If you enjoy reading books by Lian Hearn then you might also like the following authors:
If you like Lian Hearn’s immersive historical fiction, Juliet Marillier might draw you in as well. Her stories blend folklore and history, filled with strong characters and subtle magic.
In Daughter of the Forest, Marillier retells the fairy tale of the Six Swans, emphasizing deep family bonds, resilience, and love against the odds.
Guy Gavriel Kay writes beautifully crafted historical fantasies that might appeal to fans of Lian Hearn’s thoughtful style. His novels often echo real historical settings, with vivid characters and emotionally rich narratives.
One notable book, Under Heaven, explores a fictionalized version of Tang Dynasty China, capturing complex political intrigues and personal struggles.
David Anthony Durham’s works offer the strong storytelling and detailed world-building that resonate with fans of Lian Hearn.
His epic fantasy series, beginning with Acacia: The War with the Mein, masterfully depicts power struggles, betrayal, and courageous heroes in a vibrant, expansive world.
Naomi Novik brings fresh and inventive storytelling that readers of Lian Hearn might enjoy. She skillfully integrates historical details with magical elements, as seen in her novel Uprooted.
This book explores themes of friendship, identity, and courage in the face of dark and mysterious forces.
Ken Liu explores themes of tradition, change, and identity through imaginative and thoughtful stories—qualities likely appealing to Lian Hearn fans.
His epic fantasy novel, The Grace of Kings, combines historical influences with fresh world-building, blending personal drama, political intrigue, and nuanced character relationships.
R.F. Kuang writes fantasy novels that blend fascinating historical settings with intense character drama. Her stories explore violence, politics, war, and personal sacrifice.
Fans of Lian Hearn's rich settings and complex characters might appreciate Kuang’s novel The Poppy War, a deeply emotional tale about a young woman’s rise as a warrior amid brutal conflict inspired by Chinese history.
S.A. Chakraborty crafts vivid fantasy adventures filled with magic, mythical creatures, and political intrigue set in detailed historical worlds. Her storytelling style brings to life characters caught between cultures, loyalties, and destinies that shape entire nations.
Readers who enjoyed Lian Hearn’s intricate plots and historical depth may want to read The City of Brass, a thrilling tale that navigates palace intrigue, hidden identities, and mythical beings in an enchanting Middle Eastern-inspired setting.
Katherine Arden is known for beautifully imagined historical fantasy novels that immerse readers in atmospheric environments inspired by folklore and legend. She portrays gripping struggles between tradition and change, the natural world and human desire.
Fans of Lian Hearn’s lyrical storytelling style will likely enjoy Arden’s novel The Bear and the Nightingale, a magical story set in medieval Russia, featuring a courageous heroine who confronts ancient spirits and family prejudices.
N.K. Jemisin’s writing is full of original worlds that question power structures, prejudice, and cultural tensions, presented through unique storytelling voices. Her stories often feature complex protagonists who defy expectations and who carve their own paths through turmoil.
If you enjoy the nuanced storytelling and depth of Lian Hearn, try Jemisin’s The Fifth Season, a novel exploring a world ravaged by apocalyptic cycles, where powerful individuals reshape society through their choices.
Elizabeth Bear’s writing often explores deep themes of identity, politics, and cultural clashes within richly drawn worlds that feel both ancient and vividly fresh.
Her characters wrestle with difficult choices that determine not only their own fate, but that of entire cultures and peoples.
Readers who love Lian Hearn’s exploration of personal honor and complex morality might like Bear’s Range of Ghosts, an epic fantasy drawing from Central Asian history and mythology, following a prince caught up in political turmoil and supernatural threats.
Megan Whalen Turner writes thoughtful adventures full of political intrigue, clever twists, and memorable characters. Fans of Lian Hearn who enjoy stories set in richly-developed worlds with detailed histories will appreciate her book, The Thief.
It follows Gen, a resourceful young thief caught between rival kingdoms, who must use his wits and cunning to survive.
Eiji Yoshikawa captures readers interested in Japanese culture and history through vivid storytelling and compelling character journeys.
In Musashi, Yoshikawa tells the epic tale of Miyamoto Musashi, the legendary swordsman, exploring themes of honor, redemption, and personal growth.
Those who appreciate the immersive setting and nuanced character development found in Lian Hearn's books will find Yoshikawa's style very satisfying.
James Clavell is known for grand-scale novels filled with intricate power struggles and detailed cultural encounters.
His book, Shōgun, transports readers to Japan during the 17th century, focusing on the experiences of an English sailor who becomes immersed in samurai culture and politics.
Readers who enjoy Lian Hearn's exploration of Japanese-inspired worlds will find Clavell's gripping storytelling style engaging.
Dorothy Dunnett writes historical narratives rich in political intrigue, complex plots, and vivid detail. Her novel, The Game of Kings, is set in Renaissance-era Scotland and follows the enigmatic Francis Crawford of Lymond as he navigates complicated international rivalries.
Fans of Lian Hearn who enjoy multi-layered plots and morally ambiguous characters will appreciate Dunnett's depth and skill.
Ursula K. Le Guin weaves stories marked by thoughtful explorations of identity, ethics, and cultural conflict within meticulously constructed worlds.
Her novel, A Wizard of Earthsea, introduces readers to Ged, a gifted young wizard facing both inner demons and external threats in a world shaped by magic and morality.
Le Guin's storytelling style and thematic depth resonate with those who admire Lian Hearn's nuanced characters and engaging worlds.