If you enjoy reading books by John Gwynne then you might also like the following authors:
Joe Abercrombie's novels are known for their gritty, realistic take on fantasy. His characters are morally ambiguous and deeply flawed, adding depth and authenticity to his storytelling.
In his book The Blade Itself, Abercrombie introduces readers to a dark world full of sharp wit, violence, and complex characters.
Mark Lawrence explores dark, intense themes and morally complex protagonists. His prose style is vivid and gripping, pulling readers into worlds that are grim yet fascinating.
Prince of Thorns, the first novel in his Broken Empire series, features a ruthless young prince determined to claim his throne through power and revenge.
Steven Erikson crafts epic, sprawling fantasy worlds with immense scope and intricate world-building. His storytelling is ambitious and thought-provoking, incorporating philosophical themes and complex characters.
His acclaimed work, Gardens of the Moon, begins a vast and challenging series, offering readers a richly detailed world soaked in warfare, magic, and profound human drama.
R. Scott Bakker's novels explore philosophical questions, psychology, and gritty realism in a vivid, intricate world. His writing style is detailed and intellectually provocative.
Bakker's notable book, The Darkness That Comes Before, presents readers with a powerful narrative featuring complex characters and deep philosophical insights.
Glen Cook offers readers gritty, down-to-earth narrative with characters who feel distinctly authentic and relatable. His prose is clear, direct, and efficient, constructing vivid imagery without unnecessary embellishment.
In The Black Company, Cook tells the story of a mercenary company following orders in morally questionable conflicts, creating a stark and realistic fantasy world.
George R.R. Martin creates vivid stories filled with intricate character relationships, political intrigue, and realistic moral ambiguity. His writing style is complex yet accessible, strongly focusing on character-driven narratives and multiple perspectives.
His popular series, starting with A Game of Thrones, features sharp plotting, surprising events, and memorable, flawed characters who feel true to life.
Andrzej Sapkowski writes gritty, clever fantasy set in distinctly dark worlds influenced by folklore and mythology. His stories focus on morally gray characters who grapple with tough choices.
The book The Last Wish introduces readers to Geralt of Rivia, a monster-hunting protagonist whose skill, sarcasm, and underlying humanity make him unique and relatable.
Robin Hobb is known for emotionally rich storytelling, immersive worldbuilding, and deep character insight. Her fantasy often explores internal struggles alongside grand adventures, emphasizing close personal bonds and character growth.
In Assassin's Apprentice, readers meet Fitz, whose personal conflicts, secrets, and loyalty shape his thrilling and deeply personal journey.
Brandon Sanderson combines meticulous worldbuilding with imaginative magic systems and fast-moving plots. He writes clear prose and relatable heroes who often face challenges that test their ideals and strengths.
His novel Mistborn: The Final Empire exemplifies his strengths, blending action, magic, and compelling characters in an intriguing and thoroughly realized fantasy setting.
Anthony Ryan crafts vivid, action-packed stories blending thoughtful character development with fascinating settings. War, honor, and personal identity often shape his central themes, explored through the eyes of complex protagonists.
Blood Song introduces readers to Vaelin Al Sorna, a warrior whose journey to understand friendship, faith, and duty makes for a captivating and rewarding read.
Miles Cameron writes vivid fantasy filled with gritty battles, heroic journeys, and believable characters. His stories combine complex military details, political tension, and magical conflicts that fans of John Gwynne will appreciate.
In The Red Knight, Cameron introduces readers to a mercenary leader hired to defend a convent from supernatural attacks, blending medieval warfare and fantastical creatures into one engaging adventure.
R.F. Kuang creates bold fantasy that deals with war, politics, and the heavy costs of power. Her storytelling is intense, emotional, and unafraid to tackle morally complex issues.
Readers who enjoy Gwynne's strong characters and themes of conflict will find much to love in Kuang's The Poppy War, a war-torn story inspired by historical events, following an ambitious young woman whose abilities thrust her into dangerous situations.
Brian Staveley crafts fantasy novels that blend gripping action, intricate world-building, and memorable characters. Like Gwynne, Staveley explores complex family dynamics, loyalty, and political intrigue.
His novel The Emperor's Blades centers around three siblings drawn into a conspiracy after their father's murder, each navigating a dangerous landscape in a fight to survive and uncover the truth.
Josiah Bancroft's fantasy writing stands out for its originality, wit, and fascinating world-building. His stories often follow unexpected heroes thrust into captivating worlds filled with unique challenges.
In Senlin Ascends, readers follow the intelligent but naïve Thomas Senlin, a schoolteacher who becomes lost in the mysterious, towering city called the Tower of Babel.
Bancroft's rich storytelling and distinctive style will appeal to Gwynne fans looking for something fresh and imaginative.
Evan Winter writes high-energy fantasy packed with thrilling battle scenes, strong character development, and powerful themes of vengeance and justice. His fast-paced storytelling and grounded action scenes share Gwynne's compelling style and urgency.
In his debut, The Rage of Dragons, readers follow Tau, a young warrior determined to defy society's cruel restrictions and seek revenge at any cost, making for an exciting and engaging read.