Are you searching for writers like Joe Abercrombie who masterfully blend dark fantasy with complex characters and morally ambiguous narratives?
Delving into the works of writers such as Mark Lawrence, Scott Lynch and Brian McClellan can provide you with equally compelling tales.
Their stories are rich with intricate plots and multifaceted characters, echoing the depth and grit found in Abercrombie’s novels.
Exploring these authors will not only satisfy your craving for immersive dark fantasy but also introduce you to new worlds and perspectives within the genre.
12 Writers Like Joe Abercrombie
1. Scott Lynch
Writing Style & Themes:
Clever dialogue, bold characters and fast-paced plots. Like Abercrombie, Lynch mixes grit with charm and plenty of attitude.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Lies of Locke Lamora
- Red Seas Under Red Skies
- The Republic of Thieves
Why Readers Will Love Him:
He builds smart gritty adventures around lovable rogues who are always in over their heads.
Scott Lynch’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/73149.Scott_Lynch
2. Mark Lawrence
Writing Style & Themes:
Dark worlds, broken heroes and brutal decisions. Lawrence, like Abercrombie, doesn’t shy away from violence or moral complexity.
Notable Books/Series:
- Prince of Thorns
- King of Thorns
- Emperor of Thorns
Why Readers Will Love Him:
His antiheroes are fierce, flawed and unforgettable, perfect for fans of edgy fantasy.
Mark Lawrence’s Website: https://www.marklawrence.buzz/
3. Richard K. Morgan
Writing Style & Themes:
Hard-edged and unfiltered. Morgan writes dark dystopian fantasy with gray morals and raw emotion.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Steel Remains
- The Cold Commands
- The Dark Defiles
Why Readers Will Love Him:
Morgan’s storytelling delves deep into the complexities of human nature, presenting a raw and unvarnished view of fantasy worlds that challenges conventional tropes.
Richard K. Morgan’s Website: https://www.richardkmorgan.com
4. Nicholas Eames
Writing Style & Themes:
Character-driven fantasy with heart and humor. Eames blends epic quests with genuine friendship and banter.
Notable Books/Series:
- Kings of the Wyld
- Bloody Rose
- Outlaw Empire (upcoming)
Why Readers Will Love Him:
He balances action with laughs and emotion like a rock band in a fantasy world.
Nicholas Eames’ Website: https://nicholaseames.com/
5. Glen Cook
Writing Style & Themes:
Military grit, dark humor and loyal misfits. Cook’s no-nonsense prose and cynical tone laid the groundwork for grimdark.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Black Company
- Shadows Linger
- The White Rose
Why Readers Will Love Him:
He strips fantasy of polish, leaving behind the raw grit that Abercrombie fans crave.
Glen Cook’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13026.Glen_Cook
6. Alan Campbell
Writing Style & Themes:
Bleak worlds and twisted characters wrapped in dark imagination. Campbell writes like a fever dream with teeth.
Notable Books/Series:
- Scar Night
- Iron Angel
- God of Clocks
Why Readers Will Love Him:
He dives deep into weird, wild fantasy with the same bite and bite-sized cruelty Abercrombie fans love.
Alan Campbell’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22666715.Alan_Campbell
7. Brian McClellan
Writing Style & Themes:
Gritty politics, battlefield magic and broken loyalties. McClellan blends explosive action with deep character work.
Notable Books/Series:
- Promise of Blood
- The Crimson Campaign
- The Autumn Republic
Why Readers Will Love Him:
His mix of revolution, gunpowder and betrayal hits the same raw nerves Abercrombie fans enjoy.
Brian McClellan’s Website: https://brianmcclellan.com/
8. Anna Smith Spark
Writing Style & Themes:
Lyrical prose and bleak beauty. Spark writes like a dark poem, filled with violence and grandeur.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Court of Broken Knives
- The Tower of Living and Dying
- The House of Sacrifice
Why Readers Will Love Her:
She combines elegance and brutality in a way that feels both epic and deeply personal.
Anna Smith Spark’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15935255.Anna_Smith_Spark
9. Steven Erikson
Writing Style & Themes:
Huge scope, complex characters and moral depth. Erikson builds vast worlds with weighty themes and heavy consequences.
Notable Books/Series:
- Gardens of the Moon
- Deadhouse Gates
- Memories of Ice
Why Readers Will Love Him:
He challenges you with scale and substance, offering layered characters in a brutal world.
Steven Erikson’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/31232.Steven_Erikson
10. George R.R. Martin
Writing Style & Themes:
Moral gray zones, sharp political games and sudden deaths. Martin helped define modern dark fantasy.
Notable Books/Series:
- A Game of Thrones
- A Clash of Kings
- A Storm of Swords
Why Readers Will Love Him:
His deep worldbuilding and brutal twists keep you guessing—and often gasping.
George R.R. Martin’s Website: https://georgerrmartin.com/
11. Anthony Ryan
Writing Style & Themes:
Gritty tales of loyalty, loss and hard choices. Ryan writes tight plots with emotional stakes and strong voices.
Notable Books/Series:
- Blood Song
- Tower Lord
- Queen of Fire
Why Readers Will Love Him:
He’s a master of pacing, building tension and heartbreak like Abercrombie in his quieter moments.
Anthony Ryan’s Website: https://anthonyryan.net
12. Luke Scull
Writing Style & Themes:
Dark humor, grim worlds and damaged heroes. Scull hits all the grimdark notes but keeps it human.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Grim Company
- Sword of the North
- Dead Man’s Steel
Why Readers Will Love Him:
He captures Abercrombie’s spirit with flawed characters and a world on the edge of collapse.
Luke Scull’s Website: https://www.lukescull.com
Last Word on Authors Similar to Joe Abercrombie
The twelve authors like Joe Abercrombie highlighted above each bring their own unique style and depth to the fantasy genre, offering readers a diverse array of narratives to explore.
From Scott Lynch’s clever heist adventures in The Lies of Locke Lamora to Mark Lawrence’s dark and introspective journey in Prince of Thorns and Glen Cook’s unflinching portrayal of mercenary life in The Black Company, these writers delve into complex themes and multifaceted characters that resonate with fans of Joe Abercrombie.
By immersing yourself in their works, you’ll not only embark on new and captivating adventures but also gain a deeper appreciation for the rich and varied landscape of fantasy literature
Let us know in the comments below which of the above writers like Joe Abercrombie you’ve read or love the most.