A wizard of Earthsea

Each of these compelling (and often dark) series takes place in a fascinating, carefully designed fantasy world that is threatened by the spirits of the dead, but held together by an intricate system of magic. -- Rebecca Honeycutt

Both fantasy series follow groups of children as they learn more about ancient magics in order to fight evil forces. The large casts of characters in each series offer different points of view in these rich, detailed fantasy worlds. -- Pamela Manasco

These coming-of-age fantasies star sorcerer's apprentices who must save their worlds from horrifying evil while simultaneously negotiating the difficult journey into adulthood. Both world-building series feature rich detail, amazing feats of derring do, and suspenseful atmospheres. -- Jennifer Brannen

Although Young Wizards is a portal fantasy whereas Earthsea is high fantasy, both suspenseful and compelling series feature magic-using teens who must confront a growing evil in their realm. -- CJ Connor

These series have the appeal factors world-building, atmospheric, and intricately plotted, and they have the genres "fantasy fiction" and "epic fantasy"; and characters that are "flawed characters," "introspective characters," and "complex characters."

These series have the appeal factors world-building, and they have the genres "fantasy fiction" and "epic fantasy"; the subjects "magic," "dragons," and "magic spells"; and characters that are "flawed characters."

These series have the appeal factors world-building, and they have the themes "chosen one" and "dark lord"; the genres "fantasy fiction" and "epic fantasy"; and the subjects "magic," "dragons," and "wizards."

These series have the appeal factors world-building, and they have the themes "chosen one" and "defend the realm!"; the genres "fantasy fiction" and "epic fantasy"; the subjects "magic," "dragons," and "magic spells"; and characters that are "flawed characters."

These series have the appeal factors world-building and intricately plotted, and they have the genres "fantasy fiction" and "epic fantasy"; the subjects "magic," "dragons," and "magic spells"; and characters that are "flawed characters."

These series have the appeal factors world-building and intricately plotted, and they have the genres "fantasy fiction" and "epic fantasy"; the subjects "magic," "dragons," and "magic spells"; and characters that are "flawed characters."

These series have the appeal factors suspenseful and world-building, and they have the themes "chosen one" and "quest for magical items"; the genres "fantasy fiction" and "epic fantasy"; and the subjects "dragons" and "imaginary places."

These series have the appeal factors world-building, and they have the genres "fantasy fiction" and "epic fantasy"; and the subjects "magic," "dragons," and "wizards."

These series have the appeal factors world-building and atmospheric, and they have the genres "fantasy fiction" and "epic fantasy"; and the subjects "magic," "dragons," and "wizards."

Like Ursula K. Le Guin, A.S. Byatt achieves plot tension via sharply contrasting, paired elements, like the everyday and the fantastic; or the beautiful and the cruel. -- Kim Burton

Like Ursula Le Guin, Nancy Kress writes elegant but cool prose, distancing herself from her characters and story but also focusing on larger issues. -- Krista Biggs

Peter Hoeg and Ursula Le Guin offer stringent political and social commentary in carefully crafted, subtle prose that uses magical realism, fantasy, science fiction, and varied settings to convey real-world messages. Hoeg's themes are more directly presented, and his atmosphere is more consistently dark or moody; Le Guin is more specifically feminist. -- Katherine Johnson

Like Ursula Le Guin, Sharon Shinn sets her fantasy and science fiction stories in societies where the underlying reality differs greatly from outward appearances. While Shinn's writing is more lyrical and places a greater emphasis on romance, its worlds and cultures will appeal to Le Guin's fans. -- NoveList Contributor

Both Catherine Fisher and Ursula Le Guin write intricately plotted, suspenseful fantasy fiction for teens. Both writers' stories incorporate world-building, an often bleak tone, and a lyrical writing style. Fisher's work, however, tends to be more action-packed and fast-paced than Le Guin's more leisurely style. -- Kelly White

Though Hal Clement writes hard science fiction and the work of Ursula K. Le Guin is more character-driven, both build engaging, wholly original science fiction worlds with rich culture and language. Expect more scientific detail from Clement, while Le Guin's work often reflects contemporary political or gender issues. -- Kaitlyn Moore

Both authors include political and social commentary in their works and often disguise that commentary within mythic lands and otherworldly protagonists. They frequently use the stranger-in-a-strange-land trope to point out the ways in which their worlds differ from the ones we know. And the ways in which they don't. -- Halle Carlson

Ayize Jama-Everett and Ursula Le Guin are science fiction writers who weave issues relating to spirituality and race throughout their vivid fantastical landscapes. Jama-Everett's novels are action-packed whereas Le Guin's follow a more leisurely pace, but science fiction readers looking for something compelling and thought-provoking will enjoy the works of both authors. -- Catherine Coles

While more prolific than her science fiction predecessor, Ursula K. Le Guin shares with Mary Shelley a talent for crafting thought-provoking, atmospheric novels that are entrenched in the social and technological developments of their respective eras. -- Basia Wilson

These authors have written fantasy and social science fiction classics. Their character-driven, thought-provoking stories share an atmospheric and lyrical writing style. Ray Bradbury's nostalgic stories often have near-future settings while Ursula LeGuin writes about fantasy worlds or the far future. Both authors have written for young readers and adults. -- Alicia Cavitt

Fans of Ursula K. Le Guin may find a lesser-known kindred spirit in Australian writer Alexis Wright. These lyrical, thought-provoking writers cross any division between literary fiction and science fiction, especially of the dystopian variety. Both feature recurrent environmental themes and storytelling as a vessel of history and culture. -- Michael Shumate

Michael Cunningham may appeal to Ursula Le Guin's readers who especially appreciate her depictions of modern society and social concerns. Cunningham occasionally employs science fiction conventions; all his writing is carefully crafted and includes believable characters as he builds stories that illuminate contemporary issues. -- Katherine Johnson