If you are a fan of John Flanagan, you probably enjoy books with adventure, young main characters, and maybe a bit of fantasy. He writes stories that are easy to get lost in. If you want to find authors who create a similar reading experience, here are some suggestions.
Books by Rick Riordan offer readers exciting adventures filled with mythology, humor, and friendship. If you enjoyed John Flanagan’s Ranger’s Apprentice series for its lively action and memorable characters, then Riordan’s “The Lightning Thief” could be a great fit.
The book follows Percy Jackson, a twelve-year-old who suddenly discovers he is the son of the Greek god Poseidon. Percy is soon thrown into quests, battles with monsters, and prophecies that could change the world.
The lively storytelling and relatable characters make Percy Jackson’s adventures easy to lose yourself in.
Books by Eoin Colfer are a perfect match for readers who enjoy John Flanagan’s storytelling and humor. Colfer blends fantasy adventures with clever characters and sharp dialogue.
His novel “Artemis Fowl” follows Artemis, a brilliant twelve-year-old criminal mastermind who discovers a hidden world of technologically advanced fairies beneath the Earth’s surface. Artemis plans an elaborate scheme to exploit their magic and wealth.
However, his encounter with Holly Short, an equally determined fairy officer, leads to unexpected twists, witty interactions, and an exciting mix of fantasy and crime thriller.
Readers will enjoy Colfer’s imaginative take on fantasy, along with characters as memorable as Flanagan’s heroes.
Books by Christopher Paolini offer adventurous tales filled with dragons, courage, and exciting quests. If you enjoyed John Flanagan’s Ranger’s Apprentice series, Paolini’s “Eragon” might appeal to you. It’s about a farm boy named Eragon who finds a mysterious dragon egg.
The discovery takes him away from his quiet life into a world filled with magic, ancient races, and a tough battle against evil forces. The storytelling feels vivid and action-packed, making the fantasy elements feel real and relatable.
Eragon is a hero worth following as he faces impossible odds alongside fascinating allies and discovers strength he didn’t know he had.
Books by Brandon Mull offer vivid worlds, memorable characters, and adventures that fans of John Flanagan will enjoy. In “Fablehaven,” siblings Seth and Kendra visit their grandparents’ estate and discover a hidden sanctuary for magical creatures.
As danger threatens this secret world, Seth and Kendra face mythical beings, navigate puzzles, and confront powerful enemies to protect their loved ones. The storytelling is engaging, filled with action, humor, and creative twists that keep readers turning the pages.
Anyone who enjoys the Rangers and apprentices in Flanagan’s books may find themselves equally hooked on Mull’s imaginative tales.
Readers who enjoy John Flanagan’s blend of epic quests, adventure, and heroism should explore the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, especially “The Hobbit.” Tolkien is famous for creating detailed worlds and charming characters.
“The Hobbit” features Bilbo Baggins, a quiet, home-loving hobbit who suddenly finds himself part of a quest to reclaim a dwarven kingdom from a dangerous dragon named Smaug.
Bilbo encounters mysterious creatures, uncovers hidden courage within himself, faces riddles in dark caves, and journeys through enchanted forests. Tolkien invites readers into Middle-earth with warmth, humor, and timeless storytelling.
Tamora Pierce writes fantasy adventures filled with memorable young heroes, detailed worlds, and exciting challenges. Readers who enjoy John Flanagan will find Pierce’s “Alanna: The First Adventure” a great read.
Alanna of Trebond dreams of becoming a knight, but only boys are allowed. Determined and courageous, she disguises herself as a boy named Alan and begins training at the royal palace.
Facing both danger and friendship, Alanna must overcome obstacles that test her bravery and wit. Readers who liked the courage and growth of characters in Flanagan’s books will appreciate Alanna’s spirit and determination in Pierce’s vivid storytelling.
Readers who enjoy John Flanagan’s adventurous storytelling might also appreciate the imaginative worlds created by T.A. Barron. Barron’s fantasy books capture the energy of young heroes discovering their destinies through exciting adventures and magical worlds.
A great place to start is “The Lost Years,” the first book in his “Merlin” series, where young Emrys, before becoming the legendary wizard Merlin, embarks on a journey filled with mystery, magic, and hidden truths about his own past.
Fans of heroic characters, unique magical settings, and quests filled with danger will find plenty to enjoy in Barron’s stories.
Michelle Paver is an author known for creating vivid adventures in ancient settings, filled with friendship, danger, and growth, elements readers who enjoy John Flanagan will appreciate.
In her book “Wolf Brother,” the first installment of the “Chronicles of Ancient Darkness” series, we follow Torak, a young boy living in prehistoric times, whose life dramatically changes after a tragedy in his clan.
Torak must journey through dense forests and harsh landscapes to confront a powerful evil force threatening the existence of all tribes.
Accompanied by a young orphaned wolf cub, Torak faces many challenges, including navigating dangerous terrains and deciphering mysterious prophecies.
The story captures bonds forged through survival, bravery tested by nature and the supernatural, and adventures woven into historical realism, themes fans of Flanagan’s series often enjoy.
Readers who enjoy John Flanagan’s adventures might also appreciate Suzanne Collins’ thrilling storytelling. Collins is widely known for her series “The Hunger Games.”
The first novel, “The Hunger Games,” introduces readers to a bleak future, where the nation of Panem holds an annual televised event. In this event, teenagers are forced into a fight to the death. Katniss Everdeen is a strong-willed sixteen-year-old from District 12.
She volunteers to take her sister’s place in the deadly competition. As Katniss faces threats and struggles to survive, readers will feel transported into an action-packed adventure full of strategy, courage, and powerful human emotions.
If you enjoy John Flanagan’s adventurous worlds and memorable characters, check out C.S. Lewis. Lewis is best known for “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” the first book in “The Chronicles of Narnia.”
In this story, four siblings stumble upon an old wardrobe which transports them to the magical land of Narnia. They find a world ruled by the cruel White Witch, where winter never ends and hope seems lost.
The siblings soon discover a prophecy that they must fulfill, rallying the inhabitants of Narnia and facing powers far beyond their imagination. Lewis weaves heroic challenges, deep friendships, and a clear sense of right versus wrong into an unforgettable fantasy world.
Philip Pullman is an author known for crafting intriguing adventure stories filled with courage, friendship and imagination. His book “The Golden Compass” introduces readers to Lyra Belacqua.
She is a brave girl who sets out on a daring journey through mysterious worlds accompanied by magical creatures, loyal friends and unexpected allies.
Like in John Flanagan’s “Ranger’s Apprentice” series, Pullman’s characters face dangerous missions, tough choices and thrilling discoveries.
For readers who enjoy journeys into fascinating worlds and adventures alongside brave young heroes, Pullman’s stories offer plenty of excitement and memorable characters.
Readers who enjoy John Flanagan’s adventurous fantasy world will likely also appreciate Garth Nix and his impressive storytelling. Nix is known for building imaginative worlds filled with well-defined magic systems and characters who live exciting adventures.
One great example is his book “Sabriel,” the first installment in the Old Kingdom series. This story follows Sabriel, a young woman trained in a magical school, who must cross into the haunted Old Kingdom to rescue her father.
She faces dangerous spirits and powerful magic, guided only by ancient wisdom and the strength of her courage. The rich descriptions and thrilling pace make “Sabriel” an ideal choice for anyone who appreciates vivid fantasy, tense adventure, and memorable heroes.
Michael J. Sullivan is a fantasy author known for his fast-paced adventures and memorable storytelling. Readers who enjoy John Flanagan’s “Ranger’s Apprentice” might appreciate Sullivan’s book “Theft of Swords.”
It follows two charismatic thieves, Royce Melborn and Hadrian Blackwater, who find themselves falsely accused of murdering a king. Sullivan’s witty dialogue, engaging characters, and page-turner plot twists make this an entertaining read.
Fans of sword fights, clever banter, and unexpected friendships will find plenty to enjoy in Sullivan’s work.
Readers who enjoy John Flanagan’s adventurous tales might appreciate Robert Jordan’s storytelling in “The Eye of the World.” This book introduces Rand al’Thor, a young villager whose simple life drastically changes when mysterious creatures arrive in his hometown.
Forced to flee for their lives, Rand and his friends set off with a mysterious sorceress named Moiraine, uncover dangerous secrets about the past, and realize their destinies are intertwined with a world-wide struggle against darkness.
Jordan creates an epic fantasy setting, filled with well-crafted characters and detailed cultures—a journey that fans of Flanagan’s action-packed narratives might thoroughly enjoy.
Books by James Dashner offer exciting adventures full of mystery, suspense, and memorable characters. If you enjoyed John Flanagan’s exciting storytelling, Dashner’s “The Maze Runner” could be your next favorite.
The book centers around Thomas, a teenager who wakes up trapped in a huge, imposing maze with no memory of how he got there. He quickly joins forces with other teens also trapped inside, called Gladers, to discover a way out and uncover the truth behind their imprisonment.
The maze changes daily and hides many dangers, from terrifying mechanical creatures known as Grievers to mysterious puzzles keeping the teens trapped each night.
This first installment in Dashner’s series provides plenty of action and intriguing secrets that keep the pages turning, making you eager to see what happens next.