If you can’t get enough of Game of Thrones (and don’t have enough money to entice George R.R. Martin to write faster), you might try one of the following reads. The titles listed below – all the first in their series – feature political intrigue in a fantasy setting, and may just be the thing you need to get you through the long wait till the next episode. You might want to have a few of the books around anyway, since winter is coming…
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The Black Prism – Brent Weeks
- When Gavin Guile, known as the Prism – high priest and emperor – discovers he has a son, born after the war that put him in power, he must decide how much he’s willing to pay to protect a secret that could destroy his world.
The Briar King – J. Gregory Keyes
- Two millennia after humans were freed from slavery, the Briar King, a legendary portent of death, reawakens, and the fate of the kingdom lies in the hands of the king’s woodsman, a rebellious girl, and a new-made knight.
The Dragonbone Chair – Tad Williams
- Simon, a young magician’s apprentice, finds his dreams of great deeds and heroic wars becoming an all too shocking reality in a terrifying civil war.
Eye of the World – Robert Jordan
- The tale of the bestial Trollocs, the witch Moiraine, and three boys, one of whom is fated to become the Dragon–the World’s only hope and the sure means of its destruction.
Flight of the Nighthawks – Raymond E. Feist
- Pug, a sorcerer, searches for the meaning of a prophetic nightmare that portends the destruction of the world of Midkemia, while two young brothers, untrained and unprepared, become a part of the Conclave of Shadows.
Fool’s Errand – Robin Hobb
- FitzChivalry Farseer emerges from seclusion when Prince Dutiful, the young heir to the Farseer throne, disappears. As Fitz sets out to find the Prince before his betrothal ceremony, he is unexpectedly confronted by betrayal and intrigue.
Fortress in the Eye of Time – C.J. Cherryh
- The story of an ambitious wizard who, in his fortress in the ancient forest, creates a young warrior and sends him to the new kingdom to renew a long-forgotten war.
Gardens of the Moon – Steven Erikson
- When the last of the free cities of the Malazan Empire is targeted by the forces of the Empress Laseen, Bridgeburner squad leader Sergeant Whiskeyjack and the mage Tattersall confront dark gods to protect the citadel of Darujhistan.
The Gilded Chain – Dave Duncan
- Sir Durendal, the finest swordsmen in the magical land of Chivial, embarks on a quest for a glorious treasure that lies behind the walls of an ancient, isolated, but dangerous city.
Into the Darkness – Harry Turtledove
- The sudden death of the Duke of Bari leads to international conflict as the nation of Algarve seeks to annex his country, while the nations surrounding Algarve strive to prevent it.
The Immortal Prince – Jennifer Fallon
- The gods of legend rise again on the world of Amyrantha in this tale of court intrigue, human-animal half-breeds, and claims of immortality.
In the King’s Service – Katherine Kurtz
- The Deryni, mentalists who served as advisers to the human rulers of Gwynedd, must now contend with the rise of Donal Haldane to the throne, who expects the Deryni to obey his demands.
The Lies of Locke Lamora – Scott Lynch
- Set in a fantastic city pulsing with the lives of decadent nobles and daring thieves, here is a story of adventure, loyalty, and survival.
Name of the Wind – Patrick Rothfuss
- Kvothe, now living under an assumed name as the humble proprietor of an inn, recounts his transformation from a magically gifted young man into the most notorious wizard, musician, thief, and assassin in his world.
The Queen of the Tearling – Erika Johansen
- Princess Kelsea has been hiding in the forests of the Tearling, training for the role she will have to play when she turns 19 and becomes the queen. But once Kelsea arrives in the capital and proves her right to the throne, her troubles begin.
A Sorcerer’s Treason – Sarah Zettel
- Bridget Lederle is transported to the fantastical world of Isavalta, where she becomes an unwitting player in a lethal game of magic and politics and discovers that she possesses her own unusual powers.
The Sword of Shannara – Terry Brooks
- The sole weapon against the supposedly dead Warlock Lord, who is plotting to destroy everything in his wake, is the Sword of Shannara, which can be used only by a true heir of Shannara.
Tracing the Shadow – Sarah Ash
- Though the kingdom of Francia has purged its magi, an orphaned street waif with the gift of song infused within her crafts herself into a weapon aimed to avenge her father’s death.
The Way of Kings – Brandon Sanderson
- Introduces the world of Roshar through the experiences of a war-weary royal compelled by visions, a highborn youth condemned to military slavery and a woman who would save her impoverished house.
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It’s Adult Summer Reading Time!
Though we realize it’s probably a little late in the school year (this upcoming Thursday is the last day for schools here in Twin Falls), we thought we’d highlight a great state resource. You can always bookmark it so that next year, when your student is looking for Idaho stuff, you can find it easily.
The Reference Desk at TFPL 
