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. 7 HR AGO

    Christians Can Enjoy THESE Fantasy AND Sci-Fi Selections Without Feeling Guilty!

    As Christians, we don’t have to be afraid of books that don’t match our faith. But sometimes? It’s really nice to read stories we can enjoy without compromise. After the huge response to my recent episode on SFF Books That Don’t Hate Christianity, you all flooded the comments with recommendations. So today I’m back with FIVE ranked sections of Christian-friendly fantasy and sci-fi — from lesser-known gems to major Christian SFF staples, to surprising TBR discoveries… and even a few big-name titles I’m honestly embarrassed I didn’t mention last time. From The Wingfeather Saga and Ted Dekker’s Circle Series, to A Canticle for Leibowitz, The Holy War, The Dresden Files, and many more — this list spans centuries, genres, and styles. Whether you’re looking for explicitly Christian fiction or stories that simply take faith, morality, and redemption seriously, there’s something here for you. We love all kinds of SFF here at Fantasy for the Ages. But today’s episode is about the ones where you don’t have to tilt your head at 30% to find the beauty. 👇 Let me know in the comments: What Christian-friendly SFF should I read next? What did I miss? Which of these is your #1? If you enjoy thoughtful fantasy & sci-fi discussions, consider subscribing and supporting the channel on Patreon (link below). Your support keeps Fantasy for the Ages growing!: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges #ChristianFantasy #ChristianSciFi #SFF #FaithAndFiction #WingfeatherSaga #TedDekker #CanticleForLeibowitz #FantasyBooks #SciFiBooks #BookTube #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 1:48 - Episode Explanation 3:02 - Lesser Known Christian SFF Recs 7:51 - Major Christian SFF Recs 12:44 - Christian-Friendly That Didn’t Quite Work for Me 14:55 - TBR Surprises That ARE Christian-Friendly 18:25 - Big Name Books: How Did I Forget These?! 22:34 - Wrap-up & Conclusion ———————————————————————————— Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements: https://elements.envato.com/

    24 min

  2. 5 DAYS AGO

    SFF Books That Don't Hate Christianity — Jim's Recs

    Are you a Christian who loves fantasy and science fiction, but is tired of stories that mock, dismiss, or outright attack faith? You’re not alone. In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim shares 10 outstanding fantasy and sci-fi reading recommendations for Christians who want great storytelling that aligns with, explores, or is deeply informed by a Christian worldview. These aren’t sermons in disguise—but thoughtful, imaginative, and often powerful stories that wrestle with good and evil, sacrifice, redemption, hope, and what it means to live faithfully in a broken world. Rather than a single Top 10, this video breaks the recommendations into three ranked categories: • Books where Christianity is an explicit and central focus • Stories where Christian belief is foundational but not front-and-center • Genre classics heavily shaped by Christian themes and moral frameworks Featured works include Pilgrims, The Screwtape Letters, The Chronicles of Narnia, Dune, and The Lord of the Rings — along with several others that Christian readers consistently find meaningful and uplifting. Whether you’re looking for encouragement, inspiration, or simply a good book that won’t leave you discouraged, this list is for you. 💬 Join the conversation in the comments: Which of these have you read? What would you add? 💬 Jump into our Discord to talk books, faith, and fandom with fellow readers. ❤️ Support the channel on Patreon to help keep Fantasy for the Ages going strong. Visit our Patreon page to help support the channel and get some special “thank you” perks like our other supporters: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges #FantasyBooks #ChristianReaders #ScienceFictionBooks #FaithAndFiction #BookRecommendations #ChristianFantasy #SFF #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 2:03 - Episode Explanation 3:47 - Books Where Christianity is a Very Real Element & Focus 6:50 - Books Where Christianity Is Foundational, but Not the Main Focus 8:23 - Books Heavily Influenced by Christian Themes 10:44 - Wrap-up & Conclusion ———————————————————————————— Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements: https://elements.envato.com/

    12 min

  3. 6 FEB

    Most EPIC Fantasy and Sci Fi Sidekick Duos Ever? (Our TOP 10!)

    Some characters are great on their own. But put the right two together, and magic happens. In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim & Zach dive into the Best Duos in Fantasy & Sci-Fi — across books, movies, and television — focusing on the pairs whose chemistry, banter, loyalty, and conflict make their stories better. These are the duos who: • Steal scenes every time they’re together • Elevate the world and the main plot • Balance humor, heart, and tension • And often end up being just as memorable as the heroes themselves From ride-or-die friendships to uneasy alliances to partnerships forged under fire, we’re celebrating the pairs that prove great stories aren’t just about individuals, they’re about relationships. ⚠️ This episode is spoiler-light, keeping the focus on why these duos work rather than what ultimately happens to them. 👉 Jump into the comments and tell us: • Which duo is your all-time favorite? • Who did we miss? • And which pair would you absolutely watch an entire spin-off about? If you love Fantasy & Sci-Fi characters, dynamics, and debates, this one’s for you. Don’t forget to: 👍 Like the video 📺 Subscribe for more Fantasy, Sci-Fi, & Horror content 🔔 Ring the bell so you don’t miss future rankings and discussions 💬 Join the conversation in the comments Visit our Patreon page to help support the channel and get some special “thank you” perks like our other supporters: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges #FantasyForTheAges #BestDuos #FantasyBooks #SciFiBooks #FantasyMovies #SciFiMovies #SFF #BookTube #GeekDebate 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 1:02 - Episode Explanation 2:23 - We Build Our Top 10 List 20:28 - The Top 10 Finalized 21:18 - Wrap-up & Conclusion ———————————————————————————— Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements: https://elements.envato.com/

    22 min

  4. 4 FEB

    Glen Powell's Running Man is Uncomfortably Relevant

    Is The Running Man (2025) the rare remake that’s actually better than the original? I went into this one as a fan of the 1987 Schwarzenegger classic—campy, quotable, and unmistakably of its era. But this new adaptation takes a very different approach: darker, smarter, more faithful to Stephen King’s novel, and far more interested in making a point than cracking jokes. In this spoiler-lite review, I break down why The Running Man (2025) is a far more serious, fully realized dystopian sci-fi film than its predecessor—one with top-notch production value, a strong central performance from Glen Powell, and themes that feel uncomfortably relevant in today’s media-obsessed world. That said… this movie is not for everyone. If you’re looking for pure escapist fun, over-the-top villains, and one-liners you can quote for decades, this might not be your jam. But if you want sci-fi that actually makes you think—and maybe squirm a little—this one deserves your attention. In this episode, I cover: • How the 2025 film differs from the 1987 original • Why this version feels truer to Stephen King’s intent • Glen Powell’s performance and rise as a leading man • Who will love this movie, and who absolutely won’t • Whether we should finally stop comparing everything to Arnie (sorry, Arnie) Now it’s your turn: 👉 Which version of The Running Man do you prefer? 👉 Should remakes aim for fun… or faithfulness? 👉 Did the ending work for you? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’ll be reading them. If you enjoyed this review, please like the video, subscribe for more fantasy & sci-fi content, and consider supporting the channel on Patreon to help keep Fantasy for the Ages going strong: https://www.patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges #TheRunningMan #TheRunningMan2025 #SciFiMovies #StephenKing #MovieReview #DystopianSciFi #FantasyForTheAges #GlenPowell #FilmReview #SciFiFilm 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 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 1:28 - Film Details 2:54 - Spoiler-Lite Summary 3:41 - Jim’s Take 5:23 - Six Reasons You May Enjoy This Movie 7:11 - Six Reasons You Might Not 8:46 - Final Thoughts 11:20 - Conclusion & Wrap-up ———————————————————————————— Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements: https://elements.envato.com/

    12 min

  5. 3 FEB

    Top 10 SFF Movies That Are Impossible to Stop Rewatching

    What makes a Fantasy or Sci-Fi movie endlessly rewatchable? In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim & Zach counts down the Top 10 Most Rewatchable Fantasy & Sci-Fi Movies of All Time. These are the films you can drop into at any moment, watch for five minutes or two hours, and still have a great time. We’re talking about movies that: • Get better on repeat viewings • Reward familiarity with quotes, details, and payoff • Balance spectacle, character, and pure fun • And somehow never get old, no matter how many times you’ve seen them From comfort rewatches to blockbuster classics to movies that reveal something new every time, these picks span decades of Fantasy & Sci-Fi greatness. ⚠️ This episode is spoiler-light, focusing on why these films are so rewatchable—not ruining the moments that make them special. 👉 Jump into the comments and tell us: • Which movie do you rewatch the most? • Which one surprised you on this list? • And what absolutely should have made the Top 10? If Fantasy & Sci-Fi movies are your go-to comfort viewing, this episode is for you. Don’t forget to: 👍 Like the video 📺 Subscribe for weekly Fantasy, Sci-Fi, & Horror content 🔔 Ring the bell so you don’t miss future rankings and debates 💬 Join the conversation in the comments Visit our Patreon page to help support the channel and get some special “thank you” perks like our other supporters: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges #FantasyForTheAges #SciFiMovies #FantasyMovies #RewatchableMovies #Top10Movies #SFF #MovieRanking #GenreMovies 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 1:16 - Episode Explanation 3:32 - We Build Our Top 10 List 26:57 - Finalizing the List 27:47 - Wrap-up & Conclusion ———————————————————————————— Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements: https://elements.envato.com/

    28 min

  6. 2 FEB

    We Are Legion (We Are Bob) - Why This Sci-Fi Novel Is Surprisingly Brilliant

    Do you enjoy your science fiction with humor, while still delivering big ideas, hard-SF concepts, action, and genuine heart? In this episode, I (Jim) dive into We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Dennis E. Taylor, the first book in the wildly popular Bobiverse series. This is smart, funny, binge-worthy science fiction that asks huge questions about identity, AI, and what it really means to be human… even when you’re technically a self-replicating space probe. After wanting to expand my sci-fi reading and hearing many of you recommend this series, a two-for-one Audible sale finally pushed this book to the top of my TBR. And let me tell you, I had so much fun that I immediately committed to reading the rest of the series in order. Time to binge, baby. In this spoiler-lite review, I talk about: • Why Bob Johansson is such a wildly relatable protagonist • How the clone/replication premise actually works • The balance of hard science and accessible storytelling • The humor, heart, and hopeful tone of the story • Who this book is perfect for — and who it might NOT work for • And why this is such a great entry point into modern science fiction If you’ve been curious about the Bobiverse, or if you’re looking for a sci-fi read that’s both clever and incredibly fun, this might be exactly what you’re looking for. ⸻ 📚 Join the conversation: 💬 Have you read We Are Legion (We Are Bob)? Let me know your thoughts in the comments 🚀 Join us on Discord to talk sci-fi, fantasy, and horror with fellow fans 👍 Like, subscribe, and share if you enjoy thoughtful genre reviews ⚔️ Join the Fantasy for the Ages community: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges #WeAreLegion #WeAreBob #Bobiverse #DennisETaylor #ScienceFictionBooks #SciFiBooks #BookReview #HardSciFi #HumorousSciFi #Audiobooks #FantasyForTheAges #BookTube #SpeculativeFiction Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode? We Are Legion (We Are Bob): https://t.ly/Ie_uO 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 1:24 - Book Details 2:26 - Why Jim Read This 3:09 - Spoiler-Lite Summary 4:07 - Jim’s Take 5:12 - 10 Reasons You May Love This Story 9:34 - Three Reasons It Might Not Work for Some Readers 11:11 - Final Thoughts 11:38 - Closing & Wrap-Up ———————————————————————————— Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements: https://elements.envato.com/

    12 min

  7. 2 FEB

    MOST Epic Opening Scenes That Will Get You HOOKED On Fantasy And SciFi!

    What makes an opening scene truly unforgettable? In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim and Zach count down their Top 10 Opening Scenes in Fantasy & Sci-Fi — across books, movies, and television. These are the moments that hooked us instantly, set the tone for everything that followed, and made us say, “Oh… I’m in.” We’re talking about opening scenes that: • Instantly establish tone, stakes, and voice • Redefine a genre or subgenre • Still hit just as hard on a rewatch or reread • Made us trust the storyteller within minutes (or even seconds) From iconic first lines on the page, to jaw-dropping cinematic prologues, to TV pilots that changed the game, these openings didn’t just start a story — they announced something special. ⚠️ This episode is spoiler-light, focusing on why these openings work rather than ruining what comes next. 👉 Let us know in the comments: • Which opening scene hooked you the fastest? • Which one do you think should’ve made the Top 10? • And which opening still gives you chills every time? If you love Fantasy & Sci-Fi discussions that dig into why stories work, this one’s for you. Don’t forget to: 👍 Like the video 📺 Subscribe for weekly Fantasy, Sci-Fi, & Horror content 🔔 Ring the bell so you don’t miss future countdowns and debates 💬 Join the conversation in the comments Visit our Patreon page to help support the channel and get some special “thank you” perks like our other supporters: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges #FantasyForTheAges #FantasyBooks #SciFiBooks #OpeningScenes #BookTube #SciFiMovies #FantasyMovies #SFF #Top10Fantasy #Top10SciFi 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 1:15 - Episode Explanation 3:32 - We Build Our Top 10 List 25:51 - Wrap-up & Conclusion ———————————————————————————— Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements: https://elements.envato.com/

    27 min

  8. 29 JAN

    Stephen Graham Jones' The Only Good Indians: Horror Built on Consequence, Not Monsters

    What happens when a past wrong refuses to stay buried? In this episode, I dive into The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones, a modern horror novel that twists familiar haunting and revenge tropes into something deeply unsettling, emotionally sharp, and completely its own. After falling in love with The Indian Lake Trilogy, I spent about a year working my way up to this book, where many readers first encounter Stephen Graham Jones’ unmistakable voice. And wow… this one delivers. We’ll talk about: • Why Jones’ authorial voice is so unique in the horror space • How this novel reimagines haunting and revenge • His continued fascination with (and reinvention of) the final girl trope • Why this is a quick, low-commitment read that still hits hard • And why I think this is a great first Stephen Graham Jones book for new readers This is horror that lingers — not just because of what it shows you, but because of what it asks you to sit with afterward. If you’ve read The Only Good Indians, I’d love to hear your take in the comments. And if this is your first time considering Stephen Graham Jones… this might be the perfect place to start. ⸻ 📚 Join the conversation: 💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments 🧠 Join us on Discord to talk horror, sci-fi, and fantasy with fellow fans 👍 Like, subscribe, and share if you enjoy thoughtful genre discussions ⚔️ Join the Fantasy for the Ages community: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges #TheOnlyGoodIndians #StephenGrahamJones #HorrorBooks #BookReview #ModernHorror #IndigenousHorror #FinalGirl #BookTube #FantasyForTheAges #SpeculativeFiction Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode? The Indian Lake Trilogy: https://t.ly/g2ug_ The Only Good Indians: https://t.ly/WA3J- Ways to connect with us: Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jMWyVJ6qKk Follow us on "X": @Fantasy4theAges Follow us on Blue Sky: @fantasy4theages.bsky.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 1:35 - Book Details 2:26 - Why Jim Read This 3:45 - Spoiler-Lite Summary 4:37 - Jim’s Take 6:20 - Six Reasons You May Love This Story 9:15 - Three Reasons It Might Not Work for Some Readers 10:49 - Final Thoughts 11:18 - 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
    890
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Jim Scriven
  • Show Website
    Fantasy for the Ages