Cool Stuff by Not-Me
Stories I’ve Loved
I’ll start with a quick list. If you want more descriptions, you should check out this amazing review site. Top Web Fiction is also a good resource, as well as r/progressionfantasy or r/rational.
Alternatively, use the contact page and let me know if you’re interested in more of my own personal highlights and summaries. If enough people ask for details or recommendations, I’ll spend time expanding this section.
P.S. Also, let me know if you’re interested in non-fiction book recommendations or books on writing.
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See You Next Year- the ultimate Halloween read (web Comic with gorgeous crowdfunded physical editions)
Anything by Alexander Wales, (I haven’t read all of his stuff, but I trust his skill implicitly. I’d read a can of alphabet soup if Wales poured it on a page) but particularly:
Chronicles of Jonathan Tibbs (AKA the Never Hero Series)
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Anything by Will Wight (though the Last Horizon series is just amazing and not technically progression fantasy).
Anything by Sarah Lin, (I haven’t read all their stuff, but I trust them as an author. Like, if they kicked a container of street chalk then I’d call in sick so I could spend the day trying to read whatever marks were left on the pavement) though particularly
Street Cultivator (would be Hall of Fame, but I haven’t had the opportunity to reread and see how it ages)
Almost anything by Phil Tucker, though particularly Bastion and Gods of the Game. (Dawn of the Void is by him and in my Hall of Fame section)
All the Skills- Often the gateway that gets people into deck building fantasy (magic based on gathering magical cards that grant abilities) while also having a very dragon centric world. Also, this cool post-apocalyptic things that takes a while to truly shine through.
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Anything by Ilona Andrews, but particularly:
The Kate Daniel’s series for peak urban fantasy
Innkeeper for peak cozy fantasy with a bit of action
Anything by K. F. Breene (according to reliable sources, I’ve only read Demigods of San Francisco)
Lore Olympus Gorgeous comic that follows Hades and Persephone is a vibrant, inventive way that emphasizes mental health and the oft neglected small, sweet moments of infatuation (the most gripping, relatable, emotion scene done via texting ever).
House witch- Cozy, funny, little bit of action story about a red headed witch whose powers let him build a warm, comforting home, and run the royal kitchen like no one’s business. Also, the author is the nicest person and has gorgeous special editions.
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Pokemon Origin of Species (probably going to enter my hall of fame)
Grrl Power (the webcomic)
Kill Six Billion Demons (the webcomic)
Discworld by Terry Pratchett, particularly
Anything by Naomi Novik, but particularly:
Temeraire Books 1 & 6
The Scholomance series (would be Hall of Fame, but I haven’t had a chance to reread and see how it ages)
Coraline by Neil Gaimon
Jim Butcher (caveats exist about when series hit their strides)
Brent Weeks, particularly the Light Bringer Series
Scott Pilgrim Versus the World (the comic)
Books by Peter V. Brett
All the adult and YA books of Brandon Sanderson, particularly
The books of Claire North and all her various pseudonyms, particularly
Fangs (the webcomic)
Ciaphus Cane series (at least the first few)
Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe series (Masterwork in using a fun dynamic to have both the genius Sherlock character with a street-smart gumshoe; don’t start with the first book)
Katalepsis- Incomprehensible cosmic horror, but fascinating and with a primarily lesbian cast. True horror where you don’t want to stop reading, but would fight to never be any part of the world/story.
Drew Hayes- I’ve yet to read anything by him that I haven’t liked. He does cozy and action, and rational use of powers remarkably well. I liked his stuff more as an adult then as a teenager, and he writes BEEFY books that are great for listening. His Halloween content is world class, and is a real inspiration for one of the big series I’m working towards writings. It’s to the point where I have flash bulb memories of Villian’s Vingettes whenever I step into the isle in the grocery store where I first heard about Hallowville. As of April 2024 intend to go through his whole catalogue but have read and liked the following series: Fred the Vampire Accountant, Villain’s Codes (including short stories), Super Powereds (including Corpies).
Cool Stuff/Places I Like
Tofuyi, a phenomenal artist. Great prices, prompt, creative, collaborative, and willing to invest their own creativity in making a piece’s intent work. They were the second person I hired for the Alias & Apocalypses cover, and I plan on working with them for every cover in this series after the night-and-day difference in skill and professionalism.
Editors, I’ve hired all of these editors to work on stories and compared them to several others. These three were standouts, and I wish I could afford to hire all of them for everything I publish. (Please tell them I recommended their services so that they keep taking my emails even after they’re rich, famous, and even more busy.)
Vicki Greer, Vicki is that rare mix of being frighteningly competent, highly professional, and a very interpersonally comfortable person to work with. I cannot say enough good things about the quality of her work, communication, and her rates are insanely low for someone of her talents. She’s awesome, to the point that I’d help Vicki move, or pick up her dog from the groomer if she asked: she gave me way more value than I paid for.
Lambda Editing, Angela has one of the very best websites I’ve ever seen. I have literally sent it to people as a perfect example of how to sell a small business. She lives up to the hype too. Extremely prompt, professional, and capable. I tested several potential editors at once, and she didn’t miss a single detail despite having one of the best turn-around times.
Joshua Pantalleresco, Joshua has an eye for the craft of writing and wringing the most feeling out of every moment. He makes me confident in the few moments I step away from my usual window-pane prose and try to write something more emotional or pretty. Proffesional tier vibe calibrator.
Ribbons and Rivets, they do amazing leather work and are a genuine small business who have worked ridiculously hard to carve themselves a niche.
Todd Cutler, swords. They’re cool. These swords (and other implements) are both cooler, more historically accurate, and better made than many other swords (and other implements).
Libby, uses your library card(s) to facilitate borrowing ebooks and audiobooks straight to your phone/device.
Strike gently, (enamel pins and blankets)
Dollywood. It’s the best theme park, and Dolly is the best person
Parker Pens, particularly the Jotter
Fisher Pens, particularly the AG-7 and the bullet pen
Bookshop.org, sources books from small bookshops and sends them to you
Get George Motz’s book Hamburger America to make yourself the best traveler and the most interesting coworker. It will change polite small talk. Then buy his cookbook. THEN, watch his documentary. He is The Man.