Concluding Paolini's Inheritance Cycle

By now, fantasy fans have probably heard that Inheritance, the final book in Christopher Paolini's 4-book "Inheritance Cycle," has been released.  As of this writing, the library's seven copies of this book are all checked out, but library cardholders are welcome to place a hold on Inheritance here by clicking the red "request" button.  With each epic volume topping 800 pages, the series is popular with fans of intricately plotted fantasy stories like J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" or George R.R. Martin's "Song of Ice and Fire," the latter of which has experienced a resurgence in interest since its television adaptation in "Game of Thrones."  If you've already read all of the above, try Sherwood Smith's less well-known four-book fantasy series "Inda," which is also characterized by vivid world-building and intricate plots.

Concluding the Acacia trilogy

Fans of George R.R. Martin's epic "Song of Ice and Fire" fantasy series might have already discovered David Anthony Durham's "Acacia" books, starting with The War with the Mein.  Like the "Song of Ice and Fire," this series follows the children of a noble family torn apart by betrayal.  With epic world-building and intriguing political maneuvering, the first two "Acacia" books have garnered a large fan following in their own right.  Now, the trilogy finally comes to a climactic close with The Sacred Band.  Place your holds now!

Song of Ice and Fire: High Fantasy on TV

For many, the genre of high fantasy is defined by a few monumental series, including "Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien, "The Wheel of Time" by Robert Jordan, and "The Song of Ice and Fire" by George R.R. Martin. Tomorrow, "The Song of Ice and Fire" premieres as an HBO TV series entitled "Game of Thrones." For readers who need a refresher (or people who are just discovering the series), here's a complete list of the books in chronological order. Be warned, however, that the series does not conclude with book 4; fans have been waiting six years for the next installment with no apparent publication date in sight.




1. A Game of Thrones

The kingdom of the royal Stark family faces its ultimate challenge in the onset of a generation-long winter, the poisonous plots of the rival Lannisters, the emergence of the Neverborn demons, and the arrival of barbarian hordes.

2. A Clash of Kings

Five separate factions vie for control of the realm of the late Lord Eddard Stark, while an ancient form of magic, an everlasting winter, and an unearthly army threaten to return.

3. A Storm of Swords

The Seven Kingdoms are torn by strife as the three surviving contenders for the throne continue their struggle for power, Robb Stark defends his fledgling kingdom from the ravaging Greyjoys, Winterfell lies in ruins and Jon Snow confronts an escalating threat from behind the Wall, and Danerys Stormborn and her dragon allies continue to grow in power.

4. A Feast for Crows

The kingdom exists in a state of perilous equilibrium following the death of a monstrous king, a regent ruling in King's Landing, and few claimants to the Iron Throne, until new conspiracies and alliances begin to erupt in the Seven Kingdoms.