If you enjoy reading books by Rachel Hartman then you might also like the following authors:
If you appreciate Rachel Hartman's thoughtful approach to fantasy worlds and richly drawn characters, Ursula K. Le Guin should definitely be on your list. Her stories explore complex societies and layered themes like identity, belonging, and morality.
Her novel A Wizard of Earthsea introduces Ged, a young wizard who must confront his own darkness—it's a classic and thoughtful adventure that's introspective and beautifully told.
Robin McKinley creates stories filled with strong characters and immersive fantasy realms. Like Hartman, McKinley approaches fantasy with emotional depth and vivid storytelling.
Her book The Hero and the Crown features Aerin, a brave and complex heroine who overcomes societal expectations and battles dragons. Readers who enjoy Hartman's strong female characters will find a lot to enjoy here.
Patricia A. McKillip is known for writing lyrical, poetic fantasy novels that linger with readers long after the final page. Her rich language, atmospheric settings, and character-driven stories often center around magic, power, and self-discovery.
The Forgotten Beasts of Eld is a great example of her approach, exploring the quiet strength and vulnerability of a powerful young sorceress. Fans of Hartman's emotional storytelling and subtle world-building will appreciate McKillip's beautifully woven narratives.
Megan Whalen Turner writes intelligent, intricate stories packed with political intrigue, clever dialogue, and compelling characters. In The Thief, she introduces the clever and likable thief Eugenides, whose adventures unfold in a world inspired by Greek mythology and history.
If you enjoyed Hartman's carefully plotted political dynamics and nuanced relationships, you'll find Turner's novels both challenging and rewarding.
Shannon Hale crafts stories filled with warmth, humor, and a gentle sense of magic. Like Rachel Hartman, Hale's books feature strong, relatable protagonists discovering their inner strength and place in the world.
In her novel The Goose Girl, Hale re-tells a classic fairy tale with new depth, creating a tale of self-acceptance and courage. If you like fantasy stories with sensitivity, character growth, and emotional resonance, you'll connect deeply with Hale's work.
Kristin Cashore creates fantasy worlds filled with richly developed characters and thought-provoking themes. Her novels explore identity, empowerment, and complex relationships with warmth and depth.
Fans of Rachel Hartman's intricate storytelling might appreciate Cashore's Graceling, which features strong characters navigating a world where special talents bring both privilege and responsibility.
Marie Brennan crafts fantasy stories with meticulous world-building and smart, thoughtful storytelling. She often includes themes of discovery and societal exploration, inviting readers to consider complex social dynamics.
Readers who love Rachel Hartman's detailed and imaginative universe-building will enjoy Brennan's A Natural History of Dragons, featuring the insightful and adventurous dragon naturalist Lady Trent.
Naomi Novik blends historical elements with imaginative fantasy, creating engaging stories full of intriguing characters. Her themes frequently highlight friendship, courage, and personal growth within beautifully developed worlds.
If you are drawn to Rachel Hartman's nuanced characters and unique dragon lore, you'll likely enjoy Novik's Uprooted, a tale steeped in folklore, magic, and compelling relationships.
Laini Taylor writes lyrical fantasy stories full of wonder, romance, and deep emotional intensity. Her narratives often explore love, war, and identity in a way that's both imaginative and deeply affecting.
Readers who appreciate Rachel Hartman's emotional depth and originality might connect with Taylor's Daughter of Smoke and Bone, a captivating trilogy starter featuring strong, unforgettable characters in richly imagined worlds.
Alison Goodman combines vivid historical settings with intriguing magical elements. Her books frequently address themes of identity, duty, and societal pressures through characters who are carefully rendered and appealing.
Fans of Rachel Hartman's complex heroines and rich storytelling may enjoy Goodman's Eon: Dragoneye Reborn, where a determined female protagonist navigates magic and hidden identities in a vividly imagined Asian-inspired fantasy setting.
Juliet Marillier skillfully blends historical settings with myth, folklore, and strong, believable heroines. If you enjoy Rachel Hartman's detailed worlds and thoughtful storytelling, you'll appreciate Marillier's Daughter of the Forest.
It retells the classic tale of "The Six Swans," weaving magic, romance, and emotional depth into the narrative.
Garth Nix creates fascinating worlds, placing relatable heroes at the center of engaging, complex stories. His writing offers thoughtful magic systems and intricate plots that fans of Hartman will enjoy.
A fantastic place to start is Sabriel, the first book in his Old Kingdom series, following a young heroine who must master death magic to save her father's life and her kingdom.
Tamora Pierce crafts stories about spirited heroines overcoming challenging circumstances in vibrant fantasy worlds. Her characters are strong, determined, and remarkably real, similar to Hartman's compelling protagonists.
Consider starting with Alanna: The First Adventure, the first installment of the Song of the Lioness series about a young girl disguising herself as a boy to train as a knight.
Diana Wynne Jones brings wit, charm, and originality to her fantasy stories, creating unique magical worlds readers adore. Like Hartman, Jones includes layers of depth beneath entertaining adventures.
Begin with Howl's Moving Castle, an imaginative story about a strong-willed girl cursed into old age who is swept into magical and humorous adventures.
Roshani Chokshi beautifully balances captivating storytelling with vivid prose influenced by mythology and folklore. For readers drawn to Rachel Hartman's character-driven narrative and richly detailed storylines, Chokshi's The Star-Touched Queen is ideal.
Inspired by Indian mythology, this book explores love, destiny, and self-discovery in a lushly imagined fantasy world.