We all definitely have our favorite books. But what about favorite authors? You know, those folks who are really, really, really good at putting the words together so we run to the bookstore or library or Amazon again and again? Here are some of my current major faves.
1. VE Schwab
It was all over for me the moment I got into A Darker Shade of Magic (shhhh don’t tell me anything about ACoL, I’m a little behind!), because Schwab is AMAZING. Worth the all caps, worth the italics. She has this brilliant command of prose of that never fails to blow me away. It’s always smart, well-paced, perfectly in the mood. I can see her stories unfurling so clearly in my mind, which is super appealing for a visual person like me. Her best stuff can be found in her fight scenes, too, which are notoriously difficult to write. She’s that good.
Also, she seems to write a lot of fantasy, doesn’t she? Man, that’s right up my alley. I love her work so much.
2. Susan Dennard
Sooz makes it onto the list because she’s such a delightful person. I was lucky enough to meet her in person at a signing last July, and to hear her talk about her Witchlands series, which I love. She’s funny and empathetic and opinionated, and I love the Clan Chats she runs now and again on Twitter that bring the Witchlands fandom together for trivia, giveaways, and excellent GIF usage.
Windwitch spoiler ahead: this is possibly the best GIF usage I’ve ever seen in my whole life. I can’t not laugh at it. I just can’t do it.
Oh, and the rest of that spoilery thread of tweets has other brilliant GIFs, too.
3. Scott Lynch
This is the author who first got me hooked on the concept of thieves doing shady things out of love for their dear found family, and I’ve never looked back. He writes fantasy conmen (fantasy conmen!!) in such a stunning world, and never fails to surprise me with ridiculous shenanigans, sharp banter, and outrageously fun and clever cons. Also, his first book in the Gentleman Bastard Sequence has so many sharks.
Guys, I think we need more books about sharks. I know I need more books about sharks.
4. Zoraida Córdova
I’ll admit, I went into Labyrinth Lost, the first Brooklyn Brujas novel, a little skeptical. I didn’t know what to expect, not really.
Then I came out the other side head over heels in love with Zoraida’s work, and the rest is history. She’s got such an excellent command of her characters, giving them so much vibrancy, so much life. Her worldbuilding is much the same, too; it’s rich and lived in and exciting!
Sooner or later, I’m going to get my hands on Bruja Born (oh paycheck, where are you?), and as soon as it comes out, I’ll have to buy her upcoming Hollow Crown as well. That one is going to have thieves. I bet you can guess why I want it…
5. Malinda Lo
Okay, so I only just read Huntress and haven’t had a chance to read anything else she’s written just yet, but I have fallen absolutely head over heels for her. It’s just good fantasy writing, folks! Good, vibrant fantasy! And also, lesbians who get to be in love without dying, something I can absolutely get behind and want to see more of.
Hopefully soon I’ll have more to say about her, but really, I’m so in love with Huntress alone, and suspect Lo’s other work is going to deliver. I really hope her other books have a similar strength in atmosphere and in rounded, vulnerable characters. That’s just the good stuff. The really, really good stuff.
Chances are good by the end of this year, I’ll have new authors to gush over. Just you wait! It’ll happen! But until then… Who are you favorite authors? Who’s on your instabuy list and why? This is very important information, you know.