Fantasy used to mean, basically, guys in armor swinging swords against bad guys, quite often dragons or giants or trolls or ogres or some other nasty beastie. Obviously that is oversimplifying the last century of fantasy literature, but it also holds true to a large extent, at least until perhaps a couple of decades ago. Of course there were speculative authors working in fantasy who were writing outside of the norm, but the general public’s perception, often even the reading public, was of guys in armor swinging swords against bad guys.

To some extent, the general public’s view today of fantasy literature might not have changed all that much, but I’d argue this has changed somewhat because of the popularity of romance-oriented fantasy, historical fantasy and, to quite a large extent, the Harry Potter phenomenon.

But to look at the roots of 20th Century fantasy literature, one will find the majority of fantastical writings break down into two broad areas: high fantasy and Sword and Sorcery.

Again, this is an oversimplification, especially for hardcore fans, but it is also one that’s not too far off the mark.

For modern readers, high fantasy is often considered to have begun with the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien, he of The Lord of the Rings fame.

The title of “father of Sword and Sorcery” is most often laid at the feet of writer Robert E. Howard, the creator of numerous iconic characters, the best known being Conan the barbarian.

Obviously there are deeper roots to fantasy, ones that go back literally thousands of years, but for sake of brevity, let us focus upon these two writers and their comparative sub-genres.

Both writers featured men with swords setting things right within the worlds the writers had created.

There is pretty much where any similarities end.

Tolkien’s heroes were figures stepping forward to save the world from evil, and his best-known protagonists were usually not of the sword-swinging type.

Howard, on the other hand, focused on brawny men who used a sword to fill their pockets with gold or for other personal reasons. Any saving of the world or of a kingdom or of a damsel was pretty much a byproduct, often a mere happenstance.

Tolkien’s writings, and that of his forerunners and predecessors, are generally labeled high fantasy to an extent because they focus on what are considered higher ideals.

Sword and Sorcery fiction, on the other hand, is usually expected to focus on darker or self-serving human qualities.

There is nothing wrong with either type of fiction, both often enough bringing enjoyment to the reader.

Over the years, many have struggled with definitions for these two sub-genres of fantasy. Also, many related sub-genres have appeared, including epic fantasy, heroic fantasy, etc.

To get specific about such definitions is a subjective matter. A definition that works for one person might not work for another. And any solid definition is bound to bring forth detractors and exceptions to the rules.

However, that being said, one of the distinctions that can be found between high fantasy and Sword and Sorcery is a differentiation in expectations of civilization.

Sword and Sorcery often deals with civilization falling apart, or a complete lack of civilization. Sword and Sorcery often enough focuses upon the barbaric, sometimes even reveling in such.

High fantasy, on the other hand, lends itself toward a more positive look at civilization, toward a hope that civilization can and will prevail over the barbaric.

There are all shades of this to be found in fantasy, but the frameworks often enough remain. High fantasy, of course, generally focuses upon a more historic form of civilization, often looking upon older ways of living with a fond remembrance or even antiquarian delight. Sword and Sorcery cuts through this, suggesting civilization is not only unsustainable, but often enough not worth sustaining.

Works of fiction that look at futuristic forms of civilization, sometimes in a positive aspect but often enough negatively, usually are more appropriately labeled science fiction than fantasy.

To break down fantasy into further sub-genres (epic fantasy, etc.) goes beyond the scope of this post, and is itself worthy of another article.

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Fantasy author’s blog

Drug Trip was written by Clay Hurtubise about a time in his adventurous life when he took a seven day road trip that carried him through several states, from Wyoming to Utah, Nebraska, Arizona, California and New Mexico. It was a cold snowy day in October that he began his journey on his Yamaha 650 motorcycle on interstate 80. The year was 1977. He loaded his bike with a backpack, a tent, down mittens, 35 mm camera and a few clothes and other borrowed items, and took off with no map or clear destination in mind.

His friends at the University of Wyoming Pharmacy College were going on a trip to visit drug companies, but Clay being too strapped for cash to go with the group, was heading out on a motorcycle trip of his own. One of Clay’s reasons for attending a College in Wyoming was to explore the U.S. His home being in Maine, and having traveled no further than Vermont. On this trip Clay was to see the wickedness and goodness in the least obvious places.

In Nebraska he pulled over at a rest stop, took off his shirt and sprawled in the inviting green grass. He noticed people looking at him strangely. After resting awhile he saw a sign that said, Do Not Walk on the Grass-Rattlesnakes.

It was just after passing Cheyenne, and at Nebraska’s highest point that Clay lost his brakes. The road was under construction and he was traveling on a dirt road between two eighteen wheelers. It was a scary ride but by using the emergency brake and staying in low gear he got to the bottom safely. It was the first of many hazards he would face on this drug trip.

Another mishap occurred near Bonneville Flats, Clay was cruising at 70 miles an hour when his rear tube blew out. Somersaulting with the Yamaha and slammed against the guardrail, his head was twisted and the bike lay across his chest. Gas was trickling across the exhaust and Clay’s hand was penned against the guardrail. It would be a year before it worked normally again, but at this moment he was anticipating a fiery death. Traffic rolled on by with scarcely a second look. At last a van with an elderly couple pulled up and tried to help, eventually pulling the bike off him. The couple drove him to the nearest gas station, bought Clay a burger and chips, and turned their car lights on his bike so he could work safely.

Clay had hardly left the old folks when a pickup truck drove up beside him, looked at him and deliberately rammed his bike and sped off. This was bad. Clay flying through the air had landed hard. He heard a truck pull up and prayed it wasn’t the trucker who had rammed him come to finish him off. He wondered if he would be killed on the road and his parents never know what happened to him. But, no. It’s someone who saw what happened and has come to help.

Once when he stopped to have some needed repair to his bike, Clay walked across the street to get something to eat while the mechanic fixed his bike. When he returned they had stolen his tent and other belongings. The mechanic claimed he knew nothing about it. Clay knew he didn’t have a chance in this small town where the mechanic knew the sheriff by name. He straddled his bike and rode away.

There were many more near misses on this drug trip, but Clay with his devil may care style made it safely back to the University. Back in class when his fellow pharmacy students asked him what he had done while they were away, he replied, “Nothing much, went on a road trip.”

Clay takes us back to his early life, his brothers, grandfather, his beloved sister who passed away, and his parents, his mother who played an important role in the Nazi resistance, and his father a military man in World War Two. He mentions being abused in his childhood by a trusted Catholic Priest. He tells us the guilt he feels at the death of his close friend, and of his many close calls with death and how lucky he feels to have escaped them.

An adventurer and a prankster, Clay worked his way through college with a host of jobs, running the kitchen at the frat house, feeding rats, mice and guinea pigs, washing UPS trucks, working in oil fields and hospitals. It’s all in Drug Trip. The book is riveting. When you start to read, it’s hard to put it down until you finish the last page. You can order Drug Trip at:   ravenhousepublishing@gmail.com

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David Dalglish first became known for his dark epic fantasy novel The Weight of Blood about two half-orc brothers. Since then, Dalglish has gone on to write and publish three more novels in a series about the half-orcs. Most recently, the author’s fantasy novel A Dance of Cloaks has been an epic fantasy bestseller on Amazon, and though it is not another novel in his Half-Orc series, the story takes place in the same world. Also, apparently Dalglish is at work on the next and final novel in the Half-Orc series.

B. V. Larson

B. V. Larson writes in multiple genres, most noticeably fantasy and science fiction. His latest novel is the science fiction action thriller Swarm. But it might be his fantasy novel Amber Magic, a constant top seller in the epic fantasy listings on Amazon, for which he is best known. Amber Magic is the first novel of The Haven Series, of which so far there are five novels total with a sixth one in the works.

Moses Siregar III

So far Moses Siregar III has only one digital publication available for purchase, the epic fantasy novella The Black God’s War, which is in introduction to a longer novel of the same name that will be released in May 2011. Siregar is drawing plenty of readers, and high praise in reviews, so expect to hear more of this up-and-coming fantasy author in the next year.

Ty Johnston

Ty Johnston is another author who writes in more than one genre, though mostly fantasy and horror with some literary work. He is best known for his Kobalos trilogy, which begins with the novel City of Rogues. Most recently, his novella Bayne’s Climb has kicked off a new series, The Sword of Bayne.

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Conan of Cimmeria

by Robert E. Howard, L. Sprague de Camp and Lin Carter

The Thieves’ World collection of short stories might have been my original introduction to the fantasy sub-genre of Sword and Sorcery, but I wasn’t about to start there. As a boy and young teen in the late 1970s and early 1980s, I yearned for more fiction of sword-slinging heroes, evil wizards and things that skulked in the night.

Fortunately, I discovered a little paperback book in a used book store in my hometown. The title was “Conan of Cimmeria.” It was a collection of original short stories by Conan creator himself Robert E. Howard with some additional editing and writing by authors L. Sprague de Camp and Lin Carter.

It was like doing crack for the first time. Or maybe heroin. I don’t know. Never did either. But still, it was awesome discovering not only Conan, but more importantly the writing of Robert E. Howard.

Howard is a damn good writer. He knew how to spin action just right, how to weave intriguing plots. He was awesome, and even today, his writing stacks up quite well against even the best of today’s fantasy authors.

Of course I had heard of Conan and Howard before finding “Conan of Cimmeria.” The Conan the Barbarian comic books had been popular when I was a kid in the 1970s, though I had always leaned towards the super hero comics myself. Then the first Conan movie came out in 1982 starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, and though that movie isn’t completely true to the Conan character, it’s still a fair fantasy flick.

Over the years, I’ve delved into more and more of Robert E. Howard’s writing. I’ve read many of his Conan tales, as well as a good number of stories about his other fantasy characters such as Bran Mak Morn, Kull, Cormac Mac Art and others. What has impressed me more, however, were the non-fantasy stories of Howard I’ve read. From the Steve Costigan character in boxing tales to Howard’s Western adventure writings, it soon becomes apparent this fellow could write and write well, even outside the fantasy genre which has embraced him for the last century.

If you’ve not discovered Howard’s writings, I suggest you do. Or if you’re a fantasy fan who has only read Howard’s Sword and Sorcery tales, I suggest you read his other works. You’re doing yourself a disservice if you don’t.

Up next: Splinter of the Mind’s Eye, by Alan Dean Foster

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100 Days of Fantasy: Day 2, The Sword of Shannara

Logical Misanthropy, horror and fantasy author’s blog

The Sword of Shannara

When I was a kid in the 1970s, fantasy fiction wasn’t easy to find in the towns where I lived. Of course I was able to get my hands on The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, but nothing beyond that was available. Which was a shame, because after reading Tolkien (and seeing the first Star Wars movie) I yearned for more fantasy.

Along comes author Terry Brooks.

And the gates of the heavens opened and the faithful were allowed entrance!

I actually started my Shannara reading with the second book in the series, The Elfstones of Shannara. I’d stumbled across a big paperback version of that novel at a local book store and I had to snag it up. But soon after that same book store got in a paperback copy of The Sword of Shannara, and I was swept away in fantasyland.

Over the years I’ve read not quite a half dozen of this author’s books, and admittedly I’ve never been blown away by them, but in all fairness I’ve read worse and seen worse out there on the market. But Brooks helped me through the latter parts of my childhood and early teens, giving me exciting fiction to read when there was a dearth of it available to me. Brooks even helped me through a couple of tough spells when my mom was in the hospital in the very early 1980s, and I had to spend days upon days in waiting rooms with nothing to do but read. So I’ve always had somewhat of a soft spot for Brooks, especially his world of Shannara.

Over the years, Brooks has often caught grief from some fantasy fans who have accused him of being a Tolkien ripoff. Those fans’ opinions are not completely unjustified because Brooks’ early Shannara works have a lot in common with The Lord of the Rings, things like elves, dwarves, swords, quests, druids that seemed an awful lot like wizards, etc.

But for a kid dying to get a fantasy fix and finding little else available, Brooks was awesome.

I can’t say Brooks has had a direct influence upon my own writing style, but his subject matter was definitely fuel that kept my own fantasy fires burnings. Also, I love one of Brooks’ nonfiction books on writing, “Sometimes the Magic Works,” mainly because the way he approaches writing fiction seems quite similar to my own, an immersion into the writing that at times seems to take one away from or out of the real world, almost in a spooky kind of way at times.

If nothing else, the Shannara books kept me reading and kept me interested in fantasy fiction. But I’d like to think there was a little more than even just that to the whole thing. I’d like to think Terry Brooks helped me along my road to become a fiction author.

Next up: Black Beauty, by Anna Sewell

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100 Days of Fantasy: Day 1, The Hobbit

New for epic fantasy fans, The Kobalos Trilogy

Logical Misanthropy, horror and fantasy author’s blog

1. The Hobbit – J. R. R. Tolkien
2. The Lord of the Rings – J. R. R. Tolkien
3. The Hour of the Dragon – Robert E. Howard
4. Bran Mak Morn – Robert E. Howard
5. Kull: Exile of Atlantis – Robert E. Howard
6. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe – C. S. Lewis
7. A Wizard of Earthsea – Ursula K. LeGuin
8. Swords and Deviltry – Fritz Leiber
9. Swords Against Death – Fritz Leiber
10. Swords in the Mist – Fritz Leiber
11. Swords Against Wizardry – Fritz Leiber
12. The Swords of Lankhmar – Fritz Leiber
13. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – J. K. Rowling
14. The Sword of Shannara – Terry Brooks
15. Thieves’ World – edited by Robert Lynn Asprin
16. Tales from the Vulgar Unicorn – edited by Robert Lynn Asprin
17. Shadows of Sanctuary – edited by Robert Lynn Asprin
18. Another Fine Myth – Robert Lynn Asprin
19. Sanctuary – Lynn Abbey
20. Lord Foul’s Bane – Stephen R. Donaldson
21. Split Infinity – Piers Anthony
22. Chthon – Piers Anthony
23. On a Pale Horse – Piers Anthony
24. The Dragon and The George – Gordon R. Dickson
25. Assassin’s Apprentice – Robin Hobb
26. Elric of Melnibone – Michael Moorcock
27. The Sailor on the Seas of Fate - Michael Moorcock
28. The Weird of the White Wolf - Michael Moorcock
29. The Eternal Champion - Michael Moorcock
30. The Jewel in the Skull - Michael Moorcock
31. The Knight of the Swords - Michael Moorcock
32. Kushiel’s Dart – Jacqueline Carey
33. Silver Phoenix – Cindy Pon
34. American Gods – Neil Gaiman
35. Anansi Boys – Neil Gaiman
36. Neverwhere – Neil Gaiman
37. Titus Groan – Mervyn Peake
38. Gormenghast – Mervyn Peake
39. The Colour of Magic – Terry Prachett
40. Pyramids – Terry Prachett
41. Gardens of the Moon – Steven Erikson
42. Deadhouse Gates – Steven Erikson
43. The Eye of the World – Robert Jordan
44. Flashing Swords! #1 – edited by Lin Carter
45. A Game of Thrones – George R. R. Martin
46. Homeland – R. A. Salvatore
47. Servant of the Shard – R. A. Salvatore
48. The Crystal Shard – R. A. Salvatore
49. Eragon – Christopher Paolini
50. The King of Elfland’s Daughter – Lord Dunsany
51. Northern Lights – Philip Pullman
52. The Book of the New Sun – Gene Wolfe
53. Soldier of the Mist – Gene Wolfe
54. Perdido Street Station – China Mieville
55. The Black Company – Glenn Cook
56. The Last Unicorn – Peter S. Beagle
57. Saga of Old City – Gary Gygax
58. Return of the Sword – edited by Jason M. Waltz
59. The Dying Earth – Jack Vance
60. Swords Against Darkness #1 – edited by Andrew J. Offutt
61. The Mists of Avalon – Marion Zimmer Bradley
62. The Spell Sword – Marion Zimmer Bradley
63. Ariel – Steven R. Boyett
64. Legend – David Gemmell
65. A Princess of Mars – Edgar Rice Burroughs
66. The Princess Bride – William Goldman
67. Midwinter – Matt Sturges
68. Pawn of Prophecy – David Eddings
69. Wizard’s First Rule – Terry Goodkind
70. Nine Princes of Amber – Roger Zelazny
71. The Guns of Avalon – Roger Zelazny
72. Darkness Weaves – Karl Edward Wagner
73. Dark Crusade – Karl Edward Wagner
74. Bloodstone – Karl Edward Wagner
75. Midnight Sun – Karl Edward Wagner
76. Magician – Raymond E. Feist
77. Dragons of Autumn Twilight – Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman 
78. Dragons of Winter Night - Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman 
79. Dragons of Spring Dawning - Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman 
80. Black God’s Shadow – C. L. Moore
81. Imaro – Charles R. Saunders
82. The Quest for Cush – Charles R. Saunders
83. The Collected Fantasies of Clark Ashton Smith – Clark Ashton Smith
84. Spellsinger – Alan Dean Foster
85. The Hour of the Gate – Alan Dean Foster
86. Watership Down – Richard Adams
87. The Stand – Stephen King
88. The Gunslinger – Stephen King
89. The Dark Tower – Stephen King
90. The Book of Three – Lloyd Alexander
91. Magic’s Pawn – Mercedes Lackey
92. Dragonflight – Anne McCaffrey
93. Dragonquest – Anne McCaffrey
94. The White Dragon – Anne McCaffrey
95. Sabriel – Garth Nix
96. Redwall – Brian Jacques
97. Outlander – Diana Gabaldon
98. Daughter of the Blood – Anne Bishop
99. Shadowmarch – Tad Williams
100. City of Rogues – Ty Johnston

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Logical Misanthropy, horror and fantasy author’s blog

Jake finds himself becoming a “true” vampire due to an accident in which he saves the coffin of Vlad Tepes, the original source of the blood used to create vampire workers, when the airplane he is on goes down in the ocean. Jake’s discovery nets him personal damage from the evil boss who has taken over. Luckily for Jake, his best buddy, scientist Johnny is there to bail him out. But they both have to run for their lives from Megacorp.

Jake’s struggle against becoming a “true” vampire, one that feeds on humans is a moral battle for him that takes him to Romania after nearly starving, being exiled and finally forced to take a life and take on Vlad Tepes’ blood. The connection with Vlad Tepes provides the major plot conflict for Jake and Johnny. The two have access to Vlad Tepe’s estate, money, and toys, but they have to face a really sick man that can’t stop his desire for vengeance against those that betray him in an awful way, impaling people alive. The emotional depth displayed by Jake is very manly and a bit distant, but the changes in his life circumstances are very well orchestrated—each choice leads him further into trouble and into becoming someone new.

The underwater scenes provide a lot of interest in how scrap and old relics are recovered and feature some unique twists on underwater battles. The Romanian scenes and the connection to the University where Jake meets a former victim who also is the main expert for the ancient language used by Vlad in his journals. The supporting cast act as friends for Jake and help him create a world better than he originally had. Karuna actually gets her hidden desire while Johnny mostly goes along for the wild ride on helicopters, sailboats, underwater subs and up cliffs. Mouse, a minor character in the form of captain of the salvage ship is an interesting foil for the events beneath the sea.

What I liked about this tale was the quick read, imaginative plot elements, and different perspective on vampires that focuses on their advantages as well as their internal battle and a lighter focus on the romantic lust aspects. I would give it an 8 out of 10 stars because it the emotional aspects aren’t as developed as one may want and Megacorp turned out to be wimpier than Vlad Tepes.

     For those of you wondering what will to do once the Harry Potter series ends, take heart.  The series will apparently not end with the Deathly Hallows.  According to a promotional web release, author J.K. Rowling will be continuing the series after the 2 part Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

     Details are scarce at this point, but what is known is that the next book will center around the transition of the story from Harry Potter to his children, James, Albus, and later on, Derek.  Hogwarts will once again be the setting for the story.  No specific number of books has been announced, but initial estimates are that there will be at least a half dozen.

     The obvious eventual motion picture are being kept quiet for now, as very few bits of information have been leaked.  Formal announcements are expected in early February.

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Meet Kron Darkbow. He dresses in black, carries a big sword and sometimes a bow. But he’s just as deadly with his fists. And throwing darts and knives and grenados. Yes, grenados. Little clay balls that go boom. Kron has arrived in the city of Bond seeking revenge for the deaths of two loved ones. The man in black quickly finds himself entwined in the workings of an underworld crime boss, Belgad the Liar. During his struggles, Kron crosses paths with a local healer, Randall Tendbones. Which isn’t good news for Randall. Randall has a secret. A big secret. And hanging out with the likes of Kron Darkbow and Belgad the Liar isn’t likely to help him keep that secret in a city of rogues.

Road to Wrath: Book II of the Kobalos Trilogy

Kron’s troubles have only begun. Fleeing the city of Bond, Kron and Randall are heading north and east to the land of Kobalos. Why? So Randall can confront Lord Verkain, king of Kobalos, the man who wants Randall dead, dead, dead. But before the travelers can get to Kobalos they have to pass through East Ursia and the deadly Prisonlands. Peril lies at every step along Kron’s road. Enemies in front of him. Enemies behind him. Only Randall and fencing student Adara Corvus can help Kron on the road to wrath.

Dark King of the North: Book III of the Kobalos Trilogy

Finally arriving in Kobalos, Kron and his traveling companions soon find their situation is far worse than expected. Lord Verkain is preparing his army for war, perhaps the last war. Ever. The mad king has decided he is a figure out of prophecy, a figure of evil who will dominate the world. Could it be true? Only Kron Darkbow stands between Verkain showing the world he has become the Dark King of the North.

How to read these novels online

If you would like to read up to 50 percent of each of these novels for free, or you would like to purchase them, they are available online for reading and/or download from Smashwords at these links:

City of Rogues: Book I of the Kobalos Trilogy

Road to Wrath: Book II of the Kobalos Trilogy

Dark King of the North: Book III of the Kobalos Trilogy

For the Kindle

If you are a fortunate owner of an Amazon Kindle, you can read excerpts and purchase these books at the following links:

City of Rogues: Book I of the Kobalos Trilogy

Road to Wrath: Book II of the Kobalos Trilogy

Dark King of the North: Book III of the Kobalos Trilogy

For more: To learn about author Ty Johnston and to read some of his short fiction, check out his blog, Logical Misanthropy.

If you hadn’t guess by that little intro I put together, or read the first book in the Twilight Saga, the second book in the internationally best-selling series is focused on the strong dislike of werewolves against vampires and vice versa. New Moon sees the charming and endearing Edward Cullen crushing Bella (and our) hearts. In fact, without giving too much away, it’s how the book begins. That’s right, heartache from the get-go.

After a birthday party, for Bella,of course (the vampires don’t age) goes awry (shall we say)Edward and his family decide to up and leave the tiny town of Forks to leave the poor girl in peace. But oh no, this is not what Miss Swan wants, she would rather be surrounded by attractive, pale-skinned vampires all day as her and Edward are in love (spoiler!) And so, what’s a girl to do when her boyfriend abandons her?Well, she seeks comfort in Jacob ,a vampire hating, werewolf’s arms!This is where it really gets interesting.

Stephenie (Meyer, the author) uses the strongly developed character backgrounds to shape and mould exactly how the reader would expect Bella to respond to Edward’s departure. Her captivating use of description in the book enables the reader to have a deep understanding of everything that’s going on at every single moment, never leaving you even a little confused. The whole story right from the start when the Cullen’s first leave, to the middle where Bella & Jacob get closer, to even the very end where things take a drastic turn for the worse, where it could turn into the end of (a love) life as Bella knows it.

Albeit the rather complex and depressing story Meyer still manages to stay right on the ball without ever faltering , sharing the same passion for the story as the very readers at home. And frankly, that’s what makes it such a good book.