WithDungeons & Dragonsgrowing every year, it is a great time to look back at the best Forgotten Realms books. From the renowned Harpers books toR.A. Salvatore’sThe Legend of Drizzt, book series have kept coming, thick and fast, into the historical campaign setting of the realms.Dungeons & Dragonswas created by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson in the ’70s, but the Forgotten Realms were officially introduced via a sourcebook first published by TSR in 1987. Created by Ed Greenwood, this magical place spawned legions of characters and stories. Now, even Netflix has caught on.
After the flop that wastheDungeons & Dragonsmovies, finallyHonor Among Thievesemerged, a movie worthy of theD&Dname. Despite critical success and audience adoration, the movie suffered slim box office profits, partially due to a difficult climate following COVID-19 and the challenge of introducingD&Dto the mass market. So, a sequel is unlikely. Meanwhile, Paramount+ pulled out of streaming theD&DTV show that was being planned for years. But finally, Hasbro has found its next on-screenD&Denterprise a home. The Forgotten Realms will come to Netflix, making Realms books suddenly very interesting.
10The Sundering Saga
Various Authors
The Sunderingis a really mixed bag when it comes to Forgotten Realms books, which may just be what makes it so great. Some of these novels could feel a little jarring to newcomers to theD&Dworld if they are unfamiliar with the previous stories that established the worlds described throughout the series. However, for the most part,all theSunderingnovels do work well alone. And, they give new readers a quick intro to many different series.
Ed Greenwood
August 08, 2025
One book inThe Sunderingcovers the adventures ofdrow ranger Drizzt Do’Urden, made famous by R.A. Salvatore, who popularized the drow species with his books. Yet another dive intoBrimstone Angelsterritory. This is another hugely popularD&Dbook series. No matter which charactersThe Sunderingfollows,the series is pulled together by the Forgotten Realms reeling in the wake of the Sundering. The characters are united under the common struggle of pulling their lives back together.
9The Elminster Series
As the creator of the Forgotten Realms, Ed Greenwood may be the best author to introduce the Realms to readers or to give readers a sense of the true scope of the world. Greenwood’s world-building is exceptional across the Elminster series, which goes into detail on the Realms' most famous wizard.Elminster, of course, is the Gandalf ofDungeons & Dragons, andD&Dfans would be remiss not to include his books in an exploration of the Realms.
Greenwood’s worldbuilding is exceptional across the Elminster series, which goes into detail on the Realms' most famous wizard.
Ed Greenwood writes Elminster in a variety of different scenarios in this sprawling series, which encompasses a few miniseries. It is vital to know the character to understand the Realms, but he can occasionally come off as a little too perfect to be seriously compelling. Those who like their heroes clear-cut will love this.Some readers may also be put off by Greenwood’s writing style, which is quite stuffy and archaic at times.
8The Harpers Series
Created by multiple authors, theHarpersbooks are a real gem inDungeons & Dragons’crown. Spanning work from Elaine Cunningham, Ed Greenwood, and Troy Denning,the series provides a real glimpse into the diversity of writing talent atDungeons & Dragons. It focuses on the secretive Harpers society, defending society from threats - if it suits them. This allows the books to cover many different threads.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thievesis set in the Forgotten Realms.
It is a shame thatanHonor Among Thievessequelis unlikely, becauseDungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thievesshared such a fun investigation into the Harpers. Elgin the Bard was a Harper in the movie, sofans of Chris Pine’s performance and the lore behind his mission may want to dive into theHarpersseries. Although the makers of the movie won’t be involved in the upcoming TV series, there’s always a chance that little parts ofHonor Among Thievescould creep in.
7Starlight & Shadows
Elaine Cunningham
Starlight & Shadowsis one of the most enjoyable short series in the entireDungeons & Dragonsfranchise, focusing gleefully on Liriel Baenre.Elaine Cunningham may be the second-best writer on theDungeons & Dragonsroster, with R.A. Salvatore possibly being the first. This writing style picks a heroine with no Mary Sue qualities, relatable sass and courage, and a sidekick of epic character.
Daughter of the Drow
1995
1996
Windwalker
2003
Fyodor of Rashemen accompanies Liriel through her adventures, which explore the Baenre family and the Underdark it comes from. The Baenre family is one big player in the Forgotten Realms. These drow include Pharaun, who is explored inWar of the Spider Queen, and Jarlaxle, who is a big NPC in the excellent Waterdeep: Dragon Heist 5e campaign.This is a great trilogy to start exploring the Realms with, and it will excite readers as to Salvatore books too.
6War Of The Spider Queen
With R.A. Salvatore as the advising editor forWar of the Spider Queen, this series is a very well-produced exploration of Lolth, the Spider Queen, and her impact on various characters and places.Salvatore runs a tight ship, and this series could be abstractly considered a sister series to hisLegend of Drizztbooks, if not a direct part of them. Although Salvatore did not invent Lolth, he used her as his main villain.
This series offers fun snapshots of characters but not the ongoing character development thatD&D’sbest series are known for.
She is an excellent villain at that, with a beautiful woman fronting the facade of a giant spider, able to take various forms to manipulate her minions.Dungeons & Dragonshas a new best villain in Lolth, considering her role inThe Legend of DrizztandWar of the Spider Queen, plus her huge appeal for the new TV show. Vecna and Tiamat can move aside. This series offers fun snapshots of characters but not the ongoing character development thatD&D’sbest series are known for.
5The Finder’s Stone Trilogy
Kate Novak & Jeff Grub
The Finder’s Stone Trilogyincludes the much-loved 1988 novelAzure Bonds, one of the all-time best thatDungeons & Dragonshas to offer, though it doesn’t tie in much to other series. Also,it maintains a thoroughly consistent tone of voicedue to being written by two authors working together. This is one of the earlier book series set in the Forgotten Realms, but it is remarkably one of the best. Alias, the main character, wakes up having forgotten everything.
1988
1990
Song of the Saurials
1991
This is the perfect plot device to draw readers into her dazzling and confusing world, as she knows no more than they do on her journey trying to discover her past.Azure Bondsis Jeff Grub’s favorite book of the seriesas well as many readers', incorporating elements of high fantasy, mystery, and suspense. The commercially successful 1989 video gameThe Curse of the Azure Bondswas also based on these books.
4The Cleric’s Quintet
R.A. Salvatore
R.A. Salvatore has unquestionably cooked upDungeons & Dragons’best books. Although not one of the original world-builders ofDungeons & Dragons,Salvatore’s writing style captured the hearts of most fans. LikeWar of the Spider Queen,Cleric’s Quintetis a great companion series toThe Legend of Drizzt. It focuses on the scholar-priest Cadderly, with excellent content around the drow mercenary Jarlaxle Baenre.
The Forgotten Realms Dungeons & Dragons TV Show Doesn’t Have To Break The Bank To Adapt Drow Like Drizzt
The Dungeons & Dragons Forgotten Realms TV show is coming to Netflix, and it may note some key tips for adapting fantasy species like drow.
Jarlaxle may be the iconDungeons & Dragonsneedsas it looks for its direction withThe Forgotten Realmsseries on Netflix. Although the show will likely invent many original characters for its main plotline, it would be remiss not to include at least one drow or touch on any of Salvatore’s stories.Cadderly would make a fantastic cameo in the show, but readers should pick upThe Cleric’s Quintetregardless of whether or not it gets adapted.
3Brimstone Angels
Erin M. Evans
Brimstone Angelsis one of the most beloved series inDungeons & Dragons, across any campaign setting from The Forgotten Realms to Dragonlance or Spelljammer. Erin M. Evans remains one of the best writers in the franchise, so gamers and readers shouldn’t ignore her best work -Brimstone Angels. This series follows two tiefling sisters, Farideh and Havilar, who are relatable and inspiring.
Honor Among Thievesrestored a classicDungeons & Dragonsracein its exploration of tieflings, bringing wider awareness to this intriguingD&Dspecies. Sophia Lillis played Doric in the movie, representing the race, although not as faithfully as some may have liked. Meanwhile,Evans' books offer a truly faithful deep dive into tiefling lore, eccentric supporting characters, and unforgettable adventures.
2The Icewind Dale Trilogy
R.A. Salvatore’s first published novel wasThe Crystal Shard, the first book ofThe Icewind Dale Trilogy. Now considered a part ofThe Legend of Drizztbook series, this miniseries did not adopt Drizzt as a main character. It focused equally onDungeons & Dragons’Companions of the Hall, especially Wulfgar the Barbarian.This series is the perfectD&Dbook series, embodying all the fun of saving lives with friends.
1989
The Halfling’s Gem
In that sense, it also reflects everything that was great aboutHonor Among Thieves. This series has danger and humor and diverse characters, with an innocent joie de vivre that doesn’t rely on romance like Hollywood fantasy tends to. It is true that future novels inThe Legend of Drizztwere often better, perhaps, than the first two books in this trilogy. However,The Halfling’s Gemremains one of the bestD&Dbooks ever.
1The Dark Elf Trilogy
After monitoring what was popular aboutThe Icewind Dale Trilogy, Salvatore decided to focus his next trilogy on Drizzt, resulting in the brilliantThe Dark Elf Trilogy. What makes this book series so scintillating in the grander scheme ofDungeons & Dragonsbooks is its originality. In setting itself in Menzoberranzan, the dangerous drow city of the Underdark,The Dark Elfbooks cover unique fantasy territory- an underground nightmarescape of warring tribes.
The Perfect Dungeons & Dragons TV Show Would Be Nothing Like Honor Among Thieves But Just As Fun
Dungeons & Dragons is contemplating its live-action TV show, and while Honor Among Thieves was brilliant, it is no template for the show.
This is an escapist fantasy of truly enjoyable scope, offering the simplicity of one main light in the darkness. Drizzt was born into a matriarchal society that enslaved and abused its men and competed with other families for power, with no respect for life. Drizzt, with his complex father, navigates a way through this mess to emerge as the hero of the later books. ThisDungeons & Dragonsprequel story encompasses the awkwardness of teen life, the loneliness of being an outcast, and growth into one’s true self despite being knocked back by all others.
Dungeons & Dragons
TheDungeons & Dragonsfranchise is a fantasy adventure series based on the iconic tabletop role-playing game. The franchise includes both live-action and animated adaptations, with the most notable being the recent filmDungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves(2023), which brought the fantasy world of D&D to a broader audience with its blend of humor, action, and classic D&D elements. The franchise explores themes of heroism, friendship, and the unpredictable nature of adventuring in a magical world filled with dragons, wizards, and mythical creatures.
