When Game of Thrones first aired, it didn't just become a hit—it became a cultural phenomenon. The saga of noble families battling for the Iron Throne, with a looming supernatural threat in the north, captivated millions. But the show's roots run deep in a subgenre of fantasy known as "grimdark," where heroes are scarce, morality is murky, and no one is safe. If you've already devoured George R.R. Martin's novels and are hungry for more, these ten books deliver the same blend of political backstabbing, brutal warfare, and cynical worldviews.
1. Prince of Thorns (2011) by Mark Lawrence
Set in a post-apocalyptic future where a nuclear war has reshaped the world, Prince of Thorns introduces Jorg Ancrath, a 14-year-old prince who leads a warband across the remnants of Europe. Jorg is a self-proclaimed sociopath, and his quest for power is as ruthless as it is compelling. The Broken Empire, as it's called, is a patchwork of warring kingdoms, all vying for control. With its unflinching violence and a protagonist who's far from heroic, this novel is a perfect match for fans of the show's darker moments. It's the first in a trilogy that never lets up.
2. Blood of Elves (1994) by Andrzej Sapkowski
Before the hit video games and the Netflix series, there was the original Witcher saga. Blood of Elves is the first full-length novel in the series, following Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter for hire. While the plot differs from Game of Thrones, the tone is strikingly similar: a world weary of war, characters with gray morals, and a pervasive sense of cynicism. If you enjoyed the political maneuvering and the gritty realism of Westeros, Geralt's adventures will feel right at home.
3. The Grim Company (2013) by Luke Scull
True to its name, The Grim Company is a dark, brutal read. Set centuries after a war between mages and gods, the world is still recovering. The mages who once freed humanity have become tyrants, warring among themselves for control of the city-states. The story is a bloody, cynical exploration of power and its corrupting influence. For those who loved the political factions and the sense of impending doom in Game of Thrones, this book is a must-read.
4. Best Served Cold (2009) by Joe Abercrombie
Joe Abercrombie is a master of grimdark, and Best Served Cold is one of his finest works. Set in the midst of a long, brutal war, the novel follows Monza Murcatto, a mercenary general seeking vengeance after being betrayed. The story is a whirlwind of assassination, political intrigue, and moral decay. If you were fascinated by the Braavosi assassin plotlines or the noble houses' scheming, this standalone novel will satisfy that craving.
5. The Rage of Dragons (2017) by Evan Winter
Inspired by African history and mythology, The Rage of Dragons is a gripping tale of revenge and survival. Tau, a young man in the Omehi kingdom, is determined to become a warrior after a personal tragedy. The world is on the brink of war, and Tau's journey is filled with intense combat and political tension. It's a fresh take on the genre that still delivers the high-stakes drama and moral complexity that Game of Thrones fans crave.
6. The White Queen (2009) by Philippa Gregory
For those who appreciated the historical inspirations behind Game of Thrones, The White Queen offers a real-world counterpart. This novel is the first in Gregory's Cousins' War series, focusing on Elizabeth Woodville, a commoner who marries King Edward IV and becomes a key player in the Wars of the Roses. The political maneuvering, betrayals, and family rivalries are just as gripping as anything in Westeros. It's a reminder that truth can be as strange as fiction.
7. The Blade Itself (2006) by Joe Abercrombie
Another Abercrombie entry, The Blade Itself is the opening of his First Law trilogy. It introduces a cast of characters—a barbarian, a torturer, a nobleman—who are all deeply flawed and morally ambiguous. The plot is slow-burning, but the character work is exceptional. If you loved the character-driven drama of Game of Thrones, this is a must-read.
8. The Name of the Wind (2007) by Patrick Rothfuss
While not as grimdark as others on this list, The Name of the Wind shares the epic scope and intricate world-building of Martin's work. It follows Kvothe, a legendary figure who recounts his life story, from his childhood as a traveling performer to his time at a university of magic. The prose is beautiful, and the story is filled with political intrigue and personal tragedy. It's a slower burn, but the payoff is immense.
9. The Lies of Locke Lamora (2006) by Scott Lynch
If you enjoyed the heists and cunning schemes in Game of Thrones, The Lies of Locke Lamora is for you. The novel follows a gang of thieves in the city of Camorr, led by the clever Locke. Their heists are elaborate, but when a larger conspiracy threatens their city, they're drawn into a game of politics and revenge. It's a fast-paced, witty read with a dark underbelly.
10. The Way of Kings (2010) by Brandon Sanderson
Sanderson's epic fantasy is a massive undertaking, but it's worth it. Set on the storm-battered world of Roshar, the story follows multiple characters, including a soldier, a scholar, and a slave, as they navigate a world on the brink of war. The magic system is unique, and the political intrigue is deep. While it's more optimistic than grimdark, it still offers the complex world-building and high stakes that Game of Thrones fans appreciate.
These books offer a variety of tones and styles, but they all share a common thread: they're perfect for anyone who loved the political scheming, moral ambiguity, and epic scale of Game of Thrones. So, pick one up and dive into a new world of intrigue and danger.
