Arcane was hailed as one of the best animated fantasy TV shows Netflix has released in a long time, and although it only lasted two seasons, it will never be forgotten. Although there are many Arcane spinoff TV shows in development, many audiences are still mourning the end of some incredible character dynamics, romances, and politically intriguing plots that Arcane did so well. Set in the steampunk world of League of Legends, Arcane makes a great argument for the future of video game adaptations everywhere, as it uses the world to create a unique story.
Now this Arcane is over, there are plenty of books, movies, and TV shows that can fill the gap left by the series' conclusion. Fantasy authors shine through the world-building and magic systems of their books, which are two facets Arcane that so many viewers respond to. However, the creation of an intricate universe isn't the only aspect of these novels that will endear them to fans of the series. With complex character relationships, the elevation of strong female characters, and an abundance of steampunk aesthetics, there's a book for fans of every element of the game. Arcane.
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Series |
Rotten Tomatoes critic score |
Rotten Tomatoes audience score |
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Arcane (2021–2024) |
100% |
93% |
10
Gideon the Ninth (2019)
Written by Tamsyn Muir
Tamsyn Muir's dark but humorous fantasy book Gideon the Ninth resorts to colloquialisms and teen comedy to spice up its narrative, and while this style can be polarizing, it works for the book. The titular character, Gideon, is a strong female character who recovers from poverty and discrimination, discovering a terrible secret about the way their world is governed. She embarks on a journey of action and betrayal with Harrowhark, a rival since childhood.
Vi and Cait's relationship was a big part Arcane Season 2, and for audiences who like a well-developed LGBTQ+ romance that starts with a little friction, Gideon the Ninth It's perfect.
Vi and Cait's relationship was a big part Arcane Season 2, and for audiences who like a well-developed LGBTQ+ romance that starts with a little friction, Gideon the Ninth It's perfect. Harrowhark and Gideon may clash, but that doesn't mean there aren't sparks between them as they rise through the ranks of the Emperor's judgment and realize that they are not only compatible in battle. Witty, romantic and tragic, Gideon the Ninth will satisfy the need for another Vi and Cait.
9
Mistborn: The League of Law (2011)
Written by Brandon Sanderson
Action and steampunk define Born from the mists Era 2, the second part of Brandon Sanderson's series that begins with The League of Law. Born from the mists has changed from Era 1 to Era 2 in many significant ways, and the setting is one of the most significant changes. Set 300 years after the first three books, The League of Law is an advanced, futuristic society parallel to Piltover and Zaun and the different factions that make up the different niches of the cities. This means that modern technology and weapons are included in the action sequences.
Fans of the fight scenes in Arcane will appreciate The League of Lawas the series incorporates both the magic system, which is linked to metal, and the use of industrial innovations. This creates inventive sequences that capture the audience's attention and make it easier to see conflicts in the mind's eye. However The League of Law is not as dramatic and intense as the first trilogy, it is a fun expansion of the Born from the mists world.
8
Jade City (2017)
Written by Fonda Lee
The warring clans in the futuristic island society of Jade City reminiscent of the elements of organized crime in Arcane. All of the Jade in history, which grants special powers to certain users, is controlled by the island's two main crime families, Kekon, and their story of anguish and drama will last for centuries. However Jade City sees the Kaul clan and the Ayt clan in an attempted truce at the beginning of the novel, It doesn't take long for this veneer of peace to fall away, revealing his true intentions.
The dichotomy between the old guard and the brash newcomers is evident in stories like these.
Drug trafficking represents a large part Jade Cityas a substance is introduced into their society that will increase the Jade users' power and their ability to handle the use of that force. The island itself is a futuristic, metropolitan setting full of nooks and crannies for the characters to disappear. Loyalty is also crucial Jade City and a quality that will make or break the characters' lives in Arcane. The dichotomy between the old guard and the brash newcomers is evident in stories like these.
7
Breakers (2021)
Written by Zoe Hana Mikuta
Featuring a steampunk aesthetic and an unforgettable enemies-to-lovers arc, Reducer breakers has a lot in common with Arcane. Eris and Sona are the unlikely couple of Reducer breakersfor at first it appears that they are on opposite sides of a war that will shape the face of the world. The book draws comparisons to the film series Pacific Rimas Reducer breakers it involves mecha-like machines that are used to suppress the people of the Badlands. Although this is a larger scale than Arcane, the stakes seem equally high in both the book and the series.
Author Zoe Hana Mikuta has been making her mark in the science fiction and fantasy genres since Reducer breakers was published, and this novel has only become more relevant since its publication. However Reducer breakers leans more towards the young adult style, that doesn't make it any less impactful what Arcane. Eris and Sona are great foils for the TV show's romances and the world of Reducer breakers it will simply be engaging for all audiences.
6
Throne of Glass (2012)
Written by Sarah J. Maas
The intricate construction of the world Throne of Glass sets this series apart of some other works by Sarah J. Maas, although Cutting thorns and roses It is his most famous work to date. However, Maas first came to prominence thanks to Throne of Glasswhich still has the spice that Maas is known for, but uses the romances as a secondary element in its overarching fantasy plot. This is more in line with Arcanewhich began to incorporate romance after the stage was set.
Like the characters in ArcaneCelaena soon loses the ability to think only about herself, as there are risks and greater forces at work.
The timeline of books like ACOTAR and Throne of Glass within the universe Maas sees his different books last months or years, but they always keep the reader invested. Celaena Sardothien is the protagonist of Throne of Glassand Your goal is to win a competition of assassins to free yourself. However, as the characters in ArcaneCelaena soon loses the ability to think only about herself, as there are risks and greater forces at work.
Written by August Clarke
This recent addition to the fantasy genre includes aspects of an industrial revolution and sapphic relationships to maintain any Arcane interested fan. Marney is the betrayed and angry young woman who saw firsthand the evil of the manufacturer Chauncey and how he was willing to murder his workers rather than treat them fairly. When word spreads that Chauncey's daughter is looking to get married, Marney sees her chance and doesn't look back on her path of revenge.
As Arcanemuch of the vitality of history in Sky Metal comes from technology and innovations, and the characters have evolved and adapted themselves and their abilities to align with this world. Furthermore, it is greed and the desire for power that lead antagonists to Metal from the skyleaving the heroes in the dust to discover who they really are in the wake of the devastation. One day, Marney will have justice, but it may not be what she expected.
4
The Poppy War (2018)
Written by RF Kuang
RF Kuang's debut novel, The Poppy Warfeatures strong female characters who are pushed to their limits and discover that they will do everything they can to defy their oppressors. The protagonist, Rin, is extremely stubborn and refuses to compromise her morals and desires, which comes back to bite her more than once. She learns that the world is not a fair place and that there are few people she can truly trust.
The first half of the novel plays out similarly to a classic coming-of-age fantasy novel, with Rin training and rising through the ranks at an elite school.
Kuang's independent fiction book, Babelis a recent fantasy book that will one day be a classic, but The Poppy War is a great place to start for readers encountering your work for the first time. The first half of the novel plays out similarly to a classic coming-of-age fantasy novel, with Rin training and rising through the ranks at an elite school. However, the story takes a dark turn, as Vi and Jinx's lives in Arcane, putting Rin on an inevitable path that she can never escape.
3
Red Rise (2014)
Written by Pierce Brown
Revolution, castes and violent action sequences define Red Risethe first book of Red Rising Saga. Pierce Brown's seminal series about fighting oppressive and exploitative forces has quickly become a favorite in the fantasy genre, and it's easy to see why. Revenge is a recurring theme in Red Rise, as the protagonist, Darrow, is motivated to leave home and risk his life because everything has already been taken from him.
Injustice and intense social stratification are a big part of Arcaneand many characters are driven to violence and unbelievable acts because of how much has been taken from them. Stories like Arcane and Red Rise are so impactful to the public because they deal with real social issues and elevate them to the point of fantasy and magic. However, brute strength and fierce determination are the true driving forces behind Darrow's actions and the characters in Arcane.
2
Before We Disappear (2021)
Written by Shaun David Hutchinson
Fans of Jayce and Viktor's relationship will instantly connect Before we disappear, the LGBTQ+ novel by Shaun David Hutchinson. Following the story of Jack and Laszlo, Before we disappear intertwines real magic into its historical fantasy setting. The book is set in the early 20th century when magic was a big part of every exhibit and stealing tricks from other magicians was part of the game. However, when Jack discovers Laszlo's tricks, he can't escape them.
However Before we disappear does not have the sweeping drama or tragedy of ArcaneIt's a refreshing change of pace to see two great characters find their happy ending.
Not exactly enemies, the young people in Before we disappear are rivals of lovers, and it is clear that the choice between their love and their worldly existences is no choice at all. However Before we disappear does not have the sweeping drama or tragedy of ArcaneIt's a refreshing change of pace to see two great characters find their happy ending. For those who wanted to see a little more of the characters' lives, Arcane, Before we disappear does the job.
1
Season of Bones (2013)
Written by Samantha Shannon
Set in a world of corrupt governments with dark secrets and unpredictable twists, The season of bones It may not be Samantha Shannon's most famous work, but it is one of her best designed. Shannon's greatest work, The Priory of Laranjeirawould also be a decent comparison for Arcanebut The season of bones is more appropriate in terms of global and political implications. The protagonist of The season of bonesPaige already lives in a totalitarian society that persecutes her, but soon discovers that the real secret is much worse.
The issues of class disparities and revolution play an important role in The season of bones, how they do in Arcaneand Paige is a worthy successor to the likes of Vi and Jinx in terms of complex main characters. One of the main sources of tension in The season of bones It's Paige aligning herself with an enemy to get out of her prison, and the development of their relationship is both confusing and intriguing for Paige. Although the world of The season of bones is complex, it is worth delving deeper after being immersed in Arcane.