Fantasy for the Ages

When you finish Book 1 of a brand-new fantasy series, there’s always that moment of hesitation…

You loved the characters.
You enjoyed the world.
The story hooked you.

But then comes Book 2 — and that’s where a series either levels up… or lets you down.

In today’s episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim reviews The Way of Stones by Ryan Lanz, the second installment in the Red Kingdom series, following the enjoyable first book The Silver Crystal. Does Lanz build on what worked in the first novel? Do the characters continue to shine? And does the story deepen the mysteries of this growing fantasy world?

In this spoiler-lite review, Jim discusses:

• What makes The Way of Stones an engaging sequel
• Why the characters continue to be a highlight of the series
• How the pacing and short chapters keep the story moving
• The expanding magic system and plot mysteries
• A few elements that may not work for every reader
• Whether the series is worth continuing into Books 3–5

If you enjoy accessible epic fantasy, strong character-driven storytelling, and intriguing series mysteries, this might be a series worth adding to your TBR.

Have you read The Way of Stones or the Red Kingdom series yet? Share your thoughts in the comments!

If you enjoy fantasy book reviews, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and check out our Patreon to help support Fantasy for the Ages: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

#FantasyBooks #BookReview #EpicFantasy #RyanLanz #TheWayOfStones #RedKingdom #FantasyForTheAges #FantasySeries #BookTube #SpeculativeFiction

Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?
The Silver Crystal: https://t.ly/16YPL
The Way of Stones: https://t.ly/aZF52

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
2:10 - Book Details
3:02 - Why Jim Read This
3:39 - Spoiler-Lite Summary
4:57 - Seven Reasons You May Enjoy This Book
8:14 - Three Reasons It Might Not Work for Some Readers
9:59 - Jim’s Final Thoughts
11:33 - Closing & Wrap-Up

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

Would today’s biggest fantasy hits have survived the 1980s?

In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, we flip the script.

Last time we talked about classic fantasy that might not get published today. Now we’re asking the reverse question:

Which modern fantasy novels would’ve bombed in the 80s market?

This isn’t about quality. Every book discussed here is outstanding. This is about publishing climate, genre expectations, and how fantasy evolves over time.

The 1980s fantasy shelves were filled with:
• Clear heroic arcs
• Farm boys discovering destiny
• Quest-driven narratives
• Archetypal good vs. evil
• Sweeping epic tone

Modern fantasy often embraces:
• Moral ambiguity
• Political complexity
• Grimdark realism
• Structural experimentation
• Hard magic systems
• Trauma-driven character arcs

Would those trends have resonated with 1984 bookstore audiences?

Let’s find out.

⸻

Fantasy doesn’t decline.
It transforms.

Markets shift.
Readers shift.
Storytelling expectations shift.

The real question is:

Are we better off now?
Were we better off then?
Or does every era bring something essential to the genre?

Let’s talk in the comments.

Which modern fantasy do you think would’ve struggled in the 80s?
And which 80s fantasy wouldn’t survive today?

If you enjoy deep dives into fantasy across generations, subscribe and join the FFTA community. And thank you to our Patreon supporters for keeping the fellowship going strong: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

#FantasyBooks #ModernFantasy #EpicFantasy #BookTube #FantasyForTheAges #Grimdark #80sFantasy #FantasyDiscussion #ReadingCommunity #SFF

Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?
American Gods: https://t.ly/e_8ta
The Blade Itself: https://t.ly/LSDn2
The Fifth Season: https://t.ly/FzjKp
A Game of Thrones: https://t.ly/oxs6I
The Lies of Locke Lamora: https://t.ly/1UV3h
Mistborn: The Final Empire: https://t.ly/ErX1K
The Name of the Wind: https://t.ly/ndJbg
The Poppy War: https://t.ly/d6CIF
The Priory of the Orange Tree: https://t.ly/uBltD
The Traitor Baru Cormorant: https://t.ly/ZrjXw

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
2:02 - Episode Explanation
2:55 - 10 Modern Novels the 80s Would Reject
9:01 - So What Does This Mean?
9:40 - Wrap-up & Conclusion

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

Are some of the greatest fantasy books ever written… “unpublishable” today?

In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, I explore 20 classic fantasy novels and series that might struggle to get traditionally published in today’s market — despite being absolutely brilliant.

We’re talking about sprawling epics.
Earnest heroism.
Clear moral frameworks.
Slow-burn mythic storytelling.
Yes… even farm boys with destiny.

This isn’t about nostalgia. And it’s definitely not about tearing down modern fantasy. It’s about how publishing trends shift, how markets change, and how certain storytelling styles rise and fall in popularity.

Would today’s industry greenlight:
• 1,000+ page epics?
• Overtly metaphysical themes?
• Clear good vs. evil conflicts?
• Long-form mythic pacing?

Or would they be told to trim, modernize, or “subvert expectations”?

Let’s talk about it.

💬 I want to hear from you:
Which fantasy classic do YOU think would struggle to get published today?
And flip it — what modern fantasy wouldn’t have survived the 80s?

Join the conversation in the comments.

If you enjoy thoughtful fantasy discussion across eras, consider subscribing and becoming part of the FFTA community. And special thanks to our Patreon supporters who help keep this channel going strong! patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

#FantasyBooks #EpicFantasy #ClassicFantasy #BookTube #FantasyForTheAges #Tolkien #CSLewis #FantasyDiscussion #ReadingCommunity #FantasyReaders

Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?
The Belgariad: https://t.ly/jfOA_
The Book of the New Sun: https://t.ly/klihi
The Chronicles of Narnia: https://t.ly/AbE34
The Chronicles of Prydain: https://t.ly/ssdpx
The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant: https://t.ly/9dSMZ
The Deed of Paksenarrion: https://t.ly/fLYIF
Dragonlance Chronicles: https://t.ly/oC7GW
The Dragonriders of Pern: https://t.ly/1Ninm
Earthsea: https://t.ly/pJ922
Elric of Melniboné: https://t.ly/SZpev
The Forgotten Beasts of Eld: https://t.ly/nPy5r
The Last Unicorn: https://t.ly/mH2k1
The Lord of the Rings: https://t.ly/1eEP9
The Mabinogion Tetralogy: https://t.ly/VahOA
Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn: https://t.ly/zw91m
The Once and Future King: https://t.ly/veIkR
The Riddle-Master Trilogy: https://t.ly/3rjPx
The Riftwar Saga: https://t.ly/yP_4Q
The Silmarillion: https://t.ly/iX9Li
The Sword of Shannara: https://t.ly/0n79d

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
1:38 - Episode Explanation
2:35 - 20 Classics Now Unpublishable
8:28 - What This Really Means
9:18 - Wrap-up & Conclusion

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

Some sci-fi and fantasy films explode into franchises… and others quietly become cult classics.

In today’s episode of Fantasy for the Ages, I’m diving into my personal Top 10 Underrated SFF Movies Since 2000 — the films that were misunderstood, under-marketed, overshadowed, or simply never given the lasting cultural appreciation they deserve.

We’re talking bold sci-fi, divisive twists, box office disappointments, and films that deserve a second (or third) watch.

What does “underrated” really mean in the world of speculative fiction cinema? Is it box office? Cultural staying power? Critical reception? Or just my refined and completely objective taste? 😄

Disagree? Excellent. Come make your case in the comments — I genuinely want to see your Top 10.

If you enjoy thoughtful (and occasionally spicy) SFF discussion, be sure to like, subscribe, and consider supporting the channel on Patreon. Special thanks to our newest Tolkien-level supporter, William Oakes — thank you for helping keep Fantasy for the Ages going strong! Want to see what perks we provide to thank our Patreon supporters? patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

#UnderratedMovies #SciFiMovies #FantasyMovies #SFF #SpeculativeFiction #MovieDiscussion #FilmDebate #ChildrenOfMen #EdgeOfTomorrow #Dredd #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
2:07 - Episode Explanation
3:17 - Honorable Mention
4:01 - The Top 10
9:30 - Wrap-up & Conclusion

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

🚀 Is the Bobiverse magic back?

In this spoiler-lite review, I dive into Not Till We Are Lost, Book 5 of the Bobiverse series by Dennis E. Taylor — and ask the big question: does this installment recapture the multi-threaded, galaxy-spanning fun of the original trilogy?

After the more focused narrative of Heaven’s River, this latest entry feels like a return to classic Bobiverse form: multiple Bobs, expanding frontiers, clever engineering solutions, escalating cosmic threats, and plenty of nerdy humor. But does it feel fresh… or just familiar?

In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, I break down:
• 📖 Book details and reception
• 🚀 A spoiler-lite summary
• ✅ Seven reasons you might love it
• ❌ Three reasons it may not work for everyone
• 🤔 My honest final thoughts (good… but is it top-tier Bob?)

If you’ve been following the series since We Are Legion (We Are Bob), this is one you’ll want to hear about.

Have you read Not Till We Are Lost yet? Did it feel like a return to form — or are you missing that lightning-in-a-bottle originality of Book One? Let me know in the comments!

⸻

👍 Like the video if you enjoy sci-fi deep dives
📚 Subscribe for more fantasy, sci-fi, and horror reviews
💬 Join the conversation in the comments, and on our Discord (invite below)

Special thanks to our Patreon supporters for helping keep Fantasy for the Ages going strong!: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

#Bobiverse #DennisETaylor #NotTillWeAreLost #ScienceFiction #SciFiBooks #BookReview #FantasyForTheAges #SpaceOpera #HardSciFi

Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?
Not Till We Are Lost: https://t.ly/Gwm_9

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
1:38 - Book Details
2:38 - Why Jim Read This
3:03 - Spoiler-Lite Summary
4:03 - Seven Reasons You May Enjoy This Book
6:06 - Three Reasons It Might Not Work for Some Readers
6:59 - Jim’s Final Thoughts
8:21 - Closing & Wrap-Up

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