Fantasy for the Ages

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Jim Scriven

856 episodes

2 days ago

Jim (Father) and Zach (Son) talk about their ideas and perspectives on fantasy fiction, starting with Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time series but straying in various other directions as well. The generational difference in how they view what they read will become obvious (and entertaining, they hope!). Come enjoy our debates and explorations over what all these books mean, and see who you agree with.

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Episodes (20/856)

Fantasy for the Ages

The Books, Shows & Movies That Hit Hardest in 2025 | Our Top 25

What were the BEST fantasy, sci-fi, and horror experiences of 2025?

In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Zach & Jim each reveal their Top 5 content experiences from five different categories, giving you a ranked list of 25 must-read and must-watch picks that defined our year in speculative fiction.

We’re covering:

• 🧙‍♂️ Fantasy Books

• 🚀 Science Fiction Books

• 📖 Other Genre Books (Horror, Thriller, Weird, and more)

• 📺 SFFH TV Shows

• 🎥 SFFH Movies

These aren’t just the biggest releases of 2025—these are the stories that hit us the hardest, surprised us the most, and stuck with us long after the final page or credits rolled.

Expect:

• Ranked lists

• Strong opinions

• A little disagreement

• And plenty of great recommendations for your TBR and watchlist

Let us know in the comments:

👉 What were YOUR top books, shows, and movies of 2025?

👉 Which of our picks do you agree with—or strongly disagree with?

If you enjoy fantasy, science fiction, horror, and thoughtful (but fun) nerdy discussion, make sure to Like, Subscribe, and ring the notification bell so you don’t miss future episodes.

And a huge thank-you to our Patreon supporters—your support helps keep Fantasy for the Ages going strong: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

#FantasyForTheAges #BestOf2025 #FantasyBooks #ScienceFiction #HorrorBooks #Booktube #SFF #GeekCulture #Top5Lists

Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?

The Angel of Indian Lake: https://t.ly/g2ug_

Artemis: https://t.ly/gw8Ao

Assassin’s Fate: https://t.ly/x8x9j

The Black Crown: https://t.ly/7ycD6

Black Talon: https://t.ly/NXcJM

The Burning White: https://t.ly/d4WGm

Dancer’s Lament: https://t.ly/YEbhY

The Dark Forest: https://t.ly/o4s06

Don’t Fear the Reaper: https://t.ly/SgBC0

Ex-Heroes: https://t.ly/UWz6h

Family Business: https://t.ly/3N5Fg

Galaphile: https://t.ly/MQpWC

The Girl With All the Gifts: https://t.ly/bb_AD

The Grace of Kings: https://t.ly/huoPV

To Green Angel Tower: https://t.ly/ghUwe

The Haunting of Hill House: https://t.ly/bCYwP

I Was a Teenage Slasher: https://t.ly/noNaS

The Last Graduate: https://t.ly/WQ0f0

My Heart is a Chainsaw: https://t.ly/UcfEi

The Name of the Wind: https://t.ly/ndJbg

Network Effect: https://t.ly/ZtKpr

Nevernight: https://t.ly/nMbS0

Project Hail Mary: https://t.ly/WWjb-

Rogue Protocol: https://t.ly/DELGL

The Running Man: https://t.ly/0ymdL

The Silent Patient: https://t.ly/auGct

The Strength of the Few: https://t.ly/4pyvs

System Collapse: https://t.ly/HyR-q

This Inevitable Ruin: https://t.ly/_Z_qZ

Wool: https://t.ly/-qJ9k

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

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

2:00 - Episode Explanation

3:10 - Top 5 Fantasy Books of 2025

12:59 - Top 5 Sci-Fi Books of 2025

22:31 - Top 5 Other Genre Books of 2025

31:38- Top 5 SFFH TV Shows of 2025

43:49 - Top 5 SFFH Movies of 2025

55:38 - Conclusion & Wrap-up

————————————————————————————

Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:

https://elements.envato.com/

7 hours ago

56 minutes 26 seconds

Fantasy for the Ages

10 BookTok/Tube Books That Actually Deserved the Hype

BookTube and BookTok hype is everywhere—but does it actually deliver?

Some books explode across BookTube and BookTok and become completely unavoidable. Everyone’s talking about them. Everyone’s recommending them. And everyone assumes they must be incredible.

But experience says… that’s a coin toss.

In this episode, Jim breaks down the Top 10 “BookTube & BookTok Famous” SFF novels he actually liked, ranked from a much larger Top 100 list based on how dominant these books were across online book communities—not just how “good” they’re supposed to be.

You’ll hear:

📚 Which massively hyped fantasy and sci-fi novels truly lived up to expectations

🔥 Which popular titles missed the mark—and why

🧠 How hype, longevity, and algorithmic saturation shaped the ranking

😏 A few spicy takes on books Jim has no intention of reading

From epic fantasy and science fiction classics to modern BookTok juggernauts, this list proves that sometimes the hype is justified… and sometimes it absolutely isn’t.

👇 Join the discussion in the comments:

What book did you discover through BookTube or BookTok that you ended up loving?

And do you want to see the rest of Jim’s Top 100 list?

⸻

Fantasy for the Ages is where a father (and usually his son) talk fantasy, sci-fi, horror, and all things nerdy—from classic literature to modern fandom debates.

👍 Like the video

📺 Subscribe for more SFF content

🔔 Ring the notification bell so you don’t miss future episodes

💙 Support the channel on Patreon for bonus content and early access: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

#FantasyForTheAges ##BookTube #BookTok #FantasyBooks #ScienceFictionBooks #SFF #BookRecommendations #FantasyReads #SciFiReads #SpeculativeFiction

#BookCommunity

Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?

The Atlas Six: https://t.ly/5CzOE

A Court of Thorns and Roses: https://t.ly/UB9A0

The Cruel Prince: https://t.ly/jPti4

Dune: https://t.ly/4_w_k

An Ember in the Ashes: https://t.ly/sqgfp

The Eye of the World: https://t.ly/V-eqm

Fourth Wing: https://t.ly/fYmJz

A Game of Thrones: https://t.ly/o7bq0

Gideon the Ninth: https://t.ly/Yssfk

The Hunger Games: https://t.ly/E4GSF

The Lies of Locke Lamora: https://t.ly/1UV3h

The Martian: https://t.ly/9Ty2E

Mistborn: The Final Empire: https://t.ly/ErX1K

The Name of the Wind: https://t.ly/ndJbg

The Poppy War: https://t.ly/d6CIF

Red Rising: https://t.ly/yIHdF

Scythe: https://t.ly/G7ici

Shadow and Bone: https://t.ly/hI9CG

The Stormlight Archive: https://t.ly/x2NkJ

Throne of Glass: https://t.ly/l7yhE

The Way of Kings: https://t.ly/WSI9C

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

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

1:17 - Episode Explanation

2:28 - Top 10 Booktube & Booktok Famous Sff I Actually Liked

10:12 - What About The Rest Of The Top 21?

12:31 - Conclusion & Wrap-up

————————————————————————————

Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:

https://elements.envato.com/

1 day ago

13 minutes 16 seconds

Fantasy for the Ages

Does "The Gospel of Z" Prove Stephen Graham Jones Is a Master of Horror?

When a master of modern horror tackles one of the most well-worn subgenres of all time, expectations are naturally high. In today’s episode, Jim takes a spoiler-lite look at The Gospel of Z, a zombie apocalypse novel by Stephen Graham Jones that aims to do something different with the end of the world.

Rather than focusing on nonstop action and survival horror, The Gospel of Z leans into politics, power, corruption, and the uncomfortable truths about what people bring with them when society collapses. The result? A thoughtful, character-driven zombie story that I liked—but didn’t quite love.

In this review, I cover:

• Why I finally circled back to this novel while reading through Jones’ full bibliography

• A spoiler-lite summary of the story and its structure

• What worked for me—and what didn’t

• Who this book is most likely to appeal to

• Why longtime fans of Stephen Graham Jones may still want to give it a shot

If you love zombie apocalypse stories, literary horror, or simply enjoy seeing familiar genres reimagined in unexpected ways, this one is worth discussing.

Let me know in the comments: have you read The Gospel of Z? Did it land for you, or did you walk away feeling the same way I did?

👍 Like the video if you enjoy honest, spoiler-lite horror reviews

📚 Subscribe for more fantasy, sci-fi, and horror content

🔔 Ring the bell so you don’t miss future episodes

❤️ As always, thank you to our Patreon supporters. We could do this without you, but it wouldn’t be NEARLY as much fu!. Want to explore the perks that come from joining our community? Check out the link! 👉 patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

#StephenGrahamJones #TheGospelOfZ #ZombieApocalypse #HorrorBooks #BookReview #LiteraryHorror #FantasyForTheAges #ZombieFiction

Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?

The Gospel of Z: https://t.ly/_Up1L

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

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

1:10 - Book Details

1:56 - Why Jim Read This

2:29 - Spoiler-Lite Summary

3:18 - Jim’s Take

4:17 - Four Reasons You Might Enjoy This Book

5:36 - Two Reasons You Might NOT Enjoy It

6:17 - Final Thoughts

7:01 - Closing & Wrap-Up

————————————————————————————

Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:

https://elements.envato.com/

2 days ago

7 minutes 17 seconds

Fantasy for the Ages

AUDIOBOOKS are the DEFINITIVE FORMAT for Many SFFH Stories (Yes, I Said It)

Yes. I said it. And I stand by it.

In this Fantasy for the Ages episode, Jim goes solo to tackle one of the most divisive topics in SFFH fandom:

👉 For many fantasy, science fiction, and horror stories, the audiobook isn’t just a valid format — it’s the definitive one.

This isn’t about gatekeeping. It’s about storytelling.

Jim breaks down why great narration can elevate character, sharpen humor, clarify complex worlds, and make emotional beats hit harder than they sometimes do on the page. Using concrete examples from across fantasy, sci-fi, and horror, this episode explores when and why performance transforms story.

We’re talking about:

• When character voices completely change how a story lands

• Why some humor only truly works when spoken aloud

• How audiobooks help navigate dense, complex worlds

• Why certain horror stories hit harder when heard

• And why listening is not “cheating” — it’s choosing a different storytelling experience

👇 Let’s hear it:

Which SFFH audiobook completely won you over?

Which story do you think is better in audio than in print?

And which books do you still insist must be read, not heard?

If you enjoy thoughtful SFFH discussion, honest takes, and respectful disagreement, don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and ring the notification bell so you don’t miss future episodes.

And a huge thank-you to our Patreon supporters for making Fantasy for the Ages possible.: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

#FantasyForTheAges #Audiobooks #SFF #FantasyBooks #ScienceFiction #HorrorBooks #BookTube #AudiobookLovers #SpeculativeFiction #ReadingDebate

Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?

Discworld: https://t.ly/fURTi

The Dresden Files: https://t.ly/mZKXm

The Exorcist: https://t.ly/F7Eq2

The First Law: https://t.ly/cPurj

Malazan Book of the Fallen: https://t.ly/6JLnp

The Murderbot Diaries: https://t.ly/6YGiO

Pet Sematary: https://t.ly/O35B7

Project Hail Mary: https://t.ly/WWjb-

Red Rising: https://t.ly/33acx

The Wheel of Time: https://t.ly/vmGYt

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

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

1:29 - Episode Explanation

2:35 - When Character Voices Transform the Story

3:35 - Humor That Lands Better Out Loud

4:41 - Complex Worlds Made Clearer by Performance

6:50 - Horror That Hits Harder When Heard

7:50 - Sci-Fi Where Audio Unlocks the Story

8:43 - The Core Argument

9:12 - Conclusion & Wrap-up

————————————————————————————

Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:

https://elements.envato.com/

3 days ago

9 minutes 39 seconds

Fantasy for the Ages

"Sinners" Is Dividing Horror Fans — Here's My Verdict

One of the most divisive horror films of 2025 is here — and it’s doing something very different with the vampire genre.

In this spoiler-lite review, Jim dives into Sinners, a stylish, ambitious period-piece horror film that audiences seem to either absolutely love… or completely reject. Set during the Prohibition era in the Deep South, Sinners blends historical drama, social commentary, and supernatural horror into a bold, uncompromising experience.

We’ll cover:

• What makes Sinners such a unique take on vampire mythology

• The stunning period setting and cinematography

• Michael B. Jordan’s impressive dual performance as twin brothers

• How music and atmosphere are woven into the supernatural elements

• Why this film has struck such a strong — and polarized — chord with viewers

This is high-brow horror done with intention, depth, and gravitas. There are no cheap scares here — just thoughtful storytelling, powerful themes, and moments of full-throttle horror when the switch finally flips.

Whether you’re a vampire movie fan, a lover of period pieces, or just curious about one of the most talked-about genre films of the year, this review will help you decide if Sinners is worth your time.

💬 Have you seen Sinners yet? Did you love it, hate it, or land somewhere in between? Let us know in the comments!

👍 Like

📺 Subscribe

🔔 Ring the notification bell

❤️ And thanks to our Patreon supporters for helping make Fantasy for the Ages possible!: https://www.patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

#Sinners2025 #HorrorMovies #VampireMovies #MichaelBJordan #FilmReview #PeriodHorror #FantasyForTheAges #HorrorFans #MovieDiscussion

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

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

1:35 - Film Details

3:34 - Spoiler-Lite Summary

4:31 - Jim’s Experience & Thoughts

6:32 - Five Reasons You May Enjoy This Film

9:19 - Two Reasons These May

10:28 - Final Thoughts

11:09 - Conclusion & Wrap-up

————————————————————————————

Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:

https://elements.envato.com/

4 days ago

11 minutes 34 seconds

Fantasy for the Ages

2026's Most Anticipated SFFH Releases | 15 Confirmed Novels

In today’s Fantasy for the Ages episode, Jim goes solo to break down the Top 15 CONFIRMED Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror novels coming in 2026 — books with officially announced publication dates that are already shaping what kind of reading year 2026 is going to be.

This isn’t a speculative list. Every title discussed has been confirmed by publishers, and Jim digs into:

• What kind of story each book is bringing

• The genre and subgenre it fits into

• Whether it’s a standalone or part of a series (and which number)

• Why each one matters in the bigger SFFH conversation

• Whether Jim plans to read it or not

From massive fan-favorite series returns to buzzy standalone releases, literary speculative fiction, dark fantasy, science fiction, and horror, this list covers the full spectrum of what SFFH readers can genuinely expect in 2026.

👇 Join the discussion:

Which book on this list is your most anticipated?

Which one surprised you?

And which 2026 release do you think is going to dominate the year?

If you enjoy thoughtful SFFH discussion, ranked lists, and keeping ahead of what’s actually coming — be sure to Like, Subscribe, and ring the notification bell so you don’t miss future episodes.

And a huge thank you to our Patreon supporters for helping make Fantasy for the Ages possible.: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?

Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter: https://t.ly/QyNab

Battle Ground: https://t.ly/e_gvh

The Caretaker: https://t.ly/3_j-T

Dead but Dreaming of Electric Sheep: https://t.ly/y2pqL

The Dragon Has Some Complaints: https://t.ly/ZgvqA

The Expanse: https://t.ly/a1vXe

The Faith of Beasts: https://t.ly/s5YUS

The Fox and the Devil: https://t.ly/hCD1G

Frankenstein: https://t.ly/H167T

The Glowing Hours: https://t.ly/oryqY

Honeysuckle: https://t.ly/PmGtr

Mercy of the Gods: https://t.ly/-8gEJ

Operation Bounce House: https://t.ly/6R3pd

Sing the Night: https://t.ly/g1BhN

A Soul Full of Shadows: https://t.ly/VJUU9

Strange Familiars: https://t.ly/M_UGa

Twelve Months: https://t.ly/vZRA2

Vigil: https://t.ly/Z0ttD

Weavingshaw: https://t.ly/B-PS1

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

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 & Episode Explanation

1:50 - The Top 15 Confirmed 2026 SFFH Releases

15:32 - Conclusion & Wrap-up

————————————————————————————

Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:

https://elements.envato.com/

5 days ago

16 minutes 18 seconds

Fantasy for the Ages

Jim's Top 10 Most Unpopular SFFH Opinions (This Will Start Arguments)

In today’s Fantasy for the Ages episode, Jim goes solo to count down his Top 10 Most Unpopular Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Horror Opinions — ranked by how much backlash they tend to generate.

These aren’t rage-bait takes. They’re thoughtful, experience-driven observations about the current state of SFFH books, movies, and TV… but fair warning: you probably won’t agree with all of them.

We’re talking about:

• Why page count has become a badge of honor (and why that’s a problem)

• Whether audiobooks are actually the best way to experience some stories

• Why some grimdark has lost its emotional impact

• How modern SFF TV often feels stretched too thin

• Why villains are often more compelling than heroes right now

• And a few opinions that reliably make fandom very uncomfortable

This episode is designed to spark thoughtful disagreement, not shouting matches — but if you feel strongly about any of these takes, the comments section is open and waiting.

👇 Jump in and tell us:

Which opinion do you disagree with the most?

Which one secretly made sense?

And which take do you think should be more popular than it is?

If you enjoy deep-dive discussions, ranked lists, and honest SFFH conversation, don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and ring the notification bell so you don’t miss future episodes.

And a huge thank-you to our Patreon supporters — you help make this channel possible: patreon.com/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

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 & Episode Explanation

1:32 - The 10 Opinions

17:39 - Conclusion & Wrap-up

————————————————————————————

Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:

https://elements.envato.com/

5 days ago

18 minutes 16 seconds

Fantasy for the Ages

This Dark Fantasy Debut Has Better Prose Than Published Novels

Every once in a while, a debut novel comes along that completely blindsides you—in the best possible way.

In this Jim solo review, I’m talking about Fly Stone, Fly, a dark fantasy debut by Dust Kunkel that’s already racking up awards and recognition for its astonishing prose, layered worldbuilding, and deeply human storytelling.

This one hit especially close to home. Dust is a real-life friend and coworker, and when he shared that he’d written a fantasy novel, I expected something interesting. What I got instead was a literary dark fantasy that completely exceeded my expectations — thoughtful, emotionally rich, and quietly powerful.

In this spoiler-lite review, I cover:

• Why I picked up this book (and why it surprised me so much)

• A spoiler-free overview of the story and its unique framing device

• What makes the prose and worldbuilding stand out

• A traumatized, neurodivergent protagonist with untapped powers

• A hidden supernatural world beneath rural Idaho

• A VERY good boy 🐕

• Why this book deserves far more attention, and possibly a mainstream publisher

I also share a couple of honest caveats about pacing and prose style, and why I still believe this book is absolutely worth your time if you love rich, thoughtful fantasy.

Long-time subscribers know I rarely do author interviews — but I’ll be having Dust on the channel soon. That should tell you just how much this book stuck with me.

If you love dark fantasy, literary fantasy, or discovering incredible indie and debut novels before they blow up, this one’s for you.

❤️ Much love to our Patreon supporters. You help us keep this crazy ride going. Want to explore the perks that come from joining our community? Check out the link! 👉 patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

#FlyStoneFly #DarkFantasy #FantasyBookReview #IndieFantasy #FantasyForTheAges #BookTube #FantasyBooks #DebutNovel #IndieAuthor #SpeculativeFiction

Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?

Fly Stone, Fly: https://t.ly/wG_gW

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

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

1:28 - Book Basics

1:48 - Why Jim Read This

2:33 - Spoiler-Lite Summary

4:03 - Jim’s Reaction

6:18 - SIX REASONS You May Absolutely LOVE This Book

7:44 - TWO Reasons This Story Might NOT Be For You

8:29 - Final Thoughts

9:04 - Closing & Wrap-Up

————————————————————————————

Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:

https://elements.envato.com/

1 week ago

9 minutes 24 seconds

Fantasy for the Ages

Our Most Anticipated SFF & Horror Reads 2026 | TBR Breakdown

📚 What are YOU reading in 2026?

Every year brings new releases, long-awaited sequels, and that ever-growing TBR pile we swear we’ll finally tackle next year. Well… next year is almost here.

In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim and Zach break down the books and series we’re most excited to read in 2026 — from epic fantasy commitments and sci-fi favorites to horror reads, self-published gems, and a few long-overdue classics that have been staring us down from the shelf.

We’ll talk:

• 📖 Upcoming and recent releases we can’t wait to dive into

• 🐉 Massive fantasy and sci-fi series we’re finally committing to

• 👻 Horror reads that promise to hurt us (emotionally… probably)

• 📚 Beloved authors we’re revisiting—and new ones we’re eager to try

Whether you love planning your reading year, hunting for recommendations, or just want to feel better about your own out-of-control TBR, this episode is for you.

💬 Join the conversation:

What’s already locked into your 2026 reading plans?

Which series are you finally going to commit to?

And which of our picks should we read first?

Let us know in the comments!

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and Ring the Notification Bell so you don’t miss future Fantasy for the Ages content.

❤️ Support the channel:

If you’d like to help Fantasy for the Ages grow, check out our Patreon for early access, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes fun. Here’s the link: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

🧙‍♂️ Join our community:

Come hang out with us on the Fantasy for the Ages Discord, where the book talk never stops.

#FantasyForTheAges #2026TBR #BookTube #FantasyBooks #ScienceFictionBooks #HorrorBooks #EpicFantasy #ReadingPlans

#BookRecommendations #TBRPile #SFFH

Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?

The Age of Madness: https://t.ly/BM1fr

Artemis: https://t.ly/gw8Ao

Babel: https://t.ly/6xveM

Best Served Cold: https://t.ly/_k4x2

The Binding Tenets Trilogy: https://t.ly/F5eef

Blood Over Bright Haven: https://t.ly/oNJNq

The Bloodsworn Saga: https://t.ly/Nkngx

The Bone Season: https://t.ly/M11lU

The Buffalo Hunter Hunter: https://t.ly/dQVau

The Devils: https://t.ly/USE7I

Dragon Harper: https://t.ly/9eLAN

Dragon’s Fire: https://t.ly/ouc1h

Dragon’s Kin: https://t.ly/HzYu_

The Dragonriders of Pern: https://t.ly/JQyiG

Dungeon Crawler Carl: https://t.ly/8Azjn

The Edan Trilogy: https://t.ly/hKKNy

Fallen Light Series: https://t.ly/a9q1p

A Gift of Dragons: https://t.ly/JcJ6Z

The Heroes: https://t.ly/yJe-n

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: https://t.ly/8MoJB

The Licanius Trilogy: https://t.ly/P1EFv

The Lotus Wars: https://t.ly/NQiko

The Martian: https://t.ly/9Ty2E

Necroscope: https://t.ly/c-geM

The Nevernight Chronicle: https://t.ly/jHS7s

The Newsflesh Trilogy: https://t.ly/LeX-Z

Old Man’s War Series: https://t.ly/70Dbk

The Only Good Indians: https://t.ly/WA3J-

Parasitology Trilogy: https://t.ly/e0mN6

Path to Ascendancy: https://t.ly/VVcto

The Priory of the Orange Tree: https://t.ly/uBltD

Project Hail Mary: https://t.ly/WWjb-

Red Country: https://t.ly/YJkvN

The Rise of the West: https://t.ly/l8AMj

The Shepherd King Duology: https://t.ly/atdvr

The Skies of Pern: https://t.ly/SLikf

The Skyman’s Legacy: https://t.ly/fCp1B

The Song of Achilles: https://t.ly/O2lwX

The Spear Cuts Through Water: https://t.ly/MLpde

Starter Villain: https://t.ly/CGxLm

Twelve Months: https://t.ly/vZRA2

The Wise Man’s Fear: https://t.ly/zKufn

The Wolf Den Trilogy: https://t.ly/ng033

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

Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com

0:00 - Opening

1:57 - Episode Explanation

2:32 - Our 2026 Reading Plans

27:26 - Conclusion & Wrap-up

1 week ago

28 minutes 36 seconds

Fantasy for the Ages

Ranking Jim's BEST OF ALL Science Fiction Reads | THE FINALE: #20-1

This is it — the grand finale of my Top 100 Sci-Fi Reads of All Time (2025 Edition). Today we reveal my Top 20 — the books that define science fiction for me.

These stories shaped my imagination, challenged my thinking, broke my heart, and reminded me why sci-fi is one of the most powerful storytelling genres we have. This tier is mythic. Philosophical. World-shaping. And yes… the number one spot may not surprise you — but it’s absolutely earned.

If you’ve enjoyed this series, thank you for coming along for the ride. Be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Ring the Bell to keep the conversation going beyond this list.

📚 In this episode:

• Ranks 20–1 revealed

• Genre-defining masterpieces

• Philosophical giants and epic sci-fi sagas

• My all-time favorite science fiction novel

Drop your Top 5 or Top 10 in the comments — and tell me where we agree… and where I’m completely wrong.

❤️ Thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too could have early releases! Patron-only bonus content! Occasional live recordings! Check us out at the link: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

#SciFiBookTube #Top100SciFi #SpeculativeFiction #BookLists #ScienceFiction #SciFiReads #BookRanking #ScienceFictionBooks #Top100Books #BookDiscussion #FantasyForTheAges #SciFiClassics #BookTubeSciFi #ScienceFictionFans #BookTube #SciFiClassics

Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?

Abaddon’s Gate: https://t.ly/Xsxto

Babylon’s Ashes: https://t.ly/vLBpz

Caliban’s War: https://t.ly/WtTtA

Chapterhouse Dune: https://t.ly/IoUvU

Children of Dune: https://t.ly/bfTU-

Dark Age: https://t.ly/6zlIl

Dune: https://t.ly/4_w_k

Foundation and Empire: https://t.ly/z7wiv

The Girl With All the Gifts: https://t.ly/l4nGr

God Emperor of Dune: https://t.ly/GGKIC

Iron and Gold: https://t.ly/OkOua

Leviathan Falls: https://t.ly/XrIwp

Leviathan Wakes: https://t.ly/muEYa

Light Bringer: https://t.ly/f3PA6

Morning Star: https://t.ly/KIwpm

Nemesis Games: https://t.ly/5jD5W

Network Effect: https://t.ly/ZtKpr

Red Rising: https://t.ly/yIHdF

System Collapse: https://t.ly/HyR-q

War World Z: https://t.ly/WYhtl

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

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

1:14 - Episode Explanation

2:00 - Books 20 - 1

13:57 - Conclusion & Wrap-up

————————————————————————————

Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:

https://elements.envato.com/

1 week ago

14 minutes 55 seconds

Fantasy for the Ages

Ranking Jim's BEST OF ALL Science Fiction Reads | Part 4: #40-21

Welcome to elite territory. In Part 4 of my Top 100 Sci-Fi Reads of All Time, we’re counting down ranks 40 through 21 — books that represent the core of what science fiction can do.

These are stories about power, intelligence, control, revolution, and the long-term consequences of human ambition. Civilizations rise and fall here. Artificial intelligences gain personalities. Revolutions begin. Futures pivot.

At this point, rankings get especially painful — moving any of these feels wrong… and yet, choices must be made.

If you’ve been following the series, you’re not going to want to miss the finale. Be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Ring the Notification Bell.

📚 In this episode:

• Ranks 40–21

• Canon-level sci-fi and modern classics

• AI, revolutions, and galactic power shifts

• Some of the most influential books I’ve ever read

Which of these belong in the Top 10? And which ones already are — in your mind?

❤️ Enjoy our channel? Might want to check out our Patreon. Early releases! Patron-only bonus content! patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?

All Systems Red: https://t.ly/t0plR

Artificial Condition: https://t.ly/qc9Ay

Dune Messiah: https://t.ly/kVEGu

Ender’s Game: https://t.ly/Z62Me

Exit Strategy: https://t.ly/APVgB

Feed: https://t.ly/sHLzh

The Ferryman: https://t.ly/4PnZG

Fugitive Telemetry: https://t.ly/LCwHt

Foundation: https://t.ly/IEoNh

Golden Son: https://t.ly/X2BOu

Heretics of Dune: https://t.ly/00fQ5

Hunters of Dune: https://t.ly/4s8BP

The Martian: https://t.ly/9Ty2E

The Mist: https://t.ly/Dd5ot

Persepolis Rising: https://t.ly/_5A-5

Rogue Protocol: https://t.ly/DELGL

Sandworms of Dune: https://t.ly/btdSi

Second Foundation: https://t.ly/VIuZj

Tiamat’s Wrath: https://t.ly/9esjq

Wool: https://t.ly/-qJ9k

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

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

0:59 - Episode Explanation

1:50 - Books 40 - 21

13:32 - Conclusion & Wrap-up

————————————————————————————

Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:

https://elements.envato.com/

1 week ago

14 minutes 27 seconds

Fantasy for the Ages

Ranking Jim's BEST OF ALL Science Fiction Reads | Part 3: #60-41

Now we’re getting serious. In Part 3 of my Top 100 Sci-Fi Reads, we tackle ranks 60 through 41 — the stretch where the books stop being “just good” and start being deeply influential.

This tier is full of apocalypses, time travel, AI ethics, societal collapse, and massive “what if” questions. These are stories that linger long after you turn the last page — and several that reshaped how I think about science fiction as a genre.

Some longtime favorites slip a bit this year. A few newer reads surge upward. That’s the beauty (and frustration) of doing this annually.

If you’re enjoying the series so far, please Like, Subscribe, and Ring the Bell — the upper tiers only get heavier.

📚 In this episode:

• Ranks 60–41

• Apocalypse, ethics, and big-idea sci-fi

• Hard sci-fi meets emotional storytelling

• Books that changed how I read the genre

Which of these crack your Top 50? Let’s talk in the comments.

❤️ Thank you to our Patreon supporters. You truly help this keep going. Join us for special perks and early releases! patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

#SciFiReads #BookRanking #ScienceFictionBooks #Top100Books #BookDiscussion #SciFiBookTube #Top100SciFi #SpeculativeFiction #BookLists #ScienceFiction #FantasyForTheAges

Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?

11/22/63: https://t.ly/TlX-V

The Battle of Corrin: https://t.ly/oTehn

The Butlerian Jihad: https://t.ly/ORuS2

Catching Fire: https://t.ly/DUcyA

The Dark Forest: https://t.ly/o4s06

Devolution: https://t.ly/5otza

Dust: https://t.ly/VJa_e

Eon: https://t.ly/D9i79

Foundation and Earth: https://t.ly/FIw8M

Foundation’s Edge: https://t.ly/PoYXG

Hell Divers Series: https://t.ly/KQPTJ

The Hunger Games: https://t.ly/t21SW

The Machine Crusade: https://t.ly/ovgH9

The Passage: https://t.ly/GkrCr

Pilgrims: https://t.ly/rnlMT

Pines: https://t.ly/jwp98

Project Hail Mary: https://t.ly/WWjb-

Redshirts: https://t.ly/_ZPHk

The Three-Body Problem: https://t.ly/3OQVG

Trackers Series (Books 1-4): https://t.ly/WmKYz

Ways to connect with us:

Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven

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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

2:07 - Books 60 - 41

14:08 - Conclusion & Wrap-up

————————————————————————————

Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:

https://elements.envato.com/

1 week ago

15 minutes 17 seconds

Fantasy for the Ages

Ranking Jim's BEST OF ALL Science Fiction Reads | Part 2: #80-61

Welcome to Part 2 of my Top 100 Sci-Fi Reads of All Time (2025 Edition), where we move into ranks 80 through 61 — the section where the list starts to feel dangerous.

This tier is packed with dystopias, survival stories, space opera, monsters, conspiracies, and big ideas colliding with bad human decisions. Many of these books ranked higher last year but were pushed down as my sci-fi reading expanded. Others are brand-new arrivals making strong first impressions.

These may not be my absolute favorites — but they’re all books I’m glad I read.

If you enjoy sci-fi rankings, genre history, and honest takes from a lifelong speculative fiction reader, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Ring the Bell so you’re ready for what’s next.

📚 In this episode:

• Ranks 80–61

• Big list reshuffling

• Dystopia, space opera, monsters, and chaos

• Books that spark strong opinions

Sound off below — which of these do you love, and which would you move way up (or off entirely)?

❤️ Thank you to our Patreon supporters, those who help us each month to cover this channel’s costs. Willing to help, and get some extra perks? Join us at: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

#SciFiReads #BookRanking #ScienceFictionBooks #Top100Books #BookDiscussion

Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?

Blackout: https://t.ly/1qJav

The Boy on the Bridge: https://t.ly/L9Uuu

Cibola Burn: https://t.ly/NCK1R

Dark Bloom: https://t.ly/Y5F_a

Dark Force Rising: https://t.ly/TJgcE

Frankenstein: https://t.ly/H167T

The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England: https://t.ly/k5Qm-

Heir to the Empire: https://t.ly/yN8oG

House Atreides: https://t.ly/88LuO

House Corrino: https://t.ly/fPngb

House Harkonnen: https://t.ly/56IGl

The Kaiju Preservation Society: https://t.ly/BGopw

The Last Command: https://t.ly/lLRX3

The Last Town: https://t.ly/BeWkA

The Maze Runner: https://t.ly/vqkeD

The Scorch Trials: https://t.ly/qFI4f

Shift: https://t.ly/2vbL8

Under the Dome: https://t.ly/unbVA

Wayward: https://t.ly/JG712

Zoo: https://t.ly/io6R8

Ways to connect with us:

Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven

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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

0:46 - Episode Explanation

2:03 - Books 80 - 61

15:29 - Conclusion & Wrap-up

————————————————————————————

Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:

https://elements.envato.com/

1 week ago

16 minutes 17 seconds

Fantasy for the Ages

Year 6 YouTube Channel Kickoff Livestream: Let's Nerd Out Together!

We've just begun SEASON 6 of Fantasy for the Ages. Mind-blowing! Today's livestream is just some fun with friends and all of you, celebrating why we keep bring content and fun to you all. Enjoy!

Check out our friends:

Derek at D&J's Epic Quest: https://www.youtube.com/@djsepicquest226

Glenn at Non-Terrestrial Half-Life: https://www.youtube.com/@non-terrestrialhalf-life

Roofmistress Leigh-a at Three Fold Talk: https://www.youtube.com/@MalkierTalks

Daniel Byshenk's Newest Audiobook Narration: The Prairie Wolf Trilogy: https://t.ly/TrfSQ

❤️ We super-appreciate all our Patreon supporters. Join us to help us keep this going, and access special benefits: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

#Fantasy #SciFi #SFF #ScienceFiction #Horror #NerdFun #Books #BookTube #BookTuber #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

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

————————————————————————————

Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:

https://elements.envato.com/

Want to create live streams like this? It works well for us, super easy! Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6171715830022144

1 week ago

1 hour 12 minutes 31 seconds

Fantasy for the Ages

Ranking Jim's BEST OF ALL Science Fiction Reads | Part 1: #100–81

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 context

Let 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 #FantasyForTheAges

Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?

2001: A Space Odyssey: https://t.ly/t3_m_

2010: Odyssey Two: https://t.ly/vgkQw

The Abyss: https://t.ly/w6Sho

Bricks: https://t.ly/hZ87g

Cell: https://t.ly/WiZdf

Children of the Mind: https://t.ly/sxxZ6

Clay: https://t.ly/jcI2q

Deadline: https://t.ly/TjmAM

The Death Cure: https://t.ly/pagyj

Fantastic Voyage: https://t.ly/Hpy5r

Halfskin: https://t.ly/6vxLW

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy: https://t.ly/_lsy5

Moon Cops on the Moon!: https://t.ly/wqMbf

Odyssey to Trappist-1: https://t.ly/E8qXp

The Running Man: https://t.ly/0ymdL

Speaker for the Dead: https://t.ly/ljH7A

Stranger in a Strange Land: https://t.ly/gXvOp

The Time Machine: https://t.ly/y06ZX

The Tommyknockers: https://t.ly/UmcO3

Xenocide: https://t.ly/fbOBc

Ways to connect with us:

Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven

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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

0:46 - Episode Explanation

1:42 - Details About the List

3:32 - Books 100 - 81

15:55 - Conclusion & Wrap-up

————————————————————————————

Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:

https://elements.envato.com/

2 weeks ago

16 minutes 39 seconds

Fantasy for the Ages

A Disease That Makes You Burst Into Flames?! | The Fireman by Joe Hill REVIEW

🔥 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 #EndOfTheWorldFiction

Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?

The End of the World as We Know It: https://t.ly/JSIlR

The Fireman: https://t.ly/EqQPy

NOS4A2: https://t.ly/X7CXy

Swan Song: https://t.ly/i5F6p

Another 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

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

1:57 - Book Details & Reception

2:58 - Why Jim Read This

3:48 - Spoiler-Lite Summary

5:02 - SIX Reasons You Might Enjoy THE FIREMAN

6:33 - THREE Reasons This Might NOT Be For You

7:06 - Final Thoughts

8:13 - Closing & Wrap-Up

————————————————————————————

Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:

https://elements.envato.com/

2 weeks ago

8 minutes 44 seconds

Fantasy for the Ages

Sci Fi Predictions That Came True: 10 Real Inventions (and What's Next...)

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 #Technology

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

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 & Episode Explanation

2:31 - Sci-Fi Items Become Real

30:12 - What’s Next? Our Predictions

34:29 - Conclusion & Wrap-up

————————————————————————————

Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:

https://elements.envato.com/

2 weeks ago

36 minutes 42 seconds

Fantasy for the Ages

Ranking Jim's Fantasy's Greatest Reads | Part 5: THE FINALE #20–1

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 novel

Let 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 #Malazan

Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?

All the Weyrs of Pern: https://t.ly/N53p9

Battle Ground: https://t.ly/e_gvh

The Bonehunters: https://t.ly/kX-q2

Caine’s Law: https://t.ly/XCCY5

The Crippled God: https://t.ly/Tghpc

Dragonflight: https://t.ly/D7R4Q

Dragonquest: https://t.ly/gjuzE

The End of the World as We Know It: https://t.ly/JSIlR

Fall of Light: https://t.ly/-5QCq

Forge of Darkness: https://t.ly/YPl_M

Knife of Dreams: https://t.ly/cLSQz

Magician: Master: https://t.ly/X4s7N

A Memory of Light: https://t.ly/HvE8C

Midnight Tides: https://t.ly/zGjjf

Oathbringer: https://t.ly/7bhmm

Peace Talks: https://t.ly/ObDsb

Reaper’s Gale: https://t.ly/7JrTb

The Return of the King: https://t.ly/JWFUq

Rhythm of War: https://t.ly/v0Hfs

The Shadow Rising: https://t.ly/5mp4-

The Stand: https://t.ly/UG_4m

Toll the Hounds: https://t.ly/035SP

The Wisdom of Crowds: https://t.ly/6zmvm

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

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

1:27 - List Explanation

2:30 - Books 20 - 1

17:12 - Conclusion & Wrap-up

————————————————————————————

Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:

https://elements.envato.com/

2 weeks ago

18 minutes 8 seconds

Fantasy for the Ages

Ranking Jim's Fantasy's Greatest Reads | Part 4 #40–21

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 entry

Join 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 #Malazan

Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?

The Angel of Indian Lake: https://t.ly/g2ug_

Best Served Cold: https://t.ly/_k4x2

Blade of Tyshalle: https://t.ly/11Z1G

Changes: https://t.ly/aSN2W

Don’t Fear the Reaper: https://t.ly/SgBC0

The Fires of Heaven: https://t.ly/fz8V-

The Gathering Storm: https://t.ly/dTiwZ

The Great Hunt: https://t.ly/ULjpP

The Heroes: https://t.ly/yJe-n

Heroes Die: https://t.ly/bJ7hE

A Little Hatred: https://t.ly/ZOKY7

Lord of Chaos: https://t.ly/kK-Lb

Magician: Apprentice: https://t.ly/TSN7f

Memories of Ice: https://t.ly/N45pt

Red Country: https://t.ly/YJkvN

Ruin: https://t.ly/3HWel

Skin Game: https://t.ly/MEvPw

Towers of Midnight: https://t.ly/iHXt-

The Trouble with Peace: https://t.ly/V00Cq

Words of Radiance: https://t.ly/PmZF4

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

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

1:22 - List Explanation

2:14 - Books 40 - 21

13:41 - Conclusion & Wrap-up

————————————————————————————

Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:

https://elements.envato.com/

2 weeks ago

14 minutes 37 seconds

Fantasy for the Ages

Ranking Jim's Fantasy's Greatest Reads | Part 3 #60–41

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 takes

Tell 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 #EpicFantasy

Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?

Caine Black Knife: https://t.ly/yGU9V

Cold Days: https://t.ly/q_WtC

Dancer’s Lament: https://t.ly/YEbhY

A Darkness at Sethanon: https://t.ly/aP7KV

Dead Beat: https://t.ly/oMC9n

The Dragon Reborn: https://t.ly/AHv1v

Dragonsdawn: https://t.ly/CG3TT

Dust of Dreams: https://t.ly/vdJWa

The Eye of the World: https://t.ly/V-eqm

House of Chains: https://t.ly/XX4D4

My Heart is a Chainsaw: https://t.ly/nVKGe

The Name of the Wind: https://t.ly/ndJbg

Proven Guilty: https://t.ly/X8rO9

Silverthorn: https://t.ly/3HUz3

Valor: https://t.ly/2PagY

Watchmen: https://t.ly/2Tp0I

The Way of Kings: https://t.ly/WSI9C

Winter’s Heart: https://t.ly/MmPbz

The Wise Man’s Fear: https://t.ly/zKufn

Wrath: https://t.ly/K_BEI

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

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

1:25 - List Explanation

2:24 - Books 60 - 41

14:43 - Conclusion & Wrap-up

————————————————————————————

Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:

https://elements.envato.com/

2 weeks ago

15 minutes 24 seconds