Inspirations and Influences: Fantasy Authors and Top Fantasy Books
Are you a lover of fantasy or new to the genre? Join us in taking a deep dive into the genre and the names that have defined it over the years.
Fantasy authors have an incredible ability to tap into our imagination, bringing to life stories that stick with us long after we’ve turned the last page.
From the legendary works of Tolkien and Lewis to the modern masterpieces by Rowling, Sanderson, and Bardugo, the genre has grown into a powerhouse of creativity. Let’s take a closer look at the top fantasy books and the prolific authors who’ve penned them.
The Roots of Fantasy: Mythology and Folklore
Ever wonder why fantasy novels feel timeless? That’s because it draws deeply from ancient myths and folklore. Passed down through the centuries, these tales gave us the foundation for many of the tropes and fantasy archetypes we see in modern fantasy.
Take the heroic quest, for example. From Greek mythology’s Odysseus to King Arthur’s knights, these stories of bravery and discovery continue to inspire fantasy writers. The wise mentor, the trickster, and even magical creatures like dragons, elves, and witches all have roots in these ancient stories. There are many archetypes that we see in the top fantasy books.
Famous Authors and Their Legendary Works
Some names are practically synonymous with fantasy. These famous fantasy authors didn’t just write books, they defined the genre.
J.R.R. Tolkien
If you’re talking about influential fantasy, you have to start with Tolkien. His masterpieces, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, were inspired by his love of mythology, linguistics, and folklore. Tolkien’s work set the gold standard for epic fantasy, inspiring generations of fantasy writers.
C.S. Lewis
Lewis brought a touch of magic to fantasy with The Chronicles of Narnia. Combining allegory and adventure, his stories were rich with Christian symbolism and themes of redemption, friendship, and courage.
Brandon Sanderson
Sanderson is one of today’s best fantasy authors, and for good reason. With series like Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive, he’s built a reputation for intricate magic systems and expansive world-building in The Cosmere.
His attention to detail and ability to create layered, compelling characters make his books impossible to put down.
Modern Fantasy Writers and Their Inspirations
While the legends of the past laid the groundwork, modern fantasy authors are taking the genre to new heights.
Drawing inspiration from both traditional and contemporary sources, these are some of the best fantasy authors. These authors are some of the best at crafting stories that speak to today’s readers while honouring the roots of fantasy.
J.K. Rowling
If you grew up in the late ‘90s or early 2000s, chances are you’ve either read or heard about Harry Potter. Rowling’s magical world of wizards, Hogwarts, and a boy with a lightning bolt scar captivated millions. Her blend of magical school life, hero’s journey, and themes of love, friendship, and resilience made fantasy mainstream in a way few could have imagined.
Andrzej Sapkowski
Sapkowski’s The Witcher series is where gritty realism meets Slavic folklore. His morally complex characters and intricate plots make his work stand out in the fantasy landscape. It’s no wonder his stories have found new life as a wildly popular TV series and video game franchise.
George R.R. Martin
Love political intrigue and morally grey characters? Then Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire is for you. His ability to weave complex relationships and unexpected twists into sprawling narratives has earned him a spot among the most influential fantasy authors. Beware, though, his penchant for killing off beloved characters might leave you shouting at the pages.
D.E. King
The In All Jest series is a captivating blend of intrigue, adventure, and rich world-building. It begins in Dharatan, a continent in the midland of the world of Scurra, where a secret society of Jesters works covertly to maintain stability. No one knows the full truth about Dharatan’s past, not even the Jesters themselves. But everything changes when a powerful amulet resurfaces after 800 years.
In A Fool’s Errand, Book 1 of the series, a dying Jester named Ashantha entrusts the amulet to Lani, a young woman scraping by in the northern city of Barnen. Ashantha’s final plea sets Lani on a perilous journey she never sought, plunging her into the hidden world of Jesters and the dangerous pursuit of the amulet.
As the magical barrier protecting an ancient secret begins to crack, Lani becomes the key player in a battle for survival. Hunted by relentless Derk assassins and burdened with a responsibility she doesn’t fully understand, Lani must venture far from home to find the one person Ashantha said could be trusted with the amulet.
This fantasy series stands out for its intricate storytelling and a world rich with history, mystery, and magic. Fans of epic fantasy will be enthralled by the compelling characters and high-stakes adventure that define D.E. King’s In All Jest.
Leigh Bardugo
Bardugo has taken the fantasy world by storm with her Shadow and Bone trilogy and Six of Crows duology. Her dark, layered worlds and complex, lovable (and sometimes morally questionable) characters have captured readers’ hearts. If you’re new to her work, prepare for twists, heartbreak, and unforgettable storytelling, making her books some of the best fantasy series.
The Influence of Other Genres on Fantasy
The fantasy genre isn’t confined to swords and sorcery. It often mingles with other genres to create dynamic stories.
It may even borrow from other genres to create something even more dynamic, such as:
- Science fiction adds futuristic tech and philosophical exploration to magical worlds. Think of stories that blend space-faring adventures with fantastical elements.
- Romance brings emotional depth and relationships to the forefront, making characters feel real and relatable.
- Horror introduces suspense and a touch of fear, keeping readers on edge while expanding the boundaries of what fantasy can do.
This cross-genre blending has given us some of the top fantasy books, proving that fantasy can be as flexible as it is imaginative. For a deeper dive into these hybrid tales, check out our guide to Epic Fantasy Series.
The Ever-Evolving Influence of Fantasy
What makes fantasy so special is that it’s constantly evolving. Each new generation of fantasy writers builds on the work of the legends before them while pushing the genre in exciting new directions.
So, whether you’re a long-time fan of famous fantasy authors or just starting your journey with modern fantasy writers, there’s always something new to discover. Let these incredible authors and their stories inspire you to dream bigger, read more, and maybe even write your own epic tale.
Ready to pick up a science fiction novel or a new fantasy series? Whether you’re interested in books from the same universe or after a hybrid science fiction and fantasy book, there’s a book and a new adventure waiting for you. Happy reading!