Two Fantasy Novels that are Actually Thrillers

Thrillers are a genre of fiction that are defined by their suspenseful and intense plots. They often involve high stakes, danger, and a sense of urgency that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. While many thrillers are classified as mystery or crime novels, the genre is actually quite diverse and can encompass a wide range of narratives. With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at why A Song of Ice and Fire could be considered a thriller.

Firstly, the series is marked by a high level of tension and suspense. Throughout the books, readers are constantly on edge, wondering what will happen next. The stakes are high, and the consequences of each character’s actions are often dire. One wrong move could lead to death, betrayal, or the loss of everything the characters hold dear. The sense of danger is palpable, and the reader is never quite sure who is safe and who isn’t.

This is in part due to Martin’s decision to break with convention and kill off major characters without warning or remorse. In traditional fantasy novels, the hero is often protected by plot armor, and readers can be reasonably sure that they will survive to the end of the book. In A Song of Ice and Fire, no one is safe. Even the most beloved and powerful characters can meet a sudden and unexpected end. This means that readers are constantly on edge, wondering who will be the next to fall.

The political intrigue and manipulation that characterizes the series also contributes to its thriller status. The plot is driven by the complex and ever-shifting alliances between the various noble houses of Westeros. Each house seeks to gain power and advantage over the others, and the intricate plotting and scheming can be just as thrilling as any high-speed chase or shoot-out.

At the heart of this political intrigue is the battle for the Iron Throne, which is the ultimate prize for any aspiring ruler in Westeros. The throne represents not only power but also legitimacy and prestige, and many of the characters will stop at nothing to claim it for themselves. This creates a sense of urgency and danger that is characteristic of the thriller genre.

The supernatural elements of the series also play a significant role in its thriller status. While there are dragons and magic in the series, they are not the typical fantasy elements that one might expect. Rather, the supernatural elements of A Song of Ice and Fire are dark and ominous, adding an element of horror and fear to the story.

The White Walkers, for example, are a terrifying enemy that threatens the safety of all of Westeros. These supernatural beings are powerful and almost unstoppable, and their very existence adds a sense of urgency to the plot. The ominous threat of the undead army marching towards the Wall adds a ticking clock to the story, increasing the tension and keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

Finally, the moral ambiguity of the series is another factor that contributes to its thriller status. Unlike in traditional fantasy stories, where characters are often divided into clear-cut heroes and villains, the characters in A Song of Ice and Fire are far more complex. Even the most virtuous characters are capable of making morally questionable decisions, and the villains often have a sympathetic side. This creates a sense of unease and unpredictability that is characteristic of the thriller genre. 

Similarly, The Wheel of Time is a book series that has captured the hearts and minds of millions of readers around the world. Written by Robert Jordan, and completed by Brandon Sanderson after Jordan’s death, the series is set in a sprawling and complex world and follows the adventures of a diverse cast of characters as they fight against an ancient evil known as the Dark One. While many readers might think of the series as epic fantasy, there is a strong case to be made that it is actually a thriller.

Thrillers are defined by their high-stakes, suspenseful plots that keep readers on the edge of their seats. They often involve danger, intrigue, and a sense of urgency that makes the story feel immediate and exciting. The Wheel of Time ticks all of these boxes and more.

Firstly, the series is characterized by a sense of urgency and danger. From the very beginning of the first book, readers are aware that something big is coming. The Dark One is on the rise, and the characters know that they must act quickly and decisively to stop him. This creates a sense of tension and urgency that runs throughout the entire series. Readers are constantly aware that time is running out, and that failure is not an option.

This urgency is enhanced by the fact that the characters are constantly on the move. They travel across the continent, racing against time to gather allies, weapons, and information that they need to defeat the Dark One. This creates a sense of momentum that keeps the story moving forward at a breakneck pace.

Another characteristic of thrillers is their focus on plot twists and unexpected turns. The Wheel of Time is full of these. From the very beginning of the series, readers are kept guessing about what will happen next. The plot is full of twists and turns that keep readers guessing and constantly surprised.

One of the most notable plot twists in the series is the revelation that one of the main characters, Rand al’Thor, is the prophesied savior of the world. This twist not only adds a sense of urgency to the plot, but also creates a sense of uncertainty about Rand’s fate. Will he be able to save the world, or will he succumb to the darkness that threatens to consume him?

The political intrigue and manipulation that characterizes the series is also characteristic of the thriller genre. The plot is driven by the complex and ever-shifting alliances between the various factions of the world. Each faction seeks to gain power and advantage over the others, and the intricate plotting and scheming can be just as thrilling as any high-speed chase or shoot-out.

At the heart of this political intrigue is the battle for control of the world. The various factions seek to gain control of the powerful artifacts known as the Ter’angreal, which have the power to shape reality itself. This creates a sense of urgency and danger that is characteristic of the thriller genre.

The supernatural elements of the series also contribute to its thriller status. The Dark One and his minions are terrifying enemies that threaten the safety of the world. They are powerful and almost unstoppable, and their very existence adds a sense of urgency to the plot. The ominous threat of the Dark One’s minions adds a ticking clock to the story, increasing the tension and keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

Finally, like A Song of Ice and Fire, the moral ambiguity of The Wheel of Time series is another factor that contributes to its thriller status. Like many thrillers, The Wheel of Time is full of complex characters who are not easily categorized as heroes or villains. Even the most virtuous characters are capable of making morally questionable decisions, and the villains often have a sympathetic side. This creates a sense of unease and unpredictability that is characteristic of the thriller genre.

Both A Song of Ice and Fire and The Wheel of Time are epic book series that have become widely popular among readers. While they are often classified as high fantasy, there is a strong argument to be made that they are actually thrillers. Both series have a sense of urgency and danger that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, as well as intricate plots full of unexpected twists and turns. Political intrigue, supernatural elements, and morally ambiguous characters add to the tension and unpredictability of the stories. Overall, both series embody the key characteristics of the thriller genre and have captivated audiences around the world.