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Free and discounted ebooks – January 12, 2024

In this special blog post, we’re thrilled to guide you on a journey through the most captivating realms of fantasy and science fiction.

Here, you’ll find an array of free and discounted books, each a gateway to adventures untold.

Simply click on the book fair images to discover your next favourite story.

The post Free and discounted ebooks – January 12, 2024 first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

Free and discounted ebooks – January 12, 2023

In this special blog post, we’re thrilled to guide you on a journey through the most captivating realms of fantasy and science fiction.

Here, you’ll find an array of free and discounted books, each a gateway to adventures untold.

Simply click on the book fair images to discover your next favourite story.

The post Free and discounted ebooks – January 12, 2023 first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

The Fall of Wolfsbane (Ravenglass Legends, book one) – chapter one (excerpt)

Chill wind bit into Ragnar Wolfsbane’s knuckles as he gripped his shield and spear. He planted his feet into solid earth, standing shoulder-to-shoulder in the shield wall with his brother warriors.

Frost lay in the shadows, throwing blue ripples towards the patches of harsh sunlight.

Ragnar braced himself with gritted teeth as his opponents smashed into him, shields clashing with shields, spears, and swords jutting this way and that.

The berserker cries did little to mask the cold.

A spear point thrust past Ragnar’s guard, jabbing his shoulder. With a cry, he fell backwards, letting an opening develop in the wall.

A man jerked Ragnar’s shield aside, hacking and slashing his sword, felling young men like stems of summer wheat. Each strike sent a bolt of pain along Ragnar’s arms, in spite of the blunted weapons.

Within a few heartbeats, the shield wall collapsed, the young men sprawling to the ground.

“Enough.” Ragnar’s Uncle Olaf drew a hand down his braided beard, his lip curling as he eyed each of them in turn. Leather straps crossed his chest, while fur leggings clad his thighs. Even in the cold, he wore only a light tunic, leaving his arms bare to the shoulders. Dozens of silver kill bands jangled on his forearms, catching the light of the harsh winter sun.

All around Ragnar, fellow warriors in training slumped to the ground, panting, and cursing, and wiping sweat from their brows.

“Useless. Absolutely useless.” Olaf sneered at the trainees as he walked along the line, the gnarled scar down his cheek twisting with his words. “You cannot even hold the wall, let alone attack from behind the shields.” He stopped and glowered at one of the taller lads. “Why are you so pathetic?” His gaze swept along the broken line and lingered on Ragnar. “You are supposed to be warriors, not peasants.” He pointed to the sea. “How will you protect Meerand if the Northern Reachmen return?”

A warm sensation pressed against Ragnar’s mind, a tendril of something like liquid slithering into his thoughts.

Olaf’s words faded into the background, nothing more than a jumble of sounds on the wind.

Ragnar slammed up his mind’s barriers, picturing an impenetrable shield wall, and he cast his gaze to the skies for what he knew must be there.

Three years earlier, during his twelfth summer, Ragnar had felt the same sensation when a wyvern from the north had presented itself to him and his friend Kest. But as he scanned for the creature, he saw nothing but icy clouds and grey skies.

He started at his uncle looming over him. “Am I boring you, boy?” Olaf sneered at him. “Is there something on the walls that demands your attention? Something more important than listening to me?”

“Yes, uncle…”

“Yes, sir!” Olaf delivered a backhanded slap to Ragnar’s cheek, jerking his head to the side and sending him to the ground.

“Yes, sir.” Ragnar rubbed his chin and dipped his gaze. “Sorry, sir. I just—”

“There is nothing more important than listening to me.” Olaf took a moment to glare at all the lads before returning his attention to Ragnar. “Because of your failure, you are all dead. One man cut seven of you down and broke the wall before you even had a chance to attack. Your mothers and sisters are raped. Your fathers are murdered and your lands, taken. The rest of your people are enslaved, and it’s all your fault.” He jabbed a finger at Ragnar. “Get up.”

Ragnar got to his feet.

“What do you have to say for yourself, boy?”

“Sir, there’s a wyvern.”

“A wyvern?” Olaf shielded his eyes and glanced up at the sky. “Can anyone else see a wyvern? I don’t see one.”

“There is a wyvern. I swear it in the eyes of Creation.”

Olaf squared up to Ragnar. “Are you calling me a liar, boy?”

“No, sir. I can feel it inside my thoughts.” He looked for support from the others, but a few of the trainees snickered. “Can’t you feel that?”

“Your thoughts are addled, boy.”

Though Ragnar was the son of Meerand’s Chieftain, Olaf gave him no special treatment. Ragnar bunked with the other lads and took his beatings in the same way. Indeed, some days it seemed Olaf had special torments in mind for him alone.

Ragnar raised his chin and gripped the chalice he wore around his neck—a constant reminder of Creation’s abundance, and a gift from his late mother. “I told you what I felt, sir. My word is stone.”

Olaf spat on the ground. “Your word is nothing, boy.” He glanced up at the sky again. “Where is it? Show me. Show the others.” He leaned back and cupped his hands. “Oh, wyvern! Oh, wyvern! Come out and reveal yourself. Ragnar knows you are hiding.”

A few of the trainees laughed. Others whispered to one another.

The laughter stopped when a dark shadow crossed over the training ground.

Olaf looked up, paling at the sight of the dark-winged creature above them. The wyvern circled the castle twice before heading back out over the Braun Sea.

Olaf grunted but did not meet Ragnar’s gaze. “Pair up. Spar.” He spun on his heels and marched towards the castle.

Ragnar gravitated towards Kest Jorensohn, who grabbed a blunt mace and shield.

Ragnar took up his favourite shortsword and dagger, holding the dagger in his right hand, sword in his left.

Kest gestured to the blades. “You’re not still piddling around with those?”

Ragnar shrugged. “Not afraid, are you?”

“Me? Never.” Kest grinned and slipped into a ready stance. “But if your father catches you, you’ll be in crap again.”

“I don’t care what he says.” Ragnar began to circle his friend. “When I’m a master, he’ll eat his words.”

“We’ll see about that.”

Ragnar shifted forward and struck past Kest’s guard. “You know this is the superior technique.”

Kest gave a quick nod and held up his shield. “If it’s so bloody great, why are you in the shield wall with the rest of us?”

“Just to make you all feel better.” Ragnar gave a half-smile. “I was gracing you with my impressive presence.”

“You’re about as impressive as narwhal crap.”

Ragnar laughed and ducked Kest’s mace.

“Almost got you, there.” Kest pushed Ragnar back with his shield and swung again. “You know it’s true, don’t you?”

“What?”

“That if someone put you next to a steaming pile of narwhal crap, everyone would point at the turd and go, ‘Ooh, look at that.’ They wouldn’t even notice you.”

Ragnar grinned. “Just shut up and fight.” He danced backwards, spun, and pressed his blunted dagger against Kest’s throat. “That’s two.”

“This is supposed to be training, Rag. You nearly took my bloody head off with that.”

“Nearly.” Ragnar stuck his tongue out and slipped back into stance.

Kest roared and charged forward, swinging the mace down in a vertical arc.

Ragnar sidestepped, tripped Kest, sending him to the dirt, and stood over him with his sword point pressed against his friend’s chest.

He helped Kest to stand. “You want to yield?”

Kest shook his head and adjusted his helmet. “I’ll just have to start making an effort.” He circled Ragnar. “Tell me, Rag. How did you know that wyvern was there?”

Ragnar aimed a backhanded cut at him. “It’s like that big red one a few years back.”

“When?”

“Three summers ago up on the bluffs. Back when we had that boys’ tourney.”

Kest looked puzzled.

“You were there.”

Kest shook his head and shoved against Ragnar with his shield. He hooked a foot around Ragnar’s ankle and knocked him to the ground. Standing over him with his mace raised for the killing blow, Kest grinned. “One to me.”

“I let you have that.” Ragnar got to his feet. “It’s only right that I do something to prevent your tears and misery.”

Kest feigned a blow with the edge of his shield, cursing when Ragnar threw himself backwards.

The pair exchanged blows alongside the other trainees until Kest halted and stared out to sea, the sparring seemingly forgotten.

“I’m not falling for your trap.”

Kest shook his head, his mouth dropping open, and gestured to the Braun Sea.

Ragnar followed Kest’s gaze and gaped at the dark ships dotting the horizon—hundreds of them.

—–

Maja stood motionless before the Hammer of Wolfsbane, its deep black surface absorbing the meadhall’s dim light. The artefact’s shifting form filled her vision as the weight of its power pressed against her.

She reached out tentatively, her fingers hovering just inches from the ravenglass. She sensed the hammer was no mere object but a connection to another mind, another place beyond her own, something distant, something ancient, something…other. It was as if the relic were alive, and she could sense a consciousness stirring within.

As she stared, Maja sensed the faint whisper of a consciousness that was not her own. She cleared her thoughts and stilled her breaths, allowing herself to form a connection with the object.

But whenever she felt the hints of connection, it was as if she caught her reflection in water, the solid image turning to ripples.

Creation had gifted her the ability to sense the threads that bound all living things, but this connection ran deeper, eluding her understanding.

Warning bells echoed through Meerand, shaking the ground beneath Maja’s feet. How long had they tolled?

She spun around, her heart racing as she caught sight of her father, Ragnar the Elder, storming into the meadhall. His eyes locked onto hers, and a pang of guilt struck her chest.

“What are you doing in here?”

Maja stumbled back, searching for an excuse. “Nothing.”

“You know not to touch this.”

“I didn’t touch it.” She met her father’s gaze and sensed his fear and anger. She pushed out a wave of love and reassurance, which softened his expression.

He reached out to ruffle her hair. “Come, Maja.” He took the hammer down from the wall and gestured to the door. “The Empire is here.”

—–

Warning bells rang across Meerand Castle as Ragnar made his way up to the top of the keep to join his father and uncle on the battlements.

Sweat from his palms slickened his bow, and he wondered how he could nock an arrow with trembling fingers.

Ragnar tried his best to hide his fear from his father, and gazed across the bay at the black-hulled ships of the Ostreich Empire.

His father looked through a long-sight glass, which he then passed to Olaf, the younger man lifting it to his own eye.

Out of Ragnar’s earshot, they exchanged heated words, whispering harshly to each other as his father’s bodyguard, Brandt, looked on.

“What are they saying?” Ragnar asked.

Brandt gave a helpless shrug. He held a shimmering greatsword, its pommel a carved wolf baring its fangs.

Olaf strode off, leaving the three of them alone.

Screams rose from the town below as the next wave of invaders made land.

Townsfolk streamed towards the castle, fleeing their homes and businesses.

Ragnar the Elder rubbed his brow and watched, his face a stoic mask behind his beard.

Kest and some of the other lads arrived, each with their own bow and quiver, ready to mount a defence.

“If they get me, make sure I’ve got a weapon in my hand,” Kest said, sidling up to Ragnar.

“Creation would never believe you’re a true warrior.”

Kest rolled his eyes. “Swear it, Rag. Please.”

Ragnar had never heard such a serious tone from his friend. “I will.” He gripped Kest’s shoulder. “But it won’t come to that. We’re warriors, proud and true, and we’ll defend our home and send these arseholes back to Ostreich.” Ragnar turned to meet his father’s gaze.

“We cannot win, son.” Ragnar the Elder shook his head. “There are too many of them.”

“But, Father—”

“It’s done, Ragnar.” His father squeezed the bridge of his nose and took in a long breath. “Olaf is sending a bird as we speak.”

Ragnar frowned. “A bird? What kind of bird?”

“To offer our surrender.”

“Surrender?” Ragnar’s eyes bulged. “No. We can’t just give in.”

“Look down there, son.” He pointed to the harbour. “Count the ships. There are nearly two hundred of them, each carrying at least fifty men, armed and ready to fight.”

“But you always said—”

Ragnar the Elder waved a silencing hand. “We have a force of sixty warriors and half that number of young ones in training.” He held his eyes closed for a long moment. “They will slaughter everyone if we don’t give them what they want.”

The Ostreich soldiers stood poised and armoured in long, straight rows, each man wielding a spear and shield, their faces obscured by steel helmets.

Anger rose in Ragnar’s chest—anger at the invaders, anger at his father’s cowardice, and anger at his own fear.

A horn blared, and the soldiers turned as one. They marched towards the castle.

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The post The Fall of Wolfsbane (Ravenglass Legends, book one) – chapter one (excerpt) first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

Exploring the Ravenglass Universe: A Tapestry of Fantasy and Magic

Hello from Morecambe!

Today, I invite you to journey with me as we explore the Ravenglass Universe – a rich, dynamic, and multifaceted fantasy realm where countless stories unfold, from the earliest days to the farthest reaches of the future.

The Essence of the Ravenglass Universe

At its heart, the Ravenglass Universe is a fantastical world, a canvas on which an array of stories are painted.

Here, imagination knows no bounds – from soaring wyverns in the sky to the mystical powers of a unique material known as ravenglass.

A World of Magic and Wonder

Magic is a vital thread in the fabric of the Ravenglass Universe.

It is a world where magic intertwines with reality, creating a landscape filled with wonder and peril.

The magic system is as diverse as it is intriguing:

Ravenglass: Central to our universe’s lore, ravenglass is a mystical material with properties that are both wondrous and enigmatic. It is the cornerstone of many magical feats and the source of much of the universe’s mysteries.Elemental Magic: Harnessing the raw powers of nature, elemental magic is wielded by those who understand the deep connections to ravenglass. Fire, water, earth, and air are not just parts of the world; they are forces to be summoned and controlled.Mind Manipulation: In the darker corners of the Ravenglass Universe, some delve into the secrets of mind manipulation, a form of magic that blurs the lines between persuasion and control.Parallel Worlds: The universe is not a singular plane; it encompasses numerous parallel worlds, each with its own secrets, dangers, and wonders.

Heroes and Antiheroes: The Soul of Our Stories

Our universe is inhabited by characters as complex and diverse as the world itself.

From flawed heroes to morally ambiguous antiheroes, each character brings their unique perspective to the narrative.

They navigate this magical world, sometimes as champions of their beliefs, other times as lost souls searching for redemption.

Epic Sagas and Intimate Tales

The range of stories within the Ravenglass Universe spans from grand, epic sagas that reshape the world to intimate, personal narratives that delve deep into the hearts and minds of individuals.

Whether it’s a tale of an empire in turmoil or a quiet story of a lone assassin, each story is a piece of the larger puzzle, contributing to the universe’s rich tapestry.

Adventures await!

The Ravenglass Universe is more than just a setting for fantasy tales; it is a living, breathing world where every story, every character, and every magical element is part of a larger narrative.

As the creator of this universe, I invite you to step into this world of endless possibilities, where the past and future intertwine, and magic is as real as the air we breathe.

Join me in exploring this universe of wonder, magic, and adventure.

Let’s uncover its secrets together.

Until our paths cross again in the Ravenglass Universe,

Jon

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The post Exploring the Ravenglass Universe: A Tapestry of Fantasy and Magic first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

Jon’s author diary – January 5, 2024 #amwriting

Happy New Year and welcome to 2024’s first Author Diary!

This year, my main focus is on growing our community on Ream and enhancing our subscription experience.

This Week’s Highlights:

Doubling Down on Subscriptions: Join me as I share my vision and plans for moving more into a subscription model.

Writing Punks Versus Zombies Episodes 17-19: This week, I’ve been working on the first drafts of these thrilling new episodes.

Subscription Course for Authors: I’ve been enhancing my knowledge with a course specifically tailored for authors focusing on subscriptions

Community Interaction:

Your thoughts and feedback are invaluable. Let’s discuss in the comments: What do you look forward to in our community this year? What would you like to see more of in Punks Versus Zombies?

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for weekly updates, insights, and more from my author’s journey. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!

follow Jon on Ream.

The post Jon’s author diary – January 5, 2024 #amwriting first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

Free and discounted fantasy and sci-fi books – January 4, 2024 #sff

In this special blog post, we’re thrilled to guide you on a journey through the most captivating realms of fantasy and science fiction.

Here, you’ll find an array of free and discounted books, each a gateway to adventures untold.

Simply click on the book fair images to discover your next favourite story.

The post Free and discounted fantasy and sci-fi books – January 4, 2024 #sff first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

The Best Heroic Fantasy Novels: A Journey Through Courage and Magic

In the labyrinth of fantasy literature, where dragons roam and magic is as common as a rainy day in London, heroic fantasy novels stand tall.

They whisk us away to worlds brimming with brave warriors, noble quests, and, of course, the odd nefarious villain.

But with so many tales to choose from, where does one begin?

Here’s a guide to some of the best heroic fantasy novels, each a gem in its own right, shining as brightly as a wizard’s staff in a moonlit grove.

1. “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien

No list of heroic fantasy would be complete without Tolkien’s “The Hobbit.”

It’s the quintessential tale of an unlikely hero, Bilbo Baggins, who finds courage in the unlikeliest of places.

With its rich world-building and timeless narrative, “The Hobbit” is a masterclass in fantasy storytelling.

2. “The Sword of Shannara” by Terry Brooks

Terry Brooks’ “The Sword of Shannara” heralded a new era in heroic fantasy when it was published.

It’s an epic tale of good versus evil, replete with magical swords, ancient spells, and a quest to save the world from darkness.

It’s as comforting as a pint in your favourite pub.

3. “The Eye of the World” by Robert Jordan

The first book in “The Wheel of Time” series, “The Eye of the World,” introduces us to a world teetering on the brink of an epochal change.

With its complex characters and intricate plot, Jordan’s series is a cornerstone of modern heroic fantasy.

4. “The Fionavar Tapestry” by Guy Gavriel Kay

Guy Gavriel Kay’s “The Fionavar Tapestry” trilogy is often hailed as a masterpiece of heroic fantasy.

It weaves together elements of myth, legend, and high fantasy, creating a tapestry as rich and detailed as any woven by the Elves.

5. “Who Fears Death” by Nnedi Okorafor

Nnedi Okorafor’s “Who Fears Death” is set in a post-apocalyptic Africa and blends magical realism with traditional African storytelling.

The novel follows a young woman, Onyesonwu, on her journey to confront her destiny in a world of shifting sands and powerful magic.

6. “The Poppy War” by R.F. Kuang

R.F. Kuang’s “The Poppy War” is a grimdark fantasy that draws inspiration from 20th-century Chinese history.

The story follows Rin, a war orphan who defies the odds to attend an elite military school.

It’s an epic tale of war, gods, and the power of myth.

7. “Alif the Unseen” by G. Willow Wilson

G. Willow Wilson’s “Alif the Unseen” combines the fantastical elements of heroic fantasy with the modern-day Middle East.

It’s a compelling story that blends technology, the supernatural, and a profound exploration of faith.

8. “Children of Blood and Bone” by Tomi Adeyemi

Tomi Adeyemi’s “Children of Blood and Bone” is set in the magical land of Orïsha, where a ruthless king has banned magic.

The story follows Zélie as she embarks on a quest to bring magic back to her people.

This novel is a powerful blend of West African mythology and adventurous storytelling.

9. “The Belgariad” by David Eddings

David Eddings’ “The Belgariad” series is a delightful blend of humour, adventure, and magic.

It’s a tale of prophecy, power, and the eternal struggle between good and evil, told with a charm that’s as rare as a friendly dragon.

10. “Mistborn” by Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson’s “Mistborn” series reinvents heroic fantasy with its unique magic system and a plot that turns the typical ‘dark lord’ trope on its head.

It’s a breath of fresh air in a genre that sometimes feels as crowded as a marketplace in a fantasy city.

Heroic fantasy offers an escape into worlds where courage, honour, and magic reign supreme.

These novels are more than just stories; they are portals to realms where the impossible becomes possible, and the mundane becomes magnificent.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the genre, each book on this list promises a journey filled with adventure, heroism, and, of course, a touch of enchantment.

So grab your cloak and sword (or just a comfy blanket and a cup of tea) and prepare to be transported to worlds beyond your wildest imaginations.

The post The Best Heroic Fantasy Novels: A Journey Through Courage and Magic first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

Heroic Journeys in Modern Fantasy: The Rise of Flawed Protagonists

Once upon a time, in the kingdom of modern fantasy literature, a new kind of hero began to emerge.

Gone are the days when heroes were as spotless as a knight’s freshly polished armour.

Today’s fantasy protagonists are more akin to a warrior who’s been through a few too many battles and perhaps one too many visits to the mead hall.

They’re flawed, complex, and as perfectly imperfect as a spell gone slightly awry.

The Not-So-Charming Charming Heroes

The modern fantasy hero is often as flawed as a dragon’s dental plan.

These characters might be brave, but they’re also battling their own demons, whether those be a shady past, a temper as fiery as a dragon’s breath, or a tendency to make decisions as poor as a goblin’s investment strategy.

They’re not the infallible paragons of virtue of yesteryear; they’re more like your mate Dave, who means well but occasionally sets the kitchen on fire.

A Journey of Self-Discovery (and Frequent Missteps)

The hero’s journey in modern fantasy isn’t a straight path to glory.

It’s more like a meandering trek through a forest filled with pitfalls, detours, and the occasional existential crisis.

These characters grow and evolve, often through making mistakes that are as glaring as a wizard’s neon robe at a funeral.

Their journey is about learning, about growing, and often about redeeming themselves, which is a lot more relatable than being born with an innate sense of righteousness.

The Relatable Hero

Why this shift to flawed heroes, you ask?

Well, they say art imitates life, and let’s face it, none of us are as flawless as a fairy-tale prince.

Readers find themselves drawn to characters who struggle, who falter, who get up again – because that’s what we all do, minus the dragons and the magic (unfortunately).

These heroes reflect our own struggles, making their victories sweeter and their narratives more compelling than a bard’s tale on a stormy night.

Moral Ambiguity: The New Black

Modern fantasy loves to play in the grey areas of morality.

Our heroes often face choices where the line between right and wrong is as blurred as your vision after a night at the tavern.

They make decisions that might not be strictly ‘heroic’, but are understandable, human.

It’s a far cry from the black-and-white morality of old, and frankly, a lot more interesting.

In the end, the rise of flawed protagonists in modern fantasy reflects a shift in our own understanding of heroism.

It’s no longer about being perfect; it’s about being brave enough to face your own imperfections.

It’s about doing the right thing, even when the right thing is as hard to find as a sober dwarf.

So here’s to the flawed heroes of modern fantasy – may their swords be sharp, their wits sharper, and their flaws just flawed enough to keep things interesting.

The post Heroic Journeys in Modern Fantasy: The Rise of Flawed Protagonists first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

The Influence of The Malazan Book of the Fallen

When Steven Erikson unleashed “The Malazan Book of the Fallen” on the unsuspecting world of fantasy literature, little did we know that it would be as impactful as a dragon landing in a china shop.

This monumental series hasn’t just influenced modern fantasy; it’s rewritten the rules, scoffed at convention, and then went for a pint.

Let’s dive into how Erikson’s magnum opus has shaped contemporary fantasy, much like how a sorcerer shapes reality – with flair, complexity, and the occasional bout of world-ending peril.

Complexity is King (or Emperor, in This Case)

Before Malazan, many fantasy series flirted with complexity, but Erikson decided to marry it. The series introduced readers to a world so layered and intricate that it makes a 1,000-piece puzzle look like child’s play.

Modern fantasy authors have since been emboldened to create more complex narratives and worlds, realising that their readers’ brains are, in fact, capable of juggling multiple plotlines, a cast of thousands, and a history denser than a dwarven bread loaf.

Moral Ambiguity: Grey is the New Black

Gone are the days of clear-cut heroes and villains, thanks to Erikson’s influence.

In Malazan, characters exist in shades of grey, which is a refreshing change from the old ‘shining knight versus dark lord’ routine.

This moral ambiguity has seeped into the fabric of modern fantasy, making characters more human, relatable, and less predictable than a game of cards with a trickster god.

Epic Scale: Go Big or Go Home

“The Malazan Book of the Fallen” doesn’t just go big; it goes colossal.

The series spans continents, races, and millennia, making most other fantasies look like a quaint backyard tussle.

This has pushed modern fantasy to expand its horizons, quite literally.

Current fantasy narratives are more ambitious, sweeping across vast landscapes of imagination, because, as Erikson has shown, why limit yourself to a single kingdom when you can play with an entire universe?

Magic and Mayhem: The More, the Merrier

In Malazan, magic isn’t just a plot device; it’s an ecosystem.

This approach has encouraged a new wave of fantasy literature where magic systems are intricate, well-thought-out, and as vital to the world as air.

Modern fantasy has followed suit, treating magic with the respect and complexity it deserves, rather than just a means for characters to get out of inconvenient plot points.

It’s Not Just About the Journey

Erikson’s series has contributed to shifting the focus from the destination to the journey itself.

Each book in Malazan is its own epic tale, teaching modern fantasy that the path walked by characters is as important as where they end up.

This has led to richer storytelling, where side quests are not mere distractions but integral parts of the narrative tapestry.

“The Malazan Book of the Fallen” has cast a long, imposing shadow over modern fantasy literature.

It’s a series that doesn’t just entertain but challenges and redefines genre boundaries. Erikson didn’t just raise the bar; he threw it into the stratosphere.

Modern fantasy authors now look up (way up) to this standard, crafting worlds and stories that aspire to its level of depth, complexity, and sheer audacious brilliance.

The Malazan series is like a masterclass in fantasy writing: intimidating, enlightening, and utterly indispensable.

The post The Influence of The Malazan Book of the Fallen first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

Free and discounted fantasy and sci-fi books – December 27, 2023 #sff

In this special blog post, we’re thrilled to guide you on a journey through the most captivating realms of fantasy and science fiction.

Here, you’ll find an array of free and discounted books, each a gateway to adventures untold.

Simply click on the book fair images to discover your next favourite story.

The post Free and discounted fantasy and sci-fi books – December 27, 2023 #sff first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.