February 2026
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    Hey everyone,

    I’m looking for some hidden gem fantasy books that lean into a specific mood: Gothic, fated, and folklore-inspired.

    1. Focused on Romance: A strong romantic plot or subplot is a must.
    2. 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.
    3. 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

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