Scott Lynch wrote *The Lies of Locke Lamora*, and it is a book you won’t easily forget. Imagine a city that resembles Venice but with more shadows and secrets. That is Camorr, the setting for the Gentlemen Bastards.
Locke and his crew are not typical heroes; they are master thieves. Their schemes are elaborate, their dialogue is sharp, and the books have many twists.
If you want to find authors who create a similar mix of fantasy, wit, and intricate plotting, here are some writers you might find interesting.
Readers who enjoy Scott Lynch’s clever storytelling and witty dialogues might find Brandon Sanderson’s books equally entertaining. Sanderson crafts intricate worlds filled with magic systems that have clear, fascinating rules guiding every twist of the story.
In his novel “The Final Empire,” the first book of the “Mistborn” trilogy, he presents a world shrouded in ash, ruled for a thousand years by the oppressive Lord Ruler.
A group of underground thieves and rebels plan an impossible heist to overthrow this tyrant and change their dark world. Sanderson’s characters, especially Vin—a street-smart orphan who discovers her powerful abilities—stand out as vividly as Lynch’s clever thieves and rogues.
The intricate plot, filled with clever twists and intense confrontations, keeps readers glued to each page.
Joe Abercrombie is a British fantasy author known for sharp wit, gritty realism, and morally complex characters. Fans of Scott Lynch’s “The Lies of Locke Lamora” will find similar dark humor and vivid storytelling in Abercrombie’s novels, particularly in “The Blade Itself.”
This first book of “The First Law” trilogy introduces readers to Logen Ninefingers, a weary barbarian whose violent past has left deep scars and earned him a fearsome reputation.
Then there’s Inquisitor Glokta, a cunning and cynical former soldier crippled by torture yet devoted to solving dangerous conspiracies. Abercrombie weaves their tales into a narrative that’s full of brutal battles, treacherous politics, and memorable dialogue.
If you enjoy the witty exchanges, conflicted characters, and gritty underworld of Locke Lamora’s adventures, Abercrombie’s books could be just what you’re looking for.
Patrick Rothfuss is an author who stands out in the fantasy genre for his rich storytelling and strong, relatable characters. If you’re into Scott Lynch’s clever characters and vivid plots, Rothfuss offers a similar depth of narrative substance.
His novel, “The Name of the Wind,” begins the fascinating tale of Kvothe, a legendary figure now living incognito as a humble innkeeper.
Through Kvothe’s own eyes, we experience his early years with a traveling troupe of entertainers, his harrowing struggle in the dangerous streets of Tarbean, and his ambitious days at the University, where magic, rivalry, and adventure intertwine.
Rothfuss crafts an absorbing world filled with memorable details and authentic human emotions, and readers drawn to Lynch’s style and wit will find plenty to enjoy here.
Readers who enjoy Scott Lynch’s clever storytelling and dark humor might find a similar appeal in Mark Lawrence’s novels. Lawrence is known for character-driven fantasy that mixes gritty realism with sharp wit, particularly evident in his book “Prince of Thorns.”
The story follows Jorg Ancrath, a ruthless young prince whose brutal past propels him on a merciless quest for revenge and power. Amid morally ambiguous characters, intense action scenes, and political intrigue, Lawrence crafts a vivid and unsettling fantasy world.
Readers drawn to antiheroes, unexpected twists, and sharp dialogue could be captivated by “Prince of Thorns.”
Robin Hobb is an author who creates immersive worlds filled with vivid characters and complex plots. If you enjoy Scott Lynch’s skill in crafting clever plots and memorable personalities, Hobb offers similar satisfaction with her book “Assassin’s Apprentice.”
The story follows Fitz, a bastard son of royalty, who grows up secretly trained to be a royal assassin. Fitz navigates a dangerous court, faces betrayal, forms unexpected bonds, and struggles with his own unique and mysterious talents.
This novel has a rich atmosphere and emotional depth, shared qualities that fans of Lynch will appreciate.
Gene Wolfe is an author who creates layered, sophisticated fantasy worlds. Fans of Scott Lynch’s “The Lies of Locke Lamora” might appreciate Wolfe’s “The Shadow of the Torturer,” the first book of the “Book of the New Sun.”
The story follows Severian, a young apprentice torturer, banished after showing forbidden mercy to a prisoner.
Severian journeys through a strange and distant future Earth, encountering mysterious figures and hidden truths in a world filled with ancient science and forgotten magic. Wolfe weaves subtle clues throughout the story, rewarding readers who pay attention to details.
The morally complex characters, vivid world-building, and unpredictable twists make “The Shadow of the Torturer” a fascinating read.
Readers who enjoy Scott Lynch’s smart and imaginative fantasy might appreciate China Miéville, an author known for creating inventive worlds with dark elements and intriguing plots.
Miéville’s novel “Perdido Street Station” takes readers into the strange and gritty city of New Crobuzon, a place populated by eccentric characters, corrupt politics, and bizarre creatures.
The story centers around Isaac Dan der Grimnebulin, a scientist who accidentally unleashes a dangerous threat while conducting unconventional experiments. The book mixes mystery, fantasy, and science fiction elements in a vivid, richly detailed setting.
For those drawn to stories filled with clever twists, complex characters, and memorable cities layered in secret dangers, “Perdido Street Station” is a rewarding read.
George R.R. Martin is known for creating vast worlds filled with morally complex characters, sharp dialogue, and power struggles. Readers who appreciate Scott Lynch’s vivid storytelling and memorable antiheroes may enjoy Martin’s acclaimed novel, “A Game of Thrones.”
This book introduces readers to the kingdom of Westeros, a land caught in turmoil and political intrigue. Noble families compete fiercely for power, alliances turn fragile, and danger lurks from every direction.
The Stark family’s journey from the icy north sets off a chain of events filled with betrayal, loyalty, and gripping suspense.
Anyone drawn into Lynch’s darkly clever plots and layered storytelling would find much to appreciate in Martin’s intricate world and rich character-building.
If you enjoy Scott Lynch’s clever characters, sharp wit, and imaginative settings, you might appreciate Terry Pratchett. His stories overflow with humor, satire, and plenty of memorable characters. A great place to start is “Guards! Guards!”
This story introduces readers to Captain Sam Vimes and the Night Watch in the corrupt city of Ankh-Morpork. An unlikely group of watchmen face off against secret societies, a hilarious dragon summoning, and plenty of trouble.
Pratchett mixes laugh-out-loud comedy with sharp observations on power and corruption, creating a story that’s both entertaining and smart.
Books by Michael J. Sullivan often feature clever characters, witty dialogue, and rich fantasy worlds reminiscent of Scott Lynch’s style. A great starting point is “Theft of Swords,” the first volume in Sullivan’s Riyria Revelations series.
This book follows Royce Melborn, a skillful and cynical thief, and Hadrian Blackwater, a talented swordsman with a compassionate streak. The story begins when the two become entangled in a conspiracy after being wrongly accused of murdering a king.
Packed with twists, sharp humor, and intriguing political schemes, this novel blends action and adventure within a vivid fantasy setting.
Fans of Lynch’s “The Lies of Locke Lamora” may appreciate the dynamic friendship and clever plotting between Royce and Hadrian as they navigate secrets and danger.
If you enjoy Scott Lynch’s clever rogues and gritty fantasy, Glen Cook might be exactly who you’re looking for. Cook’s stories are known for sharp wit, memorable characters, and storytelling that combines fantasy elements with gritty realism.
His novel “The Black Company” introduces readers to a mercenary troop unlike any you’ve seen before.
Told through the eyes of Croaker, the Company’s physician and chronicler, the story unfolds as they become entangled in a brutal war involving dark magic, morally ambiguous choices, and dangerous allegiances.
Cook weaves battles, betrayals, and complex characters into a story you won’t forget anytime soon.
Readers who enjoy Scott Lynch’s witty characters and vivid storytelling may find Robert Jackson Bennett a satisfying discovery. Bennett delivers imaginative worlds filled with complex plots and sharp dialogue that keep the pages turning.
His novel “Foundryside” introduces a thief named Sancia Grado, who operates in a city ruled by powerful merchant houses. She steals a mysterious artifact that can rewrite reality through magical inscriptions known as scrivings.
As Sancia attempts to unravel its secrets, she uncovers deeper threats that could reshape society itself. Bennett blends suspense, humor, and a touch of magic in a plot full of thefts, daring escapes, and clever twists.
Fans of layered stories and memorable characters will find plenty to enjoy in Bennett’s novel.
Books by Brian McClellan offer fast-paced adventure, memorable characters, and smartly crafted worlds, making them a great match for fans of Scott Lynch.
If you’re curious about this author’s storytelling style, try “Promise of Blood,” the first book in his “Powder Mage” trilogy.
McClellan sets the stage with a bold revolution, as the aging monarchy gets toppled by Field Marshal Tamas, a battle-hardened leader with mysterious abilities tied to gunpowder and magic.
Amid political turmoil and threats from neighboring kingdoms, Tamas must secure the unstable state while deadly plots and magical rivalries threaten to plunge everything back into chaos.
It’s an exciting blend of magic, military action, and masterful political maneuvering that’ll keep readers hooked until the last page.
Readers who enjoy Scott Lynch’s adventurous characters and clever storytelling may also appreciate Naomi Novik’s imaginative worlds and engaging plots.
Her novel “Uprooted” blends fantasy elements with folklore-inspired magic, set in a village near a dark, dangerous forest watched over by a wizard known as the Dragon.
The story follows Agnieszka, a young woman unexpectedly chosen by the Dragon to serve him in exchange for protecting her village from the sinister woods. As Agnieszka discovers her hidden talents, she faces challenges and threats far beyond what she imagined.
Novik creates a fascinating world filled with complex characters, magical discoveries, and compelling storytelling that fans of Scott Lynch will likely enjoy.
Garth Nix is an Australian fantasy author known for building inventive worlds and memorable characters. Fans of Scott Lynch might appreciate Nix’s novel “Sabriel.”
In this book, Sabriel is a young woman who must take on the dangerous role of Abhorsen, a priest-like figure responsible for keeping the dead from returning to life.
Armed with powerful symbols called Charter magic and a set of enchanted bells, she travels through a frozen land and confronts dark threats. The journey includes intense battles, vivid magical imagery, and mysterious secrets buried within the realm.
If you’re drawn to layered storytelling and intriguing magic, Garth Nix’s works could be exactly what you’re searching for.