What Are The Must Read Fantasy Series Based On Popular Games?

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'.

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.

Honestly, the influence can be pretty messy and indirect. Look at 'Game of Thrones'. The TV show's popularity, not directly the books, is what spawned a bunch of mediocre mobile games and a couple of decent larger attempts. The books' success created the IP value, but the rush to capitalize often leads to quick, shallow adaptations that trade on the name rather than the substance. You see a bestselling title, and a publisher sees a built-in audience to market to, but that doesn't guarantee the game will capture what made people love the books in the first place. Sometimes the influence is just slapping a familiar name on a generic game mechanic. That said, when it works, it works because the game developers are actually fans. They take the core philosophical conflicts, the magic systems, or the political intrigue from the page and ask, 'What would it feel like to make choices in this world?' The best adaptations aren't retellings; they're new stories set in a thoroughly realized universe that the books spent thousands of pages making feel real. The commercial success of the source material simply provides the budget and the mandate to attempt that depth, instead of churning out a cheap arcade tie-in.

As someone who devours fantasy romance like it’s my lifeblood, I can’t recommend 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' by Sarah J. Maas enough. It’s the perfect gateway into the genre with its lush world-building, slow-burn romance, and fierce heroine. The blend of faerie lore and emotional depth makes it addictive. Another standout is 'From Blood and Ash' by Jennifer L. Armentrout—steamy, action-packed, and packed with twists that keep you hooked. For those who prefer lighter, whimsical vibes, 'The Night Circus' by Erin Morgenstern is pure magic. The romance is subtle but utterly enchanting, woven into a circus that feels alive. If you crave historical fantasy with a romantic edge, 'Outlander' by Diana Gabaldon is a sweeping epic where love defies time. And don’t overlook 'Uprooted' by Naomi Novik—it’s a fairy tale with a dark, lyrical romance that lingers long after the last page. Beginners will adore these for their balance of fantasy and heart.

Lately, I've been diving into the realm of fantasy series, and there’s no shortage of gems lighting up our screens and shelves! One title that's capturing attention is 'The Priory of the Orange Tree' by Samantha Shannon. It’s not your typical dragon and knight story; it’s this beautifully intricate narrative with a diverse cast of characters and a strong focus on matriarchal themes. The world-building is absolutely breathtaking, and it manages to weave in LGBTQ+ representation in a way that feels authentic and refreshing. Also trending is the 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' series by Sarah J. Maas. After the recent buzz surrounding its adaptation, fans are flocking back to the books. It’s such a wild blend of romance and action, plus there's a significant character growth arc that keeps readers hooked. And how could I forget 'House of the Dragon'? While it's technically a prequel to 'Game of Thrones,' it’s ignited a new wave of discussions about the Targaryens and their chaos-filled history. There’s something thrilling about the power struggles and the stakes being so high, it’s binge-worthy for sure! So many amazing fantasy series are out there! They continue to explore different themes and perspectives, really showing that fantasy is evolving, and it’s exciting to be part of that journey. Each of these stories carries with it a sense of wonder and magic that resonates deeply, making the genre feel ever-fresh and inviting to new fans!