7 Lesser Known Fantasy Book Series That Deserve as Much Love as LOTR, ASOIAF & Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere

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While series like The Lord of the Rings, A Song of Ice and Fire, and Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere are incredibly popular in the fantasy genre, many other excellent books don’t get the recognition they deserve. There are tons of great fantasy stories available, covering everything from classic epic tales to darker, more modern adventures. Sadly, even really well-written books sometimes get overshadowed by the biggest names like Tolkien, Martin, and Sanderson.

Fantasy series like The Wheel of Time, The Dark Tower, and Discworld are widely popular with both fantasy fans and general readers. Book lovers will also recognize classics such as Malazan Book of the Fallen and The Realm of the Elderlings, along with more recent favorites like The First Law, The Broken Earth, and The Kingkiller Chronicle. But beyond these well-known titles, there are many other fantastic books that deserve just as much recognition. Ideally, these hidden gems would receive the same level of praise, recommendations, and even adaptations as major hits like The Lord of the Rings, A Song of Ice and Fire, and Brandon Sanderson’s works.

7) Chronicles of the Black Company by Glen Cook

Glen Cook’s books are considered foundational works of fantasy, influencing many of the tropes we see today. Despite their importance, they aren’t often talked about outside of dedicated fantasy circles, which is unfortunate. His Chronicles of the Black Company series, in particular, is just as compelling as popular hits like A Song of Ice and Fire, and it’s remarkably extensive—spanning over ten books with more still planned. This really highlights the richness of Cook’s world and the complex, well-developed characters within it.

The Chronicles of the Black Company is a gritty and immersive fantasy series with complex, morally ambiguous characters. Its themes still resonate today, and it shares a lot of what makes popular series like A Song of Ice and Fire, The First Law, and Malazan Book of the Fallen so appealing. It’s surprising the series hasn’t gained wider recognition, and a TV adaptation could change that. Unfortunately, the adaptation announced in 2017 (according to Deadline) seems to be stuck in development, like many other fantasy projects.

6) The Long Price Quartet by Daniel Abraham

Daniel Abraham is famous for co-writing The Expanse under the name James S.A. Corey, but he actually published a fantastic fantasy series years earlier that doesn’t get enough attention. The Long Price Quartet expertly creates the kind of rich, detailed world that fans of The Lord of the Rings and A Song of Ice and Fire enjoy. The story really draws you in thanks to its immersive setting and the complex struggles within it. Like A Song of Ice and Fire, the series focuses more on character interactions and political maneuvering than on big battles, making it a great choice for readers who appreciate that kind of nuanced storytelling.

Abraham’s series boasts a truly original magic system, comparable to those found in Brandon Sanderson’s work, and skillfully integrates it into the narrative. Like many great fantasy novels, it also draws inspiration from real historical events. The writing itself is strong, making The Long Price Quartet a thoroughly enjoyable read. While the beginning is a bit slow, the series quickly becomes rewarding.

5) The Traitor Son Cycle by Miles Cameron

Miles Cameron’s The Traitor Son Cycle is a fantastic fantasy series that deserves a wider audience. What makes it stand out is the author’s deep knowledge of medieval Europe, which shines through in the incredibly detailed and believable world-building. Cameron clearly understands how things worked in that era, and it shows in every aspect of the story.

It’s great to see something so original, and that’s just one reason this five-book series is truly excellent. While the intricate world and large number of characters might make it a little slow to start, the story quickly becomes captivating. The action sequences are unforgettable, the world and plot develop in interesting ways, and it ultimately becomes a grand, sweeping epic.

4) The Dandelion Dynasty by Ken Liu

Similar to other complex fantasy series like The Traitor Son Cycle, The Dandelion Dynasty can be a bit challenging to start. This might be why Ken Liu’s fantasy series doesn’t get as much recognition as it deserves. Even readers who enjoy intricate worlds and slow-developing stories sometimes overlook it. While it’s less focused on epic magic than some fantasies, its thoughtful exploration of power, war, and technology makes it essential reading for those who appreciate politically driven narratives.

Beyond its clever politics, The Dandelion Dynasty truly shines with its well-developed characters. Over the course of four books, you’ll become invested in their journeys and growth. With a large and diverse cast, there’s someone for everyone to connect with, and the epic scope of the story—spanning multiple generations—makes it all the more remarkable. More readers should definitely give this series a chance.

3) The Green Bone Saga by Fonda Lee

As a huge movie and book fan, I’m always trying to champion stories that deserve more attention, and Fonda Lee’s Green Bone Saga is definitely one of them. While it’s popular amongst readers, it’s not nearly as well-known as it should be—seriously, we need a screen adaptation that actually gets finished! It’s a fantastic blend of family drama and mobster intrigue, think The Godfather, but with a really cool magic system built around martial arts. Honestly, it feels tailor-made for the big screen, just like Brandon Sanderson’s work, and I’d be first in line to see those fight scenes brought to life.

As the Green Bone Saga progresses, it tackles larger conflicts and explores their long-term consequences. With its unique setting, compelling characters, and epic scope, this series deserves to be mentioned alongside the biggest names in fantasy.

2) The Riyria Revelations by Michael J. Sullivan

Michael J. Sullivan’s Riyria Revelations begins as a lighthearted adventure but quickly expands into a larger, more complex story – all while remaining enjoyable. It’s surprising this series isn’t more well-known! The second book, Theft of Swords, centers on a thief and a mercenary who are falsely accused of killing the king, and they must work together to uncover a hidden plot. The engaging characters and Sullivan’s quick-moving, suspenseful story make it a really fun read.

The Riyria Revelations series really hits its stride as it progresses. Like many great fantasy stories, the characters and world become richer and more engaging with each book. But Michael J. Sullivan always keeps the core of the story strong, making it a truly captivating read. More fantasy fans should definitely check it out.

1) The Divine Cities by Robert Jackson Bennett

Robert Jackson Bennett is currently celebrated for books like Foundryside and The Tainted Cup, which has caused some of his earlier work, the Divine Cities trilogy, to be overlooked. However, this trilogy showcases the seeds of Bennett’s later success. It’s a strong example of his talent, particularly its world-building: a fascinating setting where the fall of the gods actually made life worse for everyone. While the world draws on common fantasy themes, it does so exceptionally well.

“The Divine Cities” features characters you won’t forget and powerfully moving moments. It doesn’t shy away from difficult topics, which makes it surprising that it’s not as popular as the author’s other works.

What fantasy book do you think is amazing but doesn’t get enough attention? Share your recommendation in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-03-11 04:11