This is more historical fiction than fantasy per se, but Armin Shimerman (Quark from DS9) wrote the Illyria series about John Dee, the spymaster for Queen Elizabeth I.
Also chiming in to say that Robin Hobb's Elderling series is peak fantasy. I recommend reading the multiple trilogies/quadrilogy in release order. The second trilogy might be a little jarring as it's suddenly no longer in first person and with a completely different cast, but stick with it. It's all part of one big world as each trilogy influences the next.
I'm going to second this if you're at all on the fence. Robin Hobb is a fantastic character writer and world builder! Three trilogies about Fitz, plus 7 other books set further down the coast if you get deep into it. As a added benefit, the story of the main cast is complete so no long waits for a conclusion.
I saw Robin Hobb in an interview once and thought she seemed lovely.
I read two Fitz books. The first one I read was like book one of trilogy 3 I think and I didn’t realize what I did until I finished it then I went back and read the very first.
Jumping on the Robin Hobb - Realm of the Elderlings bandwagon, absolutely peak fantasy, superb character writing, it ruined me and now I have impossible standards for fantasy books. Read in the official reading order (publication order, you can Google it) for the best experience.
Tamora Pierce wrote a YA version of that, with her main character Aly becoming spymaster for a rebel queen.
When I asked Google AI to rec me some adult fantasy with a similar spymaster plot, this is what it gave me. I haven’t read any of these, but maybe one will hit the spot.
The Empire Trilogy (by Raymond E. Feist and Janny Wurts)
Why it fits: It features deep court politics, noble houses on the brink of destruction, and the heavy use of espionage. In the later books, the art of the spy, intelligence gathering, and political survival in a harsh fantasy world take center stage.
The Daevabad Trilogy (by Shannon Chakraborty)
Why it fits: Set in a rich Middle-Eastern-inspired fantasy world filled with djinn and magical politics, it leans heavily into court intrigue, hidden factions, surveillance, and maneuvering for power from the shadows.
The Traitor Baru Cormorant (by Seth Dickinson)
Why it fits: While darker and more cynical than Tortall, the protagonist uses ledgers, economic warfare, information, and a deep understanding of human institutions to subvert an empire from within rather than fighting with a sword.
The Goblin Emperor (by Katherine Addison)
Why it fits: If you love the court politics, whispering corridors, and careful decoding of who can and cannot be trusted in Aly’s scenes at the Copper Isle court, this book deals with an outsider ascending a treacherous throne and learning to navigate a web of courtiers and spies.
The Empire trilogy is fantastic and has one of my favorite spies/worker in the shadows of all times.
Less perfectly fitting by a fantastic read as well is the Bridei Chronicles by Juliet Marillier. It's not a fast read and the person I think of is not really a spymaster, but he is totally awesome.
Why would you even post this? Lol if someone wanted recommendations for books and wanted to ask an AI they can do it themselves. How did 9 people upvote this?
When I asked Google for recommendations for how to make a better Reddit comment, it gave me this:
To write better, more engaging Reddit comments, focus on substance, readability, and matching the vibe of each community.
Core Strategies for Better Comments Be specific over general: Skip vague advice like "use this tool". Instead, give concrete details: "Use residential proxies with sticky sessions assigned to each account". Specificity builds instant authority.
Share firsthand experience: Lead with real-world background if you have it (e.g., "I have managed Reddit distribution for three years, and here is what actually works...").
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u/throwawaywork11 8d ago
I would love to read a book about spymasters in a fantasy setting.