Journey Through Magical Universes with 20 Books Like "The Witcher"



Few characters have captured the hearts of fantasy fans like Geralt of Rivia, the central character of “The Witcher” series by Andrzej Sapkowski. These books draw you into a realm of monsters, magic, and morally complex characters.

If you loved exploring the intricacies of Geralt’s world and are looking to embark on more epic quests, we’ve curated a list of 20 books that echo the same entrancing charm and adventure-packed narratives.

20 Books for Fans of “The Witcher”



1. “A Game of Thrones” by George R.R. Martin. 



In a land where summers can last decades and winters a lifetime, dire troubles and deadly politics brew.

Elements in common with The Witcher: 

• Exhilarating political intrigue and battle. 
• An expansive and meticulously built fantasy universe. 
• Moral complexity and a cast of nuanced characters.



2. “The Name of the Wind” by Patrick Rothfuss. 



Kvothe, an enigmatic and infamous figure, narrates his own life’s tale, from his days as a young prodigy to his time as a notorious wizard.

Elements in common with The Witcher: 

• A main character with an extraordinary talent. 
• An immersive world roaring with magic and mystery. 
• A narrative rich in lore and compelling storytelling.



3. “Assassin’s Apprentice” by Robin Hobb. 



Young Fitz, born on the wrong side of the sheets, is trained as an assassin in the royal household, where peril lies around every corner.

Elements in common with The Witcher: 

• A central character marked by a unique ability. 
• A narrative entwined in politics, betrayal, and survival. 
• An intricately realized fantasy realm.



4. “The Blade Itself” by Joe Abercrombie. 



A barbarian, a war hero, a wizard, and a torturer cross paths in a world of political machinations, dark magic, and impending war.

Elements in common with The Witcher: 

• Highly complex, morally ambiguous characters. 
• Visceral and gritty descriptions of battles. 
• A world bursting with magic, politics, and lurking dangers.



5. “Storm Front” by Jim Butcher. 



Harry Dresden, Chicago’s only professional wizard, navigates a world filled with black magic and supernatural creatures.

Elements in common with The Witcher: 

• A main character facing supernatural threats. 
• A fusion of fantasy and modern-day settings. 
• Edge-of-the-seat action and cryptic magic.



6. “Gardens of the Moon” by Steven Erikson. 



A stunning series opener that outlines an epic world of sorcerers, assassins, gods and warriors, set against the backdrop of the Malazan Empire.

Elements in common with The Witcher: 

• An enormously epic scope with vast world-building. 
• Magical themes with various supernatural elements. 
• Complex, richly-developed characters and intertwining plotlines.



7. “The Farseer Trilogy” by Robin Hobb. 



The royal bastard Fitz is raised in the stables but is soon recognized by the king and trained in the art of assassination.

Elements in common with The Witcher: 

• A protagonist with special abilities. 
• A world brimming with magic, treason, and warfare.
• Deeply developed characters and character relationships.



8. “Elantris” by Brandon Sanderson. 



Once the city of the gods, Elantris fell into a curse, and Prince Raoden must unravel its secrets to save his people.

Elements in common with The Witcher: 

• A protagonist tasked with resolving a deep-seated mystery. 
• A city tainted by a magical curse, mirroring the Witcher’s monster-laden landscapes. 
• Intricate politics, religious conflict, and powerful magic.



9. “The Black Prism” by Brent Weeks. 



Gavin Guile is the Prism, able to create magic using different colors of light, and he only has five years to achieve five impossible tasks.

Elements in common with The Witcher: 

• An intricate magical system and expansive world-building. 
• A main character whose powers make him unique. 
• Themes of political struggle, war, and survival.



10. “His Majesty’s Dragon: Temeraire Book 1” by Naomi Novik. 



The Napoleonic War reimagined, including an Aerial Corps with fighting dragons and their valiant human captains.

Elements in common with The Witcher: 

• Historical fantasy setting – an alternative Earth. 
• Creatures co-existing with humans. 
• Practical effects of magic and combat on politics and society.



11. “The Eye of the World: The Wheel of Time Book 1” by Robert Jordan. 



In a tranquil village, invading forces thrust three young men into an epic journey.

Elements in common with The Witcher: 

• Epic scope and world-building. 
• Characters realizing their destinies over time. 
• Mythical and magical elements permeating the narrative.



12. “The Final Empire: Mistborn Book 1” by Brandon Sanderson. 



A gang of criminals backed by a long-lost magic hope to defeat an immortal despot.

Elements in common with The Witcher: 

• Meticulously designed magic system and creature types. 
• Rebellion and overthrow as primary plot drivers. 
• Compelling, character-driven narrative with overarching conflicts.



13. “The Lies of Locke Lamora: Gentleman Bastards Book 1” by Scott Lynch. 



Locke Lamora leads a gang of thieves trying to rob the wealthy of their fortunes.

Elements in common with The Witcher: 

• A central character is skilled in cunning and subterfuge. 
• A city rich in detail and alive with corruption and crime. 
• Themes of brotherhood, loyalty, and revolting against oppressors.



14. “Way of Kings: The Stormlight Archive” by Brandon Sanderson. 



Roshar is a world of stone and storms, home to knights wielding complicated magic and monstrous, sentient storms.

Elements in common with The Witcher: 

• Vast, epic world-building and intricate magical system. 
• Multiple plotlines that revolve around politics, religion, and war. 
• Complex character development over the course of the series.



15. “Chronicles of the Black Company” by Glen Cook. 



A dark epic fantasy offering a starkly realistic portrayal of life as a member of a mercenary company.

Elements in common with The Witcher: 

• Dark and realistic portrayal of war and politics. 
• Multi-faceted characters in a morally grey world. 
• A compelling blend of magic, battles, and intrigue.



16. “The Painted Man: Demon Cycle Book 1” by Peter V. Brett. 



Three young people struggle to overcome the fears that rule humanity in a world devastated by nighttime demons.

Elements in common with The Witcher: 

• A world bedeviled by nighttime monsters. 
• Characters fighting against their societal roles and personal fears. 
• Depictions of rural communities beset by monstrous threats.



17. “Shadowmarch Series” by Tad Williams. 



A complex, character-driven narrative set against a backdrop of a divided kingdom and ancient, stirring forces.

Elements in common with The Witcher: 

• Epically-scaled narrative and world-building. 
• Multiple character perspectives with intertwined destinies. 
• A comprehensive mix of politics, magic, and mythical beings.



18. “Legend of Drizzt Series” by R.A. Salvatore 



The underdark Drow warrior Drizzt Do’Urden navigates a world of magical and mundane treachery with his twin scimitars and strict moral compass.

Elements in common with The Witcher: 

• Heroic protagonist with specialized combat skills. 
• Dark, expansive world setting wrought with dangers and political intrigue. 
• Depiction of intimate friendships and alliances amidst conflict.



19. “Harry Dresden Series” by Jim Butcher. 



Follow Chicago’s only professional wizard, Harry Dresden, as he solves ghastly mysteries and battles supernatural foes.

Elements in common with The Witcher: 

• A protagonist handling supernatural threats. 
• Slam-bang magical action. 
• A blend of modern-day setting with fantasy elements.



20. “A Song for Arbonne” by Guy Gavriel Kay. 



Set in an alternative medieval France, it’s a tale about love, war, family, honor, and the power of music.

Elements in common with The Witcher: 

• A captivating blend of history and fantasy. 
• Detailed, evocative world-building. 
• Clever, engaging plot with deep character development.

In conclusion, the worlds that resonated so deeply in “The Witcher” continue to resonate in these remarkable works of fantasy. Filled with compelling characters, intricate plots, and worlds where magic and reality intertwine, these stories offer a compelling escape for fans of “The Witcher.” Enjoy your journey!

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