If you found yourself captivated by Thomas Covenant’s troubled morality and the way his decisions blur the lines between heroism and selfishness, you’ll be drawn into The Black Company. Croaker and his fellow mercenaries operate in perpetual moral grayness, navigating shifting loyalties and questionable deeds as they serve enigmatic masters. Like Donaldson, Cook crafts a world where the heroes are deeply flawed, and you’re never quite sure what the right choice is—or if there even is one.

If you appreciated the way Lord Foul's Bane wrestles with the burdens of belief, guilt, and existential doubt, you’ll be fascinated by The Darkness That Comes Before. Bakker’s world is steeped in philosophical inquiry, exploring how prophecy, trauma, and the manipulation of faith shape both individuals and societies. Like Donaldson, Bakker uses fantasy to probe the darkest edges of human thought and motivation.

If you lost yourself in the deeply imagined Land, with its unique peoples, history, and myth, you’ll love Tigana. Kay’s world is meticulously crafted, with a living history that profoundly impacts the characters’ struggles. The sense of loss, memory, and the importance of culture are woven into every page, offering a world as tangible and emotionally resonant as Donaldson’s.

If you were drawn to the bleak, uncompromising atmosphere of Lord Foul’s Bane, you’ll find a similar intensity in The Blade Itself. Abercrombie’s world is one where violence has real consequences, and hope is often in short supply. The characters are battered by both fate and their own choices, making every victory feel hard-won and every setback deeply personal.

If you connected with Thomas Covenant’s tumultuous journey of self-discovery and hard-won change, you’ll be moved by Fitz’s evolution in Assassin’s Apprentice. Hobb’s storytelling delves deeply into the pain, doubt, and gradual maturation of her central character, offering an intimate portrait of growth amidst adversity that will resonate with fans of Donaldson’s psychological depth.