4 fantasy book series any Game of Thrones fan will love

Fantasy fiction brings forth new realms, brave adventurers, plotting villains, innovative magic systems and curious creatures. Here’s a list of fantasy novels to fill that Game of Thrones void.

Now that Game of Thrones has come to an end, fans are seeking any and all means of entertainment — and not just for Sunday nights. Sure, we still have the books to look forward too, but well uh — that could be awhile.

If you’re into tales of a secret bastard and his wolf, of scheming and adventure, of magical powers and immortals, and of the hidden secrets in old places of learning — there are a few other stories that could keep you preoccupied for now.

Here is a list of fantasy book series that may make the wait for Daenerys and her dragons a little easier.

If you like Jon Snow and the Stark wolf bonds then try: Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb (The Farseer Trilogy/The Realm of the Elderlings)

In Assassin’s Apprentice, A bastard-born boy called Fitz is an outcast in the royal court. Yet, he receives the favor of the king who has him trained as an assassin. As Fitz grows into manhood, he practices his magic skill. This allows practitioners to use telepathy to communicate.

He also develops Wit-bonds, a frowned upon underground magic that connects human and animal minds. Fitz’s allies in his adventures include a gender-ambiguous court jester, The Fool, and his Wit-bonded wolf pup, Nighteyes. In the first tale, Fitz seeks to secure the kingdom from the clutches of the dastardly Prince Regal while protecting the realm from marauding raiders.

While George R.R. Martin has rightly claimed in a conversation with Robin Hobb that his “wolves are bigger,” it’s not just the wolves that make these books similar and highly engaging. Hobb’s extensive series encompasses royal rivalry and intrigue, dragons, mysterious elderlings, and quests over mountains and ice.

Robin Hobb recently released her fifth trilogy set in this realm. Thankfully, we’ll never be left waiting for the story to continue.

If you enjoy the mischievousness of Tyrion and Bron then try: The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch (The Gentleman Bastard Series)

If you fancy something a little less fantastical with more scheming and musketeering, then The Lies of Locke Lamora is an entertaining ride. Its band of robbers feel nostalgic and familiar, merging an Oliver Twist-type street crime gang with Robin Hood-style anti-heroes who steal from the rich, yet keep the loot for themselves.

While not over the top in regard to fantastical elements, Lynch draws us into a medieval fantasy world that feels quite like Venice. Warner Brothers secured the film rights to the book many years back. However, we are still waiting to see if this heist caper comes to our screens.

If you love the magic of Melisandre and Thoros of Myr then try: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson (Mistborn Series)

In The Final Empire from the Mistborn series, a thief named Kelsier discovers that he is “Mistborn,” a rare type of Allomancer who is gifted with all Allomatic powers. Allomancy provides magical metal-induced superpowers, sort of like crossing alchemy with metal telekinesis.

Kelsier seeks to destabilize the Final Empire’s rule by stealing its treasury. He is assisted by Vin, who’s also a Mistborn. Nobles are drawn into the cause, assassinations abound and fancy balls are held. So begins a quest to secure a magical metal that could bring down the immortal ruling tyrant. Sanderson has created a captivating magical lore and ash-ridden dystopian environment.

If you love absolutely everything about the Game of Thrones and are mourning impending end, then try: The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (The Kingkiller Chronicles)

The Name of The Wind introduces Kvothe, also known as Kote, a mysterious musician and innkeeper who is rumored to have killed a king which was the catalyst for a war. The time-split narrative has Kote, over the period of one day, tell The Chronicler of the history of Kvothe.

His history spans many years and adventures over the Four Corners of Civilization. The narrative is adorned with mystical mages, evil beings called the Chandrian and giant spiders with blades for legs.

The first book charts Kvothe’s younger years in a traveling performance troop, his life as a petty street criminal, and his journey to The University. He seeks to accumulate arcane knowledge on the Chandrian in order to defeat them. Rothfuss has crafted a truly remarkable world and a unique protagonist.

Fans are excited that Kingkiller is in development as film series. It may become a TV series and video game, too. Our vote is for Tom Hiddleston to dye his hair flaming red and land the lead role.

When we dive into a fantasy book, we are swept into magical realms we don’t want to leave. Fortunately for us, once one book ends, there are plenty more to dive into.