Welcome back, book lovers and Ringers alike! With all this talk of House of the Dragon and the upcoming Amazon Prime series Rings of Power, we can’t help but love the impact the original Lord of the Rings series has had on pop culture and literature. Without JRR Tolkien’s novels, there would be no Game of Thrones, no Harry Potter, not even Legend of Zelda. Who’s to say the fantasy genre would be what it is today without Hobbits?
For this week’s Three to Read, we are celebrating the release of Rings of Power and Lord of the Rings as a whole! We’ve gathered three fantasy books that have elements similar to LOTR. Get your TBR lists ready, Ringers!
Hot Pick
The Valkyrie’s Daughter
by Tiana Warner
SYNOPSIS:
Sigrid has lived a pretty normal and safe life. From birth, she wasn’t destined for greatness or anything grand; she would most likely live out her days as a stable hand. But when Sigrid has a vision of herself leading valkyries into battle, she is faced with leaving her comfortable life or taking on a risky adventure. In the midst of this Sigrid meets Mariam, a beautiful, fallen valkyrie and ally to the enemy. Together, they take a journey to Hel.
WHY:
In Tiana Warner’s first installment of The Helheim Prophecy series, we meet an unlikely hero. Similarly to Sigrid, both Frodo and Bilbo lived ordinary lives before fate told them their true destiny. All the protagonists had to choose between the comfort of home and all they’ve ever known to an adventure that would challenge their self-control.
Beach Read
These Twisted Bonds
by Lexi Ryan
SYNOPSIS:
When Brie’s sister was sold to the fae, she finds herself in more trouble than she bargained for. In the midst of a civil war happening in the Court of Darkness, Brie’s heart is caught between two princes that she feels love and distrust for. Brie must make a decision that could have deadly consequences in her realm.
WHY:
Lexi Ryan’s These Hollow Vows duology features a familiar conflict with that of Frodo in Lord of the Rings. Brie’s heart is torn between her desire for the princes and her duty to her realm. Frodo set out on his journey to destroy the ring, but it quickly became his most deadly desire. Both had to learn to overcome their personal longing and step up to what they were destined to do.
Dark Horse
A Curse of Blood & Stone
by K.A. Tucker
SYNOPSIS:
Romeria has gone from being a thief to soon-to-be-queen, but not without any consequences. With a bounty on her head and Zander sacrificing his crown for her, they take a prophecy-fueled journey through the Venhorn Mountains. Is it too late to hone her abilities and save her kingdom from an impending mortal rebellion?
WHY:
In K.A. Tucker’s sequel to A Fate of Wrath & Flame, readers are taken on a journey not unlike the one the Fellowship embarked on. Romeria is also similar to Aragorn; both wore many different hats and had to face the consequences of their actions, all while trying to prove themselves. Be sure to read this series in order to be fully engaged in this fantasy adventure!
We hope you take a journey to these new fantasy worlds in preparation for Rings of Power! Looking for a couple of laughs? Check out last week’s Three to Read here!