BOOKS

I actually read quite a few books in 2019 (for me that is. I read every day but I’m a very slow reader). I’ve ordered the ones that really stood out for me by when I read them, beginning in January:

Beyond Redemption by Michael R. Fletcher - I was blown away by the originality of the magic system, uniqueness of the characters, and the sheer, raw, grim power of the story.

The Half-Killed by Quenby Olsen - wonderful prose and sense of place, and creepy as hell.

Malice by John Gywnne - this is flat-out classic epic fantasy at its best.

River of Thieves by Clayton Snyder - original, gross, and funny as hell.

The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins - this book is insane and bizarre, in every way that I love.

The Unspoken Name by A.K. Larkwood - thrilling and strange and wonderful.

Twilight of the Gods by Scott Oden - a primary world fantasy with an absolutely amazing conception of the transition between the old gods and the new One God.

The True Bastards by Jonathan French - One of my most anticipated books of the year. I had pretty high expectations, and it exceeded them all.

God of Gnomes by Demi Harper - I honestly did not expect to like a litrpg novel, but I simply could not put this down.

Legacy of Ghosts by Alicia Wanstall-Burke - Wanstall-Burke is, in my opinion, one of the best new fantasy writers working today.

The Traitor God by Cameron Johnston - super refreshing and fast-paced fantasy that breaks from the epic journey and focuses on a simple plot but a thrilling story of redemption and revenge.

MOVIES

Oddly enough, I haven’t seen that many this year. It’s been a very busy year! It will probably be no surprise to anyone that the one that really stands out for me is Avengers: Endgame. Shocker!

Jeez, this is hard. It’s been a crazy year for me, with highlights definitely being attending six conferences and two in Ireland, and a Super Relaxed Fantasy Club meet-up in London. Getting all the 217 signatures for the #KINGGONEWYLD project this year has been an absolute blast. And a shockingly successful Kickstarter for Paternus: Rise of Gods Hardbacks! Wow, it really has been a crazy year...

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2020

I didn’t release any books in 2019, but I’m thrilled to finally be almost done with Paternus: War of Gods, book three of The Paternus Trilogy, and still on schedule for the June 23rd release. Wrapping this story up has been a hell of a job. Book one was ~135,000 words, book two ~155,000. Book three will be over ~200,000. I almost faint every time I see that number.

I’ve had my head down and typing so much, I don’t even know what books and movies are coming in 2020! So, you all tell me - what am I looking forward to?!

Thanks everybody!

About The Author

Official Author Website

Dyrk Ashton is a writer, educator, filmmaker and former actor active in storytelling and media making. Born and raised in the Ohio, he spent his formative years in the American Midwest wherein he got a BFA, Masters & PhD in the field of filmmaking & Movie studies. Dyrk loves the outdoors and even more the genre of speculative fiction. He currently resides in Ohio, but the fantasy landscape is the place he calls his true home.