Welcome to another edition of A Changing of the Guard! When I first posted A Changing of the Guard a few weeks ago (which can be found HERE) it was met with a lot of success. So it was an easy decision to decide to make it an ongoing series of articles outlining a lot of the new and great authors entering the Fantasy field in recent years.

Before we get started I’ll just let you know that I’ve opened up the range of authors I’m taking a look at, including people like Richard K. Morgan who has several novels under their belt, as I feel that authors such as him still qualify as members of this new generation.

So, without further adieu, I send you off, hope you enjoy what you find and maybe even discover a new favourite author!

Brandon Sanderson
Website
Brandon Sanderson
Brandon Sanderson is a relative newcomer to the world of published writers. Sanderson debuted on the scene with Elantris, a clever and original standalone novel, and was met with critical success from both the major publications (Kirkus and Publishers Weekly) and fantasy fans alike.

When Tor Books purchased the rights to Elantris, the also purchased the rights to Sanderson’s next trilogy, the first book of which was just released. Mistborn has received as much positive praise as Elantris and looks to be a great start to a compelling new Fantasy trilogy. Sanderson was even mentioned my recent interview with the illustrious Robin Hobb as an author to keep an eye on! If that isn’t pedigree then I don’t know what is!

Elantris
US | Canada | UK
Mistborn
US | Canada | UK


Richard K. Morgan
Website
Richard K. Morgan
Richard K. Morgan is a bit of an anomaly on this list due to the fact that his first novel, Altered Carbon, was first released in 2002, making him not exactly a new author, but he’s not really a vet, either, so I decided his inclusion here was acceptable.

Morgan has made a name for himself by writing gritty, dystopian Sci-Fi novels, many of which feature Takeshi Kovecs, a refreshingly intriguing anti-hero with a twist. From the release of his debut novel and through to his latest release, Black Man (titled Thirteen in the U.S.), Morgan has garnered more praise with every release. Indeed, Black Man/Thirteen is being hailed by many as one of the strongest and most compelling works of speculative fiction this year.

Altered Carbon
US | Canada | UK
Broken Angels
US | Canada | UK
Market Forces
US | Canada | UK
Woken Furies
US | Canada | UK
Black Man/Thirteen
US | Canada | UK


Alison Croggon
Website
Alison Croggon
From the growing population of Australian Fantasy authors comes Alison Croggon, a poet and playwright who had her first Fantasy novel, The Gift (title The Naming in the U.S.) published in 2002. Since then she has published two further novels in the Pellinor series. The final novel of the series, The Singing is due in 2008.

Many consider Croggon’s work to be geared towards women, but Croggon herself (on her forum over at SFFWorld has stated that she has had as strong a response from male readers as she has from females, so I can say with confidence that Fantasy fans of either gender can feel confident when they pick up Croggon’s novels!

The Gift/The Naming
US | Canada | UK
The Riddle
US | Canada | UK
The Crow
US | Canada | Uk


Daniel Abraham
Website
Daniel Abraham
Abraham is a newcomer to the world of full length Fantasy novels, but is well acquainted with the world of writing. His novelette, Flat Diane, was nominated for a prestigious Nebula Award, putting him into a prestigious place among his peers. 2006 saw the release of A Shadow in Summer, the first novel in The Long Price Quartet, a novel which George R.R. Martin called “A poignant human tale of power, heartbreak, and betrayal.” Big words, indeed.

Abraham has a new website, which he assures he now has the ability to update himself, and is sure to give us a good look at what he’s up to as his writing career continues to take off! On his web site he lets readers know that his current novel, A Shadow in Summer will see a paperback release at the end of July and its sequel, A Betrayal in Winter, is coming out this August!

One of the most exciting tidbits about Abraham is that he has a forthcoming novel with none other than Fantasy-darling George R.R. Martin. If that isn’t something to be excited about then I don’t know what is!

A Shadow in Summer
US | Canada | UK
A Betrayal in Winter
US | Canada | UK


Drew Bowling
Website
Drew Bowling

I just recently gave a favourable review to Drew Bowling’s debut novel, The Tower of Shadows, and for good reason: this kid can write. You’ve probably noticed by now, taking a look at the photo to the left, that Bowling is young, something not often seen in the Fantasy field. But since the rise of Christopher Paolini and his mega-successful Inheritance Trilogy the way has been paved for young authors to be given a chance at success and Bowling is one of these authors who we’re lucky slipped through the cracks.

Bowling has a flair for prose and a determination to write fun, punchy novels that are sorely lacking from the genre. It won’t be long before he carves himself a nice niche and finds an audience who will eat up anything he produces. Even at a young age (early 20’s) he’s produced a novel that’s fast, fun and entirely readable and makes him a deserving member in this edition of A Changing of the Guard

The Tower of Shadows
US | Canada | UK

This article is also published at SFFWorld and can be found HERE.

Discussion
  • Tia Nevitt July 7, 2007 at 2:05 pm

    It’s nice to find another blogger who recognizes debut authors. Thanks for linking my blog and I’ll be sure to do the same for you.

  • aidan July 8, 2007 at 8:50 am

    Welcome to the blog, Tia!

    I think it’s important to point out all the great debut and new authors in the genre, for without them we wouldn’t have a future of great books to look forward to!

  • I have long been a fan of Morgan. His conception of the future, specifically concerning science, technology, eugenics, is very frightening, all the more so because I feel our current society is on the very cusp of a threshold that is pulling us in this direction. Definitely worth checking out, especially if you want to really examine the ethics of technology. Cheers.

  • Brandon Sanderson July 8, 2007 at 8:36 pm

    I saw the earlier Hobb post, and was quite flattered. When you mentioned me again, I thought I’d better leave a note and say thanks.

    Abraham is great–I’ve managed to sneak early copies of his books, which is a perk of the job. Haven’t tried the others, but I’m very tempted by Morgan.

  • aidan July 8, 2007 at 9:41 pm

    Brandon, glad to know you’re a fan of the site!

    Being able to read novels early is definitely a perk that I would appreciate, too! There’s so little time, though, and so many books to read! The nice thing, though, is that a good book is a good book forever and will always be waiting to be read!

    Also, congratulations on the nomination for the Campbell Award, it must be an honor to be in the company of so many other great authors! I wish you the best of luck!

  • David Durham July 12, 2007 at 10:30 am

    Hey Aidan, I dig these articles. Thanks for the attention to us emerging folks.

    Seems you’ve built your site really quickly. well done.

  • aidan July 12, 2007 at 11:27 am

    Hey David,

    Glad to see you’re enjoying the site. Things, as you say, sure are taking off a lot faster than I expected them too. I blame it on all the authors who don’t have anything better to do than help me out!

    I’m kidding, the kindness and friendliness of all the authors I’ve been working with over the last several weeks has made this process and easy, fun and exciting one!

    You “emerging folk” deserve the attention! I’ve been reading so many great books by new authors lately that it just felt like it was time to jump in!

    Thanks for dropping by!

  • Robert July 12, 2007 at 12:06 pm

    Very cool articles Aidan! You have a lot of the same authors that I’m a huge fan of, so it’s nice to see their names getting hyped. I’m looking forward to reviewing both of Brandon’s & Daniel’s latest novels soon :) And, you introduced me to someone I haven’t heard of before: Ms. Alison Croggon. So, it looks like I have yet more books to add to my reading list. Kudos once again on the excellent article and keep up the great work!!!

  • Amir Adel August 7, 2007 at 9:51 am

    Excellent articles by all measures, and the good thing about them is that they’re helpful both to the concerned new authors and the idle fantasy reader who’s still unsure which new novel to try and read.

    In other words, well done, Aidan!

  • aidan August 7, 2007 at 10:10 am

    Thanks, Amir.

    I’ve tried to do my best to write the articles in a way that appeals to many different types of readers. I’m glad you think I’ve hit my mark!

  • […] These can read here part 1 and and Aidan published them over at his blog here part 1 and here part 2. The third is already in the making. Now these article, especially the first one, was received with […]

  • […] titled “A Changing of the Guard” (the first of which can be found HERE, the second HERE and the third is in the process of being pulled together) in which I would take a brief look at […]