1 Gritty Fantasy Series Is The Perfect A Song Of Ice & Fire Replacement (& Has Movies In The Works) (2024)

The wait for The Winds of Winter is a killer, and many readers may be looking for the best supplementary option. That book exists, and in the process of exploring an alternative series in the meanwhile, readers may even learn to love something new just as much. The is a definitive work of fantasy literature that's been a guiding influence for much of the genre's output in the 21st century. George R.R. Martin's impact is incredibly prominent, with some series more derivative than others.

Following The Lord of the Rings establishing many fantasy norms in pop culture, ASOIAF fulfilled the 21st-century audiences' desire for subversion, exploring a grittier, more "realistic" fantasy world where main characters could be killed and didn't always have happy endings. This approach helped establish a widespread audience for HBO's adaptation, Game of Thrones, as the more grounded appeal allowed it to reach viewers who may not have considered themselves fantasy fans. There are many great novels that don't have adaptations and are equally worthwhile to read, including one series with a fantasy movie with Rebecca Ferguson in development.

Joe Abercrombie's The First Law Series Is The Only Fantasy Epic That Matches ASOIAF's Dark Tone

The First Law Similarly Follows Various Morally Complex Characters In POV Chapters

There are numerous dark fantasy books in the modern era suited for fantasy audiences of all demographics, each exploring an edgy subversion of the genre in a different manner. However, Joe Abercrombie's The First Law series is the best option for ideas that align with ASOIAF. Beginning with The Blade Itself, the first book in the saga, Abercrombie follows a similar but more condensed format to Martin, with several morally gray protagonists spread out across the world, explored through POV chapters. These characters don't all like one another, but they all exist in the same dreary world.

Detailed characterization of morally ambiguous protagonists sets the tone for both of these sagas. In fact, ASOIAF actually takes a more hopeful approach, as characters like the Stark family, though flawed, have some moral decency. In The First Law, readers could count the number of morally justifiable figures on one hand. Joe Abercrombie has been dubbed "Lord Grimdark" for his approach to the genre, which is some of the darkest and most challenging to consume in fantasy. His characters are profoundly fascinating, and his writing is often satirical and darkly humorous, making his books a treat for gritty fantasy lovers.

Why The First Law Will Appeal To A Song Of Ice & Fire Fans

The First Law Is Low Magic Fantasy Set In A World Inspired By Real-World History

While both The First Law and ASOIAF are epic fantasies, they're both rooted in core ideas of history. They're set in worlds that draw significant influence from English history, with minimal influence from magic prevalent in each world's daily life. The First Law's world centers around the conflicts of the Union, a society ruled by an incompetent monarch where the wealthy vie for political power and wealth while the poor suffer and attempt to survive their harsh environment. To the North, tribes have united under a ruthless warlord named Bethod, while in the South, the Gurkish Empire becomes a threat.

The historically influenced world-building and storytelling combined with morally complex characters make Joe Abercrombie's world perfect for ASOIAF lovers. The only thing that isn't present, which could be a virtue to some readers, is the significant element of prophecy in ASOIAF. The First Law is far more condensed and fast-paced, with more focus on character and conflict than broader world-building or prophecies connecting the past and present. Therefore, there's less to theory craft over.

The First Law Has One Thing A Song Of Ice & Fire Fans Have Been Waiting Years For

The First Law Has An Ending... And A Good One

One aspect of The First Law that may appeal to ASOIAF fans is that it has an ending. After A Dance with Dragons, readers have been waiting over a decade for the next volume in George R.R. Martin's saga. The author has made several comments on The Winds of Winter over the years, but the book is notoriously delayed, and it's worth exploring other options in the meantime. The First Law consists of nine novels, including two completed trilogies and three standalone, and the different conclusive arcs provide pleasant breakpoints between the nine volumes.

Joe Abercrombie has plans to continue expanding The First Law universe, though he's currently working on a novel called The Devils, which is set to be released in 2025 and could have a similar appeal. As for his primary fantasy series, however, there are multiple complete arcs for readers to enjoy, and they've each been met with praise. It's still too early to give up on A Song of Ice & Fire having an ending, but there are plenty of other great fantasy series to check out that are already available.

Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones is a multimedia franchise created by George R.R. Martin. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire is the basis for the award-winning HBO series Game of Thrones, which lasted for eight seasons. After the incredibly divisive final season of Game of Thrones, the series was followed up by the prequel series House of the Dragon, which also received critical acclaim.

Created by

George R.R. Martin

TV Show(s)

Game Of Thrones , House of the Dragon , A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight (2025)