Fantasy for the Ages

Jim Scriven
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Science Fiction
  • Updated Weekly

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. 1d ago

    Pete Kramer's Latest Novel Is Equal Parts Magic and Horror | The Dream Factory

    What happens when you mix the magic of Disneyland, the whimsy of classic cartoon characters, the wonder of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, the absurd fun of Space Jam, and then add science fiction, horror, mystery, and a healthy dose of indie creativity? You get The Dream Factory by Pete Kramer. In this spoiler-lite review, I share why Pete Kramer continues to impress me as one of today’s most creative indie authors, why I flew through this novel in just over a day, who I think will absolutely love this story, and who may want to steer clear. If you’re looking for imaginative genre-bending fiction that’s equal parts nostalgic, mysterious, creepy, and wildly inventive, this may be exactly the book you’ve been waiting for. In this video: * A spoiler-lite overview of The Dream Factory * Why I picked up Pete Kramer’s newest novel * Nine reasons you may love this book * Three reasons it may not be for you * My final thoughts and rating of this unforgettable reading experience Have you read The Dream Factory? I’d love to hear your thoughts—but please keep the comments spoiler-free so everyone can enjoy discovering the story for themselves! If you enjoy fantasy, science fiction, horror, book reviews, author spotlights, and discovering outstanding indie fiction, be sure to subscribe to Fantasy for the Ages for multiple new videos every week. 👍 Like the video if you enjoyed it. 💬 Leave a comment with your thoughts. 🔔 Subscribe so you never miss a future review! Thank you, as always, to our amazing Patreon supporters for helping make Fantasy for the Ages possible!: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges #KateDaniels #IlonaAndrews #MagicBites #UrbanFantasy #FantasyBooks #BookReview #FantasyForTheAges #BookTube #FantasySeries #SpoilerFreeReview Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode? The Dream Factory: https://t.ly/VZVKA Here’s Jim’s Reviews of Pete Kramer’s First Two Books: Chesapeake Bay Monsters: https://youtu.be/cex-kZd7SnA The Skyman’s Legacy: https://youtu.be/2Zohgo8m5nk 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 1:43 - Book Details 2:26 - Why Jim Read This 3:58 - Spoiler-Lite Summary 5:38 - Nine Reasons This Book May Be Just Your Thing 8:39 - Three Reasons You May Not Enjoy This 9:34 - Jim’s Final Thoughts 12:20 - Closing & Wrap-Up ———————————————————————————— Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements: https://elements.envato.com/

    13 min

  2. 2d ago

    Don't Read Kate Daniels WRONG! | A Questionable Client Review

    Ready for more Kate Daniels? You might think the next stop after Magic Bites is Book Two, but I’d actually recommend taking a quick detour first. In this spoiler-lite review, I’m discussing A Questionable Client, Ilona Andrews’ prequel story to the Kate Daniels series. Although it was published several books after Magic Bites, I think it’s the perfect companion piece to read immediately after Book One. It expands the world, gives us more time with Kate, the Mercenary Guild, and Saiman, delivers an entertaining mystery, and adds meaningful context without spoiling what’s to come. In this review, we’ll cover: * Publication details and where this story fits in the series * Why I chose to read it now * A spoiler-lite review * Eight reasons you might enjoy it * Three reasons it may not be for you * My final thoughts on whether it’s worth your time If you’re reading through the Kate Daniels series for the first time — or considering starting it — I hope this review helps you decide when to fit this excellent little adventure into your journey. Have you read A Questionable Client? Do you agree it’s best read immediately after Magic Bites, or do you prefer publication order? Let me know 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 won’t miss future fantasy, science fiction, and horror content. Thank you, as always, to our amazing Patreon supporters for helping make Fantasy for the Ages possible!: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges #KateDaniels #IlonaAndrews #MagicBites #UrbanFantasy #FantasyBooks #BookReview #FantasyForTheAges #BookTube #FantasySeries #SpoilerFreeReview Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode? A Questionable Client (free on Ilona andrews.com): https://ilona-andrews.com/a-questionable-client/ 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 - Book Details 2:22 - Why Jim Read This 3:33 - Spoiler-Lite Synopsis 5:11 - Eight Reasons You Might Enjoy This 8:21 - Three Reasons It Won’t Work for You 9:24 - Jim’s Final Thoughts 10:50 - Closing & Wrap-Up ———————————————————————————— Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements: https://elements.envato.com/

    11 min

  3. 4d ago

    30 SFF Novels That Prove Size Doesn't Matter

    Some of the greatest fantasy and science fiction novels ever written aren’t massive doorstoppers—they’re under 400 pages! In today’s countdown, I’m ranking 30 of the most successful, beloved, and highly acclaimed SFF novels that prove incredible storytelling doesn’t require an epic page count. From timeless classics that shaped the genre to modern masterpieces that have captivated millions of readers, these books pack unforgettable characters, imaginative worlds, and powerful ideas into surprisingly compact packages. Whether you’re looking for your next weekend read or simply want to celebrate some of speculative fiction’s finest works, there’s something here for every fantasy and sci-fi fan. Do you agree with my rankings? Which under-400-page SFF novel would you put at the top of your own list? Let me know down in the comments—I always enjoy hearing your recommendations and seeing where our opinions differ! If you enjoy fantasy, science fiction, and horror discussions, be sure to like the video, subscribe to Fantasy for the Ages, and ring the notification bell so you never miss a new episode. A special thank you to our incredible Patreon supporters. Your encouragement helps make this channel possible!: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges #Fantasy #ScienceFiction #BookTube #FantasyBooks #SciFiBooks #BookRecommendations #Reading #FantasyForTheAges ⸻ Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode? All Systems Red: https://t.ly/t0plR American Gods: https://t.ly/e_8ta Annihilation: https://t.ly/Cb66F The Chrysalids: https://t.ly/WFW66 The Color of Magic: https://t.ly/Jw3A0 Coraline: https://t.ly/k4-KV Dead Beat: https://t.ly/oMC9n Ender’s Game: https://t.ly/Z62Me Fahrenheit 451: https://t.ly/yDP9U The Forever War: https://t.ly/DmVBh Good Omens: https://t.ly/4Dpop The Graveyard Book: https://t.ly/IB81R Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone: https://t.ly/3_MH7 The Hobbit: https://t.ly/993A3 The Hunger Games: https://t.ly/E4GSF Kindred: https://t.ly/Z1wXI The Last Unicorn: https://t.ly/mH2k1 The Lathe of Heaven: https://t.ly/HmfEW The Left Hand of Darkness: https://t.ly/avJCx Legends & Lattes: https://t.ly/KWM_3 The Lions of Al-Rassan: https://t.ly/qbfeu The Martian Chronicles: https://t.ly/-orjO The Ocean at the End of the Lane: https://t.ly/U3WdA Perfume: The Story of a Murderer: https://t.ly/g0Jry Piranesi: https://t.ly/gI34O The Princess Bride: https://t.ly/SuswQ A Psalm for the Wild-Built: https://t.ly/gykAv Stardust: https://t.ly/69XU- Watchmen: https://t.ly/2Tp0I A Wizard of Earthsea: https://t.ly/pJ922 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 2:04 - Episode Explanation 3:30 - Growing Impact (30-21) 8:03 - Game Changers (20-11) 12:35 - Standing Above the Rest (The Top 10) 17:02 - Wrap-up & Conclusion ———————————————————————————— Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements: https://elements.envato.com/

    19 min

  4. 5d ago

    Can't Wait for the Next Dresden Files? Read THIS!

    Ready to branch out beyond The Dresden Files? Then it may be time to meet Kate Daniels. In today’s spoiler-lite review, I’m diving into Magic Bites, the first novel in the acclaimed Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. Set in an alternate Atlanta where waves of magic and technology constantly battle for dominance, this fast-paced urban fantasy introduces a world filled with mercenaries, vampires, necromancers, shapeshifters, and plenty of mystery. I’ll discuss what makes this series such a favorite among urban fantasy fans, why I finally decided to pick it up after featuring it in my Top 10 Urban Fantasy Series of All Time, and the biggest reasons you may — or may not — want to add it to your own TBR. As always, this review is spoiler-lite, so whether you’re already a fan or are considering starting the series for the first time, you’re in the right place. Have you read Magic Bites? Where does the Kate Daniels series rank among your favorite urban fantasy series? Let me know your thoughts in the comments—but please keep it spoiler free for new readers! If you enjoy fantasy, science fiction, and horror reviews, rankings, discussions, and recommendations, be sure to subscribe and join us here at Fantasy for the Ages! A special thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Your generosity helps make Fantasy for the Ages possible: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges #Fantasy #UrbanFantasy #KateDaniels #MagicBites #IlonaAndrews #BookReview #FantasyBooks #BookTube #FantasyForTheAges Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode? Magic Bites: https://t.ly/M9qQi 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 1:43 - Book Details 3:27 - Why Jim Read This 5:33 - Spoiler-Lite Synopsis 6:38 - Ten Reasons You May Love This Book 10:21 - Four Reasons You May Not Care for It 11:40 - Jim’s Final Thoughts 12:52 - Closing & Wrap-Up ———————————————————————————— Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements: https://elements.envato.com/

    14 min

  5. 6d ago

    These SFF Series Have Been Running for OVER 60 YEARS!

    How long can one fantasy or science fiction series possibly run? 🤯 Some of them have been going for more than SIX DECADES. In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, I’m counting down the 25 longest-running fantasy and science fiction series ever published, ranking them by the span between the first and most recent novels. From beloved classics to modern epics that still refuse to end, these are the series that have entertained readers across generations. We’ll explore legendary worlds, prolific authors, surprising entries, and a few series that may still have many years left in them. Whether you’re looking for your next massive reading project or simply want to marvel at the dedication of these authors (and readers!), there’s plenty here to discover. So…which series have you finished? Which ones are still on your TBR? And which seemingly endless saga deserves another volume? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! 👍 If you enjoyed this video, please like, subscribe, and ring the notification bell so you never miss another Fantasy for the Ages episode. A special thank you to our incredible Patreon supporters. Your encouragement helps make this channel possible!: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges #FantasyForTheAges #FantasyBooks #ScienceFiction #SciFiBooks #FantasySeries #BookTube #EpicFantasy #SpaceOpera #ReadingChallenge #TBR #FantasyReaders #SciFiReaders #Discworld #Dune #Dragonlance #Shannara #WheelOfTime #BookRanking #BestFantasy #FantasyCommunity ⸻ 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 1:18 - Episode Set-Up 2:39 - Some Darn Long Series (25-11) 15:41 - Unbelievably Lengthy (The Top 10) 25:24 - Honorable Mentions 26:46 - Wrap-up & Conclusion ———————————————————————————— Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements: https://elements.envato.com/

    28 min

  6. Jul 1

    Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern Review | Anne McCaffrey’s Emotional Masterpiece Will Leave You Wrecked!

    Journey back to one of the most legendary eras in Pern as I revisit Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern by Anne McCaffrey! In this spoiler-lite review, I discuss why this remains one of my absolute favorite Dragonriders of Pern novels, thanks to its relentless tension, unforgettable emotional impact, and the fascinating glimpse it provides into Pern’s distant past. We’ll explore what makes Moreta such a compelling story, why its planet-wide pandemic storyline still resonates today, how it expands the rich history of Pern, and why Anne McCaffrey continues to be one of the great storytellers in science fantasy. Whether you’re a longtime Pern fan or wondering where this classic fits into the series, I hope you’ll enjoy the discussion! Have you read Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern? Where does it rank among your favorite Pern novels? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! 👍 If you enjoyed this review, please like the video. 📚 Subscribe for more fantasy, science fiction, and horror book reviews, rankings, discussions, and recommendations. 🔔 Ring the notification bell so you never miss a new episode! A special thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Your generosity helps make Fantasy for the Ages possible: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges #DragonridersOfPern #AnneMcCaffrey #Moreta #FantasyBooks #BookReview #ScienceFantasy #FantasyForTheAges #BookTube #Fantasy #ClassicFantasy #DragonBooks #SpeculativeFiction Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode? Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern: https://t.ly/Xbwd3 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 3:06 - Why Jim Read This 4:54 - Spoiler-Lite Synopsis 5:55 - Nine Reasons Someone May Love This Book 9:45 - Three Reasons This May Not Work For You 10:47 - Jim’s Final Thoughts 12:25 - Closing & Wrap-Up ———————————————————————————— Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements: https://elements.envato.com/

    13 min

  7. Jun 30

    Can the Son Guess What You're Voting For? | Daily Poll Challenge

    What do Fantasy for the Ages viewers REALLY think? 🤔In this episode, Zach puts his instincts to the test as he tries to predict how you voted in a variety of Fantasy for the Ages daily polls covering science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Jim reveals the actual results, and from there… the debates begin.Were our viewers in the majority? Did a shocking upset sneak into the results? Which opinions left us completely baffled? And most importantly… who has the better take: our audience, Zach, or Jim?Expect plenty of laughs, spirited debate, surprising poll outcomes, and all the nerdy discussion you’ve come to expect from Fantasy for the Ages.If you enjoy ranking, debating, and talking all things SFFH, this one’s for you!👍 If you enjoy the episode, please Like, Subscribe, and ring the notification bell so you never miss future Fantasy for the Ages videos.💬 Join the conversation! Which poll result surprised you the most? Which answer did our viewers get right… and which one got completely wrong? Let us know in the comments!❤️ Support Fantasy for the Ages on Patreon:Patreon supporters help make these videos possible, and we’re incredibly grateful for your support!: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges#FantasyForTheAges #FantasyBooks #SciFi #BookTube #Fantasy #ScienceFiction #HorrorBooks #SFF #FantasyCommunity #BookDiscussion #BookLovers #FantasyReaders #SciFiBooks #ReaderPolls #FantasyRanking #NerdCulture #GeekCulture #ReadingCommunity #SpeculativeFiction #Books⸻Ways to connect with us:Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jMWyVJ6qKk Follow us on "X": @Fantasy4theAges Follow us on Blue Sky: @fantasy4theages.bsky.socialFollow us on Instagram: fantasy_for_the_ages Follow us on Mastodon: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com Check out our merch: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com/collections/fantasyfortheagesJim’s Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4 Jim’s Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n 0:00 - Opening0:55 - Episode Explanation4:02 - Jim & Zach Discuss Poll Results25:52 - Wrap-up & Conclusion————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/ Raistlin Majere art by Mike Perry, 2024 — mikeperryart.com

    27 min

  8. Jun 28

    Can Evil Be Redeemed? | Ranking the Most Unforgettable Villain Comebacks

    Some of the greatest heroes in science fiction and fantasy didn’t start out as heroes at all. They began as villains. Whether driven by pride, ambition, vengeance, fear, or outright evil, these characters crossed lines that seemed impossible to come back from. Yet somehow, through sacrifice, courage, forgiveness, and hard-earned change, they found redemption — and gave us some of the most unforgettable character arcs in all of speculative fiction. In this episode, Jim and Zach each reveal their Top 10 Villain Redemption Arcs in Science Fiction & Fantasy, compare lists, debate rankings, and discuss what makes a redemption arc truly great. Will they agree on the greatest comeback in SFF history? (Spoiler: not entirely.) Which redeemed villain is your favorite? Did we leave someone off who absolutely deserved a spot? Let us know your own Top 10 in the comments! If you enjoy discussions about fantasy, science fiction, horror, books, movies, TV, and all things speculative fiction, be sure to subscribe to Fantasy for the Ages and join our growing community of fellow fans! 👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔔 Subscribe Special thanks to our amazing Patreon supporters. Your support helps make Fantasy for the Ages possible!: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges #Fantasy #ScienceFiction #RedemptionArc #StarWars #StormlightArchive #HarryPotter #BuffyTheVampireSlayer #Dragonlance #Marvel #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 1:43 - Episode Explanation 4:02 - Revealing the Top 10 44:17 - Wrap-up & Conclusion ———————————————————————————— Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements: https://elements.envato.com/ Raistlin Majere art by Mike Perry, 2024 — mikeperryart.com

    47 min
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5
out of 5
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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
    992
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Jim Scriven
  • Show Website
    Fantasy for the Ages

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