If you enjoy reading books by Brian McClellan then you might also like the following authors:
Brandon Sanderson is a popular fantasy author known for epic storytelling, complex magic systems, and memorable characters. Readers who enjoy Brian McClellan’s imaginative worlds might appreciate Sanderson’s novel, “Mistborn: The Final Empire.”
In this book, readers are introduced to a dark empire ruled for centuries by a seemingly immortal tyrant known as the Lord Ruler. Against him stands a street-smart thief named Kelsier and his recruited crew, who discover rare magical abilities through metals called Allomancy.
The story weaves action-packed heists, deep intrigue, and a rebellion that challenges an oppressive regime.
Sanderson builds a unique magic structure as intricate and engaging as the powder mages in McClellan’s novels, alongside characters who you will cheer for throughout their journey.
Books by Joe Abercrombie are perfect for readers who enjoy Brian McClellan’s style of gritty action, complex characters, and vivid storytelling.
Abercrombie’s “The Blade Itself,” the first book in his series “The First Law,” introduces readers to a morally complicated world packed with intriguing characters.
You’ll meet Logen Ninefingers, a skilled warrior haunted by his violent past; Glokta, a cynical and ruthless inquisitor crippled by torture; and Jezal dan Luthar, an arrogant young swordsman who doesn’t yet grasp the reality of war.
The story skillfully intertwines their journeys against a backdrop filled with political intrigue, betrayal, dark humor, and brutal battle scenes.
Abercrombie has a knack for crafting flawed, compelling characters who pull readers into his gritty fantasy world from the very first page.
Scott Lynch is an author known for building vivid fantasy worlds filled with clever thieves and intricate plots. Readers who enjoy Brian McClellan’s sharp storytelling and richly developed characters may also find Lynch’s work rewarding.
A great place to begin is with “The Lies of Locke Lamora,” the first book in the Gentleman Bastard series. This book brings you into the life of Locke Lamora, an orphan raised to become a master thief and con artist.
Locke and his loyal crew plan spectacular heists in the colorful city of Camorr, inspired by Venice, full of canals and hidden secrets. However, rival criminal factions, city politics, and more dangerous threats complicate Locke’s carefully laid schemes.
The novel mixes humor, adventure, betrayal, and plenty of surprising twists.
Daniel Abraham is an author well worth checking out if you’re a fan of Brian McClellan’s books. His novel “The Dragon’s Path,” the first in “The Dagger and the Coin” series, introduces readers to a fascinating world torn by politics and war.
In this story, you follow characters navigating dangerous power struggles, economic intrigue, and ancient mysteries as kingdoms teeter on the brink of collapse. Abraham brings to life intricate political schemes, smart dialogue, and characters who feel real.
If you loved the gritty realism and dynamic conflicts in McClellan’s stories, Abraham’s books have plenty to offer.
Readers who enjoy Brian McClellan’s books might also appreciate Patrick Rothfuss’ storytelling. Rothfuss is known for his captivating fantasy narratives and skillful character creation.
His book “The Name of the Wind” begins the story of Kvothe, a legendary figure whose life becomes shrouded in myth.
The story follows Kvothe’s own retelling of his remarkable youth, from his travels with a troupe of performers to his struggles on the city streets, all leading to his studies at the prestigious University where magic and ancient secrets intertwine.
Rothfuss’ world-building is detailed, and his characters come alive through their adventures and challenges.
Readers who enjoy Brian McClellan’s vivid blend of magic, politics, and complex characters might find N.K. Jemisin’s writing captivating too. Jemisin is known for creating rich fantasy worlds full of political struggles and deep historical roots.
Her novel “The Fifth Season” introduces the Stillness, a continent repeatedly devastated by catastrophic earthquakes. In this harsh setting, certain individuals can control seismic activity. They face persecution even as the world depends on their abilities.
The story follows three distinct characters whose journeys slowly weave together, revealing secrets about their world and themselves.
Jemisin offers readers a unique magic system, a tense exploration of prejudice and oppression, and unforgettable characters whose lives intersect through disasters and hope.
Glen Cook is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy Brian McClellan’s strong military themes and dynamic storylines. His novel “The Black Company” follows an elite group of mercenaries known for their skill, loyalty, and grit.
They’re hired by an ominous figure known simply as the Lady, a queen with immense dark powers whose ambitions might plunge their world into chaos.
The narrative develops through the perspective of Croaker, their seasoned medic and chronicler, who captures both the fierce loyalty and harsh moral dilemmas the crew faces as they fight for their mysterious employer.
The book offers intense battle scenes, complex characters, and a dark yet humanized portrayal of war that will resonate with those who liked the gritty realism of Brian McClellan’s stories.
Robert Jordan is a favorite among readers who enjoy military fantasy, detailed world-building, and complex plots, similar to Brian McClellan’s approach. In his book “The Eye of the World,” Jordan introduces readers to a land threatened by darkness and prophecy.
The story follows Rand al’Thor, Mat, and Perrin, three young men from a peaceful village called Emond’s Field, whose quiet lives suddenly shift when dark forces appear.
Forced to flee their homes alongside mysterious companions, the youths soon discover their destinies are tied to an ancient struggle between good and evil.
Jordan crafts rich nations, detailed magic systems, and political rivalries that echo McClellan’s style, making “The Eye of the World” a great pick for readers craving epic adventures and immersive storytelling.
Tad Williams is an author who shares Brian McClellan’s talent for crafting rich fantasy settings filled with political turmoil and memorable characters.
His novel “The Dragonbone Chair” introduces Simon, a young kitchen servant who dreams of greatness but lives unnoticed within the castle walls. When an ancient darkness rises to threaten the kingdom, Simon finds himself caught in events bigger than he ever imagined.
Williams carefully blends magic, intrigue, and vibrant world-building. If complex storylines threaded with history, myth, and struggles for power drew you to McClellan, then Tad Williams provides another deep fantasy experience to explore.
Readers who enjoy Brian McClellan’s fast-paced military fantasy may also appreciate Mark Lawrence. Lawrence blends dark themes, gritty worlds, and morally complex characters into unforgettable stories.
His book “Prince of Thorns” introduces Jorg Ancrath, a ruthless young prince scarred by tragedy and driven by vengeance.
Set in a shattered empire plagued by violence and betrayal, Jorg charts a brutal path toward power, confronting powerful enemies, twisted magic, and haunting memories. Fans of vivid storytelling and intense, conflicted heroes will find plenty to enjoy in Lawrence’s work.
Gene Wolfe is an author praised for his imaginative worlds and deep storytelling. If you enjoy Brian McClellan’s detailed fantasy settings and complex characters, Wolfe could be an author worth exploring.
His novel “The Shadow of the Torturer” is the first entry in “The Book of the New Sun” series. It follows Severian, a young apprentice torturer cast out from his guild for showing mercy to a prisoner.
As Severian travels through a fascinating, far-future Earth filled with ancient artifacts and strange societies, he slowly uncovers deeper secrets about the world and himself.
Wolfe weaves fantasy and science fiction together, creating layers of symbolism and mysteries that readers can unravel along with the protagonist.
Richard K. Morgan is a British science fiction and fantasy author known for fast-paced storytelling, gritty action, and memorable characters. If you enjoy Brian McClellan’s blend of magic, politics, and military intrigue, you might enjoy Morgan’s novel “The Steel Remains.”
This story follows Ringil Eskiath, a hero of a past war, who now lives as an outcast until he is called back into action by his family.
Ringil teams up with old companions, including a disgraced noble and a warrior from another race, to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a relative. As they uncover dark forces, the past they wanted to forget resurfaces.
Morgan mixes brutal sword fights, complex politics, and elements of supernatural horror into a tight, engaging narrative.
If you enjoy Brian McClellan’s mix of fast-paced plots, intriguing magic systems, and vivid characters, you might find C.S. Friedman’s novels equally rewarding.
Her book “Black Sun Rising,” the first in the “Coldfire Trilogy,” introduces readers to the planet Erna, a world shaped by fears and dreams made real. Here, humanity’s darker impulses take life through a mysterious force known as fae.
The story follows Damien Vryce, a committed priest embarking on a dangerous journey, and Gerald Tarrant, a powerful sorcerer haunted by darkness. Together, they must confront the dangerous manifestations created by human imagination.
Fans of McClellan’s captivating narratives and unique magic will find much to appreciate in Friedman’s detailed world and memorable characters.
John Gwynne is an author who writes gritty, epic fantasy filled with realistic soldiers, dramatic warfare, and deeply personal conflicts.
Readers who enjoy Brian McClellan’s mix of vivid battle scenes and intriguing character arcs will find Gwynne’s storytelling equally engaging.
In his book “Malice,” the first installment of “The Faithful and the Fallen” series, Gwynne introduces several memorable characters set against an impending war between giants and humans.
Betrayal, courage, and morally complex decisions shape a story that stays with you long after finishing the book.
Michael J. Sullivan writes fantasy novels filled with adventure, vivid characters, and intricate plots. His series “The Riyria Revelations” begins with “Theft of Swords,” where we meet Royce Melborn, a skilled thief, and his partner Hadrian Blackwater, a talented swordsman.
Framed for murdering the king, Royce and Hadrian find themselves caught in a dangerous conspiracy. They must unravel secrets of royal intrigue, ancient magic, and hidden agendas to clear their names and survive.
Sullivan brings humor and camaraderie to his characters, balanced with tense action and political maneuvering.
Readers who enjoy Brian McClellan’s “Powder Mage” series’ blend of compelling characters and exciting storytelling will likely appreciate Sullivan’s engaging tales and memorable duo.