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MARY STEWART'S MERLIN TRILOGY

The modern fantasy genre has its roots in myths and fairy tales. One persistent theme in the English language has been the tale of King Arthur, his sword Excalibur and the Knights of the Round Table. It has been told again and again in different ways for centuries. It is a central myth of English folklore. Many of the giants of the fantasy genre have reimagined it. But none have matched what is known as the Merlin Trilogy by Mary Stewart, in which we are told the...

FIRE FROM HEAVEN BY MARY RENAULT

The legacy of Mary Renault cannot be underestimated. Her marvellous historical fantasy trilogy about Alexander the Great was one of the first in any genre to break the mould and include homosexual love in popular literature. Writing more than half a century ago, she dared to break the rules not only with her Alexander series but with many of her other published works.

HARRY POTTER

The most successful author in the world of fantasy has to be J K Rowling. Her Harry Potter series and the films they spawned have been enjoyed by hundreds of millions of adults and children alike. We can thank this very gifted writer for making so many people fall in love with fantasy. Many of them have gone on to buy books by other authors in the genre. I would say she is as influential as J R R Tolkein.

The warrior, Wēngzhòng.

My latest book, Renn, was inspired by a semi mythical warrior, called Wēngzhòng, who lived during the reign of the first Chinese emperor, Qín Shǐ Huáng. I learned about him while I was being taught the art of jade carving in Suzhou. A pendant in his likeness has been carved in China and worn as an amulet of protection for more than 2,000 years.

He was one of the first pieces I was taught to carve. It is a simple figurine wearing...

THE LITTLE PRINE BY ANTOINE DE ST EXPURY

The Little Prince is a magical book, a modern fairy tale, written more than eighty years ago, and it still enchants adults and children alike. Undoubtedly one of the best introductions to the world of fantasy that has ever been written

Fantasy comes in many different guises. It ranges from Romantasy to Grimdark and from Sword and Sorcery to Magical Realism. One of my favourite books which doesn’t quite fit into any of the sub genres that I generally read is Piranesi by Susanna Clarke. While there are many who scoff at fantasy as not really literature, I would beg to differ and offer this novel as a prime example of great writing.

And just to let you know that the first in my new fantasy trilogy, Renn, is due for release...

One of the best grimdark fantasy trilogies written this century, at least in my humble opinion, has to be A Land Fit for Heroes by Richard Morgan. It was ahead of its time when it was written and still as fresh today as when it was first published. It drew me in from the first page and I read the first book in one sitting.

THE NAME OF THE WIND BY PATRICK ROTHFUSS

One of the best storytellers to emerge in the last two decades has to be Patrick Rothfuss, the author of the Kingkiller Chronicles. He's only written the first two books in the trilogy and is taking his time with the final instalment. His fans including myself have been waiting for fifteen years to see how the story ends.

PRINCE OF THORNS BY MARK LAWRENCE

A grimdark fantasy novel for grown ups with a thirteen year old psychopathic anti hero at its centre. Not for the faint hearted but a fabulous read. This week we delve into the world of the prolific writer, Mark Lawrence and his trilogy which begins with Prince of Thorns.

And just to let you know that the first in my new fantasy trilogy, Renn, is due for release in a couple of months. Cover design in progress. Latest efforts below. A story steeped in ancient...

MY FAVOURITE WIZARD

In a departure from my usual weekly review of a book in the fantasy genre I am going to talk about my favourite wizard. Magic is firmly entwined in nearly every story in the genre and wizards, witches and warlocks abound. And once you've had a listen, let me know whether you agree with my choice. And if not, tell me who you prefer.

And while you are here, have a look at A Jade Treasury. One of my own books about the legends and myths surrounding Jade, the Stone of Heaven....

BLOOD OVER BRIGHTHAVEN

M L Wang is a leading light in the world of fantasy and not just because of her excellent writing. She started by penning novels in the genre for Young Adults but has since written two books for a more mature readership that explore complex issues that resonate with the world we live in. The first to be published was Sword of Kaigen but I much prefer her later work, Blood Over Brighthaven.

The Quantum Gravity Series by Justina Robson

One of the best examples of how a writer can mix science and magic has to be found in the Quantum Gravity series by Justina Robson. As well as magic and science, there is skullduggery, romance, elves, demons and a web of conspiracy holding everything together. Well worth a look

GLORY ROAD BY ROBERT HEINLEIN

While Robert Heinlein is considered one of the 'big three' of Science Fiction, he also wrote a couple of excellent fantasy novels, mixing wry humour with first class story telling. Glory Road is a classic that has aged well and is just as enjoyable today as it was when it was first published more than sixty years ago. A must for all lovers of Fantasy.

UK https://amzn.to/49NvUtI

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Click on the link to buy the first in the trilogy, The Shadow of...

UNDER HEAVEN by Guy Gavriel Kay.

Probably the finest fantasy book inspired by ancient Chinese history and mythology written by a Western author is Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay. Learn more here

And while you are here, have a look at A Jade Treasury. One of my own books about the legends and myths surrounding Jade, the Stone of Heaven. To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and cities were offered in exchange for...

This week we look at the work of Gene Wolfe. His series The Book of the New Sun is widely admired by authors of the fantasy genre. Each volume is carefully crafted with not a word out of place. But it is not for the faint hearted....

And while you are here, have a look at A Jade Treasury. One of my own books about the legends and myths surrounding Jade, the Stone of Heaven. To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and...

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STORMBRINGER BY MICHAEL MOORCOCK

A writer who has faded into the background somewhat in recent years is Michael Moorcock. He was a prolific author in the 1960s, 70's and 80s and his influence on the modern fantasy genre should not be underestimated. One of his greatest creations was the crimson eyed albino, Elric, who wielded the sentient and malevolent sword, Stormbringer, the drinker of souls.

You can buy the book by clicking on the link below. I make a tiny commission if you do so. It does...

THE BLACK COMPANY BY GLEN COOK

One of my favourite series is The Black Company by Glen Cook. First published in the 1990s, the books became best sellers a second time twenty years later when they were reissued. This is in part I think due to the fact that truly high quality Grimdark novels are rare as hen's teeth. And lets be fair. When Glen Cook first published these books the term Grimdark hadn't yet been invented.

THE BROKEN SWORD BY POUL ANDERSON

This is a book which is largely overlooked nowadays but is a marvellous Grimdark fantasy inspired by Norse Saga. Published in the same year as The Lord of the Rings it is far bleaker and more savage than Tolkein's epic.

https://amzn.to/4pn9mVU