David Eddings’ *Belgariad* and *Malloreon* series are fantasy staples for many readers. You find in these books a classic struggle between good and evil, and you follow young characters as they discover their destinies.
Eddings wove in a lot of humor, and his characters became like old friends. Think of Garion’s journey from farm boy to sorcerer, or Polgara’s sharp wit.
If you are looking for authors who capture a similar sense of classic fantasy adventure, here are some writers you might want to explore.
Readers who enjoy David Eddings’ rich worlds and memorable characters will likely appreciate Raymond E. Feist. Feist’s novels blend intriguing characters, magic, and fast-paced adventures into a captivating reading experience.
In “Magician,” the first installment of his Riftwar Saga, young Pug becomes apprenticed to a magician before war disrupts his life. When rifts between worlds open, two civilizations clash, and Pug must navigate politics, war, and sorcery to find his path.
Feist builds an imaginative and detailed universe filled with political intrigue, powerful magic, and friendships tested by adversity. Fans of Eddings’ immersive storytelling and appealing heroes may find “Magician” to be a wonderful new world to explore.
If you enjoy David Eddings’ fantasy worlds filled with adventure and magic, then Terry Brooks is worth your attention. Brooks is well-known for crafting epic fantasy stories that offer imaginative worlds, rich histories, and memorable quests.
A perfect example is “The Sword of Shannara,” the first novel in Brooks’ Shannara series. The story follows Shea Ohmsford, an ordinary young man thrust into an extraordinary adventure after finding out he’s humanity’s last hope against an ancient evil.
Shea is guided by magic, courage, and a small group of companions through dangers, secrets, and mysteries as he journeys toward a legendary sword.
For those who loved the quests, magical artifacts, and compelling characters of Eddings’ stories, Terry Brooks provides another captivating fantasy journey.
Books by Robert Jordan often appeal to those who enjoy David Eddings’ skillful blend of engaging characters, deep lore, and epic storytelling. Jordan crafted rich worlds and complex characters in his series “The Wheel of Time.”
The first book, “The Eye of the World,” introduces us to Rand al’Thor and his friends from a quiet village who must flee when monstrous creatures called Trollocs begin hunting them.
Their journey soon becomes a quest entangled with prophecy, power struggles, and mysterious magics. The vivid descriptions and memorable personalities give readers a satisfying adventure packed with suspense and drama.
Anne McCaffrey is an author fantasy fans often turn to after enjoying the adventures of David Eddings. Her novel “Dragonflight” invites you into a vivid world called Pern, where dragons and humans share a close bond to protect their planet from a deadly threat known as Thread.
The story centers around Lessa, a courageous young woman determined to reclaim her birthright, and F’lar, the dragonrider who partners with her. Together, they must find a way to unite the dragonriders before Pern falls into catastrophe.
McCaffrey creates a richly detailed world that readers can easily escape to, filled with memorable characters, dramatic dragon-riding scenes, and plenty of action.
If you crave epic stories with strong heroes, mythical creatures, and exciting adventures, “Dragonflight” could be the next fantasy tale to grab your attention.
Books by Brandon Sanderson often appeal to readers who enjoy the immersive fantasy worlds and memorable characters found in David Eddings’ novels. Sanderson creates detailed magical systems and vivid storytelling that readers can easily lose themselves in.
A great place to start is his novel “Mistborn: The Final Empire”, the first in the Mistborn trilogy. Set in a harsh world where ash falls from the sky and the oppressive Lord Ruler reigns supreme, the story follows Vin, a street-smart thief with hidden powers.
When she joins forces with a determined group of rebels, they plot an impossible heist: overthrowing an immortal tyrant and changing their world forever. Rich magic, clever schemes, and characters you genuinely care about make “Mistborn” an unforgettable adventure.
Robin Hobb is an author who captivates readers with detailed world-building, rich characters, and touching stories reminiscent of David Eddings’ works. If you enjoyed Eddings’ style, try Hobb’s novel “Assassin’s Apprentice,” the first book in the “Farseer Trilogy.”
It follows FitzChivalry, an illegitimate royal who grows up at court hidden in plain sight. Fitz trains secretly as an assassin and struggles with a special form of magic called the Wit that connects him closely with animals.
Hobb offers readers a vivid journey of loyalty, betrayal, and politics that threads through a kingdom on the brink of war.
Terry Goodkind Terry Goodkind is a fantasy author known for crafting rich worlds full of adventure and strong characters. His stories blend classic fantasy adventure with deep philosophical elements.
If you enjoyed the immersive worlds and memorable heroes of David Eddings’ novels, Goodkind’s “Wizard’s First Rule,” the opening novel in his series “The Sword of Truth,” might suit your tastes.
The book follows Richard Cypher, a woodcutter from a rural village who discovers he has magical abilities and a destiny tied to saving his world.
Alongside Kahlan, a mysterious young woman with powers of her own, Richard journeys through a perilous world filled with dark magics, ancient prophecies, and intense political struggles.
The characters face tests of courage and morality, with suspenseful twists that keep the pages turning.
Margaret Weis is an acclaimed author of fantasy novels known for rich characters and lively storytelling. If you enjoy the adventurous spirit and witty dialogue found in David Eddings’ stories, Weis’ books could be a great choice.
A good place to begin is “Dragons of Autumn Twilight,” the first book in the popular Dragonlance Chronicles series. It follows a group of diverse friends reunited after years apart. They must stop an ancient evil from conquering their land.
The characters—including the mysterious mage Raistlin Majere and the heroic Tanis Half-Elven—are memorable and easy to become attached to. Weis creates a vibrant, richly detailed fantasy world filled with humor, friendship, and epic adventures.
Readers who enjoy David Eddings might want to explore Tracy Hickman’s fantasy novels, known for their vibrant worlds and memorable characters. Hickman is best known as co-author of the “Dragonlance Chronicles,” starting with “Dragons of Autumn Twilight.”
In this first book, a band of heroes reunites after years apart, only to uncover a looming threat to their homeland. The characters—including fiery warriors, wise wizards, and complex villains—create an immersive adventure that many Eddings fans will quickly grow attached to.
Hickman’s storytelling blends humor, friendship, sacrifice, and epic battles into an exciting quest that keeps readers turning pages.
J.R.R. Tolkien J.R.R. Tolkien is one of the most influential fantasy authors, especially known for creating immersive worlds and memorable characters. If you’re a fan of David Eddings, Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” might catch your interest.
In this tale, Bilbo Baggins, a cautious, comfort-loving hobbit, finds himself unexpectedly swept into an epic quest. He joins a company of dwarves determined to reclaim their homeland from the dragon Smaug.
The journey takes them through perilous mountains, mysterious forests, and encounters with creatures both menacing and magical. Tolkien’s storytelling blends adventure, thoughtful characters, and richly-drawn landscapes in ways fans of classic fantasy novels will appreciate.
Readers who enjoy David Eddings’ fantasy storytelling might find Mercedes Lackey equally appealing. She has written many fantasy novels filled with intriguing worlds, strong characters, and captivating magic systems.
One excellent example is “Arrows of the Queen,” the first book in Lackey’s “Heralds of Valdemar” series.
The story follows Talia, a spirited young girl whose life changes completely when she is chosen by a Companion, a magical horse-like creature that selects Heralds, guardians of justice and peace.
Talia must figure out her newfound powers, navigate complex court intrigues, and face challenges that test her courage.
The story balances well-drawn personalities, thoughtful exploration of friendship and duty, and a magical setting that pulls readers quickly into Valdemar’s world.
Readers who enjoy David Eddings will find Jennifer Fallon especially appealing. Fallon is an Australian fantasy author known for rich storytelling and charismatic characters. Her book “Medalon” kicks off the “Demon Child Trilogy.”
This novel introduces a world of political scheming, forbidden magic, and gods who manipulate humans for their own ends. It follows siblings R’shiel and Tarja, caught between warring factions and hidden truths about their origins.
Fallon blends intriguing politics, sharp wit, and memorable heroes, qualities fans of Eddings often love.
If you enjoy David Eddings’ blend of fantasy, adventure, and rich worlds, Katherine Kurtz is an author worth exploring. She is best known for her book “Deryni Rising,” the first novel in the Chronicles of the Deryni series.
The story centers around Gwynedd, a medieval kingdom where humans live side by side with the gifted Deryni—a powerful race skilled in magic yet feared and persecuted. The novel follows young Prince Kelson, who must rapidly rise to power following his father’s death.
With limited experience but possessing hidden Deryni heritage, Kelson struggles not only to claim his throne but also to uncover the mysteries of his lineage in a land filled with treachery and suspicion.
The vivid characters, political intrigue, and the blend of magic and medieval reality make Kurtz’s work appealing to anyone drawn to Eddings’ immersive storytelling style.
Stephen R. Donaldson is a prominent fantasy author known for richly detailed worlds and conflicted characters that fans of David Eddings will appreciate.
Donaldson’s novel “Lord Foul’s Bane,” the first book in “The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant,” introduces readers to Thomas Covenant, a troubled writer who finds himself transported to a mystical realm called “the Land.”
Despite struggling with personal trauma and self-doubt, Covenant learns he holds the fate of this vibrant world in his hands.
The Land faces destruction by the malevolent force Lord Foul, and Covenant’s reluctant journey through magic, myth, and moral complexity shapes a story readers won’t soon forget.
If you enjoy imaginative worlds filled with challenging quests and flawed heroes, Donaldson’s novels may resonate deeply.
Glen Cook is a fantasy author known for creating gritty, realistic worlds and memorable characters. Readers who enjoyed David Eddings’ detailed storytelling and well-rounded heroes will probably appreciate Cook’s writing style.
His novel “The Black Company” follows a group of mercenaries hired by a mysterious sorceress known as The Lady. Told from the perspective of Croaker, the group’s physician and historian, the story captures both the harsh realities of mercenary life and moments of dark humor.
Cook portrays flawed characters who struggle with their choices, giving readers a believable cast and plenty of action. If you’re a fan of complex plots, shades-of-grey morality, and authentic dialogue, “The Black Company” is definitely worth your time.