Kait Mae

With the countdown to season two of House of the Dragon on everyone’s radar, we’re all probably itching for more dragons or fantastical lands. We just got the release date on June 16, and you can fit in a book or two to tide you over until the show returns. Here are some of my favorites that took me to lands as intriguing as Westeros or had dragons that captured our hearts.

‘Castles in Their Bones’ by Laura Sebastian

Everyone seems to underestimate Rhaenyra’s ability to rule a kingdom in House of the Dragon. The same can be said for the Sophronia, Daphne, and Beatriz from the Castles in Their Bones series. They look like perfect princesses, but they’re trained to kill.

The first two books are out, with the third coming out this June. Laura Sebastian weaves a tale of teen sisters who are sent to take down neighboring kingdoms for their mother – but not everything is as simple when you mix family ties and royal intrigue.

‘Realm Breaker’ by Victoria Aveyard

Victoria Aveyard’s Realm Breaker trilogy is one that caught my attention before House of the Dragon ever did. There isn’t much story overlap between this series and the Game of Thrones prequel, but the vibes are the same.

The first of the trilogy sees Corayne sent on a mission by an immortal to save the world as the last of an ancient lineage. And while she does find allies along the way, she might not be able to stop the man responsible for the destruction of the world.

‘Blood and Sand’ by C.V. Wyk

If Rhaenyra had been trained in fighting like her brothers and sons, she’d be considered a warrior princess – much like the protagonist of Blood and Sand. This book was set to be the start to an amazing Roman-inspired series, but the publisher decided not to continue, so be warned.

Attia was supposed to be a queen of her kingdom, but ended up a slave – much like Danaerys was in the early seasons of Game of Thrones. And much like Danaerys’s story, she’s helping a rebellion against the rulers of her world.

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‘The Shadow of the Gods’ by John Gwynn

If you love House of the Dragon for the dragons, then you need to check out John Gwynn’s Bloodsworn Saga. It’s a Norse-inspired fantasy world following three characters as they shape the future of their world.

The Shadow of the Gods is the first book in the trilogy, with the finale set to release late October 2024. So, if you like the first two and get them out of the way before season 2 of House of the Dragon, you’ll be set to pick up the third shortly after.

‘Seven Deaths of an Empire’ by G.R. Matthews

If you’re finding this with only a couple weeks before the season 2 premiere of House of the Dragon, then you’re probably in the mood for a standalone fantasy. This grimdark novel focuses on the dark side of political intrigue and a sense of realism we see in House of the Dragon.

Seven Deaths of an Empire follows a group sent to transport the Emperor’s body to the capital. And while the journey seems straightforward, it’s a bit more difficult when a rebellion is brewing, and some would do anything to control the Emperor’s body to get power for themselves.

‘Fireborne’ by Rosaria Munda

If you’re looking for a young adult dragon series, The Aurelian Cycle is for you. Fireborne, Flamefall, and Furysong tie a world-altering war and dragon-riding together beautifully. Think of it as combining the best aspects of both Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon into a trilogy.

This series has been on my wishlist for a few years now, but I know enough to know I’ll love it immensely. The Aurelian Cycle sees Annie and Lee, childhood best friends, and a third character you’ll meet later on, struggling to come to terms with their new roles in the war for their home.

‘The Rage of Dragons’ by Evan Winter

Before I get into it, please note I haven’t read this series because I’m waiting for it to finish publication. The first three books are out, and a fourth untitled book is on Goodreads. So, if you pick this up, you’ve been warned about having to wait for another book.

The Rage of Dragons sees Tau – a gift-less person in the middle of a magical war – seek revenge on the three responsible for loved ones being killed. This will lead him to help his queen defeat her sister for the throne.

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‘The Ruin of Kings’ by Jenn Lyons

Royal backstabbing, political intrigue, and treason among the royal family – nothing is what Kihrin expected after growing up on fairytales. If he’s going to survive, he’s going to have to be the opposite of what he expected as a child – he’ll have to destroy the world instead of save it.

The five-book series by Jenn Lyons has the same kind of story that drew us all into Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. It also has the royalty on the hunt for Kihrin, pitting family against family (through blood only) much like our favorite GOT prequel.

‘The Cutting Edge’ by Dave Duncan

Do you miss the time to the North of the wall from Game of Thrones? Do you wish House of the Dragon featured more of the non-royal families like the Starks, Lannisters, and Tyrells? Then you should pick up Dave Duncan’s The Cutting Edge and start this 4-book series.

Prophecies predict a cataclysmic event that would change Pandemia as the people know it – but they weren’t even the worst part of the story. Rap is at the center of the prophecy, and he sets off to try and save the world, even if it means him dying. And that’s only the premise of the first book.

‘Monsters Born and Made’ by Tanvi Berwah

You know, I’m tired of fantasy worlds inspired by England – though I’ll still read and watch them because why wouldn’t I? So, if you’re like me, this South Asian-inspired fantasy standalone Monsters Born and Made is perfect for you.

Koral’s family is set to participate in a deadly tournament, but when she can’t find a way to get in like normal, she has to cheat her way through. She hasn’t trained a day for this, so she’s up against born warriors and rebels who want to burn her world down.

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‘Daughter of Dragons’ by Jack Campbell

Let’s finish this list off with a steampunk science-fiction trilogy instead of a fantasy to shake things up. Jack Campbell weaves a story set after his The Pillars of Reality series following the daughter of the original series’ heroes.

Kira always expected to be in the shadow of her mother’s legacy – Mari, dragon slayer and pirate queen – until the day a ship from Urth arrived. She must use abilities she’s kept hidden to save her world – and fight out from under her mother and father’s shadows.

I can’t wait for this show to return. Do you think we’ll get more Game of Thrones prequel stories onscreen one day?