5 Fantasy Novels That Need an Adaptation After Prime Video’s Fourth Wing

by

Even though the book series isn’t finished, fans are eager to see it adapted for the screen, thanks to its popularity on BookTok. However, after the recent adaptation of Fourth Wing, many believe other fantastic fantasy novels are more deserving of a television or film adaptation.

Several of these novels, like The Rage of Dragons and The Priory of the Orange Tree, feature dragons and could contribute to the relatively small number of dragon-focused films and series. Others, such as Realm Breaker, are sweeping, epic stories in the style of Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings. These books provide exciting, original fantasy narratives that could enrich fantasy TV options, bringing new ideas and detailed world-building to a genre that currently needs them.

The Burning Series Is an Epic Revenge Story

Evan Winter’s The Burning series, starting with The Rage of Dragons, is an epic fantasy inspired by the Xhosa people of South Africa. The series currently includes two books, with a third planned for October 2026, and follows Tau, a complex character on a difficult path. The story begins as a quest for a better world.

A television series adapting The Burning novels would be fantastic, bringing its detailed and imaginative world to life for viewers. The story takes place in a society divided into three groups: women with the power to control dragons (“Gifted”), men transformed into powerful warriors (“Infused”), and everyone else, who are forced to fight in a never-ending war. The protagonist, Tau, initially just wants to survive the war and find peace, but after suffering a personal loss, he becomes driven by a desire for revenge.

The Burning is a welcome addition to the limited number of high-fantasy TV shows, delivering a thrilling and action-filled narrative. It also offers a refreshing change from the common tendency in fantasy TV and film to focus on European-inspired settings and stories.

Realm Breaker Is a Lord of the Rings-Inspired Masterpiece

I’m so hooked by this story! It’s got this really cool, epic feel, drawing on legends of devastating injuries and near-death experiences. Basically, this villain, Taristan, is tearing holes between worlds, unleashing all sorts of monsters, and it’s up to Corayne – a teenager who’s secretly descended from royalty – to stop him from completely wrecking the land of Allward. It’s a classic ‘chosen one’ story, but with a really unique twist!

Even though Realm Breaker is a fantasy story, its themes will resonate with a wide audience. The story is set in a world where a small number of extremely powerful people are endangering everyone, but many are hesitant to fight back, and don’t trust the warnings of a few unlikely heroes. Corayne and her companions travel the land, wielding a magical sword to seal the gateways to other worlds.

The Realm Breaker trilogy draws inspiration from classic fantasy stories, offering a familiar and enjoyable experience for longtime fans of the genre. Adapting this story would create a fun, exciting, and heartwarming adventure – a fresh take on the traditional fantasy quest.

The Poppy War Is a Tale of Perseverance

R.F. Kuang’s The Poppy War trilogy draws inspiration from 20th-century China and the Second Sino-Japanese War (1930s-1940s). The series centers on Rin, a young orphan who earns a place at a highly selective military academy. Discovering she possesses magical powers, Rin feels compelled to defend her nation from a powerful and technologically superior foe.

Some readers find The Poppy War challenging due to its complex storyline and depiction of drug use. However, many others believe it would make a compelling film series or TV show. The book tackles important and relevant themes like poverty, racism, genocide, and how the past shapes the present.

Beyond simply offering a fresh take compared to the typical European-inspired fantasy stories, The Poppy War is a truly compelling series ripe for adaptation. It skillfully weaves in historical events and explores meaningful, complex ideas, making it a standout choice for a film or television project.

Arthurian Legends Are Renewed in Legendborn

Tracy Deonn’s Legendborn follows sixteen-year-old Bree Matthews as she navigates a summer program at UNC-Chapel Hill while coping with her mother’s death. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she sees a demon attack and a mage intervenes. This event draws Bree into a secret world of magic, Arthurian legend, and descendants of the Round Table, where she begins to uncover hidden powers within herself.

The Legendborn series—currently consisting of three novels—has the potential to become a truly exceptional fantasy series. Bree’s story is an exciting blend of magic, romance, and meaningful themes, making it enjoyable for both teens and adults. It will also particularly appeal to fans of Arthurian legend, a fantasy subgenre that’s often lacking in diversity and new perspectives.

While Legendborn is still new, it stands out from the increasing number of young adult fantasy novels. It offers a refreshing, magic-filled story grounded in a realistic setting, which is a welcome change.

Political Intrigue Is Perfected in The Priory of the Orange Tree

Few fantasy stories are as captivating as Samantha Shannon’s The Priory of the Orange Tree. The novel centers around Queen Sabran Berethnet of Inys, who fights to maintain her power while being secretly protected by her handmaiden, Ead Duryan. As Sabran struggles, an ancient and terrifying power begins to stir, endangering the entire world.

Unlike most high fantasy shows focused on grand battles and saving the world, The Priory of the Orange Tree offers a more complex story. It delves into political maneuvering, challenging social customs, and fascinating relationships that constantly evolve. The story also explores themes of prejudice and the conflicts between nations, which put the entire world at risk.

Beyond its compelling political story, The Priory of the Orange Tree would be a great adaptation because it clearly differentiates between terrifying monsters and noble magical beings. While many books could be adapted into films, this complex and expansive novel really needs to be a miniseries to do it justice.

Read More

2026-02-06 00:37