For all of us who’ve been looking for a new crime series to obsess over, the good news is that we don’t have much longer to wait, as Apple TV has just led us into very dark territory with the first look at their new serial-killer thriller. The streamer has just given us a first look at Nocturne, a 10-episode drama that puts Liev Schreiber, Zazie Beetz, and Stephen Graham on opposite sides of a brutal manhunt — adapted from the internationally bestselling Lars Kepler novels Lazarus and The Sandman.

The new series follows Jonah Lynn (Schreiber), an ex-soldier turned homicide detective who leaves Philadelphia behind in the hope of finding a quieter life in a small town in western Pennsylvania. However, since this is very much a crime thriller, that plan goes straight to hell in a handbasket. But when the town, and Jonah’s own family too, comes under attack from the diabolically clever serial killer, Jurek Walker (Graham), Jonah is unfortunately forced right back into the kind of nightmare he was hoping to desperately avoid. Soon, the search for Jurek’s final missing victim places Jonah’s surrogate daughter, FBI agent Saga Bauer (Beetz), directly in the killer’s path.

Who’s Involved in ‘Nocturne’ on Apple TV?

Alongside Schreiber, Beetz, and Graham, the series also stars Bill Camp (The Night Of), Rory Culkin (Scream 4), Chrissy Metz (This Is Us), Poorna Jagannathan (Never Have I Ever), and Gary Carr (Downton Abbey). The show is created for television by Rowan Joffe (Tin Star), with John Hlavin (Shooter) serving as showrunner. Tim Van Patten (Masters of the Air) directs the first two episodes and executive-produces.

The source material comes from Lars Kepler, the pen name of Swedish writing duo Alexandra Coelho Ahndoril and Alexander Ahndoril. Their 10 crime novels have sold more than 20 million copies worldwide, so if Nocturne catches on with viewers, then Apple TV will have an absolute treasure trove of grim, grisly misery to adapt in the years to come across future seasons. Nocturne is the latest in the crime thriller genre for Apple TV, but if the wait until October is too long, the streamer offers a wide range of similar prestige content, including Slow Horses, Cape Fear, and Presumed Innocent.

Nocturne premieres October 30 on Apple TV with its first two episodes, followed by weekly instalments through December 25. Stay tuned to Collider for all the latest updates on Apple TV.

Lena Dunham is finally speaking out after her eyebrow-raising speech at Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce‘s wedding became one of the most talked-about moments from the star-studded celebration. Just days after reports surfaced that the “Girls” creator left some guests stunned with an X-rated joke during her toast, Lena Dunham appeared to address the buzz, sharing photos from the wedding weekend and joking that she’s now available to speak at future celebrations.

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On Sunday, Dunham shared a slideshow of photos from Swift and Kelce’s wedding weekend and jokingly offered her services for future celebrations. “Available going forward for weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, and sweet sixteens (gay ones). I love both my husbands and I love love,” she wrote.

The post quickly caught attention because it marked the first time Lena Dunham publicly addressed the wedding weekend following reports about her memorable speech. While she didn’t directly mention the controversy, the timing of the post was hard for fans to ignore.

Dunham’s Wedding Speech Left Guests Talking

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According to reports, Lena Dunham delivered one of the evening’s most unforgettable speeches during Swift and Kelce’s star-studded wedding celebration at Madison Square Garden. The actress and writer reportedly compared Travis Kelce’s profession as an NFL player to “gay p-rn,” a joke that allegedly shocked some guests while leaving others laughing.

The comment quickly became one of the most discussed moments of the wedding after details began to emerge from inside the highly secretive event. Despite the buzz surrounding her remarks, Dunham appeared unfazed, choosing instead to poke fun at the situation in her latest Instagram post.

Lena Dunham Shared Rare Glimpses From Taylor Swift’s Wedding Weekend

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Although guests reportedly signed non-disclosure agreements before attending the wedding festivities, Dunham’s photo carousel offered a small peek into the exclusive celebration. The images included moments from both the intimate rehearsal dinner and the wedding itself.

One photo showed Dunham getting ready for the festivities, while another featured her posing alongside actor Andrew Scott. A selfie with Scott also appeared to reveal part of the wedding décor, including elegant pink drapery that offered a glimpse inside the transformed Madison Square Garden venue. Another image appeared to show Dunham leaving the celebration alongside Scott and novelist Zadie Smith after the festivities had wrapped up.

While the photos stopped short of revealing any major wedding details, they provided fans with one of the rare behind-the-scenes looks at the weekend.

Lena Dunham And Taylor Swift Have Been Friends For Years

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Dunham’s invitation to the wedding was hardly surprising given her long-standing friendship with Swift. The two have remained close for years, with Swift previously attending Dunham’s wedding to musician Luis Felber in London in 2021.

Their friendship dates back more than a decade and has included public support, collaborations, and appearances at major life events for both women.

Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce’s Wedding Brought Together Hundreds Of Stars

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Dunham was just one of roughly 1,000 guests who attended Swift and Kelce’s highly anticipated July 3 wedding. After months of speculation, rumors, and conflicting reports, the couple officially tied the knot at Madison Square Garden in a celebration that reportedly lasted late into the night. Among those reportedly celebrating the newlyweds were Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco, Patrick Mahomes and his wife Brittany Mahomes, the Haim sisters, Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper, and members of Kelce’s Kansas City Chiefs family.

The wedding featured several unconventional touches, including Swift’s brother, Austin, serving as her “man of honor” and Travis’ brother, Jason Kelce, acting as best man. Adding an unexpected twist to the ceremony, longtime Swift friend Adam Sandler reportedly served as the couple’s officiant, helping make the wedding even more memorable for the hundreds of guests.

The event also marked another milestone in a romance that began three years ago, when Kelce famously attended Swift’s “Eras Tour” stop in Kansas City and attempted to give her a friendship bracelet with his phone number. That missed connection eventually turned into one of the most talked-about relationships in entertainment and sports, and now, one of the most talked-about celebrity weddings in recent memory.

Roomies! Russell Wilson and Ciara are celebrating their 10-year wedding anniversary, and the singer shared footage with her fans on Instagram. Ciara and Russell both shared a video on the platform on Monday, July 6.

The videos include snapshots of the duo’s life with their children, Sienna, Win, Amora, and Ciara’s son with Future, Future Zahir.

RELATED: Social Media Shows Russell Wilson MAJOR Love After Ciara’s Son Future Zahir Refers To Him As “My Dad” During Red Carpet Interview (VIDEO)

Ciara Shares Sweet Anniversary Video On Instagram

The 40-year-old recording artist shared a sweet message on Instagram to celebrate the couple’s 10-year anniversary with her fans.

The post included a video of the duo on a mega yacht playing golf as well as footage of their wedding and lives together.

“Since the first day we met…we haven’t stopped laughing, dancing, dating, holding hands, being passionate, praying, forgiving, and having the best time of our lives,’ she wrote. “I remember saying Yes like it was yesterday, and I would say Yes all over again! Happy 10 Year Anniversary @DangeRussWilson. I’m so proud of us. I love you soooo much!”

Russell Wilson Also Shared An Anniversary Video

Russell Wilson also shared a video on Instagram with fans to celebrate the occasion, and he thanked God for his wife of 10 years, and he wished her a happy anniversary.

“10 years ago you said YES,” he wrote. “Yes to each other. YES to God’s perfect plan for each other. YES to 4 beautiful kids. YES to Love. 10 years of the most amazing highs and a few lows but every day we wake up I thank God HE gave me you @ciara. A life full of Joy, Gratitude, Forgiveness, Laughter, Smiles, some tears, and a whole lot of Love. YES to each other! For a lifetime. For Forever. Happy 10 year Anniversary! I Love You Mrs. Ciara Princess Wilson.🖤”

Roomies Couldn’t Wait To Congratulate The Happy Couple

After news of the couple’s celebration was shared on TSR‘s Instagram page, roomies couldn’t wait to congratulate them. Several fans noted that they couldn’t believe the couple had been married 10 years already.

User @dismyyear_88 wrote, “D*mn!!! That was a fast 10 years!!! I remember when they first started dating 😂😂😂 Congratulations 🎉.”

@ctlee____ replied, “Wait it’s been 10 years??????”

@softlifemoni added, “That’s crazy it don’t even feel that long 😭.”

User @breemorr wrote, “They deserve each other. God’s love looks good on them!!”

@pretty_persian wrote, “Wow ’10’ years already! Time is really flying! Congratulations you two!!”

User@hyperhit_zeno joked, “They finna have another kid ain’t it lol.”

RELATED: As He Should! Social Media Can’t Get Enough Of Russell Wilson’s SPICY Reaction To Ciara’s Twerk Session (WATCH)

Influencer Ayzia J truly made an impact in the content world. From her stylish “get ready with me” videos to her memorable personality, Ayzia was always in her bag, trying new things and creating content her supporters loved. With over 80K followers on Instagram, 250K on TikTok, and 20K on YouTube, she was continuing to make her name known as an influencer.

Sadly, the timeline is now mourning another creator after news surfaced that Ayzia passed away following a tragic accident.

RELATED: Prayers Up! Influencer DreamDoll Bri Passes Away After Early Morning Shooting Into Lamborghini SUV (UPDATE)

Report Shares Details Surrounding The Tragic Accident Involving Ayzia J.

On Monday, news surfaced that Ayzia J. Toledo tragically passed away at the age of 22. According to CBS News, New Jersey State Police responded to Route 55 in Deptford Township late Sunday night after reports of a serious car accident.

Authorities said Ayzia lost control of the vehicle before it left the road, flipped, and struck a tree. A passenger, 22-year-old Henrietta F. Carter, also lost her life. A third passenger was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Police stated no other vehicles appeared to have been involved.

Family And Friends Honor Ayzia J.’s Memory Following Her Tragic Passing

After the news circulated online, Ayzia’s family, friends, and fellow creators took time to remember her. One relative shared photos honoring the beautiful life of Ayzia J., writing, “MuMu, AyziaJ, Our Beautiful Babygirl We are so sorry! You will be missed and loved beyond measure @ayziajxo.”

Fellow influencer Terry Reloaded also shared a few memories with Ayzia, reflecting on their friendship.“Wow my strongest hustling friend. We got so close during these times, we grew a bond nobody could break. Even if we go months without talking we knew what’s up. My superstar, I love you my Philly frog. You did not deserve to go out like that. It’s up bout you 5LIFE,” he wrote.

Zoe Spencer also shared a heartfelt message following the news, writing, “Wow. Sleep peacefully BEAUTIFUL wow. I’m just so lost for words. God bless her family. And God please put your angels and protection around all your daughters please 🥺. In just one week I’ve seen way too many beautiful girls pass. Just so hurt because I keep having to open my phone and see another queen go. Omg you didn’t deserve this Ayzia, I’m so sorry.”

Deshae Frost also remembered Ayzia after previously working with her on content.“Rip ayziajxo. You were always supportive and a great person. God has gained another angel. Thank you for being you,” he wrote.

Social Media Sends Their Condolences 

Many supporters gathered across timelines as they reacted to the sudden passing of Ayzia J. Many were shocked by the heartbreaking news, while others shared their condolences and remembered the impact she left behind.

Instagram user @ 2fav.toher._elijahxiyann wrote, “My heart 💔 rip she was so full of light welove you azyia 🤍 🕊️ “

Instagram user @crownziona added, “the saddest thing is that it looks like she was having the time of her life on her story last night & now she’s not here. one of my fav influencers with the biggest personality, rest is peace Ayzia 🤍 “

While Instagram user @dakiyahh._20 wrote, “God please wrap your arms around all of us young adults 🥺❤️ you are trying to get our attention!!!

Instagram user @bria_barbriaa wrote, “ wtf is going on 😢 😢 “

Instagram user @kiitiana_ added, “There’s nothing in the air it’s called LIFE”

While Instagram user @ctrld1212 wrote, “These young girls omg so sad”

Instagram user @banksbig4 © wrote, “Dis Weekend Has Taught Me Stay My Ahh Inna Crib Dis Life Shii Wicked Ayzia Showed Me Love When I Was First Startin Ts Im Sick Gang Rest Easy 💔

RELATED: Prayers Up! Fans Share Heartbreak After ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Actress Daveigh Chase Passes Away At Age 35

Brad Pitt has taken one of the biggest public steps in his relationship with Ines de Ramon, but the timing has only fueled more curiosity about the couple’s future.

Just weeks after reports claimed the Oscar winner has no plans to marry again, the pair made their Instagram debut together while celebrating Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s star-studded wedding, giving fans a rare glimpse into their romance.

Brad Pitt and Ines de Ramon have largely kept their relationship away from social media since they were first linked in late 2022.

That changed when celebrity hairstylist Laurie Zanoletti shared affectionate photos of the couple before they attended Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s lavish wedding at Madison Square Garden.

The hairstylist posted several glamorous images of the pair dressed in coordinating black ensembles before the celebration. Pitt looked polished in a classic tuxedo with a bow tie and black sunglasses, while de Ramon stunned in a sheer black lace gown paired with teardrop earrings and a sleek ponytail.

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Alongside the images, Zanoletti wrote, “My favorite lovers @inesdrmn & Brad Pitt for an incredible moment in nyc.”

The jewelry executive later shared the romantic photos on her Instagram Stories, pairing each image with Taylor Swift’s hit song Lover. She also added a red heart emoji to one picture showing Pitt embracing her.

Although the posts marked a notable milestone for the couple, de Ramon stopped short of posting the images permanently on her main Instagram feed.

Taylor Swift Wedding Set The Scene For Their Public Debut

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The couple’s social media milestone came just before they joined hundreds of celebrity guests at Swift and Kelce’s extravagant New York City wedding.

After posing for the photos, Brad Pitt and Ines de Ramon attended the celebration before later being spotted leaving Madison Square Garden in an SUV alongside musician Beck.

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The wedding itself drew an extraordinary guest list from across Hollywood, music, television, and sports. Among those in attendance were Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Hugh Grant, Reese Witherspoon, Graham Norton, Ethan Hawke, Ed Sheeran, Emma Stone, Cindy Crawford, Suki Waterhouse, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jessica Alba, Bradley Cooper, Dakota Johnson, Dua Lipa, Chris Rock, Gigi Hadid, Beyoncé, and Jay-Z.

The celebration reportedly featured performances by Stevie Nicks and Paul McCartney, while Adam Sandler surprised guests by officiating the ceremony.

For Pitt and de Ramon, the event became more than another celebrity wedding. It also served as the backdrop for the most public display of their relationship since they began dating nearly four years ago.

Brad Pitt’s Future With Ines Still Raises Questions

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Despite their increasingly public appearances together, recent reports suggest marriage may not be part of Pitt’s future plans.

Last month, a source told Page Six that the actor has no intention of proposing to de Ramon despite their strong relationship.

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The insider explained, “Ines is incredibly close with Brad’s family. They absolutely adore her and she’s been welcomed with open arms from the beginning.”

The source continued, “At this point they basically consider her family and one of their own. But Brad has no plans on getting married despite how close Ines has become with everyone.”

While another wedding reportedly isn’t being discussed, those close to the couple say de Ramon has become fully integrated into Pitt’s personal life.

Ines de Ramon Is Part Of The Pitt Family

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According to the insider, “Ines and Brad’s family keep in touch regularly and genuinely enjoy spending time with her. It never feels like she’s ‘Brad’s girlfriend.’ She’s just part of the family when they’re together.”

They also revealed, “She’s built real relationships with everyone. She spends time with Brad’s brother and sister, nieces and nephews, attends family gatherings and has made an effort to get to know each of them individually.”

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Those comments suggest the relationship has continued to deepen even without engagement plans.

Brad Pitt And Ines de Ramon’s Relationship Has Grown After Major Life Changes

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The couple’s romance began shortly after major chapters ended in both of their personal lives.

Pitt finalized his lengthy divorce from Angelina Jolie in December 2024, bringing an end to a legal battle that stretched nearly a decade after the former couple married in 2014. Before Jolie, the actor was married to Jennifer Aniston between 2000 and 2005.

De Ramon also entered the relationship following the end of her own marriage. She quietly wed The Vampire Diaries star Paul Wesley in 2019 before the pair separated in 2022.

Since then, Pitt and de Ramon have steadily increased their public appearances together, attending premieres, awards events, and now one of Hollywood’s most talked-about weddings.

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The Instagram debut also arrives during another challenging period for Pitt personally. Recent reports revealed that five of the six children he shares with Jolie have reportedly dropped his surname, reflecting the ongoing strain within the family following the couple’s highly publicized split.

Pitt and Jolie are parents to adopted children Maddox, Pax, and Zahara, along with biological children Shiloh and twins Vivienne and Knox.

Even as questions continue surrounding both his family relationships and whether he will ever marry again, Pitt’s latest appearance with de Ramon suggests their relationship remains stronger than ever. While the Instagram photos may not answer speculation about the couple’s future, they offer the clearest public sign yet that the Oscar winner is comfortable sharing this chapter of his life.

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Nolan Xavier Wells‘ friends are speaking out as the 18-year-old’s body was found on Horn Island, Mississippi, on Monday, July 6. According to the Sun Herald, Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter told the outlet that a park ranger found Nolan at approximately 8:40 a.m by search crews at the western tip of the island. Nolan was reported missing after last being seen in the area while celebrating the Fourth of July on Saturday.

RELATED: Mississippi Authorities Search For Nolan Xavier Wells After He Goes Missing During A Boat Trip To Horn Island

Nolan Xavier Wells’ Friends Speak Out

Nolan Xavier Wells’ friends are speaking out after learning of his death. He was a student at Southwest Mississippi Community College, where he played on the football team. According to the Sun Herald, Nolan’s parents, Christine and Elmore Wonsley, were present as their child’s body was brought to shore.

The young man’s friends comforted them as they shared stories about him. His childhood friends described the teen as an “easy-going young man” with a calming influence who broke up arguments when they were young. Nolan was also described as someone who was always smiling and “friendly to everyone.” “He could spark up a whole room,” said one friend.

Jayvon Williams, 17, is Nolan’s best friend. Jayvon said that he rode out to the island on a different boat than Nolan. However, he remembers seeing him there.

“As soon as we got out there, he told me that he loved me,” said Jayvon.

The teen added that Nolan talked to some other people on the island as well as a girl, and he last saw him around 4 p.m.

Nolan’s Friend Trace Reportedly Told Him To Be Careful

Nolan’s friend Trace Carter was at the shore as officials recovered his remains. Trace revealed that he’d spoken to his friend before the outing and warned him to be careful.

Trace said that he told Nolan, “Just hit me up when you get back. Just be careful, bro. Watch out for yourself.”

Nolan allegedly replied, “I got you. I’ll hit you up later.”

Nolan Was Turning 19 In August

Nolan was going to turn 19 this August, and the granny of one of Nolan’s childhood friends, Doris Hands, said he called her “Mama D.” Hands also said that Nolan was well-mannered and “was a good person” who loves sports. “It really, really hurts,” said Hands. “After the first day and no contact, I expected this.”

RELATED: Body Of 18-Year-Old Nolan Xavier Wells Found On Horn Island Two Days After Going Missing, Mother Confirms (UPDATE)

Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 3.Fans of Game of Thrones have been used to shocking plot twists for a while, and House of the Dragon just delivered the newest one after a long time of speculation by the fans. Season 3, Episode 3 finally introduces a young Daeron Targaryen, played by Charlie Gordon, only to reveal at the end of the episode what some might have already suspected, that this Daeron is an imposter. His capture is Rhaenyra Targaryen’s (Emma D’Arcy) only victory since her arrival in King’s Landing, but when Alicent (Olivia Cooke) fails to recognize her youngest son, it becomes clear that Rhaenyra has been played by the Greens. So, now, new questions arise: where is the real Daeron, and who is playing him?

Daeron’s Absence in ‘House of the Dragon’ and His Casting Have Long Confused Fans

When adapting a book like Fire & Blood, it’s natural to change some aspects of the original story for many reasons, and House of the Dragon has certainly changed quite a bit. Daeron’s absence is one of these changes, as he is only mentioned for the first time at the end of Season 2, and, up until now, we’ve only seen his dragon, Tessarion, but never him. Shortly before this week’s episode, Daeron’s arrival was teased by HBO with footage of Gordon being taken by Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith), but that didn’t convince many fans.

Initially, it was believed that Daeron would be played by Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, whose casting was only confirmed in June, shortly before the third season premiere. Fans felt it was a perfect casting, as Ainsworth is young and will play a similar role as Link in the upcoming The Legend of Zelda adaptation, making him a great choice for Daeron the Daring, a dragonrider. In the premiere, however, Ainsworth briefly appears as Lord Ormund Hightower’s (James Norton) squire and notably has red hair.

Now, the series finally explains what’s up. Ainsworth is indeed playing the real Daeron, whose hair has been dyed red to pass as a Hightower and fool Daemon, Rhaenyra, and the Blacks. Daeron’s absence so far is also justified as part of this plot, to keep him and Tessarion as the Greens’ secret weapon in the Reach on their way to King’s Landing, now that Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) has taken Vhagar to Harrenhal. He is young, and nobody knows what he really looks like. It’s the perfect ruse.

Editor’s Note: The below contains spoilers from the novel Fire & Blood, which House of the Dragon is based on.

A “Fake Daeron” Plot Comes Straight From ‘Fire & Blood,’ but With a Different Setting

Image via HBO

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In Fire & Blood, Daeron shows up much earlier in the story as the youngest son of King Viserys (Paddy Considine) and Alicent Hightower. It is only in his teens that he is sent to squire for Alicent’s cousin, Lord Ormund, and then plays a key role in securing the Reach for the Greens. The Hightower army struggles initially, but the tide turns thanks to Daeron and Tessarion. To honor his young cousin, Ormund titles him “Daeron the Daring,” and they progress until Tumbleton, right at Rhaenyra’s doorstep in King’s Landing.

Parallel to that, with Aegon II’s (Tom Glynn-Carney) having escaped to Dragonstone and Aemond gone to Harrenhal, Daeron suddenly becomes a serious contender to the Iron Throne, despite his young age, and this is part of his plot until after the end of the Dance of Dragons. He is killed in the war, but how he dies is disputed by the diverging accounts in Fire & Blood, and his body is never identified. Because of this, some believe Daeron never actually dies, and some people even try to use it to their advantage.

After the war ends, it’s Aegon III, Rhaenyra and Daemon’s son, who ascends to the Iron Throne. During his reign, many pretenders show up claiming to be Daeron, but they are proven to be impostors by Aegon III and Viserys, his brother and Hand of the King. Because House of the Dragon is slated to end with Season 4, it’s unlikely that there will be time for Fire & Blood‘s “fake Daeron” plot after Aegon III takes the throne to make it to the screen. Still, it’s nice that the series found a way to incorporate it into its story somehow.

‘House of the Dragon’ Uses the Fake Daeron Plot To Smartly Set Up the Battle of Tumbleton

At the end of this week’s episode, Rhaenyra is warned that the Greens have taken Tumbleton by a surviving dragonkeeper who likely tended to Tessarion. Tumbleton’s lords had previously declared for her, so the “fake Daeron” is a smart gambit by Lord Ormund — Rhaenyra can’t allow herself to have been made a fool by admitting she fell for the imposter, but she also can’t target the people she swore to protect. Whatever card she plays, she loses something in this business.

In Fire & Blood, the Battle of Tumbleton simply starts with the Hightower host taking over the town and infiltrating as civilians, with Daeron flying Tessarion. By then, he had already won the Greens some battles and “avenged” his nephew Maelor‘s death (Aegon II’s third child, who hasn’t appeared in the show). Rhaenyra then sends Ser Hugh the Hammer (Kieran Bew) and Ser Ulf the White (Tom Bennett) to protect Tumbleton, and the fateful battle begins.

In the series, however, there is more happening. Lord Ormund and Daeron’s ruse now forces Rhaenyra’s hand, but, at the same time, if she sends Hugh and Ulf, she is giving them a dilemma of their own, since she refuses to acknowledge them as Targaryens. Hugh’s wife, Kat (Ellora Torchia), has also fled to Tumbleton after he became a dragonrider, so, for him, there are personal stakes as well. With so much happening, we’re finally bound to see the real Daeron in action.

House of the Dragon is available to stream on HBO Max. New episodes air weekly on Sundays.

Fantasy is a pretty popular genre right now across all forms of media, and how could it not be? After all, it’s a form of escapism, allowing readers to witness stories where the impossible is made possible, and where new, immersive worlds are presented in all of their glory. Since the genre is popular, we have an influx of new fantasy stories, especially in books, which can effectively be made much cheaper than any other form of media.

While a lot of well-written fantasy stories get their much-deserved time in the spotlight, some slip through the cracks and never get the chance to show the world what they’re made of. Other times, they might have once been popular, but have faded away into the background to the point that nobody remembers them anymore. These are the most perfect forgotten fantasy books that will keep you hooked from start to finish, proving they remain worthy of your attention.

‘The Ember Blade’ (2018)

Image via Gollancz

The Ember Blade is about Aren, an unassuming young man who spends most of his days doing absolutely nothing remarkable. When his father is executed, Aren is thrown into the dark pits of a mine, where he is sentenced to work until he dies. Once he escapes the prison, he discovers that the world as he knew it is just an illusion. Revolution is brewing, and the key to its victory is the mythical Ember Blade.

The book was written as a return to form for the fantasy genre, so it’s pretty trope-heavy and might be considered cliché by some. However, this approach is actually refreshing because it feels like a much more classic and aged story than it actually is. It’s not just a great epic fantasy, but it’s also a fantastic coming-of-age story that many adolescents will identify with.

‘Another Fine Myth’ (1978)

Image via Starblaze Graphics

Another Fine Myth is the first in a collection of 12 novels, which is seen as a cult series by today’s standards. At the time, fantasy literature was becoming huge, and new stories were pretty much a dime a dozen. As such, this book functions as a satire piece, as do the rest of the novels in the series. This unique approach can easily be observed from the titles, which are all some sort of pun based around the word “myth.”

The story of this first book is pretty simple: a magician’s apprentice is out for revenge after his master gets assassinated, teaming up with an unlikely ally on his quest for vengeance. A lot of the book is humorous and comedic, with absurd punchlines and tongue-in-cheek banter found in the dialogue, but that’s why it’s so brilliant. Another Fine Myth was popular when it was released, but has since been swallowed up by the sands of time, to the point where it is rarely talked about anymore.

‘Pilgrim: A Medieval Horror’ (2023)

Image via Sentinel Creatives

Pilgrim: A Medieval Horror is a dark fantasy book that only came out a few years ago, but which has received excellent reviews — at least from those who have actually read it, anyway. The story is set in Jerusalem during the Crusades, following a Teutonic Knight thrust into a world of angels and demons straight from the folklore of the Abrahamic religions.

There are actually some surprisingly deep themes and social commentaries in this book, depicting how brutal the Crusades actually were, making the widespread trauma and anguish manifest in the form of horrifying demons. Though it’s set in our world rather than a high fantasy world, Pilgrim: A Medieval Horror is still an amazing read, especially if you’re a fan of stories like Between Two Fires or A Game of Thrones.

‘Orfeia’ (2020)

Image via Gollancz

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Orfeia might only be a novella, but that doesn’t mean it lacks the same emotional punch that full-length novels have. The story is tragic and touching, and is something a lot of parents will be able to reflect on. Specifically, it’s about a mother who has lost her daughter, and is willing to do anything to get her back, which means travelling through entirely different worlds, many of them dream-like. It isn’t a simple quest, however, as to save her daughter, the mother must sacrifice something precious to her.

For most parents, it would seem an easy decision, but the book definitely pushes things a bit farther to the point where it really does force the reader to grapple with moral dilemmas. Short and sweet, Orfeia is one of the most heartbreaking fantasy stories of the last few years, which is why it’s a shame more people haven’t heard of it.

‘The Iron Dragon’s Daughter’ (1993)

Image via Avon Books

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The Iron Dragon’s Daughter was actually written in response to the rise of fantasy literature at the time. Apparently, author Michael Swanwick was fed up with how many books were coming out that all felt the same, so he made his own story that was the exact opposite of the ongoing trends. In this series, the dragons are not god-like beings, but miserable cynics who enslave humans, contrary to the popular tropes about them.

There’s a lot of other things like that in the book, too. Story-wise, it’s about a human slave contacted by a dragon, who promises revenge and freedom if she listens to his instructions and escapes the factory where she works. Since this book went against established and common fantasy tropes, it’s very unique, indeed, and remains pretty distinct from other works of fantasy to this day. Sadly, not many people know about it.

‘The Golden Door’ (2011)

Image via Omnibus Books

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The Golden Door is set in the city of Weld, which is completely walled off from the outside world. Every year, flying creatures called Skimmers attack the local populace, but the attacks have been ramping up recently. As such, the warden of Weld organizes expeditions beyond the walls to find the source and eliminate it. None return. Losing both of his brothers in the expeditions, a youth named Rye seeks to exit Weld and find his siblings. The only problem is, the only ways out of Weld are via three doors: one of gold, one of silver, and one of wood.

Australian author Jennifer Rowe, also known by her pen name Emily Rodda, is pretty popular in her home country, but has limited success internationally. This book is rarely talked about in North America, even though it’s an absolutely thrilling ride. Yes, it’s a YA novel, but the world is so deeply mystifying that it’s hard not to get wrapped up in its intricacies. It’s a simple story, but one that works really well, all things considered.

‘Incarceron’ (2007)

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For a time, Incarceron was actually a super popular book. The story is about Finn, a boy who lives in the sprawling mega-prison known as Incarceron. Finn belongs to a rare group of individuals who were born in the prison, meaning he has never seen the outside world. It should be noted that Incarceron isn’t just a huge prison — it genuinely feels like a totally different world that has dissolved into anarchy. The prison itself is alive.

On the other side of the story is Claudia, the daughter of Incarceron’s warden, who begins to telepathically communicate with Finn via a crystalline key she finds. As previously stated, this novel was pretty big for its time, and even had a movie deal secured, with Taylor Lautner selected to play Finn. However, the project never came to be, and the book faded away into obscurity. Very few people talk about it anymore, which is a shame, because this YA novel was truly singular and definitely deserved that movie adaptation.

‘The Anvil of the World’ (2003)

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The Anvil of the World is the first novel in a trilogy, although the others feel like different stories set in the same universe rather than true sequels. This first book is about a smuggler named Smith, who is charged with protecting a noble named Lord Ermenwyr and seeing him safely to a port city. Instead of the traditional chapter format, the book features three distinct parts, all featuring the same characters, albeit different plotlines. However, they all contribute to the overarching narrative of the book.

This book isn’t just a perfectly-written adventure; it’s also genuinely hilarious. The banter between Smith and Ermenwyr and the ridiculous situations they find themselves in make the book so much funnier. It’s not even a comedy at heart; the jokes are just part of the charm. Whether it’s a voyage across the sea, a magical duel between mages, familial feuds, or bandit attacks on a caravan, this book fosters the imagination and tells a brilliant, refreshing story that’s hard to put down.

‘Lord of Snow and Shadows’ (2003)

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Lord of Snow and Shadows is the first installment of the Tears of Artamon series, which actually recently saw its fourth installment just a couple of years ago. The story is about Gavril Andar, who discovers that he is actually heir to the throne of Azhkendir. His father, the king, is a magical demi-human, infused with the blood of the legendary dragon warrior Drakhaoul. However, it isn’t enough to save the king from being assassinated.

Now, Gavril must ascend to the throne, become the new reincarnation of Drakhaoul, which comes with a terrible, terrible price. This bit of epic fantasy has a little bit of everything. It’s also got romance and political intrigue, which helps keep things interesting until the end. The rest of the books in the series are pretty good too, but sometimes, you just can’t beat the original, you know?

‘The King of Elfland’s Daughter’ (1924)

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A lot of people actually don’t know this, but The King of Elfland’s Daughter is the book that most inspired J. R. R. Tolkien to write his revolutionary The Lord of the Rings novels. Tolkien himself listed it among his greatest inspirations, yet few people know that it exists, especially given the fact that it’s over a century old at this point. As such, it’s definitely a good novel to read for Tolkien fans, especially if they want to see where the legendary author got some of his ideas.

The story is about a human king who is informed by the populace that they wish for a magical ruler, so he forgoes tradition and abides by their request. He sends his son to marry the princess of Elfland, which she happily agrees to. However, she finds it hard to adjust to human society, especially since time in Elfland flows more slowly than it does in the human kingdom. The homesick princess returns to Elfland, prompting her broken-hearted husband to return there in search of her. It’s a charming, whimsical tale of love and politics that feels like a classic fairytale.