I've done my research. Most of the epic fantasy novels that I have come across are based on only European fantasy, and they almost always mimic Tolkien. Most of those novels, additionally, have a nerdy/unsuspecting hero who has virtually nothing to go on an epic quest to throw the ring in the fire/other plot.

I am planning on writing my novel on a genre of fantasy that was left almost untouched. That's right- Asian fantasy. I'm basing my world, The Vermilion Kingdom, on the geography and culture of China. There is also an uncommon theme in the fantasy genre- rising from the ashes of failure. I want to write a story that explains that failure isn't fatal unless you let it.

Synopsis- An emperor who had been overthrown is tortured by thoughts of failure. As he sweeps the streets of a distant town, he is digging himself into a hole of self-hatred. It wasn't until he sees the horrors of the current emperor's rule that he leads a crusade to overthrow him.

I'll be posting the chapters once I write it.