“Fantasy has had some problems with being too repetitive, in my opinion. I try to read what other people are doing - and say, 'How can I add to this rather than just recycle it? How can I stand on Tolkien's shoulders rather than stand tied to his kneecaps?'”

American fantasy author of the 21st century, Brandon Sanderson is best known for his sprawling, intricate fantasy series like *The Stormlight Archive* and *Mistborn*, praised for their world-building and original magic systems. His work blends deep lore with accessible storytelling, appealing to both casual readers and dedicated fans of the genre.