Judith Tarr writes historical fantasies with intriguing characters and plots. Her novels are well-researched, providing great detail mixed with fantasy. Lord of the Two Lands tells the story of an Egyptian priestess and Alexander the Great's conquering of Egypt. This book contains interesting uses of Egyptian myth and magic. Another novel, The Throne of Isis, gives readers the story of Cleopatra. Many of her other books are enjoyable too.
Another writer of historical fantasy is Morgan Llywelyn. She writes historical fantasies set in Ireland. Her detailed accounts of ancient Ireland bring this country to life. Most cover the period of Celtic Ireland like Bard:The Odyssey of the Irish. Another novel, The Elementals, takes place in Ireland and ancient Crete. Lion of Ireland tells the story of mythical Irish king Brian Boru.
Diana Paxson is another powerful writer of historical. In The White Raven, she tells the legend of Tristan and Iseult in a historical context. These characters come alive in a tragic story of their love. The book uses a mixture of mythical and historical characters to blend into an unforgettable novel. Recently, she has applied the same techinque to King Arthur in the books The Hallowed Isle:The Book of the Sword and The Hallowed Isle:The Book of the Spear
Harry Turtledove has created historical fantasies based on a Roman Empire that never died. Recently, he has written a book of an alternate Mesopotamia called Between the Rivers.
There are several books in this subgenre written by Marion Zimmer Bradley. The Firebrand is set during the Trojan War and tells the story through the viewpoint of the women like Cassandra. Lady of Avalon and The Forest House are prequels to her bestseller Mists of Avalon. These books are set in a pre-Arthurian Britain.
Lastly, Susan Shwartz has written some wonderful novels of Byzantine Empire that is alive with descriptions. Her books are called Shards of Empire and Cross and Crescent.
History can be a dry subject for some readers. Fantasy writers take historical people and events, giving them unique perspectives and life. They bring a touch of fantasy to our world. Until next week.
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