Joe Abercrombie is among the best modern fantasy authors, with his First Law books still being some of the most-recommended in the genre, nearly two decades after The Blade Itself's publication. It was clear from Abercrombie's first novel that he had a distinct and memorable writing style. He's unafraid to lean into the darkness of his characters and worlds, and his commentary is sharp. However, he still manages to inject witty humor into his stories, balancing their grimdark elements well.

With grimdark fantasy books to urban and high fantasy narratives with similar themes, these will scratch that itch while waiting for The Devils' sequels.

10 The Lies Of Locke Lamora (2006)

By Scott Lynch

Readers looking for more grimdark fantasy with morally gray characters and a snarky tone should pick up Scott Lynch's The Lies of Locke Lamora, a frequent recommendation for Abercrombie fans. The first installment in Lynch's Gentleman Bastard Sequence, The Lies of Locke Lamora follows a group of young thieves as they become embroiled in a much larger plot within the criminal underworld of their city. Lynch's setting mirrors Abercombie's in the sense that it's ruthless and grim, forcing the characters to abandon or question their own morals to survive.

Despite this, the book's leads remain entertaining and lovable, which makes the emotional punches of the story that much more powerful. The character work is on par with Abercrombie's, though it doesn't jump POVs nearly as much as Abercrombie's books. Even so, The Lies of Locke Lamora and its sequels are worthy reads on the heels of The First Law books and The Devils.

9 The Blacktongue Thief (2021)

By Christopher Buehlman

The Blacktongue Thief by Christopher Buehlman is another fantasy novel that's ideal for Abercrombie fans, as it balances its dark storytelling with wit and humor. Perhaps this isn't surprising, as Buehlman has experience as a comedian, and that shows in his punchy and smart prose. That's one reason this book makes a great follow-up to Abercrombie's works, though it's not the only one.

The Blacktongue Thief's characters feel as morally mixed and detailed as Abercrombie's, and the author does a solid job building out the world.

Buehlman's 2021 novel follows indebted thief Kinch Na Shannack as he chooses the wrong person to steal from, getting swept into a dangerous journey alongside a knight named Galva as a result. As its premise suggests, The Blacktongue Thief's characters feel as morally mixed and detailed as many of Abercrombie's, and the author does a solid job building out the book's world as well. Those hoping for an immersive and well-thought-out fantasy narrative will find it here, and it proves just as charming as Abercrombie's backlist.

8 The Poppy War (2018)

By R.F. Kuang

Those who enjoy Abercrombie's complicated characters and dark storytelling will find similar strengths in The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang, an ambitious fantasy series that really pays off. This one's a must-read, whether you're a fan of grimdark stories like Abercrombie's or not. But it's certain to appeal to readers looking for more poignant social commentary and moral ambiguity. It's worth noting that The Poppy War is tonally quite different from most of Abercrombie's books, as it doesn't lean on banter or humor. That said, it's still a decent follow-up, depending on what you're looking for.

Inspired by real history, including the Second Sino-Japanese War, The Poppy War follows Rin to an elite military college, where she's able to uncover and learn to master shamanism. Rin's time at Sinegard comes with more surprises, too, including the revelation that the gods are alive — and that one has taken an interest in her. Rin's story soon evolves into a narrative that isn't just about survival; it also pushes her further and further in an attempt to help her people, making the book a compelling character study. Those who enjoy that aspect of Abercrombie's work will appreciate Rin just as much.

7 The Rage Of Dragons (2017)

By Evan Winter

Evan Winter's The Rage of Dragons is a criminally underrated fantasy book, and it's one that deserves far more attention, especially among fans of Abercrombie's work. The novel takes place in a brutal world that's stuck fighting an "endless" and "unwinnable" war, one that doesn't care about the casualties — not unless they're gifted with rare abilities. The book's lead, Tau, isn't, but he intends to remove himself from the violence. Unfortunately, he finds himself embarking on a revenge quest when his plans go terribly awry.

The Rage of Dragons is told primarily from Tau's perspective, so it doesn't have the multi-POV cast that Abercrombie's books are known for. However, Tau's moral complexity makes up for that fact, ensuring he's someone Abercrombie fans would want to follow. Winter's world-building also boasts similar strengths to the other author's, with The Rage of Dragons taking place in an African-inspired setting that feels thoroughly crafted and equal parts familiar and unique. Add in the book's strong pacing and action, and it's a solid recommendation after reading Abercrombie.

6 The Shadow Of The Gods (2021)

By John Gwynne

In general, John Gwynne is a great author to pick up if you're looking for more adult fantasy with a heavy dose of realism, interesting characters, and great dialogue. These features benefit Abercrombie's books, and while Gwynne's writing style and storytelling feel notably different, the author uses these elements to his advantage. The Shadow of the Gods is a great choice after finishing Abercrombie's books, with its Norse-inspired backdrop and complex cast of characters offering plenty of incentive to dive in.

While these books read a bit slower and are tonally unique, they're still great choices for anyone who loves Abercrombie.

The first installment in Gwynne's Bloodsworn Saga, The Shadow of the Gods is a gripping opening to a story that follows multiple characters with their own motivations, all of whom have intertwined ends. In that sense, it has another thing in common with The First Law, beyond its impressive world-building and character work. While these books read a bit slower and are tonally unique, they're still great choices for anyone who loves Abercrombie.

5 Kings Of The Wyld (2017)

By Nicholas Eames

Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames is frequently pitched for fans of Abercrombie's work, and it's not difficult to understand why. The first novel in The Band series, Kings of the Wyld follows a group of ex-mercenaries whose best days are long gone. This doesn't stop them from getting back into the game when one of the group's needs to save his daughter.

The book's premise alone screams Abercrombie.

The book's premise alone screams Abercrombie, subverting expectations by focusing on characters who are no longer the skilled and dangerous foes they once were — and bringing together a group of obvious outcasts. In addition to a concept that will appeal to Abercrombie fans, Kings of the Wyld knows how to balance its dark and realistic world with moments of light and humor. It does tend to be less grim than Abercrombie's books, but that's not something that hurts Eames' story.

4 Jade City (2017)

By Fonda Lee

Fonda Lee's Jade City probably isn't the first book you'd think of when finishing Abercrombie's work, but the urban fantasy novel does have elements that will prove a draw for fans of the author. The opening of The Green Bone Saga, Jade City puts a magical spin on the world of organized crime in a fascinating and fun way. Its magic system, which utilizes kung fu, is incredibly unique. And given its focus on the politics of crime syndicates, it's inevitable that it features morally gray characters whose actions you can't always get behind.

The book's use of multiple perspectives makes its character work even more comparable to Abercrombie's, and the world-building boasts nearly as much depth. It's not the most direct comparison, but readers looking for a foundation as impressive as the ones in Abercrombie's books will find it here.

3 The Steel Remains

By Richard K. Morgan

Richard K. Morgan's The Steel Remains is lesser known than some of the other choices on this list, but it crops up among the recommendations for Abercrombie fans often — and it does offer similarities for those who want them. The first book in the author's A Land Fit for Heroes series, The Steel Remains opens with Ringil Eskiath, or Gil, attempting to locate a family member who's been sold into slavery. However, the "washed-up mercenary" gets more than he bargained for with this mission, which unravels into something much greater.

Seeing Gil come to with the worst aspects of the people around him is a highlight that will draw Abercrombie fans.

Morgan's world in The Steel Remains feels realistic and grim, and seeing Gil come to with the worst aspects of the people around him is a highlight that will draw Abercrombie fans. Likewise, Gil's experience with PTSD feels reminiscent of the characters' trauma that's unpacked in The First Law. There are some notable differences, including the book's pacing and sci-fi aspects. However, it remains a good choice for readers looking for something adjacent to Abercrombie's work.

2 The Sword Of Kaigen (2018)

By M.L. Wang

M.L. Wang's The Sword of Kaigen is one of the best standalone fantasy books out there, and while it doesn't unravel into anything with the scope of The First Law, it accomplishes a lot in just one novel. Many of The Sword of Kaigen's strengths are mirrored in Abercrombie's books, from its character depth to its focus on the effects of war.

Told from two main perspectives, The Sword of Kaigen follows Mamoru and Misaki as they're forced to grapple with threats to the Kaigenese Empire — and the reality that their home may not be what it seems. Despite these grander, higher-stakes happenings, the book digs into the characters and their connections more than an overarching plot. It has that in common with The First Law, and its realistic and thoughtful approach to humanity works just as well.

1 A Game Of Thrones (1996)

By George R.R. Martin

It's one of the more obvious recommendations for those looking for fantasy books like Abercrombie's, but A Game of Thrones remains a solid choice. The first of George R.R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire books, A Game of Thrones introduces a world and cast of characters just as detailed and flawed as the ones in Abercrombie's stories. It also takes an interest in power, who wields it, and how, leaning into social commentary that can be found in Abercrombie's novels (especially The Devils).

A Game of Thrones isn't quite grimdark, but it has elements of the category — and there's no denying it's ruthless despite having undercurrents of goodness and hope. Martin's books aren't as fast-paced or snappy as Abercrombie's, but they're some of the best the fantasy genre has to offer. And much of what elevates them is also present in Joe Abercrombie's books, making them a perfect choice for those who haven't dug into the books or TV show yet.