Fantasy for the Ages

I’ve already updated my Top 100 Fantasy Reads for 2025 — horror included — but today it’s time to give science fiction its moment in the spotlight. In Part 1 of my Top 100 Sci-Fi Reads of All Time, we’re starting at the bottom of the list with ranks 100 through 81.These are foundational reads, cult favorites, classics, guilty pleasures, and a few books that may surprise you by even being on the list at all. Some are longtime staples that have slipped. Others are newer arrivals just finding their place. All of them helped shape my sci-fi reading journey.As always, this list is completely subjective, influenced by taste, timing, and yes — recency bias. But the truly great books tend to stick around year after year… even if they move.If you enjoy sci-fi book lists, thoughtful rankings, lighthearted commentary, and spirited debate, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Ring the Notification Bell so you don’t miss the rest of the series.📚 In this episode:• Ranks 100–81 revealed• Classic sci-fi, modern reads, and a few wild cards• Big drops, new entries, and list expansion chaos• Short, witty summaries and ranking contextLet me know in the comments: which of these belong higher — and which shouldn’t be here at all?❤️ Our thanks to Patreon supporters for helping us keep the channel going. Join us patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges#SciFiBooks #BookTube #Top100SciFi #ScienceFiction #ReadingList #FantasyForTheAgesWant to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?2001: A Space Odyssey: https://t.ly/t3_m_2010: Odyssey Two: https://t.ly/vgkQwThe Abyss: https://t.ly/w6ShoBricks: https://t.ly/hZ87gCell: https://t.ly/WiZdfChildren of the Mind: https://t.ly/sxxZ6Clay: https://t.ly/jcI2qDeadline: https://t.ly/TjmAMThe Death Cure: https://t.ly/pagyjFantastic Voyage: https://t.ly/Hpy5rHalfskin: https://t.ly/6vxLWThe Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy: https://t.ly/_lsy5Moon Cops on the Moon!: https://t.ly/wqMbfOdyssey to Trappist-1: https://t.ly/E8qXpThe Running Man: https://t.ly/0ymdLSpeaker for the Dead: https://t.ly/ljH7AStranger in a Strange Land: https://t.ly/gXvOpThe Time Machine: https://t.ly/y06ZXThe Tommyknockers: https://t.ly/UmcO3Xenocide: https://t.ly/fbOBcWays to connect with us:Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jMWyVJ6qKk Follow us on "X": @Fantasy4theAges Follow us on Blue Sky: @fantasy4theages.bsky.socialFollow us on Instagram: fantasy_for_the_ages Follow us on Mastodon: @[email protected] Email us: [email protected] Check out our merch: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com/collections/fantasyfortheagesJim’s Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4 Jim’s Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n 0:00 - Opening0:46 - Episode Explanation1:42 - Details About the List3:32 - Books 100 - 8115:55 - Conclusion & Wrap-up————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

🔥 What if catching a disease meant you might burst into flames? 🔥In this Jim-solo episode of Fantasy for the Ages, I dive into The Fireman by Joe Hill, a chilling apocalyptic novel where a mysterious infection causes spontaneous combustion—and fear spreads faster than fire.This is a spoiler-lite review, exploring what makes The Fireman such a compelling blend of sci-fi, horror, and dystopian fiction. We’ll talk about the terrifying premise, the deeply flawed but engaging characters, and why this story focuses less on gore and more on suspense, moral collapse, and the best—and worst—of humanity under pressure.If you enjoy end-of-the-world fiction, thoughtful horror, or novels that ask uncomfortable questions about fear, trust, and survival, this one may be for you.📚 In this episode: • What The Fireman is about (spoiler-lite) • How Joe Hill approaches apocalypse differently • Why this book was recommended by one of our viewers • Who will love this novel—and who might not • My honest final thoughts and recommendation👍 If you enjoy fantasy, sci-fi, and horror book reviews, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Ring the notification bell so you don’t miss future episodes.❤️ Huge thanks to our Patreon supporters—you help keep Fantasy for the Ages going strong. 👉 patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges💬 Join the conversation on our Discord and tell us what you thought of The Fireman… or whether it’s on your TBR now.Thanks for watching—we’ll talk to you next time.#TheFireman #JoeHill #BookReview #SpoilerLite #ApocalypticFiction #HorrorBooks #SciFiBooks #DystopianFiction #FantasyForTheAges #BookTube #HorrorCommunity #StephenKingFans #EndOfTheWorldFictionWant to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?The End of the World as We Know It: https://t.ly/JSIlRThe Fireman: https://t.ly/EqQPyNOS4A2: https://t.ly/X7CXySwan Song: https://t.ly/i5F6pAnother Video Referenced in This Episode:What's So SCARY About NOS4A2 by Joe Hill?: https://youtu.be/APe4DHyZQCs Ways to connect with us:Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jMWyVJ6qKk Follow us on "X": @Fantasy4theAges Follow us on Blue Sky: @fantasy4theages.bsky.socialFollow us on Instagram: fantasy_for_the_ages Follow us on Mastodon: @[email protected] Email us: [email protected] Check out our merch: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com/collections/fantasyfortheagesJim’s Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4 Jim’s Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n 0:00 - Opening1:57 - Book Details & Reception2:58 - Why Jim Read This3:48 - Spoiler-Lite Summary5:02 - SIX Reasons You Might Enjoy THE FIREMAN6:33 - THREE Reasons This Might NOT Be For You7:06 - Final Thoughts8:13 - Closing & Wrap-Up————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

What if the technology you use every single day was first imagined in science fiction?From Star Trek communicators that look suspiciously like smartphones, to AI, video calls, and self-driving cars that once lived only in novels and movies, science fiction has been predicting — and inspiring — the future for over a century.In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Zach & Jim break down 10 technologies that first appeared in classic sci-fi books, movies, and TV shows… and are now part of everyday life. We’ll talk about where these ideas first appeared, when they actually became real, and how often sci-fi writers were shockingly ahead of their time.Then, to wrap things up, we look forward, discussing three technologies currently found in modern sci-fi that are most likely to become real someday. Are we closer than we think? Or should some ideas stay firmly in fiction?If you love science fiction, speculative ideas, and thoughtful nerdy discussion, this one’s right in the Fantasy for the Ages wheelhouse.🔔 Like, Subscribe, and ring the notification bell so you don’t miss future episodes❤️ Huge thanks to our Patreon supporters for helping keep the channel going. Join our community! patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges💬 Join the conversation on our Discord—the discussion doesn’t stop when the episode ends. Find the link below.⸻What sci-fi technology do YOU think is most likely to become real next?And which one are you hoping never leaves the page or screen?Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take.#FantasyForTheAges #ScienceFiction #SciFiTechnology #FutureTech #StarTrek #SpeculativeFiction #SciFiBooks #SciFiMovies #NerdCulture #TechnologyWays to connect with us:Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jMWyVJ6qKk Follow us on "X": @Fantasy4theAges Follow us on Blue Sky: @fantasy4theages.bsky.socialFollow us on Instagram: fantasy_for_the_ages Follow us on Mastodon: @[email protected] Email us: [email protected] Check out our merch: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com/collections/fantasyfortheagesJim’s Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4 Jim’s Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n 0:00 - Opening & Episode Explanation2:31 - Sci-Fi Items Become Real30:12 - What’s Next? Our Predictions34:29 - Conclusion & Wrap-up————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

This is it — the grand finale of my Top 100 Fantasy Reads of All Time (2025 Edition)! Today we count down my Top 20 fantasy books ever — the stories that shaped me, broke me, inspired me, and permanently rewired my love for the genre.From sweeping epics to brutal grimdark, from dragon-soaring sci-fantasy to universe-shaking finales, this top section features some of the greatest storytelling I’ve ever encountered. Many of these books define entire eras of my reading life… and yes, the top spot might be predictable, but it’s absolutely earned.If you’ve enjoyed this entire journey, please Like, Subscribe, and ring that Notification Bell so you don’t miss what’s coming next on Fantasy for the Ages!✨ In this episode:– Ranks 20–1: the absolute best of the best– Some reshuffling compared to last year– Emotional reactions, personal reflections, and celebration of genre giants– The final reveal of your host’s all-time favorite fantasy novelLet me know in the comments: What are YOUR Top 10 fantasy reads? And how does your list compare to mine?💕 Love goes out to all those supporting the channel on Patreon! Want to know about who you also can join that community, and earn some bonus perks?: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges#Top100Fantasy #BookTube #FantasyRanking #EpicFantasy #Grimdark #Pern #StormlightArchive #MalazanWant to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?All the Weyrs of Pern: https://t.ly/N53p9Battle Ground: https://t.ly/e_gvhThe Bonehunters: https://t.ly/kX-q2Caine’s Law: https://t.ly/XCCY5The Crippled God: https://t.ly/TghpcDragonflight: https://t.ly/D7R4QDragonquest: https://t.ly/gjuzEThe End of the World as We Know It: https://t.ly/JSIlRFall of Light: https://t.ly/-5QCqForge of Darkness: https://t.ly/YPl_MKnife of Dreams: https://t.ly/cLSQzMagician: Master: https://t.ly/X4s7NA Memory of Light: https://t.ly/HvE8CMidnight Tides: https://t.ly/zGjjfOathbringer: https://t.ly/7bhmmPeace Talks: https://t.ly/ObDsbReaper’s Gale: https://t.ly/7JrTbThe Return of the King: https://t.ly/JWFUqRhythm of War: https://t.ly/v0HfsThe Shadow Rising: https://t.ly/5mp4-The Stand: https://t.ly/UG_4mToll the Hounds: https://t.ly/035SPThe Wisdom of Crowds: https://t.ly/6zmvmWays to connect with us:Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jMWyVJ6qKk Follow us on "X": @Fantasy4theAges Follow us on Blue Sky: @fantasy4theages.bsky.socialFollow us on Instagram: fantasy_for_the_ages Follow us on Mastodon: @[email protected] Email us: [email protected] Check out our merch: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com/collections/fantasyfortheagesJim’s Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4 Jim’s Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n 0:00 - Opening 1:27 - List Explanation2:30 - Books 20 - 117:12 - Conclusion & Wrap-up————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

Welcome to Part 4 of my Top 100 Fantasy Reads of All Time (2025 Edition) — and now we’re entering sacred territory. Ranks 40 through 21 are home to the books that shaped my taste, my reading habits, and in some cases my entire understanding of what fantasy can do.These novels are emotional heavy-hitters, foundational epics, brilliant sequels, unforgettable finales, and a handful of genre-defining masterpieces. Some placements might surprise you… but that’s part of the fun of a highly subjective list from someone who reads a lot of fantasy.If you’re loving this countdown journey, please Like, Subscribe, and tap the Notification Bell so you’re ready for the grand finale.✨ In this episode:– Ranks 40–21 revealed– Some of the most influential reads in my life– Surprising movement since last year’s ranking– Witty one-sentence synopses and personal reflections on each entryJoin the discussion below! Which of these do you consider top-20 material? Which do you want to read next?💕 Love goes out to all those supporting the channel on Patreon! Want to know about who you also can join that community, and earn some bonus perks?: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges#Top100Fantasy #BookTube #FantasyRanking #EpicFantasy #Grimdark #Pern #StormlightArchive #MalazanWant to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?The Angel of Indian Lake: https://t.ly/g2ug_Best Served Cold: https://t.ly/_k4x2Blade of Tyshalle: https://t.ly/11Z1GChanges: https://t.ly/aSN2WDon’t Fear the Reaper: https://t.ly/SgBC0The Fires of Heaven: https://t.ly/fz8V-The Gathering Storm: https://t.ly/dTiwZThe Great Hunt: https://t.ly/ULjpPThe Heroes: https://t.ly/yJe-nHeroes Die: https://t.ly/bJ7hEA Little Hatred: https://t.ly/ZOKY7Lord of Chaos: https://t.ly/kK-LbMagician: Apprentice: https://t.ly/TSN7fMemories of Ice: https://t.ly/N45ptRed Country: https://t.ly/YJkvNRuin: https://t.ly/3HWelSkin Game: https://t.ly/MEvPwTowers of Midnight: https://t.ly/iHXt-The Trouble with Peace: https://t.ly/V00CqWords of Radiance: https://t.ly/PmZF4Ways to connect with us:Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jMWyVJ6qKk Follow us on "X": @Fantasy4theAges Follow us on Blue Sky: @fantasy4theages.bsky.socialFollow us on Instagram: fantasy_for_the_ages Follow us on Mastodon: @[email protected] Email us: [email protected] Check out our merch: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com/collections/fantasyfortheagesJim’s Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4 Jim’s Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n 0:00 - Opening 1:22 - List Explanation2:14 - Books 40 - 2113:41 - Conclusion & Wrap-up————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/