Top 10 Fantasy Series of All Time (2019 Update)

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

What’s your top ten??

[@Prog47]

Just started reading fantasy lol. Read prince of thorns and hated it, now reading lies of locke lamora and it's so much better. Btw are you a writer? Asking because most people who read a lot also want to write

[@Shiraste]

1. Steven Erikson- Malazan Tales of the Fallen 2. Robin Hobb - Realm of the Elderlings 3. Robert Jordan - The Wheel of Time 4. Michael J. Sullivan - Riyira 5. George R.R. Martin - A Song of Ice and Fire 6. Scott Lynch - Gentleman Bastards 7. Brandon Sanderson - Stormlight Archive 8. Andrzej Sapkowski - The Witcher 9. J.R.R. Tolkien - The Lord of the Rings 10. Glen Cook - Black Company (original trilogy)

[@tracib.7725]

10. Malazan 9. Gentlemen Bastards 8. First Law 7. Lord of the Rings 6. Light Bringer 5. Dark Tower 4. Mistborn 3. Memory, Sorrow, Thorn 2. Storm Light Archive 1. Wheel of Time

[@elrilmoonweaver4723]

1. Stormlight Archive - Brandon Sanderson 2. Gentleman Bastards - Scott Lynch 3. Mistborn Era 1 - Brandon Sanderson 4. The Broken Earth - N.K. Jemisin 5. A Song of Ice and Fire - George R.R. Martin 6. Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling 7. The Lord of the Rings - J.R.R. Tolkien 8. The Riyria Revelations - Michael J. Sullivan 9. The Broken Empire - Mark Lawrence 10. The Witcher - Andrzej Sapkowski

[@archietrinidad2663]

1. WOT by Robert Jordan 2. MALAZAN book of the fallen by Steven Erikson and collab with Ian C. Esslemont 3. RIFTWAR SAGA by Raymond Feist 4. STORMLIGHT by Brandon Sanderson 5. The darkness that comes before by R. Scott Bakker 6.First Law by Joe Abercrombie 7.LIGHTBRINGER and the night angel trilogy by Brent Weeks 8. Forgotten realms Story oy Drizzt and war of the spider queen by R. A. Salvatorre and friends.. 😂😂 9.BLOOD SONG series by Anthony Ryan 10. TORN bet. KKC by Patrick Rothfuss and GB by Scott Lynch... 😁✌️😁

[@nvwest]

1:25 First Law 2:35 Stormlight Archive 3:47 Lightbringer 4:50 Dark Tower 6:00 Mistborn 7:05 Gentleman Bastard 8:40 Lord of the Rings 10:35 A song of Ice and Fire 12:36 Witcher 14:18 duh

[@coban0699]

I fully understand and support duh

[@jordanha1956]

Z

[@SomebodyRandom717]

I just love how you didn't have to say who was #1, and we all knew who is Daniel's #1

[@omkarmahajan9918]

no Malazan?

[@SammieMousie]

@@coban0699 As a first Time read of the WOT and a relatively new Daniel Greene subscriber, I too, support duh and hopefully, when I'm done with the series, will fully support it.

[@ClassicMadMaxx]

Absolutely no one: Daniel Greene: Did someone say Wheel of Time?

[@WrathOfPhropet]

I am becoming like this and I'm only on 3rd book :D

[@SKWYRTLE]

Licanius trilogy. Give it a read. It's amazing.

[@hexmage]

Me too!

[@gergc4871]

Robert Jordan is dead. Sooo.....his first 4 books were great?

[@fibsniper786]

Gerg C what’s the meaning of your comment? Are you under the impression that he only wrote books 1-4 of the WoT series? Or do you feel that since he’s dead, his 5th through 11th books of the series are “not great” ?? Or are you just an internet trolloc? Cheeto finger, basement dwellin, Neverborn?

[@KingsandGenerals]

By the way, Sapkowski's Hussite Trilogy is like ASOIAF, but better. When it is finally discovered by the English-speaking audience, it will be such a major hit.

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

Sounds like I need to jump on it quick before it explodes!

[@KingsandGenerals]

@@DanielGreeneReviews alas, the first book will be released in English on May 14, 2020, but I promise, if the translation is good, it will blow your mind.

[@IndiaTides]

Oh...my other favourite channel.😃

[@neilchintalapudi4184]

@@KingsandGenerals Didn't know you were such a book reader👍

[@victorperezurbano9504]

@@KingsandGenerals love your channel! Cream of the crop

[@Perry-kd8in]

It's nice to see so much Malazan on these comment lists, would love to see a booktuber that puts out Malazan content to the extent Daniel does with his love of the Wheel of time series

[@Buddanutslol]

Me too. I feel like it's a widely loved, but not so widely discussed series.

[@Logiwonk]

I feel like people are either Wheel of Time people or Malazan people, it's like Beatles vs Stones.

[@b4singularity]

To be fair, i felt the same way about wheel of time till i read the Malazan series.

[@Moonwired]

The problem with talking about this series is that so much about these books is about discovering how everything ties together in this massive world. Who they are, what motivates people, what the alliances are about and seeing events unfold. Talking about it pales in comparison to just rereading it and seeing those little secrets on the pages hidden in plain sight all along, and finding joy in being in on a these connections and then gasping a massive oh shit.

[@raion0no0yuki]

Love that the Witcher is #2 for you. I recently finished the books and wow, they're all so good in their own way and they've really gotten up there with my favorite fantasy books.

[@jenx2194]

1. The Hobbit/lotr 2. A song of Ice and fire 3. Stormlight archive 4. Chronicles of Narnia 5. His dark materials 6. Discworld 7. Wheel of Time 8. The dark tower 9. Harry Potter 10. Alice in Wonderland

[@duncan3707]

Lotr is over rated IMO. The movies are not the books.

[@slome815]

@@duncan3707 Over rated? For me, together with the silmarilion they are the best fantasy books ever writen. The quality of the writing, the compelling and fleshed out world is frankly above any other fantasy books. I read lotr when I was 15, it took me 2 weeks to read all the books, it's all just so real, it reads like an old epic, not like a modern made up world. When I read the silmarilion a couple of years later I was entirely blown away.

[@ogbee9690]

@Anay K.B are you saying that as if the movies are overrated and not the books or the books aren't as good as the movies?

[@ladyhatake3730]

Anay K.B Your existence isn’t even rated because nobody gives a fuck about you.

[@duncan3707]

@@ladyhatake3730 Says the guy screaming at a few binary digits in a piece of metal. PS. Im in no mood to talk to Rabids so I've blocked you , have fun shouting at the brick wall I've built between us.

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

Main point of this list is basically to show opinions change. If you ask me a week from now, the list will be different. Everything is ballpark of course!

[@Riverpeth]

Thoughts on John Gwynne’s The Faithful and the Fallen series?

[@JLoja88]

Can't wait for you to read Robin Hobb's Farseer so it can destroy your list :3

[@Riverpeth]

@@JLoja88 I never understood the appeal of Hobb. I only read the original Farseer trilogy, so maybe that's the issue, but there were just too many poor character decisions and illogical plot choices, specifically in the third book, that it quickly became a frustrating read.

[@WilfStepto]

Have you discovered the Dandelion Dynasty Trilogy by Ken Liu yet? 1. The Grace of Kings 2. The Wall of Storms 3. Untitled - Release date hopefully this year It stands apart from most contemporary Western Fantasy by doing a whole number of things. These include: switching between 3rd Person POV and borderline omniscient narrator; frequent flashback scenes; being Silkpunk etc.

[@DeepMoon45]

Literally me with my opinions on everything, I can never make up my mind

[@isakdahl7054]

1. The Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit 2. Harry Potter There, that’s all I’ve ever read. I’m very excited to get deeper into this genre, and this channel has helped me a lot! I’m listening to “The Eye of the World” and am starting “Mistborn” next week.

[@calebmauer1751]

Welcome friend.

[@isakdahl7054]

Caleb Mauer Thank you! Do you perhaps have any recommendations?

[@calebmauer1751]

@@isakdahl7054 I recommend beginners start with The Wheel of Time, so you're on the right track already. And you can't go wrong with anything Brandon Sanderson, and his YA stuff is just as good, like I would definitely check out Skyward if I were you. Anything on Daniel's list is good. And for something not on this list, check out Thief of Time, it's the best entry book for Discworld. Assasin's Quest by Robin Hobb is the start of a great series as well that I'm sure you'd like. You're lucky you're starting to read and there are so many great books today. When I started reading I had no money could only read what they had at the library, and it was mostly just OK.

[@isakdahl7054]

Caleb Mauer Thank you so much for the recommendations and encouraging words! And especially for Thief of Time. I’ve been curious on Discworld for a while, and now I know how to get started!

[@birdguyjohnson3502]

1. Lord of the Rings 2. A Song of Ice and Fire 3. Malazan 4. Dark Tower 5. The Witcher 6. Broken Empire 7. Stormlight Archive 8. Kingkiller Chronicles 9. Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn 10. Realm of the Elderlings

[@tracib.7725]

Birdguy Johnson shout out to having MST on there!

[@WhitebeltDG]

The inheritance cycle does not get enough love. Such a great entry into the fantasy genre

[@bradfarley3051]

Agreed! The inheritance cycle, Eyes of the dragon, and The Transall saga were my first fantasy books that pushed me into the genre.

[@creativename6126]

I think it is a perfect entry to the genre. it’s biggest fans won’t fight the point that is not very original which is the reason I’m of the opinion the earlier on you read it the more you like it so it should really be an entry series.

[@ashutoshmohapatra7320]

My top 10 would be: 1. Stormlight Archive 2. Wheel of Time 3. Berserk (The manga) 4. Malazan 5. ASoIaF 6. Kingkiller 7. Lightbringer 8. Mistborn era I 9. Lord of the Rings and Silmarillion 10. Discworld

[@bobnelson1312]

if only berserk would end :(

[@guiledazen44]

A pleasant surprise to see Berserk in someone's list. I was just re-reading some of my favorite bits fom the Falcon of the Millennium arc yesterday. Every panel still blows me away. And I also agree with your first choice.

[@chilichamelion]

this is a great list! all of these are either among my favorites, or on my reading list

[@berserker8884]

Happy

[@FloresRain]

Is berserk really that fucking good? I love dark souls and I'm looking for more inspiration for my story so ima have to give it a try today! Then I'll give wheel of time a try since its first on the video. I havent read any of these books only one lotr book and saw the lore on it.

[@SpaceChase]

Dude just thank you so much for expanding this realm for me.

[@talchan5944]

i'm gonna read the wheel of time because of you. i actually read the eye of the world's prologue yesterday i can't wait to read some more after i'm done with my finals lol

[@mikesbookreviews]

1) Lord of the Rings 2) The First Law 3) ASOIAF 4) Harry Potter 5) Stormlight Archive 6) Chronicles of Narnia 7) Wheel of Time (only through 6 books at the moment) 8) The Dark Tower 9) Mistborn 10) Dune (sequels bring it down) Still need to read: Witcher, Broken Empire, Gentleman Bastards, Malazan, Riyira, Dresden Files

[@phlatbrim2732]

Fuck I forgot dune!

[@guruthosamarthruin4459]

I was actually shocked that Stormlight Archive was so LOW.

[@jackyin953]

Its not yet finished

[@praetorxyn]

It's not finished. I haven't even started it because I don't want to go nuts waiting years for each book.

[@guruthosamarthruin4459]

@@praetorxyn I know. I just thought with what was already writteb, he would have it higher.

[@jchinckley]

@@praetorxyn I agree with this sentiment, but I'll probably read at least a few before he finishes. He has a LOT planned so he's not gonna stop anytime soon, but sometimes his books seem to write things that aren't related. What you should know is that everything he has written so far (including Elantris, I think) is somehow part of his milieu the Cosmere. And he writes, seemingly, incredibly fast. Maybe not as fast as some, but fast enough compared to Robert Jordan.

[@paulie-g]

@@jchinckley He writes fast and consistently. Largely this is because he's an outline writer. Discovery writers like Jordan and Martin on the other hand have to spend huge amounts of time in revisions, perhaps rewriting the books almost entirely several times. I won't recommend listening to it since it might spoil the books, but Brendan has a series of videos of the writing course he taught at BYU up on youtube where he goes into this. Martin in particular looks to have written himself into a corner he can't get out of in a satisfying way.

[@rhenum8084]

I can’t explain enough how the wheel of time shaped my child hood and has changed my view of the world. At some times I feel as the Wheel of time is the thing I hold most dear to my heart and love the most (to the exception/tied with family members). Words cannot express how much I love each and every one of these books. If you are reading this comment and have not read it, R E A D I T. Even if you don’t have money. Get money. Read it. If you don’t find the first three books the most amazing (Which you will definitely like the first two at least) once you get to the fourth you will never be able to stop reading. I use to stay up all night reading and hid the book in my textbooks at school. I can’t express how much these books mean to me.

[@Chubmunky126]

1. Malazan 2. Stormlight Archives 3. WOT 4. ASOIAF 5. Dark Tower 6. Gentlemen Bastards 7. LOTR 8. Mistborn era 1 9. Kingkiller 10. Warbreaker

[@Canadian_Princess]

Malazan for the win!

[@danagray9709]

An important note: read Malazan, don't listen. The narrator for the audible version is terrible.

[@calebledbetter7607]

@@danagray9709 I have to disagree there. I thought Ralph Lister nailed individual character voices( minus a couple odd choices). Michael Page wasnt quite as good at differentiating voices but his tone and inflection worked very well for me. To each their own though!

[@Rimpelmans]

I like you have Warbreaker on your list. I often get stuck in 12+ books fantasy series (sorry WoT), Warbreaker is a 1 book story which has all the dept I expect of a series in just one book. Plus my ebook version has a commentary about the process of writing at the and of each chapter by the writer which I really like.

[@scarlet8078]

What is 'warbreaker'?

[@bobbun9630]

I'm shocked and disappointed that four slots weren't reserved for The Belgariad, The Mallorean, The Elenium, and The Tamuli! What's up with that? A story so good it was worth telling four times! Four true epics of visiting all the map locations! Ok, I confess that I'm not all that shocked or disappointed.

[@hadassahbranch7529]

Daniel's early vids imply he has never heard of the Eddings, but later he read the Belgariad but didn't enjoy it a lot. Shame he didn't start with the Elenium...

[@ssejllenrad561]

Here's mine: 1. The Full Tolkien Legendarium 2. A Wheel of Time 3. Malazan Book of the Fallen 4. A Song of Ice and Fire (might go up or down depending on how it ends) 5. Narnia (would place Lord of the Rings tied here if it's just the trilogy) 6. Mistborn and Stormlight 7. Earthsea 8. Discworld and Prydain tied 9. Shannara 10. Witcher (I hate the author but the books are growing on me)

[@iadd2568]

ssej llenrad mine pretty similar

[@THEPELADOMASTER]

The witcher is one of those occasions where you have to separate the author from his work. Yeah the dude's pretty salty and a bit of an asshole (putting it lightly) but the books are pretty good

[@SmiertelnaFuria]

First place on Tolkien u smurf then, you judged the author, Narnia land of fucking flowers 3st, only A Wheel of Time has a good position

[@gsogymrat]

I agree except I didn't like A Song of Ice and Fire. Everyone said it was amazing but I gave up after the third book.

[@maddssofia931]

Totally agree, especially Tolkien, his books are just amazing

[@arkadejones2271]

My top 10 in no particular order: The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant The Death Gate Cycle The Dark Elf Trilogy A Man of His Word Mistborn The Wheel of Time As Song of Ice and Fire Memory, Sorrow and Thorn The Farseer Trilogy Lord of the Rings

[@bozimmerman]

Loves me some Robin Hobb as well. What an ending, eh?

[@davidsmart5220]

Nice to see Thomas Covenant mentioned

[@deanie3824]

Don't be so rude to past Daniel. He hadn't ascended to Greene Daniel level yet. George RR Martin's ambitions to create stories outside of ASOIAF are great. I love that he's getting into the world of video games. If it's as good as Witcher 3, then I know I'll play the heck out of it.

[@anthonycrayne2835]

It's going to be a from software game. So it'll probably be like a soulsborne difficulty level game.

[@taylorhauser3347]

You know it’s going to stay consistent! With three books it’s already put it self up to at least top five (talking about storm light)

[@WiwomWill]

1: Malazan 2: ASOIF 3: Stormlight Archive 4: Wheel of Time 5: Lord of the Rings 6: The First Law 7: Mistborn 8: Harry Potter That’s all that I’ve completed. Read the first Witcher book and wasn’t crazy about it. I’ve also read about 15 Stephen King novels which I’ve loved, but haven’t gotten around to the Dark Tower yet.

[@zedspoint4614]

What's ASOIF mean?

[@griizzlerhops633]

@@zedspoint4614 A song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin

[@malinzkia9845]

The pure depth is what makes asoiaf my favorite of all time. The world is just so amazingly thoughtout and complex. I also looooove the mysterious elements of its magic and gods, where we see the magic through the eyes of unknowing humans and are therefore not getting all the i formation we would like. It just pulls you in soooo much

[@Slayereyez]

1.Berserk 2.The Dark Tower 3.Stormlight 4. Kingkiller 5.LOTR

[@Unflushablepiss]

berserk!!!!

[@andocommando3071]

If I allowed manga on my list Berserk would probably be #1 or 2 (Nausicaa would also be high up there)

[@devinbeckley2849]

I'd love to see Daniel's opinion on the Berserk manga.

[@acmilanuk8327]

If you put manga..nothing can beat One piece

[@faethon6990]

Why in the undieing fuck-nuggets is LOTR so low?

[@gunfire72]

Just based purely on how much I enjoyed reading them, and how much each has hooked me, here's my top for anyone who cares. 10.) The Mortal Instruments 9.) The reckoners 8.) LotR 7.) Inheritance Cycle 6.)Stormlight 5.) Malazan 4.)Riftwar Saga 3.)mistborn era 1 2.)ASoIaF 1.) WoT

[@docdude110]

Hope it's not weird to reply to this 2 years later, but we have very similar book interests so thought I'd recommend you try "The Belgariad" or "The black magician trilogy"!

[@gunfire72]

@@docdude110 not weird at all mate, appreciate the suggestions I’ll check those out Forsure!

[@mmissing3]

I just read Jim Butcher's 'Furies of Calderon' series, and was very impressed by it! If you like the other series on this list, i highly recommend it as well. In addition his 'The Aeronaut's Windlass' is a magnificent gleaming steampunk/fantasy gem as well.

[@qine6559]

Yaaah. I was looking for someone namedropping codex alera. It is on my list for sure. I LOVE that series so much and it's strange to me it's not even a mention.

[@celloafterdark4173]

I’m excited to check out some of these! I used to read a lot of fantasy but due to lack of time I haven’t read nearly as much in the last decade. Now, I mostly consume through audio books which is really helping satisfy that urge to experience truly great stories! I’m currently loving Brandon Sanderson, my favorite is the original Mistborn trilogy. But loving the others as well

[@krle24]

1. Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson 2. The Realm of Elderlings by Robin Hobb 3. The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan 4. Woldbreaker Saga by Kameron Hurley 5. Broken Earth Series by N. K. Jemisin

[@praetorxyn]

Are the latter two ongoing or done I haven't heard of them. I have Malazan but haven't read it, still need to read Fitz and the Fool but have read the rest of Realm and enjoyed it. Wheel of Time is probably my favorite.

[@TaliaJohnson]

@@praetorxyn The last trilogy with Fitz and the Fool is amazing, and the last book, just... WOW if you haven't read them yet.

[@praetorxyn]

@@TaliaJohnson I did read it eventually and I agree. One of the best endings I've ever read period.

[@billypatterson4983]

You’re the first person I’ve seen in the comments that mentions The Broken Earth, amazing series!

[@brandonrussell785]

Just stumbled on your channel today, and really enjoy your take on the genre. I started reading WoT back in 1992 with a group of college buddies, and have re-read it multiple times. I agree that it is the top of its class. Also became a fan of Sanderson as a result of his involvement in that project. Love having the audiobooks playing in the background while I work. I have a couple of young teenage sons, and that's about when I started reading fantasy. Once I started, I never looked back. It's not the only genre I read, but it is my favorite. My first venture into fantasy was Lloyd Alexander's 'The Chronicles of Prydain'. Loved that as a kid, and was a great, accessible intro to the genre for a 12 year old. Which is why my current 12 year old is loving it so much. A couple other very simple, very easy reads early on were The Belgariad and the Riftwar Saga. Loved those two, and my 15 year old is engrossed in Magician Master right now. Love to see them embracing the genre as much as I did when I was young. While it's not exactly mainstream, I do also enjoy re-reading Memory, Sorrow and Thorn by Tad Williams. And I also hated Wizard's First Rule. Tried the second book to give things a chance, but it was equally disappointing.

[@BigDaddy13515]

1. Malazan 2. First Law 3. ASOIAF 4. Crimson Empire 5. Gentlemen Bastards 6. Stormlight Archives 7. Lightbringer 8. Ryria Revelations/Chronicles 9. Second Apocalypse 10. Farseer Trilogy

[@Harldin]

I have just started the first Mistborn Book as my first ever Audio Book, finished the Prologue. Good so far

[@dusbus2384]

Nick podehl does an awesome job with the name of the wind. I preferred the audio over the writing

[@nathanguindon9350]

1. Stormlight Archive 2. Legend of Drizzt 3. Legends of the First Empire 4. Mistborn Era 1 5. Demon Wars Saga List will change eventually. I havent finished Wheel of Time. Havent read Lightbringer or Gentleman Bastards. Want to try Licanius Trilogy.

[@MD66426]

Nathan Guindon Peter v Brett demon cycle or is demon wars different?

[@nathanguindon9350]

@@MD66426 demon wars is different by author RA Salvatore

[@kylegantert4568]

Love that you added Drizzt. His series is so long and fleashed out but no one seems to talk about him.

[@markhemme5551]

The Belgariad/Malorean - David Eddings Shanara series - Terry Brooks Death Gate Cycle Dragonlance

[@iv7843]

I'm glad someone mentioned Death Gate Cycle. Really like that one as well.

[@adorabell4253]

Ooh! Death Gate!

[@essejnosreme8628]

1. A song of ice and fire (up to date) 2. The stormlight Archive (up to date) 3. The Lord of the Rings (completed) 4. Mistborn (up to date) 5. The First Law (completed) 6. Harry Potter (completed) 7. The Dark Tower (completed) 8. Realm of the Elderlings ( in progress) 9. The Wheel of Time (in progress) 10. Kingkiller Chronicles (up to date) My current list and personal completion status.

[@gaveriocrimefamily6669]

I love ASOIAF just finished reading DoD - out of your list what would you recommend me reading (other than LOTR)

[@selinana29]

I love these lists, I've always loved fantasy, but I decided to read this genre exclusively this year. Lists like these have been very helpful in finding the gems within the the genre. I've read enough that I'm considering reading The Wheel of Time. The length of the series is intimidating, but you've made it sound well worth the time it takes to read them. I completely understand why the Witcher series is so high on the list. The books definitely couldn't stand up to some of the modern fantasy series, but the world it's set in is so well done. The characters and their relationships are executed well, and the plot itself is so satisfying throughout the series. I knew it would be one of my favorites when I finished Baptism of Fire.

[@Doc_sun]

When you finish the last book of the dark tower I need a reaction video for you. That book changed the way i felt about the whole series.

[@MrOjotaOk]

Sk in the las 3 books rough the story. A pity. The fourth book was one of the best books i've ever read in my life. PS: the last 3 pages OMFG. This series could be one of the greatest

[@dinghuart]

I agree, after I finished the last book, I just felt cheated. Like the epic revelations I was promised over the past year is reading was all betrayed.

[@ihazmethodz7806]

devbang I thought that was the whole point. Roland’s obsession never ends, he keeps going even though it’s all in vain. All the sacrifice, obsession for nothing.

[@jossecoupe446]

Started my second attempt at reading TWoT this week because of you. First time I got distracted but now im gonna plow through these babies 😎😎😎😎

[@Kerbals]

1: stormlight 2: kingkiller 3: gentleman bastards 4: wheel of time 5: mistborn 6: a song of ice and fire 7: realm of the elderlings (haven't finished) 8: first law 9: Lord of the rings 10: harry potter Rated based on enjoyment only, not influence on the genre. Didn't enjoy #9 & 10 as much because I already saw the movies before reading.

[@susanmaggiora4800]

Kerbals I like your list. Haven’t read Realm of the Elderlings & I’d put the First Law Trilogy up a few places, but that’s a good list overall. I’d also add a secondary ‘pulp’ list for Conan, Elric, Fafhrd & the Grey Mouser, Corum, Elric of Melnibone, Kane & those other early fantasy novels that I still love & definitely influenced what we read today, but isn’t necessarily in the same league as LotR or The Kingkiller Chronicles.

[@harpertayback8663]

@@calebmauer1751 I have the opposite reaction, since the book is usually better than the movie. Seeing the movie can be something I like, and then the book can turn that into a love as it's taking something I already liked and improving on it. It also helps me visualise everything after seeing it in live action. Plus, seeing the movie and then reading the book can help you notice more connections since you've seen the movie and are actively looking for links to the conclusion. Similar to a reread in some respects, only faster with visual aids.

[@harpertayback8663]

@@calebmauer1751 I think most people hold a bias for the first one they experience to be fair, book or movie. If I just like the movie and feel like it has potential to be better, then I'll probably enjoy the overall work better after reading the book. If it's a great movie and I love it, reading the book may be a let down in the respect of experiencing plot twists. You'll also hold the second work you experience to higher standards due to how much you enjoyed the first work (book or movie). Just depends I suppose, and it also depends on the genres you like.

[@nazlidjalali730]

Great list! Here's mine. We only had a couple in common, but I haven't read everything on yours yet. 10. Discworld (Pratchett) 9. The Fionavar Tapestry (Kay) 8. The Empire trilogy (Feist) 7. Lord of the rings (Tolkien) 6. The chronicles of Narnia (Lewis) 5. His dark materials (Pullman) 4. A song of ice and fire (Martin) 3. The dark is rising (Cooper) 2. The wheel of time (Jordan/Sanderson) 1. The magicians (Grossman)

[@Amin-fo6ci]

1. Wheel of time 2. Malazan 3. ASOIAF 4. Mistborn 5. Stormlight 6.LOTR 7. Witcher

[@michatarkowsky129]

Mistborn above Stormlight? Heresy!

[@faethon6990]

Why in the undieing fuck-nuggets is LOTR so low?

[@michelhammack5889]

Dude the dark tower is great reading, and from what I can tell from where you are in the series, it just starting to get good, the best is yet to come. Injoy my friend

[@svartrbrisingr6141]

My favorite fantasy series is the one I am currently writing

[@svartrbrisingr6141]

@Ed Neward what?

[@rayinchrist1]

Good luck on writing it!

[@kammy6340]

All the best writing it

[@د.شريفشبيب]

I want to read it

[@svartrbrisingr6141]

@@د.شريفشبيب well it will be a while. Writers block and no idea of how I'll get it published once it's finished.

[@juliabostrom7065]

Bro I haven't even read 10 fantasy series

[@ksenijavuletic9362]

Anything by robin hobb Mistborn Wheel of time LotR Stormloght Gentlemen bastards Harry potter His dark materials

[@RalphNC09]

The assassins apprentice was awful

[@alexsandra9000]

Robin Hobb!!!

[@neriumsuitedher]

You liked the Soldier Son trilogy? How???

[@alexsandra9000]

neriumsuitedher good point....

[@elfofgreece423]

Is Robin Hobb that good? I didn’t even finish the first book of the Assassin’s Apprentice series. And that’s coming from a pretty avid reader. (As I’m sure most people watching this video are)

[@kushpatel7204]

I knew from the very beginning what was going to be number one. You've always said so highly of the Wheel of Time. I do have the first book on my shelf and I am very excited to read it.

[@lachlanmcdonald3016]

1. Storm light 2. First law 3. WoT 4. Lightbringer 5. Dark tower 6. Black Company 7. ASOIF 8. Witcher 9. Magician 10. Steelheart/calamity

[@kevinvernon3272]

Thank you, I agree with all of yours....except Dark Tower. Loved many parts of the series, but the end....wow, no thank you :-). Maybe I was just SO exhausted by the time I got to the end because King clearly just threw a bunch of drug-crazed stuff in the last 3 books, but I was so let down by the ending. :-). Glad you enjoyed it.

[@MickeyGameing]

I read the first book in the day and I adore it, with each subsequent part becoming more and more disappointed and disliking King

[@kevinvernon3272]

@@MickeyGameing well said.

[@tbdwoods]

reckoners was dope! but what sanderson isnt

[@nicholasmedich7493]

1. Narnia (Lewis) 2. Raven Son (Kotar) 3. Winternight (Arden) 4. LOTR (Tolkien) 5. Harry Potter (Rowling) 6. His Dark Materials (Pullman) 7. ASOIAF (Martin) 8. Oz (Baum) 9. Percy Jackson (Riordan) 10. Wheel of Time (Jordan) I like a lot of variety. I find a limit of the worldbuilding too similar to Tolkien, and appreciate it when something different comes a lot (for example, Katherine Arden's Winternight Trilogy).

[@seeker627]

Some others I really like: First’s Riftwar Edgings’ Belgariad Saberhagen Book of Swords Dragons of Pern Narnia

[@davismma125]

I did not read for a few years besides comics, than found your fantasy news which lead to checking out Top 10 books. Now I’m Hooked back in with Gentlemen Bastards. Wheel of Time next.

[@jonathanbauer9583]

1. The wheel of time 2. Stormlight archive 3. Mistborn 4. Lightbringer 5. The Lord of the Rings 6. Song of ice and fire 7. Harry Potter 8. Kingkiller 9. The black magician 10. Son of seven ( 9 and 10 are not very good, but I'm 14 and have not read many books...)

[@williamadams5560]

While they may not be good to others, some of the books we read when we are younger are priceless, especially if they fuel your desire to read and for that alone would make them worth being in your personal top 10, I am a good deal older but that is why my top ten is very different from the others I have seen here, and those are the books that got me reading and why they deserve to be in my list.

[@geraldfrost4710]

Your list is actually pretty good. When my son was about your age he picked a book off my shelf and asked to read it. Ringworld, which is worldbuilding at it's best. I suggested that he wait a decade, and that he would appreciate it more. Instead, I offered Stainless Steel Rat and Deathworld, which are more action packed, if lighter on the world building. He recently said he appropriated my guidance, as Ringworld was too detailed of a book for him when he was younger. At his wedding he said to his bride, "I would kill 10 trillion people for you," which is about as insane a proclamation of love as can be made, and I'm sure no one in the audience but me and his woman knew to what he was referencing. The Hugo and Nebula awards are given each year for science fiction. It's a fairly good list to select titles and authors from. There are a lot of books out there, so starting at the top of the list is a reasonable way to go. That, and the recommendation of friends. The first harry potter book was rejected by over twenty publishers... go figure.

[@nikkisweezea2388]

@@geraldfrost4710 My dad gave me Stainless Steel Rat when I was about that age, and I LOVED them. Thank you for reminding me about them, I may need to see if I can find a copy or if it is on Kindle and revisit :)

[@Moonwired]

I liked the black magician series

[@sherwincuenca9031]

2/10

[@Ponderingbooks]

I picked up “Mistborn: The Final Empire” after the video you and Merphy did together. I am LOVING IT, and I’m only four chapters in. Excited to pick up some of these other series when I’m done with this one.

[@austinf7201]

When you’ve finished the Dark Tower series, there’s another book “the wind through the keyhole” written after the main series that takes place between books 4-5

[@davidsmart5220]

Thanks Daniel - WOT, LOTR & ASoIaF I've read (many, many times...). Just started reading Stormlight (and LOVING it...), thanks to you. This now gives me an amazing future reading list..

[@maynardinso8599]

My top 10: 10.Hobbit 9.and 8.the 7.Lord 6.of 5.the 4.Rings 3.mine 2. My own 1.my precious, gollum gollum!!

[@maynardinso8599]

@Sandrine Lacasse It felt so good to find a fellow men of middle earth😂

[@skzanarchist]

hahaha same

[@revivingvenus4508]

Same 🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏻‍♀️

[@TrippyTheShroom]

Yes! Dude you said Witcher and I legit smiled, SO many people overlook the books but my goodness theyre fantastic.

[@alexpottinger6417]

Stormlight would definitely be my number 1, but I get that it not being even close to finished hurts it's chances. Love the video!

[@gobarnachta612]

1. Realm of the Elderlings 2. Wheel of Time 3. Kingkiller Chronicle 4. ASOIAF 5. The First Law 6. LOTR 7. Deverry Cycle 8. The Belgariad 9. Dragonlance Chronicles 10. The Riftwar Cycle X. (haven't read yet but on 'high hopes' list) Gentlemen Bastards, Mistborn and Malazan

[@Adam-me4lj]

Thanks for helping me find Wheel Of Time. I haven't been this much into a book for years! Last time was when I ready GOT years ago and LOTR when I was a teenager.

[@CooperSummersVA]

1. Malazan 2.Cosmere 3.Hellboy 4.Gaiman (cheating I know) 5. The Golem and the Jinni 6.Skulduggery Pleasant 7.Ratcatchers 8.The sword trilogy (michael Moorcock) 9.Bone 10. Earthsea cycle

[@adechandrahasibuan4612]

I love the way you talk. Comedic and just fun to watch you. Subscribe, baby!

[@johnaucamp7106]

I have a weird position on 'Mistborn' Era 01. Basically, each individual novel has flaws, but as one big story its flawless, particularly in the execution of the plot threads and foreshadowing.

[@ZamWeazle]

To be honest that sounds pretty much like any fantasy series ever written. I remember struggling through the fellowship of the ring and almost gave up on many occaisons. But i stuck with it lol

[@SpaceChase]

Thank you so much for the Wheel of Time recommendation. Absolutely loving it!

[@The_Fall369]

1 LOTR 2 Berserk 3 Wheel of time 4 Stormlight 5 GOT 6 HunterxHunter 7 Death Note 8 The Dark Tower 9 Warcraft 10 Warhammer

[@Unflushablepiss]

+berserk!@

[@karlfranzemperorofmandefil5547]

How can You put Wannabehammer over Warhammer, it dosent even have proper literature.

[@TheNumb96]

I absolutely love everything on this list i've read so i probably have to read the rest now, too..

[@Luciferwinchester]

1. Stormlight Archive 2. Wheel of Time 3. A Song of Ice and Fire 4. Deathnote (definitely horror fantasy) manga/anime 5. Mistborn 6. Gentlemen Bastards 7. Lord of the Rings 8. Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood, manga/anime 9. Harry Potter 10. Lightbringer

[@lampad4549]

Death note is more supernatural thriller than a fantasy

[@arrakis7132]

Yeeahh stormlight rules!!!

[@EE12345]

One Piece could be up there as far as fantasy manga goes

[@OriginalHuman]

Mate! I highly recommend you read the Expanse books... you need to talk about more Sci-fi!! Ps awesome videos mate keep up the good work

[@KyriosHeptagrammaton]

1. Farseer's Trilogy Trilogy (Realm of the Elderlings?) by Robin Hobb 2. Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling 3. Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson 4. Dresden Files by Jim Butcher 5. LOTR by J. R. R. Tolkien 6. Discworld by Terry Pratchett 7. Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan 8. Gentleman Bastards by Scott Lynch 9. Riyria Revelations by Micheal J. Sullivan 10. Aborsen by Garth Nix

[@mitchelldebest5162]

I hear few people about “Earthsea”..!

[@lacyhart2043]

That's one of my favs

[@paxaurelis5664]

1. the Death Gate Cycle 2. The Sword of Truth 3. the Way of Shadows

[@snsi2977]

Thank you, I'm trying to find something to read after the disappointing and unsatisfactory end of the cerqe du freak book series, and you have helped me tremendously.

[@1987MartinT]

Some of my fantasy favorites in no particular order: The Black Company. The Dresden Files. Discworld. The Wildcat Wizard. The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Conan the Barbarian. Borderland. Wheel of Time. A Song of Ice and Fire. Codex Alera. The Ascendants of Estorea. The First Law. There are probably a lot more that I'm not thinking of right now. These are the ones I can think of off the top of my head. Also, there are some on this list that I haven't finished yet or might only have read a small part of yet(I read several books at the same time, and sometimes take long breaks in the middle of books). In that case they are on the list because I like them so far.

[@Ivielynn123]

Lovin those shocking blue eyes you got there! 😉 picking a top 10 is alot harder than I thought! 10. Game of thrones 9. Darker shade of magic. 8. Mistborn trilogy 7. Lord of the rings 6. Warbreaker 5. First law trilogy 4. The faithful and the fallen saga 3. Pure series 2. Interview with the vampire trilogy (I'm not into vampire stories but this became one of my favorite series) 1. Stormlight archives Btw I'm starting the wheel of time after this book I'm reading currently.

[@JimBCameron]

I'm old school, the various Michael Moorcock Eternal Champion series - Elric, Corum, Hawkmoon . . .the Mervyn Peake 'Titus Groan' books.

[@susanmaggiora4800]

Jimbo Jones You ever read the Fafhrd & the Grey Mouser stuff?

[@JimBCameron]

@@susanmaggiora4800 What ruined that for me was when a pal pointed out you could open any 2 books at any page & it'd still read fine without a hiccup & I found it too formulaic thereafter tbh. :(

[@jamesschwab27]

Wheel of time led me to sanderson... instantly fell in love with the stormlight archive, still have yet to read mistborn but its at the top of my need to list

[@MovieMaverick7]

My Top 10 (so far): 1. ASOIAF 2. Kingkiller Chronicle 3. LOTR + The Hobbit 4. The Witcher 5. Stormlight Archive 6. The Dark Tower 7. Mistborn 8. The Prince Of Nothing 9. Harry Potter 10. The Inheritance Cycle

[@DecimalD_]

The Witcher series doesn’t get enough attention!

[@isaacbruner65]

I was kinda disappointed with Inheritance. The last book was extremely long and I felt like nothing that happened in it had much relevance to the plot, yet there were tons of loose plot threads from previous books that were just ignored. The main villain of the whole series was defeated in a single chapter, and the ending felt like fanfiction. It still has a special play in my heart, because I was 5 when the first book came out and I loved the series as a kid.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Dammit, Daniel. I have too much to read already...now I gotta add Lightbringer to the list.

[@thatbadmuthafucka2626]

#1 should be the series I'm writing now (hopefully)

[@CrazyFanaticMan]

I believe in you

[@thatbadmuthafucka2626]

@@CrazyFanaticMan Thanks man

[@DeepMoon45]

Good luck with your series dude, hope it turns out to be number 1! :)

[@thatbadmuthafucka2626]

@@DeepMoon45 Thanks

[@fuzzyninja8788]

I'm in that struggle with ya man...

[@williamoutzen9194]

1. Malazan (both Erikson and Esselmont) 2. Wheel of Time 3. A Song of Ice and Fire 4. Wars of Light and Shadow 5. Black Company/Lord of the Rings (varies based on the day)

[@AspienPadda]

Here goes just my list: 1. The Chronicles of Narnia 2. Dark Tower series 3. Realm of the Elderlings/Farseer/Assassin's Apprentice 4. The Witcher 5. Harry Potter (before jk started retroactivity screwing things over) Seems I haven't read many full series in fantasy, I'm more of a horror reader I guess though I do say my favourite genre is fantasy... Currently reading the Wheel of Time because of that video mentioned at the start of this video and because it was in most commenters top 5. Sadly at book 2 I'm finding it not completely my taste but I'm pushing on nonetheless, don't exactly know what it is I want from it. Edit: book 2 ends well and book 3 is lit as all heck! I realised that if I could get through book 3 of the Farseers I can read anything.

[@M0ntezuma300]

If book 2 of WoT is a struggle, you are in for quite the journey through the next 12 books. I was struggling through 4 and 5 but then finished the series on audiobook since I bike a lot. Also Michael Kramer is the greatest narrator ever.

[@AspienPadda]

Oh no @@M0ntezuma300 don't tell me that! Tell me that it totally picks up and I'll get super sucked into it all! I can't do audio books because I get distracted by my more interesting thoughts even while reading then I have to reread paragraphs, you can't do that in audio books! I wanted a series to hold me a long time so I wouldn't have to say goodbye to characters so soon but if I'm not gonna enjoy the trip why then go along? Oh no. Thankee for the tipoff though

[@0Arman0]

Always an absolute pleasure to watch your videos D, thank you.

[@Ize19]

10) Mistborn 9) Shin Angyo Onshi 8) Lightbringer 7) Codex Alera 6) The Demon Cycle 5) The Dresden Files 4) The Wheel of Time 3) Lord of the Rings 2) Berserk 1) The Chronicles of Narnia

[@Carolina-rd3gh]

I want to read Chronicles of Narnia. Which were your favourite books?

[@Ize19]

@@Carolina-rd3gh They read best in publication order, with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe first. My favorites would have to be The Horse and His Boy, The Silver Chair, and Prince Caspian, but they're all great reads. Enjoy!

[@davidlarramore1990]

Real quick: 1) The Chronicles Of Amber - Roger Zelazny (Re-read every year) 2) A Song Of Ice And Fire - George R.R. Martin (the 1st 3 books) 3 ) All books of the Malazan world - Erikson & Esslemont 4) All books of The First Law world - Joe Abercrombie 5) The Sword Of Shadows - J.V. Jones 6) The Powder Mage Trilogy - Brian Mcclellan 7) The Adept series- Piers Anthony 8) Thomas Covenant The Unbeliever - Stephen Donaldson (The original trilogy) 9) The Belgariad and Mallorean - David Eddings 10) Garrett, P.I. - Glen Cook

[@AbdulRauf-xw1xp]

My List 5-Harry Potter 4-The Silmerillions 3-ASOIAF 2-Stormlight Archive 1-Lord of the Rings

[@joeleek9976]

You are spot on with Andross Guile. A three dimensional villain, with very understandable motives, character strengths and weaknesses.

[@zechjudd3063]

If Malazan isn't at least somewhere on the list I can't get behind it.

[@84aina]

So refreshing to see The Witcher series in your top10 list (as this is the first time I have seen it). It is my all time favorite fantasy book series and the games are my favourite PC games probably :-)

[@InnerMedium]

My Favorites 1. Stormlight 2. Riyria Revelations 3. King Killer Chronicles 4. Lightbringer 5. The Realm of the Elderlings (Farseer Trilogy) 6. Broken Earth 7. LOTR 8. Harry Potter 9. Furies of Calderon 10. Kings Dark Tidings Honorable Mentions 1. GOT 2. WOT 3. Mistborn 4. Bartimaeus 5. Powder Mage 6. Gentleman Bastards Good Books I Didnt Like 1. Malazan Book of the Fallen 2. First Law 3. The Magicians 4. The Dark Tower

[@gaveriocrimefamily6669]

I love ASOIAF just finished reading the last book, what would you recommend me reading based on something similar to ASOIAF (apart from LOTR and Harry potter)

[@InnerMedium]

Chris If you havent read stormlight archive do it. Its similar to ASOIAF but with less pov’s. Its just the best series.

[@gaveriocrimefamily6669]

@@InnerMedium Thanks I'll give it a try Is the setting kind of a medieval setting?

[@InnerMedium]

@@gaveriocrimefamily6669 Yes though there are a few magical technologies.

[@JeantheSecond]

I’m reading The Blade Itself right now. I’m not into it. Sure, it’s great writing. I’m just not connecting. I probably won’t continue with the series, unless something in last 100 pages changes my mind.

[@mibiblioteca_carmenarteaga1875]

My personal list: 1. Simon R. Green: Hawk and Fisher series 2. Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman: Dragonlance Legends 3 R. A. Salvatore: The Dark Elf Trilogy 4. Michael Moorcock: The Corum series 5. Guy Gavriel Kay: The Fionavar Tapestry 6. Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman: Dragonlance Chronicles 7. Troy Denning: Dark Sun Pentaprism series 8. Roger Zelazny: The Chronicles of Amber 9. R.A. Salvatore: Crimson Shadow series 10. Dan Parkinson: Dwarven Nations Series 11. David Niall Wilson: The Grails Covenant Trilogy 12. Terry Brooks: The Shannara Chronicles

[@THEHEALINGGIRLS]

I agree with you!

[@IamMeHere2See]

I'm told the Amazon series will feature the forging of the rings in Numeanor. If true, I'm giving it a chance.

[@nickieb2636]

As a big fan of the Lord of the Rings, I'm really afraid at how the Amazon series is going to be... Aren't you?

[@IamMeHere2See]

@@nickieb2636 Bad things are made all the time. My level of enjoyment, or lack thereof, will be decided when it comes out. I'm not fan enough to quote the Silmarillion, but I aware of the material enough to appreciate some of the changes the movies made while disapproving of others.

[@nickieb2636]

@@IamMeHere2See I like how you think! I guess I'll wait excitedly before I judge it, instead of already being afraid

[@KosherCookery]

*ahem* The rings weren’t forged in Numenor. They were forged in Eregion and Sammath Naur.

[@IamMeHere2See]

@@KosherCookery Then I shall amend my statement to say "the forging of the rings & the fall of Numeanor." Hopefully the producers of the show have better researchers than my slapdash memory.

[@guiledazen44]

I'm not surprised to see Lightbringer drop a few spots on your list. I honestly don't know what to think about Blood Mirror after reading it. It was such a mess. I thoroughly enjoyed Broken Eye though. I just hope the final book will tie things up nicely.

[@MarekNowakowski]

WoT for me too, I was much younger when the first book came out, so it's sentimental... One author I'm missing is Raymond E. Feist and his amazing early books. The Empire trilogy is probably the best non-medieval fantasy i've ever read, and not many people heard of it.

[@bsarlie]

Magician was the first fantasy book I read. My older brother's book

[@natashasalmelin720]

I'm so happy Feist is brought up!🙏🏼

[@wolfbubba]

1. WoT. 2. Harry Potter. 3. Shannara. 4. The Belgariad / Mallorean. 5. GoT. 6. LotR. 7. Myth series by Asprin. 8. Mithgar (Dennis McKiernan) 9. Chronicles of Thomas Covenant 10. Stormlight. 11. Recluse 12. A Wizard in Rhyme (Stasheff).

[@davidboose8426]

Not in any particular order: Elric Saga, Thieve's World, Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, Lord of the Rings, Myth Adventures, Xanth Series, Incarnations of Immortality, Dragonriders of Pern, Dragonlance Series, Shannara

[@tmancour]

Yeah, you'd like the Spellmonger series.

[@davesgoldenduck6066]

1) Redwall 2) Wheel of Time 3) L Frank Baum's and Ruth Plumby Thompson OZ BOOKS 4) Orson Scott Card's Homecoming series 5) Lord of The Rings 6) MYST novels 7) The Seven Sleepers 8) Magic The Gathering novels

[@rodrigonavarro8919]

1. Stormlight Archive. 2. Harry Potter. 3. Malazan Book of the Fallen. 4. A Song of Ice and Fire. 5. Mistborn 6. Lord of the Rings. 7. One Piece (Why not?) 8. Kingkiller. 9. Discworld. 10. The Broken Earth. (Currently reading The Wheel of Time and planning to read The First Law, so this list is going to change a lot in the near future).

[@FirezAper46]

Yes, One Piece!

[@MrNickSmith1993]

I know it's far off but can't wait too see this list redone when Stormlight Archive is finished.

[@Nxrth2001]

Exactlyyyy

[@derekdurst9216]

1. Wheel of Time 2. Stormlight Archive 3. Mistborn Era 1 4. Lord of the Rings 5. Malazan Book of the Fallen 6. Harry Potter 7. The Powder Mage Trilogy 8. Mistborn Era 2 9. Gods of Blood and Powder 10. A Song of Ice and Fire

[@davids2735]

I need to read Brian Mclellan. Both series. I've heard really good things. Do you know if its necessary to start with Powder Mage before Gods of Blood and Powder?

[@derekdurst9216]

David Shaffer yeah. Gods of Blood and Powder follows some of the same characters 10ish years later. They are great books I highly suggest you read them, but Powder Mage first.

[@davids2735]

@@derekdurst9216 Thank you! I'm glad I asked because I had started to read Sins of Empire and I was really really confused because the author I believe assumes that you have read powder mage trilogy and doesn't Go over a lot of things because of that

[@derekdurst9216]

David Shaffer yeah and you’ll be confused about some plot points and the magic system if you don’t

[@JollyRogerCBGs]

Im a huge Witcher Fan, and similarly agree! One thing I wonder about is, each of his books seem to have a slightly different writing style. Specifically the fourth book in the series following Ciri's and Vysogota's perspectives. I respect the Sapkowski's experimentation within the series as much as the series in itself