There’s nothing like the thrill of falling into a sprawling epic, kingdoms rising and falling, ancient magics returning, heroes wrestling with impossible choices. But not every huge fantasy saga gets the spotlight it deserves!
Here are fantasy hidden gems you might have missed. Perfect for fans who want more dragons, more politics, and more pages to lose themselves in.
🗡️ 1. The Faithful and the Fallen series by John Gwynne
A classic good vs. evil tale with Celtic vibes, battle-hardened heroes, and some of the best fight scenes in fantasy. (Malice kicks it off!)
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🐉 2. The Dandelion Dynasty by Ken Liu
Silkpunk at its finest. Epic battles, scheming royals, airships, and an incredible East Asian-inspired setting. (The Grace of Kings is book one.)
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⚔️ 3. Shattered Sea trilogy by Joe Abercrombie
Under-rated compared to his grimdark First Law books this epic is full of betrayals, unexpected heroes, and Abercrombie’s signature sharp wit. (Half a King is book one.)
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🕰️ 4. The Licanius Trilogy by James Islington
Time travel, moral grey areas, and massive plot twists perfect for fans of Sanderson but craving something fresh. (The Shadow of What Was Lost starts it all.)
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🗺️ 5. The Long Price Quartet by Daniel Abraham
One of the most unique worldbuilding set-ups ever poets who can bind ideas into living spirits. Quietly devastating, beautifully written, criminally under-read. (A Shadow in Summer is first.)
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🦁 6. The Crown of Stars series by Kate Elliott
A massive medieval Europe-inspired saga full of political intrigue, court betrayal, and deep magic. If you love sprawling worldbuilding, this is for you. (King’s Dragon starts it off.)
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🧙♂️ 7. The Books of the Raksura by Martha Wells
Shape-shifting dragon-ish people, ancient ruins, sky cities, and found family. An adventure fantasy that feels like old-school epics but with fresh worldbuilding.
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🏹 8. Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Insect-inspired clans at war, steampunk tech, huge battles, and shifting alliances. Ten books long and wildly imaginative the kind of saga you get lost in.
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🔮 9. The Monarchies of God by Paul Kearney
If you love grim battles, sea voyages, and political intrigue, this five-book series deserves more hype. Dark, gritty, and unflinchingly brutal.
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⚔️ 10. Echoes of the Fall by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Shapeshifters, ancient tribes, dying gods. A brilliant blend of mythic, high fantasy with a raw survivalist feel.
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These aren’t bite-sized stories, they’re sprawling, character-driven, world-consuming epics that you’ll want to sink into for weeks. Perfect for anyone who misses that just one more chapter feeling at 2 AM.
Have you read any of these hidden gems? Drop your favourite under-the-radar epics in the comments and let’s add to the never-ending TBR together! ✨
