"New Generation" of Fantasy Novels Follows Harry Potter

Toronto, ON September 2007 – Daniel Arenson should know a thing or two about fantasy literature. Thomson Gale Publishing released his fantasy novel FIREFLY ISLAND this summer, and his fantasy stories have appeared in various publications over the past decade. When asked about the state of the genre and its future, he responded, "This is an important year for fantasy. We've seen the Harry Potter series end. We've seen the publication of Tolkien's CHILDREN OF HURIN, which in a sense ended the Middle Earth saga. Fantasy has been selling like crazy. It's possibly the most popular genre out there, and the doors are open for the next big thing."

After these monumental swan songs – CHILDREN OF HURIN and the last Harry Potter – what does the future hold for fantasy literature? Daniel answered, "Fantasy powerhouse series, such as George R. R. Martin’s SONG OF ICE AND FIRE or Robert Jordan’s THE WHEEL OF TIME, will continue to be popular. Alongside them, we’re already seeing new talent emerging. Readers want more fantasy books, and new authors are being discovered all the time. We're going to see new bestsellers and smaller niche books with their own following."

Daniel also spoke about his own fantasy novel, FIREFLY ISLAND, released this summer. "It's been exciting. So far, the book has been doing great. It's an interesting time for fantasy, with a bright but uncharted future, and I'm thrilled to be involved in it all."

Major publications have been praising FIREFLY ISLAND. Booklist recently reviewed the book, saying that it is "filled with interesting people and cultures" and calling Daniel "an author to watch." Library Journal wrote that Daniel “brings a crispness and directness to his storytelling that propels his novel to its inevitable, though at times unexpected, conclusion. Intriguing characterizations of both heroes and villains make this a good choice for most fantasy collections."

What kind of story is FIREFLY ISLAND? “It’s a fantasy adventure,” Daniel answered. “A cruel king, his flesh made of stone, tyrannizes the enchanted Firefly Island. No sword or arrow can harm him. Aeolia, a servant girl, can magically share feelings and senses—even pain. Only she, by hurting herself, can hurt the mad monarch. But can she save the island from his grasp?”

Daniel’s website – which includes an excerpt from FIREFLY ISLAND, free stories, and writing tips – can be found at http://www.DanielArenson.com.