Best Living Fantasy Authors - Ep. 114 of Intentionally Blank

[@jackwatt8988]

On both Brandon and Dan's mentions: Terry Brooks Philip Pullman Victoria Elizabeth Schwab Seanan McGuire Holly Black Robin Hobb Charlie N. Holmberg Brent Weeks Brian McClellan Brandon Mentions: Leigh Bardugo Jim Butcher Patrick Rothfuss Sarah J Maas Andrzej Sapkowski Lois McMaster Bujold Joe Abercrombie Dan Mentions: guy gavriel kay Samantha Shannon Dan's picks: #5 Neil Gaiman #4 Matt Ruff #3 G Willow Wilson #2 Robin Mckinley #1 Fonda Lee Brandon's picks: #5 guy gavriel kay #4 Neil Gaiman #3 NK Jemisin #2 Jane Yolen #1 George RR Martin

[@Frogface91]

I wonder why Joe Abercrombie isn't mentioned?

[@evilcandybag]

"Shawn McGuire" the name is "Seanan McGuire" (also writes zombie fiction as Mira Grant). Just so people will actually be able to search for her works.

[@adoniscreed4031]

I haven't even read any of his books but it is insane that none of them mentioned Joe Abercrombie, specially given how high George R. R. Martin is on the list 😂

[@JonSteitzer]

Everyone commenting about Abercrombie, Brandon was clearly scoring based on versatility, and multidisciplinary success. That's why he didn't make it on Brandon's list, and Dan has a clear aesthetic that selects for things other than warish medievalish grimdark fantasy. Joe's great, but he so clearly owes so much to GRRM & Cormac Mcarthy

[@snowleopard064]

Tysm!!

[@Genesis19-26]

Hope they follow this with a discussion on the best undead fantasy authors

[@adoniscreed4031]

Goated comment 😂

[@willowpackerthestoryteller135]

Actually I would love to see that episode. Lots of authors were nobodies while they were alive (Lovecraft, Robert E. Howard, etc) and get massive boosts decades after their deaths. What is that if now undeath?

[@willardlarkinsnow5622]

Yeah. Wait wut

[@Exeidur]

Love your comment.

[@bendingsands87]

The List of No Names would be the title of such a podcast 😁 unless they made it a bad story idea of what if certain authors came back as undead(thinking undead of course).

[@tadious9415]

Lol Sanderson spent 5 minutes on this and has a 4 part ranking system for each person and did a numerical score to arrive at his list. Naturally!

[@zkatt3238]

Brandon is DEFINITELY in top 5 when it comes to straight-up popularity.

[@LSMuglia]

And without a single TV/Movie adaptation of his work. One can only imagine how big he will get when one happens and becomes popular.

[@Crimser3]

@@LSMugliaI’m just glad he’s waiting to ensure quality. He’s said before that the showrunners are knocking, but it seems like he doesn’t want to risk a half-baked, money-grab adaptation. A lot of books have been destroyed by the screen recently.

[@jchinckley]

@@Crimser3 He wants a great adaptation, not a maladroit wanabefamous director's misinterpretation of his Cosmere. **cough** _whispered:_ Rafe **cough**

[@ergodemon]

Jade War was the first time I put a book down for an extended period of time out of being mad at a character. It wasn't because of poor writing, or a twist that was wildly out of character, but because he did something that elicited a reaction, and the only thing I had the power to do was stop reading like a spiteful child waiting for a friend to apologize after an argument.

[@1987Onslaught]

I just purchased this book last week. I am currently reading The Prince of Fools by Mark Lawrence but it is sitting there daring me to read it

[@jimmychurch9588]

Haha, I did this with the magicians series.

[@SoapSoapCrayon]

For me it was The Poppy War. It took me so long to read the second book after the first.

[@snowleopard064]

i never got to jade legacy, but i’m about to reread war to go read it bc everyone says it’s better

[@ND-gm2vs]

I know exactly what character you are talking about and what action you are referring to. Its been like two years and I have yet to fully wrap my head around it.

[@Thaidakarium]

This episode is very worth, not only for the video itself, but the comments recommending more authors 💫

[@michaelfeeney6108]

Would love a science fiction author discussion as well.

[@Maximus0623]

This was a great episode! My top 5 living are: 1. George RR Martin 2. Brandon Sanderson 3. Jim Butcher 4. Stephen King 5. Terry Brooks I included King because I think he’s written enough fantasy books to justify being eligible for the list. But I judged him solely on his fantasy novels. If you include his total body of work, he’s #1.

[@KyleOfTheNorth]

1. Brandon Sanderson 2. Joe Abercrombie 3. Scott Lynch 4. Brent Weeks 5. Steven Erikson Honorable Mentions: Peter V. Brett, James Islington, J.K. Rowling, George Martin, Jim Butcher (Urban Fantasy), Neil Gaman.

[@JonSteitzer]

This reads like Reddit's most recommended in aggregate

[@arlissbunny]

Yes, I feel like there is a difference between writing great books and actually changing the arc of the genre. Lee, Gaiman, GRRM, Jemisin, and Wilson have all definitely done that. I think, arguably, that Butcher probably has too…the more I think about it. The landscape of urban fantasy has really changed since Dresden broke through so maybe Butcher deserves more credit. Urban fantasy often gets the short end of the stick and if shouldn’t.

[@reflexjat3822]

Brent weeks over Steven Erikson is crazy

[@arlissbunny]

@@reflexjat3822 Hard agree.

[@ladrac198]

@@reflexjat3822 Sanderson over Erikson is crazy to me🤷‍♂️ I'm biased cause I'm a total Malazan addict and it's my favorite series, but imo Erikson is the best author I've ever read.

[@PetrikLeo]

Amazing video. And yes, Fonda Lee is INCREDIBLE. The Green Bone Saga is the best trilogy I've ever read!

[@penandplugs]

Fonda Lee’s Green Bone saga is legit one of the greatest set of books ever. Great call Dan. It’s exceptional.

[@BirdMorphingOne]

Exceptional for some. Definitely not for all. Read the first book and had no real desire to continue. It had a good twist, I'll definitely give props for that. It's what got me through it. But as someone who doesn't really care for mafia stories, not the right match for me.

[@calebmauer1751]

@@BirdMorphingOne No man, it's exceptional, that's it. It may not be to everyone's taste, but the trilogy as a whole does something really unique. If you've only read the beginning you understandably wouldn't know that, but trust me, I read a lot of fantasy and this one is a major accomplishment. If someone did something like this in say an epic fantasy style world, it would have been equally exceptional even if it was to different people's tastes. It's not really a mafia story, it's essentially a fourth branch of government that is necessary due to their magic system.

[@MakoHazard]

That series is actually very average and vastly overhyped. I almost think it's the first experience book fans have with asian gangster stories so they think it's some profound new thing.

[@alexklozano]

Mine are: 1. Robin Hobb 2. Brandon Sanderson 3. James Islington 4. Steven Erikson 5. Joe Abercrombie

[@MaximusAlcarinque]

Solid list

[@puxtbuck6731]

Yea I don’t think I’ve ever heard either of them mention Erickson at all.

[@PrunthabanKanthakumar]

Just curious: You have Robin as first. That shows what kind of writing you like (very deep, character driven and emotional but zero action). But then Sanderson is the opposite of that (plot and action driven). Same with James Islington. Then Steven is entirely different. Same with Joe. How do you even compare them in the same scale? :) For me: Robin is right at the top. But then Sanderson will probably not make my top-5 (he will still make my top-10 or at laest top-15). Actually I find Tad Williams somewhat similar to Robin Hobb and to me he is likely the second.

[@alexklozano]

@@PrunthabanKanthakumar That would be my living author list. All authors it would be Tolkien and Robert Jordan first and second respectively. The diversity of the list is probably why they are on the list. I don't necessarily want to read more of the same. My rating scale is in five categories; world building, characters, plot, prose, and themes. Hence why vastly different authors can be on my list.

[@peterstedman6140]

I will quibble that Robin Hobb doesn’t have no action, just rare action. There is violence and when it happens it’s very visceral and well written.

[@archierowe3893]

Brandon seemed uncomfortable with people consuming his likeness in effigy. However, that would be the perfect entree for Koloss Head Munching day.

[@burninembers]

I would like to add Naomi Novik as a honorary mention! She has written different styles and is fairly popular in the reader community. Also, she created AO3 that really impacted how a reader or a consumer can enjoy art and create their own.

[@eryaviel]

She was an Ao3 founder?! WHAT. HOW DID I NOT KNOW THIS. I'm a terrible fan, wow.

[@seasnake333]

Agree, her style and versatility outclass many of the top 5 on these lists.

[@OccasionallyAPrincess]

@@eryavielik what???? This is crazy

[@lokenecummings47]

Michael Moorcock is still alive. Talk about impact on the genre and versatility; Pretty much created diesel-punk with the Bastable series. Science fiction psychedelia. The Multiverse. Literary fiction. Prog rock musician. How many of the authors on your list will name MM as one of their influences?

[@AndyBestHP]

Moorcock and Ursula K Le Guin are my favourites. The new wave writers took the genre which was weird fiction + Tolkien and showed what could be done. Moorcock's early stuff is probably too free flowing and experimental for modern audiences, and some of his series are almost beat by beat rebuttals of JRR's style and worldview, but if I'm remembering right, the first Elric stories and multiverse building were put out within two years of Multiverse Theory being known/published to the public at all. I also like Epic, but those New Wave authors, including Ballard on the scifi side, really expanded the scope of what the genre could achieve for me.

[@BrandSanderson]

A valid point and an embarrassing oversight on our part.

[@AndyBestHP]

@@BrandSanderson It was a great episode, I don't think there were oversights so much as jumping off points to bring up more great authors.

[@n.stuckwisch4258]

Good to hear Brandon is a big Robin Hobb fan! I fell in love with fantasy because of her, and Brandon is the first author with the potential to unseat her works as my favorites.

[@BirdMorphingOne]

Robin Hobb is my #1. Fitz and the Fool cemented that for me

[@ZMX1407]

To anyone wishing to explore Guy Gavriel Kay's works (and you should!), Lions of Al-Rassan is probably the best starting point. Personnal favourite is his Sarantium Duology: "Sailing to Sarantium" and "Lord of Emperors". Breathtakingly beautiful take on the Byzantine era around the time of Justinian. The ending will leave you in pieces!

[@vampirelogan]

I have not read those but The Fionavar Tapestry was one of my all time favorites for sooooo long and I have not read any of his other books. I'm not sure why but I think it might be because I was not a fan of historical fiction, just Fantasy.

[@ZMX1407]

@@vampirelogan Fionavar is great "high" fantasy for sure! It's how I got into Kay's works :) If you were to open Kay's recent books and compare them with Fionavar (which was, AFAIK, his first series), you'll see that his writing has aged like the finest of wines - but like Brandon and Dan said, his writing his very contemplative. I like to say that Kay's art is both in the substance and the form! If you want to give a try to more some Kay that veers more to the "Fantasy" than "Historical" side, give a try to either Tigana (second-world fantasy) or Ysabel (more of a urban sort of fantasy... in which you may recognize faces from Fionavar ;-) )

[@Ubani11]

Lions of Al-Russian is my favorite of his books absolutely great from start to finish

[@hamzahmohammed5491]

I might recommend Tigana over LoAR for first time readers but I believe that’s an ongoing debate among the fans 😂 both are incredible

[@SoSRekos]

THRILLED that Fonda Lee gets Dan's #1. Green Bone is my favorite trilogy I've ever read

[@jimmychurch9588]

I for sure liked it. Jade city was fantastic.

[@jordanneal576]

My audible wishlist just exploded. Thanks guys.

[@CheyenneSedai]

Authors that stand out to me as deserving a spot on the list (who I've read enough of, and also who aren't super mainstream) are definitely Glen Cook for Black Company, and Michael Stover for the absolute genius that is the Acts of Caine. I really wish more people read both of those series, glad I've seen Cook mentioned in the comments a few times, but people need to talk about Stover too. Caine does dance on the edge between sci-fi and fantasy, but it does so many things incredibly. (And for my money did a lot of the concepts in Frugal Wizard to a whole other degree of craft and execution.)

[@ericvyskocil7428]

Glen cooks black company being referred to as Vietnam war stories on peyote is one of my favorite descriptors ever.

[@BrandonThomasSimmons]

This may be my favorite episode so far. I hope you do more of these favorites lists.

[@ladrac198]

I'm sooo glad Dan shouted out Fonda Lee! I read Green Bone Saga just a couple months ago and it's a top 5 series of all time for me. Go read it if you haven't! Steven Erikson, author of Malazan, would be my choice for #1, but I can understand why people bounce off his style of dropping you in the middle of a complex world without much exposition or context.

[@ADHDlanguages]

I just started Gardens of the Moon a few days ago. I love it so far. I was actually surprised they didn't even mention him.

[@ladrac198]

@@ADHDlanguages Malazan isn't really well known. I think it's sold only like 3 million copies, which is still a lot, but that's NOTHING compared to many of the other powerhouses they talked about today.

[@Duiker36]

Yeah. I don't fault Brandon for not putting him on his list, since his criteria are very legitimate and would definitely hurt Erikson's rating. But it's kind of a travesty that Erikson isn't in the conversation at all for most fantasy fans.

[@jimmychurch9588]

His description is odd too. Sometimes I can’t tell what’s even going on.

[@KIRI77]

@@jimmychurch9588 some books challenge the reader to become a better reader

[@mattygstax4584]

These secret projects have been awesome! Thanks so much! I've been really enjoying this time period in my life, heavily because of your books. You're the man!

[@AguanteTheWitcher]

I haven't watch the whole video yet but I wanted to point out that, tho I understand since most of his work hasn't been published in english, I think that Sapkowksy is a fearly versatile writer. Outside of The Witcher, he has written some short stories with horror, sci fi and other elements that I think are really good. He also has some historical fiction short stories and books.

[@ElatedPengu]

just want to say ty for your list of other authors to check into you got me back into listening to audio books ty for all your works brandon your a gem

[@keepperspective]

FONDA LEE IS AWESOME! Yes yes yes on number one. It is the best cross cultural book ever!

[@calebmauer1751]

And she handled integrating the magic system into an urban fantasy setting better than anyone I've ever read, including creating what is essentially a fourth branch of government. Most just take the easy way out and hide magic from the muggles.

[@arielganot1423]

I really thought it was going to be a discussion about which author is living the best life

[@Rennies-World]

😂

[@AMortalDefiant]

That would be "best-living"; hyphens matter. :)

[@Rennies-World]

​@@AMortalDefiantWell, not every KZbin channel uses perfect punctuation. 🙄

[@rinnest]

​@@Rennies-World It's This is a writer's KZbin channel

[@Rennies-World]

​@@rinnest😮 I'm aware. That doesn't mean they have to be perfect. Relax a little. 😁

[@groofay]

I'm also reading Priory of the Orange Tree right now as my first Samantha Shannon book, and she has absolutely gotten my attention. I'm looking forward to reading more of her.

[@megandyson3966]

I prefer her Bone Season series! Gritty dystopian fantasy.

[@lukehaskins8340]

I was so happy that Dan said Fonda Lee, I listened after finishing Jade Shards and thought she wouldnt get a mention for being too new of a series but what an impact the Green Bone Saga has.

[@Fabulist]

I asked Fonda Lee if Jade City were set in an alternate 1960 and she said it was. So my elevator pitch for that series is “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon meets The Godfather starring the Asian Rat Pack.” And the magic system of that series is so cool it blows my mind. It would be a natural fit for TV.

[@RuggerJug]

As someone who has not read a lot of fantasy or books in general, its very hard to make a decent list. But if i had to try it would probably be this 1. Eiichiro Oda 2. Kentaro Miura (I know he died recently, but I feel it was recent enough for it to be ok) 3. Stephen King 4. Rick Riordan 5. Brandon Sanderson

[@bullrun2772]

Oda good but No Tolkien sad

[@georgemiller9888]

Like Dan, I also heard Brandon's number 2 and confusedly thought 'Huh, Robin Hobb and George RR Martin can't both be his number one....'

[@nrg1123]

Wow I need to read The Jade City now after Dave's glowing review. Sounds right up my alley.

[@FJaypewpew]

lol, i haven't seen one of these for a good while and the switchup of Brandon with facial hair and Dan without was a trip

[@Armistice_]

110% agreed with Fonda being at the top of the game right now, her being the next big thing and Green Bone having a huge impact, that's totally true.

[@tammychippunk8661]

This was a great conversation, loved that both are Anne Mccaffrey fans. Moreta Dragonlady of Pern was the first adult book I read as a child and my introduction to scifi/fantasy.

[@kinonotabi1000]

Sad to not hear Mercedes Lackey at all, has been writing for decades has several long series and an upcoming tv series. Valdemar got me into fantasy

[@thecookiemaker]

I like the decision Terry Brooks made. He is getting older and so made sure that he wrapped up all of his stories, so that if he died it wouldn't leave his work unfinished. He said he may write a stand alone story or two, but his series are all done.

[@agent0fartifice571]

For someone who became a “reader” as an adult and really only am familiar with a few authors, this episode is fantastic research material for future authors to read. Lovely topic, thanks guys!

[@JorgeLRojas-95]

Surprised there wasn't even a mention of Joe Abercrombie. I know at least Sando knows him personally

[@ikemeitz5287]

I'm pretty sure he was mentioned in the "honorable mentions"

[@yremogtnomnad]

Very hot, unpopular take: Joe Abercrombie is over rated 😬

[@bigwhiffajw]

​@yremogtnomnad agreed. He's good! Not near top of genre for me though.

[@davidpo5517]

@@yremogtnomnadalso agreed, he's a good writer, but I find his books unsatisfying

[@artemislogic5252]

he's my favourite author by far, no one does it like him

[@evanlane1690]

"All effegies of Brandon must be bathed lovingly in butter," as the culmination of that entire line of thought had me in stitches!

[@andrewking9439]

I just finished The Greenbone Saga. So worth it. No middle book slump. Satisfying conclusion. Mystery along the way. Excellent outside perspective from the main characters. Definitely a great recommendation.

[@karenc.8670]

Great Episode. As someone that like science fiction and fantasy, I would love to hear your top 5 science fiction authors. I added a few authors to my fantasy list. Thank you!

[@mussoletart8485]

lovely episode. i would also include daniel abraham, since everyone knows the expanse but his fantasy deserves to be read, pierre grimbert, who is french but awesome, christoph marzi, who is german but awesome, and naomi novik, just for her impact on fanworks.

[@charitymoor4948]

I don't know if I would put Daniel Abraham on a top five list if I was trying to be quantitative in the way Sanderson is here (don't think he has the influence, and I don't think his prose are on the level of folks like Martin, Hobb, or Lynch), but The Dagger and the Coin hit me personally in a way that I don't think anything else ever has.

[@crystinapierce6833]

Daniel Abraham is in my top 5, though he is known mostly for the Expanse series, but his fantasy books are great as well.

[@dougsundseth6904]

Lois McMaster Bujold is clearly on my list. In addition, I'd replace everyone (taste is) and add Elizabeth Moon, David Weber, and probably Mercedes Lackey and Raymond Feist. Steven Brust and Glen Cook are honorable mentions.

[@DuctTapeJake]

Needs more Joe Abercrombie. Something about his style really speaks to me.

[@mndrew1]

He's good; but he's too new so he hasn't had time to anything much other than grim dark. It's why my list has Glen Cook instead of him. :D

[@markmiles3768]

Same here! Love that guy! "Body found floating by the docks."

[@artemislogic5252]

he is my favourite author by far, his writing is fearless where i feel most writers have an editor looming over their shoulder, abercrombie is a breath of fresh air, he's my number 1

[@MikelEE_]

It'd be unfair to rank dead authors, Tolkien would probably just get 20/10 on impact.

[@BrandSanderson]

Yup. The discussion would be all about #2.

[@BirdMorphingOne]

I'd say Hobb is very versatile. She writes in first person sometimes, third person other times. Sometimes long epic books, sometimes short stories. She writes from every viewpoint imaginable and makes the reader care. She’s easily my #1 author

[@JonGunnarssonDotA]

Here's my list, based on personal preference rather than fame or impact on the genre: 1. George RR Martin: Even if he never finishes ASoIaF, it still stands out to me as the greatest fantasy work since LotR 2. Steven Erikson: Great characters and world building. Bonus points for having a giant 10-book epic fantasy series that's actually finished. 3. Guy Gavriel Kay: Just beautiful writing. I especially love Tigana. I only discovered him relatively recently and need to read more of his stuff. 4. Brandon Sanderson: Great at world building and plot. Very consistent and prolific. Hot take: Warbreaker is his best book. 5. R Scott Bakker: He only has the one series and it's more grimdark than most readers can stomach, but to me Second Apocalypse is the only work of modern fantasy that rivals Ice and Fire. Drusas Achamian is the best character in all of fantasy. Some honourable mentions: Joe Abercrombie (Say one thing for Joe Abercrombie, say that he's amazing at character voice), Robin Hobb, Jim Butcher, Jacqueline Carey

[@21greg7]

'Tad Williams' - surprised he wasn't at the very least a mention.

[@davidjames8828]

I'm surprised about this as well, especially since they spoke about George so much. I'm finishing To Green Angel Tower now, and it's clear that George owes a lot to Tad for his legacy in Fantasy.

[@TheUnsmartSubscriber]

I agree I feel like Tad Williams in some ways might be even more influential than George R. R. Martin as even he took HEAVY inspiration from MS&T.

[@amysteriousviewer3772]

@@TheUnsmartSubscriberI think George even said that ASoIaF would flat-out not exist without the Memory, Sorrow and Thorn series.

[@Jan-gh7qi]

Honestly, MS&T always feels like the missing link between Tolkien and GRRM. Its wild for me, that Williams flies so much under the radar in the US. (He is super popular here in Germany for very convoluted reasons)

[@calebmauer1751]

@@davidjames8828 I've read both authors and there's a lot of influence there, but George's writing of characters and politics is what carries the series. It definitely influenced George and showed him the kind of things that were possible, but Tolkien was influenced by early writings too, it doesn't mean that he didn't accomplish something uniquely his own, and George did the same. George stood on the shoulders of giants for sure, but A Song of Ice and Fire is outstanding. I'm sure Tad Williams would end up on George's top 5 though.

[@Sephiroth1204]

I appreciate that GRRM is at the top of your list despite not really vibing with the GoT style, still acknowledging that he's done so much more. I remember reading the series and it just blew my mind, I really didn't feel that sense of immersion outside of Tolkien or the Stormlight series Also man, I have not heard of so many of these authors, looks like I'm going to be taking a lot of trips to the library soon

[@torc7424]

Martin doesn't belong on the list until he proves he can stick the landing IMO - write a great ending to ASOIAF. After starting the Wheel of Time not long after it came out, I refuse to read a long series by an older author until it is complete. Maybe not fair, but I'm not going deal with the frustration of an unfinished epic.

[@user-ez9ng2rw9c]

​@@torc7424Wheel of time was finished though.

[@jayspeijer614]

To be brutally honest: I am a big fan of ASoIaF, however it does have a few flaws: 1) It is, and likely will remain, unfinished; 2) The choice of structure of Books 4 and 5 was not a great decision (each focussing on different characters and plot lines to the exclusion of the other). I don’t feel like this was the original intent and reflects some questionable editorial and/or publishing decisions; 3) Although the first 3 volumes are excellent, even they are not perfect: eg, at times the narrative gets bogged down with too many characters ensnarled within so many families and houses, to the extent that the reader can become distracted and frustrated. This series has many strengths but in my opinion, and for these reasons, does not belong at the top of any such list.

[@mr.orange8205]

The Green Bone Saga is just awesome. I enjoyed it very much. I was fortunate enough to have a brief back and forth with Fonda via email, and she was very kind and gracious throughout. I will always sing praise for Fonda Lee.

[@42lozzy]

I started reading Robin Hobb books a month ago. I'm on the third book already and I'm absolutely loving them!

[@PrunthabanKanthakumar]

Robin Hobb has no parallel in the genre in my opinion.

[@Reddaces1015]

Brandons modesty is amazing. And Rothfuss is incredible

[@yannispapoulis7550]

When Dan announced his #1 I leapt for joy. Fonda Lee completely upended my expectation on fantasy books. I had sleepless nights working through her Greenbone books.

[@lyingcat9022]

I think Brandon is too humble. I’ve read many many Fantasy novels and Brandon’s Cosmere might be the coolest “World”. The stories are fantastic, the magic is unique and super cool and his characters are very good.

[@SamReevesWrites]

My reading slump is finally over. Thank you both!

[@YoJesusMorales]

I came for the list on the comment after listening to the episode, and wasn't disappointed. So many authors I haven't heard about.

[@CTG3js]

listening to brandon talk about how he isn't in the running for best fiction authors.. This man is so humble.. Journey before destination, theses words will out live us all.

[@ThaddeusMike]

Great work. My reading list wasn't running out anytime soon but this added even more cushion. Names that I personally would add: Lois McMaster Bujold - known more for her SF than her fantasy so I guess she could be excluded for the same reason as King, but quality stands out even among other top authors and has written a solid amount of fantasy. One of two writers with 4 best novel Hugos. Ken Liu - better known for his translations but the Dandelion Dynasty is excellent. Probably in the up-and-coming category, not as prolific an author as most of the others but quite good. Steven Brust - the Vlad Taltos series is outstanding and To Reign in Hell is a personal favorite. One of the older authors who I think gets overlooked. Tamora Pierce - I wanted to include one YA author and for me it clearly had to be her. Between the Circle of Magic and Tortall she was, and continues to be, a titan of fantasy YA.

[@jacobcrown7707]

Can't believe that Piers Anthony didn't even make the honorable mention list as he's still kicking around at 83.

[@PhetaFox]

I was waiting for Robin Hobb the whole time! She's my favorite next to Sanderson

[@marypeterson1038]

Love the love for Robin McKinley! She is one of my absolute favorites!!

[@lppunto]

It's amusing to me that Brandon dismisses the idea of putting himself in the top 5, when he probably makes the majority of "top n living fantasy authors" lists

[@lalalaurenlibby]

Favorite episode of this podcast! And I’ve seen them all. Just spent way too much money ordering at least one book from these authors if I hadn’t read them before

[@danielcoote188]

Yeah I’d have scored Hobb highly. Especially after adding in the Megan Lindholm books. I also expected Tad Williams to feature. But it’s good, because now I have names to investigate and check out. Looking forward to the list of authors sadly gone. Great episode 👍🏼

[@Gronmin]

I'm kinda surprised Steven Erickson wasn't mentioned especially as a future grandfather or influence on the genre.

[@alexwallachian7720]

Basically tells me all I need to know about Sanderson. Was debating whether I should continue reading his books. Now I know.

[@Gronmin]

@@alexwallachian7720 lol what? Judgy much

[@alexwallachian7720]

Erikson is by far the greatest fantasy writer, not even in the same league as the ones mentioned. So Sanderson not mentioning him is all I need to know.

[@Gronmin]

​​@@alexwallachian7720uh ok that's a fine opinion to have but not everyone has to share it. Sanderson broke it down into categories to help him rank the authors, some of them would make it hard for Erickson to make his list. He also mentioned some other authors that started in the early 2000s ish time frame haven't had a long enough career yet to judge their impact etc for his list. I'm guessing because this was the basis for his list and the other list had a bit more of a focus on niche writers (and put together quickly) is the reason Erickson wasn't given the mention I said above. Or who knows maybe neither of them have read any of Erickson's books yet and so can't judge. Erickson has been between a niche and somewhat popular author for a while now with him gaining more popularity recently as people are finding the malazan books.

[@aldamaro5960]

I loved Malazan and was really curious on Brandon opinion...

[@1987Onslaught]

There was a huge period of my life where I didn't read. I had outgrown the YA genre and the only Epic Fantasy that got handed to me was LOTR which I wasn't ready for. Robin Hobb was the author that got me back into reading. It was her cover blurb that made me pick up The Final Empire

[@jacquestrahan8405]

So I will get a list of authors to read today..woo!! It's been long time, so I'm excited.

[@nazimelmardi]

Steven Erikson with Malazan Book of the Fallen is always there. Joe Abercrombie just getting even more attention with his movie adaptation of Best Serve Cold.

[@zenthepoet.]

Something tells me that if Sanderson doesn't love Song of Ice and Fire because of grimdark/nihilism then I can only imagine how he would feel about malazan lol

[@bigwhiffajw]

​@zenthepoet1319 yeah Erikson is very talented and smart but some of his stuff skews extremely cynical and pitch black. Worth reading, absolutely, but won't make my best of lists because I so often disagree with what he seems to be trying to say.

[@nazimelmardi]

@@bigwhiffajw mostly he says “nothing”, he shows things and represents things, the war is real in it. About themes he gives you the option to decide. That’s the main difference, that’s why they say “not holding your hand”. It’s not cynicism to show the real war. Most of the hero based fantasy is taking it very lightly how the humanity behaves but that’s not true. Only in the last 20-30 years I could give you examples that proves, Erikson is right. Even from western countries.

[@wreckingball8881]

Thanks for the new list of books and authors that I need to check out!

[@jorgelborracho1]

This is my favorite episode so far, loved it

[@JonSteitzer]

Saying right at the start that if Francis Hardinge's name doesn't come up, it will be a huge miss. If you boys haven't read her, you simply must. Every book stands alone, and is AMAZING

[@JLchevz]

I want to very respectfully say that perhaps Steven Erikson deserved an honorable mention :(

[@robbied8587]

An extraordinary omission!!

[@calebmauer1751]

Dan probably hasn't read Malazan, look at his top 5, Malazan is obviously not his kind of thing. Brandon had his criteria and Erikson doesn't necessarily fit the influence or recognition categories. Dude is a very versatile author though, I kind of wish the Malazan books hadn't been so long so he could have given us more new worlds. A bit hypocritical of me to say though since I also still want him to finish Walk in Shadow.

[@paulie-g]

@@calebmauer1751 Sanderson has recommended Erikson as an exemplar of world building and quality writing in his leactures on writing, so whatever the reason for the omission, it's not because he doesn't like/respect his work.

[@louiesosa4668]

This episode just blew up my TBR

[@swordablaze9259]

Loved it! Yes, please do a best of deceased fantasy authors.

[@todanderson9772]

1. George RR Martin 2. Sapkowski 3. Brandon Sanderson 4. Gaiman 5. Pat Rothfuss (higher if he wrote more books, I think the quality of the two full length novels he has written justify putting him on the list, but he can’t possibly be higher than the rest even though the quality of his writing is excellent).

[@maurinet2291]

If you include the Meghan Lindholm books it adds a lot more to Robin Hobb's versatility.

[@peterstedman6140]

I was gonna say

[@robertkruger5744]

Holy Fonda Lee wow!!! One of my favorite authors too!

[@mndrew1]

My list: Raymond Feist; Piers Anthony; Glan Cook; Mercedes Lackey; and Steven Brust.

[@bendingsands87]

I'm now listening to Jade City and reading Alif the Unseen because Dan doted on those. I'm kinda sad Brandon didn't really play up any specific novels by his picks, but I suppose that makes sense since Brandon's list is more of a data-driven selection.

[@joshuastclairmusic]

Absolutely agree with Dan’s take on Fonda Lee. Jade War blew my mind, hands down one of the best fantasy books I’ve ever read.

[@kjarakravik4837]

I'm really happy they mentioned Holly Black since she's the writer that made me fall in love with reading when I was a teenager

[@Hardrockmusicfan]

Great lists and suggestions for reading. Michael Moorcock would be my #1.

[@jackwatt8988]

Brandon responded to another comment that mentioned moorcock and said it was an oversight that he wasn't mentioned.

[@davidjamesmclean6325]

Just for fun my living western fantasy authors list. 1. George R Martin(Asoiaf) , 2. JK Rowling(HP) . 3. Terry Brooks (Shannara) 4. Micheal Moorcock(Elric) 5. R A Salvatore(ice wind dale) .

[@Avid_Reader]

I subscribed to this channel because I enjoyed some of Brandon's books, but I'm really enjoying Dan's quick wit and way of thinking. I look forward to meeting him at Dragonsteel in November.

[@calebmauer1751]

Honestly Greenbone Saga is amazing, that last book hits so hard and there's no weak book in the trilogy. Can't wait until a year or two goes by and I can justify a re-read. For living authors, it's definitely the best thing I've read recently.

[@dimitrijekulak4874]

I love how modest Brandon is. How can you hate him? But let me tell you something, Brandon is definitely top 5 in my books. Hope that one day he can surpass my absolute favorite fantasy author, George RR Martin!

[@bstromberg56]

My Top 5 still alive, as in immediately push the purchase button anytime they release something new HM - L.E. Modesitt - Recluse is a ridiculous accomplishment, so many books, so many characters and even if one arc doesnt hit you, just wait for the next one, and the Corean Chronicles is one of my favorite series ever. 5. Jim Butcher - Dresden Files great, Codex Alera fantastic (And written on a dare) - and his new series Cinder Spires is finally getting volume 2 4. Steven Erikson/Ian C Esslemont - Malazan books will always be one of my favorites. The character work and and just the weight of history in these books is amazing. 3. Tad Williams - Otherland was one of the first VR fantasy books I ever remember reading and it blew my mind. Memory Sorru and Thorn will go down as the best series of my childhood, and the new entries are amazing too. 2. Raymond E. Feist - Anyone who can pull off that many amazing books with a main charcter named Pug deserves an extra award. Started reading as a kid and haven't missed one since. 1. R.A. Salvatore - Come on. Drizzt. One of the best characters ever created, and he wasn't even supposed to be the main character. Plus the Cleric Quintet was just as good, and wasn't a Drizzt book. Add in the Crimson Shadow, and Spearwielders Tale, and hes got the versatility too.

[@tommyb7840]

Five (well, Six +1) actual Fantasy authors. I definitely have Bob Salvatore as #1 on my list, as well. The D&D authors don't get enough love. I might not agree with all of these (I would put Neil Gaiman on the list, as I find him so smooth a writer, like Vonnegut), but a compelling list, for sure. Thanks for a touch of reality in fantasy authors...

[@mathiashaddoxx8398]

Tad Williams is the best fantasy writer alive today. ‘Nuff said.

[@gimmetheprize3271]

came here looking for this. green angel tower series is fantastic

[@jayspeijer614]

Yes! This! The only potentially weak spot on Brandon’s little report card rubric thingy is that Tad is criminally underrated and not a household name. Maybe the forthcoming Otherland TV series will change that… or if they ever did an Osten Ard show (the right way), watch out everyone else!!!

[@Paul_McSeol]

Would have to include Brandon and Robin Hobb in my list. Gaiman for sure. And maybe Fonda Lee and RA Salvatore…just for his impact with the Drizzt novels. But Travis Baldree’s new book is my most hyped book for 2023.

[@Dialethian]

Baldree writes!?

[@groofay]

And Travis Baldree did kinda shake up the fantasy genre with bringing cozy fantasy into the front of the conversation (and spawning dozens of imitators), starting out as a self-pub and now he has a three-book deal with Tor. He flew in under the radar, and I can see him becoming a force to be reckoned with.

[@Paul_McSeol]

@@Dialethian his cozy fantasy book, Legends and Lattes, is such an amazing read.

[@zachthompson7126]

I used to live in Amarillo and I would shop at Party Stop. What an honor.

[@Morfeusm]

Other than some people mentioned here I would personally add Suzanna Clarke and China Mieville.

[@somefishhere]

Which suzanna Clarke book should I read? 0:18

[@Morfeusm]

@@somefishhere Piransi if you want short and original book, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell if you want long story and love classics or the Ladies of Grace Adieu if you like short stories. You can’t go wrong with this author 55:46

[@yllibsivad31]

Love the shout-out for Samantha Shannon . Priory of the Orange Tree is incredible.

[@adoniscreed4031]

I heard mixed things so I am happy to know that they will bring this series up in this episode!

[@ikemeitz5287]

I would adore a collaborative top 50 for greatest (strictly) fantasy authors, alive and dead!!

[@dizzt19]

The grimdark arguments are kinda classic, because it's one thing to be the "first" (how do you even judge that) and another thing to be the first popular. Obviously Glen Cook was there before Martin, the same way E. T. A. Hoffmann was there before E.A. Poe, but the latter guys are more popular.

[@qliphalpuzzle5453]

Yeah kinda sad Steven Erikson wasn’t mentioned, but I have an idea based on the criteria he put that Erikson wasn’t on the list

[@IdRatherBePiping]

Wait, which criteria doesn't he meet?

[@GoldenMechaTiger]

​@@IdRatherBePipingHe's lacking in all of them except quality as far as i know

[@qliphalpuzzle5453]

@@GoldenMechaTiger Erikson has done some horror and sci-fi but not as famous as Malazan. I’d say he hasn’t done anything immensely impactful for pop culture, which is likely because Malazan isn’t an all audience type of series ie its vast style of various storylines and certain content warnings. I think it wasn’t really the focus, but yeah that’s the major strike of him not being mentioned

[@calebmauer1751]

@@qliphalpuzzle5453 Yeah, I haven't seen anyone else writing a Malazan-style book yet, so hard to say there was influence on the genre. And it'll probably never be super popular unfortunately.

[@KristynRene.]

Came to find out what's being signed (and how to get my hands on a copy) but stayed for the heists and the discussion O.o

[@BoMwarriorVlog]

38:59 Speaking of children's books, a definite author I loved growing up was "Steven Kellogg". 😊