“Fantasy has had some problems with being too repetitive, in my opinion. I try to read what other people are doing–and say, ‘How can I add to this rather than just recycle it? How can I stand on Tolkien’s shoulders rather than stand tied to his kneecaps?'”
–Brandon Sanderson
Brandon Sanderson stands among the top echelon of modern day fantasy writers. He’s just an all round solid writer and he’s managed to find just the writer balance between traditional fantasy and originality. His world building is phenomenal, especially in the Stormlight Archives. His magic systems are amazingly creative and original. They’re very scientific, with clear rules and restrictions, although sometimes I find them too restrictive; I like my magic to be a little more mystical and a little more flexible.
Sanderson is also good to read if you like fantasy, but don’t like all the graphic blood, guts, gore, and sex that are becoming more prevalent in the genre. Sanderson’s books are clean, but not in such a way that they lack a certain gritty realism. He just doesn’t feel the need to knock the reader over the head with how gritty and real his writing is.
Brandon Sanderson is a must read for fantasy readers. I recommend reading all of his books. You can’t go wrong. His debut novel Elantris is a good strong book and his books only get better from there. Read his young adult books and middle reader books as well, they’re a fun treat.
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