Fantasy for the Ages

🍩🧟‍♂️ 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...

Join us as we count down the most iconic fantasy heroes of the decade! From mythical warriors to magical mavericks, we're celebrating the characters that have captured our imaginations and inspired our dreams. With epic battles, unforgettable quests, and legendary powers, these heroes have left an indelible mark on the world of fantasy. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to reminisce about the...

Dive into the world of 2000s fantasy and uncover what makes the protagonists of this iconic era so brilliant! From incredible wit to mind-boggling courage, we're exploring the characteristics that make these heroes unforgettable. Join us as we delve into the world of fantasy and discover what sets these 2000s protagonists apart. Whatever your fantasy subgenre preferences, this episode has some...

Join Jim on a nostalgic trip back to the epic decade of fantasy icons! From the wisecracking heroes to unforgettable creatures, we're diving into what made these legends of the fantasy world so iconic. With their memorable backstories and epic journeys, it's no wonder these 90s fantasy icons continue to inspire new generations of fans. Get ready to relive the magic of the 1990s! #FantasyFo...

Get ready for a blast from the past as we count down the most epic fantasy heroes of the 80s! From sword-wielding warriors to magic-wielding wizards, we're exploring the iconic characters that defined a decade of fantasy storytelling. Join us as we revisit the heroes who captured our imaginations and inspired our sense of wonder. Grab your sword, don your armor, and get ready to embark on a th...

Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey through the world of fantasy! In this epic countdown, we're revisiting the most iconic heroes of the 1970s, the decade that brought us some of the most unforgettable characters in fantasy history. From sword-wielding warriors to magical wizards, these legendary heroes have captivated audiences for generations. Join us as we rediscover the most EPIC fa...

Join me on a thrilling journey as we delve into the fascinating world of fantasy legends from the 1960s! In this episode, we're counting down the most iconic protagonists from Ged to Gurgi, exploring their origins, unique qualities, and the impact they've had on modern fantasy. Get ready to revisit the fantastical heroes that shaped a generation. Sit back, relax, and let's embark on th...

Explore the epic fantasy heroes of the 1950s era! Join us on a thrilling journey through the most iconic characters that shaped the fantasy genre. From legendary warriors to mythical creatures, we'll delve into the fascinating world of fantasy heroes that captured the hearts of readers and audiences alike. Get ready to revisit the golden age of fantasy and discover the heroes that inspired gen...

Dive into the magical world of Narnia as we explore the often-overlooked gem, The Silver Chair. Is it the most sleeper hit in the series? Join us as we delve into the story, characters, and themes that make this book a hidden treasure. From the White Witch knock-off to the mysterious underground world, we'll uncover the magic that makes The Silver Chair a must-read for any Narnia fan. So, sit...

Join the conversation as we delve into the world of Science Fiction and Fantasy writing, where Millennials are making their mark! From epic fantasy quests to dystopian futures, this new generation of writers is bringing fresh perspectives and ideas to the table. In this episode, we'll explore how Millennials are attempting a take-over of SFF writing, what's driving this trend, and what it...

Get ready for a literary revolution! In this epic episode, we're shining the spotlight on the trailblazing Generation X authors who are taking the science fiction and fantasy genres by storm. From groundbreaking novels to thought-provoking short stories, we're sharing our Top 10 Gen Xers, visionary writers who are redefining the boundaries of speculative fiction. Join us as we rank these i...

Join us on a journey through literary history as we explore the most iconic books of all time, written by the talented baby boomers who shaped the world of science fiction and fantasy literature. From classic novels to thought-provoking tomes, we'll delve into the works of authors who defined a generation. Which baby boomer authors will make the cut? Tune in to find out! #FantasyForTheAges #Fa...