Read These Dark Fantasy Novels If You Miss House of the Dragon

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For viewers all of the world the debut season of HBO's 'House of the Dragon' managed to fill a gaping hole left behind when 'Game of Thrones' ended in 2019. Fortunately, the hit prequel has been renewed for a second season, however there has yet to be any date announced for when season two will premiere. Fans of the series, created by George R.R. Martin, may find themselves hungry for more captivating dark fantasy stories to hold them over until new episodes arrive. These acclaimed novels are sure to be just as engaging and are filled with just as much magic and adventure as 'House of the Dragon'.

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

The Priory of the Orange Tree tells the story of the unwed Queen Sabran of The House of Brethnet who must conceive a daughter to sustain her family's rule over Inys, maintaining their thousand-year legacy. As assassins close in, Ead Duryan, a lady-in-waiting with forbidden magic, does all that she can to protect the queen. With the kingdom divided, a dragonrider across the dark sea is faced with a choice that will have lifelong ramifications.

cover image of the priory of the orange tree
Bloomsbury

Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim

Born with forbidden magic in her blood, Shiori'anma, the Princess of Kiata, wields both a gift and curse. On the morning she finally loses control and exposes her secret, she is banished from her kingdom, her brothers turned into cranes. Six Crimson Cranes tells the story of Shiori as she searches for her brothers, stumbling upon a secret darker than her own along the way.

cover image of the novel six crimson cranes
Penguin Random House

Fireborne by Rosaria Munda

Fireborne, set in the aftermath of a devastating revolution, tells the story of Annie and Lee who are given the opportunity to become dragonriders. While Annie comes from a lower-class family, Lee comes from a wealthy lineage, but a friendship was forged when they found themselves in the same orphanage. Now rivals facing a war looming ahead, Annie and Lee may find their relationship change forever.

cover image of fireborne by rosaria munda
Penguin Random House

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

After four decades of peace between dragons and humans, the clues left behind in the aftermath of a murder point to a dragon as the primary suspect. Seraphina tells the tale of a young sleuth investigating to find the truth while hiding behind her own unique gift.

cover image of seraphina by rachel hartman
Penguin Random House

Shatter the Sky by Rebecca Kim Wells

Shatter the Sky follows Maren on her journey to rescue her girlfriend, Kaia, after she is kidnapped by the emperor's henchmen. In order to succeed, Maren must serve as the apprentice to the emperor's dragon trainer. However, nothing could prepare Maren for the long-buried secrets she is about to uncover...

cover image of shatter the sky by rebecca kim wells
Simon & Schuster

The Wolf by Leo Carew

The Wolf tells the story of an ancient race of people who live for centuries deep within the wilderness, scoring wealth, juxtaposed against a rival group who value money and power above all else. The two sides are prepared to fight until the better end of their own survival.

cover of the wolf by leo carew
Hachette

Circe by Madeline Miller

Circe takes a brand new perspective on the age-old tale of Greek gods and goddesses through the lens of Circe who possesses a unique type of power in the form of witchcraft. When Circe is banished to a deserted island, she sharpens her skills in between encounters with some of the most iconic figures of Greek mythology.

cover image of circe by madeline miller
Hachette

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

The first book in Holly Black's beloved series, The Cruel Prince follows Jude, an orphan in the High Court of Faerie who desires only to belong. The only way to earn her place at Court is to defy the King's wicked son, Prince Cardan, who detests humans. Jude has no choice but to risk her life in order to save her sisters as well as the whole of Faerie.

cover image of the cruel prince by holly black
Hachette

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