If you enjoy reading books by Anthony Ryan then you might also like the following authors:
Joe Abercrombie writes gritty and dark fantasy that doesn't shy away from harsh realities. His storytelling presents morally complex characters with human flaws.
Readers who appreciate Anthony Ryan's depth and realism might enjoy Abercrombie's novel The Blade Itself, which kicks off his First Law trilogy. It offers plenty of sharp dialogue, vivid combat scenes, and a story filled with intrigue and ethical dilemmas.
Mark Lawrence crafts stories that blend dark fantasy with gripping and layered characters, often exploring themes of redemption, cruelty, and humanity. Similar to Anthony Ryan, Lawrence excels at drawing readers into the minds of morally ambiguous protagonists.
His novel Prince of Thorns introduces Jorg Ancrath, a young prince with a ruthless ambition who is difficult to forget.
Steven Erikson is an ambitious fantasy writer known for elaborate worlds, rich lore, and complex, sprawling plots.
Fans of Anthony Ryan's intricate world-building and large-scale storytelling will appreciate Erikson's Gardens of the Moon, the opening book of his Malazan Book of the Fallen series.
It's a challenging but rewarding read that invites readers into a massive, fully realized fantasy universe.
Glen Cook offers fantasy infused with military realism, practical storytelling, and morally grey characters. Like Anthony Ryan's stories, Cook's work mixes fantasy elements with gritty, soldier-centered narratives.
His novel The Black Company captures war through the eyes of tough, battle-weary mercenaries, providing grounded descriptions of action, camaraderie, and conflict in a grim fantasy setting.
Brandon Sanderson combines meticulous world-building with carefully structured plots and vividly drawn characters. Though less grim than Anthony Ryan, his stories share an adventurous and character-centric style.
Readers might enjoySanderson's Mistborn: The Final Empire, a compelling fantasy book that features innovative magical systems, engaging heroes, and plots that twist in fresh ways.
Patrick Rothfuss creates immersive worlds full of detail, emotion, and characters you can't forget. His writing style is thoughtful and lyrical, bringing depth to his fantasy settings.
In his novel The Name of the Wind, he follows Kvothe, a legendary figure, as he recounts his challenging rise from orphan to powerful wizard. Fans of Anthony Ryan will appreciate Rothfuss's similarly rich storytelling, complex characters, and themes of growth and ambition.
Scott Lynch writes clever fantasy filled with wit, humor, and adventure. He has a knack for crafting sharp dialogue and compelling characters who scam and survive in gritty environments.
A great example is The Lies of Locke Lamora, which follows a charming group of thieves in a vibrant fantasy city. Readers who enjoy Anthony Ryan's well-developed characters, strong friendships, and engaging worlds will likely appreciate Lynch's work.
R. Scott Bakker writes fantasy with philosophical depth, complex characters, and impressive world-building. His style is thoughtful and intense, exploring power, religion, and belief in a gritty, realistic setting.
In The Darkness That Comes Before, Bakker introduces a complicated world on the brink of a devastating holy war. Anthony Ryan's fans, drawn to layered, mature stories and deep character motivations, might enjoy Bakker's blend of philosophy and epic storytelling.
Peter V. Brett creates fantasy stories filled with action, dark tension, and an original, immersive setting. In his book The Warded Man, humanity fights demons each night using protective wards, building powerful drama around fear, courage, and survival.
Brett's attention to gritty action and survival themes could strongly appeal to Anthony Ryan's fans who enjoy detailed worlds and battles between darkness and humanity.
Brent Weeks is known for writing fast-paced fantasy packed with action and engaging characters. His novels often focus on morally complex heroes, featuring exciting combat and intricate magic systems.
In The Way of Shadows, Weeks presents an assassin-in-training navigating a deadly, shadowy underworld. Readers who enjoy Anthony Ryan's gripping, dark narratives, morally conflicted heroes, and action-driven plots will find much to love in Weeks's novels.
Fans of Anthony Ryan will probably like John Gwynne's gritty, action-packed storytelling. Gwynne writes tense, character-driven fantasy that explores friendships, loyalty, and moral challenges.
His book Malice, the first novel in his series The Faithful and the Fallen, introduces readers to a richly detailed world filled with complex heroes and villains—and plenty of battle scenes readers won't soon forget.
If you enjoy Anthony Ryan's blend of military fantasy and political intrigue, Brian McClellan will be a great addition to your reading list. McClellan has a quick-moving, immersive style full of vivid action, clever twists, and great characters.
His book Promise of Blood, the first in the Powder Mage Trilogy, mixes magic, revolution, and gunpowder warfare into a unique, well-crafted story.
Django Wexler brings a similar balance of exciting military action and sharp character development as Anthony Ryan. His writing has a sense of sophistication without sacrificing readability, and he builds fascinating worlds guided by strong but realistic characters.
Start with The Thousand Names, the compelling first book in the Shadow Campaigns series, which combines military fantasy with thoughtful exploration of friendship, power, and responsibilities.
Miles Cameron crafts fantasy that's realistic, intense, and driven by carefully described battles and complex characters, much like Anthony Ryan.
His stories give readers a well-rounded view of war and the people who fight in it, wrapped up in a believable world shaped by medieval inspirations.
Try The Red Knight, the first book in his Traitor Son cycle, for an action-packed, suspenseful adventure full of knights, demons, and gripping combat.
If Anthony Ryan's emphasis on intensely personal stories speaks to you, Robin Hobb may be your next favorite author. Her style leans toward emotionally rich, deeply developed characters who face morally difficult choices and personal struggles within intricate fantasy worlds.
Explore Assassin's Apprentice, the first novel of Hobb's engrossing Farseer Trilogy, narrated from the unique point of view of Fitz, an intriguing and vulnerable young man trained in stealth and intrigue.