Andrew Jones asked Michael J. Sullivan:

Hi Michael. I love your books and writing style. I especially love the anti-grimdark feel of your books. So many current fantasy books just depress me. I remember reading somewhere that you write books that you would enjoy reading yourself. Given I love your writing style I was wondering what other authors you enjoy reading?

Michael J. Sullivan Hey Andrew, GrimDark has become fairly prevalent in recent times. When I wrote my stories, I didn't know I was "bucking a trend" because I hadn't been reading fantasy for a while. But I'm glad there are others like me who prefer a more uplifting slant to their stories. Some of my recommendations are old (again, GrimDark has taken over a lot of fantasy as of late), and some isn't fantasy. But here are some of my favorites:

* Lord of the Rings (of course)
* Watership Down (by Richard Adams)
* The Legend of Eli Monpress (by Rachel Aaron)
* Uprooted (by Naomi Novik)
* The Martian (by Andy Wier)
* Ready Player One (by Ernest Cline)
* The Stand (by Stephen King)
* Harry Potter Series
* The Golem and the Jinni (by Helene Wecker)
* The Goblin Emperor (by Katherine Addison)

I hope you find some stuff you like in there!

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