Brian McClellan is known for captivating fantasy novels blending magic and politics. His popular series, The Powder Mage Trilogy, includes the notable book Promise of Blood, offering action-packed stories filled with intriguing characters and suspenseful plots.
If you enjoy reading books by Brian McClellan then you might also like the following authors:
Brandon Sanderson is an author well known for his imaginative fantasy worlds and unique magic systems, appealing strongly to fans of Brian McClellan’s vivid storytelling and intricate characters.
If you’re looking for something new, consider Mistborn: The Final Empire, the first novel of Sanderson’s acclaimed Mistborn trilogy.
In the book, a dark tyrant known as the Lord Ruler has governed with an iron fist for a thousand years, oppressing the masses under a perpetual blanket of ash and mist.
But hope arises when a skilled thief named Kelsier plans the impossible—overthrowing this seemingly immortal ruler with the help of individuals who can ingest metals to unlock unique magical powers.
The action-packed heist, detailed magical system, and intriguing cast of characters create a story you won’t forget easily. Fans of McClellan’s Powder Mage series, with its engaging battles and revolutionary themes, will feel right at home with Sanderson’s compelling approach.
If you enjoy Brian McClellan’s action-packed, military-influenced fantasy novels, Brent Weeks is another author you’ll likely appreciate. Weeks is known for writing energetic stories filled with complex characters and thrilling plots.
His book The Black Prism introduces readers to a vibrant world where magic users, known as drafters, harness power by shaping light into tangible forms. At the center of this story is Gavin Guile, the powerful Prism who keeps peace but harbors dangerous secrets.
Weeks blends suspenseful intrigue, inventive magic systems, and intense action sequences throughout the story. Fans of strong magical landscapes and carefully built worlds will feel right at home with Weeks’ exciting storytelling style.
Readers who enjoy Brian McClellan might also like Django Wexler, another author skilled at blending intricate politics, vivid military scenes, and hints of magic.
In Wexler’s novel The Thousand Names, we follow Captain Marcus d’Ivoire and Winter Ihernglass as they navigate a gritty world of warfare, political intrigue, and supernatural threats.
The setting feels fresh, inspired by the era of muskets and cannons but with a unique magical twist. Winter hides a dangerous secret, and as the plot unfolds, the stakes rise in battles, rebellions, and the mysterious pursuit of ancient knowledge.
The characters are vivid, believable, and easily lovable or despised, making The Thousand Names a satisfying read for fans craving more engaging flintlock fantasy.
Mark Lawrence is an author who writes dark fantasy novels filled with sharp characters, gritty action, and clever plots. If you’re a fan of Brian McClellan’s intense blend of magic and politics, you’ll likely appreciate Lawrence’s book Prince of Thorns.
This debut novel follows Jorg Ancrath, a ruthless young prince haunted by tragedy, who leads a band of violent outlaws on his path of revenge.
Jorg’s journey through a broken, war-ravaged empire is both brutal and fascinating, with surprising twists, morally complex decisions, and a well-crafted world that blends fantasy with subtle hints of post-apocalyptic elements.
Lawrence creates a captivating anti-hero whose dark charisma and cunning mind will keep you turning the pages.
If you enjoy Brian McClellan’s sharp wit, gritty battles, and vivid characters, you might appreciate the style of Joe Abercrombie.
Abercrombie’s novel The Blade Itself, the first book of The First Law trilogy, follows intriguing, morally complex characters including Logen Ninefingers, a feared northern warrior famous for past violence he wishes to leave behind.
There’s also Glokta, once a respected swordsman who now serves as a torturer for the Inquisition. And Jezal, a self-absorbed nobleman who dreams of glory but dislikes effort.
The story weaves politics, war, and morally ambiguous quests into a narrative full of dark humor and compelling dilemmas. Abercrombie’s writing is blunt, fast-paced, and filled with unexpected twists that keep readers hooked from page one.
Peter V. Brett is an author to check out if you enjoy Brian McClellan’s style of exciting fantasy with strong characters and vivid worlds. His novel The Warded Man kicks off the Demon Cycle series, set in a world ravaged by demons that rise each night.
Humanity struggles to survive behind protective wards—their only defense against the nightly horrors.
The story revolves around Arlen, a boy determined to find a way to stand against these terrifying creatures, and Leesha and Rojer, characters whose unique skills and backgrounds drive the plot forward in intriguing ways.
Brett creates a world filled with danger, courage, and compelling heroes who face tremendous odds. If you like immersive storytelling packed with action and memorable characters similar to those found in McClellan’s books, this could be a satisfying read.
Readers who enjoy Brian McClellan’s military fantasy stories filled with complex characters and political tension will likely appreciate Anthony Ryan.
Ryan’s Blood Song, the first book in the Raven’s Shadow series, centers around Vaelin Al Sorna, a young warrior abandoned by his father and raised by a strict militant order. Vaelin must navigate war, corrupt powers, and mysterious magic as he rises to prominence.
With sharp storytelling and dynamic characters, this novel offers the kind of depth and rich world-building that fans of McClellan will appreciate.
If you enjoy Brian McClellan’s vivid battle scenes, intricate politics, and gripping character struggles, you might also appreciate Miles Cameron. His novel The Red Knight blends elements of medieval warfare, magic, and political intrigue into a captivating fantasy tale.
The story centers around a mercenary captain known as the Red Knight, hired to protect a convent threatened by monstrous creatures from the Wild. As he prepares for battle, hidden motives and political schemes unravel, making his mission even more dangerous and complex.
Readers who appreciate realistic combat, memorable characters, and a deeply thought-out magical system will find plenty to admire in Cameron’s richly crafted world.
If you enjoy Brian McClellan’s adventurous blend of fantasy and action, then Sebastien de Castell could be a perfect fit.
His book Traitor’s Blade introduces readers to Falcio Val Mond and his companions Kest and Brasti, former Greatcoats who once upheld the King’s law but now find themselves outcasts in a world full of corruption and betrayal.
As they move through a kingdom shattered by intrigue and violence, Falcio and his friends search for justice and redemption against overwhelming odds.
Filled with sharp wit, engaging sword fights, and clever twists, Traitor’s Blade effortlessly delivers adventure alongside a deeper exploration of loyalty and honor.
Michael J. Sullivan is an author who creates vivid fantasy worlds filled with action, wit, and memorable characters. His writing mixes fast-paced adventure with sharp dialogue, a style readers of Brian McClellan’s books often appreciate.
In Theft of Swords, Sullivan introduces readers to Royce Melborn, a skilled thief, and Hadrian Blackwater, a swordsman with a mysterious past. The unlikely pair becomes caught in a royal conspiracy after being framed for murder.
To clear their names, Royce and Hadrian must uncover the plot, navigate political intrigue, and outsmart powerful enemies. The camaraderie between the two heroes adds humor and depth, making this an enjoyable read from start to finish.
Readers who enjoy Brian McClellan’s blend of epic storytelling, gritty realism, and richly-drawn worlds might appreciate John Gwynne’s style. Gwynne crafts powerful character-driven stories that bring a fresh voice to epic fantasy.
In Malice, the first book of his series The Faithful and the Fallen, Gwynne builds an intricately layered narrative full of betrayal, prophecy, ancient evils, and unforgettable heroes.
The story follows Corban, a young boy dreaming of becoming a warrior in his homeland, unaware of the dark forces rising around him. Gwynne pairs intense and gritty battle scenes with heartfelt and genuine characters, making his storytelling both honest and emotional.
For readers seeking fantasy with depth, action, and powerful emotional impact, John Gwynne’s Malice is a great place to start.
Evan Winter is a fantasy author known for vivid battle scenes, intriguing magic systems, and strong characters who draw readers into their struggles.
If you enjoy Brian McClellan’s mix of politics, action, and powerful magic, you will appreciate Winter’s novel The Rage of Dragons. In this epic fantasy, protagonist Tau embarks on a fierce journey for vengeance after witnessing a devastating personal tragedy.
Set in a war-torn land where magic and dragons become critical weapons, the story follows Tau as he confronts the rigid social order to become a legendary fighter.
The novel not only offers relentless action scenes but also explores important themes of class struggle, determination, and the cost of revenge.
Fans looking for a gripping tale filled with magic, revenge, and challenges against impossible odds will likely find Evan Winter’s storytelling style appealing.
R.F. Kuang is an author whose books often mix gripping action scenes, complex characters, and a richly imagined fantasy world. Her novel, The Poppy War, is a dark military fantasy set in a world inspired by Chinese history.
The story follows Rin, a war orphan from a poor province who shocks everyone by acing the empire’s demanding military academy entrance exams. Once Rin reaches the elite academy, she must overcome harsh training, rivalry, and a society under constant threat of invasion.
Fans of Brian McClellan may appreciate Kuang’s similar ability to blend military strategy, intricate magic systems, and morally complex characters.
Books by Tamsyn Muir offer a bold blend of fantasy, gripping military action, and dark humor. Her novel Gideon the Ninth introduces readers to a unique world of necromancers, haunted tombs, and sword fights.
Gideon Nav, a fiercely independent swordswoman with sharp wit, is reluctantly bound to serve Harrowhark Nonagesimus, her childhood nemesis and gifted necromancer, in a deadly competition involving arcane mysteries and deadly secrets.
Tamsyn Muir’s engaging style, vivid action scenes, and memorable characters might resonate well with readers who appreciate Brian McClellan’s action-driven narratives and complex worlds.
Nicholas Eames is a Canadian fantasy author known for stories filled with action, humor, and characters you truly root for. His novel Kings of the Wyld follows Clay Cooper, a former mercenary who has settled into retirement, until his old bandmate comes knocking.
One last daring adventure reunites their legendary crew to save one of their own, plunging them back into battles against relentless monsters, deadly assassins, and encounters with unforgettable beasts.
For readers who enjoy Brian McClellan’s dynamic characters and gritty battles, Nicholas Eames brings a similar blend of humor, camaraderie, and thrilling fantasy action.