In recent fantasy, there has been a trend towards stories with complex political situations, shades of grey characters and plots focused on personal goals and personal growth. In a world where readers and writers increasingly acknowledge that things aren't all black and white, does the epic quest still have a place? Can the epic reconcile with the shades of grey approach, where the villain isn't evil, but rather just has a different perspective than the protagonist (and possibly a different moral outlook, but again, not evil)?
Can anyone suggest any recent novels which have an epic story with shades of grey? Is anyone writing one now? What challenges are involved, and where do the two different approaches ork well together?
Can anyone suggest any recent novels which have an epic story with shades of grey? Is anyone writing one now? What challenges are involved, and where do the two different approaches ork well together?