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Now we're getting serious. In Part 3 of my Top 100 Sci-Fi Reads, we tackle ranks 60 through 41 — the stretch where the books stop being “just good” and start being deeply influential.This tier is full of apocalypses, time travel, AI ethics, societal collapse, and massive “what if” questions. These are stories that linger long after you turn the last page — and several that reshaped how I think about science fiction as a genre.Some longtime favorites slip a bit this year. A few newer reads surge upward. That's the beauty (and frustration) of doing this annually.If you're enjoying the series so far, please Like, Subscribe, and Ring the Bell — the upper tiers only get heavier.

Deze week praten Wout Funnekotter, Jurian Ubachs, Arnoud Wokke en Daan van Monsjou over de gratis uitbreiding van Hollow Knight: Silksong, het verdwijnen van Crucial, de Game Awards, stats van de Top2000, Meta's advertentiebeleid en Amazons drm-versoepelingen. 0:00 Intro0:19 Opening1:03 .post10:21 Crucial not foud21:40 Game Awards: GTA not found33:40 Stats van Top2000 not found37:03 Meta: anti-fraudeteam not found46:14 Amazon: drm not found54:06 SneakpeekSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here we are dear Blerdizens with a look at the bombastic Five Nights at Freddy's 2 movie! But before we do that, we HAD to discuss one of the most shocking news that ever hit the streaming media! (1:05) Then we discuss the movie, themes, and connections to the game franchise! You don't want to miss this one! And one last question: IS THAT THE BITE OF ‘87??!!!0:00 - Opening1:05 - Netflix making moves9:25 - Pre-Spoiler Chat13:53 - Movie Recap55:00 - Awards/Tiers1:03:15- What's Hot?

The viral apocalypse is back! After nearly two decades, the horror and heartbreak of 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later return in the brand-new 2025 sequel 28 Years Later. But is this revival a brilliant evolution of the franchise… or just an unnecessary cash grab? In this episode, Jim breaks down all three films, exploring what made the originals so groundbreaking, how the second movie raised the stakes, and why the newest installment might be the boldest chapter yet.Join me as I cover:

Today I'm diving into The Final Girls (2015)—a comedic slasher film that somehow mixes heart, horror tropes, meta humor, and summer camp chaos into one unforgettable experience. What happens when characters get trapped inside a slasher movie and suddenly have to obey all the genre rules? Well… things get messy in the best possible way.In this spoiler-lite review, I break down what works, what surprised me, and why this hidden gem immediately became one of my favorite meta-horror films of the last decade. From the clever twist on classic slasher logic to the unexpectedly emotional relationship at the story's core, this movie delivers far more than its premise suggests.In this episode:

What happens when a haunting, a babysitting job, and a time-bending nightmare collide? Today I'm diving into The Babysitter Lives by Stephen Graham Jones — a Halloween-set horror story that mixes ghosts, trauma, looping realities, and SGJ's signature genre-warping style.In this spoiler-lite review, I'll break down the book's premise, how it's been received, why I picked it up as part of my 2025 Stephen Graham Jones reading streak, and what really worked for me… along with the one part of the ending that left me yelling, “Wait, WHAT?!”(All in a good way.)Whether you're a longtime SGJ fan or just curious whether this audiobook-original horror tale is worth your time, this episode will help you decide if The Babysitter Lives belongs on your TBR — or your headphones.

Prepare to GROK this classic like never before!In today's Jim-solo review, we dive into Robert A. Heinlein's Stranger in a Strange Land — one of the most influential, controversial, and conversation-sparking science-fiction novels ever written. Originally published in 1961 and later expanded in the uncut edition, this book reshaped the genre, challenged cultural norms, and introduced ideas that still echo through modern sci-fi… and modern society.In this spoiler-lite discussion, I explore the book's central themes, key characters, philosophical underpinnings, and why this novel fascinated me as a young adult — and why it hit even harder on a recent reread for a conversation over on the Non-Terrestrial Half-Life YouTube channel. From Michael Valentine Smith's journey to the hypocrisies of American culture, this story still has something urgent and unsettling to say.Whether you've read it before, are thinking about picking it up, or simply want to understand why this book remains such a lightning rod in sci-fi history, this episode is for you.If you enjoy this kind of deep-dive book talk, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and ring that bell so you never miss an episode. And if you want to support the channel more directly, check out our Patreon — every bit helps us keep bringing you quality fantasy, sci-fi, and horror content!

In this spoiler-lite review, Jim takes on Swan Song by Robert McCammon — a 1987 post-apocalyptic dystopian horror novel that won a Bram Stoker Award and continues to be hailed by many readers as a classic. But does it hold up today? And does it really deserve the constant comparisons to Stephen King's The Stand?After a channel viewer recommended it — knowing The Stand is Jim's favorite King novel — he dove in. Did this end-of-the-world epic impress, or did it fall flat? Let's just say Jim has some thoughts… and they may not be the ones you expect.Join us for a spoiler-lite plot overview, honest reactions (including some unpopular opinions), and five reasons you might still enjoy this book, even if Jim didn't fully connect with it.If you enjoy thoughtful reviews, BookTube honesty, and a touch of good-natured snark, hit that Like, Subscribe, and tap the Notification Bell so you never miss an FFTA episode! And if you'd like to support the channel further, check out our Patreon, where you'll find bonus content, early releases, and extra ways to connect with us.

Deze week praten Arnoud Wokke, Jurian Ubachs, Tijs Hofmans en Yannick Spinner over vouwbare telefoons, AWS die overstappen makkelijker maakt, AI in de Efteling, Netflix die casten niet langer ondersteunt en OpenAI die code rood heeft afgekondigd. 0:00 Intro0:19 Opening1:17 .post33:20 Telefoon met vouw is wow38:50 AWS doet ineens lief46:20 It's happening48:28 AI in de Efteling55:44 Netflix stopt met casten1:05:58 Code rood bij OpenAI1:16:14 Sneakpeek Links:Blog over Mijn Hele Leven Was Wi-Fi 7See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can a mystery thriller starring sentient mushroom people actually work?Today, I'm diving into Mushroom Blues (The Hofmann Report Book 1) by Adrian M. Gibson—a weird-fiction sci-fi mashup with a premise so wild it practically demands investigation. This was my latest buddy-read with Derek over at D&J's Epic Quest and Matt from Geaux Read Books, all in preparation for an upcoming full-spoiler discussion episode. And somehow… I'm the first one finished.In this spoiler-lite review, I'll walk you through the basics of the book, give a quick overview of the world of fungi-folk and fractured detectives, and share my honest take on what worked — and what didn't. Did this story grow on me over time? Or did I feel more like I survived it than enjoyed it? Let's talk about it.If you enjoy our content, please

Deze week praten Arnoud Wokke, Jelle Stuip, Tomas Hochstenbach en Reinoud Dik over de poging om met Mijn Hele Leven Was WiFi 7 in de Top2000 te komen, de Steam Machine, ventilators voor je verwarming, privégegevens bij winkels en de gestegen prijzen van geheugen. 0:00 Intro0:19 Opening1:12 .post19:33 We gaan proberen in de Top2000 te komen28:25 De Steam Machine, voor wie is die precies?42:33 Je huis verwarmen met pc-ventilators56:35 Waarom winkels zoveel gegevens willen1:02:59 Geheugenprijzen slaan als tang op een varken1:26:56 Sneakpeek1:30:57 Mijn hele leven was WiFi 7 - Tweakers Shownotes: Topic over radiator boostersMijn hele leven was WiFi 7 - Tweakers (mp3)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are here dear Blerdizens! In accordance with our yearly tradition, we have our Thanksgiving Special. This year, we decided to get into our UNO-Reverse bag and discuss what we are NOT grateful for in Nerdom. But before we do that, one of Meeches has to get a whole movie off his chest and utterly break the other Meech's mind. It's time to get crazy!Chapters0:00 - Opening1:40 - Lifetime Move Rant11:15 - Things we're ungrateful for in Nerdom41:35 - What's Hot?

Deze week praten Wout Funnekotter, Arnoud Wokke en Sjef Weller over de Pebble 2 Duo die niet meer gemaakt wordt, F1 26 die niet komt, Google Gemini 3 die er al is, WhatsApp en Instagram die bij Meta blijven en de markt voor betere audio bij je tv. 0:00 Intro0:19 Opening1:08 .post19:50 De Pebble 2 Duo om je pols23:09 EA skipt F1 2629:50 Google Gemini 3 is er, en nu?43:54 WhatsApp en Instagram blijven bij elkaar51:12 Audio voor bij je tv en soundbars1:12:24 SneakpeekSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Zach sits down with his dad Jim to finally talk Dungeon Crawler Carl! Zach has been tearing through the audiobooks and just wrapped up Book 5, while Jim has been devouring the entire series on his Kindle, and has already reviewed the books elsewhere on the channel. Now it's time to compare notes!How does the audio experience stack up against reading the text?Do Zach's impressions line up with Jim's… or are father and son about to diverge wildly across the dungeon floor?And what makes this series such a joy—whether you're listening or reading?Come hang out with us for a fun, spoiler-lite discussion of Carl, Donut, existential dread, ridiculous death traps, and all the chaotic glory that makes this series one of the funniest and wildest in modern fantasy.If you've read (or listened to!) Dungeon Crawler Carl, jump into the comments and let us know how YOUR experience compares!

Frankenstein is back — and THIS time, they finally got it right.In this spoiler-lite review, Jim dives into Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein (2025), a breathtaking, emotionally faithful adaptation that at last captures the heart, tragedy, and thematic power of Mary Shelley's original novel.As a lifelong fan of Frankenstein, Jim went into this film with high hopes… and walked out absolutely thrilled. From the stunning performances (Jacob Elordi deserves ALL the awards), to the dual-perspective storytelling, to the incredible cinematography and emotional depth, this movie delivers everything longtime fans have been waiting for.No spoilers — just honest impressions about what makes this adaptation shine, why it stands above previous attempts, and how del Toro manages to honor one of the most important novels in speculative fiction history.Have you seen it yet?Share your thoughts in the comments!If you enjoy spoiler-lite reviews and in-depth discussions on fantasy, sci-fi, and horror storytelling, be sure to like, subscribe, and ring the notification bell so you never miss a new episode of Fantasy for the Ages.

Who truly drives the greatest fantasy stories—the noble hero… or the villain pulling the strings from the shadows? Today, Jim & Zach go head-to-head in a playful (and heated!) debate over seven iconic hero/villain pairings across some of the biggest fantasy universes.From Gandalf vs. Sauron to Kaladin vs. Moash, we're diving deep into who actually made their story unforgettable. Jim champions the heroes, Zach defends the villains. Naturally.Some debates get spicy. Some get surprising. All of them are a blast.Jump into the comments and tell us your winner for each pairing!⸻

If you love thrillers packed with twists — and then twists on top of those twists — you're in the right place. Today, Jim dives into Final Girls by Riley Sager, a mystery-thriller that refuses to let you get comfortable. Just when you think you've figured it out… think again. And again. And again.In this spoiler-lite review, Jim breaks down what makes this book such a gripping ride, why Quincy Carpenter is a standout protagonist, how Sager uses memory loss and flashbacks to build tension, and why this novel had Jim theorizing from chapter one straight through to the final reveal.Whether you're a slasher fan, a mystery lover, or just someone who appreciates clever misdirection, this one earns a spot on your TBR.

Deze week praten Wout Funnekotter, Jurian Ubachs, Arnoud Wokke en Dennis de Vries over de iPhone Pocket, het uitstel van GTA VI, Ryanair die de eigen app verplicht, de Google Nano Banana 2-plaatjesmaker en de ervaringen met de Meta Ray Ban-bril. 0:00 Intro0:19 Opening1:51 .post23:19 Een stukje stof van 250 euro29:21 GTA VI heeft langer de tijd nodig37:10 Ryanair verplicht de eigen app, waarom?41:27 Google Nano Banana 2 en plaatjes maken52:19 De Meta Ray Ban-bril is een grote tegenvaller1:07:08 Sneakpeek Links:Is fast charging killing your phone? - HTX StudioVoorbeelden Google Nano Banana 2 op RedditSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, just the real skinny! In this solo update, Jim shares what's been going on lately in life, love, books, and the Fantasy for the Ages channel. From a fandom retreat in the Sierra Nevada foothills to being followed by two major authors, from unboxing a stunning cyberpunk novel to catching up on indie reads and future TBR plans—there's plenty to cover! Plus, what's the deal with Zach? Don't worry… the mysterious son and co-host is very much alive and gearing up for more episodes soon!Jim also dives into what's next for the channel, the race to 5,000 subscribers, and the exciting lineup of books waiting on his shelf—spanning horror, fantasy, sci-fi, and beyond.So grab your beverage of choice, settle in, and enjoy some cozy fandom chat time with Jim.✨ Join Our Community!

Classic fantasy fans, this one's for you! Jim and his guests Bill & Glenn, the hosts of the Non-Terrestrial Half-Life YouTube channel, dive into Jim's Top 10 timeless fantasy series that absolutely deserve modern adaptation, plus an honorable mention that could steal the spotlight if done right, along with additional contributions from our guests. From dragons on distant worlds to epic multiversal wars, these are the stories that built the genre — and could captivate a whole new generation with today's cinematic storytelling.Which of these classic series would YOU most want to see adapted? Let us know in the comments below!

What if the slasher wasn't just a monster in a mask… but a person you couldn't help but feel sorry for?In this episode, Jim dives into Stephen Graham Jones' newest horror novel, I Was a Teenage Slasher — a brilliant, blood-soaked story that somehow makes the killer the one you sympathize with.From the author of The Indian Lake Trilogy, this book flips every slasher trope on its head.It's raw, emotional, and hauntingly human — horror with heart, written by a master of the genre.Jim breaks down what makes this story such a fascinating companion piece to My Heart is a Chainsaw, why it stands out among Jones's recent masterpieces, and who will especially love this one.

Werewolves. Family. Survival. Mongrels by Stephen Graham Jones is a werewolf story like nothing you've read before — gritty, heartfelt, and hauntingly real. In this solo episode, Jim dives into this 2016 horror-coming-of-age novel that redefines what it means to be a monster… or maybe just a human trying to survive on the fringes.This isn't your typical werewolf story — no castles, no curses, no easy answers. Just life on the run, blood under the fingernails, and a family bound together by more than fur and fangs.If you've read The Only Good Indians or My Heart Is a Chainsaw, then you owe it to yourself to go back and see where Jones truly hit his stride. Mongrels is raw, beautiful, and unforgettable.

What if The Stand never really ended? What if dozens of incredible authors joined forces to take Stephen King's post-apocalyptic masterpiece even further? In this episode, Jim dives into The End of the World As We Know It: New Tales of Stephen King's The Stand — a 2025 anthology edited by Christopher Golden and Brian Keene, packed with over thirty stories that expand, twist, and reimagine the King-verse's ultimate showdown of good versus evil.Jim shares his spoiler-lite impressions, and why this collection felt like a return to one of his all-time favorite worlds. If you've ever wished The Stand kept going just a little longer, this episode is for you.

Deze week praten Wout Funnekotter, Jurian Ubachs, Arnoud Wokke en Olaf Weijers over het Australische verbod op social media, flipperen in VR, Jurs glasvezelupdate, AI voor npc's in games, de schikking tussen Google en Epic en de data die robots opzuigen. 0:00 Intro0:19 Opening1:49 .post12:18 Is Reddit social media?22:38 Eindelijk een reden om uren in VR te zitten32:21 AI in PUBG wordt eindelijk intelligent?39:20 Google en Epic stoppen met hun rechtszaak43:56 Robots zuigen meer op dan stof, waarom eigenlijk?1:08:54 SneakpeekSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From ancient vampires and cursed killers to cosmic gods and grief-born nightmares—these are the Top 10 Monsters in Horror Fiction that defined the genre.Join Jim from Fantasy for the Ages for another solo countdown through the terrifying corridors of horror literature. From Dracula to Cthulhu, Pennywise to The Overlook Hotel, Jim explores the monsters that don't just scare us… they stick with us.

What happens when a fantasy author decides not to hold your hand—but instead throws you straight into the deep end of his imagination? That's what you'll find in The World-Maker Parable by Luke Tarzian, a dark, lyrical, and mind-bending novella that blurs the line between creation and madness.In this solo episode, Jim from Fantasy for the Ages shares his spoiler-lite review, exploring why this short book demands your full attention and rewards it with haunting beauty and depth. From unreliable narrators to genre-blending worldbuilding, The World-Maker Parable is a story unlike any other.Jim also shares how this book came to his attention—thanks to Derek from D&J's Epic Quest—and why, despite a challenging audio experience, he's eager for more from Tarzian's fascinating universe.If you love fantasy that dares you to understand it, this episode's for you.

What makes a monster truly legendary?

What happens when a haunted child grows up?In this solo episode, Jim dives into Doctor Sleep by Stephen King — the long-awaited sequel to The Shining. Decades later, Danny Torrance is now Dan, a man still scarred by trauma, addiction, and ghosts both literal and metaphorical. But when a young girl with incredible powers crosses his path, he's drawn into a terrifying battle with a group known as the True Knot… and the result is one of King's best modern novels.This episode is spoiler-lite, so if you've read The Shining (or seen any of its adaptations), you're safe to join the conversation! Jim shares why Doctor Sleep not only works as a sequel but actually enhances the original story — along with nine big reasons you might love this book too.Come hang out, share your thoughts in the comments, and join our Patreon or Discord to keep the bookish and spooky discussions going!

This Halloween week, Jim dives head-first into the dark! In this solo episode of Fantasy for the Ages, we count down the 30 most horrifying novels published since 1975—books that critics, readers, and terrified fans agree are the absolute worst thing to read before bedtime.From Stephen King's legendary nightmares (Pet Sematary, The Shining, It) to modern literary terrors like The Only Good Indians, House of Leaves, and Mexican Gothic, this list spans decades of dread and brilliance. I'll explain how these rankings were determined using critical consensus, fan polls, and community horror rankings, and I'll share what makes each of these tales so bone-deep unsettling—all without spoilers.Join me for this Halloween special filled with wit, chills, and maybe a few nervous laughs along the way. Because who doesn't love a book that makes you regret turning off the lights?

Deze week praten Wout Funnekotter, Jurian Ubachs, Arnoud Wokke en Jelle Stuip over ransomware bij de Nederlandse afvalverwerker Omrin, de komst van Grokipedia van Elon Musk, Battlefield Redsec, brandwerende wandcontactdozen en de deal rond TikTok in de VS. 0:00 Intro0:19 Opening1:07 .post17:21 Hele laptopinhoud medewerkers Nederlandse afvalwererker online24:34 Grokipedia, een encyclopedie gevuld door AI32:25 Hoe is de free-to-play game Battlefield Redsec43:43 Eindelijk weer een soort van glasvezelupdate46:14 Brandwerende wandcontactdozen49:46 TikTok USA1:03:51 SneakpeekSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when dark magic, ancient myth, and flawed heroes collide? In Demon's Rise by R. E. Sanders, the stakes soar higher than ever in The Jantakai Saga, proving once again that indie epic fantasy can stand toe-to-toe with the giants of the genre.In this spoiler-lite review, Jim dives deep into why Demon's Rise not only delivers gripping storytelling and richly built worlds, but shows just how much Sanders has leveled up as a fantasy author. From the mysterious powers at play to the character growth and ever-expanding lore, this is one saga you'll want to be following.If you've read A Path of Blades, Tann's Last Stand, or Demon's Tear, you already know this world has depth—and Demon's Rise takes it even further.

Our dear Blerdizens. We have a very interesting and hilarious conversation topic to discuss. In recent times, a bold woman on TikTok calls out various horror legends! We discuss how delulu she is as well as what horror movie villain we each could take on. (Spoiler alert: Not that many) You can't afford to miss this Halloween special. Please heed this warning: Don't call out the Horror Avengers!!0:00 - Opening1:49 - “Ten Toes Down” Mara9:17 - Big Jeep20:02 - Who wants the smoke?29:00 - Our Horror Avengers36:25 - What's Hot?

What happens when superheroes appear… just in time for the zombie apocalypse? Coincidence? Hmmm… maybe not. In this episode, Jim reviews the Ex-Heroes Series by Peter Clines — a five-book thrill ride that mashes together capes, corpses, and clever storytelling in the most entertaining way possible.From Ex-Heroes (2010) through Ex-Isle (2017), this series delivers a world where humanity's last hope isn't just surviving the undead… it's surviving themselves. Jim breaks down what makes this series worth your time — from its great characters and layered storytelling to its fresh twist on trauma, heroism, and what it means to keep fighting when everything's gone.If you love The Walking Dead, Marvel Zombies, or apocalyptic fiction with a superpowered punch, this one's for you.

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.

I guess they didn't get the memo. We're back to review the latest entry in this horror series, Black Phone 2. We discuss how this movie justifies its use of tropes, its clear homage to at least two very popular horror legends, and a much needed generational get-back. Pick up at your own discretion.Chapters0:00 - Opening1:25 - Pre-Spoiler Chat6:39 - Recap46:00 - Awards/Tiers53:30 - What's Hot?

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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!

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/