Karl Edward Wagner

Karl Edward Wagner is widely recognized for his dark fantasy stories featuring the anti-hero Kane, a character often described as an immortal, red-haired warrior and sorcerer. His work significantly influenced the sword and sorcery genre by introducing a darker, more philosophical tone.

The Kane series can be read in publication order, starting with "Dark Crusade" or "Bloodstone," though many readers also recommend beginning with the short story collections like "Death Angel's Shadow" to get a feel for the character. The novels and short stories often stand alone but contribute to the overall grim atmosphere of Kane's world.

Karl Edward Wagner edited the influential "Year's Best Horror Stories" series for many years, curating significant works in the horror genre. He also edited the "Echoes of Valor" series, which reprinted classic heroic fantasy.