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20 Books for 20Somethings

Deryni Rising: Chronicles of the Deryni, Book 1 by Katherine Kurtz

Female Fantasy Authors, November 2012

The Adept or the Templar Series are all worthwhile installments in the career of Katherine Kurtz, but nothing will compare to her work with the Chronicles of the Deryni. Since 1970, Kurtz has built the saga through five trilogies plus one stand-alone novel. Harkening back to a 10th century Great Britain environment, the land of Gwynedd is people by humans and Deryni, an offshoot of the human race that possess magic. Shades of grey abound in this political web, with the two sides struggling to balance governmental and religious powers. An unrelated novel, Saint Patrick's Gargoyle, is an intriguing take on the notion of living gargoyles and their charge in the world.

Forest Mage: The Soldier Son Trilogy, Book 2 by Robin Hobb

Female Fantasy Authors, November 2013

Orson Scott Card once highly praised Robin Hobb and her work, boldly stating that she "set the standard for the modern serious fantasy novel." He did so with very good reason. Hobb's work is engaging and remarkably addicting. Her Farseer Trilogy, following the adventures of assassin FitzChivalry Farseer, pulls readers into a well-crafted world. Though she would detour from Fitz for her next series, the Liveship Traders Trilogy, she delivers a sea-going/nautical adventure that is a refreshing change of pace from standard fantasy fare. She would return to the adventures of Fitz, though she has branched out and shared newer worlds as well. Remarkable talent.

The Wayfarer Redemption: The Axis Trilogy, Book 1 by Sara Douglass

Female Fantasy Authors, November 2012

Here in the United States, The Wayfarer Redemption is a six book series, though in her native Australia it is two separate trilogies. However you present them, they are a compelling work. The first three volumes involve the Prophecy of the Destroyer and the rise of Axis Sunsoar to oppose him. Douglass weaves a magical tale of prophecy and betrayal, and thanks to keeping enough loose ends, had enough of a spark left to bring on the next three volumes, which follow the challenges facing Caelum SunSoar, the son of Axis. The background histories of this world are extensive and incredibly well crafted, giving the work a sense of real depth. Sadly, Douglass passed from ovarian cancer in 2011. Thankfully she left readers with quite  a legacy.

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke

Female Fantasy Authors, November 2012

Though she has only one fantasy to her name, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell is so remarkable on its own that it would be impossible not to include Clarke in this list. Ten years in the making, Clarke's alternate 19th century tale of magic, madness, and Englishness is a jewel. When Neil Gaiman hails the book as "Unquestionably the finest English novel of the fantastic written in the last seventy years," you can take it to the bank. Though she is reportedly working on a sequel, she can take heart in knowing that this work of difficult birth landed her TIME Magazine's Best Novel of the Year (2004), as well as the Hugo and World Fantasy Awards for Best Novel (2005).

Fortress of Owls by C. J. Cherryh

Female Fantasy Authors, November 2012

With two Hugo Awards for Best Novel to her name, Cherryh built herself a name with the Alliance-Union Universe books, which include the astonishingly good Cyteen. She's no one trick pony, however, as she earned great recognition with her fantasy works as well. Of particular note is her Fortress Series, and the story of Tristen. Starting her career at a time when men dominated the field, which forced her to mask her name, she has forged a remarkable career, penning over 60 novels of great depth and which pose some intriguing questions and always keep readers returning for more.

Kindred by Octavia Butler

Female Fantasy Authors, November 2012

Octavia Butler always referred to herself as a science fiction fan, and while she would go on to pen extraordinary books in the field, hers were often molded around themes of sexual ambiguity and race. Kindred is easily her most recognizable/popular novel, and deals with time travel and slavery -- a haunting work that can serve to generate worthwhile conversations. She won a Nebula Award for Best Novel in 1999 for the second of her Parable Series (The Parable of the Talents), a two book dystopian saga. She unfortunately passed away at age 58 after suffering a fall outside her home in 2006. 

Komarr by Lois McMaster Bujold

Female Fantasy Authors, November 2012

Robert Heinlein has won four Hugo Awards for Best Novel. Lois McMaster Bujold has equaled him, and she is one of the most acclaimed women writers in the genre. The Vorkosigan Saga is her masterpiece, which is a spectacular smashup of science fiction, romance, military thrillers, mystery, and all touched with humor. Much like our world, there are technologically advanced societies and militaristic societies, and the concepts of bioengineering, cloning, and medical advances to lengthen lifespans are central thematic focal points for the characters. And her characters are just as varied -- strong women, homosexuals, clones, and the disabled. But she also strikes the motherlode within the fantasy genre, as well, with the successful Chalion and Sharing Knife universes.

The Sword Of Rhiannon by Leigh Brackett

Female Fantasy Authors, November 2012

Often missed by readers is Leigh Brackett, but finding her takes a walk back into the '40s and '50s...and even to the theater screen. Brackett would take breaks in her science fiction output to pen screenplays, such as Rio Bravo, The Big Sleep, The Long Goodbye, and the first draft of The Empire Strikes Back. Her novella Lorelei of the Red Mist was co-written with Ray Bradbury, but on her own she displayed an incredible imagination, exploring the devastating effects of colonialism within a martian landscape and the collision of various alien civilizations. It is a travesty that many of the early pioneers of the genre are forgotten, particularly those women who helped blaze the trail. Leigh Brackett is certainly one such woman and her work is worth hunting down.

The Forest House: The Mists of Avalon Prequel by Marion Zimmer Bradley

Female Fantasy Authors, November 2012

The first book anyone thinks of upon hearing the name Marion Zimmer Bradley is her authoritative retelling of the Camelot legend, The MIsts of Avalon. While it is a colossal achievement, and has several sequels, it is by no means the limit of her capabilities as an author. Her expansive Darkover Series delights millions of fans, and there was a time when she encouraged fan fiction to be submitted for possible publication in Darkover Anthologies. Those readers who demand non-cliché female characters will be more than pleased with those found in Bradley's work -- finding women of strength and intelligence who stalk the forefront of the stage rather than lingering in the background. Her library of work is extensive, giving readers much to sink their teeth into.

The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson

Stand Alone Fantasy Titles, August 2012

The Way of Kings is represented in the stand-alone category because even though it is the opening volume of the series known as The Stormlight Archive, at present it is the only volume in publication. Brandon Sanderson has hit a home run that doesn't just clear the wall, it leaves the stadium. The world of The Way of Kings is so marvelously detailed and interesting, and the story arcs each have their own hooks to pull you along until the moment when they cross paths. Though he's gained a lot of traction as the man tabbed to finish Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time, Brandon Sanderson is a remarkably talented creator and the product of his own design is nothing less than first rate.