George R.R. Martin explores the extraordinary realm of fantasy in his epic novel Game of Thrones. In a land of ladies and lords, soldiers and the supernatural, seven kingdoms fight for control of all the land. This first book in the A Song of Fire and Ice series is full of sudden plot twists and unexpected turns. There are seasons that last years, and winter is coming again. An epic battle between the Starks and the Lannisters looms on the horizon, and in the north, above the Wall, the Others prepare an army of the dead to march on the south as winter descends.

If you enjoyed Game of Thrones, check out these fantastic fantasy indies…

In Terry Goodkind’s Wizard’s First Rule, a similar evil is afoot. If the wall separating Westland from the East is to come down, death and destruction are sure to follow. Much like the Starks opposing the Lannisters, it is up to a mysterious woman with a secret past and a hermit to fight the dark side. They must prevent three boxes from being opened and potentially ending the world. With erotic sadism and adult scenes intertwined, Goodkind is a highly recommended author among many adult fantasy readers.

In The Vision: Green Stone of Healing Series Book 1, C.L. Talmadge lures the reader into a world of fantasy, where the story revolves around Lieutenant Helen Andros whose familial ties, when revealed, will make her a target. As in Thrones, there is an element of the supernatural, but it isn’t explicit. Much like Martin begins his series with just a reference to the Wall and the Others, The Vision builds slowly and leaves the reader wanting more. The kingdom of Azgard centers around four generations of strong female characters. The world they live in is male dominated and the story revolves around a powerful green gem.

In Robert E. Keller’s Knights: The Eye of Divinity, the kingdom of Dremlock is in peril. As evil encroaches from both outside its walls and from within, it is left to a boy named Lannon to use his Eye of Divinity to save the kingdom. Not only is there a healthy population of goblins threatening to destroy the land, but also approaching is the Deep Shadow; a spreading force that drives people mad. Remind us of life at Martin’s Wall perhaps? Young Lannon is the only one who can see through the evil fog descending and save Dremlock. Will he unlock the Eye in time?

The Black God’s War by Moses Siregar III introduces the lands of Pawelon where a woman named Lucia tries to make sense of the forces she faces. Her brother, Caio, fights for peace and is seen as a messiah. Her father; the king, wants the war that has been raging for a decade to continue. The black god wants what he feels he is owed. Caught between all of this, trying to decipher what exactly the black god desires and why, Lucia suffers as she is torn between good and evil. The difference in this tale is tricky: we feel for both sides and the outcome leaves us reeling. We don’t pick the Starks or the Lannisters, but it’s refreshing to float in the middle of this one. The Black God’s War began as a novella to introduce the full novel, which is now available for a buck on Amazon, so dig in!

In Denny Swartzlander’s Eleganta: A Novel of Fairykind we meet Ethywyne Eleganta, a fairy who gives birth to the first youngling in fourteen years. Despite having the little one in secret, on a hidden isle outside of England in the dark ages, she and her child are hunted by an evil troll. Ethywyne must travel through the Fairy Lands to reach the protection of the Fairy Queen; the only one who can save them both. Although this story was intended for young adults, there are many rave reviews from an audience of all ages. Encountering other mystical creatures on her way, Ethywyne’s journey is imaginative and rich with imagery. A lighter read than Game of Thrones; but original and fresh.

While each of these books is unique in its own way, they all resonate with the fantasy world, as does Game of Thrones. Think about which part of Thrones you liked the best and take your next mystical journey indie style!