Rambling jumble is what we do best on Dear Dr. Fantasy! It was a tremendous pleasure to chat with you, Matt! I sleep better at night knowing that you're watching out for my user experience . . . or whatever it was you said you do!
Two Australian authors I grew up reading are Sara Douglass and Ian Irvine. They have extensive series but are broken up like Hobb's are, so only read the first arcs of each and found them thoroughly enjoyable.
Phillip, you will be well rewarded for reading the whole Covenant series. One of the few series I've re-read along with Lord of the Rings and I'm half way through Malazan. Really worth it!
What an enjoyable conversation btw. lifelong book lovers! I was especially interested in Matt's journey as a reader. When I was in college, I remember feeling embarrassed that my extensive reading of Edgar Rice Burroughs' novels left me clueless when an undergraduate classmate was already referencing James Joyce's life as a writer! I remember the Hildebrandt Brothers...and so do you, Phillip! They did the poster for a little movie called Star Wars back in '77. No doubt, their association with Tolkien through their gorgeous calendars went a ways in getting them the gig, for, as you and Matt point out, Star Wars is fantasy (and shares archetypes that, for fantasy fans in the mid-70s, would look like straight Tolkien lifts). Also love Magic Realism, especially Isabel Allende's wonderful "House of the Spirits" (eschew the terribly miscast, even with great actors, movie adaptation). Also have dug Paul Auster. DO check out his magic realism/urban fantasy meta-movie "Lulu On the Bridge." Knowing you're venturing back into the comics storytelling form, DO read the adaptation of his City of Glass novel by David Mazucchelli and Paul Karasik (after reading the short novel itself; very Pynchonesque in subject matter, but the writing is a lot more straightforward, though the story is a labyrinth!) Fascinated to hear the consideration of what makes a story coming of age as opposed to YA. Even given recent YA's "edgier" and more provocative elements, I think the collective heads of many of today's fans of Sarah J. Maas, or The Hunger Games, or Twilight, etc. would explode within a few pages of Hemingway's "In Our Time." LOL!
Thank you for all the recommendations! I recall that Star Wars poster very well. I too read and enjoyed Allende’s House of the Spirits many years ago. I’ll take your advice and avoid the adaptation. All the best!
I don't do much audiobooking, but I find they work exceptionally well for me if I'm doing chores or cooking while listening to them, as I struggle taking it in if I'm actually working or writing or something.
Perfect for a Saturday! Hooray for Team Kruppe! And an extra hooray for Team Esslemont! Only half way through The Councillor but would echo Matt here. You will like this book, Philip! Also, you're not alone when it comes to audiobooks. I thought they'd be perfect for those dull moments in the studio when I have to repeat the same brushstroke a 1000 times. But it doesn't work out of similar reasons that you described. I also tried instead of reading in bed listening to an audiobook but I just fall asleep.🤣 Herzlichen Dank Herr Matt und Herr Prof. Dr. Fantasie!
I'm so glad to have excellent company in the "Forlorn Audiobook Incompetent Listeners" club (FAIL). Also, we are together on Team Kruppe and Team Esslemont! This is what community is all about -- support and solidarity. Cheers, Angela!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Now there is an acronym!🤣 When you come up with stuff like this it's very clear to me why you're a writer. But also wondering if you're grading papers at the moment.🤔 Personally, I certainly can't fault you Philip when it comes to solidarity and support. Definitely a distinction in this category!
100% agree with ICE and his capacity to create atmosphere. I've only read Knight of Knives (damn you never ending TBR!) but the way he described the scenes with the Hounds of Shadow was, frankly, better then Erickson (IMO of course). They truly felt like terrifying, unstoppable hell hounds and the way he used them as a device to hammer home the dangers of wandering the streets on the Night was fantastic. Eery, claustrophobic and borderline horror. Exactly what the story needed.
Yes! Night of Knives definitely has a horror vibe to it, and though both Malazan authors draw from horror at times, I think Esslemont does so more consistently.
Another discussion very worth watching again. Even though nothing was said about Sanderson, I finally picked up the second book in the storm light series. That book is over 1300 pages long. Not sure when I'm going to read it.
Great conversation! Matt, you really got me thinking with this: "Fantasy is when a person can influence the world through their own will, outside of the laws of physics." In many ways, my own work sort of pushes at the boundaries of fantasy (don't get me started about the YA distinction), but I think I'd have to add to your definition that fantasy might include characters who hold some sort of power or sway over other characters in order to make them believe they are outside of the laws of physics (even if it's not so clear, even to readers). Not sure if that makes sense, but if not, know that you got me thinking on a rainy Saturday morning. Perhaps I need more coffee, lol. Just have to mention in regard to Aussie authors that I've always loved Juliet Marillier, who happens to be a mentor of mine (so I might be a bit partial). Oh, and Matt, if you do manage to wedge The Severing Son into your tight reading/rereading schedule, I apologize in advance for the prologue. This *was* a fun one, as well as thought-provoking. Thanks, guys!
Thanks, Vaughn! As the Alan Parsons Project once asked, "Do you believe in the power of magic? I can change your mind." My best to you on that rainy day out there (the sun is shining here), and I'm glad you enjoyed the chat!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Ah, big longtime fan here, and great quote. I suppose a few of my characters would quote another APP lyric: "I am the maker of rules, dealing with fools, I can cheat you blind..." And I suppose it's up to readers to decide whether that's hubris talking. Enjoy the sunshine, my friend!
Sorry Vaughn, there ARE good prologues. 😆 Just usually they feel a bit disconnected, and I always end up going back and reading them again once I know more. But that’s on me and my garbage memory. 😜
And like all category definitions, there are exceptions. I can’t think of any off the top of my head, but I’m sure there are books people call fantasy that are completely devoid of actual magic. Like yours, it sounds like?
@@MattonBooks I wouldn't say completely devoid. But I'd love to have your thoughts on it...someday. :) Maybe we can revisit the topic, and your quote in its regard, afterward? (No pressure--I'll be honored if and whenever you get to it.)
Wonderful discussion! Matt is wonderful and has me completely sold on reading E.J. Beaton's The Councillor! Very interesting what you two were saying about coming-of-age for female vs. male characters and how that gets labeled as YA vs. Adult. I actually wish a labeled YA fantasy section existed when I was younger. I was a bit older when Harry Potter became popular and agree that it played a role in creating those marketing categories. I think the Twilight series did as well, and I'm guilty of having read it for some grad school escapism 🙈. I did enjoy the first couple of books and then it really tanked for me (probably my own fault for not being the target reader). 😅
The history and politics of the YA label - that is a subject that deserves a dissertation, if one has not already been written. I’m glad you enjoyed the chat, Johanna! It was wonderful seeing you earlier today!
Thank you, Jeremy! A lot of devoted Malazan readers have experiences similar to Matt’s, where they didn’t click with the series the first time. I suppose the reader needs to be ready for the book.
Hooray for the greybeard booktubers. I do remember the Bros. Hildebrand and miss those type covers. Although Boris and Frazetta might be a little to risqué for today. I would also call Dune fantasy for a different reason - there is no advaced science in it traditionally found in sci fi. I actually just started rereading Black Company after finishing Bakker's Second Apocalypse. I have thoughts... But I needed something less thinky and there is something to be said for 200 page books.
Another excellent video. Like both of you, I love Tolkien. My introduction to Tolkien was via my older brother. He had a high school teacher that required them to read him. So one thing you may not have pondered as an educator is you are influencing not only your students but sometimes their siblings too. Then the only one to ever approach Tolkien ,next was George RR Martin’s GOT. The Babylon Bee says Arizona has hired Martin to count election ballots. I don’t know if you have read Neal Stephenson ‘s The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O. ? It straddles the fantasy / sci-fi line. Why did everyone in the past believe in witchcraft, then from a certain date in history witchcraft ceased? Really excellent writing. First scene set in academia .
Like Matt, I love DUNE. The first time I read Dune, I understood from context the “ foreign “ words , like jihad, but thought it was an author construct. Not a real language . I was young.
Thank you, Robert! Tolkien was the one who opened the door to fantasy for so many of us, and so he richly deserves the love and admiration that many hold for him. All the best!
Damn Philip! 500 subs in the past week. Exploding, rightfully so. When can I pre order your book haha. I'm in Ireland, I presume since Nemesis is getting a copy you'll be shipping overseas?
I’m making an announcement tomorrow, but book one will be out on March 21. Since I’m publishing through Amazon, I think you should have no problem getting the trilogy in Ireland. Cheers!
Awesome chat guys. First thing I would say is about Dune and I will use a little Erikson's Malazan logic to make you think. One could view it as sci-fi with magic, yes. I would challenge Matt to read books 5 and 6 as they are about the Bene-Gesserit specifically. Now to Erikson it up a little bit, think about who the perspective the story is told from. Imagine then there are older more ancient peoples who could have technology, that if implated on a newly formed planet with lesser evolved people, that would seem like "magic." If the story is told solely from that young civilizations POV you only know it as magic. It's like if you only read Gardens of the Moon you think Tayshrenn is a dick who buried the Bridgeburners alive...Maybe there is a scene in Memories of Ice that changes that when you get more info....or maybe not, just food for thought. Cheers!
What a rambling jumble of a chat, but I had an absolute blast! 😆 Thanks for the invite Herr Professor Doktor Fantasie! 😀👌🏻
Rambling jumble is what we do best on Dear Dr. Fantasy! It was a tremendous pleasure to chat with you, Matt! I sleep better at night knowing that you're watching out for my user experience . . . or whatever it was you said you do!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Hah! Glad to rescue you from insomnia dear Herr Professor Doktor!
MATT!! We love Matt!
😘 We love you too Theo. 😉
Yes, we do!
Two Australian authors I grew up reading are Sara Douglass and Ian Irvine. They have extensive series but are broken up like Hobb's are, so only read the first arcs of each and found them thoroughly enjoyable.
Thanks, Liam! I’ll look up Douglass and Irvine too.
Phillip, you will be well rewarded for reading the whole Covenant series. One of the few series I've re-read along with Lord of the Rings and I'm half way through Malazan. Really worth it!
I believe you're right, Jarrod!
I'm paraphrasing someone else but I totally agree, "Esslemont is criminally underrated."
Yes!!! Truer words were never typed!
What an enjoyable conversation btw. lifelong book lovers! I was especially interested in Matt's journey as a reader. When I was in college, I remember feeling embarrassed that my extensive reading of Edgar Rice Burroughs' novels left me clueless when an undergraduate classmate was already referencing James Joyce's life as a writer! I remember the Hildebrandt Brothers...and so do you, Phillip! They did the poster for a little movie called Star Wars back in '77. No doubt, their association with Tolkien through their gorgeous calendars went a ways in getting them the gig, for, as you and Matt point out, Star Wars is fantasy (and shares archetypes that, for fantasy fans in the mid-70s, would look like straight Tolkien lifts). Also love Magic Realism, especially Isabel Allende's wonderful "House of the Spirits" (eschew the terribly miscast, even with great actors, movie adaptation). Also have dug Paul Auster. DO check out his magic realism/urban fantasy meta-movie "Lulu On the Bridge." Knowing you're venturing back into the comics storytelling form, DO read the adaptation of his City of Glass novel by David Mazucchelli and Paul Karasik (after reading the short novel itself; very Pynchonesque in subject matter, but the writing is a lot more straightforward, though the story is a labyrinth!) Fascinated to hear the consideration of what makes a story coming of age as opposed to YA. Even given recent YA's "edgier" and more provocative elements, I think the collective heads of many of today's fans of Sarah J. Maas, or The Hunger Games, or Twilight, etc. would explode within a few pages of Hemingway's "In Our Time." LOL!
Thank you for all the recommendations! I recall that Star Wars poster very well. I too read and enjoyed Allende’s House of the Spirits many years ago. I’ll take your advice and avoid the adaptation. All the best!
I don't do much audiobooking, but I find they work exceptionally well for me if I'm doing chores or cooking while listening to them, as I struggle taking it in if I'm actually working or writing or something.
Alas, I seem to be terrible at multi-tasking, or at least paying attention to more than one thing at a time. Cheers!
Perfect for a Saturday!
Hooray for Team Kruppe! And an extra hooray for Team Esslemont! Only half way through The Councillor but would echo Matt here. You will like this book, Philip! Also, you're not alone when it comes to audiobooks. I thought they'd be perfect for those dull moments in the studio when I have to repeat the same brushstroke a 1000 times. But it doesn't work out of similar reasons that you described. I also tried instead of reading in bed listening to an audiobook but I just fall asleep.🤣
Herzlichen Dank Herr Matt und Herr Prof. Dr. Fantasie!
I'm so glad to have excellent company in the "Forlorn Audiobook Incompetent Listeners" club (FAIL). Also, we are together on Team Kruppe and Team Esslemont! This is what community is all about -- support and solidarity. Cheers, Angela!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Now there is an acronym!🤣 When you come up with stuff like this it's very clear to me why you're a writer. But also wondering if you're grading papers at the moment.🤔 Personally, I certainly can't fault you Philip when it comes to solidarity and support. Definitely a distinction in this category!
TEAM KRUPPE REPRESENT! ✊🏻😀
100% agree with ICE and his capacity to create atmosphere. I've only read Knight of Knives (damn you never ending TBR!) but the way he described the scenes with the Hounds of Shadow was, frankly, better then Erickson (IMO of course). They truly felt like terrifying, unstoppable hell hounds and the way he used them as a device to hammer home the dangers of wandering the streets on the Night was fantastic. Eery, claustrophobic and borderline horror. Exactly what the story needed.
Yes! Night of Knives definitely has a horror vibe to it, and though both Malazan authors draw from horror at times, I think Esslemont does so more consistently.
Another discussion very worth watching again. Even though nothing was said about Sanderson, I finally picked up the second book in the storm light series. That book is over 1300 pages long. Not sure when I'm going to read it.
That is a whopper! Best wishes getting through it, Shelly. I enjoyed the first two books of Stormlight Archive and most of book three.
Great chat! I've got a story about sawing Paul Auster's desk in half I should tell Matt sometime.
I predict that he will enjoy that story! Thanks, Joseph!
WHAT? 😳
That thumbnail 🤣🤣
They’re always so funny lol
Cheers, Penny! I aim to please!
That thumbnail had me rolling LOL
Excellent! 😁
Off to subscribe to Matt!
Yay!
Great conversation! Matt, you really got me thinking with this: "Fantasy is when a person can influence the world through their own will, outside of the laws of physics." In many ways, my own work sort of pushes at the boundaries of fantasy (don't get me started about the YA distinction), but I think I'd have to add to your definition that fantasy might include characters who hold some sort of power or sway over other characters in order to make them believe they are outside of the laws of physics (even if it's not so clear, even to readers). Not sure if that makes sense, but if not, know that you got me thinking on a rainy Saturday morning. Perhaps I need more coffee, lol.
Just have to mention in regard to Aussie authors that I've always loved Juliet Marillier, who happens to be a mentor of mine (so I might be a bit partial). Oh, and Matt, if you do manage to wedge The Severing Son into your tight reading/rereading schedule, I apologize in advance for the prologue. This *was* a fun one, as well as thought-provoking. Thanks, guys!
Thanks, Vaughn! As the Alan Parsons Project once asked, "Do you believe in the power of magic? I can change your mind." My best to you on that rainy day out there (the sun is shining here), and I'm glad you enjoyed the chat!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Ah, big longtime fan here, and great quote. I suppose a few of my characters would quote another APP lyric: "I am the maker of rules, dealing with fools, I can cheat you blind..." And I suppose it's up to readers to decide whether that's hubris talking. Enjoy the sunshine, my friend!
Sorry Vaughn, there ARE good prologues. 😆 Just usually they feel a bit disconnected, and I always end up going back and reading them again once I know more. But that’s on me and my garbage memory. 😜
And like all category definitions, there are exceptions. I can’t think of any off the top of my head, but I’m sure there are books people call fantasy that are completely devoid of actual magic. Like yours, it sounds like?
@@MattonBooks I wouldn't say completely devoid. But I'd love to have your thoughts on it...someday. :) Maybe we can revisit the topic, and your quote in its regard, afterward? (No pressure--I'll be honored if and whenever you get to it.)
I always use the midichlorians part of Star Wars to explain why I prefer soft magic systems more than hard magic systems!
That's because you have excellent and discerning taste, Josh!
Wonderful discussion! Matt is wonderful and has me completely sold on reading E.J. Beaton's The Councillor! Very interesting what you two were saying about coming-of-age for female vs. male characters and how that gets labeled as YA vs. Adult. I actually wish a labeled YA fantasy section existed when I was younger. I was a bit older when Harry Potter became popular and agree that it played a role in creating those marketing categories. I think the Twilight series did as well, and I'm guilty of having read it for some grad school escapism 🙈. I did enjoy the first couple of books and then it really tanked for me (probably my own fault for not being the target reader). 😅
The history and politics of the YA label - that is a subject that deserves a dissertation, if one has not already been written. I’m glad you enjoyed the chat, Johanna! It was wonderful seeing you earlier today!
This was a fun discussion. Nice job with the "third time's the charm" comment.
Thank you, Jeremy! A lot of devoted Malazan readers have experiences similar to Matt’s, where they didn’t click with the series the first time. I suppose the reader needs to be ready for the book.
Yaay. A new episode
Thanks, Mr. Rorosuri!
Good morning, gentlemen
Good morning!
Hi 👋 great video!! I’ve subscribed both of channel!! Happy reading to you!! 🍁🍂🎞
Thank you, Safina, and happy reading to you too!
Matt is so smart. The technical stuff. I could never 😆
I feel the same way!
Great episode as always!
Thank you, Paromita!
Hooray for the greybeard booktubers.
I do remember the Bros. Hildebrand and miss those type covers. Although Boris and Frazetta might be a little to risqué for today.
I would also call Dune fantasy for a different reason - there is no advaced science in it traditionally found in sci fi.
I actually just started rereading Black Company after finishing Bakker's Second Apocalypse. I have thoughts... But I needed something less thinky and there is something to be said for 200 page books.
200 page books can be a relief sometimes! I’m reading an 830 page tome right now . . . But I’m enjoying it so far! (Dark Tower book 7)
Another excellent video. Like both of you, I love Tolkien. My introduction to Tolkien was via my older brother. He had a high school teacher that required them to read him. So one thing you may not have pondered as an educator is you are influencing not only your students but sometimes their siblings too. Then the only one to ever approach Tolkien ,next was George RR Martin’s GOT.
The Babylon Bee says Arizona has hired Martin to count election ballots.
I don’t know if you have read Neal Stephenson ‘s The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O. ? It straddles the fantasy / sci-fi line. Why did everyone in the past believe in witchcraft, then from a certain date in history witchcraft ceased? Really excellent writing. First scene set in academia .
Like Matt, I love DUNE. The first time I read Dune, I understood from context the “ foreign “ words , like jihad, but thought it was an author construct. Not a real language . I was young.
Thank you, Robert! Tolkien was the one who opened the door to fantasy for so many of us, and so he richly deserves the love and admiration that many hold for him. All the best!
Damn Philip! 500 subs in the past week. Exploding, rightfully so.
When can I pre order your book haha. I'm in Ireland, I presume since Nemesis is getting a copy you'll be shipping overseas?
I’m making an announcement tomorrow, but book one will be out on March 21. Since I’m publishing through Amazon, I think you should have no problem getting the trilogy in Ireland. Cheers!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy oh brilliant! I can't wait. Well done Philip!
Awesome chat guys. First thing I would say is about Dune and I will use a little Erikson's Malazan logic to make you think. One could view it as sci-fi with magic, yes. I would challenge Matt to read books 5 and 6 as they are about the Bene-Gesserit specifically. Now to Erikson it up a little bit, think about who the perspective the story is told from. Imagine then there are older more ancient peoples who could have technology, that if implated on a newly formed planet with lesser evolved people, that would seem like "magic." If the story is told solely from that young civilizations POV you only know it as magic. It's like if you only read Gardens of the Moon you think Tayshrenn is a dick who buried the Bridgeburners alive...Maybe there is a scene in Memories of Ice that changes that when you get more info....or maybe not, just food for thought. Cheers!
That is some excellent food for thought -- thank you, Clayton!
If you think you've mastered the art of walking in a straight line, you should play Death Stranding and learn just how wrong you are.
I’d pay cash money to watch Philip try and play Death Stranding. Loved that game! ❤
Oh dear . . . Sounds like a challenge I'm guaranteed to fail, but there might be some laughs along the way!