Looking for non-epic fantasy

[kyrilson]

Just recently read The Hammer and the Blade by Paul S. Kemp and it was refreshing to read a book that's not about people trying to save the world, which is often the subject of your typical fantasy novel/trilogy. I'm looking for similar books like this.

[jgaiser]

Well, there's always Paul Kemp's second book in this series, A Discourse in Steel.

And if that's still something you like, you might take a look a blog post Paul put up on other Sword and Sorcery books.

[khazaddum]

The Kingkiller Chronicles, the series is a picaresque about an extremely talented but troubled young man trying to become a wizard and understand everything that's happened to him. It's not done, but I can't see any huge battles or world saving coming. Plus, it is [I]very[/] well written and completely refreshing. Witty, dark and introspective.

[BenG]

Little, Big by John Crowley
http://www.npr.org/2014/03/23/291929...-strange-story

The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle
http://www.strangehorizons.com/revie...t_unicor.shtml

Silverlock by John Myers Myers
http://johnadcox.wordpress.com/2009/...n-myers-myers/

The High House by James Stoddard
http://simonsbookblog.blogspot.com/2...ouse-1998.html

[Dazrin]

The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch would fit this description. Excellent book.

[Geralt]

How about The Princess Bride by William Goldman?

[DrNefario]

Originally Posted by khazaddum

The Kingkiller Chronicles, the series is a picaresque about an extremely talented but troubled young man trying to become a wizard and understand everything that's happened to him. It's not done, but I can't see any huge battles or world saving coming.

I'm guessing he might end up killing a king.

[khazaddum]

Originally Posted by DrNefario

I'm guessing he might end up killing a king.

Well, yes haha
But honestly, the story is so far from that event that one almost forgets the meaning of the title of the series.
And only one book is yet to be published.
It will have to be a BIG one.

[cromag]

Originally Posted by BenG

Little, Big by John Crowley
http://www.npr.org/2014/03/23/291929...-strange-story

The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle
http://www.strangehorizons.com/revie...t_unicor.shtml

Silverlock by John Myers Myers
http://johnadcox.wordpress.com/2009/...n-myers-myers/

The High House by James Stoddard
http://simonsbookblog.blogspot.com/2...ouse-1998.html

I recently finished re-reading A Fine & Private Place, by Peter S. Beagle. I first read it in the late 60s, and still liked it the second time around. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be available as an ebook -- but it is available as an unabridged audiobook.

[EndlessWaves]

Originally Posted by Dazrin

The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch would fit this description. Excellent book.

I only have vague memories of the book but checking the plot summary does seem to confirm my remembrance that it is a 'save the world' novel so it will depend on where you draw the line.

Likewise Tim Powers might be worth looking at. Technically the world might be in danger, but usually in a down to earth way.

What about Replay by Ken Grimwood? It's on the edge of what you'd call Fantasy (it's won both Fantasy and Science Fiction awards) but it's definitely not a novel with thousands in danger.

[Dazrin]

Originally Posted by EndlessWaves

I only have vague memories of the book but checking the plot summary does seem to confirm my remembrance that it is a 'save the world' novel so it will depend on where you draw the line.

Locke Lamora is definitely not a "save the world" novel. It is set in a single city (for the most part) and focuses on some thieves trying to keep their hides while committing a huge heist, with some revenge thrown in. The next on is slightly more large scale, but really only because it involves piracy which covers a larger area.

[ccowie]

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman was a beautiful non epic fantasy.

[kyrilson]

Some good suggestions here. Much appreciated.

Replay by Ken Grimwood is an annual read for me. One of my favorites. It also has one of my favorite poetry passages:

To see a world in a grain of sand
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
And eternity in an hour.

I'm not big on poetry, but this book, and this passage had a profound effect on me. Highly recommended to all.

[Junnier]

Stephen King's The Eyes Of The Dragon is a nice, quick, standalone fantasy about a fool king, a sly magician, and two starkly different princes. I love it.

[crich70]

Originally Posted by Junnier

Stephen King's The Eyes Of The Dragon is a nice, quick, standalone fantasy about a fool king, a sly magician, and two starkly different princes. I love it.

As I recall he wrote it for his daughter Naomi. The bad guy in that one is also the bad guy in "The Stand."

Alice in Wonderland and it's sequel are good non epic fantasy as are the Oz books I think. Both are here at MR I believe. Then there is "5 children and it" by Edith Nesbit. It's here at MR as well in both Epub and Kindle formats.