12 book series to read after you've finished Game of Thrones
If you love Game of Thrones, or A Song of Ice and Fire, the fantasy book series it was based on, these are the books to read next.
Has House of the Dragon, the prequel to Game of Thrones, rekindled your obsession with George R. R. Martin's brutal fantasy world? Or perhaps you're looking to fill the Westeros-shaped void in your life whilst waiting for The Winds of Winter? Whatever your motivation, here we share some epic fantasy series to read if you loved Game of Thrones, or A Song of Ice and Fire, the book series it was based on.
For more reading inspiration, don't miss our edit of the best fantasy books of all time.
The Chronicles of Castellane Series by Cassandra Clare
‘Sword Catcher gave me everything I look for in medieval fantasy: mystery and magic (not too much, not too little), expert worldbuilding, swordplay and politics, a colorful cast of interesting characters, and a story that kept me reading from the first page to the last, with enough twists and turns to keep me turning the pages.’
George R. R. Martin
The start of a riveting epic fantasy series from the internationally bestselling author of The Shadowhunter Chronicles. In Sword Catcher, Cassandra Clare takes us to a "bustling hub of trade where bejeweled nobles rub elbows with seedy criminals" and as the Father of Game of Thrones himself says, is full of all the things that drew us into Westeros.
Reasons you’ll like it: Epic world building, politics, complex characters and forbidden love.
Read more about the first book in the series:
Sword Catcher
by Cassandra Clare
Two outcasts find themselves at the centre of world-altering change in the start of an epic fantasy series from author of The Shadowhunter Chronicles. In Castellane, Kel is stolen to become Prince Conor Aurelian’s body-double. As his ‘Sword Catcher', Kel lives for one purpose: to die for Conor. Lin Caster is an Ashkar physician, part of a community ostracised for its rare magical abilities. But events pull her and Kel together and into the web of the mysterious Ragpicker King who rules Castellane’s criminal underworld. Together, they’ll discover an extraordinary conspiracy. But can forbidden love bring down a kingdom?
A Chorus of Dragons by Jenn Lyons
Set in a world of ambitious royal families, imperial politics, demons and dragons, Jenn Lyons’ A Chorus of Dragons series is the perfect antidote to Game of Thrones withdrawal. Power and magic combine in the tale of Kirhin, who finds himself at the centre of a secret prophecy.
Reasons you’ll like it: The clue is in the series name. Dragons, lots of dragons.
Read more about the first book in the series:
The Ruin of Kings
by Jenn Lyons
The first book in the series sees bard’s apprentice Kihrin desperate enough to steal to buy his way out of Quur’s slums. But when he raids the wrong house his life changes forever. Claimed as the heir to the prince, Kihrin learns he is central to an ancient prophecy, and every side wants him as their pawn.
Of Blood and Bone by John Gwynne
Set in the same world as the Faithful and the Fallen quartet (also listed below), John Gwynne's Of Blood and Bone series is perfect for fans of Game of Thrones. It's bloody and atmospheric and features different races fighting for territorial dominance . . .
Reasons you'll like it: Huge battle scenes, epic world-building and a pseudo-medieval setting.
Read more about the first book in the series:
A Time of Dread
by John Gwynne
The first book in the Of Blood and Bone series sees a race of warrior angels ruling the Banished Lands, mutilated corpses, a sign of demonic black magic, found in the snow-covered north, and demons in the shadows, waiting to rise . . .
The Faithful and the Fallen Series by John Gwynne
The Faithful and the Fallen quartet by John Gwynne is pure epic fantasy in the vein of George R. R. Martin, and was shortlisted for the 2016 David Gemmell Legend Award. Malice, Valour, Ruin and finale Wrath chart the violent power struggles of the Banished Lands – a world mankind shares with giants, wyrms, wolves, and other more sinister beings. Young Corban dreams of becoming a great warrior and protecting his king – but as demons and angels from the Otherworld threaten to turn his home into a battlefield, the time to prove his courage will come all too soon.
Reasons you'll like it: It features different beasts including giants, wolves, angels and demons. Different worlds. Complex characters.
Read more about the first book in the series:
Malice
by John Gwynne
The violent past of the Banished Lands saw armies of men and giants fight for supremacy, and although the giants were defeated long ago, they begin to stir again. Young Corban watches enviously as boys become warriors, but his time will come, all too soon.
The Radiant Emperor series by Shelley Parker-Chan
She Who Became the Sun is a reimagining of the rise to power of Zhu Yuanzhang. Zhu was the peasant rebel who expelled the Mongols, unified China under native rule, and became the founding Emperor of the Ming Dynasty.
Reasons you'll like it: Stories of destiny, war, vengeance and politics.
Read more about the first book in the series:
She Who Became the Sun
by Shelley Parker-Chan
A Number One Sunday Times Bestseller, this absorbing historical fantasy novel from Shelley Parker-Chan reimagines the rise to power of the Ming Dynasty’s founding emperor. In 1345, China lies restless under harsh Mongol rule, and when a bandit raid wipes out her home and her brother perishes, Zhu resolves to overcome her destiny by taking her dead brother’s identity. Can Zhu escape what’s written in the stars, as rebellion sweeps the land? Or can she claim her brother’s greatness – and rise as high as she can dream?
The Worldmaker Trilogy by Lucy Hounsom
The Worldmaker trilogy is a classic epic fantasy coming-of-age tale, set in a fractured world with a unique magic system. Like Game of Thrones, Lucy Hounsom's novels tell intensely human stories, featuring very believable characters - who make very believable mistakes.
Reasons you'll like it: Richly detailed world-building, refreshing takes on traditional fantasy tropes and unexpected dragons!
Read more about the first book in the series:
Starborn
by Lucy Hounsom
When Kyndra disrupts her village's ancient ceremony, breaking with centuries of tradition, her superstitious community is quick to turn on her. She fears for her life until two strangers come to her aid, by wielding powers not seen for an age – powers which may soon be awoken in Kyndra . . .
Chronicles of the Unhewn Throne Series by Brian Staveley
Brian Staveley’s Chronicles of the Unhewn Throne trilogy is an epic fantasy of high-stakes intrigue, ideal for fans of A Song of Ice and Fire or the works of Patrick Rothfuss. The Emperor’s Blades introduces the Annurian Empire – a land in turmoil after the murder of its Emperor. His children Valyn, Kaden and Adare must unmask a terrible conspiracy and learn to unlock ancient powers if they wish to dispense justice, and escape with their own lives intact.
Reasons you'll like it: Power struggles, moral dilemmas and magic.
Read more about the first book in the series:
The Emperor's Blades
by Brian Staveley
The Emperor has been murdered, leaving the Annurian Empire in chaos. His son finds his own life in danger, while his daughter hunts her father’s murderer, and the heir to the throne studies at the remote monastery of the Blank God, devoted to mastering ancient powers . . .
The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb
This trilogy follows the life of trained assassin FitzChivalry Farseer (Fitz), in The Six Duchies. His uncle, Prince Verity, attempts to wage war on the Red-Ship Raiders from The OutIslands who are attacking the shores of the kingdom by turning the people of the Six Duchies into Forged ones; a form of zombification which makes them emotionless. Meanwhile, Prince Regal's jealousy and the indulgence of his own selfish whims threatens to destroy Six Duchies.
Reasons you'll like it: George R.R. Martin is a fan, Robin is punishing to her characters and if Jon Snow is your favourite character, Fitz is a king's bastard . . .
Read more about the first book in the series:
Assassin’s Apprentice
by Robin Hobb
The kingdom of the Six Duchies is on the brink of civil war when news breaks that the crown prince has fathered a bastard son and is shamed into abdication.
To be useful to the crown, Fitz is trained as an assassin; and to use the traditional magic of the Farseer family. But his tutor, allied to another political faction, is determined to discredit, even kill him. Fitz must survive: for he may be destined to save the kingdom.
The Awakening Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Breathtaking suspense and scorching romance meet in this immersive fantasy, the first in the Awakening series. Long ago, the world was destroyed by gods. Only nine cities were spared. Separated by vast wilderness teeming with monsters and unimaginable dangers, each city is now ruled by a guardian—royalty who feed on mortal pleasure. For those who liked the narrative jumps between King's Landing, Casterly Rock and Highgarden, this one's for you.
Reasons you'll like it: Sensual, gore, blood and death.
Read more about the first book in the series:
Fall of Ruin and Wrath
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
From the author of From Blood and Ash, Fall of Ruin and Wrath is a scorching romance with high stakes, breathtaking magic and a searing enemies-to-lovers romance. In a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by vengeful gods, nine surviving cities thrive under pleasure-seeking rulers. Calista, possessing infallible intuition, hides as a courtesan. She rescues a prince, triggering warnings of joy and doom. As the prince and her protector vie for power, she navigates rebellion, danger, and desire, torn between intuition's safety and heart's risk. Fall of Ruin and Wrath is a captivating romantic fantasy from a mega bestselling author and global sensation.
The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie
The First Law is a fantasy series composed of a trilogy and three stand-alone novels set in the same world, written by British novelist Joe Abercrombie.
Set in the Circle of the World, this is a world filled with bad people who do the right thing, good people who do the wrong thing and stupid people who do the stupid thing. Survival is no mean feat, and at the end of the day, dumb luck might be more of an asset than any amount of planning, skill, or noble intention.
Reasons you'll like it: Kick-ass female characters, graphic violence and different character arcs. Brutal fight scenes.
Read more about the first book in the series:
The Blade Itself
by Joe Abercrombie
Embark on a riveting journey with distinct, unforgettable characters — the bitter Inquisitor Glokta, a former fencing champion now a torturer trapped in a broken body, Captain Jezal dan Luthar, a vain and self-obsessed nobleman who shirks his duties for easy pleasures, and Logen Ninefingers, a notorious warrior entangled in a relentless blood feud.
Their paths intertwine in unexpected ways, pulling them into the sphere of Bayaz, a mysterious figure whose influence could either be the key to their salvation or the spark for further turmoil.
The Broken Empire Trilogy by Mark Lawrence
From being a privileged royal child, raised by a loving mother, Jorg Ancrath has become the Prince of Thorns, a charming, immoral boy leading a grim band of outlaws in a series of raids and atrocities. The world is in chaos: violence is rife, nightmares everywhere. Jorg has the ability to master the living and the dead, but there is still one thing that puts a chill in him. Returning to his father's castle Jorg must confront horrors from his childhood and carve himself a future with all hands turned against him.
Reasons you'll like it: Shocks, blood and violence. Fans of Arya Stark will enjoy this series as Jorg tries to claim vengeance after being orphaned following the murder of his parents.
Read more about the first book in the series:
Prince of Thorns
by Mark Lawrence
Follow the journey of Jorg Ancrath from a privileged royal child to the feared Prince of Thorns. After the harrowing loss of his brother and the warmth of his early life, Jorg emerges as the leader of a band of ruthless outlaws, navigating a landscape riddled with chaos and nightmares. In this brutally fractured realm, where the dead roam and unseen dangers lurk in the shadows, Jorg's quest for power and revenge takes him back to the very source of his nightmares: his father's castle.
Here, he must confront his past and carve out a realm of his own, amidst a world where every hand is turned against him.
The Wheel of Time Series by Robert Jordan
The Wheel of Time turns. Ages come and go, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth returns again. In the Third Age, an Age of Prophecy, the World and Time themselves hang in the balance. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.
When The Two Rivers is attacked by Trollocs – a savage tribe of half-men, half-beasts – five villagers flee that night into a world they barely imagined, with new dangers waiting in the shadows and in the light.
Reasons you'll like it: Magic, enchantresses, new races, many characters and spellbindingly detailed new worlds.
Read more about the first book in the series:
The Eye of the World
by Robert Jordan
The first book in the Wheel of Time saga that inspired the Prime Video TV series.
When she arrives in a small village in the Two Rivers, Moiraine discovers three young men, each of whom might be the long-awaited and reviled Chosen One, the Dragon Reborn. But she is not the only stranger new to the village, nor the only one searching. In a race against time and the agents of the Shadow, she must guide her charges through lands of myth and legend, toward allies both new and old, and into the footsteps of prophecy.