Jenn Lyons
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Articles by Jenn Lyons
Book Review: Green & Deadly Things by Jenn Lyon
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own. Green & Deadly Things by Jenn Lyons Mogsy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars Genre: Fantasy Series: Stand Alone Publisher: Tor Books (March 3, 2026) Length: 368 pages Author Information: Website I enjoyed Jenn Lyons’ Sky on Fire, so when I heard she was returning with another standalone novel which sounds right up my alley, I was immediately intrigued.
The best fantasy books of all time (that may not be on your list yet)
The best epic fantasy of all time High stakes and high fantasy combine in these immersive epic fantasy reads, full of action, battles and transportive world-building. by Adrian Tchaikovsky Why read this: If you’re searching for epic fantasy with a fierce emotional core and a world unlike any other, The Tiger and the Wolf delivers on every front.
Green and Deadly Things by Jenn Lyons
For fans of S.A. Chakraborty, Robin Hobb, and Martha Wells's Witch King, a capitvating standalone fantasy of necromancy and cursed magic from Jenn Lyons, the acclaimed author of The Ruin of Kings. Centuries ago, necromancy almost destroyed the world. That’s how history remembers it. Mathaiik has studied all his life to join the sacred order of the Idallik Knights, charged with defending their world from the forces of necromancy.
Nebe v plamenech
Domů Knihy Nebe v plamenech Přehled Hodnotit lze až po vydání. Anarod žije, jen aby přežila, a nejraději se pohybuje v džunglích Hlubin s věrnou titánskou dračicí po svém boku. Když ji skupina dobrodruhů zachrání před zajetím místním krutovládcem Sikaryonem, zatouží se vrátit ke svému osamělému životu. Záhy však zjistí, že nešlo jen o obyčejnou záchranu. Anarod totiž dohnala její minulost. A ti prohnaní darebáci ji hodlají odtáhnout do Nebesánie, kde potřebují její pomoc při krádeži pokladu.
July 1 - Georgia Writers Association Announces the 2025 Georgia Author of the Year Awards
July 1, 2025 - The Georgia Writers Association (GWA) has announced the winners of the 2025 Georgia Author of the Year Awards (GAYA), an esteemed recognition given to Georgia authors who have shown exemplary literary talent in the past year. This year's awards honored authors in 15 categories, ranging from fiction and poetry to memoir and children's literature, with 124 nominees.
Can’t Wait Wednesday: Green and Deadly Things by Jenn Lyons
Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to share upcoming book releases that we’re excited about! This meme is based on Waiting on Wednesday, which was created and hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. Green and Deadly Things looks cool as Helllll! This is a standalone fantasy where a knight must team up with the last of the undead necromancers to restore the balance of the magical world.
writing process - Reactor
The Reactor newsletter is the best way to catch up on the world of science fiction, fantasy, pop culture, and more!
Books to read if you love Fourth Wing
27/08/2026 3 minutes to read Fans of romantasy, dragons and action will love these books like Fourth Wing. 27/08/2026 3 minutes to read Wondering what to read after Onyx Storm, the latest book in The Empyrean series that started with Fourth Wing and Iron Flame? Look no further. We, alongside some in-house fans, have some suggestions to keep you going until the fourth volume in the hit BookTok series comes out.
The Sky on Fire by Jenn Lyons - Review
Published: July 9, 2024 Publisher: Tor Books Series: N/A Genre: Fantasy Pages: 432 (Kindle) My Rating: 4.5 Stars A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: From the acclaimed author of the Chorus of Dragons series, this propulsive new standalone fantasy is Dragonriders of Pern for a modern audience.
Currently Reading: 6/24/24
The Sky on Fire by Jen Lyons It’s time to get serious about all the July ARCs on my TBR and The Sky on Fire is the first one on my checklist. I’m about 15% in and I’m intrigued. The dragons seem to run things and only have humans to do their bidding, plus there’s some cool magic I can’t wait to learn more about! Navola by Paolo Bacigalupi This is definitely one of my most anticipated reads for the month, though I’m trying to temper my expectations since the reviews seem to be sort of middling.
The Unmothers
Leslie J. Anderson. Quirk, $18.99 trade paper (320p) ISBN 978-1-68369-429-8 Debut author Anderson crafts a truly unsettling gothic horror story. Reporter Carolyn Marshall is still recovering from her husband’s death and the miscarriage he never knew about when she’s sent to rural Raeford to follow up on a strange story: a horse has given birth to a healthy human infant, with a local teen claiming to be the father.
The Sky on Fire by Jenn Lyons
Title: The Sky on Fire Author: Jenn Lyons Released: 09.07.2024 Reviews: Amazon: Buy from Amazon GoodReads: 3.88 (read) Our review: 4.50 (read) Today’s book is one I’ve requested from NetGalley a long time ago (months). Considering it was from TOR and they have rejected previous requests from me, I was convinced I wouldn’t get it. I know it has something to do with publishing rights. Imagine my surprise when I received an email saying that my request was approved.
Cuckoo
Gretchen Felker-Martin. Nightfire, $18.99 trade paper (352p) ISBN 978-1-250-79466-6 In this ambitious and devastating coming-of-age tale, Felker-Martin (Manhunt) digs into the trauma of growing up in a culture that wants queer youth erased and replaced. In 1995, a group of seven teens are abducted and brought to a conversion camp based at a remote ranch, where they face brutal punishment from camp leaders and cruel counselors.
House of Bone and Rain
Gabino Iglesias. Mulholland, $29 (352p) ISBN 978-0-316-42701-2 Shirley Jackson and Bram Stoker Award winner Iglesias (The Devil Takes You Home) weaves a dark tale of grief and vengeance set in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in the lead up to Hurricane Maria. “If someone fucks with one of us, they fuck with all of us,” is the motto Gabe and his friends—Bimbo, Paul, Tavo, and Xavier—live by. When Bimbo’s mother, Maria, is murdered, Bimbo and the others vow to track down her killers.
Click here to recommend your favorite Books
Suggested byPix and upvoted by 2 others Unwind by Neal Shusterman Liked by 8.9K Scythe by Neal Shusterman Liked by 26.0K Red Rising by Pierce Brown Liked by 11.8K Verity by Colleen Hoover Liked by 210.9K The Price by Elle Bennett Liked by 1 AngelicaNot a children’s book but I’m not sure what level of beginner reading your inquiring about. This is the first book I read as an adult that led me to start reading daily. To add a comment, download the Likewise app from your device's app store.
A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland
Alexandra Rowland Synopsis A sweeping fantasy romance inspired by the Ottoman Empire, A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland is perfect for fans of A Marvellous Light and The Goblin Emperor. ‘A delicious tangle of romance, fealty and dangerous politics’ – Tasha Suri, author of The Jasmine Throne One false coin could topple an empire. Kadou, the shy prince of Arasht, has no intention of wrestling for imperial control with his sister, the queen.
A Power Unbound by Freya Marske
Freya Marske Synopsis ‘Sublime prose, top-notch world-building, delightfully queer’ – TJ Klune, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, on A Marvellous Light Secrets! Magic! Enemies to . . . something more? Jack Alston – Lord Hawthorn – would love a nice, safe, comfortable life. He renounced magic after the death of his twin sister. But with the threat of a dangerous ritual risking every magician in Britain, he’s drawn reluctantly back into that world.
How abortion rights help women with violent partners survive.
Family And gave her own a much happier ending. A few years ago, I had a frank conversation regarding abortion with one of my childhood friends. We’d lost contact with each other, but I always remembered Jessica (not her real name) as a sweet girl with dimples and a fantastic smile. Her mother had been a bit of a hippie, so I’d always assumed Jessica would follow that route: charity work at food banks and protests against Big Agra, different varietals of kombucha fermenting in her basement.
Women in SF&F Month: Jenn Lyons
Today’s Women in SF&F Month guest is Jenn Lyons! She was a finalist for the Astounding Award for Best New Writer both years she was eligible following the release of The Ruin of Kings, her epic fantasy debut novel and the first book in A Chorus of Dragons. The next three books in this series “about a long-lost royal whose fate is tied to the future of an empire”—The Name of All Things, The Memory of Souls, and The House of Always—are out now.
Le Choeur des dragons, tome 3 : La Mémoire des âmes de Jenn Lyons
Bragelonne, 624 pages, 2021, Fantasy Une nouvelle fois j’ai pris un grand plaisir à lire un tome de cette série, comme les précédents. L’ensemble prend un tournant dans ce tome, vu qu’on comprend enfin ce qui se passe vraiment et les composantes du problème à résoudre. Ceux qui connaissent cette série savent à quel point il est difficile de faire un résumé tellement l’ensemble est complexe.
Episode 30: Extravaganza
It's time for another Extravaganza! This week, we're getting tipsy, answering listener questions, and revealing our brand new Patreon! Please consider supporting us there so that we can pay the scribes for their amazing work! What We’ve Been Reading The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons A Choir of Lies by Alexandra Rowland Russian Doll (2019) The Umbrella Academy (2019- ) Erkenci Kus (the Turkish soap opera) Other Stuff We Mentioned Doctor Who Pacific Rim (never explicitly stated, but this is where...
The Discord of Gods
Multiple points of view, ambitious reincarnated character arcs, and copious swords and sorcery create an enthralling world in this conclusion to Lyons’s “A Chorus of Dragons” series (following The House of Always). Kihrin D’Mon has successfully integrated with the damaged mind of Vol Karoth and freed himself from his prison.
A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske
Imprint: Tor Set in an alternative Edwardian England, this is a comedy of manners, manor houses, and hedge mazes: including a magic-infused murder mystery and a delightful queer romance. 'Lush historical fantasy . . . A delightful book, with richly developed characters' – New York Times ‘Mystery! Magic! Murder! . . . This book is a confection, both marvellous and light’ – Alix E.
The House of Always
For fans of Brandon Sanderson and Patrick Rothfuss, The House of Always is the fourth epic fantasy in Jenn Lyons' Chorus of Dragons series that began with The Ruin of Kings. What if you were imprisoned for all eternity? In the aftermath of the Ritual of Night, everything has changed. The Eight Immortals have catastrophically failed to stop Kihrin's enemies, who are moving forward with their plans to free Vol Karoth, the King of Demons.
House of Always, by By Jenn Lyons.
The House of Always By Jenn Lyons. May 2021. 544p. Tor, $28.99 (9781250175670); $14.99 (9781250175663). REVIEW. First published April 15, 2021 (Booklist). More than twice as long as each of the previous three volumes in the Chorus of Dragons series, this is another tour de force in upturning the classical tropes of epic fantasy. After the failed attempt to keep the so-called King of Demons, Vol Kalroth, imprisoned, Kihrin sets out to confront him in his mind prison.
Art in the Year of Calamities
By Jenn LyonsJan 19th, 2021, 3:09 pm 2020 was a bad year to be a creator. Normally, artists of all sorts excel at transforming negative energy. We channel the darker emotions of the human condition into our work, create pieces of brutal, sincere honesty. Anger, fear, despair, and heartbreak spun into chrysalis and transformed into art. In 2020, I discovered there are limits to my skills at artistic alchemy. Dear god, there are limits. Someone complimented me recently for how productive I was in 2020.
How to Make an Apple Pie: Ecologies and Economies in SFF
"Still Life With Apples" by Paul Cézanne (c. 1893-4) “If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe.” –Carl Sagan Back when dinosaurs roamed the earth (otherwise known as the late 1970s) a documentary series aired called Connections, narrated by James Burke. It was about a bit of everything, but mostly about how the inventions and materials that shape our lives have unexpected and often vast interdependencies.
The Name of All Things
"Everything epic fantasy should be: rich, cruel, gorgeous, brilliant, enthralling and deeply, deeply satisfying. I loved it."—Lev Grossman on The Ruin of Kings You can have everything you want if you sacrifice everything you believe. Kihrin D'Mon is a wanted man. Since he destroyed the Stone of Shackles and set demons free across Quur, he has been on the run from the wrath of an entire empire.
The best fantasy books of 2020
The best new fantasy books of 2020 The Unspoken Name by A. K. Larkwood If you're looking for a new fantasy series to get excited about, A. K. Larkwood's The Serpent Gates is it. In The Unspoken Name expect an epic coming-of-age tale set in a world of death cults, hungry gods, ancient tombs, and rival sorcerers.
Plotting Your Fantasy Novel With a Bullet Journal
Have you ever heard of bullet journaling? Its basic concept is simple: instead of using a day planner with formally assigned pre-printed pages, a bullet journal starts out completely blank. You assign pages in the front to be an index, and then write down important information and to-do lists as you go. Any time you want to dedicate space to a special subject (say ‘Plot Notes’) you can do so while just jotting down the page numbers of that topic back in the index.
The Books I Loved Best in 2019
Now is the winter of our list content.* Everyone everywhere is producing gift-giving guides and Year’s Bests, broken down by genre, by region, by bookstore, by newspaper. From a critical perspective, I most value the lists that contain plenty of books I haven’t heard of; from an author’s perspective, I most value the lists that contain my book; from a reader’s perspective, I most value lists from people whose taste I know and trust.
The Name of All Things
“Simply put: This is top-notch adventure fantasy written for a 21st-century audience—highly recommended.”—Kirkus, starred review for The Name of All Things “Lyons proves she is worthy of comparison to other masters of epic fantasy.”—Booklist, starred review for The Name of All Things “Lyons is creating a complex and wonderful series that will immerse and delight.”—Library Journal on The Name of All Things Praise for The Ruin of Kings: “An impressive and highly accomplished debut . . .
Tearing Down the Throne: Interrogating Power Structures in Western Epic Fantasy
A few years back, I had the good fortune to meet legendary sci-fi writer David Brin. He seemed a little disappointed to discover that I wrote epic fantasy, not science-fiction, but he did give me the following piece of advice, which I am determined to have picked out in cross-stitch, or perhaps tattooed: Never forget to interrogate the power structures. Funny how a single imperative can resonate through your entire creative path.
When the Ends Justify the Means: Five Villains Who See Themselves as Heroes
Let’s talk villains. Yes, I know, there have been other lists about villains before. But I want to talk about a very special sort of villain. The kind whose motivation isn’t greed or lust for power, jealousy or spite. I want to talk about my favorite kind of villain, the one who is doing this whole bad guy routine for the best of reasons. The villains who might not object to being called villains but will absolutely defend their actions as necessary. No, really.
Read an Extended Excerpt from Jenn Lyons’ The Name of All Things
Jenn Lyons continues the Chorus of Dragons series with The Name of All Things, the epic sequel to The Ruin of Kings. The Name of All Things publishes October 29th with Tor Books—start reading now with the prologue and chapters 1-3 below. Kihrin D’Mon is a wanted man. Since he destroyed the Stone of Shackles and set demons free across Quur, he has been on the run from the wrath of an entire empire.
Inside Sherwood Forest: Jenn Lyons and Nathan Makaryk Talk All Things Robin Hood
There are some stories we just keep coming back to: myths of great heroes, of Chosen Ones who save the world, of sources of light that lead us from the dark. These stories as passed down through generation and take many forms: some are told many times with slight changes to suit the times, some are changed to make the hero look more like the storyteller. Some become songs or plays or films.
Three fantasy books to read while George R.R. Martin pens the real ending of 'Game of Thrones'
US writer George RR Martin (R), author of the books 'Game Of Thrones', takes part in a book signing on July 3, 2014 in Dijon, eastern France. (AFP/Philippe Merle) After the final season of Game of Thrones came to a polarizing conclusion on Sunday, fans are turning to George RR Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, which remains unfinished, while others may be looking for new tomes to get their fantasy fix.
The greatest dragons in fantasy by The Ruin Of Kings author Jenn Lyons
Jenn Lyons’ The Ruin Of Kings is an epic fantasy filled with intrigue, magic, gods, demons and yes, dragons. Here, the author writes about her favourite winged fire-breathers… I love dragons. When I was a little girl, I belonged to an after-school club that hosted a yearly themed party for our parents. And one year, they decided the theme would be fantasy. This was my moment.
Keeping Your Fantasy Novel Organized with a Bullet Journal
Have you ever heard of bullet journaling? Its basic concept is simple: instead of using a day planner with formally assigned pre-printed pages, a bullet journal starts out completely blank. You assign pages in the front to be an index, and then write down important information and to-do lists as you go. Any time you want to dedicate space to a special subject (say ‘Plot Notes’) you can do so while just jotting down the page numbers of that topic back in the index.
The Ruin of Kings
A Kirkus Best of Science Fiction and Fantasy pick for 2019! A Library Journal Best Book of 2019! An NPR Favorite Book of 2019! "Everything epic fantasy should be: rich, cruel, gorgeous, brilliant, enthralling and deeply, deeply satisfying. I loved it."—Lev Grossman, author of The Magicians When destiny calls, there's no fighting back. Kihrin grew up in the slums of Quur, a thief and a minstrel's son raised on tales of long-lost princes and magnificent quests.
Why All Writers Are Worldbuilders
Sometime last year I remember reading an article about worldbuilding which suggested it was overrated and unnecessary. I had the perhaps predictable kneejerk reaction about it. After all, I take a considerable amount of joy when it comes to the worldbuilding process. I really love worldbuilding. A lot. Then I really thought about it. This isn’t a new idea. Every few months I hear someone talk about how worldbuilding is overhyped, a waste of time that would be better spent, well, writing.
The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons: Chapter 17
Debut author Jenn Lyons has created one of the funniest, most engrossing new epic fantasy novels of the 21st century in The Ruin of Kings. An eyebrow-raising cross between the intricacy of Brandon Sanderson’s worldbuilding and the snark of Patrick Rothfuss.
Author Of The Week: Chat with Jenn Lyons (The Ruin Of Kings), Plus Giveaway!
Welcome to our weekly special feature post, Author Of The Week!! Each week we will be interviewing a different YA author and highlighting their upcoming release! We will also be hosting a giveaway of the book we are highlighting!! Introducing Jenn Lyons, YABC's Author of the Week!! Jenn Lyons was a graphic artist and illustrator for 20 years and has worked in video games for over a decade. She previously worked on The Saboteur and Lord of the Rings: Conquest at EA Games.
The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons: Chapters 15 and 16
Debut author Jenn Lyons has created one of the funniest, most engrossing new epic fantasy novels of the 21st century in The Ruin of Kings. An eyebrow-raising cross between the intricacy of Brandon Sanderson’s worldbuilding and the snark of Patrick Rothfuss. Which is why Tor.com is releasing one or two chapters per week, leading all the way up to the book’s release on February 5th, 2019! Not only that, but our resident Wheel of Time expert Leigh Butler will be reading along and reacting with you.
The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons: Chapter 14
Debut author Jenn Lyons has created one of the funniest, most engrossing new epic fantasy novels of the 21st century in The Ruin of Kings. An eyebrow-raising cross between the intricacy of Brandon Sanderson’s worldbuilding and the snark of Patrick Rothfuss. Which is why Tor.com is releasing one or two chapters per week, leading all the way up to the book’s release on February 5th, 2019! Not only that, but our resident Wheel of Time expert Leigh Butler will be reading along and reacting with you.
The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons: Chapter 13
Debut author Jenn Lyons has created one of the funniest, most engrossing new epic fantasy novels of the 21st century in The Ruin of Kings. An eyebrow-raising cross between the intricacy of Brandon Sanderson’s worldbuilding and the snark of Patrick Rothfuss. Which is why Tor.com is releasing one or two chapters per week, leading all the way up to the book’s release on February 5th, 2019! Not only that, but our resident Wheel of Time expert Leigh Butler will be reading along and reacting with you.
The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons: Chapter 12
Debut author Jenn Lyons has created one of the funniest, most engrossing new epic fantasy novels of the 21st century in The Ruin of Kings. An eyebrow-raising cross between the intricacy of Brandon Sanderson’s worldbuilding and the snark of Patrick Rothfuss. Which is why Tor.com is releasing one or two chapters per week, leading all the way up to the book’s release on February 5th, 2019! Not only that, but our resident Wheel of Time expert Leigh Butler will be reading along and reacting with you.
How to Create a Wiki to Support Your Fantasy Worldbuilding
As a fantasy writer, I am often asked how I keep all the worldbuilding details straight. I have a lot after all: multiple constructed languages, maps, races, countries, social customs… the list goes on. So how do I keep track of it all? I don’t. That’s why I have a wiki.
Author Of The Week: Chat with Jenn Lyons (The Ruin Of Kings), Plus Giveaway!
Welcome to our weekly special feature post, Author Of The Week!! Each week we will be interviewing a different YA author and highlighting their upcoming release! We will also be hosting a giveaway of the book we are highlighting!! Introducing Jenn Lyons, YABC's Author of the Week!! Jenn Lyons was a graphic artist and illustrator for 20 years and has worked in video games for over a decade. She previously worked on The Saboteur and Lord of the Rings: Conquest at EA Games.
The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons: Chapters 10 and 11
Debut author Jenn Lyons has created one of the funniest, most engrossing new epic fantasy novels of the 21st century in The Ruin of Kings. An eyebrow-raising cross between the intricacy of Brandon Sanderson’s worldbuilding and the snark of Patrick Rothfuss. Which is why Tor.com is releasing one or two chapters per week, leading all the way up to the book’s release on February 5th, 2019! Not only that, but our resident Wheel of Time expert Leigh Butler will be reading along and reacting with you.
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