Joe Abercrombie is a fantasy author many readers love. His books are gritty, dark and often funny. He writes about morally grey characters and worlds full of violence. If you’re looking for authors who create stories with similar themes, here are some you might like.
Mark Lawrence is a fantasy author known for dark stories filled with morally ambiguous characters and gritty realism. Readers who enjoy Joe Abercrombie’s approach will appreciate Lawrence’s novel, “Prince of Thorns.”
In this brutal tale, young Prince Jorg Ancrath pursues revenge against the enemies who slaughtered his family. Jorg’s ruthless nature and the grim world he inhabits echo the style and tone that Abercrombie fans will recognize and enjoy.
The story combines relentless action with political intrigue, making it a perfect pick for anyone craving complex protagonists and dark storytelling.
Readers who enjoy Joe Abercrombie’s gritty worlds and sharp characters might also appreciate Scott Lynch. Lynch is best known for his book “The Lies of Locke Lamora.” It follows Locke Lamora, a clever thief raised in the dangerous underworld of the city Camorr.
Along with his band—the Gentleman Bastards—Locke orchestrates elaborate cons that target the wealthy elite. But when a mysterious new figure emerges from the shadows, the stakes become deadly.
The novel mixes clever humor, tense action, and vivid world-building that brings Camorr vividly to life. Fans of schemes, heists, and morally gray characters will find plenty to enjoy in Scott Lynch’s storytelling.
Brian McClellan crafts stories filled with gritty characters, sharp dialogue, and vivid battle scenes. Readers who enjoy Joe Abercrombie’s style might appreciate McClellan’s novel, “Promise of Blood.”
It’s the first book in the “Powder Mage Trilogy,” a series blending magic, politics, and revolution in a unique world setting.
The story follows Field Marshal Tamas, who after overthrowing a corrupt monarchy, faces the tough task of stabilizing his country while fighting enemies on multiple fronts.
McClellan weaves together military action, intriguing magic systems, and complex characters who grapple with both personal demons and national crises.
Readers who enjoy Joe Abercrombie’s gritty fantasy worlds might appreciate Glen Cook’s style in “The Black Company.” Cook offers a dark fantasy that follows a mercenary group called the Black Company, known for taking difficult contracts and surviving tough odds.
They aren’t typical fantasy heroes. Instead, these are soldiers trying to stay alive in chaotic, morally ambiguous conflicts. The story is told through the perspective of Croaker, the company’s healer and chronicler.
His voice is direct, realistic, and often humorous, providing a unique take on war and magic. Readers get a close look at battles, betrayals, and the struggle to keep comrades alive.
For anyone interested in fantasy where good and evil blur together, Glen Cook delivers with authenticity and a sharp narrative.
Books by Richard Morgan offer sharp-edged storytelling and gritty characters that fans of Joe Abercrombie will find immediately familiar. Morgan writes science fiction and fantasy with a dark, realistic feel.
In “The Steel Remains,” he introduces a hardened and complex warrior named Ringil Eskiath, scarred both physically and emotionally from past wars. When strange forces threaten the land, Ringil reluctantly rejoins old allies to confront a sinister new menace.
Morgan combines brutal combat, memorable characters, and a storyline that pulls no punches, keeping readers hooked until the very end.
Books by Steven Erikson offer readers complex characters and morally gray themes that fans of Joe Abercrombie will appreciate. His book “Gardens of the Moon,” the first volume of the Malazan Book of the Fallen series, introduces readers to an empire on the brink of chaos.
The Malazan Empire is at war across continents, seeking to expand its vast territory. Within this gritty conflict, characters from diverse backgrounds collide violently—soldiers, mages, assassins, and gods all have agendas filled with deception and betrayal.
Erikson builds a vast world full of ancient histories, strange powers, and interconnected plots that will satisfy the craving for layered storytelling and realism found in Abercrombie’s novels.
R. Scott Bakker crafts dark fantasy worlds full of complex characters and gritty realism, appealing strongly to readers who enjoy Joe Abercrombie’s work. His novel “The Darkness That Comes Before” introduces a richly detailed world on the brink of a holy war.
Characters struggle with uncertainty and moral compromise as a mysterious warrior named Anasûrimbor Kellhus emerges, whose intelligence and charisma threaten to change the destiny of nations.
This book brings readers deep into political schemes and brutal battles, matched with philosophical depth and moral ambiguity that keeps pages turning.
Readers who enjoy Joe Abercrombie’s gritty, character-driven storytelling may also find Adrian Tchaikovsky appealing. Tchaikovsky has a talent for creating complex characters and morally ambiguous worlds.
His novel “Empire in Black and Gold” is the first book in the “Shadows of the Apt” series. Here, humanity is divided into civilizations modeled after insect societies, each with unique skills and conflicts.
The story centers around Stenwold Maker, a scholar trying desperately to awaken others to the threat posed by the militaristic Wasp Empire.
The combination of political intrigue, unforgettable characters, and fascinating world-building makes Tchaikovsky a natural fit for Abercrombie fans.
Peter V. Brett is an American fantasy author known for his engaging storytelling set in dark and dangerous worlds. His novel “The Warded Man” introduces readers to a land haunted by terrifying demons that rise every night, forcing humanity behind protective wards.
We follow Arlen, a spirited young man determined to take control of his fate instead of hiding behind magical protections. Brett blends gritty realism with a rich fantasy setting that fans of Joe Abercrombie’s “The Blade Itself” will appreciate.
His characters battle their inner demons as much as the horrifying threats around them, creating a powerful and captivating read.
Readers who enjoy Joe Abercrombie’s gritty fantasy might appreciate Joe Hill’s distinct mix of horror and dark fantasy. His novel “NOS4A2” offers a chilling story of Victoria McQueen, a woman gifted with an extraordinary ability.
She can locate lost objects by traveling over a mysterious bridge. Victoria’s path crosses dangerously with Charlie Manx, a sinister figure who kidnaps children and takes them to a twisted amusement park called Christmasland.
Packed with vivid characters and haunting imagery, “NOS4A2” straddles the line between supernatural horror and compelling human drama.
If you enjoy Joe Abercrombie’s gritty worlds, complex characters, and morally ambiguous plots, Kameron Hurley might be a perfect fit for your bookshelf. Hurley is well known for creating harsh worlds filled with brutal societies and fierce, flawed characters.
Her book, “The Mirror Empire,” introduces a world facing imminent destruction—a world where dark magic bends reality, bloodthirsty armies gather strength, and intriguing political schemes rise and fall.
The story revolves around multiple characters who struggle to survive while their world hurtles toward chaos and invasion. Hurley crafts an ambitious tale of conflicting loyalties, brutal conflicts, and shadowy prophecies that haunt her characters’ every move.
“The Mirror Empire” is unpredictable, dark, and filled with moments of genuine surprise, especially for readers who appreciate Abercrombie’s style.
Readers who enjoy Joe Abercrombie’s gritty fantasy worlds filled with morally complex characters and sharp dialogue may find Daniel Abraham’s works appealing. Abraham is known for creating intricate political plots and authentic characters in richly imagined settings.
His novel “A Shadow in Summer,” first book in “The Long Price Quartet” series, introduces readers to a city thriving on the magic of poets who control powerful beings known as Andat.
When one of these magical beings threatens to escape the control of those who bind it, the balance of power and the city’s prosperity are put at stake. Abraham carefully weaves themes of ambition, betrayal, and the heavy costs of wielding power.
Fans of Abercrombie will appreciate the depth and realism Abraham brings to his fantasy storytelling.
Brent Weeks writes gritty fantasy novels that deliver complex characters and morally ambiguous conflicts. Readers drawn to Joe Abercrombie’s realistic, dark worlds will find plenty to appreciate in Weeks’ vivid storytelling.
His book “The Way of Shadows” introduces Azoth, a street orphan living in a brutal city, who dreams of escaping poverty and violence.
He apprentices himself to Durzo Blint—an infamous assassin with a mysterious past—and takes on a dangerous life of hidden identities, blade-sharp skills, and secrets.
The city’s underworld becomes Azoth’s new home as he navigates loyalty, betrayal, and the ruthless rules of survival. Fans of dark-themed fantasy featuring characters caught in tough moral dilemmas will resonate with Weeks’ narratives.
James Islington is an Australian fantasy author known for intricate plots and vivid world-building. In his debut novel, “The Shadow of What Was Lost,” readers enter the land of Andarra, a place haunted by dark memories of a destructive war.
Here, gifted and feared young men and women called the Gifted live under strict rules. Davian, a student with unpredictable powers, embarks upon a journey full of danger and discovery. He soon realizes his destiny may determine the fate of the whole realm.
Fans of Joe Abercrombie’s gritty storytelling and richly drawn characters will find a similar appeal in Islington’s approach to fantasy.
Readers who enjoy Joe Abercrombie’s gritty and morally complex storytelling might want to explore books by Andrzej Sapkowski. Sapkowski’s stories blend dark fantasy, sharp wit, and nuanced characters into compelling adventures.
In his book “The Last Wish,” you meet Geralt of Rivia, a skilled monster hunter whose job is never as straightforward as it seems. Through a series of interconnected stories, Geralt faces dilemmas that blur the line between good and evil.
Sapkowski cleverly twists familiar fairy tale tropes into surprising and thought-provoking narratives, creating a uniquely dark yet humorous fantasy world.