If you're missing your favorite show, a good way to pass the time might be to watch a different show that has some things in common with it. But what about finding a few good books to read instead? There are some excellent fantasy books that will fill the House of the Dragon void right now.
House of the Dragon is one of those shows that covers a lot of genres. It’s historical fiction, with many elements based on English history. Then there are the fantasy elements of dragons and visions, as well as the battles, the romance, and the political scheming.
The great news is there are plenty of fantasy books out there that will help to bridge the gap before the third season of House of the Dragon premieres on HBO and Max in 2026. Some of them are standalone books, while others are bigger series of books with expansive worlds.
Always start with Fire & Blood by George R.R. Martin
This isn’t one of our suggestions, but we do want to make sure it’s mentioned. House of the Dragon is based on the book Fire & Blood by George R.R. Martin. It’s not a traditional novel, though. It's more like historical text. It’s "written" by a maester years after the events of the actual story, which is why House of the Dragon gets away with changing so much. History is written by the victor, and it’s not always accurate.
Now for the five fantasy books that you need to read if you love House of the Dragon:
Blazewrath Games by Amparo Ortiz
This is the first book in a series, and it includes a lot of dragons. Lana Torres is the main character, and she is my spirit animal: someone who prefers dragons over people any day of the week. In this world, 16 countries will compete in what is known as the Blazewrath Games World Cup, where dragons and riders take part in a dangerous relay. Lana has always dreamed of representing her country, and now she has that chance.
Only the games aren’t what she would expect. This year, a former Blazewrath icon has teamed up with the Sire, a dragon who was cursed to live in human form. The games are going to be far deadlier than ever before. Lana will have to go above and beyond to represent her nation.
The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter
Another book that starts off a series, The Rage of Dragons is set in a world that has been locked in an unwinnable war for the last 200 years. One out of every 2,000 women have the ability to call down dragons, while one in every 100 men can turn into bigger and better killing machines.
The rest of the people? They’re just casualties in a war that is destined to go on forever. Tau doesn’t want that for himself or his people. He just wants a quiet life, but when those around him are brutally murdered, he finds that a quiet life may not be possible. Now he wants vengeance, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to get it.
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Do you want a world with dragons and a dynasty on a throne? The Priory of the Orange Tree is the book to read next. The House of Berethnet has ruled Inys for 1,000 years, and Queen Sabran the IX is the current monarch. However, as she is yet to marry or have an heir, there is a power struggle brewing in the background.
Ead Duryan has risen to the position of lady-in-waiting, where she watches over Sabran with her forbidden magic. Tane is a dragon rider trainer with a choice to make that could affect the whole world. This is a books for the Rhaenyra fans out there, as we see a woman in charge who is often looked down on by the men around her.
Three Dark Crowns by Kendra Blake
Every generation in Fennbirn sees the birth of triplets. All three sisters have an equal claim to the throne, and each possesses a specific form of magic. However, only one can end up being Queen, and on their 16th birthdays, the three sisters will need to go up against each other to settle their inheritance.
For generations, a Poisoner has always sat on the throne. Many look at Katharine to be the next Poisoner Queen, but she is weak and shows no signs of being able to withstand poisons. Meanwhile, Arsinoe is the Naturalist heir, who is supposed to be able to bloom the reddest of roses. Then there’s Mirabella, the Elemental heir, who is able to spark flames with just a snap of her fingers. Who will win?
Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
When Yelena is about to be executed for murder, she finds herself with a choice: she can face execution, or she can become the food taster for the Commander of Ixia. This means risking death, but it also means a chance to thrive and enjoy life. However, she soon finds out that being the food taster is nothing glamorous, especially when she learns that she has ingested poison already and needs a daily antidote, meaning she can’t run away.
There’s another issue for Yelena: She has magical powers that she can’t control, and magic is banned in Ixia. Now she needs to figure out how to control her abilities if she wants a chance at survival. And what about those who seem to be after her specifically, and not the Commander of Ixia? Where does she really come from?
This series of books has love, heartache, war, and magic. There are no dragons, but there is a horse who communicates with Yelena!
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