A grimdark fantasy novel for grown ups with a thirteen year old psychopathic anti hero at its centre. Not for the faint hearted but a fabulous read. This week we delve into the world of the prolific writer, Mark Lawrence and his trilogy which begins with Prince of Thorns.----more----

And just to let you know that the first in my new fantasy trilogy, Renn, is due for release in a couple of months. Cover design in progress. Latest efforts below. A story steeped in ancient Chinese mythology, featuring a semi mythical hero that is still remembered in the Middle Kingdom to this day.

In a departure from my usual weekly review of a book in the fantasy genre I am going to talk about my favourite wizard. Magic is firmly entwined in nearly every story in the genre and wizards, witches and warlocks abound. And once you've had a listen, let me know whether you agree with my choice. And if not, tell me who you prefer. ----more----

And while you are here, have a look at A Jade Treasury. One of my own books about the legends and myths surrounding Jade, the Stone of Heaven. To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and cities were offered in exchange for a piece of it. The ancient Olmecs of Central America treasured it far more than gold. Maori were so fond of it they killed and ate ten British sailors who tried to steal some of it. If you want to know about the pirates who poisoned a man to get hold of it or how many slaves the Inuit would swap for a piece of it, then this is the book for you. BUY IT HERE

M L Wang is a leading light in the world of fantasy and not just because of her excellent writing. She started by penning novels in the genre for Young Adults but has since written two books for a more mature readership that explore complex issues that resonate with the world we live in. The first to be published was Sword of Kaigen but I much prefer her later work, Blood Over Brighthaven.----more----

And while you are here, have a look at A Jade Treasury. One of my own books about the legends and myths surrounding Jade, the Stone of Heaven. To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and cities were offered in exchange for a piece of it. The ancient Olmecs of Central America treasured it far more than gold. Maori were so fond of it they killed and ate ten British sailors who tried to steal some of it. If you want to know about the pirates who poisoned a man to get hold of it or how many slaves the Inuit would swap for a piece of it, then this is the book for you. BUY IT HERE

One of the most underrated writers in fantasy has to be Justina Robson. Her Quantum Gravity series is better written and more absorbing than a lot of books in the genre that have sold more copies. Definitely worth a look.----more----

And while you are here, have a look at A Jade Treasury. One of my own books about the legends and myths surrounding Jade, the Stone of Heaven. To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and cities were offered in exchange for a piece of it. The ancient Olmecs of Central America treasured it far more than gold. Maori were so fond of it they killed and ate ten British sailors who tried to steal some of it. If you want to know about the pirates who poisoned a man to get hold of it or how many slaves the Inuit would swap for a piece of it, then this is the book for you. BUY IT HERE

While Robert Heinlein is considered one of the 'big three' of Science Fiction, he also wrote a couple of excellent fantasy novels, mixing wry humour with first class story telling. Glory Road is a classic that has aged well and is just as enjoyable today as it was when it was first published more than sixty years ago. A must for all lovers of Fantasy.

And while you are here, have a look at A Jade Treasury. One of my own books about the legends and myths surrounding Jade, the Stone of Heaven. To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and cities were offered in exchange for a piece of it. The ancient Olmecs of Central America treasured it far more than gold. Maori were so fond of it they killed and ate ten British sailors who tried to steal some of it. If you want to know about the pirates who poisoned a man to get hold of it or how many slaves the Inuit would swap for a piece of it, then this is the book for you. BUY IT HERE

One of the most delightful trilogies to hit the bookshops in the last few years has been the Bloodsworn Saga by John Gwynne. Grim, dark, and bloody, it borrows from Norse mythology and the author adds his own brand of magic and mystery to create an unforgettable series, The Shadow of the Gods, The Hunger of the Gods and The Fury of the Gods.

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Click on the link to buy the first in the trilogy, The Shadow of the Gods. If you buy through my website I make a tiny commission but it doesn’t affect the price you pay. Any money I make goes to making more of these podcasts.

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In this weeks episode we look at Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay. It is probably the best fantasy novel inspired by Chinese history and mythology that has been written by a writer from the West.

And while you are here, have a look at A Jade Treasury. One of my own books about the legends and myths surrounding Jade, the Stone of Heaven. To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and cities were offered in exchange for a piece of it. The ancient Olmecs of Central America treasured it far more than gold. Maori were so fond of it they killed and ate ten British sailors who tried to steal some of it. If you want to know about the pirates who poisoned a man to get hold of it or how many slaves the Inuit would swap for a piece of it, then this is the book for you. BUY IT HERE

This week we look at the work of Gene Wolfe. His series the Book of the New Sun is widely admired by authors of the fantasy genre. Each volume is carefully crafted with not a word out of place. But it is not for the faint hearted....----more----

And while you are here, have a look at A Jade Treasury. One of my own books about the legends and myths surrounding Jade, the Stone of Heaven. To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and cities were offered in exchange for a piece of it. The ancient Olmecs of Central America treasured it far more than gold. Maori were so fond of it they killed and ate ten British sailors who tried to steal some of it. If you want to know about the pirates who poisoned a man to get hold of it or how many slaves the Inuit would swap for a piece of it, then this is the book for you. BUY IT HERE