Which Fantasy Series Feel Most Similar If You Like Game Of Thrones Books?

Oh man, if you loved the knives-out politics, sprawling scope, and morally messy characters of 'A Song of Ice and Fire', there are so many series that scratch that same itch in different, delicious ways. For a gritty, cynical take on medieval-style fantasy with sharp dialogue and brutal honesty, start with Joe Abercrombie's 'The First Law' books—beginning with 'The Blade Itself'. His characters feel lived-in and flawed in ways that made me both laugh and wince; the world isn't trying to be noble, and it rewards schemers and survivors. If you want something vast and mind-bending with enormous battles, complex magic, and an ensemble cast on a cosmic scale, dive into Steven Erikson's 'The Malazan Book of the Fallen'. It's denser than a goblet of dwarf-strong ale, but I found myself savoring the layered histories and the emotional payoffs once the pieces clicked. If political machinations are your favorite part of 'Game of Thrones', then R. Scott Bakker's 'The Prince of Nothing' trilogy is an unnerving, philosophical journey through theology, war, and power—think of it as political intrigue with a razor-sharp intellectual edge. Seth Dickinson's 'The Traitor Baru Cormorant' is a modern favorite for anyone who loves courtly manipulation and the slow grind of empire-building: it reads like a long, brilliant con about the mechanisms of control and what a single person will sacrifice to subvert them. For something a bit different but still satisfying, Scott Lynch's 'Gentleman Bastard' series (starting with 'The Lies of Locke Lamora') gives you scheme-heavy plotting and criminal underworld politics, less throne-room and more city-street cunning, but the dialogue and camaraderie are top-tier. If you want brutality mixed with unflinching character work, Mark Lawrence's 'The Broken Empire' trilogy is dark and sharp; the protagonist is unlikeable in ways that somehow make the story compelling. For a sweep of epic scope with serious worldbuilding and a focus on honor and duty instead of pure grimdark, Brandon Sanderson's 'The Stormlight Archive' is a different flavor—more luminous but with political tension and massive stakes that will fill the same space in your reading heart. I also can't not mention R.F. Kuang's 'The Poppy War' series if you want modern historical echoes, harrowing war sequences, and moral ambiguity that lingers. Picking where to start? If you want to replicate the rough political grit closest to 'Game of Thrones', try 'The First Law' or 'The Traitor Baru Cormorant'. For scope and complexity that rewards patience, 'Malazan' or 'The Stormlight Archive' are phenomenal. And if you just want brilliant scheming with lovable rogues, 'The Lies of Locke Lamora' is candy. Personally, I keep rotating through these based on mood—sometimes I need the bleak cleverness of Abercrombie, and other times I crave the cosmic weirdness of Erikson. Happy reading, and if you want, I can recommend which book to pick first based on whether you liked more battles, politics, or moral ambiguity in 'A Song of Ice and Fire'.

If you're craving that epic, sprawling fantasy vibe like 'Game of Thrones', I can't recommend 'The Stormlight Archive' by Brandon Sanderson enough. It's got everything—political intrigue, morally gray characters, and world-building so rich you'll feel like you're breathing the stormlight. The way Sanderson crafts magic systems is just chef's kiss. Another personal favorite is 'The First Law' trilogy by Joe Abercrombie. It's grittier, darker, and packed with razor-sharp dialogue. Glokta might just be one of the most fascinating characters I've ever read. And if you love ASOIAF's unreliable narrators, this series delivers in spades. Honestly, I binged these books faster than I care to admit.

I'd add 'The Tethered Mage' by Melissa Caruso to the list. The politics revolve around the balance of power in a Renaissance-esque republic where mages are bound to non-magical handlers to control their power. The protagonist, a bookish noble's daughter, gets accidentally tethered to one of the most powerful fire warlocks in history. The intrigue involves senate politics, foreign diplomacy with rival empires, and the constant fear of the mage-bound running amok. It's a fascinating look at politics where the ultimate weapons are sentient people, and control over them is the highest stakes game in the nation. The relationship between the two leads is the core, and it's constantly tested by political demands.

you absolutely need to check out 'The First Law' trilogy by Joe Abercrombie. It’s got the same morally grey characters, gritty battles, and sharp dialogue that made 'Game of Thrones' so addictive. Another must-read is 'The Stormlight Archive' by Brandon Sanderson—less grimdark, but the world-building is insane, with massive battles and deep lore. For something with more historical vibes, 'The Accursed Kings' series by Maurice Druon is basically the real-life inspiration for Martin’s work. Trust me, these will keep you hooked just as hard.

'Game of Thrones' was just the beginning for me. One series that blew my mind is 'The Inheritance Cycle' by Christopher Paolini. The way Eragon bonds with Saphira and their journey through Alagaësia is epic. Another favorite is 'The Priory of the Orange Tree' by Samantha Shannon. It's a standalone but packs a punch with its intricate world-building and fierce dragon battles. For something darker, 'The Dragon Republic' by R.F. Kuang is a must-read. The political intrigue and war scenes are as intense as 'Game of Thrones,' but with a unique Asian-inspired twist. If you love dragons and complex characters, these books will keep you hooked.

I've always been drawn to dark, gritty fantasy that doesn’t shy away from complex politics and morally gray characters. If you loved 'Game of Thrones', you’ll probably enjoy 'The First Law' trilogy by Joe Abercrombie. It’s brutal, unpredictable, and packed with razor-sharp dialogue. The characters feel incredibly real—flawed, selfish, and sometimes downright terrifying. Another great pick is 'The Broken Empire' by Mark Lawrence, which follows a ruthless protagonist in a post-apocalyptic medieval world. The writing is visceral, and the stakes are sky-high. For something with more magic but equally intricate plotting, 'The Poppy War' by R.F. Kuang blends military strategy with shamanic warfare in a way that’s utterly gripping. These books don’t pull punches, just like GRRM’s work.

I’ve been obsessed with epic fantasy ever since I devoured 'Game of Thrones', and if you’re craving something with the same level of political intrigue, brutal twists, and rich world-building, I’d highly recommend 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss. It’s got that perfect mix of lyrical prose and a protagonist whose journey feels both grand and deeply personal. Another standout is 'The Blade Itself' by Joe Abercrombie—grimdark at its finest, with characters so morally grey they’ll make you question who to root for. And if you love the sprawling, multi-POV style of 'GoT', 'The Way of Kings' by Brandon Sanderson is a masterpiece of epic scale and intricate magic systems. These books all share that addictive quality where you lose track of time because the world feels so alive.

Epic fantasy series like 'Game of Thrones' have a special place in my heart, and I’ve spent countless hours diving into the worlds crafted by various publishers. Tor Books stands out as a heavyweight in the genre, responsible for bringing us series like 'The Wheel of Time' by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson’s 'The Stormlight Archive.' Their catalog is packed with sprawling, intricate worlds that rival the depth of Westeros. Another major player is Orbit Books, which publishes 'The First Law' trilogy by Joe Abercrombie and 'The Broken Empire' by Mark Lawrence. These series are known for their gritty realism and morally complex characters, much like George R.R. Martin’s work. Harper Voyager also deserves a shoutout for releasing 'The Lightbringer' series by Brent Weeks, a fantastic blend of magic and political intrigue. If you’re craving epic fantasy, these publishers are your best bet for finding the next big adventure.

Sam Sykes' 'The Grave of Empires' trilogy, starting with 'Seven Blades in Black', is a gunpowder fantasy with a furious, vengeful protagonist. The world is a harsh wasteland scarred by a magical war, filled with monsters, mercenaries, and oppressive empires. The darkness is fueled by rage, loss, and a body count narrated with grim relish. It's fast-paced, profane, and wears its heart (and its many, many grievances) on its sleeve. The magic system, involving sigils and a price, is clever.