Books Like Saga of Old City

Since it was first published in 1974 by TSR, the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy tabletop role-playing game has captured the imagination of fans from across the world. It is also one of the most enduring games of its kind, with regular updates and new editions being released. In addition to being hugely influential, the D&D license also resulted in numerous fantasy novels written by different authors over the years. For example, Saga of Old City is the first novel by Gary Gygax, the co-creator of Dungeons and Dragons. It sees Gord the Rogue learning his trade and going off on all kinds of adventures before returning to Greyhawk City. With the recent release of the latest D&D movie, here are some books like Saga of Old City for franchise fans.

Homeland: The Legend of Drizzt

by R. A. Salvatore

The Drow ranger Drizzt Do’Urden is one of the best-known characters in D&D, and Homeland by R.A. Salvatore is the story of how this hero came to be. Drizz’s fate was to be sacrificed to the evil Spider Queen Lolth, as is the tradition of his people, but unexpected circumstances lead to him being spared. However, as he grows older, his morals differ from the evil society around him, leading him to leave the shadowy depths of the Underdark and forge his own path.

Pool of Radiance: The Heroes of Phlan

by James M. Ward & Jane Cooper Hong

Pool of Radiance by James M. Ward and Jane Cooper Hong follows the adventures of three heroes who make a stand against a possessed dragon. A spellcaster, range thief, and cleric-warrior are brought together by fate before embarking on dangerous missions throughout the realm. The book is unique because it is a direct adaptation of the computer role-playing game of the same name.

Darkwalker on Moonshae

by Douglas Niles

Darkwalker on Moonshae by Douglas Niles deserves a look from fans for being the very first Forgotten Realms novel ever published. Although it was initially published as a standalone novel, its popularity led to The Moonshae Trilogy. Darkwalker on Moonshae uses the Moonshae Iles as its setting, where a young man named Tristan Kendrick must unite the forces of good to save his home from evil. However, despite being heir to the legacy of the High Kings, Tristan is more interested in hunting, drinking, and revelry, which places the realms in grave danger from the evil beast Kazgorath with its relentless army of vicious creatures. 

Elminster: Making of a Mage

by Ed Greenwood

Elminster the mage is another famous figure from Dungeons and Dragons, and this novel by Ed Greenwood takes readers on a journey exploring his origins. Even though he is destined to become a powerful wizard, his story begins with him as a shepherd boy who can only dream of adventure and heroics. However, his life changes forever on the day when a dragon-riding mage lord sweeps down upon him. 

Vampire of the Mists: Ravenloft The Covenant

by Christie Golden

Vampire of the Mists by Christie Golden explores the Gothic realm of Ravenloft, which is filled with masters and monsters. The story follows a gold elf named Jander Sunstar, who also happens to be a five-hundred-year-old vampire. Jander ends up in the nightmare realm of Ravenloft, home to the vampire Count Strahd Von Zarovich. Jander is on a quest for revenge but is unsure if he can trust his fellow vampire. 

The Parched Sea

by Troy Denning

The Parched Sea by Troy Denning is set in the desert of Anauroch and is the first novel in The Harpers series. Anauroch is home to fierce nomad tribes, but they fall one after the other to the army sent by the Zhentarim to enslave them. The Zhentarim are determined to drive trade through Anauroch and will let nothing stand in their way. An outcast witch named Ruha, sees the true danger but must work with an agent from the Harpers in the hopes of driving the invaders from the desert. 

Dragons of Autumn Twilight: The Dragonlance Chronicles

by Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman

Dragons of Autumn Twilight by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman is the first novel in the Dragonlance Chronicles and is based on D&D sessions that the authors played with their friends. The story is set in the magical world of Krynn, where dragons, which were once considered to be creatures of legends, have returned. However, along with their arrival comes the departure of the old gods, which also results in all healing magic being lost. It is up to a group of lifelong friends to reunite and go on an adventure that could shape their world forever. 

Daughter of the Drow

by Elaine Cunningham

While many books have been written about the most famous Drow, Drizzt Do’Urden, Daughter of the Drow by Elaine Cunningham follows a different Drow protagonist. She is a free-spirited drow princess named Liriel Baenre who sets off on a perilous quest to the surface world of Faerûn. However, her welcome to the world of light is not exactly warm, and to make matters worse, enemies from her homeland pursue her. Liriel also discovers that her best hope for an ally may be her deadliest rival, a young berserker warrior named Fyodor of Rashemen.