Now that the Game of Thrones TV series has officially ended, many fans will be looking for books similar to A Song of Ice and Fire in style, tone, and genre. This list introduces readers to exciting alternatives. It provides short reviews of each book and explains why readers might enjoy them.
The most recent volume of George R.R. Martin’s epic fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire, better known as Game of Thrones, was published in 2011. Titled A Dance with Dragons, the novel took Martin six long years to complete. Readers are still eagerly awaiting the sixth novel in the series, The Winds of Winter (and yes, they’ve been waiting eight years). While fans have been able to scratch their Game of Thrones itch by tuning into the HBO show, many are still left eagerly anticipating the next part of their beloved series.
Does this sound like you? Perhaps you’re a long-time fan who’s been following the written series since the first novel was published way back in 1996. Maybe you’re new to the books and have just finished your first read-through. Or maybe you haven’t read the books, but have watched and loved the show. Whatever your background, here are some incredible fantasy books that will fill the Game of Thrones-shaped hole in your heart.
1.The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan
The Wheel of Time is at the top of the list because there is simply no other like it. Robert Jordan’s 14-book series is so long and immersive that it is sure to hold you over for a long while. The novels feature an incredible magical system, compelling characters, and a complex array of different cultures and customs. Like A Song of Ice and Fire, The Wheel of Time novels feature an ensemble group of diverse characters and multiple storylines and points of view. Amazon Studies recently announced that they will be adapting the series to the small screen, so look out for that soon.
2. The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson
Although the first book in this still-ongoing series, titled A Way of Kings, was only published in 2010, it’s quickly become a classic in the fantasy genre. The Stormlight Archive is set in a magical world filled with races of people and customs entirely alien to our own. But like A Song of Ice and Fire, this world is filled with political intrigues and court drama. It’s definitely less gritty than A Song of Ice and Fire, but the complexity of Sanderson’s world-building is sure to draw you in.
3.The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss
The Kingkiller Chronicle tells the extraordinary story of a man named Kvothe, a prodigy in music and magical talent. Rather than spreading out the plot over multiple storylines and character points-of-view, the majority of the novels are told from his first-person perspective. For this reason, these books have the benefit of being a quicker and more straightforward read. The Kingkiller Chronicle is great for someone who is just getting into epic fantasy. But just because these novels are quick doesn’t mean they aren’t full of interesting ideas and characters.
4. Chronicles of Amber by Roger Zelazny
This series is great for those interested in badly behaved royalty. The main family of Amber rivals even the Lannisters for their jealousy, pettiness, and greed. Interestingly, Roger Zelanzy was reportedly one of Martin’s best friends, and you can find subtle odes to Zelanzy nestled in the pages of A Song of Ice and Fire.
5. Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson
Readers are often slow to get into this series because Erikson is a “show, don’t tell” style of a writer. For much of the first book, you have no idea what’s going on! But with powerful writing, exciting action scenes, and incredible world-building, Erikson manages to keep your interest anyway. Bear in mind, these books aren’t for the faint of heart. Yes, that includes Game of Thrones fans.
Game of Thrones has officially ended, and fans may have many more months yet until the next book in A Song of Ice and Fire is published. But the good news is that the fantasy genre offers many more excellent alternatives to tide over even the most dedicated Martin fan.