Fantasy for the Ages

The 1980s introduced an incredible generation of fantasy, science fiction, and horror authors—but which debut novels have truly stood the test of time? In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim takes a year-by-year journey through the entire decade, selecting one fantasy debut, one science fiction debut, and one horror debut for every year from 1980 through 1989. Some of these books launched le...

What do you get when you combine a horror movie, a dark comedy, a survival thriller, and one of the most memorable final acts in modern horror? Ready or Not. In this spoiler-lite review, I dive into why this 2019 horror hit completely won me over. From Samara Weaving’s outstanding lead performance to the film’s brilliantly twisted premise, relentless pacing, outrageous practical effects, and perfe...

Ever stick with a science fiction series because you’re invested… only to feel like it’s starting to lose a little momentum? That was exactly where I found myself after Zoe’s Tale. Then I picked up The Human Division by John Scalzi—and it completely reignited my enthusiasm for the Old Man’s War series. In this spoiler-lite review, I discuss why this fresh perspective, new cast of characters, large...

What is the greatest superhero movie of all time? In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim counts down his Top 20 superhero movies ever made—from groundbreaking classics to animated masterpieces and generation-defining blockbusters. Marvel, DC, Pixar, the X-Men and more are all competing for the top spot. Each movie is ranked according to its filmmaking quality, characters, emotional impact, c...

An unstoppable killer. A missing body. A teenage survivor who thought she had ended the nightmare. In this spoiler-lite review, Jim takes a look at an advance copy of He Always Comes Back, the debut horror novel from Elle Engel. With the familiar DNA of classic slasher franchises—and a premise reminiscent of the unstoppable evil found in Halloween—does this upcoming release carve out an identity o...

What happens when you blend a classic noir detective mystery with an alien world filled with deadly wilderness, two moons — and a monster lurking in the lake? You get The Dead Don’t Lie by Stephen Aryan, book two of The Blackstone Files! After the events of New York Minute, private investigator Cole Blackstone and his longtime friend Bracken Hart must leave New York City behind. Their destination...

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 apoca...

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) stron...

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,...

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 increasingl...

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. I...

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, intel...

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...

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 ch...

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 m...

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...

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 read...

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,...

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 th...

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 co...

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...

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 unforget...

What if I told you there’s a Star Wars novel that actually makes The Phantom Menace better? Like, quite a bit better. In this spoiler-lite review, I dive into Darth Plagueis by James Luceno — a Star Wars Legends novel that explores the hidden Sith machinations behind the prequel trilogy, the rise of Palpatine, the legacy of Darth Plagueis, and even makes midi-chlorians far more interesting than I...

Airships. Espionage. Mind control. Revenge decades in the making. Today I’m reviewing The Skyman’s Legacy by Pete Kramer, a 2025 steampunk fantasy adventure that combines covert operations, alternate-history vibes, star-crossed romance, and plenty of high-flying action. While a couple of major time jumps gave me some trouble along the way, this book ultimately delivered a thrilling finish that lef...

Some characters AREN’T the hero… but we’d riot if they weren’t in the story. In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim counts down his Top 30 Extremely Likable Minor Characters in Science Fiction and Fantasy. These are the side characters, supporting players, comic relief legends, loyal companions, mysterious wanderers, wise mentors, and scene-stealers who somehow become some of the most belove...