Steven Erikson is recognized for his epic fantasy series Malazan Book of the Fallen. He builds complex worlds and characters, making his stories immersive and memorable.
If you enjoy reading books by Steven Erikson then you might also like the following authors:
If you enjoy Steven Erikson’s Malazan series, you'll appreciate Ian C. Esslemont's work, set in the same expansive universe. Esslemont's stories offer a similar depth of history, complex plots, and morally ambiguous characters.
His novel Night of Knives explores events crucial to the Malazan Empire’s origins, adding new layers to the epic mythology Erikson fans love.
Glen Cook is a great choice if you like gritty fantasy with a strong military focus, similar to Erikson. Cook’s realistic portrayal of soldiers and clever, unpredictable plot twists are strengths that make his writing stand out.
In the novel The Black Company, Cook introduces a dark, hard-edged fantasy world, told from the viewpoint of mercenaries whose loyalties and ethics aren't so straightforward.
Readers who appreciate Erikson's philosophical depth and intricate worldbuilding should try R. Scott Bakker. Bakker's novels blend complex societies, dark themes around war and morality, and richly developed histories.
The Darkness That Comes Before, the first novel of his Prince of Nothing series, offers a challenging and thought-provoking narrative where philosophy and fantasy intersect in fascinating ways.
Joe Abercrombie is great if you're drawn to Erikson's morally ambiguous characters and gritty, realistic worldbuilding. Abercrombie is skilled at bringing flawed yet deeply engaging characters to life.
His novel The Blade Itself introduces vivid characters, engaging dialogue, and a brutal, unpredictable plot. It's excellent fantasy with a darkly humorous twist.
If you enjoy the epic, sprawling storytelling of Erikson, George R.R. Martin's intricately plotted novels are worth exploring. Martin is known for political intrigue, nuanced characters, and unpredictability.
His book A Game of Thrones, the opener to his acclaimed series A Song of Ice and Fire, is packed with complex relationships, power struggles, and realistic characters, creating a vibrant, immersive fantasy world.
Mark Lawrence writes fantasy that's dark, gritty, and deeply engaging. His characters often struggle with moral ambiguity and harsh realities, similar to Erikson's complex approach.
In Prince of Thorns, Lawrence follows Jorg Ancrath, a ruthless young prince driven by revenge and ambition in a brutal world. Readers drawn to Steven Erikson’s darker tones and morally complex characters will appreciate Lawrence's gripping storytelling.
Brandon Sanderson is known for epic scope and unique magic systems. Like Erikson, Sanderson carefully builds rich, expansive worlds with intricate magic mechanics that feel consistent and immersive.
In The Way of Kings, the first book of the Stormlight Archive series, Sanderson explores multiple viewpoints and storylines filled with compelling characters dealing with complex issues of honor, duty, and identity, which Erikson fans will find appealing.
Tad Williams creates sprawling worlds filled with intricate politics, history, and mythology. His writing style is richly detailed, patient, and immersive, similar to Erikson's ambitious narrative scope.
The Dragonbone Chair, the first book in his Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series, features complex characters navigating a world threatened by dark magic and war. Those who love the expansive and detailed universe in Erikson's works may well enjoy Tad Williams' storytelling.
Robin Hobb writes vividly emotional fantasy, deeply exploring character growth and complicated relationships among her protagonists. Her style emphasizes careful character development, internal struggle, and nuanced storytelling, much like Erikson at his most introspective.
Assassin's Apprentice, the first book of the Farseer Trilogy, follows FitzChivalry, a royal bastard trained as an assassin, as he navigates duty, loyalty, and identity.
Readers who appreciate Erikson's depth and emotional complexity are likely to connect strongly with Hobb's writing.
Peter V. Brett combines gritty realism with deeply drawn worlds threatened by relentless darkness. Like Erikson, Brett focuses on detailed worldbuilding and characters facing terrifying threats.
In The Warded Man (also published as The Painted Man), Brett introduces readers to a world where demons rise each night, and humanity clings to survival behind magical wards.
If you enjoy the intense struggles and well-detailed worlds of Erikson's novels, Brett offers similarly exciting and immersive storytelling.
Brian Staveley mixes deep characters, epic worldbuilding, and engaging battles into his fantasy stories. His writing delivers complex emotions and hard choices, similar to Steven Erikson's style.
If you like morally ambiguous characters and intricate plots, consider starting with The Emperor's Blades, the first book in his Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne trilogy.
Miles Cameron offers readers richly detailed worlds with a gritty and realistic tone. Known for his vivid battle scenes, strategic plots, and complex characters, he creates fantasy grounded in historical inspiration.
Fans of Steven Erikson's extensive war sequences and deep lore will appreciate Cameron's The Red Knight, opening book of his Traitor Son Cycle series.
Django Wexler writes compelling and well-paced military fantasy packed with intrigue and detailed battlefield realism. Through layered storytelling and strong character journeys, he explores leadership, betrayal, and morality.
Those who enjoy Erikson's detailed military strategy and plotting should check out Wexler's The Thousand Names, first book of his Shadow Campaigns series.
Evan Winter crafts intense, fast-paced fantasy known for explosive action and character-driven plots. He incorporates African-inspired lore into a gripping story of vengeance, resilience, and competition for power.
If Steven Erikson's exploration of war and devastating conflicts resonates with you, Winter's novel The Rage of Dragons, first book in The Burning series, is highly recommended.
Michael R. Fletcher creates distinctive dark fantasy filled with psychological depth, flawed characters, and unsettling worlds. His writing tackles complicated moral questions and the thin line between madness and sanity.
Readers who appreciate Erikson's gritty realism and morally challenging themes will enjoy Fletcher's novel Beyond Redemption, a dark saga set in a world shaped by belief and madness.