I think GoT books only add to the show. If you want that gritty sort of fantasy, the First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie is a good one. Definitely a bit on the darker side, if thats what you are going for.
Anything by Brandon Sanderson is good. If you want a standalone then go with Warbreaker, a trilogy go with Mistborn, and a big series go with The Stormlight Archive (a planned 10 books series, only 2 out at the moment which might actually work in your slow reading time favor lol)
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Thank you so much. If GoT adds then I think I might start there, but the Stormlight Archive having only two out sounds promising . The anticipation of a book coming out adds to the enjoyment of a series.
Its definitely epic fantasy, 2 out now, the third is due out in November. I can pretty confidently say that I don't think you will be disappointed. The first book does have a lot of world building but its 1 of 10, obviously it has to have a fair amount lol