Arcaneconcluded on Netflix after the incredible season 2 finale at the end of November 2024. Though short-lived,it seems impossible that viewers will ever forget the impact thatArcanehas hadon the world of fantasy and sci-fi television. Luckily, since it’s set in theLeague of Legendsworld, there’s plenty of room forArcanespinoffs and future series that exist in the same continuation. As of now, there are plenty ofanimated series to watch now thatArcaneis over, but the best recommendation for fans ofArcanemight not be a TV show but a book series.
The Locked Tombseries by Tamsyn Muir is the perfect follow-up toArcanefor many reasons. Beginning with the 2019 novelGideon the Ninth,The Locked Tombbooks hit many of the same major beats asArcane.There are currently three books released in the main series ofThe Locked Tomb,with the fourth book still unpublished. Full of the action, tragedy, and humor thatArcanehas come to be known for,The Locked Tombnovels have been growing in popularity and notoriety for a long time, andArcane’s end might help shed more light on them.
Tamsyn Muir’s Locked Tomb Series Is The Perfect Arcane Replacement For Cait & Vi Fans
A similar love story plays out in Gideon the Ninth
Full of tongue-in-cheek humor andcentering on a phenomenal enemies-to-lovers LGBTQ+ romance, it won’t take long for readers to see whyGideon the Ninthis so often compared toArcane. There were many relationships inArcane, but the love that blossomed between Cait and Vi by the end of the series had some of the best build-up and payoff of the entire narrative. The relationship between Gideon and Harrowhark inGideon the Ninthshares similarities to Cait and Vi. Gideon and Harrow also come from different classes and start out with plenty of friction between them.
The Locked Tombseries is more gothic in tone and aesthetic thanArcane, which is a show that leans into the steampunk style.
Also, one of thebest fantasy books about revenge,Gideon The Ninth, combines sci-fi and fantasy, which is one of the ways thatArcaneshines as well.The Locked Tombseries is more gothic in tone and aesthetic thanArcane, which is a show that leans into the steampunk style. However,both use the perspectives of dissatisfied young womento propel the story. The trope of finding solace in someone who used to be an enemy but perfectly understands your situation applies to the characters in the book and show.
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Why Gideon The Ninth & Its Sequels Will Appeal To Arcane Fans
Whilethe comparisons to Cait and Vi are a great reason to startGideon the Ninth,this is far from the only aspect of the story that will keepArcanefans engaged. Gideon and Harrowhark are essential pieces of the story, but there are also interesting and complex secondary characters who help to flesh out the world ofThe Locked Tombuniverse. Additionally, the world-building and immersive settings inGideon the Ninthare similar to the nooks and crannies of Zaun and Piltover, allowing characters to explore and uncover hidden secrets.
10 Great Books Like Arcane
Even though Arcane has come to an end, that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of great books, shows, and movies like it to fill the void.
Outside of Gideon’s romance, as a protagonist, she fills the same niche as strong female characters like Jinx and Vi, who feel trapped by their circumstances. As the series progresses, new characters and perspectives are introduced, each expanding upon the reader’s existing knowledge about the world. Each narrator is rich in nuance and will instantly grab the audience’s attention. TheArcaneandLeague of Legendsspinoffs set upbyArcane’sconclusion will likely share the gritty and intense tone that’s come to define the TV show and the books and series similar to it.
There is no official publication date for the fourth book inThe Locked Tombseries,Alecto the Ninth.
Arcane
Cast
Arcane is an animated series set in the League of Legends universe, debuting in 2021. It explores the conflict between the affluent city of Piltover and the oppressed undercity of Zaun. Central to the story are two sisters whose allegiance to opposing sides of a technological and ideological war strains their bond.
