📖 Overview
R. J. Barker is a British fantasy author from Leeds, England, who has established themselves in the genre with multiple successful series. Their work includes the Wounded Kingdom trilogy and the Tide Child trilogy, with both series receiving critical acclaim and award recognition.
The Wounded Kingdom trilogy began with "Age of Assassins," which earned nominations for both the 2018 British Fantasy Award for Best Novel and the Morningstar Award for Best Fantasy Newcomer. The Tide Child trilogy's first installment, "The Bone Ships," achieved notable success by winning the 2020 British Fantasy Award for Best Novel.
Before turning to writing, Barker had a musical background, performing in bands for several years. Their latest project is the Forsaken trilogy, which was acquired by Orbit Books in 2021.
Barker draws from personal experience with Crohn's disease to inform their writing, particularly in the portrayal of disabled characters in fantasy literature. This perspective has contributed to their distinctive approach to character development within the genre.
👀 Reviews
Readers highlight Barker's skill at creating complex characters and unique fantasy worlds. Reviews point to strong character relationships, particularly mentor-student dynamics in the Wounded Kingdom series and crew interactions in The Bone Ships.
What readers liked:
- Fresh take on naval fantasy with detailed ship logistics
- Character development, especially of disabled protagonists
- World-building that avoids standard fantasy tropes
- LGBTQ+ representation without making it a plot focus
What readers disliked:
- Slow pacing in early chapters
- Maritime terminology can be overwhelming
- Some found the writing style takes time to adjust to
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads:
- Age of Assassins: 4.0/5 (7,000+ ratings)
- The Bone Ships: 3.9/5 (8,000+ ratings)
Amazon:
- Age of Assassins: 4.3/5
- The Bone Ships: 4.2/5
Multiple readers note the books "require patience" but "reward close reading." One reviewer called The Bone Ships "the most original fantasy world since Earthsea."
📚 Books by R. J. Barker
The Bone Ships - Set in a world where dragon bones are used to build ships, this fantasy follows Joron Twiner as he becomes second-in-command of a ship crewed by the condemned.
Call of the Bone Ships - The story continues as the crew pursues a living dragon across treacherous waters while dealing with growing political tensions.
The Bone Ship's Wake - The trilogy concludes with an epic confrontation between rival fleets and forces that will determine the fate of the Hundred Isles.
Age of Assassins - A young assassin apprentice must protect the very target he was sent to kill while navigating court intrigue and ancient magic.
Blood of Assassins - Five years after the first book, the protagonist returns to face a mysterious killer threatening his friend's reign.
King of Assassins - The trilogy concludes as the aging assassin must protect his king one final time while uncovering long-buried secrets.
The Forsaken - First installment of a new series following the story of a group of outcasts in a dark fantasy world.
Call of the Bone Ships - The story continues as the crew pursues a living dragon across treacherous waters while dealing with growing political tensions.
The Bone Ship's Wake - The trilogy concludes with an epic confrontation between rival fleets and forces that will determine the fate of the Hundred Isles.
Age of Assassins - A young assassin apprentice must protect the very target he was sent to kill while navigating court intrigue and ancient magic.
Blood of Assassins - Five years after the first book, the protagonist returns to face a mysterious killer threatening his friend's reign.
King of Assassins - The trilogy concludes as the aging assassin must protect his king one final time while uncovering long-buried secrets.
The Forsaken - First installment of a new series following the story of a group of outcasts in a dark fantasy world.
👥 Similar authors
Adrian Tchaikovsky combines complex world-building with unconventional protagonists similar to Barker's approach to character development. His work spans multiple fantasy subgenres and frequently features unique perspectives from characters who exist outside societal norms.
Mark Lawrence writes dark fantasy with morally complex characters and explores themes of disability and physical limitation. His works feature detailed combat sequences and character growth through adversity.
Anna Smith Spark crafts narratives with a focus on complex political intrigue and dark themes that mirror Barker's style. Her work features strong world-building and characters who operate in morally gray areas.
Django Wexler creates military fantasy with detailed naval elements and complex political systems. His work includes similar themes of leadership and duty found in Barker's Tide Child trilogy.
Brian McClellan writes fantasy that blends traditional elements with unique magic systems and military aspects. His books feature similar themes of loyalty and duty while exploring characters who must navigate complex political landscapes.
Mark Lawrence writes dark fantasy with morally complex characters and explores themes of disability and physical limitation. His works feature detailed combat sequences and character growth through adversity.
Anna Smith Spark crafts narratives with a focus on complex political intrigue and dark themes that mirror Barker's style. Her work features strong world-building and characters who operate in morally gray areas.
Django Wexler creates military fantasy with detailed naval elements and complex political systems. His work includes similar themes of leadership and duty found in Barker's Tide Child trilogy.
Brian McClellan writes fantasy that blends traditional elements with unique magic systems and military aspects. His books feature similar themes of loyalty and duty while exploring characters who must navigate complex political landscapes.