If you enjoy reading books by Martha Wells then you might also like the following authors:
Becky Chambers writes stories that focus on characters and relationships in imaginative settings. Her book “The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet” follows a crew on a spaceship as they travel across the galaxy, working together and dealing with personal challenges.
“A Closed and Common Orbit” is more about identity, friendship, and finding your place in the world. Fans of Martha Wells might appreciate her way of blending humanity with the science fiction backdrop.
Ann Leckie wrote “Ancillary Justice,” a book about a starship AI trapped in a single human body, navigating a complex empire. Its sequel, “Ancillary Sword,” focuses on the AI’s efforts to bring justice to a colonial planet.
Another of her works, “Provenance,” explores disputes over identity and heritage in a universe tied to objects of historical value. Her stories mix politics and personal struggles in unique ways.
Tamsyn Muir writes books that blend sci-fi, fantasy, and dark humor in a fresh way. Her novel “Gideon the Ninth” follows a snarky swordswoman teaming up with a necromancer to solve puzzles and survive deadly challenges.
Its sequel, “Harrow the Ninth,” dives deeper into necromancy and a mind-bending mystery. Fans of Martha Wells might enjoy the mix of sharp dialogue and unique worldbuilding in these stories.
Lois McMaster Bujold is known for her engaging stories and clever characters. Her book “The Warrior’s Apprentice” follows a young man named Miles Vorkosigan as he uses his quick thinking to overcome challenges despite physical limitations.
In “Paladin of Souls,” set in a fantasy world, a woman named Ista embarks on a journey of self-discovery and faces unexpected trials. Bujold’s books mix adventure and deep personal growth, creating stories that stick with readers.
C.L. Polk writes stories with heartfelt characters and smart, engaging plots. If you enjoy Martha Wells, you might like Polk’s “Witchmark,” which follows a magical doctor caught up in a mystery while uncovering secrets about his world.
“The Midnight Bargain” is another standout, where a young woman fights against societal rules to keep her magic and her independence. Polk’s books mix strong character moments with fascinating worlds, making them great for readers who love a balance of action and emotion.
Yoon Ha Lee writes imaginative science fiction with a focus on intricate worlds and unique ideas. In “Ninefox Gambit,” readers follow the story of Kel Cheris, who must work with the ghost of a brilliant but dangerous general to save her society.
Another novel, “Dragon Pearl,” blends futuristic space adventure with Korean mythology, as a young fox spirit named Min sets off to find her missing brother. Lee’s work often pushes the boundaries of genre in interesting ways.
Charlie Jane Anders has a knack for mixing sci-fi with relatable characters and heartfelt stories. If you enjoy Martha Wells, you might like Anders’ “All the Birds in the Sky,” which combines technology and magic in a world on the brink of collapse.
“The City in the Middle of the Night” explores themes of survival and connection on a distant planet where humanity struggles with alien cultures and harsh environments. Her work often brings a balance of wit and emotional depth.
Max Gladstone writes stories that mix fantasy with modern elements. One of his books, “Three Parts Dead,” focuses on a magical lawyer solving a god’s mysterious death. Another, “Last First Snow,” dives into a tense conflict over urban development in a magical city.
His work often explores power, law, and the forces shaping societies.
Aliette de Bodard writes stories that mix science fiction and fantasy with rich world-building. If you enjoy Martha Wells, you might like her works too. “The Tea Master and the Detective” is a Sherlock Holmes-inspired mystery set in a galactic empire run by sentient ships.
“The House of Shattered Wings” takes you to a dark, magical Paris where fallen angels fight for power. Her books focus on character relationships and unique settings, making them intriguing for fans of Wells’ stories.
John Scalzi writes sharp and straightforward science fiction. His book “Old Man’s War” tells the story of an aging man who joins the military to fight in space.
“Redshirts” is about starship crew members who realize they’re likely to die because they’re extras in a larger narrative. “The Collapsing Empire” explores a universe where space travel depends on a fragile system that starts to fail.
He mixes action with wit while keeping things easy to follow.
Nnedi Okorafor writes imaginative and thought-provoking sci-fi and fantasy. If you enjoy Martha Wells, you might like “Binti,” a story about a young Himba woman who leaves her home to attend a prestigious intergalactic university.
Another great one is “The Book of Phoenix,” which follows a genetically modified woman as she unravels the truth behind her creation. Her worlds are rich, and her characters face challenges that test their resilience and identity.
Andrea Stewart wrote “The Bone Shard Daughter” and its sequels, which make up The Drowning Empire series. The books are about a world ruled by an emperor who uses bone magic to control constructs and maintain power.
The story follows multiple characters, including a woman trying to unlock the secrets of her own past.
Arkady Martine writes stories that blend politics, culture, and power struggles. If you enjoy Martha Wells, you might like the way Martine weaves characters into intricate worlds.
Her novel “A Memory Called Empire” is about a diplomat navigating a massive empire while dealing with political schemes and her own identity. Its sequel, “A Desolation Called Peace,” explores the challenges of interstellar diplomacy and alien contact.
These books mix clever ideas with engaging characters, making them worth a look.
Seanan McGuire writes stories filled with unique worlds and strong characters. In “Every Heart a Doorway,” she explores the lives of kids who have returned from magical worlds and struggle to fit back into reality.
“Middlegame” tells the story of two twins created by an alchemist, each with powers tied to language and math, as they fight to take control of their destinies. Her books often blend fantasy with emotional depth, keeping readers invested.
Adrian Tchaikovsky writes science fiction and fantasy with creative worlds and interesting characters. If you like Martha Wells, you might enjoy “Children of Time,” a story about humanity’s survival and evolution on a distant planet.
“Shards of Earth” is about a desperate crew trying to stop an ancient and destructive force in space. His books often explore strange societies and unexpected friendships, which might appeal to you.