Here are 7 Author Shoutouts of Authors We Love To Recommend. Find your favorite author’s books, or discover the books of an author you’ve not yet read.
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Fonda Lee
An Author Shoutout to Fonda Lee, a Canadian-American author of speculative fiction, celebrated for her ability to blend epic fantasy with complex family drama. Her work is a masterful mix of high-stakes action and compelling character studies, earning her a dedicated readership and multiple awards.
Her most famous work is the Green Bone Saga, a trilogy that includes the World Fantasy Award-winning novel Jade City. The series is set in a modern, Asia-inspired urban fantasy world where rival clans vie for control of the powerful resource magical jade.
Before becoming a full-time author, Lee had a successful career as a corporate strategist and is a black belt in both karate and kung fu. These experiences are evident in her writing, where her meticulous world-building is matched by her ability to craft authentic and thrilling fight scenes. Lee’s storytelling is also deeply influenced by her love of action and gangster films.
In addition to her adult fantasy work, she has also written award-winning young adult novels. Whether she’s writing about martial arts masters or corporate politics, Fonda Lee’s novels stand out for their intricate plots, sharp prose, and a rare authenticity that makes her a truly dynamic and compelling voice in modern fantasy.
Samantha Shannon
An Author Shoutout to Samantha Shannon, an author who began her writing career at a young age, publishing the first book in her seven-part The Bone Season series at 21. She is a graduate of the University of Oxford, where she studied English Language and Literature.
Shannon is most widely celebrated for her epic fantasy duology, The Roots of Chaos. This series began with The Priory of the Orange Tree, a standalone that became a worldwide phenomenon, selling over a million copies. Its prequel, A Day of Fallen Night, also became an instant bestseller.
Known for her meticulous world-building, Shannon often creates detailed backstories and even an etymology document for her character and place names. She is a self-described “flesher-and-bones” plotter who focuses on character development while building her narrative.
Her work stands out for its inclusive and queernorm societies and its exploration of feminist themes. She is committed to writing female characters who are full-fledged people, a mission that has resonated with countless readers. With her intricate plots and powerful themes, Samantha Shannon has established herself as a major force in modern fantasy, creating expansive worlds that are both politically complex and deeply human.
Cixin Liu
An Author Shoutout to Cixin Liu (pronounced “Lyooh Tsee-shin”), a Chinese science fiction author renowned for his hard science fiction and his exploration of humanity’s place on a cosmic scale. His work has earned him international acclaim and made him the most popular sci-fi author in China.
His most famous work, the Remembrance of Earth’s Past trilogy, began with The Three-Body Problem, which won the prestigious Hugo Award in 2015. This historic win made him the first Asian author to receive the honor, cementing his place in the global science fiction pantheon.
Before becoming a full-time author, Liu worked as a computer engineer at a power plant for decades, writing his expansive tales during the nights. His unique professional background, combined with his love for authors like Arthur C. Clarke, is evident in his meticulously researched and scientifically grounded narratives.
Liu’s writing is characterized by its grand cosmic scope and his astro-sociological theories, such as the “Dark Forest” concept, which posits a grim reality for civilizations in the universe. Despite tackling such immense and often bleak ideas, his stories are deeply philosophical, prompting readers to consider humanity’s future, its conflicts, and its ultimate will to survive. He is a truly singular voice in science fiction, pushing the boundaries of the genre to a galactic scale.
Chloe Gong
An Author Shoutout to Chloe Gong, who has captivated readers with her unique blend of historical fiction and speculative fantasy. At just 21 years old, she published her debut, establishing herself as a dynamic new voice in the genre.
Born in Shanghai and raised in New Zealand, Gong draws on her heritage and a deep love for both Shakespeare and Asian historical dramas to craft her novels. Her debut duology, These Violent Delights, is a fantastical retelling of Romeo and Juliet set in 1920s Shanghai, a series that gained massive popularity on BookTok. She has since expanded this universe with the Foul Lady Fortune spy thriller series.
Gong’s work is characterized by meticulous historical research and atmospheric prose. Her narratives explore complex themes and feature compelling character relationships set against meticulously crafted backdrops. She made her adult fantasy debut with Immortal Longings, a brutal, high-stakes story inspired by Antony and Cleopatra and the real-life history of the Kowloon Walled City.
Named one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30, Chloe Gong’s rapid rise to literary fame is a testament to her talent and her ability to create unforgettable worlds that resonate with readers across genres and generations.
Saara El-Arifi
An Author Shoutout to Saara El-Arifi, an author who has quickly become a standout voice in modern fantasy. Her stories are celebrated for their imaginative world-building and their unique blend of cultural influences from her Ghanaian and Sudanese heritage.
Raised between Abu Dhabi and England, El-Arifi’s diverse background and her master’s degree in African studies provide a rich foundation for her novels. Her debut, the Ending Fire Trilogy, is an epic fantasy inspired by West African and Arabian mythology. The series explores a society divided by blood color, masterfully tackling themes of prejudice, rebellion, and social justice.
Following the success of her debut, El-Arifi launched the Faebound Trilogy, with the first book, Faebound, becoming a #1 bestseller and winning a British Book Award. This series showcases her versatility as a writer, blending high fantasy with popular romantasy elements.
A self-described pantser, she prefers to write without a strict outline, letting her characters and the story unfold organically. El-Arifi’s work is known for its vivid prose and its unflinching exploration of dark themes, a style that brings a layer of realism to her fantastical worlds. With her fresh approach to genre conventions and her commitment to diverse and inclusive storytelling, Saara El-Arifi is a powerful and exciting force in contemporary fantasy.
N. K. Jemisin
An Author Shoutout to N. K. Jemisin, a groundbreaking American author of science fiction and fantasy, celebrated for her powerful narratives that challenge traditional genre conventions. Her work is a masterful exploration of complex themes like oppression, cultural conflict, and resilience.
Jemisin made literary history with her Broken Earth Trilogy, becoming the first and only author to win the Hugo Award for Best Novel for all three books in a series—an unprecedented feat. Her debut, The Fifth Season, also earned her the distinction of being the first Black author to win the Hugo for Best Novel.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Jemisin worked as a counseling psychologist, a background that is evident in her deeply nuanced and psychologically rich characters. She is also a MacArthur Genius Fellow, a testament to her exceptional creativity and impact on the genre.
Beyond her acclaimed trilogy, Jemisin’s works include the Inheritance Trilogy and the contemporary fantasy The Great Cities Duology, which personifies New York City in a powerful exploration of urban diversity. Jemisin’s commitment to social justice and her bold storytelling have cemented her place as one of the most important and influential voices in modern speculative fiction.
Wesley Chu
An Author Shoutout to Wesley Chu, a Taiwanese-American author of science fiction and fantasy, celebrated for his high-energy, action-packed novels. He has a talent for crafting cinematic stories that are as humorous as they are thrilling.
Chu’s career path is as dynamic as his novels. Before becoming a full-time writer, he worked as a corporate strategist, and was a member of the Screen Actors Guild, where he did stunt work. This diverse background, particularly his extensive training in martial arts, is a clear influence on his writing, which features some of the most authentic and exciting fight scenes in the genre.
He first gained prominence with his debut, The Tao Trilogy, a clever and fun series about an out-of-shape IT guy who becomes a secret agent. More recently, he has delved into epic fantasy with The War Arts Saga, a love letter to the Chinese wuxia genre. Chu has also collaborated with other bestselling authors, including Cassandra Clare.
A master of both plotting and prose, Chu’s works are known for their intricate plots and witty dialogue. His journey from stuntman and corporate strategist to bestselling author is a testament to his unique creativity and dedication, making him a truly exciting voice in modern fantasy and science fiction.
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