After The Witcher – More Dark Fantasy to Enjoy

Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia from Netflix’s The Witcher

We’re all gutted to hear the news that Henry Cavill is leaving The Witcher; for many of us there will be no other Geralt of Rivia.  We’ve turned to reading the original books (again) by Andrzej Sapkowski to keep the fantasy alive (you can find them here), but what happens when they run out? Rest assured, there are plenty of other wonderful dark fantasy titles that you can enjoy, and we’ve put together a list for you here.  Quite a few of them would be perfect future roles for Henry if he decides he wants to go back to making fantasy film or television!

Prince of Thorns / Lawrence, Mark
“When he was nine, he watched his mother and brother killed before him. By the time he was thirteen, he was the leader of a band of bloodthirsty thugs. By fifteen, he intends to be king… It’s time for Prince Honorous Jorg Ancrath to return to the castle he turned his back on, to take what’s rightfully his.  Life and death are no more than a game to him-and he has nothing left to lose. But treachery awaits him in his father’s castle. Treachery and dark magic. No matter how fierce, can the will of one young man conquer enemies with power beyond his imagining?” (Adapted from catalogue)

The blade itself / Abercrombie, Joe
“Infamous Logen Ninefingers has finally run out of luck. Caught in one feud too many, he’s on the verge of becoming a dead barbarian. He is caught in murderous conspiracies and old scores, along with Captain Jezal dan Luthar, Inquisitor Glokta and the wizard Bayaz, who all must try to survive the coming war.” (Catalogue)

Goblin : a novel in six novellas / Malerman, Josh
“These six novellas tell the story of a place where the rain is always falling, nighttime is always near, and your darkest fears and desires await. Welcome to Goblin… ” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Master of poisons : a novel / Hairston, Andrea
“Award-winning author Andrea Hairston weaves together African folktales and postcolonial literature into unforgettable fantasy in Master of Poisons. There is magic in the world, but good conjure is hard to find. Awash in the rhythms of folklore and storytelling and rich with Hairston’s characteristic lush prose, Master of Poisons is epic fantasy that will bleed your mind with its turns of phrase and leave you aching for the world it burns into being.”  (Adapted from catalogue)

Assassin’s apprentice / Hobb, Robin
“Young Fitz is the bastard son of the noble Prince Chivalry, raised in the shadow of the royal court by his father’s gruff stableman. He is treated as an outcast by all the royalty except the devious King Shrewd, who has him secretly tutored in the arts of the assassin. For in Fitz’s blood runs the magic Skill–and the darker knowledge of a child raised with the stable hounds and rejected by his family. As barbarous raiders ravage the coasts, Fitz is growing to manhood. Soon he will face his first dangerous, soul-shattering mission. And though some regard him as a threat to the throne, he may just be the key to the survival of the kingdom.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

The rage of dragons / Winter, Evan
“The Omehi people have been fighting an unwinnable fight for almost two hundred years. Their society has been built around war and only war. The lucky ones are born gifted. One in every two thousand women has the power to call down dragons. One in every hundred men is able to magically transform himself into a bigger, stronger, faster killing machine.” (Catalogue)

Witches be crazy : a tale that happened once upon a time in the middle of nowhere / Hunder, Logan J
“Real heroes never die. But they do get grouchy in middle age. The beloved King Ik is dead, and there was barely time to check his pulse before the royal throne was supporting the suspiciously shapely backside of an impostor pretending to be Ik’s beautiful long-lost daughter. With the land’s heroic hunks busy drooling all over themselves, there’s only one man left who can save the kingdom of Jenair. Together with an eccentric and arguably insane hobo named Jimminy, he journeys out into the world he’s so pointedly tried to avoid as the only hope of defeating the most powerful person in it. ” (Adapted from Catalogue)

The Red Knight / Cameron, Miles
“Twenty eight florins a month is a huge price to pay, for a man to stand between you and the Wild. Twenty eight florins a month is nowhere near enough when a wyvern’s jaws snap shut on your helmet in the hot stink of battle, and the beast starts to rip the head from your shoulders. But if standing and fighting is hard, leading a company of men – or worse, a company of mercenaries – against the smart, deadly creatures of the Wild is even harder. It takes all the advantages of birth, training, and the luck of the devil to do it. The Red Knight has all three, he has youth on his side, and he’s determined to turn a profit.” (Adapted from catalogue)

City of lies / Hawke, Sam
“Outwardly, Jovan is the lifelong friend of the Chancellors charming, irresponsible Heir. Quiet. Forgettable. In secret, he’s a master of poisons and chemicals, trained to protect the Chancellors family from treachery. When the Chancellor succumbs to an unknown poison and an army lays siege to the city, Jovan and his sister Kalina must protect the Heir and save their city-state. But treachery lurks in every corner, and the ancient spirits of the land are rising … and angry” (Catalogue)

Markswoman / Mehrotra, Rati
“Kyra is the youngest Markswoman in the Order of Kali, a highly trained sisterhood of elite warriors armed with telepathic blades. Guided by a strict code of conduct, Kyra and the other Orders are sworn to protect the people of Asiana. But to be a Markswoman, an acolyte must repudiate her former life completely. Kyra has pledged to do so, yet she secretly harbors a fierce desire to avenge her dead family. When Kyra’s beloved mentor dies in mysterious circumstances, and Tamsyn, the powerful, dangerous Mistress of Mental Arts, assumes control of the Order, Kyra is forced on the run.” (Adapted from catalogue)

Remembering Game of Thrones

Are you missing Game of Thrones? It has already been over a year since the series finale aired. Here are some books about, and inspired by, Game of Thrones, to fill the void.

Game of thrones : a guide to Westeros and beyond : the complete series / McNutt, Myles
Game of Thrones: A Guide to Westeros and Beyond, The Complete Series is a visual exploration of the world of HBO’s Game of Thrones(R). In two parts, the book follows the story of the South, where kings and queens battle for the Iron Throne, and of the North, where the White Walkers and their army of the dead gather. Covering all eight seasons of the show, this definitive guide is a must-have companion for every Game of Thrones fan.” (Abridged from the Syndetics summary).

The art of Game of thrones / Riley, Deborah
“Filled with gorgeous illustrations and artwork from HBO’s hit series, The Art of Game of Thrones is the definitive Game of Thrones art collection. The official collection of behind the scenes concept art and production design from HBO’s landmark TV show Game of Thrones. Learn how BAFTA and Emmy award-winning production designer Deborah Riley and her team brought to life the iconic locations of Westeros and beyond.” (Abridged from the Syndetics summary).

Game of thrones : the storyboards / Simpson, Will
“In this exceptional art collection, Game of Thrones storyboard artist William Simpson shares the brilliant work that is an integral part of assembling each episode of the award-winning series.

This gorgeous book features a unique behind-the-scenes look into pivotal moments and early conceptual art from Game of Thrones. Curated from Simpson’s extensive archive, this revealing collection represents the exemplary artistic development involved in one of the most visually dynamic shows on television.” (Abridged from the Syndetics summary).

Game of thrones : the costumes / Clapton, Michele
“Discover the secrets behind creating the costumes for HBO’s Game of Thrones in this definitive guide. The official guide to the complete costumes of HBO’s landmark television series Game of Thrones. Discover how BAFTA and Emmy Award-winning costume designer Michele Clapton dressed the heroes and villains of Westeros and beyond, including Daenerys Targaryen, Cersei Lannister, Jon Snow, and Arya Stark.” (Abridged from the Syndetics summary).

Iron, fire and ice : the real history that inspired Game of thrones / West, Ed
“Discover the bloody battles and backstabbing royals that inspired George RR Martin’s best-selling A Song of Ice and Fire series and the HBO smash-hit Game of Thrones. Have you read everything George R.R. Martin has every written? Do you know what in Game of Thrones is based in real history? Join Ed West, as he explores all of Martin’s influences, from religion to war to powerful women. Discover the real history behind the phenomenon and see for yourself that truth is stranger than fiction.” (Abridged from the Syndetics summary).

Syndetics book coverGame of thrones versus history : written in blood / edited by Brian A. Pavlac.
“Game of Thrones versus History: Written in Blood is a collection of thought-provoking essays by medieval historians who explore how the enormously popular HBO series and fantasy literature of George R. R. Martin are both informed by and differ significantly from real historical figures, events, beliefs, and practices of the medieval world. From a variety of perspectives, the authors delve into Martin’s plots, characterizations, and settings, offering insights into whether his creations are historical possibilities or pure flights of fantasy.” (Abridged from the Syndetics summary).

Syndetics book coverYou win or you die : the ancient world of Game of Thrones / Ayelet Haimson Lushkov.
“In this essential sequel to Carolyne Larrington’s Winter is Coming: The Medieval World of Game of Thrones, Ayelet Haimson Lushkov explores the echoes, from the Summer Islands to Storm’s End, of a rich antique history. She discusses, for example, the convergence of ancient Rome and the reach, scope, and might of the Valyrian Freehold. She shows how the wanderings of Tyrion Lannister replay the journeys of Odysseus and Aeneas. She suggests that the War of the Five Kings resembles the War of the Four Emperors (68-69 AD). She also demonstrates just how the Wall and the Wildlings advancing on it connect with Hadrian’s bulwark against fierce tribes of Picts. This book reveals the remarkable extent to which the entire Game of Thrones universe is animated by its ancient past.” (Abridged from the Syndetics summary).

Syndetics book coverWinter is coming : the medieval world of Game of Thrones / Carolyne Larrington.
“Game of Thrones is a phenomenon. As Carolyne Larrington reveals in this essential companion to George R R Martin’s fantasy novels and the HBO mega-hit series based on them the show is the epitome of water-cooler TV. It is the subject of intense debate in national newspapers and by bloggers and cultural commentators contesting the series’ startling portrayals of power, sex and gender. Yet no book has divulged how George R R Martin constructed his remarkable universe out of the Middle Ages. Discussing novels and TV series alike, Larrington explores among other topics: sigils, giants, dragons and direwolves in medieval texts; ravens, old gods and the Weirwood in Norse myth; and a gothic, exotic orient in the eastern continent, Essos. From the White Walkers to the Red Woman, from Casterley Rock to the Shivering Sea, this is an indispensable guide to the twenty-first century’s most important fantasy creation.” (Syndetics summary).

Syndetics book coverThe science of Game of thrones. / Helen Keen.
“A myth-busting, mind-blowing, jaw-dropping and fun-filled expedition through the world of Game of Thrones. Do dragons actually exist? Is it possible to crush a person’s head with your bare hands? What really happened when royal families interbreed? How does wildfire win wars? Can you really kill someone with molten gold?
Award-winning comedian and popular-science writer Helen Keen uncovers the astounding science behind the world’s most popular television show. Join Helen as she sifts the fact from fantasy, discovers the truth beneath the togas, and reveals a world more fantastical than Daenerys Targaryen’s wildest dreams. So pour yourself a bowl of brown, climb on your beast of burden, and prepare yourself for an amazing adventure. It’s time to see the Seven Kingdoms as you have never seen them before.” (Syndetics summary).

Syndetics book coverThe world of ice & fire : the untold history of Westeros and the Game of Thrones / George R.R. Martin, Elio García, Jr. and Linda Antonsson.
“If the past is prologue, then George R. R. Martin’s masterwork–the most inventive and entertaining fantasy saga of our time–warrants one hell of an introduction. At long last, it has arrived with The World of Ice & Fire. This lavishly illustrated volume is a comprehensive history of the Seven Kingdoms, providing vividly constructed accounts of the epic battles, bitter rivalries, and daring rebellions that lead to the events of A Song of Ice and Fire and HBO’s Game of Thrones. In a collaboration that’s been years in the making, Martin has teamed with Elio M. García, Jr., and Linda Antonsson, the founders of the renowned fan site Westeros.org–perhaps the only people who know this world almost as well as its visionary creator. The definitive companion piece to George R. R. Martin’s dazzlingly conceived universe, The World of Ice & Fire is indeed proof that the pen is mightier than a storm of swords.” (Abridged from the Syndetics summary).

Fantasy fiction writer Ursula Le Guin has died

Syndetics book coverThe acclaimed American fantasy writer Ursula Le Guin has died aged 88 years. She is best known for her novel The Left Hand of Darkness published in 1969 and for her Earthsea fantasy series, with the first of the six books, A Wizard of Earthsea published in 1968.

Ursula Le Guin was also an essayist, poet and writer of non-fiction. Her novels have won five Locus, two Hugo and four Nebula awards. She has received nineteen Reader’s Choice Locus awards, far surpassing any other fantasy writer.

Syndetics book coverHer last book of essays titled No time to spare: thinking about what matters is due for publication this year.

The best of the best: must reads from this month’s fiction selections

The following titles have been chosen from our monthly new fiction selections. They are all highly recommended for great reading.

Syndetics book coverRinse, spin, repeat : a graphic memoir of loss and survival / Edith Fassnidge.
An amazing memoir, told in simple graphics about survival and loss.

Syndetics book coverThose who leave and those who stay / Elena Ferrante ; translated from the Italian by Ann Goldstein.
Another Neapolitan about a novel by this elusive author, about power, beauty and human relationships.

Syndetics book coverThe tidal zone / Sarah Moss.
A novel parental love, overwhelming fear, illness, recovery and the challenges of marriage. This novel is quite unforgettable.

Syndetics book coverSleeping giants / Sylvain Neuvel.
A wonderful debut novel, a political thriller and part apocalyptic fiction, a gripping page turner.

Syndetics book coverHolding / Graham Norton.
A brilliant debut novel from this famous comedian. A black comedy cleverly plotted that is a joy to read.

The best of the best: must reads from this month’s fiction selections

The following titles have been chosen from our monthly new fiction selections. They are all highly recommended for great reading.

Syndetics book coverThe ice beneath her / Camilla Grebe ; translated by Elizabeth Clark Wessel.
A very clever psychological murder mystery that will have any reader locked in from the first sentence to the last.

Syndetics book coverRazor girl / Carl Hiaasen.l
A typical Carl Hiaasen racy, wacky, thriller, with an wonderful assortment of weird characters, in unbelievable situations, a great joyous, hilarious read.

Syndetics book coverSomething new : tales from a makeshift bride / by Lucy Knisley.
Lucy Knisley never fails to delight with her clever precise graphic novels. This memoir just sparkles.

Syndetics book coverNutshell / Ian McEwan.
This novel is just brilliant. Similar story line to Shakespeare’s Hamlet, this a real page turner, from a master fiction writer.

Syndetics book coverThe last days of new Paris : a novella / China Miéville.
An alternative history, that showcases Mieville’s fabulous imagination, love of language and writing skill. Totally engrossing.