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: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com 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: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com 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: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com 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: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com 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: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com 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/

We’ve crossed the threshold — welcome to Part 3 of my Top 100 Fantasy Reads of 2025, covering ranks 60 through 41! This is where the competition really starts heating up. These aren’t just books I enjoyed… these are books that reshaped my reading life.From intense Malazan heartbreakers, to defining Wheel of Time installments, to massive grimdark showstoppers and classic sci-fantasy, this section is loaded with heavyweights. Some rise, some fall, and some cling tenaciously to their spots like a stubborn wizard refusing to leave a tower.If you love fantasy lists, deep-cut recommendations, and ranking chaos, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Ring the Bell so you catch every episode.✨ In this episode:– Ranks 60–41: true midlist titans– Several major series represented– Books I’ve loved for years + new favorites climbing fast– A mix of humor, reflection, and unapologetically subjective hot takesTell me in the comments: Which books in this batch do YOU put in your own top 50?😍 Thanks so much to our incredible Patreon community. Your support makes a huge difference in keeping this content coming. Join our Patreon community and access early releases, bonus content, and occasional live recordings!: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges#FantasyBooks #BookTube #Top100Fantasy #Malazan #WheelOfTime #DresdenFiles #FantasyRanking #EpicFantasyWant to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?Caine Black Knife: https://t.ly/yGU9VCold Days: https://t.ly/q_WtCDancer’s Lament: https://t.ly/YEbhYA Darkness at Sethanon: https://t.ly/aP7KVDead Beat: https://t.ly/oMC9nThe Dragon Reborn: https://t.ly/AHv1vDragonsdawn: https://t.ly/CG3TTDust of Dreams: https://t.ly/vdJWaThe Eye of the World: https://t.ly/V-eqmHouse of Chains: https://t.ly/XX4D4My Heart is a Chainsaw: https://t.ly/nVKGeThe Name of the Wind: https://t.ly/ndJbgProven Guilty: https://t.ly/X8rO9Silverthorn: https://t.ly/3HUz3Valor: https://t.ly/2PagYWatchmen: https://t.ly/2Tp0IThe Way of Kings: https://t.ly/WSI9CWinter’s Heart: https://t.ly/MmPbzThe Wise Man’s Fear: https://t.ly/zKufnWrath: https://t.ly/K_BEIWays 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: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com 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 1:25 - List Explanation2:24 - Books 60 - 4114:43 - Conclusion & Wrap-up————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

Welcome to Part 2 of my updated Top 100 Fantasy Reads of All Time (2025 Edition)! Today we journey through ranks 80 to 61, where beloved classics jostle with grimdark heavy-hitters, LitRPG mayhem rubs elbows with dragonriders, and more than one book drops or rises in ways sure to spark debate.In this section we hit everything from action-packed urban fantasy, to sprawling epic battles, to sci-fantasy legends, to some very emotional Malazan entries (because of course). Some long-time favorites hold their ground… and some tumble after a year of reflection.If you enjoy fantasy lists, book recommendations, chaotic rankings, and the occasional controversial take, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Ring the Bell so you won’t miss the next episodes in this series!✨ In this episode:– Ranks 80–61 revealed– New arrivals & returning champions– Sharp rises, surprising drops, and unexpected placements– Short, witty summaries and ranking commentary for each bookDrop a comment with your thoughts! Which books do YOU think should be higher? Which ones shocked you? Let’s talk fantasy.❤️ Great appreciation goes out to our Patreon supporters for helping make such episodes possible. Join our Patreon community and access special perks, and our undying thanks!: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges#FantasyBooks #Top100Fantasy #BookTube #FantasyForTheAges #EpicFantasy #Grimdark #UrbanFantasy #Malazan #WheelOfTimeWant to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?Assail: https://t.ly/06mI3Before They Are Hanged: https://t.ly/14r49The Blade Itself: https://t.ly/LSDn2Blood and Bone: https://t.ly/p59HwA Crown of Swords: https://t.ly/QaHVMThe Dark Tower: https://t.ly/lZtgrDaughter of the Empire: https://t.ly/wnKGtDeadhouse Gates: https://t.ly/BfX88Doctor Sleep: https://t.ly/Ni3v1Ex-Heroes: https://t.ly/UWz6hA Game of Thrones: https://t.ly/o7bq0Gardens of the Moon: https://t.ly/_OQsuThe Illearth War: https://t.ly/DkduvMistress of the Empire: https://t.ly/DSJ0PMoreta, Dragonlady of Pern: https://t.ly/Xbwd3The Path of Daggers: https://t.ly/ty2AAServant of the Empire: https://t.ly/HNWAzThis Inevitable Ruin: https://t.ly/_Z_qZTo Green Angel Tower: https://t.ly/ghUweWolves of the Calla: https://t.ly/a3XOLWays 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: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com 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 1:31 - List Explanation2:50 - Books 80 - 6116:24 - Conclusion & Wrap-up————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

Welcome to Part 1 of my brand-new Top 100 Fantasy Reads of 2025! 🎉I’ve read a lot of fantasy over the decades — classics, grimdark epics, cozy adventures, science-fantasy blends, cosmic weirdness, and yes… even the occasional LitRPG dungeon filled with cats, chaos, and questionable life choices. After a ton of thought (and perhaps too much coffee), it’s time to reveal my personal, highly subjective, and proudly chaotic Top 100 Fantasy Reads as of 2025.In this opening episode, I’m counting down the books that landed in spots #100 through #81, including brand-new entries, returning favorites, surprise drops, and a few titles that muscled their way onto the list after a recent reread or mind-blowing audiobook experience. Whether you’re here for Sanderson storms, Abercrombie grimdark, McCaffrey dragons, Donaldson despair, Stephen Graham Jones meta-mayhem, or the absolute unhinged delight that is Dungeon Crawler Carl… there’s something in this first batch for every kind of fantasy fan.Along the way, I share why each book earned its spot, how they compare to last year’s rankings, and why you might want to add (or re-add!) some of these titles to your TBR. This series is all about celebrating the worlds, characters, and stories that have shaped my fantasy journey — and I hope they’ll inspire yours too.If you enjoy this episode, please hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE if you haven’t yet, and ring that NOTIFICATION bell so you won’t miss Parts 2–5 as we climb toward my all-time favorites!📘 What’s included in Part 1:– Ranks #100 through #81– New entries and returning legends– A mix of epic fantasy, grimdark, gothic horror, science-fantasy, and LitRPG chaos– A few surprising rises… and some dramatic drops– My quick thoughts on why each book lands where it does this year✨ Let me know in the comments:Which of these books have you read? Which ones are you adding to your list? And what are YOUR predictions for the Top 10?💙 MUCH thanks to our Patreon supporters for helping make these episodes possible. Consider joining our awesome Patreon community!: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges#FantasyBooks #Top100Fantasy #BookTube #FantasyForTheAges #FantasyReads #EpicFantasy #Grimdark #LitRPG #BookRanking #SFFCommunity #BookRecommendations #2025ReadsWant to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?Beyond the Shadows: https://t.ly/4L0HFThe Black Crown: https://t.ly/7ycD6The Butcher’s Masquerade: https://t.ly/t4H93Crossroads of Twilight: https://t.ly/0X_nlThe Dragonbone Chair: https://t.ly/p02xZThe Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook: https://t.ly/xy2bYDungeon Crawler Carl: https://t.ly/8AzjnThe Eye of the Bedlam Bride: https://t.ly/6EyduGalaphile: https://t.ly/MQpWCGrey Sister: https://t.ly/9Pgw3The Haunting of Hill House: https://t.ly/bCYwPI Was a Teenager Slasher: https://t.ly/noNaSThe Last Argument of Kings: https://t.ly/jsLgzMalice: https://t.ly/S6tcAOrb Sceptre Throne: https://t.ly/WBNM1The Power That Preserves: https://t.ly/V9NFjStone of Farewell: https://t.ly/elUqMTigana: https://t.ly/VVxzkThe White Dragon: https://t.ly/MGw13Wind and Truth: https://t.ly/eB-MXWays 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: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com 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 1:05 - List Explanation2:29 - Books 100 - 8116:59 - Conclusion & Wrap-up————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

The viral apocalypse is back! After nearly two decades, the horror and heartbreak of 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later return in the brand-new 2025 sequel 28 Years Later. But is this revival a brilliant evolution of the franchise… or just an unnecessary cash grab? In this episode, Jim breaks down all three films, exploring what made the originals so groundbreaking, how the second movie raised the stakes, and why the newest installment might be the boldest chapter yet.Join me as I cover:🔥 The production history and budgets of all three films🔥 Critical and fan reception across the trilogy🔥 Spoiler-lite summaries of each movie🔥 How the “Rage virus” changed the zombie-genre forever🔥 My personal journey watching the trilogy—finally!🔥 Reasons you should watch these movies🔥 And reasons you might want to skip themWhether you love apocalyptic fiction, gritty sci-fi horror, fast-infected chaos, or deep character-driven tragedies, the 28 Days / Weeks / Years Later trilogy offers something unique in each chapter. Let’s talk about what works, what surprised me, and why this franchise may be more relevant in 2025 than ever before.If you enjoy movie reviews, speculative fiction discussions, deep dives, and all things SFFH, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Ring that bell for more content—new episodes drop practically daily!✨ Join our Patreon community for perks, early releases, and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges#28YearsLater #28WeeksLater #28DaysLater #RageVirus #HorrorMovies #ApocalypseMovies #MovieReview #SciFiHorror #ZombieMovies #FilmAnalysis #FantasyForTheAges #JimReviews #SFFHWays 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: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com 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 - Opening1:32 - The Trilogy: Details & Background4:04 - Brief Summaries5:28 - Jim’s Experience & Thoughts8:56 - Six Reasons You May Enjoy This Trilogy9:57 - Three Reasons These Might Not Be For You10:38 - Final Thoughts11:42 - Conclusion & Wrap-up————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

Today I’m diving into The Final Girls (2015)—a comedic slasher film that somehow mixes heart, horror tropes, meta humor, and summer camp chaos into one unforgettable experience. What happens when characters get trapped inside a slasher movie and suddenly have to obey all the genre rules? Well… things get messy in the best possible way.In this spoiler-lite review, I break down what works, what surprised me, and why this hidden gem immediately became one of my favorite meta-horror films of the last decade. From the clever twist on classic slasher logic to the unexpectedly emotional relationship at the story’s core, this movie delivers far more than its premise suggests.In this episode:🔪 Why the premise completely hooked me🎬 How the movie performed at release and why it found a second life😂 Humor, heart, meta rules, and ’80s camp vibes🔥 Spoiler-lite plot overview💥 My full reaction and thoughts🏆 Five reasons YOU might love this film⚠️ Two reasons you might notIf you enjoy slashers, camp horror, meta storytelling, or anything in the spirit of Scream or Stephen Graham Jones’ novels, this is a movie worth bumping up your watchlist.⸻👍 Like the video📬 Subscribe for more SFFH reviews & discussions🔔 Ring the bell to never miss an upload💙 Huge thanks to our Patreon supporters—you keep this channel running strong! 🦸‍♂️ Check out our Patreon to join the Fantasy for the Ages community!. https://www.patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges#TheFinalGirls #MovieReview #HorrorComedy #SlasherMovies #MetaHorror #FinalGirl #FantasyForTheAges #FFTA #HorrorReview #CultFilms #SummerCampHorror #80sHorrorVibes #FilmDiscussionWays 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: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com 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 - Opening1:26 - Movie Details & Reception2:33 - Why Jim Watched It3:23 - Spoiler-Lite Synopsis4:34 - Jim’s Reaction5:08 - Five Reasons You May Enjoy This Film6:09 - Two Big Reasons You May NOT Enjoy It6:51 - Final Thoughts7:14 - Conclusion & Wrap-up————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

What happens when a haunting, a babysitting job, and a time-bending nightmare collide? Today I’m diving into The Babysitter Lives by Stephen Graham Jones — a Halloween-set horror story that mixes ghosts, trauma, looping realities, and SGJ’s signature genre-warping style.In this spoiler-lite review, I’ll break down the book’s premise, how it’s been received, why I picked it up as part of my 2025 Stephen Graham Jones reading streak, and what really worked for me… along with the one part of the ending that left me yelling, “Wait, WHAT?!”(All in a good way.)Whether you’re a longtime SGJ fan or just curious whether this audiobook-original horror tale is worth your time, this episode will help you decide if The Babysitter Lives belongs on your TBR — or your headphones.👇 Let me know in the comments:Have you read this one? Did the ending hit for you? And what’s your favorite Stephen Graham Jones novel so far?If you enjoy this kind of book talk — horror, fantasy, sci-fi, and speculative fiction of all kinds — don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and ring the bell so you never miss an episode!And a huge THANK YOU to our Patreon supporters who help make this channel possible. Want to join the fellowship and unlock some perks? The link is below.👉 patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges#FantasyForTheAges #BookReview #StephenGrahamJones #TheBabysitterLives #HorrorBooks #AudiobookReview #HauntedHouse #TimeTravelHorror #SpeculativeFiction #BookTubeWant to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?The Babysitter Lives: https://t.ly/hEI8_I Was a Teenage Slasher: https://t.ly/noNaSThe Indian Lake Trilogy: https://t.ly/dek6oThe Only Good Indians: https://t.ly/WA3J-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: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com 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 - Opening1:34 - Book Details & Reception2:52 - Why Jim Read This3:18 - Spoiler-Lite Summary4:23 - Jim’s Reaction5:35 - NINE Reasons You Might Enjoy This Novel7;34 - Final Thoughts8:45 - Wrap-Up & Conclusion————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

Prepare to GROK this classic like never before!In today’s Jim-solo review, we dive into Robert A. Heinlein’s Stranger in a Strange Land — one of the most influential, controversial, and conversation-sparking science-fiction novels ever written. Originally published in 1961 and later expanded in the uncut edition, this book reshaped the genre, challenged cultural norms, and introduced ideas that still echo through modern sci-fi… and modern society.In this spoiler-lite discussion, I explore the book’s central themes, key characters, philosophical underpinnings, and why this novel fascinated me as a young adult — and why it hit even harder on a recent reread for a conversation over on the Non-Terrestrial Half-Life YouTube channel. From Michael Valentine Smith’s journey to the hypocrisies of American culture, this story still has something urgent and unsettling to say.Whether you’ve read it before, are thinking about picking it up, or simply want to understand why this book remains such a lightning rod in sci-fi history, this episode is for you.If you enjoy this kind of deep-dive book talk, don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and ring that bell so you never miss an episode. And if you want to support the channel more directly, check out our Patreon — every bit helps us keep bringing you quality fantasy, sci-fi, and horror content!👉 patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges#StrangerInAStrangeLand #RobertHeinlein #Heinlein #ClassicSciFi #SciFiBooks #BookReview #SpoilerLite #FantasyForTheAges #SFFCommunity #SciFiDiscussion #BookTube #JimSoloEpisode #ScienceFictionClassics #MichaelValentineSmith #GrokThis #SpeculativeFiction #MustReadSciFi #1960sSciFi #NonTerrestrialHalfLife #BookAnalysis #RetroSciFi #CultClassicSciFiWant to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?Stranger in a Strange Land: https://t.ly/gXvOpChannels referenced in this episode?Non-Terrestrial Half-Life: https://www.youtube.com/@non-terrestrialhalf-lifeWays 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: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com 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 - Opening1:25 - Book Details2:19 - Why Jim Read This3:33 - Spoiler-Lite Summary5:13 - The Novel’s Reception6:11 - Jim’s Reaction to the Novel8:23 - Five Reasons Someone Might Enjoy Swan Song9:51 - Final Thoughts10:25 - Wrap-Up & Conclusion————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

In this spoiler-lite review, Jim takes on Swan Song by Robert McCammon — a 1987 post-apocalyptic dystopian horror novel that won a Bram Stoker Award and continues to be hailed by many readers as a classic. But does it hold up today? And does it really deserve the constant comparisons to Stephen King’s The Stand?After a channel viewer recommended it — knowing The Stand is Jim’s favorite King novel — he dove in. Did this end-of-the-world epic impress, or did it fall flat? Let’s just say Jim has some thoughts… and they may not be the ones you expect.Join us for a spoiler-lite plot overview, honest reactions (including some unpopular opinions), and five reasons you might still enjoy this book, even if Jim didn’t fully connect with it.If you enjoy thoughtful reviews, BookTube honesty, and a touch of good-natured snark, hit that Like, Subscribe, and tap the Notification Bell so you never miss an FFTA episode! And if you’d like to support the channel further, check out our Patreon, where you’ll find bonus content, early releases, and extra ways to connect with us.👉 patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges#sffh #booktube #fantasyfortheages #swansong #robertmccammon #horrorfantasy #dystopianbooks #bookreview #postapocalypticfictionWant to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?Misery: https://t.ly/JS2pdThe Stand: https://t.ly/UG_4mSwan Song: https://t.ly/i5F6pChannels referenced in this episode?Geaux Read Books: https://www.youtube.com/@geauxreadbooksWays 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: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com 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 - Opening1:07 - Book Details & Reception2:27 - Why Jim Read This3:07 - Spoiler-Lite Summary4:36 - Jim’s Reaction7:04 - Five Reasons Someone Might Enjoy Swan Song8:36 - Final Thoughts9:21 - Wrap-Up & Conclusion————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

Can a mystery thriller starring sentient mushroom people actually work?Today, I’m diving into Mushroom Blues (The Hofmann Report Book 1) by Adrian M. Gibson—a weird-fiction sci-fi mashup with a premise so wild it practically demands investigation. This was my latest buddy-read with Derek over at D&J’s Epic Quest and Matt from Geaux Read Books, all in preparation for an upcoming full-spoiler discussion episode. And somehow… I’m the first one finished.In this spoiler-lite review, I’ll walk you through the basics of the book, give a quick overview of the world of fungi-folk and fractured detectives, and share my honest take on what worked — and what didn’t. Did this story grow on me over time? Or did I feel more like I survived it than enjoyed it? Let’s talk about it.If you enjoy our content, please 👍 like, subscribe, and ring that notification bell so you never miss an episode. And if you’d like to support the channel further, check out our Patreon, where you’ll find bonus content, polls, and extra ways to connect with us.👉 patreon.com/FantasyForTheAgesHave you read Mushroom Blues? Planning to? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!#MushroomBlues #AdrianMGibson #BookReview #SpoilerLiteReview #FantasyForTheAges #SciFiBooks #WeirdFiction #BuddyRead #BookTube #SFFHReadersWant to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?Mushroom Blues: https://t.ly/pxwsZChannels referenced in this episode?D&J’s Epic Quest: https://www.youtube.com/@djsepicquest226Geaux Read Books: https://www.youtube.com/@geauxreadbooksWays 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: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com 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 - Opening1:28 - Book Basics2:01 - Why Jim Read This3:01 - Spoiler-Lite Summary4:32 - Jim’s Reaction5:46 - Five Reasons Someone Might Enjoy This Novel7:56 - Final Thoughts8:31 - Wrap-Up & Conclusion————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

Welcome to The FFTA Father-Son SFFH Awards — The Sassies: 2025 Edition! 🎉It’s perhaps the start of an annual tradition, where Jim and Zach team up to celebrate (and sometimes lovingly roast) the very best of our fantasy, science fiction, and horror reading from the past year.No cash prizes. No trophies.Just bookish joy, chaotic energy, and two nerds sharing the stories that stuck with us long after we turned the final page.This year’s Sassies categories include:🔥 Best Character You Wanted to Punch🐉 Best Monster Who Deserved a Raise🤯 Best “Wait… WHAT?!” Plot Twist🎧 Best Audiobook Narration💬 Best Quote📚 The “Couldn’t Put It Down, Forgot to Eat” Award🕵️ Best Supporting Character Who Stole the Show💔 The “I Need Therapy Now” Emotional Devastation Award🌍 Best Worldbuilding Flex🧪 The “I Can’t Believe That Worked” Genre Mash-Up AwardWe’ll each reveal our nominees, debate (over-) passionately, and crown a single winner for each category. Expect laughs, hot takes, questionable choices, and plenty of love for the books we read that made 2025 awesome.If you enjoy SFFH book talk, father-son banter, or discovering new reads to add to your already-overflowing TBR… this is your episode.⸻👍 Like the video📬 Subscribe for more SFFH content🔔 Ring the bell so you never miss our reviews, debates, and livestreams💙 Huge thanks to our Patreon supporters for helping make these episodes possible!: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges#FantasyForTheAges #TheSassies #BookAwards #SFFH #BestBooks2025 #FantasyBooks #SciFiBooks #HorrorBooks #Booktube #Audiobooks #ReadingCommunity #FatherSonBooktubeWant to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?Artificial Condition: https://t.ly/qc9AyA Breath of Snow and Ashes: https://t.ly/o8IhNBook of the Ancestor Trilogy: https://t.ly/DL67UDungeon Crawler Carl Series: https://t.ly/2lTYREx-Heroes Series: https://t.ly/XuifAThe Girl With All the Gifts: https://t.ly/bb_ADThe Indian Lake Trilogy: https://t.ly/OE8CkLightbringer Series: https://t.ly/NzrYcThe Murderbot Diaries: https://t.ly/xvnyYThe Newsflesh Trilogy: https://t.ly/3at8Z Pilgrims: https://t.ly/rnlMTThe Realm of the Elderlings: https://t.ly/JvhuiThe Stand: https://t.ly/UG_4mSwan Song: https://t.ly/i5F6pThis Inevitable Ruin: https://t.ly/_Z_qZThe Three-Body Problem Trilogy: https://t.ly/vDm19The Will of the Many: https://t.ly/O3i8iWays 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: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com 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 1:26 - Episode Explanation2:03 - Awards Intro & Disclaimer4:30 - The Award Reveals48:38 - Conclusion & Wrap-up————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

Did we really need another Superman movie?Jim certainly didn’t think so… until Zach made him watch it. And now? Jim has to admit something he never expected to say:👉 “I WAS WRONG.”In this solo episode, Jim dives into his spoiler-lite review of Superman (2025) — a film he initially skipped due to full-blown Superman fatigue… only to discover it’s one of the most surprisingly entertaining superhero films in years.Jim breaks down why this movie works, what James Gunn brings to the table, how the new Superman and Lois dynamic plays out, why Krypto might be the MVP, and what sets this version apart from all the previous attempts to reboot the Man of Steel.Whether you’ve already seen the movie or you’re still on the fence, this episode highlights what makes Superman (2025) fresh, fun, and genuinely worth your time.💬 Did YOU watch Superman (2025)?Tell us in the comments if you agree with Jim… or if he’s still wrong.If you enjoy this video, remember to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and ring the NOTIFICATION BELL so you don’t miss any of our near-daily episodes covering fantasy, sci-fi, horror, books, media, and all things nerdy.And if you’d like to support the channel and gain extra perks, check out our Patreon!: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges#Superman2025 #MovieReview #DCUniverse #JamesGunn #Superman #FantasyForTheAges #SFF #SciFi #Fantasy #Horror #NerdCulture #FilmReview #ComicBookMovies #DCMovies #SuperheroMovies #Krypto #LoisLane #DavidCorenswet #RachelBrosnahan #Booktube #GeekCulture #PopCulture #FandomWays 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: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com 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 1:02 - Setup & Context3:06 - Six Reasons You Should Give Superman a Chance6:36 - Final Thoughts7:12- Conclusion & Wrap-up————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

In this special Fantasy for the Ages episode, Jim & Zach are joined by two VERY special guests — their better halves, Judy and Rachel! 🎉Together, the four of us dive into a mountain of Fantasy for the Ages YouTube poll results spanning fantasy, science fiction, horror, and all kinds of gloriously nerdy book-and-media debates.But here’s the fun twist: before seeing the results, we all try to guess how YOU, our viewers, voted!Were your choices predictable? Chaotic? Deeply controversial? Completely unhinged?…Yes. The answer is yes.From beloved tropes and favorite creatures to unexplainable preferences and guilty-pleasure picks, we take turns reacting, laughing, agreeing, disagreeing, and occasionally judging each other’s opinions (lovingly, of course). Judy and Rachel bring their own unique perspectives — and absolutely keep us honest.Whether you’re here for fantasy, sci-fi, horror, or just good-natured family chaos, this one is a riot. Settle in and enjoy the ride!👍 If you have fun watching, don’t forget to LIKE the video, SUBSCRIBE to Fantasy for the Ages, and ring that NOTIFICATION BELL so you never miss our next discussion, debate, or deep dive!💬 And tell us in the comments which poll result shocked you most — or which one we absolutely got wrong.👇 Support the Channel & Join Our Community!✨ Patreon — help us grow and unlock special perks: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges#FantasyForTheAges #BookTube #SFF #Fantasy #SciFi #Horror #NerdCulture #PollResults #Discussion #FamilyEpisode #BookCommunity #YouTubePolls #GeekCulture #BookDiscussion #FantasyFans #SciFiFans #HorrorFansWays 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: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com 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 1:26 - Episode Explanation3:01 - Discussing Poll Results54:35 - Conclusion & Wrap-up————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

What were the absolute best books we read in 2025? The ones that didn’t just blow us away, but earned the always desired by not always earned: a perfect 5-star score? Today, Jim and Zach reveal their Unshakable 5-Star SFFH Discoveries of 2025 — the science fiction, fantasy, and horror reads that rose above everything else we picked up this year.These aren’t necessarily new releases… just the books that hit hard, surprised us, moved us, impressed us, and refused to let go. If you’re looking for can’t-miss recommendations or the next book to add to your TBR, this episode has you covered.Drop your own 5-star reads of the year in the comments — your recommendations have led us to some of our favorite discoveries, and we’d love to see what rose to the top for you in 2025.Thanks for watching, for liking and subscribing, and for being part of the Fantasy for the Ages community! And a huge shout-out to our Patreon supporters for helping us keep the show going — you’re amazing.👇 Support the Channel & Join Our Community!✨ Patreon — help us grow and unlock special perks: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges#FantasyForTheAges #BookTube #5StarReads #SFF #FantasyBooks #ScienceFiction #HorrorBooks #BestBooks2025 #ReadingRecommendations #BookReview #TBRWant to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?The Blinding Knige: Dancers’ Lament: Dungeon Crawler Carl Series: Feed: The Indian Lake Trilogy: Lightbringer Series: My Heart is a Chainsaw: Mongrels: The Murderbot Diaries: The Name of the Wind: The Newsflesh Trilogy: Path to Ascendency Series: The Strength of the Few: This Inevitable Ruin: The Will of the Many: The Wise Man’s Fear: 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: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com 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 0:57 - Episode Explanation1:47 - What Makes for a 5-Star Book?4:28 - How We’re Laying This Out5:32 - Our Top 2025 5-Star Reads24:14 - Conclusion & Wrap-up————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

This is it — the grand finale! We’ve covered villains from the 1950s to the 2000s, and now we’re tackling the modern era: 2010 to 2024, a stretch filled with some of the most debated, beloved, and terrifying villains in genre fiction.From Negan’s brutality to Thanos’s twisted philosophy… from Taravangian’s chilling logic to Feyd-Rautha’s electrifying return to prominence… these villains defined the stories of our time. Jim breaks down why each of them dominated their year and what makes them so unforgettable.Smash that Like, hit Subscribe, and dive into our biggest villain episode yet!👇 Support the Channel & Join Our Community!✨ Patreon — help us grow and unlock special perks: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges✨ Like, Subscribe & Ring the Bell✨ Leave a comment with YOUR favorite villains of the era!👉 #FantasyForTheAges #Villains #ModernFantasy #ModernSciFi #Thanos #Negan #FeydRautha #Joker #Cosmere #StormlightArchive #TheExpanse #Dune #BookCommunity #BookTubeWant to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?2312: https://t.ly/3CgGLAuthority: https://t.ly/DMsbGBlackwing: https://t.ly/_ag1QThe Blinding Knife: https://t.ly/z73TBChildren of Time: https://t.ly/_cwiNDeath’s End: https://t.ly/FiCrgDune: https://t.ly/4_w_kFeed: https://t.ly/sHLzhFourth Wing: https://t.ly/fYmJzHoly Sister: https://t.ly/_VzVsThe Jasmine Throne: https://t.ly/uxRnuThe Justice of Kings: https://t.ly/uZG8qLeviathan Wakes: https://t.ly/muEYaLight Chaser: https://t.ly/4Ury9A Memory Called Empire: https://t.ly/Rgq_PA Memory of Light: https://t.ly/HvE8CNemesis Games: https://t.ly/5jD5WNetwork Effect: https://t.ly/ZtKprShadows of Self: https://t.ly/mfaVeThe Shining Girls: https://t.ly/A_BYvThe Tainted Cup: https://t.ly/gUFcbThe Terraformers: https://t.ly/XKb3sUpgrade: https://t.ly/tlIzLThe Walking Dead: https://t.ly/A4GrwThe Wise Man’s Fear: https://t.ly/zKufnWords 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: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com 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 1:12 - Episode Explanation1:49 - The 2010s Countdown14:22 - Conclusion & Wrap-up————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

We continue our Villains-by-Decade journey with the 2000s — a transformative era in fantasy and science fiction where storytelling took major leaps forward. This decade delivered richly layered worlds, morally complex narratives, and antagonists who pushed heroes — and readers — into darker, more surprising territory.Join Jim as he explores each year of the 2000s, highlighting the villains who captivated audiences, reshaped their genres, and left lasting marks on modern speculative fiction.If you’re enjoying this series, be sure to like, subscribe, and ring the bell so you never miss an episode!👇 Support the Channel & Join Our Community!✨ Patreon — help us grow and unlock special perks: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges✨ Like, Subscribe & Ring the Bell✨ Leave a comment with YOUR favorite villain of the 2000s!👉 #FantasyForTheAges #FantasyVillains #SciFiVillains #BookTube #FantasyBooks #ScienceFictionBooks #SFFCommunity #Villains #SpeculativeFiction #ReadingCommunityWant to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?Ash: A Secret History: https://t.ly/n0PIHThe Black Company series: https://t.ly/Z8c82Blindsight: https://t.ly/YMEJxThe Blood Knight: https://t.ly/4ex8IThe Curse of Chalion: https://t.ly/0jYJMDiscworld series: https://t.ly/Qh0w_The Gripping Hand: https://t.ly/XK7I-Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: https://t.ly/8MoJBKiln People: https://t.ly/ORTSBThe Magicians: https://t.ly/NEmUOMaking Money: https://t.ly/E7eGbThe Mote in God’s Eye: https://t.ly/xnd-ePandora’s Star: https://t.ly/RVcwNPermutation City: https://t.ly/7uVEAThe Prefect (Aurora Rising): https://t.ly/HqByNThe Reapers are the Angels: https://t.ly/KRTomRed Seas Under Red Skies: https://t.ly/jU9yKThe Scar: https://t.ly/IGzLeSnow Crash: https://t.ly/auBgEThe Xeelee Sequence: https://t.ly/z23_xV for Vendetta: https://t.ly/hkwNAWays 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: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com 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 1:39 - Episode Explanation1:58 - The 2000s Countdown12:43 - Conclusion & Wrap-up————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/