Don't get me wrong. I love Lord of the Rings I saw all of the movies in theater when I was in high school and I've read the books. Lord of the Rings is wonderful and brilliant and nearly all fantasy we have now exists because of this trilogy.
But when I heard that Amazon was planning to make a Game of Thrones style TV show based on LOTR, I couldn't help but roll my eyes.
As wonderful as LOTR is, it's already had it's time in the spotlight. There are a ton of other fantasy novels which deserve just as much recognition and could make for amazing TV shows.
The Nevernight Chronicle by Jay Kristoff
Gentle friends, if you like Game of Thrones this series has everything you could possibly want. A bad-ass female assassin lead, graphic violence, revenge, sex, dark magic, a snarky shadow creature/familiar... it's epic and set in a fantasy world inspired by Florence, Italy. The first two books are published and they're fantastic.
The Kate Daniels Series by Illona Andrews
These books are urban fantasy, so a show wouldn't have the exact feel of Game of Thrones. But with it's post-apocalyptic (or as the book calls it - post-magic) world I can for sure see it having a Walking Dead vibe. Just replace zombies with vampires who have their minds controlled by the bad guys. Kate is one of my favorite leading characters and there's a shape-shifting beast lord that's a lion. A LION. Can it get an more epic than that? I didn't think so.
His Fair Assassin Trilogy by Robin LaFevers
They're nuns who are assassins. NEED I SAY MORE???? But seriously, it's a historical fantasy where we follow three young women who serve the god of death as his handmaidens. The main plot line also follows real medieval political conflicts between Britain and France. It's an awesome blend of fantasy and historical that I think would appeal to Game of Thrones fans as well as those who like shows such as The Tudors and Reign.
The Diviners Series by Libba Bray
With the awesome setting of the 1920s that Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them has, I think people will LOVE The Diviners. I just listened to the first book in audio over Halloween and it was phenomenal. You have multiple character points of view, magic, a ridiculously creep villain, love triangles, and the fun historical background. I can't wait to listen to the next one and would love to see it on screen.
The Grishaverse by Leigh Bardugo
I've read the first book of the Grisha Trilogy called Shadow and Bone and it was fantastic. I'm overly excited to continue with the series, then read the spin off duology as well. Nearly everyone I've heard who's read Bardugo's books have fallen in love and I've heard nothing but good things for each book. It's a pretty classic fantasy where you have a "chosen" one type of character who learns she has magic, but you also have this awesome Russian inspired backdrop and the whole thing is epic. Many people like the spin off duology even more.
Other Fantasies I've Heard Rumors of a TV Show/Movie in the Works I'm Excited For
Again, I've only heard rumors for some of these. Who who knows if it'll happen or not, so please don't take my word for any of this. Then if any of these aren't happening, they should.
- The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss (I've actually heard this might be both a TV show AND a movie and Lin-Manuel Miranda is doing the music. Needless to say, I'M SO EXCITED.)
- The Shades of Magic Trilogy by VE Schwab.
- The Throne of Glass series by Sarah J Maas. (I'm a massive fangirl for this author and let's just say, if they ruin this TV show I'm going to become all Aelin fire-breathing-bitch-queen on them)
- The A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J Maas.
- The Vampire Chronicles By Anne Rice. (Yes, there have already been some movies based on her books, Interview with the Vampire being the most famous. But it's been a long time since then, Queen of the Damned in my opinion was awful, and I'm really excited for this TV show because there are so many characters and plots to explore.)
- The Paper Magician series by Charlie N Holmberg.
Special Shout-Outs
Since Harry Potter has had it's time in the spotlight and we have the whole Fantastic Beasts franchise happening at the moment, I'm pretty happy with Harry Potter. That being said - if they were to do a TV show about the four founders of Hogwarts, I'd 1000% be there.
I've only read one Brandon Sanderson book and that was Mistborn. A lot of people LOVE this series and I can totally see it as an epic TV show or movie, but it wasn't one of my favorites even though there were elements I enjoyed. However, I've heard a ton of people tell me that I would really enjoy Warbreaker, and his most recent book in his Stormlight Archive series just was released. Since I haven't actually read his other books, I can't recommend them being adapted. But, I have a hunch Sanderson's books would be on many people's lists similar to mine.
I have a ton of other epic fantasy books on my TBR, and I'm learning that I've barely scratched the surface of what fantasy novels are out there. We should totally recognize great works such as Lord of the Rings, but also realize that even more has come out since then and deserve just as much hype.
Are there any adaptations you've loved? Did I miss any upcoming movies or TV shows? What fantasies do you want to see adapted? Are you excited for this rumored Lord of the Rings show?
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