If you enjoy reading novels by Diana Wynne Jones then you might also like the following authors:
Robin McKinley writes stories filled with magic and deeply human characters. In “The Hero and the Crown,” she weaves the tale of Aerin, a young woman who doesn’t fit in with her royal family and struggles to find her place in a kingdom that doubts her.
When danger threatens her people, Aerin discovers an ancient dragon-slaying ointment and decides to face the monstrous dragon, Maur, herself. The book mixes heroism with personal growth, showing Aerin’s journey as she fights both external enemies and her own self-doubt.
Fans of Diana Wynne Jones might enjoy the way McKinley creates fantasy worlds that feel alive and layered.
Tamora Pierce is an author who creates detailed fantasy worlds filled with brave characters and rich stories. One of her well-known books, “Alanna: The First Adventure,” follows a young girl named Alanna who disguises herself as a boy to train as a knight.
She faces challenges, like proving her skill in swordplay and dealing with bullies, but her determination never wavers. The story also weaves in a bit of magic, as Alanna learns to control her own growing magical abilities.
It’s a tale of courage, adventure, and finding strength where others might not expect it.
Terry Pratchett is known for his humorous and imaginative Discworld series, full of strange magic, quirky characters, and wit. In his book “Guards! Guards!” readers meet Sam Vimes, a weary watch captain in a city where the police are mostly ignored.
A mysterious killer is on the loose, and it turns out to be a dragon, something no one quite believes—or wants to believe. With unlikely heroes, chaotic twists, and a touch of absurdity, the story turns a simple premise into something unforgettable.
Fans of Diana Wynne Jones might enjoy the way Pratchett creates worlds where magic and humanity collide in unexpected ways.
Patricia C. Wrede writes clever and imaginative stories filled with wit and charm. One of her most popular books, “Dealing with Dragons,” introduces a princess named Cimorene who refuses to follow the usual rules of her kingdom.
Instead of marrying a dull prince, she runs away to work for a dragon. Her life becomes full of adventures, including negotiating with wizards and organizing a dragon’s treasure hoard. The story offers humor, twists, and characters who don’t behave the way you’d expect.
It’s perfect for fans of fantasy with a playful edge.
Neil Gaiman is known for his imaginative stories that blend the everyday with the magical. In his book “Neverwhere,” readers are introduced to Richard Mayhew, an ordinary man in London whose life changes after he helps an injured girl named Door.
He finds himself in a shadowy world beneath the city called London Below, full of strange characters and dangerous secrets. This underworld is a place where forgotten people and places take on new significance.
The story pulls you into a rich and otherworldly setting that feels alive and unpredictable.
Garth Nix is an author who has a knack for creating imaginative and layered fantasy worlds. One of his notable books is “Sabriel,” which kicks off the Old Kingdom series.
The story follows Sabriel, a young woman raised away from magic, who must return to her homeland when she learns her father—the Abhorsen, a necromancer who binds the dead—has gone missing.
Armed with a magical sword and a set of bells, she ventures into the Old Kingdom, a place filled with danger and restless spirits. The mix of adventure and dark magic makes it a great read, especially for fans of unique magical systems and strong characters.
Edward Eager wrote magical stories that feel both familiar and unexpected. One of his most loved books is “Half Magic.” It follows four siblings who find a magic coin that grants wishes, but it only gives them half of what they ask for.
For example, trying to wish themselves somewhere ends up with them stuck halfway, which leads to trouble. The kids have to get creative with their wishes, and the results are both funny and exciting.
Eager’s characters are sharp and relatable, and the way they interact with magic often feels delightfully unpredictable. If you enjoy Diana Wynne Jones, you might find a similar sense of fun and imaginative twists in Eager’s work.
Susan Cooper is a writer known for weaving fantasy into the everyday world. Her book “The Dark Is Rising” is a great pick if you’re drawn to stories with ancient magic and young heroes.
It follows a boy named Will Stanton who, on his eleventh birthday, learns he’s part of a group called the Old Ones, destined to fight the forces of darkness.
The story blends Arthurian legend and folklore, with Will uncovering secrets in his small English village as he prepares for the battle ahead.
Ursula K. Le Guin is a fantastic storyteller who crafts worlds that feel alive and full of wonder. In her book “A Wizard of Earthsea,” she introduces Ged, a young boy who discovers his natural talent for magic.
As he trains to become a wizard, he makes a reckless mistake that unleashes a dark shadow into the world. The story follows Ged as he confronts his fears and learns about the balance of power and responsibility.
It’s a tale with vivid settings, great characters, and a sense of adventure that pulls you right in. Fans of Diana Wynne Jones might enjoy how Le Guin mixes magic with thought-provoking themes.
J.K. Rowling is the author of the iconic Harry Potter series, which is filled with magic, adventure, and unforgettable characters. In the first book, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” readers meet an orphaned boy who learns on his eleventh birthday that he’s a wizard.
He’s whisked away to Hogwarts, a school for magic, where he encounters a secret about a hidden stone that grants immortality. Along the way, Harry discovers loyal friendships, explores enchanted places, and faces dangers that hint at a dark past tied to his family.
Fans of Diana Wynne Jones might enjoy Rowling’s imaginative worldbuilding and the way magic is woven into the everyday lives of her characters.
Lloyd Alexander is known for writing imaginative and heartfelt stories that draw from mythology and folklore. One of his best-known books, “The Black Cauldron,” is part of the Prydain Chronicles.
It follows a young assistant pig-keeper named Taran as he joins a quest to stop a cauldron that creates an unstoppable army of the dead. Along the way, he teams up with strong-willed Eilonwy, the quirky bard Fflewddur Fflam, and other allies.
The book blends adventure with humor and moments of bravery. Readers meet flawed but growing characters and explore a world inspired by Welsh legends.
Madeleine L’Engle is an author who blends fantasy with emotional depth, creating stories that invite readers into unique worlds. Her book “A Wrinkle in Time” tells the story of Meg Murry, a girl searching for her missing father.
Alongside her brother Charles Wallace and friend Calvin, she travels through space and strange dimensions. They encounter bizarre creatures, battle a dark, controlling force, and explore the power of love and courage.
The book combines cosmic adventure with personal challenges, making it both imaginative and heartfelt. Fans of Diana Wynne Jones might find this world unforgettable.
Philip Pullman is an author who creates richly imagined worlds and unforgettable characters. In his novel “The Golden Compass,” the first book in the “His Dark Materials” trilogy, readers follow Lyra, a fearless girl who lives in a universe both familiar and strange.
Humans have animal companions called daemons, which reflect their inner selves. Lyra stumbles upon a political and scientific conspiracy involving kidnapped children and a mysterious substance called Dust.
Her journey takes her to the frozen North, where armored polar bears and a mysterious truth-telling instrument play key roles in her quest. Pullman blends adventure, mystery, and thought-provoking ideas to weave a story that’s hard to put down.
Cornelia Funke is a storyteller who brings magical worlds to life with rich details and unforgettable characters. One of her best-known works is “Inkheart.”
The story follows Meggie, a young girl who discovers her father can bring characters out of books simply by reading them aloud. This gift, though remarkable, has dangerous consequences when a villainous figure named Capricorn escapes from the pages and threatens their lives.
The book weaves together vivid fantasy and the power of storytelling in ways that feel both imaginative and grounded. If you enjoy tales with unique magic systems and strong family bonds, this could be a great book to explore.
E. Nesbit wrote enchanting stories filled with adventure and wonder. Among her works, “The Railway Children” tells a heartfelt tale of resilience and family bonds, while “Five Children and It” introduces readers to magical wishes and unexpected consequences.
For those drawn to myth and mystery, “The Story of the Amulet” offers time-traveling escapades. Fans of Diana Wynne Jones might appreciate Nesbit’s ability to weave everyday life with magic, creating worlds that feel wonderfully alive yet grounded in relatable characters.