Two writers–Dan Simmons (with *Hyperion*) and Gene Wolfe (with *Book of the New Sun*)–have given me a couple of my best experiences with science fiction (and both arguably read more like fantasy).
The language isn’t exceedingly lush and ornate in either case, and I wouldn’t call the prose purple, but it’s all a pleasure to read. The worlds are internally consistent and well thought-out, and it all feels like a strong development on pulp. Leaning towards Tolkien, but with less Biblical language.
So, where should I look after these writers/books? I’m aware of their other work, but I’m curious about other writers who pull off something similar; immersive, sometimes even poetic descriptions that are *good*, in worlds that are well-conceived and concrete enough to be convincing, in the genres of science fiction and fantasy in, say, the past 50 years.
by Timthe7th