5 of the best fantasy authors
Do you need a book recommendation from an opinionated geek? Read on!
Sir Morgan of Sayers
All you need sometimes are the simple things in life. What could be better than a night spent in front of a warm fire with a good fantasy novel, a stimulating view outside your window, a glass of wine, the company of your loving companion and a kilo of fine Colombian White-Flake cocaine?
We asked our resident expert on Fantasy what authors he might recommend and to pick a book that shows off their talent. Months later, he came up with this…
A question arose in conversation with some friends of mine the other day. “Call yourself an expert in the field of fantasy fiction, do you? Who and what do you recommend then?” Seems like a fairly easy one to deal with, doesn’t it? I simply have to pick my favourite authors and the books of theirs that I enjoy the most. Well, as always, I’ve massively over-thought it!
It occurred to me that there should be some kind of rules surrounding my choice. So, here they are.
Firstly, these stories must take place in a world which is not earth, or some suspiciously close analogue.
Secondly, that the technology available in the stories should not be too advanced (slipping dangerously close to sci-fi).
Thirdly, it should have some personal meaning to me.
Fourth, that while I can tell you about the style of story. I should not spoil the book!
That the stories should be well written goes, of course, without saying!
So, who do I recommend and what book of theirs, do I suggest you read, as a gateway to some excellent fantasy literature? In no particular order:-
David Gemmell
David wrote stories of heroes and villains with simple and elegant execution, with brief but descriptive prose. The character are clear-cut, but with surprising depth. He manages to communicate fairly complex philosophies in a way that anyone can understand. He postulates ideas such as, that almost all evil can be ultimately redeemed and the truly faithful stand with their friends, no matter what they are. In addition, his writing of combat is excellent. You can practically feel the swords skimming past your skin and hear the clash of spear on shield. Ultimately, David, more than any other author I have read in the last thirty years, embraced the mythical within us all.
I recommend that you start at the beginning with Legend, truly a classic of fantasy literature
Joe Abercrombie
Joe has some truly remarkable writing abilities, but one of his most notable talents is writing sympathetic characters. It’s not giving the story away to say that one of his primary viewpoint characters is quite clearly an absolutely horrific individual, one who feels fully justified in their actions (as appalling as they are). However, the delicacy with which the character is written means that you start to feel for them, to believe in their motivations and to wish for their success. It feels like Joe pulls an amazing feat of sleight of hand, to get you to support this person. That by every right you should hate. On another note, one of his major premises is that lawyers actually fight cases, sword in hand, often facing death or serious injury. To say that I approve of this idea is a monumental understatement.
Therefore, I recommend The Blade itself. Immerse yourself in politics and intrigue
Steven Erikson
Steven is an author who asks you to look at the full spectrum of the human condition, who deals with apotheosis and deicide! The scope and depth of his work is astounding and almost nothing is what it first appears. He is ultimately a creator of both lore and story. I believe that it is his training as an archaeologist and anthropologist that shines through, showing elements ancient history and evolution within his stories. Truly it is almost impossible to comment more without giving away some point or storyline.
I recommend, with some trepidation and not to the inexperienced reader, Gardens of the Moon. You’ll not regret it!
Terry Pratchett
Terry is, in my opinion, first of all a satirist and lampooner of great talent. His work was also produced with immense skill and trenchant observations about modern society, gently filtered and expressed in heartfelt terms. Have no doubt, that like all the other authors here, Terry was a serious author. His works, like all the best in fantasy, don’t just show us a different world, they show us a different way of looking at ourselves and our own world.
You could read literally any of the Discworld series and be hard pressed to put a foot wrong. But if you twisted my arm, and used harsh language, I would hesitantly recommend Guards, Guards.
Ursula K Le.Guin
Honestly, I feel that many of you are looking at me with head askew on hearing that name. But this author takes me all the way back to my childhood. Ursula paints strong images with her words and her characters retain a sense of mystery, in the face of exposure and direct description. The stories had real resonance with me and felt relevant to my life. The book I’m recommending began my long fascination with the world of fantasy.
For young readers, I recommend The Wizard of Earthsea. A great introduction to real fantasy (if that isn’t an oxymoron)
Honourable Mentions
J.R.R. Tolkien
It would be unfitting in any list of fantasy to leave John Ronald Reuel out of it. He was then as he is now, a master of lore and, realistically, the primogenitor of the entire genre we now know as fantasy. It’s hard to imagine (ironically) a world without Tolkien as a fantasy author. He inspired so many others in acts of creation, that it almost doesn’t bear thinking about. However, he misses out on the top five as he breaks my first rule. Hopefully, I don’t have to explain why this is!
Controversially, I recommend The Hobbit, simply because I think it’s a better read than The Lord of the Rings. No doubt, I’ll catch all kinds of hell for that one!
Tad Williams
Tad writes a real rip-roaring tale of adventure, filled with mystery, loss, paths crossed and recrossed. He takes tales of magic swords, hidden kingdoms and inheritance to the next level. No pain is avoided, you really get down into the mud and grit with his characters. His writing is so rich and fluid, filled with eloquent turn of phrase that it provides a stark contrast with the content itself. The stories he writes are so engrossing and encompassing that everything feels real, including the magic!
Therefore, I hope that you will find time to read The Dragonbone Chair. It’s some of the best armchair reading I’ve ever experienced.
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This list is very well thought out. I don’t agree with the decision to include Pratchett though. I have never read Tad Williams but you bet I am going to give his work a try now. Thanks Gents!
-Franz
Many of the guys mentioned here are true masters of the craft. The modern publishing industry is a travesty. An excellent list that I fully agree with. I do think that Robert Jordan should also be added to this list however,