The wonderful thing about the fantasy genre is that there’s no shortage of amazing books you can read. Find a prolific author you love—Ursula K. Le Guin, Brandon Sanderson, N.K. Jemisin, Robert Jordan, Robin Hobb, Ellen Kushner, Terry Brooks, Terry Pratchett, Terry Goodkind (so many Terry’s)—and you have enough books to occupy a few years.
My list is a little different. I want to suggest some talented authors—the up-and-comers, the youngsters, the indie authors, the under appreciated conquerors—who aren’t as well known and aren’t named “Terry.”
The Unbroken.
I was first introduced to C.L. Clark’s work during a FIYAH Magazine livestream last year. She read one of her short stories—and my god, I was moved. I became a fan, and read more of her short stories. Imagine how excited I was when I discovered she had a novel coming out in 2021? You can’t imagine. Not until you read her work for yourself. Her prose is masterful, but she also knows how to tell a badass fantasy story. Drop whatever you’re reading on March 23rd, and read this instead.
The Blacktongue Thief.
I have a friend who knows Christopher Buehlman through Scarborough Faire. (Buehlman worked as “Christophe the Insultor.”) I’m trying to figure out how Buehlman and I can become friends without it getting weird. I’m still brainstorming. Regardless, you should absolutely check out this book if you’re wanting something fun and witty and well paced.
A Sea of Pearls & Leaves.
If you want to try a book by an independent fantasy author, Rosalyn Briar is a great bet. She continues to build a loyal fanbase with A Sea of Pearls & Leaves, her second novel. I’ve always admired the care that she puts into her projects. This novel is a twisted retelling of the Grimm's "The Three Snake-Leaves."
For the Crown.
Melissa Mitchell represents a new generation of writers who started off on Wattpad. It was on Wattpad where she developed her “Dragonwall” world. Her series had over two million reads before she published it officially. Let me say that again: TWO MILLION. She has my respect. At 371 pages, For the Crown is the shortest of her Dragonwall novels—and the most recent—but I think it stands alone very well as an engaging fantasy romance.
A Master of Djinn.
As a Nebula and Locus winner, P. Djèlí Clark is not flying under the radar. (I wouldn’t be surprised if his 2020 novella Ring Shout earns him a Hugo.) Anyone who has read Clark knows he’s a truly skilled writer. But I think his Fatma el-Sha'arawi Series (alternate history steampunk-esque Cairo in early 1900s) represents his most exciting work. I loved “A Dead Djinn in Cairo” and The Haunting of Tram Car 015. This upcoming 400-page novel will give us a deeper look into this fascinating world.
A Wind from the Rift.
Romance storylines are so ubiquitous to female protagonists that it’s refreshing to discover a book without one. Gwyn is powerful, complex, and she’s nobody’s romantic subplot. You should probably start with book one, The Ninth Sorceress, but I’m going to go ahead and recommend book two. I predict Bonnie Wynne will become a breakout author, if she continues to be productive, which I do not doubt.
Glimmerglass Girl.
Yes, I snuck a book of poetry onto my list. But it’s fantasy poetry, so I feel justified. I’m finicky about poetry. However, I love this poetry. It’s also a convenient way for me to mention that the same Holly Lyn Walrath has agreed to help as developmental editor on the Dryad’s Crown series, starting with book three. No pressure on me. At all. I’m fine. I’m fine. Why are you looking at me?
The Frightened Fox.
I’ve known Miranda New for a long time. (True story: Due to a last minute travel conflict, I stepped in and officiated her wedding.) What I didn’t know, for the longest time, was that she’s an incredible novelist. These two books in the Sammy Silvertooth series are the evidence. Sometimes your friends will surprise you. I look forward to reading more from Miranda.
