If you enjoy reading books by Patrick Rothfuss then you might also like the following authors:
Brandon Sanderson is known for creating rich fantasy worlds and unique magic systems. In his book “Mistborn: The Final Empire,” the story takes place in a world where ash falls from the sky, and a tyrant rules with an iron grip.
The plot follows Vin, a young street thief, who discovers she has the rare ability to use Allomancy—a type of magic where specific metals grant powers. She joins a group plotting to overthrow the oppressive empire, which takes her on a path full of twists and challenges.
The book blends action, mystery, and an intricate plan to change the fate of their world.
Robin Hobb is an author known for creating rich fantasy worlds filled with flawed, relatable characters. One of her most well-loved books, “Assassin’s Apprentice,” follows the story of Fitz, a royal illegitimate child who grows up in the shadows of the kingdom.
Taken into the care of the royal household, Fitz is trained as an assassin and gradually discovers that he has a magical bond with animals, known as the Wit.
The book explores loyalty, betrayal, and the weight of duty, all while Fitz learns to navigate a world that often sees him as an outsider. If you enjoy deep character exploration and a touch of magic woven into a larger narrative, this might catch your attention.
Joe Abercrombie is known for writing dark, sharp, and character-driven fantasy that doesn’t shy away from the harshness of its world.
His book, “The Blade Itself,” introduces readers to a cast of flawed characters, including Logen Ninefingers, a battered warrior with a violent past, and Glokta, a crippled torturer navigating political schemes.
The story brings them together in a land teetering on the edge of war, where every decision comes at a price. Abercrombie’s writing has a gritty edge, with moments of humor and unexpected twists.
George R.R. Martin is known for creating stories filled with complex characters and morally gray decisions. His book, “A Game of Thrones,” kicks off the epic series “A Song of Ice and Fire” and introduces the battle for the Iron Throne.
The story takes place in Westeros, a land of noble families vying for power while an ancient threat stirs beyond a massive wall of ice.
You’ll meet characters like Eddard Stark, who tries to navigate the treachery of court politics, and Daenerys Targaryen, an exiled princess determined to reclaim her family’s legacy.
The shifting alliances and unexpected twists make it impossible to predict what will happen next.
Terry Goodkind is the author of the “Sword of Truth” series, a fantasy saga that focuses on themes of power, morality, and individualism.
The first book, “Wizard’s First Rule,” begins with Richard Cypher, a woodsman who discovers he is destined to fight against an oppressive tyrant. Along the way, he meets Kahlan and Zedd, who join him in a world filled with magic, ancient secrets, and dangerous enemies.
The story is full of unexpected twists and moments that explore the choices people make when faced with impossible odds. It’s a world that feels alive, where each action has weight and consequence.
Neil Gaiman is a master storyteller who weaves myth and fantasy into unforgettable tales. One of his standout books, “The Ocean at the End of the Lane,” begins with a man returning to his childhood home.
He finds himself drawn to a neighboring farmhouse and begins to recall strange events from his youth. The story mixes ordinary life with ancient, otherworldly forces. A young boy befriends Lettie Hempstock, who claims her pond is an ocean.
What follows is a blend of innocence and danger, where childhood fears feel very real and the boundaries between reality and magic blur.
Ursula K. Le Guin is a master storyteller, known for crafting immersive worlds with rich histories and cultures. One of her most famous books, “The Left Hand of Darkness,” takes place on a cold and isolated planet called Gethen.
The inhabitants of this world are unique because they have no fixed gender, shaping their society and relationships in unusual ways. The story follows a human envoy, Genly Ai, sent to form an alliance with this world.
As he navigates political intrigue and mistrust, he forms an unexpected bond with a Gethenian companion. The journey through the frozen wilderness reveals not only the harshness of the planet but deep truths about humanity.
Lev Grossman is an author known for crafting stories that mix everyday life with magic in unexpected ways.
One of his most popular books, “The Magicians,” follows Quentin Coldwater, a clever but miserable young man, who discovers that the magical place he read about in childhood books is actually real.
He finds his way into a secretive college for magic, where he learns that wielding power isn’t as simple or glamorous as he imagined. The book explores his struggles with purpose, friendship, and the consequences of chasing dreams that might not be what they seem.
It’s a story that feels grounded while capturing the wonder of discovering a world you thought only existed in stories.
Scott Lynch is the author of the “Gentleman Bastard” series, a set of fantasy books full of creative world-building and sharp dialogue.
In “The Lies of Locke Lamora,” the story follows Locke Lamora, a cunning thief and con artist, as he navigates the dangerous streets of a city inspired by Renaissance Venice.
Locke leads a small group of skilled swindlers, targeting the city’s nobles, but gets caught in a dangerous power struggle involving crime lords and hidden agendas. The twists and schemes make it impossible to look away, with Locke’s wit pulling you through every turn.
Fans of Patrick Rothfuss might enjoy the focus on clever characters and rich storytelling.
Tad Williams writes epic fantasy that feels rich and immersive, perfect for readers who enjoy Patrick Rothfuss. His book “The Dragonbone Chair” kicks off the series “Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn.”
It follows Simon, a young kitchen servant, who becomes caught up in a dangerous conflict threatening his kingdom. The story takes you through ancient secrets, political tensions, and an eerie force tied to a mysterious, long-lost race.
Williams creates a world that is detailed and full of history, drawing readers into its landscapes and the struggles of its characters.
Terry Pratchett is known for creating the Discworld series, a rich and imaginative world filled with humor and wit. His books often mix fantasy with clever satire.
In “The Colour of Magic,” the story follows an incompetent wizard named Rincewind as he’s tasked with guiding Twoflower, Discworld’s first tourist, on a chaotic journey.
From encounters with sentient luggage to near-death experiences on the edge of the world, this book is full of quirky characters and surprising twists. It balances absurd situations with clever storytelling, making it hard to put down.
Brian Staveley is an author who creates worlds full of danger and intrigue, often laced with deep questions about loyalty, power, and the bonds that tie people together. His book “The Emperor’s Blades” kicks off the trilogy called *Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne*.
The story follows the three children of a murdered emperor. Kaden trains with ancient monks, seeking to master strange skills that may save his life. Valyn serves among dangerous warriors, facing brutal trials while uncovering conspiracies.
Adare, left in the capital, must navigate corrupt politics to hold the empire together. The book is filled with surprises, tense encounters, and moments where choices have life-or-death consequences. Perfect for readers who love complex characters and vivid storytelling.
Mark Lawrence is a fantasy author known for blending dark storytelling with complex characters. His book “Prince of Thorns,” the first in *The Broken Empire* series, introduces Jorg Ancrath, a young prince on a brutal quest for power.
Jorg’s journey is shaped by a haunting past and ruthless determination. The story has vivid settings and emotional depth, with moments of raw humanity that offer a stark contrast to Jorg’s often violent nature.
Fans of Patrick Rothfuss might appreciate Lawrence’s focus on morally ambiguous protagonists and layered world-building.
Robert Jordan is the author behind “The Eye of the World,” the first book in his epic series, *The Wheel of Time*. The story begins with Rand al’Thor, a farm boy in a small village, whose ordinary life is shattered when dark forces come hunting for him.
Escaping with his friends and a mysterious Aes Sedai named Moiraine, Rand learns he may be tied to the fate of the world. The book is filled with ancient prophecies, mysterious magic, and a richly built world that feels alive.
Jordan weaves a tale where the smallest details hint at something greater, pulling you into a grand adventure.
Philip Pullman writes stories filled with rich worlds and characters that feel alive. In his book “The Golden Compass,” the first in the “His Dark Materials” series, we meet Lyra, a curious and brave girl living in a world where people have animal companions called daemons.
She uncovers secrets about a mysterious substance called Dust and gets caught in a conflict involving powerful forces. The story weaves together adventure, discovery, and questions about how the universe works.
Fans of detailed worlds and intriguing mysteries might enjoy how he builds his narrative.