If you enjoy reading books by J. R. R. Tolkien then you might also like the following authors:
C.S. Lewis, a close friend of J.R.R. Tolkien, wrote stories filled with rich worlds and deep themes. One of his most celebrated works is “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” the first book in * The Chronicles of Narnia*.
In this story, four siblings stumble upon a magical wardrobe that leads to the land of Narnia, a place ruled by an icy spell. They meet Aslan, a mysterious lion who helps them face the White Witch.
The book weaves adventure and danger together, offering moments of courage, betrayal, and hope. If Tolkien’s Middle-earth fascinates you, Narnia might be a world worth exploring.
Ursula K. Le Guin is an amazing writer who creates rich and imaginative worlds. If you’re a fan of J. R. R. Tolkien, you might enjoy her book “A Wizard of Earthsea.”
It follows Ged, a boy with a natural talent for magic, who travels to a school for wizards to master his abilities. Along the way, he makes mistakes that unleash a dangerous shadow creature. The story examines his journey to confront what he’s unleashed and understand himself.
The world of Earthsea is filled with islands, dragons, and ancient mysteries, giving it a sense of depth and wonder that fans of Tolkien’s Middle-earth might appreciate.
George R.R. Martin is a storyteller known for creating deep worlds filled with complex characters and unpredictable twists. His book “A Game of Thrones” starts the “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, pulling readers into the land of Westeros where noble families fight for power.
The Stark family, living in the cold North, gets drawn into a web of betrayal and ambition after the king offers Eddard Stark a place at court. At the same time, far across the sea, the exiled Targaryens plot to reclaim their throne.
Each corner of the story brims with danger, treachery, and the looming shadow of an ancient threat. It’s the kind of story that leaves you flipping pages late into the night.
Terry Pratchett is a writer known for creating the Discworld series, a collection of fantasy novels set on a flat world carried through space on the back of a giant turtle. His work blends sharp humor with rich, imaginative worlds.
In “The Colour of Magic,” the first book in the series, a cowardly wizard named Rincewind reluctantly becomes a guide to Twoflower, the Disc’s first tourist. Together, they stumble into dangerous adventures, from angry gods to hungry dragons.
The story adds a lighter, witty spin to fantasy, and the chaotic magic of the world brings unexpected twists.
Robert Jordan is best known for his epic fantasy series, “The Wheel of Time.” If you enjoyed J. R. R. Tolkien’s world-building, you might find yourself drawn to Jordan’s detailed universe.
In the first book, “The Eye of the World,” a small-town farm boy named Rand al’Thor discovers that his quiet life is about to change forever.
When dark forces attack his village, he and his friends are swept away on a dangerous journey, guided by a mysterious woman named Moiraine. Along the way, they encounter ancient prophecies, powerful enemies, and a world teetering on the edge of chaos.
The story has echoes of classic adventure with a deep sense of history and destiny shaping every move the characters make.
Patrick Rothfuss is an author known for creating richly imagined worlds and characters who feel alive on the page. His book, “The Name of the Wind,” introduces Kvothe, a gifted man who rises from a tragic childhood to become a legendary figure.
The story follows him as he recounts his life, from surviving on the streets to joining the prestigious University where his wit and talent shine. The world feels vivid and full of layered history, with ancient myths and dangers always lurking in the background.
With its deep storytelling and lyrical prose, the book offers an immersive experience for fans of epic journeys and masterfully crafted settings.
Robin Hobb is a fantastic author known for crafting rich fantasy worlds and unforgettable characters. One of her most well-loved books is “Assassin’s Apprentice,” the first in the Farseer Trilogy.
The story follows Fitz, a royal bastard who is abandoned at the king’s court and trained as an assassin. The book dives into his struggles with loyalty, isolation, and his dangerous bond with a mysterious magical skill called the Wit, which lets him connect with animals.
With political schemes and personal challenges, the story makes you fully immersed in Fitz’s journey. Fans of Tolkien’s attention to world-building and complex characters will feel right at home here.
David Eddings is a fantasy author known for creating rich, immersive worlds with memorable characters. His book “Pawn of Prophecy” kicks off * The Belgariad* series. It follows Garion, a farm boy who has no idea he’s connected to an ancient prophecy.
When a mysterious magical object is stolen, he’s swept into a journey filled with sorcerers and secret identities. The story has an adventurous feel, with hints of humor and lots of surprises along the way. Fans of sweeping epic tales might find a new favorite here.
Brandon Sanderson is known for creating vast, imaginative worlds with deep lore and unique magic systems. In his book “Mistborn: The Final Empire,” the story begins in a world where ash falls from the sky, and an immortal tyrant has ruled for a thousand years.
The tale revolves around Vin, a street thief who discovers she has incredible powers tied to Allomancy, a magic system based on consuming and using metals.
She joins a band of rebels led by a charismatic leader named Kelsier, who plans to overthrow the seemingly invincible Lord Ruler. The book combines an intriguing heist plot with a richly detailed world that feels alive.
Guy Gavriel Kay is known for creating richly detailed fictional worlds inspired by history. His novel “Tigana” weaves a story set in a land torn apart by war and magic.
The book follows a group of men and women fighting to restore their homeland, a place whose very name has been erased from memory by a tyrant’s spell. The story explores themes of identity, loss, and the lengths people will go to reclaim what was stolen from them.
Kay brings emotion and humanity to his characters, making their struggles resonate long after the final page.
Raymond E. Feist is a fantasy author who creates rich, imaginative worlds filled with intriguing characters and magical adventures. His book, “Magician,” tells the story of Pug, an orphan whose life takes a surprising turn when he is chosen to become a magician’s apprentice.
As war looms between two worlds, Pug’s journey leads him from a quiet village to battles involving sorcerers, warriors, and alien invaders. The story explores friendship, power, and the struggle to protect a fragile peace in a world full of danger.
If you enjoy epic tales with detailed world-building, this book might catch your attention.
Michael Moorcock is a British author known for his imaginative and thought-provoking fantasies. His book “Elric of Melniboné” introduces Elric, an albino emperor who wields the magical and cursed sword Stormbringer.
Elric is not your typical hero; he is frail, dependent on sorcery, and torn between his duty and his personal desires. The story is set in a crumbling empire filled with ancient power and dangerous enemies.
The relationship between Elric and his sword adds an unpredictable edge to the tale, as the blade gives him strength but comes with a terrible cost. The book’s world feels rich, and the story gives a unique twist to what you might expect from epic fantasy.
Lloyd Alexander is an author known for creating rich, imaginative worlds rooted in mythology. One of his most beloved works is “The Book of Three,” which opens the Chronicles of Prydain series.
The story follows Taran, a young assistant pig-keeper who dreams of heroism but finds himself caught in a dangerous quest to stop an evil warlord.
Along the way, Taran meets unforgettable characters like Eilonwy, a strong-willed princess, and Fflewddur Fflam, a bard with a magic harp that snaps its strings when he stretches the truth. The book blends adventure and humor with Welsh-inspired legends.
Fans of Tolkien’s epic tales might enjoy the journey through Prydain, where even the smallest choices can lead to great deeds.
Katherine Kurtz is known for creating rich and immersive fantasy worlds that blend history, magic, and politics. Her book “Deryni Rising” starts the epic tale of the Deryni, a race of people with magical powers living alongside humans in a medieval kingdom.
The story follows Kelson, a young prince who must claim his throne after his father’s death while facing enemies who fear the power of the Deryni.
There’s a sense of tension as Kelson steps into his new role, navigating dangerous alliances and uncovering secrets about his own abilities. The mix of court intrigue and magic gives the book a unique charm, making it hard to put down.
Susan Cooper is known for her “The Dark is Rising” sequence, combining elements of Arthurian legend with modern fantasy. Her ability to create a sense of timelessness and mystery appeals to fans of Tolkien’s rich, mythic storytelling.