Cover of The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson

5 book recommendations

Books Like “The Way of Kings” by Brandon Sanderson

If you were captivated by the sweeping worldbuilding, intricate magic, and unforgettable journeys in Brandon Sanderson’s The Way of Kings, you are not alone. Readers adore its grand epic scale and stirring themes of honor, leadership, and resilience. Dive into our curated list below and discover your next great fantasy obsession.

  1. Cover of The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan

    Cover not available

    The Eye of the World

    by Robert Jordan

    The Wheel of Time is now an original series on Prime Video, starring Rosamund Pike as Moiraine!

    The Eye of the World, the first novel in Robert Jordan's #1 New York Times bestselling epic fantasy series, The Wheel of Time®, follows Moiraine Damodred as she arrives in Emond's Field on a quest to find the one prophesized to stand against The Dark One.

    The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth returns again. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.

    When a vicious band of half-men, half beasts invade the Two Rivers seeking their master’s enemy, Moiraine persuades Rand al’Thor and his friends to leave their home and enter a larger unimaginable world filled with dangers waiting in the shadows and in the light.

    Since its debut in 1990, The Wheel of Time® has captivated millions of readers around the globe with its scope, originality, and compelling characters. The last six books in series were all instant #1 New York Times bestsellers, and The Eye of the World was named one of America's best-loved novels by PBS's The Great American Read.

    Why it's similar

    Both feature expansive worldbuilding, multiple points of view, and central themes of ancient cyclical threats returning to a world that has largely forgotten how to fight them.

    What's different

    Jordan's narrative follows a classic rural-to-epic quest structure with softer magic rules, unlike Sanderson's stationary military campaign and hard, scientific magic system.

  2. Cover of The Black Prism by Brent Weeks

    Cover not available

    The Black Prism

    by Brent Weeks

    In a world where magic is tightly controlled, the most powerful man in history must choose between his kingdom and his son in the first book in the epic NYT bestselling Lightbringer series.
    Guile is the Prism. He is high priest and emperor, a man whose power, wit, and charm are all that preserves a tenuous peace. Yet Prisms never last, and Guile knows exactly how long he has left to live.

    When Guile discovers he has a son, born in a far kingdom after the war that put him in power, he must decide how much he's willing to pay to protect a secret that could tear his world apart.
    If you loved the action and adventure of the Night Angel trilogy, you will devour this incredible epic fantasy series by Brent Weeks.

    Why it's similar

    Both focus on rigorous, hard magic systems with distinct rules and limitations, while following protagonists grappling with deep psychological trauma and high-stakes military politics.

    What's different

    Weeks employs a faster, snappier pace with a more cynical tone and a tighter, more insular cast compared to the vast panoramic ensemble on Roshar.

  3. Cover of The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu

    Cover not available

    The Grace of Kings

    by Ken Liu

    One of the Time 100 Best Fantasy Books Of All Time

    Two men rebel together against tyranny—and then become rivals—in this first sweeping book of an epic fantasy series from Ken Liu, recipient of Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy awards. Hailed as one of the best books of 2015 by NPR.

    Wily, charming Kuni Garu, a bandit, and stern, fearless Mata Zyndu, the son of a deposed duke, seem like polar opposites. Yet, in the uprising against the emperor, the two quickly become the best of friends after a series of adventures fighting against vast conscripted armies, silk-draped airships, and shapeshifting gods. Once the emperor has been overthrown, however, they each find themselves the leader of separate factions—two sides with very different ideas about how the world should be run and the meaning of justice.

    Fans of intrigue, intimate plots, and action will find a new series to embrace in the Dandelion Dynasty.

    Why it's similar

    Both feature sprawling, grand-scale worldbuilding centered around military tactical innovation, complex political alliances, and philosophical debates on justice and leadership.

    What's different

    Liu utilizes an omniscient, legend-like narrative voice inspired by historical chronicles, contrasting with Sanderson's deeply intimate, close third-person perspectives.

  4. Cover of The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams

    Cover not available

    The Dragonbone Chair

    by Tad Williams

    “One of my favorite fantasy series.” —George R. R. Martin
    “Groundbreaking.” —Patrick Rothfuss
    “One of the great fantasy epics of all time.” —Christopher Paolini

    New York Times-bestselling Tad Williams’ landmark epic fantasy saga of Osten Ard begins an exciting new cycle with THE WITCHWOOD CROWN, on sale now!

    With The Dragonbone Chair, Tad Williams introduced readers to the incredible fantasy world of Osten Ard. His beloved, internationally bestselling series Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn inspired a generation of modern fantasy writers, including George R.R. Martin, Patrick Rothfuss, and Christopher Paolini, and defined Tad Williams as one of the most important fantasy writers of our time.

    This edition features a brand-new introduction from Tad Williams' editor as well as the original introduction from Williams himself!

    BOOK ONE: THE DRAGONBONE CHAIR

    A war fueled by the powers of dark sorcery is about to engulf the peaceful land of Osten Ard—for Prester John, the High King, lies dying. And with his death, the Storm King, the undead ruler of the elf-like Sithi, seizes the chance to regain his lost realm through a pact with the newly ascended king. Knowing the consequences of this bargain, the king’s younger brother joins with a small, scattered group of scholars, the League of the Scroll, to confront the true danger threatening Osten Ard.

    Simon, a kitchen boy from the royal castle unknowingly apprenticed to a member of this League, will be sent on a quest that offers the only hope of salvation, a deadly riddle concerning long-lost swords of power. Compelled by fate and perilous magics, he must leave the only home he’s ever known and face enemies more terrifying than Osten Ard has ever seen, even as the land itself begins to die.

    After the landmark Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn trilogy, the epic saga of Osten Ard continues with the brand-new novel, The Heart of What Was Lost. Then don’t miss the upcoming trilogy, The Last King of Osten Ard, beginning with The Witchwood Crown!

    Praise for Osten Ard:

    “Inspired me to write my own seven-book trilogy.... It’s one of my favorite fantasy series.”
    —George R. R. Martin, New York Times-bestselling author of A Game of Thrones

    “Groundbreaking...changed how people thought of the genre, and paved the way for so much modern fantasy. Including mine.”
    —Patrick Rothfuss, New York Times-bestselling author of The Name of the Wind

    "Tad Williams is a master storyteller, and the Osten Ard books are his masterpiece." —Brandon Sanderson, New York Times-bestselling author of Mistborn

    “Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn is one of the great fantasy epics of all time.”
    —Christopher Paolini, New York Times-bestselling author of Eragon

    Why it's similar

    Both are monumental high fantasies that explore the awakening of an ancient, forgotten existential threat through sprawling multi-POV narratives steeped in deep lore.

    What's different

    Williams relies on traditional medieval fantasy tropes and a much slower, contemplative build-up, lacking the kinetic action set pieces and systematized magic of Sanderson's work.

  5. Cover of The Shadow of What Was Lost by James Islington

    Cover not available

    The Shadow of What Was Lost

    by James Islington

    "Love The Wheel of Time? This is about to become your new favorite series." --B&N SF & Fantasy Blog
    A young man with forbidden magic finds himself drawn into an ancient war against a dangerous enemy in book one of the Licanius Trilogy, the series that fans are heralding as the next Wheel of Time.
    As destiny calls, a journey begins.
    It has been twenty years since the godlike Augurs were overthrown and killed. Now, those who once served them -- the Gifted -- are spared only because they have accepted the rebellion's Four Tenets, vastly limiting their powers.
    As a Gifted, Davian suffers the consequences of a war lost before he was even born. He and others like him are despised. But when Davian discovers he wields the forbidden power of the Augurs, he and his friends Wirr and Asha set into motion a chain of events that will change everything.

    To the west, a young man whose fate is intertwined with Davian's wakes up in the forest, covered in blood and with no memory of who he is...

    And in the far north, an ancient enemy long thought defeated begins to stir.

    The Licanius Trilogy is a series readers will have a hard time putting down--a relentless coming-of-age epic from the very first page.
    "Storytelling assurance rare for a debut . . . Fans of Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson will find much to admire."-- Guardian

    Why it's similar

    Both are expansive epic fantasies built around lost history, elite magical training, and characters uncovering the truth behind a broken world. They also share multiple viewpoints and a strong emphasis on institutions, power, and ancient secrets.

    What's different

    Its puzzle-box structure and heavy emphasis on hidden knowledge make it feel more like a mystery of the world than the comparatively direct war-and-growth arc of The Way of Kings. The tone is also less meditative and less focused on battlefield command.

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