Fantastical

I lied.

At first I thought the theme of favorite writer would be easy! Duh, clearly Andrew Smith. However, throughout the week as I did research on an upcoming project, I realized that that wasn't true. Andrew Smith has got to be one of the best writers of our generation, hands down. He is, however, not my favorite.

My favorite author almost single-handedly fostered my love in the fantasy genre. His world was so complete and inspired, yet so rooted in our own. His characters have grown up with me and I got to be inspired by their adventures and trials. My favorite author is John Flanagan.

 John's world of Araluen in The Ranger's Apprentice is a magical one that follows the story of Ranger Will as he fights warlords, invaders, slavery, sorcerers, betrayal, and danger. His story is wonderful as we watch him grow into a man and a hero. The dialogue is witty and invented and what every teenager wishes they were smart enough to say.


His most recent series, The Brotherband, chronicles the story of a young man and his crew as they overcome social barriers to change from outcasts to heroes. The Skandians set off on a grand adventure to capture pirates, set off to free slaves, and go to destroy an entire criminal syndicate. They achieve a camaraderie that most people only dream of and reading of their adventures puts you right in the action yourself.


John Flanagan truly opened my eyes to fantasy writing with these tales of Rangers and Skandians, and I highly treasure and recommend them to anyone. Step into this world, and be lost in it for ages.