This month, we’re focusing on epic fantasy! It’s no secret that out of the many fabulous subgenres of speculative fiction, epic fantasy has always been (and probably always will be) my favorite. Even before I could read, my dad read Tolkien’s works aloud to me and my siblings, so it’s little surprise that the Lord of the Rings was the first novel to find its way into my hands.
I have since expanded my collection of epic fantasy stories to such an extent that my bookshelf groans under the weight of so many massive volumes, but one of the first contemporary fantasy novelists I discovered was Wayne Thomas Batson. I hope you have had a chance to read some of his books. If not, I highly recommend them, especially the Door Within Trilogy and Isle of Swords series, not to mention the one selected for today’s giveaway!
I am terribly excited that Wayne has offered the winner’s choice of one of the books in the Dark Sea Annals—Sword in the Stars or The Errant King. I devoured these books when they first came out several years ago and hope to be able to read the next installment when it releases. Enter the giveaway through the Rafflecopter below!
(Note: due to the high cost involved in determining the airspeed velocity of both African and European swallows winging their way across the ocean while laden with epic fantasy novels, this giveaway is limited to US entries only.)
Sword in the Stars
Centuries have passed since the Silence, and the few remaining faithful cling to the ancient prophecies of the First One. They wait for the Caller and watch the skies for the Sword in the Stars, even as the world they’ve always known unravels around them. Murderous Gorracks have secretly penetrated the kingdom’s borders. Their attacks grow more brazen…more horrific, threatening to touch off a war on a scale that hasn’t been seen in seven ages. In the capital city of Anglinore, noble King Aravel ponders the advice of this twin brother Morlan: declare all out war on the Gorrack nation.
While Anglinore’s High Shepherd, the wise Sebastian Grenlaff urges caution and listens to troubling voices on the wind. Queen Mariel, due to deliver a child any day, suspects the unthinkable about her husband’s brother Morlan. She sets off alone to Morlan’s castle in Dunharrow, hoping against hope that she can keep old wounds from erupting in war. Alastair Coldharrow, tortured by an addiction to the outlawed Witchdrale and haunted by a violent past, wagers his life on the hope that the foretold Halfainin, the Pathwalker, would come. When at last, the Sword appears in the Stars, Alastair begins a fruitless search for the Halfainin that leaves him disillusioned, broken, and lost. Used to caring only for himself, Alastair will enter a maelstrom of conflict as loyalties are tested, dark schemes are hatched, and the many realms of Myriad brace themselves for war.
The Errant King
Deep in the caves of the distant Hinderlands, an ancient menace stirs. Townsfolk shudder at violent memories of The Red Queen and even dare to whisper the name Raudrim. At the same time, word comes to Alastair that Cythraul has at last resurfaced, seeking a devastating weapon in the ruins of Grayvalon. Blood-soaked clues lead Alastair into a confrontation from which only one warrior will return alive.
Meanwhile in Anglinore, young Lochlan Stormgarden, the new High King of Myriad, leaves the pomp and politics of the throne once too often. While blending in with the people of his kingdom, Loch suddenly realizes that he’s put them all at risk. The fate of his new found love Arianna, his best friend Telwyn, his family, and indeed the world of Myriad all depend on the decisions of the errant king.
Snippets from my review of The Errant King:
In the The Errant King, Wayne Thomas Batson spins a masterful tale filled with excitement, adventure, danger, and truly creepy villains with plenty of humor sprinkled on the side.
The Errant King is the second book in the Dark Sea Annals series, an epic story that will span seven books ere it reaches the conclusion. In this second book, Batson takes his writing to a whole new level, interweaving dozens of intricate plot lines, some carrying over from The Sword in the Stars, others reaching on into the next books. Because of the epic plot however, you don’t want to read The Errant King without reading Sword in the Stars first. I felt like I really connected with all of the characters – especially Loch, Telwyn, Ariana, Fred. And of course Alistair and Abbagael. (As a side note, I had heard so many people talking about Fred, I couldn’t wait to read the book to find out what it was all about. All I can tell you is that Fred is one of the most creative and imaginative characters I’ve met thus far. Definitely worth reading if only to find out who Fred is.)
There are plenty of allegorical and Christian themes woven skillfully throughout the entire framework of the book. It’s another one of those books that, as I call it, echoes eternity. The largest difficulty I had with the book was when two characters fell in love in less than a week. It seemed somewhat ridiculous, but did not detract too much from the story … Overall, The Errant King was a tremendous and captivating read. If you’re looking for a high action fantasy adventure, than the Errant King belongs on your list!
Jaime says
I image the first epic fantasy was probably Narnia (is that considered epic fantasy? I think it's pretty epic…) but there are so many books I read in my younger years that I'm not sure!! :D
I love love love the Door Within Trilogy and the Isle of Swords books. I read the Sword in the Stars but I never got around to the Errant King! :D
Laura Pol says
Anne Elisabeth Stengl's HEARTLESS! I had read Narnia as a child, but HEARTLESS lead me to my love of fantasy today! :)
Mary B says
The first fantasy novel I really remember reading is Narnia! Which I loved and still love! And The Lord of the Rings came years later. :D
Sarah says
The first epic fantasy novel I ever read was . . . hmm. Is The Hobbit or the Chronicles of Narnia considered epic fantasy? If so, one of those would be the first. If not, probably Wayne Thomas Batson's Door Within Trilogy.
I love the Dark Sea Annals books! Great choice for the giveaway!
Dom says
I would say the Chronicles of Narnia as a child, but as I grew up the first one I read that really got me back into fantasy was Dragonwitch by Anne Elisabeth Stengl.
Allison Ruvidich says
My first epic fantasy novel was the Book of Three, by Lloyd Alexander! It was also the first book I ever loved, and the book that got me into reading as a youngster. Happy times!
songbird says
The first epic fantasy that I read was probably Narnia. The first fantasy books that I read and loved were The Bridge, Crown and Jewel, and The Two Collars by Jeri Massi.
clairembanschbach says
The first fantasy that I read was Narnia. Either that or the Redwall series by Brian Jaques.
These books look pretty interesting! I don't know if I've heard of them before.
Emily Kopf says
I'm not completely clear on what differentiates epic fantasy from other fantasy, but I'm sure I've read something in the genre.
The first would be The Dragon Keeper's Chronicles, The Tales of Goldstone Wood, and The Wormling Series. The books that got me into fantasy at the very beginning are the Raising Dragons Series, but I'm not sure they would be considered epic.
Thank you for the giveaway!
Caryl Kane says
The Lord of the Rings was the first epic fantasy I read. Thank you for the giveaway.
Ryebrynn says
When I was nine I listened to the Lord of the Rings series on audiobook. Does that count? :)
-Ryebrynn
Sierra Joanne says
First and foremost the Chronicles of Narnia, but also the Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson :D
Sierra Joanne says
Oops! I thought it said the BEST epic fantasy. The FIRST epic fantasy I read was the Chronicles of Narnia…
Elizabeth says
Well, the first was the Chronicles of Narnia. Although LOTR has a (very slightly) higher place in my heart, it is one of my very favorites! I used to wake up before the sun rose when I was probably around eight or so, and I would spend the time reading Chronicles of Narnia until everyone else woke up :)
Ants and Epic says
Um…I can't remember if it was Narnia, LoTR or The Prydain chronicles that I read first but I've been reading fantasy or listening to it almost as far back as I can remember!
Opera Tutu says
Either Narnia or Anne Elisabeth Stengl's works. :) Loved both so much!! :)
Nightingale says
Thanks so much for hosting this giveaway, Gillian!
As so many others have said, The Chronicles of Narnia were the first epic fantasy I ever read. :) After that, I believe it was Donita K. Paul's Dragon Keeper Chronicles and Wayne Thomas Batson's Door Within Trilogy that really entrenched me in a love for Christian epic fantasy.
Trista Vaporblade says
First fantasy was probably Narnia like a lot of others, and then Lord of the Rings for sure!
Wayne Thomas Batson is one of my favorite authors, loved growing up with his books and am so waiting in eager expectation for more!
Annie Hawthorne says
The first epic fantasy I've ever known was The Hobbit (grew up with that book), but the first fantasy I ever READ would be The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Mum had already read it aloud to my siblings and me, but I couldn't wait to look at the book myself. :)
Both of the Batson books (despite the covers) sounds very interesting! I'm intrigued by Jack. ;)
Sierra Faith says
I can't remember the first Fantasy… Does Chronicles of Narnia count? Because I believe that was my first one!
I love Wayne's books!!!! I read one of his series a couple of months ago and loved it!!! Really excited to read this one!
Merenwen Inglorion says
First ever-read epic fantasy…oh, gosh, um…I don't know right off the top of my head…
It was probably the Chronicles of Narnia, but I didn't read it myself; my mom read it aloud to me and my siblings.
The first one I read myself was probably…*thinks really hard* *rifles through book shelves with the hope of finding a cover/title that sparks a memory* *freezes*
Oh, dear, I don't know!!! It was probably Lord of the Rings, though…hmm…
Argh, I've read so many I can't keep track!! Maybe I should start writing down what books I read and when…
Thanks for the giveaway! I've been wanting to read the Dark Sea Annals for a while now. Can't wait to see who wins! <(^^<) (>^^)>
Rachel says
I've read both of these books too and they are great. A wonderful win for those who enter. Be sure to continue reading Mr. Batson's books after this.
Rachel Kimberly says
First epic fantasy I read? I'm not sure, because I was an early reader… But it was *probably* Narnia. At least, the Narnia books made the biggest impression on me in my early years.
myself says
I agree with a lot of the other commenters, it's hard to remember the first epic fantasy. There have been so many and which do you categorize as epic vs. just fantasy… The best I can tell you is that one of my early favorites was "The Princess & the Goblin" by George MacDonald.
Ekaterina says
If the Chronicles of Narnia count then that would be my answer, but if not then definitely Lord of the Rings. :)
Jenelle Leanne says
The first epic fantasy I ever read was either The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, or the Hobbit. I don't remember which my dad read to us first. Fell in love with it then, and never looked back. :)