Relevant videos and amazon affiliate purchase links: Mask of Mirrors: amzn.to/3uQWgEp -Mask of Mirrors mini review: ua-cam.com/video/5RI-qJWaXXk/v-deo.html The Bone Shard Daughter: amzn.to/3bwgR9f -The Bone Shard Daughter review: ua-cam.com/video/Hpw-MEXIXwQ/v-deo.html Dark of the West: ua-cam.com/video/Cs2t154siUQ/v-deo.html -Dark of the West review: amzn.to/2QmYbBz Ninth Rain: www.amazon.com/gp/product/1472235185/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1472235185&linkCode=as2&tag=elliotbrooks-20&linkId=d33a917dd30227f467aad19a4a68daa1 -Ninth Rain review: ua-cam.com/video/AvRHlYrMOk4/v-deo.html Senlin Ascends: amzn.to/3yf3296 -Senlin Ascends review: ua-cam.com/video/zbp_2QemW7k/v-deo.html Black Sun: amzn.to/2Rp3kcP -Black Sun chat: ua-cam.com/video/POAPHV54Mlk/v-deo.html Strange the Dreamer: amzn.to/3hqJrg4 -Strange the Dreamer review: ua-cam.com/video/QTAW0NuOAlQ/v-deo.html -Muse of Nightmares review: ua-cam.com/video/R25ZtY1GgB4/v-deo.html Schwab: amzn.to/3flbDhH Sanderson: amzn.to/3uRDzjQ -Sanderson playlist: ua-cam.com/play/PL-WCMA9LkyewXJ6w64z19u5sBkocaiTAQ.html
The bear and the nightingale was very magical and unique indeed! I love Russian based fantasy books (I’m currently reading shadow and bone trilogy for that matter) do u know of other fantasy Russian books ?
@@proseandcons7730 well Spinning silver is also happening in Russia...but all in all i recommend reading original Russian folk tales, if there are any good translations.
I loved Strange The Dreamer because all those Persian/Turkish folklore representations. As a Persian/Turkish person myself i rarely see my culture being represented in modern fantasy.
Definitely not underhyped, but I think The Dark Tower series is the most unique fantasy series I’ve ever read. Stephen King (for better or worse) just pushes the limit of what fantasy can be.
The Raven Tower by Ann Leckie, a fantasy standalone with an unique plot (though I would say it is one of these books that is perfect for entering without plot knowledge) and outstanding writing. The narration changes from 1st to 2nd person, the narrator either telling their own story or what they saw another character do. And it is told in a kind of "sitting around the bonfire" style and I think it works really well.
Just read the Strange the Dreamer duology this year thanks to this channel and I absolutely LOVED it! The story is so unique, the characters are amazing, and the themes are beautiful. I would highly recommend it to anyone who hasn’t read it.
I found V.E. Schwab's Vicious and Vengeful books to be unique. I typically do not like modern day fantasy settings. Yet I thought this had a great premise and wonderfully written.
The thousand deaths of ardor Ben had the most unique use of dragons I’ve ever read, they provide the magic for the world in a way no one could guess. It’s a chunky trilogy, but I really liked the characters and how choices they made and people they manipulated in book 1 impacts them directly in book 3. They are a commitment, but I really enjoyed them. Plus, they are ruse artists (not quite heist books but close) and their manipulation is incredible
This is a stretch and it's an older book, so it's probably been read by a few. The Hundred Secret Senses by Amy Tan has a supernatural fantastic story feel. Mainly it revolves around two sisters Olivia and Kwan. They have grown up in very different ways but are put together by the death of their father. Kwan believes thier family is touched by the Yin World or the World of spirits. The story beomes a rich tapestry of folklore and historical stories told by Kwan to help show Olivia that she may think she is different, but is really part of the Yin world as well. It is beautiful story about finding one's identity and that love can bind us together even over the wide expanse of time.
I read that book last May for the Asian readathon. It was probably one of the strangest books I read last year and that's not a bad thing. The ending too!
I Found the Deavabad Trilogy unique. It's the first time I read a fantasy inspired by north-african and middle-eastern folklore (besides Egyptian mythology). The author did an amazing job with the world-building.
I love how often Senlin gets mentioned on your channel now. ☺️ One of my favourite unique books (besides the Books of Babel) is Gideon the Ninth. I also think Erin Morgenstern is quite a unique writer, among others. Phoenix Extravagant, John Dies at the End, The House in the Cerulean Sea, and Piranesi, for some examples. I am a big fan of unique books. A very underhyped YA stand-alone that turns a lot of fairytale tropes on their heads while being its own unique, dark fairytale is Stain by AG Howard.
Just had to echo Piranesi. Amazing book which wears its influences on its sleeve but is still wholly original. I read it twice back-to-back. What a moving story!
The Mask of Mirrors (M.A. Carrick) (0:39) The Bone Shard Daughter (Andrea Stewart) (2:26) Dark of the West (Joanna Hathaway) (4:27) The Ninth Rain (Jen Williams) (6:09) Senlin Ascends (Josiah Bancroft) (8:47) Black Sun (Rebecca Roanhorse) (9:37) Strange the Dreamer (Laini Taylor) (10:37) V.E. Schwab, Brandon Sanderson (12:42)
The Winternight trilogy was so beautiful and unique to me because of the Russian folklore elements. Black Sun was probably the most unique fantasy I've read. Patricia McKillip has such beautiful stand alone fantasies. I think the most unique of her books are Alphabet of Thorns, Song for the Basilisk, and The Bell at Sealy Head.
I have read 2 books in the Winternight Trilogy so far and I highly recommend these. Arden's writing is amazing. I love the folklore and whimsical characters. That action sequence at the end of The Girl in the Tower had me on the edge of my seat. Cant wait to read the next one.
I would've suggested The Bone Shard Daughter, but I knew it would be here. ☺️ Gideon the Ninth is definitely one of the most unusual settings I've come across: necromancers in space!
Vita Nostra by Sergey and Marina Dyachenko is utterly unique, fascinating, and slightly disturbing. I loved it and will recommend it to anyone. The Mirror Visitor Quartet by Christelle Dabos has a very unique and interesting world, as well as being one of the few YA books I've read to avoid or subvert (so far at least) many of the tropes that I don't like in those types of books. The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins is also pretty interesting, quite a fun read (Caroline is a great protagonist), and definitely unique. Due to its short length, though, I felt some aspects of the world and story could have been explored with more depth. Those are the three that come to mind out of the books I've read recently.
The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons is super unique in terms of narrative structure (both nonlinear timeline and footnotes written by other characters in the story) and in terms of unique cultures that challenge our societal gender and sexuality norms in really cool ways (this happens more in book 2 and onward). I'm pretty sure you didn't love it, but I wanted to recommend it in case others are interested.
I'm reading The Bone Shard Daughter right now and enjoying it. I did not notice the shift between the first-person narrative and the third-person narrative until it was mentioned in this video, lol.
@@bmoneybby it's not set in ancient Egypt. the story starts out in 19th century Cairo around the time of the French invasion. The series draws inspiration from middle eastern, north african, persian and central asian cultures. political themes are kind of relevant to 19th-20th century imperialism and ethnic mutinies specific to that geography rather than the political and religious landscape of BC helenistic ancient egypt times. even though its not ancient egypt like you were looking for, I highly recommend you read these books. they are very entertaining and layered
Every time I watch this channel I have to go away and talk myself out of cutting my hair. Mine would NOT sit that amazingly, but omg how I want it to! 🔥
Eborans are "basically elven, but toolbags". 😂 I mean you're not wrong, though ironically, that does make them closer to traditional folklore about fey-like beings, which were known to be tricksters and potentially quite dangerous to unwary humans. The Winnowing Flame is, in any case, a good pick for unique fantasy, and honestly, the further you get into the trilogy, the more I think it becomes legitimate to outright classify it as science-fantasy. My picks: - Unquenchable Fire by Rachel Pollack: it is very weird and original, but will definitely NOT be for everyone. - Kraken by China Miéville: straight-up weird urban fantasy that I adored. Bonus pick: City of Saints and Madmen/Shriek: An Afterword by Jeff VanderMeer. Both are weird fiction, and I guess weird fantasy technically speaking, though ultimately it's relatively light on the fantasy front.
I really like the Emperor’s Soul by Brandon Sanderson. I never hear anyone talk about it, but it’s one of my go to reads for a book hangover or reading slump cure. It’s a quick little standalone novel with an enemies to friends kind of relationship in it. I also love the artistic vibe and colorful atmosphere it creates. And like every Sanderson book, it has a great creative magic system.
If you are ever interested in historical fantasy/science fiction then I highly recommend The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal, Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal, and The Conductors by Nicole Glover
Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch is such an underrated YA fantasy! Theres 8 different kingdoms, 4 of them are based on the seasons and it is so cool. The magic, the plot, the characters, the world building!
I’m on book 2 of The Lightbringer series by Brent Weeks. I am a bit new to fantasy I haven’t read a ton but of the fantasy I have read, this one is so unique. The magic system is very complex and interesting and I love it!
Featuring almost the same set of books to discuss different facets of a great fantasy book speaks about how multi-layered and deep these books are. 🤘 Great video. Nice shiny hair, Elle. 🥰🤓😍
The Memoirs of Lady Trent by Marie Brennan is quite unique! It takes place on another world, that has dragons, during our the equivalent of the Victorian era. The main character dedicates her life to studying dragons and the books are about that. No chosen one or fighting some big evil.
First of all. You’re my favorite booktuber. Second of all I just watched this video and immediately ordered the ninth rain. I’ve never heard of it but it sounds so good
I just found your channel last night and I literally LOVE it so much! Where have you and your fantasy book recommendations been all my life?! Thank you!!!!
The Forever Sea by Joshua Phillip Johnson! The main character is a sailor on a ship that sails on prairie grasses instead of water. There’s amazing setting/atmosphere, magic, pirates, and f/f romance.
The Winter’s Promise is probably my favourite. I don’t know how ‘unique’ it is but it’s very whimsical and the main character is very unique and I love her. The romance is subplot but is sweet.
I just started Clockwork Angel and I am loving it!!! Thank you for the recomendation on another video. Sorry I am not sure how to go to specific videos. I am new to youtube.
I’m not very well-read in fantasy, but there are a handful that I’ve come across that seem outside of the norm or standard of the genre. The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden: this book shows that fantasy can be a dark fairy tale while still being rooted in reality with thematic explorations through in depth character studies. Senlin Ascends by Josiah Bancroft: thank goodness this book and series is getting more traction and more of an audience (as it should!). The whimsical style paired with the, at times, graphic depictions of life in the Tower are incredible. The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin: the story, the characters, the world building, the narrative structure…everything about this book is perfect and just so distinctly Jemisin. Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse: while I didn’t personally enjoy it, the premise was absolutely intriguing and I can appreciate its appeal. The Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett: though I think the Discworld series is pretty well known, I think there is not enough absurdist-type fantasy.
Girl that color looks so good on you!! It makes like everything pop and blend and just looking great!! Also the lighting is freaking amazing well done!!👏👏👏
I also enjoyed the fact that the chosen one in Black Sun wasn't a reluctant "hero." I'm not a big fan of the overly reluctant hero trope, so it was really refreshing for me.
One that I immediately thought of and I hardly see talked about on booktube is Piranesi by Susanna Clarke. It's a super quick read (250 pages) but the plot is extremely engaging and the world is vivid and immersive. I don't really want to say too much about the plot because I went in pretty much blind and it was the best decision I could have made. It was one of my favorite reads of last year and one of the most unique books I've read, let alone fantasies. It had me guessing until the very end and I wasn't once disappointed with where the story went. Check it out if you haven't already!! I'll definitely be checking out a couple of the books you mentioned here (namely Mask of Mirrors and Senlin Ascends) Thanks for the great recs as always!!
The Mask of Mirrors sounds really cool :). The most refreshing book I've read this year was Shadow of a Dead God, which is basically a high fantasy detective novel following a mage for hire who is framed for a murder and ends up investigating said murder. There are a few similarities to the early Dresden Files books, but the world and magic system are pretty interesting (the magic is closely connected to the fact that there are all kinds of living and dead gods in this world).
Thanks for these recommendations! I completely agree with the Ninth Rain (didn't even have to see the video to know that it would (rightfully) make the list!) I haven't read too many unique books yet but I think City of Lies might fit the bill because we have a main character with some mental health issues who is a proofer (tries food of the ruler to see if there is poison in it). The magic system is quite unique as well! I'm glad that I recently bought a lot of books, including the Mask of Mirrors, the Bone Shard Daughter, and Black Sun! Can't wait to get into those. 😄
This Divine Cities Trilogy by Robert Jackson Bennett (also the new Founders Trilogy) Books of Babel by Josiah Bancroft The Nevernight Chronicle by Jay Kristoff Under the Northern Sky Series by Leo Carew The Poppy War and Dragon Republic by R.F Kuang Anything by Robin Hobb
Currently reading The House in the Cerulean Sea and would definitely describe it as unique :) I would say it is good for getting out of a reading slump! All the feel good, wholesome vibes
The unique one that I LOVE that needs more love is The Bone Maker by Sarah Beth Durst! I just love it! The magic reminds me somewhat of Bone Shard Daughter ( which I also really enjoyed) but still pretty different in the way it is done. Totally agree with Mask of Mirrors as well, it is a fantastic story and the magic is so cool! Black Sun was also really great and super unique, I can't wait for book 2!
The Chorus of Dragons series is told in such an interesting way and it differs from book to book. Just finished reading the fourth one - The House of Always - and i loved how it was written. It takes some time to understand the world, but it is worth it! I know you didnt like Ruin of Kings, but i am still writing this comment cause i think if people want to read something totally unique, then it is worth a shot 😁 Another unique series is the Braided Path by Chris Wooding. It is a far eastern inspired fantasy with spirits, politics, humans, living in fear magic users and the villains are sect of magician monks hunting magic users and killing them.
Would love to know your thoughts on The Jasmine Throne. The author, Tasha Suri, is a person of colour. She was deeply inspired by Hindu Mythology and the lack of South Asian representation in fantasy novels. It is a slow burn but the setting and characterisation are pretty unique. It's also a sapphic read (:
I actually ended up dnf’ing that one, but not because I thought it was bad by any means, but because I felt like I was always one step behind the book (with the magic and character backstories given to us in pieces, I always just felt like I couldn’t fully connect). I do want to pick up their other work though! The world created in Jasmine Throne was super interesting, so I’m excited to get around to something else of theirs 💗
The Rook is one I haven’t seen any talk about. It is urban fantasy but it’s fantastic. Secret order with lots of different and crazy powers. Main protagonist wakes up with no memory around dead bodies and a letter written to her by herself.
I’ve never read a book quite like Skyskape by David Mruz. It’s a fantasy story that has magic and monsters but replaces the renaissance setting with an almost WW2 aesthetic and follows a shepherd disguised as a noble who goes to an academy to become a fighter pilot in hopes of finding the truth of what happened to his druidic brother. It’s like Top Gun meets Fullmetal Alchemist or Attack on Titan.
I definitely plan to pick up Mask of Mirrors again. I didn’t hate it but I think I wasn’t in the mood to read something so slow. The world is definitely fascinating
I'd strongly recommend The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep by H G Parry. The narrator's brother has such a vivid imagination that he keeps on bringing the characters he reads about to life and their surroundings come with them and move into a hidden street in Wellington New Zealand. This soon leads to a considerable degree of anarchy and the story has lots of action based around a whole group of well known literary characters such as Uriah Heep, David Copperfield, Sherlock Holmes, Dorian Gray. etc. It's different and it's fun.
The Mask Mirror sounds really good! And I didn't know that the POV of The Bone Shard Daughter change like that, it's definitely on my June haul now 🧡 After reading The Fifth Season I'm all here for different kind of POV. Great video and Luna!! So cute:)
Unique is my most looked-for quality in a book! I would highly recommend Alif the Unseen and The Bird King by G. Willow Wilson for unique fantasy, as well as a Conspiracy of Truths by Alexandra Roland, Sabriel by Garth Nix, and The Traitor Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson. For fantastical realism I would recommend The Golem and the Jinni and The Icarus Girl. :)
I would have to say Elatsoe, The Unbroken, and The Kingdom of Back are 3 unique fantasy stories. Elatsoe is a YA urban fantasy that has myths and creatures from different cultures, but at its core is a mystery. The Unbroken is military occupation desert fantasy with LGBTQ+ rep. It has 2 POVs and is fast paced. The Kingdom of Back, I dont think I need to tell anyone cuz Elle has talked a lot about it a lot and is the reason I read it haha
Gideon the Ninth and Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir. May have already been reviewed, and is also somewhat science fiction, but it's also about necromancy so it's still very fantasy. And it's funny and beautiful and grim and unexpected. I'm also reading the second book of the Scarlet Odessey series by C.T. Rwizi, which isn't super duper original, but is still very cool and refreshingly set in the Africa analogue of its fantasy world. Very much enjoying it. And finally, from a while ago now, Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, because I've never read a book that explores the Faerie mythology in such a unique manner. I think I've read it five times, and gifted it to at least twenty people...
Every time you talk about Ninth Rain you make me want to read it a little bit more hahahaha. I can't buy books at the moment, but it will probably be one of the firsts I'll buy when I can . Also, Mask of Mirrors sounds very interesting. When Wishes Bleed is a fantasy romance, but the magic was really unique I think and it can be read as a standalone
The cradle series by will wight is my favorite series and the only one I’ve read more than once. The series is not finished yet but there are 9 books currently but they are all great.
Great recs! You've got me convinced on buying Ninth Rain now. Also, the concept of Senlin Ascends sounds very similar to the anime Tower of God if you're interested!
Iirc you’ve tried this before but not read the whole series but another very popular but *very* unique fantasy is the Broken Earth trilogy. It’s got Sanderson-level unique worldbuilding (in fact many aspects of it are very similar to Roshar but it has a different take of some of the same core ideas) and a very unique style of narration (using a combination of first, second, and third person narration across the course of the books).
Senlin Ascends sounds like a fun spin on The Divine Comedy, with Dante descending through hell (or ascending purgatory etc.) anyway, I love it. Thanks for the recommendations!
I’m reading Black Sun since so many people are enthusiastic about it but I’m halfway in and apart from the Serapio chapters, I’m constantly thinking what am I even reading? Hopefully it’ll pick up.
Eve Forward's Villians by Necessity is a stand-alone that explores what happens once the good guys have won. It has some familiar fantasy tropes but viewpoints are not the usual.
My unique fantasy book list: Perdido Street Station by China Miéville American Gods by Neil Gaiman Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke Piranesi (also by Clarke)
Relevant videos and amazon affiliate purchase links:
Mask of Mirrors: amzn.to/3uQWgEp
-Mask of Mirrors mini review: ua-cam.com/video/5RI-qJWaXXk/v-deo.html
The Bone Shard Daughter: amzn.to/3bwgR9f
-The Bone Shard Daughter review: ua-cam.com/video/Hpw-MEXIXwQ/v-deo.html
Dark of the West: ua-cam.com/video/Cs2t154siUQ/v-deo.html
-Dark of the West review: amzn.to/2QmYbBz
Ninth Rain: www.amazon.com/gp/product/1472235185/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1472235185&linkCode=as2&tag=elliotbrooks-20&linkId=d33a917dd30227f467aad19a4a68daa1
-Ninth Rain review: ua-cam.com/video/AvRHlYrMOk4/v-deo.html
Senlin Ascends: amzn.to/3yf3296
-Senlin Ascends review: ua-cam.com/video/zbp_2QemW7k/v-deo.html
Black Sun: amzn.to/2Rp3kcP
-Black Sun chat: ua-cam.com/video/POAPHV54Mlk/v-deo.html
Strange the Dreamer: amzn.to/3hqJrg4
-Strange the Dreamer review: ua-cam.com/video/QTAW0NuOAlQ/v-deo.html
-Muse of Nightmares review: ua-cam.com/video/R25ZtY1GgB4/v-deo.html
Schwab: amzn.to/3flbDhH
Sanderson: amzn.to/3uRDzjQ
-Sanderson playlist: ua-cam.com/play/PL-WCMA9LkyewXJ6w64z19u5sBkocaiTAQ.html
Is it me? Or the lighting in this video was just outstanding?
I think she’s further away from the bookcase making her more of a prime focus.
It really was
@@AverageJoesLibrary oh, makes sense
Spinning Silver ,Winternight Trilogy and Strange The Dreamer are so unique and special for me.
The bear and the nightingale was very magical and unique indeed! I love Russian based fantasy books (I’m currently reading shadow and bone trilogy for that matter) do u know of other fantasy Russian books ?
@@proseandcons7730 well Spinning silver is also happening in Russia...but all in all i recommend reading original Russian folk tales, if there are any good translations.
I loved Strange The Dreamer because all those Persian/Turkish folklore representations. As a Persian/Turkish person myself i rarely see my culture being represented in modern fantasy.
The Winternight Trilogy is my next read, how exciting!
@@chiroptophilia i'm just saying it might be difficult at the beginning but trust me it just gets better.
Definitely not underhyped, but I think The Dark Tower series is the most unique fantasy series I’ve ever read. Stephen King (for better or worse) just pushes the limit of what fantasy can be.
The Raven Tower by Ann Leckie, a fantasy standalone with an unique plot (though I would say it is one of these books that is perfect for entering without plot knowledge) and outstanding writing. The narration changes from 1st to 2nd person, the narrator either telling their own story or what they saw another character do. And it is told in a kind of "sitting around the bonfire" style and I think it works really well.
I thought that book was also very unique! It wasn't an all time favorite for me, but it was pretty good!
The Books of Babel are unbelievably fantastic! I'm amazed that they aren't more popular
Don't fight it, Elle. The Ninth Rain need to be mention as often as possible!
Just read the Strange the Dreamer duology this year thanks to this channel and I absolutely LOVED it! The story is so unique, the characters are amazing, and the themes are beautiful. I would highly recommend it to anyone who hasn’t read it.
Strange the Dreamer is one of those stories I just can't stop thinking about!
The Dresden Files is my special. Reading this series is always pleaser.
Any series by Jim Butcher, Alexa Files and Cinderspires (only 1 so far.)
I found V.E. Schwab's Vicious and Vengeful books to be unique. I typically do not like modern day fantasy settings. Yet I thought this had a great premise and wonderfully written.
She has some of the most fascinating ideas
YES
I quite like her writing. While not my absolute favorite I don’t think I’ve ever regretted picking up one of her books
Which do you personally think is better vicious or a darker shade of magic??
@@ZoyaKhan-js7py
To me it's Vicious. I did not like how A Darker Shade of Magic was executed.
The thousand deaths of ardor Ben had the most unique use of dragons I’ve ever read, they provide the magic for the world in a way no one could guess. It’s a chunky trilogy, but I really liked the characters and how choices they made and people they manipulated in book 1 impacts them directly in book 3. They are a commitment, but I really enjoyed them. Plus, they are ruse artists (not quite heist books but close) and their manipulation is incredible
Definitely THE BOOKS OF BABEL by Josiah Bancroft. Also, if you're looking for a unique classic, try LUD-IN-THE-MIST by Hope Mirrlees.
This is a stretch and it's an older book, so it's probably been read by a few. The Hundred Secret Senses by Amy Tan has a supernatural fantastic story feel. Mainly it revolves around two sisters Olivia and Kwan. They have grown up in very different ways but are put together by the death of their father. Kwan believes thier family is touched by the Yin World or the World of spirits. The story beomes a rich tapestry of folklore and historical stories told by Kwan to help show Olivia that she may think she is different, but is really part of the Yin world as well. It is beautiful story about finding one's identity and that love can bind us together even over the wide expanse of time.
I read that book last May for the Asian readathon. It was probably one of the strangest books I read last year and that's not a bad thing. The ending too!
I Found the Deavabad Trilogy unique. It's the first time I read a fantasy inspired by north-african and middle-eastern folklore (besides Egyptian mythology). The author did an amazing job with the world-building.
Ah yes, Elliot once again convincing me to place 2 or 3 more books on my TBR :(
2 or 3? Try all of them. At least for me.
You escaped with only 2 or 3? That's cute :)
I recently finished reading Strange the Dreamer because of your recommendations and its now one of my favorites so thank you!
I love how often Senlin gets mentioned on your channel now. ☺️ One of my favourite unique books (besides the Books of Babel) is Gideon the Ninth. I also think Erin Morgenstern is quite a unique writer, among others. Phoenix Extravagant, John Dies at the End, The House in the Cerulean Sea, and Piranesi, for some examples. I am a big fan of unique books.
A very underhyped YA stand-alone that turns a lot of fairytale tropes on their heads while being its own unique, dark fairytale is Stain by AG Howard.
Just had to echo Piranesi. Amazing book which wears its influences on its sleeve but is still wholly original. I read it twice back-to-back. What a moving story!
Jess and Mara both recommended The Library at Mount Char as a very unique fantasy book. My TBR is so long... 😁
Yessss!!!
The Mask of Mirrors (M.A. Carrick) (0:39)
The Bone Shard Daughter (Andrea Stewart) (2:26)
Dark of the West (Joanna Hathaway) (4:27)
The Ninth Rain (Jen Williams) (6:09)
Senlin Ascends (Josiah Bancroft) (8:47)
Black Sun (Rebecca Roanhorse) (9:37)
Strange the Dreamer (Laini Taylor) (10:37)
V.E. Schwab, Brandon Sanderson (12:42)
The Winternight trilogy was so beautiful and unique to me because of the Russian folklore elements. Black Sun was probably the most unique fantasy I've read. Patricia McKillip has such beautiful stand alone fantasies. I think the most unique of her books are Alphabet of Thorns, Song for the Basilisk, and The Bell at Sealy Head.
I have read 2 books in the Winternight Trilogy so far and I highly recommend these. Arden's writing is amazing. I love the folklore and whimsical characters. That action sequence at the end of The Girl in the Tower had me on the edge of my seat. Cant wait to read the next one.
This list was fantastic! I would also add Piranesi by Susanna Clarke and Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia to this list 😊
Gods of Jade and Shadow is on my summer tbr.
@@catsandbats77 hope you enjoy it!
@@kristinabonilla2177 thank you!
I love Piranesi and I picked up Gods of Jade and Shadow the other day, so I’m very excited about it now you’ve mentioned both together!
@@losermillie I hope you love it 😊
I would've suggested The Bone Shard Daughter, but I knew it would be here. ☺️ Gideon the Ninth is definitely one of the most unusual settings I've come across: necromancers in space!
This Savage Song/Our Dark Duet by VE Schwab are outstanding. Definitely one of my favorite fantasy duologies.
Vita Nostra by Sergey and Marina Dyachenko is utterly unique, fascinating, and slightly disturbing. I loved it and will recommend it to anyone.
The Mirror Visitor Quartet by Christelle Dabos has a very unique and interesting world, as well as being one of the few YA books I've read to avoid or subvert (so far at least) many of the tropes that I don't like in those types of books.
The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins is also pretty interesting, quite a fun read (Caroline is a great protagonist), and definitely unique. Due to its short length, though, I felt some aspects of the world and story could have been explored with more depth.
Those are the three that come to mind out of the books I've read recently.
Strange the dreamer, the starless sea, the diviners, spinning silver, and the night circus! Also agree about Schwab and Sanderson! 😊
The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons is super unique in terms of narrative structure (both nonlinear timeline and footnotes written by other characters in the story) and in terms of unique cultures that challenge our societal gender and sexuality norms in really cool ways (this happens more in book 2 and onward). I'm pretty sure you didn't love it, but I wanted to recommend it in case others are interested.
I'm reading The Bone Shard Daughter right now and enjoying it. I did not notice the shift between the first-person narrative and the third-person narrative until it was mentioned in this video, lol.
I loved Black Sun - I think it is my favorite book so far in 2021
I really enjoyed the city of brass trilogy
Is it an Egyptian fantasy setting? I'm looking for something heavily ancient Egypt inspired.
@@bmoneybby it's not set in ancient Egypt. the story starts out in 19th century Cairo around the time of the French invasion. The series draws inspiration from middle eastern, north african, persian and central asian cultures. political themes are kind of relevant to 19th-20th century imperialism and ethnic mutinies specific to that geography rather than the political and religious landscape of BC helenistic ancient egypt times. even though its not ancient egypt like you were looking for, I highly recommend you read these books. they are very entertaining and layered
Every time I watch this channel I have to go away and talk myself out of cutting my hair. Mine would NOT sit that amazingly, but omg how I want it to! 🔥
Damnit. I've made up my mind. I'm going on a trip soon. I'm finally going to read THE NINTH RAIN. You've convinced me.
I have been eyeing Mask of Mirrors, so I'm glad to have a more elaborate review.
It's really good
Definitely echoing the Ninth Rain and Senlin Ascends, both so so good. I’d add Fifth Season by NK Jemisin, and Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas (YA)
Eborans are "basically elven, but toolbags". 😂 I mean you're not wrong, though ironically, that does make them closer to traditional folklore about fey-like beings, which were known to be tricksters and potentially quite dangerous to unwary humans. The Winnowing Flame is, in any case, a good pick for unique fantasy, and honestly, the further you get into the trilogy, the more I think it becomes legitimate to outright classify it as science-fantasy.
My picks:
- Unquenchable Fire by Rachel Pollack: it is very weird and original, but will definitely NOT be for everyone.
- Kraken by China Miéville: straight-up weird urban fantasy that I adored.
Bonus pick: City of Saints and Madmen/Shriek: An Afterword by Jeff VanderMeer. Both are weird fiction, and I guess weird fantasy technically speaking, though ultimately it's relatively light on the fantasy front.
The Darker Shade of Magic Series by VE Schwab was an absolutely incredible series to read. I had never read any of her books before.
I really like the Emperor’s Soul by Brandon Sanderson. I never hear anyone talk about it, but it’s one of my go to reads for a book hangover or reading slump cure. It’s a quick little standalone novel with an enemies to friends kind of relationship in it. I also love the artistic vibe and colorful atmosphere it creates. And like every Sanderson book, it has a great creative magic system.
OMG yaaas!!! I love that book!! So unique
For any litjoy members, you can see why I am so excited about reading strange the dreamer. The set is so beautiful.
If you are ever interested in historical fantasy/science fiction then I highly recommend The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal, Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal, and The Conductors by Nicole Glover
Ghost Talkers by Mary Robinette Kowal is another great historical fiction. Alternate history WWI
The Library At Mount Char and Vita Nostra are two of the most unique fantasies I’ve ever read
Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch is such an underrated YA fantasy! Theres 8 different kingdoms, 4 of them are based on the seasons and it is so cool. The magic, the plot, the characters, the world building!
I’m on book 2 of The Lightbringer series by Brent Weeks. I am a bit new to fantasy I haven’t read a ton but of the fantasy I have read, this one is so unique. The magic system is very complex and interesting and I love it!
Oh it gets really good. I myself am on book 5. The audiobook is pretty well read as well.
@@ColourMeRed_1990 That’s really exciting! I can’t wait to see what Kip becomes after his training! I just love him 🙃
The magic in Lightbringer is one of my favorite systems. Also, Karris is a badass!
Featuring almost the same set of books to discuss different facets of a great fantasy book speaks about how multi-layered and deep these books are. 🤘
Great video. Nice shiny hair, Elle. 🥰🤓😍
The Memoirs of Lady Trent by Marie Brennan is quite unique!
It takes place on another world, that has dragons, during our the equivalent of the Victorian era. The main character dedicates her life to studying dragons and the books are about that.
No chosen one or fighting some big evil.
First of all. You’re my favorite booktuber. Second of all I just watched this video and immediately ordered the ninth rain. I’ve never heard of it but it sounds so good
At this point, everything that Elliot recommends I add it to my shopping list, no questions asked
I’m always looking for unique/weird fantasy books so this is great. I would also add The Library at mount Char to this list. It’s one of my favorites
I just found your channel last night and I literally LOVE it so much! Where have you and your fantasy book recommendations been all my life?! Thank you!!!!
Ah, well thank you! What a lovely comment 😄
The Forever Sea by Joshua Phillip Johnson! The main character is a sailor on a ship that sails on prairie grasses instead of water. There’s amazing setting/atmosphere, magic, pirates, and f/f romance.
Witchmark By, C.L. Polk was so good 👍
The Winter’s Promise is probably my favourite. I don’t know how ‘unique’ it is but it’s very whimsical and the main character is very unique and I love her. The romance is subplot but is sweet.
I just started Clockwork Angel and I am loving it!!! Thank you for the recomendation on another video. Sorry I am not sure how to go to specific videos. I am new to youtube.
I’m not very well-read in fantasy, but there are a handful that I’ve come across that seem outside of the norm or standard of the genre.
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden: this book shows that fantasy can be a dark fairy tale while still being rooted in reality with thematic explorations through in depth character studies.
Senlin Ascends by Josiah Bancroft: thank goodness this book and series is getting more traction and more of an audience (as it should!). The whimsical style paired with the, at times, graphic depictions of life in the Tower are incredible.
The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin: the story, the characters, the world building, the narrative structure…everything about this book is perfect and just so distinctly Jemisin.
Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse: while I didn’t personally enjoy it, the premise was absolutely intriguing and I can appreciate its appeal.
The Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett: though I think the Discworld series is pretty well known, I think there is not enough absurdist-type fantasy.
Girl that color looks so good on you!! It makes like everything pop and blend and just looking great!! Also the lighting is freaking amazing well done!!👏👏👏
Black Sun has a gorgeous cover...
I also enjoyed the fact that the chosen one in Black Sun wasn't a reluctant "hero." I'm not a big fan of the overly reluctant hero trope, so it was really refreshing for me.
The starless sea by Erin Morgenstern is the most unique book I've ever read and is my favorite
Stories about stories within stories.
One that I immediately thought of and I hardly see talked about on booktube is Piranesi by Susanna Clarke. It's a super quick read (250 pages) but the plot is extremely engaging and the world is vivid and immersive. I don't really want to say too much about the plot because I went in pretty much blind and it was the best decision I could have made. It was one of my favorite reads of last year and one of the most unique books I've read, let alone fantasies. It had me guessing until the very end and I wasn't once disappointed with where the story went. Check it out if you haven't already!! I'll definitely be checking out a couple of the books you mentioned here (namely Mask of Mirrors and Senlin Ascends) Thanks for the great recs as always!!
The Mask of Mirrors sounds really cool :).
The most refreshing book I've read this year was Shadow of a Dead God, which is basically a high fantasy detective novel following a mage for hire who is framed for a murder and ends up investigating said murder. There are a few similarities to the early Dresden Files books, but the world and magic system are pretty interesting (the magic is closely connected to the fact that there are all kinds of living and dead gods in this world).
Oh God, that sounds right up my alley. Thanks for the recommendation, I might've completely missed this book
Thanks for these recommendations! I completely agree with the Ninth Rain (didn't even have to see the video to know that it would (rightfully) make the list!) I haven't read too many unique books yet but I think City of Lies might fit the bill because we have a main character with some mental health issues who is a proofer (tries food of the ruler to see if there is poison in it). The magic system is quite unique as well!
I'm glad that I recently bought a lot of books, including the Mask of Mirrors, the Bone Shard Daughter, and Black Sun! Can't wait to get into those. 😄
This Divine Cities Trilogy by Robert Jackson Bennett (also the new Founders Trilogy)
Books of Babel by Josiah Bancroft
The Nevernight Chronicle by Jay Kristoff
Under the Northern Sky Series by Leo Carew
The Poppy War and Dragon Republic by R.F Kuang
Anything by Robin Hobb
I just finished the rough draft of my third novel. I think it would fit this list perfectly.
Currently reading The House in the Cerulean Sea and would definitely describe it as unique :) I would say it is good for getting out of a reading slump! All the feel good, wholesome vibes
The unique one that I LOVE that needs more love is The Bone Maker by Sarah Beth Durst! I just love it! The magic reminds me somewhat of Bone Shard Daughter ( which I also really enjoyed) but still pretty different in the way it is done.
Totally agree with Mask of Mirrors as well, it is a fantastic story and the magic is so cool!
Black Sun was also really great and super unique, I can't wait for book 2!
The Chorus of Dragons series is told in such an interesting way and it differs from book to book. Just finished reading the fourth one - The House of Always - and i loved how it was written. It takes some time to understand the world, but it is worth it! I know you didnt like Ruin of Kings, but i am still writing this comment cause i think if people want to read something totally unique, then it is worth a shot 😁
Another unique series is the Braided Path by Chris Wooding. It is a far eastern inspired fantasy with spirits, politics, humans, living in fear magic users and the villains are sect of magician monks hunting magic users and killing them.
Hi Elliot, can you do an updated makeup routine? Your makeup looks flawless :)
Would love to know your thoughts on The Jasmine Throne. The author, Tasha Suri, is a person of colour. She was deeply inspired by Hindu Mythology and the lack of South Asian representation in fantasy novels. It is a slow burn but the setting and characterisation are pretty unique. It's also a sapphic read (:
I actually ended up dnf’ing that one, but not because I thought it was bad by any means, but because I felt like I was always one step behind the book (with the magic and character backstories given to us in pieces, I always just felt like I couldn’t fully connect). I do want to pick up their other work though! The world created in Jasmine Throne was super interesting, so I’m excited to get around to something else of theirs 💗
The Rook is one I haven’t seen any talk about. It is urban fantasy but it’s fantastic. Secret order with lots of different and crazy powers. Main protagonist wakes up with no memory around dead bodies and a letter written to her by herself.
I’ve never read a book quite like Skyskape by David Mruz. It’s a fantasy story that has magic and monsters but replaces the renaissance setting with an almost WW2 aesthetic and follows a shepherd disguised as a noble who goes to an academy to become a fighter pilot in hopes of finding the truth of what happened to his druidic brother. It’s like Top Gun meets Fullmetal Alchemist or Attack on Titan.
I definitely plan to pick up Mask of Mirrors again. I didn’t hate it but I think I wasn’t in the mood to read something so slow. The world is definitely fascinating
I'd strongly recommend The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep by H G Parry. The narrator's brother has such a vivid imagination that he keeps on bringing the characters he reads about to life and their surroundings come with them and move into a hidden street in Wellington New Zealand. This soon leads to a considerable degree of anarchy and the story has lots of action based around a whole group of well known literary characters such as Uriah Heep, David Copperfield, Sherlock Holmes, Dorian Gray. etc. It's different and it's fun.
The Mask Mirror sounds really good! And I didn't know that the POV of The Bone Shard Daughter change like that, it's definitely on my June haul now 🧡 After reading The Fifth Season I'm all here for different kind of POV. Great video and Luna!! So cute:)
Yes! +1 for Black Sun
I love Black Sun so so much!!
@@chiroptophilia can't wait for the next booooook
I have so many books on my TBR thanks to you. And now to add a few more. Plus thanks for all the links. You make spending money so easy
Ellie....!!! In this video, the quality got better! I like you still no matter what camera you're using!
I want to pick up the Mask of Mirrors
I think the Sword of Kaigen was a really unique fantasy that is perfect when you want a world and storyline typically different from the usual tropes.
Unique is my most looked-for quality in a book! I would highly recommend Alif the Unseen and The Bird King by G. Willow Wilson for unique fantasy, as well as a Conspiracy of Truths by Alexandra Roland, Sabriel by Garth Nix, and The Traitor Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson. For fantastical realism I would recommend The Golem and the Jinni and The Icarus Girl. :)
I would have to say Elatsoe, The Unbroken, and The Kingdom of Back are 3 unique fantasy stories. Elatsoe is a YA urban fantasy that has myths and creatures from different cultures, but at its core is a mystery. The Unbroken is military occupation desert fantasy with LGBTQ+ rep. It has 2 POVs and is fast paced. The Kingdom of Back, I dont think I need to tell anyone cuz Elle has talked a lot about it a lot and is the reason I read it haha
I really enjoyed Elatsoe. Only complaint I had was I wanted more world building because it was so fascinating.
Gideon the Ninth and Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir. May have already been reviewed, and is also somewhat science fiction, but it's also about necromancy so it's still very fantasy. And it's funny and beautiful and grim and unexpected. I'm also reading the second book of the Scarlet Odessey series by C.T. Rwizi, which isn't super duper original, but is still very cool and refreshingly set in the Africa analogue of its fantasy world. Very much enjoying it. And finally, from a while ago now, Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, because I've never read a book that explores the Faerie mythology in such a unique manner. I think I've read it five times, and gifted it to at least twenty people...
The Between series by WR Gingell. Sooo good!
Not exactly a lesser known entry, but I think NK Jemesin's Fifth Season scores high on uniqueness
Damn girl every time I look you're putting out content 😭😭 I can't keep up.
I've read half of these and adored every one, immediately adding the others to my TBR. Also subscribed, glad I found you :)
Every time you talk about Ninth Rain you make me want to read it a little bit more hahahaha. I can't buy books at the moment, but it will probably be one of the firsts I'll buy when I can . Also, Mask of Mirrors sounds very interesting. When Wishes Bleed is a fantasy romance, but the magic was really unique I think and it can be read as a standalone
I've been considering picking up Senlin Ascends for a while now but I have so many books on my TBR at the moment so I may get it later in the year.
my recommendation is gideon the ninth because i've never read anything like it and im obsessed
The Strange the Dreamer duology was awesome! One of my favorites😊
The cradle series by will wight is my favorite series and the only one I’ve read more than once. The series is not finished yet but there are 9 books currently but they are all great.
Senlin Ascends is my favorite world building book. There is soon much going on. I loved it.
Great recs! You've got me convinced on buying Ninth Rain now.
Also, the concept of Senlin Ascends sounds very similar to the anime Tower of God if you're interested!
We always enjoy watching your videos! Happy Sunday Bookish Friends 🤩🤟🏽
Iirc you’ve tried this before but not read the whole series but another very popular but *very* unique fantasy is the Broken Earth trilogy. It’s got Sanderson-level unique worldbuilding (in fact many aspects of it are very similar to Roshar but it has a different take of some of the same core ideas) and a very unique style of narration (using a combination of first, second, and third person narration across the course of the books).
As always, that's another ten books on my to-read list. I just bought Black Sun and Senlin Ascends and I have high hopes!
Senlin Ascends sounds like a fun spin on The Divine Comedy, with Dante descending through hell (or ascending purgatory etc.) anyway, I love it. Thanks for the recommendations!
Recently read Senlin Ascends and loved it! It was so different from anything I've read.
I would suggest the Broken Earth trilogy by N.K. Jemisin. Also the Realm of the Elderlings has some very unique pieces to it.
I’m reading Black Sun since so many people are enthusiastic about it but I’m halfway in and apart from the Serapio chapters, I’m constantly thinking what am I even reading? Hopefully it’ll pick up.
Licanius trilogy is amazing and unique by James Isllington
Eve Forward's Villians by Necessity is a stand-alone that explores what happens once the good guys have won. It has some familiar fantasy tropes but viewpoints are not the usual.
My unique fantasy book list:
Perdido Street Station by China Miéville
American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
Piranesi (also by Clarke)