Fantasy for the Ages

After nine years, five seasons, and one massive cultural footprint, Stranger Things has officially come to an end — with the final episode dropping on December 31. And on Fantasy for the Ages, we couldn’t let that moment pass without a deep, honest, spoiler-filled conversation.In this episode, Jim is joined by longtime Stranger Things fans and frequent FFTA guests Eric, Karri, and Roofmistress Leigh-a for a full roundtable discussion of Stranger Things (2016–2025). We’re talking the entire series — the highs, the heartbreaks, the monsters, the music, the characters we loved, and the choices that sparked debate.Most importantly, we dive deep into Season 5 and the ending:• Did the finale stick the landing?• Were the character arcs earned?• Did the Upside Down mythology hold together?• What worked brilliantly — and what didn’t?• Where does Stranger Things rank among the all-time great genre shows?⚠️ This is a FULL SPOILER episode — nothing is off-limits. If you haven’t finished the series yet, bookmark this and come back after the credits roll.Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and Ring the Notification Bell! Join the discussion in the comments, tell us where Stranger Things lands for you, and come continue the conversation with us on Discord. If you want to help support the channel and keep Fantasy for the Ages going strong, check out our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges#StrangerThings #StrangerThingsSeason5 #StrangerThingsEnding #FullSpoilers #FantasyForTheAges #NetflixSeries #GeekDiscussion #TVFinale #GenreTV #FFTAWays to Connect with Our Guests:Eric Haan's Author Site: https://www.jakethedragontalker.comKarri on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/hathor46.bsky.socialRoofmistress Leigh-a on Three-Fold Talk: https://www.youtube.com/@MalkierTalks/playlists Ways to connect with us:Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges 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: @[email protected] Email us: [email protected] 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 - Opening1:25 - Episode Explanation5:05 - Big Picture Reflections, and THAT ENDING!21:59 - Character Arcs29:34 - Villains, Horror, and Stakes40:07 - Worldbuilding & Lore44:03 - Emotional Payoffs / Iconic Moments53:06 - Critiques59:25 - Legacy & Final Verdicts1:06:23 - Conclusion & Wrap-up————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

2025 gave us a new I Know What You Did Last Summer — and yes, this is a true sequel, not a reboot.In this spoiler-lite review, I break down whether this 2025 follow-up to the 1997 slasher classic could recapture the magic that made the original so iconic… or whether this is a sequel that never really needed to exist in the first place.We’ll talk about:• How the film compares to the original• The surprisingly strong script and plot twists• Why Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. completely outshine the new cast• The modern slasher elements, kills, and production value• That very weird ending after the ending• And whether this sequel actually weakens the legacy of a horror classicI enjoyed this movie—but enjoyment doesn’t always mean justification.If you’re a fan of modern slashers, mystery-driven horror, or just wanted to see Hewitt and Prinze back in these roles one more time, this review is for you.👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments:Did you love it? Hate it? Or walk away feeling conflicted but entertained?Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and Ring the Notification Bell! And if you want to help support the channel and keep Fantasy for the Ages pumping out content, check out our Patreon. Perks await!: https://www.patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges#IKnowWhatYouDidLastSummer #HorrorMovies #SlasherFilms #MovieReview#FantasyForTheAges #HorrorReview #LegacySequels #2025MoviesWays to connect with us:Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges 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: @[email protected] Email us: [email protected] 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 - Opening1:06 - Movie Details2:40 - Jim’s Take3:39 - Five Reasons You May Enjoy This4:25 - Three Reasons You Might Not Care for It5:14 - Final Thoughts5:46 - Conclusion & Wrap-up————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

Some books are fun to read…Others refuse to let you stop talking about them.In today’s Fantasy for the Ages episode, Jim and Zach tackle a topic every speculative fiction fan understands instinctively: the SFF best books and series we could discuss for HOURS.These are the stories with unforgettable worlds, endlessly debated characters, and themes that spark conversation long after the final page. They’re the books that inspire rereads, theories, arguments, and passionate defenses—the ones that turn casual readers into lifelong fans.Each of us brought five picks to the table, then worked together (and occasionally argued) to create a collaboratively ranked Top 10 list. Along the way, we talk about why certain stories demand repeated discussion, how fandom keeps these worlds alive, and what separates a good reading from a truly unforgettable one.And of course… there was overlap.📚 In this episode, we discuss:• What makes a book or series endlessly discussable• The role of worldbuilding, characters, and theme in long-term fandom• Which SFF stories reward rereads and deep dives• Why some books never stop being relevantNow we want to hear from you.👉 What books or series can you talk about for hours?👉 Which ones did we miss?👉 And which rankings do you passionately disagree with?Drop your picks in the Comments, and if you want to keep the conversation going, come join us on our Discord server—invite link in the show notes.Thank-you to our Patreon supporters for keeping Fantasy for the Ages possible. Check out our Patreon page to discover the perks our supporters enjoy!: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges#FantasyForTheAges #SpeculativeFiction #FantasyBooks #SciFiBooks #BookDiscussion #SFFCommunity #BookTube #Top10Books #FantasyReadersWant to purchase books mentioned in this episode?The Acts of Caine: https://t.ly/TqFnTThe Dark Tower: https://t.ly/0yCfxDawnshard: https://t.ly/CdHYUThe Dragonriders of Pern: https://t.ly/lLO5PThe Dresden Files: https://t.ly/mZKXmDune Saga: https://t.ly/gb3K1Dungeon Crawler Carl: https://t.ly/3DxEtEdgedancer: https://t.ly/4l6R0The Expanse: https://t.ly/Pq067The Hobbit: https://t.ly/993A3Hyperion Cantos: https://t.ly/qhM-bThe Lightbringer Series: https://t.ly/NzrYcThe Locked Tomb Series: https://t.ly/dM-xQThe Lord of the Rings: https://t.ly/1eEP9Malazan Book of the Fallen: https://t.ly/6JLnpMistborn: Secret History: https://t.ly/y-ZISThe Murderbot Diaries: https://t.ly/xvnyYNight Angel Nemesis: https://t.ly/j2S-ARed Rising Saga: https://t.ly/33acxShannara: https://t.ly/X6MvmThe Silmarillion: https://t.ly/iX9LiThe Stormlight Archive: https://t.ly/x2NkJThe Wheel of Time: https://t.ly/vmGYtWays 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: @[email protected] Email us: [email protected] 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 - Opening1:57 - Episode Explanation5:49 - Our Picks37:16 - The Final Rankings39:22 - Concluding Thoughts40:27 - Wrap-up————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

Step into a piece of corporate horror where the office isn’t just soul-crushing—it might be haunted.In this episode, Jim reviews The Indigo Room by Stephen Graham Jones, a short, unsettling work that blurs the line between reality, perception, and the quiet dread of modern work life.As part of a collaborative collection of short horror reads—each written by a different author—The Indigo Room shows Jones working within constraints, delivering a tight, atmospheric story that keeps readers guessing. Is something supernatural happening… or is the horror rooted in burnout, isolation, and the pressures of corporate existence?Jim breaks down:• Why Stephen Graham Jones remains one of the most interesting voices in horror• How this story plays with ambiguity and perception• What works, what doesn’t, and who this short read is best suited for• Why this isn’t Jim’s favorite Jones story—but still very much worth your timeIf you’re new to Stephen Graham Jones, this is a fascinating sampler.👍 Like📚 Subscribe🔔 Ring the notification bell💙 And thanks, as always, to our Patreon supporters for helping keep Fantasy for the Ages going strong. 👉 patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges#FantasyForTheAges #TheIndigoRoom #StephenGrahamJones #HorrorBooks #CorporateHorror #PsychologicalHorror #BookReview #HorrorFiction #BookTubeWant to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?The Indigo Room: https://t.ly/FdAnwThe Only Good Indians: https://t.ly/WA3J-The Shivers: https://t.ly/dTTQNWays 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: @[email protected] Email us: [email protected] 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 - Opening1:31 - Book Details2:42 - Why Jim Read This3:21 - Spoiler-Lite Summary4:05 - Jim’s Take4:50 - Five Reasons You May Enjoy This Novel5:33 - Two Reasons You Might Not Care for This Book5:53 - Final Thoughts6:31 - Closing & Wrap-Up————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

In today’s episode, Jim sits down with Dust Kunkel, the author of the dark fantasy debut Fly Stone, Fly, for a wide-ranging conversation about writing, influences, and the strange, brutal, deeply human story that’s already turning heads.We start spoiler-free, getting to know Dust as a person and a reader—favorite books, movies, and inspirations—before diving into the origins of Fly Stone, Fly, why dark fantasy was the right home for this story, and how a debut novel ends up landing award attention right out of the gate.From there, we talk craft:📖 the role of Shakespeare (and The Riverside Shakespeare)🖋️ developing a powerful narrative voice🎨 the meaning behind the cover design🎧 audiobook plans📚 and whether a sequel is on the horizon⚠️ SPOILER WARNING:Later in the episode, we clearly mark the transition into full spoiler territory. If you haven’t read Fly Stone, Fly yet, you’ll want to pause before that section and come back after you’ve finished the book.If you enjoy thoughtful author interviews, dark fantasy with depth, indie books, and conversations that go beyond surface-level hype, this one’s for you.👉 Have you read Fly Stone, Fly yet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!⸻👍 Like | 🔔 Subscribe | 💬 Comment | 💻 Join Discord | ❤️ Join Patreon: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges#FantasyForTheAges #FlyStoneFly #DustKunkel #DarkFantasy #AuthorInterview #FantasyBooks #SpeculativeFiction #BookTube #IndieFantasy #FantasyDiscussion #indiebooks Connect with Dust Kunkel further:Email: [email protected] Website: https://dustauthor.com/Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?The Book Eaters: https://t.ly/6RCddThe Book of the New Sun: https://t.ly/klihiFly Stone, Fly: https://t.ly/NMVPbThe Gallivanter Saga: https://t.ly/HhSBfThe Girl with a Thousand Faces: https://t.ly/6dBoxThe Lord of the Rings: https://t.ly/Nw3kYWinter’s Bone: https://t.ly/xZCWOThe Wizard Knight: https://t.ly/snELzWays 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: @[email protected] Email us: [email protected] 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 - Opening1:03 - Guest Welcome & Context3:21 - Warm-Up Questions10:46 - Deeper Questions23:34 - Influences, Craft, & Format35:27 - SPOILER Questions52:21 - Conclusion & Wrap-up————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/