Few fantasy novels have changed the genre quite like A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin. Since its release in 1996, the novel has captivated millions of readers with its unforgettable characters, ruthless political maneuvering, shocking betrayals, and sprawling world of Westeros. Even after finishing the first book, or the entire A Song of Ice and Fire series so far, many readers struggle to find another fantasy series that delivers the same level of excitement.

While HBO’s adaptation introduced countless viewers to Westeros, the novels remain the definitive way to experience Martin’s world. The books offer richer character development, deeper lore, and countless details that never made it to the screen.

The good news is that there are plenty of incredible fantasy novels that capture many of the same qualities that make A Game of Thrones unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for morally gray characters, intricate political intrigue, massive battles, or unforgettable world-building, these books deserve a place on your reading list.

Here are the seven best books and fantasy series to read after A Game of Thrones.

Books to Read After A Game of Thrones

• The First Law trilogy by Joe Abercrombie  
• The Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson 
• The Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkien  
• The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan 
• The Stormlight Archives Brandon Sanderson 
• The Dragonbone Chair series by Tad Williams 
• The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin  

1. The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie

If there is one series that captures the brutal realism and morally ambiguous storytelling of A Game of Thrones, it’s The First Law.

Joe Abercrombie has earned the nickname “Lord Grimdark” for good reason. His novels reject the traditional fantasy idea of noble heroes defeating evil. Instead, readers are introduced to deeply flawed characters who often make terrible decisions while trying to survive in a cruel world.

The trilogy follows several unforgettable protagonists, including the crippled torturer Sand dan Glokta, the infamous barbarian Logen Ninefingers, and the arrogant nobleman Jezal dan Luthar. None of them fit the mold of a traditional fantasy hero, and that’s exactly what makes them so compelling.

Much like George R.R. Martin, Abercrombie constantly reminds readers that actions have consequences and that survival often comes at a terrible cost.

If your favorite part of A Game of Thrones was never knowing who would live or die next, The First Law should be your next series.

2. Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

Although Brandon Sanderson’s writing style is very different from George R.R. Martin’s, Mistborn remains one of the best fantasy series ever written.

The story takes place in a world where the Dark Lord has already won. Ash falls from the sky, mist dominates the nights, and an immortal tyrant known as the Lord Ruler has ruled for a thousand years.

What makes Mistborn stand out is its brilliantly designed magic system known as Allomancy. Characters consume different metals to unlock unique abilities, creating some of the most creative action sequences in fantasy literature.

Beyond the action, the series offers political revolution, memorable characters, emotional twists, and one of the most satisfying endings in modern fantasy.

While Mistborn is less violent than A Game of Thrones, its clever plotting and unforgettable moments make it an easy recommendation.

3. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

No fantasy reading list is complete without The Lord of the Rings.

Modern fantasy simply would not exist without Tolkien’s masterpiece. Virtually every fantasy author, including George R.R. Martin, owes something to Middle-earth.

Unlike Martin’s morally gray world, Tolkien presents a more traditional battle between good and evil. Yet the depth of the world-building remains almost unmatched decades later.

The cultures, languages, histories, and mythology feel incredibly authentic, making Middle-earth one of the greatest fictional worlds ever created.

Even if you’ve seen Peter Jackson’s incredible film adaptations, the novels offer an entirely different experience filled with additional lore and unforgettable moments.

If you’ve somehow never read The Lord of the Rings, there’s no better time to start.

4. The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan

If what you loved most about A Game of Thrones was becoming immersed in a massive fantasy world, then The Wheel of Time belongs at the top of your reading list.

Spanning fourteen novels, Robert Jordan’s epic fantasy follows dozens of memorable characters whose stories slowly intertwine over thousands of pages.

The series features:

• Ancient prophecies
• Political intrigue
• Kingdoms at war
• Powerful magic
• Epic battles
• Complex character development

While the series begins with familiar fantasy tropes inspired by Tolkien, it gradually evolves into one of the most ambitious fantasy epics ever written.

Readers who enjoy spending months, or even years, in a fantasy world will find plenty to love here.

5. The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson

If you’re searching for a fantasy series that rivals A Song of Ice and Fire in scale, look no further than The Stormlight Archive.

Beginning with The Way of Kings, Sanderson creates one of the most detailed fantasy worlds ever imagined.

Roshar is unlike any other fantasy setting. Massive magical storms regularly sweep across the continent, shaping its geography, wildlife, and civilizations.

Like Martin, Sanderson follows multiple perspectives, allowing readers to experience the story through kings, soldiers, scholars, assassins, and slaves.

The characters are among Sanderson’s strongest creations, particularly Kaladin, Shallan, and Dalinar, each of whom struggles with deeply personal challenges while becoming caught up in world-changing events.

Although the tone is more optimistic than A Game of Thrones, the emotional payoff is equally rewarding.

6. Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn by Tad Williams

Many readers are surprised to learn that George R.R. Martin has openly credited Tad Williams as one of his biggest influences.

The trilogy begins with The Dragonbone Chair, introducing readers to the kingdom of Osten Ard, where an aging king’s death sets competing factions on a collision course.

The similarities to A Game of Thrones quickly become apparent:

• Noble families competing for power
• Political conspiracies
• Ancient supernatural threats
• Multiple perspectives
• Rich medieval atmosphere

However, Williams never feels like he’s copying anyone. Instead, he crafts a slower, more thoughtful fantasy epic that rewards patient readers with incredible world-building and unforgettable character arcs.

Anyone curious about the literary roots of George R.R. Martin’s work should absolutely read this series.

7. The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin

While The Earthsea Cycle differs significantly in tone from A Game of Thrones, it remains one of the most influential fantasy series ever written.

Beginning with A Wizard of Earthsea, Ursula K. Le Guin tells the story of Ged, a gifted young wizard whose greatest enemy turns out to be himself.

Rather than focusing on giant battles or political conflict, Le Guin explores themes of identity, balance, responsibility, and self-discovery.

Her elegant prose and philosophical storytelling transformed fantasy literature and inspired generations of writers.

Many of today’s biggest fantasy authors—including George R.R. Martin, Neil Gaiman, and Brandon Sanderson—have praised Le Guin’s influence on the genre.

If you’re interested in reading one of fantasy’s true masterpieces, Earthsea deserves a place near the top of your list.

Why A Game of Thrones Fans Will Love These Books

George R.R. Martin redefined epic fantasy by blending political strategy, morally complex characters, realistic consequences, and expansive world-building into one unforgettable story.

Every recommendation on this list shares at least one of those strengths.

The First Law delivers the same brutal realism and unforgettable antiheroes.

Mistborn combines exceptional plotting with a revolutionary magic system and memorable characters.

The Lord of the Rings remains the blueprint for nearly every fantasy series that followed.

The Wheel of Time offers another enormous world filled with unforgettable characters and intricate storylines.

The Stormlight Archive provides breathtaking scale and some of the strongest character development in modern fantasy.

Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn lets readers experience one of George R.R. Martin’s greatest inspirations.

Finally, The Earthsea Cycle reminds readers that fantasy can be deeply personal, philosophical, and emotionally powerful.

Each series approaches fantasy differently, ensuring that every reader will find something worth diving into after leaving Westeros behind.

Final Thoughts

Finishing A Game of Thrones often leaves readers searching for another fantasy world capable of delivering the same excitement. While nothing perfectly recreates George R.R. Martin’s masterpiece, these seven series come remarkably close in different ways.

Whether you’re looking for ruthless political intrigue, unforgettable antiheroes, intricate magic systems, or massive worlds filled with centuries of history, each recommendation offers an incredible reading experience.

If I had to recommend just one place to start, I’d choose The First Law for readers who love Martin’s darker storytelling and The Stormlight Archive for those craving another truly epic fantasy journey.

No matter which series you choose, you’re in for thousands of pages of unforgettable adventures.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook