If you enjoy reading books by Max Gladstone then you might also like the following authors:
If you liked Max Gladstone's imaginative blend of magic and economics, you'll likely enjoy Robert Jackson Bennett. Bennett's fantasy balances vivid world-building with thoughtful exploration of power, mystery, and hidden layers beneath reality.
His novel Foundryside offers an exciting story where magical technology shapes societies in unexpected and intriguing ways.
Seth Dickinson writes fantasy that combines intricate politics with morally complex characters. Fans of Gladstone's sharp writing style and economic themes will appreciate Dickinson's skill in crafting tense stories full of strategic conflicts and ethical questions.
His novel The Traitor Baru Cormorant explores colonialism, power, and manipulation, set against an ambitious protagonist determined to change the system from within.
N.K. Jemisin creates powerful, imaginative fantasy worlds and examines meaningful social themes. If Gladstone's thought-provoking magic systems and socially conscious narratives appeal to you, Jemisin's work might resonate deeply.
Her novel The Fifth Season offers vivid storytelling and tackles big questions on oppression, survival, and resilience.
Readers who appreciate Max Gladstone's creativity and unique merging of genres will be fascinated by China Miéville. Miéville's writing often blends elements of fantasy, horror, and science fiction into a unique style called "New Weird."
His novel Perdido Street Station introduces readers to a strange, vividly realized city, filled with memorable characters and unique magic, politics, and technology.
Daniel Abraham brings complexity to fantasy storytelling, portraying nuanced characters, economics, and politics within richly developed worlds. Fans of Gladstone's intellectual depth and character-driven narratives will find Abraham engaging and thoughtful.
His novel The Dragon's Path explores ambition, commerce, and conflicting interests in a world shaped by realistic ambitions and believable magic.
If you enjoy Max Gladstone's mix of magic and complex worlds, Brandon Sanderson could be your next favorite. Sanderson is known for detailed magic systems, imaginative settings, and relatable characters.
Try starting with Mistborn: The Final Empire, where rebellion brews under the rule of a powerful tyrant, and magic uses metals to grant extraordinary abilities.
Elizabeth Bear's stories blend rich world-building with thoughtful explorations of power, identity, and society, similar to Gladstone's nuanced approach. She develops strong characters who confront ethical dilemmas.
You might like Range of Ghosts, a fantasy novel that draws from Asian and Middle Eastern history to create a vivid, intriguing world.
If you appreciate Gladstone's creativity and dark humor, Tamsyn Muir is an author you'll want to read next. Her distinctive blend of horror, fantasy, and dark comedy creates strange and unforgettable characters.
Try Gideon the Ninth, full of necromancers, mystery, snarky banter, and gothic intrigue.
Yoon Ha Lee's intricate worlds share the creative energy and dynamic magic systems fans of Gladstone admire. Lee combines innovative math-based magic with compelling stories about war, identity, and loyalty.
Consider Ninefox Gambit, a sci-fi novel featuring brilliant tactical battles, complex characters, and mind-bending technology.
Fans of Max Gladstone's thoughtful storytelling and clever plots might appreciate K.J. Parker's sharp wit and exploration of morality. Parker writes fantasy focusing on realistic portrayals of power, consequences, and human nature.
Check out Sixteen Ways to Defend a Walled City, a story that cleverly tackles strategy, politics, and individual choices amid siege and uncertain odds.
Jeff VanderMeer writes imaginative science fiction and fantasy, often blending weird elements with ecological themes. If you enjoy Max Gladstone's innovative and surreal worlds, you might also appreciate VanderMeer's novel Annihilation.
The story follows an expedition team exploring a strange, mysterious wilderness, where reality itself seems to shift around them.
Fonda Lee is known for vivid world-building and complex characters who navigate power struggles, family loyalty, and moral ambiguity. Fans of Max Gladstone's intricate magic systems might enjoy Lee's novel Jade City.
Set in a modern Asian-inspired metropolis, the plot revolves around families fighting fiercely for control of magical jade stones that grant superhuman abilities.
Django Wexler brings readers immersive fantasy with detailed worldbuilding and military intrigue. Like Max Gladstone, he's skilled at mixing magic and politics.
A great starting point is The Thousand Names, the first book in his Shadow Campaigns series, which combines military strategy with compelling characters and magic secrets.
Josiah Bancroft creates imaginative, surreal settings combined with a literary style and thoughtful insights into human nature. If the originality of Max Gladstone draws you, check out Bancroft's Senlin Ascends.
This story follows the mild-mannered Thomas Senlin as he searches for his wife through the bizarre, perilous floors of the mythical Tower of Babel.
V.E. Schwab writes engaging fantasy stories focused on compelling character dynamics, morally gray situations, and inventive world-building.
Readers who appreciate Gladstone's blending of magic and gritty realism might enjoy Schwab's A Darker Shade of Magic, a story featuring parallel Londons connected by magic, adventure, and danger.