Fantasy for the Ages

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...

What if vampirism wasn’t supernatural… but biological? In today’s review, I dive into The Strain (2009), the first novel in Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan’s acclaimed vampire horror trilogy. Long before I knew this was a book series, I enjoyed watching FX’s four-season adaptation. Once I discovered there were novels behind the show, this one shot straight onto my TBR. Featuring a terrifying bl...

What makes a truly great father? In fantasy and science fiction, we’re surrounded by heroes, villains, kings, captains, warriors, wizards, and chosen ones. But some of the most inspiring characters in all of speculative fiction aren’t remembered for saving worlds—they’re remembered for raising the next generation. In this episode, Jim and Zach each reveal their Top 10 Fathers in Fantasy and Scienc...

Did Richard Chizmar stick the landing? After the phenomenal success of Chasing the Boogeyman and Becoming the Boogeyman, expectations were sky-high for the final installment of the Boogeyman Trilogy. In this spoiler-lite review, Jim dives into an Advance Reader Copy of Killing the Boogeyman — releasing October 6, 2026 — to find out whether this highly anticipated conclusion delivers the payoff rea...

What if everything you’ve ever been told about vampires was wrong? In this spoiler-lite review of Necroscope III: The Source by Brian Lumley, I continue my journey through one of horror’s most beloved cult-classic series. After two increasingly impressive novels, Lumley takes things to another level by dramatically expanding the mythology behind his terrifying vampires—and trust me, the explanatio...

Some science fiction and fantasy books have incredible titles. Others have titles that leave you wondering if the author lost a dare, a bet, or perhaps a small amount of their sanity. In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, I’m handing out twenty completely unofficial, thoroughly unimportant, and highly prestigious awards to some of the strangest, funniest, most baffling book titles in SFF histor...

How is nobody talking about this series?!Warlock’s Sun Rising by Damien Black continues one of the most impressive epic fantasy stories I’ve discovered in recent years. After being thoroughly captivated by Devil’s Night Dawning, I had high expectations going into Book 2 — and somehow this sequel exceeded them. Bigger stakes, deeper character work, fascinating villains, powerful faith elements, sho...

WARNING: FULL SPOILERS AHEAD! Martha Wells has done it again. Or has she? Zach and Jim aren’t not entirely on the same page here. In this episode, Zach and I dive deep into a FULL SPOIL discussion of Platform Decay, the newest entry in The Murderbot Diaries. From Murderbot’s continuing evolution as a character to the ever-entertaining dynamic with ART, from the action sequences to the emotional mo...

Today I’m reviewing Becoming the Boogeyman by Richard Chizmar, the second installment in his unique horror-thriller series that blends true crime, psychological suspense, and unsettling horror into something that feels disturbingly real. After thoroughly enjoying Chasing the Boogeyman, I was hopeful this sequel could maintain the same atmosphere and tension. Not only does it succeed, but it expand...

Urban fantasy has given us wizard detectives, monster hunters, vampire slayers, magical police officers, ancient druids, and some of the most beloved characters in all of fantasy literature. But which series rise above the rest? In this episode, Jim counts down the Top 10 Urban Fantasy Series of All Time, balancing popularity, influence, storytelling quality, and lasting impact on the genre. From...

Fantasy awards have given us some incredible winners over the years. But what about the books that didn’t win? In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, we’re counting down the 30 greatest fantasy novels ever nominated for major fantasy awards that never actually took home the trophy. These are the bridesmaids of fantasy literature—the books that earned Hugo, Nebula, World Fantasy, or British Fanta...

What if the most convincing true crime book you’ve ever read… wasn’t true at all? In this spoiler-lite review, I dive into Chasing the Boogeyman by Richard Chizmar, a brilliantly crafted blend of true crime, mystery, suspense, and horror that feels so authentic you’ll constantly have to remind yourself it’s fiction. Set in a small Maryland town during the late 1980s, this novel captures the atmosp...

Today we're diving into Dragon Offspring, Book 2 in Scott Appleton's The Sword of the Dragon series. This epic fantasy adventure takes everything that worked in Book 1 and expands it in exciting ways. Originally published in 2020 and recently released in audiobook format, Dragon Offspring continues the story begun in Swords of the Six, introducing larger mysteries, deeper character develop...

Some videos are designed to make friends. This is not one of those videos. Today, Jim shares his 12 most controversial Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror opinions of 2026 — from defending Harry Dresden and Terry Brooks to questioning modern fantasy adaptations, getting all soapbox on Stephen King, then explaining why worldbuilding may have become the most overrated concept in fantasy fandom. Wil...