Unearth 11 Astonishing Low Fantasy Books for High Fantasy Fans
Book RaiderWhen you're neck-deep in elves, dragons, and parallel universes, it's easy to forget there's a whole different side to the fantasy genre that's just waiting for you to dive into. Welcome to the realm of low fantasy, where the magic is subtle, the world is our own, and unbelievable adventures lurk around the corner of the very.
Picture this: You're cozied up in your favorite reading spot but instead of embarking on yet another perilous quest to save a magical kingdom, you're tripping over a hidden troll beneath the city street or having a casual chit-chat with a time-trelling werewolf in plain suburbia. Low fantasy captures the magic of the everyday and the extraordinary dwelling in the mundane, perfect for high fantasy loyalists longing a change of scenery (but not too much change, of course!).
The Grim Company
by Luke Scull
Why The Grim Company is on this list: Stuck in the eternal tug-of-war between high and low fantasy? The Grim Company could be your peace treaty. It blends elements of the two, giving you a taste of low fantasy that doesn't leave your high fantasy tastebuds hanging.
This isn't just another 'heroes save the world' story. Set in a world where the Gods are dead, killed by a group of all-powerful magicians, it tells the tale of an unsavoury group of 'heroes' (if you could even call them that). Filled with grit, moral ambiguity and a good dose of humour, it's a roller coaster ride through a vividly dark landscape.
What readers like: You may like this book if you're a fan of robust world-building, complex characters who are more grey than black-and-white, and a plot that's like a plate of spaghetti - twisty, turny and super saucy. The author's self-deprecating humour breaks the tension just when you need it, and the narration is as smooth as your favourite pint of beer.
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Low Town
by Daniel Polansky
Why Low Town is on this list: Low Town is perfect for high fantasy fans who are looking to dip their toes into the grittier of low fantasy. It's got the same type of rich world-building you'd expect from high fantasy, but instead of knights and queens, you're dealing with the underbelly of society.
Set in a sprawling city full of crime and corruption, Low Town tells the story of the Warden a former hero, now drug-dealer and part-time detective. There's a child killer on the loose, and it could be any of the strange creatures that live in Low Town - it's like Game of Thrones meets Sherlock Holmes, but with a way more unsavoury main character. As much as the location is grimy and rough, the story is rich and compelling.
What readers like: Readers rave about the unique mash-up of fantasy and noir genres, and the twisted yet sympathetic lead character. They love that, despite the dark setting and plot, Low Town has layers of humour, and its mystery aspect keeps them guessing till the end.
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The Blade Itself
by Joe Abercrombie
Why The Blade Itself is on this list: While we're venturing the territory of so-called 'low fantasy', the richness of the world Joe Abercrombie builds in this book is anything but low. It's ideal for high fantasy fans who fancy a little less fire-breathing dragon, and a bit more grit and grime.'s also a touchdown if you've got a soft spot for complex characters.
The Blade Itself is the first in the First Law Trilogy, chock-full of complicated characters, political intrigue, and plenty of morally dubious decisions. Set in a rough-and-tumble world, where magic exists but isn't always the solution to your problems, this book will drag you into its depths with its snappy dialogue and startlingly realistic characters. So hold onto your hats, because it's a wild ride.
What readers like: Readers often appreciate Abercrombie's dark, wry humor and the way he subverts classic fantasy tropes. If you fancy some flawed yet fascinating characters, and a plot that keeps you constantly on your toes, then this book might just tickle your fancy. Also, it’s kinda cool how the title of the book doesn’t give anything away, which just adds to the surprise element.
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Promise of Blood
by Brian McClellan
Why Promise of Blood is on this list: Promise of Blood is a gritty and grounded low fantasy that brings high magic into the realm of the realistic. It's perfect for those high fantasy lovers who prefer less dragons but hardly any less mayhem.
Welcome to the Powder Mage Trilogy, where 'Promise of Blood' is first in line. The royal family gets ousted in a bloody coup. Yet, when the dust clears, it seems the real calamity is only looming at the horizon – a mythic war god is coming and it's up to the humble, mad and powerful men alike to prevent the annihilation. Set on a backdrop of gunpowder and godly magic, this is a story that's as explosive as a newly primed musket.
What readers like: Readers love the ungodly fusion of sorcery and Napoleonic warfare. The nuanced characters - flawed yet gripping – and the plot that twists more times than a corkscrew are the real magnets. Also, the strategic masterminds navigating politics and warfare offer a game of chess-like thrill. And yes, there's no shortage of epic battles here either!
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The Novice
by Taran Matharu
Why The Novice is on this list: If you're a high fantasy fan looking to dip your toes into the fantasy realm, The Novice is the perfect diving board for you. It merges elements familiar to devout high fantasy readers with a grittier, more grounded world.
This tome tells the tale of Fletcher, a blacksmith's apprentice who gets thrust into a world of magic and monsters. He discovers he can summon demons from another world, an ability that ends up earning him a place at the Vocans Academy, an intense school where gifted students learn the art of summoning. But this isn't your everyday magical school (no Harry Potter-esque rose-tinted glasses here), it's filled with devious classmates, monstrous tests, and plenty of political intrigue. All Fletcher wants to do is survive, but a dark, ancient force has other plans for him.
What readers like: Readers of this novel have a thing for Matharu's incredible world-building, robust characterization, and how he seamlessly tosses elements of high fantasy into a low fantasy setting. They also seem to really appreciate the wry humor and how it helps to lighten up an otherwise intense tale.
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Prince of Thorns
by Mark Lawrence
Why Prince of Thorns is on this list: If you are high on high fantasy, this low fantasy narrative might be the one to seal your love for fantasy stories. Lacking typical magical elements but compensating it with brutal realism and raw emotions, this book will give you a whole perspective on the genre.
Young Jorg Ancrath made a daring escape from his royal lifestyle to join a band of thugs. This low fantasy book explores his journey as he seeks revenge for the brutal murder of his mother and brother, giving us glimpses of his dark, gritty, and ruthless world. No elves, no dwarves, just strong human characters in a world where the biggest monsters are human itself - raw and real.
What readers like: Readers often get drawn to the ruthless yet oddly charming character of Jorg. The world Lawrence paints is realistic, eerily relatable and the psychological depth of characters leaves readers contemplating long after they turn the last page. It's like a slap on the face with a grim reality check, but from a rose hand–it stings yet strangely allures.
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Six of Crows
by Leigh Bardugo
Why Six of Crows is on this list: So you're a high fantasy fan enjoying magical realms and otherworldly adventures. Thinking about dipping your toes into the more grounded landscape of low fantasy? 'Six of Crows' is the perfect gateway. With its emphasis on human imagination, cleverly plotted heists, and the grim reality of a fictional but believable world, it’s a delightful shock to your epic fantasy sensibilities.
'Six of Crows' is set in a world inspired by Dutch Republic-era Amsterdam, filled with mobsters, magic, and mayhem. At its core is a ragtag group of misfits, each with their own intricate backstory, teaming up for the heist of a lifetime. It’s a thrilling dance between trust and treachery, friendship and fear. This is a world where magic exists, but plays understudy to the human drama and heart.
What readers like: Readers adore 'Six of Crows' for its complex, gray characters who are as loveable as they are morally ambiguous. The book is praised for its tight, nail-biting plot and the rich details of its setting: the city of Ketterdam. Readers often get drawn into the intriguing relationships among characters and the plot twists that make the heist exhilarating. Plus, Bardugo's elegant, immersive writing leaves you feeling like you're walking the cold, dangerous streets of Ketterdam right along with the crew.
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City of Brass
by S.A. Chakraborty
Why City of Brass is on this list: This extraordinary book is an ideal read for fantasy lovers tipping their toes into the low fantasy genre. You get the dazzling world-building and vivid imagination that you love in high fantasy, except this time it's mirrored in our own more familiar world.
In this stunning debut, Chakraborty weaves an intricate tale of magic and intrigue. The story takes you into the heart of a Middle Eastern landscape full of jinn, marids, and countless lost treasures. It follows Nahri, a con woman in 18th century Cairo, who accidentally summons a dark and wily djinn warrior. What follows is a rollicking adventure as Nahri discovers her own powerful magical heritage, and gets sucked into the dangerous politics of the magical city of Daevabad.
What readers like: Readers are drawn to this book for its unique blend of fantasy and historical fiction, which is a refreshing spin for anyone tired of the usual run-of-the-mill tropes. Many have praised the intricate world-building, the gripping plot and the rich character development. If you enjoy books where the sense of place becomes a character in its own right, then 'City of Brass' should be right up your alley.
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City of Stairs
by Robert Jackson Bennett
Why City of Stairs is on this list: Although City of Stairs leans more towards low fantasy, with its subtle elements of magic and supernatural, it is bathed in politics and intrigue, making it a captivating read for high fantasy fans.
Imagine a city where gods once walked the streets. Now they're dead, and all that left are stairs - staircases that lead nowhere, stairs that rise and fall and twist and turn in bewildering patterns. That’s the city of Bulikov, a city of lost divinities and fallen histories. Into this city walks Shara Thivani, a highly trained spy with a dark past, tasked to solve a murder - which as you might guess, isn’t as straightforward as it seems.
What readers like: Readers adore the fully-realized, immersive world building, the intertwined and layered histories, and Bennett's ability to skillfully blend traditional elements of fantasy fiction with innovative concepts. The book garners praise for its characters as well, as they are multifaceted and relatable, with their own flaws and strengths.
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Children of Time
by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Why Children of Time is on this list: Although 'Children of Time' is essentially a low fantasy book, it has enough world-building and political intrigue to enthrall any high fantasy fan. This strong crossover between the two genres makes it a must-read for high fantasy fans looking to dip their toes into the fantasy pool.
'Children of Time' is a science fiction novel that revolves around sentient spiders. Yup, you heard me, intelligent, space-dwelling spiders. It explores deep themes of evolution, sentience, and survival, where Tchaikovsky casts a lingering question about what it means to be human. Don't worry though, it isn't a horror book. Think more along the lines of 'Planet of the Apes'...but with spiders.
What readers like: Fans laud this novel for its creative premise, strong character development, and unique take on sentient life. They are particularly fascinated by the intelligent arachnids, which are not just an imaginative gimmick but have distinct culture, social structure, and character evolution that make you empathize with them. If you crave a change from the typical knights and dragons of high fantasy, walk into this spider's web of a narrative.
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Blood Song
by Anthony Ryan
Why Blood Song is on this list: If you're tired of dragons and enchanted forests but still crave a fantastic journey, this book is your ticket. Blood Song brings low fantasy grit and depth to a level that will satisfy even the most hardcore high fantasy enthusiasts.
Vaelin Al Sorna, the protagonist, is a young boy when we first meet him. We follow him on his journey into adulthood, where he faces harsh trials, painful losses and battles like you wouldn’t believe. This isn't some fairytale land; this is a world with grim reality, political intrigues and conflicts. Yet, underneath it all, the mystical essence that all fantasy lovers crave lingers just beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered.
What readers like: Readers appreciate the well-built characters that they can root for, the coherent world-building that feels real beyond the pages, and the gripping narrative which keeps you saying 'just one more chapter' till you're reading under the bed covers with a flashlight.
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