The third season of House of the Dragon has come and gone, leaving fans with a two-year wait before the next chapter of Rhaenyra Targaryen's fight for the Iron Throne. While some will re-read George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire or rewatch Game of Thrones, others might crave something new. The fantasy genre is vast, but finding stories that match the specific blend of political scheming, dragon-fueled warfare, and human drama can be tricky. These five series, however, hit all the right notes for fans of the Dance of the Dragons.
Unlike the original Game of Thrones, which kept most battles off-screen and magic as a distant threat, House of the Dragon puts war and dragons front and center. These books do the same, weaving intricate plots driven by espionage, alliances, and betrayals, all while never shying away from epic action. If you're looking for your next obsession, start here.
5. Between Earth and Sky by Rebecca Roanhorse
If you love the idea of flying but could do without the fiery breath, Rebecca Roanhorse's Between Earth and Sky trilogy is a perfect pick. This epic fantasy series is inspired by pre-Columbian Native American cultures, offering a refreshing departure from the usual medieval European settings. Like Game of Thrones, it uses multiple point-of-view characters to paint a rich, sprawling world while keeping the story deeply personal. You'll follow Xiala, a sailor with magical abilities; Serapio, a mysterious blind young man; and Naranpa, an unlikely Sun Priest, as their paths slowly converge.
The trilogy—Black Sun, Fevered Star, and Mirrored Heavens—was published between 2020 and 2024 and has already earned major accolades, including the Hugo Award for Best Series. All three books are available in print, digital, and audiobook formats.
4. Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn by Tad Williams
Tad Williams's Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn was a major inspiration for Martin when he wrote A Game of Thrones, and the parallels are unmistakable. The story follows Simon, a young servant in the Hayholt, the capital of the most powerful kingdom on the continent. He dreams of adventure, but when it finds him, it's far more dangerous than he imagined. The series expands into a richly detailed world called Osten Ard, where Williams excels at introducing unexpected magic and monsters, then questioning their true cost. His dragons are more like Smaug than Balerion, but the other magical elements more than compensate.
The original series consists of four books, and Williams has since completed a sequel series, The Last King of Osten Ard, with the final volume released in 2024. All are available now.
3. The Realm of the Elderlings by Robin Hobb
Robin Hobb's The Realm of the Elderlings is a 16-book epic that offers something for every fantasy fan. It's actually a collection of four trilogies and one quadrilogy, all set in the same world and following interconnected stories. The first trilogy, Farseer, centers on FitzChivalry, a royal bastard raised in Buckkeep Castle. He's neither fully part of the court nor allowed to leave, and as a wave of naval incursions grows, he finds himself caught in a war with powers he barely understands.
Hobb's writing is heartbreaking and immersive, with a deep focus on nature, trauma, and the inner lives of her characters. She uses psychic bonds between humans and animals, and like Martin, her magic always comes at a steep price. This is a must-read for fans of dragons, political maneuvering, and the optics of power. All 16 books are available in print, digital, and audiobook formats.
2. Elric of Melniboné by Michael Moorcock
For die-hard A Song of Ice and Fire fans, Michael Moorcock's Elric of Melniboné is essential reading—it was one of Martin's biggest influences. Elric first appeared in a 1962 magazine story, and his adventures have been scattered across various publications ever since. Fortunately, the series has been collected into four volumes by Saga Press, making it easier than ever to dive in.
Elric is the 428th Emperor of Melniboné, a decaying island nation of sorcerers and dragon-riders. He's a frail, albino anti-hero who wields a sentient, soul-drinking sword, and his story is a dark, philosophical exploration of power and destiny. If you're looking for a classic that shaped the genre, this is it.
1. The Daevabad Trilogy by S. A. Chakraborty
While not in the original list, The Daevabad Trilogy by S. A. Chakraborty deserves a spot for its masterful blend of palace intrigue and magical warfare. Set in 18th-century Cairo and the mythical city of Daevabad, it follows Nahri, a con artist who accidentally summons a djinn warrior and is thrust into a world of political factions, ancient grudges, and dangerous magic. The series is a brilliant mix of political maneuvering, action, and rich world-building, making it a perfect companion to House of the Dragon. All three books—The City of Brass, The Kingdom of Copper, and The Empire of Gold—are available now.
Whether you're drawn to the political scheming, the dragons, or the human drama, these series will keep you turning pages until the next season arrives. And if you're still craving more fantasy, check out our list of the best fantasy books of the 1980s or the best magical realism books for even more recommendations.
