Fantasy for the Ages

Jim Scriven
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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.

  1. 22 hrs ago

    Airships, Espionage, and Mind Control? Sign Me Up! | The Skyman’s Legacy

    Airships. Espionage. Mind control. Revenge decades in the making.Today I’m reviewing The Skyman’s Legacy by Pete Kramer, a 2025 steampunk fantasy adventure that combines covert operations, alternate-history vibes, star-crossed romance, and plenty of high-flying action. While a couple of major time jumps gave me some trouble along the way, this book ultimately delivered a thrilling finish that left me glad I stuck with it.In this spoiler-lite review, I’ll discuss what worked, what didn’t, who this book is for, and whether fans of fantasy, steampunk, spy thrillers, and adventure fiction should give it a shot.If you’ve read The Skyman’s Legacy, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Did the time jumps work for you? What did you think of the worldbuilding, characters, and adventure elements?If you enjoy fantasy, science fiction, horror, and book discussions, be sure to like, subscribe, and ring the notification bell so you don’t miss future episodes from Fantasy for the Ages.Support the channel on Patreon: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges#TheSkymansLegacy #PeteKramer #SteampunkFantasy #BookReview #FantasyBooks #FantasyForTheAges #Steampunk #IndieFantasy #BookTube #FantasyReview #ReadingCommunity #Airships #FantasyReaders #SpeculativeFictionWant to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?Chesapeake Bay Monsters: https://t.ly/uu45LThe Dream Factory: https://t.ly/VZVKAThe Skyman’s Legacy: https://t.ly/c-geMWays 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 - Opening1:14 - Book Details1:46 - Why Jim Read This3:27 - Spoiler-Lite Synopsis5:20 - Six Reasons You May Enjoy This Read7:28 - Three Reasons This Might Not Work For You8:23 - Jim’s Final Thoughts13:22 - Closing & Wrap-Up————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

    14 min

  2. 1 day ago

    30 Extremely Likable Minor SFF Characters | Jim Counts Down the Favorites

    Some characters AREN’T the hero… but we’d riot if they weren’t in the story. In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim counts down his Top 30 Extremely Likable Minor Characters in Science Fiction and Fantasy. These are the side characters, supporting players, comic relief legends, loyal companions, mysterious wanderers, wise mentors, and scene-stealers who somehow become some of the most beloved figures in their respective stories. From fantasy epics and urban fantasy to classic science fiction and space opera, these characters may not get the most page time or screen time, but they leave an impact far greater than their role would suggest. Whether they make us laugh, inspire us, break our hearts, or simply make every scene better by showing up, these are the characters we can’t help but love. Featuring favorites from: ⚔️ The Lord of the Rings ⚔️ The Wheel of Time ⚔️ The Dresden Files ⚔️ The Cosmere ⚔️ Malazan ⚔️ Star Wars ⚔️ Star Trek ⚔️ The Expanse ⚔️ Discworld ⚔️ Firefly ⚔️ Harry Potter ⚔️ The Witcher …and more! Who are your favorite minor characters in SFF? Which side character steals the show every time they appear? Did Jim miss one of your favorites? Let us know in the comments! If you enjoy fantasy, science fiction, horror, book reviews, rankings, discussions, and all things nerdy, be sure to like, subscribe, and ring the bell so you don’t miss future episodes. Special thanks to our amazing Patreon supporters. Your support helps make Fantasy for the Ages possible!: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges #FantasyForTheAges #FantasyBooks #ScienceFiction #LordOfTheRings #WheelOfTime #StarWars #DresdenFiles #Cosmere #Malazan #Discworld #BookTube #FantasyRanking #SFF ⸻ Ways to connect with us: Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jMWyVJ6qKk Follow us on "X": @Fantasy4theAges Follow us on Blue Sky: @fantasy4theages.bsky.social Follow us on Instagram: fantasy_for_the_ages Follow us on Mastodon: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com Check out our merch: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com/collections/fantasyfortheages Jim’s Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4 Jim’s Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n 0:00 - Opening 1:21 - Episode Explanation 2:34 - Honorable Mention 4:10 - From 30 to 21 11:14 - From 20 to 11 18:02 - The Top 10 26:10 - Wrap-up & Conclusion ———————————————————————————— Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements: https://elements.envato.com/

    28 min

  3. 2 days ago

    The Strain Explained: When Vampirism Becomes a Viral Apocalypse

    What if vampirism wasn’t supernatural… but biological? In today’s review, I dive into The Strain (2009), the first novel in Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan’s acclaimed vampire horror trilogy. Long before I knew this was a book series, I enjoyed watching FX’s four-season adaptation. Once I discovered there were novels behind the show, this one shot straight onto my TBR. Featuring a terrifying blend of vampire mythology, viral infection, scientific investigation, ancient prophecy, and apocalyptic horror, The Strain delivers one of the most unique takes on vampires you’ll ever encounter. Add in a memorable cast of characters, Holocaust survivor Abraham Setrakian, a truly unforgettable opening mystery involving a jetliner full of dead passengers, and audiobook narration by Ron Perlman himself, and you’ve got a recipe for a fantastic horror read. Join me as I discuss what makes this novel work so well, who will love it, who might want to skip it, and why I think vampire fans owe it to themselves to check out this modern horror classic. Have you read The Strain? Did you watch the TV adaptation? Which did you prefer? Let me know in the comments! If you enjoy fantasy, science fiction, and horror reviews, rankings, recommendations, and discussions, be sure to subscribe and join us here at Fantasy for the Ages. And if you’d like to help support Fantasy for the Ages, consider joining our Patreon community!: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges #TheStrain #GuillermoDelToro #ChuckHogan #Vampires #HorrorBooks #BookReview #HorrorFiction #FantasyForTheAges #Audiobooks #RonPerlman #HorrorCommunity #BookTube #DarkFantasy #SupernaturalHorror #VampireBooks Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode? Necroscope: https://t.ly/c-geM The Strain: https://t.ly/KhAmi Ways to connect with us: Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jMWyVJ6qKk Follow us on "X": @Fantasy4theAges Follow us on Blue Sky: @fantasy4theages.bsky.social Follow us on Instagram: fantasy_for_the_ages Follow us on Mastodon: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com Check out our merch: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com/collections/fantasyfortheages Jim’s Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4 Jim’s Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n 0:00 - Opening 1:34 - Book Details 3:09 - Why Jim Read This 5:43 - Spoiler-Lite Synopsis 7:02 - Seven Reasons You May Enjoy The Strain 10:06 - Three Reasons This Book Won’t Be For You 11:13 - Jim’s Final Thoughts 13:07 - Closing & Wrap-Up ———————————————————————————— Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements: https://elements.envato.com/

    14 min

  4. 3 days ago

    Ranking the Most Incredible Fathers in SFF

    What makes a truly great father? In fantasy and science fiction, we’re surrounded by heroes, villains, kings, captains, warriors, wizards, and chosen ones. But some of the most inspiring characters in all of speculative fiction aren’t remembered for saving worlds—they’re remembered for raising the next generation. In this episode, Jim and Zach each reveal their Top 10 Fathers in Fantasy and Science Fiction, counting down the dads who best exemplify sacrifice, integrity, wisdom, courage, love, and the ability to inspire their children to become the best versions of themselves. Along the way, they compare lists, debate rankings, share honorable mentions, and discuss what qualities truly define great fatherhood. Will their lists be similar? Which picks will spark the biggest debates? And which beloved characters just missed the cut? Join us for this celebration of some of the finest examples of fatherhood in speculative fiction! What characters would make YOUR list of the greatest fathers in fantasy and science fiction? Let us know in the comments! If you enjoy fantasy, science fiction, horror, book discussions, rankings, reviews, and all things speculative fiction, be sure to like, subscribe, and ring the notification bell so you won’t miss future content from Fantasy for the Ages. ⚔️ Support the channel on Patreon: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges #FantasyForTheAges #FantasyBooks #ScienceFiction #SFF #BookTube #Fantasy #SciFi #Top10 #BookDiscussion #SpeculativeFiction #FantasyCharacters #SciFiCharacters #Fatherhood #FictionalCharacters #GeekCulture ⸻ Ways to connect with us: Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jMWyVJ6qKk Follow us on "X": @Fantasy4theAges Follow us on Blue Sky: @fantasy4theages.bsky.social Follow us on Instagram: fantasy_for_the_ages Follow us on Mastodon: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com Check out our merch: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com/collections/fantasyfortheages Jim’s Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4 Jim’s Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n 0:00 - Opening 1:51 - Early Tangents 2:40 - The Rest of the Opening! 3:20 - Episode Explanation 5:47 - Zach’s Honorable Mention 7:07 - Picks 10 - 6 20:37 - The Top 5 39:51 - Wrap-up & Conclusion ———————————————————————————— Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements: https://elements.envato.com/

    41 min

  5. 5 days ago

    I Couldn’t Put This Down! | Killing the Boogeyman Review

    Did Richard Chizmar stick the landing? After the phenomenal success of Chasing the Boogeyman and Becoming the Boogeyman, expectations were sky-high for the final installment of the Boogeyman Trilogy. In this spoiler-lite review, Jim dives into an Advance Reader Copy of Killing the Boogeyman — releasing October 6, 2026 — to find out whether this highly anticipated conclusion delivers the payoff readers have been waiting for. Can Chizmar bring together the mystery, suspense, true-crime atmosphere, unforgettable characters, and lingering supernatural questions that have made this trilogy such a hit? Or will readers be left wishing for more? Join Jim as he explores what makes this final chapter work so well, who it might appeal to, and whether the Boogeyman trilogy earns a place among the most satisfying thriller trilogies in recent memory. Have you read Chasing the Boogeyman or Becoming the Boogeyman? Are you planning to pick up Killing the Boogeyman when it releases? Let us know in the comments! If you enjoy our content, please Like, Subscribe, and ring the notification bell so you never miss an episode. And if you’d like to help support Fantasy for the Ages, consider joining our Patreon community!: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges #RichardChizmar #KillingTheBoogeyman #ChasingTheBoogeyman #BecomingTheBoogeyman #BookReview #HorrorBooks #ThrillerBooks #MysteryBooks #TrueCrimeFiction #HorrorCommunity #BookTube #FantasyForTheAges Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode? Chasing the Boogeyman: https://t.ly/YOr9N Becoming the Boogeyman: https://t.ly/V2tAA Killing the Boogeyman: https://t.ly/ySGgy Gwendy’s Button Box: https://t.ly/f--O8 Ways to connect with us: Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jMWyVJ6qKk Follow us on "X": @Fantasy4theAges Follow us on Blue Sky: @fantasy4theages.bsky.social Follow us on Instagram: fantasy_for_the_ages Follow us on Mastodon: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com Check out our merch: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com/collections/fantasyfortheages Jim’s Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4 Jim’s Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n 0:00 - Opening 1:37 - Book Details 2:38 - Why Jim Read This 3:53 - Spoiler-Lite Synopsis 5:26 - Six Reasons You May Enjoy This Novel 8:57 - Three Reasons It May Not Work for You 10:12 - Jim’s Final Thoughts 11:32 - Closing & Wrap-Up ———————————————————————————— Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements: https://elements.envato.com/

    13 min

  6. 19 June

    Everything You Know About Vampires Is Wrong | Jim Reviews Necroscope III The Source

    What if everything you’ve ever been told about vampires was wrong? In this spoiler-lite review of Necroscope III: The Source by Brian Lumley, I continue my journey through one of horror’s most beloved cult-classic series. After two increasingly impressive novels, Lumley takes things to another level by dramatically expanding the mythology behind his terrifying vampires—and trust me, the explanation isn’t anything like what you’re expecting. Join me as I discuss what worked, what didn’t, how Harry Keogh continues to be one of horror’s most unique protagonists, and whether this third installment keeps the momentum rolling after the excellent Necroscope II: Vamphyri!. Have you read The Source? What did you think of Lumley’s evolving vampire mythology? Let me know in the comments below! If you enjoy fantasy, science fiction, and horror book reviews, rankings, recommendations, author discussions, and all things speculative fiction, be sure to like, subscribe, and ring the notification bell so you won’t miss future episodes from Fantasy for the Ages. Want to help support the channel and gain access to additional content and perks? Consider joining us on Patreon!: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges #Necroscope #BrianLumley #HorrorBooks #BookReview #Vampires #HorrorFiction #FantasyForTheAges #DarkFantasy #SupernaturalHorror #HorrorLiterature #BookTube #ReadingCommunity #SpeculativeFiction #HarryKeogh #CultClassic Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode? Necroscope III: The Source: https://t.ly/gk2gF Ways to connect with us: Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jMWyVJ6qKk Follow us on "X": @Fantasy4theAges Follow us on Blue Sky: @fantasy4theages.bsky.social Follow us on Instagram: fantasy_for_the_ages Follow us on Mastodon: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com Check out our merch: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com/collections/fantasyfortheages Jim’s Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4 Jim’s Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n 0:00 - Opening 1:42 - Book Details 3:21 - Why Jim Read This 5:00 - Spoiler-Lite Synopsis 5:59 - Five Reasons You May Enjoy This Book 8:38 - Four Reasons This Perhaps Won’t Be Your Thing 10:46 - Jim’s Final Thoughts 11:58 - Closing & Wrap-Up ———————————————————————————— Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements: https://elements.envato.com/

    13 min

  7. 18 June

    I Can’t Believe These Are Real Book Titles!

    Some science fiction and fantasy books have incredible titles. Others have titles that leave you wondering if the author lost a dare, a bet, or perhaps a small amount of their sanity. In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, I’m handing out twenty completely unofficial, thoroughly unimportant, and highly prestigious awards to some of the strangest, funniest, most baffling book titles in SFF history. From John Dies at the End and Dungeon Crawler Carl to The Hollow Chocolate Bunnies of the Apocalypse and Space Raptor Butt Invasion, we’re celebrating the wonderfully weird side of speculative fiction. Along the way, we’ll determine which title sounds most like a threat, which one would most confuse a librarian, which one might accidentally summon an Elder God, and which one should probably never be recommended in polite company. Whether you’ve read these books or are just here for the laughs, this is a celebration of the creativity—and occasional madness—of SFF publishing. What are the weirdest, funniest, or most unforgettable science fiction and fantasy book titles you’ve ever encountered? Let me know in the comments! 🔔 Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and ring the notification bell for more fantasy, science fiction, and horror content. ⚔️ Support the channel on Patreon: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges #FantasyForTheAges #FantasyBooks #ScienceFiction #BookTube #Fantasy #SciFi #SFF #BookRecommendations #ReadingCommunity #BookLovers #DungeonCrawlerCarl #JohnDiesAtTheEnd #FantasyReaders #ScienceFictionBooks #FunnyBooks ⸻ Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode? Agyar: https://t.ly/mE1T1 The Ballad of Black Tom: https://t.ly/DxUWo The Dragon Waiting: https://t.ly/Tjkga Dungeon Crawler Carl: https://t.ly/8Azjn The Girl Who Could Move Sh*t with Her Mind: https://t.ly/_kG8i The Hollow Chocolate Bunnies of the Apocalypse: https://t.ly/QLIsm How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe: https://t.ly/T3inq John Dies at the End: https://t.ly/g2ZFO The Knife of Never Letting Go: https://t.ly/1ZfpV Lincoln in the Bardo: https://t.ly/3xpm- The Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove: https://t.ly/glA-Y Several People are Typing: https://t.ly/q1acm Someone Comes to Town, Someone Leaves Town: https://t.ly/rpAbT Space Raptor Butt Invasion: https://t.ly/RGtBk Stealing the Elf-King’s Roses: https://t.ly/nPNAE The Three-Body Problem: https://t.ly/3OQVG To Say Nothing of the Dog: https://t.ly/sO2pO The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous Tales of Fred, the Vampire Accountant: https://t.ly/7LtBq Viriconium: https://t.ly/zRkcf The Vorhh: https://t.ly/3oANd Ways to connect with us: Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jMWyVJ6qKk Follow us on "X": @Fantasy4theAges Follow us on Blue Sky: @fantasy4theages.bsky.social Follow us on Instagram: fantasy_for_the_ages Follow us on Mastodon: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com Check out our merch: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com/collections/fantasyfortheages Jim’s Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4 Jim’s Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n 0:00 - Opening 1:23 - Episode Explanation 2:10 - The First 10 7:43 - A Final 10 12:44 - Wrap-up & Conclusion ———————————————————————————— Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements: https://elements.envato.com/

    14 min

  8. 17 June

    Warlock’s Sun Rising Review | The Best Epic Fantasy Nobody Is Talking About?

    How is nobody talking about this series?!Warlock’s Sun Rising by Damien Black continues one of the most impressive epic fantasy stories I’ve discovered in recent years. After being thoroughly captivated by Devil’s Night Dawning, I had high expectations going into Book 2 — and somehow this sequel exceeded them. Bigger stakes, deeper character work, fascinating villains, powerful faith elements, shocking twists, and multiple jaw-dropping ending moments make this one of the strongest fantasy sequels I’ve read in quite some time.In this spoiler-lite review, I discuss what makes Warlock’s Sun Rising such a compelling read, why fans of classic epic fantasy should take notice, and why Damien Black’s Broken Stone Chronicle deserves far more attention than it receives. If you enjoy sprawling fantasy worlds, intersecting storylines, memorable characters, and a unique clash between divine power and dark magic, this may be a series you need to add to your TBR immediately.Have you read Warlock’s Sun Rising or Devil’s Night Dawning? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!If you enjoy fantasy, science fiction, horror, book reviews, author discussions, rankings, recommendations, and all things speculative fiction, be sure to subscribe to Fantasy for the Ages!Support the channel on Patreon: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges#FantasyBooks #EpicFantasy #BookReview #DamienBlack #WarlocksSunRising #DevilsNightDawning #ChristianFantasy #FantasyForTheAges #BookTube #FantasySeries #FantasyReaders #FantasyBookReview #BrokenChronicle #DarkFantasy #FantasyRecommendationsWant to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?Devil’s Night Dawning: https://t.ly/L2oDWWarlock’s Sun Rising: https://t.ly/g0EW3Ways 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 - Opening0:56 - Book Details1:46 - Why Jim Read This3:37 - Spoiler-Lite Synopsis4:33 - Eight Reasons You May Enjoy This Book7:50 - Three Reasons You Might Not Enjoy This8:53 - Jim’s Final Thoughts10:39 - Closing & Wrap-Up————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

    12 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Jim Scriven
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    983
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Jim Scriven
  • Show Website
    Fantasy for the Ages