Hey everyone,
I’m looking for some hidden gem fantasy books that lean into a specific mood: Gothic, fated, and folklore-inspired.
- Focused on Romance: A strong romantic plot or subplot is a must.
- Atmospheric: I love the "Eldritch", "Songs of Sorrows", The Broken Kingdoms Series aesthetic (foggy forests, ancient mysteries, destiny), but I don't need it to be bleak or hyper-violent like Game of Thrones.
- Mature but not "YA-Simple": I’m looking for something a bit more grounded than Shadow and Bone, but still within that YA-to-Adult (New Adult) sweet spot.
What I’m looking for specifically:
- Independent or Self-Published authors: I want to find books that have a solid following but haven't gone "mega-viral" on TikTok yet.
- The Vibe: High stakes, beautiful prose, and that "destined" feeling.
- The Content: Magis, quests, ancient curses, or gothic castles—just keep the graphic violence/grimdark elements on the lower side.
References I enjoy:
- The Witcher (The world-building/folklore)
- The Broken Kingdoms Series
- Songs of Sorrows
- Eldritch by Keri Lake
Please skip the massive "Big 5" hits (ACOTAR, Fourth Wing, etc.). I’m looking for the authors who are building their own dedicated communities! THANKS!
by New_Student8618