David Gemmell was a respected fantasy author, famous for tales of heroism and bravery. His acclaimed debut novel, Legend, helped define modern heroic fantasy.
If you enjoy reading books by David Gemmell then you might also like the following authors:
If you like David Gemmell's bold and vivid style, Robert E. Howard may be right up your alley. Howard is famous for creating Conan the Barbarian, an iconic figure in fantasy literature.
His stories are direct and action-driven, featuring fierce heroes, legendary battles, and untamed fantasy worlds. A great place to start is The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian, a collection capturing the core of Howard's adventurous and gritty storytelling.
Karl Edward Wagner writes dark and intense fantasy, offering morally ambiguous characters that fans of David Gemmell will appreciate. His stories follow the dark hero Kane through grim and often violent adventures.
Wagner's writing is vivid and atmospheric, full of dark sorcery and hard-edged heroics. Check out Darkness Weaves for a powerful introduction to Kane's grim and dangerous world.
Joe Abercrombie is known for dark humor, gritty realism, and flawed characters wrestling with their moral choices—qualities fans of Gemmell's storytelling often appreciate.
Abercrombie's stories pull you into dangerous, war-torn lands filled with sharp dialogue and gripping action scenes. Try The Blade Itself, the first in his First Law trilogy, for engaging characters, dry wit, and intense battles.
Andrzej Sapkowski combines morally complex characters with wit and rich world-building, offering plenty to enjoy for readers of David Gemmell. His writing blends gritty realism with memorable adventures and sharp dialogue.
Check out The Last Wish, the first collection of The Witcher stories, where you'll meet Geralt of Rivia—a nuanced hero navigating a world where good and evil aren't always clear-cut.
Steven Erikson's epic fantasy is ambitious and filled with intense world-building. Like David Gemmell, he crafts powerful storylines and unforgettable characters struggling through grand-scale conflicts.
Erikson's Malazan series immerses readers in complicated wars, ancient mysteries, and a vast, intricate history. Start with Gardens of the Moon to dive into his complex but rewarding universe.
If you enjoyed David Gemmell, you'll probably find R.A. Salvatore a good fit as well. Salvatore writes action-packed fantasy stories filled with intense battles, memorable heroes, and plenty of adventure.
His storytelling pace is quick, and his characters grow in meaningful ways. A good place to start is The Crystal Shard, the first novel featuring the iconic hero Drizzt Do'Urden.
John Gwynne is a strong pick for fans of Gemmell's gritty and heroic fantasy style. Like Gemmell, Gwynne's stories are often set against a backdrop of war and turmoil. His characters feel authentic—flawed but heroic, brave yet vulnerable.
Give Malice, the first book in Gwynne's series The Faithful and the Fallen, a try. It's filled with vivid battles and characters you'll root for.
Miles Cameron crafts fantasy with a realistic edge and military precision—perfect if you enjoy Gemmell's focus on courage, honor, and the realities of warfare. His worlds are richly detailed, and the combat sequences feel grounded and tactical.
The Red Knight, the first book in Cameron's Traitor Son Cycle, is an engaging blend of magic, medieval warfare, and memorable characters.
Anthony Ryan creates immersive fantasy worlds filled with complex characters, engaging storytelling, and a strong dose of heroic struggle. Readers who appreciate Gemmell's character-driven stories and thoughtful battle scenes often enjoy Ryan's works.
Consider starting with Blood Song, the first installment of Ryan's series Raven's Shadow. You'll likely find Vaelin Al Sorna a hero worth following.
Mark Lawrence offers gritty, character-centric fantasy stories when you're looking for something dark yet human, much like Gemmell's work. Lawrence has a knack for capturing complicated characters who grow and struggle on believable paths.
Start with Prince of Thorns, the first novel in his Broken Empire trilogy, which follows the ruthless yet fascinating antihero, Jorg Ancrath.
Nicholas Eames mixes epic fantasy action with humor and engaging characters. His stories revolve around bands of aging heroes, friendship, and former glory.
Readers of David Gemmell who appreciate gritty yet heartfelt storytelling might enjoy Eames's novel Kings of the Wyld, which follows a legendary but retired mercenary group reuniting for one last quest.
Simon R. Green writes fantasy and science fiction with distinct dark humor and fast-paced storytelling. His characters are charismatic adventurers with flaws and quirks.
Fans of Gemmell's straightforward action and likable heroes will likely find enjoyment in Green's Hawk & Fisher, a tale about two tough city guards navigating crime, mysteries, and magic.
Glen Cook is celebrated for gritty, military-style fantasy with morally complicated characters. He portrays battles and conflict realistically, often from the perspective of soldiers instead of kings or heroes.
Readers drawn to the realistic violence and tough, grounded characters of Gemmell would probably appreciate The Black Company, which follows a mercenary group's struggles in a dark conflict.
Michael Moorcock is famous for creating complex anti-heroes with morally ambiguous motivations, exploring themes of chaos and order. His stories blend philosophy and action in imaginative worlds.
Fans attracted to Gemmell's themes of heroism and moral struggle may be intrigued by Moorcock's classic Elric of Melniboné, a tale about a doomed warrior-emperor wielding a cursed sword.
Stan Nicholls offers fast-moving, action-driven fantasy featuring morally-grey characters experiencing adventure and conflict. Similar to Gemmell, Nicholls depicts gritty worlds with relatable heroes facing harsh realities.
Readers who enjoy Gemmell's straightforward storytelling and exciting combat sequences may want to try Orcs: First Blood, which presents traditional fantasy orcs from their own viewpoint on a challenging quest.