George R.R. Martin’s Favorite Books: 9 Books That Inspired the Game of Thrones Author

Few authors have had as much influence on modern fantasy as George R.R. Martin. The creator of A Song of Ice and Fire, the book series that inspired HBO’s Game of Thrones, helped redefine what fantasy could be. His novels are known for their morally complex characters, political intrigue, shocking twists, and richly detailed world-building.

While millions of readers continue to wait for The Winds of Winter, Martin remains one of the most respected voices in literature. Beyond his own writing, he has spent decades reading across multiple genres, from fantasy and science fiction to literary fiction and historical classics.

Whenever I look at an author’s favorite books, I am always curious about what influenced them. The books writers love often reveal the foundations of their storytelling. In Martin’s case, his reading list helps explain why his own novels feel so different from traditional fantasy. His favorite books combine epic adventures, unforgettable characters, emotional depth, and powerful themes that continue to resonate with readers decades after publication.

If you’re looking for books recommended by one of the greatest fantasy authors of all time, these are George R.R. Martin’s favorite books.

George R.R. Martins’s Favorite Books 

• The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien  
• Watership Down by Richard Adams 
• The Once and Future King by T.H. White 
• Lord of Light by Roger Zelazny  
• A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin 
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald  
• Catch-22 by Joseph Heller 
• A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens 
• The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy 

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

No book has influenced George R.R. Martin more than The Lord of the Rings.

Like countless fantasy readers, Martin discovered Tolkien’s masterpiece at a young age and was captivated by Middle-earth. The epic scope, rich mythology, and unforgettable characters helped establish the blueprint for modern fantasy.

While Martin would eventually take fantasy in a very different direction, Tolkien’s influence can still be felt throughout A Song of Ice and Fire. Both series feature sprawling worlds, ancient histories, legendary conflicts, and the constant struggle between power and morality.

Martin has frequently spoken about Tolkien’s impact on his career, and it is easy to see why. The Lord of the Ringsremains one of the most important novels ever written and continues to inspire generations of readers and writers alike.

If you have somehow never read Tolkien’s masterpiece, now is the perfect time to change that.

Watership Down by Richard Adams

One of the most surprising entries on Martin’s list is Watership Down.

At first glance, a novel about rabbits might not seem like the kind of book that would appeal to the creator of Game of Thrones. However, anyone who has read Richard Adams’ classic knows that it is much more than an animal story.

Watership Down is an epic fantasy adventure filled with danger, courage, leadership, friendship, and survival. The rabbits face life-or-death challenges while searching for a safe home, and the emotional stakes feel just as real as those found in many human-centered novels.

I have always thought this book deserves more recognition from modern fantasy readers. Its influence can be found throughout the genre, and its themes remain timeless.

The fact that Martin places it among his favorite books speaks volumes about its quality.

The Once and Future King by T.H. White

Fantasy fans often associate King Arthur stories with legendary quests and magical swords, but The Once and Future King offers something deeper.

T.H. White’s classic retelling explores power, justice, leadership, and human nature through the story of Arthur and Camelot. Rather than focusing solely on adventure, the novel examines what it means to be a good ruler and whether idealism can survive in a flawed world.

Those themes should sound familiar to fans of Martin’s work.

One of the defining characteristics of A Song of Ice and Fire is its exploration of leadership. Martin constantly asks whether good people can rule effectively and whether power inevitably corrupts those who possess it.

Many of those ideas can be traced back to White’s influential novel.

Lord of Light by Roger Zelazny

Roger Zelazny’s Lord of Light is often considered one of the greatest science fiction novels ever written.

Set on a distant planet where advanced technology allows humans to take on the identities of Hindu gods, the novel blends science fiction, mythology, religion, and philosophy in a truly unique way.

What makes Lord of Light special is its willingness to challenge expectations. It combines grand concepts with deeply personal storytelling and creates a world unlike anything else in the genre.

Martin has long praised Zelazny as one of his favorite writers, and many readers consider Lord of Light to be Zelazny’s masterpiece.

If you enjoy imaginative storytelling that refuses to fit neatly into a single category, this novel belongs on your reading list.

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin

Few fantasy novels are as beloved as A Wizard of Earthsea.

Ursula K. Le Guin’s masterpiece follows a young wizard named Ged as he learns the dangers of pride, power, and self-discovery. Unlike many fantasy stories that focus on external enemies, Earthsea places equal emphasis on internal struggles.

The novel’s themes of identity and responsibility remain just as powerful today as they were when it was first published.

Le Guin’s influence on fantasy cannot be overstated. Countless authors, including Martin, have praised her work for its intelligence, originality, and emotional depth.

Whenever people ask me for fantasy recommendations, A Wizard of Earthsea is one of the books I mention most often. It is beautifully written and surprisingly profound despite its relatively short length.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Not every book on Martin’s list falls within the fantasy genre.

The Great Gatsby is widely regarded as one of the greatest American novels ever written. Through the story of Jay Gatsby and his pursuit of the American Dream, Fitzgerald explores ambition, wealth, love, and disillusionment.

The novel’s themes remain remarkably relevant nearly a century after its publication.

What I find interesting about Martin’s inclusion of The Great Gatsby is how much he values character-driven storytelling. While the novel lacks dragons and battles, it succeeds because of its unforgettable characters and emotional complexity.

Those same qualities appear throughout Martin’s own work.

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

Few novels balance comedy and tragedy as effectively as Catch-22.

Joseph Heller’s satirical masterpiece follows Captain John Yossarian during World War II and examines the absurdity of bureaucracy, war, and institutional power.

The novel is famous for its sharp humor, but beneath the comedy lies a powerful critique of systems that prioritize rules over human lives.

Martin’s work often highlights similar themes. His stories repeatedly show how governments, institutions, and political systems can fail the people they are supposed to protect.

Catch-22 remains one of the most influential novels of the twentieth century and is just as relevant today as it was when it was first published.

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities is another classic that made Martin’s list.

Set during the French Revolution, the novel explores sacrifice, redemption, justice, and social upheaval. Its famous opening line is instantly recognizable, but what keeps readers returning is the emotional power of its story.

The novel captures the chaos of political change and the human cost of revolution.

For readers familiar with A Song of Ice and Fire, it is easy to see why Martin admires Dickens’ work. Both authors excel at portraying societies on the brink of collapse and exploring how ordinary people are affected by extraordinary events.

A Tale of Two Cities remains one of the most rewarding classics ever written.

The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy

Perhaps the most unexpected selection on Martin’s list is The Prince of Tides.

Pat Conroy’s novel focuses on family, trauma, memory, and healing. It is a deeply emotional story that examines the lasting effects of childhood experiences and the complicated relationships that define our lives.

Unlike many of the fantasy and science fiction books on this list, The Prince of Tides is grounded firmly in reality.

However, Martin’s appreciation for the novel highlights something important about his reading habits. Great storytelling transcends genre. Whether a book features dragons, magical islands, or contemporary family drama, what matters most is compelling characters and emotional truth.

That is exactly what Conroy delivers.

Why These Books Matter

Looking at George R.R. Martin’s favorite books reveals several common themes.

These novels feature unforgettable characters, complex moral questions, and stories that stay with readers long after the final page. They challenge assumptions, explore human nature, and refuse to offer easy answers.

What stands out most is the variety. Martin’s list includes fantasy, science fiction, literary fiction, historical fiction, satire, and classics. It serves as a reminder that great writers rarely limit themselves to a single genre.

As someone whose favorite genre is fantasy, I love seeing books like The Lord of the Rings, Watership Down, and A Wizard of Earthsea receive recognition. At the same time, seeing classics like The Great Gatsby, Catch-22, and A Tale of Two Cities reminds us that excellent storytelling can be found everywhere.

For readers looking to expand their horizons, this list is an excellent place to start.

Final Thoughts

George R.R. Martin’s favorite books showcase the stories that helped shape one of the most influential authors of our time. From the epic fantasy of The Lord of the Rings to the literary brilliance of The Great Gatsby and the emotional depth of The Prince of Tides, every title on this list has earned its place.

If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones or A Song of Ice and Fire, these books offer a fascinating glimpse into the stories that inspired Martin throughout his life and career.

And if you haven’t read some of these classics yet, consider adding them to your TBR. After all, when one of the greatest fantasy authors ever recommends a book, it is usually worth your time.

What do you think of George R.R. Martin’s favorite books? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below. Until next time, happy reading!

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