Best Jim Scriven Podcasts (2025)

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What If Superheroes Fought Zombies? 8:44

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4h ago8:44

8:44

What happens when superheroes appear… just in time for the zombie apocalypse? Coincidence? Hmmm… maybe not. In this episode, Jim reviews the Ex-Heroes Series by Peter Clines — a five-book thrill ride that mashes together capes, corpses, and clever storytelling in the most entertaining way possible. From Ex-Heroes (2010) through Ex-Isle (2017), this…

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The Final 10: SFFH Books that Launched Poorly, Then Came Back STRONG! 8:29

1d ago8:29

8:29

We’ve reached the grand finale! Ten more masterpieces that were rejected, banned, or forgotten before time redeemed them. From Fahrenheit 451 to A Game of Thrones, these are the ultimate examples of books that refused to stay dead. This episode wraps up our journey through 50 legendary failures-turned-favorites—proof that every great story deserves…

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Another 10 Brilliant Books That Flopped at First! 8:40

2d ago8:40

8:40

Some of these were critical disasters. Others were totally ignored. But every one of them became a cornerstone of fantasy, science fiction, or horror. In this episode, we cover some incredible, foundational classics — books that had to die before they could live forever. I’ll share the fascinating stories behind their early failures and how time, r…

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10 More SFFH Books Were Initially IGNORED but Later Changed Everything! 8:45

4d ago8:45

8:45

Some stories are so bold they’re dismissed when they first appear. A Canticle for Leibowitz, Good Omens, The Blade Itself, and others on this list were mocked, ignored, or misunderstood—until they changed their genres forever. In Part 3 of They Failed First, I explore how a mix of dark humor, post-apocalyptic reflection, and grimdark grit went from…

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From Forgotten to Fantastic: 10 More SFF & Horror Legends That Time Redeemed 8:50

5d ago8:50

8:50

We’re back with ten more incredible stories that failed first but ultimately became unforgettable. From The Stars My Destination to House of Leaves, these novels were too strange, too challenging, or too far ahead of their time—but readers finally caught up. In this second part of the series, I’ll share how experimental horror, surreal sci-fi, and …

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Marvel Zombies Falls SHORT of AMAZING Potential? 6:51

5d ago6:51

6:51

Marvel Zombies is finally here on Disney Plus — but does it live up to the gruesome greatness of the comics? In this episode, Jim from Fantasy for the Ages shares his spoiler-lite thoughts on the new four-episode animated series, from that awful trailer to the surprising standouts (looking at you, Blade and Red Guardian). Jim dives into how this ad…

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They Failed First: 10 Legendary SFF & Horror Books That Flopped Before Becoming Beloved 9:09

5d ago9:09

9:09

Some of the most famous fantasy, science fiction, and horror books of all time bombed when they first hit shelves! In this episode, I kick off a five-part series exploring 50 legendary works that were ignored, rejected, or destroyed before finding their readers. From Dune’s 20-publisher rejection streak to The Colour of Magic’s tiny first printing,…

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30 Lesser-Known Yet Fantastic & Inspirational SFFH Reads 17:24

8d ago17:24

17:24

Are you craving something new to read — something magical, thought-provoking, or deeply inspiring that isn’t already on every “Top 10 Fantasy” list? In this episode, Jim shares 30 lesser-known but fantastic novels across fantasy, science fiction, and horror — each one uniquely written, highly rated by readers and critics alike, and bursting with im…

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Vampires, Hope, and the End of the World — The Passage Trilogy Review 7:01

10d ago7:01

7:01

When a government experiment goes horribly wrong and unleashes a plague that reshapes humanity itself, what begins as a thriller becomes one of the most powerful modern sagas in speculative fiction. In this spoiler-lite review, Jim dives into Justin Cronin’s The Passage Trilogy — a breathtaking mix of vampire apocalypse, dystopian survival, and pro…

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What are the BEST Horror Novel SERIES Since 1950? 15:31

13d ago15:31

15:31

What happens when you take seventy years of horror fiction and let the data decide which series reign supreme? Sales, acclaim, and fan ratings all collide in this countdown of the Top 20 Horror Series Since 1950 — ranked not by fear, but by facts. From cursed towns and haunted houses to cannibal geniuses and psychic vampire hunters, this list has i…

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What are the BEST Sci-Fi Book SERIES Since 1950? 18:22

13d ago18:22

18:22

We’ve ranked the best in fantasy… now it’s time to head for the stars! 🌌 In this solo episode, Jim breaks down the Top 20 Science Fiction Book Series (4 or more books) published since 1950 — ranked entirely by the data. No opinions. No nostalgia. Just cold, hard numbers. These rankings combine total sales, critical acclaim, and average reader ratin…

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What are the BEST Fantasy Book SERIES Since 1950? 26:07

13d ago26:07

26:07

What happens when you strip away opinion and nostalgia, and let the data decide which fantasy book series reign supreme? In this solo episode, Jim dives deep into sales numbers, critical acclaim, and average fan ratings across Goodreads, Storygraph, and Amazon to reveal the Top 20 Fantasy Series (4+ books) published since 1950, ranked purely by the…

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Discover 20 Wildly Creative Sci-Fi, Fantasy, & Horror Movies and Shows You SHOULD Watch! 22:46

19d ago22:46

22:46

20 movies and shows—mostly movies—ranked from OK to Awesome-sauce! In this episode I share 18 films and 2 TV series from Science Fiction, Horror, and Fantasy released since the year 2000. These are creative, entertaining, sometimes bizarre, but always worthwhile watches for the right audience. I’ll give you the year, the genre, a spoiler-lite summa…

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Worst SFF TV Series Endings EVER 15:42

20d ago15:42

15:42

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SFF Books I Will Never Read Again! 18:50

28d ago18:50

18:50

Not every book is meant to be reread—and today, Jim’s flying solo to talk about the other side of the bookshelf. These are the SFF books, trilogies, and series he finished once… and will never go back to. Whether they fizzled out, dragged on, or just left him scratching his head, these eight selections are ones that didn’t earn a second chance. Thi…

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4k Subscribers Celebration Livestream Bash! 1:35:41

29d ago1:35:41

1:35:41

We’re humbled and thrilled to have hit 4,000 subscribers on YouTube, just a couple months after hitting 3,000! Glad to have you all with us, enjoying our content. In celebration, we invited eight guests — authors, content creators, supporters of the show — and we spent 90 minutes in glorious goofiness related to SFFH nerdiness! Enjoy the fun we had…

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The Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror I Would Read Again in a Heartbeat! 17:33

1M ago17:33

17:33

Some books are so good, they don’t just stick with you—they call you back. Even with more than 1,700 books waiting on my TBR, these are the SFFH novels and series I’d gladly reread anytime, anywhere. In this episode, I’m sharing my Top 10 Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror books I would read again in a heartbeat, along with a couple of honorable mentions.…

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The AWFUL Endings: SFF's Biggest Letdowns! 15:46

1M ago15:46

15:46

Some of the greatest fantasy and science fiction series ever written… completely blew the landing. In this episode, Jim takes a hard look at sci-fi and fantasy series that started strong, won our hearts, and then left us scratching our heads (or yelling at the pages) with finales that just didn’t measure up. From legendary epics to cult favorites, …

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Recent Reads: 10 Fantasy & Sci Fi Books You Might Love 1:07:36

1M ago1:07:36

1:07:36

Zach’s been on a reading spree! In this episode, Jim introduces the last 10 fantasy and science fiction reads Zach has enjoyed — with spoiler-lite synopses — while Zach reacts, sets the record straight, and shares three reasons why you might want to pick each up. From grimdark battles to magical schools, from strange new worlds to unforgettable cha…

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The Boy on the Bridge — A Sequel, a Prequel, and an Ending You’ll Never Forget 6:35

1M ago6:35

6:35

Think you already know everything after The Girl With All the Gifts? Think again. In this solo review, Jim explores The Boy on the Bridge by M.R. Carey—a novel that both expands and deepens the haunting world of the first book. With shocking reveals, unforgettable characters, and a powerful ending, this isn’t just a prequel… it’s a story that chang…

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Which are the MOST Overhyped Characters of Fantasy? 37:37

1M ago37:37

37:37

Some characters get all the love… but do they really deserve it? In this episode, Jim and Zach dive into the Most Overhyped Characters in Fantasy. From beloved heroes to so-called legends of the genre, we’re putting names on the table and asking the tough question: Are they really that good, or is the fandom just a little too obsessed? Don’t get us…

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BEST Sci-Fi Novels of the 2010s SHOCKINGLY IGNORED by Awards 20:33

1M ago20:33

20:33

🚀✨ It’s the grand finale of our series on the Best Science Fiction Novels Overlooked by the Awards! ✨🚀 Across the Hugo, Nebula, Locus, Clarke, Campbell, and BSFA ballots of the 2010s, countless worthy books never received a nomination. In this episode, Jim dives into the two best sci-fi novels from each year, 2010 through 2019, that somehow slipped…

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BEST Sci-Fi Books of the 2000s SNUBBED by Awards 19:04

1M ago19:04

19:04

The 2000s gave us some of the biggest names and boldest ideas in science fiction—space operas that redefined the genre, cyberpunk evolutions, and near-future thrillers that feel eerily relevant today. But here’s the twist: not every great book of the decade made it onto the Hugo, Nebula, or Locus ballots. In this episode, Jim continues the series b…

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Best Sci-Fi Novels of the 1990s OVERLOOKED by Awards 11:15

1M ago11:15

11:15

✨ The 1990s were packed with groundbreaking science fiction—cyberpunk matured, space opera returned in force, and near-future thrillers exploded. The Hugo, Nebula, and Locus Awards recognized plenty of classics…but they didn’t catch everything. In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim takes you year by year through the 1990s to spotlight the to…

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Best Sci-Fi Novels of the 1980s Snubbed by Awards 19:57

1M ago19:57

19:57

✨ Think the Hugo, Nebula, and Locus Awards caught all the best science fiction of the 1980s? Think again. In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim digs deep into the decade that gave us cyberpunk, space opera epics, and dystopian thrillers—spotlighting the amazing books that somehow slipped through the awards radar. From forgotten alien invasio…

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Snubbed by the Awards: Best Sci-Fi Novels of the 1970s 22:19

1M ago22:19

22:19

Some of the best science fiction of the 1970s never even made it onto an awards ballot. No Hugos. No Nebulas. No Locus trophies, Clarke medals, or BSFA plaques. But these are books that sold strongly, earned lasting fan love, and still hold up with terrific ratings and critical praise. In this episode, Jim digs into the hidden gems of each year in …

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Best Sci-Fi Novels of the 1960s that the Awards Ignored 16:25

2M ago16:25

16:25

The 1960s gave us some of the most legendary science fiction ever written… but many incredible novels were completely ignored by the Hugos, the Nebulas, and every other major award. In this episode, Jim dives deep into the data — sales numbers, Goodreads/StoryGraph/Amazon ratings, and critical reviews — to uncover 20 sci-fi gems from the 1960s that…

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Stephen Graham Jones’ Darkest Novel Yet? (The Least of My Scars) 6:02

2M ago6:02

6:02

Step into the mind of a killer—if you dare. In this solo review, Jim explores The Least of My Scars by Stephen Graham Jones, a psychological horror novel that locks you into the twisted thoughts of a serial killer. With its shocking opening scene, layers of manipulation, and an ending you’ll never see coming, this book is as unsettling as it is bri…

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The Girl With All the Gifts — Brilliant, Unsettling, Unmissable 5:56

2M ago5:56

5:56

What makes a zombie apocalypse novel stand out from the crowd? In this solo review, Jim explores The Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey—a dystopian sci-fi horror story that’s as thoughtful as it is terrifying. From the unforgettable protagonist Melanie, to the shocking opening, to that mind-blowing conclusion, this book delivers everything you w…

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What's Hiding in the Pages of “Three Miles Past” by Stephen Graham Jones? 5:26

2M ago5:26

5:26

Step into the unsettling world of Stephen Graham Jones with Three Miles Past (2011), a chilling collection of three novellas: Interstate Love Affair, No Takebacks, and The Coming of Night. In this episode, Jim dives into each story with spoiler-lite synopses, then shares why this volume stands out as a delightfully creepy addition to Jones’ growing…

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Top 15 Audiobook Series I’ve Enjoyed Binging 22:11

2M ago22:11

22:11

🎧 Ever been swept away by an audiobook so good you forget you’re doing chores, working out, or driving across town? In this episode, Jim shares the Top 15 Audiobook Series (plus an honorable mention!) that he’s loved binging—trilogies and longer series that combine incredible storytelling, immersive worlds, and unforgettable narration.From epic fan…

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Top FANTASY Books from Self Published Authors 2011-2024 36:14

2M ago36:14

36:14

What are the best self-published fantasy and science fiction novels of the last decade-plus? From The Martian and Wool to The Sword of Kaigen and Waybound, indie authors have proven they can go toe-to-toe with the biggest names in traditional publishing. In this episode, Jim walks through four standout indie releases from every year between 2011 an…

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Does Mira Grant's Zombie Story FALL Flat? 4:56

2M ago4:56

4:56

Mira Grant’s Newsflesh Trilogy is one of the most brilliant zombie apocalypse series ever written… but what about Feedback (2016), the so-called “Book 4”? In this spoiler-lite review, Jim (flying solo for Fantasy for the Ages) dives into this parallel tale that runs alongside the events of Feed. Does Feedback add anything compelling to the Newsfles…

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Fantasy, Sci-Fi & Horror’s Greatest Opening Lines | How Many Do You Know? 14:25

2M ago14:25

14:25

Some opening lines stay with you forever. From the mysterious, the chilling, and the downright legendary, these first words transport us into other worlds and unforgettable stories. In this episode, Jim takes you on a journey through 30 of the best opening lines in fantasy, science fiction, and horror — moving from lesser-known gems to the most ico…

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Steven Erikson's Weirdness Unleashed in Bauchelain & Korbal Broach 6:52

2M ago6:52

6:52

Bauchelain and Korbal Broach are back—and things are as dark, grotesque, and hilarious as ever. In this episode, I review The Second Collected Tales of Bauchelain and Korbal Broach by Steven Erikson, which bundles together three novellas: The Crack’d Pot Trail (2009), The Wurms of Blearmouth (2012), and The Fiends of Nightmaria (2016). Join me for …

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Most Heartbreaking Fantasy Deaths (That We Still Aren’t Over) 48:39

2M ago48:39

48:39

💔 Some characters die. Others take a piece of us with them. In this gut-punch of an episode, Jim and Zach dig deep into the most devastating deaths in fantasy fiction—the ones that made us cry, rage, or throw the book across the room. From noble sacrifices to unexpected gut-wrenchers, these are the moments that left permanent scars. 📚 Whether it’s …

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Top 10 Sci-Fi Novels Critics Love But Fans Hate! 7:09

2M ago7:09

7:09

Not all “classics” are created equal. Some science fiction novels are hailed as visionary, genius, and even essential by critics… while regular readers toss them across the room in frustration. In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim takes on 10 sci-fi novels since 1930 that critics adored but fans couldn’t stand. From psychedelic word salads …

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10 Fantasy Books Critics Loved But Fans Hated 8:05

2M ago8:05

8:05

Some fantasy novels win awards, earn glowing reviews, and get called “masterpieces” by critics… but when actual fans picked them up? They cried, “Boring!” “Pretentious!” and “I want my weekend back!” In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim counts down 10 fantasy novels since 1930 that critics adored but general readers couldn’t stand. From spr…

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The Mt Rushmore of Fantasy Authors: Only 4 Can Make It! 19:09

2M ago19:09

19:09

🗿 Only FOUR can be carved in stone. Who gets eternal glory… and who gets left in the rubble? In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim and Zach face one of the most impossible challenges in fantasy fandom—choosing the ultimate Mount Rushmore of Fantasy. We each make our author nominations and fiercely defend our picks. Expect: • Legendary names …

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The Wildest Zombie Story You’ve Never Read | “Zombie Bake Off” 7:33

2M ago7:33

7:33

🍩🧟‍♂️ 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 …

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Top Horror Novels of the 2020s (2020–2025 So Far) 17:16

2M ago17:16

17:16

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…

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The 30 Best Horror Novels of the 2010s – Ranked by Sales, Awards & Fans 27:02

2M ago27:02

27:02

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: 1️…

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2000s Horror: The 30 Books That Ruled the Decade 26:28

2M ago26:28

26:28

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 …

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These 90s Horror Novels Still Give Nightmares! 26:33

2M ago26:33

26:33

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…

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Top Three Horror Novels Each Year of the 1980s! 27:58

2M ago27:58

27:58

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 nev…

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Top Three Horror Novels of Each Year, By the Numbers - The 70s! 27:54

2M ago27:54

27:54

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: …

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Top Three Horror Novels of Each Year, By the Numbers - The 60s! 33:46

2M ago33:46

33:46

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…

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Top 10 Fantasy Duos That Totally Rule! 43:22

2M ago43:22

43:22

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 o…

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The Most Cinematic Horror Novel You’ll Ever Read – Demon Theory 7:17

3M ago7:17

7:17

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 t…

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The 30 Best Unknown Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Horror Books Since 1970 18:33

3M ago18:33

18:33

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 hor…