What are the characteristics of modern sword and sorcery fiction?

George R. R. Martin is quite well - known. His 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series, while more complex and political, has elements of sword and sorcery. Another is Robert E. Howard, who created Conan the Barbarian, a classic sword and sorcery character.

One of the best is 'The First Law' trilogy by Joe Abercrombie. It features a gritty and complex world filled with morally ambiguous characters. Another great one is 'The Lies of Locke Lamora' by Scott Lynch. It has a clever protagonist and a richly detailed world of thieves and magic. Also, 'The Kingkiller Chronicle' by Patrick Rothfuss is highly regarded, with its beautifully written prose and a story full of mystery and adventure.

One popular modern sword and sorcery novel is 'The First Law' trilogy by Joe Abercrombie. It features complex characters, gritty battles, and a well - crafted world of magic and swordplay. Another is 'The Lies of Locke Lamora' by Scott Lynch. It's set in a vivid and seedy fantasy city and follows the adventures of a charming thief. And 'The Kingkiller Chronicle' by Patrick Rothfuss is also well - loved, with its engaging protagonist and detailed world - building in a sword and sorcery setting.

Often, black author sword sorcery novels tend to have diverse and richly developed characters. For example, they might feature characters from different ethnic backgrounds within the story world, not just the typical white - centric characters seen in some traditional sword sorcery. They also may incorporate different cultural elements into the magic systems or the social structures of the fictional worlds.

Good ones often have a strong hero with great sword skills. For example, Conan in 'Conan the Barbarian' is super strong and his sword fighting is a big part of the story. Another characteristic is a well - built magical world. In 'The Elric of Melniboné', the world of Melniboné has its own rules of magic and a unique culture.

Writing sword and sorcery fiction well involves crafting a compelling hero or heroine. Make their journey filled with challenges and growth. Also, pay attention to the details of the magic and the battles. And, have a clear beginning, middle, and end to your story.

Beginning with 'The Belgariad' by David Eddings could be a good idea. It has a well - structured story with a hero's journey, magic, and sword - fighting. It also has a lot of humor. 'The Crystal Shard' by R. A. Salvatore is also suitable for beginners. It follows the adventures of Drizzt Do'Urden, a dark elf, in a world full of danger and magic. And 'The Wizard of Earthsea' by Ursula K. Le Guin is a classic that offers a simple yet profound exploration of magic and self - discovery in a sword and sorcery - like setting.

I think 'The Sword of Shannara' was very popular. It was one of those books that really captured the imagination of readers with its detailed world - building and the classic good - vs - evil story. The magic system was also quite appealing.

The 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien can also be considered. Although it is mainly high - fantasy, it has elements of sword and sorcery. The epic battles, the magic swords like Andúril, and the fight against the forces of evil are all hallmarks of this genre. Hobbits, humans, elves, and dwarves all use swords and magic in their quest to save Middle - earth.

Some of the well - known ones could be 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It has epic battles, magic, and a richly detailed world full of different races and cultures. Another might be 'A Song of Ice and Fire' by George R.R. Martin which has complex characters, political intrigue, and of course, sword fights and magic. Also, 'Conan the Barbarian' stories are quite popular in this genre, with their tales of a strong and savage hero in a world of sorcery and danger.