Kingdom building is a popular genre in literature that involves the construction and maintenance of a kingdom or empire. This genre is typically set in a fantasy world, where the protagonist must use their wit, leadership, and strategic planning to build a powerful kingdom from scratch. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 15 novels with kingdom-building, each of which offers a unique take on this popular genre.
The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan
The Wheel of Time is a series of 14 epic fantasy novels by Robert Jordan, with the final three books completed by Brandon Sanderson after Jordan’s death. The series follows Rand al’Thor, a young man who discovers he is the Dragon Reborn, a prophesied saviour who will unite the world and defeat the Dark One. As Rand rises to power, he must navigate complex political alliances and build a powerful kingdom to defend against the Dark One’s forces. The Wheel of Time is widely regarded as one of the greatest epic fantasy series of all time. It features a richly detailed world, well-developed characters, and intricate plotlines that keep readers engaged throughout its 4.4 million words.
A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin
A Song of Ice and Fire is a series of epic fantasy novels by George R.R. Martin. The series is set in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, a land torn apart by political intrigue and warfare. The story follows multiple characters, each vying for power and control over the kingdom. As the series progresses, characters rise and fall, kingdoms are won and lost, and new alliances are formed. A Song of Ice and Fire has been widely popularized by the HBO series Game of Thrones, which has brought the world of Westeros to life on screen. The series has a complex plot, with a large cast of characters, and has been praised for its realistic portrayal of political power struggles.
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
The Poppy War is the first book in a trilogy by R.F. Kuang that takes place in a fantasy version of China. The story follows Rin, a poor orphan who gets accepted into a prestigious military academy. As Rin learns the ways of war, she discovers that she has an unusual talent for shamanism, a rare and powerful magic that has been outlawed by the Empire. Using her newfound powers, Rin sets out to build a powerful empire and take revenge on those who have wronged her. The Poppy War has been praised for its well-developed characters, richly detailed world, and complex themes. The book explores the impact of war on society, the dangers of nationalism, and the corruption of power.
The Traitor Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson
The Traitor Baru Cormorant is a political fantasy novel by Seth Dickinson that tells the story of Baru Cormorant, a woman who is sent to a conquered island as part of a colonialist plan. Baru is tasked with infiltrating the island’s resistance movement and gaining their trust, all while secretly working to undermine their efforts and solidify her power. As Baru rises through the ranks of the colonial bureaucracy, she must weigh her loyalty to her people against her desire for power and control. The Traitor Baru Cormorant has been praised for its complex themes, including the effects of colonialism and the struggle for identity in a world dominated by power politics. The book has been compared to George Orwell’s 1984 and is a must-read for anyone interested in political fantasy.
The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss
The Kingkiller Chronicle is a series of fantasy novels by Patrick Rothfuss that follows the story of Kvo, a legendary wizard and musician. The series is told in a frame narrative, with Kvothe telling his life story to a chronicler. As a young man, Kvothe sets out to attend the University, where he learns magic, science, and music. Along the way, he encounters various challenges, including rival students, dangerous creatures, and political intrigue. The Kingkiller Chronicle has been praised for its beautiful prose, well-developed characters, and intricate world-building. The series has been compared to J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and is a must-read for anyone who loves epic fantasy.
The Lightbringer series by Brent Weeks
The Lightbringer series is a five-book epic fantasy series by Brent Weeks that takes place in a world where magic is powered by light. The story follows the character of Gavin Guile, a powerful magic user and ruler of the Seven Satrapies. As Gavin faces political turmoil and the threat of an ancient evil, he must use his magic and strategic planning to build a powerful kingdom and defend against his enemies. The Lightbringer series has been praised for its unique magic system, complex characters, and intricate plotlines. The series has been compared to The Wheel of Time and A Song of Ice and Fire and is a must-read for anyone who loves epic fantasy.
The Broken Empire trilogy by Mark Lawrence
The Broken Empire trilogy is a dark fantasy series by Mark Lawrence that follows the character of Jorg Ancrath, a ruthless prince who seeks revenge against those who wronged him. As Jorg builds his empire, he must confront his inner demons and struggle with the morality of his actions. The Broken Empire trilogy has been praised for its dark themes, complex characters, and intricate world-building. The series has been compared to George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire and is a must-read for anyone who loves dark fantasy.
The Inheritance Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin
The Inheritance Trilogy is a three-book epic fantasy series by N.K. Jemisin follows the story of Yeine Darr, a young woman who inherits the throne of the Hundred Thousand Kingdoms. As Yeine navigates the complex political landscape of her new kingdom, she must confront the legacy of her ancestors and the secrets they have kept hidden. The Inheritance Trilogy has been praised for its unique world-building, complex characters, and exploration of themes such as power, identity, and inheritance. The series has won several awards, including the Hugo Award for Best Novel, and is a must-read for anyone who loves epic fantasy.
The Divine Cities trilogy by Robert Jackson Bennett
The Divine Cities trilogy is a series of fantasy novels by Robert Jackson Bennett that takes place in a world where the gods have been slain. The story follows the character of Shara Thivani, a spy who is sent to investigate a murder in a city that was once home to a powerful god. As Shara uncovers the truth about the murder, she must confront the legacy of the gods and the power structures that have arisen in their absence. The Divine Cities trilogy has been praised for its well-developed characters, intricate world-building, and exploration of themes such as power, religion, and colonialism. The series has won several awards, including the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel, and is a must-read for anyone who loves political fantasy.
The Black Company series by Glen Cook
The Black Company series is a dark fantasy series by Glen Cook that follows the story of a mercenary company known as the Black Company. As the company works for various employers, they must navigate political intrigue, betrayals, and battles against powerful enemies. The Black Company series has been praised for its gritty, realistic portrayal of warfare and its morally complex characters. The series has been compared to George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire and is a must-read for anyone who loves dark fantasy.
The Malazan Book of the Fallen series by Steven Erikson
The Malazan Book of the Fallen is a ten-book epic fantasy series by Steven Erikson that takes place in a vast, complex world filled with gods, magic, and powerful empires. The series follows a large cast of characters as they navigate political intrigue, battles against powerful enemies, and the consequences of their actions. The Malazan Book of the Fallen has been praised for its complex world-building, well-developed characters, and epic scope. The series has been compared to J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and is a must-read for anyone who loves epic fantasy.
The Codex Alera series by Jim Butcher
The Codex Alera is a six-book high fantasy series by Jim Butcher that takes place in a world where magic is controlled by the elements. The series follows the character of Tavi, a young man who is seemingly without magic in a world where magic is everything. As Tavi navigates the complex political landscape of his world, he must use his wit and intelligence to outmanoeuvre his enemies and build his power base. The Codex Alera has been praised for its fast-paced action, well-developed characters, and unique magic system. The series has been compared to the works of David Eddings and is a must-read for anyone who loves high fantasy.
The Riyria Revelations series by Michael J. Sullivan
The Riyria Revelations is a six-book epic fantasy series by Michael J. Sullivan that follows the adventures of two thieves, Royce and Hadrian. As the two navigate the complex political landscape of their world, they become embroiled in a plot to overthrow the ruling monarch and must use their skills to build their power base and protect their interests. The Riyria Revelations have been praised for their fast-paced action, witty banter, and well-developed characters. The series has been compared to the works of David Eddings and is a must-read for anyone who loves epic fantasy.
The Powder Mage trilogy by Brian McClellan
The Powder Mage trilogy is a series of epic fantasy novels by Brian McClellan that takes place in a world where magic is powered by gunpowder. The story follows the character of Tamas, a powerful general who overthrows the ruling monarch and builds his kingdom. As Tamas navigates the complex political landscape of his new kingdom, he must confront powerful enemies and the consequences of his actions. The Powder Mage trilogy has been praised for its unique magic system, fast-paced action, and well-developed characters. The series has been compared to the works of Brandon Sanderson and is a must-read for anyone who loves epic fantasy.
The Chronicles of Amber series by Roger Zelazny
The Chronicles of Amber is a ten-book series of high fantasy novels by Roger Zelazny that follows the character of Corwin, a prince of a powerful magical kingdom known as Amber. As Corwin fights to reclaim his throne and build his power base, he must navigate political intrigue, battles against powerful enemies, and the consequences of his actions. The Chronicles of Amber has been praised for its intricate world-building, well-developed characters, and fast-paced action. The series has been compared to the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and is a must-read for anyone who loves high fantasy. And that concludes our journey through the top 15 novels with kingdom building! From epic fantasy to political intrigue, these books have all showcased the unique challenges and rewards of building and ruling a kingdom.
Whether you’re a fan of immersive world-building, complex characters, or thrilling battles, there’s something for everyone on this list. From classic works like “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Chronicles of Narnia” to newer favourites like “A Song of Ice and Fire” and “The Stormlight Archive,” these novels have captured the imaginations of readers for generations. One thing that all of these books have in common is their ability to transport us to a different world, one where kingdoms rise and fall, heroes are made and broken, and the fate of entire nations hangs in the balance. Through their pages, we can experience the joys and sorrows of rulership, the weight of responsibility, and the power of love and loyalty. We hope that this list has inspired you to pick up a new book, explore a new world, and discover the joy of kingdom-building for yourself. Happy reading!
