With Netflix's The Witcher gearing up for its final season, fans of dark fantasy are already wondering what will fill the void. The answer might be hiding in plain sight: Hannah Kaner's Fallen Gods trilogy, a gripping book series that has all the ingredients for a spectacular television adaptation.
Since its debut in 2019, The Witcher has carved out a niche with its blend of magic, monsters, and political scheming. But the genre isn't limited to one show or one format. Just as Andrzej Sapkowski's novels were brought to life on screen, Kaner's books deserve the same treatment. The Fallen Gods trilogy offers a world on the brink of civil war, where divine beings are outlawed and hunted—a premise ripe for epic storytelling.
What Is Fallen Gods About?
The trilogy is set in the kingdom of Middren, where every aspect of life has a god—from natural forces to household objects. After a devastating conflict, the king bans all worship, giving rise to godkillers: mercenaries trained to eliminate any remaining deities. The story centers on Kissen, a one-legged godkiller with a personal vendetta against the fire god Hseth. Her path crosses with Inara, a young girl who has bound her soul to Skedi, a minor god of white lies. Unable to kill Skedi without harming Inara, Kissen reluctantly teams up with the girl, and they set off on a dangerous journey.
Along the way, they meet Elogast, a former soldier turned baker who is called back into service for a secret mission by his friend, King Arren. Elo becomes an unlikely ally, and together this trio forms a found family. As assassins close in and the fire god's followers threaten the kingdom, Kissen, Elo, and Inara are drawn into a larger political conflict that could reshape their world.
Why It's Perfect for TV
While Fallen Gods tells a unique story, it shares key elements with The Witcher: an unlikely family dynamic, a dark and dangerous world, and a heavy dose of political intrigue. The gods themselves serve as formidable adversaries, much like the monsters Geralt faces, and the human threats are equally menacing. The series also features a growing war, betrayals, and a central mission to protect a young girl with unexpected powers—all hallmarks of a binge-worthy fantasy show.
One of the trilogy's greatest strengths is its modern sensibility. Published in 2023, with the finale arriving last year, the books are fresh and inclusive. They feature strong female characters, LGBTQ+ representation, and characters with disabilities—like Kissen's prosthetic leg and Deaf characters—all portrayed as natural parts of the world. This avoids the common pitfall of adaptations that have to retrofit diversity into the source material. Instead, Fallen Gods already offers a rich, diverse cast that would translate seamlessly to screen.
For fans of the best fantasy miniseries, this is a story that could easily rival them. And with The Witcher nearing its end, the timing couldn't be better. The Fallen Gods trilogy has everything a fantasy epic needs: memorable characters, high stakes, and a world that feels both fantastical and grounded. It's time for Hollywood to take notice.
As we look ahead to upcoming book-to-film adaptations, Fallen Gods stands out as a must-adapt. Its blend of action, heart, and political drama would appeal to both longtime fantasy fans and newcomers alike. If you're already missing The Witcher, this is the series to champion.
