If you’re like most people over the past week, you’re trying to find a way to fill the void that House of the Dragon left in all of us. After a season 3 finale filled with death, destruction, and so much more, we’re going to have to wait a whole two years before we finally get the continuation of the story we’ve loved.
With that much time until season 4, fans should have plenty of time to fill. For some, that might mean watching good fantasy TV shows like House of the Dragon. For others, like me, that means reading fantasy books that feel like House of the Dragon.
So, if you're looking for some books to read that might remind you of House of the Dragon, I shared seven books you should check out while you wait for the final season.
Fire & Blood
I mean, this one is probably the most obvious choice.
Fire and Blood by George R.R. Martin tells the first part of the history of the Targaryens and their rule over Westeros beginning with Aegon's Conquest. There hasn’t been a second part released yet, but the first is primarily what House of the Dragon is based on, and it extensively covers the events of the Dance of the Dragons.
While there have been plenty of changes to the storyline as a whole, if you’d like to know the general gist of what might happen before House of the Dragon started and what happens next with these great characters, this is the book to read. It's a dense but interesting read for anyone who loves House Targaryen.
The Ruin of Kings
The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons is a fantasy book that will suck you in. The book is the first in a five-book series and mainly follows Kihrin, a thief from the slums who discovers he has royal connections to a long-lost, treasonous prince. However, power comes at a price, and he learns it’s not all it's cracked up to be.
The book series is fantastic to read, and it’s a completed series that is full of magic and, of course, dragons. It’s complex, but you'll be all-in from the moment you start reading.
The Priory of the Orange Tree
The Priory of the Orange Tree is arguably one of the most popular fantasy books of the last decade. Written by Samantha Shannon and spanning 848 pages, this book follows several storylines in a world divided by dragons, magic, and war, as threats loom closer and decisions must be made.
That is the most I can give you without getting too deep into the plot. This book is complex, even more complex than The Ruin of Kings. Though, if you’re looking for multiple POVs, intense story structure, infuriatingly intriguing characters, and so much more, this is the novel for you.
What’s better is that there are two other books in the series: a prequel called A Day of Fallen Night and a novella called Among the Burning Flowers. You'll definitely want to read all three.
Jade City
The Targaryens, to me, are like the mafia but with dragons. That is what Jade City is, but without the dragons and with a ton of interesting magic. Fonda Lee's book is an urban fantasy that revolves around “jade,” a magical resource that is extremely valuable, and how two crime syndicates seek to control it amid conflict.
I see Jade as the dragons in this story, with everyone trying to screw over their opponents to control these priceless artifacts (which, in House of the Dragon's case, would be the dragons).
Jade City is the first book of the Green Bone Saga, which is a trilogy. You'll also want to read Jade War and Jade Legacy.
Fireborne
If you want just a straight-up fantasy that revolves around dragon lords but with a revolution-based background, then Fireborne is for you. The series, written by Rosaria Munda, takes place after an uprising overthrew the dragon lord regime. Two orphans train to become dragon riders in this new world while keeping their pasts secret as threats are sent toward their home.
As someone who reads romantasy and fantasy novels often, this is one series I can fully recommend. It’s not too intensely complex but has enough lore and interesting characters that you’ll be sucked in from the beginning. Out of many of the picks on this list, this series has so many moments of pure dragon awesomeness. And there’s nothing quite better than two friends trying to compete to become the best.
A Song of Ice and Fire
Of course, no list of books to read if you like House of the Dragon would be complete without A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin. The five-book series, although incomplete at the moment, is what Game of Thrones is based on.
In the series, which begins with A Game of Thrones, several ruling figures compete to try and win the coveted Iron Throne and rule the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. Meanwhile, the Targaryen house begins to rebuild in Essos as Daenerys Targaryen builds her army.
Is this series ever going to be completed? I don’t know. I really wish I could give people an honest answer because, truthfully, I thought the sixth book, The Winds of Winter, would be published by now. At the end of the day, the series is still incredibly well-written and features some of the best characters ever created.
If you’re truly missing House of the Dragon, what better way to get over the slump than diving right back into Westeros in some other way?
Happy reading while you wait for House of the Dragon season 4!
Add us as a preferred source on Google