Best Living Fantasy Authors - Ep. 114 of Intentionally Blank 

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

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

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!

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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....'

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

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!

Would love a science fiction author discussion as well.

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

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

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.)

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

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.

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.

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?

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

You guys should do an episode on authors who you think are underrated.

Brandons modesty is amazing. And Rothfuss is incredible

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

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.

My audible wishlist just exploded. Thanks guys.

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!

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

There is a criminal lack of Susanna Clarke here.

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!

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!

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!

Sorry, but the omission of Tad Williams is extremely surprising.

I would love a top 6 dead fantasy author list. Mainly because Tolkien will be on both lists so we need 6.

Severe lack of Abercrombie

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

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

“JK Rowling has worked against her legacy in *multiple* ways.“ Very diplomatically put, lol

I just clicked on the old episodes to re-watch the food heist. It is funny that Dan had a beard and Brandon not back than. Now it is the other way around! Now it look weird to see Brandon without one.... On an other topic. There are to many books I want to read and not enough time😢

As far as impact on the genre, Tad Williams is another one of those sneaky ones who completely changed the game in the 90's but somehow no one thinks of when they make these lists

I read Sandkings as part of an anthology. Totally missed who the author was. It is nuts that George R R Martin wrote it. Really good story

Let's also get an honorable mention to Will Wight as a highly promising up-and-comer.

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.

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

Eichiro Oda is a best living high fantasy author.

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

Interesting how Brandon said Pat Rothfuss hasn't been around long enough. I had to read Name Of The Wind for a college class back during Covid. I guess he's definitely had an impact at least on academia then.

i was guessing pratchett and then remembered he died just cant get used to him beeing dead

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.

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

George R.R Martin also did the world building for Elden Ring.

I just had to google Steven Erikson to see if I missed that he died. He is alive! But he isn't even in one of your honorable mentions? But I enjoyed you chat about the authors, thx!

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

No Abercrombie is disappointing, but I imagine it's just not to their tastes.

Martin is a very well deserved #1

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

As someone who decided to get into fantasy like a week ago. Living writers that were mentioned most were Brandon Sanderson himself, George Martin, Steven Erikson, Joe Abercrombie, John Gwynne, Robin Hobb, Fonda Lee, Tad Williams, Mark Lawrence etc. These are the names that found me the fastest as someone nieuw to everything.

Look. Terry Pratchett...is on his own awesome list. I can't even tell you the number of times my hope for human kind has been restored after rereading one of his books. Not alive, so he can't be on this list, but...I'm going to pretend he's alive and put him on there anyways. ❤

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.

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.

I think you should also mention Tad Williams! Without his Dragonbone chair, there wouldn't be Game of Thrones. I think he is one of the first started grim-dark, but not so as Martin.

This is Steven Erikson slander

I know it is not either of their styles but the lack of even a mention of Joe Abercrombie is criminal

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.

Sci Fi writers next week please?

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

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

GRRM is an excellent pick. Well done Brandon. He gets dogged online by people who feel entitled to his series, but he's simply fantastic. I'm glad you ignored the folly of the crowds

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

i read jade legacy recently and i have NEVER cried so much😭😭😭

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).

Surprised not to see Joe Abercrombie on here, but Grimdark is not either of their things. But still he's excellent. I thought John Gwynne would get an honorable mention for his three great series set in non-western European style. R.F. Kuang is my favorite author alive rn and squarely fits in fantasy, so I hoped to see her, but she is still very young in this.