Fantasy for the Ages

We've reached the grand finale! Ten more masterpieces that were rejected, banned, or forgotten before time redeemed them. From Fahrenheit 451 to A Game of Thrones, these are the ultimate examples of books that refused to stay dead.This episode wraps up our journey through 50 legendary failures-turned-favorites—proof that every great story deserves a second chance. Missed the previous episodes? They're all waiting here at Fantasy for the Ages.

Some of these were critical disasters. Others were totally ignored. But every one of them became a cornerstone of fantasy, science fiction, or horror. In this episode, we cover some incredible, foundational classics — books that had to die before they could live forever.I'll share the fascinating stories behind their early failures and how time, readers, and pop culture eventually turned them into legends.

Some stories are so bold they're dismissed when they first appear. A Canticle for Leibowitz, Good Omens, The Blade Itself, and others on this list were mocked, ignored, or misunderstood—until they changed their genres forever.In Part 3 of They Failed First, I explore how a mix of dark humor, post-apocalyptic reflection, and grimdark grit went from disappointing launches to full-blown fan obsessions.

We're back with ten more incredible stories that failed first but ultimately became unforgettable. From The Stars My Destination to House of Leaves, these novels were too strange, too challenging, or too far ahead of their time—but readers finally caught up.In this second part of the series, I'll share how experimental horror, surreal sci-fi, and ambitious fantasy went from niche obscurities to canon-level masterpieces.

Marvel Zombies is finally here on Disney Plus — but does it live up to the gruesome greatness of the comics? In this episode, Jim from Fantasy for the Ages shares his spoiler-lite thoughts on the new four-episode animated series, from that awful trailer to the surprising standouts (looking at you, Blade and Red Guardian).Jim dives into how this adaptation connects to the classic Marvel Zombies comics by Robert Kirkman, what worked, what didn't, and why the series still deserves a watch — even if it didn't quite hit its undead potential.If you love Marvel, zombies, and geeky pop-culture breakdowns, this one's for you.

Some of the most famous fantasy, science fiction, and horror books of all time bombed when they first hit shelves! In this episode, I kick off a five-part series exploring 50 legendary works that were ignored, rejected, or destroyed before finding their readers. From Dune's 20-publisher rejection streak to The Colour of Magic's tiny first printing, we're celebrating the ultimate literary comebacks.Join me as we rediscover how failure turned into fame—and why these books are now pillars of the genres we love.

Are you craving something new to read — something magical, thought-provoking, or deeply inspiring that isn't already on every “Top 10 Fantasy” list?In this episode, Jim shares 30 lesser-known but fantastic novels across fantasy, science fiction, and horror — each one uniquely written, highly rated by readers and critics alike, and bursting with imagination, heart, and hope.Some of these stories celebrate courage and compassion; others explore wonder, grace, or the quiet strength of resilience.All of them deserve more love than they've received — and by the end of this video, your TBR will be overflowing.✨ This episode is spoiler-lite, so dive in freely!

When a government experiment goes horribly wrong and unleashes a plague that reshapes humanity itself, what begins as a thriller becomes one of the most powerful modern sagas in speculative fiction. In this spoiler-lite review, Jim dives into Justin Cronin's The Passage Trilogy — a breathtaking mix of vampire apocalypse, dystopian survival, and profound human storytelling.In this episode, you'll hear:

What happens when you take seventy years of horror fiction and let the data decide which series reign supreme? Sales, acclaim, and fan ratings all collide in this countdown of the Top 20 Horror Series Since 1950 — ranked not by fear, but by facts.From cursed towns and haunted houses to cannibal geniuses and psychic vampire hunters, this list has it all — and yes, a few surprises.Join Jim from Fantasy for the Ages as he unveils which series truly dominate the genre. You might cheer, you might rage… but either way, you'll probably leave your lights on tonight.

We've ranked the best in fantasy… now it's time to head for the stars!

What happens when you strip away opinion and nostalgia, and let the data decide which fantasy book series reign supreme? In this solo episode, Jim dives deep into sales numbers, critical acclaim, and average fan ratings across Goodreads, Storygraph, and Amazon to reveal the Top 20 Fantasy Series (4+ books) published since 1950, ranked purely by the numbers!From the sprawling armies of Malazan Book of the Fallen to the witty brilliance of Discworld, the emotional power of Realm of the Elderlings, and the titanic juggernauts like Harry Potter and The Wheel of Time, this countdown delivers facts, fun, and maybe a few surprises.Which series earned their place? Which ones fell short?And will your favorites make the cut?Watch to find out — and let the debate begin in the comments!

20 movies and shows—mostly movies—ranked from OK to Awesome-sauce! In this episode I share 18 films and 2 TV series from Science Fiction, Horror, and Fantasy released since the year 2000. These are creative, entertaining, sometimes bizarre, but always worthwhile watches for the right audience.I'll give you the year, the genre, a spoiler-lite summary, and why I enjoyed each of them (plus what some folks didn't). If you've seen all of these, then your tastes are disturbingly similar to mine—and we may need to talk.Which of these have you watched? Which did I rank too high, or too low? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I'd love to hear your take!

It's one of the biggest heartbreaks for fans of sci-fi and fantasy TV: a show that begins so strong… only to crash and burn by the finale. In this episode, Jim runs through his Top 10 SFF TV Series That Ended Badly—shows he loved early on, but by the end, left him frustrated and disappointed.From Star Trek: Enterprise to Game of Thrones, from Heroes to Fringe, these are the ones that stumbled across the finish line. Some ended too soon, some went on way too long, and some just lost their magic.What about you? Which shows would you put on a list like this? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don't forget to check the show notes for more ways to connect with us—including our Discord server where the conversation keeps going!

Not every book is meant to be reread—and today, Jim's flying solo to talk about the other side of the bookshelf. These are the SFF books, trilogies, and series he finished once… and will never go back to. Whether they fizzled out, dragged on, or just left him scratching his head, these eight selections are ones that didn't earn a second chance.This episode follows up on Jim's recent countdown of SFF Books He Would Read Again in a Heartbeat. But this time? It's all about the ones that definitely didn't make that list.Will you agree with his takes? Will you clutch your favorite book in protest? That's half the fun. Join the conversation and let us know what you would never read again!

We're humbled and thrilled to have hit 4,000 subscribers on YouTube, just a couple months after hitting 3,000! Glad to have you all with us, enjoying our content. In celebration, we invited eight guests — authors, content creators, supporters of the show — and we spent 90 minutes in glorious goofiness related to SFFH nerdiness! Enjoy the fun we had, and if you have the ability, watch the live chat as it scrolls by!

Some books are so good, they don't just stick with you—they call you back. Even with more than 1,700 books waiting on my TBR, these are the SFFH novels and series I'd gladly reread anytime, anywhere.In this episode, I'm sharing my Top 10 Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror books I would read again in a heartbeat, along with a couple of honorable mentions. From epic fantasy and classic horror to space opera and post-apocalyptic survival, these stories swept me away so completely that I couldn't resist putting them back on the list—even if I've already revisited them more than once.Do you have a book or series you'd dive back into right now, no hesitation? Share your “reread favorites” in the comments—I'd love to see how your list compares with mine!And don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that bell so you don't miss future episodes. Huge thanks to our Patreon supporters for helping us bring you more SFF content every week: https://www.patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges#FantasyBooks #ScienceFiction #Booktube #StephenKing #EpicFantasy #SciFiBooks #HorrorBooks #BookRecommendations #FantasyForTheAgesYouTube Channel Mentioned in This Episode:Geaux Read Books: https://www.youtube.com/@geauxreadbooks Ways to connect with us:Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jMWyVJ6qKk Follow us on "X": @Fantasy4theAges Follow us on Blue Sky: @fantasy4theages.bsky.socialFollow us on Instagram: fantasy_for_the_ages Follow us on Mastodon: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com Check out our merch: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com/collections/fantasyfortheagesJim's Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4 Jim's Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n 0:00 - Opening1:15 - Episode Explanation1:55 - Honorable Mentions4:16 - The Top 1016:56 - Conclusion & Wrap-up————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

Some of the greatest fantasy and science fiction series ever written… completely blew the landing.In this episode, Jim takes a hard look at sci-fi and fantasy series that started strong, won our hearts, and then left us scratching our heads (or yelling at the pages) with finales that just didn't measure up. From legendary epics to cult favorites, these are the endings fans still debate—and in many cases, still hate.Which of these do you agree with? Which ones do you actually think nailed the ending? Share your thoughts in the comments—we'd love to hear what you think!And if you enjoy our content, don't forget to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and support us on Patreon for even more Fantasy for the Ages fun: https://www.patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges#FantasyBooks #SciFiBooks #BookSeries #BookTube #WorstEndings #FantasyForTheAges #DisappointingEndings #SpeculativeFiction #EpicFantasy #ScienceFictionWays to connect with us:Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jMWyVJ6qKk Follow us on "X": @Fantasy4theAges Follow us on Blue Sky: @fantasy4theages.bsky.socialFollow us on Instagram: fantasy_for_the_ages Follow us on Mastodon: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com Check out our merch: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com/collections/fantasyfortheagesJim's Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4 Jim's Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n 0:00 - Opening1:10 - Episode Explanation2:57 - Dishonorable Mentions3:58 - The Disappointment List14:50 - Conclusion & Wrap-up————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

Zach's been on a reading spree! In this episode, Jim introduces the last 10 fantasy and science fiction reads Zach has enjoyed — with spoiler-lite synopses — while Zach reacts, sets the record straight, and shares three reasons why you might want to pick each up. From grimdark battles to magical schools, from strange new worlds to unforgettable characters, this catch-up episode covers a wide range of adventures across the SFF spectrum.Which of these 10 books or series have you read? Which ones are on your TBR? Let us know in the comments — spoiler-lite please!

Think you already know everything after The Girl With All the Gifts? Think again. In this solo review, Jim explores The Boy on the Bridge by M.R. Carey—a novel that both expands and deepens the haunting world of the first book. With shocking reveals, unforgettable characters, and a powerful ending, this isn't just a prequel… it's a story that changes everything.Jim shares why this book completely surprised him, from the authentic portrayal of Stephen Greaves—a brilliant scientific prodigy on the autism spectrum—to the crisp pacing, the humanity hidden in tragedy, and an epilogue that's worth the entire read on its own. If you loved The Girl With All the Gifts, this one is a must.Have you read The Boy on the Bridge? What did you think of how Carey expanded his world? Share your thoughts in the comments—spoiler free, if you can!

Some characters get all the love… but do they really deserve it? In this episode, Jim and Zach dive into the Most Overhyped Characters in Fantasy. From beloved heroes to so-called legends of the genre, we're putting names on the table and asking the tough question: Are they really that good, or is the fandom just a little too obsessed?Don't get us wrong — many of these characters are great! But today, we're roasting the ones whose hype might just outweigh their actual impact. Expect some hot takes, some debate, and probably a little outrage in the comments.

The 2000s gave us some of the biggest names and boldest ideas in science fiction—space operas that redefined the genre, cyberpunk evolutions, and near-future thrillers that feel eerily relevant today. But here's the twist: not every great book of the decade made it onto the Hugo, Nebula, or Locus ballots.In this episode, Jim continues the series by uncovering the real gems of the 2000s—one Best and one Runner-Up from each year—that critics and fans adored but the awards somehow overlooked. From planetary epics to biotech thrillers, from mind-bending hard SF to character-driven adventures, these are the novels that deserved far more recognition than they received.Which of these overlooked masterpieces have you read? Which ones will be jumping onto your TBR after this episode? Share your thoughts in the comments!And as always—don't forget to like, subscribe, hit that bell, and join our Patreon community if you'd like to help support more content like this: https://www.patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges#ScienceFiction #SciFiBooks #2000sSciFi #UnderratedBooks #AwardSnubs #HiddenGems #BookTube #FantasyForTheAges #SciFiCommunity #TBRWant to purchase books mentioned in this episode?1634: The Galileo Affair: https://t.ly/RhmC7Consorts of Heaven: https://t.ly/mhhLtCoyote Rising: https://t.ly/ZbCAWCrystal Rain: https://t.ly/fuuDRDrowning World: https://t.ly/xiXOIEmpire: https://t.ly/HLicwThe Ethos Effect: https://t.ly/_pf26Hunter's Run: https://t.ly/v2MI_Into the Looking Glass: https://t.ly/TAtf5The January Dancer: https://t.ly/JuleHThe Octagonal Raven: https://t.ly/t_Uw-Plague Year: https://t.ly/fj7QEPrey: https://t.ly/PufFcRemains: https://t.ly/ZDZizReunion: https://t.ly/29u7jThe Skies of Pern: https://t.ly/SLikfThe Temporal Void: https://t.ly/n7Wg4Under the Skin: https://t.ly/xT7XiThe Unincorporated Man: https://t.ly/K5VjrVenus: https://t.ly/PURgbWays to connect with us:Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jMWyVJ6qKk Follow us on "X": @Fantasy4theAges Follow us on Blue Sky: @fantasy4theages.bsky.socialFollow us on Instagram: fantasy_for_the_ages Follow us on Mastodon: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com Check out our merch: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com/collections/fantasyfortheagesJim's Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4 Jim's Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n 0:00 - Opening1:45 - Episode Explanation3:09 - Great Sci-Fi Novels of the 2000s18:19 - Conclusion & Wrap-up————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

✨ The 1990s were packed with groundbreaking science fiction—cyberpunk matured, space opera returned in force, and near-future thrillers exploded. The Hugo, Nebula, and Locus Awards recognized plenty of classics…but they didn't catch everything.In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim takes you year by year through the 1990s to spotlight the top two sci-fi novels from each year that were completely overlooked by the major awards. These are the books that readers loved, critics praised, or that sold strongly—but somehow never got the big award nods.From forgotten space adventures to hard-SF gems and dystopian thrillers that deserved more recognition, you'll discover which titles truly stand the test of time, even without a trophy.

✨ Think the Hugo, Nebula, and Locus Awards caught all the best science fiction of the 1980s? Think again. In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim digs deep into the decade that gave us cyberpunk, space opera epics, and dystopian thrillers—spotlighting the amazing books that somehow slipped through the awards radar.From forgotten alien invasions to near-future technothrillers, post-apocalyptic survival tales to deep philosophical thought experiments, these are the novels readers loved but committees overlooked. For each year of the decade, you'll get Jim's pick for the “best” snubbed book plus a worthy runner-up—and maybe discover some new favorites for your TBR.

Some of the best science fiction of the 1970s never even made it onto an awards ballot. No Hugos. No Nebulas. No Locus trophies, Clarke medals, or BSFA plaques. But these are books that sold strongly, earned lasting fan love, and still hold up with terrific ratings and critical praise.In this episode, Jim digs into the hidden gems of each year in the decade—from 1970 through 1979—spotlighting two novels per year that got completely overlooked by the awards establishment. These are the award-snubbed classics you may never have read, but should definitely consider adding to your list.We'll share why each title matters, what makes it unique, and why it stood out in its year despite never receiving the genre's biggest honors. If you're looking for fresh sci-fi reads that history unfairly ignored, this is your guide.

The 1960s gave us some of the most legendary science fiction ever written… but many incredible novels were completely ignored by the Hugos, the Nebulas, and every other major award. In this episode, Jim dives deep into the data — sales numbers, Goodreads/StoryGraph/Amazon ratings, and critical reviews — to uncover 20 sci-fi gems from the 1960s that were beloved by fans and critics alike, yet received zero recognition from the awards committees.From lost generation-ship societies to dying Earth jungles, from satirical military adventures to techno-thrillers that changed the genre forever — these are the novels that deserve a place on your bookshelf.✨ If you're looking for your next great read in science fiction, start here. Which of these overlooked sci-fi novels have you read? Which one will you pick up next? Let us know in the comments below!#ScienceFiction #SciFiBooks #FantasyForTheAges #BookTube #BookRecommendations #SciFiCommunity #UnderratedBooks #ClassicSciFi #HugoAwards #NebulaAwards #BookReviewWant to purchase books mentioned in this episode?The Andromeda Strain: https://t.ly/oSRIFBill, the Galactic Hero: https://t.ly/WSQ9LCaptive Universe: https://t.ly/QDt01City of Illusions: https://t.ly/qdpMrThe Crystal World: https://t.ly/1XI14Dr. Futurity: https://t.ly/fXTD4The Drowned World: https://t.ly/tk5wWThe Fell Sword of Mars: The Game-Players of Titan: https://t.ly/bTVz7Greybeard: https://t.ly/NxyH8The Last Starship from Earth: https://t.ly/FqwTlThe Long Result: https://t.ly/Ak6hBMake Room! Make Room!: https://t.ly/CRqhDMemoirs Found in a Bathtub: https://t.ly/wCulpPlanet of the Apes: https://t.ly/aNdi3The Planet Killers: https://t.ly/3DTdrThe Puzzle Planet: https://t.ly/1rJThThe Status Civilization: https://t.ly/61YcQThe Still, Small Voice of Trumpets: https://t.ly/aD9twThe Technicolor Time Machine: https://t.ly/LYP74Uncharted Stars: https://t.ly/Hro31Ways to connect with us:Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jMWyVJ6qKk Follow us on "X": @Fantasy4theAges Follow us on Blue Sky: @fantasy4theages.bsky.socialFollow us on Instagram: fantasy_for_the_ages Follow us on Mastodon: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com Check out our merch: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com/collections/fantasyfortheagesJim's Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4 Jim's Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n 0:00 - Opening1:21 - Episode Explanation3:09 - Great Sci-Fi Novels of the 1960s15:34 - Conclusion & Wrap-up————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

Step into the mind of a killer—if you dare. In this solo review, Jim explores The Least of My Scars by Stephen Graham Jones, a psychological horror novel that locks you into the twisted thoughts of a serial killer. With its shocking opening scene, layers of manipulation, and an ending you'll never see coming, this book is as unsettling as it is brilliant.Jim shares why this novel was such an incredible read, breaking down the originality of the premise, Jones' razor-sharp writing, and the haunting tension that keeps you turning pages while wishing you could look away. If you're ready for horror that digs deep into psychology and doesn't let go, this is the book for you.Have you read The Least of My Scars? What did you think of the ride Jones takes us on? Let us know in the comments!

What makes a zombie apocalypse novel stand out from the crowd? In this solo review, Jim explores The Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey—a dystopian sci-fi horror story that's as thoughtful as it is terrifying. From the unforgettable protagonist Melanie, to the shocking opening, to that mind-blowing conclusion, this book delivers everything you want in an intelligent page-turner.Jim shares why this story instantly became a hard recommend: incredible writing, layered character perspectives, heart-pounding tension, and a fresh take on the zombie apocalypse that you'll be proud to recommend to anyone. This is dystopian horror at its very best.Have you read The Girl With All the Gifts? What did you think of Melanie and the ending? Share your thoughts in the comments below—spoiler-free if you can!

Step into the unsettling world of Stephen Graham Jones with Three Miles Past (2011), a chilling collection of three novellas: Interstate Love Affair, No Takebacks, and The Coming of Night. In this episode, Jim dives into each story with spoiler-lite synopses, then shares why this volume stands out as a delightfully creepy addition to Jones' growing body of work.From serial killers on the open road, to deadly tech horror, to supernatural madness creeping into the everyday—each tale puts you squarely inside the mind of a protagonist, whether you want to be there or not. Jim also highlights eight reasons horror fans and SGJ enthusiasts alike should add this one to their shelves.If you enjoy horror, fantasy, sci-fi, or all the other nerdy things we love to explore here on Fantasy for the Ages, stick around! Don't forget to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and hit that bell so you'll know when new episodes drop. And a huge thank-you to our Patreon supporters who keep this channel going—you can join them for some great perks and to help us keep creating!Join us here: https://www.patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges#StephenGrahamJones #ThreeMilesPast #HorrorBooks #BookReview #FantasyForTheAges #IndieHorror #DarkFiction #SerialKillerFiction #TechHorror #BookTubeWant to purchase books/media mentioned in this video?Three Miles Past: https://t.ly/tTF8kWays to connect with us:Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jMWyVJ6qKk Follow us on "X": @Fantasy4theAges Follow us on Blue Sky: @fantasy4theages.bsky.socialFollow us on Instagram: fantasy_for_the_ages Follow us on Mastodon: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com Check out our merch: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com/collections/fantasyfortheagesJim's Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4 Jim's Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n 0:00 - Opening1:02 - Book Basics1:21 - Spoiler-Lite Synopses2:45 - Jim's Take3:32 - 8 Reasons You Might Enjoy This Book4:45 - Conclusion & Wrap-up————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

What are the best self-published fantasy and science fiction novels of the last decade-plus? From The Martian and Wool to The Sword of Kaigen and Waybound, indie authors have proven they can go toe-to-toe with the biggest names in traditional publishing.In this episode, Jim walks through four standout indie releases from every year between 2011 and 2024—one of the most successful and one of the most popular in both fantasy and science fiction. You'll hear how these books rose from self-published beginnings to fan favorites, bestsellers, and in some cases, major publishing deals.If you've ever wondered which indie books deserve a spot on your TBR, this is your guide!

Mira Grant's Newsflesh Trilogy is one of the most brilliant zombie apocalypse series ever written… but what about Feedback (2016), the so-called “Book 4”? In this spoiler-lite review, Jim (flying solo for Fantasy for the Ages) dives into this parallel tale that runs alongside the events of Feed.Does Feedback add anything compelling to the Newsflesh universe, or does it stumble under the weight of its own message? I'll share the book basics, a quick synopsis, and then my honest take—why I found it disappointing, and why I wouldn't recommend it to most fans. Still, there are a few reasons you might enjoy it, and I'll cover those too.Have you read Feedback? Do you agree with me—or did you find more to love in this installment? Let's discuss in the comments!

Some opening lines stay with you forever. From the mysterious, the chilling, and the downright legendary, these first words transport us into other worlds and unforgettable stories. In this episode, Jim takes you on a journey through 30 of the best opening lines in fantasy, science fiction, and horror — moving from lesser-known gems to the most iconic of all time.But here's the twist: Jim reads the line first, giving YOU the chance to guess which book it comes from before the big reveal. How many will you recognize? Play along, test your bookish memory, and see how your score stacks up!✨ Books featured include:– Fantasy epics like The Wheel of Time, The Hobbit, The Blade Itself– Science fiction classics like 1984, Dune, Neuromancer– Horror icons like Dracula, The Shining, The Haunting of Hill House…and many more across all three genres.If you've read them, get ready for a wave of nostalgia. If you haven't, your TBR is about to grow.

Bauchelain and Korbal Broach are back—and things are as dark, grotesque, and hilarious as ever. In this episode, I review The Second Collected Tales of Bauchelain and Korbal Broach by Steven Erikson, which bundles together three novellas: The Crack'd Pot Trail (2009), The Wurms of Blearmouth (2012), and The Fiends of Nightmaria (2016).Join me for a spoiler-lite look at each tale, plus my thoughts on why this collection is such a bizarrely fun romp through the Malazan world—even if it doesn't connect directly to the larger series. From cannibal poets to corrupt coastal despots to religious fanatics, these stories are less about the infamous necromantic duo themselves and more about the chaos they leave in their wake. And of course, long-suffering Emancipor Reese is along for the ride.Whether you're a Malazan veteran or just curious about Erikson's twisted sense of humor, this collection might be for you.

Not all “classics” are created equal. Some science fiction novels are hailed as visionary, genius, and even essential by critics… while regular readers toss them across the room in frustration.In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim takes on 10 sci-fi novels since 1930 that critics adored but fans couldn't stand. From psychedelic word salads to books that feel more like anthropology textbooks than stories, these are the titles that prove not every “masterpiece” is fun to read.

Some fantasy novels win awards, earn glowing reviews, and get called “masterpieces” by critics… but when actual fans picked them up? They cried, “Boring!” “Pretentious!” and “I want my weekend back!”In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim counts down 10 fantasy novels since 1930 that critics adored but general readers couldn't stand. From sprawling gothic castles to postmodern fever dreams, these are the books that divided the book world like no others.

The 2020s have already delivered some unforgettable horror. From the pandemic years through 2025, every year has given us stories that terrified, thrilled, and captured readers' imaginations. In this episode, we're revealing the three best horror novels of each year from 2020 through 2025 (so far)—ranked not by opinion, but by the numbers.Our data-driven formula balances:1️⃣ Sales performance – which books proved themselves on the charts year after year2️⃣ Award recognition – the acclaim and honors they earned3️⃣ Fan ratings – averaged from Goodreads, Amazon, and StorygraphThe result? A definitive, year-by-year look at the horror novels that have defined the decade so far.

The 2010s brought horror roaring back into the mainstream. From breakout bestsellers to bold new voices, the decade proved that the genre wasn't just alive—it was thriving. In this episode, we're revealing the three best horror novels of each year from 2010 through 2019—ranked not by opinion, but by the numbers.Our data-driven formula balances:1️⃣ Sales performance – which books kept selling year after year2️⃣ Award recognition – the acclaim and industry respect they earned3️⃣ Fan ratings – averaged from Goodreads, Amazon, and StorygraphThe result? A definitive countdown of the horror novels that defined the 2010s, proving their power with both critics and fans alike.

The 2000s were a turning point for horror. Gone were the days of endless paperback racks at the drugstore—instead, horror was evolving, experimenting, and mixing with thrillers, fantasy, and even postmodern storytelling. In this episode, we're counting down the three best horror novels from each year of the 2000s, ranked not by opinion, but by the numbers.These rankings are based on a formula that balances:1️⃣ Sales performance – which books stayed strong long after release2️⃣ Award recognition – professional acclaim and industry respect3️⃣ Fan ratings – averaged from Goodreads, Amazon, and StorygraphThe result? A definitive, data-driven list of the 30 novels that defined horror for a new millennium.

The 1990s were a strange time for horror. After the explosive boom of the '80s, the genre shifted, experimented, and evolved—sometimes darker, sometimes subtler, and sometimes downright unexpected. In this episode, we're counting down the three best horror novels of the 1990s, ranked not by opinion, but by the numbers.These rankings are powered by a formula that combines:1️⃣ Sales performance – which books stood the test of time on the shelves2️⃣ Award recognition – the critical acclaim and industry respect they earned3️⃣ Fan ratings – averaged from Goodreads, Amazon, and StorygraphThe result? A definitive look at the '90s horror novels that made the biggest impact, both then and now.

The 1980s weren't just neon lights and big hair—they were also a golden age for horror fiction. In this episode of our series, we're counting down the three best horror novels of the 1980s, ranked not by opinion, but by the numbers.These rankings are built from a formula that blends:1️⃣ Sales performance – the books that dominated shelves and never stopped selling2️⃣ Award recognition – honors, nominations, and critical acclaim3️⃣ Fan ratings – averaged from Goodreads, Amazon, and StorygraphThe result? A definitive list of the novels that terrified, thrilled, and helped define the horror genre in the '80s.

The 1970s weren't just polyester suits and disco balls—this was the decade when horror exploded onto the bestseller lists and refused to let go. In this episode of our series, we're counting down the three best horror novels of each year of the 1970s, ranked not by opinion, but by the numbers.These rankings come from a unique formula that blends:1️⃣ Sales performance – the books that kept moving copies year after year2️⃣ Award recognition – critical acclaim and professional accolades3️⃣ Fan ratings – averaged from Goodreads, Amazon, and StorygraphThe result? A definitive list of the novels that terrified a generation—and continue to haunt us today.

This kicks off a viewer-requested series to discover the definitive list of best horror novels from each year—ranked by the numbers, not opinion. In this episode, we count down the top three horror novels of each year of the 1960s.In every episode of this series, we count down the top three horror novels from a specific decade, using a data-driven formula that blends:1️⃣ Long-term sales performance – which books kept selling for decades2️⃣ Critical acclaim – awards, nominations, and industry recognition3️⃣ Fan ratings – averaged from Goodreads, Amazon, and StorygraphThe result? A balanced, fact-based ranking of the horror stories that truly earned their place in history.

Some heroes are great on their own… but when they're paired up? Legendary.In this episode, Jim and Zach go head-to-head (in the friendliest way possible) to debate and rank the Top 10 duos in fantasy fiction. From lifelong companions to unlikely allies—and even a few rival pairings—we'll argue, laugh, and maybe surprise each other (and you) with our final list.We're talking iconic friendships, epic partnerships, hero-and-nemesis matchups, and those duos that just click. Will your favorites make the cut? Will we pick the obvious ones, or go for deep cuts only hardcore fantasy fans will know? There's only one way to find out…What You'll Hear in This Episode:⚔️ Jim and Zach each bring their picks for the ultimate fantasy duos

What if a slasher film wasn't something you watched… but something you read? Stephen Graham Jones' Demon Theory isn't just a horror novel—it's a cinematic experience, written as a literary film treatment that puts you right behind the camera. Creepy settings, unstoppable killers, and a pace that never lets up—this is slasher horror reimagined for the page.In this episode, I share my spoiler-lite thoughts on Demon Theory, why it's such a unique reading experience, and 11 reasons horror fans will want to add it to their shelf. If you love movies like Friday the 13th Part 2 or Halloween, or you're curious about experimental storytelling in horror, you're going to want to hear this one.What You'll Hear in This Episode:

Think you've read all the best fantasy, science fiction, and horror novels? Think again. In this episode, I'm counting down 30 spectacular but little-known books published since 1970—hidden gems you probably haven't read, but absolutely should. From eerie Southern Gothic to brain-bending science fiction, and from dark, lush fantasy to inventive horror, these are the books that deserve a spot on your shelf.Whether you're a lifelong genre reader or just looking for something fresh to add to your TBR, this list has something for you. I'll share the spoiler-lite summaries, why each novel is worth your time, and what makes them shine despite flying under most readers' radar.What You'll Hear in This Episode:

It's time for a full spoil conversation about Red Sister, Book 1 of The Book of the Ancestor trilogy by Mark Lawrence!In this episode, Jim interviews Zach about his very first read-through of this brutal, brilliant, and beautifully written dark fantasy. Nothing is off-limits—we're talking every twist, reveal, and gasp-worthy moment.What You'll Hear in This Episode:⚔️ Zach's first impressions of Nona Grey and her journey from orphan to deadly novice

Step into a world of assassins, political intrigue, and mysterious magic in my review of A Conspiracy of Ravens by Stephen Hubbard — Book 1 of The Codex of Wretches & Kings.In this spoiler-lite discussion, I share why this dark fantasy debut hooked me from the very first page, why classic D&D fans will love the tone, and 10 reasons you might want to add it to your TBR. Then, stick around for a full spoil commentary at the end, where I dive into my favorite plot moments, twists, and reveals.What You'll Hear in This Episode:⚔️ Spoiler-lite summary for new readers