20 Riveting Books Like “Game of Thrones” for Fantasy Lovers
Game of Thrones, the flagship series of George R. R. Martin, has left an indelible mark on the landscape of fantasy literature. With its intricate plotlines, deeply fleshed-out characters, and a world brimming with political intrigue, dark magic, and ceaseless war, it’s easy to see why fans are always on the lookout for books with similar epic scopes and complex narratives.
If you’ve just turned the last page of A Song of Ice and Fire and are craving more tales of power, betrayal, and survival, fret not. We’ve curated a list of 20 spectacular books that resonate with the spirit of Game of Thrones.
The 20 best books to read if you liked “Game of Thrones”
1. “The Wheel of Time” by Robert Jordan.
In this sprawling series, you’ll dive into a richly built world threatened by the Shadow and the Dragon Reborn’s journey.
Elements in common with Game of Thrones:
- An expansive, well-built fantasy world
- Intricate political and military plotlines
- A vast cast of characters
2. “The Name of the Wind” by Patrick Rothfuss.
Follow the adventures of a gifted young man growing up to be the most notorious wizard his world has ever seen.
Elements in common with Game of Thrones:
- Deeply developed protagonist
- A blend of magic and politics
- Rich storytelling and world-building
3. “Mistborn: The Final Empire” by Brandon Sanderson.
Experience the struggle against a seemingly invincible Empire and the hope that a unique band of rebels brings.
Elements in common with Game of Thrones:
- Complex characters with ambiguous morals
- Political intrigue and rebellion
- Unique magic system intertwining with the plot
Looking for more Dark Fantasy books? Explore our curated list of titles here
4. “The First Law Trilogy” by Joe Abercrombie.
Dive into a story packed with war, intrigue, and dark humor, focusing on vivid characters in a gritty fantasy world.
Elements in common with Game of Thrones:
- A darker, more cynical view of fantasy
- Deeply flawed but compelling characters
- Brutal political power games
5. “The Farseer Trilogy” by Robin Hobb.
This series introduces a royal bastard turned assassin, embroiled in court politics and ancient magic.
Elements in common with Game of Thrones:
- Focus on royal politics and court intrigue
- The presence of mysterious, ancient magic
- Complex, character-driven storytelling
6. “Malazan Book of the Fallen” by Steven Erikson.
A high epic fantasy with a vast scope, exploring themes of empire, war, and power through a multitude of characters and intricate plotlines.
Elements in common with Game of Thrones:
- An incredibly vast and detailed world
- Military tactics and godly machinations
- Complex, interwoven storylines spanning continents
7. “The Sword of Shannara Trilogy” by Terry Brooks.
Embark on a classic good vs. evil quest, featuring elves, druids, and a quest to recover a powerful artifact.
Elements in common with Game of Thrones:
- Epic quest narrative
- Intricate world-building
- A focus on power struggles and alliances
8. “The Black Company” by Glen Cook.
Join a band of mercenaries in a dark and gritty fantasy world filled with morally gray characters and battles.
Elements in common with Game of Thrones:
- Dark, morally complex world
- Focus on military aspects and war
- Characters you’ll love despite their flaws
9. “The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant” by Stephen R. Donaldson.
Follow a cynical leper as he becomes the unwilling hero of a strange fantasy world.
Elements in common with Game of Thrones:
- Unlikely hero with deep flaws
- Richly developed fantasy world
- Moral and ethical dilemmas driving the plot
10. “The Witcher” by Andrzej Sapkowski.
This series presents a morally ambiguous world through the eyes of Geralt, a monster hunter for hire.
Elements in common with Game of Thrones:
- Political intrigue and warfare
- Deeply flawed but charismatic protagonist
- Dark, mature themes
11. “The Stormlight Archive” by Brandon Sanderson.
Experience an epic story of survival and humanity’s resilience in a world beset by cataclysmic storms and ancient warfare.
Elements in common with Game of Thrones:
- Epic scale and deep world-building
- Complex character arcs and moral dilemmas
- High-stakes political intrigue
12. “The Tawny Man Trilogy” by Robin Hobb.
A continuation focusing on the royal bastard turned spymaster, diving deeper into magic, politics, and personal loyalty.
Elements in common with Game of Thrones:
- Focus on an outsider within royalty
- Exploration of magic intertwined with politics
- Deeply personal character arcs
13. “The Kingkiller Chronicle” by Patrick Rothfuss (second entry as its importance warrants focus on different aspects).
Delves deeper into the legend of Kvothe, focusing on its mythic aspects and the protagonist’s search for truth.
Elements in common with Game of Thrones:
- Myth and legend interwoven with reality
- A smart, resourceful protagonist
- A narrative rich in history and lore
14. “Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn” by Tad Williams.
Young Simon embarks on a journey filled with magic and danger, in a classic tale of adventure and heroism.
Elements in common with Game of Thrones:
- A sprawling, epic fantasy journey
- Complex political landscapes
- The coming-of-age story of an unlikely hero
15. “The Dagger and the Coin” by Daniel Abraham.
Explore a world where conflict brews not just through warfare but also via economics and manipulation.
Elements in common with Game of Thrones:
- Political intrigue driving the plot
- A multi-perspective narrative
- Deep exploration of society and power
16. “The Prince of Nothing” by R. Scott Bakker.
Witness a holy war and the rise of a prophetic leader in a tale filled with philosophy, magic, and conflict.
Elements in common with Game of Thrones:
- Dark, philosophical undertones
- Epic scope with a focus on war
- Rich character development and moral ambiguity
17. “A Land Fit for Heroes” by Richard K. Morgan.
A grimdark fantasy series featuring a gay protagonist, blending traditional fantasy with modern narrative.
Elements in common with Game of Thrones:
- Dark and gritty atmosphere
- Subversion of fantasy tropes
- Themes of heroism and identity
18. “The Powder Mage Trilogy” by Brian McClellan.
Combines elements of epic fantasy with flintlock technology, focusing on revolution, war, and gods among men.
Elements in common with Game of Thrones:
- Revolutionary war setting
- Complex, morally grey characters
- Innovative magic system integrating with the military
19. “The Lightbringer Series” by Brent Weeks.
Delve into a world where magic is derived from light, central to the balance of power and the complexities of rulership and religion.
Elements in common with Game of Thrones:
- Magic system integral to society and politics
- Complex, interwoven plotlines
- Focus on family and political dynasties
20. “The Broken Empire Trilogy” by Mark Lawrence.
Follow a dark, relentless protagonist aiming to conquer a fractured kingdom in a world mixing medieval and post-apocalyptic elements.
Elements in common with Game of Thrones:
- Dark, driven protagonist
- A blend of fantasy and post-apocalyptic settings
- Brutal, uncompromising narrative
There you have it, a feast of novels that capture the essence of what made Game of Thrones so captivating. Whether it’s the complex characters, intricate plots, or rich worlds, these books promise adventures as thrilling and vast.
So grab your cloak, sharpen your sword, and prepare for a journey into realms where the struggle for power is eternal. Happy reading!
