Where are my Game of Thrones fans at? If you’re sitting around waiting for the newest season to drop, chances are that you’ve already watched past seasons more than once, and you’ve probably already read George R. R. Martin’s epic series. And since the next book isn’t ready yet either, you’re probably wondering how you’re going to pass your free time. We’ll I’m here to save the day with ten books (most of which happen to start a series) that might quench your need for magic, mayhem, death, and all the other messy bits of life.
1. My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows
This book is hilarious! Hand, Ashton, and Meadows worked together in creating a ridiculously, slightly falsified, historical account of Lady Jane Grey. That is if she didn’t die, and if her husband, and other people in England were able to turn into animals. This book is infused with historical inaccuracies of the best kind, and will remind you of classic fantasy flicks like The Princess Bride, and Ladyhawke. Though lighter than Game of Thrones, it’s still a fun adventure.
2. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
The first book in an epic fantasy series, Throne of Glass introduces you to a large cast of well rounded characters that you’ll find yourself rooting for. The main character, Celaena, is an assassin who gets a second chance when Prince Dorian offers her her freedom in exchange for acting as his champion in the kingdom’s search for a new royal assassin. The first book is simple, but as Maas’ saga continues she makes sure to keep the story fresh by adding to the cast with each new novel. After you give Throne of Glass a read, make sure to also check out: Crown of Midnight, Heir of Fire, Queen of Shadows, and the soon to be released, Empire of Storms.
3. Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge
Cruel Beauty is a fantastically dark retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Nyx has had one job since birth, train to assassinate the man she’s always been betrothed to. But when she shows up in the halls of her new husband, she’s not sure what to believe anymore. This tale is dark, brooding, and has the same heavy feel as Game of Thrones while also fulfilling your need for a fairytale retelling.
4. Ruined by Amy Tintera
Emelina will do anything to avenge her family and get her sister back from her kingdom’s enemies. She commits a murder, one that puts her in perfect position to infiltrate Lera, and marry its Prince. This book bleeds murder, revenge, and magic. Besides, its the beginning of a trilogy, so even though you’ll have to wait for the rest of the books, you’ll have something else to look forward to too.
5. First Test by Tamora Pierce
The Protector of the Small series is one that will grow with you. In fact, if you have kids, maybe you’d want to read them together. Though for a younger audience than most Game of Thrones fans, these books are a whole lot of fun, and the protagonist, Keladry, will remind you of the youngest, Stark, as she becomes the first girl to train for knighthood in her kingdom. Finish her adventure with, Page, Squire, and Lady Knight.
6. The Impostor Queen by Sarah Fine
This book asks the question, what if you’re supposed to be the chosen one, and then you don’t fulfill your destiny? Elli is supposed to become the next Valtia, and she’s been training for years. When the queens dies, and the magic of fire and ice doesn’t filter into Elli, no one knows where it went, they just know that she’s useless, which leads to Elli running off into the outlands, where banished criminals live. The Impostor Queen will leave you reeling as Elli searches for answers, and learns how to live on her own.
7. Witchstruck by Victoria Lamb
The Tudor Witch trilogy does an fantastic job of mixing fact and fiction together. The series follows Meg, one of the banished Princess Elizabeth’s servants. Because of religion, it isn’t safe for Meg to practice witchcraft, but that doesn’t mean that she’s not a witch. This novel dips you into Tudor England, and what it was like to be a witch at the time. If you’re curious to see what else happens to Meg, check out Witchfall, and Witchrise as well.
8. City of a Thousand Dolls by Miriam Forster
If you like a good mystery, girls training for odd tasks, people who can shape shift, and lots of death, City of a Thousand Dolls is the book for you. It’s the first novel in the Bhinian Empire duology, which is followed up by Empire of Shadows. The world might remind you of something Little Finger would come up with, and you’re sure to get swept up in the who-done-it aspect of the story.
9. Winterspell by Claire Legrand
I know, you might be asking what a Nutcracker retelling is doing on this list, but trust me when I tell you, every Game of Thrones fan will love this book! Winterspell has a little bit of everything in it that gives Game of Thrones its guts. It’s got the death, its got the creepiness, its got the sex, and its even got a little same-sex flirtation. This book is sensual, but not overtly sexual, and the world building is darkly sexy, even when it’s set in New York (before heading into its fantasy world), and even though it’s set in 1899.
10. The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
Holy world building batman, Carson’s Fire and Thorns trilogy, is a fantasy world with bones. It’s the story of Elisa, and even though she’s the younger, heavier, princess in her kingdom, turns out that she’s the chosen one. It’s a joy to watch her go from bumbling to strong, and it’s a journey like so many that you see on Game of Thrones weekly. Be sure to check out The Crown of Embers, and The Bitter Kingdom to see just where Elisa ends up.
So, while we wait in anticipation of season 7, lets get reading. What other books would you have added to this list?
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Featured image via Screen Rant
h/t The Daily Dot