Speculative Writer Hot List

The Top Ten

1.   China Mieville
2.   George R.R. Martin
3.   Steven Erikson
4.   Guy Gavriel Kay
5.   Brandon Sanderson
6.   Scott Lynch
7.   David Anthony Durham
8.   Robin Hobb
9.  Patrick Rothfuss
10. Joe Abercrombie


The list is only working authors in the sf/f genre that interest me.

China Mieville, I've read four of his books and loved three, would highly recommend the other. Funny thing is, I think if four people read those, they would have the same reaction, but likely loving a different three from the others.

George R.R. Martin, I'd have to say I liked Mieville better by a hair anyway, but Dance with Dragons was a dissapointment. Thankfully, I feel like the series has turned a corner and we begin the (long) homestretch in Winds of Winter...which means in like 2014.

Steven Erikson, I've heard his Malazan Book of the Fallen series described as the best fantasy series of all-time. I've heard it described as Sword and Sorcery. I've heard you have to read the first two books of the series all the way through before you're hooked. It's on my to-do list.

Guy Gavriel Kay, Currently reading my first book by Kay 'The Last Light Under the Sun'. Thinly disguised historical fiction, which is fine, since he does the research more meticulously than most authors do their world-building. Amazing with scenes that make you think deep thoughts, not as great with showing basic emotions, but really catching lightning enough to make up for it. Plus I love me a good historical fiction.

Brandon Sanderson, After taking over the Wheel of Time Sanderson has really been thrown into the big leagues it would seem. I quit halfway through his debut novel 'Elantris' a year ago, but I've only heard great things about his 'Way of Kings', which is the first of a new series.

Scott Lynch, GRRM keeps blurbing him, that's got to be worth something. Then I heard world-building comparisons to China Mieville's New Crobuzon (admittedly described as inferior, but China's #1 on this list for a reason). Plus the cover art for his upcoming looks pretty cool.

David Anthony Durham, I've read the first few pages. Sounds dark enough to keep people interested, though it seems like the UK won't even publish book three of his series that started with 'Acacia', which I bought Dalton for his birthday. Maybe that's why this guy is on the list, he's only the fourth guy I've spent money on when buying new.

Robin Hobb, I wanted a female perspective on High Fantasy, and heard this is the one to go to. I have the first book of her 'farseer trilogy', bummed that it's in the first person, but I consider myself an open-minded reader (that is, I don't limit myself to high fantasy/new weird written in 3rd person).

Patrick Rothfuss, Was the consensus heir to a Song of Ice and Fire for most awesome next series until Sanderson penned 'Way of Kings'. Also, I've heard there isn't really a point, kind of like the Conan stories, but without Conan.

Joe Abercrombie, gets this because of the other writers I'm familiar with but won't be giving a chance, his titles/cover art push him ahead.