5 Fantasy Books Better Than Lord of the Rings That Still Need Movies

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J.R.R. Tolkien is widely considered the creator of modern epic fantasy, blending grand adventures with detailed worlds and touching stories of friendship. The 2001 film adaptation of The Fellowship of the Ring resonated with audiences – even those unfamiliar with the book – because it captured the novel’s emotional depth. However, it shouldn’t be the sole example of a fantasy novel successfully brought to the big screen.

It’s easy to see why The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring remains so popular and enchanting – we still enjoy rewatching it year after year. However, there are other fantasy stories with even more fascinating magic systems and more complex characters that deserve to be adapted into films, and arguably should have been made sooner.

The Blade Itself Pulls Inspiration from Homer’s The Odyssey

Joe Abercrombie, a British author, burst onto the fantasy scene at just 31 years old with the first book in his The First Law trilogy. The Blade Itself was published in 2006, following a year of publishers turning down his dark and gritty fantasy writing. The sequels, Before They Are Hanged and Last Argument of Kings, quickly followed in 2007 and 2008.

If you enjoyed the political intrigue in The Lord of the Rings, the First Law series offers an even more complex and corrupt world of diplomacy. The Blade Itself, the first book, centers around three flawed characters with a sharp wit and a dark sense of humor as they try to survive in a war-torn land. Don’t expect a traditional hero’s story – this isn’t Aragorn’s journey!

Okay, so there’s definitely all the good stuff – magic, cool ancient objects, and plenty of non-human characters. There’s even a little romance thrown in. But what really makes Abercrombie’s world amazing is how focused it is on the characters themselves and the tough decisions they make. Honestly, as a huge fan of the books, I’d be over the moon if they ever made a screen adaptation and, especially, if they nailed Logen Ninefingers – that would be incredible!

Assassin’s Apprentice Covers the Earlier Years of FitzChivalry Farseer’s Journey

Many epic fantasy stories feature a king’s illegitimate child as a central character. Robin Hobb’s Assassin’s Apprentice tells the story of FitzChivalry Farseer, a prince’s hidden son, who is secretly trained to be an assassin. This novel is the first in The Farseer trilogy, which is part of a larger series of 16 books known as The Realm of the Elderlings. It’s a series so expansive, it could easily be adapted into a long-running film franchise.

The first book in the series, Assassin’s Apprentice, explores feelings of isolation, the desire for connection, and the conflict between obligation and allegiance. The story follows Fitz as he grows from a young, nameless boy into someone striving to bring peace to a kingdom that hasn’t always treated him well, and his emotional journey is incredibly powerful.

The captivating part of Assassin’s Apprentice is its main character, Fitz. The story is told through his memories, so we have to trust that he’s remembering things accurately. What really grabs you is how Fitz grows and changes throughout the book. He’s a young boy who’s been abandoned, picked on, and treated badly, yet he continues to fight for a kingdom that hasn’t been kind to him. His inner strength and determination are more remarkable than his magical abilities with animals.

Gardens of the Moon Blurs the Line Between Good and Evil

If you like getting to know lots of new characters, you might want to take notes while reading Gardens of the Moon – there are a lot to keep track of! Luckily, author Steven Erikson doesn’t introduce everyone at once. The book actually started as an idea for a tabletop game he developed with his friend, Ian C. Esslemont. Before becoming a novel, they even tried to sell a movie script based on the world of Malazan.

After nearly ten years of anticipation, Gardens of the Moon, the first book in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series, was finally released. The world-building is incredibly vast and detailed. Despite its complexity, the story unfolds gradually, preventing information overload. Readers will still find themselves immersed in a rich tapestry of war, political intrigue, power struggles, a unique magic system, and a diverse cast of non-human characters.

Despite its complex and detailed world, Gardens of the Moon still manages to be funny. The character Kruppe, a delightfully quirky philosopher, always brings something interesting to the story. The blurred lines between good and evil, and the long-standing conflict between humans and gods, would make for a compelling movie.

An Archipelago Is the Central World in A Wizard of Earthsea

Ursula K. Le Guin’s A Wizard of Earthsea, published in 1968, still feels modern and impactful. The story follows Ged, a gifted but reckless young wizard, and his efforts to fix a serious error he’s made.

A Wizard of Earthsea, the first book in The Earthsea Cycle, explores ideas related to Taoism, the responsibility that comes with power, and the importance of maintaining balance. Ursula K. Le Guin’s skill as a poet brings subtle philosophical themes to life throughout the story.

What always struck me about A Wizard of Earthsea is how different it was for its time. Instead of the usual white heroes, Le Guin flipped the script! The lighter-skinned people are actually a small, somewhat rough group, and everyone else has beautiful skin tones ranging from reddish to deep brown. Plus, I loved that the story unfolded across a chain of islands, which felt so fresh compared to all the fantasy novels set in huge castles and kingdoms.

Jade City Is The Godfather Meets The Yakuza

Stories like The Lord of the Rings, with their European and Arthurian roots, are fantastic. However, it’s also great to experience something different. Fonda Lee’s Jade City, first published in 2017, delivers that fresh take while still offering the epic scope and power struggles that fans of the genre love.

The story unfolds on the island of Kekon, but it’s set in a more contemporary era, after a war. Instead of traditional fantasy elements like swords and horses, you’ll find guns and cars. Jade City depicts a world of magical crime families, where jade is incredibly valuable because it enhances the powers of those who wear it.

As a huge fantasy fan, what really struck me about Jade City and the Green Bone Saga is how incredibly real it feels. So many fantasy worlds feel distant and impossible, but this one? It genuinely feels like a place I could step into right now. It’s the kind of world where you’d definitely want to mind your manners and absolutely not try to cheat the system – especially when it comes to jade!

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2026-05-25 04:13