The definitive list of the best works of fantasy and everything related to witches, elves and most importantly…dragons this year.
The Tyrant's Law, by Daniel Abraham
Why it made the list: Ignore the George R. R. Martin kiss of death quote. Daniel Abraham's Tyrant's Law boldly follows in the footsteps of Martin and Joe Abercrombie and does them one better by creating a truly sympathetic villain.
Read if you like: political intrigue, slow burn fantasy, moral conundrums.
Via Orrbit / amazon.com
The Promise of Blood, by Brian McClellan
Why it made the list: One doesn't often find oneself siding with the military establishment in the fantasy genre, but that is just what Brian McClellan is asking you to do in his excellent Promise of Blood. Add to that a unique magic system and some steampunk aesthetics and you have the first piece of a ripping yarn.
Read if you like: muskets, men in uniforms, regicide.
Via Orbit / amazon.com
A Memory of Light, by Brian Sanderson (and Robert Jordan)
Why it made the list: Brandon Sanderson was asked to land a 747 without a scratch after the pilot died enroute. The fact that he delivered a book that millions of people were clamoring for with a minimum of criticism speaks to the enormity of his accomplishment.
Read if you like: sweeping fantasy epics, the best works of fantasy, getting a merit badge for reading 14 books over a course of 20+ years.
Tor Books / amazon.com
Emperor of Thorns, by Mark Lawrence
Reason it made the list: There are a ton of complaints that once a fantasy author launches a successful series, the original trilogy will turn into a seven book cycle which will then be further expanded into a series with no end date. Mark Lawrence could have made that choice with his successful Thorns Trilogy, but he ended it with a big fat PERIOD and even explained why in the afterword.
Read if you like: moral ambiguity, sociopathic behavior, interesting segue sequences.
Via Ace / amazon.com
