When it comes to finding books similar to Game of Thrones, readers have a variety of options to choose from. With the popularity of the book series and television show, many authors have attempted to capture the same epic fantasy feel. Some notable options include The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan, The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss, and The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson. These series offer intricate world-building, complex characters, and political intrigue, much like the beloved Game of Thrones.
The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie
Joe Abercrombie’s The First Law Trilogy is a gripping fantasy series set in the Circle of the World. The series is composed of a trilogy and three stand-alone novels, all set in the same world. The world is filled with characters who are a mixture of bad, good, and stupid. Survival in this world is no easy feat, and luck often plays a critical role.
The series features kick-ass female characters, graphic violence, and different character arcs. The fight scenes are brutal and intense, making the series an excellent choice for readers who enjoy action-packed fantasy novels.
For those interested in exploring this world, the full series can be found through the link provided.
The Faithful and the Fallen Series by John Gwynne
The Faithful and the Fallen quartet by John Gwynne is a captivating epic fantasy series that was shortlisted for the 2016 David Gemmell Legend Award. The series comprises of four books: Malice, Valour, Ruin, and Wrath. Set in the Banished Lands, a world shared by mankind, giants, wyrms, wolves, and other sinister beings, the books follow the violent power struggles of the land. The story revolves around young Corban, who dreams of becoming a great warrior and protecting his king. However, as demons and angels from the Otherworld threaten to turn his home into a battlefield, Corban must prove his courage sooner than he ever imagined.
The series features different beasts, including giants, wolves, angels, and demons, and takes place in different worlds. The characters are complex, adding depth to the story. The violent past of the Banished Lands saw armies of men and giants fight for supremacy, and although the giants were defeated long ago, they begin to stir again. Young Corban watches enviously as boys become warriors, but his time will come all too soon.
The first book in the series, Malice, sets the stage for the epic story that unfolds throughout the series. The book cover features a captivating image that draws readers in and sets the tone for the series.
The Broken Empire Trilogy by Mark Lawrence
The Broken Empire Trilogy is a series of fantasy novels written by Mark Lawrence. The story follows Jorg Ancrath, a once-privileged royal child turned Prince of Thorns, as he leads a group of outlaws in committing raids and atrocities in a world plagued by violence and chaos. Jorg possesses the ability to control both the living and the dead, but his past comes back to haunt him when he returns to his father’s castle and confronts the horrors of his childhood.
Readers who enjoy shocks, blood, and violence will find this series appealing. Fans of Arya Stark from Game of Thrones may also appreciate the story as Jorg seeks vengeance after being orphaned following the murder of his parents. The Broken Empire Trilogy consists of three books: Prince of Thorns, King of Thorns, and Emperor of Thorns.
The Tales of the Otori Series by Lian Hearn
The Tales of the Otori is a series of historical fantasy novels by Lian Hearn. The story revolves around a young warrior named Takeo who seeks to avenge his adoptive father’s death and escape his biological father’s legacy. The series is set in a fictional world inspired by feudal Japan and follows the power struggle between various clan lords and thousands of warriors.
The series is known for its forbidden love story, political machinations, and epic battles, making it a perfect read for fans of Daenerys’s struggle to reclaim the Iron Throne. The first book in the series, Across the Nightingale Floor, introduces readers to sixteen-year-old Otori, who survived the murder of his family by the warriors of Lord Iida Sadamu and is out to avenge his family. With the magical skills of the Tribe, including preternatural hearing, invisibility, and a second self, he sets out on his quest for revenge.
The Worldmaker Trilogy by Lucy Hounsom
The Worldmaker Trilogy by Lucy Hounsom is a classic epic fantasy series that tells a coming-of-age tale. Set in a unique and fractured world with a refreshing take on traditional fantasy tropes, the novels feature very believable characters who make very believable mistakes. The series is reminiscent of Game of Thrones in its intense human stories.
One of the reasons readers will enjoy the series is the richly detailed world-building and the unexpected appearance of dragons. The first book in the series, Starborn, follows the story of Kyndra, who disrupts her village’s ancient ceremony and faces the wrath of her superstitious community. However, two strangers come to her aid and wield powers not seen for an age, which may soon awaken in Kyndra.
Chronicles of the Unhewn Throne Series by Brian Staveley
Brian Staveley’s Chronicles of the Unhewn Throne trilogy is a high-stakes epic fantasy that will appeal to fans of A Song of Ice and Fire or the works of Patrick Rothfuss. The series introduces the Annurian Empire, a land in turmoil after the murder of its Emperor. The Emperor’s children, Valyn, Kaden, and Adare, must navigate political intrigue and unlock ancient powers to uncover a terrible conspiracy and dispense justice while keeping themselves alive.
Readers will appreciate the power struggles, moral dilemmas, and magic that permeate the series. The first book, The Emperor’s Blades, sets the stage for the trilogy, with the murder of the Emperor throwing the Annurian Empire into chaos. His son, Valyn, faces danger to his own life, while his daughter, Adare, hunts for her father’s murderer. Meanwhile, the heir to the throne, Kaden, studies at a remote monastery devoted to mastering ancient powers.
Of Blood and Bone by John Gwynne
Of Blood and Bone is a series by John Gwynne set in the same world as the Faithful and the Fallen quartet. It is a bloody and atmospheric series that features different races fighting for territorial dominance in a pseudo-medieval setting. The series is perfect for fans of Game of Thrones who enjoy huge battle scenes and epic world-building.
The first book in the series, A Time of Dread, introduces a race of warrior angels ruling the Banished Lands. Mutilated corpses, a sign of demonic black magic, are found in the snow-covered north, and demons lurk in the shadows, waiting to rise. The book is full of action and suspense, and it sets the stage for an epic battle between good and evil.
Ashes of the Unhewn Throne trilogy by Brian Staveley
The Ashes of the Unhewn Throne trilogy by Brian Staveley is a captivating fantasy series that follows the story of the Kettral, elite soldiers who rode war hawks into battle in the Annurian Empire. The first book in the trilogy introduces Gwenna Sharpe, a soldier given a mission that could potentially restore the Kettral to their former glory and save the empire.
The series is known for its masterful storytelling and page-turning plot, making it a must-read for fans of the fantasy genre. In the first book, Gwenna Sharpe embarks on a dangerous journey beyond the edge of the known world to find the mythical nesting grounds of giant war hawks. Along the way, she encounters a land that warps and poisons all living things.
The fate of the empire rests on the success of Gwenna’s mission, as the kenta gates, which granted instantaneous access to the empire’s vast lands, have failed. A monk turned con-artist may hold the key to unlocking the gates, but what they discover will change them and the Annurian Empire forever, if they survive.
The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb
The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb is a fantasy series that follows the life of FitzChivalry Farseer, a trained assassin, in The Six Duchies. The kingdom is under attack by the Red-Ship Raiders from The OutIslands, who are turning the people of the Six Duchies into emotionless Forged ones. Meanwhile, Prince Regal’s jealousy and selfishness threaten to destroy the kingdom.
The trilogy is known for its punishing treatment of characters and has garnered praise from fellow fantasy author George R.R. Martin. Fans of Jon Snow from Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series may find a kindred spirit in Fitz, who is also a king’s bastard.
Summary
Books like Game of Thrones offer readers a chance to immerse themselves in a richly detailed and complex world of political intrigue, magic, and epic battles. These books often feature multiple storylines and a large cast of characters, with themes that explore power, loyalty, and the consequences of one’s actions. Popular authors in this genre include George R.R. Martin, Brandon Sanderson, and Patrick Rothfuss. Fans of Game of Thrones may also enjoy the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, Robert Jordan, and Robin Hobb.