I’ve been a nerd since I was born, and I’ve always been called to stories. They come in all shapes and facets: movies, shows, books, songs, video-games, and more. It’s a long, long list, but if I spent my life consuming these stories, it’d be a good one. Books and video-games are always the two that have called just a bit louder than the rest, however.
Sometimes after finishing a video-game I’ll think “damn, that ruled. I wish I could have more of that vibe, but in a different flavor.” That’s what this post is about. Below are twelve book recommendations based on four different video-games.
Assassin’s Creed
A series revolving around a man reliving the memories of his assassin ancestors, Assassin’s Creed involves hidden blades, obscured faces, and, well, assassins.
Heroes Die
In my mind, Heroes Die by Matthew Stover is THE recommendation. It centers around a man entering his own animus-esque device, going to another world, another time, and using a combination of brutal assassination and clever espionage to get to his targets. To tie it all together, Stover has the best action I’ve ever read.
Prince of Thorns
Another unique blend of sci-fi and fantasy, Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence is a dark work with a kill count that rivals Ezio’s. With a raised cowl, brandished sword, and combination of glitchy images while blades bite into necks, Prince of Thorns is a great pick for Assassin’s Creed.
The Way of Shadows
The start of one of the most famous assassin series fantasy has to offer, Brent Weeks’ Way of Shadows shows us poisons, knives, and darkness are the supreme killers. Kills by the dozens and some interesting political machinations and conspiracies, another nice fit for Assassin’s Creed.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
A dark fantasy game that left a monumental mark on videogames as a whole, The Witcher 3 is brooding, monster-laden, gritty triumph.
Blood of Elves
In a shock to everyone, I’m going to recommend the books that inspired the game series as a whole. While the games are set after the events that happen during the books, the characters, themes, lore, and story that make The Witcher 3 work so well work just as well in the books.
Blood Song
Anthony Ryan’s Blood Song features an MC that shares a lot of similarities with Geralt: cynical brooding, low magic, and hunting intelligent enemies that slither in the dark. Add in some training/school segments that remind us of Ciri’s time learning the ropes–as well as Blood Song being an all around fantastic book–Anthony Ryan’s work is a great pick-up for fans of The Witcher 3.
The Justice of Kings
Richard Swan’s The Justice of Kings involves a powerful, brooding man travelling around the country while doing an important job that causes people around him to hate him. While travelling, he and his party begin to uncover a conspiracy, as well as face extremely tough morality situations in a grey world. If that doesn’t sell you, then how about the fact that it’s fantastic?
Elden Ring
Trippy, stark visuals, and a land plagued by beautiful nightmares, Elden Ring is famous for not only its difficulty but its atmosphere and lore.
Gardens of the Moon
I try not to be the “READ MALAZAN” guy, but my hands are tied here. Starting on page one of Gardens of the Moon, Steven Erikson throws you into the chaos and says “figure it out.” With gods mingling and causing chaos and the way the world-building is only learned by piecing together mysteries, Gardens should delight Elden Ring fans.
A Sword of Bronze and Ashes
Anna Smith Spark has the best prose in the world and her talent is on shining display here. We have a mother doing the absolute best she can to protect her family against nightmares she thought she had left behind. If you liked the atmosphere of Elden Ring, as well as the horrific monsters, A Sword of Bronze and Ashes is a dead-ringer.
Blackwing
Blackwing by Ed McDonald features a setting that feels directly out of Elden Ring. Gods run amok, power is dangerous, and death is always a breath away. The characters cling on, just like the Tarnished One, and claw their way to survival. A great pick for Elden Ring.
Baldur’s Gate 3
Stunning in its scope and level of polish, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a testament to what videogames can be. While the world and details are its selling point, the heart of the game is its characters.
The Blade Itself
Baldur’s Gate 3 may be my favorite game, and Joe Abercrombie’s First Law is my favorite series. Maybe it’s the dialogue and the character work prevalent in both, maybe it’s just because both are peak. Whatever the cause is, Durge fans in particular will find a lot to love in The Blade Itself, as well as fans of characters like Astarion, Shadowheart, and more.
Hyperion
One of the finest crafted books I’ve ever read, Dan Simmons’ Hyperion captures an utterly unique and large world, as well as a finely developed cast of characters. If you liked getting to know each member of the party in Baldur’s Gate 3, then I implore you to pick up
The Steel Remains
Featuring a LTBTQ MC with his own flavor of trauma and moral grayness, Richard K Morgan’s The Steel Remains is a dark book that captures a lot of the motifs Baldur’s Gate 3 hits on. Whether that be a hyper intelligent threat like the illithids, arguing between party members and nobility, or just generally well-crafted worlds, The Steel Remains is a worthy book for fans of Baldur’s Gate 3.
