{
  "id": 19124748,
  "title": "6 Modern Fantasy Books That Rival The Lord of the Rings",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/6-modern-fantasy-books-that-rival-the-lord-of-the-rings",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-09T09:00:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Polygon",
    "slug": "polygon",
    "url": "https://www.polygon.com/modern-fantasy-books-like-lord-of-the-rings/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Joe Abercrombie's The First Law trilogy, which began in 2009, offers a modern take on epic fantasy by focusing on flawed characters and complex political machinations. Set in the kingdom of the Union, the story follows Logen Ninefingers, Jezal dan Luthar, and Inquisitor Glokta as they navigate treacherous alliances and betrayals. Unlike Tolkien's Middle-earth, where heroism is revered, Abercrombie's world is cynical and unromantic, highlighting the darker aspects of human nature. Similarly, Fonda Lee's Green Bone Saga, beginning with Jade City in 2017, takes readers to the island of Kekon, where jade grants supernatural abilities to its wielders. The story unfolds as the Kaul family struggles to retain control of Janloon amidst rival factions and external threats, with jade influencing every aspect of life on the island. Lee's world-building is meticulous, creating a society as intricate and believable as Tolkien's Middle-earth. N.K. Jemisin's Broken Earth trilogy, starting in 2015, diverges from traditional fantasy settings by presenting a post-apocalyptic Earth where seismic events known as Fifth Seasons reshape the landscape. The series follows Essun, a closeted orogene, as she searches for her abducted daughter while grappling with a society that views her magical abilities as a threat. Jemisin's world-building is rooted in ecological and historical themes, creating a richly layered universe that mirrors the impact of cataclysmic events on a civilization. Ken Liu's Dandelion Dynasty, published from 2014 to 2016, offers a unique take on epic fantasy by placing the story in a silkpunk setting inspired by Chinese history and classical literature. The main setting, Dara, is a civilization on the brink of collapse after the death of Emperor Mapidéré, leading to the rise of two unlikely allies, Kuni Garu and Mata Zyndu. Liu's world is shaped by competing philosophies and divine interventions, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving backdrop for the characters' actions.",
  "summary": "From Brandon Sanderson's sprawling epics to ambitious new fantasy worlds, these six series give The Lord of the Rings a run for its money.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}