In this spoiler-lite review, Jim takes on Swan Song by Robert McCammon — a 1987 post-apocalyptic dystopian horror novel that won a Bram Stoker Award and continues to be hailed by many readers as a classic. But does it hold up today? And does it really deserve the constant comparisons to Stephen King’s The Stand?

After a channel viewer recommended it — knowing The Stand is Jim’s favorite King novel — he dove in. Did this end-of-the-world epic impress, or did it fall flat? Let’s just say Jim has some thoughts… and they may not be the ones you expect.

Join us for a spoiler-lite plot overview, honest reactions (including some unpopular opinions), and five reasons you might still enjoy this book, even if Jim didn’t fully connect with it.

If you enjoy thoughtful reviews, BookTube honesty, and a touch of good-natured snark, hit that Like, Subscribe, and tap the Notification Bell so you never miss an FFTA episode! And if you’d like to support the channel further, check out our Patreon, where you’ll find bonus content, early releases, and extra ways to connect with us.

👉 patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

#sffh #booktube #fantasyfortheages #swansong #robertmccammon #horrorfantasy #dystopianbooks #bookreview #postapocalypticfiction

Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?

Misery: https://t.ly/JS2pd

The Stand: https://t.ly/UG_4m

Swan Song: https://t.ly/i5F6p

Channels referenced in this episode?

Geaux Read Books: https://www.youtube.com/@geauxreadbooks

Ways to connect with us:

Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven

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Jim’s Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4

Jim’s Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n

0:00 - Opening

1:07 - Book Details & Reception

2:27 - Why Jim Read This

3:07 - Spoiler-Lite Summary

4:36 - Jim’s Reaction

7:04 - Five Reasons Someone Might Enjoy Swan Song

8:36 - Final Thoughts

9:21 - Wrap-Up & Conclusion

————————————————————————————

Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:

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Can a mystery thriller starring sentient mushroom people actually work?

Today, I’m diving into Mushroom Blues (The Hofmann Report Book 1) by Adrian M. Gibson—a weird-fiction sci-fi mashup with a premise so wild it practically demands investigation. This was my latest buddy-read with Derek over at D&J’s Epic Quest and Matt from Geaux Read Books, all in preparation for an upcoming full-spoiler discussion episode. And somehow… I’m the first one finished.

In this spoiler-lite review, I’ll walk you through the basics of the book, give a quick overview of the world of fungi-folk and fractured detectives, and share my honest take on what worked — and what didn’t. Did this story grow on me over time? Or did I feel more like I survived it than enjoyed it? Let’s talk about it.

If you enjoy our content, please 👍 like, subscribe, and ring that notification bell so you never miss an episode. And if you’d like to support the channel further, check out our Patreon, where you’ll find bonus content, polls, and extra ways to connect with us.

👉 patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

Have you read Mushroom Blues? Planning to? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

#MushroomBlues #AdrianMGibson #BookReview #SpoilerLiteReview #FantasyForTheAges #SciFiBooks #WeirdFiction #BuddyRead #BookTube #SFFHReaders

Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?

Mushroom Blues: https://t.ly/pxwsZ

Channels referenced in this episode?

D&J’s Epic Quest: https://www.youtube.com/@djsepicquest226

Geaux Read Books: https://www.youtube.com/@geauxreadbooks

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

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Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com

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

1:28 - Book Basics

2:01 - Why Jim Read This

3:01 - Spoiler-Lite Summary

4:32 - Jim’s Reaction

5:46 - Five Reasons Someone Might Enjoy This Novel

7:56 - Final Thoughts

8:31 - Wrap-Up & Conclusion

————————————————————————————

Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:

https://elements.envato.com/

Welcome to The FFTA Father-Son SFFH Awards — The Sassies: 2025 Edition! 🎉

It’s perhaps the start of an annual tradition, where Jim and Zach team up to celebrate (and sometimes lovingly roast) the very best of our fantasy, science fiction, and horror reading from the past year.

No cash prizes. No trophies.

Just bookish joy, chaotic energy, and two nerds sharing the stories that stuck with us long after we turned the final page.

This year’s Sassies categories include:

🔥 Best Character You Wanted to Punch

🐉 Best Monster Who Deserved a Raise

🤯 Best “Wait… WHAT?!” Plot Twist

🎧 Best Audiobook Narration

💬 Best Quote

📚 The “Couldn’t Put It Down, Forgot to Eat” Award

🕵️ Best Supporting Character Who Stole the Show

💔 The “I Need Therapy Now” Emotional Devastation Award

🌍 Best Worldbuilding Flex

🧪 The “I Can’t Believe That Worked” Genre Mash-Up Award

We’ll each reveal our nominees, debate (over-) passionately, and crown a single winner for each category. Expect laughs, hot takes, questionable choices, and plenty of love for the books we read that made 2025 awesome.

If you enjoy SFFH book talk, father-son banter, or discovering new reads to add to your already-overflowing TBR… this is your episode.

⸻

👍 Like the video

📬 Subscribe for more SFFH content

🔔 Ring the bell so you never miss our reviews, debates, and livestreams

💙 Huge thanks to our Patreon supporters for helping make these episodes possible!: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

#FantasyForTheAges #TheSassies #BookAwards #SFFH #BestBooks2025 #FantasyBooks #SciFiBooks #HorrorBooks #Booktube #Audiobooks #ReadingCommunity #FatherSonBooktube

Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?

Artificial Condition: https://t.ly/qc9Ay

A Breath of Snow and Ashes: https://t.ly/o8IhN

Book of the Ancestor Trilogy: https://t.ly/DL67U

Dungeon Crawler Carl Series: https://t.ly/2lTYR

Ex-Heroes Series: https://t.ly/XuifA

The Girl With All the Gifts: https://t.ly/bb_AD

The Indian Lake Trilogy: https://t.ly/OE8Ck

Lightbringer Series: https://t.ly/NzrYc

The Murderbot Diaries: https://t.ly/xvnyY

The Newsflesh Trilogy: https://t.ly/3at8Z

Pilgrims: https://t.ly/rnlMT

The Realm of the Elderlings: https://t.ly/Jvhui

The Stand: https://t.ly/UG_4m

Swan Song: https://t.ly/i5F6p

This Inevitable Ruin: https://t.ly/_Z_qZ

The Three-Body Problem Trilogy: https://t.ly/vDm19

The Will of the Many: https://t.ly/O3i8i

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

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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

1:26 - Episode Explanation

2:03 - Awards Intro & Disclaimer

4:30 - The Award Reveals

48:38 - Conclusion & Wrap-up

————————————————————————————

Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:

https://elements.envato.com/

Did we really need another Superman movie?

Jim certainly didn’t think so… until Zach made him watch it. And now? Jim has to admit something he never expected to say:

👉 “I WAS WRONG.”

In this solo episode, Jim dives into his spoiler-lite review of Superman (2025) — a film he initially skipped due to full-blown Superman fatigue… only to discover it’s one of the most surprisingly entertaining superhero films in years.

Jim breaks down why this movie works, what James Gunn brings to the table, how the new Superman and Lois dynamic plays out, why Krypto might be the MVP, and what sets this version apart from all the previous attempts to reboot the Man of Steel.

Whether you’ve already seen the movie or you’re still on the fence, this episode highlights what makes Superman (2025) fresh, fun, and genuinely worth your time.

💬 Did YOU watch Superman (2025)?

Tell us in the comments if you agree with Jim… or if he’s still wrong.

If you enjoy this video, remember to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and ring the NOTIFICATION BELL so you don’t miss any of our near-daily episodes covering fantasy, sci-fi, horror, books, media, and all things nerdy.

And if you’d like to support the channel and gain extra perks, check out our Patreon!: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

#Superman2025 #MovieReview #DCUniverse #JamesGunn #Superman #FantasyForTheAges #SFF #SciFi #Fantasy #Horror #NerdCulture #FilmReview #ComicBookMovies #DCMovies #SuperheroMovies #Krypto #LoisLane #DavidCorenswet #RachelBrosnahan #Booktube #GeekCulture #PopCulture #Fandom

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: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de

Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com

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

1:02 - Setup & Context

3:06 - Six Reasons You Should Give Superman a Chance

6:36 - Final Thoughts

7:12- Conclusion & Wrap-up

————————————————————————————

Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:

https://elements.envato.com/

In this special Fantasy for the Ages episode, Jim & Zach are joined by two VERY special guests — their better halves, Judy and Rachel! 🎉

Together, the four of us dive into a mountain of Fantasy for the Ages YouTube poll results spanning fantasy, science fiction, horror, and all kinds of gloriously nerdy book-and-media debates.

But here’s the fun twist: before seeing the results, we all try to guess how YOU, our viewers, voted!

Were your choices predictable? Chaotic? Deeply controversial? Completely unhinged?

…Yes. The answer is yes.

From beloved tropes and favorite creatures to unexplainable preferences and guilty-pleasure picks, we take turns reacting, laughing, agreeing, disagreeing, and occasionally judging each other’s opinions (lovingly, of course). Judy and Rachel bring their own unique perspectives — and absolutely keep us honest.

Whether you’re here for fantasy, sci-fi, horror, or just good-natured family chaos, this one is a riot. Settle in and enjoy the ride!

👍 If you have fun watching, don’t forget to LIKE the video, SUBSCRIBE to Fantasy for the Ages, and ring that NOTIFICATION BELL so you never miss our next discussion, debate, or deep dive!

💬 And tell us in the comments which poll result shocked you most — or which one we absolutely got wrong.

👇 Support the Channel & Join Our Community!

✨ Patreon — help us grow and unlock special perks: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

#FantasyForTheAges #BookTube #SFF #Fantasy #SciFi #Horror #NerdCulture #PollResults #Discussion #FamilyEpisode #BookCommunity #YouTubePolls #GeekCulture #BookDiscussion #FantasyFans #SciFiFans #HorrorFans

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: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de

Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com

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

1:26 - Episode Explanation

3:01 - Discussing Poll Results

54:35 - Conclusion & Wrap-up

————————————————————————————

Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:

https://elements.envato.com/

What were the absolute best books we read in 2025? The ones that didn’t just blow us away, but earned the always desired by not always earned: a perfect 5-star score? Today, Jim and Zach reveal their Unshakable 5-Star SFFH Discoveries of 2025 — the science fiction, fantasy, and horror reads that rose above everything else we picked up this year.

These aren’t necessarily new releases… just the books that hit hard, surprised us, moved us, impressed us, and refused to let go. If you’re looking for can’t-miss recommendations or the next book to add to your TBR, this episode has you covered.

Drop your own 5-star reads of the year in the comments — your recommendations have led us to some of our favorite discoveries, and we’d love to see what rose to the top for you in 2025.

Thanks for watching, for liking and subscribing, and for being part of the Fantasy for the Ages community! And a huge shout-out to our Patreon supporters for helping us keep the show going — you’re amazing.

👇 Support the Channel & Join Our Community!

✨ Patreon — help us grow and unlock special perks: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

#FantasyForTheAges #BookTube #5StarReads #SFF #FantasyBooks #ScienceFiction #HorrorBooks #BestBooks2025 #ReadingRecommendations #BookReview #TBR

Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?

The Blinding Knige:

Dancers’ Lament:

Dungeon Crawler Carl Series:

Feed:

The Indian Lake Trilogy:

Lightbringer Series:

My Heart is a Chainsaw:

Mongrels:

The Murderbot Diaries:

The Name of the Wind:

The Newsflesh Trilogy:

Path to Ascendency Series:

The Strength of the Few:

This Inevitable Ruin:

The Will of the Many:

The Wise Man’s Fear:

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: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de

Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com

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

0:57 - Episode Explanation

1:47 - What Makes for a 5-Star Book?

4:28 - How We’re Laying This Out

5:32 - Our Top 2025 5-Star Reads

24:14 - Conclusion & Wrap-up

————————————————————————————

Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:

https://elements.envato.com/

This is it — the grand finale! We’ve covered villains from the 1950s to the 2000s, and now we’re tackling the modern era: 2010 to 2024, a stretch filled with some of the most debated, beloved, and terrifying villains in genre fiction.

From Negan’s brutality to Thanos’s twisted philosophy… from Taravangian’s chilling logic to Feyd-Rautha’s electrifying return to prominence… these villains defined the stories of our time. Jim breaks down why each of them dominated their year and what makes them so unforgettable.

Smash that Like, hit Subscribe, and dive into our biggest villain episode yet!

👇 Support the Channel & Join Our Community!

✨ Patreon — help us grow and unlock special perks: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

✨ Like, Subscribe & Ring the Bell

✨ Leave a comment with YOUR favorite villains of the era!👉

#FantasyForTheAges #Villains #ModernFantasy #ModernSciFi #Thanos #Negan #FeydRautha #Joker #Cosmere #StormlightArchive #TheExpanse #Dune #BookCommunity #BookTube

Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?

2312: https://t.ly/3CgGL

Authority: https://t.ly/DMsbG

Blackwing: https://t.ly/_ag1Q

The Blinding Knife: https://t.ly/z73TB

Children of Time: https://t.ly/_cwiN

Death’s End: https://t.ly/FiCrg

Dune: https://t.ly/4_w_k

Feed: https://t.ly/sHLzh

Fourth Wing: https://t.ly/fYmJz

Holy Sister: https://t.ly/_VzVs

The Jasmine Throne: https://t.ly/uxRnu

The Justice of Kings: https://t.ly/uZG8q

Leviathan Wakes: https://t.ly/muEYa

Light Chaser: https://t.ly/4Ury9

A Memory Called Empire: https://t.ly/Rgq_P

A Memory of Light: https://t.ly/HvE8C

Nemesis Games: https://t.ly/5jD5W

Network Effect: https://t.ly/ZtKpr

Shadows of Self: https://t.ly/mfaVe

The Shining Girls: https://t.ly/A_BYv

The Tainted Cup: https://t.ly/gUFcb

The Terraformers: https://t.ly/XKb3s

Upgrade: https://t.ly/tlIzL

The Walking Dead: https://t.ly/A4Grw

The Wise Man’s Fear: https://t.ly/zKufn

Words of Radiance: https://t.ly/PmZF4

Ways to connect with us:

Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven

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Follow us on "X": @Fantasy4theAges

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Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com

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

1:12 - Episode Explanation

1:49 - The 2010s Countdown

14:22 - Conclusion & Wrap-up

————————————————————————————

Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:

https://elements.envato.com/

We continue our Villains-by-Decade journey with the 2000s — a transformative era in fantasy and science fiction where storytelling took major leaps forward. This decade delivered richly layered worlds, morally complex narratives, and antagonists who pushed heroes — and readers — into darker, more surprising territory.

Join Jim as he explores each year of the 2000s, highlighting the villains who captivated audiences, reshaped their genres, and left lasting marks on modern speculative fiction.

If you’re enjoying this series, be sure to like, subscribe, and ring the bell so you never miss an episode!

👇 Support the Channel & Join Our Community!

✨ Patreon — help us grow and unlock special perks: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

✨ Like, Subscribe & Ring the Bell

✨ Leave a comment with YOUR favorite villain of the 2000s!👉

#FantasyForTheAges #FantasyVillains #SciFiVillains #BookTube #FantasyBooks #ScienceFictionBooks #SFFCommunity #Villains #SpeculativeFiction #ReadingCommunity

Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?

Ash: A Secret History: https://t.ly/n0PIH

The Black Company series: https://t.ly/Z8c82

Blindsight: https://t.ly/YMEJx

The Blood Knight: https://t.ly/4ex8I

The Curse of Chalion: https://t.ly/0jYJM

Discworld series: https://t.ly/Qh0w_

The Gripping Hand: https://t.ly/XK7I-

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell: https://t.ly/8MoJB

Kiln People: https://t.ly/ORTSB

The Magicians: https://t.ly/NEmUO

Making Money: https://t.ly/E7eGb

The Mote in God’s Eye: https://t.ly/xnd-e

Pandora’s Star: https://t.ly/RVcwN

Permutation City: https://t.ly/7uVEA

The Prefect (Aurora Rising): https://t.ly/HqByN

The Reapers are the Angels: https://t.ly/KRTom

Red Seas Under Red Skies: https://t.ly/jU9yK

The Scar: https://t.ly/IGzLe

Snow Crash: https://t.ly/auBgE

The Xeelee Sequence: https://t.ly/z23_x

V for Vendetta: https://t.ly/hkwNA

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

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Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com

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

1:39 - Episode Explanation

1:58 - The 2000s Countdown

12:43 - Conclusion & Wrap-up

————————————————————————————

Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:

https://elements.envato.com/