Storytelling is at the heart of so many incredible games, and interactivity is what makes them special. Sometimes though, you just want to enjoy a story without the stress of difficult boss battles or in-game decisions that feel nearly impossible to make. If you’re looking for some amazing books to go to in those instances, then you’ve come to the right place.
While video game book tie-ins are great options, we’ll be taking a look at something different; these recommendations will help you find new but familiar worlds to jump into, rather than being a direct extension of your favorite games. There’s something for all kinds of gamers here, and hopefully, you’ll find a new story to love.
Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe
If you’re like me and love Hades and Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical, then it’s likely you can’t get enough of dazzling art and retellings of Greek mythology. If that’s the case, check out Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe.
Lore Olympus is a graphic novel that infuses both classic Greek and modern-day narratives and aesthetics as it reimagines the love story of Hades and Persephone. Persephone is new to Olympus, and a chance encounter with Hades at a party sets a romance in motion. The two must contend with lots of meddling from the other gods, goddesses, and even nymphs as they fight for their happily ever after.
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
If you enjoy serving drinks and getting to know your customers in the modern-fantasy world of Coffee Talk, you should check out Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree.
Legends & Lattes follows Viv, an Orc, as she turns her back on the mercenary life to start a coffee shop. This cozy, low-stakes read lets you immerse yourself in a fantasy world from a new perspective. Instead of the usual dangerous quests, you’ll see what it’s like for Viv to start a new business and try to turn her life around while also getting to know a cast of unique and loveable characters.
The Mistborn Saga by Brandon Sanderson
On the flip side, if you prefer fantasy stories with intense danger and life-and-death situations, like what you would encounter in Baldur’s Gate 3 or the Dragon Age series, you may enjoy the Mistborn Saga by Brandon Sanderson.
The Mistborn Saga is an epic fantasy trilogy that follows Kelsier, Vin, and their team of allomancers, those with the power to burn metals to gain abilities, as they try to overthrow the Lord Ruler and free the enslaved Skaa people. These characters face remarkable odds and must learn to tap into their magic to secure the freedom they all deserve.
Neuromancer by William Gibson
Not into fantasy but love science fiction? For fans of Cyberpunk 2077 and similar futuristic games, you’ll want to read Neuromancer by William Gibson.
Neuromancer is a must-read for those interested in the cyberpunk genre. The book follows Henry Dorsett Case, a hacker in Chiba City, Japan. He’s hired for a mysterious job alongside mercenary Molly Millions. The two get caught up in a world of crime and AI, all set in a dirty, dystopian, and technologically advanced future.
Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy
Perhaps you prefer the past over the future and would rather set your sights on the American Frontier, as is featured in the Red Dead Redemption series. If you’re a fan of those games, then you should check out Cormac McCarthy’s Blood Meridian.
Blood Meridian is a bleak novel that highlights the unforgiving nature of the West in the 1800s. It centers around a teenage boy, known only as “the kid,” and his involvement with the Glanton Gang, a group known for their sadistic violence, especially towards Native Americans. The book is based in historical fact, allowing you to learn about this time period as you read.
Video games’ incredible storytelling puts you right into the action, but stories don’t always have to be interactive to be immersive, and these novels prove that. The next time you want to step back from the screen, step into these books instead.
Want to learn about what books inspired your favorite games? Read about it here!
Check out even more recommendations at Bookstr Team Recs on Bookshop.org!
