12 Authors Similar to Neil Gaiman You Should Read

Looking for authors similar to Neil Gaiman? Then you’ve come to the right place.

If you love Gaiman’s mix of fantasy, mythology and intricate storytelling, you’ll find these authors just as captivating.

From magical realism to enchanting worlds, discover writers whose work will transport you to realms both familiar and strange, just like Gaiman’s masterpieces.

12 Authors Similar to Neil Gaiman

1. Catherynne M. Valente

Writing Style & Themes:
Catherynne M. Valente’s work often blends poetic language with fairy tale retellings, weaving complex lyrical prose into fantastical worlds. 

Like Neil Gaiman, she explores the magical and the mythological through an elegant and vivid storytelling style.

Notable Books/Series:

• Palimpsest
• The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making
• The Orphan’s Tales

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Fans of Gaiman will be captivated by her whimsical worlds and deeply imaginative plots. 

Her books create a sense of magic that feels both ancient and new.

Catherynne M. Valente’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/338705.Catherynne_M_Valente 

2. Karen Lord

Writing Style & Themes:
Karen Lord masterfully intertwines Caribbean folklore with science fiction, crafting narratives that delve into mythological depth and cultural richness. 

Her lyrical prose and exploration of identity and transformation echo Neil Gaiman’s storytelling.​

Notable Books/Series:

• Redemption in Indigo
• The Best of All Possible Worlds
• Unraveling
• The Galaxy Game​

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Her seamless blend of myth and science fiction offers a fresh perspective, drawing readers into worlds where cultural heritage and speculative elements converge.​

Karen Lord’s Website: www.karenlord.com

3. Lev Grossman

Writing Style & Themes:
Lev Grossman combines modern fantasy with a cynical tone, blending genres to create narratives that challenge traditional fantasy tropes. 

His work, much like Gaiman’s, offers a mature take on magical realism.​

Notable Books/Series:

• The Magicians
• The Magician King
• The Magician’s Land​

Why Readers Will Love Him:
His exploration of magic in a contemporary setting provides a thought-provoking and immersive experience for readers seeking depth and complexity.​

Lev Grossman’s Website: www.levgrossman.com

4. N.K. Jemisin

Writing Style & Themes:
N.K. Jemisin’s lyrical prose and epic world-building delve into themes of identity, oppression and resilience, drawing readers into richly imagined universes. 

Her storytelling prowess aligns with Gaiman’s.​

Notable Books/Series:

• The Broken Earth Trilogy:
  • The Fifth Season
  • The Obelisk Gate
  • The Stone Sky
• The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms
• The City We Became​

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Her ability to intertwine complex characters with profound social commentary offers a compelling and enriching reading experience.​

N.K. Jemisin’s Website: www.nkjemisin.com

5. Nalo Hopkinson

Writing Style & Themes:
Nalo Hopkinson’s narratives are steeped in Caribbean folklore and magical realism, presented through poetic and accessible prose. 

Her stories just like Gaiman’s, blend the fantastical with the familiar.​

Notable Books/Series:

• Brown Girl in the Ring
• Skin Folk
• The Salt Roads​

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Her rich cultural storytelling and imaginative plots offer a unique and immersive experience for readers seeking diverse perspectives in fantasy.​

Nalo Hopkinson’s Website: www.nalohopkinson.com

6. Naomi Novik

Writing Style & Themes:
Naomi Novik’s historical fantasy weaves intricate world-building with character-driven plots, often incorporating elements of folklore and magic. 

Her storytelling, reminiscent of Gaiman’s, combines depth with accessibility.​

Notable Books/Series:

• Temeraire Series:
  • His Majesty’s Dragon
  • Throne of Jade
  • Black Powder War
  • Empire of Ivory
  • Victory of Eagles
  • Tongues of Serpents
  • Crucible of Gold
  • Blood of Tyrants
• Uprooted
• Spinning Silver​

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Her masterful blend of historical settings with magical elements offers engaging and richly layered narratives that resonate with fans of Gaiman’s work.​

Naomi Novik’s Website: www.naominovik.com

7. Nnedi Okorafor

Writing Style & Themes:
Nnedi Okorafor combines African mythology with speculative fiction, crafting narratives that explore themes of identity, transformation and resilience. 

Her work, like Gaiman’s, blends the fantastical with deep cultural roots.​

Notable Books/Series:

• Who Fears Death
• Binti Series:
  • Binti
  • Binti: Home
  • Binti: The Night Masquerade
• Akata Witch
• The Book of Phoenix​

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Her imaginative storytelling offers a unique perspective, merging rich cultural traditions with speculative elements to create compelling and thought-provoking tales.​

Nnedi Okorafor’s Website: www.nnedi.com

8. Patrick Rothfuss

Writing Style & Themes:
Patrick Rothfuss is known for his poetic musical prose and character-driven fantasy. 

Like Gaiman, he combines lyrical storytelling with deep character exploration.​

Notable Books/Series:

• The Kingkiller Chronicle Series:
  • The Name of the Wind
  • The Wise Man’s Fear
  • The Slow Regard of Silent Things
  • The Doors of Stone (forthcoming)​

Why Readers Will Love Him:
His intricate world-building and profound character studies offer a deeply immersive experience for readers seeking both adventure and emotional depth.​

Patrick Rothfuss’s Website: www.patrickrothfuss.com

9. Silvia Moreno-García

Writing Style & Themes:
Silvia Moreno-García blends horror and fantasy with cultural mythology, delivering narratives that subvert expectations and explore complex themes. 

Notable Books/Series:

• Mexican Gothic
• Gods of Jade and Shadow
• The Beautiful Ones
• The Price of Magic​

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Her ability to intertwine cultural folklore with speculative fiction provides a unique and captivating reading experience for those seeking diverse and imaginative stories.​

Silvia Moreno-García’s Website: www.silviamoreno-garcia.com

10. Susanna Clarke

Writing Style & Themes:
Susanna Clarke’s historical fantasy narratives often feature nuanced endings and a deep exploration of magic within a richly constructed world. 

Her style, reminiscent of Gaiman’s, combines wit with profound storytelling.​

Notable Books/Series:

• Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell
• Piranesi
• The Ladies of Grace Adieu
• The Unquiet Land​

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Her masterful blend of historical settings and magical elements offers an immersive experience for readers who appreciate intricate plots and richly developed worlds.​

Susanna Clarke’s Website: www.susannaclarke.com

11. Terry Pratchett

Writing Style & Themes:
Terry Pratchett’s satirical approach to fantasy combines deep character development with sharp wit. 

His Discworld series offers a unique perspective on the genre, blending fantasy with insightful commentary.

Notable Books/Series:

• Discworld Series:
  • The Color of Magic
  • Mort
  • Guards! Guards!
  • Hogfather
  • The Shepherd’s Crown
• Good Omens (co-authored with Neil Gaiman)
• Nation
• The Bromeliad Trilogy​

Why Readers Will Love Him:
His ability to combine humor with deep themes and memorable characters provides a delightful and thought-provoking reading experience for fans of fantasy and satire.​

Terry Pratchett’s Website: www.terrypratchettbooks.com

12. T.J. Klune

Writing Style & Themes:
T.J. Klune’s heartfelt storytelling offers positive queer representation within fantastical settings. 

His work, like Gaiman’s, combines whimsy with emotional depth.​

Notable Books/Series:

• The House in the Cerulean Sea
• Under the Whispering Door
• The Extraordinaries
• The Lightning-Struck Heart​

Why Readers Will Love Him:
His uplifting narratives and diverse characters create a welcoming space for readers seeking heartwarming and inclusive fantasy tales.​

T.J. Klune’s Website: www.tjklunebooks.com

12 Authors Like Neil Gaiman

The above writers like Neil Gaiman are sure to captivate you with their imaginative worlds and intricate narratives.

Writers like Catherynne M. Valente, whose lyrical prose weaves fairy tales and magical realism or N.K. Jemisin, with her epic world-building and exploration of identity, offer rich and compelling reads.

Whether it’s the humor and depth found in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series or the cultural folklore explored in Nnedi Okorafor’s Binti, these authors similar to Neil Gaiman bring their own magic to the genre.