Robert Jordan was a leading voice in epic fantasy fiction. He gained international acclaim with his series The Wheel of Time, admired for its vivid world-building and detailed storytelling.
If you enjoy reading books by Robert Jordan then you might also like the following authors:
Books by Brandon Sanderson often appeal to readers who enjoy Robert Jordan’s storytelling style. Sanderson finished Jordan’s epic fantasy series The Wheel of Time after Jordan passed away, and his own works share a similar sense of grandeur and intricate plotting.
If you loved Jordan’s world-building, you’ll likely appreciate Sanderson’s Mistborn: The Final Empire. It’s set in a land oppressed by an immortal ruler, the Lord Ruler, who claims divine powers.
In this world, some rare individuals can burn certain metals to activate magical abilities. The story follows Vin, a young street thief who discovers her own powerful abilities, as she joins forces with a charismatic revolutionary named Kelsier.
Together, they plan an ambitious rebellion against the tyrant. The novel has magic, political intrigue, and well-developed characters, making it a natural fit for fans of Jordan’s layered fantasies.
If you enjoy Robert Jordan’s epic storytelling and intricate world-building, George R.R. Martin is another author worth checking out. His series, A Song of Ice and Fire, begins with the first novel, A Game of Thrones.
This book introduces a detailed and vivid fantasy realm filled with political rivalries, complicated characters, and unexpected twists.
Noble houses like the Starks, Lannisters, and Targaryens struggle for power, honor, and survival across the Seven Kingdoms as winter approaches. Martin’s writing is realistic and gritty. Characters face consequences, and even the most powerful are vulnerable.
The plot keeps readers guessing, and alliances frequently shift, making it almost impossible to predict the story’s path.
If intricate plots, well-developed characters, and high stakes appeal to you—similar to what you find in Jordan’s work—Martin’s A Game of Thrones may become your next favorite book.
J.R.R. Tolkien J.R.R. Tolkien is a master storyteller known for his deep world-building and fascinating characters, qualities that fans of Robert Jordan would appreciate. In The Hobbit, readers meet Bilbo Baggins, a humble hobbit who embarks on an unexpected adventure.
Alongside dwarves seeking to reclaim their homeland from a fearsome dragon, Bilbo ventures into danger, bravery, and friendship across the richly detailed lands of Middle-earth. Tolkien weaves epic conflicts with warmth and humor, creating a world that feels alive.
If you enjoyed Jordan’s vivid landscapes and complex journeys, The Hobbit offers another unforgettable tale filled with courage, magic, and wonder.
Readers who enjoy Robert Jordan’s epic journeys and rich fantasy worlds may find Terry Goodkind’s work right on target. His novel Wizard’s First Rule, the opening book in the Sword of Truth series, follows young Richard Cypher.
Richard starts out as a woodsman with a peaceful life, but soon finds himself swept into a world of magic, prophecy, and dangerous plots. Alongside Kahlan Amnell, a mysterious woman with a powerful secret, Richard must face dark enemies and daunting challenges.
Goodkind mixes deep character development, intricate plots, and themes of courage and truth into a bold, expansive fantasy adventure that Jordan fans can easily appreciate.
Steven Erikson is a Canadian fantasy writer known for complex worlds, large-scale conflicts, and vivid characters. His series Malazan Book of the Fallen offers the kind of depth and storytelling Robert Jordan fans often enjoy.
In the first book, Gardens of the Moon, Erikson introduces readers to the Malazan Empire, a sprawling power steeped in war and politics, where gods meddle actively in mortal affairs.
The story is dense, filled with intrigue, magic, betrayal, and a wide cast of characters that range from soldiers and sorcerers to immortals. Readers seeking rich storytelling, sophisticated plots, and deep lore often find Erikson’s work satisfying.
Patrick Rothfuss is an author whose storytelling style and world-building depth often draw comparisons to Robert Jordan. Rothfuss has earned a devoted audience with his series The Kingkiller Chronicle, particularly the first book, The Name of the Wind.
This novel introduces readers to Kvothe, a legendary figure whose past is shrouded in myth. In the story, readers follow his journey from a gifted child to a notorious wizard and musician, exploring his adventures in magic, love, tragedy, and revenge.
Rothfuss creates a fascinatingly detailed world, woven through with poetry, music, powerful magic, and richly drawn characters that fans of Jordan will appreciate.
Readers who enjoy Robert Jordan’s epic world-building and deep character journeys may want to check out Raymond E. Feist. Feist crafts vibrant fantasy realms filled with adventure and magic, particularly in his acclaimed novel Magician.
This book follows the story of Pug, a young orphan chosen as an apprentice to a master magician. His life soon becomes intertwined with powerful forces and warring empires as a mysterious rift opens between two worlds.
Readers encounter fierce battles, intriguing mysteries, and richly developed characters. Feist’s storytelling style and immersive fantasy setting offer an experience that resonates with fans of Jordan’s intricate tales.
If you enjoy Robert Jordan’s epic storytelling and deep character dynamics, Joe Abercrombie might be a great choice for your next read. Abercrombie crafts gritty tales filled with complex heroes and morally ambiguous decisions, especially evident in his book The Blade Itself.
This novel introduces Logen Ninefingers, a hardened warrior haunted by past violence, and Sand dan Glokta, a former swordsman turned ruthless interrogator.
Together with an ambitious young nobleman named Jezal, their paths collide in a world that’s both brutal and compelling, where loyalties shift and magic simmers beneath the surface.
Abercrombie’s writing style is sharp and direct, offering readers a fresh take on fantasy that explores heroism and betrayal.
R.A. Salvatore is a fantasy writer known for vivid storytelling and engaging adventures, especially his Forgotten Realms novels. His popular book, The Crystal Shard, introduces readers to Drizzt Do’Urden, a skilled and honorable dark elf who defies his people’s ways.
Set in the harsh tundra of Icewind Dale, the novel explores friendship, heroism, dark magic, and intense battles. Fans of Robert Jordan will appreciate Salvatore’s strong characters, detailed world-building, and the epic sense of adventure throughout this entertaining novel.
Books by David Eddings offer rich fantasy worlds filled with vivid characters, epic journeys, and exciting adventures. If you enjoyed Robert Jordan’s detailed storytelling, then David Eddings’ Pawn of Prophecy is worth your time.
It tells the story of a boy named Garion who grows up on a quiet farm raised by his Aunt Pol. Garion has no idea he is destined for something greater—not until mysterious events draw him into a quest filled with powerful magic and legendary battles.
The adventure takes Garion through kingdoms filled with warriors, sorcerers, spies, and gods. Eddings crafts a fantasy world that blends memorable characters, classic fantasy elements, and vibrant storytelling that keeps pages turning.
Fans of Jordan’s expansive style will find much to enjoy in this captivating start to the Belgariad series.
Books by Robin Hobb are great for anyone who loves Robert Jordan’s epic storytelling and richly crafted worlds. In Assassin’s Apprentice, she presents Fitz, the illegitimate son of a prince who is brought into the royal court.
He trains secretly under the mysterious Chade to become an assassin for the kingdom. Fitz’s life becomes filled with danger and intrigue as he navigates royal conflicts, betrayal, and forbidden magical talents called the Wit and the Skill.
Like Jordan’s Wheel of Time, Robin Hobb creates deep, authentic characters and a vivid fantasy setting that’s easy to lose yourself in.
Readers who enjoyed Robert Jordan’s rich fantasy world and intricate storytelling may also appreciate Terry Brooks. Brooks is a masterful storyteller known for immersing readers into epic high fantasy adventures filled with vivid landscapes and powerful magic.
In his book The Sword of Shannara, Brooks introduces us to a quiet young man named Shea Ohmsford who discovers he is the only one capable of wielding an ancient magical sword.
Shea’s journey unfolds into a dangerous quest against dark forces threatening to engulf the Four Lands. The book beautifully captures a heroic struggle and memorable characters.
Fans of Jordan’s Wheel of Time series will likely find Brooks’ worlds equally captivating and his characters just as engaging.
Tad Williams is a fantastic author worth exploring for any fan of big, detailed fantasy worlds similar to those of Robert Jordan.
His novel The Dragonbone Chair is the first book in the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series, offering a sweeping quest and a richly built universe readers can lose themselves in.
A young kitchen boy named Simon unexpectedly ends up in a dangerous conflict over a throne, caught in a web of prophecy, betrayal, and magic. The depth of characters, culture, and intriguing political struggles keep readers hooked from start to finish.
If you enjoy epic fantasy series with detailed storytelling and multiple, interconnected plots as in Jordan’s Wheel of Time, Tad Williams’ work could be an exciting discovery.
Readers who enjoy Robert Jordan’s epic world-building and intricate fantasy quests may appreciate Michael Moorcock’s imaginative adventures and vivid storytelling.
Moorcock is known for his Eternal Champion series, a collection of connected stories across different universes that follow heroes destined to balance order and chaos.
One standout novel is Elric of Melniboné, featuring Elric, a conflicted antihero who rules over a decadent kingdom dependent on sorcery. This book offers action, betrayal, dark magic, and a legendary sword with a personality of its own.
Moorcock’s writing is fast-paced, colorful, and filled with morally complex characters who navigate difficult choices. Readers will encounter a unique fantasy landscape that feels fresh and original.
Katherine Kurtz is a fantasy author who creates richly detailed and immersive worlds filled with magic, political intrigue, and memorable characters. Fans of Robert Jordan’s blend of intricate world-building and high stakes will find Kurtz’s Deryni series particularly appealing.
Her novel Deryni Rising introduces readers to Gwynedd, a medieval-style kingdom where the human population distrusts and fears the magical Deryni race.
Young King Kelson, newly ascended to the throne following his father’s sudden death, faces threats from ambitious nobles and dark sorcery. Kurtz expertly weaves together royal politics, compelling heroes, and forbidden magic in a story both thrilling and thought-provoking.
It captures the appeal of epic struggles that resonate deeply with readers who loved Jordan’s masterful storytelling.