Introduction
Dungeons & Dragons can be a captivating and immersive experience, but if you really want to get lost in its world, there’s nothing quite like delving into a good D&D book. Whether you’re into tales of adventure, horror, or high fantasy, the vast selection of D&D fiction books has something for every kind of reader.
But with so many great reads out there, it can be hard to know which ones are worth your time. That’s why we’ve taken the guesswork out of the equation and compiled a list of the best D&D fiction books—from classic titles to new releases—so you can dive right into an immersive world of swords and sorcery. We’ll also share our top picks for those just starting out with roleplaying games like Dungeons & Dragons.
Best Novels set in the D&D universe
If you love playing Dungeons and Dragons, and wish to experience the same kind of exciting adventures beyond the table, pick up some D&D Fiction! But which books should you read?
Well, you’re in luck: there are plenty of fantastic novels set in the Dungeons and Dragons universe to choose from. While each book will bring its own unique perspective—including first-person, third-person or even second-person point of view—all will tell stories with dragons, orcs, and powerful magic.
For a truly thrilling adventure that puts you front and center of the action as a main character, pick up a novel with a second-person point of view. You’ll find yourself in an interactive story where YOU are the protagonist. This can be an immersive way to explore far-off lands and work side-by-side with beloved characters.
From epic fantasy sagas to gritty tales of survival, there’s sure to be plenty of D&D fiction for you to discover—whatever your preferred genre or style may be!
The Dragonlance Chronicles
The Dragonlance Chronicles are considered one of the greatest fantasy series of all time, and it’s definitely one of the best Dungeons and Dragons fiction books. This classic series is told in second-person point of view, making it more vivid and immersive than other books in the genre—you feel as if you’re part of the story as each character’s adventure unfolds.
The series follows three friends—Raistlin Majere, Caramon Majere, and Tanis Half-Elven—as they join forces with other unlikely heroes to save Krynn from the dark god Takhisis. With lots of exciting plot twists and high-stakes action, this is an amazing ride for D&D fans who want a story that takes them on a thrilling journey.
The Dark Elf Trilogy
When it comes to the best in D&D fiction, the Dark Elf Trilogy is a must-read. Written by R.A. Salvatore, The Dark Elf Trilogy chronicles the story of Drizzt Do’Urden—a dark elf exiled from his homeland and searching for a place of acceptance in a world filled with prejudice.
As Drizzt sets forth on his quest, he crosses paths with demons, dragons, strange creatures and mysterious gods. Along the way he discovers that true strength is not measured with a blade, but instead through knowledge, courage and compassion. The story takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster ride that they won’t soon forget!
Following are some of the things you’ll love about The Dark Elf Trilogy:
- It beautifully captures themes of morality while presenting an exceptionally unique story featuring characters that quickly become fan favorites
- Each book in the trilogy is brimming with suspenseful action that’s thrilling yet never over-the-top
- It combines elements of swords-and-sorcery fantasy with more modern heroic fantasy tropes for a result that feels truly original
So if you’re looking for one of the best D&D fiction books ever written, look no further than The Dark Elf Trilogy!
The Icewind Dale Trilogy
If you’re looking for the ultimate D&D fiction, then look no further than the Icewind Dale trilogy. Written by author R.A. Salvatore in 1988 and 1989, this trilogy is set in a brutal arctic environment, where characters face tough challenges, powerful wizards and dangerous villains.
The first book in the series, The Crystal Shard, introduces us to beloved characters like Drizzt Do’Urden, Wulfgar and Catti-brie as they combat the evil crystal shard Akar Kessel and its minions across the frozen tundra of Icewind Dale. From there, books two and three—Streams of Silver and The Halfling’s Gem—see our heroes journey across the North in pursuit of justice and survival against a host of enemies large and small.
The books of this famed trilogy have inspired countless players over the years to create their own adventures and explore new possibilities through their characters:
- Utilizing their own strengths throughout each campaign
- Overcoming tough obstacles with innovative strategies
- Embracing new paths with courage and determination
If you’re looking for a classic story that evokes all aspects of a great role-playing game, then the Icewind Dale trilogy is an essential read for any D&D fan.
The Cleric Quintet
For fans of Drizzt, the Cleric Quintet series is a must-read. This five-volume story follows Cadderly, who, although young in age, is a very powerful cleric. He embarks on a quest to save his home city of Carradoon from dark forces of the Underdark.
You’ll be swept away in this epic adventure, as Cadderly uses magical artifacts and arcane spells to fight off threats that loom over his home. It’s packed with exciting battles, thrilling escapes and heart-stopping twists as Cadderly navigates the treacherous Drow elves and Dragons of The Underdark.
The characters in this series are well-developed and you’ll come to love them—from Ivan Bouldershoulder the Dwarven fighter who hates magical weapons to Danica Maeurugger the Elven druid who helps Cadderly on his quest.
The Cleric Quintet is often considered one of the greatest D&D fiction series ever written—so if you’re looking for an amazing fantasy story to kick off your D&D journey, this is it!
The Dreaming Dark Trilogy
If you’ve been gaming for a while, you’ve probably heard of The Dreaming Dark trilogy by Thomas M. Reid. It’s one of the best D&D fiction books out there, so don’t miss out! The story follows a bard by the name of Danilo Thann and his companions as they live wild adventures in the mysterious city of Sharn. You will get to witness the clash between different cultures and creatures, as well as political conflicts.
This book series is special because it puts its focus on character growth and exploration. Reid does an excellent job presenting a dynamic world full of creative details and interesting plot twists that will keep you interested until the end. The characters in this book series also have powerful backstories that add depth to their development throughout its course.
Some other things that make this trilogy great are:
- Action-packed adventure. Get ready for battles against dragons, orcs, trolls, zombies, and other mythical creatures!
- An intricate world with many layers and nuances to explore.
- Intriguing characters with well-developed personalities.
- A great balance between detailed descriptions and quick-paced action sequences — something hard to come by these days!
The Moonshae Trilogy
If you’re looking for classic D&D fiction, then you have to check out the Moonshae Trilogy. This series of three books—The Dark Queen, Black Wizards, and Black Pearl—was written by best-selling author Douglas Niles and tells the story of a quest to discover the secrets of an ancient evil in the world of the Forgotten Realms. It’s one of the earliest works in D&D fiction and is beloved by fans for its epic tales of drama and adventure.
So why is it so great? Here are just a few reasons why we think it’s one of the best D&D fantasy books:
- It features detailed, rich characters that you come to care about deeply as they undertake their quest.
- The story is set in an immersive, vast world that immerses you in its cultures and environments.
- It explores themes such as loyalty, love and courage that resonate with readers decades later.
- Its battle scenes are thrilling and intense, pitting our heroes against powerful foes that test their mettle and strength of will.
- Its writing style is both witty and challenging – leaving readers wanting more by the end of each installment.
The Prism Pentad Series
If you’re looking for an epic journey of magical adventure, then you should check out The Prism Pentad series by Paul B. Thompson and Tonya C. Cook. This five-book series tells the story of a group of adventurers who must work together to save their kingdom from a powerful ancient evil.
The Prism Pentad series is a classic in the fantasy genre and is great for anyone who loves Dungeons & Dragons. It’s packed with action, suspense, and plenty of interesting characters. Plus, the storyline is complex and intriguing, making it hard to put down once you start reading!
Magic and adventure abound
The Prism Pentad series follows a group of adventurers as they explore a world of magic and danger. There are sorcerers, warriors, kings, dragons, and all sorts of creatures that the heroes must battle along their way. Each book in the series features a new challenge for the adventurers to overcome before they can face their ultimate foe.
Complex characters
One thing that makes The Prism Pentad so unique is its cast of characters. Every character has their own unique backstory that affects how they react to situation throughout the series. Their relationships with each other also evolve throughout the books—they start as strangers but grow closer as they fight for survival together against powerful forces that threaten to destroy their kingdom!
So pick up The Prism Pentad series today and get ready for an epic adventure filled with magic, danger and suspense!
Spelljammer: Beyond The Moons
Got a hankering for some sci-fi and fantasy all in one? Then dive into Spelljammer: Beyond The Moons, the fifth and final book in the Spelljammer series. Set in a spacefaring universe filled with magical creatures, Spelljammer follows the adventures of a group of mercenaries and mages as they battle evil forces.
Spelljammer is filled with all kinds of fantastical elements, from interplanetary battles and alien cultures to superhuman magic users and creatures of all kinds. It’s an exciting read that will transport you to a world beyond your own. And if you’re looking for a real challenge, you can use this book as part of your Dungeons & Dragons game—the authors included loads of content for you to use in-game.
You’ll find:
- Classic fantasy adventure tropes like monsters, artifacts, secrets and maps
- A detailed overview of the world, its people and cultures
- Dozens of new races to add to your Dungeons & Dragons adventures
- Names of gods from many different pantheons
- Creative new magical spell ideas for your game
Come Endless Darkness
If you’re looking for a thrilling adventure in the darkness that Dungeons and Dragons is famous for, then Come Endless Darkness by P.C. Hodgell is an absolute must-read. This novel follows a young girl on her quest to vanquish her foes and reclaim her destiny. The novel brilliantly combines action, mystery, horror, comedy, and even romance—and of course it includes plenty of magical creatures and a dash of dragons.
With its unforgettable characters, inventive plot twists and turns, fast-paced action scenes, and clever dialog (not to mention those unforgettable dragons), this book will draw you in from the very first page. Plus, for those looking for a new way to play D&D come Endless Darkness offers several interesting new mechanics to make your games feel truly epic!
City of Hawks
When talking about amazing D&D fiction books, you must make mention of City of Hawks by Maria V. Snyder. This book is part of a series called The Harpers, which follows Cale and his friends on their epic adventures through age-old lands.
Cale and his friends are in pursuit of a powerful wizard who is wreaking havoc on the land using sorcery and dark magic. Cale teams up with a hawk-shifter, whose magical abilities help him unearth mysterious secrets in the pursuit of their foe. With every challenge they face, they come closer to uncovering the truth behind their mission: to save the city – and the world – from unimaginable danger.
Throughout the book, readers are treated to thrilling battle scenes as our heroes take on their foes in epic magical duels and physical combat sequences. With plenty of tension and suspense, this book is perfect for players looking for an action-packed read!
Conclusion
No matter what type of D&D fan you are, there is a D&D fiction book out there for you. Whether it’s a classic from the 1970s, a contemporary novel, or a unique series set in a unique world, you can find a story that captures your imagination and challenges your sense of morality and adventure. There’s no shortage of exciting tales to explore and enjoy. So grab a copy, roll some dice and embark on an epic quest of your own. Don’t worry – there’s plenty of help to be found along the way.
