10 fantasy reads to help you gear up for Season 7 of “Game of Thrones”

We’re SO close, guys. The Game of Thrones Season 7 premiere is almost here. It’s been just over a year since the end of Season 6, which in our humble opinion is far too long to go without new GoT episodes.
But finally, everything is falling into place. Sophie Turner’s red hair is back. Fans are speculating that Bran has returned to Winterfell. And Season 7 spoilers (sparked by a costume designer, no less) are already flying around the internet. It’s all happening — and yet, we still want more.
Can’t get enough Game of Thrones? Get your fix between episodes with these fantasy and sci-fi reads!
You’ve read all five of George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire books. You’ve watched (and re-watched) Game of Thrones on HBO. If you’re still craving more fantasy action, we recommend these similar titles. Behold: The most popular fantasy and sci-fi books from Scribd, a reading subscription service, in the last month.
Here’s your ultimate Game of Thrones reading list!
1. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
We’re not surprised that The Handmaid’s Tale is at the top of the list. The critically acclaimed (and Emmy-nominated!) Hulu show captivated watchers and influenced many to pick up the original text. Praise be.
2. American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Who — or what — defines your worldview? American Gods will make you think about culture, tradition, mythology, mortality, and awareness in a completely different way. Gaiman’s novel is a little bit of fantasy, a little bit of science fiction, and a little bit of mystery. Basically, it’s him at his finest.
3. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
Welcome to the year 2044. There’s no oil left, disease is widespread, and poverty is at an all-time high. Most people, including Wade, escape the sad reality by plugging into the OASIS. It’s a virtual world where the possibilities are endless. Suddenly, Wade finds himself closer to it than he ever imagined. Read Ready Player One before the movie (directed by Steven Spielberg, NBD) comes out next year!
4. The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories by Ken Liu
Want to dive into a gripping sci-fi story but don’t have the time or patience for an 800+ page tome? Enter Ken Liu. The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories is a collection of short story fantasy tales. Fans of Liu will recognize some of his award-winning stories, plus enjoy a brand new piece as well.
5. The Rook by Daniel O’Malley
“The body you are wearing used to be mine.” How’s that for a hook? If you like urban fantasy stories, you’ll love The Checquy Files series. In The Rook, book number one, Myfanwy wakes up in London and realizes that she’s a Rook. What’s a Rook, you ask? A member of a secret organization that fights supernatural forces. After you devour The Rook, you can immediately dive into Stiletto, the second book in the series.
6. The Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
The Wise Man’s Fear is #6 on the list of most popular fantasy/sci-fi book on Scribd. But it’s actually the second book in a series. If you were new to Harry Potter, you wouldn’t start with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, would you? That would just be crazy. So if The Killinger Chronicle series — which is also about magic — intrigues you, we recommend starting with The Name of the Wind. Because nobody likes spoilers.
7. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
Have you ever noticed that books set in England are that much more magical and mysterious? The Ocean at the End of the Lane is no exception. When a man returns to his childhood home for a funeral, it stirs up strange memories from the past involving a magical girl named Lettie. It’s scary, stirring, and complicated — and you won’t be able to put it down.
8. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
A little bit of sci-fi, a little bit of silly. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a classic and a great reminder that we shouldn’t take life so seriously all the time. If you like it, there are plenty more books in the series!
9. The Black Prism by Brent Weeks
Gavin is the Prism. That means he’s the most powerful man in the world — right now, at least. But his power won’t last forever. He has five years left, to be exact. Then, everything changes when Gavin discovers that he has a son. (Gasp!) Once again (are you noticing a theme here?), there are plenty more titles in the Lightbringer series to keep the story going!
10. The Blinding Knife by Brent Weeks
Remember just one sentence ago when we said there were more titles in the Lightbringer series? The Blinding Knife just so happens to be book number two! We won’t give any spoilers away, but trust us: It’s good.