Rachel Aaron’s books are a treat if you like fast-paced fantasy with a focus on characters. She’s great at crafting intricate magic systems and her dialogue often has a spark of wit. Plus, many of her protagonists are strong women you root for.
If you’re on the hunt for authors who write novels with a similar feel, here are some you might want to check out.
Brandon Sanderson is a fantasy author known for crafting imaginative worlds, engaging characters, and magic systems that feel fresh and unique. Readers who enjoy Rachel Aaron’s exciting plots and lively storytelling will find similar satisfaction in Sanderson’s work.
A great entry point is “Mistborn: The Final Empire,” the first book in the acclaimed Mistborn trilogy. It introduces us to Vin, a young street-thief found by Kelsier, a daring revolutionary leader with ambitious plans to overthrow the immortal ruler.
Together, their crew plans a daring heist to topple an oppressive empire, using magic based on ingesting metals that grant the user extraordinary powers.
The rebellion’s stakes feel as urgent and rewarding as any of Aaron’s exciting adventures, wrapped in a captivating story you’ll find hard to put down.
Readers who enjoy Rachel Aaron’s fast-paced adventures and engaging magic systems may also appreciate Jim Butcher’s urban fantasy novels. His book “Storm Front” introduces Harry Dresden, a wizard who advertises openly as a private investigator in modern-day Chicago.
When Dresden is hired to solve a gruesome double murder committed by dark magic, he faces skeptical cops, dangerous creatures, and a mysterious enemy determined to frame him.
The blend of intrigue, humor, and supernatural twists makes this book an exciting choice for fans of imaginative fantasy storytelling.
Books by Ilona Andrews often blend urban fantasy with witty dialogue and action-packed storytelling. If you’re a fan of Rachel Aaron’s fast-paced adventures, you might appreciate Andrews’ “Magic Bites,” the first novel in the Kate Daniels series.
The story follows Kate Daniels, a skilled mercenary who navigates a world where magic comes in unpredictable waves, disrupting technology and society alike. When her guardian is mysteriously killed, Kate enters Atlanta’s dangerous supernatural underworld to unravel the truth.
There’s a sharp-tongued heroine, surprising twists, and a richly imagined universe filled with shapeshifters, vampires, and powerful magical factions. If clever banter, vivid world-building, and thrilling mysteries appeal to you, this series is worth exploring.
Patricia Briggs writes engaging urban fantasy with characters you quickly grow attached to, similar to Rachel Aaron’s charismatic protagonists. Her fast-paced plots feature strong women with plenty of depth and supernatural adventures steeped in folklore.
In her novel “Moon Called,” readers meet Mercy Thompson, a skilled mechanic and a coyote shapeshifter raised by werewolves.
Mercy’s quiet life in the Tri-Cities area is thrown into turmoil when a newly transformed werewolf boy stumbles onto her doorstep, dragging Mercy into a conflict involving werewolf politics, deadly secrets, and her own hidden past.
Briggs weaves action, humor, and believable relationships into the unfolding mystery, ensuring readers stay invested from beginning to end.
Gail Carriger combines humor, adventure, and clever storytelling in novels filled with supernatural mystery and Victorian charm. Her book “Soulless” follows Alexia Tarabotti, a bold woman in Victorian England who happens to lack a soul.
This unusual trait lets her neutralize supernatural beings with just one touch. When vampires begin disappearing and Alexia accidentally kills one with her parasol, she ends up tangled in an exciting investigation.
If you enjoyed Rachel Aaron’s lively pacing and strong, witty characters, Gail Carriger’s playful and inventive narratives may be a perfect new find.
Lindsay Buroker writes fantasy and science fiction stories that weave humor and adventure into clever plots. Readers who enjoy Rachel Aaron’s energetic storytelling and humorous characters might find a new favorite in Buroker.
Her book “The Emperor’s Edge” introduces Amaranthe Lokdon, an ambitious imperial enforcer who unexpectedly ends up as a wanted criminal.
Forced into hiding, she assembles a quirky and unlikely team of misfits—including an infamous assassin—to stop a conspiracy threatening the empire.
With plenty of wit, action, and charming camaraderie between characters, the novel pulls readers into an exciting tale filled with twists, banter, and memorable moments.
Seanan McGuire crafts imaginative and thrilling fantasy stories blending humor, action, and thoughtful character dynamics in a style similar to Rachel Aaron’s.
In her entertaining urban fantasy novel “Discount Armageddon,” she introduces Verity Price, a skilled dancer and monster hunter who comes from a family tasked with protecting supernatural creatures.
Verity balances her life between the glitzy nightlife of New York City and the hidden world of cryptids who walk unnoticed among humans.
When cryptids suddenly start disappearing, she must quickly figure out who or what is behind it before the secretive supernatural community plunges into chaos.
Clever banter, quirky creatures, and exciting action sequences make this a memorable introduction to McGuire’s engaging writing style and imaginative settings.
Readers who enjoy Rachel Aaron’s lively storytelling might appreciate Anne McCaffrey’s dynamic narratives and strong character-building. McCaffrey is an author known for her immersive blend of science fiction and fantasy elements, particularly in her celebrated “Dragonflight”.
The novel introduces readers to a threatened world called Pern, protected from devastating invasions by heroic dragon-riding warriors. The story follows Lessa, a determined young woman who forms a vital bond with a majestic dragon named Ramoth.
Together, they face daunting challenges, political intrigue, and pressing dangers that put their courage to test. McCaffrey’s vivid storytelling and engaging characters make “Dragonflight” an absorbing journey into adventure and heroism.
Robin Hobb writes imaginative fantasy stories filled with intriguing characters, magic, and emotional depth. Her novel “Assassin’s Apprentice” introduces Fitz, a royal outcast trained secretly as an assassin.
Fitz grows up facing danger, political betrayal, and complex moral challenges at the royal court of the Six Duchies. The plot moves quickly and quietly pulls readers into a world filled with mysterious magic known as the Wit and Skill.
If you enjoyed Rachel Aaron’s lively, character-driven storytelling, Robin Hobb’s carefully crafted tale of loyalty, intrigue, and hidden destinies might be exactly what you need.
Readers who enjoy Rachel Aaron’s blend of fantasy, action, and strong characters will likely appreciate Tamora Pierce. Pierce creates engaging fantasy worlds that revolve around courageous young heroes filled with determination and cleverness.
A great starting point is “Alanna: The First Adventure,” the first book of the “Song of the Lioness” series. It follows Alanna of Trebond, a spirited girl who disguises herself as a boy to train as a knight.
Facing trials of skill, courage, and friendship, Alanna grows strong enough to defend the kingdom. Pierce crafts a story abundant with adventure, magic, and vivid characters that fantasy readers will easily embrace.
If you enjoy Rachel Aaron’s blend of clever humor, charming characters, and imaginative worlds, Terry Pratchett might become one of your favorite authors. Pratchett’s “Guards! Guards!” introduces readers to the city of Ankh-Morpork.
Here crime is perfectly legal, provided you fill out the right paperwork. This story follows the Night Watch, a group of ineffective city guards tasked with facing a huge, fire-breathing dragon unexpectedly summoned by a secret brotherhood.
Filled with witty dialogue, satirical insights, and characters you’ll remember fondly, this book sets the stage for plenty of laughs and adventure.
If you enjoy Rachel Aaron’s fast-paced adventures and lively characters, Michael J. Sullivan might be a perfect match. He is known for stories filled with witty dialogue, engaging duos, and unexpected twists.
His novel “Theft of Swords” introduces readers to Royce Melborn, a skilled thief, and his partner Hadrian Blackwater, a mercenary with a strong moral code.
Framed for a crime they didn’t commit, Royce and Hadrian find themselves in the middle of a conspiracy threatening a kingdom. Soon, they must unravel secrets, navigate royal intrigue, and clear their names before it’s too late.
Readers who love charismatic protagonists and witty banter will have plenty to enjoy with Sullivan’s work.
Readers who enjoy Rachel Aaron’s storytelling might also appreciate Marie Brennan’s imaginative worlds and intriguing characters. Brennan is particularly known for her fantasy series, “A Natural History of Dragons.”
Told as the memoirs of the adventurous Lady Trent, the book chronicles her early fascination with dragons and her bold expedition to a distant land to study these creatures up close.
With rich historical details, this novel combines adventure and scientific curiosity, offering an engaging look into dragons as fascinating creatures to be studied rather than feared.
Fans of clever protagonists and vivid world-building will find plenty to appreciate in Marie Brennan’s writing.
Joe Abercrombie is an author known for writing gritty fantasy packed with dark humor, sharp dialogue, and morally complex characters.
His novel “The Blade Itself” introduces readers to characters they’re not used to seeing as heroes: Logen Ninefingers, a fierce warrior haunted by his violent past; Sand dan Glokta, a tortured inquisitor balancing cruelty and sharp wit; and Jezal dan Luthar, a vain noble drawn by ambition into dangerous plots.
Abercrombie crafts vivid action scenes, clever twists, and so many moments of dark comedy that, if you’re a fan of Rachel Aaron’s dynamic storytelling and layered characters, this book could be a good next step.
If you enjoy Rachel Aaron’s fast-paced storytelling and inventive worlds, Naomi Novik might be a perfect match for you. Novik’s novels are imaginative, witty, and filled with action-rich plots readers can jump right into.
In her novel “Uprooted,” a young woman named Agnieszka lives in a village at the edge of a mysterious, dangerous forest. Each decade, the powerful wizard called Dragon claims one young woman as a price for his protection.
Everyone expects beautiful and talented girls to be chosen, but surprisingly, this time he picks Agnieszka. She then discovers hidden magical abilities she never thought possible—and encounters menacing forces rising out of the dark woods.
The blend of adventure, magic, and humor makes “Uprooted” energetic and irresistible.