Dnd 5e Books – 35+ Best D&D Books For Better Gameplay (Review) 2023

Dungeons and Dragons isn’t a cakewalk, and as you wade through more levels, it’d become even more vital to know the game in and out. That’s where DnD 5e books come into play. It contains all the information you’d ever need while playing, making it an indispensable part of the program. So read the article further and choose a book by the end of it.

DnD 5e handbook

This list comprises all the valuable 5e sourcebooks at your disposal.

The Player’s Handbook 5e

Being one of the 5e core books, every player and DM religiously follows it. There’s a reason why it has a no.1 ranking amongst all the other rulebooks.

• Character specifications, different classes, races, and backstories are all part of The Player’s Handbook 5e.
• The weight of this book is congruent to the wealth of information it holds inside.

The Dungeon Master’s Guide 5e

This is one of the 5^th edition Dungeons and Dragons books that aren’t as essential if your only purpose is to play the game. However, if you wish to command and be the master of legendary stories, this is a must-have.

• Run your own adventures.
• Guidelines for NPC character creation, description of 240 magical items are all a part of the Dungeon Master’s Guide 5e.

Xanathar’s Guide to Everything

If you’re looking for new fun characters such as a Samurai, Hexblade warlock, and Shadow Sorcerer, you’re at the right place. There’s a lot more that the Xanathar’s Guide to Everything offers you than it lets on.

• It isn’t an ordinary book and would make you question things in the storyline.
• As a DM, you’d get plenty of ideas regarding traps, magic items and to keep your campaign interesting.

Monster Manual 5e

• This is one of the monster books dedicated entirely to the strategies required to defeat every monster and artwork to enhance your imagination. You’d even come across details and facts about the beasts and acquire excellent moves as well.

• 150 monsters and more than 400 rules’ tables are present in the Monster Manual 5e.
• Detailed backgrounds and abilities to help in battles.

Volo’s Guide to Monsters

It’s considered the best D&D supplements among all, and I agree with this statement. This is by far the best novel I’ve come across and I hope you feel the same way about Volo’s Guide to Monsters.

• It includes 120 new monstrous folks such as Lizardfolk, Tabaxi (catfolk) Giants, the angelic Aasimar, etc.
• They also come under the category of lore books as it contains an extended version of beast BGs
• It comprises comments from the scholar and wizard lite Volo.

Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes

You must be aware of the super-powerful wizard, Mordenkainen in 5^th edition DnD. The ingenious title came from him.

• Notes on epic battles from Mordy.
• It includes races, for instance, tieflings and elves, githyanki, and githzerai.
• Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes comprises sub-races such as Feywild elves, Eladrin.

Eberron: Rising from the Last War

If your interest lies in pulp fiction, you should definitely get this DnD handbook. It’s a book that every player looks forward to as it incorporates new elements that you can only find in Eberron: Rising from the Last War.

• Reign of eternal war, airships, and magic-fuelled robots.
• It has a darker, unique setting.
• Introduction of Artificer character who is a combination of an inventor and magic-user.
• The option of creating your out-of-this-world creations.
• It consists of a level 1 adventure set in the City of Towers.

Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide

For those who have chosen the Forgotten Realms, this is one of the best sourcebooks to refer to.

• 96 pages
• Details about the lands, their people, and Gods.
• Learn about Kuldjargh Battle Rager, Bardic colleges, etc.
• Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide includes a detailed history of the region.
• Sub-races of new characters such as Undying Warlock and Swashbuckler Rogue.

Guild Master’s Guide to Ravnica

Your character list and campaign are about to transform beyond recognition.

• The rule book for Ravnica’s ten guilds is known as factions. For instance, Azorius or the Rakdos guild.
• Addition of five new races: the centaur, loxodon, minotaur, vedalken, and Simic hybrid
• Guild Master’s Guide to Ravnica includes level 1 of Krenko’s Way and new monsters.

Tomb of Annihilation

Every aspect of this novel would leave you dumbfounded. If you’re ready to handle the goosebumps and the chills, this book is a must-read. I mean just its title “Tomb of Annihilation” is enough to send chills down your spine.

• Set in the land of Chult, surrounded by monsters, traps, and whatnot.
• A formidable journey
• 5 chapters in total

Wayfinder’s Guide to Eberron

Another supplement book with every detail regarding Eberron’s story and character.

• Pulp-fiction theme setting
• Wayfinder’s Guide to Eberron introduces unique races, mystical dragon marks, and a new variety of magical things.
• A total of 6 chapters.

Ghosts of Saltmarsh

The start of this book is calm and serene, but it soon picks up the pace and leads to destruction. The plot of this book depicts an eerie setting. However, don’t assume anything from its title “Ghosts of Saltmarsh” as it’s more than a ghost story.

• The backdrop of a fishing village on the Azure sea coast.
• A collection of 7 adventures with distinctive challenges
• Inclusion of 8 chapters.

Elemental Evil Player’s Companion

Be ready for a rollercoaster ride while reading this manual, as it’d be a journey filled with emotional turmoil.

• It comprises new spells, races, and characters.
• Elemental Evil Player’s Companion took inspiration from “Princes of Apocalypse.”
• Two chapters only

Lost Mines of Phandelver

This fantasy handbook has every element you’ll ever need to make a book successful.

• The background is in Phandalin town.
• A detailed description of every beast and magic item in the text of Lost Mines of Phandelver.
• It introduces the Forgotten Realms.
• A book of four parts: Goblin Arrows, Phandalin, The Spider’s Web, and Wave Echo Cave.

D&D 5e books

Some more DnD 5e official books that are a part of the 5e book list are as follows –

The Dragonlance Chronicles

One of the most popular novels, this series has over 15o books including mini-series that are somewhat connected.

• It contains a set of 3 books, including Dragons of Autumn Twilight, Dragons of Winter Night, and Dragons of Spring Dawning.
• The book offers various characters, detailed timelines, and extensive geographies.
• Set in The Age of Despair, the fourth age. Since February 2009, the Age of Mortals is in use.
• Relatable characters and storyline

The Dragonlance Legends Trilogy

The second mini-series has more intriguing characters making it a favorite.

• It comprises three titles from the Dragonlance Saga: Time of the Twins, War of the Twins, and Test of the Twins.

The Cleric Quintet

You are in for a fantastic ride with this 5^th ed book by R.A Salvatore. Even though the Drizzt Do’Urden series is well-known, it’s still no comparison to this novel.

• Includes five original books: Canticle, In Sylvan Shadows, Night Masks, The Fallen Fortress, and The Chaos Curse
• It’s a prequel to “The Ghost King.”
• The exploration of religion and world-building is at the forefront.

The Dark Elf Trilogy

As I mentioned earlier, the Drizzt Do’Urden is a famous character, and this series revolves around its origin story.

• It’s a three-book set comprising of Homeland, Exile, and Sojourn.
• Hard-sided slipcover case with the series’ cover art.
• Excellent writing and memorable setting

The Legend of Drizzt Do’Urden

When you’re done with “The Dark Elf Trilogy,” you should go for this continuing story of the same.

• It consists of the Legacy, Starless Night, Siege of Darkness, and Passage to Dawn complete texts.
• A detailed version of the story
• Focus on side characters as well

The Icewind Dale Trilogy

If you can’t get enough of Drizzt Do’Urden, then read this novel to delve deeper into him and his two companion’s life, Regis (a dwarf) and Wulfgar (a barbarian). They join a battle and form a friendship for eternity.  

• A lighter read than the other two novels in the series.
• Focus on Drizzt and his friends.

Throne of Glass

This handbook is a relief from all the male-centric ones as it portrays a female protagonist.

• Adult fantasy
• It revolves around a young female assassin.
• 7 parts in the central series, along with a few prequels.

Legends of Vox Machina

After “Critical Role” garnered more than 40,000 followers and became the most popular first campaign live stream, people were inclined to write numerous books about their first campaign as well.

• A story about a group of adventurers “Vox Machina.”
• Their fame got them their own Amazon Prime series.
• It has numerous links to world-building and its possibilities.

Spelljammer: Beyond the Moons

If you are confused between choosing a sci-fi or a fantasy novel, go for this one as it’s a perfect combination of both. It collaborates with two genres to create a masterpiece and bring forth this fascinating realm.

Tal’dorei Campaign Setting

Another critical role book apart from Vox Machina, which includes remarkable storytelling is 5e Tal’dorei pdf

• Set in Exandria with two primary continents, Tal’dorei and Wildemount.
• Provides resources to develop a campaign in a different realm.
• Extensive focus on Tal’dorei’s history, people, and places.
• New backdrops, magical items, and monsters.

Brimstone Angels

The character of Farideh is the complete opposite of Drizzt, which makes her unique in this novel and the reader’s favorite.

• A complex storyline with excellent character growth.
• It forms a connection with the readers of love and hate.
• Evokes raw emotion

Star Wars

For all the sci-fi lovers out there, this manual specifically caters to your needs.

• A primary rulebook along with various starter sets.
• 448 pages long
• It follows a simple motto, morality is grey, and nothing is certain.
• Elaborate background of every character.

d&d 5th edition books

The Dreaming Dark Trilogy

The perfect blend of mystery, action, and suspense makes this book distinctive.

• Set in the City of Towers, Eberron.
• An intricate story with character-driven secrets.
• Its primary focus is character growth and world-building.

The Moonshae Trilogy

It’s one of the first supplement books to feature the Forgotten Realms, so it’s worth more than a glance.

• A cliché with the Prince trying to save his kingdom from the evil forces.
• It derives inspiration from Celtic lore.
• Beautiful setting, a good-hearted protagonist, and an excellent storyline.

The Harpers Series

Did we hear secret society? Yes, this novel delves into the mysterious realms of the secret society called “The Harpers.”

• Creating harmony between the kingdom and nature and working towards the betterment of the world.
• It’s solely for NPCs, giving you a chance to experience playing as one.
• No continuous story, so no obligation to read in sequence.

A Song of Ice and Fire

Every person is well-aware of the popular series “Game of Thrones,” even if they haven’t watched it. Those who aren’t interested in its adaptation to a tv-show should read this book.

• A set of 5 novels: The Game Of Thrones, Clash Of Kings, Storm Of Swords, Feast For Crows, Dance With Dragons.
• Complicated and vivid characters

The Saga of the First King

You can call this a story with a twist because that’s what it is. Instead of a typical hero, the author features a disabled boy, Bransen as the protagonist and still keeps the readers intrigued.

• Collection of 4 books: The Highwayman; The Ancient; The Dame; The Bear.
• Background of the Forgotten Realms, set before the demon wars period.
• A different perspective of a familiar region.
• Bransen is like a black horse in this story.

The Neverwinter Saga

Your beloved hero is back, but he isn’t the same. Some might say he’s conflicted. You’ll have to read the story to figure it out.

• It’s the first book and the 23^rd installment in the Legend of Drizzt series.
• You’ll come across a more grown and emotional character.
• Tense and action-filled drama.
• A different outlook on the persona of Icewind Dale Saga.
• Relatable story and characters to keep you connected.

Forgotten Realms: Starlight and Shadow

New characters bring a fun element to avoid monotony. Therefore, read about the female Drow protagonist in this novel who is the polar opposite of Drizzt.

• A collection of Daughter of the Drow, Tangled Webs, and Windwalker books.
• Liriel Braenre, the lead in the novel, is a charming independent character.
• A closer look into the Underdark, the home of the Drow world.

Dragonlance: Villains

A good story is incomplete without an evil character. The villain is the reason behind various plot twists in the storyline.

• It indulges in the background of 6 villains in the Krynn realm.
• One of the villains is Takhisis, Queen of Darkness.

Lord of the Rings

Only this book by J.R.R. Tolkien can offer the true essence of epic fantasy to the readers.

• A significant role in the creation of D&D.
• Includes 4 parts: The Hobbit, The Fellowship Of The Ring, The Two Towers, The Return Of The King

The Finder’s Stone Trilogy

This novel is considered OG for a reason. The origin of cliché ideas and plots was from this book. Therefore, it’s a must-have.

• A classic, evergreen fantasy
• Memorable characters

The Sundering

Every reader dreams of a book written by their favorite authors together. Well, your wish has come true.

• It consists 7 books, 7 different writers, including R.A Salvatore.
• They showcase the brilliance of every writer in a riveting storyline.
• It’s written by famous authors and a few debutantes.
• Each book emphasizes one DnD class.

The Endless Quest Series

The credit for this marvelous series goes to the creators of D&D, the Tactical Studies Rules (TSR). Wizards of the West Coast took claim for it afterward.

• It was initially an educational book to enhance maths, problem-solving, reading, and comprehensive skills.
• Perfect for beginners as it contains information regarding character creation, etc.

Spells, Swords, and Stealth

If you’ve already read the old novels and are looking for something new, then this story here is a fresh arrival.

• Four book series: NPCs, Split the Party, Going Rogue, and Siege Tactics.
• Witty and distinct books
• Non-player characters (NPCs) are unique from the other parts because of their entirely new perspective. It focuses on unnoticed players.
• The second book is in Briarwillow, and the protagonists have to save it and themselves by unveiling the mystery.
• You should expect a strange thrill and excitement from the third book because of its mysteriousness.
• The series ends with a more sinister story, including plotting, planning, and action.

Conan

According to Gygax, Conan is a story that predates Dungeons and Dragons, acting as an inspiration for the game.

• A fantasy novel
• A barbarian, Conan is the protagonist.

Conclusion

This list doesn’t do justice to the innumerable DnD 5e books waiting for you to read them. Every manual holds the key to various quests in the game, so it’s better to read many such handbooks and increase your knowledge. Enjoy this exciting ride into the world of Dungeons and Dragons.