One of The Stormlight Archive‘s earliest twists packs a serious punch, and it proves a TV adaptation of Brandon Sanderson’s books could match the likes of Game of Thrones. Although fantasy shows trying to copy Game of Thrones are getting old, a Stormlight Archive adaptation would benefit from following in the HBO series’ footsteps. For one, Sanderson’s story is far too complex to be a movie instead of a TV show. But it would also require a take on the story that feels grounded and tackles realistic themes, just like Game of Thrones.

Of course, The Stormlight Archive features far more magic than George R.R. Martin’s story, so a TV show would need to strike the right balance while bringing it to life. The more fantastical elements of Sanderson’s world would help set a Stormlight Archive show apart from GOT, while the author’s ability to subvert expectations and fantasy tropes would align the two properties. Sanderson’s world may not be quite as dark as Martin’s, but its ability to take unexpected turns will appeal to the same viewership as Game of Thrones.

The Stormlight Archive’s Opening Kaladin Twist Upends Fantasy Tropes & Expectations

It’s The Sort Of Gut Punch Game Of Thrones Is Known For

The Stormlight Archive features multiple time jumps at the beginning of The Way of Kings, and one of its opening twists totally upends expectations. The first chapter after the prelude and prologue is told from the perspective of a soldier named Cenn, who is dragged into a conflict but welcomed into Kaladin Stormblessed’s squad. It initially seems as though Cenn could be an important character in Sanderson’s series, just as it appears that Kaladin will take on a heroic role from the beginning. However, Sanderson turns those impressions on their heads in just a few pages.

Reveals like this would make exciting additions to any TV show. In fact, they’re part of why
Game of Thrones
is so big.

This chapter ends with Kaladin and his squad in dire straits, and the next one opens with a devastating gut punch eight months later. As it turns out, Cenn and the rest of Kaladin’s squad perish on the battlefield after their confrontation. Kaladin is in chains the next time we see him, which is totally unexpected after the character’s introduction. The Stormlight Archive stays fresh with surprising narrative shifts like this, pushing back against typical fantasy conventions. Reveals like this would make exciting additions to any TV show. In fact, they’re part of why Game of Thrones is so big.

Twists Like This Would Make A Stormlight Archive TV Show As Big As Game Of Thrones

Kaladin becoming a slave and losing his men is a gut punch in The Stormlight Archive, and it’s delivered in a way that’s both surprising and sets the tone of the series. Game of Thrones features many of its own jaw-dropping twists, from Ned Stark’s season 1 death to the devastating Red Wedding. These Game of Thrones moments are what helped the series stand out when it was on air, allowing it to grip audiences and make a name for itself in the fantasy genre.

With The Stormlight Archive proving it can do the same in just a couple of chapters, its adaptation would prove a worthy contender to become the “next Game of Thrones.” Only time will tell if Sanderson’s books get the TV treatment — many are still waiting on the Mistborn movie — but if they do, there’s little doubt their adaptation will defy expectations and shake up the genre.