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15 Authors like Samantha Shannon

If you enjoy reading books by Samantha Shannon then you might also like the following authors:

  1. V.E. Schwab

    V.E. Schwab writes imaginative fantasy and explores magical worlds that sit alongside our own. Her prose is vivid and full of atmosphere, and she often centers on themes of identity, morality, and the struggles between good and evil.

    One great example is A Darker Shade of Magic, which involves a character who can travel between parallel versions of London filled with magic, danger, and mysteries waiting to be unraveled.

  2. Leigh Bardugo

    Leigh Bardugo crafts spellbinding fantasy stories with intense character development and intricate settings. Her style immerses you deeply in her richly drawn worlds.

    Her popular novel, Shadow and Bone, introduces readers to the Grishaverse, a detailed universe of magic users, battles, and personal quests, making it a great choice if you enjoy Samantha Shannon's immersive storytelling.

  3. Naomi Novik

    If intricate fantasy influenced by folklore and fairy tales appeals to you, Naomi Novik is excellent to explore next. Her storytelling is lyrical and deeply engaging, with vivid, atmospheric settings.

    Try Uprooted, a standalone novel drawing on Slavic folklore about a young woman discovering her magical gifts and confronting an ancient evil in the forest surrounding her village.

  4. Rebecca Roanhorse

    Rebecca Roanhorse creates powerful, imaginative fantasy by drawing heavily on indigenous cultures and mythology, weaving fresh and vibrant stories into her detailed worlds. Her characters are realistically drawn, relatable, and deeply human.

    Check out Black Sun, an epic tale full of compelling characters, political turmoil, and dramatic prophecies set in a brilliantly imagined pre-Columbian-inspired world.

  5. R.F. Kuang

    If you enjoy fantasy that explores darker themes, history, and morally complex characters, R.F. Kuang could be your next favorite author. She writes bold narratives filled with depth, emotional impact, and thought-provoking commentary.

    Her novel The Poppy War blends military fantasy, history, and myth to create an intense, engaging story about a young woman's journey through warfare, power, and revenge.

  6. Tamsyn Muir

    Tamsyn Muir writes fantasy and science fiction that blends dark humor, inventive magic systems, and intriguing mysteries. Her novel, Gideon the Ninth, mixes necromancy, haunted castles, and sarcastic heroines in a very fresh way.

    If you enjoy Samantha Shannon's inventive worlds and confident storytelling, you'll find Muir equally fun and original.

  7. S.A. Chakraborty

    S.A. Chakraborty creates vivid, detailed worlds filled with complex politics and richly imagined magic. Her novel The City of Brass blends fantasy with historical settings, detailed mythology, and intrigue.

    Fans of Samantha Shannon's epic scope and immersive cultures will appreciate Chakraborty's storytelling skill and fascinating characters.

  8. Andrea Stewart

    Andrea Stewart's fantasy balances intricate world-building, character-driven stories, and magical mysteries. Her book The Bone Shard Daughter offers unique and engaging magic based on bone shard constructs, combined with twists and compelling political intrigue.

    Stewart's storytelling style resonates with fans of Samantha Shannon's nuanced characters and immersive fantasy settings.

  9. Shelley Parker-Chan

    Shelley Parker-Chan writes evocative historical fantasy that explores power, ambition, and identity. Her debut novel, She Who Became the Sun, reimagines China's history through fantasy, illustrating struggles for identity and destiny set in a vivid, emotionally rich backdrop.

    Readers enjoying Samantha Shannon's thoughtful character portraits will find much to appreciate in Parker-Chan's storytelling.

  10. Fonda Lee

    Fonda Lee specializes in fast-paced, action-infused fantasy blended with intense family drama and complex character dynamics. Her novel Jade City delivers martial arts-infused action, deep clan rivalries, and power struggles set within an Asian-inspired fantasy world.

    Readers who enjoy Shannon's vibrant storytelling and exploration of power dynamics will certainly enjoy Lee's compelling narrative style.

  11. Holly Black

    If you enjoyed Samantha Shannon's detailed worlds and strong heroines, you might appreciate Holly Black. She writes dark, adventurous fantasy stories full of morally complex characters and captivating plots.

    Her novels often explore the alluring yet dangerous side of faeries and magical societies. Try her novel The Cruel Prince, where you'll follow the ambitious Jude as she battles intrigue and political schemes among ruthless faeries.

  12. Sarah J. Maas

    Sarah J. Maas writes emotionally charged fantasy novels known for adventurous storylines, vivid fantasy worlds, and deeply developed, powerful characters.

    Her tales often include intense romance alongside high-stakes battles, drawing readers further into the richly imagined worlds she builds.

    If you like Samantha Shannon, consider Maas' A Court of Thorns and Roses, featuring Feyre, a fearless protagonist who must navigate a deadly magical land filled with both danger and passion.

  13. Jennifer L. Armentrout

    Jennifer L. Armentrout excels at blending fantasy and romance with energetic young protagonists and immersive fictional worlds readers will get lost in. Her books capture you with their fast-paced plots and dynamic relationships that make her characters feel real and relatable.

    A great starting point is her novel From Blood and Ash, which introduces Poppy, a young woman torn between duty and desire as she discovers dark truths hidden within her sheltered world.

  14. Kerri Maniscalco

    If intriguing mysteries amid richly atmospheric historical settings appeal to you, Kerri Maniscalco will quickly become a favorite. She creates vivid, dark worlds and pairs them with sharp, brave heroines who challenge the rules of their societies.

    Fans of Samantha Shannon's vivid narratives will enjoy Maniscalco's Kingdom of the Wicked, a fantasy novel steeped in supernatural elements, murder mysteries, and forbidden romance, set in a twisted version of historical Sicily.

  15. Alix E. Harrow

    Alix E. Harrow crafts imaginative, quietly powerful stories blending enchanting fantasy with meaningful explorations of identity and choice. Her writing feels lyrical yet clear, and her characters are deeply relatable, often driven by courage and a longing for freedom and truth.

    Harrow's The Ten Thousand Doors of January is an excellent choice—it portrays a thoughtful journey through parallel worlds filled with mysteries, lost stories, and enduring love, resonating with the depth of Shannon's storytelling.