5 fantasy novels to read while you wait for next Game of Thrones book

With George RR Martin’s The Winds of Winter experiencing further delays, what other great new fantasy books can we sink our teeth into?

The Winds of Winter may have originally been scheduled for publication before the sixth season of Game of Thrones aired, but fans of the fantasy series are still waiting for author George RR Martin to put his pen down, despite the TV season having already finished. Some have even speculated that the book will not be released until early 2017.

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All that book readers have to go on for the moment are the potential spoilers given away by the TV show, although the two do not share all the same plot lines, and an excerpt of a chapter entitled Ariane published by the author on his website.

To keep our fantastic imaginations whirring, there are thankfully several new fantasy novels that have just been, or are about to be, released: Behind the Throne by KB Wagers, The Obelisk Gate by NK Jemisin, Age of Myth by Michael J Sullivan, The Wheel of Osheim by Mark Lawrence and Summerlong by Peter S Beagle.

1 Behind the Throne by KB Wagers

Before you get excited, this series has nothing to do with a certain Iron Throne. It does, however, feature a rebellious heroine and exciting tension punctuated by some quick, punchy humor, making it an excellent debut for the North American novelist. Publication set for August 2.

2 The Obelisk Gate by NK Jemisin

The second installment of the The Broken Earth series has received rave reviews from critics, especially for its point-of-view weaving and coherent plot. Publication is expected on August 16.

3 Age of Myth: Book One of The Legends of the First Empire by Michael J Sullivan

This new five-party fantasy series has started well with Sullivan’s The Legend of the First Empire. Rebellion, religion, power struggles: the series promises fantastic and engaging stories that will keep the pages turning. Publication was on June 28 in hardcover.

4 The Wheel of Osheim by Mark Lawrence

Number three, and the conclusion to Lawrence’s The Red Queen’s War (again, nothing to do with Game of Thrones), The Wheel of Osheim does not disappoint. Published on June 7, the series is a success to rival the author’s previous Broken Empire trilogy.

5 Summerlong by Peter S Beagle

Romantic, bittersweet and heart-wrenching, Summerlong is a more subtle variant of the fantasy genre. It’s not expected to be published until Fall 2016, but with rumors that Winds of Winter might not arrive until early 2017, this novel will be the ideal bridge.