Whether you’re a lifelong fantasy fanatic or just got nipped by the fantasy bug, there are more than enough binge-worthy series for you to sink your teeth into. Adapting a beloved fantasy novel for TV is no easy task, and studios often fall short of the mark. In recent years, however, platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime have impressed audiences with stunning and immersive adaptations of work by renowned fantasy authors. Read on to find your next watch.
- Shadow and Bone
Netflix’s take on Leigh Bardugo’s five-book series Shadow and Bone is a feast for the senses. The nation of Ravka is embroiled in violent and political turmoil made all the more intriguing by their concentrated population of Grisha (magic users), all of whom possess divergent magical talents. Some control the elements, some manipulate the human anatomy, some are gifted with the magical working of metal and other solid matter.
Ravka was long ago divided by a miles-long stretch of magical darkness inhabited by vicious, flying, predatory creatures. The plot follows the military objective to dispel this darkness by discovering the sun summoner, a rare type of Grisha who wields the power to banish the darkness.
The series is witty, chilling, exciting, heart wrenching, and of course, full of magical delights for you to enjoy. The complex characters and interwoven storylines make for a viewing experience that will leave you hungry for more. The first season is currently available on Netflix.
- The Witcher
Following the tales of Geralt of Rivia originally penned by Andrzej Sapkowski, Netflix’s The Witcher is a gritty, dark, enthralling compendium of stories that tell of monsters and those who hunt them.
Geralt is a rare class of mutant human known as a witcher, a highly skilled warrior who possesses enhanced senses, magical powers, inhuman strength, and deadly cunning. His taciturn attitude and stubborn sense of justice puts him at odds with the political forces around him, all while he hunts and kills magical monsters for coin.
The series is packed with bloody, brutal action, wondrous workings of magic, political intrigue, and complex relationships among powerful individuals. There are currently two seasons available on Netflix that are as riveting as a game of live casino roulette online.
- The Wheel of Time
Currently streaming on Amazon Prime, The Wheel of Time is an epic and convoluted tale that follows Moiraine, the protagonist, and a member of a group of mages with deadly power. Their search for a prophesied channeler (magic user) who is believed to be the reincarnated form of the Dragon who once sundered the world takes them on stunning and treacherous quests. The series is based on Brandon Sanderson’s 14-book series, beloved by his cult following of dedicated fans.
The reincarnated Dragon will either save the world or destroy it. Regardless, Moiraine and her kin must seek them out if they are to have any control over the outcome of the prophecy. Two seasons are available on Amazon Prime with a third currently in the works.
