If you enjoy reading novels by Mark Lawrence then you might also like the following authors:
Readers who enjoy Mark Lawrence might also appreciate Joe Abercrombie’s gritty fantasy style and morally complex characters. Abercrombie is known for sharp dialogue, dark humor, and vivid action sequences.
His book “The Blade Itself,” the first entry in his series “The First Law,” introduces us to memorable characters such as Logen Ninefingers, a battle-weary warrior with a feared reputation, and Glokta, a former swordsman now turned ruthless inquisitor after a grueling capture by enemy forces.
Each character has depth of character and personal struggles, set against a backdrop of political tension and treachery. The book combines morally gray antiheroes, realistic world-building, and unpredictable plotting that keeps readers absorbed.
Fans of Lawrence’s “Broken Empire” trilogy will find similar dark tones and compellingly flawed heroes in Abercrombie’s writing.
Patrick Rothfuss is an author fantasy readers often turn to after exploring writers like Mark Lawrence. Rothfuss is best known for his book “The Name of the Wind,” which begins his “Kingkiller Chronicle” series.
The story follows Kvothe, a legendary figure whose true tale is hidden behind myths. The plot alternates between Kvothe narrating his past to a chronicler and present-day situations filled with hints of tension and secrecy.
Kvothe recounts his early years with a traveling troupe, his struggles living alone after tragedy strikes, and his eventual entry to a famed magical university.
Rothfuss combines magic, mystery, and personal hardship in a vivid way that may resonate with those who enjoy Lawrence’s dark and complex plots.
Brent Weeks is an author you might enjoy if you’re a fan of Mark Lawrence. His dark fantasy style, intricate characters, and fast-paced storytelling offer a similar intensity.
In his book “The Way of Shadows,” Weeks introduces readers to Azoth, a street kid struggling to survive in a cruel city ruled by thieves and assassins.
Azoth understands that his only chance to escape this harsh life is becoming an apprentice to Durzo Blint, the city’s most feared assassin.
Under Blint’s tough mentorship, Azoth transforms from desperate street child to skilled killer, soon entangled in dangerous plots and ancient magic.
If you appreciate characters faced with gritty decisions in dark and vividly described worlds, Brent Weeks is an author worth exploring.
Robin Hobb is an author known for creating detailed worlds and memorable characters, perfect for fans of Mark Lawrence’s style. One great example is her book “Assassin’s Apprentice.”
This novel introduces readers to FitzChivalry Farseer, a young illegitimate royal raised in the castle stables. He grows up overlooked by most, until the king decides FitzChivalry should be trained as the crown’s secret assassin.
Fitz learns stealth, combat, and poisons, but he also has a strange gift: the forbidden ability to bond deeply with animals. The story explores loyalty, politics, and betrayal as Fitz navigates life and death in the shadows of the royal court.
For anyone who appreciates Mark Lawrence’s gritty fantasy worlds filled with flawed yet captivating heroes, Robin Hobb offers plenty to discover.
Brian McClellan crafts rich fantasy worlds filled with military action, political intrigue, and complex characters readers can’t easily forget.
If you’re drawn to Mark Lawrence’s blend of gritty realism and compelling storylines, McClellan’s “Promise of Blood” could be an exciting next read.
The story launches with a daring coup; Field Marshal Tamas eliminates the corrupt monarchy, turning the nation upside-down overnight. But removing royals is the easy part.
Now, Tamas must hold the country together amid threats from ancient gods, rival nations, and traitors within his own ranks. Gunpowder and magic collide explosively in a world on the brink of war.
Scott Lynch is the author behind the inventive fantasy novel “The Lies of Locke Lamora.” This novel centers around Locke Lamora, a clever thief and member of the Gentleman Bastards, a gang specializing in elaborate schemes against the wealthy elite.
Set in the vibrant city of Camorr, the story mixes gritty action, intricate deception, and witty dialogue. Readers who enjoyed Mark Lawrence’s dark antiheroes and sharp storytelling will find a similar thrill in Lynch’s cunning characters and richly detailed plots.
Steven Erikson is a Canadian fantasy author known for epic storytelling and complex characters. Fans of Mark Lawrence will enjoy Erikson’s rich world-building and morally ambiguous heroes.
In his book “Gardens of the Moon,” readers enter the Malazan Empire, a vast and war-torn realm full of magic, betrayal, and hidden agendas.
The empire is stretched thin by constant fighting and internal plots, as soldiers, assassins, mages, and gods become entangled in struggles for dominance. Erikson draws readers into a dark, vivid setting packed with gritty realism and intrigue.
Adrian Tchaikovsky is a British author known for his imaginative world-building and nuanced characters in fantasy and science fiction.
If you enjoyed Mark Lawrence’s ability to blend gripping characters with gritty settings, you might appreciate Tchaikovsky’s novel “Empire in Black and Gold.” This book marks the start of the “Shadows of the Apt” series.
It introduces a fascinating world where humanity is divided into insect-inspired kinden groups. Some people can use technology, while others rely purely on magic. As the Wasp Empire expands, the inhabitants of the Lowlands must overcome their differences to resist conquest.
The novel delivers action, political intrigue, and vivid characters who struggle with their own strengths and weaknesses.
R. Scott Bakker is an author who stands out in modern fantasy with his dark tone, intricate world-building, and morally complex characters. Readers who enjoy Mark Lawrence’s sharp prose and morally ambiguous protagonists will likely connect with Bakker’s work.
A good starting point is “The Darkness That Comes Before,” the first book in “The Prince of Nothing” series. This novel introduces readers to an epic world of warfare, philosophy, and mysterious supernatural threats.
It follows the enigmatic warrior-monk Anasûrimbor Kellhus, whose unsettling charisma and intelligence can sway entire populations. Bakker weaves together subtle political maneuvering, deep philosophical questions, and unsettlingly realistic combat.
Fans of gritty fantasy and complex, thoughtful stories may find themselves hooked by Bakker’s challenging narratives and darkly fascinating characters.
Richard Morgan is a British author known for his gritty storytelling and vividly drawn characters, similar in tone to writer Mark Lawrence. His novel “The Steel Remains” is a fantasy tale set in a dark, violent world.
It follows Ringil Eskiath, a cynical war hero who finds himself dragged back into conflict when he searches for a missing relative. Morgan blends intense action scenes with morally complex characters, exploring themes of prejudice, power struggles, and personal redemption.
If you enjoy Mark Lawrence’s realistic and layered approach to fantasy, Morgan’s work might also appeal to you.
Michael J. Sullivan is an author who creates strong characters and plots full of twists that quietly draw you in before you even realize it. If you enjoyed Mark Lawrence’s vivid medieval worlds, you might also take to Sullivan’s “Theft of Swords.”
It begins as a tale about two thieves, Royce and Hadrian, who become caught up in royal conspiracies and ancient secrets. As the pair navigate danger, betrayal, and adventure, Sullivan crafts a tale packed with sharp dialogue, humor, and genuine heart.
The duo’s bond and clever banter add depth to their thrilling quests, giving readers plenty of reasons to smile even as the stakes climb higher and higher.
Readers who enjoy Mark Lawrence’s engaging dark fantasy may also appreciate John Gwynne, an author known for his gritty storytelling and well-crafted, vivid battle scenes. Gwynne’s book “Malice” is the first in “The Faithful and the Fallen” series.
Set in the Banished Lands, the story follows Corban, a young boy destined for greatness amidst prophecy, betrayal, and war. Ancient alliances begin to fracture.
Powerful forces awaken, and Corban must navigate a dangerous world filled with friendship, courage, and cruel deception. Gwynne skillfully builds tension and creates complex characters who continually face moral dilemmas and impossible odds.
Fans of intense fantasy narratives featuring strong character development and brutal conflict will find “Malice” a worthy addition to their reading list.
Books by Jenn Lyons offer the complex storytelling, morally ambiguous characters, and rich world building that often draw readers to Mark Lawrence.
In “The Ruin of Kings,” Lyons introduces readers to Kihrin, an orphan with a hidden heritage destined to reshape the fate of an empire. Kihrin navigates dangerous politics, gods’ meddling, and ancient prophecies.
His story is told through two intertwined narratives—a clever structure that keeps the suspense and revelations coming. Fans of gritty fantasy will especially appreciate how Lyons carefully blends magical intrigue and dark family secrets.
Books by Anthony Ryan offer captivating dark fantasy worlds with a deep sense of character and morally complex themes, similar to those found in the works of Mark Lawrence.
Ryan’s novel “Blood Song” introduces readers to Vaelin Al Sorna, a legendary warrior raised and trained by the strict Order of the Sixth. Vaelin grows from an uncertain boy to a skilled soldier amid ruthless trials and political intrigue.
Throughout his journey, he struggles with loyalty, sacrifice, and the haunting nature of his gift, known as the Blood Song. Readers who enjoy Lawrence’s intense narratives and morally conflicted protagonists will find Anthony Ryan’s tales equally engaging and thought-provoking.
Peter V. Brett is an author fantasy readers often enjoy when exploring beyond Mark Lawrence’s works. His book “The Warded Man” introduces readers to a grim world where humanity struggles to survive each night against terrifying demons that rise with darkness.
These supernatural creatures have kept civilizations scattered, forcing people behind protective wards etched into their homes.
The story follows Arlen, a young man determined to reclaim humanity’s freedom from fear, as he seeks powerful lost wards and confronts both demonic foes and human conflicts.
Brett engages readers with well-crafted action, a fully realized setting, and characters who face darkness with courage and resolve.