If You Loved Game of Thrones, You’ll Devour These Fantasy Series

In a gritty world filled with brutal wars and morally grey characters, the “First Law” looms: “You have to be realistic.” There’s Bayaz, the ancient and arrogant wizard, Logen Ninefingers, the infamous barbarian, and Captain Jezal dan Luthar, the selfish, privileged swordsman. They’re caught in a deadly game of politics, magic, and constant backstabbing.

Think “Game of Thrones” but even more cynical – these characters don’t fight for honor or noble causes. They fight to survive. If you like dark humor, shocking twists, and battles that leave you breathless, this trilogy is for you.

The Banished Lands tremble as an ancient war between angels and demons threatens to erupt again. Young Corban witnesses firsthand the horrors of battle, forever changing his life. Meanwhile, across the land, cunning giants plot, and a disgraced warrior seeks redemption. Their fates will intertwine in the fight against unimaginable evil.

If you love those epic Game of Thrones vibes with massive battles and mythical creatures, this is for you! Gwynne crafts a world steeped in Norse-inspired lore, with giants, wolves, and heroes tested to their limits. Get ready for an action-packed, emotional ride!

In a world where money is power, an aging mercenary, a clever young banker, and a powerful priestess find their paths colliding. An impending war drives their choices, forcing them into a gamble that could reshape the world. But loyalties are slippery, and there’s no guarantee who’ll end up on top.

If you like the political scheming of Game of Thrones mixed with a focus on economics, this is your book! It’s got those complex characters and unpredictable plots that will keep you hooked until the very end.

Rin, a war orphan, claws her way out of poverty by acing a rigorous exam. This gets her into Sinegard, a prestigious military academy…and a whole new world of cutthroat competition and brutal training. But when war erupts, Rin discovers a terrifying power linked to a vengeful god.

Think “Game of Thrones” meets grimdark fantasy with a dash of military school drama. Kuang pulls no punches – this book is steeped in Chinese history, features morally complex characters, and doesn’t shy away from depicting the horrors of war.

In “Seeds of War” by João F. Silva, Gimlore, a war vet and crime boss, fiercely protects her family and town. As a single mother, she’s entangled with Orberesis, a thief disguised as a deity hiding dark secrets. Meanwhile, Rednow, a declining mercenary, faces one last job.

Set in a world where smoke magic and monstrous creatures thrive, tensions rise, hinting at impending war. Characters must forge and treasure alliances to survive. This gritty epic fantasy, akin to “Game of Thrones,” dives into a harsh world of intrigue and survival, where peace is fleeting.

In the realm of Terre d’Ange, a land as intricate and dangerous as Westeros in Game of Thrones, Phèdre nó Delaunay is marked by an angel’s touch. Her destiny isn’t warfare, but service of a different kind – she’s trained as a courtesan, a spy, and a diplomat. However, when a dark conspiracy threatens her beautiful homeland, Phèdre must use all her skills to protect those she holds dear.

This epic series blends political intrigue, adventure, and forbidden passion. If you loved the complex characters and sweeping scope of Game of Thrones, then Kushiel’s Legacy will leave you breathless, ready to dive right into the next book in the series.

In the kingdom of Osten Ard, old King John the Presbyter slowly fades, leaving his throne vulnerable. His sons, Elias and Josua, grapple for power, their rivalry tearing the kingdom apart. However, a far more sinister threat looms – the Storm King, an undead Sithi ruler, awakens from a centuries-long slumber and seeks to reclaim his lost lands. Amidst this turmoil, Simon, a lowly kitchen boy, finds himself entangled in a dangerous quest to uncover ancient swords and secrets that might hold the key to saving Osten Ard.

If you like epic fantasy in the vein of “Game of Thrones,” then you’ll probably enjoy “The Dragonbone Chair.” It’s full of political intrigue, dark magic lurking in the shadows, and a sprawling world inspired by rich mythology.

Maia, an overlooked half-goblin prince living in exile, unexpectedly inherits the elven throne. Thrust into power after a tragic accident, he must navigate treacherous court politics and unravel a deadly mystery. With no training in statecraft and surrounded by courtiers who barely hide their disdain, Maia faces overwhelming challenges. However, his innate kindness and desire for justice slowly win allies, hinting at the possibility of a wise and compassionate ruler.

If you like fantasy with less focus on battles and more on court intrigue and character development, then you might enjoy “The Goblin Emperor”. It’s a slower-paced, heartwarming story about finding your place in a world that never expected you.

In a world teetering on the brink of a second apocalypse, a holy war rages across the lands. Anasûrimbor Kellhus, a monk-turned-warrior with uncanny powers of persuasion, emerges from obscurity. He manipulates leaders and armies, playing a dangerous game of power for his own enigmatic ends. However, Kellhus’s path is fraught with enemies, both human and monstrous, as dark forces threaten to consume the world.

If you enjoy the complex politics and moral ambiguity of “Game of Thrones,” then dive into “The Prince of Nothing”. Bakker’s series explores the terrifying potential of charisma and the clash of religions and delves deep into themes of philosophy and human nature.

On a volatile world plagued by apocalyptic earthquakes, orogenes – people with the power to control the earth itself – are both feared and exploited. Essun, a woman hiding her orogeny, embarks on a desperate search for her kidnapped daughter. Her journey unveils secrets about the world’s shattering cycles, forcing her to confront the very powers she possesses. Meanwhile, other orogenes grapple with their place in a society that both needs and hates them.

If you like the world-building depth of “Game of Thrones” but yearn for more diverse perspectives and unique magic systems, then “The Broken Earth” is for you. Jemisin tackles themes of oppression, resilience, and the cost of survival in a brilliantly imaginative and emotionally resonant way.

The Black Company, a hardened mercenary band, finds itself in the service of a powerful sorceress known as the Lady. They fight for whoever pays, and they don’t ask many questions. However, loyalties shift in this brutal, grimdark world, and the Black Company soon faces foes far more terrifying than any human army. Their chronicler, Croaker, records their battles and betrayals, revealing a morally ambiguous world where survival is never guaranteed.

If you love the gritty realism and morally complex characters of “Game of Thrones,” then dive headfirst into “The Chronicles of the Black Company”. Cook paints a bleak, uncompromising picture of war where heroes are few and far between, and choices have bloody consequences.

On the storm-ravaged world of Roshar, ancient knights known as Radiants battle the monstrous Voidbringers. Kaladin, a slave turned soldier, grapples with a dark past while Shallan, a young noblewoman, seeks to steal a magical artifact for her own purposes. Meanwhile, Dalinar, a powerful highprince and warrior, navigates political intrigue as he investigates the return of the Radiants and the true reasons behind the war.

If you enjoy the epic scale and complex world-building of “Game of Thrones,” then you’ll love “The Stormlight Archive.” Sanderson weaves a tale of magic, ancient mysteries, and characters struggling to find their places in a grand conflict. Plus, it’s part of his wider “Cosmere” universe, so be sure to explore the cosmere reading order for the full experience!

The Malazan Empire, vast and ambitious, stretches its claws across continents, its armies clashing with rebellious cities and ancient powers. Soldiers weary of endless war and mages wielding terrifying sorcery clash in a world where gods walk among mortals. Amidst the chaos, conspiracies unfold, destinies are forged, and the fate of empires hangs in the balance.

If you like the sprawling cast and intricate plots of “Game of Thrones,” but crave even more complexity and a world steeped in history, then “The Malazan Book of the Fallen” is for you. Just be warned – Erikson doesn’t hold your hand; this is a series that demands your full attention.

Gen, a cocky thief boasting he can steal anything, finds his skills put to the ultimate test. The King’s magus whisks him away on a dangerous quest across treacherous mountains to steal a legendary object. However, alliances shift, hidden identities are revealed, and Gen must navigate his own ambitions against the tangled web of politics in kingdoms on the brink of war.

If you enjoy the clever schemes and unexpected twists of books like “Game of Thrones”, then you’ll love “The Queen’s Thief”. Turner masterfully weaves a story full of intrigue, humor, and the slow-burn growth of characters who surprise you at every turn.

When the Empire of Masks conquers her island home, young Baru Cormorant witnesses the destruction of her culture. She vows revenge, a path that leads her to embrace the Empire’s power, masking her true intentions. As she climbs the ranks of the Empire, Baru manipulates economics and politics, aiming to destroy her conquerors from within. However, every step towards her goal forces her to make devastating compromises.

If you like the morally complex characters and political intrigue of “Game of Thrones,” then you’ll be gripped by “The Traitor Baru Cormorant.” Dickinson paints a brutal world where idealism clashes with harsh reality, asking hard questions about colonialism and the price of rebellion.