Ian C. Esslemont is known for epic fantasy novels set in the Malazan universe. Notable works include Night of Knives and Return of the Crimson Guard, adding depth to a fascinating shared world.
If you enjoy reading books by Ian C. Esslemont then you might also like the following authors:
Steven Erikson co-created the Malazan world with Ian C. Esslemont. If you enjoyed Esslemont's books, you'll likely appreciate Erikson's Gardens of the Moon, the first installment of the Malazan Book of the Fallen series.
Just like Esslemont, Erikson writes epic fantasy that explores deep world-building, intricate plots, and morally complex characters. He tackles themes of war, empire, history, and humanity with a gritty and thoughtful approach.
Glen Cook's The Black Company series delivers gritty, military-based fantasy. Like Esslemont, Cook writes about soldiers caught up in epic struggles, focusing less on heroes and villains and more on realistic and morally ambiguous people.
If you enjoy Esslemont's attention to soldiers' perspectives and harsh realities of war, Cook's characters and grounded style will appeal to you.
R. Scott Bakker builds dark fantasy worlds filled with politics, philosophy, and enigmatic magic systems. His novel The Darkness That Comes Before, first in the Prince of Nothing series, explores ambitious storylines and deep psychological insights.
If you appreciate Esslemont's complex world-building and exploration of darker themes, Bakker is well worth trying out.
George R.R. Martin is famous for his series A Game of Thrones, the first book in A Song of Ice and Fire. If you enjoyed Esslemont's complex characters, political intrigue, and realistic portrayal of war and its consequences, Martin's books might become new favorites.
Martin's style is similarly gritty and direct, with political manipulation and morally grey characters at the heart of his storytelling.
Brandon Sanderson is well-regarded for his creativity and engaging fantasy worlds. His book The Way of Kings, in The Stormlight Archive series, showcases an imaginative magic system, extensive world-building, and relatable characters.
While Sanderson's style tends to be brighter and more optimistic than Esslemont's, both authors excel at epic scope, detailed worlds, and gripping storytelling.
If you enjoyed Ian C. Esslemont's expansive world-building and complex stories, Robert Jordan might appeal to you. He creates immersive fantasy worlds with detailed histories, cultures, and intriguing characters.
His The Eye of the World, the first book in the Wheel of Time series, weaves together prophecies, intriguing magic systems, and epic adventures spanning dozens of characters.
Tad Williams offers fantasy readers richly detailed writing and carefully constructed worlds. He blends intricate plots with deep character relationships and thoughtful exploration of themes like memory, power, and identity.
His epic series starting with The Dragonbone Chair draws readers into the ambitious and emotionally resonant world of Osten Ard.
Fans of Esslemont's gritty action and morally complex conflicts might enjoy John Gwynne's writing. Gwynne creates dark, vibrant worlds populated with memorable characters who face difficult choices.
In his book Malice, the first in the Faithful and the Fallen series, readers will find a gripping struggle between good and evil, loyalty and betrayal.
Miles Cameron writes fantasy with a realistic, almost historical feel, often focusing closely on battles, strategy, and the realities of warfare. Like Esslemont, he creates stories where political intrigue and magic blend naturally.
His novel The Red Knight features knights, demons, and battles against dark forces that feel convincingly gritty and tactical.
C.S. Friedman crafts tales that explore darker themes and moral ambiguity, often with unique and memorable magic systems. Like Esslemont, she doesn't shy away from exploring the cost of power or the darker aspects of human nature.
Black Sun Rising, the first book of her Coldfire Trilogy, introduces readers to a world where fear, desire, and thought shape reality itself, providing an intense and distinctly thought-provoking reading experience.
J.V. Jones creates vivid, gritty fantasy worlds filled with compelling characters and intricate plots. Her series The Sword of Shadows begins with A Cavern of Black Ice, a dark fantasy tale that centers on harsh environments, complex magic systems, and morally ambiguous heroes.
Readers who appreciate the detailed world-building and realism in Ian C. Esslemont's books will find Jones' storytelling rewarding.
Robin Hobb is celebrated for her character-driven stories and emotionally powerful writing style. Her novel Assassin's Apprentice, the first book in The Farseer Trilogy, introduces FitzChivalry, a royal assassin whose trials and personal growth form the heart of the story.
Fans of Esslemont's deep, rich narratives and complex character studies will likely enjoy Hobb's careful attention to emotional depth and human struggles.
Paul Kearney specializes in military fantasy and realistic portrayals of war and conflict. His novel The Ten Thousand features intense battles, tactical realism, and soldiers navigating dangerous enemies and political intrigue.
Readers who appreciate Esslemont's detailed, gritty combat scenes and strategic storytelling will find much to enjoy in Kearney's approach.
Evan Winter combines fast-paced action and African-inspired fantasy with a strong focus on revenge and survival. In The Rage of Dragons, readers follow Tau, a character driven by vengeance as he navigates class divisions, powerful magic, and brutal warfare.
Those who enjoy the character-focused intensity and military aspects of Esslemont's work should give Winter's novels a try.
James Islington crafts intricate plots and expansive worlds, emphasizing ancient mysteries, intricate magic systems, and characters faced with destiny.
His debut The Shadow of What Was Lost, part of The Licanius Trilogy, blends epic scale with engaging personal journeys, echoing Esslemont's focus on layered storytelling and detailed magic traditions.