10 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 much-anticipated 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.
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.
See the full series here.
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
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.
Ashes of the Unhewn Throne trilogy by Brian Staveley
The Kettral were the glory and despair of the Annurian Empire – elite soldiers who rode war hawks into battle. Now the Kettral’s numbers have dwindled and the great empire is dying. Its grip is further weakened by the failure of the kenta gates, which granted instantaneous access to its vast lands.
In the first installment of this new trilogy we meet Gwenna Sharpe, a soldier who is given a mission, which, if she is successful, might restore the Kettral to their former glory.
Reasons you’ll like it: masterful storytelling, a true page-turner.
Read more about the first book in the series:
The Empire's Ruin
by Brian Staveley
Gwenna Sharpe must voyage beyond the edge of the known world, to the mythical nesting grounds of the giant war hawks. The journey will take her through a land that warps and poisons all living things. Yet if she succeeds, she could return a champion, rebuild the Kettral to their former numbers – and help save the empire. The gates are also essential to the empire’s survival, and a monk turned con-artist may hold the key to unlocking them.
What they discover will change them and the Annurian Empire forever – if they survive. For deep within the southern reaches of the land, a malevolent force is stirring . . .
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 . . .
See the full series here.
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.
See the full series here.
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 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.
See the full series here.
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.
See the full series here.
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.
See the full series here.
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 . . .
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.
See the full series here
Reasons you'll like it: Kick-ass female characters, graphic violence and different character arcs. Brutal fight scenes.
The Tales of the Otori Series by Lian Hearn
This series follows a young warrior named Takeo in his struggles to avenge his adoptive father, escape the legacy of his biological father, and pursue the love of his life in the midst of an enormous power struggle involving dozens of clan lords and thousands of warriors.
See the full series here
Reasons you'll like it: Forbidden love story, political machinations, epic battles. Perfect for fans of Daenerys's struggle to reclaim the Iron Throne.
Read more about the first book in the series:
Across the Nightingale Floor
by Lian Hearn
Sixteen-year-old Otori, who survived the murder of his family by the warriors of Lord Iida Sadamu, is out to avenge his family. And he has the magical skills of the Tribe - preternatural hearing, invisibility and a second self - to help him.
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.
See the full series here
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.
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.
See the full series here
Reasons you'll like it: Magic, enchantresses, new races, many characters and spellbindingly detailed new worlds.