Game of Thrones is the first book in the A Song of Ice and Fire series. Written by George R.R. Martin, the series has been hailed as comparable to J.R.R Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings series, which is widely considered the ultimate example of fantasy fiction.
Just like Tolkien’s masterpiece, Martin’s work has achieved much success. It’s sold millions of copies worldwide, been expanded into a popular franchise, and started a thriving fandom at a level we haven’t seen since the height of the Harry Potter franchise.
Books Like Game of Thrones
It takes a long time to write a story of such epic proportions, and though the finished novels are quite chunky, fans can still read them faster than Martin can churn them out, so it’s no surprise that a majority of his fans are getting antsy for the next book.
But since you can’t exactly speed up a writer’s process, how about settling for a similar book instead?
I made a list of books that are similar to Martin’s acclaimed series. They’re full of the action, drama, worldbuilding, and character-building prowess that’s made Martin’s work so successful, and hopefully they’ll get you through your Game of Thrones withdrawal.
1. The Wheel of Time Series by Robert Jordan
The battle between Light and Dark is nearing its end, and three friends from a small village are swept up in its events. One of them is prophesied to lead the forces of Light to victory. But in a world where magic destroys its male users, he stands to either be its savior or destroyer.
2. Mistborn Series by Brandon Sanderson
A thousand years ago, a hero failed his quest, resulting in a world that’s been stagnating for a millennium. Now Kelsier, a common thief turned rebel leader—awakens as Mistborn, someone who draws power from different metals. With his crew of thieves, Kelsier seeks to end a thousand-year-old empire of tyranny. Check out more books by Brandon Sanderson.
3. Malazan Book of the Fallen Series by Steven Erikson
The Malazan empire is plagued by conflict from the inside out. Years of expansion has taken its toll, and only the Queen’s strong leadership is keeping the empire from falling apart. As one of the world’s strongest powers slowly degrade, various other factions are mobilizing to see what they can gain. The gods themselves are preparing to play.
4. The Faithful and the Fallen Series by John Gwynne
The Banished Lands are preparing to end an ages-long conflict. Young Corban is the prophesied champion of Light, but is reluctant to fill the role. As angels and demons threaten to decimate the land he calls home, he must take up the mantle and prove his courage.
5. Chronicles of the Unhewn Throne Series by Brian Staveley
The Annurian Empire is in chaos. Its emperor is dead, and his heirs scattered across the world. Before they can return, his children must follow the paths he’s set them on and unlock ancient powers to help them dispense justice and stabilize the realm— with their lives intact.
6. The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie
Bad is rewarded with good, good is rewarded with bad, and stupidity’s just rewarded with more stupidity. A wild Northman, a pompous swordsman, and a cripple are brought together on a quest for power and riches. But there are no winners in the Circle of the World, and the three know this to be so. There is only survival in any form.
7. The Broken Empire Trilogy by Mark Lawrence
He watched his mother and brother die at the age of nine. Since then, he’s been full of rage, driving him to run away and join a band of bloodthirsty killers. Now Jorg’s back for his rightful inheritance as the crown prince of the kingdom. But treachery awaits him and he must use everything he has learned on the road to survive what’s ahead.
8. The Dagger and the Coin Series by Daniel Abraham
Marcus Wester is a former war hero looking to leave the battlefield behind and take up another profession. He agrees to escort Cithrin bel Sarcour and her bank’s riches out of a besieged city. But everywhere is a war zone, and every army is on the lookout for additional funding. Surrounded and outmatched, how will they complete the mission, much less survive?
9. The Broken Earth Series by N.K. Jemisin
The continent of the Stillness experiences cataclysms every few centuries that its denizens have dubbed “The Fifth Season.” They’ve learned to live it. But this incoming fifth season feels different from the past ones—stronger and more erratic. Now everyone must scramble for even the slightest chance of survival.
10. Legends of the First Empire Series by Michael J. Sullivan
Humans have always worshipped the Fhrey: a seemingly immortal race unmatched in battle and magic. But when one of them falls to human hands, the status quo is forever broken. But only a few could dare to face the Fhrey’s wrath: a reluctant god-killer, a young seer, and a troubled leader.
11. The Riftwar Saga by Raymond E. Feist
Pug is apprenticed to the master magician Kulgan, and quickly proves to be an unusually gifted magician. When a rift is torn open and the denizens of two worlds prepare for war, Pug’s strange magic might just be the key to stopping the conflict and thwarting its instigators—agents of Chaos itself.
12. An Ember in the Ashes Series by Sabaa Tahir
Laia’s people were once the rulers of the Empire, but were later overthrown and enslaved. Now they’re second-rate citizens constantly subjected to abuse and exploitation. When her brother is arrested on false charges, Laia joins the resistance and risks her life to start a change that might just affect the whole empire.
Reading Fantasy Fiction
Fantasy is a supergenre with numerous branches. The books listed in this post may be of a different blend of fantasy than A Song of Ice and Fire, but they still convey the same sense of wonder and limitless imagination that has always characterized the genre.
With excellent worldbuilding and character-building, these novels stand on their own as great examples of fantasy. I hope they help you get over the lull while waiting for Martin’s next work!
Have you read anything that’s close to Game of Thrones? Share the book in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- 13 Memorable Quotes from Game of Thrones
- Life Lessons from Game of Thrones
- Grimdark Fantasy: Stories of the Dark, the Hopeless, and the Violent
- 20 Must-Read Books for Nerds
Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
