Lord Yamas Fantasy Book Review https://dalu34341.podbean.com A podcast by best selling fantasy author, Andrew Shaw, using his avatar, Lord Yama. It's aimed at those who love fantasy and science fiction but have run out of things to read. A place to discover hidden gems and brilliant novels, trilogies and series that seem to have been lost in time as well as the best that is on offer from modern writers. It's not a review so much as my desire to share the books that I have enjoyed in more than half a century of reading SFF. Lord Yama is an ancient Chinese deity, the lord of hell, who judges souls and decides on their fate.

]]> Sun, 05 Apr 2026 17:25:05 +0800 https://podbean.com/?v=5.5 en Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Fiction 1440 episodic dalu34341 dalu34341 No false https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/20908377/yama_for_pod_uqk6yv.jpg Lord Yamas Fantasy Book Review https://dalu34341.podbean.com 144 144 FIRE FROM HEAVEN BY MARY RENAULT FIRE FROM HEAVEN BY MARY RENAULT https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/fire-from-heaven-by-mary-renault/ https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/fire-from-heaven-by-mary-renault/#comments Sun, 05 Apr 2026 17:25:05 +0800 dalu34341.podbean.com/b5445172-40cf-3b34-b192-d9a13229b499 The legacy of Mary Renault cannot be underestimated. Her marvellous historical fantasy trilogy about Alexander the Great was one of the first in any genre to break the mould and include homosexual love in a popular literature. Writing more than half a century ago,  she dared to break the rules not only with her Alexander series but with many of her other published works. ----more----

And while you are here. Please hava a look at one of my own books. A Jade Treasury. One of my own books about the legends and myths surrounding Jade, the Stone of Heaven. To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and cities were offered in exchange for a piece of it. The ancient Olmecs of Central America treasured it far more than gold. Maori were so fond of it they killed and ate ten British sailors who tried to steal some of it.  If you want to know about the pirates who poisoned a man to get hold of it or how many slaves the Inuit would swap for a piece of it, then this is the book for you.   BUY IT HERE

 

]]> The legacy of Mary Renault cannot be underestimated. Her marvellous historical fantasy trilogy about Alexander the Great was one of the first in any genre to break the mould and include homosexual love in a popular literature. Writing more than half a century ago,  she dared to break the rules not only with her Alexander series but with many of her other published works. ----more----

And while you are here. Please hava a look at one of my own books. A Jade Treasury. One of my own books about the legends and myths surrounding Jade, the Stone of Heaven. To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and cities were offered in exchange for a piece of it. The ancient Olmecs of Central America treasured it far more than gold. Maori were so fond of it they killed and ate ten British sailors who tried to steal some of it.  If you want to know about the pirates who poisoned a man to get hold of it or how many slaves the Inuit would swap for a piece of it, then this is the book for you.   BUY IT HERE

 

]]> dalu34341 false No 291 27 full HARRY POTTER by J K Rowling HARRY POTTER by J K Rowling https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/harry-potter-by-j-k-rowling/ https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/harry-potter-by-j-k-rowling/#comments Sun, 29 Mar 2026 18:04:58 +0800 dalu34341.podbean.com/0cb6075e-c8bd-39a6-a748-c658ac811f2c The most successful author in the world of fantasy has to be J K Rowling. Her Harry Potter series and the films they spawned have been enjoyed by hundreds of millions of adults and children alike. We can thank this very gifted writer for making so many people fall in love with fantasy. Many of them have gone on to buy books by other authors in the genre. I would say she is as influential as J R R Tolkein.   

]]> The most successful author in the world of fantasy has to be J K Rowling. Her Harry Potter series and the films they spawned have been enjoyed by hundreds of millions of adults and children alike. We can thank this very gifted writer for making so many people fall in love with fantasy. Many of them have gone on to buy books by other authors in the genre. I would say she is as influential as J R R Tolkein.   

]]> dalu34341 false No 403 26 full THE LITTLE PRINCE BY by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry THE LITTLE PRINCE BY by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/the-little-prince-by-antoine-by-antoine-de-saint-exupery/ https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/the-little-prince-by-antoine-by-antoine-de-saint-exupery/#comments Sun, 22 Mar 2026 18:10:24 +0800 dalu34341.podbean.com/a3045801-7009-300f-8e5b-933ce7913a60 The Little Prince is a magical book, a modern fairy tale, written more than eighty years ago, and it still enchants adults and children alike. Undoubtedly one of the best introductions to the world of fantasy that has ever been written

]]> The Little Prince is a magical book, a modern fairy tale, written more than eighty years ago, and it still enchants adults and children alike. Undoubtedly one of the best introductions to the world of fantasy that has ever been written

]]> dalu34341 false No 300 25 full PIRANESI BY SUSANNAH CLARK PIRANESI BY SUSANNAH CLARK https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/piranesi-by-susannah-clark/ https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/piranesi-by-susannah-clark/#comments Sun, 15 Mar 2026 17:20:03 +0800 dalu34341.podbean.com/af2d889c-9503-37c6-960a-74acf8365ce2 Fantasy comes in many different guises. It ranges from Romantasy to Grimdark and from Sword and Sorcery to Magical Realism. One of my favourite books which doesn’t quite fit into any of the sub genres that I generally read is Piranesi by Susanna Clarke. While there are many who scoff at fantasy as not really literature, I offer this novel as a prime example of great writing.

----more----

And just to let you know that the first in my new fantasy trilogy, Renn, is due for release later this year. Cover design in progress. Latest efforts below. A story steeped in ancient Chinese mythology, featuring a semi mythical hero that is still remembered in the Middle Kingdom to this day

]]> Fantasy comes in many different guises. It ranges from Romantasy to Grimdark and from Sword and Sorcery to Magical Realism. One of my favourite books which doesn’t quite fit into any of the sub genres that I generally read is Piranesi by Susanna Clarke. While there are many who scoff at fantasy as not really literature, I offer this novel as a prime example of great writing.

----more----

And just to let you know that the first in my new fantasy trilogy, Renn, is due for release later this year. Cover design in progress. Latest efforts below. A story steeped in ancient Chinese mythology, featuring a semi mythical hero that is still remembered in the Middle Kingdom to this day

]]> dalu34341 false No 232 24 full THE STEEL REMAINS BY RICHARD MORGAN THE STEEL REMAINS BY RICHARD MORGAN https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/the-blade-itself-by-richard-morgan/ https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/the-blade-itself-by-richard-morgan/#comments Sun, 08 Mar 2026 21:39:14 +0800 dalu34341.podbean.com/f3fef34d-c8d4-33b2-aef5-3574c1d729ed One of the most outstanding Grimdark fantasy trilogies ever written has to be A Land Fit for Heroes by Richard Morgan. Ahead of its time when it was written. As fresh today as when it was first published. I cannot recommend it highly enough. 

https://amzn.to/4sBpDIk

----more----

]]> One of the most outstanding Grimdark fantasy trilogies ever written has to be A Land Fit for Heroes by Richard Morgan. Ahead of its time when it was written. As fresh today as when it was first published. I cannot recommend it highly enough. 

https://amzn.to/4sBpDIk

----more----

]]> dalu34341 false No 322 23 full THE NAME OF THE WIND BY PATRICK ROTHFUSS THE NAME OF THE WIND BY PATRICK ROTHFUSS https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/the-name-of-the-wind-by-patrick-rothfuss/ https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/the-name-of-the-wind-by-patrick-rothfuss/#comments Sun, 01 Mar 2026 14:59:06 +0800 dalu34341.podbean.com/10136244-909c-320d-a2a2-301ec8bab0a1 One of the best storytellers to emerge in the last two decades has to be Patrick Rothfuss, the author of the Kingkiller Chronicles. He's only written the first two books in the trilogy and is taking his time with the final instalment. His fans including myself have been waiting for fifteen years to see how the story ends. 

----more----And just to let you know that the first in my new fantasy trilogy, Renn, is due for release in a couple of months. Cover design in progress. Latest efforts below. A story steeped in ancient Chinese mythology, featuring a semi mythical hero that is still remembered in the Middle Kingdom to this day.

]]> One of the best storytellers to emerge in the last two decades has to be Patrick Rothfuss, the author of the Kingkiller Chronicles. He's only written the first two books in the trilogy and is taking his time with the final instalment. His fans including myself have been waiting for fifteen years to see how the story ends. 

----more----And just to let you know that the first in my new fantasy trilogy, Renn, is due for release in a couple of months. Cover design in progress. Latest efforts below. A story steeped in ancient Chinese mythology, featuring a semi mythical hero that is still remembered in the Middle Kingdom to this day.

]]> dalu34341 false No 263 22 full PRINCE OF THORNS BY MARK LAWRENCE PRINCE OF THORNS BY MARK LAWRENCE https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/prince-of-thorns-by-mark-lawrence/ https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/prince-of-thorns-by-mark-lawrence/#comments Mon, 16 Feb 2026 18:11:43 +0800 dalu34341.podbean.com/2ad05849-bc38-394f-adff-c6fdb3342d5a A grimdark fantasy novel for grown ups with a thirteen year old psychopathic anti hero at its centre. Not for the faint hearted but a fabulous read. This week we delve into the world of the prolific writer, Mark Lawrence and his trilogy which begins with Prince of Thorns.----more----

And just to let you know that the first in my new fantasy trilogy, Renn, is due for release in a couple of months. Cover design in progress. Latest efforts below. A story steeped in ancient Chinese mythology, featuring a semi mythical hero that is still remembered in the Middle Kingdom to this day.

 

 

 

 

]]> A grimdark fantasy novel for grown ups with a thirteen year old psychopathic anti hero at its centre. Not for the faint hearted but a fabulous read. This week we delve into the world of the prolific writer, Mark Lawrence and his trilogy which begins with Prince of Thorns.----more----

And just to let you know that the first in my new fantasy trilogy, Renn, is due for release in a couple of months. Cover design in progress. Latest efforts below. A story steeped in ancient Chinese mythology, featuring a semi mythical hero that is still remembered in the Middle Kingdom to this day.

 

 

 

 

]]> dalu34341 false No 244 21 full MY FAVOURITE WIZARD MY FAVOURITE WIZARD https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/my-favourite-wizard/ https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/my-favourite-wizard/#comments Mon, 09 Feb 2026 06:33:42 +0800 dalu34341.podbean.com/026bfd32-0367-3544-8753-22837866b173 In a departure from my usual weekly review of a book in the fantasy genre I am going to talk about my favourite wizard. Magic is firmly entwined in nearly every story in the genre and wizards, witches and warlocks abound. And once you've had a listen, let me know whether you agree with my choice. And if not, tell me who you prefer. ----more----

And while you are here, have a look at A Jade Treasury. One of my own books about the legends and myths surrounding Jade, the Stone of Heaven. To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and cities were offered in exchange for a piece of it. The ancient Olmecs of Central America treasured it far more than gold. Maori were so fond of it they killed and ate ten British sailors who tried to steal some of it.  If you want to know about the pirates who poisoned a man to get hold of it or how many slaves the Inuit would swap for a piece of it, then this is the book for you.   BUY IT HERE

]]> In a departure from my usual weekly review of a book in the fantasy genre I am going to talk about my favourite wizard. Magic is firmly entwined in nearly every story in the genre and wizards, witches and warlocks abound. And once you've had a listen, let me know whether you agree with my choice. And if not, tell me who you prefer. ----more----

And while you are here, have a look at A Jade Treasury. One of my own books about the legends and myths surrounding Jade, the Stone of Heaven. To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and cities were offered in exchange for a piece of it. The ancient Olmecs of Central America treasured it far more than gold. Maori were so fond of it they killed and ate ten British sailors who tried to steal some of it.  If you want to know about the pirates who poisoned a man to get hold of it or how many slaves the Inuit would swap for a piece of it, then this is the book for you.   BUY IT HERE

]]> dalu34341 false No 210 20 full BLOOD OVER BRIGHTHAVEN BY M L WANG BLOOD OVER BRIGHTHAVEN BY M L WANG https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/blood-over-brighthaven-by-m-l-want/ https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/blood-over-brighthaven-by-m-l-want/#comments Mon, 02 Feb 2026 05:09:18 +0800 dalu34341.podbean.com/2939a983-cf13-3c48-bfc4-4c8ae124d5e4 M L Wang is a leading light in the world of fantasy and not just because of her excellent writing. She started by penning novels in the genre for Young Adults but has since written two books for a more mature readership that explore complex issues that resonate with the world we live in. The first to be published was Sword of Kaigen but I much prefer her later work, Blood Over Brighthaven.----more----

And while you are here, have a look at A Jade Treasury. One of my own books about the legends and myths surrounding Jade, the Stone of Heaven. To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and cities were offered in exchange for a piece of it. The ancient Olmecs of Central America treasured it far more than gold. Maori were so fond of it they killed and ate ten British sailors who tried to steal some of it.  If you want to know about the pirates who poisoned a man to get hold of it or how many slaves the Inuit would swap for a piece of it, then this is the book for you.   BUY IT HERE

]]> M L Wang is a leading light in the world of fantasy and not just because of her excellent writing. She started by penning novels in the genre for Young Adults but has since written two books for a more mature readership that explore complex issues that resonate with the world we live in. The first to be published was Sword of Kaigen but I much prefer her later work, Blood Over Brighthaven.----more----

And while you are here, have a look at A Jade Treasury. One of my own books about the legends and myths surrounding Jade, the Stone of Heaven. To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and cities were offered in exchange for a piece of it. The ancient Olmecs of Central America treasured it far more than gold. Maori were so fond of it they killed and ate ten British sailors who tried to steal some of it.  If you want to know about the pirates who poisoned a man to get hold of it or how many slaves the Inuit would swap for a piece of it, then this is the book for you.   BUY IT HERE

]]> dalu34341 false No 246 19 full THE QUANTUM GRAVITY SERIES BY JUSTINA ROBSON THE QUANTUM GRAVITY SERIES BY JUSTINA ROBSON https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/the-quantum-gravity-series-by-justina-robson/ https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/the-quantum-gravity-series-by-justina-robson/#comments Mon, 26 Jan 2026 14:58:20 +0800 dalu34341.podbean.com/36e75625-13ae-3017-a547-4755186cdaf7 One of the most underrated writers in fantasy has to be Justina Robson. Her Quantum Gravity series is better written and more absorbing than a lot of books in the genre that have sold more copies. Definitely worth a look.----more----

And while you are here, have a look at A Jade Treasury. One of my own books about the legends and myths surrounding Jade, the Stone of Heaven. To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and cities were offered in exchange for a piece of it. The ancient Olmecs of Central America treasured it far more than gold. Maori were so fond of it they killed and ate ten British sailors who tried to steal some of it.  If you want to know about the pirates who poisoned a man to get hold of it or how many slaves the Inuit would swap for a piece of it, then this is the book for you.   BUY IT HERE

]]> One of the most underrated writers in fantasy has to be Justina Robson. Her Quantum Gravity series is better written and more absorbing than a lot of books in the genre that have sold more copies. Definitely worth a look.----more----

And while you are here, have a look at A Jade Treasury. One of my own books about the legends and myths surrounding Jade, the Stone of Heaven. To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and cities were offered in exchange for a piece of it. The ancient Olmecs of Central America treasured it far more than gold. Maori were so fond of it they killed and ate ten British sailors who tried to steal some of it.  If you want to know about the pirates who poisoned a man to get hold of it or how many slaves the Inuit would swap for a piece of it, then this is the book for you.   BUY IT HERE

]]> dalu34341 false No 154 18 full GLORY ROAD by ROBERT HEINLEIN GLORY ROAD by ROBERT HEINLEIN https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/glory-road-by-robert-heinlein/ https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/glory-road-by-robert-heinlein/#comments Sun, 18 Jan 2026 17:07:31 +0800 dalu34341.podbean.com/1a67f8d7-adba-3a25-95f7-1e018fd6a6c1 While Robert Heinlein is considered one of the 'big three' of Science Fiction, he also wrote a couple of excellent fantasy novels, mixing  wry humour with first class story telling. Glory Road is a classic that has aged well and is just as enjoyable today as it was when it was first published more than sixty years ago. A must for all lovers of Fantasy. 

And while you are here, have a look at A Jade Treasury. One of my own books about the legends and myths surrounding Jade, the Stone of Heaven. To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and cities were offered in exchange for a piece of it. The ancient Olmecs of Central America treasured it far more than gold. Maori were so fond of it they killed and ate ten British sailors who tried to steal some of it.  If you want to know about the pirates who poisoned a man to get hold of it or how many slaves the Inuit would swap for a piece of it, then this is the book for you.   BUY IT HERE

]]> While Robert Heinlein is considered one of the 'big three' of Science Fiction, he also wrote a couple of excellent fantasy novels, mixing  wry humour with first class story telling. Glory Road is a classic that has aged well and is just as enjoyable today as it was when it was first published more than sixty years ago. A must for all lovers of Fantasy. 

And while you are here, have a look at A Jade Treasury. One of my own books about the legends and myths surrounding Jade, the Stone of Heaven. To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and cities were offered in exchange for a piece of it. The ancient Olmecs of Central America treasured it far more than gold. Maori were so fond of it they killed and ate ten British sailors who tried to steal some of it.  If you want to know about the pirates who poisoned a man to get hold of it or how many slaves the Inuit would swap for a piece of it, then this is the book for you.   BUY IT HERE

]]> dalu34341 false No 251 16 full THE BLOODSWORN SAGA by JOHN GWYNNE THE BLOODSWORN SAGA by JOHN GWYNNE https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/the-bloodsworn-saga-by-john-gwynne/ https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/the-bloodsworn-saga-by-john-gwynne/#comments Sun, 11 Jan 2026 20:59:47 +0800 dalu34341.podbean.com/4aa1651a-dd65-3473-b0e2-fcda79c7adbd One of the most delightful trilogies to hit the bookshops in the last few years has been the Bloodsworn Saga by John Gwynne. Grim, dark, and bloody, it borrows from Norse mythology and the author  adds his own brand of magic and mystery to create an unforgettable series, The Shadow of the Gods, The Hunger of the Gods and The Fury of the Gods.

----more----

Click on the link to buy the first in the trilogy, The Shadow of the Gods. If you buy through my website I make a tiny commission but it doesn’t affect the price you pay. Any money I make goes to making more of these podcasts.

UK  https://amzn.to/49NvUtI

US   https://amzn.to/3NeagGe

 

 

]]> One of the most delightful trilogies to hit the bookshops in the last few years has been the Bloodsworn Saga by John Gwynne. Grim, dark, and bloody, it borrows from Norse mythology and the author  adds his own brand of magic and mystery to create an unforgettable series, The Shadow of the Gods, The Hunger of the Gods and The Fury of the Gods.

----more----

Click on the link to buy the first in the trilogy, The Shadow of the Gods. If you buy through my website I make a tiny commission but it doesn’t affect the price you pay. Any money I make goes to making more of these podcasts.

UK  https://amzn.to/49NvUtI

US   https://amzn.to/3NeagGe

 

 

]]> dalu34341 false No 220 15 full UNDER HEAVEN BY GUY GAVRIEL KAY UNDER HEAVEN BY GUY GAVRIEL KAY https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/under-heaven-by-guy-gavriel-kay/ https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/under-heaven-by-guy-gavriel-kay/#comments Mon, 05 Jan 2026 10:40:43 +0800 dalu34341.podbean.com/a23c164a-2d75-3ade-ae01-462a2a44a3fb In this weeks episode we look at Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay. It is probably the best fantasy novel inspired by Chinese history and mythology that has been written by a writer from the West.

And while you are here, have a look at A Jade Treasury. One of my own books about the legends and myths surrounding Jade, the Stone of Heaven. To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and cities were offered in exchange for a piece of it. The ancient Olmecs of Central America treasured it far more than gold. Maori were so fond of it they killed and ate ten British sailors who tried to steal some of it.  If you want to know about the pirates who poisoned a man to get hold of it or how many slaves the Inuit would swap for a piece of it, then this is the book for you.   BUY IT HERE

]]> In this weeks episode we look at Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay. It is probably the best fantasy novel inspired by Chinese history and mythology that has been written by a writer from the West.

And while you are here, have a look at A Jade Treasury. One of my own books about the legends and myths surrounding Jade, the Stone of Heaven. To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and cities were offered in exchange for a piece of it. The ancient Olmecs of Central America treasured it far more than gold. Maori were so fond of it they killed and ate ten British sailors who tried to steal some of it.  If you want to know about the pirates who poisoned a man to get hold of it or how many slaves the Inuit would swap for a piece of it, then this is the book for you.   BUY IT HERE

]]> dalu34341 false No 307 14 full The Shadow of the Torturer by Gene Wolfe The Shadow of the Torturer by Gene Wolfe https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/the-shadow-of-the-ttorturer/ https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/the-shadow-of-the-ttorturer/#comments Mon, 29 Dec 2025 10:50:05 +0800 dalu34341.podbean.com/a9114ef9-604b-3731-9c85-de45a83daf93 This week we look at the work of Gene Wolfe.  His series the Book of the New Sun is widely admired by authors of the fantasy genre.  Each volume is carefully crafted with not a word out of place. But it is not for the faint hearted....----more----

And while you are here, have a look at A Jade Treasury. One of my own books about the legends and myths surrounding Jade, the Stone of Heaven. To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and cities were offered in exchange for a piece of it. The ancient Olmecs of Central America treasured it far more than gold. Maori were so fond of it they killed and ate ten British sailors who tried to steal some of it.  If you want to know about the pirates who poisoned a man to get hold of it or how many slaves the Inuit would swap for a piece of it, then this is the book for you.   BUY IT HERE

]]> This week we look at the work of Gene Wolfe.  His series the Book of the New Sun is widely admired by authors of the fantasy genre.  Each volume is carefully crafted with not a word out of place. But it is not for the faint hearted....----more----

And while you are here, have a look at A Jade Treasury. One of my own books about the legends and myths surrounding Jade, the Stone of Heaven. To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and cities were offered in exchange for a piece of it. The ancient Olmecs of Central America treasured it far more than gold. Maori were so fond of it they killed and ate ten British sailors who tried to steal some of it.  If you want to know about the pirates who poisoned a man to get hold of it or how many slaves the Inuit would swap for a piece of it, then this is the book for you.   BUY IT HERE

]]> dalu34341 false No 258 13 full STORMBRINGER BY MICHAEL MOORCOCK STORMBRINGER BY MICHAEL MOORCOCK https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/stormbringer-by-michael-moorcock/ https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/stormbringer-by-michael-moorcock/#comments Mon, 22 Dec 2025 09:41:50 +0800 dalu34341.podbean.com/96c1d07c-b18d-3c18-a81e-2aa7865a38a3 A writer who has faded into the background somewhat in recent years is Michael Moorcock. He was a prolific author in the 1960s, 70's and 80s and his influence on the modern fantasy genre should not be underestimated. One of his greatest creations was the crimson eyed albino, Elric, who wielded the sentient and malevolent sword, Stormbringer, the drinker of souls.----more----

You can buy the book by clicking on the link below. I make a tiny commission if you do so. It does not affect the price you pay and all proceeds go towards the making of these podcasts.

STORMBRINGER  

----more----

And while you are here, have a look at A Jade Treasury. One of my own books about the legends and myths surrounding Jade, the Stone of Heaven. To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and cities were offered in exchange for a piece of it. The ancient Olmecs of Central America treasured it far more than gold. Maori were so fond of it they killed and ate ten British sailors who tried to steal some of it.  If you want to know about the pirates who poisoned a man to get hold of it or how many slaves the Inuit would swap for a piece of it, then this is the book for you.   BUY IT HERE

 

]]> A writer who has faded into the background somewhat in recent years is Michael Moorcock. He was a prolific author in the 1960s, 70's and 80s and his influence on the modern fantasy genre should not be underestimated. One of his greatest creations was the crimson eyed albino, Elric, who wielded the sentient and malevolent sword, Stormbringer, the drinker of souls.----more----

You can buy the book by clicking on the link below. I make a tiny commission if you do so. It does not affect the price you pay and all proceeds go towards the making of these podcasts.

STORMBRINGER  

----more----

And while you are here, have a look at A Jade Treasury. One of my own books about the legends and myths surrounding Jade, the Stone of Heaven. To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and cities were offered in exchange for a piece of it. The ancient Olmecs of Central America treasured it far more than gold. Maori were so fond of it they killed and ate ten British sailors who tried to steal some of it.  If you want to know about the pirates who poisoned a man to get hold of it or how many slaves the Inuit would swap for a piece of it, then this is the book for you.   BUY IT HERE

 

]]> dalu34341 false No 277 12 full THE BLACK COMPANY BY GLEN COOK THE BLACK COMPANY BY GLEN COOK https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/the-black-company-by-glen-cook/ https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/the-black-company-by-glen-cook/#comments Mon, 15 Dec 2025 11:28:37 +0800 dalu34341.podbean.com/2126c8a0-ae64-3aca-a91e-6513cf925619 One of my favourite series is The Black Company by Glen Cook. First published in the 1990s, the books became best sellers a second time twenty years later when they were reissued. This is in part I think due to the fact that truly high quality Grimdark novels are rare as hen's teeth. And lets be fair. When Glen Cook first published these books the term Grimdark hadn't yet been invented. 

You can buy the book by clicking on the link below. I make a tiny commission if you do so. It does not affect the price you pay and all proceeds go towards the making of these podcasts.

https://amzn.to/3YqdSqT

----more----

 

]]> One of my favourite series is The Black Company by Glen Cook. First published in the 1990s, the books became best sellers a second time twenty years later when they were reissued. This is in part I think due to the fact that truly high quality Grimdark novels are rare as hen's teeth. And lets be fair. When Glen Cook first published these books the term Grimdark hadn't yet been invented. 

You can buy the book by clicking on the link below. I make a tiny commission if you do so. It does not affect the price you pay and all proceeds go towards the making of these podcasts.

https://amzn.to/3YqdSqT

----more----

 

]]> dalu34341 false No 224 11 full THE BROKEN SWORD BY POUL ANDERSON THE BROKEN SWORD BY POUL ANDERSON https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/the-broken-sword-by-poul-anderson/ https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/the-broken-sword-by-poul-anderson/#comments Mon, 08 Dec 2025 09:51:59 +0800 dalu34341.podbean.com/e21b74e6-483c-3c8e-8100-c1c7c6c59b43 This week we take a look at The Broken Sword by Poul Anderson. A must for any fan of Grimdark fantasy and Norse saga. ----more----

You can buy the book by clicking on the link below. I make a tiny commission if you do so. It does not affect the price you pay and all proceeds go towards the making of these podcasts.

BUY THE BOOK HERE

 

 

]]> This week we take a look at The Broken Sword by Poul Anderson. A must for any fan of Grimdark fantasy and Norse saga. ----more----

You can buy the book by clicking on the link below. I make a tiny commission if you do so. It does not affect the price you pay and all proceeds go towards the making of these podcasts.

BUY THE BOOK HERE

 

 

]]> dalu34341 false No 233 10 full LEGEND BY DAVID GEMMELL LEGEND BY DAVID GEMMELL https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/legend-by-david-gemmell/ https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/legend-by-david-gemmell/#comments Mon, 01 Dec 2025 08:27:02 +0800 dalu34341.podbean.com/e1566419-9c20-342a-b820-5c2f62de945f BUY THE BOOK HERE       ----more---- ]]> BUY THE BOOK HERE       ----more---- ]]> dalu34341 false No 304 9 full AMERICAN GODS BY NEIL GAIMAN AMERICAN GODS BY NEIL GAIMAN https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/american-gods-by-neil-gaiman/ https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/american-gods-by-neil-gaiman/#comments Mon, 24 Nov 2025 10:54:19 +0800 dalu34341.podbean.com/fadd31a0-5be3-3420-b2ec-e0042066d5db American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman has quite rightly been lavished with awards and praise for his work, His comic series, The Sandman, has been made into a very stylish television series. As has the novel American Gods, which many consider to be his best work so far. ----more----

You can purchase a copy of American Gods by clicking the link below.  I receive a tiny commission if you buy the book in this way. It does not affect the price you pay and all proceeds go to producing this podcast. 

https://amzn.to/4abevM5

----more----

And while you are here, have a look at A Jade Treasury. One of my own books about the legends and myths surrounding Jade, the Stone of Heaven. To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and cities were offered in exchange for a piece of it. The ancient Olmecs of Central America treasured it far more than gold. Maori were so fond of it they killed and ate ten British sailors who tried to steal some of it.  If you want to know about the pirates who poisoned a man to get hold of it or how many slaves the Inuit would swap for a piece of it, then this is the book for you.  BUY IT HERE

 

]]> American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman has quite rightly been lavished with awards and praise for his work, His comic series, The Sandman, has been made into a very stylish television series. As has the novel American Gods, which many consider to be his best work so far. ----more----

You can purchase a copy of American Gods by clicking the link below.  I receive a tiny commission if you buy the book in this way. It does not affect the price you pay and all proceeds go to producing this podcast. 

https://amzn.to/4abevM5

----more----

And while you are here, have a look at A Jade Treasury. One of my own books about the legends and myths surrounding Jade, the Stone of Heaven. To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and cities were offered in exchange for a piece of it. The ancient Olmecs of Central America treasured it far more than gold. Maori were so fond of it they killed and ate ten British sailors who tried to steal some of it.  If you want to know about the pirates who poisoned a man to get hold of it or how many slaves the Inuit would swap for a piece of it, then this is the book for you.  BUY IT HERE

 

]]> dalu34341 false No 260 8 full THE FIRST BOOK OF LANKHMAR BY FRITZ LIEBER THE FIRST BOOK OF LANKHMAR BY FRITZ LIEBER https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/the-first-book-of-lankhmar-by-fritz-lieber/ https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/the-first-book-of-lankhmar-by-fritz-lieber/#comments Mon, 17 Nov 2025 10:53:11 +0800 dalu34341.podbean.com/0a6d02db-0d23-3c55-b775-afbef0b3d0a8 While tales about swords and sorcery have been around for hundreds if not thousands of years, the genre as we know it, only began to take shape about a century ago with Rober E Howard’s Conan the Barbarian. There were a few others writing in a similar style all those years ago and most of those have been forgotten. But not Fritz Leiber. His tales about two morally ambiguous thieves who lived in the city of Lankhmar remain as fresh today as they did when they were first written.----more----

You can purchase a copy of the First Book of Lankhmar by clicking the link below.  I receive a tiny commission if you buy the book in this way. It does not affect the price you pay and all proceeds go to producing this podcast. 

https://amzn.to/4nXFX32

 

----more----

]]> While tales about swords and sorcery have been around for hundreds if not thousands of years, the genre as we know it, only began to take shape about a century ago with Rober E Howard’s Conan the Barbarian. There were a few others writing in a similar style all those years ago and most of those have been forgotten. But not Fritz Leiber. His tales about two morally ambiguous thieves who lived in the city of Lankhmar remain as fresh today as they did when they were first written.----more----

You can purchase a copy of the First Book of Lankhmar by clicking the link below.  I receive a tiny commission if you buy the book in this way. It does not affect the price you pay and all proceeds go to producing this podcast. 

https://amzn.to/4nXFX32

 


----more----

]]> dalu34341 false No 244 7 full THE CHRONICLES OF THOMAS COVENANT THE CHRONICLES OF THOMAS COVENANT https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/the-chronicles-of-thomas-covenant/ https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/the-chronicles-of-thomas-covenant/#comments Mon, 10 Nov 2025 10:57:22 +0800 dalu34341.podbean.com/4241ac4f-7d9c-3738-85a0-97cdd82ce837 There are few writers in the fantasy genre who come anywhere close to Stephen Donaldson when it comes to world building. He creates a world with unforgettable characters and utterly distinctive creatures. While most writers stick to elves, dwarves, wizards and the like, he goes that extra mile to allow the reader to suspend disbelief and lose themselves in the stories he writes. The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant are a prime example.

----more---- Lord Foul's Bane

This link will take you to a place where you can buy the first volume in the Chronicles of Thomas Covenant. I make a tiny commission if you buy it through this link. It doesn't affect the price you pay.

And while you are here, have a look at A Jade Treasury. One of my own books about the legends and myths surrounding Jade, the Stone of Heaven. To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and cities were offered in exchange for a piece of it. The ancient Olmecs of Central America treasured it far more than gold. Maori were so fond of it they killed and ate ten British sailors who tried to steal some of it.  If you want to know about the pirates who poisoned a man to get hold of it or how many slaves the Inuit would swap for a piece of it, then this is the book for you.  BUY IT HERE

]]> There are few writers in the fantasy genre who come anywhere close to Stephen Donaldson when it comes to world building. He creates a world with unforgettable characters and utterly distinctive creatures. While most writers stick to elves, dwarves, wizards and the like, he goes that extra mile to allow the reader to suspend disbelief and lose themselves in the stories he writes. The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant are a prime example.

----more---- Lord Foul's Bane

This link will take you to a place where you can buy the first volume in the Chronicles of Thomas Covenant. I make a tiny commission if you buy it through this link. It doesn't affect the price you pay.

And while you are here, have a look at A Jade Treasury. One of my own books about the legends and myths surrounding Jade, the Stone of Heaven. To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and cities were offered in exchange for a piece of it. The ancient Olmecs of Central America treasured it far more than gold. Maori were so fond of it they killed and ate ten British sailors who tried to steal some of it.  If you want to know about the pirates who poisoned a man to get hold of it or how many slaves the Inuit would swap for a piece of it, then this is the book for you.  BUY IT HERE

]]> dalu34341 false No 238 6 full TRAVELLER IN BLACK BY JOHN BRUNNER TRAVELLER IN BLACK BY JOHN BRUNNER https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/traveller-in-black-bby-john-brunner/ https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/traveller-in-black-bby-john-brunner/#comments Mon, 03 Nov 2025 09:24:00 +0800 dalu34341.podbean.com/346963ad-28d4-37c1-95e3-d0e4d4386569 The latest episode in my fantasy book review. A podcast aimed at those who love fantasy and science fiction but have run out of things to read. A place to discover hidden gems that seem to have been lost in time, as well as the best that is on offer from modern writers. It's not a review so much as my desire to share the books that I have enjoyed in more than half a century of reading SFF.

]]> The latest episode in my fantasy book review. A podcast aimed at those who love fantasy and science fiction but have run out of things to read. A place to discover hidden gems that seem to have been lost in time, as well as the best that is on offer from modern writers. It's not a review so much as my desire to share the books that I have enjoyed in more than half a century of reading SFF.

]]> dalu34341 false No 167 5 full BLOOD SONG BY ANTHONY RYAN BLOOD SONG BY ANTHONY RYAN https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/blood-song-by-anthony-ryan/ https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/blood-song-by-anthony-ryan/#comments Mon, 27 Oct 2025 20:16:51 +0800 dalu34341.podbean.com/26fa782a-a4b6-3bfc-b615-7cedf41103d1 One of the best writers of fantasy to emerge in the twenty first century has to be Anthony Ryan. He is a prolific author who, like many others who became best-selling authors, struggled to get published. He forced his way onto the scene by publishing his first novel, Blood Song, himself. It sold enough copies to grab the attention of a major publisher, and he hasn't looked back since. 

BUY THE BOOK HERE

AND WHILE YOU ARE HERE......... YOU MIGHT WANT TO CONSIDER.......

Diving into the legends and myths surrounding jade, the Stone of Heaven.  To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and cities were offered in exchange for a piece of it. The ancient Olmecs of Central America treasured it far more than gold. Maori were so fond of it they killed and ate ten British sailors who tried to steal some of it.  If you want to know about the pirates who poisoned a man to get hold of it or how many slaves the Inuit would swap for a piece of it, then this is the book for you.  BUY IT HERE

 

 

----more----

]]> One of the best writers of fantasy to emerge in the twenty first century has to be Anthony Ryan. He is a prolific author who, like many others who became best-selling authors, struggled to get published. He forced his way onto the scene by publishing his first novel, Blood Song, himself. It sold enough copies to grab the attention of a major publisher, and he hasn't looked back since. 

BUY THE BOOK HERE

AND WHILE YOU ARE HERE......... YOU MIGHT WANT TO CONSIDER.......

Diving into the legends and myths surrounding jade, the Stone of Heaven.  To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and cities were offered in exchange for a piece of it. The ancient Olmecs of Central America treasured it far more than gold. Maori were so fond of it they killed and ate ten British sailors who tried to steal some of it.  If you want to know about the pirates who poisoned a man to get hold of it or how many slaves the Inuit would swap for a piece of it, then this is the book for you.  BUY IT HERE

 

 

----more----

]]> dalu34341 false No 272 4 full THE BEST OF ANN RICE THE BEST OF ANN RICE https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/the-best-of-ann-rice/ https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/the-best-of-ann-rice/#comments Tue, 21 Oct 2025 10:51:27 +0800 dalu34341.podbean.com/140b7bb6-3b54-367e-9bb6-86350f8a371d Ann Rice is not always a writer associated with the fantasy genre. She is better know for horror. Her Vampire Chronicles are well known. But she produced a wonderful book that perhaps no one else would even attempt, yet alone succeed in writing. ----more----

AND WHILE YOU ARE HERE......... YOU MIGHT WANT TO CONSIDER.......

Diving into the legends and myths surrounding jade, the Stone of Heaven.  To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and cities were offered in exchange for a piece of it. The ancient Olmecs of Central America treasured it far more than gold. Maori were so fond of it they killed and ate ten British sailors who tried to steal some of it.  If you want to know about the pirates who poisoned a man to get hold of it or how many slaves the Inuit would swap for a piece of it, then this is the book for you.  BUY IT HERE

 

 

]]> Ann Rice is not always a writer associated with the fantasy genre. She is better know for horror. Her Vampire Chronicles are well known. But she produced a wonderful book that perhaps no one else would even attempt, yet alone succeed in writing. ----more----

AND WHILE YOU ARE HERE......... YOU MIGHT WANT TO CONSIDER.......

Diving into the legends and myths surrounding jade, the Stone of Heaven.  To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and cities were offered in exchange for a piece of it. The ancient Olmecs of Central America treasured it far more than gold. Maori were so fond of it they killed and ate ten British sailors who tried to steal some of it.  If you want to know about the pirates who poisoned a man to get hold of it or how many slaves the Inuit would swap for a piece of it, then this is the book for you.  BUY IT HERE

 

 

]]> Christ our Lord. Out of Egypt by Ann Rice dalu34341 false No 262 1 3 full THE BEASTMASTER BY ANDRE NORTON THE BEASTMASTER BY ANDRE NORTON https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/the-beastmaster-by-andre-norton/ https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/the-beastmaster-by-andre-norton/#comments Tue, 14 Oct 2025 09:28:34 +0800 dalu34341.podbean.com/929a2c6b-8446-32b1-ab0d-1c03f85a0d84 Andre Norton may be best known for her Witchworld series of fantasy novels but an earlier work, the Beastmaster, is just as good if not better. 

]]> Andre Norton may be best known for her Witchworld series of fantasy novels but an earlier work, the Beastmaster, is just as good if not better. 

]]> dalu34341 false No 237 2 full THE FIRST LAW TRILOGY THE FIRST LAW TRILOGY https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/the-first-law-trilogy/ https://dalu34341.podbean.com/e/the-first-law-trilogy/#comments Sun, 28 Sep 2025 16:39:49 +0800 dalu34341.podbean.com/309aabfa-4fc3-34d4-beba-8ce53d232c7f An overview of one of the best fantasy trilogies to be published in recent years. The three books of the First Law series are a must for any lover of fantasy who like their fantasy grimdark alleviated by wry humour.

]]> An overview of one of the best fantasy trilogies to be published in recent years. The three books of the First Law series are a must for any lover of fantasy who like their fantasy grimdark alleviated by wry humour.

]]> dalu34341 false No 263 1 full