2013: New Year’s (Reading) Resolutions – Fantasy

Last year, I promised myself that I would read at least one of Joe Abercrombie’s novels. Thankfully, I just managed it. For 2013, I’ve decided to come up with a similar resolution, to address a few more gaps in my SFF reading. In this post, I give you the four fantasy series I hope to read at least one novel from in 2013:

Robin Hobb – Farseer Trilogy

James Barclay – Chronicles of the Raven

Brandon Sanderson – Mistborn

Tom Lloyd – Twilight Reign

There are, of course, many other established and completed series I wish I had tried by now. These are just four of the fantasy series I’ve decided to single out for this year. Allow me to share some details about these series, in case you haven’t managed to get around to them yourself. If you have already read any of these series, please do share your own thoughts and impressions, in the comments. (Or, alternatively, share suggestions for other fantasy series you think I and other readers need to try out.)

Brandon Sanderson’s Next Novel

I must admit to never having read a single novel by Brandon Sanderson, even though I’ve only ever really heard good or great things about his work (except for one review, but the reviewer doesn’t appear to like anything, so can probably be discounted).

The cover artwork for the UK edition has just recently been released (thanks to Aidan at A Dribble of Ink for posting it). As I thought it was rather striking, I decided I’d use this opportunity to post a little something about the novel.

First off, here’s the UK artwork:

Obviously, they’re sticking with the formula that worked for the UK editions of Sanderson’s Mistborn trilogy:

The US artwork fits in better with the style that is favoured over there – although, as I’m sure I’ve said before, it’s rare for me to prefer a US cover. Here it is:

To finish off, here’s the synopsis of The Way of Kings, from the publisher’s catalog:

The Way of Kings introduces the three protagonists who will be our windows on the strange and wondrous world of Roshar and the drama about to unfold there:

Dalinar, the assassinated king’s brother and uncle of the new one, is an old soldier who is weary of fighting. He is plagued by dreams of ancient times and legendary wars, visions that may force him into a new role he could never have imagined.

Merin, a highborn young man who has been brought low, indeed to the most miserable level of military slavery, and like Ben Hur must suffer and struggle to survive and rise again.

Shallan, a naïve but brave and brilliant young woman who will do anything to save her impoverished noble house from ruin.

These are people we will come to know deeply and take to our hearts. But just as important to The Way of Kings is a fourth key ‘character,’ the unique world of Roshar itself, a richly imagined setting as real as science fiction’s Dune, as unforgettable as epic fantasy’s Middle Earth. Through all the volumes of The Stormlight Archive, Brandon Sanderson will make Roshar a realm we are eager to visit.

I’m certainly interested to try The Way of Kings, a series by Sanderson I can get into from the ground up. With luck, I’ll be able to get you a review ASAP.

[The Way of Kings will be released in the US by Tor, and in the UK by Gollancz]