A Song of Ice & Fire Fans discussion

Any books like a song of fire and ice?

Look up the reviews for "Wheel of time" series. Robert Jordan. I'm in the same boat. Looking for series as good as a song of fire and ice. I'm afraid to finish them for fear of not having anything as good to read after. I'm hoping the reviews are what they say for wheel of time.

I read the first Wheel of Time and I hated it. I didn't think it was worth the read. I found it very confusing on what was happening.

Thanks! Saves me time and money. Do you have any sugestions?

I really enjoyed Magician Apprentice by Raymond E Feist. It is the start of the Rift War Saga. It is a series of 6 books and he has other series too. I would start with that one and see how you like it. It isn't exactly like Game of Thrones but it is a good series. He was the author that got me into reading Fantasy in the first place.

Books like GRRM's saga? That, my friend, is the question we all want answered.
Some time ago, I gathered some recommendations from other groups. I've read some, but not all, so I cannot give my opinion about the entire list.
* Robin Hobb's Farseer trilogy and Tawny Man trilogy. I am in the middle of the Farseer one, and so far I like it. It is no SoIaF, but it's not bad either.
* Joe Abercrombie's First Law trilogy. This one I've read, and I loved every bit of it.
* R.Scott Bakker's Prince of Nothing trilogy. It is in my to-read list.
* Steven Erikson's Malazan books. I've been struggling with the first book, and so far I've been defeated. But many others love it, so I personally will give the guy another chance. Sometime in the future.
* Wheel of time has been mentioned before. I have no idea because I've not read even 1 page of it.
* Melanie Rawn's Dragon Prince. No idea either.
* Lord of the Isles by David Drake.

Good luck in you quest, and keep us posted if you find something worth comparing to SoIaF.

Dolly wrote: "Look up the reviews for "Wheel of time" series. Robert Jordan. I'm in the same boat. Looking for series as good as a song of fire and ice. I'm afraid to finish them for fear of not having anythi..."

I personally think Wheel of Time is one of the best series ever written, it's more like LOTR then a Song of Ice and fire but grander and more epic, but there also some similarities to Martin's books. You should read the first book and see for your self. I personally love it as much as i do ASOIF.

Robin Hobb's books are great too but not as epic as Wheel of Time. Start out with Assassin's Apprentice and finish that trilogy and then read Liveship Traders trilogy and finally the Tawny Man trilogy. It's very important that you read them in that order or you will encounter spoilers.

I think Robin Hobb and Robert Jordan are the only authors that are on the same level as George RR Martin.

There are so many great series out there. It is hard to compare them apples to apples as each author's style is different. What I liked most about GRRM's writing style is that you are surprised. Main characters get killed, etc. So in the vein, I would recommend authors and their series that are surprising or not what you expect. I liked Jordan's work but I'm not sure I would put it in this category. Kind of ironic because I only picked up A Game of Thrones at the bookstore because Robert Jordan recommended on the cover.

1) Janny Wurts's The Wars of Light and Shadow series
2) Kate Elliott's Crown of Stars series
3) Steven Erikson's Malazan Series - for this one I agree with the comments above. The first book is hard, meaning that it challenges the reader, it isn't an easy read but I think that pay off is worth it. It is definitely a series that keeps you thinking and not knowing what will come next. I guess I'd call it the "thinking man's" series.

Overall, what series you will enjoy is up to personal tastes. I wouldn't write off any of the suggestions until you read them yourself, or stop reading them because you didn't like them.

Song of Ice and Fire is my favorite series, so nothing compares exactly. I have gotten my older kids and many friends to read it and all love it. It is more realistic and much more accessible than LOTR, which is still great. That said, there are only 2 series I'd put in second place behind Ice and Fire, as being both great and similar:

1. The Deed of Paksenarrion by Elizabeth Moon is as good as it gets. The best elves ever, and Paksenarrion is a tough and skilled female hero who could have come right of GRMM's books, and instead of being the normal kind of hero or superhero, she's a Paladin, something pretty different. GRMM's characters are different from the stereotypes we might expect, and so are Moon's.

2. Guy Gavriel Kay has written several books that are both history and fantasy, and two series: Sailing to Sarantium and The Fionavar Tapestry. All of Kay's single novels are fantastic. He was the guy chosen by Tolkien's estate to finish The Silmarillion. It's hard to compare Kay to anyone; he's the only writer I know who treats all his characters as if they're normal, without unusual powers or traits, even though they most definitely are not. His lands are all slightly magical, though mostly real history, and the combination works to make you believe you're there.

I'm hard-pressed to say whether Moon, GRMM, or Kay is my favorite author. GRMM would probably win if he ever finishes, and his other single books are very good. They all do tough, realistic warrior fantasy with a bit of wonder very well. (I would maybe put Orson Scott Card near that list, but he's inconsistent, and his politics are too offputting. Moon also does space opera, but I don't read or recommend that genre.)

If you're trying Robin Hobbs, her LiveShip trilogy is probably her best, IMO. Good fantasy, but not in the same league as Moon or Kay.

I also hated Wheel of Time and will definitely second Robin Hobbs "Farseer" or "Tawny Man" plus Guy Gavriel Kay's "Fionavar"

I just finished Rothfuss' "Name of the Wind" and that was very good, I'm surprised no one here has mentioned it yet. The second book in this series is being released very soon.

...and I wouldn't be me if I didn't recommend anything by Terry Pratchett :D

My favourite authors are Robin Hobb and GRRM, so I definitely recommend Robin Hobb's farseer trilogy, liveship traders and the tawny man series. Her weakest work IMO, is the Soldier Son trilogy, but I enjoyed it regardless since I'm addicted to her writing style.

Her newest work, the Rain Wild Chronicles, is really good, set in the world of the liveship traders. She is unique in her style, I definitely recommend all her work.

As for something similar to aSoIaF, I'm not sure I've found anything similar yet, but on his website, he does recommend some fantasy books that he's enjoyed.

A Magic of Twilight: Book One of the Nessantico Cycle by S.L. Farrell
and A Shadow in Summer by Daniel Abraham.

I myself haven't read them yet, but should be good since he's recommended them!
Hope you're successful in finding something similar to aSoIaF, and if you do, let me know!

Julie wrote:
3) Steven Erikson's Malazan Series - for this one I agree with the comments above. The first book is hard, meaning that it challenges the reader, it isn't an easy read but I think that pay off is worth it. It is definitely a series that keeps you thinking and not knowing what will come next. I guess I'd call it the "thinking man's" series.

if any of you read ANY rec's from this thread, it should be this. This series is amazing. Thoughtful, thought-provoking with unique and great characters. Read this series.

Jax wrote: "I also hated Wheel of Time and will definitely second Robin Hobbs "Farseer" or "Tawny Man" plus Guy Gavriel Kay's "Fionavar"

I just finished Rothfuss' "Name of the Wind" and that was very good, I'..."

Rothfuss' series is also delightly. The Wise Man's Fear lives up to and surpasses The Name of the Wind. Great series, read it.

Brandon Sanderson has a new series out, The Stormlight Archives, with the first The Way of Kings already out and it is ENGROSSING. Perhaps a bit slow in the beginning, it becomes a book you cannot put down.
R. Scott Bakker's Prince of Nothing series is just as dark, if not darker and filled with less appealing characters, but gritty and engaging.

Joe Abercrombie's First Law trilogy is veeery similar to GRRMs and just as fun with creative plots and people. Ok, I went nuts on this thread. But seriously, PICK UP ERIKSON. And Rothfuss. Definitely Sanderson and Bakker.

Robin Hobb's book "Assassin's Apprentice" was a mediocre read for me. However, I rather enjoyed "The Lies of Locke Lamora" and "Red Seas Under Red Skies" from "The Gentlman Bastard Sequence" by Scott Lynch. It's kind of a mix between Ocean's Eleven and Pirates of the Caribbean, if you can imagine that. I'm excited for the next one! But definitely, nothing tops the upcoming release of "A Dance with Dragons"

It isn't the same genre and it isn't a series, but the only book I have read since ASOIAF that to me has the same combination of characters you grow to love and superb epic storytelling is The Passage by Justin Cronnin. It's less political, and it's a post-apocalytpic sci-fi book. It's pretty amazing.

Natalie wrote: "It isn't the same genre and it isn't a series, but the only book I have read since ASOIAF that to me has the same combination of characters you grow to love and superb epic storytelling is The Pass..."

I have this and it's been waiting for months I can just never seem to psych myself up for it. I'll have to try again soon looks like :)

Jessie, The Passage is slow to start but once you get going it's fantastic. So worth it.

I didnt see any postings about the sword of truth series by terry goodkind. i really enjoyed the series although it is quite long. character diversity and depth is about the same.

also i forgot to mention the acaia series is perty good as well. Not as good as GRRM but def a good read

Nothing really like this series, but check out the first book in the Sword of Truth series (Wizard's First Rule). I enjoyed it alot and will eventually get back to the series and finish it off.

Natalie wrote: "It isn't the same genre and it isn't a series, but the only book I have read since ASOIAF that to me has the same combination of characters you grow to love and superb epic storytelling is The Pass..."

I also loved "The Passage". Apparently, this book is first in a trilogy with #2 coming out sometime this year. I can't wait...

Liz, I think they had mentioned a 2012 release date for the next book in the passage series :( The first book was a good start though.

As for the Malazan books... well, I find them off putting. I made it through a few of them through force of will, but after I stopped to read Rothfuss' new book, I couldn't continue. There's just too much non-sense and talking about gods all the time, etc. I was listening to them as audio books at work though, so maybe if I sat down with physical copies it'd be more engrossing.

Love these suggestions!

John wrote: "Liz, I think they had mentioned a 2012 release date for the next book in the passage series :( The first book was a good start though.

As for the Malazan books... well, I find them off putting. ..."

Thanks for the info, John. The later date will give me more time to get excited! In the interim, I have a huge tower of books to get through! ;)

Sorry for the double post, but I came across a bunch of (cheap) second hand books today and got some Fiest, Hobb and Terry Brooks.

I managed to get the first three books in the Otherland series by Tad Williams (not sure if the genre is comparable to SoIaF, I am still a newbie so please excuse). Has anyone else read this series, if so, what do you think. Sounds pretty exciting.

I love Feist and Terry Brooks. I haven't read Hobbs but heard is a good author. I read one Tad Williams and completely hated it. I thought his descriptions too long and dry. However, you should judge for yourself.

Liz wrote: "Sorry for the double post, but I came across a bunch of (cheap) second hand books today and got some Fiest, Hobb and Terry Brooks.

I managed to get the first three books in the Otherland series by..."

I'm not a Hobb fan, but a lot of people are. Which books? I only read her Liveship Traders, but Farseer is beloved. Feist is fantastic - The Riftwar Saga is one of my all time favorite fantasy novels.
And while I like Tad Williams, I do not like the Otherland series. Very dry and long-winded. I prefered his Shadowmarch series.

I'm completely opposite with Williams.. I've read Otherland, Memory Sorrow and Thorn, and Shadowmarch. Loved Otherland and MS&T, hated Shadowmarch, thought it was very dry and long-winded ;)

Dawn wrote: "I'm completely opposite with Williams.. I've read Otherland, Memory Sorrow and Thorn, and Shadowmarch. Loved Otherland and MS&T, hated Shadowmarch, thought it was very dry and long-winded ;)"

ha I love how books are completely different to each reader :-)

I have found no fantasy series that surpasses or even equals ASOIAF's greatness so far but here are a few that come close...
1.Kingkiller Chronicle - Patrick Rothfuss
2.The First Law Trilogy - Joe Abercrombie
3.Mistborn - Brandon Sanderson
4.The Night Angel Trilogy - Brent Weeks
5.Gentleman Bastard - Scott Lynch

Other good reads would be Monarchies of God, Prince of Nothing, Farseer and Acacia.

Nick wrote: "I have found no fantasy series that surpasses or even equals ASOIAF's greatness so far but here are a few that come close...
1.Kingkiller Chronicle - Patrick Rothfuss
2.The First Law Trilogy - Joe ..."

I love all those series besides Night Angel and it's in the tbr pile. Have you tried Steven Erikson's Malazen Book of the Fallen? It starts with
Gardens of the Moon. Series of ten, all out as of this year.

Haven't got there yet, will probably try it some time after A Dance with Dragons comes out. How would you compare/rank Malazen to the other fantasy series out there?

it's my second favorite after ASOIAF. But they are long and with loads of characters, so I can see why others don't enjoy as much as I do. It's just such a complete world, with old gods and new gods, different magic systems, etc., and characters that are my favorites in any genre.

Nice, are all the books closely inter-connected like ASOIAF, or do they each have different adventure in them? That's what I heard Wheel of Time was like anyway...

they each have a different plotline and story, but there are overall themes and stories that weave in between. you can also start the series in a couple different places, but its probably easies with #1.

Thanks Jessie, I think I will have to try them out then. :)

I went to a library sale today and bought the following:

Robin Hobb's Assassin's Apprentice and the other two in that trilogy, also Liveship Traders trilogy and the first book in the Tawny Man trilogy (they only had one). I have also ordered The Deed of Paksenarrion by Elizabeth Moon, a trilogy in one volume.

I got my hot little hands on the first book in the Wheel of Time series as well. This is all in addition the the Otherland series and more that I mentioned above. :)

So I will have tons to read once I've finished "A Feast for Crows" (which I'm enjoying a great deal). I really want to thank you guys for your recommendations. You are a terrific group; so welcoming and friendly to this humble newbie!

I am glad you like Feast of Crows. I really liked it.

Wow Liz, you bought a lot of good books.

Jessie wrote: "Liz wrote: "Sorry for the double post, but I came across a bunch of (cheap) second hand books today and got some Fiest, Hobb and Terry Brooks.

I managed to get the first three books in the Otherla..."

Hi Jessie,
The Fiest book I got was "Flight of the Nighthawks". Is it part of a series?
Liz

Hi everyone!
Sorry for another double post.

I went to another library sale yesterday where I purchased two bags of (my choice) of books for $5 each! Nice deal!

I got Patrick Rothfuss "The Name of the Wind" which many people on this board seem to really like. I also got 3 Malazan books:
Deadhouse Gates, Gardens of the Moon and Memories of Ice, plus a few books on CD.

Is there an order to the Malazan books? If so, which ones am I missing? Methinks these books should start me on a good path in the Fantasy genre!

Thanks again for your terrific suggestions. This thread has been so helpful to me! :)

You are not missing any, those you have there are the first three books.

Liz wrote: "Jessie wrote: "Liz wrote: "Sorry for the double post, but I came across a bunch of (cheap) second hand books today and got some Fiest, Hobb and Terry Brooks.

I managed to get the first three books..."


Liz Flight of the Nighthawk is part of a series. If you haven't read any Feist before. I would start with the Riftwar Saga and Read Magician Apprentice and Magician Master. That series is the first one. The one you have comes much later in the chronology.

Jayme(the ghost reader) wrote: "Liz wrote: "Jessie wrote: "Liz wrote: "Sorry for the double post, but I came across a bunch of (cheap) second hand books today and got some Fiest, Hobb and Terry Brooks.

I managed to get the first..."

Jayme, thanks so much for the heads up. I will look for the Riftwar Saga and put FotN aside.

Start with Magician: Apprentice and then comes Magician: Master.

Yeah Magician Apprentice is first. That series was my first introduction to fantasy. :)

I love George Martin's Song of Ice and Fire! I've read the books so many times they are tattered and careworn. If you love Martin and are looking for another medieval fantasy with complex plot twists, try The Steel Queen, the first book of The Silk & Steel Saga. Just published last month but it is already getting great reviews on Amazon.

Ah but are these real reviews? :)