It's Tuesday and time for another First, Last, Everything. And this time it's author PS Livingstone.

PS Livingstone is the author of the contemporary epic fantasy trilogy, The Transcendent Saga. She is working on the second installment of the series and a sequel to Dragons, a short story published Bard of the Isles. PS is also an occasional blogger (when time and sanity allow), avid reader and film buff. When not writing, she can be found pottering in the allotment, torturing young minds or drinking coffee. PS lives in Glasgow with her four cats and infinitely patient boyfriend.

I can’t recall a time when I didn’t love fantasy books. From a young age, my mum read to me, mostly Roald Dahl, doing all the voices and completely suckering me into the worlds he created. The first book I remember reading on my own was The Hobbit, followed closely by The Lord of the Rings. I’d probably read loads of books before that, but it had the most profound impact.

It was the first week of the summer holidays and, as is often the case in Scotland, the rain had descended. After three days, my mum was at her wits’ end and thrust a copy of The Hobbit at me. A day later and I’d finished it, so she handed me a sandwich, The Lord of the Rings and directed me to the sofa. It was another five days before I surfaced.

I know it isn’t original, nor will I be the last fantasy author to say JRR Tolkien made them fall in love with the genre, but his worldbuilding, attention to detail and wide cast of characters just captured my imagination and heart. I even read all the songs when I first read it … yes, I skip them now.

The Tethered Mage by Melissa Caruso isn’t the last book I read but it’s the last fantasy book I read, and I’m keeping in line with the theme. YA isn’t usually my thing, however, I was tempted in by the reviews and I’m glad I let myself be persuaded.

It’s not an original story, but the author tells it through an unfamiliar protagonist, putting a new slant on an old tale. The political landscape plays a major role in the book, as does magic (of course), and Melissa Caruso unfurls the details in an organic and intriguing way. Her worldbuilding is top notch and the wide cast of characters all bring something different to the table. It ticked a lot of boxes for me, including tackling issues of race, gender and sexual orientation without it feeling forced.

I haven’t checked out books 2&3 yet, but they’re definitely on my list.

This is a tough one, partly because I’ve read so many amazing books over the years and partly because I’m tempted to say Tolkien again. But I’m not going to. For me, the cherry has to go to Neil Gaiman for The Sandman.

Gaiman’s graphic novel series is the epitome of fantasy for me. Not only does he say so much with so little, the sheer volume of characters, history and detail that’s gone into building the world Morpheus inhabits is breathtaking. Dream isn’t necessarily the most likeable character – his sister Death is more appealing in many ways – but his complexity draws you in. If I had to sum him up, he’s a creature of purpose, honour and grace and he holds a special place in my soul (and my dreams).

Old, traditional tales have a way of winding themselves in Neil Gaiman’s work, and I love how he spins and stretches them into something new, examining them from totally different perspectives. Every time I read The Sandman, it’s fresh for me, finding a tidbit I missed before or taking a deeper meaning. If I could crawl inside Neil Gaiman’s mind, I’d never leave.

Wonderful selections, and our first graphic novel pick. Sandman really is one of those books that shows you something new every time you read it.

Remember, if you want to take part I’ll post your entry. Just drop me a line on Twitter or via email to dave@dpwoolliscroft.com and I’ll send you some simple instructions.