Importing some books from J.G Keely's suggested readings in fantasy.

From the above link:

Anderson's great fantasy work was published the same year as the first volume of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, but has gone sadly unrecognized by many readers of fantasy. Since Anderson and Tolkien were both taking inspiration from the Eddas, there are many similarities between the books: the titular 'broken sword' which must be reforged, noble elves, deep-delving dwarves, an odd amalgam of Pagan and Christian morality, a war between the forces of good and evil, and a central character caught between. For many, Tolkien's is the greater work, but there are certain fantasy aficionados--like Michael Moorcock--who maintain that Anderson's vision is the more vivid, less condescending, and a more unified exploration of man's fate, and I join him in holding this book in that high respect.