recent reread, and the Farseer Trilogy was one of my first series in Fantasy so it holds a bit of a special place. I can see the beginning of the book dragging a bit but I did like the conclusion of it.

[@DougieMit]

Good list and can agree with most of them. I would say to give Book of the Ancestor a go though, i thoroughly enjoyed it despite really not being a fan of The Broken Empire. I understand Cradle being on the list, its a genre that if you don't enjoy then you're going to be very bored, or irritated, by it no matter how many books you go though, personally I don't read a lot of progression stuff but I did love Cradle

[@CoolBeans45]

Your reaction at 17:55 killed me 😂😂

[@dreamshakejunya]

I can understand tapping out on Soulsmith based on how you feel. Cradle is definitely not for everyone. Since they were so short I said I’d read the first 4. I got the bug around 3. But I’m still not even sure you’d like it once it starts popping off. I personally think Cultivation is better as an aspect of a character vs being the central genre of a story.

[@adenfayt5433]

Damn, it sucks that you didn't like Blood Meridian. Took me three tries to read, but now it's my all time favorite book. I know it can seem like the type of book to warrant a quotation-marks-genius comment, but the language and characters really are incredible once you get in the flow. If you ever plan to try it again (prob not) I'd highly recommend trying it in audio form, and looking at litcharts after chapters if you're patient enough - it explains a lot of the meanings throughout the book.

[@kyrilson71]

Yeah, I have read a few Cormac McCarthy books and I did like them, but the lack of punctuation is very annoying and I don’t see the reason for it.

[@jennthebookwyrm5484]

I appreciate what you said about Twilight, actually. Many of these books that you didn't like, I haven't read and so I have no opinion on them. But the amount of people who have trashed Twilight to me because they knew I read them was huge...and most all of them had never read the series. As a writer, I defend another writer's right to twist the vampire lore a bit and if her vamps sparkle, whatever. It's meant for YA. But I respect that you actually tried to read it. I read them because my little sister (who was illiterate until almost the end of high school) got into reading because of them and I had to see what the fuss was about. They're ok, except the second book. Anyway...great video! Thanks for your honest views!

[@codedemon6697]

Have you read The Three Body Problem Trilogy? Its one of the best and deepest sci fi trilogies out therr. Highly suggest you check it out!

[@reginaldforthright805]

I’m glad you didn’t list the talisman because that’s one of my favorite books.

[@JamesMcCormickIV]

LitRPG -- It's a genre I should love, but I think I'm a little too old for them as well. LOL. They LOVE the stats stuff so much. And it's my least favorite part of the genre LOL Matt Dinniman's DUNGEON CRAWLER CARL does a good job balancing this out.

[@ivanjelenic5627]

Theres some good ones out there, but many bad or meh ones.

[@iraballard2260]

Miss on the night angel trilogy. It is so good!

[@theskyisteal8346]

It's interesting hearing your thoughts on insubordination in the Dragon Republic, is insubordination something that always grates even in stories where it makes sense? For example, the Malazan Empire is in many ways an empire founded on absurdity not the least of which is found in the military itself. Before Surly took the throne, the Malazan military not only allowed insubordination but actively encouraged it. This is what gave the empire's armies the improvisational skill to surprise their less chaotic adversaries at every turn (a strategy that mostly failed against the Mott Irregulars due to the Irregulars' superior absurdity). After Surly's betrayal she tried to reform the military but that culture had roots and survived through the veterans. Even though something like this wouldn't have an analog inour own world, it works and is justified in universe so I don't mind it.

[@TheKyfe]

No matter how you feel about The Black Prism books, personally, realizing that the title of the first book was the biggest foreshadowing of the story was an amazing moment for me.

[@calebmauer1751]

Yeah, the series is almost an all time great for me, for things like the hidden meaning in the title. Just why did he go that route with the ending? Anything would have been better. Lampshading deus ex machina doesn't make it OK, not with five big books worth of buildup to get to that point.

[@rebelbelle1388]

It was undoubtedly clever, and the magic system was different and interesting, but I simply couldn't handle some of the characters. The MC younger boy (forget his name) was beyond insufferable, and that's what made me DNF the series.

[@supersproodle]

Do consider Mark Lawrence's Book of the Ancestor, it is quite different and I suspect you will like it.

[@BunBunontheRun]

I read The Fisherman and liked it. I had no problem with Act II taking up a big part of the book. However, I do agree that he could have fleshed out Act III. There seemed to be a whole world that he hinted at and I was left wanting a bit.

[@kiarashazemikhah5237]

Apparently he is planning to write some stories in that world. He mentioned it on reddit along with some clues regarding the story itself.

[@lesliepowell-mccarty7067]

I started reading Alma Katsu with The Fervor and I really enjoyed it. She has also written some very good short stories. I agree with you in regard to The Hunger and her other books are not good. I was pumped to read her after The Fervor but not so much now. Oh and Lisey's Story was awful. 🎃🖤👻🧡

[@turtleanton6539]

Great video Idea ☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️🙂

[@ianarvidson3228]

Hm, it's interesting, because in some ways I have a different taste then you, I've never got too into Grim dark, but I completely agree with your perspectives on these, and I had a lot of the same experiences

[@s.p.8508]

The way you described Reapers Gale sounds pretty similar to my experience in finishing House of Chains last week. Everything building up to a huge climax, and then just twists and falls flat leaving with a bad taste in the mouth having read 1000 pages to get there.

[@theskyisteal8346]

I don't remember being disappointed at all with HoC when I finished it. I thought the various resolutions were suitably heart-breaking, cathartic and epic. I'm curious to know what you were disappointed by.

[@s.p.8508]

@@theskyisteal8346 the payoffs were the biggest issue for me. Everything in Sha’ik’s army, the betrayals building up, the evil people plotting and spinning their webs, were all destroyed by Karsa Orlong just coming in and killing all of them easily. The whole thing with the goddess (I mean behind the scenes, where she is in chains and stuff) is over with in about 5 seconds. The whole clash between the armies never even happened; Tavore (a character I don’t care for one bit) just strolled over and killed Felisin, then everyone just ran away. No battle, no nothing. Just a few pages here and there of killing going on. So basically everything building up for the entire book doesn’t happen, and instead some other stuff happens that just didn’t land for me. I also just don’t care too much for Karsa, although he started growing on me towards the end. I don’t really care too much about Pearl and whatsherface, I really don’t care about Cutter and Apsalar stuff aside from that scene on the cool island where Cotillian shows up. That being said, I loved everything the Bridgeburners (as always), I liked the stuff with the Tiste Edur and T’lan Imass, and the stuff with the Tiste Liosen was cool. Overall, the ending and payoffs just didn’t stick for me, which is why it’s currently my least favorite Malazan book.

[@theskyisteal8346]

@@s.p.8508 Ah okay, it seems like we came at this book in completely opposite directions. Karsa was immediately one of my favourite characters, I love Tavore, relate an embarrassing amount to Cutter, Pearl and Lostara at least interest me and I never cared one bit about Dryjhna or the Apocalypse. I always feel like we got the battle we were expecting when the Fist rode with the spirits of Raraku against the Dogslayers. And the rebirth of the Sea of Raraku was, to me, far more epic than a simple battle would have been.

[@s.p.8508]

@@theskyisteal8346 I think one of the issues was that Erikson spoiled me with his own books. I got used to the huge buildup and the epic battles at the end of each book, and I was really looking forward to it. Instead I got some random ocean popping up in the middle of a desert🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️ That probably sounds stupid to someone who read the whole series, because I’m sure the consequences of that event are going to be MAJOR, but I was just really disappointed.

[@theskyisteal8346]

@@s.p.8508 That"s fair.

[@eiliscantsleep]

I definitely agree with assassin's quest being a slog on the first read and much better with rereads. I cant exactly say why- maybe it's that for a lot of the realm of the elderlings, particularly the Fitz books, the plot and world building is just so secondary to the characters and Fitz just becomes more and more intresting as the series goes on? Maybe it's that the ending is so emotionally draining, that reading the book without thinking of it as a series ending stops it being so miserable? Anyway, anyone reading this comment please tell me when you connected the dots and realised what character was connecting the liveship traders to the assassin series, I'm really curious.

[@svendragon8139]

I saw Reaper's Gale in the thumbnail, don't you do it.... you did it, noooo! Lol

[@katrinabill8247]

I haven’t read this book yet, but I’ve heard EXCELLENT things about The Indifferent Stars Above by Daniel James Brown about the Donner Party. Last Podcast on the Left also covered the Donner Party and ISA was their primary source material

[@guruthosamarthruin4459]

I don't understand the Blood Mirror hate. I liked it. Loved the entire series. I also have no idea what is "juvenile" about it.

[@chrisconrod6265]

I have really really tried to like Neal Stephenson, but so far Cryptonomicon and Snow Crash were big busts. What's worse is I have three more of his books and have no motivation to start any of them!