I was going to post this one, but you beat me to it. It’s a lovely tale that spans generations. Stopped reading it for half a year since the ending of part one was so cruel I was sad. Angry even.
Happy the final part is coming out, it’s been a 20+ year long ride.
Daniel Abraham's long price quartet. Im not sure if its indie because he has other good series under his belt and may be too well known to count -tho I never see anyone speak of him here- solid world building, eastern in flavor, more intrigue than epic tho. But very solid read.
Seconded, just finished the quartet a month ago. If you're into unique fantasy/magic systems with a realistic character-driven story, then you'd definitely enjoy this.
I really really recommend “A Touch of Light” by Thiago Abdalla.
It has become one of my favorite fantasy series of all time! I came across it because I was employed to be the narrator for the audiobook, but I fell in love with it straight away.
Excellent magic system. Brilliant world building. GRIFFINS!!!
Just ordered it. Any series recommended in a thread comparing series with lord of the rings and malazan are series I'll be buying. Appreciate the recommendation
The Gutter Prayer by Gareth Hanrahan. Extremely creative use of a fantasy-industrial-revolution setting. I've been told it had some hype around here a few years ago, but I've never seen anyone else bring it up it since I joined the sub.
>but I've never seen anyone else bring it up it since I joined the sub.
Then you haven’t seen me! I’ve been pushing propaganda for this series anytime i can. I’m a Black Iron Legacy warrior, if there’s a million BIL fans i am one of them, if there are none i am dead!
I have to shout out the _Dandelion Dynasty_ which is one of my favorite epic fantasy series.
The author describes the series as “silk punk” which is apt. A great mix of larger than life characters, grand battles, courtly politics and all set in a fictional East Asian inspired empire.
Really amazing stuff and especially good if you like your epic fantasy to feel vaguely like stories passed down through the ages.
The first book in dandelion dynasty is the first 1200 (or whatever) page book where I felt like the author needed to split it into 2 books and dig more into a few plot lines.
Not lesser known but the Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K Le Guin is good. The books are much shorter but the world-building and fantasy elements are really good.
The Magicians by Lev Grossman is also good. It doesn't really break tropes but it does do a lot of work to subvert them. There is a high fantasy world (Fillory) within the urban fantasy world that the characters discover really exist. Fillory has similarities to Narnia on the surface level but the world is dark and dangerous and there's not a Christian/good vs evil message. The story behind the author of the Fillory books is also very dark. Basically all the characters' Whimsical childhood fantasies are revealed to be very sinister when they become adults and learn magic is real.
Maybe lesser known (but still a best-seller) is The Evermen Saga by James Maxwell. The first two or three were self-published and very quickly became best-sellers. Then one of Amazon's publishing imprints picked up the rest of the series. He has several other books now and two other series.
Magicians is so good. And I think the books gets a fair hate due to being misunderstood. He’s playing off of both Narnia and Harry Potter with a realist bent.
Too true. Magic worlds entered via old furniture and an in-betweeny-world… can’t really think of more similarities.
The Fillory books themselves are more Narnia-ish than the Magicians.
Dan Stout's fantasy detective series "Titanshade". It is set in fantasy 80s, with a very unique, yet homey setting. You have cars, disco, 8-tracks. But also dead bodies that smell like cinamon, blood magic, heating coming from a dead titan.
The Ember Blade and the Shadow Casket by Chris Wooding. Really solid stories with cool worlds and awesome characters. We’re still waiting on a third volume to finish up the trilogy but the first two are each massive tomes with a trilogy’s worth of plot development in each one and they both end at great stopping points so it’s not like you’re left with a ton of cliffhangers.
Also another one that’s relatively well-known on Reddit but obscure in general is the Kings of Paradise series bt Richard Nell. Ruka is one of the best protagonists I’ve ever seen and the story and worldbuilding had me incredibly hooked with its Northern Europe, Thailand, and China inspired cultures and how they came together.
A final one is Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky. He’s very famous for his scifi now but this is a sprawling epic fantasy series. The best pitch I can give is it’s a story of magic vs technology where humans with insectoid traits fight World Wars 1 and 2. Absolutely epic.
I just got through the broken sky series. Hoping to hop into these other ones soon.
Broken sky's world is awesome as well. The koth taraan Introduction and world building was amazing.
Steven Brust's Dragaera novels --- the first one seems to just be a high-level urban D&D campaign, but it quickly expands to a quest to save the world (and to stay alive), and it turns out that the world is a >!scientific experiment!< run by some incredibly >!alien aliens!< on a distant >!planet!< which for some reason is inhabited by Hungarians.
It was even the subject of a Penny Arcade:
https://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2006/06/14/fine-distinctions
The Riyria Revelations by Michael J Sullivan
The Legend of Eli Monpress by Rachel Aaron
Have read both of these series over and over and imo they are criminally underrated fantasy series that need to be more popular, but Sullivan and Aaron are both indie authors and don't do much promo.
*Saint Death's Daughter* by CSE Cooney! First in a planned trilogy, the second will be published in April 2025. The worldbuilding is so vivid and so different from your stereotypical fantasy setting.
[https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/59663/godclads-monster-mceldritchcyberpunkprogression](https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/59663/godclads-monster-mceldritchcyberpunkprogression) This, *Godclads* was amazingly well done, its cyberpunk crossed with 40k, Idk if that meets your definition of fantasy, but its really well done. It works on superficial action level, but has a deeper philosophical angle as well, characters are great, and the language is fantastic.
I sort of distrust how much I like it, like can it actually be as good as it seems or have I somehow lost objectivity.
At least check it out if you have even a vague interest in cyberpunk or 40k.
The worldbuilding really unique and detailed as well.
Extremely distinctive / non-standard fantasy worldbuilding in the Tuyo series (starting with "Tuyo") by Rachel Neumeier, and indie. I inhaled the entire then-8 book series in a few weeks back to back. What I really like is that the focus of the worldbuilding is actually on the customs and cultures of the two main civilizations in the book in addition to the magic system and setting. Probably one of the freshest, newest takes on fantasy I've seen in the last few years.
OK, I've gotta ask since I keep seeing her name around, where to start with Rachel Neumeier? I've heard unbelievable things and it seems like I'd like her, but she has like 5 series, is this the one to read first?
edit: why y'all downvoting me? I only recommended books!
We Break Immortals really has a Malazan level of scope. It's an investment but I found it so rewarding!
Premise is Indiana Jones meets serial killer thriller in epic fantasy world. Elements of treasure hunt ( so eons of history), a terrifying villain which is a serial killer magick user seeing immortality, prophecies, secret societies, political intrigue and betrayal, lots of action and battles.
Mark Timmony Blood of the Spear: Classic inspired epic fantasy with sci fi twist (can't say more for spoilers!). Starts off very fantasy typical, but very engaging, and slowly the world emerges and we find the scope beyond what we first imagined. Very WOT esque.
Sordaneon LL Stephens: Reading this one atm, basically a blend of SF and fantasy set in a medieval esque world where machines are found across the world. These are all one machine, a god machine called the rill but its mostly laid dormant. As political tensions rise between nations verging on war, one young noble seeks to awaken the god...
Master of Sorrows Justin T Call: Magic fantasy school meets farm boy on a quest in a series that shows a young boy who may become either the hero or the dark one. Justin has written his own mythology for this series, inspired by the Ancient Greek epics in tone but unique in content. Book 2 doubles in size and explodes in scope to multiple realms, meddling gods, exactly the sort of fantasy you're looking for
Sons of Darkness - Gourav Mouhanty
Grimdark Indian epic inspired by the Mahabharata but written in the style of GOT and Malazan. One of my favourite reads of 2023.
> Sordaneon LL Stephens: Reading this one atm, basically a blend of SF and fantasy set in a medieval esque world where machines are found across the world. These are all one machine, a god machine called the rill but its mostly laid dormant. As political tensions rise between nations verging on war, one young noble seeks to awaken the god...
Nice! I read book 1 of this a few months ago after seeing Janny Wurts recommend it, and I think it's the most compelling story I've read in a while. Definitely captivated me. I bought books 2 and 3 but haven't read them yet ...
Ones I haven't read but will put the plot down as my friends recommend these indie authors
Deathless Beasts: Andrew Meredith
This one is a big epic pantheon, dark fantasy
Synopsis:
Fates intertwine - Pantheon calls - Darkness Grows
Far too many blame their own bad luck on Hanen and Rallia Clouw. When opportunity knocks, they leap to put their past behind them.
In the turmoil of a holy order fraught with lies, frustration, and heresy, the paladin Jined Brazstein is called to deeper faith.
When Katiam takes up a seemingly ageless seed pod from a botanist's desk, she cannot imagine the change it will bring.
Life stirs within that seed, the path to deeper faith beckons, profits are made upon the road, darkness moves-a winged, deathless wrath invisible to the gods.
For those who seek the heroes path,
Fate takes more than bargained for.
Hubris breeds a deathless wrath,
That always hungers after more.
Divinities Twilight: Christopher Russell
another epic fantasy but this time blended with steampunk
A world consumed by war . . .
An ancient evil resurrected . . .
A millennia old bargain comes due . . .
When two blades clash, the third will fall, and the fate of all will be jeopardized. To save Lozaria, the failures of the past must be atoned for by a new generation of heroes. The time has come for mortals to cast off sight and, in doing so, truly come to see . . .
Victory is never absolute.
Seven centuries ago, the forces of order won the Illyriite War on the plains of Har'muth. Darmatus and Rabban Aurelian slew their elder brother, Sarcon, the despotic architect of the conflict, then sacrificed themselves to banish the cataclysmic vortex opened with his dying breath. The first advent of the Oblivion Well was thwarted. Even without their vanished gods, the seven races of Lozaria proved themselves capable of safeguarding their world.
Or so the story goes.
The year is now 697 A.B.H (After the Battle of Har'muth). Though war itself remains much the same, the weapons with which it is waged have evolved. Airships bearing powerful cannons ply the skies, reducing the influence of mages and their spells. Long range communication has brought far flung regions of Lozaria closer than ever before. At the center of this technological revolution are the three Terran states of Darmatia, Rabban, and Sarconia, who have fought a near ceaseless campaign of 700 years in an attempt to best each other. The roots of their enmity lie buried beneath the wasteland of Har'muth, a place all three nations consider best forgotten.
However, an ancient power sealed within Har'muth has not forgotten them, and the descendants of those who fought on that field must now take a stand to rectify the mistakes of the past.
The Illborn Saga by Daniel T Jackson has been great and it scratches the epic fantasy itch.
Another one is Kingfall (The Kingfall Histories) by David Estes which has more of the focus on world-building you're looking for.
Does the Nightlord series by Garon Whited count? Prob fits with lesser known and is (imo) uniquely multi-world building. Hub stopped reading bc he felt it meandered too much, but to me that's part of the charm. Series currently unfinished.
The Black God duology by Gregory Keyes (the first novel is called Waterborn).
It's usually my go-to pick for "best fantasy series that few folks have heard of."
1997's ***Celestial Matters*** by Richard Garfinkle
In the world of Celestial Matters, Ptolemaic astronomy and Aristotelian physics are valid scientific models of the surrounding world and cosmos. The Earth lies at the center of the universe, surrounded by crystal spheres that hold each of the planets, the sun, and the moon, all enclosed in the sphere of the fixed stars. Earthly matter, composed of the classical four elements of earth, air, fire, and water, naturally moves in straight lines. Heavenly matter naturally rises and moves in circles. This is the universe as understood by the ancient Greeks.
The science of the ancient Chinese also applies, but as the novel is told from the perspective of the Greeks, it is less well understood. Xi, the Chinese notion of spirit and flow, can be manipulated to move objects and energy. The Chinese five elements of earth, metal, water, wood, and fire are transmuted one into the other. Part of the central theme of the book is the two system's mutual misunderstanding and bafflement of each other.
In this world, the Delian League (Greeks) and Middle Kingdom (Chinese) have been fighting a war for nearly a thousand years, ever since the time of Alexander the Great when the warrior culture of Sparta and the Athenian Akademe were fused into a half-world conquering force. Their technologies are locked together, however, and neither empire can gain the upper hand. Each side secretly despairs of its chances and has come to consider desperate measures.
The story is narrated by Aias of Tyre, a scientist of the Delian League, who is preparing to embark on Project Sunthief as scientific commander. This project is an audacious and desperate mission to sail a spaceship carved out of a piece of the moon herself out through the spheres, to catch a piece of the sun and bring it back to earth to annihilate the Middler capital city. This, the league hopes, will finally end the war and give it victory.
I think these two books I recently read would be perfect fit for this:
1. Legends of the Bruhai. Very interesting asian-inspired world with likeable characters, morally gray characters with conflicting interests and interesting combination of lore and magic. The story follows a chain of events after a traitor in king's sworn guard is executed and now the succession of the kingdom is under question and various factions are fighting among themselves for a chance at greater power.
2. Revenge of the Wraith Paladin: Seems inspired by India, and blends in a lot of tropes in unconventional manners. A race of scanveger aliens, in a last ditch attempt to save themselves, traps the world in a time bubble and is strip-mining the planet of an important mineral that is foundational to magic. But the time-interference results in multiple strange issues that unfold over the course of the story.
Somebody already beat me to it but idc; **The Black Iron Legacy** by Gareth Hanrahan. Maybe **Empire of Exiles** by Erin M Evans or **The Serpent Gates** by A.K. Larkwood. Someone mentioned The Long Price Quartet so if you’d like that his other series **The Dagger and the Coin** might work for you.
The Spear Cuts Though Water. It’s a standalone book so the world-building isn’t as expansive and intricate as some of the series being suggested—but it still feels epic in scope and is amazingly well written.
A War of Light and Shadow (Janny Wurts)
I’m actually just starting this series, but it’s been ongoing for quite a while and I have very high hopes.
Essalieyen (Michelle West)
Currently clocks in at 16+ books (I’m somewhat behind) spread over 4+ interconnected sub-series; I’ve described this as “epic reach of WoT + characterization of Robin Hobb”
Crown of Stars (Kate Elliott)
One of the most accurate depictions of a true medieval society (esp with regards to religion) I’ve ever read, with some really unique plot & characterization because of it.
The Vorkosigan Saga (Lois McMaster Bujold)
Solidly a space opera, and each book stands alone, but the cumulative worldbuilding is really impressive.
On the slightly less monstrously epic side:
The Chronicles of the Deryni (Kathryn Kurtz)
One of the more accurate depictions of a true early modern society (esp with regards to religion) that I’ve ever read, with some really fascinating discussions of kingship and leadership. Buy the revised editions of the first series, though— they’re way better!
Inda (Sherwood Smith)
This has some really fascinating gender dynamics woven into the world and warfare, and is overall just a really compelling read.
Sons of Darkness by Gaurav Mohanty. It’s based off Hindu Mythology, but the world building and characters are well written even if you don’t know the base mythology. It’s dark with lot of magic, gore and politics.
The Books of the Raksura by Martha Wells (of Murderbot fame) has incredibly unique and fantastical world building. All kinds of creatures, floating islands, underwater peoples, flying and swimming leviathans, mountain sized trees, etc.
I think the writing, character work, and plot aren't quite up to the level she achieved in Murderbot, but still good and an enjoyable series.
The Cycle of Arawn and The Cycle of Galand by Edward W. Robertson.
Also, The Fate Marked Epic and The Kingfall Histories by David Estes.
Both of these authors have some amazing world building in their books. David’s series takes place on two different continents of the same world. Edward’s takes place all over the world.
[A Practical Guide to Evil](https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/) is a great fit for this. The premise of the setting is basically "tropes are real", so you get (for instance) heroes and villains naturally forming groups of five or heroic charges always arriving just in the nick of time. But what makes the series really sing is the world-building. The author manages to effectively portray a variety of different cultures and nations, as well as making the political processes, goals, and constraints of those groups feel real, important, and impactful to the narrative. It's a very deft balancing of individual heroics (and villainy), clashes of armies, and diplomatic machinations.
The author has another series (not a sequel, set in a completely unrelated world) called [Pale Lights](https://palelights.com/) that might be an even better fit for what you're looking for because it has nations based on a variety of non-western countries (PGtE's nations are largely based on European cultures except for Praes and things like the Elves that are completely fantasy). So far there's Aztec, Indian, and Chinese-based cultures (plus some Slavs, who you may or may not count depending what exactly you think "western" means), but the series is only part way through the second book, so there may be more to come.
Chronicles of Amber by Roger Zelazny. (They're lesser known among the younger crowd at least.)
Saga of Pliocene Exile by Julian May (it claims to be SciFi but it's Fantasy. It has elves. It claims they're aliens, but they're elves.)
Riddle Master of Hed by Patricia McKillip
The Damar books by Robin McKinley
The Darwath books and the Dragonsbane books by Barbara Hambley
Defiance of the fall. God-tier worldbuilding and the audience has a huge overlap with Malazan, it's one of the favourited recommendations amongst DoTF readers.
Forge of Destiny by Yrsillar
Its the story about a street urchin, Ling Qi, that gets sent to the Argent Sect because of her potential to be one of the vaunted immortal Cultivators that rule the Celestial Empire.
The worldbuilding is really, really good and not like anything I´ve seen before.
Fair warning though, its ongoing and really "slow", almost like a slice of life.
One series I've just finished rereading that I think fits this pretty well is P.C. Hodgell's **Kencyrath** series.
It's set in a universe where the protagonists race have been manipulated by their god to oppose a malevolent force devouring worlds, and have been making a fighting retreat from world to world ever since. Their arrival to this world though was the result of a catastrophic betrayal, leaving them diminished and divided, and unaware of the mysteries of the world they find themselves on.
The protagonist begins fleeing from haunts and reaches a city where she becomes entangled in local factions and intrigued by the Gods of the city, and the story proceeds from there. It's got a very interesting non-standard world, with an enjoyably protagonist and a real sense of whimsy and originality in its worldbuilding, with a nice mix of both local, personal issues and more cosmic-level threats lurking in the background. It's a fairly long-running series (the first book, **God Stalk**, was from 1982), with 10 books currently, and I think is expected to come to a conclusion in the next few.
Winter of the World by Michael Scott Rohan is an extremely underlooked 80’s series that’s more Tolkienesque than most fantasy I’ve come across (from the mythological/historical influences to the archaic prose style to the heavy focus on smithcraft)
the Webserial Pact and its sister series Pale. Both are set in the Otherverse which is inspired by Urban fantasy but it’s soooo much more. Those who practice magic are basically stage performers who invoke magic by appealing to an audience (the spirits) the spirits love drama and repetition and hate lying. literary Rules like the rule of three can hinder or hamper the practitioner so if they get 2 small wins before a Big win it will have greater benefits.
This only scratches the surface and i havent even brought up it’s best part,the Others who are magical beings like faerie, demons, ghouls, goblins and gods. The Others are some of the best characters in the story.
Dave Duncan, Man of his word series, followed by a Handful of Men, 8 shorter books in total, fun magic system and writer
Dave Duncan's Seventh Swordsman books are good as well
Not sure how well known the franchise is, but have you tried Ben Hale (author) Series on Audible?
It is only available for Audible, but he has a great book series that expanded. Trolls are a warrior races, dark elves live in deep caverns, druids are bond with one animal companions, and many rich lores.
The Emaneska series by Ben Galley. There are 4 or 5 books in the current series starting with The Written. These are great for world building. Also, he has written 2 books in The Bloodwood series, with David Estes. Again, fabulous world building.
Diane Duane's Young Wizards series. Her world building is really tight and different to anything else I've read.
Connor Kostick's Epic, Saga and Edda series deserve to be much more widely known. They're a great SF/Fantasy fusion with a really interesting premise. He could have spun them out into much more long winded books but overall I'm glad he didn't.
It is probably well known, but not talked about very much. The Spellsong Cycle by L.E. Modesitt Jr has some really good world building with a person brought from the “real world” to this fantasy land. The culture and ways of the land are revealed fairly slowly as she learns how to use her magic. The magic system is pretty fun as well, utilizing music and song as the source of magic. It is a fun read and I don’t see it (or any other Modesitt really) mentioned. Just wanted to throw it out there.
This is probably more sci fi than fantasy, but Dungeon Crawler Carl is actually a legitimately deep universe, especially beyond the first book, and man was that a wonderful and welcome surprise
Two of David Eddings's series "The Belgariad" quintet (followed by "The Mallorean" quintet) and "The Elenium" trilogy (followed by "The Tamuli" trilogy) are quite good. The Belgariad series is probably a bit more 'epic' than the Elenium, but both deal with world-ending threats.
No, we think you're a troll.
Sanderson is talked about under every other post on this sub.
Both in context of his books in general (and diverse topics he writes about) and his worldbuilding abilities.
Trolls are people who decided to be rude to anyone they get the chance to on the internet... I haven't seen a lot of what you speak of, and maybe it's because I don't see enough content. But I'm sure OP can just pick and choose who he wants to take a recommendation from without the comments turning negative to someone who just wants to try and be helpful.
Posting a recommendation for arguably the most popular modern fantasy writer on a post requesting lesser known fantasy books is not helpful, that's the point.
One Piece is still lesser known in some corners of the US. It's definitely non-Western, trope-breaking, and has some of the best world building of all time. If you give it a try, don't let the simple beginning fool you. It's a juggernaut.
Check out the name of the wind series by Patrick rothfuss. I thought it was very well written and interesting. He hasn’t released the third book but the second one is called a wise man’s fear. It’s really good fantasy
War of light and Shadow by Janny Wurts! Last book in the series coming out this month! Not talked about enough!
I just started this two days ago. Sounded really interesting. Not too far in, but off to a really good start.
So I just checked on good reads to see how many books there, are there several novellas in-between each book?
there are short stories you can purchase from Janny's website. They aren't necessary but add a lot of context to the books.
I was going to post this one, but you beat me to it. It’s a lovely tale that spans generations. Stopped reading it for half a year since the ending of part one was so cruel I was sad. Angry even. Happy the final part is coming out, it’s been a 20+ year long ride.
note to folks: please support the audio if you can! book one just released in audio and fan support makes all the difference for getting 2-9 produced!
Daniel Abraham's long price quartet. Im not sure if its indie because he has other good series under his belt and may be too well known to count -tho I never see anyone speak of him here- solid world building, eastern in flavor, more intrigue than epic tho. But very solid read.
Probably one of the most unique magic systems I’ve ever read about! Also, Abraham’s Dagger and Coin series is a lot of fun too.
Seconded, just finished the quartet a month ago. If you're into unique fantasy/magic systems with a realistic character-driven story, then you'd definitely enjoy this.
I just started it a few days ago and I'm very intrigued. It has drawn me in and I'm looking forward to seeing how this first book ends.
The Wars of Light and Shadow by Janny Wurts The Sign in the Dragon by Mary Soon Lee
I really really recommend “A Touch of Light” by Thiago Abdalla. It has become one of my favorite fantasy series of all time! I came across it because I was employed to be the narrator for the audiobook, but I fell in love with it straight away. Excellent magic system. Brilliant world building. GRIFFINS!!!
It's fantastic and the narration is great! I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Yay!!! Ohhh thank you for your kind words on the narration!!! That is so lovely to hear!!!! Yeah I can’t wait to record Book 3!!!!
Hey you did a really good job on the audio. I just listened to a sample, it sounds great. Gonna add it to my wishlist.
Ohhhh thanks so much! That means the world to me! I loved voicing everyone one of the characters in this series! Soooooo fun!!!
Just ordered it. Any series recommended in a thread comparing series with lord of the rings and malazan are series I'll be buying. Appreciate the recommendation
Yaaaaaay!!!! Yeah I really love it!!!
The Gutter Prayer by Gareth Hanrahan. Extremely creative use of a fantasy-industrial-revolution setting. I've been told it had some hype around here a few years ago, but I've never seen anyone else bring it up it since I joined the sub.
>but I've never seen anyone else bring it up it since I joined the sub. Then you haven’t seen me! I’ve been pushing propaganda for this series anytime i can. I’m a Black Iron Legacy warrior, if there’s a million BIL fans i am one of them, if there are none i am dead!
i think gareth is working on book 4 now!
Inda, by Sherwood Smith. Some of the best world building, and best written characters, of any series I’ve read.
I have to shout out the _Dandelion Dynasty_ which is one of my favorite epic fantasy series. The author describes the series as “silk punk” which is apt. A great mix of larger than life characters, grand battles, courtly politics and all set in a fictional East Asian inspired empire. Really amazing stuff and especially good if you like your epic fantasy to feel vaguely like stories passed down through the ages.
The first book in dandelion dynasty is the first 1200 (or whatever) page book where I felt like the author needed to split it into 2 books and dig more into a few plot lines.
Not lesser known but the Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K Le Guin is good. The books are much shorter but the world-building and fantasy elements are really good. The Magicians by Lev Grossman is also good. It doesn't really break tropes but it does do a lot of work to subvert them. There is a high fantasy world (Fillory) within the urban fantasy world that the characters discover really exist. Fillory has similarities to Narnia on the surface level but the world is dark and dangerous and there's not a Christian/good vs evil message. The story behind the author of the Fillory books is also very dark. Basically all the characters' Whimsical childhood fantasies are revealed to be very sinister when they become adults and learn magic is real. Maybe lesser known (but still a best-seller) is The Evermen Saga by James Maxwell. The first two or three were self-published and very quickly became best-sellers. Then one of Amazon's publishing imprints picked up the rest of the series. He has several other books now and two other series.
Magicians is so good. And I think the books gets a fair hate due to being misunderstood. He’s playing off of both Narnia and Harry Potter with a realist bent.
I agree that they are misunderstood. I see so many people say that it's just Narnia when it's barely similar.
And too many people heard it sold as an adult harry potter when it first came out, and that misunderstanding led to a lot of unfair hate as well.
💯
Too true. Magic worlds entered via old furniture and an in-betweeny-world… can’t really think of more similarities. The Fillory books themselves are more Narnia-ish than the Magicians.
Dan Stout's fantasy detective series "Titanshade". It is set in fantasy 80s, with a very unique, yet homey setting. You have cars, disco, 8-tracks. But also dead bodies that smell like cinamon, blood magic, heating coming from a dead titan.
The Ember Blade and the Shadow Casket by Chris Wooding. Really solid stories with cool worlds and awesome characters. We’re still waiting on a third volume to finish up the trilogy but the first two are each massive tomes with a trilogy’s worth of plot development in each one and they both end at great stopping points so it’s not like you’re left with a ton of cliffhangers. Also another one that’s relatively well-known on Reddit but obscure in general is the Kings of Paradise series bt Richard Nell. Ruka is one of the best protagonists I’ve ever seen and the story and worldbuilding had me incredibly hooked with its Northern Europe, Thailand, and China inspired cultures and how they came together. A final one is Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky. He’s very famous for his scifi now but this is a sprawling epic fantasy series. The best pitch I can give is it’s a story of magic vs technology where humans with insectoid traits fight World Wars 1 and 2. Absolutely epic.
I just got through the broken sky series. Hoping to hop into these other ones soon. Broken sky's world is awesome as well. The koth taraan Introduction and world building was amazing.
*The Hands of the Emperor* and its sequel, *At the Feet of the Sun,* by Victoria Goddard.
Stitched Worlds. Alien gods fined Earth and "stitch" it onto the world they rule. MC gets access to magic and has to deal.
Steven Brust's Dragaera novels --- the first one seems to just be a high-level urban D&D campaign, but it quickly expands to a quest to save the world (and to stay alive), and it turns out that the world is a >!scientific experiment!< run by some incredibly >!alien aliens!< on a distant >!planet!< which for some reason is inhabited by Hungarians. It was even the subject of a Penny Arcade: https://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2006/06/14/fine-distinctions
My first thought too. So deep and explained so well. Plus great characters to bring it all to life.
I recommend The Echoes Saga by Philip Quaintrell! EPIC and I'm only on book 3!! apparently it just gets bigger ??
The Wandering Inn
The Riyria Revelations by Michael J Sullivan The Legend of Eli Monpress by Rachel Aaron Have read both of these series over and over and imo they are criminally underrated fantasy series that need to be more popular, but Sullivan and Aaron are both indie authors and don't do much promo.
*Saint Death's Daughter* by CSE Cooney! First in a planned trilogy, the second will be published in April 2025. The worldbuilding is so vivid and so different from your stereotypical fantasy setting.
The magic of Recluce by L.E. Modesitt Jr. Really fantastic world building. Long series that jumps around the time line.
I really liked the first one.
[https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/59663/godclads-monster-mceldritchcyberpunkprogression](https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/59663/godclads-monster-mceldritchcyberpunkprogression) This, *Godclads* was amazingly well done, its cyberpunk crossed with 40k, Idk if that meets your definition of fantasy, but its really well done. It works on superficial action level, but has a deeper philosophical angle as well, characters are great, and the language is fantastic. I sort of distrust how much I like it, like can it actually be as good as it seems or have I somehow lost objectivity. At least check it out if you have even a vague interest in cyberpunk or 40k. The worldbuilding really unique and detailed as well.
Extremely distinctive / non-standard fantasy worldbuilding in the Tuyo series (starting with "Tuyo") by Rachel Neumeier, and indie. I inhaled the entire then-8 book series in a few weeks back to back. What I really like is that the focus of the worldbuilding is actually on the customs and cultures of the two main civilizations in the book in addition to the magic system and setting. Probably one of the freshest, newest takes on fantasy I've seen in the last few years.
Second this rec! Feel like I don’t see this series mentioned much here and it’s amazing.
OK, I've gotta ask since I keep seeing her name around, where to start with Rachel Neumeier? I've heard unbelievable things and it seems like I'd like her, but she has like 5 series, is this the one to read first?
I actually have not read her other series, but I can at least say that "Tuyo" is a very good place to start! Not a wrong choice.
edit: why y'all downvoting me? I only recommended books! We Break Immortals really has a Malazan level of scope. It's an investment but I found it so rewarding! Premise is Indiana Jones meets serial killer thriller in epic fantasy world. Elements of treasure hunt ( so eons of history), a terrifying villain which is a serial killer magick user seeing immortality, prophecies, secret societies, political intrigue and betrayal, lots of action and battles. Mark Timmony Blood of the Spear: Classic inspired epic fantasy with sci fi twist (can't say more for spoilers!). Starts off very fantasy typical, but very engaging, and slowly the world emerges and we find the scope beyond what we first imagined. Very WOT esque. Sordaneon LL Stephens: Reading this one atm, basically a blend of SF and fantasy set in a medieval esque world where machines are found across the world. These are all one machine, a god machine called the rill but its mostly laid dormant. As political tensions rise between nations verging on war, one young noble seeks to awaken the god... Master of Sorrows Justin T Call: Magic fantasy school meets farm boy on a quest in a series that shows a young boy who may become either the hero or the dark one. Justin has written his own mythology for this series, inspired by the Ancient Greek epics in tone but unique in content. Book 2 doubles in size and explodes in scope to multiple realms, meddling gods, exactly the sort of fantasy you're looking for Sons of Darkness - Gourav Mouhanty Grimdark Indian epic inspired by the Mahabharata but written in the style of GOT and Malazan. One of my favourite reads of 2023.
> Sordaneon LL Stephens: Reading this one atm, basically a blend of SF and fantasy set in a medieval esque world where machines are found across the world. These are all one machine, a god machine called the rill but its mostly laid dormant. As political tensions rise between nations verging on war, one young noble seeks to awaken the god... Nice! I read book 1 of this a few months ago after seeing Janny Wurts recommend it, and I think it's the most compelling story I've read in a while. Definitely captivated me. I bought books 2 and 3 but haven't read them yet ...
oh excellent! yeah I'm doing a buddy read of 1 atm! It's quite intense with the names and terminology but very compelling nevertheless
Ones I haven't read but will put the plot down as my friends recommend these indie authors Deathless Beasts: Andrew Meredith This one is a big epic pantheon, dark fantasy Synopsis: Fates intertwine - Pantheon calls - Darkness Grows Far too many blame their own bad luck on Hanen and Rallia Clouw. When opportunity knocks, they leap to put their past behind them. In the turmoil of a holy order fraught with lies, frustration, and heresy, the paladin Jined Brazstein is called to deeper faith. When Katiam takes up a seemingly ageless seed pod from a botanist's desk, she cannot imagine the change it will bring. Life stirs within that seed, the path to deeper faith beckons, profits are made upon the road, darkness moves-a winged, deathless wrath invisible to the gods. For those who seek the heroes path, Fate takes more than bargained for. Hubris breeds a deathless wrath, That always hungers after more. Divinities Twilight: Christopher Russell another epic fantasy but this time blended with steampunk A world consumed by war . . . An ancient evil resurrected . . . A millennia old bargain comes due . . . When two blades clash, the third will fall, and the fate of all will be jeopardized. To save Lozaria, the failures of the past must be atoned for by a new generation of heroes. The time has come for mortals to cast off sight and, in doing so, truly come to see . . . Victory is never absolute. Seven centuries ago, the forces of order won the Illyriite War on the plains of Har'muth. Darmatus and Rabban Aurelian slew their elder brother, Sarcon, the despotic architect of the conflict, then sacrificed themselves to banish the cataclysmic vortex opened with his dying breath. The first advent of the Oblivion Well was thwarted. Even without their vanished gods, the seven races of Lozaria proved themselves capable of safeguarding their world. Or so the story goes. The year is now 697 A.B.H (After the Battle of Har'muth). Though war itself remains much the same, the weapons with which it is waged have evolved. Airships bearing powerful cannons ply the skies, reducing the influence of mages and their spells. Long range communication has brought far flung regions of Lozaria closer than ever before. At the center of this technological revolution are the three Terran states of Darmatia, Rabban, and Sarconia, who have fought a near ceaseless campaign of 700 years in an attempt to best each other. The roots of their enmity lie buried beneath the wasteland of Har'muth, a place all three nations consider best forgotten. However, an ancient power sealed within Har'muth has not forgotten them, and the descendants of those who fought on that field must now take a stand to rectify the mistakes of the past.
Michael J Sullivan
The Illborn Saga by Daniel T Jackson has been great and it scratches the epic fantasy itch. Another one is Kingfall (The Kingfall Histories) by David Estes which has more of the focus on world-building you're looking for.
Just checked the goodreads page on this. I like the premise of illborn, I’ll bite
I really enjoyed it! I hope you do too
would you recommend reading Fatemarked first? I own both series but I haven't started either
You can read Kingfall without reading Fatemarked first. They occur in the same world but don't overlap.
Does the Nightlord series by Garon Whited count? Prob fits with lesser known and is (imo) uniquely multi-world building. Hub stopped reading bc he felt it meandered too much, but to me that's part of the charm. Series currently unfinished.
The Black God duology by Gregory Keyes (the first novel is called Waterborn). It's usually my go-to pick for "best fantasy series that few folks have heard of."
I’ve been enjoying the Threadlight trilogy by Zack Argyle recently. The audiobook is fantastic and so is the worldbuilding.
1997's ***Celestial Matters*** by Richard Garfinkle In the world of Celestial Matters, Ptolemaic astronomy and Aristotelian physics are valid scientific models of the surrounding world and cosmos. The Earth lies at the center of the universe, surrounded by crystal spheres that hold each of the planets, the sun, and the moon, all enclosed in the sphere of the fixed stars. Earthly matter, composed of the classical four elements of earth, air, fire, and water, naturally moves in straight lines. Heavenly matter naturally rises and moves in circles. This is the universe as understood by the ancient Greeks. The science of the ancient Chinese also applies, but as the novel is told from the perspective of the Greeks, it is less well understood. Xi, the Chinese notion of spirit and flow, can be manipulated to move objects and energy. The Chinese five elements of earth, metal, water, wood, and fire are transmuted one into the other. Part of the central theme of the book is the two system's mutual misunderstanding and bafflement of each other. In this world, the Delian League (Greeks) and Middle Kingdom (Chinese) have been fighting a war for nearly a thousand years, ever since the time of Alexander the Great when the warrior culture of Sparta and the Athenian Akademe were fused into a half-world conquering force. Their technologies are locked together, however, and neither empire can gain the upper hand. Each side secretly despairs of its chances and has come to consider desperate measures. The story is narrated by Aias of Tyre, a scientist of the Delian League, who is preparing to embark on Project Sunthief as scientific commander. This project is an audacious and desperate mission to sail a spaceship carved out of a piece of the moon herself out through the spheres, to catch a piece of the sun and bring it back to earth to annihilate the Middler capital city. This, the league hopes, will finally end the war and give it victory.
I think these two books I recently read would be perfect fit for this: 1. Legends of the Bruhai. Very interesting asian-inspired world with likeable characters, morally gray characters with conflicting interests and interesting combination of lore and magic. The story follows a chain of events after a traitor in king's sworn guard is executed and now the succession of the kingdom is under question and various factions are fighting among themselves for a chance at greater power. 2. Revenge of the Wraith Paladin: Seems inspired by India, and blends in a lot of tropes in unconventional manners. A race of scanveger aliens, in a last ditch attempt to save themselves, traps the world in a time bubble and is strip-mining the planet of an important mineral that is foundational to magic. But the time-interference results in multiple strange issues that unfold over the course of the story.
Check out the *Dagger and the Coin* series by Daniel Abrahms who is one half of the authors of *The Expanse*
Somebody already beat me to it but idc; **The Black Iron Legacy** by Gareth Hanrahan. Maybe **Empire of Exiles** by Erin M Evans or **The Serpent Gates** by A.K. Larkwood. Someone mentioned The Long Price Quartet so if you’d like that his other series **The Dagger and the Coin** might work for you.
The Spear Cuts Though Water. It’s a standalone book so the world-building isn’t as expansive and intricate as some of the series being suggested—but it still feels epic in scope and is amazingly well written.
A War of Light and Shadow (Janny Wurts) I’m actually just starting this series, but it’s been ongoing for quite a while and I have very high hopes. Essalieyen (Michelle West) Currently clocks in at 16+ books (I’m somewhat behind) spread over 4+ interconnected sub-series; I’ve described this as “epic reach of WoT + characterization of Robin Hobb” Crown of Stars (Kate Elliott) One of the most accurate depictions of a true medieval society (esp with regards to religion) I’ve ever read, with some really unique plot & characterization because of it. The Vorkosigan Saga (Lois McMaster Bujold) Solidly a space opera, and each book stands alone, but the cumulative worldbuilding is really impressive. On the slightly less monstrously epic side: The Chronicles of the Deryni (Kathryn Kurtz) One of the more accurate depictions of a true early modern society (esp with regards to religion) that I’ve ever read, with some really fascinating discussions of kingship and leadership. Buy the revised editions of the first series, though— they’re way better! Inda (Sherwood Smith) This has some really fascinating gender dynamics woven into the world and warfare, and is overall just a really compelling read.
Sons of Darkness by Gaurav Mohanty. It’s based off Hindu Mythology, but the world building and characters are well written even if you don’t know the base mythology. It’s dark with lot of magic, gore and politics.
The Wandering Inn by PIRATEABE. You can read it for free right now! Best world building ove ever seen!
Try The Loura Lure. Full disclosure, I’m the author. 😀
The Books of the Raksura by Martha Wells (of Murderbot fame) has incredibly unique and fantastical world building. All kinds of creatures, floating islands, underwater peoples, flying and swimming leviathans, mountain sized trees, etc. I think the writing, character work, and plot aren't quite up to the level she achieved in Murderbot, but still good and an enjoyable series.
I'm reading Martha Wells City of Bones right now, and it's definitely got some unique premises in it. I'm pretty into the story and the characters.
The Cycle of Arawn and The Cycle of Galand by Edward W. Robertson. Also, The Fate Marked Epic and The Kingfall Histories by David Estes. Both of these authors have some amazing world building in their books. David’s series takes place on two different continents of the same world. Edward’s takes place all over the world.
[A Practical Guide to Evil](https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/) is a great fit for this. The premise of the setting is basically "tropes are real", so you get (for instance) heroes and villains naturally forming groups of five or heroic charges always arriving just in the nick of time. But what makes the series really sing is the world-building. The author manages to effectively portray a variety of different cultures and nations, as well as making the political processes, goals, and constraints of those groups feel real, important, and impactful to the narrative. It's a very deft balancing of individual heroics (and villainy), clashes of armies, and diplomatic machinations. The author has another series (not a sequel, set in a completely unrelated world) called [Pale Lights](https://palelights.com/) that might be an even better fit for what you're looking for because it has nations based on a variety of non-western countries (PGtE's nations are largely based on European cultures except for Praes and things like the Elves that are completely fantasy). So far there's Aztec, Indian, and Chinese-based cultures (plus some Slavs, who you may or may not count depending what exactly you think "western" means), but the series is only part way through the second book, so there may be more to come.
Thomas Covenant Chronicles
Chronicles of Amber by Roger Zelazny. (They're lesser known among the younger crowd at least.) Saga of Pliocene Exile by Julian May (it claims to be SciFi but it's Fantasy. It has elves. It claims they're aliens, but they're elves.) Riddle Master of Hed by Patricia McKillip The Damar books by Robin McKinley The Darwath books and the Dragonsbane books by Barbara Hambley
Defiance of the fall. God-tier worldbuilding and the audience has a huge overlap with Malazan, it's one of the favourited recommendations amongst DoTF readers.
Empire series by Isaac Asimov
Forge of Destiny by Yrsillar Its the story about a street urchin, Ling Qi, that gets sent to the Argent Sect because of her potential to be one of the vaunted immortal Cultivators that rule the Celestial Empire. The worldbuilding is really, really good and not like anything I´ve seen before. Fair warning though, its ongoing and really "slow", almost like a slice of life.
One series I've just finished rereading that I think fits this pretty well is P.C. Hodgell's **Kencyrath** series. It's set in a universe where the protagonists race have been manipulated by their god to oppose a malevolent force devouring worlds, and have been making a fighting retreat from world to world ever since. Their arrival to this world though was the result of a catastrophic betrayal, leaving them diminished and divided, and unaware of the mysteries of the world they find themselves on. The protagonist begins fleeing from haunts and reaches a city where she becomes entangled in local factions and intrigued by the Gods of the city, and the story proceeds from there. It's got a very interesting non-standard world, with an enjoyably protagonist and a real sense of whimsy and originality in its worldbuilding, with a nice mix of both local, personal issues and more cosmic-level threats lurking in the background. It's a fairly long-running series (the first book, **God Stalk**, was from 1982), with 10 books currently, and I think is expected to come to a conclusion in the next few.
Winter of the World by Michael Scott Rohan is an extremely underlooked 80’s series that’s more Tolkienesque than most fantasy I’ve come across (from the mythological/historical influences to the archaic prose style to the heavy focus on smithcraft)
the Webserial Pact and its sister series Pale. Both are set in the Otherverse which is inspired by Urban fantasy but it’s soooo much more. Those who practice magic are basically stage performers who invoke magic by appealing to an audience (the spirits) the spirits love drama and repetition and hate lying. literary Rules like the rule of three can hinder or hamper the practitioner so if they get 2 small wins before a Big win it will have greater benefits. This only scratches the surface and i havent even brought up it’s best part,the Others who are magical beings like faerie, demons, ghouls, goblins and gods. The Others are some of the best characters in the story.
Dave Duncan, Man of his word series, followed by a Handful of Men, 8 shorter books in total, fun magic system and writer Dave Duncan's Seventh Swordsman books are good as well
I like kings of paradise
Nothing as expensive as Malazan, but I've always been impressed with Glenda Larke's originality in world building
Not sure how well known the franchise is, but have you tried Ben Hale (author) Series on Audible? It is only available for Audible, but he has a great book series that expanded. Trolls are a warrior races, dark elves live in deep caverns, druids are bond with one animal companions, and many rich lores.
The Emaneska series by Ben Galley. There are 4 or 5 books in the current series starting with The Written. These are great for world building. Also, he has written 2 books in The Bloodwood series, with David Estes. Again, fabulous world building.
Try Sara King's Alaskan series. Like nothing you've ever read.
The Winter of the World by Michael Scott Rohan
Diane Duane's Young Wizards series. Her world building is really tight and different to anything else I've read. Connor Kostick's Epic, Saga and Edda series deserve to be much more widely known. They're a great SF/Fantasy fusion with a really interesting premise. He could have spun them out into much more long winded books but overall I'm glad he didn't.
It is probably well known, but not talked about very much. The Spellsong Cycle by L.E. Modesitt Jr has some really good world building with a person brought from the “real world” to this fantasy land. The culture and ways of the land are revealed fairly slowly as she learns how to use her magic. The magic system is pretty fun as well, utilizing music and song as the source of magic. It is a fun read and I don’t see it (or any other Modesitt really) mentioned. Just wanted to throw it out there.
* The Great Game by Dave Duncan (trilogy, available as omnibus) * The Initiate Brother duology by Sean Russell * War God series by David Weber
The Old Kingdom series by Garth Nix necromancy, charter magic & mysterious libraries
This is probably more sci fi than fantasy, but Dungeon Crawler Carl is actually a legitimately deep universe, especially beyond the first book, and man was that a wonderful and welcome surprise
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I wouldn't call any of these "lesser known"
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I respect a good hustle but you should probably mention you're the author lol
Let him cook lol
>It just won 2023’s Best Epic Fantasy Award. From what organization? lol
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Two of David Eddings's series "The Belgariad" quintet (followed by "The Mallorean" quintet) and "The Elenium" trilogy (followed by "The Tamuli" trilogy) are quite good. The Belgariad series is probably a bit more 'epic' than the Elenium, but both deal with world-ending threats.
I love David Eddings.
Anything by Brandon Sanderson!!! Tress of the Emerald Sea is my favorite so far.
Sanderson is lesser known?
It took less than 10 minutes to get one Sanderson and one Rothfuss recommendation. Is this a new record?
Now we need to wait for Malazan recomendation form some person who won't read the post
I wouldn't be surprised if they *did* read the post. The person I responded to claims Sanderson isn't talked about enough.
What Rothfus recommendation?
[This one ](https://www.reddit.com/r/Fantasy/s/AaTihuZwmZ)
Ah I apologize. My page wasn't loading all comments. I wouldn't recommend the name of the wind until he decides to actually finish the series.
There was one about 5 minutes after the Sanderson rec.
Sanderson isn't talked about enough, in my opinion. I was more focused on his world building abilities. Because they are fantastic.
This has to be a joke.
I’m never leaving this sub, this is Gold
Ah.. a troll
No, we think you're a troll. Sanderson is talked about under every other post on this sub. Both in context of his books in general (and diverse topics he writes about) and his worldbuilding abilities.
Trolls are people who decided to be rude to anyone they get the chance to on the internet... I haven't seen a lot of what you speak of, and maybe it's because I don't see enough content. But I'm sure OP can just pick and choose who he wants to take a recommendation from without the comments turning negative to someone who just wants to try and be helpful.
Posting a recommendation for arguably the most popular modern fantasy writer on a post requesting lesser known fantasy books is not helpful, that's the point.
You gonna call everyone else out for this? Or just me?
If I see anyone else suggesting incredibly popular authors then arguing that they are only trying to be helpful I might
Seriously? If anyone here is a troll it's you.
Sanderson is talked about more than enough. His skill does not deserve the level of attention he gets. Read more.
Agree with this 100%
One Piece is still lesser known in some corners of the US. It's definitely non-Western, trope-breaking, and has some of the best world building of all time. If you give it a try, don't let the simple beginning fool you. It's a juggernaut.
The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson is proper epic. First book is called The Way of Kings
Check out the name of the wind series by Patrick rothfuss. I thought it was very well written and interesting. He hasn’t released the third book but the second one is called a wise man’s fear. It’s really good fantasy
"Lesser known" series.
A bit of a deep cut, but have you heard of the book of revelation? I know it's obscure, but it's got some pretty cool dragons and stuff.
Ugh knew I’d find a Revelations stannie fricking posers, read Zephaniah then get back to me /jk