Top 10 Authors + Where YOU Can Start!

[@bojato1234]

Hi I'm watching your channel since the beggining and finally I'm reading "IT" now for the first time beacuse you really reccomended it. I love it. Im at the page 200. I don't care if it will be scary or not at this point becasue I would read whole book just to be with these characters to see how they grow. I can really relate with Ben character. Everything is so authentic and relatable. I'm 22 and I'm from Poland so I don't know exactly if world is so authentic for people from USA as it's for me but I'm huge fan of old music, style, etc. (especially 50's-80's in USA) so reading "IT" feels like going back in time. I'm really glad that I accidentally found your channel and in consequence of that I started my reading journey. For 20 years of my life I hated books but now It's my new hobby. Books for me are some sort of escaping from reality to dream and "IT" is the best example of that. Also you introduced me to Sanderson and I must say that era 1 is amazing. I'm about to read era 2 but I want to wait because I've heard that era 2 is really different from era 1 so I don't want to shock myself.

[@RedFuryBooks]

I'm glad you picked up IT from my recommendation and are enjoying it! Those characters' stories are so masterfully done. I'm glad you found the channel and even more glad it's part of a renewal of your reading journey! I hope you continue to find great books and enjoy them - cheers!

[@alynam82]

Ha! That's funny, I can also relate to Ben from IT

[@nelzar]

Wholesome.

[@darthandy6161]

Sanderson: fave (hero of ages), entry (warbreaker) Murakami: fave (1Q84), entry (wind-up bird chronicle) Steinbeck: fave (east of eden), entry (of mice and men) Abercrombie: fave (last argument of kings), entry (blade itself) Hobb: fave (royal assassin), entry (assassin’s apprentice) King: fave (11/22/63), entry (the long walk)

[@RedFuryBooks]

Solid entry points! Glad to see you loved Hero of Ages like I did. Some people disagree with that!

[@covertocovercal1038]

Love your channel and I am a huge Stephen King fan as well. My favorite author and nobody comes close to taking his place. I agree that the way he writes and connects multiple realms and characters in his work is what makes him a mastermind. My favorite novel by King is ‘Salem’s Lot. If you haven’t read king, my recommendation is to start from the beginning and read in chronological order. That’s what I did and I’ve read everything by him. Can’t wait for Holly to come out in September!

[@RedFuryBooks]

Glad you like the channel and we definitely agree about King. And 'Salem's Lot is a great one!

[@josephperkins6625]

James Lee Burke, Jim Butcher, Jeffrey Deaver, Michael Connelly, Stephen King, Clive Barker, Dan Brown, Brett Easton Ellis, Chuck Palahniuk, my top 9. The order may change a little bit if I really think about it. I can't decide who my tenth would be. It's a lot harder than I thought it would be.

[@RedFuryBooks]

Nice! Making a top 10 is certainly a challenge - I had about 20 authors on my initial list!

[@kimtherrien8643]

Pillars of the Earth doesn't sound like it but it's an absolute page turner. I read it in one day back when I had all the time in the world to read for an entire day and half the night. Good times.

[@RedFuryBooks]

Wow! But I can totally see that.

[@akellerhouse83]

Robin Hobb is my favorite author. I don't think enough people talk about her Soldier Son series. It's so different than RotE, but definitely worth your time. I think I would include Sanderson and King in my list of top 10 authors. I've only read maybe 20 of King's books so I have a ways to go. But I would probably say 11-22-63 is my favorite too.

[@RedFuryBooks]

I'm reading Soldier Son starting in June! I'm really excited to read that one - reading with Derri, Scot and a host of others.

[@akellerhouse83]

@@RedFuryBooks that's awesome! I'll be watching for reviews.

[@derrisreaditbefore]

Josh, I LOVE this video! The structure is fantastic. While I'm sad ❤Hobb ❤hasn't yet knocked Stephen King from the throne, I also can't argue your point. Beating those kind of numbers is unlikely, and many of his works are truly magnificent stories that also live in MY favourite books list. I must get around to 11.22.63 though, as it seems to universally stand head and shoulders above the majority of his back catalogue.

[@RedFuryBooks]

Thanks, Derri! I honestly think of King and Hobb as 1 and 1A, but I'm making myself do these videos with no ties and no honorable mentions!

[@MattonBooks]

Great idea for a video, and well done. 🙂👌🏻 I’d totally agree: “hypnotised” is a great way to describe what Murakami does to you. It’s been ages since I read him, and when I had my “must read everything” Murakami phase it was before 1Q84, so I really need to get to that one!

[@RedFuryBooks]

If you've loved Murakami, you'll definitely enjoy 1Q84!

[@P.EnglishLiterature]

There's a time I wanted to have Joe Abercrombie on my show, its fun to have him top number 3 on your list. I haven't read any of Stephen King's works so far, I think I will have to start with Fairy Tales, just so I too can have an experience of Stephen's works, like everyone's been hyping it, lol. Lovely to know your taste with literature and your selection of book. I'm watching this to have an idea of what to pick for your September TBR, lol. I'm really looking forward to what this will be like and would be glad to spread the news and links. Cheers, Peter

[@RedFuryBooks]

I hope you enjoy King like I have! Looking forward to seeing what you pick for me! 😃

[@P.EnglishLiterature]

​@@RedFuryBooksYes. I will keep you posted on Instagram

[@christianjorgensen7664]

Murakami is by far my favorite author. Haven’t gotten to 1q84 yet but I can’t wait. Also I agree Norwegian wood is a great staring place it’s where I started too. I’ve never been more entertained and sucked in by a book before or since

[@RedFuryBooks]

This comment is timely. I’m currently in Japan reading Killing Commendatore. I’ll be uploading a travel vlog “Reading Murakami in Japan” next month!

[@Nxrth2001]

I can tell how much effort this video took Josh, excellently done. I'm pretty hardcore on the fantasy/scifi and would not consider reading some of these but I have been sold. Happy reading!

[@RedFuryBooks]

Thank you, and yes this one took a bit more work than my usual video. Glad you enjoyed it, and hope you enjoy some of the recommendations!

[@Thecatladybooknook_PennyD]

Oohh... excited for these lists!! You've got me excited to read more Follett and Steinbeck.

[@RedFuryBooks]

Awesome!

[@PHart1291]

I’ve always seen Follett’s series as game of thrones/ASOIAF for people who don’t like dragons and magic. Century Trilogy is great as well really worth checking out if you’re into 20th century history.

[@RedFuryBooks]

Yes, I definitely plan on reading the Century Trilogy at some point.

[@debbiemurphy4971]

Really enjoyed this video, Josh, and gosh, where to start? I love Follett’s Kingsbridge series and am very excited for the new one coming out in September in this series. I did NOT care for his Century trilogy. The first book was good but the next two were not. The Grapes of Wrath is a favorite book of mine; unfortunately, I haven’t gotten to his others yet. With Stephen King, the first book of his I read was Hearts in Atlantis and loved it so much. I’ve read several of his, including 11/22/63, but no horror. Although I have a huge soft spot in my heart for Hearts, right now, I think my favorite of his is Billy Summers. That may change - who knows. I’d like to read Cornwell and Hobb, but as you know, “so many books, so little time”. Lol. Again, great video and I look forward to more Top 10 videos!

[@RedFuryBooks]

Glad you enjoyed the video! I'm also very excited for the next Kingsbridge book. I've heard mixed reviews for his Century trilogy but still want to read those at some point. If you loved The Grapes of Wrath, I suspect you should read East of Eden next. Most likely a top 3 book of all time for me when I get around to that list!

[@djegovic22]

Great video, Josh! Congratulations! I didn't know Michael Connelly and I love the Lincoln Lawyer movie. I'll check out his work.

[@RedFuryBooks]

Glad you liked the video and hope you love Connelly!

[@marygriffiths6818]

Sorry my post posted itself mid sentence! Re Jody Taylor. Great loveable characters and some brilliant history. Her research is excellent. There are also some very sad parts. The first is "Just one damned thing after another". These are best read in order as the lives of the characters really moves on. They are what you might feel you need if you are tired, stressed or just feeling down.

[@jameshenry9894]

Favorite author is Sanderson -- couldn't agree more on the starting point. In fact, I recommend Mistborn to people wanting to get into fantasy in the first place. My personal favorite is Words of Radiance. Great video, thanks for the content!

[@jameshenry9894]

Also, read a ton of Stephen King last year and him to Sanderson for me is the same as Hobb to King for you. 11/22/63 might be the best book I've ever read honestly. And I finished the Dark Tower recently and still think about how brilliantly written that series is. Nothing quite like sai King.

[@RedFuryBooks]

Glad you liked the video, and I totally agree that Mistborn is not only a great entry point into Sanderson, but into modern fantasy as a whole.

[@RedFuryBooks]

The ending of the Dark Tower - whether you love it or loathe it (I love it) - is one of those endings that just makes you think about it long after you've finished the series. I can't say that about a lot of series!

[@sherreads1081]

I'm a Michael Connelly fan...I probably started with The Concrete Blonde and then backtracked to pick up the first two books while waiting for the next installment in the series. The Harry Bosch books are my favorite, but it's difficult to pick a favorite. I particularly liked Nine Dragons and the most recent, Desert Star.

[@RedFuryBooks]

I had a similar path - I read 3 or 4 and then started over and read them all in publication order. I love the Harry Bosch books the most, but the three books with Jack McEvoy are all excellent.

[@bigaldoesbooktube1097]

Wow this is a really impressive piece of work Josh. I’d consider making this your channel landing video 👌

[@RedFuryBooks]

Thanks, Al! Good idea!

[@jobuckley2999]

Different seasons is the perfect King starter or The Green Mile. East of Eden is amazing. Period. Maybe The Eye of the Needle for Follett since it is short and excellent for his entry novel. This video gave me some interesting authors I need to try. Thanks.

[@RedFuryBooks]

Yes, The Green Mile would work great too! I need to read more of Follett's thrillers, and I know Eye of the Needle was one of his breakout books. Thanks!

[@agentswarley]

I really liked how you structured this video!

[@RedFuryBooks]

Thank you!

[@marygriffiths6818]

Yet again a great list. I love Robin Hobb - there are parts of that first trilogy that moved me so deeply. I greatly admire Stephen King but find his work a bit too scary. I read his story Strawberry Spring over 40 years ago and the horror of it still stsys in my mind. My list would have to include a huge mix of genres. From classical to vety light fiction. Henry James is a great favourite - beautiful writing and such sensitivity to period and character. My favourite is The Wings of the Dove but The Turn of the Screw comes pretty close. I like Connolly but prefer John Lescroart as his courtroom stuff is brilliant. Hard Evidence is for me his best. I have always enjoyed good old fadhioned stories. R F Delderfield excells at this genre with his trilogy, A Horseman Riding By. It starts with a young man invalided out of WW1 who buys a run down country estate and follows his life and those of the people living there. The first part is Long Summer's Day- a wonderful story that I have read many times. Also worth checking out is Robert Goddard. His books are thrillers/mysteries with a bit of history in thecearlier ones. For me his best is Past Caring. A n out of work teacher is asked to investigate what happened to a politician of the esrly 1900s who vanished from political life abruptly. He finds an amazing story. It's a brilliant book. I have to have some light reading. Jodi Taylor is a writer who I would queue all night for. Her St Mary's series is about a historical research unit who travel in time to observe historical events as they happen. She combines laugh out loud (do not read on a crowded train!!) humour, char a cters

[@scottferris2686]

Fun video, really enjoyed it - our lists are different but there is some overlap (Hobb and King).

[@RedFuryBooks]

Top 2 for me is some great overlap

[@curtjarrell9710]

Best entry point for Ken Follett, imo, is Eye of the Needle. It's one of the best WW2 action novels. I'm not a fan of his cathedral books. I've started Robin Hobb the same place you did and will resume with Book 2 of the initial trilogy. Due to my caution with the level of violence in books I tested the waters for Joe Abercrombie with Sharp Ends. His touches of humor redeemed what might've been a world too dark for my taste. I've read the first novel and will resume the series soon. Michael Connelly and Bernard Cornwell didn't work for me. There's so much to read. I'm glad you're a big fan.

[@RedFuryBooks]

I definitely need to pick up Eye of the Needle, as I know that was the one that made Follett a best seller. I hope you enjoy your journeys with Hobb and Abercrombie like I have! Two years ago I hadn't read either of them, and now they are favorites!

[@MichaelWayne13]

Alot of readers went down Kings road but for some reason I took Koontz avenue. Started with What the Night Knows and it was the first book that gave me those awesome thriller chills.

[@RedFuryBooks]

I read Strangers and Phantoms by Koontz back in the day, but haven't read much of him since. But what I read I do think back as good books. I still remember quite distinctly the dog in Phantoms.

[@FionnKirwan]

Picked up The Black Echo, The Lincoln Lawyer and The Poet hopefully I find Michael Connelly as consistently good as you do

[@RedFuryBooks]

Fantastic! That gives you three different kind of Connelly books right there.

[@meredithmonti264]

Really great and well thought out video! Thank you!

[@RedFuryBooks]

Thank you - glad you enjoyed it!

[@angelaholmes8888]

My first Stephen king book I read was full dark no stars back in 2013 The first book by Brandon Sanderson that I read was warbreaker

[@praetorxyn]

Good picks here. I'm doing a Realm of the Elderlings re-read now. Took me about 5-6 years as I didn't think my heart could take it any sooner.

[@RedFuryBooks]

I can totally see that! I still feel the scars from Assassin's Fate.

[@sigynigy]

I have loved Conn Igguldens series, historical fiction. Favourites have to be the Mongol and Athenian ones I think.

[@RedFuryBooks]

I read the first Genghis Khan book and honestly don't know why I didn't continue with the series. I really need to do so!

[@chiming_]

I am very intrigued to try Michael Connelly. So glad to hear that I can start anywhere and each one is a standalone. Thank you.

[@RedFuryBooks]

I hope you enjoy his works as I have!

[@jorgemedina8083]

More gushing please ❤

[@RedFuryBooks]

Oh yes, there will be more. Top 10 book series will be next!

[@glendaw5221]

My favorite Follett book is Jackdaws.

[@RedFuryBooks]

I've heard great things about that one

[@adibou9262]

Thank youuuuuu!

[@KemuRaulo]

great!

[@johnpolidan3892]

Thank you.

[@angelaholmes8888]

I absolutely enjoyed pillars of the earth I read it when I was a teenager so far I have read both the prequel and the sequel in the kingsbridge series need to read column of fire this year

[@RedFuryBooks]

Follett is also releasing another sequel set after A Column of Fire - being released in September. I just preordered it yesterday!

[@angelaholmes8888]

@@RedFuryBooks oh thanks for telling 🙂

[@Johanna_reads]

I loved this video! 11/22/63 was my second King book (after Gunslinger) and I had no idea I was reading one of his best. I'm starting to feel an itch for more King and for more historical fiction, especially after watching this video!

[@RedFuryBooks]

Glad you liked the video! I always find an author's entry point an interesting topic, so I decided to roll it into my top 10 video.

[@angelaholmes8888]

My favorite book by John Steinbeck is east of eden I absolutely enjoyed that book I read a few years ago god I wish I had read it sooner I'm also a fan of Michael Connelly books especially the Lincoln lawyer series

[@RedFuryBooks]

Yes! East of Eden is masterful.

[@LivingDeadEnby]

My favourite Stephen King book is The Stand and I'd recommend Carrie as starting point, especially when you're into Horror. I want to read Murakami soon, I have Hard-boiled Wonderland and the End of the World standing here, waiting to be read. Also, I just discovered China Mieville. Did you read Perdido Street Station? This book is a contender for the best book I read this year, even if it's only February. F***, this one was good! I need more Mieville.

[@RedFuryBooks]

Hard-Boiled Wonderland and The End of the World is another great starting point for Murakami, especially if you want to delve into his magical realism stories. . I haven't read China Mieville as of yet; not an author that's a priority, but one I'll DEFINITELY read at some point!

[@josephhirning2372]

I can't really name ten favorite authors, but J.R.R Tolkien is my favorite. Stephen King is close behind.

[@RedFuryBooks]

I love it.

[@binglamb2176]

With Cornwell, there are many more treats to come in the Sharpe series! Connelly never misses for me either. He is one of those authors that when I pick up his books, I have to keep reading until I have finished them. Solid list and I am tempted to try Murakami. Thanks.

[@RedFuryBooks]

Yes, Connelly is remarkable! I hope you enjoy Murakami if you check him out. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@nelzar]

Great video. In case you aren't aware, Ken Follett has a final book in his Kingsbridge series releasing this September. It's supposed to be set a couple of hundred years after a Column of Fire. So that makes, with his Kingsbridge and his Century Trilogy, a thousand years of story-telling.

[@RedFuryBooks]

Yes, I'm excited for that one - it's already on pre-order! Glad you liked the video!

[@BooksWithBenghisKahn]

What an epic video! Cornwell is definitely on my list with Warlord and Sharpe (I’m 18 books in and going strong!). I’ve only dipped into King so far with Salems Lot and Apt Pupil, and I can’t wait to try others like 11/22/63. I also need to continue my Hobb journey with Liveship, and I also want to get to Pillars of the Earth which I have on the shelf. I think we also overlap on Abercrombie and Sanderson!

[@RedFuryBooks]

I hope you continue to love Hobb! And Pillars of the Earth is magnificent - it's truly a 900-page page-turner of a novel!

[@AFictionalEscapist]

This was a wonderful video! A few authors I’ve been excited to try out on here! Connelly and Folliet are high on the to read lists.

[@RedFuryBooks]

Glad you liked the video! I hope you love Connelly and Follett like I have!

[@brianbartels1525]

My favorite read of 2022 was John Steinbeck's "The Moon is Down." Set in WWII in Norway, it was heavily criticized for portraying the humanity of the invading army. I would love it if more book tubers talked about it!

[@RedFuryBooks]

I'll get to that one eventually! I plan on reading all of Steinbeck's works.

[@walkingwriter4325]

I read Cornwell's "The Winter King" in January and really liked it. The first twenty or so pages were a bit intimidating with all the hard-to-pronounce names and places thrown at you, but I quickly adapted. Not an issue now. The story is well-paced and very readable. I'm 2/3 of the way through "Enemy of God" and enjoying that, too. Will read the third book in March. Great video!

[@RedFuryBooks]

Thanks for checking out the video! I hope you continue to enjoy the Warlord Chronicles. I may end up talking about that series when I do a top 10 book series list soon!

[@Danny_Matson]

Nice list, Josh! I'm going to start Follett's Eye of the Needle soon. I need more after devouring Pillars of the Earth last year. Also interested in the Century Trilogy. Haven't heard anybody talk about it but it's highly rated on Goodreads. Any plans to read Fall if Giants?

[@RedFuryBooks]

Thanks, Danny! I'm not sure when I'll get to Fall of Giants - probably not this year. I will definitely be reading the newest entry to the Kingsbridge books that's being released in September!

[@benaffanamohamed2001]

Great video , thank you very much.

[@RedFuryBooks]

Thanks for watching!

[@alynam82]

I still consider myself new to Realm of Elderlings as I only started with Assassin's Apprentice in December, however I find her storytelling beautiful and addicting. In fact, I just started Assassin's Quest this afternoon (only just past the prologue). But here's my favorite authors: Stephen King - also a fan since childhood. Tough to declare a favorite book, but gun-to-head decision would be The Stand... followed closely by Pet Semetary. Robert McCammon - started with The Wolf's Hour back in 2016, made me a fan, then read Swan Song which captured my heart. I've since read many other stand alone books and all in the Matthew Corbett series. Dan Simmons - famous for his Sci-fi like Hyperion and Endymion, but I love his horror like Summer of Night and Carrion Comfort. Also his Historical/Literary fiction like Drood, The Fifth Heart and Black Hills. Simmons has a very ambitious style of storytelling, and many novels are extremely well researched. He may be the top dog of info dumping, but it all fascinates me nonetheless.

[@RedFuryBooks]

As I type this comment, I'm about 100 pages into Swan Song and feel thoroughly immersed. Mike mentioned when we were on a live stream awhile back the McCammon is the first author he's found that's like King in scope and quality, so I'm definitely intrigued. I love Dan Simmons as well, although I do have a lot more of works to explore. Hyperion is a priority for me this year.

[@alynam82]

​@@RedFuryBooksoh, that's so cool! I can't wait to hear your thoughts on Swan Song (good or bad) once you finish!

[@RedFuryBooks]

@@alynam82 I'm really liking it so far! The US/Russia nuclear war feels outdated in 2023, but loving the characterization and narrative.

[@barbaralin3053]

I'm reading my first Stephen King, the Shining, and I think he will become one of my favorite authors. I mistook him before as a horror author only, but he actually writes about humanity. I read Ken Follett's Kingsbridge series and Century trilogy a few years ago. As to Murakami, I read Norwegian Wood, South of the Border, West of the Sun, and Kafka on the Shore, but I couldn't stand his style through and through. I guess i just couldn't like his stories, or those of the more prestige Jun'ichirō Tanizaki . Maybe it was just their world view too pessimistic to me. The reason i love many of western literature is that their protagonists all try to conquer the obstacles and grow. There is a quest in life; otherwise there would be no meaning.

[@RedFuryBooks]

Great observation with King! And I consider a lot of his non-horror novels some of his best!

[@BookishChas]

Great list of authors Josh! I’ve been told by so many people that I need to read East of Eden. I just don’t know if Steinbeck would fit my taste lol. Hobb really is amazing at character work.

[@RedFuryBooks]

You should definitely pick up East of Eden! But check out Of Mice and Men first to see if Steinbeck is your thing.

[@readbykyle3082]

So I haven't done my top ten list yet, but I can say confidently that 5/10 we share. King, Hobb, Sanderson, Cornwell, and Abercrombie. I also really like Michael Connolly. How dare you not have Martin 😭 we were so close, Josh.

[@RedFuryBooks]

Ha! Maybe I'll redeem myself to leaving Martin off the list with my next top 10 list: top 10 book series!

[@thefantasythinker]

Very cool video! I thought about doing something similar. I just started my Hobb journey and really looking forward to it. Haven't read too much King other than the novellas you recommended which didn't really do it for me, but I may start The Dark Tower this year sometime as fantasy is more my thing. I need to get to Abercrombie as well. I've gotta do some more thinking for my top list though, ha. Cheers!...Jarrod

[@RedFuryBooks]

Thanks, Jarrod! The Dark Tower might be a better entry point for Stephen King for you as a fantasy reader, but really the first book is not the best in the series, at least for most readers. So at least give it the first 2 books - you'll be rewarded with one of the most bold and unique fantasy series you'll ever read! (I'll likely be talking about it soon in a top 10 book series video!)

[@bytor0125]

Follett’s Century trilogy is also fantastic.

[@RedFuryBooks]

Yes, I need to read those - I've heard great things.

[@duffypratt]

Nice, eclectic list. I’ve only read about half of these. Murakami has been on my radar for a while, and I may get to him soon. So has Cornwall. You’ve piqued my interest in Connelly and Atkinson (had never heard of her). I’m currently about half way through Pillars. Here’s a question for you: who is more despicable William, Kyle or Bayaz?

[@RedFuryBooks]

Wow! Tough question. My answer will change right after I hit reply, but I'll say William is the worst of those three!

[@sasapejcin3568]

New sub here! I like your calm demeanor and your reviews and recs! 🙃🙂

[@RedFuryBooks]

Thanks so much! I get the calm demeanor from teaching kids for 20 years! 🤣 Thanks for the sub and glad you liked the video!

[@sasapejcin3568]

@@RedFuryBooks That explains everything then lol! You are such a cool guy! 😉

[@lockdowntechie3122]

I started reading Stephen King with the The Stand !

[@RedFuryBooks]

Wow! Started with a big book!

[@StElna]

My favourite author is probably Stephen King. I've read some stinkers by him, but 2 of my 5 favourite books are by King: IT and The Stand. If you were to do a Top 10 for your most read authors (not including re-reads), would your list be the similar?

[@RedFuryBooks]

Yes, IT and The Stand are remarkable - top 3 of my King books. As for 10 most read authors, a few are on there that didn't make this list: David Eddings, Robert Jordan, Isaac Asimov and Peter Abrahams/Spencer Quinn. Maybe a future video!

[@StElna]

We have a couple the same. My Top 10 most read authors would be: Stephen King - 21 Isaac Asimov - 17 Dan Simmons - 14 Robert A Heinlein - 14 Robert R McCammon - 13 Gene Wolfe - 11 Ben Bova - 10 Philip K Dick - 10 Richard Matheson - 9 Stephen R Donaldson - 9

[@RedFuryBooks]

@@StElna I need to catch up to you with Dan Simmons! I've read 4 with at least 4 more planned this year.

[@StElna]

Dan Simmons is incredible. My favourite is Carrion Comfort.

[@debashisbandyopadhyay13]

Can't agree more for Ken Follet, Stephen King, John Steinbeck. They are just master storytellers. Recently into Sanderson and it's going just fantastic (with Elantris). Very soon to jump in Abercrombie's world and hope it goes as you have mentioned. Shall give a try to Murakami, Atkinson and Hobb. I am sure they would be great. Fantastic recs that I have enjoyed a lot.

[@RedFuryBooks]

Thanks so much! I hope you enjoy your forays into Murakami, Atkinson and Hobb!

[@JacobMcMillen]

I started Hobb on your recommendation - just finished #2 Royal Assassin - and I’m really struggling with this series. There are basically two villains in this series. One (red ship raiders) we still know literally nothing about 2 books into the trilogy, and the second (Regal) is a stereotypically one-dimensional villain. I take issue with both situations. I find the protagonist whiny and uninteresting, the character relationships contrived, and the plot nonsensical. Literally nobody in this entire series responds to plot moments in even a remotely realistic way. It’s especially jarring coming off the first law’s brutal realism, which I also read due to your recommendation and really enjoyed. How did you feel about the first two books? If I feel this negative two books in, is the series worth continuing? I know sometimes long series like this start our weak and improve rapidly, but if you loved the first two books, I’m guessing we probably just differ on what we like.

[@RedFuryBooks]

Sorry to hear you're struggling with Farseer, Jacob. Let me add my 2 cents and maybe help you decide whether to continue or not. Out of the 5 series in the Realm of the Elderlings, just about every reader I know has Farseer as 4th best of the 5. It definitely has its flaws, and as the earliest series, Hobb certainly got better in subsequent series. As for my rating of the 3 books, I think I gave Assassin's Apprentice a 4/5, Royal Assassin 5/5 and Assassin's Quest a 3/5. Given that Assassin's Quest is normally one of the lowest rated books in the entire Realm of the Elderlings for most readers, I'd perhaps consider pausing your Farseer read, and, if you think there's enough for you to continue, jump into Ship of Magic, the first book of the Liveship Traders Trilogy. Liveship is many readers' favorite trilogy of the RoTE, and is much different, features a third person narrative of many characters. And Ship of Magic has perhaps has one of the best villains in the entire RoTE, with a lot of characters with dubious motivations. Beware a few whiny characters, but the character work and character arcs in that trilogy are masterful. And if you go this route, you could circle back to Assassin's Quest before going on; some readers even recommend starting with Liveship because it's so much better than Farseer. Hope this helps.

[@JacobMcMillen]

@@RedFuryBooks this is exactly the type of advice I was looking for, thanks a ton!

[@RedFuryBooks]

Glad to help!

[@justjuanreader]

Have you read The Soldier Son by Robin Hobb? It’s simply superb. I just made a video about it, I hope more people read it and fall in love with her.

[@RedFuryBooks]

I have those books on tap for June, July and August with some other book tubers! I can't wait!

[@Wanderwilderreading]

I've just picked up some Murakami for the first time from a friend, she gave me Kafta on the Shore and Norwegian Wood. Which of those two would you recommend starting with?

[@RedFuryBooks]

I'd definitely start with Norwegian Wood. That's where I started. Plus Kafka on the Shore has a - shall we say - troubling plot point that might not be the best entry point into Murakami's work. Have fun!

[@kristen7623]

…and Joe Abercrombies audiobook narrator is just as unique and 5/5 as Joe himself!

[@RedFuryBooks]

O I've heard great things!

[@ameier021087]

Nice list! Stephen King is my favorite author as well. Have you read any Neil Gaiman? He'd be on my top 10 list.

[@RedFuryBooks]

I've read two by Gaiman: The Ocean at the End of the Lane and American Gods. The Ocean at the End of the Lane made my top 5 last year, so I'll definitely be reading more Gaiman in thefuture!

[@ameier021087]

@@RedFuryBooks Ocean at the End of the Lane is one of my favorite books! Hope you enjoy his other works; Stardust and Neverwhere would be good next steps.

[@RedFuryBooks]

@@ameier021087 Thanks for the tip!

[@chucklitka2503]

I've read 3 -4 Murakami books, and like you I think Norwegian Wood is a great first book, and perhaps my favorite of what I have read. As for Bernard Cornwall, I've very recently read his non-fiction Waterloo book, which is good (though read it in paper so can consult the maps. Maps are essential for reading about battles and they are almost useless in ebook format. I also read one of his Sharpe novels from the middle of the long series, Sharpe's Sword. Sharpe is the bravest of the brave, smart, indestructible, respected by his superiors, adored by his subordinates, loved by the most beautiful woman in the book, and is a boring character. No wit, no charm, no real personality. I'd try one of this other series before this one.

[@RedFuryBooks]

The Sharpe books are probably lowest on my list of Cornwell to check out - The Saxon tales and the rest of the stand alones are probably up before them. Plus I'm a bit miffed that he started the Starbuck Chronicles but stopped those because he found them too similar to the Sharpe books. Glad to find another fan of Norwegian Wood! It's probably my #2 favorite behind 1Q84.

[@jjhg]

I tried starting Elantris, Warbreaker and The Way of Kings but found Sanderson's prose to be unreadable.

[@RedFuryBooks]

I honestly like Sanderson in spite of his writing style. His prose style is definitely not what I'm seeking, but his plotting and imagination is off the charts.

[@85dresden]

do you have a list of crime and thriller author recommendations.

[@RedFuryBooks]

Not in a video, but some of my favorites besides Connelly include Dennis Lehane, Don Winslow and Peter Abrahams/Spencer Quinn.