Authors Like Terry Pratchett (15 Book Recommendations)

Renowned for his fantastic fantasy novels, Terry Pratchett is one of the most popular authors in the world.

Laced with humor, parody, and satire, Pratchett has a distinctive writing style that many readers adore.

This bestselling English author was particularly popular in the 1990s. Consisting of a whopping 41 novels, Pratchett is most iconic thanks to his Discworld series. 

If you’re an avid Pratchett fan, you may be looking for something new to read.

Luckily, there are tons of amazing authors with similar writing styles that write comparable narratives. 

If you’re a fan of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, then you will fall head over heels for works by similar authors, including Neil Gaiman, Ursula K. Le Guin, Ben Aaronovitch, Douglas Adams, and Robert Rankin. Read here to find out what authors you should check out!

Books By Terry Pratchett 

Terry Pratchett is an incredibly prolific writer who is responsible for many beloved modern classics. His works primarily focus on the fantasy genre.

As mentioned, Pratchett is most well-known for writing the Discworld series.

Launched by the 1983 novel The Colour of Magic, the Discworld series takes place in a flat world. The events of this series are often inspired by mythology and folklore. 

Containing more than 40 books, there is plenty of reading material if you were engrossed by this fantasy series.

Other books in the series include Mort, Moving Pictures, and Sourcery. This fantasy world is filled with magic and fantastical creatures, such as trolls and dragons.

Outside of the Discworld series, Pratchett has also written The Dark Side of the Sun, Nation, and The Long Earth, which was written with Stephen Baxter.

These books are ideal if you want to explore less interconnected narratives. 

Many of Pratchett’s books explore themes such as bigotry, masculinity, mythology, and religion. Of course, every book is different and explores slightly different themes. 

In Nation, Terry Pratchett explores the theme of masculinity through the protagonist, Mau. In his society, warriors are considered the ultimate symbols of masculinity.

However, Mau contrasts with this limited notion of masculinity and highlights that intelligence is an important part of masculinity. 

Authors Like Terry Pratchett

Neil Gaiman

English author Neil Gaiman is regularly compared to Pratchett, as the two have remarkably similar writing styles.

Gaiman is known for his impressive diversity, as he has produced a wide range of novels, graphic novels, and comic books.

One of Gaiman’s most famous novels is Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch, a novel that was written in collaboration with Terry Pratchett.

Good Omens explores the complex friendship between an angel named Aziraphale and the demonic Crawley as they work together to prevent the coming apocalypse.

If you are looking for something written solely by Gaiman, you should consider reading Coraline, American Gods, and The Sandman.

Many of these novels and graphic novels have been adapted into TV shows and movies, so be sure to check them out. 

With a thoughtful and witty writing style, Gaiman is best suited to readers who are looking for intelligent narratives. 

Pros

• Pratchett and Gaiman have collaborated on works, including Good Omens. As a result, their writing styles are noticeably similar.
• Gaiman is a master at creating an atmosphere in his writing. 
• Gaiman is a versatile writer, having branched into novels, comic books, and graphic novels.

Cons

• Gaiman’s pacing can be a little uneven, which some readers may not appreciate.

Themes: Religion, mythology, destiny, good vs evil. 

Ben Aaronovitch

Though Ben Aaronovitch may not be as prolific as Pratchett, this English author is making a name for himself through his Peter Grant series.

Starting with Rivers of London, this series centers around the misadventures of a youthful police officer named Peter Grant.

Throughout the series, Grant dives into various supernatural journeys and mysteries.

In this first book, Grant has to deal with two related cases.

The first deals with a brutal murderer who is possessing innocent victims, while the second case involves a conflict between gods.

Other entries in this series include Whispers Under Ground and Foxglove Summer.

This supernatural series is ideal for people who appreciate the fantastical elements of Pratchett’s writing.

He does a wonderful job of combining the mundanity of gritty detective work with the supernatural. 

Pros

• Aaronovitch explores the real problems of implementing these fantasy elements into the gritty world of London. 
• The focus on mythology and fantasy is similar to Pratchett’s writing.
• The mystery and detective elements are fascinating.

Cons

• Later books in the Peter Grant series don’t always contribute to the overall narrative of the series.

Themes: Mythology, fantasy, religion, death. 

Robert Rankin

Focusing mainly on comedic fantasy writing, Robert Rankin works in a similar genre to Pratchett.

As a result, Pratchett fans are bound to appreciate his writing. If you love a bit of comedy in your literature, then you will devour the works of this writer.

Starting the Brentford series, The Antipope explores the escapades of three antiheroes as they try to stop the scheme of the titular antipope.

Other great Rankin novels include Waiting for Godalming and The Book of Ultimate Truths.

Most of these books cover wacky adventures, which are a major component of Rankin’s writing.

Pros

• Rankin is a skilled comedic fantasy writer.
• His narratives feel incredibly unique.

Cons

• Readers may find these quirky adventures a little too weird.

Themes: Comedy, religion, mythology.

Ursula K. Le Guin

American author Ursula K. Le Guin is a prolific writer who is akin to Terry Pratchett. Her works tend to be concerned with the science fiction genre.

As a major player in the fantasy genre, Le Guin is a superb substitute for Pratchett. 

Le Guin is perhaps most famous for her Earthsea series, a high fantasy epic set in an archipelago. This is a world of magic and mythology.

The first book in this series is the mesmerizing A Wizard of Earthsea, which was first released in 1968.

This book follows Ged, a young mage who accidentally unleashes a shadow creature at school. 

Moreover, le Guin is known for creating the Hainish Cycle science fiction series. In the future, humanity has spread across the galaxy and formed independent civilizations.

This series documents the first unions between these different human civilizations.

This series began with the release of Rocannon’s World. Released in 1966, this was Le Guin’s debut novel.

The Hanish Cycle explores not only this unique future and the technology found there but also human nature itself.

This is best suited to people who have a passion for science fiction. 

Pros

• Le Guin creates complex worlds in which the reader will feel immersed.
• The Earthsea series is particularly well suited to Pratchett enthusiasts.

Cons

• As a science fiction author, Le Guin is a little more technology-focused than Pratchett. 

Themes: Humanity, gender, technology, magic, morality, the future.

Douglas Adams 

Last but not least, Douglas Adams is a bestselling author who is most famed for writing the fan-favorite book The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.

This fantasy novel has launched a whole series and media franchise.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a funny book that explores the adventure of Arthur Dent, a seemingly ordinary man who leads a mundane life.

However, when the Earth is destroyed and his friend is revealed to be an alien, Dent falls into an unusual adventure through the galaxy.

However, Adams has ventured into other pieces of writing, including Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency.

This detective novel focuses on a lone detective’s mission to stop the end of the world.

Adams also wrote The Meaning of Liff, a comedic dictionary written alongside John Lloyd.

If you appreciate the humorous elements of Pratchett’s prose, then you will enjoy the writing of Douglas Adams.

This amazing writer often takes a comedic approach to his writing, which gives it an incredibly witty vibe.

Thanks to the fantasy parts of his writing, Adams feels quite similar to Terry Pratchett.

Pros

• Adams is great at writing down-to-earth and somewhat dopy protagonists that readers love.
• The humorous elements of his writing make him a great stand-in for Pratchett.
• Adams is responsible for multiple different books and series, which gives readers a variety of options.

Cons

• Not all readers will find the comedic parts funny.

Themes: Fantasy, adventure, happiness, absurdity, exploration, communication.

Final Thoughts

After making your way through the works of Terry Pratchett, you might not know what to read next.

But as this list highlights, there are plenty of similar authors that are akin to Pratchett.

From Neil Gaiman to Ursula K. Le Guin, you are sure to find authors who have a similar vibe to Pratchett. 

If you add these book recommendations to your reading list, you could find your next favorite novel!

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