Dungeons & Dragons has become more popular over the past few years. And with it, plenty of players are looking for books with a vibe similar to the adventures they play out with their friends. So I put together a list of books that remind me of my own D&D campaigns, that I think all players of the game will enjoy.
1. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
I'm starting with my favorite book about dragons - and those dragons are sassy. One of the biggest complaints people have about D&D is that there are never enough dragons. In this book, there is no way to have that complaint. We also watch the characters train from the beginning - and it's very easy to believe that they're starting at level 1. With apocalypse-level stakes, logical ability progression, and interesting world-building, it'll take readers on an adventure worthy of a D&D campaign.
2. Heart of Ice by Dave Morris
This book is very similar to the "Choose Your Own Adventure" books of my childhood - but it is also perfect for those who want a D&D game but don't have the time to play with friends. The beginning of the book has you build a character and stat block, that you then use to influence your journey! Full disclosure: the first couple of times I read this book, I died. But I did have a ton of fun doing it.
3. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
A group of misfits band together to pull off the most impossible heist. Some have powers, others have fighting skills, and one is the group's planner - using his charm and deception to get things done. If that sounds like a D&D campaign you're right - but it also describes the Crows. Each character is unique and gets their time in the spotlight to show off their strengths. The duology reads like an epic D&D campaign, and while it does reference the Shadow and Bone trilogy at some points, they are not required reading to enjoy what the Crows have to offer.
4. Critical Role: The Mighty Nein - The Nine Eyes of Lucien by Madeleine Roux
I could not write a list of the best books for D&D players without mentioning an actual D&D story. However, what sets this one apart, is it is about one of the main villains of the campaign instead of the heroes. It showed the origin story of Lucien and how he became the villain - including a party of his own. It's a fascinating look into the other side of an adventuring party, and that villains are not always as evil as we expect.
5. Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
Have you ever wondered what your characters get up to after your campaign ends? Do they keep adventuring, or do they settle down and start a much less dangerous life? Travis Baldree decided to answer this particular question by having what we would consider a stereotypical barbarian start her second act by opening a cozy coffee shop. The story itself is very low stakes, but it gives a nice reminder that adventurers have a life to go back to when the dragons are slain and they have all that precious treasure to spend.
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