Hey travelers!

 

I have an announcement to make! If you haven’t seen my TikTok or Instagram recently, I’m conducting a giveaway for a FREE signed copy of The Blade of Shadows. Head over to my Instagram to see how to enter, and best of luck!

 

Exciting free stuff aside, I wanted to take today to tell you all about a few authors that have influenced me as a reader and a writer over the years. I believe every good writer is first and foremost a reader. Good books abound--there’s no time to waste! Stick around to the end for some arbitrary recommendations from a fantasyphile. 

 

Childhood Favorites 

 

Let’s start with a few of my favorites from when I was growing up. Well, I’m still growing up, but you get it. 

 

Dick King-Smith 

Ah, nothing says childhood like Babe or The Water Horse (and nothing says disappointment like the film adaptations, amiright?) My mom used to read these to me as I lay in bed, trying to keep my eyes open. This was only the beginning of my book obsession.

 

Rick Riordan 

I was a little older when Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief came out, but it definitely swept my high school up in its popularity. I love mythology, and Riordan pulls out every exciting story and legend a kid could dream of.

 

Kathryn Lasky

I have a soft spot for fantasy books focused on animals. It’s a whole world many have yet to explore. The Guardians of Ga’hoole opened that world for me, and Kathryn Lasky is a wonderful tour guide. 

 

Diana Gabaldon

I’m a sucker for a good romance. Especially fantasy romance. Outlanders hits this category straight on. I actually made my husband read the first one with me. Don’t tell him I told you, but by the end, he was waiting for me to catch up. He’s a man of many tastes. 

 

Inspiring Writers 

 

The following are a few authors that have influenced my writing specifically. Their fantasy worlds fuel my own, and their success pushes me to be a better writer. 

 

John Flanagan 

Ranger’s Apprentice was my childhood. The first book came out when I was thirteen, and I read it in probably a day or two. I love everything about Flanagan’s characters, and the main character, Will, has some similarities with Rayn in my story. I like to think that, if they ever met, they would be instant friends.

Man, I’m nostalgic as heck for these books. 

 

Erin Hunter

The Warriors series began its long journey around the same time as Ranger’s Apprentice. It quickly became another one of my favorites. It’s easy to dive in and lose yourself in this great story. The way Hunter sets scenes is something I both admire and strive to match. 

 

Holly Black 

You may be sensing a theme here. I spent a lot of time with new books in middle school, and The Spiderwick Chronicles is no exception. In fact, it is exceptional. Black actually has several newer books that I also love, but this book holds a special place in my heart. That curiosity of the unknown was an inspiration for part of Jak’s character. And the movie really wasn’t that bad (I WILL die on this hill)! 

 

Robert Jordan 

The Wheel of Time was considered fantasy canon back in the day. It still is, really. I keep the entire series on my shelf, all with matching covers. Whenever I get discouraged about the process, I think of Robert Jordan and how long it has taken for his dream to come to fruition. Speaking of, the new tv series adaptation on Amazon is 10/10. I can’t wait for the next season!

 

Book Recommendations 

 

If you haven’t read any of the books above, first allow me to judge you (just a little bit). Then just know that I highly recommend them. But if you’re looking for something a little more recent, here are a few of my current favorites that I’d recommend to any fantasy lover. 

 

• An Ember in the Ashes - Sabaa Tahir

• The Chosen - Taran Matharu

• The Cruel Prince - Holly Black (seriously, though, start with Spiderwick) 

• Six of Crows - Leigh Bardugo

 

Happy Reading!

-Oakley