Cliffhangers have long been a staple in literature, transcending genres, including fantasy. While these suspenseful endings can leave readers in a state of anticipation and, at times, exasperation, they undeniably enhance the intrigue surrounding a series. Despite the mixed feelings audiences might harbor towards cliffhangers, they serve as potent narrative devices that propel characters into situations demanding resolution. Crafting a compelling cliffhanger requires a delicate balance of clever foreshadowing and genuine shock to captivate the audience.
5 Iron Flame (2023)
The recent release of Rebecca Yarros’ Onyx Storm, the third book in the Empyrean series, has finally provided answers after a long wait following the stunning conclusion of Iron Flame. The cliffhanger in Iron Flame, featuring the shocking transformation of Xaden into Venin amid a fierce battle and Violet’s devastating loss of her mother, left readers craving more. This significant turn of events hints at poignant sacrifices, particularly for Violet, who has shared a deep emotional connection with Xaden throughout the series.
As Xaden makes this heartrending choice to draw energy from Earth to save Violet, readers reflect on the foreshadowing present in Iron Flame. Thankfully, the journey doesn’t end there; Onyx Storm has finally arrived to unveil what lies ahead for Violet and Xaden.
|
Book |
Year of Release |
|
Fourth Wing |
2023 |
|
Iron Flame |
2023 |
|
Onyx Storm |
2025 |
4 Mistborn: The Well Of Ascension (2007)
In the second book of Brandon Sanderson’s acclaimed Mistborn series, The Well of Ascension, readers are drawn deeper into the intricate lore and rich world-building that defines this saga. Following the journey of Vin as she aligns with Kelsier and his band to topple an oppressive regime, Sanderson expertly weaves a complex magic system with the emotional arcs of the characters.
A pivotal element in these stories is the Hero of the Ages prophecy. Initially suggesting that Vin could be the world’s savior, the narrative takes a shocking turn when it’s revealed that the prophecy is a fabrication aimed at releasing the malevolent force known as Ruin. This shocking conclusion leaves characters facing an uncertain future and sets the stage for Sanderson’s upcoming expansion of the Cosmere universe with Mistborn Era 3.
|
Book |
Year of Release |
|
The Final Empire |
2006 |
|
The Well of Ascension |
2007 |
|
The Hero of Ages |
2008 |
3 The Golden Compass (1995)
Though aimed at younger readers, Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials series, starting with The Golden Compass, presents a complex narrative filled with darkness and rich themes. The journey of Lyra, who embarks on dangerous quests to rescue her friend Roger from a sinister organization, uncovers shocking revelations about interdimensional travel and moral complexity.
As the story unfolds, Lyra’s ultimate success is bittersweet; her father Lord Asriel betrays her, leading her to a heart-wrenching decision that plunges her into a parallel universe. This emotional climax not only captivates young readers but also resonates deeply with adults, showcasing why The Golden Compass endures as a beloved fantasy classic.
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Book |
Year of Release |
|
The Golden Compass |
1995 |
|
The Subtle Knife |
1997 |
|
The Amber Spyglass |
2000 |
2 Six Of Crows (2015)
In Six of Crows, the relationship between Kaz and Inej stands out for its emotional depth and slow-burn romance. As the narrative threads unravel, an intense cliffhanger forces characters to confront the weight of their feelings. When Kaz kidnaps Inej to use her as leverage against a corrupt official, the stakes rise dramatically, plunging the Crows into a perilous situation that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the sequel.
|
Book |
Year of Release |
|
Six of Crows |
2015 |
|
Crooked Kingdom |
2016 |
1 The Mark Of Athena (2012)
The heartbreaking ending of The Mark of Athena sees Percy Jackson bravely pursuing Annabeth into the depths of Tartarus. This romantic yet tragic conclusion leaves the remaining characters, along with readers, agonizing over their fates as they await The Blood of Olympus. Fortunately, Percy Jackson’s resurgence in media—a Disney+ adaptation that became the platform’s most-watched show in 2024—signals a hopeful trajectory for this fantasy series and its potential spin-offs.
|
Book |
Year of Release |
|
The Lost Hero |
2010 |
|
The Son of Neptune |
2011 |
|
The Mark of Athena |
2012 |
|
The House of Hades |
2013 |
|
The Blood of Olympus |
2014 |
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