Buzz
Many of you might remember my earlier list focusing on fantasy works before 1937. This piece serves as its continuation, shedding light on stories that, despite often outclassing their peers, rarely earn recognition as modern fantasy masterpieces. These narratives are either undervalued, seldom explored, or remain hidden treasures in the fantasy literary world. Here, I present my top ten underrated fantasy stories (or series) released after J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit”. And no, I won’t be creating a similar list for science fiction—reserving all spots for Norman Spinrad’s ‘The Iron Dream’.
10. The Stone Dance of the Chameleon Ricardo Pinto
Kicking off this list is a high fantasy trilogy penned in the last decade. At first glance, it appears to align with typical modern genre tropes. However, delving into its pages reveals a deeply emotional and politically charged fantasy set in a distinctive, non-Medieval world, featuring relatable characters and unexpected plot twists. It’s the kind of series where minor details, easily overlooked, later prove pivotal in shaping the final conflict hundreds of pages ahead. A delightful find for readers seeking a break from mainstream offerings.
9. Harold Shea L. Sprague de Camp and Fletcher Pratt
L. Sprague de Camp is a name in speculative fiction that often gets overlooked, despite his significant contributions to both science fiction and fantasy. Harold Shea stands out as one of his most notable creations. The series follows the adventures of its protagonist, a psychologist who navigates parallel universes where the mythologies of our world come to life—or at least he attempts to. His journeys don’t always go as planned, but every destination offers a fascinating experience. After de Camp’s involvement ended, other writers took over, expanding the series into various fictional realms, including Oz. It’s a captivating collection worth diving into.
8. Temeraire Naomi Novik
Perhaps the most widely recognized entry on this list, Naomi Novik’s Temeraire series reimagines the Napoleonic Wars through an alternative historical lens, centering on a British captain named Laurence. The key twist in this narrative is the inclusion of dragons. Honestly, what more could you ask for? Imagine Napoleon with dragons. Novik’s writing is sharp, her characters are compelling, and the plot is thrilling—but it’s the brilliantly imaginative premise that truly sets it apart. As an exciting bonus, Peter Jackson, the director of Lord of the Rings, has expressed interest in adapting the series into a mini-series.
7. The Ambergris Cycle Jeff VanderMeer
Jeff VanderMeer is renowned in the realms of fantasy and science fiction for his exceptional anthologies that delve into niche subgenres, from pirate fantasy to steampunk. This collection features his own short stories, all set in Ambergris, one of the most peculiar yet mesmerizing fictional cities in fantasy literature. While China Miéville often overshadows VanderMeer in the genre, The Ambergris Cycle firmly establishes him as a standout figure in New Weird. It’s a must-read for those who love immersive settings or have a taste for fantasy that leans into the bizarre.
6. The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant Stephen R. Donaldson
This series stands as a brilliant blend of traditional fantasy and its critical analysis. Thomas Covenant, the protagonist, is an 'unbeliever'—a skeptical leper who frequently questions the reality of the magical realm he finds himself in, rather than embracing the role of its savior. His skepticism might even resonate with you at times. The narrative is undeniably captivating, complemented by the author's exceptional storytelling. The series is divided into three 'chronicles,' with the first two being trilogies and the last expanding to four books, concluding with a final installment set for release in 2013.
5. The Books of Abarat Clive Barker
Clive Barker is a name synonymous with horror, standing shoulder to shoulder with legends like Stephen King, and is best known for the iconic 'Hellraiser' series. However, 'The Books of Abarat' offers a departure into young adult fantasy, showcasing a lighter side of Barker's imagination. The series introduces readers to the enchanting islands of Abarat, each island symbolizing a different hour of the day, including a mysterious twenty-fifth hour. This setting provides a rich backdrop for a fantasy journey that will captivate enthusiasts of the genre. A standout feature of this series is Barker's artwork; he created over 300 paintings to bring the world of Abarat to life before penning the first book.
4. Islandia Austin Tappan Wright
While this utopian novel may not fit the traditional fantasy mold due to its absence of magical elements and its Earth-based setting, it remains a remarkable work. The plot revolves around a Harvard graduate who immerses himself in the culture of Islandia, a small nation located on the Karain continent near Antarctica. The true brilliance of the novel lies in its depiction of Islandia, a nation so intricately crafted that it rivals even Middle Earth in its depth. The detailed history, rich culture, unique language, and meticulously drawn maps make Islandia a masterpiece of world-building, earning it a well-deserved spot on this list.
3. Gormenghast Mervyn Peake
It comes as no shock to many that the Gormenghast series, though unfinished, is widely regarded as one of the finest works in modern fantasy literature, potentially surpassing even Tolkien's creations. Unlike typical fantasy tales, this series lacks magical elements. It chronicles the life of Titus Groan, heir to the Groan throne, beginning in his infancy and following his growth within the Earldom of Gormenghast, and later, his adventures beyond its walls. The third installment, Titus Alone, is often hailed as a forerunner to the steampunk genre. Despite its profound influence on contemporary fantasy, rivaling that of Lewis and Tolkien, it remains vastly underappreciated.
2. Tigana Guy Gavriel Kay
Guy Gavriel Kay stands as a contemporary giant in the realm of fantasy. Drawing inspiration from historical periods rarely explored in the genre, he weaves intricate tales enriched by his experience co-editing 'The Silmarillion' with Christopher Tolkien. Tigana, arguably his magnum opus, is set in a world reminiscent of medieval Italy under the rule of two tyrants. While the plot revolves around a familiar theme of rebellion against oppressive rulers, the depth of its characters and the intricacy of its setting elevate it to the realm of literary fiction.
1. The “Bas-Lag” Novels China Mieville
Set in the eerie, steampunk-inspired world of Bas-Lag, the novels Perdido Street Station, The Scar, and Iron Council are loosely interconnected yet stand as individual masterpieces. Miéville's writing is both economical and vividly detailed, often delving into grotesque descriptions where others might shy away. His political insights deeply enrich his narratives, adding layers of meaning that elevate his works above typical fantasy fare. Each book features distinct characters and storylines, yet all three are compelling, thought-provoking, and guaranteed to surpass the expectations of even the most seasoned fantasy enthusiasts.
