I think putting LOTR in honourable mentions is very smart. You will never be happy where you put it in a top 10 but it goes without saying that it will always be regarded as the father of all fantasy, you cannot compare it with any other series.
@aniverse_574
7 күн бұрын
It is But it can be compared
@kobiwan57
2 ай бұрын
Thanks for the recommendations. One critique of your presenting is that you say the titles so fast that it comes out as a mumble and even after hearing you say it multiple times, I still don’t understand a word in some of the titles.
@RodrigoG-j1k
2 ай бұрын
You don't need to watch this video. Here you go: 10 - The faithful and the fallen - John Gwynne 9- Farseer - Robin Hobb 8- Mistborn - Brandon Sanderson 7- The Stormlight Archive - Brandon Sanderson 6- The Liveship Traders - Robin Hobb 5- Age of madness - Joe Abercrombie 4- The Green Bone Saga - Fonda Lee 3- The Dark Tower - Stephen King 2- The Wheel of Time - Robert Jordan 1- The Dandelion Dynasty - Ken Liu
@asrgelpi_author
Ай бұрын
I was afraid to see Sanderson listed here… not surprised… 😢 I enjoyed Mistborn but the Stormlight Archive was too much. I finished A Way of King on p 952 and I still had no idea where we were going with the story. Too many flashbacks. Characters that appear and disappear. I enjoyed Kaladin’s and Dalinar’s arcs, but the constant interruption to their storylines, and the lack of pacing toward resolution turned me off to the series.
@Vanessa-fs7oz
Ай бұрын
@@asrgelpi_author I doubt a random stranger on the internet encouraging you to pick it back up would be that convincing, but the avalanche of surprises at the end makes it so worth it, in my opinion. I will say, I didn't actually take issue with the pacing or flashbacks. I feel like I enjoyed every stage of this book, and due to the length, I expected and really needed the ebb and flow from the multiple storylines. I can't remember what part pg 952 is at and don't want to spoil anything. But even after the final climactic action scenes of the book, the ending chapters as the characters put pieces together blew my mind. I have generally heard Mistborn is more enjoyable to a wider range of readers, perhaps because of the length, but I haven't picked it up yet, so I can't really compare them. Maybe listening to the audiobook for the rest of TWoK would be worth it, just to see where the series is actually headed?
@asrgelpi_author
Ай бұрын
@@Vanessa-fs7oz Thank you for reaching out. Some of the best tips have come from "random strangers." I googled the ending because I wanted to know what happened, especially to Kaladin, but couldn't bring myself to finish the remaining 300 pages. There were things I enjoyed about the book, don't get me wrong, but I found the constant flashbacks jarring, taking me out of the story. I can see why Brandon was selected to finish Jordan's Wheel of Time series, and I enjoyed Mistborn, but I couldn't get into this series. I recommend Tress of the Emerald Sea. A fun read for me.
@byronkooper
Ай бұрын
No David Gemmel, that's a bit sad to see
@Bamboozler2349
Ай бұрын
@@asrgelpi_authorI was also enthralled by the first book but I gotta say I didn’t initially enjoy how much time was spent on reinforcing things we already know like kaladin being depressed etc. I would say however, if you’re going to stop reading the stormlight archive you should atleast finish way of kings and start words of radiance. Words of radiance was much more exciting and had a lot of amazing/memorable moments. I think its worth reading just for those moments (which happen more often than in way of kings)
@joshholmes1372
Ай бұрын
Malazan book of the fallen...top 3 for me. Expansive world building , amazing nuanced protagonists and antagonists. So many amazing characters. Maybe time for another reread.
@krriztin
Ай бұрын
Came to comment about this. I am really surprised that people have not discovered Malazan.
@andrew56964
Ай бұрын
@@krriztinI'm an avid fantasy reader but I have found it so hard to to start. I have started the first book 4 times and finished once. I think I got maybe 25% of the way into book 2 before getting distracted with something else. I really want to read it and it seems most people who do read it love it but I have found it so hard to get into
@rafarequeni822
Ай бұрын
@@andrew56964 I finished the first book without problems, but only to realize I had no interest in discovering how the story or its characters were going to end and so didn't bought any other book of the series.
@pepehands5257
Ай бұрын
@@andrew56964 I had the exact same problem because I had no idea what was going on, then I read some article where they said that you will really start to understand whats going on only after the 4th book, so I kept reading, trying not think about the large complicated plot too much, got to the 4th book and everything suddenly clicked and now it has become prob my favourite fantasy series of all time. And its not that the first 3 books are unenjoyable, I think getting past the 1st is most important, then it is a smooth ride.
@cwalker228
2 ай бұрын
This is the first best fantasy list I’ve ever seen that didn’t even mention ASOIAF.
@mustafagani1816
Ай бұрын
WHAT? ASOIAF ISN'T NO.1??
@andreiarshavin4488
Ай бұрын
So, It's a shitty list.
@jjhh320
Ай бұрын
Thank God
@mustafagani1816
Ай бұрын
@@andreiarshavin4488 agreed
@mihailosretenovic8620
Ай бұрын
Why would you put a series where the author has written himself into a corner and decided to sellout for TV rights instead of actually finishing it, on a list of best anything? It's a good series, that crumbled under its own success, and thats all.
@h.a.6060
3 ай бұрын
I'm so jealous of all those who are going to read the Wheel of Time for the first time! It's like the first time you do something-so vivid and memorable, with fantastic world-building. I love this series so much. The video is awesome, too. I have to check out some of the series I have not read. Thank you.
@knotslip8862
3 ай бұрын
I'm about to start The Wheel of Time for the firsts time. I put it off for a long time due to all the talk of the slog and that its not worth it..but it's such a legendary fantasy series that I feel as a fantasy fan, I have to at least give it a try..so I bought the first two books and will see how it goes. I hope I love it as much as you do.
@gigglingchicken8444
3 ай бұрын
I am on book seven. It has been an epic journey so far! People say I am going into the slow section of the series but I really am not worried. After the end of book 6 there are so many plotlines I am itching to see what happens. The world has been amazing and I get so excited when they go to a new city because I can't wait to learn about their culture and ways of life.
@h.a.6060
3 ай бұрын
@@knotslip8862 It's an amazing and very expansive series. Yes, there will be a bit of slow down from book 8 but the story continues to be interesting. The last book Jordan has written and the three last books by Sanderson will make it all worthwhile.
@h.a.6060
3 ай бұрын
@@gigglingchicken8444 Yeah, it will get slower in the next few books but mainly in book 9 and 10 which are slower than the rest, but I would not call them negative books. So I can say from my own reading experience: - Books 1 - 8: Very positive - Books: 9 & 10: Average compared to the rest - Books 11 - 14: Very positive
@aliciasorenson3807
3 ай бұрын
@knotslip8862 If it helps even my 16 now 17 year old son is obsessed with The Wheel of Time. I hope you finish the series, you will be SO GLAD you did! It's also my number 1.
@hettige
3 ай бұрын
Someone needs to make a 'lesser known/uncommon' top 10 best fantasy series list. Every video i see with this topic, it's always the same books over and over. Makes me roll my eyes
@saski4ever
3 ай бұрын
"most underrated fantasy books" - hundreds of videos. No need to complain under this video
@alexl1518
3 ай бұрын
thing is when it comes to these lists most people havent read all of them already. So for me personally its very interesting to compare different lists and see what they have in common and what not and what i should read next. So i think its fine really, although im sad that so many people see ASoIaF not even in their honorable mentions. I read a few series and so far nothing comes even close to it.
@ViperRT99
3 ай бұрын
@@alexl1518 ASoIaF suffers from being an unfinished book series, and the horrendous ending we were given from the show. IF Winds is ever published we should start seeing it pop up in these types of videos again. But if we never see the end, it will largely go down as a series that was great while being published, but ultimately disappoints due to no real conclusion, especially as we get further away from the publication.
@manzanogianni4935
3 ай бұрын
Great! Make your own.
@azieldaly2965
3 ай бұрын
@@ViperRT99 not really, I just think the kind of people that make these lists specifically avoid it due to its popularity.
@nadefodder2874
Ай бұрын
The fantasy books that are never on one of these lists are the books by Raymond E Feist Starting with Magician, published in 1982, first in a trilogy of books called the Riftwar Saga , there are 30 books in the entire series and I have read them all more than once. A must read for any fantasy fan.
@skevins78
Ай бұрын
Was thinking exactly the same. Or Goodkind he is one of a kind.
@andrew56964
Ай бұрын
The problem with the feist books is that whilst magician is amazing (and the mara of the acoma series is amazing) the rest of the books are not that good imo. There are some great characters but the overall quality of the books is not that good.
@FPL_ChIcKeN
26 күн бұрын
Magician is my favourite book.
@FPL_ChIcKeN
26 күн бұрын
@@andrew56964 I agree that Magician and the 2 books that follow it are great. The Mara of the acoma trilogy is fantastic also, but the quality does go down from there, which is a shame.
@ChapHammersmith
15 күн бұрын
Magician was my favourite fantasy book until I read the first 2 Stormlight books (imo far better than the last two). Feists other books are fun but nothing that really stays with you, unlike the scene at the Imperial games where pug really shows what he is capable of.
@definetheterms1236
Ай бұрын
I'm just now getting into the literary world. I've only really heard of a few of these series, the ones that have been made into films/television shows. But the way you talk about these books with so much enthusiasm and joy has me ordering some of these immediately.
@ammrshfz
3 ай бұрын
thanks Viking for doing this!! your honorable mentions are so amazing!
@greciafilia5343
3 ай бұрын
Deja vu, I feel I've seen that video title ten thousand times in the past 2 years.
@LeonC0704
3 ай бұрын
More like the past three months
@TheAncientMetaler-1963
Ай бұрын
Yeah it is odd how every time I see a video listing the top fantasy series, its generally the same ones. Makes me wonder if some are paid to promote certain series. I have read a ton of fantasy books and series too, and some of the best rarely get metioned. How about John Carter of Mars... the Gor novels were hugely popular, and good if you can ignore the D/s psycho-babble. Lord Foul's Bane and the Thomas Covenant series kicked ass. But my absolute favorite series is Spellmonger.
@CNavo.TheNextChapter
3 ай бұрын
I agree with so many of your choices! With WOT, Jordan painted such an incredible, detailed world, that I could recreate his map from memory. The Green Bone Saga would also be in my top 5, and Hobb's Liveship Trader series is my favorite from her. I'm excited to read the Dandelion Dynasty later this year...(Just waiting on those awesome Broken Binding editions) - Cheers!
@libraryofaviking
3 ай бұрын
Awesome! I hope you'll love The Dandelion Dynasty!
@jeromerondeau2824
3 ай бұрын
I started The Wheel of Time and gave up at about book seven for reasons mentioned in your video. Now 20 years later (Yeah I know) I am back starting over at book one (up to #4 as I write this). It seems so fresh and epic. This time I'll force myself though 7 to 10 so I can get that amazing end game! Thank you for making me look forward it this time!
@symbolguy3609
2 ай бұрын
Brandon Sanderson (Mistborn, The Stormlight Archive, Elantris) wrote the last three books after Robert Jordan died.
@ralphwoodruff
2 ай бұрын
I remember books 6-10 being an absolute slog and Rand was such a moody little brat I couldn’t stand him, but it does pull itself out of its tail dive. Think I was reading them about 09-12’.
@WHlSKYtx
Ай бұрын
It picks back up in the best way after book 10. Stick with it
@robbedoes77
Ай бұрын
I'm currently rereading WOT and while I was having a blast, I approached the dreaded books 7-10 that made me quit while reading it the first time. Now reading it a second time, simply glossing over boring repetitive or uneventful passages really made me love books 7-9 a lot more; all of the frustration was simply gone and I felt like you missed nothing of the story. There are simply a few storylines in those books that are unimportant or tedious, but the overarching ones with Rand and Mat are very good. Book 10 is still awful because not much seems to be going on, but the setup for book 11 (and from then on it's a truly epic ride) is worth it. Good luck :D
@jaredmitts5203
Ай бұрын
Try it as an audiobook maybe that will help. The whole series is done so well.
@BookChats
3 ай бұрын
Have you read N K Jemison's Broken Earth trilogy? Since you have grimdark on this list and you called out how Hobb writes trauma I think you should definitely consider picking up The Fifth Season!
@knotslip8862
3 ай бұрын
Great video. I've read a couple of these and plan to read most of the others. Very surprised A Song of Ice and Fire isn't on this list...It is my favorite. But I get that its subjective. I finally decided to give Wheel of Time a try - bought the first two books to give it a try. Dark Tower is probably a no-go for me but I will watch more reviews for it and decide. Thanks!
@captainnolan5062
3 ай бұрын
Try these: The Riddle-Master Trilogy by Patricia McKillip, the Earthsea series by Ursula LeGuin, The Chronicles of the Deryni by Katherine Kurtz, The Mabinogion Tetralogy by Evangeline Walton, The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander, Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever by Steven Donaldson, THe Amber Chronicles by Roger Zelazney, The Shannara books by Terry Brooks, The Elric Saga by Michael Moorcock, The Conan series by Robert E Howard, The Crystal Cave series by Mary Stewart, The Gormenghast series by Mervyn Peake, The Belgariad by David Eddings, The Riftwar Saga by Raymond E. Feist, The Redwall books by Brian Jacques, Dragonriders of Pern books by Anne McCaffrey, The Chronicles of the Black Company by Glen Cook, The Witch World series by Andre Norton, Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser series by Fritz Leiber, The Narnia series by CS Lewis, The Song of Ice and Fire books by George RR Martin, The Kingkiller Chronicles by Rothfuss, The Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling, The Way of Shadows books by Brent Weeks, The Jirel of Joiry books by C.L. Moore, The Witcher books by Andrzej Sapkowski and The Dagger and the Coin series by Daniel Abraham.
@D4narchy
Ай бұрын
While I loved A Song of Ice and Fire there is no way I would recommend it to anyone. I started it with the expectation it would be finished and no questions remaining. At this point it will remain unfinished, unless you want to take the utterly shit rendition from the TV series as canon (and no-one does). GRRM has made it clear he doesn't care to finish it so i cant recommend an unfinished story that looks like it will remain that way.
@captainnolan5062
Ай бұрын
@@D4narchy I thought the ending of the television series was just fine (though likely not what Martin would have done). I heartily recommend A Song of Ice and Fire.
@Al_Does_Stuff
Ай бұрын
The TV show diverged so much from 2nd season on in terms of cutting characters and people being in the wrong place that by the time of the last couple books even some of the broader strikes of the story were changing.@@captainnolan5062 Id probably not recommend Brian Jacques redwall either as the pacing/action is so different (although I loved that series when I was a youngster). Would personally recommend malazan books of the fallen by Stephen Eriksson for gritty epic fantasy.
@MT-tx2xd
3 ай бұрын
great book I love are Words of Radiance, Mistborn, Wizards First Rule, Dawnshard, Lord of Chaos, The Name of the Wind, Otherland, Malice, Earth Awakens, Tale of 2 Cities, Fablehaven, Brisngr, Beyonders, The Rythmatist, The Eye of the World, The Shadow Rising, Rondevous with Rama, Dune, Speaker for the Dead, Stone of Tears
@DVCBear
Ай бұрын
I has an avid Fantasy reader in my youth, stopped reading in my 20’s, not I am in my 50’s. Starting to relive my past through Audio books. Good news is I have not read or heard of 8 series mentioned. Have some new content! In no particular order my favorites from my youth. Riftwar Cycle (Raymond E Feist), The Belgariad ( David Eddings), Shannara Series ( Terry Brooks), Mordant’s Need (Stephen Donaldson), and Iron Tower (Dennis L McKiernan).
@minothore7585
27 күн бұрын
Oh I love the Belgariad, and the sequel too
@Scientist_Salarian
Ай бұрын
LotR is kind of in a category of its own. The honorable mention placement was appropriate. We all know it and love it, it’s the grand-dad of everything we love as modern fantasy readers. Everything Tolkein wrote is so big- both commercially and artistically- that it’s very hard to rank against anything else.
@T-Flow79
3 ай бұрын
10) F&F - just started Wrath yesterday 9) Farseer ✅ 8) Mistborn- cued up after F&F 6) Stormlight- 2025 tbr 5) Liveship- also in my 2025 considerations 4) Age of Madness ✅ 3) Green Bone ✅ (need to read the novellas) 2) The Dark Tower✅ (my 1st epic series) 1a) The Wheel of Time✅ 1b) The Dandelion Dynasty- I’ll get there eventually!!! Love these lists to keep me motivated!
@Talking_Story
3 ай бұрын
Great list my friend. You make me want to get to so many these right away!!
@libraryofaviking
3 ай бұрын
Thanks, mate!
@Abken.
3 ай бұрын
Oathbringer has one of the strongest flashbacks from all Stormlight imo. Dalinar's backstory was insane. It's hard for me to compare Stormlight books but I guess 2 -> 3 -> 4 -> 1 (first being probably the best technically, a brilliant setup, but at the time I did not enjoy it as much because I was not aware what is setting up)
@libraryofaviking
3 ай бұрын
The flashbacks are definitely the best part of Oathbringer!
@554cortez
3 ай бұрын
My top four have to be: 4: second Apocalypse by Bakker 3: MS&T by Williams 2: Dark Tower by King 1: LOTR by Tolkien My most underrated honorable mention is Sword of Shadows by JV Jones and Crown of Stars by Kate Elliott
@johnmichaelson9173
Ай бұрын
R Scott Bakker Prince of Nothing trilogy is brilliant. I need to read the last two books of the follow on trilogy again I was travelling when I first started reading them & kinda preoccupied so I didn't pay the proper amount of attention necessary to Scott's books.
@secretfirebooks7894
3 ай бұрын
So, 300+ books boils down to generally the same list as everyone else's top 10 lists. Huh...
@captainnolan5062
3 ай бұрын
Try these: The Riddle-Master Trilogy by Patricia McKillip, the Earthsea series by Ursula LeGuin, The Chronicles of the Deryni by Katherine Kurtz, The Mabinogion Tetralogy by Evangeline Walton, The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander, Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever by Steven Donaldson, THe Amber Chronicles by Roger Zelazney, The Shannara books by Terry Brooks, The Elric Saga by Michael Moorcock, The Conan series by Robert E Howard, The Crystal Cave series by Mary Stewart, The Gormenghast series by Mervyn Peake, The Belgariad by David Eddings, The Riftwar Saga by Raymond E. Feist, The Redwall books by Brian Jacques, Dragonriders of Pern books by Anne McCaffrey, The Chronicles of the Black Company by Glen Cook, The Witch World series by Andre Norton, Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser series by Fritz Leiber, The Narnia series by CS Lewis, The Song of Ice and Fire books by George RR Martin, The Kingkiller Chronicles by Rothfuss, The Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling, The Way of Shadows books by Brent Weeks, The Jirel of Joiry books by C.L. Moore, The Witcher books by Andrzej Sapkowski and The Dagger and the Coin series by Daniel Abraham.
@captainnolan5062
3 ай бұрын
@@Slater2113 You bet! Which series looks most appealing to you?
@abigailslade3824
3 ай бұрын
@@captainnolan5062finally some love for Riftwar.
@captainnolan5062
3 ай бұрын
@@abigailslade3824 Indeed Abigail. Indeed.
@Julfengar
2 ай бұрын
Generally a reason for that
@tumoni6439
2 ай бұрын
as a non native english speaker person, this man speaks the most understandable english
@boromirjonah5774
3 ай бұрын
I would love to see a list of the 300 plus books you've read. I totally agree with your Tad Williams comments. I read slow and To Green Angel Tower was so massive. It's the only book that I think I was actually scared of.
@GattaoraStudios
3 ай бұрын
Brilliant book the first battle blows the roof off “slow pace”
@merismisan
2 ай бұрын
Do you have any plans to read the A song of Ice and Fire series by George R. R. Martin? Everytime i watch your videos the lack of mention for this series always seems like such a glaring omission seeing as how iconic and beloved the books are
@fredflintstone1485
2 ай бұрын
He won't finish the damn series. He's been working on next book in series for many years and is not close to finishing. AND he just mentioned there will be another that he hasn't started. And he is close to 80 years old. Guess my point is although the series is terrific I just don't feel it's worth it to enjoy a series and never have an ending. I've read first 3 and they are terrific but I won't continue until there is a series finale.
@merismisan
2 ай бұрын
@@fredflintstone1485 well that's difference in opinion, i definitely think the series is worth reading even though it's not finished and might never be. And the first three books have a satisfactory ending and can be read as a trilogy if one chooses to, so there's that option as well! I just think any book youtuber focusing on fantasy that has read the amount that this guy has but that refuses to read ASOIAF is not one that i would trust to take recommendations from! ASOIAF is a seminal piece in the history of fantasy literature, so it's a big omission to make
@andreiarshavin4488
Ай бұрын
I agree 100%
@srmarcosx
Ай бұрын
Honestly one the coolest things about ASOIAF is the crazy amount of theories the community come up with either because the series is not finished or because the world is so rich that it's fun to just find hidden connections, even on events long before past
@204017754
Ай бұрын
@@fredflintstone1485 I would stop where you are because book 3 is a peak Martin doesn't come close to matching again.
@lewys9204
3 ай бұрын
Most favourite is brandon sanderson and then My next top 10 are:- 1. Discworld - terry pratchett 2. Elderlings - robin hobb 3. Game of thrones - r.r.martin 4. Tlotr, hobbit - tolkien 5. Dark tower and the rest - stephen king 6. Kingfisher chronicle - patrick rothfuss 7. Jade books - fonda lee 8. Narnia books (7x) 9. Harry potter books 10. Malazan series - steven erikson More 😂 Nevernight chronicle - jay kristoph The sandman series - Neil gaimen Berserk - Kentaro Miura
@lavjoshi6170
3 ай бұрын
Kingfisher Chronicles 🤧
@lewys9204
2 ай бұрын
@@lavjoshi6170 if you've read it you would know
@lordofkoala146
2 ай бұрын
@@lewys9204yeah it is my #1 series. It is so well written. Not even close imo to #2
@SDSakuragi
2 ай бұрын
Yea, I'm really surprised Discworld didn't get at least an honorable mention, there's else nothing quite like it in the fantasy space.
@akalen1
2 ай бұрын
It's Pratchett without a doubt, I think it's the second longest running series of all time and all the Canon and lore is connected. Moreover the entire series is encased in humor, and comedy as we know is about the hardest thing you can do. So yes it's discworld number one by miles
@jeppusahn
3 ай бұрын
Don't let the words of radiance haters/reviewers cloud your judgement or get you down. It was one of my top stormlight books for sure. It's the one that connected with my soul the most, and had me in my emotions. It was incredible, a true work of art.
@smhd55sahilbagnikar46
3 ай бұрын
Malazan??
@AshenVibes
Ай бұрын
No mention whatsoever about Malazan Book of the fallen? It has so many complex characters and diverse magic system alongside with dragons, gods and different type of creatures!
@codygriswold1916
Ай бұрын
I have read or listened to close to 300 fantasy books as i have over 200 on audible alone. So it comes down to what stands out in memory for me. One series that i remember fondly but i never see mentioned is the cold fire trilogy starting with black sun rising
@mourbonaventure7475
Ай бұрын
Hobb is one of the greatest treasures of our time. Liveship Traders is incredible.
@minothore7585
27 күн бұрын
All her universe with the four series are very good, the concept of magic is very interesting I think
@codyray3061
2 ай бұрын
Faithful & the Fallen is my favorite fantasy series ever. Everyone should read it.
@bespokeregent48
2 ай бұрын
The Malazan Book of the Fallen series by Steven Erikson is legendary! Not even an honourable mention 😢
@joshholmes1372
Ай бұрын
Yep top 3 for me. Maybe my favorite. Up there with sotrmlight/cosmere.
@bluejaysforever3627
Ай бұрын
B'cos its full of fluff and terrible ending. Don't get me wrong when it was good it was great, sadly the great moments were drowned out but rambling excess that could of been condensed very easily.
@Maximus0623
3 ай бұрын
“Where is the love for the Dark Tower?” I completely agree! It’s crazy to think that a Stephen King series has probably become underrated, as it really isn’t talked about much now. Dark Tower is my #2 series after A Song of Ice and Fire. Roland is easily one of my favorite characters ever. It’s nice to see someone else who loves it!
@Al_Does_Stuff
Ай бұрын
In all honesty it's an old series now (I believe the first three were published before the mid 90's). The dark tower itself is almost 20 years old. That and the shifting tones and settings probably put a lot of people off. One of my favourites though
@Al_Does_Stuff
Ай бұрын
As a few have mentioned: Stephen eriksson - malazan books of the fallen Terry pratchet - discworld And something slightly different: Lian Hearns - tales of the otori (not high fantasy but think it makes it also a shorter read than most here) Colin Wilson's - spiderworld. Its super strange straddles the line with scifi i suppose and good luck finding a full set. Garth Nix - a more teen focused writer but would say both the keys to the kingdom and the Abhorsen trilogy especially are highly imaginative and worth a read.
@whalesequence
3 ай бұрын
The Dandelion Dynasty has some incredible storytelling. Luan Zya's adventure in the Wall of Storms was a real page-turner.
@WittyName44
2 ай бұрын
First 100 pages of Tad Williams Dragonbone chair was sooo difficult. But wow was it worth continuing.
@tommyhinzo7
Ай бұрын
I read that book many many years ago, and it's what brought me into the genre. But, ha, yes, those first 100 pages. Simon in the dark cave... Tough sledding, that. I still need to pick up the Witchwood Crown.
@zacbranch2083
Ай бұрын
Very excited to come back around to this list when I need a new series!! I love the Wheel of Time, I am obsessed with Sanderson's Cosmere, and I just finished the Farseer trilogy and loved it! I can't wait to dig in deeper to Robin Hobb's full Elderlings saga, then revisit this list once I've caught up on whatever Brandon has written in the meantime XD
@natasha7672
2 ай бұрын
Faithful and The Fallen is my favourite fantasy book series.
@Dehumanizer3000
3 ай бұрын
its kinda shocking out of all these lists on youtube they omit classics writers, like Edgar Rice Burroughs, Fritz Leiber, Karl Wagner, Poul Anderson, Michael Moorcock and Robert e Howard. you should read Robert E howard's Conan the Cimmerian, Solomon Kane and Kull of Atlantis, because alot of fantasy tropes trace back to Howard. Howard and Tolkien are the fantasy genres foundation, without Howard, fantasy would be a very different genre. Howard's "The Shadow Kingdom" from 1929 can be said to be one of the first proper fantasy/sword and sorcery stories.
@giants8585
Ай бұрын
They haven’t read the classics except for a couple
@kenny653
12 күн бұрын
The Lord of the Rings is not a series. It's a single novel that is usually published in three volumes.
@skuggikuwa8989
3 ай бұрын
I will highly highly HIGHLY recommend the Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks. Beautifully written story with twists thatll make you cry. Loved all 3 books
@Warliet
Ай бұрын
Thx YT for random recomms :D Okay so I never heard of any of the Top 10s, since probably more known in the UK/US or im not just deep into fantasy anymore. But sofar my Top 5: 5 - The Hunger Games 4 - HP 3 - LotR 2 - Eragon by Christopher Paolini 1 - The Dwarves by Markus Heitz
@gregoryguay663
2 ай бұрын
dragonlance was never mentioned....how come:(
@ericnapoleon283
Ай бұрын
Have you read Guy Gavriel Kay? The Sarantine Mosaic (2 book series) The Lions of Al Rassan (1 book) Tigana (1 book) The Fionavar Tapestry Triology, Under Heaven He’s incredible- just amazing I’m also surprised that Roger Zelazny’s The Chronicles of Amber wasn’t mentioned Ty for the list though very much- I will check out a few from it- I like hobb and Abercrombie too. Disagree w Robert Jordan I mean ugh how many times can she tug her braid.. stopped at book 10 I think but if was a trilogy then wheel of time first 3 books great Long/short read Kay he’s the man Also I totally concur w King’s Tower opus he’s incredible
@tropiq
Ай бұрын
I've read Tigana and found it hard to get into due to a lot of world history near the beginning, it took me three attempts to get through it, its a bit of a slow burn, however the ending ties it all together so nicely it was a very rewarding read in the end
@OKSooo_TV
3 ай бұрын
The Wheel of Time series… I just finished them last month. This is my number one series of all time. I recommend the audiobooks if you feel like certain ones are slow. The audio books are amazing.
@yremogtnomnad
2 ай бұрын
The Dandelion Dynasty is also my favorite! It's a masterpiece, no question.
@LagusLykamo
Ай бұрын
Great list! will check always on the lookout for new good fantasy, you have some of my favorites on the list so there's good chances I'll enjoy the others!
@cameron224_
2 ай бұрын
I just stumbled on this video and its the first of yours I've had recommended so I don't know your reading history. I'm curious about certain books/series that were not included on the list and whether they were omitted because you believe these 10 series are better or because you haven't read them. The ones I'm curious about include A Song of ice and Fire, The Malazan Book of the Fallen, Kingkiller Chronicle, Earthsea, Tigana)
@tlap1508
Ай бұрын
i would sign under The Malazan Book of the Fallen
@johnmichaelson9173
Ай бұрын
R Scott Bakkers Prince of Nothing trilogy is brilliant. The Malazan books are good & I loved the Earhsea books.
@NoelleD.
3 ай бұрын
Have you read/do you plan to read A Song of Ice and Fire?
@merismisan
2 ай бұрын
Came here to ask the same thing, it's such a glaring omission on all of the lists that this youtuber makes
@NoelleD.
2 ай бұрын
@@merismisan it’s very possible he doesn’t want to read it because it’s not finished. 👀 but idk I have started reading the first book and although I don’t really like sex in my fantasy books, there’s not a lot of it in the first book and I can just skim over it. His writing is so so good and the story is very captivating. I think he’s missing out if it doesn’t check it out
@gmbp1983
2 ай бұрын
The storm light archives isn't finished and is in this list @@NoelleD.
@untitled7126
2 ай бұрын
@@gmbp1983 yeah but martin will not finish his series before dying and storm light archives are really really close to the end
@EB-bl6cc
Ай бұрын
ASOIAF is never going to be finished, at least not by martin. It's looking pretty likely that we won't even get the next book. Kind of a depressing series to start given this information
@YahbiiCot
2 ай бұрын
It's cool to see The Dark Tower get love. It was the first fantasy series I read all the way throgh.
@GixxerGR
Ай бұрын
The Death Gate Cycle - I loved it
@justindunbar1377
3 ай бұрын
Bound and the Broken as an honorable mention is such a shame. Definitely the most refreshing and fantastic ongoing series right now.
@daneelolivaw1976
Ай бұрын
I've already read series 6 to 10. Although I don't agree on their particular ranking, I DO agree on having them in the top 10. I will be attacking WoT next, and if I am still alive and I succeed in reading book 14 then I will see what I'll do next.
@Thebluebutterfly99
2 ай бұрын
I am currently reading the wheel of time. I'm on book 3, and i absolutely love reading them. I also read some of the mistborn books, and i also like them.
@kennyh4597
Ай бұрын
Whole heartedly agree with Robin hlHibb making the list, was surprised to not see David Gemmell or Raymond E. Feist...but that's probably just my biases
@frankdahl7838
Ай бұрын
I am curious, why does a series like Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files not meet the shortlist?
@JukkaliMx
Ай бұрын
I'm gonna take a wild guess and say that maybe he didn't like it as much as the others? 😆 Also, it's still a ways of until it's finished.
@FreeFantasyAudioBooks
22 күн бұрын
I love these thanks!
@ladyjatheist2763
2 ай бұрын
isn't anyone else sick to death of the "____ of ____and _____" titles? srsly I wouldn't open one if someone gave it to me for free at this point.
@highcommander2007
Ай бұрын
Wheel of Time deserves its spot so high, truly does. While I have not yet read all of Robin Hobb, I really enjoyed The Rain Wild Chronicles tremendously. And yes LOTR is a great honorable mention.. it could and should easily be #1 forever; but for the sake of content keeping it an honorable mention is fine.
@Scaion
3 ай бұрын
The Dark Tower has been my favorite even after I decade since I read it.
@Falco2Itachi
3 ай бұрын
Hi, the list really looks intriguing. I already read Mistborn and I’m happy it made it in to the list. I have The Dark Tower at home but I started House of Leaves yesterday and I’m not sure yet wich of my newer books I’ll read next. However I intend to look into these series after that. Thank you very much.
@xMrNomadx
Ай бұрын
I always liked the Thieves' World series and the Riftwar saga. Surprised one of these was not up there especially considering the amazing amount of writers in Thieves' World.
@neliusmugane2713
4 күн бұрын
Watched 50 seconds of the vedio. Went and read The bound and the broken. Now am back for more recommendations
@ritamsarkar2859
3 ай бұрын
Please make a list of underrated fantasy books
@captainnolan5062
3 ай бұрын
Here you go: The Riddle-Master Trilogy by Patricia McKillip, the Earthsea series by Ursula LeGuin, The Chronicles of the Deryni by Katherine Kurtz, The Mabinogion Tetralogy by Evangeline Walton, The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander, Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever by Steven Donaldson, THe Amber Chronicles by Roger Zelazney, The Shannara books by Terry Brooks, The Elric Saga by Michael Moorcock, The Conan series by Robert E Howard, The Crystal Cave series by Mary Stewart, The Gormenghast series by Mervyn Peake, The Belgariad by David Eddings, The Riftwar Saga by Raymond E. Feist, The Redwall books by Brian Jacques, Dragonriders of Pern books by Anne McCaffrey, The Chronicles of the Black Company by Glen Cook, The Witch World series by Andre Norton, Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser series by Fritz Leiber, The Narnia series by CS Lewis, The Song of Ice and Fire books by George RR Martin, The Kingkiller Chronicles by Rothfuss, The Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling, The Way of Shadows books by Brent Weeks, The Jirel of Joiry books by C.L. Moore, The Witcher books by Andrzej Sapkowski and The Dagger and the Coin series by Daniel Abraham.
@ritamsarkar2859
3 ай бұрын
Damn bro.... Thanks so much
@captainnolan5062
3 ай бұрын
@@ritamsarkar2859 You are welcome. Which one appeals most to you?
@NeverLuckyOP
2 ай бұрын
@@captainnolan5062 Finally, someone mentioning The Amber Chronicles! Roger Zelazny is a fantasy writing titan, so underrated
@captainnolan5062
Ай бұрын
@@NeverLuckyOP Thank you for the shout out. You are so right Never Lucky OP
@konstantinpobedonotsev5589
2 ай бұрын
I know it’s cliche but no ASoIaF?
@user-sn2cx7fb5w
Ай бұрын
very unfinished series with little hope. i wouldnt recommend it to anyone because of this
@skryvvara
Ай бұрын
@@user-sn2cx7fb5wbut what we have so far is still great, no? You have 5 massive books full of greatness, thats enough for me to recommend imho
@deojaz5063
Ай бұрын
i'm really tired of seeing Asolaf and Lotr in every fantasy list i've seen, we already know they are great but yeah as you said it's a cliche
@mohammadabou-el-ezz305
3 ай бұрын
The fact that the Malazan book of the fallen series isn’t in the top 10 is making me question this list
@susansymington9715
Ай бұрын
Thanks for including Robin Hobbs; she doesn't get enough credit! I'd be interested in your views on a couple of other not-so-famous/loved authors: Martha Wells (especially her series on the Raksura, which are fabulous--but also her MurderBot books if you think of them as fantasy rather than SciFy). And then there is Guy Gavriel Kay--perhaps alternative history, but really more fantasy...
@mraeoius177
Ай бұрын
I'm always missing Melanie Rawn with the Dragonprince Series. I remember it as being brilliant and a series that got me hooked on fantasy literature..
@gerarddowd318
Ай бұрын
Can’t take any more of these “Top Fantasy Books” of all time when none of them have the “Drenai Saga” by David Gemmell in them? Druss is one of the greatest fantasy Characters of all time! 🪓
@jpjohn13
Ай бұрын
The Belgariad - David Eddings. A great fantasy series and one of my favorites.
@joshholmes1372
Ай бұрын
Definitely a classic, coming of age, hero's journey series.
@danieledwards1783
Ай бұрын
Eddings crimes makes it difficult to put him on a best fantasy list. Like Bradley. Of course back in the pre-internet days which is when I read his series we didn't know anything about it.
@SLCclimber
Ай бұрын
Wonder where you fall on The Sword of Truth series and any series written by R.A. Salvatore. Those were the books that I grew up reading, and I haven't read a book now in almost 15 years! Looking for new books now, and wondering if my taste aligns with yours.
@CouchGuy19
5 күн бұрын
I'm in the same boat as you. My first ever fantasy book I ever read was The Legend of Huma, which is part of the dragon lance series. They may not be the best fantasy books ever written, but they are still some of my favorites to date, and there are a lot of them. After that I discovered Salvatore and I read at least 25 of his books. Then I read sword of truth and the wheel of time series. If you haven't read it yet, Jim Butcher has a 6 book series called The Codex Alera that I really enjoyed as well. Another one to mention is the King Killer Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss, but the 3rd book isn't out yet.
@velev555
2 ай бұрын
Hey just found out your channel, great stuff mate. Just 1 thing, can u list all the book+author names in the description for quick google or buy? Thx a lot!
@TheMattman06
Ай бұрын
Have you ever read Malazan Book of the Fallen? It’s hard to top it in my personal opinion
@joshholmes1372
Ай бұрын
This!
@SiqueScarface
Ай бұрын
I had considered myself an avid reader of fantasy, and I don't know any of the series, with the exception of Lord of the Rings. I've seen the Wheel of Time on the shelfs of my local bookshop though. Apparently, I live in a parallel universe.
@General_153
3 ай бұрын
Great video! All of these books are very tempting... not another book my ever large collection😅
@libraryofaviking
3 ай бұрын
Thank you!
@serjoerickii3262
3 ай бұрын
Honestly, I think Oathbringer is probably my favorite Stormlight book. I absolutely love Dalinar and his story made me super emotional.
@JudgeAlan501
Ай бұрын
I have a question, what is the name of the purple book over your left shoulder on the shelf? It has been starring at me this whole video and I need to know
@heathertowndrow6770
Ай бұрын
Otherland by Tad Williams is an absolute masterpiece coming in just behind Sanderson and Hobb on my list - since you enjoy him I’m confident recommending that one! Guy Gavriel Kay is another classic-fantasy style writer who was a favourite of mine until I discovered the above 3 😉
@link27823
2 ай бұрын
Of Darkness and Light! What an epic title!!!!
@MrJSyer
Ай бұрын
A lot of people talking about The Wheel of Time, but it takes a lot to start a 14 books series...
@RogueCulture
Ай бұрын
MakazanBook of the Fallenis the bestI have ever read. Epic scope, memorable characters; a great read!
@benjamingrunbaum3601
Ай бұрын
I assume you didn't include Kingkiller or ASOIAF because they aren't finished? I'd also add my voice to all who recommend Malazan. One I'd definitely include is Tales of Alvin Maker by O.S. Card. Personally, I enjoyed Lightbringer series and the Poppy War series but I know not everyone likes those. Less controversial are Gentlemen Bastards and Broken Earth. Reading Hobb for the first time myself now and, yes, absolutely beautiful! Also, you've given me enough interest to at least start the second Dandelion book. Thanks
@maachdichfott
Ай бұрын
Don't know if it's ignorance or the lack of translations. But I feel sorry for anglocentristic fantasy fans who only know writers from English speaking countries. I mean, you've probably heard of this polish series about the Witcher, but there is a whole world out there, you just have to open your eyes and minds.
@moltenbullet
Ай бұрын
Personally would need to put Steven Erickson's Malazan series, and Glenn Cook's The Black Company series, and The Red Knight series by Miles Cameron into this list. The Witcher novels are also all excellent reads. The Wheel of Time somehow keeps putting me to sleep. Also, early Drizzt stuff from RA Salvatore and some stuff from Weiss in the Dragonlance chronicles would be great mentions.
@Ott3r5losh
Ай бұрын
Robin Hobb - the soldiers son trilogy I’m not sure if it’s mentioned in this video, just started
@kelleyceccato7025
3 ай бұрын
Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn -- loved it! The Liveship Traders -- loved it! The Age of Madness -- loved it! The Wall of Storms -- this one is complicated because I loved it! until the ending; I was not happy with the fate of one of my favorite characters. But the next two books in the series are still high on my To-Read list, because I trust Ken Liu not to leave her in this bad place. She'll get out of it, somehow, because I can tell the author likes and admires this character as much as I do. My jam is epic fantasy that features female characters who feel like individuals rather than walking tropes, which is why I'm fond of the series mentioned above. When I ask for recommendations, The Green Bone Saga keeps coming up, but I've been hesitant to give it a try because the descriptions make it sound... modern, and I don't want modern settings in my epic fantasy. So I'm asking those who know it best: just how modern IS the the world Fonda Lee builds for this series?
@hira791
Ай бұрын
Suprised that ASOFAI isnt mentioned. i know its not complete but its definitely better than a lot of the books mentioned here.
@nbk46zh
Ай бұрын
Check out Iconoclasts trilogy by Mike Shel (amazing dark fantasy with excellent world building and questions about religion and morality). Also Wandering Inn by pirate aba (lit rpg with amazing world building and rich characters with tons of plot twists spanning so many different topics. It's quite long and still ongoing but very engrossing).
@MartiEverton
Ай бұрын
No Magician? Can't take this seriously without it, although yes it is subjective.
@MatteoDonCacci
Ай бұрын
I would have liked to see David Gemmell in the list
@mythologypress9470
3 ай бұрын
I DNF’d Malice at 30%. Based on your comment, it sounds like I should give it another go. -Palmer Pickering
@kahldris1228
16 күн бұрын
Everyone loves assassin's apprentice series. 1st book is great, after that there is 0 movement. The main character even says he can't do anything and to be honest the lack of movement bored me a bit.
@elizabethstump4077
2 ай бұрын
Steven Brust, Vlad Taltos series is the most addictive fantasy series I've ever come across.
@arashzombi
Ай бұрын
what about Warhammer ???? do u read anyone of them ?
@stephenlogsdon8266
2 ай бұрын
Oh … you have yet to read To Green Angle tower? Oh what a treat you’ll get. I think after you’re done, this series may go up on your list.
@Shaad2321
3 ай бұрын
Great list! I love to see the dandelion dynasty at !! It’s my second favourite completed series!
@EmyN
2 ай бұрын
What’s your first?
@sabinailleyeva8391
3 ай бұрын
I know that this is about books But i would like to reccomend a novel which is Lord of the mysterious it has amazing wrold building and great characters! It may have a slow start but it will definitely be worth it it has one of the best plot to!!!
@gnom4530
Ай бұрын
A man of culture i see
@DarkSoul-Izalith
3 ай бұрын
I'm looking to dive into a new epic fantasy series and am torn between "The Licanius Trilogy" by James Islington and "The Faithful and the Fallen" series by John Gwynne. I enjoy rich world-building, complex characters, and intricate plots. Which series do you think I should buy, and why?
@captainnolan5062
3 ай бұрын
Try some of there: The Riddle-Master Trilogy by Patricia McKillip, the Earthsea series by Ursula LeGuin, The Chronicles of the Deryni by Katherine Kurtz, The Mabinogion Tetralogy by Evangeline Walton, The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander, Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever by Steven Donaldson, THe Amber Chronicles by Roger Zelazney, The Shannara books by Terry Brooks, The Elric Saga by Michael Moorcock, The Conan series by Robert E Howard, The Crystal Cave series by Mary Stewart, The Gormenghast series by Mervyn Peake, The Belgariad by David Eddings, The Riftwar Saga by Raymond E. Feist, The Redwall books by Brian Jacques, Dragonriders of Pern books by Anne McCaffrey, The Chronicles of the Black Company by Glen Cook, The Witch World series by Andre Norton, Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser series by Fritz Leiber, The Narnia series by CS Lewis, The Song of Ice and Fire books by George RR Martin, The Kingkiller Chronicles by Rothfuss, The Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling, The Way of Shadows books by Brent Weeks, The Jirel of Joiry books by C.L. Moore, The Witcher books by Andrzej Sapkowski and The Dagger and the Coin series by Daniel Abraham.
@DarkSoul-Izalith
3 ай бұрын
@captainnolan5062 thank for the list. Lewis and Mcdonald is probably my favorite
@captainnolan5062
3 ай бұрын
@@DarkSoul-Izalith You bet
@justballs8476
Ай бұрын
I've just started book 3 of licanius and it's definitely worth your time
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