Books similar to Game of Thrones Reddit

I, like many others, enjoy Game of Thrones the tv show. While I would love to read the books, knowing there really isn't much of a realistic time frame on when the books will all be finished, I'd rather not read then get to a point and wait forever (I know, many fans are currently at that point, but I'm already on the show's cliffhanger, so I don't really need to be on the book's cliffhanger as well).

What I'm looking for is a book that is similar to Thrones in terms of its scope, developed characters (and the fact that there are many main characters instead of following just one character's story), and my favorite part of Thrones is the political aspect (the action is cool, and for reading perhaps it'll be better than pages of political talking, but it's the dialogue and the relations of each house that really have me hooked). I also enjoy how gritty the show is (guess you can say grounded instead of some fantasy that is really light).

I tried doing a search for other fantasy series, but there are a lot. So many, that I don't know which are actually good and which aren't (especially when some have quite a lot of books in a series).

So far my fantasy reading has been limited to Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and The Dark Elf Trilogy (along with another book or two following the main character) as well as some standalone books.

If Thrones were finished or close to being finished I would be all over it, but I would like to be able to start and finish a series. But if it really is that good (well, at least I think the show is very good) then I may go ahead and start it.

Thanks for any suggestions. I'm new to this section of the site (usually reading about cars, and actually got some really good advice when figuring out what car to buy), so I'm hoping this will be as helpful.

I see Farseer recommended often for series similar to ASoIaF and I don't think I agree. There are superficial similarities in things like the story centering on an outcast royal bastard with a wolf companion, and the setting is vaguely medieval European, but the similarities end there. The cast of the Farseer series isn't very large or well developed outside the core, and there isn't very much intrigue to speak of. Even when there is, we already know who the villain is behind it all because he all but wears an "I'm the villain!" sign hanging around his neck from his first moment on stage.

This is not to say that I didn't enjoy the entire series; just that it's worlds apart from GRRM's flagship series. One (mostly) follows a single PoV character written in first person while the other is many characters in third person limited. One takes place over around sixty in-universe years while the other's main narrative all happens inside maybe three total. Maybe there are brooding overlaps, though Fitz could give Jon Snow a masterclass education in self pity. Anyway, they're both worth reading, but not all that similar is all I'm trying to say.

So I saw someone in your comments who said to do Joe Abercrombie. Wait. If you're going to read his books either read his First Law world which goes in this order:

The Blade Itself, Before they are hanged, Last Argument of Kings. -Trilogy about War between North and South with shadow factions fighting and small band of adventurers searching for item.

Best Served Cold.-Revenge tale about mercenaries that's very Count of Monte Cristo esque.

The Heroes.- The entire book takes place during one battle that lasts a week or two at most while various characters from each side try to gain control of a hill with statues on it that are called 'the heroes'.

Red Country.- Treasure Hunt through wild unexplored country of a broken empire.

And he's writing another book in this world that will take place about 50 years after Last Argument of Kings. For reference, the other books I mentioned take place anywhere from 7 years to 17 years after the first trilogy. They do have recurring characters. And the magic is light like in GoT. However, when the magic happens, it does not stay light. Magic is some crazy shit in that series.

Joe Abercrombie also has another series that is a fantasty series in that it takes place in the Scandinavian lands (we're not exactly sure) hundreds, perhaps even a few thousand years after a nuclear war. In that there are areas where radiation can kill you that are talked about as cursed areas and only magic pills can keep you alive in them (certain medicines that are found). But those books are still really good. IT's the Half a World trilogy. Highly recommend.

I also recommend the Riyria Revelations and Gentlemen Bastards series that others have recommended. One you might like is the Order of Scales trilogy, that starts with The Adamantine Palace by Stephen Deas. Those ones have to do with noble families all owning dragons and the dragons being controlled by alchemists' potions, so there's a lot of dragons in it. But it's very politically based and scheming and violent with a rich lore and backstory that you find out over the course of the trilogy.

What book is like Game of Thrones?

What book should I read if I like from blood and ash?

What should I read if I like Brandon Sanderson?

What should I read if I like Joe Abercrombie?