Josh Robertson

Not All Fantasy is European

The most popular fantasy novels have been set in a euro-centric / medieval settings. This is not difficult to imagine when thinking that we all grew up hearing the tales of King Arthur or Beowulf. Then, of course, there is the famous Lord of the Rings, Chronicles of Narnia, and more recently, Game of Thrones or Percy Jackson, from which we are all familiar. I enjoy all of these stories as much as the next reader, especially if and when they challenge regular fantasy clichés. Sometimes, it is important to move outside of those traditional epic-fantasy worlds.

I have heard many readers say that they are not into fantasy, and it often comes from being overwhelmed by too much European fantasy. However, it is important to know that these settings do not represent the entire genre of fantasy literature. Not every story focuses on a young farm hand that realizes he has some epic gift, given to him by the gods, that sends him out battling against evil foes until he rules over a kingdom.

Melkorka by Josh Robertson

For example, Melkorka is built around Slavic, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern mythologies. The setting is unique, where men and monsters still tread through a rugged and unexplored terrain. Humans have not yet discovered iron or steel. There are no knights, or towering cities, or armies marching across the horizon. And, most importantly, it is a story that will cause you to ask the question: who is really good and who is really evil?

Joshua began crafting the world for the dark fantasy series, Thrice Nine Legends, in 1999. Melkorka, the first book of the series, was published in 2015. The sequel, Dyndaer, will be released in January 2016. He is also the author of the Hawkhurst Saga. Joshua currently lives in Alaska with his wife and children.

Catch up with Joshua on

BUY: A Midwinter Sellsword
Gladiators and Thieves: Coming June 2015
Anaerfell: Coming October 2015
Dyndaer: Coming January 2016

BUY: Melkorka

Kaelandur was forged by the Highborn to slay one of their own, Nedezhda Mager. As their slave, Branimir Baran never thought to question his cruel masters until he is forced to take part in the execution. His actions begin a chain of events that will lead him to confront demons, cannibals, and himself as he is forced to question his own morality and the true meaning of good and evil.

Bo Bunny and the Trouble by Josh Roberson

Joshua Robertson is an ambitious writer that enjoys devising flash fiction, short stories, poems, children’s books, and epic fantasy novels. Joshua is the author of the transitional children’s book, Bo Bunny and the Trouble. He is also the author of the dark fantasy novel, Melkorka, in the Thrice Nine Legends series. A tabletop game based on the novel and world, called Thrice Nine Legends, is set to be released in 2015.

Joshua currently lives in Alaska with his spouse and children. His ancestry is primarily Slavic and Scottish, which is often recognized in his fantasy writings. He lives his life with the purpose of enhancing each moment, seeking happiness and connection. Joshua enjoys writing, teaching, reading and traveling. His philosophy is that life is an adventure worth experiencing.