Michael Moorcock is best known for his stories about the albino prince, Elric and his magic sword, Stormbringer. Perhaps rightly so, but for me his finest work is his Dancers at the End of Time trilogy. Far ahead of its time and thought provoking. Written by a story teller at the top of his game.
One of the most charming books written in the fantasy genre has to be Princess Bride by William Goldman. Both the book and the film that was made from it are cult classics. As fresh today as the day it was first published. a tale of true love and swashbuckling adventure.
TERMINATOR, THE FILM, STARRING ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER
Although this is mainly a podcast about fantasy books that I love and recommend, I occasionally branch out to talk about a film that is classified as either fantasy or science fiction. This week I want to talk about what I consider to be one of the best SF movies of all time. It also happens to be one of the best 'chase movies' ever filmed. I am talking about the original Terminator, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as a killing machine sent...
It is difficult to put your finger on which sub genre of fantasy the Goblin Emperor fits into. Most of the elements that most people associate with good fantasy, like sorcerers, dragons, enchanted blades, and mighty heroes are missing. And the hero is an ordinary man, or half elf half goblin in this case, with no special powers who just has to muddle through when plonked on the throne and told he's now emperor. A great read. Unputdownable
Ann McCaffrey might be best known for Dragonsong and other stories set on the world of Pern but I prefer her Crystal Singer Trilogy. Perhaps this is because the woman at the centre is a deeply flawed character who should be difficult to like - but isn't. Wonderful stuff.
One of the best debut novels in the world of fantasy has to be King Rat by China Mieville. He is better known for his later works, such as Perdido Street Station, but my heart belongs to his first novel, King Rat, which updates one of the best-known fairy tales by placing it in the London of the 1990s
And while you are here. Please have a look at one of my own books. A Jade Treasury. It's about the legends and myths surrounding Jade, the Stone of Heaven. To ancient...
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...
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.
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.
g00mwx9mus5lk8veu0e0ca8qlvlz347.09 KBMy 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 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.
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.
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...
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....
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.
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
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.
