5 jaw dropping fantasy reads that’ll fill the Game of Thrones void
- holleranaboutbooks
- Jul 11, 2023
- 3 min read
It’s been over a year since the series finale of Game of Thrones aired, and to be honest, my heart has not fully recovered. If you are still feeling an epic fantasy-shaped void in your life, you’re most likely not the only one: almost 20 million people tuned into the series finale of Game of Thrones. Fear not- here are ten books that will hopefully bring you back to the good ol’ days of Westeros (before they did Danaerys so dirty, but ya’ll aren’t ready for that conversation!).
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
With expansive world building, myths and legends larger than life, a quest to find celestial orbs, and a secret order of nuns sworn to protect an ancient power, this book will definitely help you get over your Game of Thrones withdrawal. An ancient power awakens under the mountains, and three women are the key to putting the world back in balance. Although this book is technically a standalone, its 800+ pages will keep you more than busy. Also, Samantha Shannon is currently working on another book set in the same world, so more dragons await!
Things you’ll love:
-strong female characters (a warrior, a queen, and even a dragon rider!)
-two species of dragons that are at war with each other
-brilliant folklore that is inspired by English myths and legends
-well-developed countries that feel so real
-queer romance!
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2. The Unwilling by Kelly Braffet
When Judah, an orphan girl, gets adopted into the royal family and raised alongside the Crown Prince, they have a mysterious bond - if one of them gets hurt, the other experiences pain too. This bond obviously has political implications and therefore, Judah is constantly used and abused until she finally awakens her own powers. This book was so TENSE and unpredictable with its shocking violence, I swear sometimes I couldn’t even breathe from the gut punches it landed. This book does end on a cliffhanger, but not to worry, Kelly is currently writing the sequel!
Things you’ll love:
-smart female characters
-REALLY evil villains and some morally ambiguous characters too
-political drama
-much betrayal and plot twists
-pseudo medieval setting
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3. The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons
Kihrin isn’t like other boys. He wishes to make a name for himself as a hero, but soon discovers his destiny may be to destroy the world instead. This book contains prophecies, political drama and TONS of dragons. And a bonus - this series is slated to have at least four books. Can you say compulsively bingeable?
Things you’ll love:
-dragons (an abundance of them)
-terrifying demons and gods
-exploration of gender and sexuality
-badass assassins
-long-lost princes with a birthright to the throne
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4. The Unspoken Name by A.K. Larkwood
Csorwe is a young priestess who is sentenced to be sacrificed, but is rescued in the nick of time by a wizard who then turns her into an assassin. However, she can’t truly escape her fate because debts are always owed. And sometimes, the people you trust the most are most likely to lead you astray. Is your head spinning yet? This book cleverly subverts many fantasy stereotypes and turns them on its head, and I was blown away by every reveal.
Things you’ll love:
-orcs are people too
-epic quests with a new spin
-swordswoman mercenary and assassin?(major Brienne of Tarth and Arya energy)
-queer romance!!
-tons of plot twists
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5. Fifth Season by NK Jemisin
If you enjoyed the terrifying white walkers from Game of Thrones, buckle up, because this climate science and fantasy blend will definitely rock your world! Every few centuries across the vast continent of the Stillness, a cataclysmic climate event occurs, plunging the world into yet another apocalypse. To survive, a caste system is instituted, with orogenes - people who can manipulate geologic energy - essentially enslaved and controlled. Nassun is an orogene and is tired - of the system built to oppress her and of the fifth seasons. This book is the first of a trilogy, and tackles issues like climate change, social justice, and environmental degradation by people in the most inventive and fascinating ways! Don’t miss out on NK Jemisin’s brilliance.
Things you’ll love:
-creepy stone eaters that reminded me of the white walkers
-a world ravaged by a broken climate
-well-developed characters
-fascinating magic system based on earth science
Buy here:
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