Fantasy for the Ages

Who is the biggest fantasy, science fiction, or horror author living in YOUR state? We're back for Part 4 of our five-part journey across America, searching for the most successful and influential speculative fiction writers in all 50 states!

In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim continues the literary road trip, covering New Mexico through South Carolina and celebrating ten more authors who've made their mark on fantasy, science fiction, and horror.

And what a lineup we've got this time! From the creator of Westeros to Hugo Award-winning science fiction, military space opera, terrifying horror, and the imaginative worlds of some of fantasy's most influential storytellers, this installment has something for just about every speculative fiction fan.

How did we choose our winners? We considered commercial success, literary awards, cultural influence, career longevity, and contributions to fantasy, science fiction, and horror. And there's one important requirement: each author must currently live in the state they're representing!

Some selections practically made themselves. Others required some serious debate. And a few might surprise you!

Yes, we've got plenty of authors and titles you are going to recognize. But here's the question: Did we get your state right? Are there other authors who deserve the crown? And which of these literary giants has had the greatest impact on fantasy, science fiction, or horror?

Let us know in the comments! We love a good bookish debate, especially when everyone brings their own favorites to the table.

Catch Parts 1–3 if you missed them, and don't miss Part 5, our grand finale, when we finish our journey across America and crown the final group of speculative fiction champions!

If you enjoy fantasy, science fiction, horror, book recommendations, and spirited literary debates, please LIKE this video, SUBSCRIBE to Fantasy for the Ages, and share it with a fellow reader!

A special thank-you to our wonderful Patreon supporters for helping make Fantasy for the Ages possible!: https://patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

#FantasyForTheAges #FantasyBooks #ScienceFiction #HorrorBooks #GeorgeRRMartin #NKJemisin #OrsonScottCard #JohnScalzi #MercedesLackey #JeffVanderMeer #BrianKeene #BookTube #FantasyAuthors #SciFiBooks #50States

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Ways to connect with us:
Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven
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Follow us on "X": @Fantasy4theAges
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Jim’s Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4
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0:00 - Opening
0:40 - Episode Explanation
1:06 - The Rules
1:58 - Part Four: Fantasy Royalty, Robots, and Half a Dakota (31-41)
22:16 - Wrap-up & Conclusion

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Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:
https://elements.envato.com/

Who is the biggest fantasy, science fiction, or horror author living in YOUR state? We're halfway through our five-part journey across America, searching for the most successful and influential speculative fiction writers in all 50 states!

In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim continues the literary road trip, covering Massachusetts through New Jersey and celebrating ten more authors who've made their mark on fantasy, science fiction, and horror.

This stretch of our journey features legendary fantasy creators, award-winning science fiction, terrifying horror, bestselling paranormal romance, and even some beloved childhood science fiction!

How did we choose our winners? We considered commercial success, literary awards, cultural influence, career longevity, and contributions to fantasy, science fiction, and horror. And there's one important requirement: each author must currently live in the state they're representing!

Some of these decisions were particularly difficult. When a state boasts multiple literary giants, how do you choose just one? And will you agree with our selections?

From Drizzt Do'Urden and the Vorkosigan Saga to Bird Box, Eragon, Animorphs, and some seriously chilling horror, this group represents an extraordinary range of speculative fiction.

Did we get your state right? Would you have chosen Cassandra Clare over R.A. Salvatore? Steven Brust over Lois McMaster Bujold? Kristine Kathryn Rusch over Katherine Applegate? Let the debates begin in the comments!

Catch Parts 1 and 2 if you missed them, and don't miss Part 4 as we continue our journey from New Mexico onward!

If you enjoy fantasy, science fiction, horror, book recommendations, and spirited literary debates, please LIKE this video, SUBSCRIBE to Fantasy for the Ages, and share it with a fellow reader!

A special thank-you to our wonderful Patreon supporters for helping make Fantasy for the Ages possible!: https://patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

#FantasyForTheAges #FantasyBooks #ScienceFiction #HorrorBooks #RASalvatore #JoshMalerman #LoisMcMasterBujold #ChristopherPaolini #JoeHill #Animorphs #BookTube #FantasyAuthors #SciFiBooks #50States

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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.social
Follow us on Instagram: fantasy_for_the_ages
Follow us on Mastodon: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de
Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com

Check out our merch: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com/collections/fantasyfortheages

Jim’s Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4
Jim’s Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n

0:00 - Opening
0:31 - Episode Explanation
1:09 - The Rules: How We Picked Our Winners
2:07 - Part Three: The Midwest, The Mountains, and Some Very Big Names (21-30)
25:08 - Wrap-up & Conclusion

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Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:
https://elements.envato.com/

Who is the biggest fantasy, science fiction, or horror author living in YOUR state? We're back for Part 2 of our five-part journey across America, searching for the most successful and influential speculative fiction writers in all 50 states!

In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim continues the literary road trip, covering Hawaii through Maryland and celebrating ten more authors who've made their mark on fantasy, science fiction, and horror.

We're talking bestselling novels, unforgettable characters, groundbreaking worlds, prestigious awards, and careers that have shaped the genres we love.

How did we choose our winners? We considered commercial success, literary awards, cultural influence, career longevity, and contributions to fantasy, science fiction, and horror. And there's one important requirement: each author must currently live in the state they're representing!

Some choices are obvious. Others are bound to spark debate. And a few might introduce you to your next favorite author!

Did we get your state right? Who would YOU have chosen? Let us know in the comments!

Be sure to watch Part 1, covering Alabama through Georgia, and stick around for Part 3 as our journey continues across the country.

If you enjoy fantasy, science fiction, horror, book recommendations, and spirited literary debates, please LIKE this video, SUBSCRIBE to Fantasy for the Ages, and share it with a fellow reader!

A special thank-you to our wonderful Patreon supporters for helping make Fantasy for the Ages possible!: https://patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

#FantasyForTheAges #FantasyBooks #ScienceFiction #HorrorBooks #StephenKing #VeronicaRoth #NicholasSansburySmith #JDRobb #BookTube #FantasyAuthors #SciFiBooks #50States

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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.social
Follow us on Instagram: fantasy_for_the_ages
Follow us on Mastodon: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de
Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com

Check out our merch: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com/collections/fantasyfortheages

Jim’s Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4
Jim’s Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n

0:00 - Opening
1:01 - Episode Explanation
2:00 - Part Two: From Hawaii to The King of Horror (11-20)
22:55 - Wrap-up & Conclusion

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Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:
https://elements.envato.com/

Who is the BIGGEST fantasy, science fiction, or horror author in YOUR state? And can even Stephen King and Brandon Sanderson claim more than one state? Not on my watch!

In this special Fantasy for the Ages series, Jim takes a literary road trip across all 50 United States, choosing ONE standout speculative fiction author to represent each state!

From legendary horror masters and epic fantasy giants to science fiction pioneers, bestselling sensations, and some surprising lesser-known talents, we're celebrating the incredible writers who have shaped the worlds we love to escape into.

But choosing just one author per state? That's where things get interesting!

We're considering commercial success, literary awards, influence on the genre, career longevity, and overall impact. And there's one important rule: Our authors must actually LIVE in the states they're representing!

Along the way, we'll encounter familiar names like Stephen King, Brandon Sanderson, George R. R. Martin, Terry Brooks, Martha Wells, John Scalzi, and many more. Some states have obvious winners. Others have competition so fierce that choosing just one feels downright cruel!

And yes, Jim fully expects some of you to disagree with his selections. In fact, he's counting on it!

This is just Part One of a five-part series, so we’re tackling the first 10 U.S. states alphabetically. Be sure to return for the rest of the series!

LET'S HEAR FROM YOU!

Which author represents YOUR state? Did Jim get it right, or did he overlook someone who deserves the crown? Which selection surprised you most? And which state has the strongest collection of fantasy, science fiction, and horror authors?

Share your thoughts in the comments. Let's see how many of these selections survive the scrutiny of the Fantasy for the Ages community!

If you enjoy fantasy, science fiction, horror, book discussions, author spotlights, and spirited literary debates, be sure to LIKE this video, SUBSCRIBE to Fantasy for the Ages, and SHARE it with your fellow readers!

A huge THANK YOU to our wonderful Patreon supporters for helping make Fantasy for the Ages possible!: https://patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

#FantasyForTheAges #FantasyBooks #ScienceFiction #HorrorBooks #StephenKing #BrandonSanderson #BookTube #FantasyAuthors #SciFiBooks #BookRecommendations

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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.social
Follow us on Instagram: fantasy_for_the_ages
Follow us on Mastodon: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de
Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com

Check out our merch: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com/collections/fantasyfortheages

Jim’s Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4
Jim’s Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n

0:00 - Opening
3:02 - Episode Explanation
4:25 - The Rules: How We Picked Our Winners
7:35 - Part One: The South, The West, and Our First Big Contenders (1-10)
34:18 - Wrap-up & Conclusion

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Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:
https://elements.envato.com/

You've invested thousands of pages, survived endless worldbuilding, memorized dozens of characters, and struggled through multiple books. But there's just one problem... YOU'RE NOT ENJOYING YOURSELF!

Do you push through because everyone insists "IT GETS BETTER!"?

Or do you finally throw in the towel and move on to something else?
In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim and Zach tackle one of the great dilemmas facing fantasy readers: WHEN IS ENOUGH ENOUGH?!

We're debating:📖 How many books should you give a fantasy series before quitting?⚔️ Should you trust fans who promise the series gets better?📚 Is finishing a disappointing series admirable dedication or a terrible waste of time?🤔 Can a genuinely great series simply NOT be for you?🔥 And is quitting after nine books in a ten-book series an unforgivable crime?!

From notoriously challenging fantasy series to the dreaded sunk-cost trap, we're exploring why fantasy readers have such a difficult time walking away—and whether being a completionist is a virtue or a curse!

Jim and Zach bring their own reading experiences, strong opinions, and plenty of good-natured disagreement to this lively father-son discussion.

💬 YOUR TURN! What's the most famous fantasy series you've ever abandoned? And have you ever pushed through a rough beginning only to discover something amazing? Tell us in the comments! We want to hear your stories!

👍 If you enjoy our discussions of fantasy, science fiction, and horror, please LIKE this video, SUBSCRIBE to Fantasy for the Ages, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode!

❤️ A huge THANK YOU to our amazing Patreon supporters! Your generosity helps make this channel possible. Interested in supporting Fantasy for the Ages? Check out our Patreon link: https://patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

#FantasyForTheAges #FantasyBooks #FantasySeries #BookTube #DNF #ReadingCommunity #EpicFantasy #BookDiscussion #FantasyReaders

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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.social
Follow us on Instagram: fantasy_for_the_ages
Follow us on Mastodon: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de
Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com

Check out our merch: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com/collections/fantasyfortheages

Jim’s Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4
Jim’s Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n

0:00 - Opening
2:22 - Episode Explanation
5:03 - Are You a Quitter?
12:31 - How Many Books Do You Owe a Series?
22:42 - Should You Trust the Fans Who Say “It Gets Better”?
28:37 - The Sunk-Cost Trap: Have You Come Too Far to Quit?
36:28 - Can a Great Series Simply Not Be for You?
44:43 - Series We Almost Quit, But Are Glad We Didn’t
47:19 - Series We Actually Quit
49:54 - Our Personal Quitting Rules
54:44 - Wrap-up & Conclusion

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Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:
https://elements.envato.com/