9 Books Like Game of Thrones but Better
Game of Thrones: the series that made us all question our loyalty to fictional characters while simultaneously spawning a new generation of children named Daenerys. Too bad their mothers didn’t bother to wait for the end.
While George R.R. Martin's epic saga is undeniably gripping, it's not without its flaws. If you're itching for more epic fantasy with intricate plots, complex characters, and terrifying creatures, fear not! Here's a list of nine books like Game of Thrones that'll scratch that itch even better than Westeros.
1. The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie:
In The First Law, Abercrombie takes traditional fantasy tropes and turns them on their head. The series is dark and gritty and focuses on intricate political rather than heroic conquests. Its characters are morally ambiguous characters, and the plot keeps you guessing until the very end.
Abercrombie doesn’t care much for traditional heroes, so if you’re into flawed POV characters, you aren’t likely to do better than The First Law.
2. The Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson:
Epic in scope and ambition, Erikson's Malazan series offers a vast and intricate world filled with gods, mortals, and everything in between. With its sprawling narrative and unforgettable characters, the series will keep you hooked from start to finish.
It’s worth noting that Gardens of the Moon, the first in the series, is usually regarded as the clunkiest, so if you can get through some odd writing choices, the series brightens up significantly as it goes along.
3. The Broken Empire Trilogy by Mark Lawrence:
If you're looking for a protagonist as morally ambiguous as Tyrion Lannister, look no further than Jorg Ancrath. Lawrence's dark and compelling series follows Jorg on his quest for power in a brutal and unforgiving world.
It’s a dark fantasy enthusiast’s dream, with characters literally sacrificing their own body parts to gain power and engaging in frequent bloody conflicts.
4. The Elder Wyrm by K.R. VanderBrooke:
The Elder Wyrm, a brand new release, is among few books of its kind. It’s a dark fantasy that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and its comedic elements don’t ruin the worldbuilding. It’s inspired by metal imagery and classic bands like Black Sabbath and Electric Wizard. If you’re thirsting for darkness, revenge, and psychedelic, world-ending plots, The Elder Wyrm has what you seek.
5. The Dagger and the Coin series by Daniel Abraham:
Intrigue, betrayal, and political machinations abound in this gripping series, which follows a diverse cast of characters as they navigate the dangerous waters of power and ambition.
6. The Powder Mage Trilogy by Brian McClellan:
Mixing epic fantasy with elements of flintlock fantasy, McClellan's trilogy offers a fresh take on the genre. With its fast-paced action, intricate plotting, and memorable characters, this series is sure to delight fans of Game of Thrones.
7. The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson:
Step into the breathtaking world of Roshar, where powerful knights known as Radiants battle against the forces of darkness. Sanderson's meticulous world-building, intricate magic system, and morally gray characters make this series a must-read for any fantasy enthusiast.
Roshar is odd and filled with expansive wastelands and giant crustaceans, but it’s a welcome relief from the traditional sword-and-sorcery settings.
8. The Lightbringer series by Brent Weeks:
Weeks' series combines epic fantasy with a unique magic system based on the manipulation of light. With its complex characters and twisting plot, The Lightbringer series is a must-read for any fan of political intrigue and epic battles.
Fair warning: a good portion of readers report feeling slighted by the last couple of books, so keep this in mind as you decide which ones to pick up. By any measure, the first ones are fantastic, though.
9. The Gentlemen Bastard Sequence by Scott Lynch:
Follow the exploits of master thief Locke Lamora and his band of misfits as they navigate the treacherous underworld of the city of Camorr. With its witty dialogue, intricate plotting, and larger-than-life characters, this series is a rollicking good time from start to finish.
So there you have it, nine books that not only scratch that Game of Thrones itch but surpass it in every way. Whether you're craving epic battles, political intrigue, or morally gray characters, these books and series have got you covered. So why settle for the same old dragons and politics when you can dive into these rich and immersive worlds instead?
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