D&D 5E D&D-ish novels?

[Gilladian]

As a YA librarian, I feel like suggesting some more titles:

Flanagan's Ranger's Apprentice series, and the Brotherband Chronicles. Good adventures and world building. Susan Cooper's Dark is Rising series. So You Want to be a Wizard by Diane Duane. Find the originals, not the more recent rewrites. And a series of 13 books called the Last Apprentice whose author I cannot remember. Starts with a D. Oh, and Tamora Pierce. Especially Terrier and Mastiff and Bloodhound. All her books are very good, but those are about a group of city guards, and are very dndish.

 

[The Grassy Gnoll]

As others have said, Joe Abercrombie for a grittier take (what comes out of a naked wizard's mouth when his bath is disturbed is just a classic line).

Chronicles of Prydain, Shannara - both great "party" books.

Bit left field but read Company of Liars by Karen Maitland. Disparate band of travellers on the road escaping the Black Death, with some spooky magic stuff going on too. Brilliant.

Also, because if I can't recommend one of the most underrated books here, then where can I, read Sharp Teeth by Toby Barlow. A verse novel about werewolves in LA. Doesn't fit your criteria but it is excellent and everyone should read it.

As they should read Riddley Walker by Russell Hoban. But I digress.

 

[iltharanos]

I enjoyed the Jim Butcher Codex Alera series, for its pseudo-Roman pseudo-Pokemon feel. Really though, it's an enjoyable series, with an interesting cast of diverse characters for that D&D party vibe.

The Contact series of historical fiction novels by W. Michael and Kathleen O'Neal Gear struck me as being a potentially awesome D&D storyline for historical enthusiasts. The protagonists are all Native Americans at the time of De Soto's rampage through the southeastern part of the modern-day U.S., replete with visions populated by various native american mythological figures, and lots of very interesting military and cultural clashes.

 

[Knight_Marshal]

Three Hearts and Three Lions by Poul Anderson was the basis that 1st edition D&D used for the paladin. Its only one book, but a pretty good read.

 

[not-so-newguy]

I didn't see Terry Pratchett mentioned yet. His books embrace DnD, but at the same time poke fun at the genre. Love his books.

 

[iltharanos]

Not sure if this was mentioned, but Chronicles of the Raven by James Barclay is very D&D-ish. The point of view is from a mercenary company called the Raven, and how they get drawn into defending their realm against invading barbarians, and then quickly spirals from there into crazy anti-magic cults and gi-normous dragons.

 

[Olgar Shiverstone]

Best books to read if want that paladin/knight vibe. I second this.

Well, if you're looking for a rehash of The Village of Hommlet by a paladin who used INT as her dump stat, Deed of Paksennarion is for you ... I prefer Poul Anderson's Three Hearts and Three Lions, or even Eddings' Sparhawk novels for my paladin fiction.

I'm currently listening to The Cycle of Arawn (65 hours ...) which opens with a murder and definitely captures the murder-hobo vibe at least through its first two books.

 

[Lidgar]

Lots of good suggestions here. Apologies if already listed, but here's four in the S&S style:

1. Thongor Against the Gods by Lin Carter
2. Jack of Shadows by Roger Zelazny (and of course the Amber series)
3. Elric of Melnibone by Michael Moorcock (and the rest of the Stormbringer series)
4. Night Winds by Karl Wagner (and the other Kane books)

Enjoy!

 

[gyor]

You could try The Tales of Egil and Nix by Paul S Kemp. I loved them and very much like a D&D adventure

Or for something a bit more epic (but less D&D like) Anthony Ryan's Ravens Shadow series

Yes! And I'd expand that to include many none shared world works by authors that publish in D&D worlds, of which the above mentioned Tales of Egil and Nix are a great example.

One should also concider fan fiction, some of the most fun stories have been done for free by fans. Yes it can be very hit and miss, but I've read some really great stuff too.

 

[the Jester]

Steven Brust's Jhereg series is an excellent piece of work that is basically focused on a high-level evil party. The main character is an assassin. It's one of the best written series to tackle easy, prevalent resurrection magic and its implications.