Hi,
I want to get an introduction to fantasy books but through an original entrance door. I'd like to depart from the Tolkien-inspired books and the Western Middle Ages inspiration (which I respect a lot btw!)
Non-human races are fine, as long as it's not just the classical orc, elves, humans, dwarfs trope. Especially when their reputation are the same.
Magic is fine.
Gods are fine provided that the religions are complex and depart from the classical heroic-fantasy trope. Same with mythological creatures. I'm fine with dragons, trolls, etc. as long as they are NOT the main monsters of the world.
It would be amazing if I could get a take on heroic fantasy by Asian, African, Native American, Arab, North African culture! Or just a completely new universe that doesn't get any obvious inspiration from any culture or from Tolkien.
by astroriental