I've tried reading Sanderson many times, but I just find him so very not good. I've also been checking out lots of debutantes and lesser known authors recently. I've read a few dozen new authors and tbf there have been a lot of misses- but also a fair few hits. I'll review a few of my more recent (and perhaps lesser known) reads that I feel may be worth checking out.
Among Thieves- Douglas Hulick.
If you like Locke Lamora (particularly the first book), I'd recommend this. It’s mostly all contained in a city so don’t expect epic fantasy here, but our protagonist-antihero-thief, Drothe, is very Locke-esque. He must use his wits, his luck and the muscle of his best friend to survive when he suddenly finds himself the target of every thug, bandit, cutthroat and grey prince in the underworld. It’s a very fun read and, from what I remember, it's the first in a trilogy. I’m yet to read the others though. 7/10
The Emperor’s Blades- Brian Staveley.
Like the above, it’s the first in a trilogy and, like the above, I’ve only read the first. (Though I am currently half way through the second.) It follows three royal children, one trained to be an elite warrior, one trained as a highly-disciplined monk and one as a court politician. When their father, the emperor is slain, they suddenly find themselves surrounded by enemies and hunted. Their only chance of survival is to unravel the conspiracy behind the emperor’s death. But their allies are few, their enemies many and, to top it all off, a war is brewing…. 7/10
Steelhaven Trilogy- Richard Ford
Unlike the above, I have read all three in this series since its non-stop action makes it almost impossible to put down. It follows the lives of various characters in a city under siege and, although it’s very action packed, it is also surprisingly well written, albeit sometimes quite raw, and contains well-timed humour and wonderfully developed heroes and villains. It's swords and blood, which is just how I like my fantasy. 8/10
The Braided Path Trilogy- Chris Wooding
Chris Wooding is maybe not as unknown as some of the others on the list but I think (though could be wrong) TBP trilogy is his first step into fantasy. And it shows, as each book just gets progressively better and more polished. The world is beautiful, arty and exotic- and very different. The story is compelling, the pace is fast and the magic is cool. 7/10
Kings of the Wyld – Nicholas Eames
This is a debut novel for someone who has the potential to become one of my favourite fantasy writers if this book is anything to go by. It’s high fantasy, which is not usually my cup of tea- I’m rarely a fan of dragons and orcs etc in my books- but this is just such an amazing and fun read. It’s Joe Abercrombie meets Harmonquest, and it’s as funny as both. It has heart, it has suspense, it has adventure- and it is utterly unputdownable. The dry humour in it is just perfect. My only regret is that I read it too fast and he doesn’t have any other books for me to bury myself in- yet. I was sceptical at first as the blurb didn't sell it very well, but I gave it a shot and I'm glad I did. It's ace. 9/10
I’m also reading The Ninth Rain by Jen Williams and The Thousand Names by Django Wexler at the moment. Both seem to be pretty solid reads, particularly the former which I am really enjoying.
All of the Realms of the Elderlings novels (Farseer, Liveships, Rainwilds) are f*cking great and you simply are forbidden to skip any part of it 
I've read all novellas except Bauchelain and Korbal Broach books. Started on the Kharkanas and Dancer trilogies and like them till date. They are standalone so it doesn't feel as heavy as the Malazan series. And since it's not finished, you get enough time between books to nake make it tedious. 