Keep in mind that "book series" are usually created because the "character" in the first book gained popularity and an audience. Most books in any series, but certainly the first one, are able to be read as "stand alone" books. So do not dismiss reading the first book in a series, you will be missing out! Imagine how happy you will be if you like the book to find that there are sequels. Obscure is perspective, some great books are a few years in the past, not obscure merely forgotten.
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In FANTASY here are some I (Fittings Doc) would recommend:
“King Kull” (1967) by Robert E. Howard (of Conan Fame)
(first book of the “King Kull” series)
"The Dark Tide" (1984) by Dennis L. McKiernan
(first book of the "Mithgar" series)
"The Iron Tower" (an omnibus edition)
Originally published as a trilogy (The Dark Tide, Shadows of Doom, and The Darkest Day).
“The Crystal Shard" (1988) by R.A. Salvatore.
(the first book of "The Icewind Dale Trilogy")
"Pawn of Prophecy" (1982) by David Eddings
(first book of the "Belgariad" series)
"Legend” (1984) by David Gemmell (The MASTER of Heroic fantasy)
(first book of the “Drenai Saga”)
Hell EVERYTHING by David Gemmell is worth reading!!!
He is a master at character development and readability.
If you like HEROIC FANTASY, You’ll find you cannot put his books down.
"The Misplaced Legion" (1987) by Harry Turtledove
(first book of the "Videssos" series)
One of Julius Caesar's legions is transported to a world with magic.
“The Gilded Chain” (1998) by Dave Duncan
(first book of the “Tales of the King's Blades” series)
“Sir Stalwart” (1999) by Dave Duncan
(first book of the “The King's Daggers” **YA** series)
In HUMOROUS FANTASY here are some I (Fittings Doc) would recommend:
"Another Fine Myth" (1978) by Robert Lynn Asprin
(the first book of the "Myth Adventure" Series)
It revolves around a boy from Klah (hence he is a Klahd) becoming a magician with the help of his mentor a demon (dimensional traveler) from Perv (so he is a Pervect NOT a Pervert).
In SCIENCE FICTION, here are some I (Fittings Doc) would recommend:
"Dorsai" (1959 / 159 pages) by Gordon R. Dickson
(the first book of “The Childe Cycle”)
Deals with genetic drift and specialization, and there effects on humanity as a whole.
(Nominated for the Hugo Award.)
"Sten" (1982 / 279 pages) by Chris Bunch and Allen Cole
(the first book of "The Sten Chronicles")
Sten is orphaned and then recruited into the Eternal Emperor's "Mantis" covert intelligence corps.
"I, Robot” (1950 / 272 pages) by Isaac Asimov CLASSIC
The book of early short stories by Issac Asimov on the subject of ROBOTS in which he postulates the "Three Laws of Robotics", should be read as a basis before reading the
"The Caves of Steel" (1954 / 224 pages) by Isaac Asimov CLASSIC
(the first of the "Robot" series / Lije Bailey mysteries)
These books are the source from which the movie "I, Robot" is drawn.
"The Forever War" (1974 / 236 pages) by Joe Haldeman
(Won the Hugo and Nebula Awards.)
Deals with the effect of time dilation, on those involved in an interstellar war.
"The Cross Time Engineer" (1993) by Leo Frankowski
(first book of the "Cross Time Engineer" / "Conrad Stargard" series)
Twentieth-century Polish-American engineer Conrad Schwartz is accidentally and mysteriously dumped in thirteenth-century Poland. (Just before the Mongol invasion of 1241.)
“Imperial Stars” (1976) by Stephen Goldin
(first book of “The Family D'Alembert” series)
Was expanded from a novella by E. E. "Doc" Smith.
The Family D'Alembert are natives of a high gravity planet, giving them unusual strength and speed. Traveling the galaxy under the cover of their famous circus, they are members of "SOTE", the Imperial secret service.
"A Spell for Chameleon" (1977 / 344 pages) by Piers Anthony
(first book of the "Xanth" series)
In HUMOROUS SCIENCE FICTION, here are some I (Fittings Doc) would recommend:
"A Stainless Steel Rat is Born" (1985) by Harry Harrison
(first book of "The Stainless Steel Rat" series)
The adventures of "Slippery Jim" DiGriz, a interstellar conman and thief.
“Retief: Envoy to New Worlds” (aka “Retief Unbound”) (1963) by Keith Laumer ****
(the first book of the "Retief" (galactic diplomat) series / satirical)
“Retief!” (2002 / posthumous omnibus “Envoy to New Worlds” (1963), “Galactic Diplomat” (1965), “Retief's War” (1966), plus the first Retief story, “Diplomat-at-Arms” (1960)) by Keith Laumer
“Phule's Company” (1990 / 240 pages) by Robert Asprin
(first book of the "Phule's Company" series)
A "space legion" made up of ragtag group of aliens is lead on adventures by their leader willard Phule, the heir to "Phule Proof" munitions.