So I’m on page 672 of Of War and Ruin and after I’m done with it I will get to start Wind and Truth. I must say Of War and Ruin is absolutely amazing. I can’t put it down. Love Rist’s story so far and every POV is great! Thank you for recommending it to me.
I met Larry Correia at a book signing in Lexington Ky years ago… really nice guy. Online he doesn’t suffer fools and he calls out PC over good writing… but I would rather read a good story than loose the time war 😊
I’m glad that Prince of Nothing resonated with you so much, and I look forward to seeing what you think of book three. Aspect Emperor has more of everything you get in Prince of Nothing. The Last Kingdom was a big hit for me too, and I hope to continue in that series eventually too.
I won't give any spoilers but I read book 3 and have to say I was confused at a couple points and there was a section towards the end that I wish had been longer and more details detailed but I definitely am looking forward to starting aspect emperor
Hey Philip, have you read Cornwell’s Warlord Chronicles? Apologies if I’ve missed this in your catalogue, but hot damn, I’d love to see your take on it!
Hooray that the Prince of Nothing made it so high on your list! I’m glad you’re very positive about the trilogy so far. Aside from Aspect Emperor, the best series I began in 2024 might be Mieville’s Bas-Lag series.
I agree with Mercy of the gods, i was very disappointed and then had to take a break from my read through of the expanse, will be continuing with the Expanse in the new year
Great video Mike !! So glad to finally see you being more critical! I appreciate because I usually align with your tastes so it’s awesome when all the booktubers don’t act like Chris Stuckman who gives zero criticism ever…
Mike, I really do appreciate you doing your best to rank these series. I know it is hard and perhaps imperfect, yet my humble opinion is that despite its drawbacks it conveys information to viewers that is more meaningful that just an undifferentiated grouping. Thanks again.
More than anything so far in this video, I have learned about the thin line of humor in horror. What about in genre blenders? Anyhow, if there's anything that BookTube has taught me this year, is that I need to be reading more. Especially with POV stuff, the last video made me realize I don't really know how to do that stuff yet. Heck, I have a hard time with spelling and using a semi-colon! Satire!
I started reading again after a taking about 20 years off. I read 1. Dune - I read the first 3 books decided that I didn't care for the direction the god emperor was going to take things. Loved those 3 books though 2. Licanius Trilogy - Great trilogy. I will be keeping an eye on James Islington 3. The Dark Company - I read the northern campaigns. The books were okay, but not what I was looking for in the grimdark genre 4. The First Law Trilogy - Mind Blown. This is what I was looking for when I read Glen Cook. 5. Name of the Wind - Womp Womp. Huge disappointment, but they can't all be winners. Now, I have started the Assassin's Apprentice and after the Farseer Trilogy, I am moving on to Theft of Swords.
Great video and rankings, Mike! Im so jealous, this list is basically my top list of things I want to read😂 You rocked it, brother, enjoyed the heck out of hearing you talk books as always!
I keep seeing the wool books at my bookstore but i never looked at them and have no idea what its even about for the longest time i didnt even know it was sci-fi
Well if I was going to start Terry Pratchett's Disc World series I think logically it would be with number 1? I mean that's the beginning, right? Same with the Dresden Files, people said book 1 was not so good. But if you stop there you will miss so much goodness.
My best series: Age of Madness, Live Ship, Boudica Dreaming Series, Hanuvar Chronicles & Tawny Man! Best Standalones: Lions of Al- Rassan, Electric Forest, Glorious Exploits & I Was A Teenage Slasher. I also enjoyed a children’s book called Bunnicula, the best cat ever! It’s all about Chester/ Fluffy Kitty! I just finished the first book in the Last King of Osten Ard series, the novella, The Heart of What Was Lost and it was excellent, 5 more books to binge.😀
The Border Trilogy is definitely worth finishing. The second book turn into a bit of a slog in the second half (despite the first quarter with the wolf being absolutely phenomenal), but the third book is on par with All The Pretty Horses.
Since you mentioned unreliable narrator, you should check out "Beyond Apollo" by Barry Malzberg. When done right the shifty narrator really adds mystery to the story.
Great video sir! I would live if you didn't rank, but I'm glad you did. It entertains my little little mind. (My 2 cents.) Sad about Blood Song though. Given that I agree with you on Rothfuss, I may put this one a tad lower on the TBR priority. It's not like I don't have plenty of alternatives!
Read a lot of book 1’s that I plan to continue with. They include: Shogun (don’t know how interested I am in others) Priest of Bones Ender’s Game I’m on book 2 of Dandelion Dynasty now and loving it. I read the whole Pines trilogy and thought it was great. Continue to be impressed by Blake Crouch
I will recommend a good series Stephen Kings Bill Hodges Trilogy which consists of Mr. Mercedes, Finders Keepers, End Of Watch and spin off is Holly. Highly underrated. In my opinion, My most overated series has to be The Witcher series. I much prefer the games the very first book which is a collection of short stories is definitely the best by far whicg is just average.
Last Kingdom is sooo good. It's not perfect and if the series had been condensed to 5 or 6 books it would have been absolutely epic. I've taken a long break after book 6 but do want to continue bc I love some Utred son of Utred
I loved Name of the Wind but it's so incredibly frustrating when people review any book these days with a framing narrative and/or unreliable narrator and insist it's just a ripoff of NotW.
Because you try not to judge a series off of book 1, sometime you should read the sci-fi/horror space opera 5-book Gap Cycle by Stephen R. Donaldson. Book 1 is the weakest, but 2-5 are so good. Creepiest aliens ever put to page.
Salvatore stopped being good long long ago. Sad he’s ruined the characters good names as I love Drizzt but it’s his world and his living. I’ll never pick up another. But the og books and The Hunters Blades trilogy is all time fantasy.
So I’m on page 672 of Of War and Ruin and after I’m done with it I will get to start Wind and Truth. I must say Of War and Ruin is absolutely amazing. I can’t put it down. Love Rist’s story so far and every POV is great! Thank you for recommending it to me.
Just finished book1 .hope it will pick up
@ it does my friend! Novellas are great as well
Are you me? I’m 80% done with Of War and Ruin and am switching to Wind and Truth.
@@jonathanturner1464 my brother! Haha
I met Larry Correia at a book signing in Lexington Ky years ago… really nice guy. Online he doesn’t suffer fools and he calls out PC over good writing… but I would rather read a good story than loose the time war 😊
You put me on Suneater and Saga of the Forgotten Warrior this year! Both in my all time top 5 now
I’m glad that Prince of Nothing resonated with you so much, and I look forward to seeing what you think of book three. Aspect Emperor has more of everything you get in Prince of Nothing. The Last Kingdom was a big hit for me too, and I hope to continue in that series eventually too.
I won't give any spoilers but I read book 3 and have to say I was confused at a couple points and there was a section towards the end that I wish had been longer and more details detailed but I definitely am looking forward to starting aspect emperor
Hey Philip, have you read Cornwell’s Warlord Chronicles? Apologies if I’ve missed this in your catalogue, but hot damn, I’d love to see your take on it!
@ I’ll be reading it next year - looking forward to it!
I love the Blackwater Saga and just anything by Michael McDowell. The Elementals is VERY atmospheric and creepy. I think you'll like it!
Hooray that the Prince of Nothing made it so high on your list! I’m glad you’re very positive about the trilogy so far. Aside from Aspect Emperor, the best series I began in 2024 might be Mieville’s Bas-Lag series.
Bas-Lag is great
Blackwater was awesome - thanks for turning me onto it earlier this year. A definite highlight of 2024 for me. Cheers to another great reading year!
Top 3 new series: 3. Stormweaver by Bryce Courtney (only because I read Iron Prince and that was it) 2. Dungeon Crawler Carl 1. Age of Madness Trilogy
MERRY CHRISTMAS Mike from me and mine to you and yours and HAPPY NEW YEAR
I agree with Mercy of the gods, i was very disappointed and then had to take a break from my read through of the expanse, will be continuing with the Expanse in the new year
Another one of Mike's rankings. Always a treat to watch them. Thanks!
Great video Mike !! So glad to finally see you being more critical! I appreciate because I usually align with your tastes so it’s awesome when all the booktubers don’t act like Chris Stuckman who gives zero criticism ever…
I'm absolutely loving the silo series, I'm almost done with book 2. In just 2 weeks 😂 it's a page turner for me.
I read Blackwater this year too. I loved it so much. I really miss those characters.
I started Mistborn, The First Law, and The Sun Eater this year which has made for interesting reads
Mike, I really do appreciate you doing your best to rank these series. I know it is hard and perhaps imperfect, yet my humble opinion is that despite its drawbacks it conveys information to viewers that is more meaningful that just an undifferentiated grouping. Thanks again.
Loved Wool, Shift and Dust. It hit me at the right time
More than anything so far in this video, I have learned about the thin line of humor in horror. What about in genre blenders? Anyhow, if there's anything that BookTube has taught me this year, is that I need to be reading more. Especially with POV stuff, the last video made me realize I don't really know how to do that stuff yet. Heck, I have a hard time with spelling and using a semi-colon!
Satire!
I don’t read many series but I started the Walt Longmeir series and I’m loving it. About to start book 4 today
Captive's War came along at the end for me. I am looking forward to what happens next. I agree that the hype wasn't met.
I started reading again after a taking about 20 years off. I read
1. Dune - I read the first 3 books decided that I didn't care for the direction the god emperor was going to take things. Loved those 3 books though
2. Licanius Trilogy - Great trilogy. I will be keeping an eye on James Islington
3. The Dark Company - I read the northern campaigns. The books were okay, but not what I was looking for in the grimdark genre
4. The First Law Trilogy - Mind Blown. This is what I was looking for when I read Glen Cook.
5. Name of the Wind - Womp Womp. Huge disappointment, but they can't all be winners.
Now, I have started the Assassin's Apprentice and after the Farseer Trilogy, I am moving on to Theft of Swords.
Great video and rankings, Mike! Im so jealous, this list is basically my top list of things I want to read😂 You rocked it, brother, enjoyed the heck out of hearing you talk books as always!
I keep seeing the wool books at my bookstore but i never looked at them and have no idea what its even about for the longest time i didnt even know it was sci-fi
Speaking of series, I love your shirt. Also, I wish winter would come.
Thanks, really enjoying the silo show and was considering picking up the books. Less so now.
Really Disappointed Silo didn't work for you. I really loved it and the "hopping" around only deepened the mystery and world building for me.
Well if I was going to start Terry Pratchett's Disc World series I think logically it would be with number 1?
I mean that's the beginning, right? Same with the Dresden Files, people said book 1 was not so good. But if you stop there you will miss so much goodness.
wow so much I gotta get to! Thanks my friend
My best series: Age of Madness, Live Ship, Boudica Dreaming Series, Hanuvar Chronicles & Tawny Man! Best Standalones: Lions of Al- Rassan, Electric Forest, Glorious Exploits & I Was A Teenage Slasher. I also enjoyed a children’s book called Bunnicula, the best cat ever! It’s all about Chester/ Fluffy Kitty!
I just finished the first book in the Last King of Osten Ard series, the novella, The Heart of What Was Lost and it was excellent, 5 more books to binge.😀
Yes! Blackwater taking the 1 spot!
Boy I thought for sure The Devils would be #1 if not Shogun😮
I just want to read fury of the gods! Varg is my boy!
I love when you do the I want to know more because you and I both think exactly the same straight to Starship Troopers😂😂
You must read the 3rd Silo book, it explains everything from the 1st book.
Taipan and Noble House (James Clavell) are excellent books. Highly recommended.
Agreed, not so much Whirlwind.
The Border Trilogy is definitely worth finishing. The second book turn into a bit of a slog in the second half (despite the first quarter with the wolf being absolutely phenomenal), but the third book is on par with All The Pretty Horses.
I wish you had put the book covers up between the ranking headers.
Since you mentioned unreliable narrator, you should check out "Beyond Apollo" by Barry Malzberg. When done right the shifty narrator really adds mystery to the story.
Great video sir! I would live if you didn't rank, but I'm glad you did. It entertains my little little mind. (My 2 cents.) Sad about Blood Song though. Given that I agree with you on Rothfuss, I may put this one a tad lower on the TBR priority. It's not like I don't have plenty of alternatives!
Read a lot of book 1’s that I plan to continue with. They include:
Shogun (don’t know how interested I am in others)
Priest of Bones
Ender’s Game
I’m on book 2 of Dandelion Dynasty now and loving it.
I read the whole Pines trilogy and thought it was great. Continue to be impressed by Blake Crouch
I will recommend a good series Stephen Kings Bill Hodges Trilogy which consists of Mr. Mercedes, Finders Keepers, End Of Watch and spin off is Holly. Highly underrated.
In my opinion, My most overated series has to be The Witcher series. I much prefer the games the very first book which is a collection of short stories is definitely the best by far whicg is just average.
Best way to spend a Monday at work
I started with the color of magic and was instantly sucked into Discworld.
I expected Mercy of the Gods to be at #16 🤣🙈😢
Last Kingdom is sooo good. It's not perfect and if the series had been condensed to 5 or 6 books it would have been absolutely epic. I've taken a long break after book 6 but do want to continue bc I love some Utred son of Utred
Prince of Nothing is really something
Hard disagree. Blood Song is absolutely nothing like Name Of The Wind.
Does anyone else see the orbs in sky?? If you have a good camera phone zoom up on it. Its so weird.
mike I would love if you do a live stream at the end of the month, you are my favourite book tuber. can I get a Chee hoo?
Could you please review skulduggery plesent
I loved Name of the Wind but it's so incredibly frustrating when people review any book these days with a framing narrative and/or unreliable narrator and insist it's just a ripoff of NotW.
😛So you are telling me Priest of Bones is a better book than The Darkness that Comes Before?? Is that what you are sayin?? 😂😜
Mike making some people angry with that first low bottom rank 😄
I hated discworld. I read like 5 books and i just dont get the hype whatsoever
Because you try not to judge a series off of book 1, sometime you should read the sci-fi/horror space opera 5-book Gap Cycle by Stephen R. Donaldson. Book 1 is the weakest, but 2-5 are so good. Creepiest aliens ever put to page.
Grimdark Sci fi, excellent series.
Salvatore stopped being good long long ago. Sad he’s ruined the characters good names as I love Drizzt but it’s his world and his living. I’ll never pick up another. But the og books and The Hunters Blades trilogy is all time fantasy.
I actually think if you had finished the third book, Prince of Nothing would have been lower 😅. I think it's unanimously the weakest in the series.
Book 1 was the strongest and just went downhill from there for me.
First