‘Reminiscent to Tolkien at his best’. That was an oft’ used phrase in the 80’s. Usually applied to some turgid hash involving the Quest for the Sandal of The Gods or some such.

Now I remember various incarnations of Tolkien at his best. The one that immediately springs to mind is the party, where She Who Must Be Obeyed’s friends bopped downstairs, whilst mine sat in a darkened room with a barrel of homebrew listening to Lord Of The Rings, the radio version. So you’ll understand that ‘Reminiscent’ notices made me avoid the book/series like the plague.

Another thing that put me off was weirdly named authors. So. To my great loss, I avoided Canadian author Guy Gavriel Kay for at least a decade. Then, out of desperation I started to read Tigana. Come on. Weird name, strangely named book. I couldn’t win. Could I?

Wow I was wrong. Well thought out plot, likeable characters. Excellent plot twists. I was hooked. Next came the Finovar Tapestry. Merging Celtic myth, traditional faith and Arthurian legend, it’s a tale of sacrafice and friendship that never fails to reduce me to tears. Next came A Song for Arbonne. Dour Northern monotheism clashes with a decadent Southern society undergoing the renaissance.

I found an Author who's tales totally carry me away.

Even if you never pick up another Fantasy Novel in your life, I urge you to try one of the above.

Ogre.