Hello, hello! Welcome to another read-alike issue, where I help you find your next read based on a popular author, well-known author, or an author suggested by you!
Brandon Sanderson is a prolific author of fantasy novels. Now, one caveat: the problem with a Brandon Sanderson read-alike is…which Brandon Sanderson? Not every series or standalone novel is created equal (Tress and the Emerald Sea is quite different from The Way of Kings which is also quite different from Skyward, for example). But I think every Sanderson book (that I’ve read anyway) has at least one or two things in common: immersive and vivid world building, plenty of action, and at least a little bit of snarky humor (or a lot…depending on the book).
Heavenbreaker by Sara Wolf. There isn’t a lot of humor in Heavenbreaker, but what it lacks in levity it more than makes up for in action, world building, characterization, secrets, and intrigue. This is the first of a duology, the second of which is set to come out later in 2025.
Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan. If Sanderson’s epic, doorstopper fantasy is what you gravitate toward, then you may have already read the Wheel of Time –Sanderson himself wrote the last three volumes of the series. But, if not–and if you are ready to immerse yourself in a fifteen book series– then buckle up and dive into this sprawling, modern classic.
The Queen’s Thief series by Megan Whalen Turner. If you prefer your fantasy novels to be on the shorter side, but still love well-drawn characters and lots of intrigue, then look no further than this immersive, intricately plotted series loosely inspired by the ancient Mediterranean region.
Spiritwalker and Court of Fives series by Kate Elliott. Kate Elliott writes creative, immersive, female-centric fantasy with lots of action, magic, and political intrigue.
Jade City by Fonda Lee is often described as The Godfather meets Kung Fu movies, and that is a very accurate description. This series is cinematic, immersive, rich with detail, and full of complicated characters and complex relationships. The magic and world building is creative, and the books are difficult to put down.
That’s it from me! Are you a fantasy reader? If so, who are some of your favorite authors? Who did I leave off this list?