Patrick Rothfuss’ epic fantasy series “The Kingkiller Chronicle” began with the 2007 publication of “The Name of the Wind”, introducing readers to the legendary hero Kvothe. The coming-of-age story follows young Kvothe as he transforms from humble beginnings into a notorious wizard and adventurer. With its unique magic system and Rothfuss’ lyrical writing style, The Name of the Wind created an immersive fantasy world that enraptured fans.
For readers hungry for more spellbinding stories after finishing the first book, several other fantasy series can help fill the void. This list recommends captivating reads for fans of “The Name of the Wind”, from Brandon Sanderson’s “Mistborn” books to Robin Hobb’s “Farseer Trilogy”. Though each is set in vastly different worlds, these series transport readers to lands of adventure and wonder, just as Rothfuss’ novel did. For those enamored by “The Name of the Wind”, these suggestions for a spellbinding series will weave a similarly magical tale.
See also: Books That Should Be Movies.
Books Like The Name of the Wind
Brandon Sanderson
The Way of Kings
"The Way of Kings" is the first book in the exciting "Stormlight Archive" series by Brandon Sanderson. The story takes place in the world of Roshar, where powerful storms and rocky terrain have shaped both the environment and society. The fall of the Knights Radiant, a group of powerful warriors, happened centuries ago, but their mystical swords and armor, known as Shardblades and Shardplate, still exist. These artifacts are highly sought after, with kingdoms being traded and wars being fought for them.The main character, Kaladin, finds himself enslaved on the Shattered Plains, a war-torn landscape. He struggles to protect his men and understand the leaders who see them as expendable. Meanwhile, Brightlord Dalinar Kholin, who commands another army, is plagued by visions of ancient times and the Knights Radiant, causing him to question his sanity.On the other side of the ocean, a young woman named Shallan seeks to train under a renowned scholar, Jasnah, who is also Dalinar's niece. While Shallan has a genuine love for learning, she has ulterior motives and plans a daring theft. Her research for Jasnah uncovers secrets about the Knights Radiant and the true cause of the ongoing war."
George R.R. Martin
A Game of Thrones
In a land where seasons are unpredictable and can last for decades, trouble is brewing. Sinister forces are gathering in the frozen north, while the king's powers are weakening and his enemies are emerging. The Starks of Winterfell find themselves at the center of the conflict, as Lord Eddard Stark is reluctantly appointed as the king's new Hand. This appointment not only threatens his family but the entire kingdom. A Game of Thrones takes readers on a journey from a harsh, cold land to a kingdom of abundance, where lords, ladies, soldiers, sorcerers, assassins, and bastards come together amidst dark omens. The story follows an array of characters, including enigmatic warriors, fierce wildlings, a dragon prince, a lost child, and a determined woman on a dangerous journey.
J.R.R. Tolkien
The Hobbit
"The Hobbit" is a beloved book by J.R.R. Tolkien, part of "The Lord of the Rings" series. It tells the story of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who lives in a cozy hole in the ground. When Bilbo is unexpectedly swept into an adventure with the wizard Gandalf, he encounters the treacherous Gollum and embarks on a quest to defeat the fearsome dragon Smaug. This timeless classic is a thrilling tale of a reluctant hero, a powerful ring, and the enchanting world of Middle-earth.
Scott Lynch
The Lies of Locke Lamora
"The Lies of Locke Lamora" is the first book in the Gentleman Bastard series by Scott Lynch. Set in the mysterious island city of Camorr, the story follows the life of orphan Locke Lamora. Despite the harsh and dangerous conditions, Locke manages to escape death and slavery and becomes a skilled thief under the guidance of a talented con artist. As the leader of the Gentleman Bastards, a group of skilled thieves, Locke gains a reputation for his cunning and deception, even fooling the most feared ruler of the underworld. However, a more ambitious and deadly threat emerges from the shadows. Faced with a bloody coup that puts everything he holds dear at risk, Locke is determined to outwit his enemy or die trying.
Christopher Paolini
Eragon
"Eragon", the first book in the Inheritance Cycle series by Christopher Paolini, tells the story of a young boy who discovers a mysterious blue stone in the forest. Little does he know, this stone will bring forth a dragon hatchling and change his life forever. Eragon is thrust into a world of adventure, magic, and danger, as he learns about his destiny and the power he possesses. With only an ancient sword and the guidance of an old storyteller, Eragon must navigate through a treacherous Empire ruled by an evil king. Can he become a legendary Dragon Rider and save the Empire from its impending doom?
Brandon Sanderson
The Final Empire
"The Final Empire" is the first book in the Mistborn Saga series by Brandon Sanderson. The story takes place in a world that has been devastated and turned into a wasteland. The Skaa, a group of oppressed people, have suffered for a thousand years under the rule of the Lord Ruler. However, hope is reignited when Kelsier, a scarred and heartbroken half-Skaa, discovers his powers as a Mistborn. He assembles a team of skilled allomancers to carry out a daring plan to overthrow the Lord Ruler. Along the way, Kelsier meets Vin, a young girl who has learned not to trust anyone. Together, they must learn to rely on each other and master their powers in order to bring about the downfall of the tyrant.
Brandon Sanderson
The Well of Ascension
"The Well of Ascension" is the second book in the Mistborn Saga series by Brandon Sanderson. After defeating the Lord Ruler, Vin, a former street urchin and now the most powerful Mistborn, is left with the daunting task of building a new world. However, she is uncomfortable with the newfound veneration she receives and is haunted by a strange entity in the mists. Alongside her crew, Vin must navigate political challenges and learn new skills to protect Luthadel, the largest city in the former empire. With three armies vying for control and the absence of a powerful allomantic metal, the situation becomes dire. As the city is besieged, a glimmer of hope emerges from an ancient legend, but no one knows where to find the Well of Ascension or its true power.
Robin Hobb
Assassin’s Apprentice
In a distant land, there is a boy named Fitz who is an outcast because he is the illegitimate son of a nobleman. He finds comfort in his ability to communicate with animals through a magical power called the Wit. However, the nobility despises this power. Eventually, Fitz is taken in by the royal family and must abandon his old life to learn the ways of a royal assassin.
Joe Abercrombie
The Blade Itself
"The Blade Itself" is the first book in the thrilling First Law Book Series by Joe Abercrombie. The story follows Logen Ninefingers, a notorious barbarian who finds himself in a string of deadly feuds. Meanwhile, Captain Jezal dan Luthar, a selfish nobleman, is preoccupied with winning at cards and dreaming of glory. However, as war looms in the frozen North, they are forced to confront bloodier battles. Inquisitor Glokta, a former cripple turned torturer, despises Jezal and seeks to uncover government corruption. The arrival of the wizard Bayaz further complicates their lives. As murder plots and old grudges resurface, the line between hero and villain becomes increasingly blurred.
Pierce Brown
Red Rising
Darrow is a member of the lowest caste in a future society where people are color-coded. He believes that he and his fellow Reds are working hard to make Mars livable for future generations. However, he soon discovers that humanity has already reached the surface and that he and his kind are actually slaves to a ruling class. Motivated by a desire for justice and fueled by the memory of lost love, Darrow infiltrates the Institute, a prestigious school for the dominant Gold caste. He must compete for his life and the future of civilization against the powerful ruling class. Darrow is willing to do whatever it takes, even if it means becoming one of his enemies, to bring them down.
Robert Jordan
New Spring: The Wheel of Time Prequel
:New Spring: The Wheel of Time Prequel: is a captivating book by Robert Jordan that takes place in the world of The Wheel of Time series. Set in the Third Age, an Age of Prophecy, the story follows Moiraine Damodred, a young Accepted, and Lan Mandragoran, a soldier, as they navigate a world on the brink of chaos. As they search for an infant who is prophesied to change the world, they must overcome various obstacles and dangers.
Robert Jordan
The Eye of the World
"In "The Eye of the World," the first book in the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan, the Wheel of Time keeps turning and different Ages come and go. Memories become legends, legends turn into myths, and eventually, even myths are forgotten. However, when the Age that birthed these stories returns, what was, what will be, and what is may all be threatened by the Shadow.Moiraine Damodred arrives in Emond's Field with a mission to find the one who is destined to stand against the Dark One, a malevolent being spreading chaos and destruction. When a group of savage creatures known as half-men attack the village in search of their master's enemy, Moiraine convinces Rand al'Thor and his friends to leave their familiar home and venture into a vast and perilous world, where dangers lurk both in the shadows and in the light."
Ralph Lister
Gardens of the Moon
In the book "Gardens of the Moon" by Ralph Lister, the Malazan Empire is facing discontent and constant warfare. The empire is ruled by Empress Laseen, who enforces her rule with the help of deadly assassins. Sergeant Whiskeyjack and his squad, along with Tattersail, a surviving mage, should be mourning the dead after a siege, but instead, they find themselves drawn into a dangerous game. The city of Darujhistan becomes the target of the empire, but there are other mysterious forces at play, including the gods themselves.
N. K. Jemisin
The Fifth Season
"The Fifth Season" is a captivating novel by N. K. Jemisin, part of "The Broken Earth" book series. Set in a world on the brink of destruction, the story follows a woman who must conceal her unique abilities and search for her kidnapped daughter. This Hugo Award-winning book explores themes of power, oppression, and revolution in a world plagued by constant catastrophe.
Brent Weeks
The Black Prism
"The Black Prism" is a book from the "Lightbringer" series written by Brent Weeks. The story revolves around Guile, who is both the Prism and the ruler of the kingdom. He possesses great power, intelligence, and charisma, which are crucial for maintaining peace. However, Prisms have a limited lifespan, and Guile is aware of his impending death. Things become complicated when Guile learns that he has a son, born in a distant land after the war that brought him to power. Now, he must make a difficult decision about the extent to which he is willing to go to protect a secret that could potentially shatter his world.
James Islington
The Shadow of What Was Lost
"The Shadow of What Was Lost" is the first book in the Licanius Trilogy series by James Islington. Set in a world where the dictatorial Augurs have been overthrown, the story follows Davian, a student of the Gifted who suffers the consequences of a war fought before his time. As he struggles to learn control of his powers, Davian discovers he has the ability to wield the forbidden power of the Augurs. This sets off a chain of events that will change everything. Meanwhile, an ancient enemy begins to stir in the north, and a young man with no memory of who he is wakes up in the forest, connected to Davian's fate.
M. D. Ireman
The Axe and the Throne
"The Axe and the Throne" is the first book in the Bounds of Redemption series by M. D. Ireman. The story follows Tallos, who embarks on a dangerous journey to the north to find the bodies of his friend's sons, who were taken by the savage Northmen. Despite knowing that the boys are already dead, Tallos is determined to fulfill his promise. However, what he discovers is beyond his worst nightmares.
Michael J. Sullivan
Theft of Swords
"Theft of Swords" is the second book in the Riyria Revelations series by Michael J. Sullivan. The story follows two men, Royce Melborn and Hadrian Blackwater, who are wrongly accused of killing the king. As skilled thief and mercenary, they are used to dangerous assignments, but now they must find a way to clear their names and escape death. In this tale of treachery and adventure, they become involved in a plot to save a remote village from nocturnal attacks and uncover the secrets of an ancient elven tower.
Fonda Lee
Jade City
In the book "Jade City" by Fonda Lee, the island of Kekon thrives on the power of jade. The Kaul family, known as honorable Green Bone warriors, have used jade to enhance their magical abilities and protect the island. However, with the war over, a new generation of Kauls competes for control of the capital city, prioritizing their own interests and the jade market. When a new drug allows anyone to wield jade, tensions between the Kauls and rival Ayt family escalate into violence. The outcome of this clan war will determine the future of the Green Bones and Kekon itself.
