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Hidden Fantasy and Sci Fi Gems 

I often come across excellent fantasy books (and sometimes sci-fi) that seem to be unknown and definitely deserve to be more recognized. This page is a showcase of these books. Because it's a static page and not a blog or a contest there's no limit on how many books I'm willing to feature on here and once a book is on here it can stick around in hopes that it will, over time, be found by more and more people. 

The only limits to what gets on this list are my own preferences and my time/ability to find these books. I'm not the most prolific of readers these days and I tend to either read or write so my own writing projects might slow down the growth of this hoard - I mean list. I might come across a great book and decide not to include it yet if it's part of an unfinished series, but there are a couple of series books that I will include here anyway, because they're just that good (and they stand alone pretty well).

Also, if the book is trad published, discussed on the radio or written by a well-known fantasy author this is not the place for it and I won't put it here as you've probably heard of it already. The only exception to this will be books that make it on the list and then gain more recognition or get picked up by a trad publisher. I most likely won't take them off the list.

Without further ado I give you my personal list of hidden gems.

Epic/High Fantasy



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The Eagle's Flight

Chronicles of Adalmearc (Book 1)

High/Epic Fantasy

Rich Tolkien-Like World-Building
Lots of detailed battles, political plotting and double-crossing, etc.
Confirmed Re-read value. I read it twice and loved it both times.

My First Review and My Second Review









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The Raven's Cry

Chronicles of Adalmearc (Book 2)

Excellent sequel, expands the excellent world-building and character work.

My Review












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An Elegy of Heroes

The Agartes Epilogues Trilogy

High/Epic Fantasy

Deep characterizations, rich world-building, and a plot full of awesome reveals.

Can't wait to re-read this! Relaunch Coming August 2021!

Review of the Trilogy

Individual BookReviews:
Jaeth's Eye -- Aina's Breath-- Sapphire's Flight







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Between the Shade and the Shadow

Epic Fantasy

Unique non-human POV, excellent characterization, wonderful world-building, and action with personal stakes.

My Review











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Heartscale

A Thunder of Dragons (Book 1)

Two characters discover and form bonds with Dragons in very different kingdoms

Well-written characters and good plot progression.

My Review











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The Wrack

Epidemiological Fantasy

Epic Scale view of spread of the disease

Beautiful Close Character Moments

Subtly written social commentary

My Review









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Blackwood Marauders

Epic Fantasy/ Sword & Sorcery

Rich world-building an a fast-paced plot

The first few chapters contain an excellent exploration of a young strudent grappling with discrimination.

My Review









Steampunk



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Currently

Steampunk Fantasy

Excellent World-Building from the small scale of one city to the large scale of an entire world.

Great Magic System.

My Review












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Askaro of the Falcon

Steampunk Fantasy

Great World-Building on the steam-powered airship and the cities it docks in.

Fast-paced and difficult to put down.

My Review











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Shimmerdark

Steampunk

Reminiscent of Miyazaki's Castle in the Sky

Adventure-filled journey with great uses of magic.
I loved the social change aspect.

My Review











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Gunpowder Alchemy

The Gunpowder Chronicles Book 1

Steampunk/Gunpowder Fantasy

Set in 1800s China

an immersive, well-told tale with amazing characterization at the heart of it that drives the story.

My Review









Science-Fiction



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Grounded: A Dragon's Tale

Science Fantasy

A planet of dragons, real ecology!, sapceships, interplanetary politics, and adventure!

Excellent characterization and world-building

My Review










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Godeena

Military Science Fiction

Criminals recruited for mission on creepy planet for a last chance at freedom

Great world-building and characterization, loved the exploration of the creepy power on the planet (& I still remember it years after reading!)

My Review









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The Buried Few

Near-Future Dystopian Science Fiction

Very though-provoking exploration of family and what it means

Very interesting 3D development of diverse cast of characters

My Review












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Black Seeds

First Contact Sci-fi novelette

Humans attempt to invade a planet with some interesting life forms

Thought-provoking look at how humans interact with their environment, the nature of conflict, and some extremely creative alien species!

My Review









Historical Fantasy



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Burning Bright

by Melissa McShane

It's like a period drama by Austen mixed with a naval adventure story (ala Horatio Hornblower) mixed with magical powers/superpowers. Very interesting combination and a well-written story.

So many strong, thought-provoking stories that explore the theme of Heroes and so many very fun stories of various sub-genres!

My Review






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The Lord of Stariel

Stariel Book 1

Cozy fantasy with a period drama feel

Slow pace/slice of life

Steampunkish magic

My Review









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Miss Percy's Pocket Guide to the Care & Feeding of British Dragons

A Miss Percy Guide Book 1

Period Drama with Dragons

Cozy fantasy book

Middle-aged female protagonist

My Review









Progression Fantasy & LitRPG



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The Brightest Shadow

The Brightest Shadow Book 1

Epic/Progression Fantasy

Excellent world-building

A great intro to the progression genre

My Review









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Cinnamon Bun

Cinnamon Bun Volume 1

LitRPG

Cozy & fun adventure

Reminiscent of games like Rayman or Ori with a dash of survival

My Review









Anthologies & Collections



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Heroes Wanted

A Fantasy Anthology

Excellent way to sample the writing of many of the exciting new voices in the genre



My Review






Have you found hidden gems that you love and want to share? I'd love hear about them! That's why I made a goodreads discussion group called Fantasy and Sci-Fi Hidden Gems and I'd love for you to join the discussion.