Alistair the Fourth was a mighty general from a long-forgotten war. Four hundred years later, Alster Lightbridge is barely a shadow of his legendary namesake. Crippled and confined to his family’s estate, he spends his days dreaming of something larger than himself—something worthy of his name.
Origins of LitRPG
LitRPG, short for Literary Role-Playing Game, is a genre of fiction that combines elements of role-playing games and science fiction or fantasy literature. These books typically follow the journey of a character who finds themselves trapped within a virtual reality game world, and must navigate challenges and level up their skills to progress through the game.
The roots of LitRPG can be traced back to the 1980s, with the emergence of the first online multiplayer games such as MUDs (Multi-User Dungeons) and MUSHs (Multi-User Shared Hallucinations). These games allowed players to immerse themselves in virtual worlds and interact with other players in real-time. As online gaming evolved, so too did the idea of stories set within virtual worlds.
The first book widely considered to be LitRPG is "Only Sense Online," a Japanese light novel series by Aloha Zachou, which was published in 2012. The series tells the story of a young girl named Yun, who logs into a virtual reality MMORPG game to escape the stresses of real life. The success of "Only Sense Online" paved the way for other LitRPG series to follow.
One of the most popular LitRPG series in recent years is "The Gam3" by Cosimo Yap, published in 2015. The series follows the journey of Alan, a gamer who is recruited by an alien race to fight in a virtual reality game that will determine the fate of Earth.
Since then, the popularity of LitRPG has continued to grow, with countless authors exploring the possibilities of virtual worlds and gaming mechanics in their writing. Some of the most successful LitRPG series include "The Land" by Aleron Kong, "Awaken Online" by Travis Bagwell, and "Ascend Online" by Luke Chmilenko.
LitRPG books have also sparked a renewed interest in tabletop role-playing games, such as Dungeons & Dragons, as well as online gaming communities. Many LitRPG authors are themselves avid gamers, and the genre has become a way to bridge the gap between literature and gaming.
In conclusion, the history of LitRPG books can be traced back to the emergence of online gaming communities in the 1980s. Today, the genre continues to grow in popularity, offering readers a unique and immersive way to experience virtual worlds and gaming mechanics through literature.
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Read or listen today!
History of Fantasy Fiction
When did fantasy fiction start?
Fantasy novels have been around for centuries and have captivated readers of all ages with their imaginative worlds, magical creatures, and epic battles between good and evil. The genre has a rich history that spans back to ancient myths and legends, but it was not until the 20th century that it became a recognized literary genre.
One of the earliest examples of fantasy literature can be found in ancient myths and legends from around the world. These stories often featured gods and goddesses, monsters, and heroes with supernatural powers. One of the most famous examples is Homer's epic poem, The Odyssey, which tells the story of Odysseus and his journey home after the Trojan War.
In the 19th century, authors such as Jules Verne and H.G. Wells wrote science fiction stories that included elements of fantasy. Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth and Wells' The Time Machine are examples of early science fiction novels that featured fantastical elements.
However, it was not until the 20th century that fantasy literature became a distinct genre with its own conventions and tropes. The publication of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit in 1937 and The Lord of the Rings trilogy in the 1950s is often credited with establishing fantasy as a popular genre. Tolkien's epic tales of Middle-earth introduced readers to a fully-realized world filled with dwarves, elves, orcs, and other fantastical creatures.
Other notable fantasy authors from the mid-20th century include C.S. Lewis, who wrote The Chronicles of Narnia series, and Ursula K. Le Guin, who wrote the Earthsea series. These authors helped to establish many of the conventions of the genre, such as the use of magic, mythical creatures, and epic quests.
In the latter half of the 20th century, the popularity of fantasy novels continued to grow, with authors like Terry Brooks, George R.R. Martin, and J.K. Rowling becoming household names. Today, the fantasy genre remains popular with readers of all ages, and new authors continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in fantasy literature.
What’s the best of the modern era?
Fantasy literature has always captivated readers with its vivid imagination, epic battles, and enchanting creatures. The 20th century was a prolific period for the genre, producing many classic works that have endured the test of time. In this article, we will explore some of the best fantasy novels of the 20th century that have captured the hearts of millions of readers.
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien First published in 1954, The Lord of the Rings is an epic high fantasy novel that follows the journey of hobbit Frodo Baggins as he sets out to destroy the One Ring and defeat the evil Lord Sauron. The novel is set in the fictional world of Middle-earth and has been widely praised for its world-building, character development, and rich mythology. The Lord of the Rings has influenced countless works of fantasy and remains one of the best-loved and most-read novels of the genre.
A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin A Song of Ice and Fire is a series of epic fantasy novels that began with A Game of Thrones in 1996. The novels are set in the fictional world of Westeros, where the noble houses battle for control of the Iron Throne. The series is known for its intricate plot, well-drawn characters, and unexpected twists and turns. The television adaptation of the series, Game of Thrones, has brought even more attention to the novels, making them some of the most popular works of fantasy of all time.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis The Chronicles of Narnia is a series of seven fantasy novels that were written between 1950 and 1956. The novels follow the adventures of a group of children who are transported to the magical land of Narnia, where they encounter talking animals, witches, and other fantastical creatures. The novels are known for their Christian themes, but they have also been praised for their imaginative world-building and compelling characters.
The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin The Earthsea Cycle is a series of fantasy novels that began with A Wizard of Earthsea in 1968. The novels are set in the world of Earthsea, where magic is a central part of life. The series follows the story of the young wizard Ged, as he rises to power and battles the forces of evil. The novels have been praised for their nuanced portrayal of magic, their complex characters, and their exploration of themes such as power, identity, and mortality.
Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling The Harry Potter series is a seven-book series that began with Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in 1997. The series follows the story of Harry Potter, a young orphan who discovers that he is a wizard and attends the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The series has been praised for its imaginative world-building, well-drawn characters, and themes of friendship, loyalty, and courage. The series has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring a generation of readers and spawning a massive franchise that includes movies, merchandise, and theme parks.
The 20th century was a golden age for fantasy literature, producing many classic works that continue to captivate readers today. The novels on this list are just a few of the best examples of the genre, but there are countless others that are equally worthy of attention. Whether you are a long-time fan of fantasy or a newcomer to the genre, these novels are sure to transport you to magical worlds filled with adventure, danger, and wonder.
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Stuart Thaman is a fantasy author who has been making waves in the genre with his unique and imaginative storytelling. His novels feature complex characters, detailed world-building, and exciting plots that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Book Signing at Chaotic Good, Lexington, KY!
March 18, 2023!
Come out to Chaotic Good, 545 S. Broadway, Suite 160, Lexington, KY! They have awesome coffee, great food, tons of (free) boardgames, lots of D&D and comics, and so much more! And on March 18th, they’ll have me!
Unsheathed has an audiobook!
Unsheathed: An Epic Fantasy Collection
Draw your blade.
Fasten your armor.
Prepare for war.
The Unsheathed collection brings to life nine powerhouse tales of epic fantasy filled with daring duels, gruesome slaughter, and the ringing cacophony of battle.
“A diverse anthology of unique fantasy. Left me wanting for expansion to full novels!” - Amazon Review
Interview with Emily Goglia
Check out an interview I did recently with actress and singer Emily Goglia. We talk metal, bluegrass, books, fantasy, and even law. Pretty cool!
New sci-fi short story available!
One Foul Step from the Abyss
Edgar Lopez, a rotund man about to crest the final hill that separated middle age from senility, scratched his chin in amazement. “Thirty years I’ve worked here…” he muttered to himself and the glazed donut sitting on a cheap paper napkin in front of him.
“What’s that, Ed?” Gabriella, one of the college interns, called from her desk a few feet away. In the astronomy world, Edgar was something of a legend. He had worked at the Apollo Observatory and Space Research Facility longer than the handful of interns had been alive. He had a well-earned reputation and a list of awards and achievements that would make any scientist blush.
Despite his history, he didn’t feel like a legend. He felt like a failure. A stack of field reports sat on Edgar’s desk and stared at him. It was his last day, and Edgar had resolved himself to let his paperwork rot.
“Ed?” Gabriella asked again, this time with a hint of concern lacing her otherwise beautiful Spanish accent.
“Oh, nothing,” he told her politely, “just wandering off. You know how it gets.” Gabriella nodded and returned to her computer screen. “Oh, Gabriella?” He peeked his head over his monitor with the flash of an idea running through his head.
“Yes?” the eager intern replied. Edgar wasn’t sure, but he vaguely remembered that Gabriella was only a sophomore at the university and a foreign transfer at that. She would blindly follow him anywhere… and she wouldn’t be missed.
Edgar rose from his desk with the lumbering speed of a limp sloth. A lifetime of watching the stars through a telescope had added more weight to his belly than glazed donuts and coffee ever could. “Come with me,” he told her. “I’ve got something to show you.”
Gabriella verily leapt to her feet and grabbed a field report clipboard from a peg on the wall. “Yes, sir!” she chirped at his heels. While everyone called him Ed when he was at his desk, the moment he stood up changed the rules. Since the observatory was located on the grounds of an active military base, proper protocol had to be followed everywhere outside the offices.
Edgar made his way down a long hallway surrounded by computer monitors and busy interns. He smiled to himself and basked in the realization that he would never have to return to the observatory again. In just a few short hours, his time would be up.
Edgar and Gabriella arrived a few moments later at a large black door two floors beneath the office area. Large red letters across the top of the door told them where they were: the Deep Space Tele Relay.
“I don’t think I’m allowed to go in there, sir,” Gabriella said apprehensively. “Professor Moun-”
“Never mind your professors,” Edgar interrupted. With a heavy hand he unlocked the door and flipped on a light switch. A long hallway with several glass doors presented itself.
“What is this place?” Gabriella asked as she followed Edgar into the hallway.
“The Deep Space Tele Relay was built in 1978 after the Wow! Signal was picked up by the Big Ear Radio Telescope at Ohio State. It took a while to get it calibrated, lot of tinkering and the like, but we had it operational by the eighties.” Edgar stopped in front of a sliding glass door and pointed to the banks of computers and technicians working inside. In front of the four rows of computers was a giant screen with dozens of technical readouts and constantly changing charts and graphs.
“What does it do?” she whispered, peering through the glass like a little girl at a puppy store.
“After the Wow! Signal, we knew we weren’t alone. The public knew it too, but for whatever reason, they didn’t seem to care as much as us nerds here. We built the relay to send messages to the exact location where the Wow! Signal originated.” Edgar kept walking down the long hallway to another heavy black door.
The intern stopped in her tracks, and her voice caught in her throat. “I-I was taught that we never heard anything after the Wow! Signal. None of the radio arrays ever picked up anything like it again. That’s what we were all taught.” Gabriella shook her head, and a creeping sensation in her stomach told her to turn back. None of it made sense. The black door at the end of the hall lurked like a huge monster from her nightmares ready to devour her.
“Don’t believe everything your professors teach you, Gabriella,” Edgar said with a casual laugh. He punched in a long sequence of numbers on a metallic keypad next to the door. A series of clicking sounds emanated from the mechanism, and for the first time that day, Edgar smiled. “A few years after the Wow! Signal was recorded, the deep space tele relay located the origin. It was moving at an incredible speed, so it was hard to track at first.”
Gabriella’s eyes grew wide. “What source? A pulsar? A quasar? Those don’t move, do they?” Everything she had learned in all her advanced astrophysics and astronomy classes was rapidly dissolving into useless dribble inside her brain.
Edgar chuckled and turned to face her with a hand on the doorknob. “Everyone expected the source of the signal to be a quasar. You’re right… quasars don’t move. No, what the tele relay discovered was a vehicle traveling at near the speed of light.”
“My god…” Gabriella gasped. She muttered something inaudible under her breath in Spanish. “Why hasn’t the world been told? Why are you keeping it a secret?” For a brief moment, she thought of fleeing the observatory and running straight to the press.
Edgar laughed and pushed open the door. A world of strange sounds and flashing lights spilled into the otherwise dark hallway. Gabriella’s senses were completely overwhelmed. “Come with me,” Edgar commanded with just enough authority in his voice to ensure that Gabriella obeyed. All thoughts of running vanished the moment she took a step.
“The world isn’t ready to know, Gabriella,” Edgar explained as he walked into the laboratory. Dozens of scientists in white lab coats worked at stations with computers, beakers, slides of organic material, and all other sorts of equipment. Despite the door rarely being opened, none of the scientists seemed to notice the new arrivals.
“How long has this been down here?” Gabriella wondered aloud. She stepped out of the way of a scurrying scientist and noticed a smell she certainly knew but had trouble identifying. The scientist bowled past her to a large metal box with a series of complex locks. Once he opened the door, the man placed what looked like a tissue sample inside and locked the container once more.
“Watch. I think you’ll enjoy this part.” Edgar pointed to the box and took a step closer. After a moment, the device began to hum and vibrate with energy.
“That smell…” Gabriella remarked, still struggling to place it in her mind.
Edgar gave the woman a fatherly pat on the back. “We were surprised too,” he said. “The material they use to coat their communications smells like cedar mixed with dark chocolate. Altogether quite pleasant, if you ask me. We call it Gwycin Gel.”
“Wait…” Despite her advanced intellect and years of training, her mind couldn’t grasp the realities of what she was learning. “A substance to coat communications?” She shook her head. Then her eyes went wide and she gasped. “Who is they!” she practically screamed. “Who are they?”
Several of the scientists at nearby stations turned for a moment to regard her outburst, but none of them were bothered enough to speak. Edgar turned the intern to face a large poster hanging inside a protective glass case. “Have you heard of the Greys?”
Gabriella’s eyes devoured the information on the poster faster than her mind could process it, turning the images and captions into a blurred mess of science fiction delirium. “You can’t mean…” she sputtered.
“Oh yes,” Edgar reassured her. “The Greys are very real. When we finally locked onto their ship’s signal back in the early eighties, we couldn’t believe it either.”
“Roswell?” Gabriella asked with eyes wider than flying saucers.
Edgar shook his head. “Just another CIA hoax,” he explained. “The Greys had never been to Earth before 1986—or so they tell us. Honestly, we don’t know. All the evidence leads us to believe that none of the UFO stories you’ve ever heard are true, but in the end, we have to take them at their word.”
Gabriella looked back to the poster and the half-sized drawings of little grey aliens that fit the international stereotype so perfectly. A million questions whirled through her head at once. “Where did they land?” seemed like the most pertinent inquiry to rise above the maelstrom of her thoughts.
“Not far from here, just an hour or so south of the base.” Edgar motioned for the intern to follow him deeper into the complex, and the wide-eyed girl readily obeyed. “Ever heard of Hanger 18?” he asked.
Gabriella followed the man down a long hallway. “Only on the History Channel when they talk about…” she had a hard time saying it, despite knowing it was all true. “Aliens…” The word left a sour—yet intoxicating—taste in her mouth.
“That’s where they docked their ship,” Edgar explained as though he was stating something as banal and mundane as the color of the carpet.
“What ship?” Gabriella shouted, unable to contain her curiosity any longer.
“Shhh.” Edgar placed a hand somewhat forcefully on her shoulder and stared into her brown eyes. “You know…” he began slowly, drawing the intern’s intense gaze into his own. “Would you like… to meet one of them?”
