If you enjoy reading books by Patrick Rothfuss then you might also like the following authors:
Brandon Sanderson is an author you may enjoy if you liked Patrick Rothfuss. He is known for creating detailed worlds and logical magic systems in his fantasy series.
In his novel “Mistborn: The Final Empire,” he introduces a dark empire ruled by a tyrant who has controlled the land for a thousand years. In this oppressive setting, a crew of rebellious thieves and outcasts discovers a rare power.
By swallowing and “burning” metals, certain individuals become Mistborn, able to tap into extraordinary magical abilities. The story follows Vin, a young woman with incredible potential, who joins a daring attempt to overthrow the seemingly invincible Lord Ruler.
The plot is full of twists, brilliant action scenes, and characters you root for, wrapped inside a tightly crafted magic structure that keeps pages turning.
Books by Robin Hobb offer readers the kind of rich storytelling and immersive worlds that fans of Patrick Rothfuss often appreciate. In her novel “Assassin’s Apprentice,” we meet FitzChivalry Farseer, the illegitimate son of a royal prince.
Fitz grows up in the castle shadows, trained secretly as an assassin and schooled in a mysterious magical art known as the Skill. As political tensions mount, Fitz is drawn into dangerous plots and court intrigues.
Hobb creates characters who feel authentic, with complex emotions and difficult choices at every turn. The stakes are high, and Fitz’s struggles truly resonate, blending rich fantasy elements with deeply personal stories.
Readers who enjoy Rothfuss’s thoughtful exploration of magic and character may find Hobb’s intricate wit and emotional storytelling an engaging next step.
Readers who enjoy the complex characters and morally gray storytelling of Patrick Rothfuss may find a similar appeal in the books of Joe Abercrombie.
His gritty fantasy novel “The Blade Itself” introduces readers to Logen Ninefingers, a legendary warrior tired of violence, yet unable to escape it. Glokta, a former hero turned cynical torturer crippled by war, navigates political games and hidden threats.
Meanwhile Jezal, an ambitious but arrogant young noble, prepares for a fencing contest that could shape his future. These separate paths slowly pull together into a plot full of surprising twists, sharp dialogue, and intense battles.
Abercrombie’s tale gives a fresh, grounded take on traditional fantasy, perfect for fans who appreciate flawed characters and genuine surprises in their stories.
Readers who enjoy Patrick Rothfuss’s storytelling might also appreciate the works of George R.R. Martin. His novel, “A Game of Thrones,” is the first installment in the “A Song of Ice and Fire” series.
Set in the richly detailed continents of Westeros and Essos, it follows powerful noble families who struggle fiercely to claim the Iron Throne. Characters are morally complex, and Martin skillfully blends gritty realism and fantasy elements.
The plot advances through shifting perspectives, secrets, betrayal, and unexpected alliances, which keep readers constantly eager to uncover what happens next.
Books by Terry Goodkind offer intriguing worlds and memorable characters that readers who enjoy Patrick Rothfuss might appreciate. Goodkind is best known for “Wizard’s First Rule,” the first novel in the epic “Sword of Truth” series.
The story follows Richard Cypher, a young woodsman whose ordinary life changes forever when he meets Kahlan Amnell, a mysterious woman with powerful magic. Together they must confront dark forces and unravel dangerous truths.
The book provides a mix of deep secrets, compelling magic, and struggles over power and destiny that readers of Rothfuss’s “The Name of the Wind” may find equally engaging.
Books by Neil Gaiman offer a unique blend of fantasy, mythology, and storytelling charm that readers of Patrick Rothfuss might appreciate. One standout novel is “American Gods,” a blend of myth and modern-day America.
Shadow, recently released from prison, discovers a hidden world of forgotten gods who wander through ordinary towns and diners. Gaiman’s vivid characters, sharp dialogue, and exploration of belief versus disbelief create an absorbing narrative.
If the mythic depth of Rothfuss pulled you in, Neil Gaiman could offer a fascinating new reading experience.
Books by Ursula K. Le Guin offer imaginative worlds, thoughtful storytelling, and depth that readers of Patrick Rothfuss often appreciate. One great example is “A Wizard of Earthsea,” the first novel in Le Guin’s Earthsea Cycle.
It introduces readers to Ged, a talented young wizard whose pride and ambition unleash a dark shadow into the world.
To confront this darkness, Ged must go on journeys across mysterious islands and treacherous seas, learning not only magic but profound lessons about himself and the balance of life.
This story has rich language, subtle character development, and immersive exploration of morality and magic, qualities anyone who enjoyed “The Name of the Wind” or “The Wise Man’s Fear” will likely find familiar and rewarding.
Lev Grossman is an author known for blending elements of fantasy with a modern, realistic setting.
His novel “The Magicians” tells the story of Quentin Coldwater, a brilliant but disillusioned high school graduate who finds himself unexpectedly accepted into Brakebills, a secretive and exclusive magic school.
Quentin expects magic to solve all his problems, but he soon discovers a darker, more complicated world than he imagined. He and his classmates learn magic that is demanding, dangerous, and far removed from traditional notions of enchantment.
If you enjoyed Patrick Rothfuss’s approach to magic and character exploration in “The Name of the Wind,” Grossman’s realism and fresh storytelling in “The Magicians” could be exactly what you’re looking for next.
Scott Lynch is a fantasy author known for his sharp wit and clever storytelling. His novel “The Lies of Locke Lamora” follows the charismatic thief Locke Lamora. The backdrop is Camorr, a city filled with canals, politics, and secret societies.
Locke leads the Gentleman Bastards, a band of thieves who specialize in elaborate cons against the wealthy elite. But when a brutal figure called the Gray King emerges, Locke finds himself unexpectedly tangled in dangerous intrigue and rivalry.
Like Patrick Rothfuss, Lynch creates rich worlds filled with unique characters, morally gray situations, and plenty of unexpected twists.
Readers who enjoy Patrick Rothfuss might also appreciate Tad Williams, an author known for big, immersive fantasy worlds and detailed storytelling. His novel “The Dragonbone Chair” is the first installment in the epic “Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn” trilogy.
It follows Simon, a naive kitchen helper who becomes unexpectedly entwined in royal intrigues, ancient secrets, and looming threats. As he navigates a kingdom torn by dark prophecy and hidden magic, Simon must confront dangers far beyond his experience.
William’s vibrant characters and rich landscapes create an atmosphere readers can get thoroughly lost in, making “The Dragonbone Chair” a must-read for fans of expansive fantasy adventures.
Terry Pratchett is an author known for blending fantasy, humor, and deep observations about humanity. If you enjoyed Patrick Rothfuss’ thoughtful storytelling, Pratchett’s “Small Gods” may appeal to you.
Set in the vivid Discworld universe, this novel follows the story of Brutha, a humble and sincere novice priest who unexpectedly meets his god, Om. But Om now finds himself trapped in the form of a small turtle, powerless and dependent on his one remaining believer, Brutha.
Together, they navigate through religious institutions, dangerous politics, and philosophical debates, leading readers on an intelligent and humorous exploration of faith, power, and belief.
Pratchett’s clever satire and sharp wit capture big questions about religion and humanity without ever feeling heavy-handed. “Small Gods” combines imaginative fantasy and thoughtful storytelling in a way readers of Rothfuss may very likely appreciate.
Brian Staveley crafts immersive worlds filled with rich lore, intriguing characters, and complex struggles of power, morality, and legacy. His novel “The Emperor’s Blades” follows the tale of three children whose lives shatter when their father, the emperor, is assassinated.
While the eldest brother prepares to assume the throne, his siblings—one training with elite monks, another mastering dangerous political intrigue—must navigate treacherous paths back home.
Fans of Patrick Rothfuss’ vivid settings and nuanced character arcs will appreciate Staveley’s intricate storytelling and depth of emotion.
Readers who enjoy Patrick Rothfuss might also appreciate the fantasy stories of Mark Lawrence. His novel “Prince of Thorns” introduces readers to Jorg Ancrath, a young prince whose journey is dark and ruthless.
After witnessing a brutal tragedy as a child, Jorg becomes hardened and determined to reclaim his birthright. His path to power is violent and unpredictable.
Lawrence’s writing draws you in with morally complex characters and vivid storytelling, exploring themes of revenge and redemption in a gritty medieval setting.
Robert Jordan is a great choice if you enjoy the expansive fantasy and deep characters of Patrick Rothfuss.
His series, “The Wheel of Time,” begins with “The Eye of the World,” a novel that introduces readers to Rand al’Thor, Matrim Cauthon, and Perrin Aybara, three friends from a quiet village whose lives change drastically after a mysterious attack.
They must journey far from home, discovering secrets about themselves and the ancient forces at play. Jordan builds a world rich in history, with magic, prophecy, and intricate human relationships.
Readers who love being drawn into vivid storytelling and deeply developed lore will find plenty to enjoy in Robert Jordan’s work.
Philip Pullman is a talented storyteller known for creating imaginative fantasy worlds that blend magical adventure with thoughtful themes. If you enjoyed the depth and rich narrative of Patrick Rothfuss, you might appreciate Pullman’s “The Golden Compass.”
This novel follows Lyra Belacqua, a spirited and clever young girl who discovers the existence of parallel universes and sets off on a daring journey to the icy north.
Accompanied by her daemon Pantalaimon—a manifestation of her soul in animal form—Lyra confronts powerful forces determined to control reality and freedom itself.
Pullman’s world-building is both vivid and original, filled with armored polar bears, mysterious Dust, and thought-provoking ideas about the nature of belief and knowledge.