Andrzej Sapkowski gave us the world of *The Witcher*. It is a setting rich with monsters, magic, and complicated characters such as Geralt of Rivia. These stories blend dark fantasy with Slavic folklore in a way that feels unique.
If you read *The Witcher* and want to discover authors who create worlds with a similar atmosphere, then this is for you.
Brandon Sanderson is a fantasy author known for well-constructed worlds, magic systems, and engaging characters. Fans of Andrzej Sapkowski will appreciate Sanderson’s skill in creating morally complex heroes who tackle dilemmas in immersive worlds.
Sanderson’s book “Mistborn: The Final Empire” introduces readers to a dark land oppressed by a seemingly invincible ruler called the Lord Ruler. A daring band of rebels challenges his tyranny.
Among them are fascinating characters, such as Vin, a street-smart young woman who discovers she has magical gifts with incredible potential. Secrets unfold, trust is tested, and the rebels face impossible odds as they attempt to overthrow the established order.
If you’re drawn to the gritty, nuanced characters of Sapkowski’s work, Sanderson’s storytelling style and fascinating magic system in “Mistborn” could captivate you as well.
Joe Abercrombie is a British fantasy author known for gritty characters, dark humor, and vivid worlds. If you enjoyed Andrzej Sapkowski’s “The Witcher,” you might find Abercrombie’s “The Blade Itself” appealing.
The story revolves around three distinct, morally ambiguous characters: Logen Ninefingers, a war-weary barbarian with a dark reputation; Glokta, a ruthless inquisitor determined to unravel conspiracies; and Jezal, an arrogant nobleman thrust into a world of political manipulation.
With its intense combat scenes, complex characters, and cynical view of power struggles, “The Blade Itself” offers a gritty experience for readers who appreciate morally complex fantasy similar to that of Sapkowski.
Readers who enjoyed Andrzej Sapkowski’s “The Witcher” series might also appreciate the vivid storytelling of Michael Moorcock. Moorcock is a prolific British fantasy author deeply admired for his creation of morally complex anti-heroes and imaginative worlds.
A great starting point is his iconic novel, “Elric of Melniboné.” The book introduces Elric, a frail yet powerful albino emperor who struggles with morality, duty, and the dark enchantments of his cursed blade, Stormbringer.
Moorcock skillfully weaves adventure with philosophical depth, creating a story where good and evil blur intriguingly. The plot features dramatic rivalries, ancient magic, and bittersweet romance set against the backdrop of a decadent empire on the brink of ruin.
If Sapkowski’s gritty heroes and turbulent moral landscapes caught your attention, Moorcock’s Elric saga has plenty to offer.
Patrick Rothfuss is a fantasy author known for creating detailed worlds, fascinating characters, and vivid storytelling. His novel “The Name of the Wind” is the first book of the “Kingkiller Chronicle” series.
It follows Kvothe, a talented and legendary figure who recounts the adventures, struggles, and mysteries of his fascinating past. From his humble beginnings in a group of traveling performers to his relentless quest to uncover ancient secrets, Kvothe’s journey is captivating.
For those who love the rich lore, strong characters, and gritty fantasy of Andrzej Sapkowski’s “The Witcher,” Rothfuss offers a similarly engaging experience.
George R. R. Martin is an American author famous for fantasy novels filled with complex characters, gritty politics, and morally ambiguous themes.
Fans of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Witcher saga might appreciate Martin’s “A Game of Thrones,” the first book in his epic series “A Song of Ice and Fire.”
The novel introduces readers to the land of Westeros, where noble families vie ruthlessly for power amid shifting loyalties and looming threats. Martin carefully blurs the lines between heroes and villains, keeping readers guessing with unexpected twists and alliances.
A medieval-inspired world filled with vivid settings, political intrigue, and thrilling action awaits anyone who enjoys Sapkowski’s style of dark, character-driven storytelling.
Readers who enjoy the complex worlds and intriguing characters created by Andrzej Sapkowski may also appreciate Canadian fantasy author Guy Gavriel Kay. Kay is known for crafting detailed historical settings blended seamlessly with fantasy elements.
His novel “Tigana” explores themes of memory, identity, and resistance in a land oppressed by a foreign sorcerer. Set in the Peninsula of the Palm, the story follows a group of rebels determined to reclaim not only their freedom but also the very name of their erased homeland.
The richly imagined cultures, emotional depth, and morally complex characters in “Tigana” offer the depth and complexity Sapkowski fans are likely to enjoy.
Readers who enjoy Andrzej Sapkowski’s blend of rich fantasy worlds, memorable characters, and engaging adventure stories may find J. R. R. Tolkien equally fascinating. Tolkien is known as the father of modern fantasy.
His most famous novel, “The Hobbit,” follows the story of a simple, comfort-loving hobbit named Bilbo Baggins. Bilbo joins a band of dwarves on a dangerous journey to reclaim a treasure guarded by the fearsome dragon, Smaug.
The quest challenges Bilbo to leave behind his comfortable home and explore dark forests, mysterious mountains, and encounter creatures both frightening and wonderful.
Smart dialogue, vivid landscapes, and a deep exploration of courage and friendship make Tolkien’s world an inviting place for readers who relish Sapkowski’s storytelling.
If you enjoy Andrzej Sapkowski’s “The Witcher,” you might want to explore the rich storytelling of Robin Hobb. She is known for immersive fantasy worlds and characters who stay with you long after you’ve closed the book.
In “Assassin’s Apprentice,” the first book of the Farseer Trilogy, we meet Fitz, a young illegitimate royal child trained secretly as an assassin for the crown.
As Fitz struggles with loneliness, hidden powers, and dangerous political schemes, his journey unfolds with unexpected twists. The book offers strong emotional depth and thoughtful exploration of fate and duty, wrapped up in an intricate fantasy realm.
Readers drawn to Geralt of Rivia’s morally complex quests will likely find Fitz’s story equally engaging.
Readers who enjoy Andrzej Sapkowski’s blend of rich narratives, complex characters, and morally ambiguous worlds might find Steven Erikson equally engaging. Erikson creates expansive landscapes filled with deeply layered politics and vivid characters.
His book “Gardens of the Moon,” the first in the “Malazan Book of the Fallen” series, sets readers in a sprawling empire filled with conflict, hidden ambitions, and powerful magic.
The Malazan Empire is embroiled in a brutal takeover attempt of the city of Darujhistan, where assassins and sorcerers clash behind the scenes, alliances shift quickly, and ancient forces awaken with unpredictable consequences.
Erikson weaves multiple story threads and intriguing characters like Whiskeyjack and Anomander Rake into an epic narrative filled with action, mystery, and deep moral questions.
Books by Terry Pratchett offer a blend of sharp wit, fantasy, and humorous insight into human nature. If you enjoy Andrzej Sapkowski’s mix of fantasy with subtle critique of society, you might appreciate Pratchett’s “Guards! Guards!”.
In this story, an inept group of city watchmen are suddenly confronted with a dangerous conspiracy and a dragon threatening their city.
Through clever characters and unexpected twists, Pratchett explores themes of power, responsibility, and courage with a refreshingly humorous approach.
Readers who enjoy Andrzej Sapkowski’s blend of dark fantasy and vivid storytelling might also appreciate Neil Gaiman, a writer known for exploring myths, dreams, and mysterious worlds.
In Gaiman’s novel “Neverwhere,” ordinary Londoner Richard Mayhew slips through the cracks into a shadowy underworld below the city. This hidden realm, known as London Below, is full of strange characters, danger, magic, and memorable adventures.
The story captures how swiftly an ordinary life can turn extraordinary, with Gaiman’s characteristic blend of humor, suspense, and imagination. Fans of layered fantasy worlds like Sapkowski’s will likely enjoy diving into “Neverwhere.”
Readers who enjoy Andrzej Sapkowski’s mix of gritty fantasy, complex politics, and morally ambiguous characters may find R. Scott Bakker equally fascinating. Bakker’s book, “The Darkness That Comes Before,” is the first installment of “The Prince of Nothing” series.
It takes place in a world scarred by ancient wars and looming prophecies. A warrior philosopher named Anasûrimbor Kellhus emerges from isolation, his goals unclear.
The lands around him are tense with power struggles, religious fanaticism, and the overshadowing threat of an impending Holy War. Bakker builds a vivid, ruthless world filled with intrigue, secret motivations, and ethical uncertainty on every page.
If you enjoy Andrzej Sapkowski’s blend of magic, political intrigue, and complex characters, you might appreciate Raymond E. Feist’s novels too. Feist is best known for his imaginative fantasy series, set in the richly crafted world of Midkemia.
One great starting point is “Magician,” the first novel in the Riftwar Saga. This book introduces readers to two young friends, Pug and Tomas, whose lives are turned upside down when war breaks out between their kingdom and an invading empire from another world.
Both boys find themselves pulled into roles they never expected, grappling with unfamiliar powers and immense responsibilities.
Full of magic, adventure, and human struggles, “Magician” offers the deep world-building and complicated relationships that fans of Sapkowski often love.
Robert Jordan is an author who specializes in epic fantasy filled with rich history, magic, and vivid characters. His famous series, “The Wheel of Time,” begins with “The Eye of the World.”
The story revolves around Rand al’Thor, a young farm boy chosen by destiny, who must leave his simple life behind to confront a rising darkness threatening the entire world.
Jordan builds an expansive world, well-developed cultures, and intricate magic systems, which fans of Andrzej Sapkowski’s “The Witcher” will appreciate. Both worlds are similarly filled with memorable characters, gripping action scenes, and morally complex plots.
If you enjoy Andrzej Sapkowski’s blend of gritty fantasy, sharp wit, and morally complex characters, Scott Lynch’s work might grab your attention. Lynch’s book “The Lies of Locke Lamora” introduces readers to Locke Lamora, a bold thief and con artist in the city of Camorr.
He’s the charismatic leader of a gang called the Gentlemen Bastards. The crew specializes in sophisticated heists aimed at the wealthy elite, navigating a dangerous underworld filled with crime bosses, elaborate cons, and high-stakes intrigue.
Lynch builds a vivid world filled with humor, betrayal, and clever plot twists. Fans of Sapkowski’s rich storytelling and rogue heroes will likely find Locke Lamora’s cunning escapades impossible to put down.