FIRE IN THE BLOOD Giveaway
THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED. At the eleventh hour, and due to some creative deadline calling, we reached 300 entries! That means as soon as The Husband gets his winner-picking program running again, I will draw winners for:
- One annotated copy of Fire in the Blood
- Two sets of the Brimstone Angels Saga
- Five signed copies of Fire in the Blood.
If you don’t win, you can still get the book at your local bookstore, or here at slushlush.com . (If you’re in Portland, I’ll be signing at Powell’s on Monday. I’ll also be signing at Fort Lewis McChord on Tuesday if you’re on base, and AFK E&E in Renton on Thursday for everyone! More details here)
Okay readers: It’s 40 days until Fire in the Blood is available to you and yours. That means….giveaway time!
Which also means a return to my tried and true answering-questions-I’m-assuming-you’re-asking format. Here we go!
KABLAMMO!
She looks pissed. What’s it about?
Fire in the Blood picks up shortly after The Adversary, as our heroes settle into the capital city of Cormyr, Suzail. And then everything goes crazy.
Crazy how?
Kidnapping attempts, secret agents of Shar, dead Harpers, a succession crisis, megalomaniacal ghosts, narcissistic nobles, disguise spells, possessions. A hellhound. Explosions. Sex, drugs, and war wizards.
WTF?
I’m not really getting better at answering that question, am I?
Here’s the better summary:
“As a consequence of a deal she made with a devil, Farideh and her twin lost seven years of their lives. She returned to find the King of the Hells had marked her for his own, and that the runaway noble her twin had fallen in love with had become engaged to Princess Raedra of Cormyr.
“Princess Raedra, however, has more pressing concerns than her fiancé’s tiefling mistress. The Forest Kingdom of Cormyr is at war, its king’s health failing, and when Cormyr’s Crown Prince goes missing and his heir falls ill, Princess Raedra finds herself responsible for defending Cormyr from spies, the Shadovar army, and would-be kings alike.
“When Farideh accidentally uses her Hells- given powers to spot a Shadovar agent in the princess’s inner circle, Raedra gains an unlikely ally. Farideh knows her sister is at odds with the princess, and the last thing she wants to do is use the powers given to her by the god of sin. But the Shadovar endanger them all, and if Farideh is to do her part for Cormyr, she’ll need to use every fell power at her disposal—and hope that doing so doesn’t lose her the allies she’s so recently won.
“In this fourth book of the Brimstone Angels series, SCRIBE award-winning author Erin M. Evans thrusts her signature character Farideh into a maelstrom of politics and intrigue that will have far-reaching implications for the Forest Kingdom in the Forgotten Realms.”
Oooooh. I would read that.
You can start with this sample chapter if you like.
I still have to wait 40 days for the book though. Why are you even bringing this up?
I told you: it’s giveaway time! And for this book, I’ve come up with a thoroughly awesome one. Here’s how to enter:
- Make a comment on this post. You are going to have to leave an email address to do this, but that’s good, because if you win, I will have to have a way to contact you! It must be on this post at slushlush.com, or I won’t count it.
- In your comment, call out your favorite fictional ruler. A king, a queen, an empress, a tyrant, a mayor—someone in charge who you find fascinating. They MUST be fictional, but you can draw from books, movies, comics, or TV. Feel free to include links—we all love being introduced to new stories.
From the pool of comments, I will randomly select a winner who will get a signed copy of Fire in the Blood.Now that 60 people have entered, I will give three people copies of Fire in the Blood.This is just amazing! Over 100 people have entered already, so I will give one winner copies of the entire Brimstone Angels Saga, and three winners copies of Fire in the blood.
BUT REMEMBER: If we get to 300, then the grand prize winner will receive something really special. I will annotate a copy of Fire in the Blood just for you. All the little behind-the-scenes bits, all the random trivia, all the lore that’s hinted at–I will write it in the margins and you will know the secrets (NB: You are not required to keep them secret.) Plus two winners of the full series and five copies of Fire in the Blood. So convince your friends to enter too!
And if we go much higher than that, I will think of something else. Last time I did this, the contest got up to 384 entries. I think we can beat it.
The contest runs through October 11th. I will draw names and notify winners October 12th October 11th, since I’ll be out of town on Monday, so if you don’t win, you’ll still have time to get your copy. 🙂 Only one entry per person. May the odds be ever in your favor, etc.,etc.
I’m panicking! All I can think of is Papa Smurf and Fitz from Scandal! Everyone will laugh at me!
Nope. I promise. My fans are all kind (at least on this blog) and you will not be judged on the quality of your answers. Just go with your gut.
I already have copies of those books.
The nice thing about getting a signed copy of a book you already have is that it gives you a ready-made gift for someone else. Got a DM who’s gone above and beyond? Got a friend you know who would love some Realms novels but doesn’t know where to start? Got a Secret Santa coming up? Ta-da!
Get commenting! (And come back to check out other answers!)
Few additional questions:
If I buy a copy of the book through the esigning and I win, what happens?
You can choose to cancel your order, or have two books and be the coolest kid on the block.
If I won your last contest, am I ineligible?
Nope. Different book, different contest. The only thing that makes you ineligible to win is being me or a member of my immediate family. Because, come on. Especially, you, sister who is two books behind.
I am not from the US. Can I enter?
Yes! But be aware that I may need to choose a slower form of shipping to accommodate you.
I’m chomping at the bit waiting for the next installment of the Brimstone Angels! I’d like to know more about Asmodeus and his pact with Bryseis Kakistos. What was he given? What did the Toril 13 gain for power? Did the powers given wane over the years as the bloodline thinned? I’m sure most of this has been answered, but I’m a “give it to me plain” kind of guy. Another ruler I’d like to hear more of the story of is King Conan. At the end of each movie, he is seen sitting on a throne, a throne I’m assuming he won by his own hand. But each of those scenes end with the phrase, “But that is another story…”
*flail*this book sounds awesome!!!!
I always appreciated Tywin Lannister (as played by Charles Dance in the Game of Thrones series (I haven’t read the books yet)). He was a ruthless, but he had a quality to see past the current lives of the characters and into the future.
See here.
This obsession resulted in treating his children like pawns and probably did more harm then good to the family name, but the the fact that the character thought beyond himself and more than, say, 20 years into the future. Now if he just wasn’t so cruel…
Woohoo. Verity from Robin Hobb’s books 🙂
To truly understand Cormyr the story of Azoun IV and his kin must be read 🙂
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/078690710X?pc_redir=1409151203&robot_redir=1
I can’t wait to see what trouble the twins get into next.
Cannot wait for this book!
As for my favorite fictional ruler I’d have to go with Dalinar Kholin from the Stormlight Archive. High Prince of War. I live how he was on the brink and pulled himself back into being an honorable man.
Well… honestly, I haven’t read these books, but I’d like to, so here goes…
President of the Galaxy Zaphod Beeblebrox!
He’s a froopy dude who always knows where his towel is.
And makes a mean Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster.
<.< I won last time…am I ineligible? Even if I am I am using myself to number-power this contest! Support to Havilar (the true star of the series) and her sister Farideh…I guess. and more Mehen goodness!
My favorite ruler is easy: King Arthur. He’s a fallible man with lofty ideals.
A recent addition to my list is the “Evil Queen” on the tv show Once Upon A Time. She’s complex and I like that. Complexity in characters is why I like the Brimstone series too.
XD totally forgot the question thingy. Well I guess my favorite fictional ruler is…Huh, I guess I do not have one? Wonder if that says something about me cause I just cannot think of any memorable rulers…Maybe Jasmines father from Disney’s Aladdin series? He was so short and humorous, i liked him.
Or Aquaman! King of the sea!
We can use whales…WHALES!!!! (*cough* sorry, TeamFourStar reference)
My fav fictional ruler is an easy one: Sulepis Bishakh am-Xis III the God-Emperor of Xis.
He’s from Tad Williams’s Shadowmarch series. I almost said trilogy….bahahaha !
Anyway…Sulepis is such an interesting villain. Williams doesn’t try to humanize him or give him any redeeming qualities. He is so foreign…such an alien evil but his actions eventually seem to make sense in the context of his worldview.
A really interesting take on a tyrannical ruler.
Beyond excited for Fire in the Blood. I’m rereading Lesser Evils presently, in preparation.
Hmm. Not my favorite in that he is a beloved character, but President Snow of the Hunger Games series was so fascinating, I think he bears a mention. He was so ruthless and calculating, and yet he truly believed he was working to save a nation. Having sympathy for him at the end of the third book was the last thing I expected, but it happened.
Fingers crossed!
I love King Burgermeister Meisterburger! I guess I just gave my age away! I’m 42 w/ 3 kids and yes I escape reality by enjoying Erin’s world.
Stannis Baratheon. from game of thrones. the rightful king. He’s so awesome. That’s why we call him Stannis the Mannis.
Ok I hope this is correct, one of my favorite evil rulers was in the Robert E. Howard’s Conan Of Aquolonia. Thoth-Amon. A powerful sorcerer from Stygia, and one of Conan’s most hated enemies. Conan was one of my first contacts with high adventure and sword and sorcery along with the little known Zork choose your own adventure books. Next came D&D. The rest is as they say history. Keep up the good work Erin Evans I look forward to many more stories and hopefully meeting you again at Gen – Con next year.
Dragonlord Kitiara.
My favorite fictional ruler is…Aslan, from Narnia? Who is basically God. :-/ I want to win for my friend Dani, who LOVES your books, and who is my writing partner. And who plays a tiefling.
Favorite ruler… I was always a fan of the Steel Regent herself, Alusair Nacacia Obarskyr and even in death the Princess was a fierce defender of Cormyr. 🙂
Favorite Fictional Ruler? President Josiah Edward “Jed” Bartlet, PhD from West Wing
I would say my favorite fictional ruler would be either: Maer Alveron from the Kingkiller Chronicles or Robert Baretheon from GoT. Both are complete opposites but I’ve truly enjoyed reading both about both of them. I love reading forgotten realms and can’t wait to read your newest installment!
Elminster! He is not officially a “king or the like” but he definitely rules! He has saved the world so many times. I hope Farideh meets him!
Looks like an interesting read. Can’t wait.
Chief Executive Director Daisuke Aramaki from section 9, he would throw his career on the line for any member of his team. A great leader that always had a backup plan, paired with Motoko, Section 9 was virtually invincible.
Favorite fictional ruler at the moment is Uncle Sun Yu from the Shaw brothers film Killer Clans. Nominally a “good” guy in the story, he employs tactics used by brilliant, ruthless masterminds.
The books sound great! As for rulers, we must certainly count the wonderful, crazy, sociopathic, possibly murderous Hegemon, Peter Wiggin.
I can not wait. I love to read a good book that can take me away to a place from the real world.
Favourite fictional ruler: Odysseus, king of Ithaka, known from the Homeric epics.
Already looking forward to this book. 40 days seems so long to wait. As to a favorite ruler, I must say King Arthur. From drama to comedy, books to cartoons, black & white to full color, I can think of no other that has provided such a varied supply of entertainment.
Thank you for this book series.
I love this series!
As for fictional ruler, I will go with Chief Chirpa because 13 year old me thought the ewoks were all right. 🙂
http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Chirpa
Jarlaxle Baenre head of Bregan D’aerthe in R.A. Salvatore’s Drizzt book series. How can you not be fascinated by this character?! He’s cunning, witty, not afraid of taking chances, and he can get out of any situation! The fact that Bob has stated that Jarlaxle is a walking “dues ex machina” in multiple interviews on the subject just shows how truly versatile this character can be, under any circumstances. And you can always expect the unexpected with him. Plus, being only loyal to himself (and a few notable “friends”) makes it all the more interesting to get behind this kind of character to see what will happen on the next page.
As a massive elf fanboy, I’m going to have to go with the Coronal of Arvandor him/herself, Corellon Larethian. 😉 Can’t go wrong with androgynous warrior/artist/poet/mage/etc creator deities.
Although as mortals go, Prince/King Lamruil Moonflower’s pretty awesome in Elaine Cunningham’s Evermeet. Doesn’t get as much focus as his parents, obviously, but he’s still awesome.
Although outside of FR/D&D, I may be sliiightly obsessed with Queen Elsa from Frozen.
My favorite fictional ruler is King Kaius of Karrnath, from the Eberron Campaign setting. The fact that he is actually an evil vampire pretending to be his grandson and rules his land with martial law and yet is one of the greatest advocates and defenders of peace in the continent of Khorvaire makes him a really interesting figure. Besides, his story is tragic, and he was brave enough to cut ties with the cult that brought about his vampiric state and the militant order that carried out terrorist acts in the name of his country. In this age in which non-forgotten realms settings are being forgotten, this ruler -from the campaign created by the great and friendly Keith Baker, which is my favorite- is certainly unique.
If pressed, I’d be tempted to say Elric VIII, 428th Emperor of Melniboné…
As an anti-Conan (but still impressive in his own right) and bearer of Stormbringer, that sets him out from the crowd… although I don’t recall him doing many ruler-y things.
I’d think his dark outlook on life would fit right in today too.
And… as an aspect of the Eternal Champion, loads to see there!
I’m going to say ‘favorite’ in terms of, ‘yeah, that was pretty clever’ as opposed to ‘favorite’ in terms of ‘yes, this ruler was great because he espoused the ideals lauded by Plato in The Republic’….
In Star Wars, the (at the time) Chancellor of the Republic, Palpatine. He managed to create a situation in which he was essentially in control of *both sides* of a galactic war. He was able to use the war to destroy a rival institution that had lasted for thousands of years (the Jedi Order), and give himself dictatorial control of the Republic with the blessing of the same senatorial body that elected him into office.
One of the most epic cons in fiction.
I can’t believe no one’s said Vetinari yet! Man.
All Hail Princess Vanellope von Schweetz, the rightful ruler of Sugar Rush!
Can’t wait for the book!
Favorite fictional ruler would be Aragorn of course!
At this moment, The Simbul. But it could change in a couple of hours. I would also vote for Aragorn, Jack Skellington, The King Stag in Princess Moninoke, oh..Galadriel, King Hulk from World War Hulk, the list can go on and on and on.
(and that is before coffee this morning!)
I am sure everyone will love this book as much as I am. 😀
I recently finished the entire Battlestar Galactica series and was blown away with the leadership chops of William “Bill” Adama. He might not technically be a “ruler” but he definitely was a strong leader. Making decisions when lives are on the line can’t be easy, and he did it with strength and confidence. It’s hard to be a such a respected leader and yet be so relatable at the same time. Once a decision was made, it was made.
Similar to Cat Rocketship, I am also trying to win for my friend Dani Ausen.
favorite fictional ruler… hmm…
well, she may not be a good ruler, but I always get enjoyment of how crazy/twisted Queen Cersei Lannister is.
Tywin Lannister. He’s not a good guy and he associates with some terrible people (Gregor Clegane, I’m looking at you), but he’s smart and fair and the commoners under his rule know where they stand and have the best chance to prosper.
Llew Silver Hand of the Song of Albion Trilogy
Since a couple of people have already said Tywin Lannister, how about Magneto?
He’s been a ruler a handful of times. He has the traumatic backstory to justify his methods to himself, and the dysfunctional children to boot! Yep, it’s Magneto for me!
My favorite leader within the FR is Bruenor Battlehammer from RA’s Drizzt books. He knows how to inspire and lead is army of dwarves into battle but, then he can show is sensitive side just as easily.
My favorite ruler/tyrant would have to be Lelouch vi Britannia, 99th Emperor of Britannia, from Code Geass. A calculating, manipulative (even with his mind control power) jerk, Lelouch does some truly evil things in his bid for power. But he only does it to make sure his little sister, the only family he has left, gets to live a full and happy life.
Here’s a link to his wiki page, but beware of spoilers. http://codegeass.wikia.com/wiki/Lelouch_vi_Britannia
My favorite fictional ruler would be King Lear from Shakespeare’s King Lear. I love the play and its exploration of tragic stupidity/hubris on the part of King Lear who thought he could maintain his position and divide his kingdom which resulted in his descent into tragic insanity. What is heartbreaking about the play and making it perhaps Shakespeare’s greatest is that King Lear finally opens his eyes in the 5th act when Cordelia comes to rescue him, only to be executed. When I first read the play, I cried. The pathos, the pain, the despair at finding out who truly loves you and then losing that love at the same time. Heartbreaking and amazing drama from the Bard himself.
King Bruenor Battlehammer! I’m a R.A.Salvatore fan. Just recently reread the book where Wolfgar passed 🙁
For my favorite fictional ruler, I pick King Leoric / The Skeleton King from the Diablo franchise. I think it’s a good character because its a tragic one- the guy resists demonic influence successfully for years, but ends up a demented and paranoid ruler, slain by his own royal guard.
BTW, also excited about the upcoming book! 🙂
My favorite fictional character is Tywin Lannister.
As for my favorite ruler that would have to be Saeton SaDiablo from Anne Bishop’s Black Jewel Trilogy. He is powerful and cunning. Plus, who doesn’t like a ruler that can erase an entire civilization from history.
The Great Cthulhu, because even as he sleeps, his machinations reach far and wide and touch the feebleminded weaklings who spread his desires to consume the worldmind!
My favorite rulers would be Belgarion and Ce’nedra tandem from the Belgariads (David Eddings)
Oh wow, this sounds great. And while I first wasn’t going to post a comment because of some weird voice in my head that kept saying “these things are only ever valid in the US, they never ship internationally”. But I don’t really care because I have to give a shout out to the fictional ruler to rule all the crazy stuff that goes in fiction: Lord Havelock Vetinari, Patrician of Ankh-Morpork.
No, he’s not the perfect ruler, and not even close to a ruler I’d enjoy having ruling over me in reality, but when a leader manages to keep a city like Ankh-filled-to-the-stinking-brim-with-crazy-Morpork working _reasonably_ well, you know that leader is doing _something_ right. Even if this something is most often “do nothing”.
My favorite fictional ruler is King Leto Raelthorne of Cygnar from the Iron Kingdoms.
My favorite fictional ruler is the God Emperor of Dune himself, Leto II.
Also, it was awesome to meet you at GenCon!
I’ve just finished Brimstone Angesl and have eagerly started on the second one. Great stuff!
Favorite fictional ruler? Hmm. Jareth the Goblin King from Labyrnth. Cuz of the antigrav boots, yanno?
– Ark
This sounds amazing! It’s so wonderful of you to do this for your fans!!!!! I so hope I win… I will be the envy of all my friends!
The Emperor God Leto II really is an interesting ruler.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leto_Atreides_II
Cant wait for the new book.
I really enjoyed Nasuada of the Varden – well thought out leader with great charisma!
I’d have to choose the greatest of the Dark Lords of the Sith; Darth Sidious. He’s powerful, intelligent, and one of the most talented lightsaber duelists to have ever existed. Before his final death in the Expanded Universe he can literally tear open holes in space with the Force, not to mention he was the culmination of the entire line of Darth Bane’s Rule of Two.
In my opinion, Sidious was and is the penultimate villain and leader, the emperor of an entire galaxy.
I am so excited to read Fire in the Blood! One of my favourite fictional rulers is Fëanor, the High Noldor Elf in Tolkien’s The Silmarillion who lead the downfall of his people!
My favourite ruler is Isak from the twilight reign. Full of rage and power, really fun character to read the exploits of and how the Farlan respect and fear him.
President Snow, the Hunger Games series, for me is an interesting character. He gained his rank by poison and subterfuge. I suspect there is more there than he is letting on, though. He is playing the last sane man alive card. My personal feeling is that he was scarred by a childhood during the last war that resulted in the Hunger Games 75 years earlier.
Favourite ruler must be Prince Honorus Jorg from the Prince of Thorns. Sure, he isn’t ruling for most of the book, but that changes by the end.
Lhesh Haruuc Shaarat’kor, the high warlord of Darguun (goblin empire in Eberron). Don Bassingthwaite expanded upon him the “Legacy of Dhakaan” series outside of the Eberron source books.
It was interesting seeing the lord of a monstrous empire try to maintain his power, lead his people in his vision, and play at politics. While most non-humans are “alien” to the human mind, we get a lot more of Tolkien races than the goblins themselves. And in Eberron we have a Roman-esque empire of goblins who ruled, then fell, and then are trying to recover their past. And in comparison to the neighboring nations, their culture appears barbaric.
Again, interesting to see the leader of that nation try to temper their ways to maintain their presence and not call war upon themselves, but keep them happy.
The 1st two books were great and looking forward to the 3rd. I’d have to go with Szass Tam of Thay
I am interested in your writings and would like to receive your newsletter. Or book. Or books. All of them. Anyway, count me in! 🙂 Pretty sure my favorite ruler is a split between the Queen and King of Attolia, in Megan Whalen Turner’s books. Mostly because who wouldn’t love a rapscalion king and the murderous, iron-fist ruling queen he loves?
Favorite fictional ruler? Emperor Colin Macintyre. He blew up a freaking star just to destroy part of an enemy fleet. And the proceeded to mousetrap and destroy the remainder the old-fashioned way.
Did I mention that said enemy fleet numbered in the millions of ships…?
My favorite ruler would have to be Dr. “Victor Von” Doom. As a fan of the comic version. He is one the most powerful characters in the marvel universe. He has even saved the marvel universe a few times, because only he can Rule. Besides who doesn’t love guy that refers to himself in the third person. So swears Doom.
I think my favorite would have to be Aesperus “The King in Copper” from the Forgotten Realms Setting. How could you not like a human necromancer who once ruled the Kingdom of Thentur and then becomes a Lich who gains power over undead in Thar. I wish there was a whole series based around him!
http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Aesperus
My favorite fictional ruler would be the Mayor from Buffy. He was just so polite and well mannered, and yet a homicidal bastard 🙂
I am in love with your characters, They compel me to want to know more. Even if I don’t win I will be getting the book. The world you weave is mesmerizing and I have a hard time putting down the book. Make working very difficult!
My Favorite fictional ruler would have to be…..Tars Tharkis from the Mars series by Edgar Rice Burroughs.
Sazss Tam or Shakespears Richard III…
I’ll take Sazss Tam right now, masterfull Lich king of thay with plans to change the very existence to every thing. The essence to that which is life was to be changed and he the political system like a lot of other rulers. He created a threat to drum him self to take the title of dictator (I’ll let others draw the links the historical figures). He’s a massively powerful wizard in the realms whom in the end don’t really have a evil agenda but aims for a good end, to end death and replace the gods and the hells and all things to a more neutral existence.
In short he seams to be wiling to do great evils to change a grate many others.
Oh and he’s a Lich Red wizard!
If you have official information about Szass Tam with please help out the wiki:
http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Szass_Tam
Hmmm, I think I will go with Morgase Trakand. I find it interesting to have read about how she abdicated in favor of her daughter who she knew would make a better ruler after her seduction by one of the fallen.
I’m going to say that Walter White is my favorite fictional “ruler. ” I love the everyman aspect that he carried, and the idea that a dying man can build an empire and reach into the most evil parts of his soul just hit home with me.
I think my favourite gotta be Thrall from the Warcraft universe.
King Conan (of of Aquilonia)
Gleaming shell of an outworn lie; fable of Right divine—
You gained your crowns by heritage, but Blood was the price of mine.
The throne that I won by blood and sweat , by Crom, I will not sell
For promise of valleys filled with gold, or threat of the Halls of Hell!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Scarlet_Citadel
Can’t wait for FITB!! Anywho. I’m torn between two Doctor Who characters. One is The Lord President in the Doctor Who episode The End of Time. (C’mon it’s Timothy Dalton, how weird is that?) and the other is The Master when he disguises himself as a human and becomes the British Prime Minister all in a scheme to take over earth, and bump off the Doctor while he’s at it.
I agree with Michel Racicot, though. Belgarion and Ce’nedra are a good choice.
Bruenor Battlehammer, the King of Mithril Hall. . . twice.
Find “history” here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruenor_Battlehammer
My favorite leader is the unnamed Ruler of the Universe from the Hitchhikers’ Guide books. The best person for the job is someone who doesn’t want it.
I would have to say The Smiler from Transmetropolitian, at the time he was written he was a extreme parody of everything wrong with U.S. politics. At this day and age he’ll fit right in with this class of clowns we have now.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transmetropolitan
OH wow… favorite ruler? Hm. Would it be cheesy to say King Bruenor Battlehammer? The kind of king who hammers faces in for his kingdom!
My favourite ruler is Gilgalad of Lindon. He recognised Sauron and sent him away
Does Odin count? I mean he is the ruler of the Norse… Otherwise Arrah from the novel “Mistress of the Eagles” she basically throws all the rules out the with does in 15th century Ireland and becomes a pirate queen. Nothing’s better than a high spirited Irish woman that becomes a pirate queen… And she has a pet tiger, jealous!
Hi there first off I really enjoy whats going on in the series and am looking forward to whats to come! I would have to say my favorite ruler would be how R.A. Salvatore characterized Gareth Dragonsbane ruler of the bloodstone lands. Once a Paladin he stormed out and had his adventures always doing the right thing and saving the country from the scourge of a Witch-king. After that however once things settled down he got rather complacent with his kingly duties. What I liked is how int “Roads of the Patriarch” is that after interrogating Entreri he actually takes a hard look at himself and realizes just how complacent he his and vows to try and keep making himself worthy of being a king to his people. Leading to his fair judgment of banishing Jarlaxle and Entreri instead of killing them because of Jarlaxle’s naughty naughty mischief with a certain Castle hahahah
Such a huge fan of your books, and, even more importantly, your characters! Can’t wait to see what’s next for them. So many favorite rulers, Maleficent and Captain Janeway spring to mind lately. If I was going to choose one though, it would have to be President Josiah “Jed” Bartlet from “West Wing.” He really was too good to be true, but it was a lovely fantasy to imagine someone as thoughtful, kind, and ethical as he was portrayed in the TV series.
Milo/Ceasar in the planet of the Apes! Leader of the revolutions of the apes and then ruler of Ape City! Needless to say he has a strong personality, charisma, convictions and was able to raise to the status of legend… Not too bad for a chimp
Daniel Dravot – The Man Who Would Be King
My favorite ruler is King Bruenor Battlehammer from R. A. Salvatores books. Sure, he’s a curmudgeonly old dwarf but he nmknows what a true friend is, regardless of their ethnic heritage or upbringing!
It’s not something I’ve really thought about before. First thought that comes to mind is Bruenor Battlehammer.
Szass Tam, because who doesn’t like a lich who has been around since 1998 causing trouble for the Forgotten Realms and just about every famous hero. His infamy still continues in novels to this day.
Aquaman!!! AKA… Arthur Curry. AKA… King of Atlantis. Speaker to the Fishes!!!
My favorite ruler is probably the Neocount of Merentha Gerald Tarrant from C.S. Friedman’s Cold Fire Trilogy. Black Sun Rising was the first book I ever read that made me empathize with a “villain” and side with them more than the paladin as the story went on.
Brandin, the King of Ygrath from Guy Gavriel Kay’s Tigana.
He takes revenge upon a land by stealing their name and history from the world.
I think that the ruler i find most interesting was Akar Kessel from The Legend of Drizzt series specifically the Crystal Shard book, he seems to be borderline childish and through opportunity brought this coastal city together through his oppression. He is a bad person but really intensified and brought the reader against him because of his adult actions without remorse. Here is a description from Wikipedia:
Akar Kessel is the former apprentice of Morkai the Red. He is left to die in a bowl-shaped dell of Icewind Dale by Dendybar the Mottled, who tricked Kessel into killing Morkai with promises to become the new head of the mage’s guild. He comes across Crenshinibon, which allows him to survive and grants him great power. He commands a large army of creatures (mostly goblins, with lesser numbers of orcs, ogres and giants) and builds a large tower. He also forms an alliance with Errtu, who also seeks the crystal. He is defeated by Drizzt and killed when he teleports the two of them to the base of a mountain only to by buried in an avalanche.
Hands down, my favorite ruler is Richard Rahl, of the Sword of Truth series, by Terry Goodkind.
I would love to have a copy – fav characters are Queens.
Sword of Truth series – I’m on book 4. Fav characters – Kahlan, queen, and Richard Rahl the Seeeker and King
From Stephen King’s Dark Tower series Roland Deschain tied with The Crimson King from the same series.
My favorite fictional ruler is Servalan of “Blake’s 7.” Once the Supreme Commander of the military forces of the evil Federation, she quickly worked her way up to the presidency through guile and assassination. Servalan was brilliant, ruthless, and seductive, and — best of all — she always wore the most ridiculously inappropriate dresses and feathered hats in the middle of military campaigns. It’s as though she were saying to the galaxy, “I’m just too cool for you.”
The Lady of Pain – Sigil
Elric of Melnibone, became Emperor of Melnibone. He is really ruled by his Black Runeblade Stormbringer.
Usually I prefer non rulers, but I always liked reading about Ozma from the Wizard of Oz series. Most people never seem to know there were 14 books. Or the emperor mentioned I the lost swords books by Saberhagen.
Favourite has to be noble King Azoun IV
For my money it doesn’t get better than Tehol Beddict of the Lether Empire (Malazan Book of the Fallen)
Mikey from the Goonies, he was everything and did everything my 12 year old self wanted to be and do.
Telamont Tanthul – Cold, efficient, calculating, patient, fearsome, and entirely devoted to his realm.
Prez – The young man who became President of the United States in the old DC Comics. Of course my favorite take on him, is the version in Neil Gaiman’s Sandman. Such a great story.
I love King Irene (yes, King, she was the ruler) from the Xanth novels. She is phenomenal! She is a sorceress with the ability to make any seed bloom into its adult version. And when some if those plants are like the “bird of paradise” and can fly (while being fabulous) why wouldn’t you love her?
Lord Anomander Rake, Lord of Moon’s Spawn
First appearance in Gardens of the Moon, by Steven Erikson
Going to go with Zaphod Beeblebrox.
Belgarion of Riva (from the Belgariad and Mallorean books)
[King] Bruenor Battlehammer, from R.A. Salvatore’s Legend of Drizzt series. Dwarves are my favorite race, and Salvatore did a great job portraying the surliness typical of a dwarf, but with some added humanistic qualities that made him a relatable character.
Favorite fictional ruler is Zaphod Beeblebrox from the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Where else can you find a character that has to remove part of his brain because he is too smart to be president of the galaxy? Great character, tons of fun.
Mark
There are a lot of fun fictional rulers. I’m going to go with one who didn’t aspire to greatness but rather had greatness thrust upon him: Horustep III, who became Pharaoh of the empire of Mulhorand at age 11 following the assassination of his father. I don’t envy his somber duty, but I respect him for shouldering it.
My favorite is Ming the Merciless from Flash Gordon fame.
King Bruenor Battlehammer, from the Legend of Drizzt. He’s everything a king should be, in my opinion.
My favorite ruler is The Queen of Garth Nix’s Old Kingdom. Sabriel.
Hi
My favorite ruler is king Brind’Amour from The Crimson Shadow series created by R.A. Salvatore. As a powerful wizard, ruler of Eriador kingdom he’s almost the last from mighty and ancient broterhood. In ancient times he fought with the dragons and took part in Ministry building.
Fav. Fictional ruler? On Xena, Gabrielle was the on again off again Amazon princess. That’s the way to do it. Be in charge only when the story requires it. BTW, only halfway thru The Adversary, but enjoying it immensely.
Prince Humperdinck, Princess Bride.
He was a great bad guy and had one of the best quotes in the movie. He was under handed and a coward.
Not as much a ruler but the “the bukko, the boss and stage manager of the Grillards”, Brown John from James Silke author of Frank Frazetta’s Death Dealer series. Probably the series that really got me hooked on Fantasy books when I was growing up.
I just finished The Adversary and enjoyed it and the previous books also.
Shunsui Ky?raku – BLEACH
Shunsui S?z?suke Jir? Ky?raku (?? ?? ??? ??, Ky?raku no Jir? S?z?suke Shunsui) is the captain of the 1st Division and Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13. His lieutenants are Nanao Ise and Genshir? Okikiba. He is the former captain of the 8th Division.
Repost because your blog does not like special characters:
Shunsui Kyoraku – BLEACH
Shunsui Sozosuke Jiro Kyoraku is the captain of the 1st Division and Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13. His lieutenants are Nanao Ise and Genshiro Okikiba. He is the former captain of the 8th Division.
http://bleach.wikia.com/wiki/Shunsui_Ky%C5%8Draku
Too many choices out there, but Bink from Xanth would be a longtime favorite for a humorous series. http://www.hipiers.com/
Though another one that is quickly moving up that list is Queen Mab from The Dresden Files. http://www.jim-butcher.com/
Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell from Game of Thrones – although this is undoubtedly influenced by my binge watching of the HBO series.
As I can not name myself, though the Duke is fictional (just not in print), I offer Commander Adama President of the Quorum of the Twelve, after the Cylons killed the 11 other. *G*
My favorite ruler? Benjamin Linus from LOST. He’s got a little bit of everything. he’s ruthless, he gets what he wants, and he thinks that everything he does is for the good of the island and his people. Plus he’s got a great redemption story by the end of the series.
My favourite fictional ruler would be Ben Holiday from Terry Brooks’ Magic Kingdom of Landover series. A normal guy thrust into a magical realm.
my queen has to be Eugenie Markham from the Dark Swan series by Richelle Mead
but my ruler that has to be Ward from the hurog series by Patricia Briggs
For me my fav ruler would be The LORD RULER from Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson.
My favorite fictionnal ruler is Leonide Ducatore from Gagner la guerre by Jean-Philippe Jaworski.
Hazel from Watership Down
Sounds like an exciting book. Can’t wait to read it!
My favorite fictional ruler is the Burgermeister Meisterburger from the old Christmas special “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town”.
No wait, hear me out. I love puns & wordplay, and BM was one of the first experiences my young self had with using wordplay in names to make something clever/funny. While my wife will likely loathe the character if she learns that he’s one of the reasons I ended up such a goofy punster, but it is what it is.
Jezal dan Luthar from Joe Abercrombie’s The First Law trilogy and other books. An odious guy at first, but grows a lot during the books.
Thanks for the giveaway!
My favorite ruler probably is Paul Atreides from Dune and Dune Messiah.
Best fictional ruler: The Count of Monte Cristo.
That’s a tough one. I guess I will go with Aragorn son of Arathorn (Lord of the Rings), although we don;t really get to see much of his reign. Still a cool character.
[…] Evans is giving away several copies of Fire in the Blood, a D&D Forgotten Realms novel of which she is the […]
I think I would have to go with Queen Mab from The Dresden novels.
Oh boy. Tons to choose from. Tehol Beddict has already been mentioned. I’ll go for … Ralf Kanies as President Reginald J. Priest in LEXX Season 4. A man who starred in the notorious “Downfall” film appearing as a lascivious mental incompetent ruling the US. Brilliant.
Queen Mab in the Dresden series
I would have to say my favorite fictional ruler was Elric VIII, 428th Emperor of Melnibone’.
What a wonderful question! I had never really given it much thought but now my mind is reeling with possibilities. So much to choose from in just one medium let alone including film, TV, and print. But in the end I must go with Captain Malcolm Reynolds of the Firefly class ship Serenity! Browncoats forever! A small fiefdom was his ship, but king thereof he was, from which the skies from him could not be a taken though sea be boiled and land be bake’n.
I just love your contests! My favorite ruler would be Telamont Tanthul of Thultanthar. A powerful, charismatic, ruthless and effective ruler working for the glory of the Empire, no matter what the price. “What else is there?”
Favorite fictional ruler? Now there’s a tough one. Rulers really don’t do well in fiction that I read. Hmmm….I have to go with Duke Leto Atreides from Dune. I always wanted him to live. “For the father, nothing!” Bah!
The Emperor. Star Wars.
Dr. Doom, because he is a genius and has kept Latveria stable and independent despite the fact that it is located in the Balkans.
Jarlaxle Baenre, leader of Bregan D’aerth. And if he doesn’t qualify (because he has since relinquished his post as leader to his lieutenant, or because a leader of a band of mercenaries doesn’t cut it), then Fuhrer Bradley, homunculus, Commander in Chief and King of Amestris — Fullmetal Alchemist.
The Emperor of San Francisco – Christopher Moore’s ”Bloodsucking Fiends.”
There are a lot of interesting and powerful rulers in the books I’ve read over the years, but lately I’d say Saryn from Arms-Commander by L.E. Modesitt. Jr. is my new favorite. Any woman who can command troops, wield double blades from horseback in battle, and toss powerful magic at her foes is certainly a ruler to be reckoned with. Perhaps more importantly though, she’s reluctant to take power and sad that use of said power is necessary when others refuse to see reason. Too many rulers, real and fictional, just get a kick out of giving orders.
Malekith from the Warhammer universe.
“Kill their soldiers, kill their wives, kill their children, their cattle and live stock but above all, kill with pleasure.”
http://warhammeronline.wikia.com/wiki/Malekith
Elric Melnibone, the Champion Eternal!
President Thomas J. Whitmore from Independence Day. A leader who steps up up to fight in the front lines just after delivering one of the most inspiring fictional speeches of all time.
Emperor Gregor from the Miles Vorkosigan Series.
Very much looking forward to Fire in the Blood.
A favorite ruler? Wow. That seems harder than it “should” be. Lots of entries here, but I seem to be either unfamiliar with or unimpressed by them. Hmm.
I think I’d have to go with the Emperor in Michelle Sagara’s Chronicles of Elantra. I may be critical of some elements of the series, and the Emperor gets little time in the spotlight, but I absolutely love the way dragons are portrayed and it’s hard not to respect a dragon powerful enough to keep the others in line, to claim a city/state as his hoard, and to still set up a system of laws and enforcement to protect the “lesser” races residing there.
Hi – You know I have been thinking about this for weeks. Hah so my favorite King is King Snurre I have not heard from him since 1981. or 1991 or? Well anyways When I bought the new PHB for DnD there he was in all of his fire and glory I can only imagine how King Snurre finagled and deceived his way on to the cover. So being the coverboy? of such a historical book . I have already put in multiple requests to King Snurres PR Lackey but I think the Queen might not approve.
By the way I feel Farideh is pissed-off because she just needs a good nap and a hug.
All the best,
D.M.
Lessa, dragonrider of Pern and Queen of the Dragons.
Jack Shaftoe – King of the Vagabonds from The Baroque Cycle. Although as King of the Vagabonds he didn’t actually rule over anyone, he was given a small kingdom (minuscule, probably consisting of a couple villages or less) to rule in India in the second or third book for a while. He is one of the most awesome characters ever created.
This was a very tough decision for me, and I went back and forth between many characters from Theoden of Lord of the Rings (book, not movie) to the Mayor from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In the end though, I do believe that my favorite fictional ruler would be President Dunkelzahn from the Shadowrun setting. A dragon who had lived for millennia, became a US citizen and ran for president only to be blown up ten and a half hours after being sworn into office and then became a ghost in the machine. Quite a resume, not to mention his last will and testament…
http://shadowrun.wikia.com/wiki/Dunkelzahn%27s_Will
One stuck out in my memory and that is Darth Malgus from Paul S Kemp’s novel The Old Republic:Decieved. He’s the closest thing to a noble Sith that there could be. Paul has never written a bad novel:
http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/The_Old_Republic:_Deceived
Off the top of my head (and at the moment)… I’m gonna have to go with: Ex-Galactic-President Zaphod Beeblebrox from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy of course.
President Gaius Baltar – Battlestar Galactica.
Love to hate that guy!
Hmm… Venger, the dark lord and rightful ruler of the Dungeons & Dragons Cartoon series 😀
I would have to go with a forgotten realms character and say The Most High Telamont of Nethril.
The Devil a.k.a. Keyser Söze. So good of a ruler, he has convinced the world that he does not exist. The Usual Suspects movie. If you have lived in a box and never heard of it, do not look up anything about the movie and watch it.
My favorite fictional ruler has got to be Princess Bonnibel Bubblegum of the Candy Kingdom. A centuries old human/bubblegum hybrid who learned how to create candy people and proceeded to build her own society. Her intelligence and her unexpected moments of callousness make her an extra dynamic ruler.
Queen Ralia from the reality show “The Quest”. Although this is a reality show, it takes place in the Fantasy world of Everealm and Ralia XXVI is the Queen of the Kingdom of Saenctum. She was betrayed by her trusted Vizier and yet still held faith that the paladins would fulfill the prophecy and save her kingdom. She cares for those around her as well.
What little that has been revealed shows me that she is admirable, kind, and compassionate as a ruler.
Adelle Dewitt from Dollhouse! Interesting, powerful, morally grey businesswoman.
Farideh, and no I’m not just saying that to suck up. Lol. I’ve got the art from the cover of The Adversary as my desktop background and I play a Tiefling Warlock in the D&D Adventurer’s League. I even have a Tiefling scourge warlock named Farideh on the Neverwinter mmo.
So many to choose from but one that sticks out in my mind right now is Gentleman Johnny Marcone from the Dresden Files. Love the fact that he’s a non-magical mortal that is scarier than many of the magical villains Harry has to fight.
Sauron. I don’t know, all I can think of is evil rulers.
Easily the mother of dragons Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones.
I’m partial to Prince Jonathan in the Tortall series by Tamora Pierce, but another favorite is Queen Selenay from Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar series.
Thanks for the awesome contest!
Several rulers have stood out for me in books so far, but the truly noteworthy ones have been:
Filfaeril Selzair Obarskyr – Realms (who doesn’t love Queen Fee?)
Amlaruil Moonflower – Realms (This lady is seven shades of superb… her scene with Arilyn at the end of Silver Shadows almost brought tears to my eyes)
Anna Marshall – Spellsong Saga – L. E. Modessitt Jr. (The saga chronicles most of her later years and many of those following. She does the best she can as a flawed, believable ruler)
Silence Leigh – Roads of Heaven – Melissa Scott (I am bending the definition of Ruler a little here but it really should apply to her position on the ship and within the group)
Out of all of the above, I suspect that my favourite is Silence Leigh. Roads is one of the three series’ that I read once a year every year… made even more interesting by the author (Melissa Scott) revising the final book for the electronic version… if Silence is excluded on the basis of being the leader of the group, rather than a world or people then it will have to be Anna Marshall, Sorceress Protector and Regent of Defalk.
Queen Mab from Jim Butcher series….nasty…with a dash of humanity thrown in for slight measure…
For me that’d be a toss between Prince Arutha from Raymond E. Feist’s Riftwar Saga (and the later books) or Lady Mara of the Acoma from Raymond E. Feist and Janny Wurts’ Empire trilogy that is a companion to the Riftwar Saga. I’m leaning more towards Mara though because she was absolutely awesome in all respects.
King Bruenor Battlehammer – The legend of Drizzt!
Dream of The Endless. Unyielding in his responsibilities.. but change is inevitable.
The Copper from, “The Age of Fire” series http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_Fire
He’s my favorite ruler because of his against all odds rise to power. He’s a dragon who was severly crippled by his brother shortly after hatching and left for dead by his parents. After all his trials and tribulations, he becomes emperor of a nation of dragons.
Ned Stark. Tragic hero; stuck to his code and paid dearly for it, integrity intact. I guess we’ll see what secret he kept.
Jareth, The Goblin King ^.^
i can’t name any characters but when I think of rulers that fascinate me are the rulers who have it forced upon them. I find them to be fair, kind and just but defend what they love fearlessly and understand sacrifice more. Ned Stark comes to mind when I think of this.
Benjamin Linus from lost. Complex, interesting, evil, not evil (?), etc, etc. lost was the first must-watch TV show for me and Ben and “the others” were a really interesting antagonist.
Dave.
From the movie Dave.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106673/
Comedy gold.
Plus most of the others already posted.
King Bruenor Battlehammer from the Legend of Drizzt. Lives for a super long time and does awesome stuff, then gets reincarnated. Top that.
Off the top of my head I would have to choose Drakis as one of them, from the Annals of Drakis Trilogy by Tracy Hickman. Talk about someone who has crazy amounts of power and influence and wants none of it. He is forced into the role of hero and savior, and fights against it the whole time. He become a little whinny during points in the book. Thank goodness many behind the scenes were pulling the strings, which is the case many times in real life as well. Just ask my wife 🙂 …….
Jess
King Buliwfy from Eaters of the Dead by Michael Crichton (The 13th Warrior is the movie version). Sometimes as a king,you must make the ultimate sacrifice for your people.
Bruenor Battlehammer, the first dwarven character from a novel I enjoyed, thankfully not the last.
Lord Havelock Vetinari is my favorite fictional ruler. He’s sly, ruthlessly intelligent (ruthless in general really); and always has a plan, a back-up plan, and a thousand other plans. But I love him because at the heart of it all he cares about Ankh-Morpork.
King Zannon Carter from the Dungeons and Randomness Podcast! A rascist, paranoid tyrant who got what he deserved in the end.
http://dandrpodcast.com/
Karl Cullinane – the first ‘ruler’ of Home from the Guardians of the Flame series from Joel Rosenberg. Not a ruler in the conventional sense but more like a lead figure put on a pedestal that he doesn’t want due to actions that he felt were the right thing to do.
I have to agree with Steve above me who mentions Karl Cullinane, a great character who really grew through the series by the late Mr. Rosenberg. And who could forget Ned Stark and Theoden , both ideal leaders in so many ways.
As much as I love those three I have to pick Logen Ninefingers from Joe Abercrombie’s books. He’s flawed as can be, and the Bloody Nine is more than a little crazy but in his heart he always strives to be better than he thinks he truly is, even though he fails in his own eyes. Granted though his reign was brief.
~ Revenant
Queen Amlaruil of Evermeet, central character of my favorite FR novel.
Maybe that will change on the 4th of october 😉
Shiroe guild master of log horizon, organizer and member of the round table council ruling body of the city of Akihabara in the series log horizon a story of tens of thousands of mmo gamers wakening up as their avatars in the mmo they play Shiroe brought these people government and order brought them out of the despair of losing all they know http://www.crunchyroll.com/log-horizon/episode-1-the-apocalypse-645623
Favorite ruler? Well, he didn’t start as ruler but he’s the rightful King through it all and becomes so in the end: Aragorn from The Lord Of The Rings. I hope that counts! If not, I will have to go with King Bruenor Battlehammer 🙂
P.s. I absolutely love Ferideh and company (especially her and Lorcan) and I am always anxious for the next book. Keep ’em coming please!!
None other then Tom Marvolo Riddle, as we all know him as Lord Voldemort.
I’ll go with someone from the Realms…Khelben Arunson. Masked Lord of Waterdeep, and badass Chosen of Mystra.
I’d have to go with Strahd Von Zarovich, the Dark Lord of Barovia. Which I blame on P.N. Elrod’s excellent “I, Strahd” and “I, Strahd: The War Against Azalin”.
My personal favorite, and one of my favorite bad guys, is Szass Tam. He rules with a crusty, decayed, iron fist. While his plans and schemes are mad, his motivation and intelligence are beyond scary. If I were to perish facing anyone, he’d be my second choice. Not dying being the first.
I would have to choose Jacen Solo, aka Darth Caedus. He was a great jedi knight who went to the darkside, not because he wanted to, but because he had a vision of the future. In the vision he seen a dark figure that he thought would harm his daughter. What he didn’t realize was he was the dark figure he seen. Beeing a father myself I can understand how someone would choose the darkside in order to try to save his family if thats the only way you knew how.
I would have to say my favorite ruler is Lady Sylvanas Windrunner because… well I’m a guy… and I’m shallow like that. I think I am drawn to her actually because she is such a tragic character. She was doing the right thing when she was taken by the Lich King and tortured at his hands. Her acts should have been celebrated, but instead she is left to suffer even further because of what happened to her while his prisoner. I think that sums up the “no good deed goes unpunished” adage quite well. She is one of the most dynamic characters in that world and because of that, she is my favorite.
Hi Erin!
I’m reading Joe Abercrombue’s “First Law” trilogy and I was taken by Ladisla in the second book: he’s an idiot but, as is proven by his attempted rape, also a horribly determined person who happily brushes off any responsibility he should take for his failures. Perhaps not the most pleasant of choices but certainly a great character!
My favorite fictional ruler…hmm I actually have to think about that one. Probably Morgan of Hed from the Riddlemaster Trilogy. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Riddle-Master_of_Hed
My favorite fictional ruler is Leontyne Saresh. She starts out as the governor of a backwater reconstruction project and ends up becoming the Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic. Despite her pleasant demeanor, she has a core of steel and ain’t nobody ta mess with.
My Favorite ruler is Lord Rahl
Princess Celestia and Princess Luna from My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. You don’t often see diarchies!
Ankh-Morpork’s Patrician, Lord Vetinari, because when heavy weights were balanced on the scales, he knew where to place his thumb.
This is an easy one 🙂 Albus Dumbledore. No. Doubt. About. It.
This is a lot hard than I thought. Let’s see favorite fictional ruler…coming from computers games that would be Lord British, so many enjoyable hours playing the Ultima series. Then you have the dragon overlord Malystryx from Dragonlance.
These questions are always hard because there are so many books I love. I mean how do you choose between President Zaphod Beeblebrox and King Anheg? Not to mention does the Count of Monti Cristo count as a ruler? Anyway, Lord Farquad of Shrek, because of “some of you may die but that is a risk I’m willing to take.”
This is a really awesome contest, Erin!
My of my favorite rulers/leaders is Odysseus. He is morally gray, willing to sacrifice others, and the first true antihero.
I am also a huge fan of Bast from NotW – he is, after all, the Prince of Twilight and the Telwyth Mael.
There are so many leaders I could reference, but above all, my favorite is definitely Cadderly Bonaduce. Divinely gifted, driven by duty in faith, yet still an incredible example of a down to earth family man. He loves his God, he loves his wife, he loves his children and he loves his friends as though they’re family. His self sacrificial actions prove his devotion to them, one and all. A leader in faith, family and community.
That being said, I truly enjoy your style and your characters, more than most. They’re easy to fall in love with. Thank you.
my favorite character is Cobra Commander. He never gave up and always stuck it to GI Joe whenever he had a chance.
My fiction favorite leader…I think I have the order screwed up there…Would be Aoth. I like that outnumbered by a amoral society he still stives to do what is right.
P.S. Thanks for doing this contest!
My favorite ruler is Stannis Baratheon in Game of Thrones. He’s brooding, hard as iron, will not bend like iron and he is just.
My favorite fictional leader would have to be Darth Vader. No other villain was nearly as badass as Vader was in the first fifteen minutes of Star Wars.
The Queen of Hearts, of course.
My favorite tyrant has always been the great and evil, Mephistopheles! Ruler of one of the layers of Hell and second only to Asmedous! You are awesome Erin!
It would have to be the ruler of irontown, Lady Eboshi, from the anime film Princess Mononoke.
She hires up all the consorts, lady of the night, and serving girls she can find, arms them, pays them well, and unifies them to attempt to destroy the spirit of the forest. She pleads to our protagonist to see her viewpoint, attempts to swing him into her side of the conflict, then, due to his refusal, allows him to remain neutral. Cold yet warm to those she feels are repressed, she leads a group of people up to the top of their food chain, attracting the more stereotypical lords around her and the treachery that comes with them… fantastic ruler to be sure.
Fairly famous film, but easily one of my favorites! Love the opportunity to play! Look it up, Princess Mononoke. Lady Eboshi, all day…
My favorite fictional ruler would be Jon Snow, Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch. Jon gets pushed into his position as leader at a very difficult time, and he is faced with a lot of tough decisions. Not only does he have the wall to defend, but he has to play a balancing act with all the claimants to the Iron Throne. As Aemon tells him, he has to kill the boy inside him. Jon really rings true to the theme that actions have consequences. More so, he adds an extra level to the adage, being a leader you have to act, and then you face the consequences.
I’ll go with Alhana Starbreeze, daughter of the Speaker of the Stars, and one time queen of the unified elven nations.
I think my favorite leader is Bayushi Shoju from the Legend of Five Rings. He is the leader of the Scorpion Clan and, despite being born deformed and with a crippled right arm, becomes a powerful swordsman and a great tactician. He is willing to do what he has to even though it means shame for both him and his clan.
http://l5r.wikia.com/wiki/Bayushi_Shoju
Queen Maab as told by Jim Butcher…she’s got style.
Certainly it would have to be the pale Sorcerer-King on the Ruby Throne, Elric of Melniboné. The sickly and gaunt albino sustained by drugs and elixirs, cursed to bear the title of Champion Eternal and the sentient blade of doom, Stormbringer. The kinslayer, traitor to the Dragon Isle and his own sadistic people, unsuspecting agent of Arioch and both Chaos and Law. The existential anti-hero of The Balance and troubled wanderer of The Multiverse.
Blood and Souls for my Lord Arioch!!!
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elric_of_Melniboné
This is an awesome idea 🙂
Favorite fictional ruler is most likely the All-mother in Marvel’s Thor comics, who is an amazing leader
Favorite ruler, probably Lady Dasslerond of the To’uell Alfar in R.A. Salvatore’s Demon Wars novels.
I’d have to say King Artemis the First (from the Sellswords Trilogy by RA Salvatore). Artemis Entreri’s story arc has been at least as interesting to me as the rest of the main heroes in the series. My runner-up is Haliax (from the first two books of the Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss)…kinda feel bad for a guy who hasn’t been allowed to sleep for five thousand years, but I still hope he gets his tail kicked when the final book is published.
my favorite fictional ruler is the griffin the king of the purple realm in legends of the dragonrealm
My favorite ruler is Lady Addee Ulphor of Shadowdale, the first woman to rule the dale in its storied history.
One of my favourite leaders is Mina. (From Dragonlance)
She is just a young girl, following her beliefs and faith, making
impossible happen. (Sorry I don’t have more time right now
for a better answer)
hmm favorite fictional ruler would have to be. Alassra Silverhand or as she is commonly known The Simbul the witch queen of Aglarond.
I quite enjoy Mab, Queen of the Witer Court and the dark Fae. She means business, and knows how to get things done.
Lord Neverember Lord of Water Deep and Protector of Neverwinter
Tough choice,…but I’d have to say my favorite tyrant is Roland from Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniels series. They have done an awesome job world building and creating believeable characters. Although it hasn’t been until their most recent release that we were finally able to see the man behind the curtains pulling all the strings, I am very interested in seeing how this complex character further develops. Surely makes for one heck of a read! 😉 Also thank you for the awesome contest!!
My favorite would have to be Matron Mother Quenthen Beanre. I have a personal attraction towards the Drow (disturding, I know!) I find Quenthel’s tale most fascinating because not only has she been killed and brought back to life by Lolth herself. But when she became Matron Mother of Menzoberranzan she fought and struggled hard to get respect, not just from the city but from her brother Gromph aswell. And yet especially in rescent times she has achieved so much, her mother Yvonne would be proud.
God-Emporer Leto Atreides II, and (to his enemies), Tyrant of the known universe 🙂 The guy had prescience and turned into a giant worm. ‘Nuff said.
Going to start reading your work I am a huge R.A Salvatore fan so I know I will love your work as well Buenor Battlehammer is my favorite fantasy ruler!!
Nothing like a little brimstone to put a fire in your belly!
Although Hari Seldon was never officially the ruler of Asimov’s Galactic Empire, in effect he truly was, since he was the guiding force behind Emperor Cleon, and then by setting up the Foundations and pushing them to re-found the Empire (the Mule notwithstanding!).
I always thought the Clone of Kahless from Star Trek: The Next Generation, was an interesting concept, at least. Cloning a legendary leader to provide direction and a banner under which the people could rally in their time of need, is a cool take.
My ruler of choice would have to be asmodeus. King of hell and godling. I’m dying for a book explaining his rise to godhood. I’m a huge fan of the brimstone series because of its constant dip into the hells which in my opinion is a huge area of interest fully unexplored. Keep up the great work. Definitely one of the top 3 writers in the realms 😉
I would have to say one of my favorite rulers would have to be Obould. He was always a villain and a savage tyrant, but was also trying to acheive something better than himself.
Taran, the High King of Prydain. That series rocked my 10 year old world when I read oh so many winters ago….
I would definitely have to say that Lord Foul from Stephen R. Donaldson’s “The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant”, is one of my favorite dark rulers. His thirst for power broke the physical laws of the world to even include the power over time! Now that’s a psychopathic ruler!!!
As soon as I read the question I knew my answer. Szass Tam. That character has got to be my favorite ruler from anything I’ve ever read. He’s inspired multiple D&D and Pathfinder characters, campaigns, and even short stories of mine.
Hi and great contest with a great question.
I think one of my favorite fictional rulers is a tie between Raistlin Majere’s ascent to godhood that never happened upon realizing he would rule over a dead world and Steele Brightblade/Uth Matar, leader of the Knights of Takhisis. Raistlin’s character is undoubtedly highly developed, but Steele was underdeveloped, highly relying upon his parent’s strong background stories to make him interesting and instill their best qualities in him. A prequel to his commanding the final efforts of the Knights of Takhisis with the Knights of Solamnia against the Forces of Chaos pre-fifth Age.
So there you have two rulers of intrigue.
Tars Tarkas, Jeddak of the Green Martians of Thark, from Edgar Rice Burroughs’ John Carter stories. I always got the feeling that whenever he wasn’t on screen having adventures with John Carter, he was having adventures just as bombastic on his own, or possibly with the daughter that was never mentioned again after the first book.
My favorite leader of people is Mat Cauthon from Wheel of Time. Also, when is it too late? What timezone do you even (use as your default)?
Because I like namedropping, runner ups included: Ruler of the Universe from H2G2, Vetinari, and Loriel from Den Stora Fredens Krig (the Great Peace War?).
King Azoun IV of Cormyr in the Forgotten Realms. I cried when he died. This was my first experience of feeling loss due to a fictional character dying. It sucked!
I think my favorite ruler would be Queen Elizabeth III of Manticore. She is strong, admits her mistakes, takes on her own government when needed, and stands by her friends and allies, sometimes at deep personal risk.
I would have to say Lady Sylvanas from WoW. I have always found the concept of her character intriguing.
The King of Marigold
David Bowie’s the Goblin King.
Is he creepy or is he cool? Who cares it’s David Bowie
Lady Cordelia Vorkosigan
“I went shopping”. Mic drop.
John Snow…….because I believe he will be declared the only living decedent eligible to rule. (that is my theory)
Thank you for providing an opportunity to win…….I look forward to your next novel and if I win more I will hand them out at work and get more people hooked!!!! (I followed you suggestion from Facebook…thank you)
Urza. He was a king before he was a Planeswalker…. briefly. lol
Sooo many to pick from, but I think I’ll go with King Joyse from The Mirror of Her Dreams and A Man Rides Through from Stephen R. Donaldson. Deceptive and running the long game to save his realm. Really great stuff.
i can’t help it, Jarlaxle is my favorite. He’s so complex and you never really know which way he’s gonna go on any situation other than it’s likely whatever is best for him, but sometimes, he still surprises me 🙂
Lord Ventinari of Ankh-Morpork. Without a doubt.
I gotta say “The Wizard of Oz”. I mean really, it took a girl in red shoes, a lion with courage issues, a dude fulla straw and a brainless tinman to get him to come put of the closet.
Aaaand I blew the punch line. Put/out.
Well, well, well. Favorite fictional ruler? That’s a tough one. The Song of Ice and Fire seems to be the obvious answer for source material, but there are so many rulers in that series from which to choose… I think I’m going to buck my initial thoughts and go with a really odd choice – Cersei Lannister. She’s evil, she (somehow) manages to be both amoral AND immoral and she’s a Machiavellian manipulator. I (like many others, I would imagine) started off hating her with a passion. But once we get chapters from her POV and we see where she’s come from and what she’s dealt with – I began to feel… pity? (I still can’t like her choices, but I can see where they’ve come from and feel that she’s been forced into the position to make those choices…) That’s a pretty interesting character journey. Of course, we’re not seeing the same character growth in the TV show (yet). Hopefully we’ll see some sign of it, but if not – it’s still there in the books.
Tyrion Lannister or Aria Stark from Game of Thrones
Richard Rahl is so far my favorite. Lia Cook aka Lia Hunter aka Ellowyn Demont from the The Legends of Muirwood is pretty up there, too.
I can`t wait for this to come out! It looks amazing from what I have seen so far.
My favourite fictional ruler would have to be Omin Dran, one of the Masked Lords of Waterdeep.
Jareth the Goblin King of course!
Why? Um… David Bowie, duh.
Also for this line:
Sarah: “It’s not fair!”
Jareth: “You say that so often. I wonder what your basis for comparison is.”
The Ice King (Adventure Time) 90% crazy, 20% sympathetic.
I wanted to pick a scary, evil ruler, and skipped right past all the liches, mad kings, and guild masters.
Lotso the evil teddy bear tyrant in Toy Story 3 is just so frightening on every level. Personable, emotionally intelligent, and even cuddly. But he rules his band of toys through force and emotional manipulation, culminating in the sacrifice of sentient beings to terrifying monsters.
And that’s in a kid’s movie. I’m still traumatized from the melter scene where every one of my son’s Toy Story friends gave up on life and held hands, about to be ground up and melted.
Need to go with Bruenor Battlehammer!!! Tough but fair. And not one to judge someone on their outward appearance.
The ice king from adventure time, before he wore the crown he was so nice , and now his mind is so unhinged.
Lady Galadriel from LOTR. Grace, beauty, kindness, wisdom, she had it all. She always above everyone else, but never treated anyone any less.
The Symbol. Got to love a beautiful lady that can fry you where you stand.
Going to have to go with Tungdil Boloforge, later known as Tungdil Goldfingers of The Dwarves. Starts as a blacksmith, sent on a quest, legitimacy to even go on said quest challenged at every possible venture, only to succeed and be made king of a lost faction and ultimately of all the clans.
Manshoon because the black network rocks. Its good to be bad!
King Arthur
Crowley, the King of Hell from Supernatural. Such an interestingly written and superbly acted character.
Have to go with Bruenor Battlehammer. I’ve been reading about him for years, and i still can’t get enough.
My favorite FR ruler is definitely the Steel Regent, Alusair. Outside of the Realms, it’s got to be Robin Locksley.
Lord Manshoon of the Zhentarim
Ao
I am just a sucker for perfect order. He is the perfect libra.
Lady Alustriel of Silverymoon.
I would say Yukon Cornelius from the Rudolph claymation, but I’ll leave an actual book reference. First I should state asking for your favorite character (or book for that matter) is like asking which is your favorite child… it simply isn’t done! 😉
Kara Gillian, demon summoning detective from the Mark of the Demon series by Diana Rowland.
Ned Stark.
Martin Chatwin from Lev Grossman’s The Magicians.
Yvonnel Baenre ~ The “Eternal” Matron Mother.
I am quite looking forward to this next installment of the Brimstone Angles series. Your writings and style have you on track to be the next R.A. Salvatore of the Forgotten Realms world.
That said, my favorite fictional ruler – Regis the Halfling (now reborn as Spider Paraffin) for his time as ruler of the Calimport underworld. What could he not do with that spinning jewel?
From Dan Simmons’ Hyperion series: Whilw technicallt not “one” ruler, the Hegemony of Man is one of the primary human factions in the Milky Way galaxy. It rules the WorldWeb, a collection of colonized planets connected to each other via farcaster. The Hegemony rules over some 150 billion human beings and over 200 worlds connected by the WorldWeb. The Hegemony is ruled by a bicameral legislature consisting of the All Thing and the Senate, and a Chief Executive Officer who fills the executive role.
Westley “as you wish” from princess bride because who doesn’t want to hear that? 🙂
Fav fic ruler? Can I vote for Erin M. Evans, ruler of the Brimstone Angels? Hmm…in case that doesn’t count, how about Ao.
Does Mystra, the ‘kenny’ of the forgotten realms count?
Rufus Shinra from FFVII, no political platform, blatant nepotism, but the guy looks sharp in a white suit and shotgun combination.
Szass Tam, oh yes, definitely Szass Tam.
Bruenor Battlehammer
Jorg Ancrath from the Prince of Thorns and the rest of the trilogy. Not sure about favorite, but I recently purchased the final book in the trilogy.
Aragorn
My favourite ruler from fiction is Black Panther (T’Challa). In spite of the problems with many portrayals of the character, he’s an vital part of what makes the Marvel Universe so significant.
My favourite ruler is the Ruler of the Universe from Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – because he doesn’t want to rule the universe and tries not to whenever possible, and so is the ideal candidate for the job.