Andrzej Sapkowski’s iconic book series, The wizardhas always been a classic for fantasy readers, but has recently become a crossover hit thanks to the Netflix series of the same name. The story follows Geralt of Rivia, a wizard or monster hunter who possesses incredible strength and skill that allows him to defeat the evil creatures that plague the land. Sapkowski’s stories speak to the broader themes and trends of fantasy. However, he also imbues much of his Polish heritage and Eastern European influence into the books, what differentiates them.
The wizard is a long saga of fantasy books that is worth reading and has a lot in common with some of the best works of speculative fiction of all time. There are obvious choices that easily compare to The wizardas The Lord of the Rings or Game of Thronesthat incorporate the systems of violence and magic characteristic of high fantasy. However, these are far from the only works similar to Sapkowski’s seminal series. Any novel that addresses the exciting subject matter and complex character development of The wizard it’s worth reading.
10
Discomundo (1983–2015)
Written by Terry Pratchett
Disco world is one of the most iconic fantasy series of all time and has been highly influential in demonstrating how the serious and comedic sides of speculative fiction can work together. While Disco world sometimes takes on a much more satirical tone than The wizard, it is comparable in the scope and quality of its world-building. The many stories and facets that intersect Disco world universe are also similar to how Sapkowski fleshes out The wizard with each installment of the series and develops the new characters Geralt encounters.
Both series address real-world issues through metaphors and allusions to big outcomes.
Terry Pratchett abandoning his saved parody premise Disco worldbecause it allowed him to take the world seriously and enabled the evolution of the series. While The wizard it maintains its tone throughout the novels, yet grows and becomes more complex throughout the story, and incorporates different arcs into the larger narrative. Disco world does this to an even greater extent, with specific books focusing on a group or plot. Both series address real-world issues through metaphors and allusions to big outcomes.
9
Gideon the Ninth (2019)
Written by Tamsyn Muir
Gideon the Ninth is closer to the young adult genre than The wizard, but that doesn’t mean the book doesn’t have serious or violent moments. The horror aspects Gideon the Ninth are similar to the blood and mysticism of The wizard books, and the main character, Gideon, is a force of nature like Geralt. A master of his craft and a formidable warrior, Gideon is as imposing as Geralt in his own way and also feels trapped by circumstances.
There are also greater political powers at play Gideon the Ninth which Gideon tries to thwart, but is caught despite her desire to have a normal life. Like Geralt, Gideon is bound to another person by fate and circumstance but soon begins to care for Harrowhawk, his companion. This is similar to the relationship between Geralt and Ciri, although Gideon and Harrow have a closer relationship that becomes romantic, unlike Geralt and Ciri’s father-daughter dynamic.
8
The Name of the Wind (2007)
Written by Patrick Rothfuss
The epic Chronicle of the Matador de Reis starts with The Name of the Wind and tells the sweeping story of how Kvothe, the protagonist, became the feared and revered hero of legend. However, the Kvothe that the public knows is far from being a fearsome warrior, as he is a well-mannered innkeeper, discreet and apparently hiding from his fate. This hesitation to take up the mantle of his heroism after mysterious events from his dark past is reminiscent of Geralt’s characterization.
Readers are still waiting for the final part of Rothfuss’s story, and it will certainly leave audiences breathless after the many adventures Kvothe has had so far.
Readers are still waiting for the final part of Rothfuss’s story, and it will certainly leave audiences breathless after the many adventures Kvothe has had so far. As The wizard, The Name of the Windand the sequence, The fear of the wisetouches on many different cultures, mythologies, and events throughout the kingdom that Kvothe inhabits. However, even as he grows up and starts to become an icon, Kvothe becomes fearful of his growing power and whether it will be enough to stop his greatest enemy.
7
Uprooted (2015)
Written by Naomi Novik
As The wizard, Uprooted draws on folktales and myths from Poland and other Eastern European countries to flesh out its story, which follows Agnieszka, a young woman with immense power. However, Agnieszka doesn’t know she is a witch until she is chosen to be an apprentice to the mysterious wizard, the Dragon, who recruits her in the fight against the terrible Wood. Uprooted is deeply rooted in naturalistic imagery and connections with the Earth, which contributes to the beautiful narrative and language of the author, Naomi Novik.
Agnieszka is a fantastic protagonist for readers who connect with Ciri and Yennefer in The wizard and I love books with strong female protagonists. Uprooted received wide acclaim and received several awards, such as the Nebula Award and the Locus Award. As The wizard, Uprooted is much deeper than it appears on the outside, with messages and themes about politics, tolerance, and community playing an important role in the story, as well as self-acceptance.
6
A Wizard of Earthsea (1968)
Written by Ursula K. Le Guin
Of all Ursula K. Le Guin’s novels, A Wizard of Earthsea is one of the most universal and is the beginning of the brilliant Earthsea Cyclewhich followed the central character, Ged, among many others. However, the first book, A Wizard of Earthseais one of the most classic examples of a coming-of-age tale. This is interesting because there are always questions about how powerful figures like Ged or Geralt become, and A Wizard of Earthsea try to answer that.
Furthermore, a recurring theme in A Wizard of Earthsea is that the biggest threat Ged has to face is himself. The darkness he battles throughout the novel is of his own making, and it is when he faces it that he can prevail. This draws comparisons to Geralt’s struggle with his morality and duty. However A Wizard of Earthsea is aimed at younger readers, connects with anyone who understands it and it’s a great introduction to high fantasy.
5
The Black Prism (2010)
Written by Brent Weeks
Gavin Guile is the titular Prism in The Black Prism, the first of Bearer of Light series by Brent Weeks. As the most powerful man in the world, Gavin fights his brother for power and uses a form of magic that revolves around light. This means that Gavin is able to control magic of all colors and has a higher skill cap than typical magicians. However, his world is turned upside down with the news that he has a secret son in a distant kingdom, who could change his destiny forever.
The twist revealed in The Black Prism turns the whole story upside down and sets the characters on an unbelievable path. However The Black Prism it follows many of the same beats as a typical fantasy story, has many innovative moments, and is driven by its interesting characters. While Gavin doesn’t have Geralt’s brute strength, he has his own form of power and refuses to give it up.
4
The Poppy War (2018)
Written by RF Kuang
The Poppy War is the first book in RF Kuang’s trilogy of the same name, but it is far from being the prolific author’s only great work of fantasy. However, The Poppy War and its two sequels quickly became fantasy highlights in recent years, and a large part of this is due to the protagonist Rin. Filled with power, stubbornness, and an innate sense of justice, Rin is not afraid to go beyond society’s expectations and rules to do what she thinks is right.
Since I wrote The Poppy WarKuang also wrote a great historical fantasy that will be remembered for years to come.
Rin’s adventures take her throughout her homeland and introduce her to many distinct characters, such as Geralt. The Poppy War is a great fantasy book not based on Western European mythologies and settings, which is always a refreshing change in the realm of speculative fiction. Kuang has a similar interest in Chinese history and mythology as Sapkowski does with Polish tales. Since I wrote The Poppy WarKuang also wrote a great historical fantasy that will be remembered for years to come.
3
Tower of Fools (2002)
Written by Andrzej Sapkowski
The Tower of Fools is a clear companion for The wizard series, as it was also written by Sapkowski. Published in 2002, after the penultimate book in The wizard series came out, The Tower of Fools still has Sapkowski’s characteristic writing style, but the novel distinguishes itself from The wizard. The book is the first of Hussite Trilogywhich follows the story of Reinmar de Bielawa, another complex protagonist who uses his intelligence to escape the many complicated situations he finds himself in.
As The wizard, The Tower of Fools is a historical fantasy, but instead of the imagined medieval world, it is rooted in real historical facts and events. While The Tower of Fools did not reach the same levels of popularity as The wizard, It is still a great complement to Sapkowski’s work and shows that the author still has many stories to be told. Rooting the series in a historical setting and period also allowed Sapkowski to explore more explicit themes about politics and religion.
2
Vampire Empire (2021)
Written by Jay Kristoff
Vampires can be real The wizardbut they are the antagonists and rulers of the universe in Vampire Empire. However Vampire Empire It’s more gothic than The wizardstill focuses on the singular hero, Gabriel de Leon, a vampire hunter, as well as Geralt, who narrates the events that led to his arrest by the vampires. However, Gabe is far from an ordinary human and is involved in a conspiracy to stop vampires for good.
Gabriel encounters just as much pain and anguish as Geralt and refuses to give up no matter what, which makes him a compelling protagonist.
Gabriel encounters just as much pain and anguish as Geralt and refuses to give up no matter what, which makes him a compelling protagonist. Furthermore, the bloody and violent tone of Vampire Empire is similar to that of The wizardas Gabriel is pressured to do things he never thought possible after the pain and violence. It’s a memorable dark fantasy book that borders on horror, but is anchored by a classic monster hunter.
1
The Legend of Drizzt (1988-present)
Written by RA Salvatore
Geralt is a stellar fantasy hero like Drizzt, making the long-running D&D-inspired series the perfect sequel to The wizard. The protagonist of RA Salvatore’s series, Drizzt Do’Urden, is a drow who is part of the Forgotten Realms Dungeons and Dragons campaign, but is different from a typical dark elf. Just like Geralt, Drizzt refuses to be limited by his heritage and refuses to follow tradition, using his strength and skill for good and slowly opening up to his friends along the way.
All over The wizard, Geralt fights his growing instinct to step in and do good and the ideals he thought he clung to, creating a compelling character arc. This parallels Drizzt’s journey, which spans many episodes of Salvatore’s series. The Legend of Drizzt is an ideal choice for readers who want to lose themselves in a fantasy series and pay attention to the complex magic and world-building systems. This writing style is similar to The wizard and creates a story that is easy to get lost in.