Having read a lot of fantasy, I realize there are a lot of names everyone knows in the genre. Robert Jordan, George R.R. Martin, Terry Goodkind, David Eddings, andTerry Brooks spring to mind, and more recently Brandon Sanderson, Brent Weeks, Scott Lynch, and Joe Abercrombie, among others. They're all great authors. But that's not who I want to talk about. I want to tell you about the great books you don't know about, so I can expand your horizons and also get you to buy their books so they can write more.
Kristen Britain: Kristen Britain's Green Rider series features messenger Karigan G'ladheon, whose magical abilities and proximity to power mean that she's always in danger, from enemies within her kingdom and without. Plus there's the danger she gets into all on her own. Britain's standard "good versus evil" plot is enriched by interesting characters and difficult subplots.
Jennifer Fallon: Jennifer Fallon's novels, filled with political intrigue and struggles for power, include the Medalon trilogy and its prequels, the Second Sons trilogy, and the Tide Lords series. Fallon's plots are detailed and intriguing, and her books are both funny and thought-provoking.
Guy Gavriel Kay: Guy Gavriel Kay's lyrical prose pervades his novels, giving the stories a loftier feel. Not that they need it; Kay's books, set in alternate worlds based on historical periods, are filled with brilliant characters and constant intrigue, not to mention love and war. Although Tigana is probably his most well-known work, my personal favorites are the Sarantine Mosaic (comprised of Sailing to Sarantium and Lord of Emperors) and The Lions of al-Rassan.
Trudi Canavan: Trudi Canavan is best known for her Black Magician Trilogy, the story of a slum dweller who becomes a magician and has to save her country. Canavan's voice sucks you in to her plot and characters, and her stories are filled with surprises. Better still is her Age of the Five trilogy, which is filled with gods, sorcerers, and magical creatures, not to mention a great story.
So, grasshoppers, go forth and read books by these most excellent authors. And feel free to expand my horizons in return!
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