Many of them had unique world - building. Since they were not as mainstream, they could be more experimental. For example, they might have strange magic systems or unusual races.
One such novel is 'The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant' by Stephen R. Donaldson. It has a complex and somewhat dark take on the fantasy genre. Another is 'The Forgotten Beasts of Eld' by Patricia A. McKillip, which features beautiful prose and unique magical elements.
Good obscure fantasy novels often have unique world - building. For example, they might create a world with its own set of rules for magic, like in 'The Golem and the Jinni' where the magic of the golem and the jinni are based on different cultural and mythological backgrounds. Another characteristic is complex characters. In 'The Name of the Wind', Kvothe is a multi - faceted character with a rich backstory. They also tend to have original storylines that deviate from common fantasy tropes, such as 'Uprooted' which has a different take on the relationship between the hero and the source of magic.
A great but perhaps not so well - known fantasy novel is 'The Lies of Locke Lamora' by Scott Lynch. It's set in a sort of Renaissance - like world filled with thieves, con - artists and political intrigue. Then there's 'The Black Company' by Glen Cook. It has a darker, grittier take on the fantasy genre, following a mercenary company. Also, 'Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell' by Susanna Clarke is an interesting choice. It's set in an alternate England where magic is real and it has a very Victorian feel to it.
Some great obscure fantasy novels include 'Tigana' by Guy Gavriel Kay. It has a beautifully crafted world and a story full of political intrigue and magic. 'The Book of the New Sun' by Gene Wolfe is also a gem. It's a complex and thought - provoking read, with a unique narrative style. 'The Forgotten Beasts of Eld' by Patricia A. McKillip is another. It focuses on a powerful sorceress and her relationships with the strange and magical beasts she has summoned. These novels offer different takes on the fantasy genre and are well worth exploring for any fantasy lover.
One obscure fantasy novel is 'The Gormenghast Trilogy' by Mervyn Peake. It's set in a vast, decaying castle filled with strange characters and complex power dynamics. Another is 'The Book of the New Sun' by Gene Wolfe. It has a unique, complex narrative and a very different kind of world - building. And 'Lud - in - the - Mist' by Hope Mirrlees is also great. It blends the real world with a magical, fairy - like realm in a really interesting way.
Well, they often have a more personal touch. Since they're not as mass - produced as big - name fantasy novels, the authors can be more experimental. They might tell a story from a very different perspective or have a really off - beat plot. Also, they can be more focused on character development. Instead of having a huge cast of characters for the sake of a big epic, they might focus on just a few characters and really dig deep into their personalities and growth. This makes for a more intimate and engaging read. Another aspect is that they can be more culturally diverse. They might draw from less - known mythologies or cultural traditions, adding a whole new layer of richness to the story.
😋I recommend the following two novels to you. I hope you will like them:
1. "It's Not Good to Be an Unpopular Immortal" was a fantasy romance novel about the female protagonist's mission as a God of Dispelling Disaster to kill disasters. Her spiritual power was sealed and she lost her memory. After waking up from a 300-year deep sleep, she needed to regain her memories and face the fact that she could no longer deal with the disaster.
2. The light novel,"The Madness of the Elves", was a derivative doujinshi novel. It was about the protagonist Su Bai, who was reborn to the early days of the apocalypse and became the eighth on the Heaven List, the champion of China during the apocalypse. He used the elves with special abilities to subdue other elves and rushed to the top of the Heaven List. The female lead was a powerful loli called Su Bai, and the male lead was also very strong! I hope you like this fairy's recommendation. Muah ~😗
For beginners, 'The Last Unicorn' by Peter S. Beagle is a good choice. It has a simple yet engaging story about a unicorn's search for others of her kind. 'The Thief' by Megan Whalen Turner is also great. It has a young protagonist and a story full of twists and turns. And 'The Changeling Sea' by Patricia A. McKillip is a gentle, magical story that can introduce new readers to the joys of fantasy.
I recommend "The Vast Way of Cultivation" to you. This novel is a fantasy romance-an oriental fantasy novel. It's not a small novel, but a classic immortal cultivation novel. The main character, Dugu Yijian, is famous in the nine heavens. The plot is compact and the writing is smooth. You won't be disappointed. I hope you like my recommendation. Muah ~