The first entry in George R. R. Martin's epic fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire, A Game of Thrones, was published 27 years ago. The sixth book, The Winds of Winter, has not yet released, and fantasy fans find themselves clamoring for something to sate their literary appetites in the meantime. Here are some recent offerings from the genre to help you scratch that itch.
1. The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang (2018)
The Sword of Kaigen is a Japanese-inspired epic fantasy book that features everything fans love in the genre, but infused with elements that make it feel unique. This is not a series, but despite being a standalone story, The Sword of Kaigen manages to draw you in with its unique setting, simple yet intriguing magic system, deeply realized world, and character work that grabs at your heart and just doesn't let go.
M.L. Wang introduces us to the Kaigenese Empire, a nation that has grown powerful thanks to its warriors, who can manipulate water and ice. The story follows Mamoru, a 14-year-old boy who seeks to live up to his family's legacy by becoming a stalwart warrior; and his mother Misaki, who has sworn to keep her violent past as a dogged fighter hidden as she commits herself to being a caring mother and loving wife. But when the Kaigenese Empire's period of peace is threatened by an outside invasion, Mamoru and Misaki's destinies are taken out of their hands, and they are forced to submit to the world as it is, not how they wish it to be.
If you're looking for a slow-burn, epic story that builds to a satisfying crescendo, don't skip this. You'll experience one-on-one sword duels, political intrigue, multiple POVs, Avatar: The Last Airbender-style elemental powers, and a character-driven tale that will stick with you long after you've turned the last page.
2. The Will of the Many by James Islington — Hierarchy #1 (2023)
Next up on our list is another book that boasts a unique setting. The Will of the Many by James Islington is an ancient Roman-inspired epic fantasy book that is probably one of the most intricately told fantasies that you'll read. Islington is known for writing complicated, doorstopper-sized books that take your brain for a ride before you've reached the end (his Licanius Trilogy is an honorable mention in this regard). Don't let that scare you off, though; despite its length and density, The Will of the Many is an approachable read.
The story is told from the perspective of Vis Telimus, a former noble whose life of comfort and luxury has been ripped away from him by the indominable Catenan Republic. Forced to be on the run and live in hiding, Vis soon earns the favor of a high-ranking senator who recruits him to investigate the murder of his brother at the esteemed Catenan Academy, an institute attended by all of the Republic's highborn sons and daughters. Vis must climb the ranks within the Academy, make friends with those he deems his enemy, compete to be the very best of his class, and uncover the mystery he has been tasked to look into before those around him discover who he really is.
This is a tighter fantasy experience with a single point of view compared to the multi-POV approach we typically see within the genre. It's fast-paced, tense, littered with beautifully written prose, and is utterly engrossing from chapter one to the very end.
It's also the first entry in a planned series. Don't miss this one.
3. The Bound and the Broken series by Ryan Cahill (2020)
Of everything on our list, this series is perhaps the closest in spirit to George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series. The Bound and the Broken by Ryan Cahill is epic fantasy to its very bones. Described often as classic fantasy told with a modern voice, these books capture much of the elements that made us all fall head-over-heels for the genre in the first place. You'll find elves, dwarves, feuding lords, political intrigue, giants, ravenous monsters, and most important of all . . . dragons.
This story follows multiple plotlines that branch out to form a full network as the series goes on. The first book, Of Blood and Fire, primarily follows a young man named Calen Bryer, who along with his two best friends is roped into a centuries-old conflict when he meets three strangers in a far-off town who have a secret they are willing to die to keep hidden from the dreaded Lorian Empire. Calen finds himself unwillingly caught up in a push and pull between imperial powers and saddled with a destiny he only knew of from myth.
The series is so sweeping in scope that it is difficult to communicate quite what it becomes as the books go on. It is ongoing, with the fourth and latest book, Of Empires and Dust, having just released two month ago as of this writing. If you're looking for absolute, unfettered epic fantasy, then go read this series right now.
4. The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter — The Burning #1 (2017)
Epic fantasy is often characterized by a familiar, safe approach to its worldbuilding, with themes like knights in shining armor, a party of heroes, and feudal politics recurring over and over. The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter saw that structure, crumpled it up, and threw it into the bin.
The Rage of Dragons is an African-inspired epic fantasy series written from the point of view of a single person. The story follows Tau Solarin, a member of the lowest caste in his society. After suffering a catastrophic loss, Tau vows to get revenge on those who took everything away from him. He will train, fight, compromise, and sacrifice whatever he must in order to see that justice be served.
This book really stands out among the pack due to its utilization of a setting that has never really been seen within the genre before. It's fresh, exciting, inventive, and draws you in with hardly any effort by just the backdrop alone. If you're looking for something that is gritty yet still has a beating heart, The Rage of Dragons is a solid choice for your next fantasy read.
Epic fantasy is alive and thriving
George R.R. Martin may have helped bring epic fantasy into the spotlight with A Song of Ice and Fire and then Game of Thrones, but as we can see, there are plenty of worthy authors who have taken up the mantle to craft entertaining and awe-inspiring narratives.
If you're in a reading slump, consider giving these books a try. Who knows; perhaps you'll find your new favorite author for your trouble.
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