If you enjoy reading books by Mercedes Lackey then you might also like the following authors:
Tamora Pierce writes stories that often center on strong young characters facing challenges in worlds full of magic and adventure. Her book “Alanna: The First Adventure” is about a girl named Alanna who trades places with her twin brother so she can train as a knight.
Disguised as a boy, she has to navigate her training, hide her secret, and prove herself in a world where women are not allowed to be knights. There are moments of friendship, danger, and discovery, all set in a richly built fantasy world.
Fans of Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar books might enjoy the mix of personal growth and magical settings in Pierce’s work.
Anne McCaffrey is an author who brings together fantasy and science fiction in unforgettable ways. One of her best-known works, “Dragonflight,” introduces readers to the planet Pern, where humans share a bond with telepathic dragons.
The story follows Lessa, a young woman who rises from oppression to become a powerful leader and rider of one of Pern’s dragons. The world of Pern feels alive, with its dragon-human connections and the looming threat of Thread, a deadly spore falling from the skies.
Fans of Mercedes Lackey’s magical creatures and strong characters will find themselves drawn into McCaffrey’s richly imagined universe.
Robin McKinley is a fantasy author known for retelling familiar fairy tales in creative and meaningful ways. In her book “Beauty,” she reimagines the classic “Beauty and the Beast.”
The story follows Beauty, a practical and brave young woman who offers herself to the Beast to save her family. What sets this version apart is the rich detail in Beauty’s everyday life and her growing relationship with the Beast.
The book creates a world that feels alive and makes the characters relatable. Fans of Mercedes Lackey’s thoughtful and character-driven fantasy will likely enjoy McKinley’s work.
Patricia McKillip wrote fantasy stories that feel both magical and deeply human. One of her books, “The Forgotten Beasts of Eld,” tells the story of Sybel, a young woman who lives alone on a mountain with a collection of magical, mythical animals.
Her peaceful life is disrupted when a baby is left in her care, pulling her into a world of rivalries and power struggles. The story blends moments of wonder with a focus on personal choices and how they shape destinies.
If you appreciate intricate worlds and characters who feel alive, her work is worth exploring!
David Eddings is best known for his epic fantasy series that blend adventure, humor, and memorable characters. His book “Pawn of Prophecy,” the first in *The Belgariad* series, introduces Garion, a young farm boy raised by his Aunt Pol.
His quiet life changes when he’s caught up in a quest to recover a powerful artifact. Along the way, he discovers secrets about his own past and the destiny awaiting him.
The story is full of magic, danger, and a cast of characters who feel like old friends by the time you finish. Fans of authors like Mercedes Lackey might enjoy the mix of magic, mystery, and strong personalities in his books.
Elizabeth Moon is a talented author known for creating rich fantasy and science fiction worlds. Her book “Sheepfarmer’s Daughter” kicks off the “Deed of Paksenarrion” trilogy, and it’s a perfect pick for fans of Mercedes Lackey.
The story follows Paksenarrion, a young woman who leaves her quiet farm life to join a mercenary company. Along the way, she faces battles, struggles with her own beliefs, and uncovers a deeper destiny.
It’s packed with action, a strong heroine, and a sense of honor and growth that makes it unforgettable.
C.J. Cherryh is a science fiction and fantasy author known for creating detailed worlds with complex characters. One of her novels, “The Pride of Chanur,” is set in a universe where various alien species interact. The story focuses on a spacefaring feline race called the Hani.
Captain Pyanfar Chanur, a sharp and resourceful leader, finds herself and her crew caught in the middle of interstellar politics after they take in a strange fugitive—a human, a species unknown to them.
The book dives into clashes between cultures, the challenges of trust, and unexpected alliances.
Tanya Huff is a Canadian author known for her ability to blend fantasy with rich world-building and relatable characters. In her book “The Fire’s Stone,” she tells the story of Aaron, a thief, Darvish, a drunken prince, and Chandra, a determined wizard.
The three are thrown together to recover a stolen magical gem that protects their city. Along the way, there’s adventure, danger, and the growth of unexpected friendships. Huff mixes humor with heartfelt moments, and her characters feel flawed yet heroic in their own way.
Fans of Mercedes Lackey’s focus on relationships and personal growth in fantastical settings may find a lot to enjoy here.
Naomi Novik writes fantasy that feels like stepping into a rich and enchanting world. One of her standout books, “Uprooted,” begins in a quiet village where a girl named Agnieszka is chosen to serve the local wizard, known as the Dragon.
At first, it seems like a terrifying fate, but Agnieszka discovers unexpected magic within herself. The story leans on folklore, with a creeping, malevolent forest threatening everything.
Fans of Mercedes Lackey’s tales of magic and personal growth are likely to feel right at home here.
Jane Yolen is a prolific author known for blending fantasy and folklore in her stories. One of her standout novels is “Briar Rose,” a retelling of the Sleeping Beauty tale set against the backdrop of the Holocaust.
The story follows Becca, a young woman uncovering the truth behind her grandmother’s mysterious past through an old fairy tale. As Becca digs deeper, she uncovers a history filled with courage, secrets, and heartbreak.
The mix of fairy tale elements and historical context creates a deeply emotional and unforgettable read.
Lois McMaster Bujold is a celebrated author best known for her science fiction and fantasy novels. One of her standout works is “The Curse of Chalion,” a fantasy story set in a world shaped by gods and human ambition.
The book follows Cazaril, a man broken by years of war and betrayal, who returns home seeking peace. Instead, he finds himself caught in the dangerous politics of a noble household and under the shadow of a powerful curse.
The interplay between divine forces and human struggles creates a rich and engaging story.
Andre Norton was a master of blending science fiction and fantasy in ways that feel immersive and imaginative. One of her standout books, “Witch World,” opens the door to a realm full of ancient magic and strange landscapes.
The story follows Simon Tregarth, a man on the run who ends up escaping to a new world through a mysterious gateway. He finds himself in a land where witchcraft holds real power and gets caught up in political conflicts and dangers from sorcery.
This book has rich characters and a world that pulls you in, offering a great escape for fans of authors like Mercedes Lackey.
Kristen Britain is the author of the “Green Rider” series, a blend of adventure and magic. In the first book, “Green Rider,” a young woman named Karigan encounters a wounded messenger on the road.
With his dying breath, he gives her a message to deliver to the king, thrusting her into danger and a world of ancient powers. The story has daring escapes, mysterious visions, and an unforgettable bond with her horse.
If you enjoy stories with strong characters and magical quests, you might want to check it out.
Juliet Marillier is an author known for weaving myths and folklore into her stories, creating rich worlds with a timeless feel. Her book “Daughter of the Forest,” the first in the Sevenwaters series, is inspired by the Irish legend of the Children of Lir.
The story follows Sorcha, a young woman who must break a curse placed upon her brothers. Her journey takes her away from her home and into enemy territory, where she faces danger and heartbreak.
The narrative has a deeply personal feel, with a focus on family, sacrifice, and resilience. Fans of Mercedes Lackey’s blending of fantasy with character-driven storytelling might really enjoy this beautifully written tale.
Gail Carson Levine is known for creating imaginative fantasy worlds filled with magic and unforgettable characters. Her book “Ella Enchanted” takes a twist on the Cinderella story. Ella, cursed to obey any command, fights against the spell holding her back from her own choices.
The story introduces ogres, fairies, and a clever heroine who refuses to lose her sense of self. Fans of Mercedes Lackey’s strong protagonists and rich fantasy settings might enjoy Levine’s work.