7 Books to Read If You Loved A Game of Thrones

If you just finished A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin and are looking for something similar, you’re not alone. It’s one of those series that’s hard to move on from.

The world of Westeros, the political intrigue, the unpredictable characters, there’s nothing quite like it. While the HBO show brought the story to a massive audience, the books are where everything truly shines. They’re deeper, more detailed, and much more immersive.

The good news is that there are other fantasy series that capture some of that same magic.

Here are 7 books (and series) to read if you loved 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 you’re looking for something just as dark and gritty as A Game of Thrones, this is probably your best bet.

Abercrombie doesn’t focus on traditional heroes. Instead, you get morally gray characters, brutal violence, and a story that constantly subverts expectations. It’s raw, unpredictable, and very character-driven.

If you liked how no one felt safe in Martin’s world, you’ll feel right at home here.

2. Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

This is easily one of my favorite series on the list.

Mistborn offers a completely different style of fantasy but still delivers an epic story. The magic system is one of the most unique and easy-to-follow in the genre, and the plot revolves around overthrowing a seemingly immortal ruler.

It’s less chaotic than Game of Thrones, but just as engaging. And while some might argue it’s not Sanderson’s best work, it’s definitely my favorite.

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

You can’t talk about fantasy without mentioning Tolkien.

While The Lord of the Rings is more traditional and less morally gray than Martin’s work, the world-building and scope are unmatched. This is the foundation that modern fantasy, including A Game of Thrones, was built on.

If you haven’t read it yet, it’s a must.

4. The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan

If you’re looking for another massive fantasy series to dive into, this is it.

The Wheel of Time features deep world-building, multiple storylines, and a large cast of characters, though it’s a bit easier to follow than Martin’s work. It leans more into prophecy and destiny, but still delivers plenty of political tension and conflict.

You can also clearly see Tolkien’s influence, but Jordan takes the story in his own direction.

5. The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson

If you enjoyed the scale and complexity of A Song of Ice and Fire, The Stormlight Archive is a great next step.

This series is huge, both in scope and length. Sanderson builds an incredibly detailed world with layered characters and interconnected storylines. It’s more structured than Martin’s writing, but just as epic.

6. The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams

A lot of people don’t realize just how much this series influenced A Game of Thrones.

You’ll notice familiar elements, an aging king, political tension, and multiple factions fighting for power. It’s a slower build, but once it gets going, it delivers a rich and rewarding story.

If you want to see where some of Martin’s inspiration came from, this is a great place to start.

7. The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin

Starting with A Wizard of Earthsea, this series is one of the most influential works in fantasy.

Le Guin helped redefine what fantasy could be. Her take on magic, character development, and storytelling has inspired countless authors. The idea of a young wizard learning to control his power was groundbreaking at the time.

It’s very different from Game of Thrones in tone, but just as important and absolutely worth reading.

Why These Books Work for Game of Thrones Fans

What makes A Game of Thrones so compelling is its combination of political intrigue, complex characters, and an expansive world.

Each of the books on this list captures at least one of those elements, whether it’s dark realism, detailed world-building, or epic storytelling.

No series will fully replace A Song of Ice and Fire, but these come close in their own way.

Final Thoughts

Finding a series to follow A Game of Thrones isn’t easy, but these are some of the best options out there.

Each one offers something different, whether it’s darker storytelling, unique magic systems, or massive worlds to explore.

If you’re still craving that epic fantasy feel, this list is a great place to start.

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