I know, I know. I've been promising new content and changes coming and updates and blah, blah, blah, for ages now. But the thing about new content and updates is, you actually have to sit down and write before you can post anything, or before you can share any updates, and that's exactly what I've been doing. Except that all my writing for the last few months has revolved around getting Book 1 of Red Wolf done (getting tantalizingly close!). So blogging has gotten neglected.
But to kick off the new year, and hopefully a new season of blogging productivity, I thought I'd highlight a few of the authors I've discovered this year, and whose books have become important in my life. Actually, I've made quite a few interesting author discoveries in the past year, but I'm only highlighting the top three, because they've consistently stuck with me, made me laugh, and cry, ignited my imagination, and made me think deep. That's not to say there were other really good authors in there, but as far as one that touched me the most, these are the three that stand out.
Tricia Mingerink. http://triciamingerink.com/ Her Blades of Acktar series will forevermore have a special place in my heart. All the right stuff in a YA appropriate adventure. It's not exactly fantasy so much as alternate history? A wounded assassin finds help with the two girls he was sent to spy on, coaxing him into decisions that will change the fate of the country. It's a strongly faith-based story that's actually done right! At which I stand up and applaud... What lingers with me when I think about these is the way the character's hopes and fears play out so wrenchingly, nail bitingly, and beautifully. And the characters themselves, of course!
K.M. Shea. http://kmshea.com/ I've enjoyed all of her books that I've read so far. They've all produced ear-splitting grins and giggles, but so far my favorite were her Snow Queen books. A two-book retelling of the Snow Queen fairy tale, with a heroin so relatable I could cry- just because someone finally gets me! Included are plenty of laugh out loud moments, an adorable romance, action, magic, and a gorgeous winter backdrop that demands hot cocoa and fuzzy slippers. What's memorable for me is, of course, the main character, who's smart, powerful, unwillingly vulnerable, and undeniable strong (and not in the clichéd black leather, knife wielding way, either). And the breathtaking winter setting. Shea writes feel-good, funny stories with strong female leads that don't make me want to roll my eyes or throw the book. An invaluable discovery.
Patrick W. Carr. http://www.patrickwcarr.com/ Every. Single. Book. Has been earth-shattering. He has 1 series, plus another one halfway released, and I can't highlight either of them over the other. I've been absolutely blown away. And beyond that, I'm a little tongue-tied. Not sure how to even begin to rave about an author who's propelled himself to my all time favorites list, right up there to the top where C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien sit enthroned as kings in my imagination. Yep. He made it up there. Unfathomably rich characters and worlds, and stories that grab you by the eyeballs and pull you along at their mercy. What was the most memorable? Well, let's see. Pretty much... everything. Top notch fantasy/action, with romantic subplots that only make you love the characters more. Also, it must be noted, Carr is one of those rare authors that can actually write love interests that don't sit on the sideline, or worse, feel like they're being forced to participate in the action JUST so there's a 'strong female character.' Somehow he finds the balance between strong and soft, and not just for the gals. I'll just stop now, so I don't start rambling. Suffice it to say, I'm in love with these characters! If you only pick up one new fantasy this year, make it one of his!
So there you have it. The scoop on what's been fueling my imagination for the past year! I hope you check some of these out! Leave a comment and let me know who your new top authors were this year (I'm always looking for new ones)!
