"... if Tolkein baptised my imagination, then i would say the malazan world had set it free..." Such powerful a quote can only be said by a man like you philip, well said.
I read Earthsea when I was in 7th grade, backnin about 2002. I was the third person to have checked it out since 1969. It was a personal copy of my Librarians, Liv. Such a wonderful woman, she was so excited when I brought the books up, she almost cried. Apparently she had been waiting nearly 20 years for somebody to check it out.
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I had to read the books few times to really get what was being said in the story. As you said, the story touches on a few very heavy topics, and just presents them in a completely different way. I also watched that Earthsea mini-series a while back, and I loved their visual depiction of their meal hall! It was so beautiful.
I have a friend that can't comprehend the appeal of grimdark stories, and you just summarized everything I like about them in your comment about Prince of Thorns: "It is all about putting your boots on and strapping on your sword and facing a hostile world that wants to deny your meaning, and your job is to carve meaning out of that world while you are here. And you may ultimately succumb, you may ultimately lose this battle, but the virtue is in facing it with as much courage as you can master." I'll be waiting for 2022's top 10.
Thanks, Alejandro! I'm glad that spoke to you. Grimdark is perhaps one of the most misunderstood and underappreciated genres. I certainly appreciate what authors like Lawrence and Abercrombie have done for me.
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy wow reading your quote just gave me chills. Are your videos scripted or was that just off the top of the head? Either way damn good vid.
For me that sounds so absurd, i already luve in a world that want to deny my meaning and im not a psycho. Prince of thorns has the merit of portray a believable ruthless warrior, but i see grimdark just as unrealistic pessimism. And im a total pessimist.
I am greatly encouraged that you have N.K. Jemisin not only in your list but high up where she belongs. I love your channel, thanks for bringing energy, life, excitement, but also thoughtfulness.
Thank you, Nicholas! Jemisin’s Broken Earth Trilogy is a masterpiece and excites me because it’s a wonderful example of how fantasy can be a vehicle for exploring important experiences and issues. It’s also a beautifully told story. Cheers!
Sauron ( aka Steven Erikson ) laughs maniacally - "at last, I've unseated LOTR from Phillip's best of fantasy list. That'll teach those mortal cockroaches for stealing my goddamn ring !"
Robin Hobb is a genius when it comes to getting the reader’s emotional investment in her characters. No spoilers but at the end of the very last RoTE book i sobbed and sobbed and felt so many emotions at once. No other book, or series, has done that to me since Charlotte’s Web when I was a child.
LotR was my entry into fantasy. I remember a part time job I had in an electrical warehouse when I was young, It was cold in that place. Which was great! Because my jacket had big pockets which hid the book and then I could read it when no one was looking! Malazan is for me not just incredible fantasy, but also, it stands up as a literary masterpiece. This is the series which is shining a beacon for fantasy to step out of the shadows of mainstream 'literature' Great stuff Philip I always enjoy your videos!
Thank you! Your youthful devotion to reading made me smile, probably because hiding my book in the big pockets is something I would have done too. Beautifully said about Malazan, and thanks so much for watching!
The lord of the rings will always be the dearest to my heart but when I first read Erikson's malazan I was blown away. The most incredible work I've ever read.
No fantasy collection is complete without a few Discworld novels, written by Sir Terry Pratchett. Quick witted, funny, and great comentary and a mirror of our world and human interactions.
The Fool from Robin Hobbs books is one of my favorite characters in literature. I feel so much for that character every time I reread her books. If you've not read The Tawny Man trilogy and Fitz and the Fool, you definitely shood. It adds so much depth to the character.
The thing that amazed me about Erikson's writing was that even when you think your sympathies have been exhausted, he delivers a gut-punch that you cannot forget. Corporal List's despondent observation: "Children are dying", or Picker's sarcastic response to Lady Envy's question; "Will this take long?"
Enjoyed your list. Most of them I have read and would be on my top ten. I am 70 years old and read Tolkien when I was 16 and it changed my life so it will always be #1. I was glad to see Robin Hobb, she doesn't get enough love in my opinion. The Broken Earth was a happy discovery fantasy is not dead. I will have to try some I have not read so thanks.
I’m glad you enjoyed the list! I was pretty sure my favorite of all time would never change from Lord of the Rings, but of course I still love it. I hope you’ll enjoy any possible new ones you might try!
Wonderful list! You spoke so beautifully about what you love in each series and what inspires you. The way you described Tolkien as baptizing your imagination and Erikson as setting it free reminded me of Kant's aesthetic philosophy regarding "beauty" and "the sublime." Beauty is associated with "boundedness" whereas the sublime is "boundlessness." It just seemed so fitting, especially as A.P. recently described Malazan as sublime, and here you described Tolkien as beautiful. Those thoughts came up for me, and I just had to share.
I should have added that those two aesthetic experiences perfectly compliment each other, so those two series have a perfect place in the top two spots!
Johanna -- I had to stand here with my mouth hanging open for a while before I could reply. That's perhaps the best comment I've ever read. Beauty and boundedness complementing the sublime and boundlessness. Now I feel like reading Kant!
Btw I greatly appreciate you being literally the only human I've ever come across in thousands of videos who says the name "Malazan" correctly as Erikson intends and pronounces himself..................
Ha ha! I actually did not pronounce “Malazan” that way at first, but when I learned how Erikson pronounces it, I switched. I talked about it with Erikson when I interviewed him along with A.P. Canavan on my channel.
I too used to believe nothing could ever surpased the greatness and beauty of Lord of the rings. I think malazan has reached the level of literary beauty and epicness of Tolkien. I would not put one above the other, for me they are equaly monumental and will always have a special place in my heart.
“Tolkien baptized my imagination” is such a fantastic quote. And so true! I can’t imagine moving it from my number one, but I also haven’t read Malazan yet, so perhaps that will change. I agree with so many of your points here and felt that you championed your favourites so effectively. Hobb’s psychological exploration really is unparalleled. I was mesmerized by how accurately she portrayed Fitz’s trauma, his isolation, and his struggle with depression. (RF Kuang also gave us an incredibly nuanced portrait of a character who had suffered early childhood trauma and I’m very interested to see what she writes next). Thanks for fantastic video!
I never see David Gemmell on any of these lists, and whereas his writing might be more in the ‘popular’ vein, I think he is grossly underrated and under appreciated. As a standalone, I’d rate his Winter Warriors as one of the best fantasy stories I’ve ever come across and it also gets points IMO for not following the typical fantasy formula
@@nemi7916 Keep at it! It's a slow start but so worth it. The series is a sprawling character-driven rollercoaster of emotions. If you can't get into Assassin's Apprentice, some folks recommend starting with the Liveship Traders trilogy (Ship of Magic, The Mad Ship, Ship of Destiny) first, then going back and reading the first three books (the Farseer Trilogy) after that, then continuing with Tawny Man. The whole series is made up of different trilogies and a quartet (plus a few short stories and a novella). The reading order for the main books is: Farseer - Liveships - Tawny Man - Rain Wilds - Fitz and the Fool. Good luck!
This is a great list! I have been afraid of the Malazan series for a while (they are very long, and I have the tendency to latch onto books till they are finished), but after your recommendations I will definitely give them a go. What I really appreciate in your reviews is that you also give importance to form. Plot, character arcs, magic system, worldbuilding - ok, these are important, but to me, the beautiful, thoughtful prose is more important. Literature, no matter what genre, should have aesthetic value. No matter how compelling a story is, if the language is lacking, it just gives me no pleasure.
Thank you! Prose is crucial for me too, and Erikson makes my shortlist of fantasy authors with brilliant writing on the sentence to sentence level. The fact that he’s a graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop probably doesn’t hurt, but you can tell he’s steeped in great literature and writes fantasy as such. As for reading Malazan, I think of it as a long term journey to be taken one step at a time. The two most transformative reading experiences of my life have been in Middle-Earth and the Malazan world.
It happened for me to some degree the first time I read Malazan, but the second time I was completely immersed and invested in the characters. Erikson can do a lot of character building in a short space. Cheers, Patrick!
Great list and all the one's I've read I agree deserve their place on the list. Malazan is so different, so refreshing, that for someone who had gotten so acclimated to the tropes of fantasy it was unspeakably amazing. There are so many things that could be added about the series. It truly is the platinum standard of epic fantasy. A step above in almost every way with a scope that is daunting to envision. I'm excited to finally finish the series this year, and then go on to read all the accompanying books that I've been eyeing for a decade now. Fun story, I saw your top fantasy series from last year recently and was like "Huh, no Malazan? That's weird." Without realizing you had read the series after having made the video.
Yes, it's been a great year of reading Malazan for me! I actually had read MBotF before making the video a year ago, and I both liked and respected it, but it's the effort I put into preparing for the reread and the reread so far that have made the difference in how much more I appreciate the series. This time I am so much more immersed and more connected to the characters, so the emotional impact is indescribable.
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I've said many times that the second time through Malazan is even better than the first. Once you can stop questioning what is happening and why, and just observe... the experience undergoes a transcendence.
My number one is probably always going to remain Roger Zelazny's Chronicles of Amber series. I feel like as I get older, I keep uncovering new things and hidden meanings my younger self had missed.
I read this years and years ago. I bought a fresh copy for my bookshelf recently. I tell myself I will get to it, but I'd love to reread. Walking patterns, murderous siblings and a multiverse centered around the city of Amber.
It's always sad not to hear Guy Gavriel Kay not mentioned on those lists on booktube, even though he is popular among fantasy authors and inspired many of them. His themes and writing style are just exquisite.
Having read Tigana long ago, I'm actually inclined to agree with you about his style. I need to reread Tigana and move on to more of Kay's work. Thanks!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Hes the only fantasy author who can write characters on par with Hobb. I hope you won't be arrested as well. You better pick up The Sarantine Mosaic or The Last Light of the Sun... just to be safe. ;)
I'll chime in with the choir on GGK. Amazing writer! I second another commenter's endorsement of Sarantine Mosaic and also recommend Lions of Al-Rassan.
First Law is absolutely brilliant - and I’m of the opinion that Abercrombie keeps getting better and better. You can’t find more vivid and distinct characters anywhere. Cheers, Taylor!
You remind me so much of one of my favorite professors in college!! I love your energy and enthusiasm for these books. Definitely adding everything on here to my TBR list 😁
This is a great list! I also love Hobb’s prose as well. There’s something hypnotic about it. It’s beautiful and yet reads very easily. There’s nothing like it. The same for me with NK Jemisin’s and Ursula le Guin now that I think about it. Great list!
Elric of Melniboné and Stormbringer are my favourites. Doomed hero of a decadent Island race with a cursed sword, the context of the eternal champion, his loyal henchman Moonglum - even its own songs and guitar riff. As a Brit have to appreciate it.
So glad that you have Robin Hobb included in your list. She's so good at making me feel every feeling for her characters. Her skills cost me 16 books because I just couldn't leave the wonderful world she had created.
Hobb is wonderful, and the psychological depth she achieves with her characters is astounding. Just as you say, she makes you feel along with those characters. And their relationships are beautiful too. 16 books, but an excellent investment!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Are you aware of any another author that achieves the same feat? I feel like she 'ruined' fantasy for me...it turns out that I am all about characters and I am constantly looking for characters I can understand, relate to and champion.
@@Naamy19X9 No one I know of does characters quite like Hobb in that sustained way. Others I consider brilliant character writers in their own way are Joe Abercrombie and Steven Erikson. I would consider anyone in my top ten very good at characters, but Hobb stands tall even in that company.
I love Robin Hobb, she is my all time favorite writer. I can see why people love Farseer so much, but Liveships are my favorite by far. I loved following Althea, she's got moxy and grit and doesn't just let things happen to her. And Malta, it's very apparent Robin Hobby still remembers being a teenage girl.
I really grew to love both Althea and Malta, but I admit it took me some time to warm up to the latter. But that’s what Hobb can do - make you love a character you might not identify with at first.
Now you've given me more of a reason to read Malazan. Wow, it unseated Lord of the Rings. The way you described Malazan as being funny, then having an intense battle sequence, then describing landscapes, whilst having beautiful prose reminded me of the way I think of Tolkien's writing. I'd heard Malazan had many series within it and I too find it really interesting that Steven and Ian created it after trying to make a roleplaying book like Dungeons & Dragons because my sister and I play D&D all the time. I feel behind on a lot of reading since I've started watching more booktube. I've been busy reading Stephen King. Dark Tower made your list; Yay! I personally love everything about Dark Tower but some do have issues with certain books. I heard though that readers who don't like book 1 often have to read book 2 to appreciate Dark Tower but if you do like book 1, as you and I do, then you'll really like the series so your in a good place so far. If you need King suggestions for after or during Dark Tower I'd suggest The Eyes of the Dragon and/or The Talisman for you. I think of them as fantasy books but The Eyes of the Dragon is called a fairy tale by King himself. I do suggest reading The Stand before The Eyes of the Dragon though so that makes it a much longer read. The Stand is classified as a horror book but is also very epic like a fantasy book would be.
Thanks so much! In fact, the first King book I intend to read after Dark Tower is The Stand. I have my eyes (sorry) on The Eyes of the Dragon too. If you give Malazan a try, I’d love to hear your thoughts. It’s only series I know that approaches the level of quirkiness, bizarreness, and surprise that we get in Dark Tower. Erikson and Esslemont just go for it. Cheers!
For me, the OG (that isnt LOTR) is Dragonlance. It has heroes of old, good and evil dragon, gods and their avatars and their clerics, college of mages, fantasy races. Plus the characters and their sacrifices have stuck with me since i was ten barely getting through them. ***clarification : i mean the main tale with Tanis, Raistlin, Sturm and co.
I'm the same way, Cheddar. If Lord of the Rings and its supporting books and history texts weren't written so masterfully and magically, Dragonlance would be my all-time favorite. And both have their strengths that make me love them so much. Lord of the Rings it's mainly the writing. I've read it aloud to myself just to see it and hear it, and Silmarillion (my personal favorite of his works) I've read it aloud many times. Dragonlance has characters so incredibly well-written that you feel yourself in tears along with them at their triumphs and defeats and sacrifices. I really hate to choose one over the other, but it would have to be LotR.
I still haven't finished Malazan, I'm about 200 pages into the Crippled God, and I can't WAIT to see how this thing ends!! I never thought anything could knock Wheel of Time out of my number one spot, but Malazan has done just that. The characters, history, world building, magic, dialogue, characterizations, environments, names, mystery, battles, plot twists and reveals, are all S tier, which is honestly jaw dropping to think about. I already have all the other books and can't wait to read them as well! PS: anyone that can offer suggestions on where to start with the other Malazan material? That would be greatly appreciated
That’s awesome! My best to you for the ending - it’s sublime, in my opinion. As for what’s next, you could try Esslemont’s Novels of the Malazan Empire, six books that flesh out many of the threads from The Malazan Book of the Fallen. Esslemont brings his own style to the Malazan world. That would be my advice, but there’s also Esslemont’s prequel series about the founding of the Malazan Empire, Paths to Ascendancy. And, of course, there’s Erikson’s prequel about the Tiste, The Kharkanas Trilogy, as well as the sequel Witness Trilogy, with The God Is Not Willing, book one, out. And there’s Erikson’s quirky, bizarre, and absurdist Bauchelain and Korbal Broach novellas. Lots of choices, but I’d give Novels of the Malazan Empire a try. All the best!
I wholeheartedly agree with you about the Malazan series. Erikson and Esslemont write so fantastically, and I just gobbled up the books, they literally blew my mind with the characters, world building and imagination. Malazan is so close to my heart and your reflections around it mirrors my own. Great video and great channel!
Thank you, Martin! I love hearing from fellow Malazan fans. You can tell when someone has been moved by Malazan in a way that is similar to what you have experienced, but it’s difficult to put that feeling into words. The best word I know to describe it is “sublime”. My best to you!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Thank you! Sublime is a great word to describe a series which otherwise is hard to describe and really only can be experienced.
You hit the nail on the head with "psychological depth" when it comes to Robin Hobbs characters. I haven't read better. Her characters could be living breathing people. Amazing.
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Oh yeah, Book of the new Sun is the closest I have found to Malazan. Since you're a big fan of that as well I presume you will like it.
I'm glad to hear that. Dune is one of my all time favorites. Currently, I'm wrapping up a Dresden Book and I'm trying to decide whether to start Book of the New Sun or read Ursula K. Le Guin's The Dispossessed next. If BotNS is better than Dune, then I may have no choice...
I’ll be reading the Empire Trilogy at some point. I just had the incredible experience of having Janny Wurts on the channel to discuss one of her standalones, To Ride Hell’s Chasm. I’ll be starting her Wars of Light and Shadow soon!
We talked about this a couple of times, but we have so much overlap in our favorites, that I feel like I can blindly trust you, when you recommend a series. Broken Earth and Earthsea I have yet to start and I'm really excited. Your love for First Law and Broken Empire encouraged me to stick with these series and I've slowly come to love them, too. Likewise I can't wait to hear your thoughts on those 3 series I always keep throwing at you! Always a pleasure. Thanks, Chase-sensei
Thanks so much, Marc! I can say the same to you. In fact, based on your love of those three series, I'm confident I'm going to love them. It's always great to hear from you!
I think American Gods (the book, not the awful television series) deserves much more attention, especially on BookTube. My review of it is, unfortunately, my least watched video. Thanks for watching!
I've been reading American God's recently and I LOVE it! You've clearly got great taste! Brilliant book recommendations 👍 That book gives me so much life and joy! Neil Gaiman is an absolute legend. He's one of my all time favourite authors and an idol for me as a young teenage fantasy writer who aspires to be a published author someday. I love the way when I read Neil Gaiman's writing I just get completely and utterly immersed and the world around me dissapears. His charecters and world are so alive , real and tangible. I want to be able to write like that someday. I want to write things so immersing and vivid that you can taste the air in the story on your tongue and feel it swooping through your lungs.
Beautiful! Gaiman is a fantastic author to look at as a model for doing so many things beautifully in his writing. I wish you much fulfillment in your writing and success in pursuing your dreams, Anya!
I've never clicked on a video faster. I was particularly interested to see how far Malazan has climbed from not being in the top 10 all the way to... #1! Wow! You're getting good at dramatics, Philip. That fake-out just before you announced the top spot was good. Almost had me for a second. I also couldn't agree with you more about Le Guin and her prose. I feel that Earthsea should actually be talked about more. I have been planning to get to Hobb and Jemisin too after I finish tackling Malazan and you've reconfirmed that I definitely need to. Thanks Philip!
Thanks, Danny! I think I probably chuckled more than anyone else over my little fake-out near the end. Ha ha! Le Guin definitely deserves more attention on BookTube. At some point, I aim to reread the Earthsea series. I'm looking forward to your Malazan reactions and your eventual Hobb and Jemisin thoughts too!
Loved your list. I miss people having passion for books and reading. I'm reading The Wheel of Time series right now. I loved Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series.
I've always been a "not-reading" person and thought that books were boring. Around a week ago, a teacher convinced me to borrow a book from school, and I chose a random book that was close to me, and that was *Throne of Glass* . It's my favourite book now, and I've also ordered all the other books in the series, because I like it so much. Now, at least I know what kind of genre I like, *fantasy-fiction* .So I'm here, to find other fantasy series to read after throne of glass. Thanks for the video!
That’s a cool story, and I hope it will be the beginning of a long journey for you. There are so many great fantasy stories out there, and no doubt you’ll gradually get a sense of what kinds you enjoy the most. The ones I talk about in this video have given me loads of pleasure. One I mentioned in the honorable mentions that I recommend for people relatively new to fantasy is John Gwynne’s The Faithful and the Fallen, which begins with Malice. Happy reading to you!
I cannot read anything other than fantasy. I find most other books mundane and fairly boring. Nothing opens up the mind and imagination like fantasy, especially epic or adventure fantasies.
New viewer (and now fan) here who found your channel from Mike’s Book Reviews! I would’ve loved to have taken your fantasy class back when I was in college! I’ll be interested to hear your take on the end of the Dark Tower. I absolutely loved it but understand the divisiveness. Keep up the great content!
Mike is a gentleman in the best sense of the word. Fantasy Novels has been a joy to teach, especially the conversations with my students. I’m looking forward to finding out about that Dark Tower ending, I hope by the end of this summer, and I hope to hear your thoughts on the series as I progress. Welcome to the channel, and thanks for saying hello!
LOTR has also been my #1 for a very long time. But I have come to realize over the past few years that Malazan is the best fantasy out there and has become my favorite.
I think I said this last year, but definitely check out The Black Company books by Glen Cook. Pretty sure Erikson has said he was one of the bigger influences on his writing and that series is what really got me into grittier fantasy and paved the way for my love of the Malazan books.
Correct on all counts! Cook is an influence for Erikson and has been a strong advocate of Malazan. I have read the first three Black Company books. My favorite was the first, but I do want to read them again and continue with the series eventually. So many books, so little time!
Man, I love Steven Erikson, I'm reading House Of Chains and I can't believe that in just four chapters Erikson has created such a good story, I mean there's a wide variety of characters, there's a lot of development, there's culture, there's action, there's sadness , there are laughs, believe me that if the book had ended in the fourth chapter I would have felt totally satisfied haha and would have said that it is one of his best books. But no, I know that the book is still missing dozens of pages and I know that I will enjoy each one
From ages 9-20+ I was looking for another LOTR, I didn't find anything that matched up, I fell completely out of reading for years. Found Robin Hobb and she blew my head clean off. I'm 37 now, still get goosebumps remembering parts of every book.
Can't wait to add a few of these to my reading list. Thank you for your recommendation. I love Tolkien. I'd be interested to hear what you think of Raymond E.Feist's Riftwar Saga. I love using excerpts from it in my creative writing classes. It's finally in the works to be adapted for TV!
Thanks, Catrin! I read Magician many years ago and enjoyed it very much. I intend to reread it someday and continue in the series. I’m especially curious to read The Empire Trilogy that Feist co-wrote with Janny Wurts, who recently visited my channel to discuss her book To Ride Hell’s Chasm. All the best!
Its very brave to come clean about your "evolution" for the world to see :). I havent read Malazan but I probably will someday. I love LOTR for all the reasons you so eloquently stated. Tolkiens middle earth feels like home to me. Pleased you added WoT to your list. I read that back in the days where you had to wait for Jordan to finish the next book and , oh! the nostalgia!!!
Great list. My list would be different of course, but I love anyone who expresses their opinion with such passion and thought and without even a hint of judgment on others who disagree. You've given me inspiration for some re-reads.
Thank you, John! I appreciate the kind words. Putting down other people’s favorites to make my own seem superior seems like childish bullying to me. It’s a big world with lots of stories for all sorts of people and occasions. My very best to you for your reading!
You describe the books in such a beautiful way. So light, peaceful and, at the same time, so profound. I’ve started following your channel yesterday and I’m delighted to see your unique contribution to the booktube community. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽✨💫 Sending hugs and goodvibes from Brazil 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🤩💫✨
Thank you, Luisa! I deeply appreciate your kind words, and it makes me happy to hear that you found this video enjoyable. It’s wonderful that book lovers from all over can share their passion on the RU-vid platform. My very best to you and your loved ones in Brazil!
That class is my favorite to teach, and I always learn a lot from my students. Since people take it because they love fantasy, the discussions are always lively!
Oh I love how you pitched Eathsea! I've wanted to read it for years, but I think I will read it right away after this! Also, I loved how booktube changed your perspective!
Good list. I think it was Wheel of Time that got me REALLY into fantasy books. Loved that series and it also introduced me to Brandon Sanderson, who also has some amazing series on his own. Mistborn is really good as is Stormlight Archive. Was super excited to see you mention the Farseer books, such good stuff, love me some Fitz and the Fool. A gritty fantasy that I really love as well is Glen Cook's The Black Company. Terry Goodkind's The Sword of Truth was great as well, IMO.
I'm so excited to see how you feel about Realm of the Elderlings after the next trilogy, and again by the end. Far and away my favourite fantasy series.
Philip, I enjoyed your taste and your reasoning behind your picks very much. I must admit, Lord of the Rings is the next on my reading list. I haven't read much Fantasy, although, one is aware, and reminded, constantly, just what one is missing out on by not having picked up Mr. Tolkien's work. Thank you so much, and I wish you health, joy, and happiness! :)
Thank you, Abhishek! I deeply appreciate your kind words, and in turn I wish you the best for your read of The Lord of the Rings as well as as much fulfillment in life. All the best!
Ah man, Malazan, even on my first read through, has really set an enormously high bar for literature in general and perfectly encapsulates why fantasy matters and what that medium can do as far as changing how we view things in society today. I'm eager to see your spoilers on Toll the Hounds which I recently finished and I think even managed to dethrone Midnight Tides and The Way of Kings as my top fantasy book of all time. You're enthusiasm as well as the depth you and AP can gleam from it has really helped me to appreciate the series and has really helped me to value it a lot more than I might have been able to on my first read. Thank you.
I’m so glad you’re getting so much from your reading of Malazan, and if AP and I are adding anything to it, then it makes me even happier to know that we are accomplishing one of our most important goals. My best wishes to you as you finish the series and for all your reading!
@@heathmotley9675 it's so good. The final book is also pretty amazing but toll the hounds is the cream of the crop as far as themes. I can understand why it doesn't click for some but it's certainly my favorite if I had to pick one, midnight tides is also pretty high up there too.
@@heathmotley9675 agreed, and honestly, it sets such a high standard for other fantasy that it's hard to want to leave Erickson once you get used to his writing style. I can definitely see why fans reread this series, there is a ton of depth and social commentary interwoven into each book. It's a feast for the brain alongside a pretty smashing story. I'm excited for you to finish the series.
Thank you so much for this - as there are only so many times that one can listen to the stormlight series…. So far. You’ve introduced me to new authors - MUCH appreciated.
Agreed! I never thought that the Lord of the Rings could be beat, but then I found Malazan. The Book of the New Sun is indeed worth a read and can I also add The Black Company to your list. Cheers.
You have certainly stepped into the realms of my top booktubers. I sincerely thank you for the assisted digestion in the Malazan world. It difficult, but delicious. Thank you for all that you do for the world at large in helping nurture the legitimate importance of fantasy in all cultures. Tusen tak, mitt bror!
It’s my pleasure, and thank you for the kind words! One of the best things about this platform is finding people who share our passion for excellent fantasy. I’m very happy that Malazan has been so meaningful for you!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy It is the most emotionally realistic series that i have ever read. It has taken me to places of massive self reflection. I only have time for audio books, as I'm always on the move, which is difficult like you wouldn't believe. I sincerely appreciate your work. When might i be able to read your writing? Any time soon? I trust you in your appreciation of things.
@@Mawlivander Of all the fantasy I’ve read, I feel that Malazan gives the truest sense of our place in the universe. As for my trilogy, my agent will be pitching it this week to publishers. Let’s see how it goes, and thank you for your interest and support!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I wait in great anticipation. And i strongly agree that Malazan helps us understand our place in the universe. The points of reflection are unquestionably abundant and have helped me to understand the world about me and the world within me. Its helped a neurotic recluse like myself to reach out and be part of it. This dialogue is a gift and example of what would've been nigh impossible only a few months ago. Thank you.
Thanks so much for this, and the top 2 exactly mirrors my own thoughts. The Hobbit and LOTR were also my entry into fantasy literature and for years I have set it aside as my bible, that nothing will ever surpass this. But Malazan did it for me. Like Johanna's comment, it is sublime, and it took my imagination to places that I didnt know was possible. So now Malazan is also number 1 for me. I would like to recommend you a short urban fantasy series called the Bartimaeus trilogy by Jonathan Stroud, and another 10 book but relatively short series called Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky. Shadows of the Apt is a really unique series where the basic concept will blow you away. The first book is slightly average like many other series, but from book 2 it keeps reaching new heights. Please give it a try.
Thank you, Sourav, and thanks for the recommendations! I read Bartimaeus with my daughter and enjoyed it very much. I haven’t read Tchaikovsky’s books yet but have heard them mentioned on BookTube and will probably check them out someday. Cheers!
Your channel is making me move Malazan up my list! Thanks for sharing all your thoughts on these great books. I look forward to your Second Apocalypse and Book of the New Sun videos. They are both difficult and beautiful!
Terry Goodkind's Wizard's First Rule is my all time favorite book. The Deed of Paksenarrion (Trilogy) by Elizabeth Moon is also one of my all time faves. Michael Moorcock's Eternal Champions (namely Prince Corum & Elric of Melnibone) series was magical to me when I read it while in high school. Fantastic review and list tho. I'm definitely going to check out some of the books from this video.
N.K. Jemisin's writing is something else for sure. Unique narrative with narration that's sophisticated & beautiful. Fifth Season was hard to describe at first right after reading it, but I was left with this "oh woww" feeling. This sounds all vague I know.. but Broken Earth Trilogy is a must-read.
I love the spotlight that you are bringing to Hobb. She is so brilliant. I don't know how she seemed to get lost in the conversation. Wonderful video Philip. I love your sincere passion for fantasy. Continued success! Looking forward to all of your content this year. Just remember that AP is my genie and you can't have him. 😁
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I am afraid to ask. He was on a roll for a while where I would daydream a topic and then, miraculously, he would make it appear. I could listen to the two of you chat for hours. I am sincerely jealous of your students and the conversations that you must have. Have a great day.
Love your descriptions of why you love these books . I’m at the stage where “Lord of the Rings will always be my number 1 right now. But I have yet to read Malazan . I have been seeing so many people gush over it emphatically that I’m convinced now to read it. Been sat on my shelves for far too long gathering dust . Awesome video man
- takes pen and paper - I'm glad you have Prince of Thorns on your list! After I finish the Poppy War and the First Law trilogies I plan to jump into that series. I love Robin Hobb, I've seen your online discussion for the Liveship Traders trilogy with Chris, Andy and Riddhima and really loved your insight. I think the LST is better in plot but the connection you have with Fitz in the Farseer triogy is another level in my opinion.
That’s true about Fitz! The first person narrative in Farseer is the major reason for the difference, I think. It helps you to connect with Fitz on the deepest level, but it leaves some other characters less fleshed out, like Regal. Brilliant stuff either way!
Ha ha! Well, it was an attempt, but there’s been some viewer rage despite my best efforts. 😁 Mostly, though, I hear from great people who love fantasy and enjoy sharing enthusiasm for the genre. Also, this is a fantastic way to get recommendations. Cheers!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I'm new to the channel and really liked your style and take on things. If you really like epic fantasy, check out the Lightbringer Series by Brent Weeks if you dare. I'm also an amateur writer... "finished" my first novel in 1 year and have been editing it for 3... ;)
@@PhoenixCrown Very cool! I wish you much fulfillment with your writing. I did read The Black Prism, and I think Weeks is similar to Brandon Sanderson in the things he does really well, like integrating a complex magical system into the plot as both characters and readers discover how it works. My best to you!
Great video as always! No surprises although I was not expecting LOTR to get dethroned. But I agree, Malazan is worthy. I have read all of your top 10 except for Broken Empire and Broken Earth. Some great choices! Fantasy is in a good place, with a lot of good talented writers giving us exciting new stories all the time.
Sounds like you need to read more broken books! But don't go buying too many, lest you go broke. Ugh, I had to groan at that second one myself. Thanks for watching, Robert!
was watching a couple of your other videos and thought, man this guy seems like a teacher or instructor of some sort, lo and behold i was right. Thanks for the video! would love to take that fantasy novel class you mentioned!
Among the series that you mention, I am currently going through 'The Wheel of Time' series. I actually picked up 'The Eye of the World' right after finishing 'The Way of Kings', because the very idea of a writer finishing an epic fantasy series created by another writer appealed to me, and I wanted to see how Sanderson's writing would compare to Jordan's. I was surprised to see that Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson are quite different writers. Jordan's strength seems to lie in evocative descriptions of adventures in the unknown and the mysterious, while Sanderson seems to focus more on magic systems and character arcs. I have reached only upto Book 4 in 'The Wheel of Time' (I'm going to blame the Pandemic for this), and I know I have to go a very long way before I can get to the Sanderson books in the WoT series, but I can already tell it's going to be an interesting experience for me. Like you, I've also found myself wishing I had discovered WoT when I was younger, yet full credit to Robert Jordan for fully immersing me in such a classical story of good vs. evil. I'd be very interested to learn about your top ten picks from other genres. You know, top ten mysteries/horrors/sci-fi etc. 🙂 Would I get to see that in your channel? 🙂
I hope you’ll continue to enjoy Wheel of Time! I don’t feel sufficiently well read in horror to do a top ten - I’ve really only read some classics of the genre. I do like science fiction, but I know fantasy much better. So, while I’d be interested in watching a video of top ten science fiction stories, I wouldn’t feel as confident making that video. Perhaps someday I’ll expand my horizons! Thanks so much for watching this one!
Fantastic list. It would be hard for me to come up with a top ten but Earthsea and Hobb would probably in it. Hobbs ability to provoke an emotional reaction in a reader is one of my favorite things about her writing. And of course her characters. I think the most similar author to her in terms of characterisation and prose is Louis McMaster Bujold. A fantastic author in her own right (has won the most amount of Hugo's awards of any living fantasy writer and I think she is tied for most of all time). You should definately look into her works. Earthsea would make my top ten due to two of the books, Tombs of Atuan and especially Tehanu. LeGuin does something so unique in Tehanu and such a great examination of sexism and aging. The closest author I have found to LeGuin is Sofia Samatar. Her novel Stranger in Olandria gave me so many Earthsea vibes. Samatars prose is fantastic and the novel takes a thematic approach above all. Fantastic book that I think you would like.
Thanks! I definitely need to read Lois McMaster Bujold -- she's on my long term TBR. You're absolutely right about Tehanu -- a brilliant exploration of sexism and aging. I also have Stranger in Olandria and will give it a try. Great to hear from you, as always!
The thing that makes Stephen King so great is his ability to write people we've all met (or maybe are). The simplicity of a petty jealousy. The routines we all keep. As for the rest of your list, I kept saying, "YES! It's so good!" Malazan is the book I tell people, "If you want to read the best, most depressing, most uplifting series ever. Read this." Two series I would recommend you are The Black Company by Glen Cook and The Renshai Trilogy by Mickey Zucker Reichert.
That’s an excellent description of Malazan, Sean! Also, I’m glad I started reading Dark Tower because King is indeed brilliant at writing people with all our flaws. Thanks for the recommendations, which are always welcome!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy look forward to it! Great review and love the content! Can’t wait to see your reviews as the series progresses. Strength before weakness my man. 👍🏻
No but for real stormlight books and the whole cosmere will be number 1 when all said and done. I can't wait to see how all the worlds and magic systems go to war in future books....come on we are going from mid evil times to future space times using the magic in the different worlds
Robin Hobb is by far my favourite fantasy author! I just love Fitz. Interestingly, Jemisin's Broken Earth did not work for me. I can see the brilliance that you talk about, in the themes, the story, the world building and the language used. But I just didn't care for the main character, and I wonder if that's because of her choice to use a second person pov. Final thought: I've never read any grim dark fantasy, which book from Abercrombie should I read first to give this a try?
Hobb is simply wonderful, and I deeply admire her character work. The second person narration seems to have been an obstacle for some people, so that could be it. I admit it took me time to adjust to it, but the choice made sense by the end to me. The logical place to start with Abercrombie’s First Law world is The Blade Itself, book one of the First Law Trilogy. It’s very character driven with little sense of plot, which comes into focus more in the second book. After that first trilogy, the First Law books get better and better, in my opinion. Happy reading to you!
I also love character and themes when I read! I don't know why, but one of my favourite aspects of reading fiction is thinking about the philosophies/values within them. Knowing that you love theme, I will be adding a few of these series to my list as many I have not tried yet!
I totally agree with your description of Stephen King's writing. So far, ive only read Pet Semetary, but the depiction of humanity is incredibly well done. I'm definitely going to read The Dark Tower series now
Dark Tower is unlike anything else I’ve read, and I’m enjoying that. I also love how King never flinches from portraying the depths of the human psyche. Long days and pleasant nights!
Oh my gosh, I just discovered The Obsidian Trilogy by Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory. It's so good! It's kind of a mixture of LOTR and Eragon. I mention Eragon because the young protagonist is just learning how to use magic and is thrust into a road trip situation that he's unprepared for, and he questions his worthiness. He also has a mentor that is vastly older and more experienced. Although, Kellen's companion is a Unicorn rather than a dragon.
David Eddings' work was what drew me to reading as a teenager, even if now they might seem derivative, I will definitely check out the recommendations here
Malazan is great. If anything deserves to dethrone LOTR, Malazan is one of them for sure. I am really looking forward of your reading and reviewing of Bakker.
I’ll be reading Prince of Nothing this summer. Along with The Wars of Light and Shadow by Janny Wurts and Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe, I think it has a great chance of becoming a favorite.
