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- These 10 adult fantasy books are underhyped gems full of heart, magic, and unforgettable characters.
- From assassin apprentices to cursed forests and warrior moms, there's something for every type of fantasy fan.
- Perfect for readers craving original worlds, emotional depth, and books beyond the mainstream fantasy buzz.
Fantasy Fans, Don't Miss These 10 Under-the-Radar Reads
Every now and then, a book hits you so hard you wonder, “Why is nobody screaming about this one with me?!” Well, we’re here to fix that. If you’re a fantasy reader hungry for fresh worlds, unforgettable characters, and plots that aren’t dominating every TikTok book list—this list is your next reading quest.
These 10 adult fantasy books are gems—some criminally underhyped, some lost to time, all worthy of way more love than they’re getting. We’ve broken them down into loose categories: mentor/mentee dynamics, retellings with a twist, older series that still slap, and a couple of must-mentions that stand on their own.
So grab a cozy blanket, your favorite potion (aka coffee), and let’s get magical. 🧙♀️
1. Age of Assassins by R.J. Barker
An apprentice assassin with a club foot. A royal court steeped in lies. A murder to prevent. This book is a quieter fantasy—more mystery and emotion than back-to-back sword fights—but it’s so beautifully done. Girton’s bond with his badass mentor Merela is the heart of the story. And the disability rep? Top tier.
Who It’s For: Readers who love character-driven stories, murder mysteries in castles, and found family feels.
Land of Geek Rating: 8.7/10
2. The Art of Prophecy by Wesley Chu
Imagine if your world’s "Chosen One" was a cocky teen with zero real training—and it was your job to fix him. This wuxia-inspired adventure throws martial arts, magic, and sarcastic banter into a blender. There’s high action, low nonsense, and a grizzled warrior mentor who steals every scene.
Who It’s For: Fans of fast-paced fantasy, martial arts, and flipping tropes on their heads.
Land of Geek Rating: 9/10
3. The Girl from the Other Side by Nagabe
A minimalist, achingly beautiful manga about a little girl living in a cursed land with a mysterious, gentle beast. The story is part fairytale, part tragedy, and part warm cup of melancholy. The art alone is worth the read—but the emotional story will sneak up on you and break your heart (in the best way).
Who It’s For: Fantasy lovers new to manga, fans of Studio Ghibli vibes and quiet emotional gut-punches.
Land of Geek Rating: 9.5/10
4. The Book of Gothel by Mary McMyne
Forget everything you think you know about the witch from Rapunzel. This historical fantasy turns Mother Gothel into a layered, intelligent woman navigating superstition, power, and womanhood in medieval Germany. It’s not whimsical—it’s reflective, political, and deeply human.
Who It’s For: Fans of feminist retellings, historical fiction with magic, and morally complex women.
Land of Geek Rating: 8.6/10
5. Temeraire by Naomi Novik
What if the Napoleonic Wars had dragons? That’s the pitch, and the delivery is just as delightful. Captain Will Laurence finds himself bonded to a dragon, Temeraire, whose intelligence and charm upend everything he knows. It’s full of adventure, aerial battles, and a friendship that will punch you in the soul.
Who It’s For: Readers who want historical fantasy, dragon bonding, and heartfelt war stories.
Land of Geek Rating: 9.2/10
6. The Emperor's Edge by Lindsay Buroker
A low-ranking enforcer becomes a fugitive—and accidentally forms a ragtag group to protect the emperor. This one is campy, chaotic, and fun as hell. It’s a steampunk-lite mystery with snarky characters and plenty of action. Think Firefly meets fantasy court politics.
Who It’s For: Readers who want action, banter, and morally messy misfits with a cause.
Land of Geek Rating: 8.5/10
7. Green Rider by Kristen Britain
A girl gets kicked out of school, stumbles upon a dying royal messenger, and is suddenly saddled with delivering a message that could save the realm. Classic quest fantasy at its best, with dangerous forests, magical ghosts, and an unwitting hero.
Who It’s For: Fans of traditional high fantasy, horse girls with swords, and epic journeys.
Land of Geek Rating: 8.8/10
8. The Queen of Blood by Sarah Beth Durst
In a forest kingdom where elemental spirits constantly try to murder humans, queens must keep them in check. But when that fails? You need someone brave enough to stand up, even if they’re not the best or brightest. This one features a refreshingly average heroine with heart, determination, and grit.
Who It’s For: Lovers of nature-based magic systems, underdog heroines, and deadly whimsy.
Land of Geek Rating: 9.1/10
9. Engines of Empire by R.S. Ford
Three adult siblings and their matriarchal mother navigate guild politics, family legacy, and revolution in a gritty, tech-meets-magic empire. It’s sprawling, intense, and full of intrigue. Think Mistborn meets steampunk nobility.
Who It’s For: Epic fantasy fans craving political drama, family power struggles, and world-shaking stakes.
Land of Geek Rating: 9/10
10. The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang
A standalone that reads like an entire epic series. Misaki, a mother and former warrior, must face both her violent past and a present-day invasion. It’s about war, trauma, parenthood, and resilience—plus, it has some of the best magic duels ever put to page.
Who It’s For: Anyone who likes emotional punches, elemental swordplay, and warrior moms who still got it.
Land of Geek Rating: 9.7/10
These books might not dominate TikTok or get their own Netflix shows (yet), but they’ve carved out space in readers' hearts who were lucky enough to find them. Whether you're in it for swords and dragons, slow-burn character arcs, or political scheming—there’s something here for every flavor of fantasy fan.
Stay enchanted with more off-the-radar fantasy favorites at Land of Geek Magazine!
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