Fantasy for the Ages

Jim Scriven

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. vor 9 Std.

    Would You Rather Debate — SFF Dilemmas That Make You Question Everything

    Would you rather command a starship with a questionable AI — or ride a dragon with serious trust issues? In this episode of FFTA, Zach and Jim challenge each other with a series of fantasy “Would You Rather” dilemmas (with science fiction elements creeping in). From magical powers with inconvenient side effects to impossible choices involving time travel, alien worlds, legendary weapons, and apocalyptic survival, they debate every option, exploit every loophole, and occasionally question each other’s judgment. Play along and share your answers in the comments! Which choice was the toughest — and what SFF “Would You Rather” question should Zach and Jim tackle next? Subscribe for more conversations about science fiction, fantasy, storytelling, and all things wonderfully nerdy. A huge thank-you to our wonderful Patreon supporters for helping us make these videos. If you’d like to support the channel and join our Patreon community: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges #FFTA #WouldYouRather #ScienceFiction #Fantasy #SFF #SciFi #FantasyBooks #GeekCulture #NerdCulture #SpeculativeFiction #FantasyForTheAges ⸻ Ways to connect with us: Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jMWyVJ6qKk Follow us on "X": @Fantasy4theAges Follow us on Blue Sky: @fantasy4theages.bsky.social Follow us on Instagram: fantasy_for_the_ages Follow us on Mastodon: @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 1:19 - Episode Explanation 2:24 - Would You Rather Scenarios 31:26 - Wrap-up & Conclusion ———————————————————————————— Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements: https://elements.envato.com/

  2. vor 1 Tag

    The Fantasy Hero We Don't Get Anymore | Sheepfarmer’s Daughter — Jim's Review

    Have you been longing for a return to classic fantasy—where the hero isn't morally gray, but genuinely strives to do what's right? In this spoiler-lite review, I finally dive into Sheepfarmer's Daughter by Elizabeth Moon, the opening novel in The Deed of Paksenarrion trilogy. This has been one of the biggest gaps in my fantasy reading for years, and after Glenn (The Geeky Hippie) strongly encouraged me to move it to the top of my TBR, I finally gave it a shot. Was he right? Absolutely. Join me as I discuss what makes Paksenarrion such a compelling protagonist, why the military fantasy elements work so well, the classic fantasy atmosphere that made me fall in love with the genre in the first place, and a few reasons why this beloved novel might not be for everyone. In this review: ⚔️ Book details and publication history ⚔️ Why I finally picked up Elizabeth Moon ⚔️ A spoiler-lite plot summary ⚔️ Six reasons you may love this novel ⚔️ Five reasons it may not be for you ⚔️ My final thoughts and whether I'll continue the trilogy. Have you read Sheepfarmer's Daughter? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments—but please keep them spoiler free for those who haven't experienced Paks's journey yet! If you enjoy fantasy, science fiction, and horror book reviews, rankings, discussions, and recommendations, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and ring the notification bell so you don't miss future episodes! Thank you to our amazing Patreon supporters for helping make Fantasy for the Ages possible!: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges #Fantasy #EpicFantasy #ElizabethMoon #SheepfarmersDaughter #TheDeedOfPaksenarrion #BookReview #FantasyBooks #MilitaryFantasy #ClassicFantasy #FantasyForTheAges Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode? Sheepfarmer's Daughter: t.ly/F5f35 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 2:02 - Book Details 3:15 - Why Jim Read This 4:40 - Spoiler-Lite Summary & Commentary 5:56 - Six Reasons You May Love This Novel 8:53 - Five Reasons to Avoid This Novel 11:38 - Jim’s Final Thoughts 13:33 - Closing & Wrap-Up ———————————————————————————— Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements: https://elements.envato.com/

  3. vor 3 Tagen

    This Book Proves Epic Fantasy Doesn't Need to Be Complicated — Just a Hero & a Pangolin!

    Are you craving the sweeping adventure and heroic spirit of classic fantasy, but written with modern pacing and style? Look no further than The Lionheart: Icon of Justice by John A. Douglas—an actual superhero story set in an epic fantasy world! In this spoiler-lite review, Jim explores the second book in the Age of Adventures series, including its compelling character development, creative magic, slowly unfolding mysteries, excellent pacing, enormous climactic action sequence, and one remarkably memorable pangolin. Does this unusual blend of superheroes and traditional fantasy work? Is the story truly as black-and-white as it first appears? And how does Douglas’s writing compare with his debut novel, The Black Crown? Prepare to be amazed! Have you read The Lionheart: Icon of Justice or The Black Crown? Share your spoiler-free thoughts in the comments—and let us know whether you’d like to see more superhero stories set in fantasy worlds. Please like the video, subscribe to Fantasy for the Ages, and turn on notifications for more fantasy and science fiction reviews, discussions, and recommendations. Thank you to our amazing Patreon supporters for helping make Fantasy for the Ages possible!: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges #FantasyForTheAges #TheLionheart #IconOfJustice #JohnADouglas #AgeOfAdventures #FantasyBooks #FantasyBookReview #BookReview #SpoilerFreeReview #SpoilerLiteReview #EpicFantasy #SuperheroFantasy #IndieFantasy #IndieBooks #BookTube #FantasyBookTube #ReadingRecommendations Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode? The Black Crown: https://t.ly/7ycD6 The Lionheart: Icon of Justice: https://t.ly/AXKsB Check Out My Review of This Author’s First Book! The Black Crown: https://youtu.be/Rqvcip8hkcA 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 2:36 - Book Details 3:47 - Why Jim Read This 5:57 - Spoiler-Lite Summary & Commentary 11:05 - 10 Reasons To Enjoy This Novel 16:35 - 3 Reasons This Isn’t For You 18:43 - Jim’s Final Thoughts 21:52 - Closing & Wrap-Up ———————————————————————————— Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements: https://elements.envato.com/

  4. vor 4 Tagen

    This Book Divides Old Man's War Fans — Here's Why | Zoe's Tale

    Can seeing the same story through different eyes change everything? In this spoiler-lite review, Jim takes a closer look at Zoe’s Tale by John Scalzi, the fourth book in the Old Man’s War series. This companion novel revisits the events of The Last Colony from Zoe Boutin Perry’s perspective, revealing new pieces of the conflict involving the Colonial Union, the Conclave, and humanity’s increasingly precarious place in the galaxy. We’ll discuss Zoe’s transformation from the kid along for the ride into a protagonist with genuine agency, the novel’s younger point of view and YA flavor, Scalzi’s character work and fast pacing, and the valuable insight Zoe provides into the Obin and the Conclave. We’ll also consider the potential drawbacks: the repeated plot material, the teenage drama, and whether this parallel retelling adds enough to justify revisiting a story readers already know. Is Zoe’s Tale an essential addition to the Old Man’s War series—or its weakest installment so far? Let us know what you think in the comments, but please keep the conversation spoiler-lite for readers who are still exploring the series. SUPPORT FANTASY FOR THE AGES If you enjoy conversations about fantasy, science fiction, books, authors, and imaginative worlds, please like this video, subscribe to Fantasy for the Ages, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. Thank you to our amazing Patreon supporters for helping make Fantasy for the Ages possible!: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges #ZoesTale #JohnScalzi #OldMansWar #BookReview #ScienceFiction #MilitaryScienceFiction #SpaceOpera #SciFiBooks #BookTube #BookTuber #SpoilerFreeReview #SpoilerLite #FantasyForTheAges Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode? Zoe’s Tale: https://t.ly/80kG- 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 2:14 - Book Details 3:31 - Why Jim Read This 5:01 - Spoiler-Lite Summary 6:43 - Eight Reasons You May Like Reading Zoe’s Tale 11:47 - Three Reasons You May Want to Skip It 13:56 - Jim’s Final Thoughts 15:49 - Closing & Wrap-Up ———————————————————————————— Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements: https://elements.envato.com/

  5. vor 5 Tagen

    20 Fantasy Books, 5 Clues Each - How Many Did You Get Right?

    Can Zach guess the fantasy book in just five clues? 📚✨ In this episode, Jim reveals one clue at a time while Zach tries to identify the mystery fantasy books before all five clues are used. Play along and see how many times you can beat him to the answer! Comment below: 🔮 Which clue gave it away? 🏆 How many clues did you need? Warning: This episode may contain spoilers for the mystery books. If you enjoyed the challenge, please give the video a like and subscribe for more fantasy-book fun! A huge thank-you to our wonderful Patreon supporters for helping us make these videos. If you’d like to support the channel and join our Patreon community: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges #FantasyBooks #BookChallenge #GuessTheBook #BookTube #FantasyReader ⸻ 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 1:40 - Episode Explanation 2:49 - Book 1 5:43 - Book 2 9:01 - Book 3 12:49 - Book 4 17:48 - Book 5 23:02 - Book 6 24:57 - Book 7 29:06 - Book 8 32:34 - Book 9 36:38 - Book 10 38:00 - Book 11 40:56 - Book 12 42:54 - Book 13 45:17 - Book 14 47:45 - Book 15 50:19 - Book 16 53:22 - Book 17 58:15 - Book 18 1:01:57 - Book 19 1:05:51- Book 20 1:10:19 - Extra Credit Book Guess 1:15:34 - Wrap-up & Conclusion ———————————————————————————— Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements: https://elements.envato.com/

  6. 13. Juli

    Why Everyone Warns You About "Too Like the Lightning" | Jim's Speaks the Truth

    Everyone said this book was too hard… and after finally reading it, I think I understand why. Too Like the Lightning by Ada Palmer has built a reputation as one of the most ambitious, challenging, and divisive science fiction novels of the past decade. Some readers call it a modern masterpiece. Others don’t make it past the first hundred pages. As someone who tends to gravitate toward dense, intellectually demanding stories — whether that’s Malazan Book of the Fallen or The Book of the New Sun — I couldn’t resist finding out for myself. In this spoiler-lite review, I discuss what makes this Hugo-nominated novel so unique, why so many readers struggle with it, and ultimately why I decided not to continue with the rest of the Terra Ignota series. We’ll cover: 📚 A spoiler-lite summary of the story 🌎 The incredible worldbuilding and ambitious ideas ⚖️ The politics, philosophy, and layered mysteries ✅ Nine reasons you may love this book ❌ Four reasons it may not be for you 🤔 My honest final thoughts after letting the novel sit for a while Have you read Too Like the Lightning? Did you love it, DNF it, or fall somewhere in between? Let me know in the comments. I have a feeling this one is going to generate some fascinating discussion. If you enjoy fantasy, science fiction, horror, book reviews, rankings, author discussions, and all things speculative fiction, I’d love to have you join the Fantasy for the Ages community. Be sure to like, subscribe, and ring the notification bell so you don’t miss future episodes! Thank you to our amazing Patreon supporters for helping make Fantasy for the Ages possible!: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges #TooLikeTheLightning #AdaPalmer #TerraIgnota #ScienceFiction #SciFiBooks #BookReview #BookTube #FantasyForTheAges #SpeculativeFiction #HugoAwards #ScienceFictionBooks #BookRecommendations #ReadingCommunity #SFF #Books Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode? Too Like the Lightning: 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 1:53 - Book Details 2:48 - Why Jim Read This 4:14 - Spoiler-Lite Summary 5:41 - Nine Reasons You May Enjoy Reading This 10:17 - Four Reasons This Won’t Be For You 11:24 - Jim’s Final Thoughts 14:38 - Closing & Wrap-Up ———————————————————————————— Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements: https://elements.envato.com/

  7. 11. Juli

    The Real Reasons Malazan Doesn't Have More Fans

    Many readers says Malazan Book of the Fallen is one of the greatest fantasy series ever written… so why is its fandom so much smaller than those of The Wheel of Time, The Stormlight Archive, The Lord of the Rings, or The First Law? In this Fantasy for the Ages solo episode, Jim shares his own journey through Steven Erikson’s monumental epic — from never having even heard of Malazan before starting the channel, to struggling through Gardens of the Moon and Deadhouse Gates, to ultimately falling in love with one of the richest and most ambitious fantasy worlds ever created. Along the way, Jim counts down his Top 10 reasons why the Malazan fandom remains surprisingly small, exploring everything from the series’ intimidating complexity and emotional weight to its brutal violence, enormous commitment, understated marketing, and uniquely dry sense of humor. Whether you’re a longtime Malazan veteran, someone who abandoned the series, or you’ve been wondering if you should finally give it a try, this episode is for you. What do YOU think? Why isn’t the Malazan fandom larger? And if you’re a fan, what keeps you coming back to Steven Erikson’s incredible world? Share your thoughts in the comments; we’d love to hear from you! If you enjoy fantasy reviews, rankings, discussions, and deep dives into the best fantasy, science fiction, and horror has to offer, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and ring the notification bell so you never miss a new Fantasy for the Ages episode! A special thank you to our incredible Patreon supporters. Your encouragement helps make this channel possible!: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges #Malazan #BookTube #FantasyBooks #EpicFantasy #StevenErikson #GardensOfTheMoon #MalazanBookOfTheFallen #FantasyForTheAges #Fantasy #BookReview ⸻ 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 Skit 1:26 - Episode Explanation 2:16 - Jim’s Experience with Malazan 7:37 - 10 Reasons the Malazan Fandom is So Small 16:00 - Wrap-up & Conclusion ———————————————————————————— Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements: https://elements.envato.com/

  8. 10. Juli

    This Hidden Gem Noir Novella Will Blow Your Mind | Stephen Aryan's New York Minute

    What happens when you mix classic noir detective fiction with an alternate-history science fiction world—and set it all in a version of New York City that’s both familiar and completely different? You get New York Minute by Stephen Aryan. In this spoiler-free review, I dive into why this self-published novella surprised me in all the best ways. We’ll talk about its compelling mystery, memorable characters, fascinating alternate-world setting, explosive finale, and why I think it’s a hidden gem that deserves far more attention. I’ll also share who I think this book is (and isn’t) for, plus why I’m already looking forward to the upcoming sequel, The Dead Don’t Lie. If you enjoy detective fiction, speculative fiction, noir, science fiction, or simply discovering great books that have flown under the radar, this is one you won’t want to miss. Have you read New York Minute? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! 👍 If you enjoyed this review, please like the video, subscribe to Fantasy for the Ages, and ring the notification bell so you never miss our latest reviews, lists, discussions, and all things fantasy, science fiction, and horror. Thank you to our amazing Patreon supporters for helping make Fantasy for the Ages possible!: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges #StephenAryan #NewYorkMinute #BookReview #SciFiBooks #ScienceFiction #MysteryBooks #Noir #DetectiveFiction #SpeculativeFiction #FantasyForTheAges #BookTube #ReadingRecommendations #IndieBooks #SelfPublished Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode? New York Minute: https://t.ly/H1vHU The Dead Don't Lie: https://t.ly/SulH6 Battle Mage: https://t.ly/MTYSd The Coward: https://t.ly/MF8fH The Judas Blossom: https://t.ly/aeyoZ 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 1:54 - Book Details 3:49 - Why Jim Read This 5:48 - Spoiler-Lite Summary 6:47 - Seven Reasons You’ll Enjoy This Book 10:16 - Three Reasons This Might Not Work For You 11:40 - Jim’s Final Thoughts 12:46 - Closing & Wrap-Up ———————————————————————————— Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements: https://elements.envato.com/

Info

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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