This is a slightly modified re-upload of a video I made in January 2022. Due to (valid) complaints about the audio mix in that video, I've improved the audio in this new version and addressed a couple of visual elements that needed fixing. Otherwise, the content of this video is the same as the original's. A follow-up video that briefly reviews and tier ranks the author's novels can be found at ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-WoFYvjIDaCM.html.
@@ahmedshaharyarejaz9886 Thank you! Based on comments such as yours, I’m thinking of recording some classic stories and uploading them here on my channel as audiobooks.
@@thelibraryladder I am genuinely surprised that you are not already a professional audio book narrator or Radio Jockey. You certainly have the voice for such things. Kudos and Good Fortune to your audio related ventures in the future!
Like many others here, this video popped up unexpectedly in my recommended videos and as a Kay fan since the early 90's I really enjoyed it but I'm subscribing because I see you have videos on Moorcock's Eternal Champion and Stephen Donaldson's Thomas Covenant as well. So many modern readers seem to think that the idea of a dark, conflicted, anti-hero was invented sometime in the mid-90's or early 2000's so it's great to see these two authors get some attention - especially Moorcock, who I think so many modern authors owe a huge debt to and yet he never gets mentioned in discussions of the best fantasy.
Thanks, Mark! I'm trying to focus many of my videos on the roots of modern genre fiction, highlighting pioneers (such as Moorcock and others) who established many of the conventions of a genre.
I read the Thomas Covenant chronicles when I was about 12 and loved it, I liked his style. I might have to look into Moorcock as well, two Author recommendations from one video, awesome.
I agree. Kay is very underrated. His stories are so emotionally charged. He is one of the very few authors that can make me cry. Tigana is a masterpiece.
GGK has been reliably in my top 5 fantasy authors and has never left it. Each and every one of his novels is a gem. Thank you for highlighting his career and writing style!
This channel is awesome! The way you describe everything in precise detail is amazing. I never heard of Kay, and now I want to read all of his books. Thank you!
Thanks! If you haven't already seen it, I have a spoiler-free video (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-WoFYvjIDaCM.html) that briefly reviews and tier ranks Kay's novels. It might help you decide where you'd like start with him.
So glad to see a spotlight on Kay, he is a force in fantasy, and one of the greatest writers I have ever read. He truly captures the human spirit, and the ineffable qualities of time and place, and the way they exert power upon us in ways we don't even realize. If I can write one novel and have it feel as *true* as his works, I will feel I've done something worthy with my time as a writer.
YES YES YES!!!! A MILLION TIMES YES!!!! I clicked on your video hoping this was who you were going to mention, because I feel the same way. I was actually recommended his works by sci-fi writer friend of mine and Kay has quickly become my favorite author. I have been reading his works since the early 1990s. I have never understood why he is not more recognized and has no movies made. I reread them all the time. Absolute favorite author of all time, even more than Tolkien! Historical fiction and Fantasy are my favorites and he marries the two beautifully in a way I’ve never seen before. Perfection in every book! I also read that he often will find a place with a similar landscape to the story he’s focused on to write or finish up his books. I also love how many of the books all kind of have a vague reference to his initial trilogy in the Gods they worship. That initial world binds them altogether in a beautiful multiverse. I’d never seen your channel, but you have an instant subscriber in me. Also, love your speaking voice. So soothing.
Thank you! It's been terrific discovering in recent weeks here in the comments how many readers share my (our) admiration of Kay's books, and how many who are new to him are willing to give him a try. I wanted to draw attention to him with this video and its companion tier ranking video (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-WoFYvjIDaCM.html), and I hope I've accomplished at least a little of that goal.
I only stumbled onto your channel yesterday, and had never of Guy Gavriel Kay before, but thanks to your soft-spoken and thorough advocacy of him, I picked up my first Kay novel today. I get the feeling that I'm about to step into something remarkable. The icing on the cake is that Simon Vance is probably my favorite audiobook narrator around.
Welcome aboard! I hope you enjoy GGK as much as I do. Vance is my favorite audiobook narrator as well. Either he has great taste in choosing book projects, or his performance skills can overcome even mediocre material, because I've never not enjoyed a book he narrated.
What a wonderful talk. Thank you. This is my first encounter with your channel and I have liked and subscribed. I am certainly inspired! I had not even heard of this writer, but I'm on the hunt now. He sounds fabulous.
That’s exactly what I hoped to accomplish - generating more awareness of and interest in Kay’s novels. They really are amazing. I’d suggest starting with A Song for Arbonne or A Brightness Long Ago as good entry points to his books. Thanks!
@@ThortheGodly Yes, I'm now about halfway through River of Stars, which was available at my local library. It's wonderful - - and that's not even one of his favourites! Enjoy!
@@thelibraryladder :) you have exceeded your goal! i'm incredibly interested in this author now, and adored this video and I love your voice :D thank you
I started reading GGK after watching one of your videos. Read Tigana and loved it. Just finished up The Lions of Al-Rassan and it was one of the best experiences I’ve had with a book in thirty plus years of reading fantasy. Really appreciate your coverage of his work. About to start A Song for Arbonne.
Thank you for the kind words. Your recent experience is exactly what I was hoping would happen with my GGK videos. I envy you being able to experience Kay's works for the first time. Re-reading his books is wonderful, but it's not quite the same as the first time.
I can relate to what you say about the Lions of Al-Rassan. It had me in tears at places. I feel like it might be his best work but Under Heaven is very good too. Enjoy!
Kay is my favorite author- my best friend handed me Fionavar and I was hooked. It took me 3 tries to make it through Tigana, but so worth the effort, although it has the most unfair ending in fiction since A Separate Peace. I am so happy to see this that I'm subscribing!
Excellent analysis of an excellent author! I admire how Kay does not ride any bloated, multi-volume pot-boiler gravy trains, rather choosing fresh ideas and putting in the time and work to make each new story special. Thanks for shining a well-deserved light on this under-appreciated literary fantasy master.
Sailing to Sarantium is a two-volume, but I think it’s worth it. And of course the Fionavar Tapestry, which were his first books, but again worth it and not as bloated as a lot of GRRM’s works IMHO. I have loved every book of his. I love fantasy and historical fiction and he marries both beautifully!
Well I'm sold. Thank you for this video. I knew of some of more famous books but now that you've explained properly how he writes, it seems like someone I'd very much enjoy reading.
Wonderful! I'm so glad you found it helpful. If you haven't already seen it, I have another video in which I briefly review and tier rank Kay's books. Cheers!
I watch no youtube videos about fiction, literary works, libraries, reading, writing, composition, grammer, literature etc. yet youtube randomly posted this while I was scrolling.... I think I am gonna read this guy’s works now.
I am so glad I found this channel. Thanks to you I've bought Tigana and finished reading it today. THANK YOU, THANK YOU and THANK YOU a thousand times more, Library Ladder! I really needed this book and now I definitely want to explore all the other works of fiction by Guy Gavriel Kay.
@@thelibraryladder I really liked Tigana, because the wish to restore/preserve cultural identities, languages and even dialects has been a part of me since childhood. But I can totally understand that not everyone feels the same.
1. First time hearing about this author (and I'm Canadian! So that's a little embarrassing) and now I'm interested due to your recommendation 2. Sir, I would LOVE to listen to anything you read out loud as an audio book
Wonderful and thank you! If you'd like suggestions about where to start reading Kay, I have a spoiler-free video (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-WoFYvjIDaCM.html) that briefly reviews and tier ranks his novels.
At first, when I heard that you were not voting Erikson, I was a bit disappointed, but once I saw where you are going with it, I found myself agreeing with you.
@@linjicakonikon7666 have you read book of the fallen in it's entirety or one of those people who gave up halfway throughout Gardens? Erikson is a genius. completely in awe of the man
My first encounter with his work was The Fionavar Tapestry. I was blown away. He and Pratchett have a unique way of creating characters so unique and complete, they each seem to be written by a different writer 👌
What a wonderful, soothing, and warm voice. I'd come back solely for that. GGK has been my favorite author for a long time. He deserves much more recognition. Thanks!
I watch no youtube videos about fiction, nonfiction, literary works, libraries, reading, writing, composition, grammar, literature etc. yet youtube randomly recommended this... I am gonna read this guy’s works now.
I just want to thank you for making this video. This popped up in my feed quite randomly it seemed, but I had to click to see if I could guess who you'd pick. I thought myself well-read in the genre, yet I had never heard of this author before. I just finished Tigana today and I'm astounded that Kay is not more acclaimed. What an amazing book.
Thanks! I'm glad the video was helpful. Just wait until you read Kay's other novels, some of which are even better than Tigana, in my opinion. (I have another video that tier ranks his books if you're interested.)
@@thelibraryladder You can bet I'll be reading more! I don't think I've ever read prose that gave me such a beautiful ache. Dianora and the sea have haunted my dreams for two nights now. I watched your tier list and was able to pick up Song for Arbonne and Under Heaven this weekend.
Thank you for having a good reason for discounting Susanna Clarke. I feel like, when judged as pieces of literature, Johnathan Strange and Mr Norell stands above all other recent fantasy. And respect for the G.G. Kay choice, I always suggest him to people who want fantasy that is dark but doesn't have that weird fetishy torture fantasy fulfillment quality that George RR Martin has.
Thanks! I think Jonathan Strange and Piranesi are truly remarkable books, but Clarke needs to write more books before I can consider her for the top spot. :)
In defense of long multi-volumed fantasy series: you absolutely cannot make some moments like The Battle of Dumai's Wells (Wheel of Time) without the context and build up of 6 books combined. You cannot make that absolutely gigantic moment of pay-off in just 1 book, simply because you can't create the many factions, cultures, characters and different magic systems that collide in that moment in Jordan's fantasy in the page-count of a single book. Same with The Red Wedding in A Song of Ice and Fire. You need the context of 2 entire books to understand the severity of the situation. I'm absolutely aware I've put two examples from series that have been critizised of padding, and yeah, some subplots in The Wheel of Time 's middle books didn't deserved that much attention, but at the same time I'm currently reading the last book of the series and I can't imagine some of the best parts of that book without the tremendous build up the so-called ''Slog'' did. Having the ability to make great stand-alone books is great. But creating a long series has its strong points and benefits too.
I completely agree with your comment. Standalones and series are distinct creations, and I enjoy both types, including the two series you mentioned. I just wish more fantasy authors would choose to write an occasional standalone, rather than forcing readers to invest significant time in a series that might take years to finish and could ultimately be a disappointment. Thanks for commenting!
I was a huge fan of GGK most of my life as my small library in small town Manitoba had his Fionavar Tapestry trilogy, and I read them all repeatedly throughout my youth. In around 1999 he came to Winnipeg for a book signing. I went of course and bought a hardcover of Sailing To Sarantium for him to sign after listening to him talk about how he went to high school next door at Grant Park. He did a fantastic job reading the first chapter to a packed house, phenomenal public speaker. When in line to get my book signed I tried to think of something clever, profound, funny or at least slightly memorable to say to him but drew a blank. Ah well, no worries. So, I hand him the book and say something bland like "I've loved all your books, can't wait to read this one." "Well I hope you like it," he replied as he signed. "Yeah I hope so too," I said. He looked up at me, my trying-to-be-cool tone probably making my flubbed reply sound even more odd. But he smiled, probably after seeing how I wasn't being a total weirdo warning him this book better be great but just an awkward dude who misspoke. I shrugged and mumbled something but he just nodded and smiled again to let me know he wasn't bothered.
Great story! It sounds a lot like some of my own awkward experiences at book signings. One exception for me was when I met Markus Zusak (author of The Book Thief) at a signing. He was incredibly chatty and engaged nearly everyone in line (including me) in nice and thoughtful conversations. Kay is someone who I think would make a terrific dinner guest. I imagine the conversation would be fascinating.
This channel came up at random and super glad I clicked. I have never heard of this writer but I have never been so sold on a new writer after a recommendation. Excited to listen and hopefully find a hidden gem I can dive into. Thank you for the awesome video! Subscribed and for sure going to watch more.
I only read the Fionavar Tapestry once, long ago, and that was all I needed to convince me he was at least the equal of Tolkien. It was brilliant and beautiful. I recommend it to people all the time, and no one's ever heard of him. I think it's criminal, especially considering his role in the Silmarillion. Sometimes I don't think those Tolkien nerds know as much as they think they do...
I owe you big thanks for the recommendation. I had never even heard about G. G. Kay before watching this video (yes, what a shame). Although it has come at a cost in the form of several sleepless nights -- I was simply unable to stop reading. ;-)
@@danielw8620 I have a spoiler-free video (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-WoFYvjIDaCM.html) that briefly reviews and tier ranks Kay's novels if you'd like suggestions for where to starting reading him.
@@thelibraryladder just watched it, awesome, look forward to checking out his work. I will probably start with Lions and if i like that I have no problem going to his "lesser regarded" works, but I figure I should start with 1 of his masterpieces to see if it is worth it to dive into his catalogue of work, great videos!
Guy Gavrial Kay is absolutely fantastic, one author I'd say who also doesn't have as much of a profile as he deserves is Glen Cook. From serious, darker fantasy to hardboiled detectives in fantastic cities to military scifi and space opera, he's absolutely diverse, and uniformly amazing. Good to see more give GGK his props, though. Lions of Al Rassan was one of my earliest exposures, and his Fionovar Tapestry. Phenomenal books :)
Thanks! I agree that Glen Cook deserves more attention, particularly for his books outside of the Black Company series. I'm a fan of his Garrett Files, Dread Empire stories and Starfishers series.
Thanks! If you'd like suggestions on where to start reading Kay, I have a spoiler-free video (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-WoFYvjIDaCM.html) that briefly reviews and ranks his novels.
I'd never even heard of the guy but I will most definitely check some of his books out as I just looked up a sample of his prose and it's very much to my liking - thanks for the recommendation!
You're very welcome! If you'd like suggestions for where to start with reading his books, I have an earlier, spoiler-free video that briefly reviews and tier ranks his novels.
H. Rider Haggard has been the Greatest discovery of my later years. He's the "Grandaddy of 'em all". His best books are buried by "She" and so forth, but if you want to find out what really great writing is then Start with "Marie" and try to read them in the chronological order of the stories themselves, not the order they were written. Allan Quartermain is one of the Greatest Voices in all of Literature and many, like Kipling & Edgar Rice Burroughs, borrowed copiously from Rider Haggard.
Thanks for your comment! I agree that Haggard had a huge influence on early speculative fiction and on adventure fiction more broadly. He really knew how to tell a story well. I have his entire collected works (although I've read only about a third of them so far), and I intend to make a video about them and their influence on other authors at some point.
Truly appreciate the recommendation, as a budding fantasy reader! However, I wanted to highlight my appreciation for the presentation. Slowly, clearly, calmly spoken, and well thought out video essay. A VERY welcome reprieve from shouty, spur of the moment, jump-cut filled nonsense on RU-vid these days!
Thank you for your very kind comment! For suggestions on where to start reading Kay's novels, I have a spoiler-free video from about six months ago that briefly reviews and tier ranks his books (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-WoFYvjIDaCM.html). I hope it's helpful, and I hope you enjoy reading Kay as much as I do.
The original DragonLance novels by Weiss and Hickman were my first series that had me hooked as a kid. I envy you so so much as you have so much fantasy to look forward to. You haven't pigeon holed yourself into certain types of fantasy yet and have that adventure to go on. It's magic. I wish you years of joy. Then you can join the rest of us waiting nearly ten years for Patrick Rothfuss to release Doors of Stone and the same ten years for Scott Lynch to release The Thorn of Emberlain. What have you enjoyed so far? (If you don't mind my asking?)
@@bobdrooples I've read some basics (Harry Potter, the Inheritance Cycle, Narnia, Many Cosmere Novels,...etc). Thanks for the recommendations; I'll be sure to check them out! Waiting is the worst part of reading current series for sure
I think it is the saddest thing when an author takes so long to release the next book in a series. But it is just as sad to think that commercial considerations force authors to rush the writing of further books in a series. I love reading and savouring a well-written book, but am just as happy with the fact that the world has discovered the classics in this genre through the lens of the movies or television series. Love to share those richly imagined worlds with others.
I have rarely found historical fiction to be to my tastes, but your well reasoned recommendation has convinced me to give Kay a try, particularly when you mentioned his prose fitting with Simon Vance's narration. Well done sir, you earned my like and subscribe, plus kudos on your A+ NPR voice. I look forward to the rest of your videos!
Great! I'm so glad to have inspired you to give him a try. Kay doesn't really write historical fiction. It's fantasy, but with a quasi-historical flavor to it. If you'd like recommendations for where to start reading his works, you might find helpful my earlier video in which I briefly review and tier rank his books (spoiler-free). Thanks!
He is, and has been for years, my favorite fantasy author. But I have had to stop reading him, as even he can become redundant if you read him in large doses for too long. You begin to pick up on his prose style. I could probably even satirize it: "Giordani stared out at the falling golden leaves and thought back to his family, to a world unto itself, to a parent's love and a lovers' passion, to times spent together singing songs beneath the orchard boughs, to times long gone. All leaves fall. Life was yet another."
[chuckle] I agree that bingeing his works could become a little exhausting. He’s a fantastic palate cleanser after reading other authors, though. Thanks for commenting!
@@SysterYster Yes, but not in a heavily verbose sense. His prose is clean, but languid. It is simple, yet profound. He will allow a character to stay in the moment long enough to drop some profound insight. This is wonderful and romantic and melancholic and human all at the same time, but it can become too much. I love GGK, trust me. But the prosaic meanderings punctuated by philosophical zingers can get old when it happens too often. I like to think of him as the antithesis to Martin. Whereas ol' Georgie clearly thinks the worst of humanity, GGK shows humanity just as flawed, just as selfish, just as dark and traitorous and destructive, but unlike G.R.R. Martin, GGK adds an ellipsis to the end of that misanthropic conclusion: "... And often for the deepest and tragically human of reasons." It isn't hopeful, per se. But it isn't as nihilistically bleak as Martin. It is sad, and relatable. Gosh, now I need to get around to reading his latest book. Cheers!
@@brendanpeters655 Yeah, some beautiful and/or poetic descriptions or thoughts to deepen characters are fine, it's when it gets too much or too often that I get bored by it, or taken out of the story. I love the way GRRM describes things though, and the pacing of his writing. Regardless of how positive or negative it is. I don't like when things are too slow, at least not for too long. But I also usually prefer more positive and happy stories than say, grimdark. GRRM isn't grimdark though, just a bit dark. :) lol, I'm gonna check him out. But gotta finish Lightbringer first. Very good series, btw. :) Cheers!
Thanks! And Tigana isn't even Kay's best novel, in my opinion. He has several others that I enjoyed even more. I tier rank and review his books in another video if you haven't already seen it.
Guy Gavriel Kay and Lois McMaster Bujold are my two picks for (Authors That Deserves Far More Recognition and Acclaim), only found out about Kay thanks to your video, it's sad how underlooked he is even among fantasy fans.
I'm so glad I was able to introduce you to Kay's novels. Bujold is another underappreciated author. I wonder if she's overlooked sometimes because she writes in both the science fiction and fantasy genres, leading people not to associate her with either genre.
@@LvUhcX Thanks for keeping an open mind about Kay’s books. In another video, I tier rank his novels, which might help you decide which book to start with. I’d suggest not starting with Tigana. A Song for Arbonne and A Brightness Long Ago are better entry points, in my opinion. Thanks for watching!
I don't like historic novels in general but Kay's historic fantasies are an exception. I think his reputation is not as great as it might be because the whole of 'The Fianovar Tapestry' feels very sub-LotR. He does ring the changes; I never expected the second book to take the turn into an entirely different mythos and who else but Kay could manage to take two wildly different sources of said legends and make that merging entirely believable. Also, the ending always makes me cry, as does that of 'A Song for Arbonne'. There is a link through all his books to Fianovar, and to a fantasy trope based vaguely on Plato's Doctrine of Forms. See C.S. Lewis's Narnia books, Roger Zelazny's Amber series and Philip Jose Farmer's 'World of Tiers series for other examples,
Great comment! I hadn't thought of that connection to Plato, but I can see how it fits. Neal Stephenson is another author who applies a version of the Doctrine of Forms in some of his books (and quite explicitly in his science fiction/science fantasy novel Anathem). Thanks!
Mr. Kay writes poetic prose. He is my favorite fantasy writer and has been since I found 'The Summer Tree ' in a box of discarded books way back in the 80's. He's GREAT, GREAT GREAT, a true artist.
Terrific! If you'd like suggestions for where to start reading his novels, I have an earlier, spoiler-free video (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-WoFYvjIDaCM.html) that briefly reviews and ranks his books. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Well said, I agree totally that he is a much under appreciated author - I have all his novels, pretty much as they were released. And he almost never gets mentioned when people speak about The Silmarillion, which is a huge 'ignore'. If you asked me to name my individual favourite of his books, I doubt I could answer as they are all so enjoyable but in differing ways, the only one that I would exclude, would be the last book of the Fionavar Tapestry; which I thought didn't rise to the writing or story standard of the first 2 of the series and all subsequent books. (another under rated author, IMO, although now dead, is David Gemell).
Thanks, I constantly look for fantasy and I'm always getting the same ones. Their good don't get me wrong but I think its great to see a lesser known author with truly great work.
Thanks! I’m trying to highlight many of those lesser known or overlooked authors and works in the fantasy genre as well as other genres with this channel.
GGK is likely one of the best authors in the entire genre of fantasy, not just those alive. He is also fairly active on his BrightWeavings forums, and has frequently commented on topics and had conversations with posters (myself included). He has an ability for creating characters that feel like people. Not just "realistic" people but, by the time you read the final page, friends and acquaintances. They are all amazing, and almost every single one of them has tugged on my emotions (and perfectly captures the meaning of bitter-sweet). The audiobooks make this even more vivid, and I agree, Simon Vance does an impeccable job in narrating. I could keep going on for hours, and to be honest, I might save others my ramblings and just send them this video. I cannot agree more, and this video perfectly captures why GGK is such an amazing author.
Thanks for your wonderful comment! I completely agree with it. I've enjoyed reading Kay's BrightWeavings website, but I've never posted there (and I'm kicking myself for that -- I have questions I'd love to ask him). If you haven't seen it, I have a another video (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-WoFYvjIDaCM.html) in which I briefly review and tier rank his novels.
I queued this video out of curiosity as to who your choice for this honor would be and whether I had read them. The answer to the first question delighted me. I first discovered Kay shortly after the publication of The Summer Tree, which I found in a used bookstore. I eagerly awaited and avidly devoured the second and third books of The Fionavar Tapestry and haunted libraries and bookstores in search of further offerings. I understand now why these were so thin on the ground. Finding other fantasy authors in the course of my search for more of Kay's work, I drifted away from the "K" section of the bookshelves. Thank you so much for reminding me to go back, with so many books awaiting me!
Wonderful! I'm so glad you plan to revisit him. If you'd like suggestions, I have an earlier video in which I tier rank his novels. Also, I don't recommend starting with Tigana, as certain aspects of it can be a little problematic for some readers. Instead, I recommend A Brightness Long Ago and A Song for Arbonne as great entry points. I hope that's helpful!
And a very enjoyable rabbit hole it is. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat. It's much more like a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort. Happy birthday!
Thanks to the RU-vid algorithm for sending me your way! I've just recently been going through a total re-read of GGK's books and I'm kicking myself for somehow missing A Brightness Long Ago. Sounds like All the Seas of the World would have been more enjoyable if I'd read Brightness first. You mention Joe Abercrombie in the very beginning of this video. He would be my personal pick for Best Fantasy Novelist of All Time. I would LOVE a video ranking his books, or just to hear your opinions on his work. I'll be waiting for your videos to come up in my subscriptions!
Thank you! That's unfortunate that you missed A Brightness Long Ago, both because it's one of his best (I typically recommend it as one of the best entry points for newcomers to Kay's novels), and because it really is essential to fully appreciate his most recent book. I think very highly of Abercrombie and have greatly enjoyed most of his books (with only a couple of exceptions). I might eventually make a video about him, but it probably won't be for a while. Most of my focus in this channel is on authors and books that don't get a lot of attention on RU-vid -- from the older classics in various genres, to the modern classics that often are overlooked. I hope you enjoy my videos and are inspired by them to try authors and books that are a little different than your usual fare (which is my goal with this channel). Thanks again!
Wow! I just subscribed at your channel because it is the first time I see a video talking about Guy Gabriel Kay and praising his work. I love this author and read all his books. His writing style is beautiful. Every one of his books made me cry because the way it was written.
I remember years ago telling my son, who is a fantasy fiction fan too, that Guy Gavriel Kay’s books had a beautiful, lyrical quality to them in his writing. So, since I think I own and have read many books in that genre, I am inclined to agree with you.
I've only ever read The Lions of Al-Rassan, but that one book is enough for me to know Guy Gavriel Kay is criminally underrated. I really want to read Tigana now because it was the first book by him I ever saw anybody mention and since then it's haunted me by showing up on every "best fantasy ever" list I click on. This video reminded me of that.
I made another video in which I tier rank Kay’ novels. In my opinion, Tigana is excellent, but there are at least four other books by Kay that are even better (one of which you’ve already read). You might try A Song for Arbonne or Under Heaven instead of Tigana. Thanks for commenting!
@@thelibraryladder Tigana would be way down the list for me, with the understanding that the bottom of the list is really good. I think reading his books in published order is a good way to go. You never know which books will be your favourites. From Wiki: The Fionavar Tapestry, a portal fantasy in which five travel from our Earth to "the first of all worlds" The Summer Tree (1984) The Wandering Fire (1986), winner of the 1987 Prix Aurora Award[6] The Darkest Road (1986) Tigana (1990), taking place in a setting based on Renaissance Italy A Song for Arbonne (1992), inspired by the Albigensian Crusade in medieval Provence The Lions of Al-Rassan (1995), set in an analogue of medieval Spain The Sarantine Mosaic, inspired by the Byzantium of Justinian I Sailing to Sarantium (1998) Lord of Emperors (2000) The Last Light of the Sun (2004), inspired by the Viking invasions during the reign of Alfred the Great Ysabel (2007), a contemporary fantasy set in Provence, centering on a teenage boy and his encounters with characters from the distant past. Linked to his Fionavar Tapestry series. Under Heaven (April 27, 2010), inspired by the 8th century Tang Dynasty and the events leading up to the An Shi Rebellion River of Stars (April 2, 2013), taking place in the same setting as Under Heaven, based on the 12th century Song Dynasty and the events around the Jin-Song Wars and the transition from Northern Song to Southern Song Children of Earth and Sky (May 10, 2016), taking place in the same world as The Lions of Al-Rassan, The Sarantine Mosaic, and The Last Light of the Sun, and taking place in a world based on Italy, Istanbul and the Balkans in the 15th century A Brightness Long Ago (May 14, 2019), prequel to Children of Earth and Sky[7] All the Seas of the World (May 17, 2022)
@@rdh-daliasjb3796 If you haven’t already watched it, you might find my companion video that tier ranks Kay’s novels useful for choosing a starting point. I generally don’t recommend starting chronologically with Fionavar and Tigana, although publication order works fine for his other books. Fionavar isn’t representative of the rest of his works, while Tigana has a few elements that can be off-putting to some readers.
@@thelibraryladder Just watched and enjoyed it! I would probably have only four categories: Loved it - Re-read over and over; Really liked it - Re-read; Okay - Maybe, but not likely, re-read if in the mood; The bin for everythink else no matter how good or bad. Loved it category: The Fionavar trilogy; The Lions of Al-Rassan; The Sarantine Mosaic; Under Heaven; River of Stars; A Song For Arbonne.
Damn, I was hoping for a really cool writer I hadn't read, but instead it was a really cool author I had read. GGK is exceptionally good, always feels magical reading his books. Rothfuss and Clarke are also exceptional but are unlikely to catch up in body of work size... All in all, it seems my tastes align with yours, will certainly look at other recommendations you make!
Watching, liking and commenting in hopes the algorithm shows some consideration for such an unique and insightful content like yours. Since I watched your first video on Kay, I added, well, potentially all of his work to my "To be read" list, but particularly the ones that caught my attention the most, like The Lions of Al-Rassan, The Fionavar Tapestry, and The Sarantine Mosaic. Normally, I tend to favor series over standalones novels, but I can see the value and the necessary skill to craft a well-rounded story with its setting, characters and plot all contained in a single volume. I feel like I need to start adding those kinds of books to my repertoire, and GGK sounds like a really good option to begin. By yhe way, another author of whom I've recently heard of and that seems to share Kay's inclination to standalones is Patricia A. McKillip. Do you happen to be familiarized with her work? Anyway, it's good to see your compromise to improve your videos and I sincerely hope you keep growing and your work reacher more people.
Thank you, Kay, for taking the time to watch and comment on the video again to help its relaunch. I hope RU-vid's algorithm allows a seamless transition to the new version, because I heavily sabotaged the searchabiity of the old one in an effort to minimize viewer confusion. You picked some great books to start reading Kay, although I'd suggest not beginning with Fionavar. It's well worth reading, but it's not very representative of most of his works. McKillip (who recently passed away) was one of the big names in the emergence of the fantasy genre in the 1970s. Her writing style has some of the beautiful, lyrical qualities of GGK's prose, but I find her storytelling to be not quite as compelling (still good, nonetheless). I should note that I've only read some of her older classics, and not anything she wrote in the past 25 years or so (which I'd like to rectify).
@@thelibraryladder What drew my curiosity about McKillip's book was looking them up and seeing the beautiful cover art some of her books have. Still, my TBR list is somewhat long, so I guess her books can remain a little behind for now. Thanks for responding!
I had to laugh at the little animated walking man at 8:00 . I read a lot of high fantasy, which my husband likes to call "walking-through-the-woods books". At my recommendation/insistence he has tried some of Kay's books, but his reviews always boil down to "Yeah...loooootta walking in the woods"
My personal favorite writer is Robin McKinley but I really love Kay's prose and ideas. I also have a strong appreciation for the not all good or bad characters (I try to write mine that way). I think both authors don't get as much recognition as they deserve.
I attended his book release party of the first book in the Fionavar tapestry. It took place at Bakka books in Toronto and he was so interesting during that event i have been reading his books ever since.
I started watching this video with trepidation, but all of my fears were washed away once you said the word "Canadian" and I knew where this road was leading ;) As luck would have it I am blessed to be in the middle of a reread of Under Heaven. You have earned this like and subscribe.
How odd that this video should pop up the very day after I received my copy of The Summer Tree. I first read it about 32 years ago and was unable to read the trilogy again after loaning my copy out and not getting it back. I still have the other two books. I agree wholeheartedly that this author is very much overlooked and I have come back to him because I am seeking the beautiful prose that I need in a book along with stories that stay with you forever. I am very much looking forward to reading the Fionavar Tapestries again.
Spooky! (But _probably_ not sinister.) :) I'm so glad you're finally able to re-experience Kay's earliest books. After 32 years, I imagine it'll almost be like reading them for the first time. Thanks for sharing!
As soon as I saw the title of the video, my mind went to GGK. I've been avidly reading his books since the 80s and I enthusiastically await each new novel. I'd be hard pressed to pick a favorite. Having attended some of his readings at book launch events, I can attest he is gracious and witty in person. Definitely deserving of more recognition.
When Christopher Tolkien needed an assistant to edit his father J. R. R. Tolkien's unpublished work, he chose Kay, then a student of philosophy at the University of Manitoba. Kay moved to Oxford in 1974 to assist Christopher in editing The Silmarillion.... That's all I need to know to convince me
Wonderful! If you'd like suggestions about where to start reading Kay, I have a spoiler-free video (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-WoFYvjIDaCM.html) that briefly reviews and tier ranks his novels. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Hearing about this author for the first time.. Lucky that this video got recommended.. Ordered A Song for Arbonne right away.. :) Thank you for recommending this. That another video you had posted reviewing each of Guy Gavriel Kay's book was also quite helpful to know where to start for a new reader. Looking forward to more book reviews from you..
GGK is so entertaining and engrossing. I’ve read his earlier works like the Fionovar Tapestry, Tigana, Lions of Al-Rassan, and Song for Arbonne. I need to catch up with his later works. Great stuff!
You ave forgotten, Michael Moorcock. Surely the Greatest Living Fantasy writer. Not only giving us memorial characters, created new value systems - Law vs Chaos that launched several RPGs, shaped the Multiverse, Godfather to Steampunk with his Bastable trilogy, writing standalone novels and historical fiction with his Between the Wars tetralogy and Mother London.
Thanks for the Moorcock suggestion! I have a lot of admiration and respect for Moorcock's books and for the substantial influence he's had on speculative fiction. I'm even making a series of videos about his Eternal Champion saga (the first two installments of which can be found here on my channel at ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-F5TTtSWPxQs.html and ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-MJBqWj2kv1E.html). I considered him for the "greatest living fantasy writer" title, but I didn't select him, due to the criteria I set at the outset. Specifically, my criteria focused on the quality of an author's writing rather than on the impact they've had on the genre. The quality of Moorcock's output is too uneven in my opinion. Some of his books are brilliant while others are pretty slapdash.
It is very hard to find a character like Sand Dan Glokta in writing though. Best character I have seen to date. “Have you no pity?' Glokta could only shrug. 'I did have. As a boy I was soft-hearted beyond the point of foolishness. I swear, I would cry at a fly caught in a spider's web.' He grimaced at a brutal spasm through his leg as he turned for the door. 'Constant pain has cured me of that.” - Sand Dan Glokta
Thanks for sharing! Abercrombie is a terrific writer who has created several very memorable characters. I consider him one of the best fantasy writers around today.
Sorry but Robin Hobb is hard to beat in my opinion. The worlds she's created and the characters she's written about are more creative and well fleshed out, and I'm talking major and minor characters, than almost any other author, period. Who doesn't have a love/hate relationship with Captain Kennit or remember the monuments flying through the skies. It was upon reading the 'Liveship Traders' trilogy that Robin Hobb took first place in my ranking of fantasy writers and I've been reading science fiction and fantasy since I checked out 'Spaceship Under the Apple Tree' in fourth grade (1961). That trilogy has a series of beautiful love stories woven within the greater storylines. I am a voracious reader and had a huge collection of SF and fantasy books. I stopped counting after I passed 40,000 three decades ago. I'd go up to Change of Hobbit in Los Angeles and come home with big boxes full of books. Every week I'd stop at the book store and pick up nearly every new SF and fantasy book. Stacks of ten or more each visit. So I'd say I'm one of the more widely read science fiction and fantasy fans and that includes all of Guy Gavriel Kay's books. (All first editions.)
I can't argue with you about Hobb's merit. I'd definitely consider her a finalist. I chose Kay over Hobb in part because I've enjoyed his books more consistently than hers. I think parts of the Realm of the Elderlings are extremely well done (2/3 of Farseer trilogy and all of Liveship Traders), but other parts (Rain Wilds, Tawny Man) were surprisingly underwhelming to me. I would have loved to have browsed your book collection. I'm only at about 10,000 volumes, spanning several genres, and I'm pretty close to capacity. I listen to most new books on audio these days, because I don't have shelf or cabinet space for many of them.
@@thelibraryladder All my library is gone except for one big box I have in the garage. The there was another box that fell victim to a rat chewing though. Everything else, including the box still in my garage of unread books I've developed some allergic reaction to. Paper or ink used irritates my eyes and nose. They are all in like new state so something changed in me I would guess. When I moved 6 years ago I gave the books away to a local used book store. That was as hard on me as giving away a pet .
Thank you! I'm not a voice actor or podcaster. However, you and some other commenters here have gotten me thinking about recording some classic stories and posting them here on my channel.
This is a slightly modified re-upload of a video I made in January 2022. Due to (valid) complaints about the audio mix in that video, I've improved the audio in this new version and addressed a couple of visual elements that needed fixing. Otherwise, the content of this video is the same as the original's.
I thought I recognized this content.... I like and appreciate going back and updating or redoing your previous videos, but don't take folks complaints too much to heart, your content is a step above. can't wait to see more. do you have any thoughts on literary awards?
the Secret Sauce of Storycraft Thanks! I decided to fix it because I had the same frustrations as many viewers. Unfortunately, I realized it needed fixing only after the video had started getting traction on YT. I was reluctant to replace it early on, out of concern it might derail my (at the time) tiny channel's standing in YT's algorithm. However, I felt like I owed it to GGK to do a better job, so I've been determined to correct the flaws in the original video. I won't be making a habit of this, though. It wasn't easy pulling the plug (figuratively) on my most popular video that still drives traffic and subscriptions almost six months after I posted it. My hope is that the algorithm will allow a seamless transition from the old version to the updated one. My thoughts on literary awards in general are that they're only as good as the preferences, biases and ranges of experience of voters who select them (as well as the incentive structures surrounding the voting). I find the finalist lists for book awards to be useful in identifying potentially good reading material, but even then, the nominated books or short stories often are hit-or-miss for me, and at least half the time, the chosen winner is a real head-scratcher, given the (IMO better) competition it was up against. Also, I tend to read newer books at least 2-3 years after publication (and after the initial marketing hype and award lobbying has subsided, when more measured and unbiased reviews can be found), so I usually have no opinion on most award finalists during their nomination year.
@@atomictraveller If he were still alive, he’d be a viable contender (although it’s difficult with translated books to know how much credit (or blame) to assign to the translator instead of the author).
The music is making me very anxious, but I stayed and pushed through because I wanted to hear the content. I will give this author a try and thank you for the recommendation
Thanks! I'm sorry the music didn't agree with you. If you'd like suggestions for where to start reading Kay, I have a spoiler-free video (with less stressful music) that briefly reviews and ranks his novels. (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-WoFYvjIDaCM.html)
Since I don't see him listed, Jim Butcher is definitely worth consideration. His Dresden Files series is fantastic. His Codex Alera series is a ton of fun and his Steampunk series is coming along nicely.
I have great respect for Butcher. The Dresden Files is one of _very_ few series longer than a trilogy that doesn't feel unnecessarily long, padded and repetitive to me. And to do so while closing in on 20 books in length is really impressive. I must admit, though, I haven't read anything else by him, which is something I intend to remedy.
I'm a definite bibliophile. I'm not typically looking at youtube for anything book related, but you popped up in my suggestions. I'm glad to have a new author to discover... and I'm looking forward to exploring your channel further. You must know this already, but your voice is amazing!
Thank you! If you'd like suggestions for where to start reading Kay's novels, I have an earlier, spoiler-free video (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-WoFYvjIDaCM.html) that briefly reviews and ranks his books. Thanks for watching and commenting!
I think the reason he doesn't get more attention is because he writes stand alone stuff. I don't think it is because people prefer series, but because they are easier to market and get more exposure. Sadly popularity has a lot to do with marketing, because if people don't hear about it, they can't read. You do get word of mouth but people also speak about a series longer as well(when each book gets released). So series just have more exposure regardless of quality.
There's a lot of merit to what you say. From a publisher's perspective, the longer a series is, the longer the marketing opportunity to find and build an audience for it (as well as to lower the risk associated with future books).
Sold! GGK has been on my radar for a long time, definitely going to read him as soon as I’m done with the Tawny Man trilogy. I wonder if being from Canada is a reason he gets less attention, with the UK and USA taking up so much bandwidth in fantasy? Incidentally I really got turned on to historical fantasy with Andrzej Sapkowski’s Hussite trilogy (which is finally being translated into English). Sapkowski is another great modern writer though he hasn’t done a lot lately. Were it not for the Witcher video games he’d probably still be obscure outside of Poland. Excellent production value btw … you could do a hybrid Booktube / ASMR channel!
Thanks! I'm going to have to find that translated edition of the Hussite trilogy. It sounds like a terrific read. For suggestions on where to start reading Kay's novels, I have a spoiler-free video from about six months ago that briefly reviews and tier ranks his books (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-WoFYvjIDaCM.html).
Never heard of GGK. This video randomly popped up in my recommended list. After watching it, I decided that I am going to read his works. Now to decide on where to start...
He was on my to read list, but I was not really aware of him or his quality of books. Definitely a lot higher on my list now! I am going to give the audiobook a try.
Wonderful! For suggestions on where to start reading Kay's novels, I have a spoiler-free video from about six months ago that briefly reviews and tier ranks his books (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-WoFYvjIDaCM.html).
Kudos for Kay! I remember when I first encountered his writing. I was given all 3 of The Fionavar Tapestry for Christmas 1989. Best gift. Once I started I was immersed in their world and lifes and didn't come up for breath until the end.
@@dawnmoriarty9347 I'm and avid rereader, so its a high compliment when i absolutely loved Tigana after my first read, but couldnt pick it up again for years after because its so heartbreaking.
Gemmell was terrific. I really enjoy his Drenai series. He certainly would have been a finalist for the title I gave to Kay had he still been with us today. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve only read four of Kay’s books (2 if the Fionvar Tapestry counts as one)! Excellent novels! My favorite fantasy writer is Tad Williams and now I’m about to read The Last King Of Osten Ard!
Tad is one of my favorites as well (top 3 or 4 for sure). In fact, I’m currently re-reading his M, S & T trilogy in preparation for a video I’m planning that will provide an overview of all his works. Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@thelibraryladder I finished Memory, Sorrow and Thorn about two years ago and really liked it, definitely one of the better straight-up 'epic fantasy trilogies" I've ever read, I have no idea what took me so long to finally read it. However, I saw some reviews that stated that the follow-on books to the trilogy were not as good as the original three. I think I've been holding off because of that. Would you say that's a fair take or are they just as good as the first three?
@@pavelowjohn9167 One of the reasons I’m re-reading the first trilogy is because I’ve been holding off reading the more recent continuation of the series until it was nearing completion. The next to last book in the series was just released, so I figured now is a good time to start it. (I generally don’t like to read incomplete series. I typically wait until they’re finished before deciding whether to invest time in them.) I’ve read good things about the latest series, but I don’t have first-hand knowledge, although that will be rectified soon and included in my video review.
@@thelibraryladder I'm glad to hear you're planning on covering Tad Williams as well. He's another writer I don't hear mentioned enough. His M, S, & T series and his Otherland novels really blew me away. He deserves more praise than he gets.
I've had Tigana sitting on my bookshelf for over a decade now and am yet to pick it up. I will get to it! For me, though, the best is and will always be Robin Hobb for her Farseer/Liveship/Tawny Man trilogies. They are my all time favourite books from any genre. They've had such an emotional impact on me and I've read them several times over. I've just re-read Jennifer Fallon's Second Sons trilogy and that is top shelf also.
Thanks for sharing! I'm a big fan of Hobb's Realm of the Elderlings saga, and she was definitely a finalist for the title I awarded to Kay. I've never read anything by Fallon, so thanks for the tip!
Thanks for posting this. Agree wholeheartedly. Kay should be recognized in Canada as a national treasure, and outside Canada as, you say, the best fantasy writer in the world today. I believe he is recognized among his peers - I heard a lecture by Brandon Sanderson in which he claimed that all fantasy writers were just trying to be Guy Gavriel Kay. That's some high praise, anyway.
A friend recommended Fiavonar Tapestry and it sits on my shelf in wait, but your video has certainly launched it closer to the top of my TBR. I have a few series to finish out or read some more on, but I'll make sure to tackle it soon. Your description makes it sound right up my alley. Your assertion about fantasy being padded out (I'd argue also oversaturated) speaks to me. It makes it painful to commit to anything new in the genre, which is why I've shifted to scifi a bit more lately.
Thanks! Oversaturated is a good descriptor. There are so many good-but-not-great fantasy books (and book series) being published these days that it's becoming difficult to distinguish them from one another (and from the earlier books they're imitating). Although I think highly of the Fionavar trilogy, I don't generally recommend it as a starting point for reading Kay. It was his debut work, and it shows in some places, particularly in the first book, which has several noteworthy weaknesses. I think his A Song for Arbonne and A Brightness Long Ago make better entry points to his novels. And if you'd like more suggestions, I have an earlier, spoiler-free video that briefly reviews and tier ranks his books.
@@thelibraryladder I'll add those to the list, though since I have access to it, I'll still check out Fiovanar, but everything I've heard about Kay, even before this video, has been stellar!
Thank you. That’s exactly what I hoped to accomplish with the video - make more people aware of Kay and interested in reading his works. I made another video in February that ranks his books, if you want suggestions of where to start.
I've never heard of this author. Seeing as you mentioned pretty much all of my favorites, I won't need to hesitate on picking him up. Thanks for bringing this guy forward!
You're welcome! If you want suggestions for where to start reading his novels, I have an earlier, spoiler-free video (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-WoFYvjIDaCM.html) that briefly reviews and tier ranks his books. I hope you enjoy his books as much as I do.
When you said Canadian author I _almost_ thought you were going to say R Scott Bakker - who is my favourite living fantasy author of all the fantasy books I've read over the years. His writing is brilliant, beautiful, deeply disturbing, and really bends your mind in a lot of unexpected ways. His Second Apocalypse series (Beginning with Prince of Nothing) is like a mix of Lord of the Rings, Silmarillion, A Song of Ice and Fire, and all the most violent and bizarre chapters of our own human history, all blended together with mind-altering substances injected directly into the bloodstream :D I've listened to audiobooks read by Simon Vance before (I consume most of my literature these days on audiobook) so will have to check out his Kay audiobooks :D Which one do I start with??
Thanks for your comment! I've enjoyed reading Bakker as well. For suggestions about where to start reading Kay's novels, I have an earlier, spoiler-free video from about six months ago that briefly reviews and tier ranks his books (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-WoFYvjIDaCM.html). I generally recommend newcomers start with either A Song for Arbonne or A Brightness Long Ago, and to avoid Tigana and Fionavar (as starting points only).
Oh my god I thought I was alone in the world. I’ve introduced so many people to GGK but never met someone else who had even heard of him already, let alone rated him highly. He’s my favorite of all time - such a brilliant writer of emotion and character
You're in luck! If you scroll through the comments here, you'll discover a few hundred more people who share your opinion of Kay's writing. Welcome aboard!
@@dawnmoriarty9347 Thank you! I try to keep things moving at a reasonable pace, but my natural rate of speech is a little on the slow side, so I’m aiming for a happy medium.
I received *Children of Earth and Sky* this Christmas Eve on the quality of this recommendation. The fact that I've just finished it should be evident that I agree profusely with your assessment. A feature of his prose I thought to highlight here was free-flowing use of time and scope. A scene might start with its end, return to its beginning and only reveal its shape as the circle closed. Pivotal moments in the characters lives would draw back to reveal profound consequences in the wider world in the coming days, months, years as rich epilogues to scenes and chapters. I suspect they may also serve as connective tissue to other works, but done in such a way as to reward or thank repeat readers, not to coerce required reading. I wanted to thank you again, before I dove into *River of Stars* for introducing me to who I suspect upon further reflection and reading, will be one of my favorite authors.
Thank you for your very kind words and very eloquent description of Kay's writing skill! I'm so glad you've discovered the joy of reading his novels. If I might make a suggestion, you should read Under Heaven before River of Stars. Although it's not a direct sequel to Under Heaven (they take place hundreds of years apart), the setting and political environment of River of Stars is shaped by the events in the earlier book. Also, if you haven't already seen it, I have another video in which I briefly review and tier rank his novels that might be helpful when prioritizing what to read next by him.
I've long considered GGK my favorite author of books published as Fantasy. This video mirrors my thoughts on Kay and his output pretty much to the nth degree. This being my first exposure to your channel, I've not yet watched the followup ranking video, but based on your Comments replies suspect we pretty much agree there too.
Michael Moorcock, hands down. Conceptualized the first multiverse and coined the term. Created the eternal struggle for Balance between Chaos and Law. He influenced the alignment process in Dungeons & Dragons. Created the first steampunk hero, Jerry Cornelius. He was also the editor for Edgar Rice Burroughs at a ripe age of 14 years old.
Thanks for your comment! I have great respect and admiration for Moorcock's works and his substantial influence on fantasy and science fiction. I've even made two videos about his multiverse and the Eternal Champion saga (with several more videos to come) here on my channel that you might find interesting. However, he didn't meet all the criteria I used to define my "greatest" living author. Specifically, the quality of his writing is a little too inconsistent, in my opinion. Some of his works are brilliant, but others can be kind of a mess.
@@thelibraryladder Thank you for the reply. I watched all of the Moorcock videos you have! I can't wait to watch your next videos. My favorite incarnation of the eternal champion would be Corum or Elric, what's yours?
