11 Underrated High Fantasy Books That Deserve More Attention

As a lifelong reader and lover of high fantasy, I have read most of the bestselling big names of the genre, and they are truly incredible, deserving of every bit of praise and attention. However, I have also delved into some lesser-known high-fantasy novels that are almost on par with the famous bestsellers in terms of quality, and I believe they deserve far more attention and praise.

Don’t get me wrong, some of them are quite talked-about and acclaimed, but I think they deserve much more. In an attempt to show my appreciation for these underrated high-fantasy masterpieces, I have compiled a list of 11 high-fantasy novels that should be promoted to more readers and get more attention.

What is high fantasy?

High fantasy, also known as epic fantasy, is a subgenre of fantasy fiction that typically features a vast, intricate secondary world filled with magic, mythical creatures, and complex societies. The stories usually revolve around grand, epic quests or battles between good and evil, often involving a hero’s journey to save the world.

High fantasy has been a popular genre for decades, with classics like J.R.R. Tolkien‘s The Lord of the Rings serving as a benchmark for the genre. Now, with that being cleared (hopefully), let’s delve into the list of 11 high fantasy novels that are way underappreciated and deserve more talking about.

11 underrated high fantasy novels:

1. Alphabet of Thorn by Patricia A. McKillip

Alphabet of Thorn is a stunning high fantasy novel that will sweep you away into a vividly imagined world. The story follows Nepenthe, a young orphan girl who discovers a mysterious book written in an unknown alphabet of thorn. As she works to decipher the text, she becomes entangled in a tale of ancient magic, political intrigue, and timeless love.

Patricia A. McKillip’s lyrical writing style masterfully weaves together the various threads of the story, creating a narrative tapestry that’s as enchanting as it is thrilling. With its unforgettable characters and captivating plot, this book is a hidden gem that deserves a place on every fantasy lover’s bookshelf (or device, in my case).

Related read: All Fantasy Series Written by Patricia A. McKillip

2. Sabriel (The Old Kingdom #1) by Garth Nix

Dive into the thrilling world of the first installment in the amazing Abhorsen series by Garth Nix. The protagonist, Sabriel, has spent her life in a boarding school in Ancelstierre, far removed from the unpredictable power of Free Magic and the Dead, who refuse to stay dead in the Old Kingdom. However, when her father, the Abhorsen, goes missing, she must journey back to the Old Kingdom to search for him.

Sabriel will introduce you to a realm where the boundaries between life and death are blurred and sometimes vanish entirely. With its compelling storyline, unforgettable characters, and Nix’s masterful storytelling, this novel stands out as an extraordinary addition to the high fantasy genre. Don’t miss the chance to explore this captivating world that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

3. Priestess of the White by Trudi Canavan

Immerse yourself in the enthralling world of Priestess of the White, the first installment in Trudi Canavan’s brilliant Age of the Five trilogies. The story is set in a land teetering between peace and conflict; five exceptional individuals are chosen to serve as the sword and shield of the Gods. Among them is Auraya, a courageous young woman who saved a village and has now been appointed as the Priestess of the White.

As Auraya embarks on her perilous journey, she must push her unique abilities to their limits in order to prove her worthiness. Along the way, she faces a treacherous path filled with challenges and potential betrayals. Her friendship with a Dreamweaver – a member of an ancient, outcast sect of sorcerer-healers—threatens her future, while a formidable, black-clad sorcerer seeks the total annihilation of the White.

With its engaging storyline, unforgettable characters, and Canavan’s masterful storytelling, Priestess of the White is an underrated high fantasy novel that deserves a good place on your reading list.

4. Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton

The Rebel of the Sands is a particularly thrilling fantasy novel set in the desert nation of Miraji, which is under the control of the mortals, but mythical creatures still roam the wild. In this unforgiving world, life is particularly harsh for the poor, orphaned, and female, like the main character, Amani Al’Hiza.

Amani is a gifted gunslinger with the unparalleled aim, yet she feels trapped in Dustwalk, her small, back-country town. When she meets Jin, a charming foreigner, in a shooting contest and she sees him as her ticket out of Dustwalk. However, she never anticipated fleeing on a mythical horse, nor did she expect a foreign fugitive to unveil the true heart of the desert she thought she knew.

Rebel of the Sands is an exhilarating tale of rebellion, romance, and a young woman embracing her power. This captivating story is sure to leave you breathless.

5. Lord Foul’s Bane by Stephen R. Donaldson

Published in 1977, this one is a highly underrated classic. Stephen R. Donaldson’s epic tale will guide you to embark on a fantastical journey full of wonder and thrill. Lord Foul’s Bane is the first book in Stephen R. Donaldson’s classic series, The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant.

The story follows Thomas Covenant, who calls himself the Unbeliever as he dares not believe in the strange alternate world he finds himself in.

The Land tempts Covenant, and though once an outcast and pariah, he now seems better than ever. In this new world, he is considered a reincarnation of the Land’s greatest hero, Berek Halfhand, armed with the mystic power of White Gold. This power is the only thing that can protect the Land’s Lords from the ancient evil of Despiser, Lord Foul. However, Covenant has no idea how to use this power.

Lord Foul’s Bane marks the beginning of a remarkable epic fantasy series that has captivated readers for decades, and it deserves to regain its fading attention back. Don’t miss the chance to explore this incredible yet underrated, high fantasy classic that will transport you to a richly imagined world filled with adventure, mystery, and unforgettable characters.

6. Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey

Discover the magical realm of Valdemar in Arrows of the Queen, the enchanting first book in Mercedes Lackey’s classic epic fantasy Arrows trilogy. This captivating tale follows the journey of Talia, a spirited young runaway who finds her life transformed when she is chosen by the mystical Companion Rolan, a powerful horse-like being.

As Talia trains to become one of the Queen’s elite Heralds, she learns to embrace her unique psychic abilities under Rolan’s watchful eye. Yet, time is running short as a sinister conspiracy brews in Valdemar, threatening the very existence of the Queen and her kingdom. With enemies skilled in dark magic and treacherous assassination, the Queen entrusts Talia and her fellow Heralds to safeguard the realm and protect the Queen’s vulnerable heir from harm.

I cannot recommend Arrows of the Queen enough for its enthralling story, unforgettable characters, and beautiful writing style of Mercedes Lackey, who crafted the amazingly magical world of Valdemar with perfection. Lose yourself in this underrated high fantasy gem and experience a truly magical adventure.

7. The Cutting Edge by Dave Duncan

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Pandemia with The Cutting Edge, a truly thrilling fantasy novel. The story follows Rap and Inos, who, after fifteen years of a blissful marriage, find themselves content and secure as they raise their family in the small kingdom of Krasnegar.

However, the once-peaceful world is crumbling as the old Emperor’s health and sanity decline, causing chaos and turmoil in the borderlands. Rap’s friend, Prince Emshandar, now leads his grandfather’s armies into brutal battles, with victory and justice hanging in the balance. As the end of the millennium approaches, prophecies of catastrophic upheaval are causing widespread unease across Pandemia.

When a god appears to Rap and warns him that the prophecies speak only a fraction of the truth, he realizes that the world’s destruction might be imminent, and it’s all his fault. As much as he dreads another adventure, Rap must face the challenges that lie ahead and fight to save the world he cherishes.

The Cutting Edge is a riveting fantasy novel that has all the key elements of a great fantasy novel. Experience the magic and suspense of this brilliantly written novel that you won’t be able to put down.

8. Beyond Redemption by Michael R. Fletcher (Manifest Delusions #1)

Delve into this underrated gem and witness the battle for power in a world where reality is shaped by belief. If you are into darker stuff, then this one is going to blow your mind.

In this dark and twisted world of Beyond Redemption, faith shapes the landscape, alters the laws of physics, and redefines truth. The beliefs of the masses have the power to manifest and create new gods, while insanity becomes a weapon and conviction a shield.

The Geisteskranken-men and women with delusions that twist reality-populate this violent and chaotic world. The High Priest seeks to establish order by guiding the faith of his followers towards one goal: the Ascension of a young boy, Morgen, who is destined to become a god they can control. However, several factions, including the High Priest’s own Doppels and a Slaver with irresistible power, strive for control over Morgen.

Amidst the chaos, three unlikely heroes – a legendary swordsman, a kleptomaniac murderer, and possibly the last sane man in existence—pursue their own devious plans for the would-be god. With time running out and delusions becoming harder to control, the fate of the Geisteskranken lies in the mysterious Afterdeath.

Beyond Redemption is a masterful blend of dark fantasy, high fantasy, and horror that will leave you breathless and eager for more. It’s a world full of darkness, and everybody has an agenda of their own. If you are into both horror and fantasy like me, this one is going to be a dark delight for you!

9. The Curse of the Mistwraith by Janny Wurts

This one is a particularly underrated one that allows you to experience a truly magical journey. Wurts’ captivating writing style will immerse you in a dangerous yet enchanting dream, leaving you torn between wanting to wake up and longing to stay within its realm.

The world Wurts created in The Curse of the Mistwraith is called Athera, a realm shrouded in eternal fog, which is suffocated by the malevolent Mistwraith. The combined powers of two half-brothers, Arithon, Master of Shadow, and Lysaer, Lord of Light, are the only forces capable of challenging the Mistwraith’s grip on the world. As the brothers find themselves bound by a pattern of events dictated by their deepest convictions, they must face the challenge of the Mistwraith together.

But the stakes are higher than one battle, as the sorcerers of the Fellowship of Seven are well aware. The half-brothers hold the balance of the world, its harmony, and its future in their hands. The Curse of the Mistwraith is a mesmerizing tale of epic fantasy, high fantasy, and magic that will leave you completely enchanted.

Don’t miss the chance to lose yourself in this beautifully crafted world, where you’ll be torn between reality and the captivating dream spun and created by the talented author who deserves more recognition.

10. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

Rich and masterfully crafted secondary world check; fascinating and multi-dimensional characters: check. A skillfully crafted gripping plot with brilliant twists and turns: check a perfect page-turner: check, masterful and artistic writing style: check – Sabaa Tahir’s An Ember in the Ashes series has all the elements of a great high fantasy; however, it’s still appreciated as a YA fantasy.

A multiple re-reading has convinced me that this one deserves more attention than it gets as a high fantasy. It’s unique in so many ways, and once you start it, you can put it down. Every book in this series is a true page-turner and an absolute delight.

Set in a brutal world inspired by ancient Rome, this gripping tale follows the entwined fates of Laia, a slave, and Elias, a soldier. The world of Ember in the Ashes is ruled by the oppressive Martial Empire. Those who refuse to pledge their loyalty to the state face the execution of their loved ones and the destruction of everything they cherish. Laia, living with her grandparents and older brother, tries to survive in the Empire’s impoverished backstreets without challenging the regime.

But when Laia’s brother is arrested for treason, she must make a life-altering decision. In exchange for the rebels’ help to rescue her brother, she agrees to risk her life by spying for them from within the Empire’s greatest military academy as a slave. There, she meets Elias, the academy’s finest soldier, who is secretly its most unwilling participant. With both yearnings for freedom from the tyranny they’re surrounded by, Laia and Elias soon realize their destinies are intertwined, and their choices will determine the fate of the Empire itself.

Every page of An Ember in the Ashes is filled with richly detailed settings, complex characters, and an intricate, fast-paced plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Tahir’s writing style is both poetically beautiful and thrilling, making it nearly impossible to put the book down. The story delves deep into themes of loyalty, power, and the cost of freedom, providing a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant experience for anyone.

11. Shapechangers (Chronicles of the Cheysuli #1) by Jennifer Roberson

The first installment in the Chronicles of the Cheysuli series invites you into a world of magical warriors, shapeshifters, and sorcery. I think one of the author’s most admirable skills is her ability to create characters that are not only interesting to follow but also feel familiar and relatable despite being fictional fantasy figures.

One such character is Alix, the daughter born of a forbidden union between a Homanan princess and a Cheysuli warrior. As she grapples with the call of magic in her blood, she must also come to terms with her place in an ancient prophecy she cannot escape. Throughout her journey, Alix encounters a rich cast of characters, each expertly crafted by Roberson, making it easy for readers to become invested in their lives and struggles.

In Shapechangers, Roberson weaves a tapestry of adventure, magic, and romance, all set against the backdrop of a world torn apart by war and prejudice. Her characters are the heart of the story, with their complexities and emotions driving the narrative forward. As readers delve deeper into the world of the Cheysuli, they will find themselves drawn to these captivating characters, feeling as if they’ve known them for ages.

As the Chronicles of the Cheysuli series continues, you will be able to follow Alix and other well-developed characters as they navigate the complexities of their magical world, facing challenges and uncovering secrets along the way. The ongoing saga provides plenty of opportunities to delve deeper into the lives and motivations of these fascinating individuals, as well as the broader tapestry of the world they inhabit.

If you’re a fan of high fantasy with memorable characters that feel both familiar and intriguing and looking for something new to enjoy, this underrated masterpiece can be an excellent option to try. Jennifer Roberson’s talent for character development and skillful storytelling will keep you engaged from start to finish. It’s a must-read for those who enjoy rich, immersive fantasy worlds with amazing characters.

Wrapping it Up:

The world of fantasy literature is truly vast, and there are magnificent gems hidden in every corner. You may never hear of them, but they are masterpieces in every sense of the word. In this list, I tried to include 11 of such underrated high fantasy gems.

I hope at least one of them will be a delightful read for you. Whether you’re drawn to epic journeys, the captivating heroes and heroines, or the richly imagined worlds, I hope these stories transport you to places of wonder and pleasure. Happy Reading!