Fantasy for the Ages

What makes a zombie apocalypse novel stand out from the crowd? In this solo review, Jim explores The Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey—a dystopian sci-fi horror story that’s as thoughtful as it is terrifying. From the unforgettable protagonist Melanie, to the shocking opening, to that mind-blowing conclusion, this book delivers everything you want in an intelligent page-turner. Jim shares why...

Step into the unsettling world of Stephen Graham Jones with Three Miles Past (2011), a chilling collection of three novellas: Interstate Love Affair, No Takebacks, and The Coming of Night. In this episode, Jim dives into each story with spoiler-lite synopses, then shares why this volume stands out as a delightfully creepy addition to Jones’ growing body of work. From serial killers on the open roa...

🎧 Ever been swept away by an audiobook so good you forget you’re doing chores, working out, or driving across town? In this episode, Jim shares the Top 15 Audiobook Series (plus an honorable mention!) that he’s loved binging—trilogies and longer series that combine incredible storytelling, immersive worlds, and unforgettable narration. From epic fantasy sagas to post-apocalyptic survival, grimdar...

What are the best self-published fantasy and science fiction novels of the last decade-plus? From The Martian and Wool to The Sword of Kaigen and Waybound, indie authors have proven they can go toe-to-toe with the biggest names in traditional publishing. In this episode, Jim walks through four standout indie releases from every year between 2011 and 2024—one of the most successful and one of the m...

Mira Grant’s Newsflesh Trilogy is one of the most brilliant zombie apocalypse series ever written… but what about Feedback (2016), the so-called “Book 4”? In this spoiler-lite review, Jim (flying solo for Fantasy for the Ages) dives into this parallel tale that runs alongside the events of Feed. Does Feedback add anything compelling to the Newsflesh universe, or does it stumble under the weight of...

Some opening lines stay with you forever. From the mysterious, the chilling, and the downright legendary, these first words transport us into other worlds and unforgettable stories. In this episode, Jim takes you on a journey through 30 of the best opening lines in fantasy, science fiction, and horror — moving from lesser-known gems to the most iconic of all time. But here’s the twist: Jim reads t...

Bauchelain and Korbal Broach are back—and things are as dark, grotesque, and hilarious as ever. In this episode, I review The Second Collected Tales of Bauchelain and Korbal Broach by Steven Erikson, which bundles together three novellas: The Crack’d Pot Trail (2009), The Wurms of Blearmouth (2012), and The Fiends of Nightmaria (2016). Join me for a spoiler-lite look at each tale, plus my thoughts...

💔 Some characters die. Others take a piece of us with them. In this gut-punch of an episode, Jim and Zach dig deep into the most devastating deaths in fantasy fiction—the ones that made us cry, rage, or throw the book across the room. From noble sacrifices to unexpected gut-wrenchers, these are the moments that left permanent scars. 📚 Whether it’s classic epic fantasy, modern grimdark, or hidden...

Not all “classics” are created equal. Some science fiction novels are hailed as visionary, genius, and even essential by critics… while regular readers toss them across the room in frustration. In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim takes on 10 sci-fi novels since 1930 that critics adored but fans couldn’t stand. From psychedelic word salads to books that feel more like anthropology textbook...

Some fantasy novels win awards, earn glowing reviews, and get called “masterpieces” by critics… but when actual fans picked them up? They cried, “Boring!” “Pretentious!” and “I want my weekend back!” In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim counts down 10 fantasy novels since 1930 that critics adored but general readers couldn’t stand. From sprawling gothic castles to postmodern fever dreams,...

🗿 Only FOUR can be carved in stone. Who gets eternal glory… and who gets left in the rubble? In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim and Zach face one of the most impossible challenges in fantasy fandom—choosing the ultimate Mount Rushmore of Fantasy. We each make our author nominations and fiercely defend our picks. Expect: • Legendary names (Tolkien? Martin? Sanderson?) • Controversial snu...

🍩🧟‍♂️ Wrestling rings, cooking contests, pothead antics, and… zombies? That’s the insane mash-up at the heart of Stephen Graham Jones’ Zombie Bake-Off (2012), a fast, funny, and gloriously absurd take on the zombie apocalypse. In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim dives into a spoiler-lite review of the book—sharing why it’s such a blast to read and what makes it stand out in the crowded...

The 2020s have already delivered some unforgettable horror. From the pandemic years through 2025, every year has given us stories that terrified, thrilled, and captured readers’ imaginations. In this episode, we’re revealing the three best horror novels of each year from 2020 through 2025 (so far)—ranked not by opinion, but by the numbers. Our data-driven formula balances: 1️⃣ Sales performance –...

The 2010s brought horror roaring back into the mainstream. From breakout bestsellers to bold new voices, the decade proved that the genre wasn’t just alive—it was thriving. In this episode, we’re revealing the three best horror novels of each year from 2010 through 2019—ranked not by opinion, but by the numbers. Our data-driven formula balances: 1️⃣ Sales performance – which books kept selling yea...

The 2000s were a turning point for horror. Gone were the days of endless paperback racks at the drugstore—instead, horror was evolving, experimenting, and mixing with thrillers, fantasy, and even postmodern storytelling. In this episode, we’re counting down the three best horror novels from each year of the 2000s, ranked not by opinion, but by the numbers. These rankings are based on a formula tha...

The 1990s were a strange time for horror. After the explosive boom of the ’80s, the genre shifted, experimented, and evolved—sometimes darker, sometimes subtler, and sometimes downright unexpected. In this episode, we’re counting down the three best horror novels of the 1990s, ranked not by opinion, but by the numbers. These rankings are powered by a formula that combines: 1️⃣ Sales performance –...

The 1980s weren’t just neon lights and big hair—they were also a golden age for horror fiction. In this episode of our series, we’re counting down the three best horror novels of the 1980s, ranked not by opinion, but by the numbers. These rankings are built from a formula that blends: 1️⃣ Sales performance – the books that dominated shelves and never stopped selling 2️⃣ Award recognition – honors,...

The 1970s weren’t just polyester suits and disco balls—this was the decade when horror exploded onto the bestseller lists and refused to let go. In this episode of our series, we’re counting down the three best horror novels of each year of the 1970s, ranked not by opinion, but by the numbers. These rankings come from a unique formula that blends: 1️⃣ Sales performance – the books that kept moving...

This kicks off a viewer-requested series to discover the definitive list of best horror novels from each year—ranked by the numbers, not opinion. In this episode, we count down the top three horror novels of each year of the 1960s. In every episode of this series, we count down the top three horror novels from a specific decade, using a data-driven formula that blends: 1️⃣ Long-term sales performa...

Some heroes are great on their own… but when they’re paired up? Legendary. In this episode, Jim and Zach go head-to-head (in the friendliest way possible) to debate and rank the Top 10 duos in fantasy fiction. From lifelong companions to unlikely allies—and even a few rival pairings—we’ll argue, laugh, and maybe surprise each other (and you) with our final list. We’re talking iconic friendships, e...

What if a slasher film wasn’t something you watched… but something you read? Stephen Graham Jones’ Demon Theory isn’t just a horror novel—it’s a cinematic experience, written as a literary film treatment that puts you right behind the camera. Creepy settings, unstoppable killers, and a pace that never lets up—this is slasher horror reimagined for the page. In this episode, I share my spoiler-lite...

Think you’ve read all the best fantasy, science fiction, and horror novels? Think again. In this episode, I’m counting down 30 spectacular but little-known books published since 1970—hidden gems you probably haven’t read, but absolutely should. From eerie Southern Gothic to brain-bending science fiction, and from dark, lush fantasy to inventive horror, these are the books that deserve a spot on yo...

It’s time for a full spoil conversation about Red Sister, Book 1 of The Book of the Ancestor trilogy by Mark Lawrence! In this episode, Jim interviews Zach about his very first read-through of this brutal, brilliant, and beautifully written dark fantasy. Nothing is off-limits—we’re talking every twist, reveal, and gasp-worthy moment. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: ⚔️ Zach’s first impressions of...

Step into a world of assassins, political intrigue, and mysterious magic in my review of A Conspiracy of Ravens by Stephen Hubbard — Book 1 of The Codex of Wretches & Kings. In this spoiler-lite discussion, I share why this dark fantasy debut hooked me from the very first page, why classic D&D fans will love the tone, and 10 reasons you might want to add it to your TBR. Then, stick around...

Join us as we count down the most epic fantasy heroes of the 2020s! From magical warriors to legendary mages, we're exploring the most iconic and powerful heroes that have captivated audiences in recent years. Get ready to revisit some of the most memorable characters from fantasy novels of the decade (so far), and discover new ones to obsess over. Who will make the cut and be crowned the most...