One popular one is 'The Lord of the Rings' series. It features the building of kingdoms in Middle - earth, with detailed descriptions of different races like elves, dwarves, and men creating their own territories and governance. Another is 'A Song of Ice and Fire'. It has various kingdoms vying for power, and we see the rise and fall of different ruling houses which is an aspect of kingdom building in a very complex and political way. There's also 'The Chronicles of Narnia' where the different lands within Narnia have their own unique kingdoms and ways of ruling.
One popular kingdom building novel is 'The Lord of the Rings'. It involves the building of kingdoms in Middle - earth, with different races like Men, Elves, and Dwarves having their own territories and forms of governance. Another is 'A Song of Ice and Fire'. There are various kingdoms vying for power, and characters constantly strive to build, defend, or take over these kingdoms. 'The Wheel of Time' also has elements of kingdom building as different nations and regions develop their own political and social structures.
One popular one is 'The Legendary Mechanic'. It combines kingdom building with elements like sci - fi and RPG. The protagonist gradually builds his own power base in a vast universe, which is very exciting. Another is 'Release that Witch'. It has an interesting concept of using witches to build a kingdom in a medieval - like setting.
One popular one is 'Overlord'. It features a powerful sorcerer who gets trapped in a game world and begins building his own kingdom. Another is 'Re:Monster' which has an interesting take on the isekai genre with the protagonist being reincarnated as a goblin and working towards building a great goblin kingdom. 'That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime' is also great. The slime protagonist gradually forms his own unique and powerful kingdom through various adventures and making allies.
A lesser - known but very interesting kingdom building web novel is 'Reborn as a Barrier Master'. In this story, the protagonist uses his unique skills to protect and develop his land, which slowly evolves into a prosperous kingdom. The story focuses on how he overcomes challenges, from dealing with neighboring kingdoms to internal strife, all while building his own kingdom.
Well, 'The Rage of Dragons' by Evan Winter is a good one. It has a unique take on kingdom building within a fantasy setting. The protagonist is constantly involved in battles and political maneuvers that shape the future of his people. Then there's 'Red Sister' by Mark Lawrence. The convent in the story can be seen as a kind of micro - kingdom, and the main character is integral to its growth and development. Also, 'Mistborn: The Final Empire' by Brandon Sanderson. The main characters are trying to overthrow an existing empire and build a new one, with a really cool magic system involved.
One popular trope is the rise of an underdog protagonist. For example, a young peasant who discovers a hidden talent for leadership and gradually builds their own kingdom. Another is the magical element, like a kingdom built around a powerful magical artifact or a mage - led kingdom. Also, political intrigue within the kingdom - building process, such as rival factions vying for power, is quite common.
Power struggle is a very common theme. Characters are often vying for control of the kingdom, whether it's through political means, military might, or magic. Another theme is the building of a new society. This includes creating laws, infrastructure, and dealing with different social classes. Also, the idea of unity against external threats is common. Kingdoms need to come together to face things like dark magic or invading armies.
'The Wheel of Time' can be considered. It has various nations which are like kingdoms in a sense. They have their own ways of governance, magical traditions, and social hierarchies. Rand al'Thor's journey often involves dealing with these kingdoms, their rulers, and the balance of power among them.
Well, 'Dune' can be considered a top kingdom - building novel. It presents a complex interstellar society with different houses and fiefdoms that are like kingdoms in a sense. There are political intrigues, power struggles, and the building of influence over vast territories. 'Foundation' by Isaac Asimov also has elements of building an empire, which is like a large - scale kingdom. It's about the long - term planning and development of a civilization across the galaxy. 'The Malazan Book of the Fallen' is another one. It has a vast world with numerous kingdoms, and the story delves deep into their histories, wars, and how they adapt and change over time.
Definitely 'Lord of the Mysteries'. It has a unique setting where the main character has to navigate a complex and mysterious world. As he progresses, he builds his own group and influence, which is similar to building a kingdom. The plot twists and the rich lore make it a standout in the genre.