Fantasy for the Ages

Some books don’t just sit on your shelf… they judge you.

In today’s episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim and Zach confess the most intimidating fantasy, sci-fi, and horror books they still haven’t read — even though they really want to.

We’re talking about the massive, the dense, the legendary, and the “I’ll get to it someday…” reads that every SFF fan knows all too well.

From sprawling epics like The Wheel of Time to notoriously complex reads like The Malazan Book of the Fallen, and even all-time classics like Dune — these are the books that feel less like a casual read… and more like a full-on commitment.

Along the way, we talk about:
• Why some books feel so intimidating to start
• Whether the hype actually makes it harder to dive in
• Which ones we might finally read soon
• And which ones might stay on the shelf just a little longer…

If you’ve ever looked at a giant fantasy series or dense sci-fi classic and thought, “Yeah… not yet,” this episode is for you.

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👍 If you enjoy fantasy, sci-fi, and horror content, be sure to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell!

💬 QUESTION OF THE DAY:
What’s the most intimidating SFF book YOU still haven’t read?

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Join the Tolkien, Abercrombie, and Brooks tiers for exclusive content and behind-the-scenes access!: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

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💬 Join the conversation on Discord (invite below)
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🎥 Be part of future livestreams and discussions

#FantasyForTheAges #FantasyBooks #SciFiBooks #BookTube #EpicFantasy #Malazan #ReadingGoals #TBR

Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?Anathem: https://t.ly/Iph54The Book of the New Sun: https://t.ly/klihiThe Darkness That Comes Before: https://t.ly/aDLrIEmpire of Silence: https://t.ly/31rjoHyperion: https://t.ly/UlIAMJonathan Strange and Mr Norell: https://t.ly/8MoJBMemories of Ice: https://t.ly/N45ptThe Stand: https://t.ly/UG_4mThe Wise Man’s Fear: https://t.ly/zKufn

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: @[email protected]
Email us: [email protected]

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
1:23 - Episode Explanation
2:30 - How This Works
4:02 - Our Nine Intimidating Books
18:53 - Which Will We Read First, & Which Likely Last (if ever)
20:22 - Final Thought
21:02 - Wrap-up & Conclusion

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

🚀 Project Hail Mary is finally here… and we’ve got a LOT to say.

The long-awaited adaptation of Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir has hit theaters, and after a strong second weekend, it’s clear this one has people talking. But the big question is…

Did they actually pull it off?

In today’s episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim and Zach break down the new Project Hail Mary — starting with a spoiler-lite discussion covering what works (and what doesn’t), before diving into a full spoiler conversation about THAT character, the adaptation choices, and whether the ending truly lands.

Jim went into this as a huge fan of the book and someone who loved The Martian — so expectations were high. Did the movie live up to them?

Let’s talk about it.

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💬 Join the conversation:
• Did Project Hail Mary live up to the book?
• What did you think of that relationship?
• Is this one of the best sci-fi adaptations in years?

Drop your thoughts in the comments!

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👍 If you enjoyed this video:
• Like 👍
• Subscribe 🔔
• Share with a fellow sci-fi fan

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💙 Support the Channel on Patreon:
Join the FFTA community and get exclusive content, shoutouts, and more!: https://www.patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

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#ProjectHailMary #SciFiMovies #AndyWeir #MovieReview #ScienceFiction #FFTA #FantasyForTheAges #BookToMovie #RyanGosling #SpaceMovies

Ways to connect with us:
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges
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: @[email protected]
Email us: [email protected]

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
1:32 - Film Details
3:30 - Why We Watched This
5:57 - Spoiler-Lite Summary
7:01 - Five Reasons You Might Enjoy This Movie
10:08 - Three Reasons You Might Not
13:09 - Begin Full Spoiler Discussion Here
25:28 - Final Thoughts
26:46 - Conclusion & Wrap-up

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

They called it Wicked for Good… but was it really?After loving the first film and being a longtime fan of the stage musical, I went into this one expecting a powerful, emotional finale. Instead… well, let’s just say I didn’t exactly stay off my phone while watching.In this review, I break down what Wicked for Good gets right (there are a few things!)… and where it completely loses the magic that made the first film so special. From pacing problems to that unmistakable “this didn’t need to be this long” feeling, we’ve got a lot to talk about.Is this a satisfying conclusion to the story of Elphaba and Glinda?Or is this another case of Hollywood stretching something great past its breaking point?Let’s talk about it.⸻🎬 In This Episode:• Full review of Wicked for Good (spoiler-lite)• What worked (yes, there are some positives!)• What REALLY didn’t work• Why this felt like a major step down from Part 1• My honest reaction (yeah… it’s not glowing)⸻💬 Join the ConversationWhat did YOU think of Wicked for Good?Did it land for you emotionally? Or were you as disappointed as I was?Drop your thoughts in the comments — I read and respond!⸻👍 Don’t ForgetIf you enjoy fantasy, sci-fi, and horror reviews with honest takes:• 👍 Like the video• 🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell• 📢 Share with a fellow Oz fan⸻⭐ Support the ChannelA huge thank you to all of our Patreon supporters — you make Fantasy for the Ages possible!Want to join and get early access, bonus content, and shoutouts?👉 Check out Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges⸻#WickedForGood #WickedMovie #MovieReview #FantasyForTheAges #FantasyMovies #MusicalMovies #FilmReview #MovieTube #Oz #WickedReviewWays to connect with us:Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges 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 - Opening1:10 - Film Details2:09 - Why Jim Watched This2:54 - Spoiler-Lite Summary3:34 - Seven Reasons You Might Enjoy It4:31 - Five Reasons You Might Not5:14 - Jim’s Final Thoughts6:06 - Conclusion & Wrap-up————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

What happens when an already wild apocalypse story decides to crank everything up to eleven?

You get Devils Desk 2… and let me just say — this thing ESCALATES.

We’re talking impossible situations, relentless danger, bizarre twists… and yes… a whole mess of yetis. Because of course we are.

In today’s episode of Fantasy for the Ages, I’m diving into the sequel to one of the most unique entries in the Michael Talbot universe by Mark Tufo. If you’ve read the first Devils Desk, you already know things get weird — but book two? It takes that weirdness and launches it straight into chaos.

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📚 What You’ll Get in This Video:
• A spoiler-lite review of Devils Desk 2
• Why this sequel ramps up the stakes in a BIG way
• What makes this one feel different from other Talbot stories
• Who this book is PERFECT for (and who should probably skip it… for now)
• Why the audiobook, narrated by Sean Runnette, might be the BEST way to experience Tufo

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⚠️ Quick Heads Up:

This is not a starting point.

You’ll absolutely want to read Devils Desk first — and honestly, the more Michael Talbot books you’ve read, the better this experience is going to be.

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💬 Let’s Talk:

Have you read Devils Desk 2 yet?
Did it live up to the first book, or go even crazier than you expected?

Drop your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to hear your take!

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👍 Support the Channel:

If you enjoyed this video:
• Hit that Like button 👍
• Subscribe for more fantasy, sci-fi, and horror content
• Ring the 🔔 so you don’t miss future reviews

Want to go deeper? Join the Patreon and be part of the FFTA community!: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

#FantasyForTheAges #BookReview #MarkTufo #DevilsDesk #HorrorBooks #ApocalypseFiction #Bigfoot #Yeti #Audiobooks #MichaelTalbot

Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?
Devils Desk: https://t.ly/PibjR
Devils Desk 2: https://t.ly/9chjc

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: @[email protected]
Email us: [email protected]

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
1:20 - Book Details
1:57 - Why Did Jim Read This?
2:33 - Spoiler-Lite Summary
3:31 - 10 Reasons You Might Enjoy This Book
5:40 - Three Reasons You Might Not
6:16 - Jim’s Final Thoughts
7:09 - Closing & Wrap-Up

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

Some fantasy series don’t hook you right away…

In fact, some of them start rough. 😬

Slow pacing. Derivative ideas. Confusing structure. You might even be tempted to quit.

But here’s the thing…

👉 Some of the BEST fantasy series of all time have weak first books.

And if you push through?
You get some of the most rewarding, epic, unforgettable stories in the entire genre.

Today, I’m breaking down 10 fantasy series that start bad… but end AMAZING — including some of the biggest names in fantasy.

Trust me… you’re going to want to stick with these.

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🎯 Let’s Talk!

Have you ever almost quit a fantasy series after Book 1… but ended up loving it?

👇 Drop your picks in the comments. I’d love to hear them!

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👍 Support the Channel

If you enjoy fantasy, sci-fi, and horror content like this:

👍 Like the video
📺 Subscribe to Fantasy for the Ages
🔔 Hit the notification bell so you don’t miss upcoming episodes

And consider joining us on Patreon to help support the channel and get exclusive perks!: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

🔥 Join the Community

💬 Join the conversation on Discord
📊 Participate in daily polls
🎥 Be part of future livestreams and discussions

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📌 About Fantasy for the Ages

Fantasy for the Ages is a father/son YouTube channel celebrating the best of fantasy, science fiction, and horror—through reviews, rankings, debates, and deep dives into the stories we love.

#FantasyBooks #EpicFantasy #BookTube #FantasySeries #ReadingRecommendations #WheelOfTime #StormlightArchive #FirstLaw #Discworld #DarkTower #ASOIAF #FantasyForTheAges

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: @[email protected]
Email us: [email protected]

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
1:35 - Episode Explanation
2:14 - First, Number 11
4:52 - The Top 10
18:36 - Takeaway Thought
18:50 - Wrap-up & Conclusion

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