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15 Authors like Mur Lafferty

Mur Lafferty is a noted science fiction and fantasy author known for her engaging storytelling and vibrant imagination. Her popular novels include The Shambling Guide to New York City and Six Wakes, showcasing her talent for blending humor, mystery, and adventure.

If you enjoy reading books by Mur Lafferty then you might also like the following authors:

  1. John Scalzi

    If you appreciate Mur Lafferty's blend of humor, action, and approachable prose, John Scalzi might be right up your alley. Scalzi creates exciting science fiction adventures full of quick wit, humor, and thought-provoking questions.

    His novel Redshirts brilliantly satirizes classic sci-fi tropes while celebrating them, following low-ranking crew members who notice an alarming trend: away missions always seem to kill off red-shirted characters.

    It's smart, funny, and great for readers who enjoy imaginative plots and cleverly twisted themes.

  2. Martha Wells

    Fans of Mur Lafferty's fast-paced storytelling and thoughtful characterization will likely connect to Martha Wells and her award-winning series beginning with All Systems Red.

    The protagonist, Murderbot, is an engagingly snarky security android who'd much rather binge-watch serial dramas than follow orders or interact intimately with humans.

    Wells's accessible writing style and compelling character development pair wonderfully with insightful explorations of identity and autonomy, making her books irresistible to readers who enjoy fun, character-driven sci-fi.

  3. Becky Chambers

    If Mur Lafferty's relatable characters and inclusive storytelling appeal to you, give Becky Chambers a try. Chambers crafts warm, character-centered stories that embrace diversity and kindness without sacrificing drama or humor.

    Her novel The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet introduces readers to a diverse ship crew whose interpersonal relationships and personal journeys prove as gripping as their adventurous missions through space.

    This heartfelt, feel-good take on science fiction is perfect for fans of Mur Lafferty who crave emotional depth and human connection alongside their cosmic journeys.

  4. Ann Leckie

    Ann Leckie offers stories that combine tense political intrigue and philosophical insight, while maintaining an accessible narrative voice similar to Mur Lafferty.

    Her novel Ancillary Justice features a unique protagonist—an AI that once controlled a vast starship but now exists trapped within a single human body—as it seeks vengeance and navigates complex questions of identity, morality, and society.

    Readers who appreciate Mur's thoughtful exploration of complex characters within imaginative worlds will find Leckie's layered storytelling rewarding and engaging.

  5. Seanan McGuire

    If you enjoy Mur Lafferty's vivid imagination and strong, relatable characters, you might love Seanan McGuire. Her writing effortlessly mixes compelling characters, engaging themes, and accessible, fast-paced narratives.

    The novella Every Heart a Doorway explores a home for children who've returned to the mundane world after living extraordinary journeys in magical lands.

    It's a beautifully bittersweet reflection on belonging and identity, full of fascinating characters and witty dialogue—ideal for readers who enjoy Mur's thoughtful storytelling and creative flair.

  6. N.K. Jemisin

    If you enjoy Mur Lafferty's blend of vivid storytelling and unique world-building, N.K. Jemisin is a great choice. Her work often tackles powerful themes like oppression, societal conflict, and identity wrapped neatly in rich, imaginative narratives.

    Her novel The Fifth Season is a good example—it takes readers to a world plagued by catastrophic earthquakes, exploring strength, prejudice, and survival through compelling characters.

  7. Tamsyn Muir

    Tamsyn Muir offers stories filled with dark humor, sharp wit, and a touch of the macabre. Like Lafferty, she creates layered, engaging characters who drive quirky and imaginative narratives.

    Check out her novel Gideon the Ninth, where necromancers meet a mystery-filled world of ancient tombs and gothic intrigue. It's clever, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt.

  8. Adrian Tchaikovsky

    If you like Mur Lafferty's creative worlds and thoughtful narratives, Adrian Tchaikovsky's books might appeal to you as well. He excels at telling thought-provoking stories by combining intriguing speculative concepts with believable, relatable characters.

    His novel Children of Time is both exciting and profound—it explores evolution, humanity's place in the universe, and our interactions with other species in unexpected ways.

  9. Charles Stross

    Charles Stross blends science fiction and fantasy elements with humor and sharp satire, much like Mur Lafferty often does. If you like stories that poke fun at modern life's absurdities while unfolding imaginative plots, you might appreciate Stross’s book The Atrocity Archives.

    It mixes Lovecraftian horrors and bureaucratic espionage in a hilariously entertaining package.

  10. Catherynne M. Valente

    Catherynne M. Valente offers readers imaginative and poetic storytelling, often weaving rich mythology into her narratives. Her lyrical style and inventive themes—similar to the detailed worlds and engaging voice in Lafferty's stories—make her books a pleasure to read.

    Start with Space Opera, a colorful, comedic story where human musicians must compete in an intergalactic talent contest to secure Earth's place among advanced alien civilizations.

  11. Yoon Ha Lee

    Yoon Ha Lee writes science fiction filled with bold ideas, complex world-building, and strong, thoughtful characters. His stories blur the lines between science and magic, often mixing advanced technology with fantasy elements and exploring themes of identity, honor, and power.

    One notable work is Ninefox Gambit, which offers a dynamic, mind-bending universe that challenges perceptions and keeps readers fully engaged.

  12. Mary Robinette Kowal

    Mary Robinette Kowal blends detailed historical worlds with thoughtful speculative elements and approachable, very human characters. Readers who value Mur Lafferty's emphasis on interpersonal dynamics and character-driven storytelling will appreciate Kowal's style.

    Her novel, The Calculating Stars, centers on alternate history, space exploration, and compelling portrayals of determined women striving for equality.

  13. James S.A. Corey

    James S.A. Corey (the pen name of authors Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck) is excellent at creating fast-paced plots within vivid, richly imagined science fictional universes.

    Their writing balances thrilling stakes with carefully drawn characters and relationships, offering a perfect mix for fans of Mur Lafferty.

    Their best-known series, beginning with Leviathan Wakes, immerses readers in epic space action and thoughtful exploration of humanity’s varied challenges and struggles.

  14. Kameron Hurley

    Kameron Hurley is known for fierce, unapologetic speculative fiction that confronts power structures, gender roles, and violence in thought-provoking ways.

    Readers who appreciate Mur Lafferty’s willingness to tackle complex issues through engaging stories will value Hurley’s approach. Her novel The Light Brigade masterfully combines action, social critique, and philosophical questions about war, power, and individual agency.

  15. Gareth L. Powell

    Gareth L. Powell offers exciting adventures set against vivid space-operatic landscapes with memorable characters and emotional depth. His writing is accessible, imaginative, and full of heart, perfect for readers who enjoy Mur Lafferty’s lively, approachable style.

    His novel, Embers of War, takes readers on an action-filled ride through a complex universe, exploring themes of redemption, war, and the importance of choosing compassion over violence.