10 Great Books George R.R. Martin Says You Should Read

Successful writers are avid readers. As Stephen King puts it in his book, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, “If you don’t have time to read, you simply don’t have the time-or the ability-to write.” George R.R. Martin-famous for his epic fantasy novels A Song of Ice and Fire, which became the Game of Thrones series-agrees. He states on his website, “No matter what else is happening in my life-whether I’m writing, traveling, giving speeches, or investing in railroads and movie theaters-I always keep a book or two by my bed.”

Despite often making his readers wait for new books, Martin has generously suggested other excellent reads to keep them entertained. He recently shared a list of books he recommends to all his fans in a blog post. Most of these are fantasy novels, though a handful explore different genres.

‘The Heroes’ by Joe Abercrombie

Spanning three days of brutal combat, The Heroes tells the story of a war between the Union and the Northmen, unfolding in a place called the Circle of the World. The conflict centers around an ancient circle of standing stones – also named “The Heroes” – where numerous armies battle for power and prestige. Through the perspectives of both common soldiers and their commanders, Joe Abercrombie’s book delves into the grim realities of war, highlighting that in this world, avoiding battle is considered a serious breach of conduct.

War Is Ugly

This book, set within the expansive First Law universe, really shines thanks to its frequent use of dark humor and storytelling from multiple points of view. This approach helps readers truly grasp the motivations behind the characters’ actions. Even with fantastical elements, the portrayal of warfare feels incredibly authentic. The book doesn’t shy away from depicting the grueling realities of war – the exhaustion, the fear, and even the small details like stone and mud are described with remarkable depth. It’s a truly captivating story and, if ever a book was ripe for adaptation, this is it.

‘The Gormenghast Novels’ by Mervyn Peake

The Gormenghast trilogy-consisting of Titus Groan, Gormenghast, and Titus Alone-takes readers to the gloomy, gothic world of Castle Gormenghast, a crumbling but memorable fortress. The story begins with the birth of Titus Groan, the future lord, and the books follow his journey to adulthood, navigating relationships with both the staff and the nobility. As the world around him evolves, Titus starts to question established customs and eventually steps out into the perilous world beyond the castle walls.

Mervyn Peake’s Greatest Effort

Mervyn Peake brilliantly blended witty social commentary with bizarre imagery and beautiful writing, resulting in a truly captivating experience. His exceptional prose creates one of the most richly detailed and absorbing worlds in literature. He also deserves more recognition for essentially starting a new type of storytelling. Gormenghast (the second book in the series) is widely considered the first novel to combine fantasy with the conventions of social etiquette. Furthermore, Titus is a compelling protagonist. He often makes poor decisions about where to go, and while he has a natural talent for leading, his impulsiveness frequently gets in the way. However, as this delightfully chaotic and expansive story progresses, he becomes increasingly mature and insightful.

‘Ivanhoe’ by Walter Scott

Taking place in 1194, Ivanhoe tells the story of Sir Wilfred of Ivanhoe, a Saxon knight estranged from his father. This rift occurred because Sir Wilfred chose to back the Norman king Richard the Lionheart rather than the Saxons who were suffering under Norman rule. Shortly after, Ivanhoe teams up with Robin Hood and other important characters to help Richard reclaim his throne from his brother.

An Essential Dose of History

First published in 1819, this book played a significant role in making historical romance popular, and Walter Scott is frequently admired for his skillful blend of chivalry, honor, and forgiveness within its pages. Ivanhoe also greatly influenced how we commonly picture historical characters like Prince John, King Richard the Lionheart, and Robin Hood. Because reliable sources from that period are scarce, many historians have largely accepted the events as portrayed in the novel. Whether historically accurate or not, it remains a very entertaining read.

‘The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian’ by Robert E. Howard

The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian gathers together the very first stories Robert E. Howard wrote about his famous character, Conan the Barbarian. These stories take place in the imaginary Hyborian Age and follow Conan’s journey as he grows from a humble beginning in the rough lands of Cimmeria. We see him transform from a thief into a pirate, then a powerful warrior, and ultimately, a king. Throughout his adventures, he battles against evil sorcerers, terrifying monsters, and deceitful rulers.

Fighting Everyone and Everything

It’s unfortunate that Hollywood lost interest in Conan films (definitely watch Jason Momoa’s take on the character if you haven’t). Luckily, we’ll always have the original stories. Howard’s Hyborian Age truly *feels* ancient and authentic, and the fantasy aspects are imaginative without being excessive. The author consistently delivers exciting action sequences – crucial for a warrior’s tale. Even better, Howard keeps the pace brisk; the story flows quickly, making time fly for the reader.

‘The Wise Man’s Fear’ by Patrick Rothfuss

The Wise Man’s Fear is the second book in The Kingkiller Chronicle series. In this installment, author Patrick Rothfuss picks up the story of Kvothe, a talented musician, writer, and adventurer. The main character leaves the University and ventures out into the world, where he travels to new places, encounters powerful figures like the mythical Felurian, and clashes with members of the nobility.

No Single Flaw

Even in smaller portions, The Wise Man’s Fear remains exceptionally well-written. Rothfuss first gained recognition by winning the Writers of the Future 2002 Second Quarter competition with “The Road to Levenshir,” which was taken from this novel. While The Name of the Wind may have launched his career, this book is perhaps his most impressive and refined work: a complex and insightful exploration of scholarship and magic that feels just as new and daring in 2025 as it did upon its initial release. Through beautifully crafted prose, Rothfuss vividly captures the excitement of travel and the power of inquisitiveness, ultimately delivering a captivating and immersive story.

‘A Wizard of Earthsea’ by Ursula K. Le Guin

A Wizard of Earthsea tells the story of Ged, a young man from the island of Gont. After realizing he has magical powers, he’s sent to a school for wizards on Roke. However, his arrogance leads him to accidentally summon a powerful, dark being, endangering both himself and the world around him. He then sets off on a thrilling journey throughout the islands of Earthsea in an attempt to fix what he’s done.

A Template Was Created

With its coming-of-age story and influences from Taoism, the book offers a uniquely enjoyable experience. While it’s certainly a polished work of fantasy, one of the strengths of A Wizard of Earthsea is that Ursula K. Le Guin deliberately added some complexity, creating a convincing sense of a sprawling, intricate world. It received the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award in 1969 and was among the final books to win the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award in 1979.

‘The Lies of Locke Lamora’ by Scott Lynch

The Lies of Locke Lamora follows Locke Lamora, a clever thief and con artist who leads a group called the Gentleman Bastards. He learned the tricks of the trade from Chains, a former priest-thief, and became adept at swindling the city’s wealthy and dishonest. However, their comfortable world is shaken up when a new, enigmatic criminal known as the Gray King arrives, throwing Locke into a risky battle for control.

No Honor Among Lawbreakers

With clever writing, surprising turns, and plenty of daring robberies, The Lies of Locke Lamora deeply explores themes of loyalty, trickery, and what it means to be honorable. The intense rivalry between the characters is a highlight – each side sees the other as a ruthless enemy and constantly schemes to eliminate them. However, fortunes change quickly, with someone new rising to power every few chapters. Who will ultimately control the criminal underworld? And will Locke ever achieve his ultimate goals? You’ll have to read this SF Site Readers’ Choice Award-winning book to find out.

‘Watership Down’ by Richard Adams

In Hampshire, a county in Southern England, lives a small community of rabbits who act and think like humans. They have developed their own unique culture, including a special language, stories, poems, wise sayings, and beliefs. However, life isn’t easy for them in Watership Down. When their home, called a warren, is destroyed, they are forced to travel and find a new place to live. During their journey, they face many dangers.

Never Quitting

Richard Adams’s first novel shows us how strong groups can be when they work together. Even when the rabbits argue, they still learn to accept each other completely, and many promise to stay together through anything. If you look closely, you’ll find the story is a symbolic representation of oppression and liberty, and being free versus being controlled. It’s interesting to note that Watership Down was turned down by many publishers at first. However, the book eventually won the Carnegie Medal (UK), the Guardian Prize (UK), and other awards.

‘The Name of the Wind’ by Patrick Rothfuss

As a huge fan of fantasy, I first encountered Kvothe in The Name of the Wind, and let me tell you, he’s an incredible character – a celebrated musician, a true hero, and a powerful magician. The story begins with him living a quiet life, disguised as an innkeeper, when a traveling Chronicler finds him and convinces him to finally share his life story. It’s a gripping tale, starting with his childhood, then detailing the tragic massacre of his family, and his difficult years as an orphan. We follow him as he eventually gains entrance to the University, where he begins to study the art of magic.

Opening Up… in a Way Never Seen Before

As a huge cinema devotee, I’ve noticed echoes of the first book in The Kingkiller Chronicle popping up in some surprising places – I’ve heard references in songs by bands like Nightwish, the Finnish symphonic metal group, and Blind Guardian, a German power metal band. It actually won a Quill Award, which is fantastic, but what really struck me was the praise from Ursula Le Guin – she said it was “a great pleasure to come on somebody writing the way Patrick Rothfuss does.” Honestly, I could write another book just *about* The Name of the Wind, but if I had to pick one thing that stands out, it’s the characters. Kvothe is a genius, sure, but he’s also deeply flawed, which makes him incredibly relatable. He just feels so real, and that’s amazing. I highly recommend it.

‘The Lord of the Rings’ by J.R.R. Tolkien

Some people call George R.R. Martin the “American Tolkien,” which makes sense considering his love for The Lord of the Rings. The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who must destroy the One Ring, a powerful artifact created by the evil Sauron. Frodo travels to Mount Doom in Mordor – the only place it can be unmade – and is aided on his quest by the wizard Gandalf and the Fellowship of the Ring.

As Enjoyable as the Movies

Among Tolkien’s most moving works, The Lord of the Rings explores the often-harmful power dynamic between rulers and those under their control, highlighting how self-interest can drive exploitation. However, it stands apart from typical fantasy stories. With its richly developed languages, diverse cultures, mournful tone, and inspirations from Norse and Celtic traditions, it’s truly unique. What began as a follow-up to Tolkien’s 1937 children’s book, The Hobbit, ultimately expanded into something much larger. It continues to be one of the best-selling books ever, having sold over 150 million copies worldwide.

2025-10-05 18:39