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Books Like The Dark Lands

8 books to read after The Dark Lands by Markus Heitz, sorted by what you loved about it.

8 books By Sandro Andreatta, historian Updated

You loved

The Dark Lands

Markus Heitz

In 1629, Aenlin Kane and Tahmina undertake a secret mission amid war and supernatural threats.

English novel set during the Thirty Years’ War.

Get your personal matchSee it on the shelf

If you loved: a larger war and occult canvas

Cover of Grave EmpireGrave Empire

Grave Empire

Richard Swan Start with Entry to a later sequence in the Empire of the Wolf setting.

Editorial match

What it is
An imperial war intersects with a diplomat’s investigation of an apocalyptic prophecy and supernatural attacks on soldiers.
Why it fits
War and supernatural uncertainty intersect.
The difference
Secondary-world imperial scope replaces historical adventure.

On the shelfSee who recommends it

If you loved: more perilous covert assignments

Cover of Valnir’s BaneValnir’s Bane

Valnir’s Bane

Nathan Long Start with First Blackhearts novel; also collected in the Blackhearts omnibus, within Warhammer Fantasy.

My pick Editorial match

What it is
Condemned renegades are offered survival through secret, exceptionally dangerous missions.
Why it fits
A dangerous mission holds the group together.
The difference
Warhammer penal soldiers rather than the same historical or occult context.

On the shelfSee who recommends it

If you loved: monster-facing companions

Cover of TrollslayerTrollslayer

Trollslayer

William King Start with Gotrek & Felix opening volume; also collected in The First Omnibus.

My pick Editorial match

What it is
Gotrek, a dwarf Slayer, and his human companion Felix. Warhammer Fantasy’s Old World.
Why it fits
Travel and dangerous supernatural encounters drive adventure.
The difference
Warhammer setting and episodic exploits; not the Thirty Years’ War.

On the shelfSee who recommends it

If you loved: religious conflict and wider journeys

Cover of Hawkwood’s VoyageHawkwood’s Voyage

Hawkwood’s Voyage

Paul Kearney Start with Book one of Monarchies of God; five novels.

My pick Editorial match

What it is
Amid invasion and religious persecution, Hawkwood’s expedition carries refugees across an ocean toward unknown lands.
Why it fits
A world under pressure connects war with travel.
The difference
Secondary-world ensemble and sea voyage, not a matching secret-mission plot.

On the shelfSee who recommends it

If you loved: more early modern warfare

Cover of Guns of the DawnGuns of the Dawn

Guns of the Dawn

Adrian Tchaikovsky

My pick Editorial match

What it is
Emily Marshwic is drawn from civilian life into a musket war as the demands of recruitment grow.
Why it fits
Gunpowder war provides a useful setting connection.
The difference
Conscript experience is the main draw; not an occult adventure substitute.

On the shelfSee who recommends it

If you loved: prioritise supernatural investigation

Cover of The Justice of KingsThe Justice of Kings

The Justice of Kings

Richard Swan Start with Empire of the Wolf, book one.

Editorial match

What it is
Justice Konrad Vonvalt and scribe Helena. The Sovan Empire.
Why it fits
Authority and hidden supernatural danger provide overlap.
The difference
Legal and political inquiry takes precedence over an expedition.

On the shelfSee who recommends it

If you loved: another supernatural Thirty Years' War

Demon Summoner: Apprentice

Greg Walters Start with Apprentice, Demon Summoner book 1.

My pick Editorial match

What it is
Military field surgeon Martin tells his apprentice Gustav that demons are real, and that battle victims are their reward for fighting for mankind.
Why it fits
Supernatural threats in 17th-century Central Europe at war.
The difference
A field surgeon and his apprentice, with more humour.

On the shelfSee who recommends it

If you loved: a mercenary in the same war

Cover of The War Hound and the World's PainThe War Hound and the World's Pain

The War Hound and the World's Pain

Michael Moorcock Start with First von Bek novel; The City in the Autumn Stars follows.

Editorial match

What it is
Ulrich von Bek, a mercenary in the Thirty Years' War, is sent by Lucifer to find the Holy Grail.
Why it fits
The Thirty Years' War and dark supernatural powers.
The difference
A shorter philosophical quest.

On the shelfSee who recommends it

FAQ

What should I read after The Dark Lands?

It depends on what you loved about it. For a larger war and occult canvas: Grave Empire by Richard Swan. For more perilous covert assignments: Valnir’s Bane by Nathan Long. For monster-facing companions: Trollslayer by William King.

How many books like The Dark Lands are on this page?

8 books, grouped by what readers loved about The Dark Lands. Each one says why it fits, what is different and who backs the recommendation.

How this list is made: every match comes from Sandro's research catalog, which records who recommends what (book creators, readers, book sites) and an editorial comparison of what each book offers. Matches marked "Editorial match" are his own comparison. Recommendations cannot be bought.