Rules are there to ensure conformity. In a way, rules can work against originality and invention. In Rules Breakers of Fantasy Fiction I chat with authors whose books break rules, to thwart conformity. They’re writers who look beyond the traditional tropes of dragons, wand-wielding wizards and sword-baring warriors to create new forms of fantasy fiction. I want to find out what drives their innovation, where their creativity is born and the goals they aim to achieve.Today my guest is author of the Warriors of Spirit and Bone series - Nick Snape

Rules are there to ensure conformity but rules can work against originality and invention too. I want to find out what drives innovative authors to break these rules and the goals they aim to achieve.I chat with the author of Callus and Crow (which I've reviewed and is available on my podcast) by DB Rook.

Carpentry in the Elven Forest by Alex French is a humorous, light-hearted fantasy story which will lift your mood and make you smile. Here's my review...

This story triggers the events in my dark fantasy novel,The Bastard from Fairyland. It’s all about a secret, one with far-reaching consequences, particularly for the novels main character, Robin Goodfellow. You will know him better as Puck, the character in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

The story is set in London, during the reign of Elizabeth I,the year is 1596. Robin has been exiled from his home in the Fae realm and forced to live among humans. He’s lonely andbitter – reasons for his tendency to get drunk a lot. That’s why he discloses the secret that will get him into a lot of trouble in the future.

One thing you need to know is how differently theElizabethans treated fairies. It was the Victorians who led us to think of them as tiny magical beings with wings. To the Elizabethans, they were a malign, cruel race who hated humans. That hatred will spill over into the events in my trilogy.

However, before then, let me introduce you to a character who has become a firm favourite with my readers.

Phil Williams is a prolific author fantasy fiction, his Ordshaw series is a favourite of mine.

The Worst Survive is the first book in a new series, set in a dystopian future where survival is never guaranteed. It is dark fantasy at its best. Let me explain why.

HL Tinsley has reached the final of SPFBO (the Self Publishing Fantasy Blog Off competition for #indieauthors) for the second time - the entry is The Hallows.

It is original in its premise, told with a clear, wry voice and filled with fascinating and engaging characters. No wonder it's doing so well. Let me explain why.

The Trudie Skies novel is the first in the Lost in the Aether series and a fantastic, exciting and unique read. A story which takes magic to a whole new level! Tru is the author of the Cruel Gods series, its first book was a finalist in SPFBO so you know it was good.

The Chosen One Con is edgier, darker but equally as good. Let me explain why.

Defined as 'a genre hybrid of weird west meets Grimdark fantasy', I loved the innovative elements of this book. It offers a fresh and inventive take on fantasy and I strongly recommend it. Watch the video to find out why.