I'm reading Fionavar #1 now. It's basically a collection of the worst and more overused tropes written in a magnificent, irresistible, incredible way. GG for starting Malazan. It's a trek.
An update on this 1 year later: Dark Matter - Read Recursion - Read The Martian - Read Revival - Read Lisey's Story - Read Imajica - Malazan revised schedule bumped it Heart-Shaped Box - Read Life of Pi - Read Spinning Silver - No plans as of this moment Stardust - Read Blood Meridian - Read Alice's Adventures in Wonderland - Read Shadow & Bone - Read books 1 & 2, no plans for book 3 as of this moment Bobiverse - Book 1 Read Murderbot - Read book 1, decided series was not for me For the folks who think I just make vids like this without any plans to actually read them...well there you are.
Hey man. Love your channel. Congrats on the Joe Abercrombie interview. Our taste and relationship with dune' lotr' first law' enders game .. I read the road and nothing else by Cormac McCarthy haha. Fellow Texan. Please read Weaveworld. It is fantastic! Thanks for all your hard work Mike. Keep it up
Cool update! Watched this vid after seeing your 2022 counterpart. I’m actually reading Spinning Sliver right now , I’m actually moving though it pretty quick. It’s definitely a good change of pace/cleanser, which is how I’m using it as well! I hope you find time to check it out.
Damn it Mike, did you break into my house and take a peek at my library? The Martian - Great fun Heart Shaped Box - Loved it Life of Pi - Amazing Neil Gaiman - Read Stardust and American Gods, both great Cormac McCarthy - I think i’ve read them all, Blood Merridan is a special book. And Alice in Wonderland is fantastic. Enjoy
If you're reading Neil Gaiman, you will LOVE "the ocean at the end of the lane." Its a lovecraftian horror/thriller style book. Only 150 pages or so. It may be my favorite book of all time.
@@mikesbookreviews Reading Neil Gaiman is what got me into Lovecraft and Stephen King. Everything I've read from Gaiman is great, but I dont know if he will ever beat "the ocean at the end of the lane."
@@madisongoodyear5040 That was the first book that I read that had that level of atmosphere. I think entrancing is the perfect word to describe that book!
For Naomi Novick, I'd recommend the book she wrote before Spinning Silver, called Uprooted. Not a series, but that was her first adapted fairy tale story.
Came here to suggest Discworld. Especially since he mentions that he loves Douglas Adams. Only Pratchett rivals Adams in humor. Just don't read them in publication order (start w/ the City Watch, Death, or the Witches and come back to Rincewind later).
I know, I know. Even though I get told they can stand alone, I just couldn't fathom beginning another series that is super freaking long. I think I have 43 Discworld books on my Kindle? Also, I'm trying to do more things that aren't fantasy. So I wanted to mix the list up a bit.
@@mikesbookreviews They're a bit less connected than the Cosmere novels. There a mini series and Standalones but you can also read any one of them and enjoy it.
@@mikesbookreviews Hey Mike, you should read small gods - Thats a great start in the discworld world. And also, those bookd are pretty much standalones. And of course, its one hell of a book!!
A reading suggestion for Dresden fans: "the Laundry Files" series by Charles Stross. Imagine Dresden, but instead of X-files meets Buffy with a touch of folklore, you get H.P.Lovecraft meets Office Space with a touch of James Bond. Murderbot: Awsome series! (haven't read the latest one though) Malazan: You should be intimidated, in the way a big animal you encounter in the woods is intimidating. Stay calm and treat it with respect and it may let you pass unharmed. If you try to force your way through, you might be in trouble.
The Laundry files starts out geeky and horrifying and gradually gets more and more rough. I am not sure that Charley has an actual ending planned. I recommend them but do not mistake Charley for Butcher. Yes you get Lovecraft with Chuck, but over time it gets VERY dark indeed.
@@EthelredHardrede-nz8yv Indeed! There certainly is a sense of humour though. But it is rather dry, and bleak in contrast to Dresdens more happy go lucky style. Which is something that always annoyed me a bit in Dresden (Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy Dresden, but no series is perfect). Perhaps "Abercrombie meets Butcher after reading too much HPL" is a better description?
I read Heart Shaped Box last month and REALLY ENJOYED IT!! I liked the two main characters. Morally, they might come across as problematic but that’s what made them interesting. And Joe seemed to continue his father’s tradition of showing bits and pieces of the character’s past as the book goes forward. Also as a hardcore fan of rock and roll, really appreciated how Joe Hill utilizes rock and roll songs/artists and even name drops a few songs here and there. And yes there are indeed scary parts (specifically chapter 6....gave me goosebumps)
I really enjoyed NOS4A2 as well. And it was a please t spur use it was in the multiverse as well. AND Locke and Keyb remains my favorite comic series. I can’t wait to read more Joe Hill too. I wish he was a powerhouse for releases like his dad!
I’ve used the Sebastian St Cyr as pallet cleaners. It’s a murder mystery series kinda like Sherlock but they all connect and have background sub plots too. Easy to space out whenever and quick reads.
I read NOS4A2, The Fireman and Heart-Shaped Box. Very good reads. Also, throw me in the ring for Revival recommendation. Loved it! Also, I highly recommend Swan Song by Robert McCammon.
Blood Meridian is my favorite book. However, it is definitely something you’re going to have to really focus on and give your full attention. Not sure if I’d label it a pallet cleanser haha. It’s absolutely incredible though. The Fireman is great as well.
The only Neil Gaiman book I have read is Stardust because a close friend suggested it. It was very charming and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
Some palate cleansers... Most Neal Stephenson novels are standalone SF. Typically with lots of humor. And speaking for myself, I find his writing style readable enough that even a 1000+-page monster like _Cryptonomicon_ flies past (he has also written shorter novels, such as _Snow Crash,_ if that sounds too big for a palate cleanser). Roger Zelazny is usually good for this sort of thing. Mostly standalone novels (with the exception of The Amber Chronicles), and his _A Night in the Lonesome October_ is possibly my favorite book of all time and an annual re-read. You've mentioned Glen Cook's Black Company series in the past; I submit that, like the Dresden Files, these are suitable for reading as "palate cleansers" in that they're individually short, accessible, and give you the necessary context as you go along. Cook has also written a few standalone fantasy and sci-fi books, and I think his military sci-fi (see _The Dragon Never Sleeps_ or _Shadowline_ for example) is as good as anybody's. Or grab one of his Garrett, P.I. novels - any one, there is some continuity between volumes but they're mostly pretty episodic. If you're looking for a fairy tale vibe, Tad Williams's _Tailchaser's Song_ might be to your taste. And based on other things you've said, your wife might also enjoy this one. You've already got Neil Gaiman on the list, which would have been one of my suggestions. I'll echo other commenters and say Terry Pratchett should be here as well. The Discworld "series" is all but continuity-free, so you can pick it up almost anywhere. And finally (at least for now), Elizabeth Moon writes some kick-ass space opera. Her Vatta's War series, starting with _Trading in Danger,_ is short-ish at 4 volumes, accessible, and fun, with a wide variety of fantastic characters.
I picked up The Library at Mount Char earlier this summer while in a reading slump and it got me back up and running. Much closer to a horror novel, which I typically don't read but it was so good I could not put it down.
MURDERBOT!!!! I push that series on everyone I know, even non-readers. It’s so brilliant. I’m new to the sci-fi genre so please read those and then tell me where to find more just like it!
I recommend Never Die by Rob J Hayes, quick, easy to read fantasy martial arts/samurai/kung fu book. It was the perfect "buffer" book between long series.
You will LOVE Black Crouch. I read both Dark Matter and Recursion, I gave Dark Matter 4 stars and Recursion 5 stars. Also, Life of Pi is a truly beautiful book and one of my all time favorites. It's unlike anything else I've read -- while it isn't "fantasy" per se, it has some mystical aspects that fantasy fans will love.
Definite recommend 'The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August' by Clare North! It's a standalone novel which would fit perfectly with other books you have to read, but yet being totally unique in concept!
I also recommend Guy Gavriel Kay, especially The Lions of Al-Rassan. Other favorites of mine are Lois McMaster Bujold's The Curse of Chalion, Paladin of Souls and The Hallowed Hunt. They're standalone fantasy books in the same World of the Five Gods. There is also a series of novellas about Penric and Desdemona set in the same world. I might like them better than her SF Vorkosigan books which she is more famous for.
All great picks. I love Joe Hill, the only thing I haven't read by him is The Fireman. His short story collection, 20th Century Ghosts, is phenomenal, especially the stories; "Best New Horror" and "Pop Art." I've read Shadow & Bone and was surprised how much I actually liked it, even though it is filled with the usual YA tropes. Revival is hands-down the best King book I had read in years, when it came out, The Outsider is a close second. Blake Crouch is a good author, only ever read the Serial/Serial Killer novella series that he wrote with J. A. Konrath which is splatterpunk.
The Bobiverse books are the BEST. I'm not sure they are palate cleansers though because despite being a quick read, you get so sucked in and love it so much that you have to read ALL the sequels immediately. Mike, I cannot recommend the audiobook edition of these books enough. Ray Porter's narration is absolutely perfect.
The Discworld series is similar to Dresden in that it's a series that is easy to dip into (if you avoid publication order and focus on the storylines i.e. witches, city watch, etc).
Hey Mike, it’s not a stand-alone but if you every want a really fun series that keeps getting better with every book then I HIGHLY recommend The Riftwar Saga by Raymond E Feist. It’s such a great read that you won’t regret.
You would probably really enjoy Leigh Bardugo's adult novel that came out last year, Ninth House. I loved it. But I did enjoy the Shadow and Bone series in the past as well. Keep up the great work:)
if you're going to start Clive Barker let me recommend 'The Great and Secret Show' that is my favorite of Barker's work, also I recommend Peter Straubs "KoKo' that one is also fantastic.
I recently read All Systems Red... It was a fun read. The library doesn't have the others, so I'm patiently waiting to start those. Great book to have on this sort of list!
I read Heart Shaped Box a few months ago as a palate cleanser, and it really hit the spot. This was my first Joe Hill, and it was quite a great page turner. I think you would enjoy it.
@@mikesbookreviews I had no expectations going into it, didn't even know Hill was King's son until after I had read it and looked him up to see what else he wrote. Haven't read more of his stuff but later this year or next that's gonna change.
If you want a one off classic, I would read Scarlet and Black by Stendhal. I went in expecting a dense French read, but I was blown away by the story and the ending
The Martian is great. I may have recommended that to you as well previously. Revival is excellent. Lisey's Story is pretty good. I read it on vacation once and was really into it and burned through it. I have never read Gaiman either. I have had The Graveyard Book for years and I tell myself I will read it this October! Heart Shaped Box is excellent. I have read half of 20th Century Ghosts and for me I think I would rather read King. I realize there's nothing wrong with reading both Hill and King but I've only got so much shelf space and King takes priority. The only Barker I have read was The Thief of Always. It is a nice short, quick read. You've got a lot of fun on your hands in 2021!
I have Blood Meridian and The Road already waiting here. From what I've heard they're arguably his best books. And recently I've read No Country for Old men. It's really short and I liked it a lot. Even more than the movie, which is great. I think the movie is very faithful to the book, but the book goes deeper on the philosophical aspects, which I liked. The movie kinda just shoves all that right into the epilogue and that's that.
It's good that you're trying out Clive Barker. It's been 20+ years since I've read anything by him, but I did like his work. Both WW and I have elements of horror and fantasy if I'm remembering correctly. You will need to have down time between Malazan books. That would be a good time to dive into Discworld. They will give you respite.
Fantastic idea for a video! I recently made my top 10 lists of single books and series and half the series are fantasy but just one standalone book makes my list. As for Joe Hill, he's solid. Heart-Shaped Box has one of the scariest and most memorable scenes I've ever read.
Katherine Addison's "The Goblin Emperor", Madeline Miller's "Circe" and "The Song of Achilles" and Naomi Novik's previous standalone "Uprooted" are all amazing. I also recently purchased (haven't read yet) M.L. Wang's "The Sword of Kaigen" and "Spinning Silver" in a Kindle deal recently, 3 dollars for both of these, with Sword of Kaigen going for 99cents all the time (it won Mark Lawrence's self published contest last year). (All of these are standalones btw, in case I wasn't clear)
Murderbot is my spirit animal! It is really close imo to Douglas Adams, hitchhikers is one of my favorite books and murderbot is right there next to it.
The Martian book is the exact same as the movie. It's very fast faced and just as funny! Have you read The Sword of Kaigen by ML Wang? It's a standalone indie fantasy by a female author. It's also available for free on Kindle Unlimited or Amazon Prime.
Neil Glaser 100%. One of the best adaptations I’ve seen. The book has tons more information and detail. Especially, the ending. One of the best books I’ve ever read.
To borrow your phrase, I’m a Neil Gaiman honk. I honestly think you’d like “American Gods,” but “Stardust” is great. He wrote it in the style of Lord Dunsany, so old style English fantasy. Check the movie out, too. Wholly different from the book, but it introduced me to Charlie Cox and Mark Strong. Plus another of their countrymen whose star is on the rise of late, but I won’t spoil who.
I love Joe Hill. I have read all his novels. NOS4A2 was by far my favorite, but I did enjoy Heart Shaped Box and The Fireman as well. I think you can't go wrong with either pick. I think if you continue to enjoy his stuff I would give Horns a try as well down the line. It was a fun read and I think you would actually enjoy it if you give it a chance.
Ha, I just read Stardust as my first Gaiman this year! I enjoyed it a lot, and funnily enough I compared it the Princess Bride myself - in so far as the book is sort of like the book, and the movie is adapted tongue-in-cheek like the movie. lol, very different tones but at the same time essentially faithful. Yes, I'd say it's a great choice as a palate cleanser.
I love palate cleansers, especially after I've read something particularly dark. You might be reluctant to start on Pratchett's Discworld series because of the sheer number of books, but I highly recommend the Tiffany Aching story line that starts with The Wee Free Men. There are four books in this series, they are YA so they read fast, but they are absolutely fabulous, fun, and the perfect palate cleanser.
Start with the Wayward Pins trilogy from Blake Crouch. It's a very underrated trilogy, and Ik you gonna like it. All of his books are good. Can't wait to see you talk about Revival. It's such a great book.
I've been actually looking into giving Tessa Gratton a shot this year. The last two books she put out (Queens of Innis Lear & Lady Hotspur) aren't getting the best reviews and it seems to be because they are very slow and character driven. I'm sold 😂
The Cradle books are YA, which I also don't like. I lost interest at Book 2. Jade City by Fonda Lee does the same concept better, in a far more adult way.
Honestly, considering that Sandman is easily one of the best comic book series ever made, I think it should count hahahahahahahah Big fan of the series. Overture is also AMAZING! Neil Gaiman is such a legend.
Yes for Shadow and Bone. It is good but I think you would be much much much better picking up Six of Crows. It's much more up your alley and Shadow and Bone is very tropey.
For Neil Gaiman - I listened to the Audiobook for American Gods while on a road trip a few years ago. It was great! I HIGHLY recommend you check this out if you are looking for a good audiobook to keep you busy in 2021.
That Life of Pi cover you showed looks amazing! Probably one of the best covers I have seen, which I guess I haven't seen many, but wow! haha Looking forward to you taking on Malazan. I haven't read it myself, but from was I understand it is great albeit difficult. You articulate your opinions well so I am excited for your take on the series.
NEW FANTASY READER HERE..NOW READING DARK TOWER SERIES.....WILL START MALAZAN FROM JAN 1 IN 2021......WILL READ TOTAL 23 BOOKS OF MALAZAN INCLUDING NOVELS AND PREQUEL......WILL U ALSO READ THEM OR U WILL JUST READ THE 12 OF BOOKS OF FALLEN?
I tend to read standalones between series to break them up a bit. I've read six this year, including three Stephen King books (The Long Walk, The Running Man, and Firestarter), and The Priory of the Orange Tree, which was fantastic. The Martian is a fun book, even managed to get my sister to read that one and she never reads. Neil Gaiman's Coraline, and The Graveyard Book are also good reads in addition to Stardust, although aimed at younger readers. While it's been a few years since I read the Shadow and Bone books, I remember really enjoying it, and I'm planning a reread before the Netflix adaptation comes out
Arcadia by Iain Pears is a great standalone and one of the most unique books I have ever read. Hard to give it a real genre. No one seems to have read it but it is great!
Naomi Novik certainly has good looking book covers👍 Love fantasy retellings of fairy tales too. Enjoyed how it was done in *the Witcher.* Neil Gaiman is good at it as well. Speaking of him, *Stardust* was peculiar. It contrasts kids' fairytale with _epic grimdark._ I laughed and its fantastical elements amused me. Strongly recommend it on _audio_ for 2 reasons: 1️⃣ - it is read by Neil himself. Apparently, the man is brilliant at everything; 2️⃣ - heard he's divorcing - will need money soon. Had the same thoughts on *Life of Pi.* Might check it out since there's a fancy cover on my wish list with a discount. Never finished *Alice*. Idk what's the deal. Remember liking it. Mb, will finally _finish it_ when I have a company 😉 Good luck with that tbr! Don't think I'll join u with Malazan, 'coz plan to start * the Wheel of Time* next year. So, I am afraid managing 2 of the biggest epic fantasy series in 1 year will be too tough for me.
I think that out of all this list the only thing I read was Stardust and like all of Gaiman books it's good but the movie is totally different story. Just wanted to add that the Old Man War are also pretty much standalone books (atlist the first 2 books I read) and it's not long reading
Interesting video. I might try some of these too. If you haven't tried already, you might like Peter Hamilton for sci fi. I really enjoy his books. I think they are top notch. He writes sweeping space opera stuff. It really pulls me in. A good female author to try is N.K. Jemisin. I read her Broken Earth trilogy and thought it was outstanding. My favorite Neil Gaiman is The Graveyard Book. It's cool.
I really like Blake Crouch, Joe Hill, and Murderbot. I did not like Uprooted at all. Hopefully you enjoy Spinning Silver. If you’re interested in Leigh Bardugo, I’d recommend Ninth House over her YA books.
Hey bookworms! I forgot to put Guy Gavriel Kay on this. I’m sorry.
I'm reading Fionavar #1 now.
It's basically a collection of the worst and more overused tropes written in a magnificent, irresistible, incredible way.
GG for starting Malazan. It's a trek.
Which one besides Tigana , do you recommend?
@@eddiec2711 No idea. I've never read him. I just get that rec a ton.
I loved lion's of al'rasan
@@DenkaSaeba3 fionovar was his first book and its YA garbage. Got a DNF from me. His other books I've read are much better
An update on this 1 year later:
Dark Matter - Read
Recursion - Read
The Martian - Read
Revival - Read
Lisey's Story - Read
Imajica - Malazan revised schedule bumped it
Heart-Shaped Box - Read
Life of Pi - Read
Spinning Silver - No plans as of this moment
Stardust - Read
Blood Meridian - Read
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland - Read
Shadow & Bone - Read books 1 & 2, no plans for book 3 as of this moment
Bobiverse - Book 1 Read
Murderbot - Read book 1, decided series was not for me
For the folks who think I just make vids like this without any plans to actually read them...well there you are.
For sci fi, do read Three Body Problem by Cixim Liu, it has also been picked up by Netflix.
Hey man. Love your channel. Congrats on the Joe Abercrombie interview. Our taste and relationship with dune' lotr' first law' enders game .. I read the road and nothing else by Cormac McCarthy haha. Fellow Texan.
Please read Weaveworld. It is fantastic!
Thanks for all your hard work Mike. Keep it up
Hey Mike, what were your thoughts on Murderbot?
Cool update! Watched this vid after seeing your 2022 counterpart. I’m actually reading Spinning Sliver right now , I’m actually moving though it pretty quick. It’s definitely a good change of pace/cleanser, which is how I’m using it as well! I hope you find time to check it out.
Damn it Mike, did you break into my house and take a peek at my library?
The Martian - Great fun
Heart Shaped Box - Loved it
Life of Pi - Amazing
Neil Gaiman - Read Stardust and American Gods, both great
Cormac McCarthy - I think i’ve read them all, Blood Merridan is a special book.
And Alice in Wonderland is fantastic.
Enjoy
Guy Gavriel Kay rights some of the best standalone.
he's won off my flavorites
So I keep being told.
I’m in Tigana. It’s been hard to get into but now at about 17% it’s gotten better.
Gah! THE MURDERBOT DIARIES are sooo good! Can't wait for you to pick these up.
If you're reading Neil Gaiman, you will LOVE "the ocean at the end of the lane." Its a lovecraftian horror/thriller style book. Only 150 pages or so. It may be my favorite book of all time.
Sounds great off of the description.
@@mikesbookreviews Reading Neil Gaiman is what got me into Lovecraft and Stephen King. Everything I've read from Gaiman is great, but I dont know if he will ever beat "the ocean at the end of the lane."
Agreed. I read it in one setting! It was entrancing.
@@madisongoodyear5040 That was the first book that I read that had that level of atmosphere. I think entrancing is the perfect word to describe that book!
Excellent choices!
Spining Silver is a great Winter read.
Murderbot is such an easy and light read. Socially awkward robot who just wants to watch TV.
Ha ha yeah it sounds fun.
For Naomi Novick, I'd recommend the book she wrote before Spinning Silver, called Uprooted. Not a series, but that was her first adapted fairy tale story.
Noted. Thanks!
Hell yeah on that summer sanitarium 03 tour shirt! I Saw them in St. Louis that summer.
It was a wild show.
Went to that tour at candlestick in SF! Was so good.
Lots of great story art from Clive Barker too
Hey Mike, you should try Discworld as a palette cleanser. It’s lots of fun and you don’t have to commit to anything.
Came here to suggest Discworld. Especially since he mentions that he loves Douglas Adams. Only Pratchett rivals Adams in humor. Just don't read them in publication order (start w/ the City Watch, Death, or the Witches and come back to Rincewind later).
I know, I know. Even though I get told they can stand alone, I just couldn't fathom beginning another series that is super freaking long. I think I have 43 Discworld books on my Kindle? Also, I'm trying to do more things that aren't fantasy. So I wanted to mix the list up a bit.
@@FallenAdam It won't be the last time I disappoint, I assure you. Ha.
@@mikesbookreviews They're a bit less connected than the Cosmere novels. There a mini series and Standalones but you can also read any one of them and enjoy it.
@@mikesbookreviews Hey Mike, you should read small gods - Thats a great start in the discworld world. And also, those bookd are pretty much standalones. And of course, its one hell of a book!!
A reading suggestion for Dresden fans: "the Laundry Files" series by Charles Stross. Imagine Dresden, but instead of X-files meets Buffy with a touch of folklore, you get H.P.Lovecraft meets Office Space with a touch of James Bond.
Murderbot: Awsome series! (haven't read the latest one though)
Malazan: You should be intimidated, in the way a big animal you encounter in the woods is intimidating. Stay calm and treat it with respect and it may let you pass unharmed. If you try to force your way through, you might be in trouble.
The Laundry files starts out geeky and horrifying and gradually gets more and more rough. I am not sure that Charley has an actual ending planned. I recommend them but do not mistake Charley for Butcher. Yes you get Lovecraft with Chuck, but over time it gets VERY dark indeed.
@@EthelredHardrede-nz8yv Indeed! There certainly is a sense of humour though. But it is rather dry, and bleak in contrast to Dresdens more happy go lucky style. Which is something that always annoyed me a bit in Dresden (Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy Dresden, but no series is perfect). Perhaps "Abercrombie meets Butcher after reading too much HPL" is a better description?
I read Heart Shaped Box last month and REALLY ENJOYED IT!! I liked the two main characters. Morally, they might come across as problematic but that’s what made them interesting. And Joe seemed to continue his father’s tradition of showing bits and pieces of the character’s past as the book goes forward. Also as a hardcore fan of rock and roll, really appreciated how Joe Hill utilizes rock and roll songs/artists and even name drops a few songs here and there. And yes there are indeed scary parts (specifically chapter 6....gave me goosebumps)
Problematic don’t bother me. It’s fiction. As long as the characters are good, I’m sure I’ll enjoy it. His character work was excellent on NOS4A2
I really enjoyed NOS4A2 as well. And it was a please t spur use it was in the multiverse as well. AND Locke and Keyb remains my favorite comic series. I can’t wait to read more Joe Hill too. I wish he was a powerhouse for releases like his dad!
I’ve used the Sebastian St Cyr as pallet cleaners. It’s a murder mystery series kinda like Sherlock but they all connect and have background sub plots too. Easy to space out whenever and quick reads.
Icemark Chronicles was a favorite of mine growing up. Fun and easy to read
Who is the author?
@@mikesbookreviews Stuart Hill :)
The Martian is probably one of my favorite books of all time
Bobiverse! Yeah, they're so fun!
I read NOS4A2, The Fireman and Heart-Shaped Box. Very good reads. Also, throw me in the ring for Revival recommendation. Loved it! Also, I highly recommend Swan Song by Robert McCammon.
We Are Legion(We Are Bob), I was literally writing this recommendation when I heard you list it, LOL!
Blood Meridian is my favorite book. However, it is definitely something you’re going to have to really focus on and give your full attention. Not sure if I’d label it a pallet cleanser haha. It’s absolutely incredible though.
The Fireman is great as well.
I would deff throw in And Then There Were None. One of my favorite stories ever and arguably the best whodunit
The only Neil Gaiman book I have read is Stardust because a close friend suggested it. It was very charming and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
This is exactly what I'm waiting for
Big fan of you mike
I know you said you won't be writing books
But just consider a bit.. maybe in next 5-10 years
Thanks!
Some palate cleansers...
Most Neal Stephenson novels are standalone SF. Typically with lots of humor. And speaking for myself, I find his writing style readable enough that even a 1000+-page monster like _Cryptonomicon_ flies past (he has also written shorter novels, such as _Snow Crash,_ if that sounds too big for a palate cleanser).
Roger Zelazny is usually good for this sort of thing. Mostly standalone novels (with the exception of The Amber Chronicles), and his _A Night in the Lonesome October_ is possibly my favorite book of all time and an annual re-read.
You've mentioned Glen Cook's Black Company series in the past; I submit that, like the Dresden Files, these are suitable for reading as "palate cleansers" in that they're individually short, accessible, and give you the necessary context as you go along. Cook has also written a few standalone fantasy and sci-fi books, and I think his military sci-fi (see _The Dragon Never Sleeps_ or _Shadowline_ for example) is as good as anybody's. Or grab one of his Garrett, P.I. novels - any one, there is some continuity between volumes but they're mostly pretty episodic.
If you're looking for a fairy tale vibe, Tad Williams's _Tailchaser's Song_ might be to your taste. And based on other things you've said, your wife might also enjoy this one.
You've already got Neil Gaiman on the list, which would have been one of my suggestions. I'll echo other commenters and say Terry Pratchett should be here as well. The Discworld "series" is all but continuity-free, so you can pick it up almost anywhere.
And finally (at least for now), Elizabeth Moon writes some kick-ass space opera. Her Vatta's War series, starting with _Trading in Danger,_ is short-ish at 4 volumes, accessible, and fun, with a wide variety of fantastic characters.
Some great authors on this list, your watchers have good taste. Obviously.
Also really liked the sci-fi shows video, just so you know.
Thanks Mike!
Thanks, buddy.
Gaiman's Neverwhere is incredibly fun. I think he wrote it first as a tv mini series, and then a novel.
I picked up The Library at Mount Char earlier this summer while in a reading slump and it got me back up and running. Much closer to a horror novel, which I typically don't read but it was so good I could not put it down.
Iron Druid Chronicles are light fun reads. Lots of mythology from.. Irish, Greek, Native American, Hindu, Viking, you name it. Lots of humor too.
Blood Meridian is an experience.
MURDERBOT!!!! I push that series on everyone I know, even non-readers. It’s so brilliant. I’m new to the sci-fi genre so please read those and then tell me where to find more just like it!
Fireman was ok but heart shaped box was excellent! I think hill is definitely on the same level as his dad. Also
I recommend Never Die by Rob J Hayes, quick, easy to read fantasy martial arts/samurai/kung fu book. It was the perfect "buffer" book between long series.
You will LOVE Black Crouch. I read both Dark Matter and Recursion, I gave Dark Matter 4 stars and Recursion 5 stars.
Also, Life of Pi is a truly beautiful book and one of my all time favorites. It's unlike anything else I've read -- while it isn't "fantasy" per se, it has some mystical aspects that fantasy fans will love.
Definite recommend 'The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August' by Clare North! It's a standalone novel which would fit perfectly with other books you have to read, but yet being totally unique in concept!
I also recommend Guy Gavriel Kay, especially The Lions of Al-Rassan. Other favorites of mine are Lois McMaster Bujold's The Curse of Chalion, Paladin of Souls and The Hallowed Hunt. They're standalone fantasy books in the same World of the Five Gods. There is also a series of novellas about Penric and Desdemona set in the same world. I might like them better than her SF Vorkosigan books which she is more famous for.
I came here to suggest Bujold's Five Gods books. They would be great as palate cleansers.
All great picks. I love Joe Hill, the only thing I haven't read by him is The Fireman. His short story collection, 20th Century Ghosts, is phenomenal, especially the stories; "Best New Horror" and "Pop Art." I've read Shadow & Bone and was surprised how much I actually liked it, even though it is filled with the usual YA tropes. Revival is hands-down the best King book I had read in years, when it came out, The Outsider is a close second. Blake Crouch is a good author, only ever read the Serial/Serial Killer novella series that he wrote with J. A. Konrath which is splatterpunk.
My hype for Revival is sky high.
The Bobiverse books are the BEST. I'm not sure they are palate cleansers though because despite being a quick read, you get so sucked in and love it so much that you have to read ALL the sequels immediately. Mike, I cannot recommend the audiobook edition of these books enough. Ray Porter's narration is absolutely perfect.
The Discworld series is similar to Dresden in that it's a series that is easy to dip into (if you avoid publication order and focus on the storylines i.e. witches, city watch, etc).
Yeah, I've heard that a lot.
Hey Mike, it’s not a stand-alone but if you every want a really fun series that keeps getting better with every book then I HIGHLY recommend The Riftwar Saga by Raymond E Feist. It’s such a great read that you won’t regret.
Feist and Eddings are two classic fantasy authors I'd like to try, it just feels like adding yet another series to the list.
You would probably really enjoy Leigh Bardugo's adult novel that came out last year, Ninth House. I loved it. But I did enjoy the Shadow and Bone series in the past as well. Keep up the great work:)
I will try!
Great video!
You should definitely have The Sword of Kaigen by ML Wang on this list. One of the best fantasy standalone book I have ever read
One of the best books I’ve read this year!
if you're going to start Clive Barker let me recommend 'The Great and Secret Show' that is my favorite of Barker's work, also I recommend Peter Straubs "KoKo' that one is also fantastic.
I recently read All Systems Red... It was a fun read. The library doesn't have the others, so I'm patiently waiting to start those. Great book to have on this sort of list!
I read Heart Shaped Box a few months ago as a palate cleanser, and it really hit the spot. This was my first Joe Hill, and it was quite a great page turner. I think you would enjoy it.
I love Horns by Joe Hill, it's great.
I just knew my expectations would be unfair, so I didn't pick it up when it was new.
@@mikesbookreviews I had no expectations going into it, didn't even know Hill was King's son until after I had read it and looked him up to see what else he wrote. Haven't read more of his stuff but later this year or next that's gonna change.
Revival scared the piss out of me, man. That was a good one.
Sounds great!
If you want a one off classic, I would read Scarlet and Black by Stendhal. I went in expecting a dense French read, but I was blown away by the story and the ending
Heart shaped box is a great book, highly recommend
The Martian is great. I may have recommended that to you as well previously. Revival is excellent. Lisey's Story is pretty good. I read it on vacation once and was really into it and burned through it. I have never read Gaiman either. I have had The Graveyard Book for years and I tell myself I will read it this October! Heart Shaped Box is excellent. I have read half of 20th Century Ghosts and for me I think I would rather read King. I realize there's nothing wrong with reading both Hill and King but I've only got so much shelf space and King takes priority. The only Barker I have read was The Thief of Always. It is a nice short, quick read. You've got a lot of fun on your hands in 2021!
Can’t wait to read Revival.
I have Blood Meridian and The Road already waiting here. From what I've heard they're arguably his best books. And recently I've read No Country for Old men. It's really short and I liked it a lot. Even more than the movie, which is great. I think the movie is very faithful to the book, but the book goes deeper on the philosophical aspects, which I liked. The movie kinda just shoves all that right into the epilogue and that's that.
The movie of NCFOM really confused me in the last 20 minutes. Always hoped the book explained it a bit more.
@@mikesbookreviews I was the same. The book did a much better job in that regard.
It's good that you're trying out Clive Barker. It's been 20+ years since I've read anything by him, but I did like his work. Both WW and I have elements of horror and fantasy if I'm remembering correctly. You will need to have down time between Malazan books. That would be a good time to dive into Discworld. They will give you respite.
I knew I should have mentioned Discworld in this ha ha
Dark Matter was good, also used it for a palate cleanser last year.
the wayward pines series is my favourite by Crouch, I'd recommend it over recursion and black matter, although these are both good too :-)
It's also on Kindle Unlimited so that is a good place to start.
So true, people when talking about Blake Crouch only mention Recursion and Dark Matter.
Fantastic idea for a video! I recently made my top 10 lists of single books and series and half the series are fantasy but just one standalone book makes my list. As for Joe Hill, he's solid. Heart-Shaped Box has one of the scariest and most memorable scenes I've ever read.
Katherine Addison's "The Goblin Emperor", Madeline Miller's "Circe" and "The Song of Achilles" and Naomi Novik's previous standalone "Uprooted" are all amazing. I also recently purchased (haven't read yet) M.L. Wang's "The Sword of Kaigen" and "Spinning Silver" in a Kindle deal recently, 3 dollars for both of these, with Sword of Kaigen going for 99cents all the time (it won Mark Lawrence's self published contest last year).
(All of these are standalones btw, in case I wasn't clear)
I got SoG on my Kindle. Have heard amazing things.
The Goblin Emperor 👏. Still one of my favourite standalone Fantasy
Murderbot is my spirit animal! It is really close imo to Douglas Adams, hitchhikers is one of my favorite books and murderbot is right there next to it.
OMG! Good Omens!. Read it. It's amazing. I love his stuff. He's like Stephen King for me, #1 author.
I love joe hill, my personal favorite of his is horns
Nick Harkaway’s The Gone Away World is weird and cool. Seen 100 comments already, but Discworld is a great palette cleanser.
Discworld seems to be the popular response in this one.
Happy reading to u!! Keep safe!! 😊📖
Thank you! You too!
The Martian book is the exact same as the movie. It's very fast faced and just as funny! Have you read The Sword of Kaigen by ML Wang? It's a standalone indie fantasy by a female author. It's also available for free on Kindle Unlimited or Amazon Prime.
I own SoK but haven’t gotten to it yet. I’ve heard great things.
Absolutely read The Martian. Movie was great, but the book was that much better!
Sounds wonderful.
Yes, but you have to admit a great adaptation for the screen.
Neil Glaser 100%. One of the best adaptations I’ve seen. The book has tons more information and detail. Especially, the ending. One of the best books I’ve ever read.
Love your mug! I am already planning to get a Tardis tattoo. Lol
To borrow your phrase, I’m a Neil Gaiman honk. I honestly think you’d like “American Gods,” but “Stardust” is great. He wrote it in the style of Lord Dunsany, so old style English fantasy. Check the movie out, too. Wholly different from the book, but it introduced me to Charlie Cox and Mark Strong. Plus another of their countrymen whose star is on the rise of late, but I won’t spoil who.
Im using the hitchhikers guide to the galaxy seried to help cleanse my pallet
It's so fun.
I love Joe Hill. I have read all his novels. NOS4A2 was by far my favorite, but I did enjoy Heart Shaped Box and The Fireman as well. I think you can't go wrong with either pick. I think if you continue to enjoy his stuff I would give Horns a try as well down the line. It was a fun read and I think you would actually enjoy it if you give it a chance.
Ha, I just read Stardust as my first Gaiman this year! I enjoyed it a lot, and funnily enough I compared it the Princess Bride myself - in so far as the book is sort of like the book, and the movie is adapted tongue-in-cheek like the movie. lol, very different tones but at the same time essentially faithful. Yes, I'd say it's a great choice as a palate cleanser.
Can highly recommend Heart-Shaped Box!
I love palate cleansers, especially after I've read something particularly dark. You might be reluctant to start on Pratchett's Discworld series because of the sheer number of books, but I highly recommend the Tiffany Aching story line that starts with The Wee Free Men. There are four books in this series, they are YA so they read fast, but they are absolutely fabulous, fun, and the perfect palate cleanser.
Glad to see Neil Gaiman on your list. He and Stephen King are my two favourite 'story-tellers.'
If you want to put more Science Fiction on your channel, you have to read "The Three Body Problem" by Liu Cixin. It is just a MUST!
Start with the Wayward Pins trilogy from Blake Crouch. It's a very underrated trilogy, and Ik you gonna like it. All of his books are good. Can't wait to see you talk about Revival. It's such a great book.
I recommend the Windup Girl, it's somewhat scifi I guess, but really good, I loved it.
Wind Up Girl sounds awesome but I just haven’t purchased the book yet
Who is the author?
@@mikesbookreviews Paolo Bacigalupi
My friends and I are finishing up American gods by Neil Gaiman and it’s great
I haven't read the comments and I'm sure many people will have written this but Guy Gavriel Kay has some great stand alone novels
Yes I meant to mention him. Totally forgot.
@@mikesbookreviews An honour to be replied to by Mike himself 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
I've been actually looking into giving Tessa Gratton a shot this year. The last two books she put out (Queens of Innis Lear & Lady Hotspur) aren't getting the best reviews and it seems to be because they are very slow and character driven. I'm sold 😂
I’m curious on your take on Revival. It messed me up for a good week.
Man, I can't wait to find out.
Definitely read Dark Matter!
Yeah, that's the popular choice.
Mike you need to read cradle series from Will Wight it's an amazing series and a great pallet cleanser
I'll look for them.
The Cradle books are YA, which I also don't like. I lost interest at Book 2.
Jade City by Fonda Lee does the same concept better, in a far more adult way.
Honestly, considering that Sandman is easily one of the best comic book series ever made, I think it should count hahahahahahahah Big fan of the series. Overture is also AMAZING!
Neil Gaiman is such a legend.
Seveneves by Neal Stephenson. Based on the work he was doing with Blue Origin
He's another author that fellow Crichton fans recommend to me.
Yes for Shadow and Bone. It is good but I think you would be much much much better picking up Six of Crows. It's much more up your alley and Shadow and Bone is very tropey.
That or Ninth House seems to be more of something I'd enjoy.
@@mikesbookreviews yes exactly. And I know you like the Mistborn heist+character focused story so Six of Crows is perfect
For Neil Gaiman - I listened to the Audiobook for American Gods while on a road trip a few years ago. It was great! I HIGHLY recommend you check this out if you are looking for a good audiobook to keep you busy in 2021.
Reading Books of Blood right now, really cool stories. I was hoping your comments on Later, the next King novel.
Stay safe ( from the hurricane, and your wife if you don't like her favourite book! )
That Life of Pi cover you showed looks amazing! Probably one of the best covers I have seen, which I guess I haven't seen many, but wow! haha
Looking forward to you taking on Malazan. I haven't read it myself, but from was I understand it is great albeit difficult. You articulate your opinions well so I am excited for your take on the series.
NEW FANTASY READER HERE..NOW READING DARK TOWER SERIES.....WILL START MALAZAN FROM JAN 1 IN 2021......WILL READ TOTAL 23 BOOKS OF MALAZAN INCLUDING NOVELS AND PREQUEL......WILL U ALSO READ THEM OR U WILL JUST READ THE 12 OF BOOKS OF FALLEN?
I tend to read standalones between series to break them up a bit. I've read six this year, including three Stephen King books (The Long Walk, The Running Man, and Firestarter), and The Priory of the Orange Tree, which was fantastic. The Martian is a fun book, even managed to get my sister to read that one and she never reads. Neil Gaiman's Coraline, and The Graveyard Book are also good reads in addition to Stardust, although aimed at younger readers. While it's been a few years since I read the Shadow and Bone books, I remember really enjoying it, and I'm planning a reread before the Netflix adaptation comes out
The Sandman Slim series by Richard Kadrey or Discworld by Terry Pratchett.
I figured Discworld would come up a few dozen times.
Arcadia by Iain Pears is a great standalone and one of the most unique books I have ever read. Hard to give it a real genre. No one seems to have read it but it is great!
Naomi Novik certainly has good looking book covers👍 Love fantasy retellings of fairy tales too. Enjoyed how it was done in *the Witcher.* Neil Gaiman is good at it as well.
Speaking of him, *Stardust* was peculiar. It contrasts kids' fairytale with _epic grimdark._ I laughed and its fantastical elements amused me. Strongly recommend it on _audio_ for 2 reasons:
1️⃣ - it is read by Neil himself. Apparently, the man is brilliant at everything;
2️⃣ - heard he's divorcing - will need money soon.
Had the same thoughts on *Life of Pi.* Might check it out since there's a fancy cover on my wish list with a discount.
Never finished *Alice*. Idk what's the deal. Remember liking it. Mb, will finally _finish it_ when I have a company 😉
Good luck with that tbr! Don't think I'll join u with Malazan, 'coz plan to start * the Wheel of Time* next year. So, I am afraid managing 2 of the biggest epic fantasy series in 1 year will be too tough for me.
I think that out of all this list the only thing I read was Stardust and like all of Gaiman books it's good but the movie is totally different story.
Just wanted to add that the Old Man War are also pretty much standalone books (atlist the first 2 books I read) and it's not long reading
I have several of the Scalzi books on my Kindle so I'll keep them in mind.
I cannot recommend Martha Wells highly enough. Start with the Raksura books, the first one being "Cloud Roads"
Interesting video. I might try some of these too. If you haven't tried already, you might like Peter Hamilton for sci fi. I really enjoy his books. I think they are top notch. He writes sweeping space opera stuff. It really pulls me in. A good female author to try is N.K. Jemisin. I read her Broken Earth trilogy and thought it was outstanding. My favorite Neil Gaiman is The Graveyard Book. It's cool.
Heart-shaped box is a great Hill book...and it's really digestible...you could easily knock it out in a few days
One of my favorite stand alone is The Algebraist by Iain M. Banks, fun book.
I think I have it? But I think I just have the Culture series.
@@mikesbookreviews All the Culture novels are stand alone books, also, The Algebraist is not part of the Culture series.
Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell is a fantastic stand alone fantasy book. Very original and creative. (But it's a tough read)
I hope you enjoy Recursion. I thought it was just okay, nothing crazy amazing.
I really like Blake Crouch, Joe Hill, and Murderbot. I did not like Uprooted at all. Hopefully you enjoy Spinning Silver. If you’re interested in Leigh Bardugo, I’d recommend Ninth House over her YA books.
I seem to get the Ninth House rec a lot.