10 books with ancient worlds resurrected
There’s a particular allure in the idea of ancient worlds rising from the ashes of time, their long-forgotten civilizations coming back to life in ways both wondrous and dangerous. These lost worlds, resurrected through magic, science, or sheer willpower, captivate the imagination and remind us that history is never truly gone—it simply waits to be uncovered. Here are 10 books that explore the revival of ancient worlds, where old empires, lost technologies, and forgotten powers are reborn with thrilling consequences.
1. The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin
In The Broken Earth trilogy, Jemisin introduces a world where ancient technologies—capable of massive destruction—have been buried beneath layers of time. The story revolves around the powerful orogeny, a force tied to earthquakes and other natural catastrophes, and the remnants of an ancient civilization that once harnessed this power. As the earth itself begins to tremble, the lost knowledge of these ancient cultures is resurrected, with far-reaching consequences for the world’s survival. Jemisin’s world is one where the forgotten past constantly pushes against the present, and civilization is always on the verge of rediscovery, for better or worse.
2. The Night Land by William Hope Hodgson
The Night Land transports readers to a distant future where the last remnants of humanity reside in a massive pyramid, trying to survive in a world where the sun has disappeared. Beyond the pyramid lies a dark, dangerous landscape, filled with the remnants of ancient civilizations long lost to time. As the protagonist ventures beyond these walls, he encounters creatures, ruins, and a terrifyingly empty world that once teemed with life. Hodgson’s eerie tale blends ancient worlds with post-apocalyptic dread, where the past rises from the darkness in frightening ways.
3. The Inheritance Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin
Jemisin returns with The Inheritance Trilogy, set in a world where gods once ruled over mortals, and their power shaped entire civilizations. After a bloody revolt, the gods are overthrown, and their empires are forgotten—but their influence lingers. The protagonist, Yeine Darr, is thrust into a struggle over the remnants of this ancient world, where the gods themselves may be resurrected, and the forces of power threaten to break free again. With divine politics, power struggles, and a fascinating exploration of the ancient and the modern, Jemisin’s work examines what happens when old worlds begin to resurface.
4. The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty
Set in an alternate history inspired by the Middle East, The City of Brass is the first book in The Daevabad Trilogy. It follows Nahri, a young woman from 18th-century Cairo who accidentally awakens a powerful djinn. As she journeys to the hidden city of Daevabad, she uncovers secrets about the ancient world of the djinn—a civilization with a vast and complex history, filled with magic, power struggles, and long-forgotten legacies. Chakraborty’s novel masterfully resurrects an ancient world of mythical creatures, creating a captivating tapestry of lost kingdoms and the dangerous forces that come with their return.
5. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
In The Priory of the Orange Tree, the ancient world of dragons, magic, and queens who wield incredible power is brought to life in full force. This epic fantasy resurrects a world where dragons were once worshipped as gods, their power intertwined with the fate of humanity. As the dragons and their ancient legacies begin to resurface, the kingdoms of men must reckon with their past and the forgotten creatures that were once both protectors and destroyers. Shannon’s world is a rich blend of ancient mysticism, political intrigue, and the revival of long-lost powers that threaten to change the balance of the world.
6. The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien
In The Silmarillion, Tolkien reveals the deep history of Middle-earth—an ancient world filled with gods, elves, and long-lost kingdoms. This collection of stories details the rise and fall of the Elven kingdoms, the creation of the world itself, and the ancient powers that once ruled it. The mythic realms of Valinor, the hidden lands of the Elves, and the wars that shaped Middle-earth are resurrected as the past constantly echoes into the present. Tolkien’s ability to breathe life into ancient worlds and make them feel timeless is unparalleled, and The Silmarillion is a testament to the enduring power of forgotten realms.
7. The Gunslinger (The Dark Tower #1) by Stephen King
In Stephen King’s The Dark Tower series, the world is a desolate, post-apocalyptic landscape, where fragments of ancient civilizations have been scattered across the barren wastelands. The protagonist, Roland Deschain, is a gunslinger on a quest to reach the mysterious Dark Tower—an ancient structure that ties the various worlds and realities together. As Roland ventures through ruined cities, forgotten lands, and landscapes that echo with the ghosts of past empires, the ancient worlds of his past are resurrected, and the fate of all realms hangs in the balance. King’s series explores how the past never truly fades—it waits, ready to re-emerge at the most critical moment.
8. The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart
The Bone Shard Daughter begins in the crumbling empire of the Iskari, where ancient powers are tied to the bone shard magic that once kept the empire strong. But as the Emperor’s control weakens, long-hidden secrets about the empire’s past start to resurface, threatening the stability of the realm. The story’s protagonist, Lin, discovers that the ancient magic of the Iskari and its mysterious, forgotten technology holds the key to restoring—or destroying—the empire. This novel is a thrilling tale of resurrection, where the past comes alive in the form of dark magic and long-lost artifacts.
9. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
While The Chronicles of Narnia is often viewed as a children’s classic, the series holds a powerful exploration of ancient worlds resurrected. Narnia itself is an ancient world, steeped in magic and history, where the great battles of old have shaped its landscape. The Pevensie siblings find their way into Narnia through a hidden wardrobe, and they quickly discover that this world, while enchanted, is haunted by the long-buried past. The stories are full of kingdoms lost to time, ancient prophecies, and heroes who rise to restore balance to a world long in need of rebirth.
10. The Wrath & the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh
The Wrath & the Dawn is a fantastical retelling of the story of One Thousand and One Nights, set in a world where the ancient city of Rey is ruled by a tyrant, the Caliph, whose rule is both feared and shrouded in mystery. As the protagonist, Shahrzad, enters the palace to seek vengeance, she uncovers the long-buried secrets of the Caliph’s past, which connects him to ancient myths and forgotten power. The resurrected world of Rey reveals an empire filled with magic, betrayal, and an ancient history that drives the unfolding drama.
Final Thoughts
There’s something endlessly captivating about the idea of an ancient world returning to prominence. Whether it’s through magical revival, archaeological discovery, or hidden powers being unlocked, these books bring to life civilizations long lost to time, each one filled with wonders, dangers, and untold secrets. The stories of these resurrected worlds serve as a powerful reminder that history never truly fades—it merely waits, buried beneath layers of time, ready to reemerge when least expected. So, step into these epic tales and discover the ancient worlds that are waiting to rise again.
