Thank you for inviting me to participate in this one, Josh! It's a big one! It was only with much effort that I resisted saying, "The Best of Fantasy" in my Philip Chase voice. 😁
Love all the responses! Thanks for inviting me to take part, Josh! There's some books mentioned that I still haven't read so going to be adding them to the top of my TBR. We still have a good 75 years in the 21st century, so I'm excited to see what other gems will be written! I had so many different books/series I was considering, like The First Law trilogy, Malazan, Harry Potter, and ASOIAF but then I surprised myself and went with The Broken Earth trilogy 😂 Jemisin is brilliant, and even though the series isn't one of my favorites, I can still appreciate how truly unique it is and how it is an instant classic of the genre.
Glad you could join, Jay! I loved the variety of the answers, and I think it just shows how many great works we have had the pleasure to read in the last 25 years. What will the next 25 bring?
I loved contributing to this so thanks for having me be a part of it, and watching was a blast! It has me so excited for the ending to the Realm of the Elderlings coming up on me soon too.
Thanks so much for including me Josh! ❤ great to see so many illustrious booktubers’ answers as well, many of whom I’ve watched for a long time. Thanks for putting this together!!
Great video, Josh! Some repeat authors on there, wow. Very interesting. Thanks for asking me to be part of this one! Brilliant idea, and helpful in getting a ton of recs!
Well, with Library of a Viking taking “Dandelion Dynasty” and Benghis Khan taking “A Brightness Long Ago”, I feel very confident with choosing “Under Heaven” by Guy Gavriel Kay as my pick! 😊
I think my answer would be Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell. Freaking adore that book and wrote a whole dissertation on alternate history fiction so I could write some scholarship on it. Also, holy crap-Evie’s got a bunch of John Crowley novels in her background?! Excuse me, I need to go subscribe to a channel of someone with such exceptional taste!
Love the video. I have 3 takeaways: 1) I love the video. 2) I clearly misunderstood the assignment. I thought just to name the book, not provide an extended rationale for my selection. 3) Bridger is absolutely an advanced, time-travelling AI from the 30th century just back here doing research to see how it was possible mankind survived to create his brilliant, Commander Data-like, positronic brain.
8:36 - they nailed it! I also got happy that someone mentioned Harry Potter later in the video. Love or hate it, it changed the world of fantasy forever.
This type of video is always fun! I think my big takeaway is that I need to read The Spear Cuts Through Water. I feel like I've been hearing a lot about it lately.
I would definitely say A Storm of Swords. It’s just extremely iconic and beautiful written. Like I feel Storm was really the book that cemented asoiaf in that heavyweights of the genre category. I also initially was a bit surprised to see Harry Potter mentioned, but after thinking they definitely have a point. It was an absolute sensation in a way that really hasn’t been replicated and genuinely might never be again. It was lightning in a bottle. Pretty much everyone born between like the 90’s-early 2000’s had Harry Potter as a major part of their childhood/adolescence and for a lot of that age group, Harry Potter is probably the only fantasy series they’ve ever read, or at least the first they’ve read.
Mine would be "Changes", Jim Butcher. Or possibly "Super Powereds", Drew Hayes, if superhero counts as fantasy. (It's an interesting question, I think.)
OMG awesome video Josh, so enjoyed this! I am going to avoid answering for myself and go with HP and the Prisoner of Azkaban for the effect on my entire family 💫
This probably isn’t THE best but one of the best might very well be Between Two Fires by Christopher Beuhlman. It’s a book that is very dark and yet shines with the brightest light. This book supposes what if the apocalypse happened in the Middle Ages and a disgraced knight and priest go on a quest to protect a mystical child from the demons that seek to destroy them.
YES!!! So happy to see people loving on Assassin's Fate. Robin Hobb is SO underrated and Assassin's Fate is a masterpiece. Thank you for recognising it! Now please read this in Gimli's voice: "If anyone was to ask my opinion - which I note they're not - I would say Memory of Light." 😉 lol great video!
I swear, I did not pay off Usman for his pick! 🤣 The variety in everyone’s pick for their best fantasy novel is so compelling! I can attest to Usman’s pick (of course), Jay’s pick, Johan’s pick, Ben’s pick, and one of Jake’s picks and your pick. To add more of my “best fantasy novel” picks: Soldiers Live by Glen Cook, Senlin Ascends by Josiah Bancroft, The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke, House of Open Wounds by Adrian Tchaikovsky, Devices & Desires by K. J. Parker, Spear by Nicola Griffith
Spear Cuts Through Water getting some love! Not only did you and Usman pick it but Dark-o had it proudly displayed on the shelf! P.S. YES to your shout out to Senlin Ascends
Great idea for a video ! I only started reading fantasy 3 years ago so I think I first need to read more fantasy books before I can say which is my favourite.
Thanks to Brian I have Megan Thee Stallion’s Mamushi song stuck in my head. Great video, great idea, and great answers from everyone! Thanks again for including me!
While A Storm of Swords is probably the most influential books for me and the genre (and arguably the best book in the twenty-first century), I haven't read it in almost a decade, so I'll leave that one aside. My pick will have to be The Unholy Consult, by R. Scott Bakker. Deeply unsettling and horrifically disturbing, this book caps off an entire series that explores the nature of reality, consciousness, and topics like freewill and determinism. The final entry is more Lovecraftian than Lovecraft himself. It's not just humanity, it's all things; every being is an ant in the face of an incomprehensible reality that we all stare down upon.
But doubtlessly almost every other book in Bakker's series was better? The UC was bound to be disappointing and it was. For me, The white luck warrior was the peak of his writing but in terms of "influental", theres no beating the Darkness that comes before
Interesting to see the Hobb fans align around Assassin's Fate! Between Fool's Assassin, Fool's Errand, and Ship of Destiny, there are definitely some other strong contenders!
Great video. I would say the most important fantasy novels of the 21st century are definitely Harry Potter and ASOIAF. At least in my opinion. I can't think of any others that have been more influential in the genre.
And Harry Potter -- most popular. Over half a Billion copies sold folks!! Nothing else (in the fantasy genre) even comes close. Great video!! Some nice picks -- and was glad someone has a Robin Hobb pick.
This puts an exclamation point on how far behind I am on modern fantasy (I read a ton of it in the 70's-90's). I've only read a half dozen of these, so this motivates me to increase the % of my TBR in fantasy!
Always exciting to see how creative people can get with their picks, definitely some unexpected but very worthy mentions on here! Also kinda cackling over Jake's send-in 🤣While many of these could be options for me as well, I think I would personally go with The Wall of Storms by Ken Liu!
I just started reading fantasy year or 2 ago so haven’t read a ton but I’d have to go with The last war trilogy by Mike shackle so far.underrated as well.
Not the most popular choice amongst Hobb fans (not the worst either) but the book that moved me most was Golden Fool. Being that it was published in 2002, this is my favorite fantasy novel of the 21st century
@julien4327 Fool's Fate was incredible, no doubt. But in Golden Fool, there were a lot of character moments, character reveals, and emotional moments that struck me.
@@alynam82 Yeah, looking back I get what you're saying. In fool's fate, it's more "in your face" emotions, while in Golden fool, it's more "down to earth" emotions, and therefore maybe more relatable...
Great video Josh and the rest. For me, one of the books from Realm of the Elderlings. Fool’s Errand? Fool’s Fate? Ah, or Fool’s Assassin. Hmmm, Fool’s Qest maybe? Or where it all ended, with Assassins Fate!
Awesome video Josh!! I'm gonna have to agree with Usman and Evie on this one. The Spear Cuts Through Water is still my favorite book of the 21st. Cheers.
I don’t feel I’ve read enough modern stuff, so I’ll have to just go with the others that chose Harry Potter - due to it’s ridiculously massive influence on encouraging reading!
Same here. I tend to read a lot more 20th century stuff -- only two series (or books) I read mentioned in this video -- were Harry Potter -- and Song of Ice and Fire (and not all of it 🙂). I have been meaning to try Hobbs one of these days.
Some truly amazing and highly anticipated picks here for me, exciting stuff! Cheers, Josh 🤘🏽 Also, I have to thank Evie and Dan for introducing me to my pick
Love the diversity in the answers... And all the justification for their pick... But in the end, I agree with you... Looks like I have a few booktubers to subscribe to though...
Man, I've never even heard of The Spear Cuts Through Water. Definitely adding that to the TBR. I haven't read much, but personally I would say Royal Assassin (I've only read Farseer and Hobb is already my favorite author ever). But Words of Radiance and Sword of Kaigen share the number 2 spot.
Just going by pure gut reaction for me it would be Johnathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke. Some might say it's too long and meandering but I loved everything about it. Nothing else quite like it really. Assassin's Fate would be up there too. Great video, enjoyed this a lot!
Some great picks. I have to go with Storm of Swords. There was no damn reason the book that was in the middle of a series (okay Prisoner of Azkhaban, I see you) should have been that good, but it was
Difficult choice but I'm going with The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart- amazing worldbuilding , unique magic system and adorable animal companions. Also honourable mentions to the Bloodsworn Saga (John Gwynne), 5 warrior angels series(Brian Lee Durfee), The Girl and the stars (Mark Lawrence), Wheel of time books 12 /13/14 (Brandon Sanderson) and Words of radiance (Brandon Sanderson).
A Storm of Swords for me. I think it’s the best book I’ve ever read. I also think that series is the greatest 21st century series in terms of importance and influence. A Song of Ice and Fire has had a Tolkien-like influence on the genre.
Awesome video! I've read nearly everything on here, I bought A Brightness Long Ago recently, Stephenson's series is on the TBR and I'm thinking about that Howard Andrew Jones series because of how in love with it Andrew is. For me it's got to be Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, easily.
It was wonderful to hear the shout out for Susanna Clarke’s novels Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell and Piranesi. I wonder if anyone has read Erin Morganstern’s novels The Night Circus and The Starless Sea. None of these incorporate the problems of today’s world which makes them timeless kind of like American Gods is timeless. They will be valid 100 years from now. I read fantasy to get away from the turmoil of the world.
My choice would have to be "Into The Narrowdark: by Tad Williams. The entire series is top tier, but the (at this moment in time) latest installment blew me away.
@@RedFuryBooks I think you'll really enjoy his books. "Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn," and "The Last King of Osten Ard" is fantasy the way I like it: detailed world building and character development combined with epic adventure, made, for me, a truly memorable experience.
Great video, but I do think that in surveys like this there's too much blurring between the adjectives of "best", "favorite", and "most important". To me those are all very distinct categories. Personally the one I most enjoy hearing people address is "favorite".
I don't disagree. The prompt I sent everyone was "best" but I wasn't going to chastise anyone for talking about what they wanted to talk about! I did like how some of them mentioned both "best" and "favorite."
@@RedFuryBooks Yes, and my comment wasn't intended as any criticism of your prompt. A very good video which provides fantasy enthusiasts several meaty options. I don't know how you guys have/find the time to digest so many voluminous series!
It's funny - I had never heard of that book until he sent the clip. And then it came up again several times during my livestream yesterday. It's definitely shooting up my TBR.
I do wonder how many contributors thought to themselves "Storm of Swords is too obvious, need to pick something else" lol. I've been meaning to do a deep dive on Guy Gavriel Kay though (I've only read River Of Stars so far), so now I have finished Malazan I might swing by Kay for a bit, then Stormlight 5 is out in Nov, then finish off Hobb next year. So much high-quality fantasy, so little time :)
For best single novel it would be Name of the Wind. For series it would be the First Law universe (all 9 books plus the short stories as well). For most important to me as a reader it would be A Memory of Light since it is the epic ending of my all time favorite series.
From what I have read, I would have to say Words of Radiance. I haven't read a lot of the other choices people have made though. I've got some reading up to do...
And the third category is most popular (or best selling) actually in a sense the only objective category -- because best -- just ends up being someone's subjective favorite. 😂
So many excellent books mentioned, and in the case of many - e.g. Assassin's Fate, Storm of Swords, and Lord of Emperors - I could just concur, and shout out loud, Yes it is! Myself, I find it almost impossible to single out one book as the best one. Thus, I will make it easy for me, and just choose one of the books mentioned in the video: A Brightness Long Ago absolutely is the best one! Also, it has the clear benefit of you not having to read a long series to come to this conclusion 🙂
Man, that transition around 3:25 from Rekindled Reader's genuine, conversational voice to that fake-excited, content creator voice of Captured in Words was jarring. Simply answer the question, please, no need to perform.
This is such a great list! I fully agree with those that put Stop of Swords, Deathly Hollows, Words of Radiance, and First Law. To me this one is tricky, because when I think best, the one that comes to mind instantly is Jade Legacy. However, when I think of two fantasy series that really brought me back to reading (and fantasy specifically), I think of Mistborn and The Books of Babel. So my pick would be The Hod King, book 3 of The Books of Babel by Josiah Bancroft, because that novel had such an impact on me, and showed me that there are people in this world who are able to create fictional characters and make you are about them like they're your family, to create worlds that give a sense of wonder and make you feel like you're there with the crew and that are able to tell their story in such a wonderful and beautifully written way.
@@RedFuryBooks Yes the Fall of Babel is indeed a rather fitting name, it was a bit disappointing, gave it 3 stars. But it will never take away the joy of reading the first 3 books, which were all 5 stars for me. I highly recommend the series though!
Thank you for inviting me to participate in this one, Josh! It's a big one! It was only with much effort that I resisted saying, "The Best of Fantasy" in my Philip Chase voice. 😁
Thanks again for joining us, Philip!
I was hoping for a joke, you were gonna pick your own book The Way of Edan for best book of the 21st century 🤣
Thanks a ton for the invite, amigo! Some really great choices here.
Thanks for being part of it - this was fun!
Love all the responses! Thanks for inviting me to take part, Josh! There's some books mentioned that I still haven't read so going to be adding them to the top of my TBR. We still have a good 75 years in the 21st century, so I'm excited to see what other gems will be written!
I had so many different books/series I was considering, like The First Law trilogy, Malazan, Harry Potter, and ASOIAF but then I surprised myself and went with The Broken Earth trilogy 😂 Jemisin is brilliant, and even though the series isn't one of my favorites, I can still appreciate how truly unique it is and how it is an instant classic of the genre.
Glad you could join, Jay! I loved the variety of the answers, and I think it just shows how many great works we have had the pleasure to read in the last 25 years. What will the next 25 bring?
Humbled to be included Josh was amazing to see all the wonderful picks.
Thanks again for joining!
I loved contributing to this so thanks for having me be a part of it, and watching was a blast! It has me so excited for the ending to the Realm of the Elderlings coming up on me soon too.
Thanks again for joining this, Ben! I loved seeing your GGK choice and continued love for his work. I hope you love the end of RoTE as I do!
I've been wanting to read this one for awhile now. I'm glad you brought it up
@@Thecatladybooknook_PennyD it’s so incredible!
Thanks so much for including me Josh! ❤ great to see so many illustrious booktubers’ answers as well, many of whom I’ve watched for a long time. Thanks for putting this together!!
Glad you could join!
Great video, Josh! Some repeat authors on there, wow. Very interesting. Thanks for asking me to be part of this one! Brilliant idea, and helpful in getting a ton of recs!
Thanks for joining, Theo!
Well, with Library of a Viking taking “Dandelion Dynasty” and Benghis Khan taking “A Brightness Long Ago”, I feel very confident with choosing “Under Heaven” by Guy Gavriel Kay as my pick! 😊
Any GGK is a great choice IMO!
My pick as well. I remember closing the book after reading the epilogue and having tears running down my cheek.
@@PatrickMurphy-sg5fn Yeah, I genuinely believe “Under Heaven” should be taught in Literature Classes next to “War & Peace” and “Les Miserables”!
So happy to see the Baroque Cycle on this list! Excellent video!
Holy shit my guy after ten minutes voice is insane
Fr
I think my answer would be Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell. Freaking adore that book and wrote a whole dissertation on alternate history fiction so I could write some scholarship on it.
Also, holy crap-Evie’s got a bunch of John Crowley novels in her background?! Excuse me, I need to go subscribe to a channel of someone with such exceptional taste!
I REALLY need to read Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell. I have no doubt that I'll love it. And go check out Evie!
Love the video. I have 3 takeaways: 1) I love the video. 2) I clearly misunderstood the assignment. I thought just to name the book, not provide an extended rationale for my selection. 3) Bridger is absolutely an advanced, time-travelling AI from the 30th century just back here doing research to see how it was possible mankind survived to create his brilliant, Commander Data-like, positronic brain.
I"m glad you liked it
I appreciated your
Inventive answer
#haiku
I loved everyone's variety and choices of delivery!
@@RedFuryBooks YES!
I LOVE the Baroque Cycle!
8:36 - they nailed it! I also got happy that someone mentioned Harry Potter later in the video. Love or hate it, it changed the world of fantasy forever.
This type of video is always fun! I think my big takeaway is that I need to read The Spear Cuts Through Water. I feel like I've been hearing a lot about it lately.
Yes, I need to prioritize that one next year as well.
I would definitely say A Storm of Swords. It’s just extremely iconic and beautiful written. Like I feel Storm was really the book that cemented asoiaf in that heavyweights of the genre category.
I also initially was a bit surprised to see Harry Potter mentioned, but after thinking they definitely have a point. It was an absolute sensation in a way that really hasn’t been replicated and genuinely might never be again. It was lightning in a bottle.
Pretty much everyone born between like the 90’s-early 2000’s had Harry Potter as a major part of their childhood/adolescence and for a lot of that age group, Harry Potter is probably the only fantasy series they’ve ever read, or at least the first they’ve read.
My favorite and best fantasy novel of the 21st century so far is Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norell by Sussanah Clarke.
I really need to get to that one!
I have so much left to read! What a treat! 😁
Such a great problem to have!
I have to agree with Philip and Matt, The Crippled God takes the cake!
I haven't gotten there yet, but definitely look forward to someday getting there!
@@RedFuryBooks and I definitely look forward to Assassin's Fate someday
It is odd that in a series ranking, CG rarely breaks the top 4. However, as a series finale, it is truly impressive.
For me its toll the hounds followed by memories of ice.
Mine would be "Changes", Jim Butcher.
Or possibly "Super Powereds", Drew Hayes, if superhero counts as fantasy. (It's an interesting question, I think.)
OMG awesome video Josh, so enjoyed this! I am going to avoid answering for myself and go with HP and the Prisoner of Azkaban for the effect on my entire family 💫
Dude´s voice is so smooth. You know who I´m talking about
Mine right? LOL
Great TBR builder, thanks Josh!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Mine is probably Deadhouse Gates. I've only read three Malazan books, they arent easy...but DG killed me
Oh yeah -such a great book!
This probably isn’t THE best but one of the best might very well be Between Two Fires by Christopher Beuhlman. It’s a book that is very dark and yet shines with the brightest light. This book supposes what if the apocalypse happened in the Middle Ages and a disgraced knight and priest go on a quest to protect a mystical child from the demons that seek to destroy them.
Thanks! I've heard of this book but hadn't heard such a glowing review!
YES!!! So happy to see people loving on Assassin's Fate. Robin Hobb is SO underrated and Assassin's Fate is a masterpiece. Thank you for recognising it!
Now please read this in Gimli's voice: "If anyone was to ask my opinion - which I note they're not - I would say Memory of Light." 😉 lol great video!
Hi Cronk!😊
@@lorifrederick2367 Oh hey! Fancy seeing you here! 😆
Glad to see so many Assasssin's Fate fans in the comments!
Very valuable video, both for the books and the channels.
Awesome - glad you found some books and channels you like!
I love lists like this. I often discover new booktubers to follow, and new books to add to my TBR. Thanks for posting!
Thanks for checking the video out and glad you found some new channels to check out too!
Nice list. Lots of surprising selections. I just added some of them to my TBR list. Lord of a Shattered Land sounds really intriguing.
Yes, that one went on my list as well!
My choice is Trouble with Peace!!
And Yes!! The Hanuvar Chronicles makes an appearance, it is on fire.🔥
My favorite by Abercrombie, so that's a great choice IMO!
Super interesting list and great video! Thanks to all!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I swear, I did not pay off Usman for his pick! 🤣
The variety in everyone’s pick for their best fantasy novel is so compelling! I can attest to Usman’s pick (of course), Jay’s pick, Johan’s pick, Ben’s pick, and one of Jake’s picks and your pick.
To add more of my “best fantasy novel” picks: Soldiers Live by Glen Cook, Senlin Ascends by Josiah Bancroft, The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke, House of Open Wounds by Adrian Tchaikovsky, Devices & Desires by K. J. Parker, Spear by Nicola Griffith
Yes, with your honorable mention, Assassin's Fate was the only book mentioned 3 times! :).
Spear Cuts Through Water getting some love! Not only did you and Usman pick it but Dark-o had it proudly displayed on the shelf!
P.S. YES to your shout out to Senlin Ascends
Great idea for a video ! I only started reading fantasy 3 years ago so I think I first need to read more fantasy books before I can say which is my favourite.
Thanks to Brian I have Megan Thee Stallion’s Mamushi song stuck in my head. Great video, great idea, and great answers from everyone! Thanks again for including me!
Glad you could join us, Dark-O!
While A Storm of Swords is probably the most influential books for me and the genre (and arguably the best book in the twenty-first century), I haven't read it in almost a decade, so I'll leave that one aside.
My pick will have to be The Unholy Consult, by R. Scott Bakker. Deeply unsettling and horrifically disturbing, this book caps off an entire series that explores the nature of reality, consciousness, and topics like freewill and determinism. The final entry is more Lovecraftian than Lovecraft himself. It's not just humanity, it's all things; every being is an ant in the face of an incomprehensible reality that we all stare down upon.
I look forward to reading Bakker at some point in the future. I've heard tremendous things about his writing.
But doubtlessly almost every other book in Bakker's series was better? The UC was bound to be disappointing and it was. For me, The white luck warrior was the peak of his writing but in terms of "influental", theres no beating the Darkness that comes before
@@jjoorro
Nah, Unholy Consult was better. Near perfect ending.
Interesting to see the Hobb fans align around Assassin's Fate! Between Fool's Assassin, Fool's Errand, and Ship of Destiny, there are definitely some other strong contenders!
Oh agreed! Fool's Errand and Fool's Fate complete my top 3 for sure.
It’s cool how much variety you got - I was expecting a bunch of Wall of Storms. I’m grateful to have been included - thank you!
Thanks again for joining!
Good initiative!👍👍👍🚀📚🤖🐲
Into the Narrowdark by Tad Williams.
Equally good but already mentioned - A Brightness Long Ago and The Crippled God.
Great video. I would say the most important fantasy novels of the 21st century are definitely Harry Potter and ASOIAF. At least in my opinion. I can't think of any others that have been more influential in the genre.
No argument there - both the most influential series of their generation.
And Harry Potter -- most popular. Over half a Billion copies sold folks!! Nothing else (in the fantasy genre) even comes close.
Great video!! Some nice picks -- and was glad someone has a Robin Hobb pick.
Hero of ages that shocking twist in that book was wow.
This puts an exclamation point on how far behind I am on modern fantasy (I read a ton of it in the 70's-90's). I've only read a half dozen of these, so this motivates me to increase the % of my TBR in fantasy!
Best of luck catching up! I feel the same!
Unsurprisingly, I totally agree with your choice! Assassin's Fate is a masterpiece!
Yes!
Always exciting to see how creative people can get with their picks, definitely some unexpected but very worthy mentions on here! Also kinda cackling over Jake's send-in 🤣While many of these could be options for me as well, I think I would personally go with The Wall of Storms by Ken Liu!
YES! I loved the creativity of all the BookTubers here!
I just started reading fantasy year or 2 ago so haven’t read a ton but I’d have to go with The last war trilogy by Mike shackle so far.underrated as well.
I've heard really good things about that series. I need to put it on my TBR
Thanks Josh now I have to rethink my book list. I'm new to the fantasy book reads I have a small handful of fantasy books.
This video definitely gave you a lot of different books to consider!
Love that Hanuvar made the list!
My personal pick would be Elantris by Brandon Sanderson.
It’s so good!
I’ll say The Wisdom of Crowds/The Last Argument of Kings.
What a supreme cast for this one…holy Hannah. So cool how much diversity there is between taste
This was definitely a fun collaboration to put together!
Not the most popular choice amongst Hobb fans (not the worst either) but the book that moved me most was Golden Fool.
Being that it was published in 2002, this is my favorite fantasy novel of the 21st century
Golden fool rather than Fool's fate ? No judgement, just curious... If I had to choose, based purely on emotional response, Fool's fate would be it.
Any Hobb is the right choice IMO!
@julien4327 Fool's Fate was incredible, no doubt. But in Golden Fool, there were a lot of character moments, character reveals, and emotional moments that struck me.
@@alynam82 Yeah, looking back I get what you're saying. In fool's fate, it's more "in your face" emotions, while in Golden fool, it's more "down to earth" emotions, and therefore maybe more relatable...
Great video Josh and the rest. For me, one of the books from Realm of the Elderlings. Fool’s Errand? Fool’s Fate? Ah, or Fool’s Assassin. Hmmm, Fool’s Qest maybe? Or where it all ended, with Assassins Fate!
Fool's Assassin's Quest Fate I think was the one. ;)
@@RedFuryBooks Ha!
So awesome to see!
Loved this video. ❤
Glad Joe Abercrombie is on these lists what a find he has been for me he is my modern day Robert E. Howard.
100%
I'm gonna agree with Ben, A Brightness Long Ago is at the very least my favourite standalone of all-time.
I look forward to reading that one!
Awesome video Josh!! I'm gonna have to agree with Usman and Evie on this one. The Spear Cuts Through Water is still my favorite book of the 21st. Cheers.
I still need to get to that one!
Yaaaas Theo bringing that LoLL rep! Let’s goo!
I still need to read that one (it's on the shelf!)
Thanks for the invite Josh!
Thanks for joining!
I agree with Evie and Usman 😊❤
I don’t feel I’ve read enough modern stuff, so I’ll have to just go with the others that chose Harry Potter - due to it’s ridiculously massive influence on encouraging reading!
Same here. I tend to read a lot more 20th century stuff -- only two series (or books) I read mentioned in this video -- were Harry Potter -- and Song of Ice and Fire (and not all of it 🙂). I have been meaning to try Hobbs one of these days.
Some truly amazing and highly anticipated picks here for me, exciting stuff! Cheers, Josh 🤘🏽
Also, I have to thank Evie and Dan for introducing me to my pick
Thanks for joining us, Usman! I really need to read The Spear Cuts Through Water.
If I had The Library Ladder’s voice, I would definitely use my powers for evil
Love the diversity in the answers... And all the justification for their pick... But in the end, I agree with you... Looks like I have a few booktubers to subscribe to though...
Yes, go check them all out! Great Booktuber and great people too.
Would you contemplate a similar video for SF?
I'd love to, but I honestly don't know if enough content creators in my small circle of BookTube are SF readers.
For me its been the Sun Eater series and Stormlight Archive
Man, I've never even heard of The Spear Cuts Through Water. Definitely adding that to the TBR.
I haven't read much, but personally I would say Royal Assassin (I've only read Farseer and Hobb is already my favorite author ever). But Words of Radiance and Sword of Kaigen share the number 2 spot.
Glad to find another Hobb fan!
Continuing with Hobb would definitely be a good idea.
Just going by pure gut reaction for me it would be Johnathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke. Some might say it's too long and meandering but I loved everything about it. Nothing else quite like it really. Assassin's Fate would be up there too. Great video, enjoyed this a lot!
I really need to get to Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell.
Queen Hobb, I love it.
Some great picks. I have to go with Storm of Swords. There was no damn reason the book that was in the middle of a series (okay Prisoner of Azkhaban, I see you) should have been that good, but it was
Difficult choice but I'm going with The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart- amazing worldbuilding , unique magic system and adorable animal companions. Also honourable mentions to the Bloodsworn Saga (John Gwynne), 5 warrior angels series(Brian Lee Durfee), The Girl and the stars (Mark Lawrence), Wheel of time books 12 /13/14 (Brandon Sanderson) and Words of radiance (Brandon Sanderson).
Awesome!
A Brightness Long Ago
Didn't think it'd be mentioned, but it was!
I just got it in the mail!
Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson has had the most emotional impact on me while reading.
A Storm of Swords for me. I think it’s the best book I’ve ever read. I also think that series is the greatest 21st century series in terms of importance and influence. A Song of Ice and Fire has had a Tolkien-like influence on the genre.
It's literally crazy to pick The Crippled God out of the entire Malazan. My head just cant be wrapped around that.
So glad to hear that Robin hobb is so good I have only read farseer but it a journey I can't wait to take it
She's my favorite fantasy author!
Awesome video! I've read nearly everything on here, I bought A Brightness Long Ago recently, Stephenson's series is on the TBR and I'm thinking about that Howard Andrew Jones series because of how in love with it Andrew is. For me it's got to be Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, easily.
I so need to read that one!
It was wonderful to hear the shout out for Susanna Clarke’s novels Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell and Piranesi. I wonder if anyone has read Erin Morganstern’s novels The Night Circus and The Starless Sea. None of these incorporate the problems of today’s world which makes them timeless kind of like American Gods is timeless. They will be valid 100 years from now. I read fantasy to get away from the turmoil of the world.
Oh yes, the escapism is one reason I love fantasy novels as well!
Hard pick between The Great Ordeal or The Unholy Consult by Bakker.
Followed by a good margin by A Storm of Swords by Martin
I'd have picked Assassin's Fate too 🎉
My runner up would be Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold which has the advantage of being a standalone 😊
I might have to look for that one. I've been interested in Bujold, so it's nice to know there's a great stand alone to start with!
My choice would have to be "Into The Narrowdark: by Tad Williams. The entire series is top tier, but the (at this moment in time) latest installment blew me away.
I'm looking forward to reading Tad Williams for the first time next year!
@@RedFuryBooks I think you'll really enjoy his books. "Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn," and "The Last King of Osten Ard" is fantasy the way I like it: detailed world building and character development combined with epic adventure, made, for me, a truly memorable experience.
Great video, but I do think that in surveys like this there's too much blurring between the adjectives of "best", "favorite", and "most important". To me those are all very distinct categories. Personally the one I most enjoy hearing people address is "favorite".
I don't disagree. The prompt I sent everyone was "best" but I wasn't going to chastise anyone for talking about what they wanted to talk about! I did like how some of them mentioned both "best" and "favorite."
@@RedFuryBooks Yes, and my comment wasn't intended as any criticism of your prompt. A very good video which provides fantasy enthusiasts several meaty options. I don't know how you guys have/find the time to digest so many voluminous series!
I’ll go with Jade Legacy, though Assassin’s Fate may upend that once I actually finish that series.
Andrew pulled through. Some good books overall, here.
It's funny - I had never heard of that book until he sent the clip. And then it came up again several times during my livestream yesterday. It's definitely shooting up my TBR.
@@RedFuryBooksI think you will LOVE it Josh
My favorite fantasy novel of the 21st century has to be Deathly Hallows but The Stormlight Archive is second!
I’ve read all but quicksilver and Lord of shattered lands!!!!! 😮🎉😂
I guess I forgot...thanks for having me on man!
Glad you could do it! Thanks again!
I totally clicked on this video by accident, and i’ve got to say, i’m adding a lot of these to my tbr list 😂
Glad to put some books on the TBR!
What no love for Eragon? Just kidding. 😂 I am amazed though Eragon did sell fairly well in the end, around 25 Million copies.
I haven't read it, but there are definitely lots of fans!
I do wonder how many contributors thought to themselves "Storm of Swords is too obvious, need to pick something else" lol. I've been meaning to do a deep dive on Guy Gavriel Kay though (I've only read River Of Stars so far), so now I have finished Malazan I might swing by Kay for a bit, then Stormlight 5 is out in Nov, then finish off Hobb next year. So much high-quality fantasy, so little time :)
I totally would have picked ASoS, but it was released just prior to January 1, 2001; which is when the 21st century begins.
I wonder that as well! Definitely read more GGK if you've enjoyed him - he's become my #2 favorite fantasy author behind Robin Hobb.
For best single novel it would be Name of the Wind. For series it would be the First Law universe (all 9 books plus the short stories as well). For most important to me as a reader it would be A Memory of Light since it is the epic ending of my all time favorite series.
Solid choices!
From what I have read, I would have to say Words of Radiance. I haven't read a lot of the other choices people have made though. I've got some reading up to do...
IMO the best thing about this list is hearing about books good enough for someone to call the best.
@@RedFuryBooks agreed
There is a difference between best and favourite though. Some talk about their favourite while others are talking about what they think is the best.
Thanks!
And the third category is most popular (or best selling) actually in a sense the only objective category -- because best -- just ends up being someone's subjective favorite. 😂
My choice is 'The Woman of the Sword', by Anna Smith Spark. It gives sword, and sorcery a much needed injection of reality.
So many excellent books mentioned, and in the case of many - e.g. Assassin's Fate, Storm of Swords, and Lord of Emperors - I could just concur, and shout out loud, Yes it is!
Myself, I find it almost impossible to single out one book as the best one. Thus, I will make it easy for me, and just choose one of the books mentioned in the video: A Brightness Long Ago absolutely is the best one! Also, it has the clear benefit of you not having to read a long series to come to this conclusion 🙂
I can't wait to get to A Brightness Long Ago. I love GGK and just starting Sailing to Sarantium last night.
@@RedFuryBooks Have fun with the duology! I love both of the books equally.
Man, that transition around 3:25 from Rekindled Reader's genuine, conversational voice to that fake-excited, content creator voice of Captured in Words was jarring. Simply answer the question, please, no need to perform.
I’m only 1 book into Malazan, so that might change, but I have to pick Demon In White by Christopher Ruocchio
This is such a great list! I fully agree with those that put Stop of Swords, Deathly Hollows, Words of Radiance, and First Law.
To me this one is tricky, because when I think best, the one that comes to mind instantly is Jade Legacy. However, when I think of two fantasy series that really brought me back to reading (and fantasy specifically), I think of Mistborn and The Books of Babel.
So my pick would be The Hod King, book 3 of The Books of Babel by Josiah Bancroft, because that novel had such an impact on me, and showed me that there are people in this world who are able to create fictional characters and make you are about them like they're your family, to create worlds that give a sense of wonder and make you feel like you're there with the crew and that are able to tell their story in such a wonderful and beautifully written way.
Thanks for sharing your pick! I've heard mixed things about the end of that series, but it seems its still universally liked.
@@RedFuryBooks Yes the Fall of Babel is indeed a rather fitting name, it was a bit disappointing, gave it 3 stars. But it will never take away the joy of reading the first 3 books, which were all 5 stars for me. I highly recommend the series though!
It’s Assassins Fate for me, no question, a beautiful end to a stunning achievement in literature 🥇
YES!
I was really getting worried that no one was going to mention the cosmere for a few minutes there
I honestly thought there would be more for Words of Radiance or even The Way of Kings.
Abhorsen Trilogy. Ninth House. The Night Circus. Some Okie Dude was the most convincing.