If you enjoy reading books by Steven Erikson then you might also like the following authors:
Glen Cook is an author best known for blending gritty military fantasy with sharp dialogue and fast-paced action. His book “The Black Company” kicks off a series about a group of mercenaries who serve whichever employer pays them, whether noble or corrupt.
The story follows the company as they find themselves working for an evil sorceress called the Lady. Through the eyes of Croaker, their medic and historian, you see battles, shifting alliances, and moments that explore loyalty and survival in a bleak world.
It’s a tough and raw story that keeps its focus on the soldiers rather than high kings or gods. Fans of Steven Erikson’s “Malazan Book of the Fallen” might enjoy the hardened characters and complex conflicts in Cook’s work.
Robin Hobb is a fantasy author known for creating vivid worlds and characters that feel deeply real. Her book “Assassin’s Apprentice” introduces Fitz, a royal bastard who is trained as an assassin for the kingdom of the Six Duchies.
The story follows his life as he struggles with loyalty to a king who sees him as a tool, the challenges of living with forbidden magic called the Wit, and his constant fight to find his place in a world that doesn’t seem to want him.
The bonds he forms, especially with his wolf companion, are unforgettable. The book has a layered plot full of court intrigue and personal sacrifice. Fans of Steven Erikson might find a similar knack for worldbuilding and morally complex characters in Hobb’s work.
Joe Abercrombie writes fantasy full of flawed characters and dark humor. His book, “The Blade Itself,” introduces Logen Ninefingers, a hardened warrior trying to survive another day, and Inquisitor Glokta, a crippled torturer grappling with a messy world of politics.
The story weaves together brutality, wit, and unexpected twists, set in a world where nothing is quite black and white. Abercrombie doesn’t shy away from showing the harsh realities of war and power. Readers who enjoy layered, grim storytelling may find his work a great fit.
R. Scott Bakker is known for his intricate worlds and complex characters. One of his standout books, “The Darkness That Comes Before,” begins the series *The Prince of Nothing*. It’s set in a land on the brink of war, where politics, religion, and ancient prophecy collide.
The story follows a monk named Kellhus, whose intellect and cunning seem almost otherworldly, as he manipulates those around him to achieve his mysterious goals.
Fans of Steven Erikson’s layered storytelling and morally blurred characters might find this series equally rich and intriguing.
Mark Lawrence writes dark, imaginative fantasy with rich characters and brutal worlds. His book, “Prince of Thorns,” follows Jorg Ancrath, a young prince who leads a band of ruthless outlaws as he seeks vengeance and power.
Jorg is sharp and dangerous, shaped by a tragic past that drives him to embrace violence and rebellion. The story moves through a gritty, shattered empire filled with chaos and haunting moments, keeping the focus tight on Jorg’s quest for dominance.
Fans of Steven Erikson might enjoy the layered storytelling and morally complex characters.
Brandon Sanderson is a fantasy author known for creating intricate worlds and detailed magic systems. One of his books, “The Way of Kings,” takes place in a storm-lashed world called Roshar.
The story follows several characters, including Kaladin, a soldier who rises from being a slave to something much greater. Dalinar, a conflicted warlord, seeks answers to strange visions that could reshape their way of life.
The book combines massive battles, personal struggles, and a world where even the weather is its own kind of danger. If you enjoy Steven Erikson’s layered storytelling and epic scale, Sanderson’s work might catch your interest.
Gene Wolfe is known for his layered, thoughtful storytelling that often rewards readers who pay close attention.
One of his most celebrated works, “The Book of the New Sun,” follows Severian, a young apprentice in the guild of torturers who is exiled after showing mercy to a prisoner. The story takes place in a world where the sun is dying, and ancient technology is treated as magic.
Wolfe doesn’t shy away from challenging his readers, placing clues and hidden meanings throughout the narrative. It’s the kind of book that leaves you wondering what you missed the first time through.
Janny Wurts is a fantasy author known for creating immersive worlds and intricate plots. Her book “The Curse of the Mistwraith” kicks off the epic “Wars of Light and Shadow” series.
The story follows two half-brothers, Arithon and Lysaer, who are cursed to be eternal enemies after an ancient mistwraith binds their fates.
While Lysaer is a charismatic leader driven by justice, Arithon is a gifted musician with an affinity for shadow and a more nuanced sense of morality. Their clash shapes the fates of entire kingdoms.
Wurts weaves complex relationships and explores the cost of loyalty and power in a way that feels grand and personal at the same time. Fans of Steven Erikson’s deep storytelling may find themselves drawn to her style.
Tad Williams is a fantasy author known for creating vast worlds and complex characters.
His book, “The Dragonbone Chair,” kicks off the “Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn” series, which follows Simon, a young kitchen boy, as he gets caught up in the struggle for the fate of a crumbling kingdom.
The story weaves through ancient lore, hidden truths, and a land on the brink of war. It’s rich in detail, with a slower build that leads to dramatic and rewarding moments. Fans of Steven Erikson’s layered storytelling might enjoy exploring the depth in Williams’ work.
China Miéville is known for creating dense, imaginative worlds within the speculative fiction genre. One of his standout novels is “Perdido Street Station.”
The story takes place in New Crobuzon, a sprawling city filled with strange races, brutal politics, and bizarre technologies. It follows Isaac, a scientist studying an extraordinary wingless bird-like creature with dangerous consequences.
The plot weaves through the underbelly of the city, where criminals, outcasts, and monstrous beings collide, painting a richly detailed and unforgettable setting. Fans of Steven Erikson might appreciate the unpredictable and layered storytelling Miéville brings to life.
Daniel Abraham is an author known for creating richly detailed worlds and complex characters. One of his standout works is “A Shadow in Summer,” the first book in * The Long Price Quartet*.
The story is set in a land where poets have the power to shape reality by binding abstract concepts into living entities called andats.
The plot follows Otah, a young man running from his privileged family’s expectations, and Maati, a poet-in-training, as they become entangled in political schemes and dangerous choices that could change everything.
The book blends personal struggles with larger political conflicts, making for an immersive read. If you enjoy Steven Erikson’s deep worlds, this series might catch your interest.
Terry Goodkind is best known for his “Sword of Truth” series, which combines intricate world-building with moral themes. One of the standout books is “Wizard’s First Rule.”
It follows Richard Cypher, a young woods guide, who discovers his destiny tied to stopping an evil tyrant named Darken Rahl. Alongside Kahlan, a mysterious woman with a dangerous secret, Richard faces life-threatening challenges and uncovers secrets about his own past.
The story moves through a vividly imagined world full of powerful magic, dangerous enemies, and personal sacrifices. Fans of Steven Erikson’s layered storytelling may find Goodkind’s epic tale an intriguing journey.
Michael Moorcock is known for crafting imaginative fantasy worlds with rich lore and complex characters. One of his most famous works is “Elric of Melniboné,” which follows Elric, a tragic anti-hero and last emperor of a decaying empire.
Wielding a soul-drinking sword, Stormbringer, he struggles with his own morality and the destructive power of his weapon. The story explores betrayal, loyalty, and Elric’s fight against the destiny forced on him.
If you enjoy Steven Erikson’s sprawling tales, you might find Moorcock’s storytelling equally immersive.
C. J. Cherryh is an author known for creating rich, layered worlds with deep conflicts and complex characters. One of her standout works is “Downbelow Station,” a story set in a distant future where humanity has spread across space.
The book focuses on a space station caught in the middle of a brutal war between Earth’s forces and independent traders. The station becomes a refuge for displaced people and a battleground for power.
Characters face impossible choices as loyalties break apart, and survival feels like a gamble. The mix of political tension and personal struggles keeps the story fresh and unpredictable.
Kameron Hurley is known for creating complex worlds and exploring themes of survival and power struggles. In “The Mirror Empire,” the first book in her *Worldbreaker Saga*, she crafts a universe where celestial events shape the rise and fall of societies.
The story dives into a world where empires clash as alternate realms begin to bleed into each other. One fascinating element is the magic tied to the movement of celestial bodies, where power wanes or grows depending on which star or moon dominates the sky.
The characters navigate brutal choices and shifting alliances, making the stakes feel high with every turn. Fans of Steven Erikson’s layered storytelling might connect with her bold approach to worldbuilding.