If you enjoy reading books by Robert E. Howard then you might also like the following authors:
H.P. Lovecraft wrote stories filled with ancient mysteries and cosmic monsters hidden in dark corners of the earth. Readers who like Robert E. Howard might enjoy Lovecraft’s story “The Call of Cthulhu.”
It follows a series of strange discoveries surrounding an otherworldly creature called Cthulhu. A small sculpture found among eerie ruins points to something hidden deep beneath the ocean.
Lovecraft creates an eerie mood as the characters slowly uncover the secrets around this ancient beast.
Edgar Rice Burroughs is an author whose adventure stories have drawn many readers into new and exciting worlds. Fans of Robert E. Howard’s adventurous heroes could also enjoy a book like “A Princess of Mars.”
This story follows John Carter, a Civil War veteran mysteriously transported from Earth to Mars. Carter soon finds himself in a battle for survival among alien tribes and civilizations. On Mars, he encounters exciting creatures, unusual characters and danger at every turn.
The vivid battles and unique landscapes in “A Princess of Mars” offer stories that readers of Conan would likely appreciate.
Fritz Leiber is a good fit for readers who enjoy Robert E. Howard. He wrote many exciting fantasy adventures about two interesting characters named Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser. In the book “Swords and Deviltry,” readers learn how these two heroes first meet and become friends.
Both adventurers face magic dangers, strange creatures and tough enemies as they journey together. Each adventure is filled with action and mystery and is centered around the city called Lankhmar, a place full of thieves and dark magic.
Readers who liked Howard’s Conan might find Leiber’s stories familiar and enjoyable.
Clark Ashton Smith is an author who wrote fantasy and weird fiction during the early twentieth century. If you enjoy Robert E. Howard, you might want to read Smith’s collection “The Dark Eidolon and Other Fantasies.”
In this book, the title story “The Dark Eidolon” follows a powerful sorcerer named Namirrha, who returns to his city Zothique to confront a cruel emperor. Smith creates vivid scenes filled with dark magic and ancient places, giving the reader plenty of adventure and suspense.
The tales often have characters faced with strange worlds and dangerous forces beyond their understanding. Smith’s work offers readers an atmosphere similar to Howard’s fiction, but with a distinctive style all its own.
Michael Moorcock is a fantasy author who might appeal to readers who enjoy Robert E. Howard. His stories often follow heroes facing dark worlds and tough choices.
His novel “Elric of Melniboné” introduces Elric, a strange kind of hero who is weaker than most but wields a powerful, cursed sword called Stormbringer.
Elric lives in a kingdom full of magic and old mysteries, and he struggles to find meaning and justice in a world that worries and sometimes frightens him.
Moorcock’s writing is direct and clear, and the actions of his characters move quickly through dark castles and eerie lands. If readers liked Howard’s worlds filled with adventure and danger, Moorcock’s books might draw their interest too.
Poul Anderson wrote stories of adventure and imagination that fans of Robert E. Howard often enjoy. Anderson’s book “The Broken Sword” mixes fantasy with Norse mythology.
The story follows Skafloc, a warrior raised by elves, who receives a sword meant for great heroes but cursed too. The sword pulls Skafloc into battles between elves and trolls, full of action and treachery. Dark magic shapes his fate, and strong personalities fill the pages.
For readers who liked Howard’s vivid worlds and bold characters, Poul Anderson offers a similar experience in his own way.
Lin Carter was an author who wrote fantasy and adventure stories similar in style to those of Robert E. Howard. In his book “Thongor and the Wizard of Lemuria,” Carter introduces readers to Thongor, a barbarian warrior from the primitive land of Lemuria.
Thongor is strong, courageous and faces strange monsters, ancient magic and mystical wizards. The adventure is fast-paced and full of action, and readers who enjoy Conan the Barbarian stories may find themselves equally drawn to Thongor’s exciting journeys.
If you enjoy Robert E. Howard, David Gemmell is another author whose books are worth your time. Gemmell tells stories filled with heroic battles and courageous warriors. One of his best-known novels is “Legend.” It focuses on a fortress attacked by an overwhelming enemy army.
The defenders are greatly outnumbered, but they have a legendary hero on their side, a man named Druss. Druss is older and weary, yet he stands as their best hope. “Legend” describes bravery and sacrifice but also shows how ordinary people can do extraordinary things.
Gemmell creates realistic characters and intense battle scenes, making his stories memorable.
Glen Cook writes fantasy novels that readers who enjoy Robert E. Howard might appreciate. His stories have gritty heroes and dark adventures. “The Black Company” follows a group of mercenary soldiers who get hired by a powerful sorceress known as The Lady.
They confront enemy wizards, complicated loyalties and dangerous situations. The story does not shy away from tough decisions and moral ambiguity, which gives readers plenty of excitement and characters worth following.
C.L. Moore wrote imaginative fantasy and science fiction stories in the 1930s and 1940s. Readers who like Robert E. Howard may enjoy Moore’s stories because she creates strong characters who face strange and dangerous adventures. A good example is her book “Jirel of Joiry.”
This collection of stories follows Jirel, a fierce warrior queen, as she travels to supernatural worlds and battles mysterious forces. In one memorable story, Jirel navigates a shadowy realm filled with fearsome creatures and dark challenges to defeat enemy magic.
Moore’s vivid style and bold characters make her stories entertaining for fans of classic fantasy adventures.
If you enjoy fantasy and adventure stories by Robert E. Howard, L. Sprague de Camp is another author worth your time. He wrote exciting tales of imaginative worlds and daring heroes. His book “The Tritonian Ring” is a good example of this style.
In this story, the hero, Prince Vakar, must journey across dangerous lands to find a magical ring that has the power to protect his city from invading armies. On his way Vakar faces magic, monsters and betrayal.
The vivid storytelling and fast-paced action throughout the book should appeal to anyone who likes Howard’s stories.
Andre Norton wrote imaginative science fiction and fantasy adventures. Her stories often follow heroes who explore mysterious worlds or lost cultures. In her novel “Witch World,” Simon Tregarth escapes danger and passes through a mystical gateway into the land of Estcarp.
This strange place holds magical secrets, ancient powers and powerful enemies. Simon soon teams up with a woman who holds great power and faces dangerous challenges along the way. Fans of Robert E. Howard’s sword-and-sorcery tales will find Norton’s style familiar and enjoyable.
Henry Kuttner was an American science fiction and fantasy writer known for exciting adventures and vivid characters. Readers who enjoy Robert E. Howard’s thrilling style would likely find Kuttner’s work enjoyable too.
In “The Dark World,” protagonist Edward Bond returns home from the war, only to discover he belongs to another world filled with magic and dangerous conflicts. He must embrace a strange new identity and fight powerful enemies to survive.
The book is fast-paced action with a great mix of sword fighting and sorcery, similar to Howard’s Conan stories.
If you enjoy Robert E. Howard’s fantasy stories, you might be interested in L. Ron Hubbard. Hubbard wrote adventure stories and fantasy tales that capture the excitement of pulp fiction.
In his book “Slaves of Sleep,” a young man named Jan Palmer finds himself cursed by an ancient genie. Palmer must venture into a dangerous fantasy realm each time he falls asleep. There he crosses paths with pirates, evil sorcerers and strange beasts.
The story’s action and imaginative setting offer plenty of adventure and suspense.
Karl Edward Wagner wrote fantasy and horror stories with dark characters and gritty settings. His book “Bloodstone” follows Kane, a powerful and immortal warrior who travels through dangerous lands in search of an ancient magical stone. Kane is smart, dangerous, and fearless.
He must face evil sorcery, fierce enemies, and deadly traps along the way. Wagner’s sharp storytelling creates a vivid atmosphere with intense characters, action, and twists. People who like Robert E. Howard’s Conan stories often enjoy Wagner’s Kane series.