If you enjoy reading books by J. R. R. Tolkien then you might also like the following authors:
C.S. Lewis created the world of Narnia, which you might enjoy if you liked Tolkien’s Middle-earth. One of his best known books, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” follows four children who find a magical land hidden behind a wardrobe.
Narnia is full of talking animals, mythical creatures and magic. A wise and powerful lion named Aslan helps them face challenges and a cruel White Witch who makes endless winter. Like Tolkien, Lewis uses fantasy worlds to tell deeper stories about courage, friendship and hope.
Ursula K. Le Guin writes fantasy and science fiction stories filled with worlds and cultures that feel real and alive. Her book “A Wizard of Earthsea” tells the story of a young wizard named Ged.
He learns magic on an island school, but in his impatience, Ged unleashes a dark shadow into the world. To restore balance, Ged must face the shadow he accidentally freed. Readers who enjoyed Tolkien’s careful creation of new worlds might find Le Guin’s Earthsea interesting.
George R.R. Martin is a writer known for his fantasy series, “A Song of Ice and Fire.” If you enjoy Tolkien’s detailed worlds, Martin’s books offer a different style of complexity that readers often appreciate.
The first book, “A Game of Thrones,” introduces a kingdom filled with noble houses that want power. Characters constantly maneuver to gain the Iron Throne, leading to unexpected betrayals and surprising alliances.
In the far north of the kingdom, an ancient force awakens beyond a massive wall of ice. Martin focuses on character and plot, with twists and turns readers often don’t see coming.
Terry Pratchett is a beloved author known for creating the enchanting world of Discworld. His stories brim with humor and wit. In “Guards!
Guards!”, readers are introduced to the city of Ankh-Morpork, where a secret society hatches a plan to overthrow the Patrician using a dragon. The Night Watch, a ragtag group of misfit officers led by Captain Sam Vimes, stands against the chaos.
Among these officers is Carrot, a human raised by dwarves who is always optimistic. The novel combines elements of fantasy and satire, offering a delightful exploration of themes like power and justice.
Fans of Tolkien might enjoy Pratchett’s rich world-building and imaginative storytelling.
Robert Jordan is known for creating expansive worlds full of rich history and complex characters. In “The Eye of the World,” the first book in his “Wheel of Time” series, readers meet Rand al’Thor, a young man from the quiet Two Rivers village.
When his home is attacked by monstrous creatures, Rand discovers he might have a bigger role in the fate of the world. With his friends and the wise Aes Sedai, Moraine, by his side, Rand sets off on a journey filled with danger and destiny.
Fans of epic quests and detailed settings will find much to enjoy in Jordan’s storytelling.
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.