PodcastsFictionFantasy for the Ages

Fantasy for the Ages

Jim Scriven
Fantasy for the Ages
Latest episode

957 episodes

  • Fantasy for the Ages

    Apple TV Quietly Made the BEST MonsterVerse Show and Nobody Noticed!

    13/05/2026 | 1h 9 mins.
    What happens when you combine giant Titans, Hollow Earth mysteries, secret organizations, family trauma, AND Kurt Russell being unbelievably cool? You get Monarch: Legacy of Monsters — and today Jim is joined by Roofmistress Leigh-a for a FULL SPOILER discussion of Seasons 1 and 2!

    After a brief spoiler-lite setup for newcomers, we dive deep into everything:
    🦖 The strengths and weaknesses of the series
    🦖 The performances and production quality
    🦖 Our favorite Titans and monster moments
    🦖 Lee Shaw, Cate, Kentaro, May, and the emotional core of the story
    🦖 Hollow Earth lore and MonsterVerse connections
    🦖 What worked… and what maybe didn’t
    🦖 Our predictions and theories for Season 3

    Did Apple TV+ quietly create one of the BEST entries in the entire MonsterVerse? Or does the series still struggle with the same problems as the films?

    Let us know YOUR thoughts in the comments:
    👉 Favorite Titan?
    👉 Favorite character?
    👉 Biggest Season 3 prediction?
    👉 Is Monarch better than the MonsterVerse movies?

    Be sure to check out Roofmistress Leigh-a’s content as well!
    https://www.youtube.com/@MalkierTalks/playlists

    If you enjoy fantasy, science fiction, horror, giant monsters, and other nerdy discussions, don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and ring the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Fantasy for the Ages!

    Special thanks to our incredible Patreon supporters from the Tolkien, Abercrombie, and Brooks tiers. Your support helps make the channel possible!: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

    #MonarchLegacyOfMonsters #MonsterVerse #Godzilla #Kong #AppleTV #SciFi #FantasyForTheAges #Kaiju #TVReview #MonsterVerseDiscussion



    Ways 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.social
    Follow 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/fantasyfortheages

    Jim’s Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4
    Jim’s Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n

    0:00 - Opening
    1:45 - Guest Intro & Episode Explanation
    3:04 - Spoiler-lite Details
    5:15 - Full Spoiler Warning
    5:25 - Overall Quality
    16:32 - The Characters
    33:05 - The Monsters & World-Building
    42:21 - Themes and Story
    55:16 - Best Moments
    57:56 - Season 3 Predictions
    1:04:54 - Final Thoughts
    1:07:08 - Wrap-up & Conclusion

    ————————————————————————————
    Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:
    https://elements.envato.com/
  • Fantasy for the Ages

    Returning to Fantasy Fiction after 30 Years: Breaking Down the Changes!

    11/05/2026 | 20 mins.
    If you fell in love with fantasy literature back in the 1980s or 1990s… and then disappeared into adulthood for a few decades… this episode is your survival guide for returning to fantasy in 2026.

    Because things have CHANGED.

    In this fun and humorous Fantasy for the Ages episode, Jim walks returning fantasy readers through the modern fantasy landscape:
    ⚔️ Grimdark
    ⚔️ Cozy Fantasy
    ⚔️ Romantasy
    ⚔️ LitRPG
    ⚔️ Progression Fantasy
    ⚔️ BookTok
    ⚔️ Self-publishing revolutions
    ⚔️ Modern fandom culture
    ⚔️ “Canceled” fantasy authors
    ⚔️ And yes… A Song of Ice and Fire STILL isn’t finished.

    Along the way, we discuss the biggest fantasy authors who rose to prominence while you were away, the major themes that dominate fantasy today, what older readers may miss about classic fantasy, and which modern authors still capture that old-school epic fantasy spirit.

    Whether you grew up on Tolkien, Brooks, Feist, Eddings, Dragonlance, or early Wheel of Time, this episode is designed as a public service announcement for the retired fantasy reader finally returning to the genre they once loved.

    Welcome back to fantasy. It got weird while you were gone.

    💬 Join the Conversation:

    Who were your favorite authors in days gone by? What new things about fantasy fiction interest you most?

    Drop your thoughts in the comments. I read all of them, and try to reply!



    👍 If You Enjoyed This Video:

    Like 👍 | Subscribe 🔔 | Share 📚



    Want to support Fantasy for the Ages and get extra content, early releases and other perks?
    Join our Patreon Community: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

    #Fantasy #FantasyBooks #EpicFantasy #BrandonSanderson #WheelOfTime #ASongOfIceAndFire #BookTube #FantasyForTheAges #Grimdark #CozyFantasy #FantasyReaders #ScienceFiction #BookTok #JoeAbercrombie #RobinHobb



    Ways 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.social
    Follow 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/fantasyfortheages

    Jim’s Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4
    Jim’s Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n

    0:00 - Opening
    2:12 - First, Some Reassurance
    2:51 - Things That Will Shock the Returning Fantasy Reader
    5:51 - Terms the Returning Reader Must Learn
    7:10 - Authors Who Became Massive While You Were Gone
    10:26 - Themes That Became Much More Common
    11:54 - The Uncomfortable Author Conversation
    16:50 - Yes, Fandom Itself Changed
    17:45 - Jim’s Final Thoughts
    20:13 - Wrap-up & Conclusion

    ————————————————————————————
    Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:
    https://elements.envato.com/
  • Fantasy for the Ages

    These SFF Books Never Disappoint — Glenn's Top 5 Go-To Reads

    08/05/2026 | 30 mins.
    Jim is joined once again by Glenn the Geeky Hippie for a conversation every SFF fan understands: the hunt for those rare books that NEVER fail as recommendations.

    You know the ones. The books you hand to someone with complete confidence because they consistently amaze readers, spark imagination, and remind us why we fell in love with fantasy and science fiction in the first place.

    In this episode, Glenn shares five of his ultimate “go-to” SFF recommendations — books and series that deliver wonder, emotion, adventure, unforgettable characters, and the kind of storytelling that sticks with you long after the final page. Along the way, Jim and Glenn discuss the value of recommendations, exploding TBR piles, gateway reads into fantasy and sci-fi, and the joy of discovering your next favorite book through fellow fans.

    Whether you’re brand new to SFF or a longtime genre veteran looking for your next must-read, this episode is packed with passionate recommendations and nerdy discussion.

    Be sure to share YOUR own go-to SFF recommendation down in the comments!

    💬 Join the Conversation:

    What are YOUR go-to recommendations? What book did someone recommend to you, only to complete fail to satisfy?

    Drop your thoughts in the comments—I read all of them!



    👍 If You Enjoyed This Video:

    Like 👍 | Subscribe 🔔 | Share 📚



    Want to support Fantasy for the Ages and get extra content, early releases and other perks?
    Join our Patreon Community: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

    #Fantasy #ScienceFiction #BookTube #FantasyBooks #SciFiBooks #SFF #FantasyForTheAges #BookRecommendations #GeekyHippie #MustReadBooks



    Check out Glenn the Geeky Hippie here:
    Non-Terrestrial Half-Life YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@non-terrestrialhalf-life

    Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?
    The Commonwealth Saga: https://t.ly/D6o67
    The Deed of Paksenarrion: https://t.ly/lGQ90
    The Dragonriders of Pern: https://t.ly/bNtvG
    The Expanse: https://t.ly/_KYOm
    Honor Harrington: https://t.ly/R-e0M
    Judas Unchained: https://t.ly/0CcJV
    The Kaiju Preservation Society: https://t.ly/BGopw
    Malazan Book of the Fallen: https://t.ly/mJrmu
    Necroscope Series: https://t.ly/c-geM
    Old Man’s War: https://t.ly/Q3uJu
    Pandora’s Star: https://t.ly/RVcwN
    Redshirts: https://t.ly/_ZPHk
    The Riftwar Saga: https://t.ly/pXhA0
    Starter Villain: https://t.ly/CGxLm
    The Wheel of Time: https://t.ly/vmGYt

    Ways 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.social
    Follow 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/fantasyfortheages

    Jim’s Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4
    Jim’s Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n

    0:00 - Opening
    1:32 - Episode Explanation
    2:39 - The Value of Recommendations
    5:07 - Glenn’s Top 5 Recs
    21:17 - Jim’s Take & Glenn’s Twist
    27:09 - Wrap-up & Conclusion

    ————————————————————————————
    Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:
    https://elements.envato.com/
  • Fantasy for the Ages

    These Top 15 African Authors Are Revolutionizing Fantasy and Sci-Fi

    07/05/2026 | 17 mins.
    African science fiction and fantasy is having a moment.

    And honestly?

    👉 It’s one of the most exciting movements in speculative fiction right now.

    In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, I’m ranking the Top 15 African SFF Authors, covering fantasy, science fiction, horror, African futurism, mythic storytelling, and more.

    From groundbreaking voices like Nnedi Okorafor and Tade Thompson…
    to breakout fantasy stars like Tomi Adeyemi and Suyi Davies Okungbowa…

    This list explores the authors helping redefine what modern speculative fiction can be.

    We’re talking:

    * African mythology and folklore
    * African futurism and sci-fi
    * Horror and dark fantasy
    * Postcolonial themes
    * Experimental storytelling
    * And voices bringing completely fresh perspectives to SFF

    And honestly?

    If you haven’t explored African speculative fiction yet…

    👉 You’re missing out on some incredible books.



    🔥 In This Episode:

    * The Top 15 African SFF Authors (ranked!)
    * Why Nigeria dominates modern African fantasy and sci-fi
    * How African SFF differs from Western storytelling traditions
    * The rise of African futurism
    * The biggest authors helping African SFF go global



    🌍 Why African SFF Feels Different

    European SFF often feels foundational and philosophical.

    North American SFF tends to feel expansive and commercial.

    But African speculative fiction?

    👉 Mythic
    👉 Cultural
    👉 Personal
    👉 Experimental

    And that’s exactly what makes it so exciting.



    💬 Join the Conversation:

    Who do YOU think is the greatest African SFF author?
    And who did I completely miss?

    Drop your thoughts in the comments—I read all of them!



    👍 If You Enjoyed This Video:

    Like 👍 | Subscribe 🔔 | Share 📚



    🙌 Support the Channel:

    Want to support Fantasy for the Ages and get extra content?
    Check out the Patreon: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

    #Fantasy #ScienceFiction #SFF #BookTube #AfricanFantasy #AfricanSciFi #NnediOkorafor #FantasyBooks #SciFiBooks #BookRecommendations

    Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?
    Binti: https://t.ly/X46rN
    Black Leopard, Red Wolf: https://t.ly/krwFf
    Children of Blood and Bone: https://t.ly/x4qfT
    Dazzling: https://t.ly/TeEPJ
    Dominion, An Anthology of Speculative Fiction From Africa and the African Diaspora: https://t.ly/hLoTF
    A Killing in the Sun: https://t.ly/UHNAF
    Nigerians in Space: https://t.ly/yc3OP
    The Palm-Wine Drinkard: https://t.ly/HIre8
    Riot Baby: https://t.ly/tcZ7G
    Rosewater: https://t.ly/lLzUh
    Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon: https://t.ly/dacv2
    The Shining Girls: https://t.ly/A_BYv
    The Silence of the Wilting Skin: https://t.ly/Gxg3w
    Sleepwalking Land: https://t.ly/VCr2P
    Son of the Storm: https://t.ly/8Ycxg
    Who Fears Death: https://t.ly/xwHeH
    Zoo City: https://t.ly/0S0nx

    Ways 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.social
    Follow 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/fantasyfortheages

    Jim’s Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4
    Jim’s Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n

    0:00 - Opening
    1:23 - Episode Explanation
    2:28 - 15-11
    6:53 - The Top 10
    14:51 - Jim’s Take on All This
    16:45 - Wrap-up & Conclusion

    ————————————————————————————
    Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:
    https://elements.envato.com/
  • Fantasy for the Ages

    Dragondrums Gets Unfairly Dismissed—Here's Why

    06/05/2026 | 12 mins.
    Join Jim for a spoiler-lite review of Dragondrums by Anne McCaffrey, the third and final book in The Harper Hall of Pern trilogy!

    Sometimes a book doesn’t fully click the first time you read it… and then years later, after more context and experience, you suddenly realize just how good it actually is. That was Jim’s experience with Dragondrums.

    In this review, Jim discusses:

    * Why this book initially disappointed him
    * The challenge of shifting from Menolly to Piemur
    * How the story connects much more deeply into the larger Pern saga
    * Why rereading the book in the proper order changed his perspective entirely
    * The strengths and weaknesses of the novel as both a Harper Hall story and a broader Pern story

    Whether you’re a longtime Pern fan or just beginning your reading journey into one of fantasy’s most beloved science-fantasy worlds, this review explores where Dragondrums succeeds, where it struggles, and why it has grown in appreciation over time.

    What did YOU think of Dragondrums? Did Piemur work for you as a protagonist? Let us know in the comments!

    If you enjoy fantasy, science fiction, horror, book reviews that help you discover new books to read, rankings, adaptations, and all things nerdy, be sure to subscribe to Fantasy for the Ages!.

    🙏 Special thanks to our Patreon supporters—you make content like this possible!: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

    #AnneMcCaffrey #Pern #Dragondrums #FantasyBooks #BookReview #ScienceFantasy #DragonridersOfPern #FantasyForTheAges #SFF #BookTube

    Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?
    Dragondrums: https://t.ly/q25QT

    Ways 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.social
    Follow 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/fantasyfortheages

    Jim’s Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4
    Jim’s Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n

    0:00 - Opening
    1:52 - Book Details
    3:03 - Why Jim Read This
    4:46 - Spoiler-Lite Summary
    6:06 - Six Reasons You May Enjoy This Book
    9:00 - Three Reasons It Might Not Be Your Thing
    10:28 - Jim’s Final Thoughts
    12:00 - Closing & Wrap-Up

    ————————————————————————————
    Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:
    https://elements.envato.com/
More Fiction podcasts
About Fantasy for the Ages
Jim (Father) and Zach (Son) talk about their ideas and perspectives on fantasy fiction, starting with Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time series but straying in various other directions as well. The generational difference in how they view what they read will become obvious (and entertaining, they hope!). Come enjoy our debates and explorations over what all these books mean, and see who you agree with.
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