FromSoftware’s Elden Ring captivated gamers with its vast, hauntingly beautiful open world and cryptic storytelling. Created in collaboration with George R.R. Martin, the game’s lore is steeped in mystery, tragedy, and grandeur, drawing players into its enigmatic Lands Between. If you’ve been craving more stories that echo the depth, complexity, and dark beauty of Elden Ring, here are five books that capture similar themes and atmospheres.
The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien
If you found yourself fascinated by the mythic history of Elden Ring, The Silmarillion is an essential read. This work serves as the foundation of Middle-earth, offering an epic tapestry of gods, heroes, and tragic conflicts. Like the Lands Between, Tolkien’s world feels ancient and layered with sorrowful legacies. The rise and fall of great powers, such as the crafting of the Silmarils and the devastating wars they provoke, mirror Elden Ring’s cyclical tales of ambition and ruin.
The Black Company by Glen Cook
For fans of the grim, morally ambiguous tone of Elden Ring, Glen Cook’s The Black Company delivers a gritty tale of mercenaries navigating a world plagued by war and dark sorcery. The novel’s bleak landscapes and morally complex characters reflect the somber mood of Elden Ring. Additionally, the narrative’s focus on survival and shifting allegiances will resonate with those who enjoyed the game’s emphasis on struggle and perseverance.
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
The Lands Between are shaped by a fractured world and the remnants of a once-thriving civilization—themes that are central to N.K. Jemisin’s The Fifth Season. The Broken Earth trilogy follows characters navigating a dying planet torn apart by seismic disasters and societal collapse. Jemisin’s exploration of power, oppression, and survival in a hostile environment parallels the existential stakes and atmospheric world-building of Elden Ring.
Berserk by Kentaro Miura
The influence of Berserk on FromSoftware’s games is undeniable, and fans of Elden Ring should look no further than this dark fantasy manga. With its brutal combat, intricate character arcs, and themes of revenge, redemption, and the human spirit’s resilience, Berserk captures the same intensity and tragedy that define the game. The grotesque yet captivating designs of the Apostles echo the twisted monstrosities players face in the Lands Between.
The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss
For those intrigued by the subtle yet rich lore of Elden Ring, Patrick Rothfuss’s The Kingkiller Chronicle offers a similarly layered narrative. Through the eyes of Kvothe, readers uncover a world where myth and reality intertwine. The series’ deep focus on storytelling, music, and the power of names reflects the cryptic elegance of Elden Ring’s fragmented lore, rewarding those who enjoy piecing together mysteries.
Each of these works captures an element of what makes Elden Ring so compelling: vast worlds, complex narratives, moral ambiguity, and a sense of awe and wonder. Whether you’re exploring doomed civilizations, unraveling cryptic lore, or facing the consequences of power, these books provide a literary experience that echoes the game’s haunting beauty and depth.