These 5 Fantasy Authors Are the Future of the Genre

The fantasy genre is constantly evolving, with new voices emerging that are shaping the stories of tomorrow. Today, we’re diving into five incredible authors who are redefining what fantasy can be, pushing boundaries, and gripping readers with their unique visions. These writers are not just telling stories—they’re crafting worlds, creating magic systems, and developing characters that will stick with you long after you’ve turned the last page. If you’re looking for the future of fantasy, these are some authors you need to know!

0:00 - Intro
2:27 - Honorable Mentions
3:09 - M.L. Wang
6:33 - Joe Abercrombie
10:56 - Susanna Clarke
15:25 - Fonda Lee
18:12 - Brandon Sanderson

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[jee]

You were the first channel I'd watched when I was searching for fantasy novels for beginners. And you made me read Mistborn and I'm truly grateful to you for this. Now I'm deciding between Rothfuss and Abercrombie.

[Abken.]

The Sword of Kaigen and Blood Over Bright Haven are 2 of my all time favorite books. I became an M.L. Wang fan in just a month with 2 of her books... She is so good!

[drummertp]

I love that Susanna Clarke has only written like three books but they are such bangers. Piranesi is amazing and Strange&Norrel is writtrn almost like a fairytale

[GreekLibra]

Great list! This is why you are always the first channel I watch for Fantasy Suggestions.

[italian]

Just wanted to say, I'm shocked you only have just over 100k subscribers man. Visually, audibly, everything is top-notch! Keep up the awesome work man!

[johje]

Shannon Chakraborty definitely needs to be mentioned in this group. Her take on fantasy based on Middle East mythology is a refreshing deviation from standard Tolkien/Arthurian derived fantasy. She is also reasonably prolific, maybe not as much as Sanderson, who I also really like, but she already has four novels and a book of short stories stories out in the last seven years or so.

[Lostinabook]

Your description of each book is greatly appreciated with wonderful details without giving much away! I find too many people spoil the best parts of books while explaining them. Your videos are solid all around!

[everaldocruz]

For someone who is starting at read fantasy, your channel is gold

[AlexWilshinheimer]

Christopher Ruocchio is definitely one to watch, I’m so excited for Sun Eater book 7 it’s unreal

[JoriamRamos]

Hey Jay :) so happy to see you mentioning Susanna Clarke here. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy The Blade Itself as much as the next guy, but there's something in the halls of Piranesi that flares my sense of wonder. When you said 'dreamlike state' I knew we were on the same page.

I love your videos, man! Would love to invite you for a little collab if you're up for it. Lemme know :)

[PatrickRyanBookReviews]

My 5 authors would be:
- Ryan Cahill
- Benedict Jacka
- Peter McLean
- Matt Dinniman
- James Islington

I wanted to stick with authors that aren't currently very well known.

[christopherclouser]

Love that a self-published author made this list. There are a ton of great self-published writers out there that get no recognition from Booktubers.

[artvrenisworld]

Excellent video! Your reviews are always so thorough and well-researched. Looking forward to your next one!

[nathanbeer]

Currently on my journey before destination with the Stormlight Archive.
Obviously no fantasy author can match Tolkien's brilliance but it feels nice reading a fantasy book of an author who might be remembered for many years to come, and you can see that in their books.

[OnlyTheBestFantasyNovels]

Solid picks, and great video as always! I'm excited to get to Blood over Bright Haven soon, and currently I'm re-reading the entire Cosmere and the sheer amount of nuggets Sanderson drops in single throwaway lines is blowing my mind. Definitely books that go hard on a re-read.

[bampier]

James Islington and Mark Lawrence deserve an honorable mention.

[tehdii]

Rothfuss had poisoned the wheel of fantasy for me so much that I do not know if I ever recover :(

[symbolguy]

So which 5 authors are the future for sci-fi?

[SkodaZek]

Great list, I agree with almost everyone on it. That being said, I have to point out that while Joe Abercrombie’s works are among the best in the genre, R. Scott Bakker is unquestionably the best grimdark author, hands down. (in my humble opinion)

[arekschneyer]

You read Jonathan Strange! I’m so happy!