Brandon Sanderson’sMistbornsaga andStormlight Archiveseries are among the biggest modern fantasy releases, and they may leave readers looking for similar books to dive into. Havingwritten two 10/10 fantasy series, Sanderson is a prolific author within the genre. While there is no shortage of great writers that fall into the category, the author’s writing style and world-building stand out. This makes it difficult to follow some ofSanderson’s best books, which can easily put readers into a slump.
Fortunately,there are a few fantasy books that make good follow-ups to Sanderson’s, whether it’s because they boast the same level of complexity when it comes to world-building or because they have similar storytelling elements. These hail from some of the biggest fantasy writers out there, so readers may find new favorite authors with backlogs that will keep them occupied. That’s a relief after a book hangover from Sanderson, especially knowing that hisnextStormlight Archivebook is a long way off.
10The Lies Of Locke Lamora By Scott Lynch
For Easy-To-Fall Into Writing, Complex Characters, & Heists
Those who love Sanderson — and especially his originalMistborntrilogy — should check outThe Lies of Locke Lamoraby Scott Lynch. The first book in Lynch’sGentleman Bastardsequence,The Lies of Locke Lamorais set in an immersive but dark world that’s easy to fall into, just likeMistborn. Its writing style is accessible to readers who are new to the fantasy genre, giving it another thing in common with Sanderson’s books. And it’s not so simplistic that seasoned fantasy readers won’t enjoy it; it offers the best of both worlds.
Similar toMistborn,The Lies of Locke Lamoraalso tells a heist story with a gang of lovable but morally dubious characters— though its emotional blows come on much quicker than those inEra 1. Overall, it’s a great choice for those looking forfantasy books for beginners, as well as readers looking for a character-driven narrative with similarities to Sanderson’s work.
9The Black Prism By Brent Weeks
For A Unique & Complex Magic System
Sanderson is known for crafting complex and unique magic systems, from the well-known ones inMistbornandThe Stormlight Archiveto those present in his moreunderrated books, likeThe Rithmatist. Readers hoping to find a similar approach to magic should give Brent Weeks’The Black Prisma try.Its light-based magic system bears similarities toMistborn’s, and it stands out among the many approaches present across the fantasy genre.
The Black Prismalso kicks off Weeks’Lightbringerseries, which scales up to become nearly as epic as Sanderson’s best stories.
The Black Prismalso kicks off Weeks’Lightbringerseries, which scales up to become nearly as epic as Sanderson’s best stories — and that’s not where the commonalities end. Both fantasy series benefit from great twists and turns. And although their narratives are very different, they both deal with themes of political and social upheaval.
8The Fifth Season By N.K. Jemisin
For Impressive World-Building
The strengths of Sanderson’s world-building extend beyond his intricate magic systems. The author fleshes out everything from politics to religion in painstaking detail, andreaders looking for similarly impressive world-building can find it in N.K. Jemisin’sThe Fifth Season.The first installment inThe Broken Earthtrilogy,The Fifth Seasonhas quite a bit in common with Sanderson’s work, even if it doesn’t seem like it at first glance. For one, it features a detailed magic system with hard and fast rules that mirror Sanderson’s.
The Broken Earthtrilogy is also set in a broken world that’s still in decline, bearing a resemblance toMistbornEra 1’s setup. This allows the series to tackle similar themes, even if they do so in different ways. Jemisin’s writing style is distinct, which setsThe Fifth Seasonapart from Sanderson’s work. But it has enough in common with his books to appeal to fans of his, especially those looking for detailed world-building — a strength present in Jemisin’s other series, too.
7The Assassin’s Apprentice By Robin Hobb
For Readers Looking For Another Expansive Universe
Sanderson’s Cosmereconnects many of his stories, and a couple of them — likeMistbornandThe Stormlight Archive— will span generations once they’re completed. This scope is impressive, but Sanderson isn’t the only fantasy author to showcase such ambition.Robin Hobb’sRealm of the Elderlingsconsists of interconnected series, has several time jumps, and includes a whopping 16 books. The first and best one to start with isThe Assassin’s Apprentice,and if readers enjoy it, they’ll have just as much to look forward to as when they first started reading Sanderson.
In addition to having an impressive scope,The Assassin’s Apprenticeand the rest of theRealm of the Elderlingsbooks are incredibly character-driven. This is one area where Sanderson shines, and readers who appreciate that aspect of his stories are bound to enjoy the growth that occurs throughout Hobb’s series. To witness that character transformation, it’s also best to begin withThe Assassin’s Apprentice.
6Jade City By Fonda Lee
For Great Magic, Action, & World-Building
Part of the reason Sanderson’s magic systems get so much attention is that they make for great, easy-to-imagine action sequences. Some of his best action moments have been likened to reading a superhero film on-screen. Readers hoping to experience that in another fantasy book should give Fonda Lee’sJadeCitya chance, as its use of jade feels reminiscent ofMistborn’s metal-based system. Andthe book’s use of Kung Fu ensures that it has action just as thrilling as anything in Sanderson’s books, even if it looks different.
WhileJade Cityand the rest of theGreen Bonesaga don’t have a ton in common with Sanderson’s work when it comes to plot or prose, they do benefit from character-driven narratives and overlapping themes. This is a compelling reason for Sanderson fans to pick up Lee’s series, which is often compared toThe Godfather.Sanderson fans who can get on board with that vibe will eat up Lee’s series.
5Six Of Crows By Leigh Bardugo
For Another Magical Heist Story, Multiple POVs, & Great Characters
Continuing the trend of character-driven narratives with similar storytelling elements,Six of Crowsis an ideal follow-up to Sanderson’s work— particularly theMistborntrilogy, though fans of his YA novels may also appreciate it. The first book in Leigh Bardugo’s duology of the same name,Six of Crowstells a multi-POV story about a gang of outcasts embarking on an impossible heist. There’s great banter, the same detailed magic system as her prior Grishaverse novels, and lots of action and twists.
These are all things Sanderson fans can appreciate, especially those who enjoy his novels aimed at younger audiences. Like Sanderson, Bardugo throws readers right into the story, while making it easy to understand and get invested in. She also has some kick-ass female leads, which Sanderson’s books also benefit from.
4The Grace Of Kings By Ken Liu
For Fresh Storytelling With Similar Themes & Scope
Ken Liu’sThe Grace of Kingsis another fantasy book worth picking up after Sanderson, as book one inThe Dandelion Dynastyis a fresh addition to the genre that has common themes and a similar scope to the author’s work. AlthoughThe Grace of Kingsdoesn’t feel all that similar when it comes to the narrative, its focus on overthrowing an empire and determining what comes next is reminiscent ofMistborn.The fact that the series spans generations also gives it an impressive scope on par withMistbornandThe Stormlight Archive.
One must be familiar with stories like Sanderson’s to appreciate what Liu does inThe Dandelion Dynasty.
The Grace of Kingsis also an all-around great read for seasoned fantasy lovers, as it subverts many of the common tropes seen within the genre. Sanderson’s books feature many of the tropes in question, so the authors are dissimilar in that regard. However, one must be familiar with stories like Sanderson’s to appreciate what Liu does inThe Dandelion Dynasty.Therefore, it makes sense to pick upThe Grace of Kingsafter making your way through Sanderson’s backlist.
3Blood Over Bright Haven By M.L. Wang
For A Detailed Magic System & Strong Character Writing
After the excitement surroundingThe Sword of Kaigen,it’s no surprise that M.L. Wang’sBlood Over Bright Havenis taking off. And Sanderson readers shouldn’t overlook this novel, as it has clear strengths that mirror those of his work. WhileBlood Over Bright Havenleans darker than most of Sanderson’s books — and has an academic setting that feels reminiscent of other authors and series — its magic system is detailed and unique. This makes it an ideal read for anyone who appreciates that element of Sanderson’s backlist.
Blood Over Bright Havenalso boasts great character writing, along with morally gray personalities. And the novel digs into themes of oppression through its political storylines.Such details will be a draw for those who enjoy Sanderson’s books, as they’re just as present in his work.
2The Will Of The Many By James Islington
For An Intricate Magic System, Similar Themes, & A Great Ending
James Islington’sThe Will of the Manyhas gotten a lot of attention since its 2023 release, and it’s a great choice for any fantasy reader. However,some elements of Islington’s novel will appeal to Sanderson readers specifically, including its intricate magic system and overlapping themes. The former centers on a person’s control of “Will,” and it comes with a structure and rules that’s on par with Sanderson’s magic systems. The book’s focus on overcoming a corrupt empire and the questions it raises are also draws.
The Will of the Manyalso does a great job with its ending, which is why readers are so eager to get their hands on the sequel.
The Will of the Manyalso does a great job with its ending, which is why readers are so eager to get their hands on the sequel,The Strength of the Few.Like Sanderson, Islington does a good job of giving the book a proper conclusion, while delivering enough twists to leave readers wanting. Fortunately,The Strength of the Fewwill be here in November 2025, meaning readers will have answers soon — and they can dig into it while they wait for Sanderson’s next release.
1Promise Of Blood By Brian McClellan
For Its Compelling Magic System, Similar Themes, & Easily Accessible Story
Brian McClellan’sPowder Magetrilogy is often recommended for Sanderson fans, and those interested in diving in must start withPromise of Blood.McClellan’s books benefit from interesting world-building and magic systems, but like Sanderson’s,they’re still accessible and easy to read.
This makesPromise of Blooda great option for newcomers and fantasy lovers alike. Both will no doubt appreciate the gunpowder-based magic system (which feels reminiscent ofMistborn’s metal-based one) and the intersection between magic and tech (whichMistbornEra 2 touches on). The political themes and involvement of the gods also give the series commonalities withBrandon Sanderson’s work, giving fans more reasons to pick upPromise of Bloodand its sequels.
