Are you looking for non-gaming related stuff? if so I recommend the Gentlemen Bastards, and Mistborn that will allow you to see the two most extreme forms of fantasy.
No idea what those are. Novels? Only seeking game materials/aids.
Do you want ubiquitous magic?
No. Magic is rare, seldom understood, wonderful and frightening.
Are PC's allowed access to magic?
Yes. But only one would be allowed to be an actual wizard. Anyone else might learn a trick or two given time and experience.
Do you have a setting in mind?
Harryhausen Sinbad mixed with Conan, no elves/dwarves/hobbits, vaguely Middle Eastern locale, human-centric and occasional monsters. Most enemies are your fellow man. GURPS Arabian Nights is on hand for some of the background/setting.
What level of challenge are you thinking for the players, fighting bandits on the road or fighting evil wizards bent on world destruction?
All of the above as they gain in influence and power and if they are interested in it.
Does character growth matter? If you plan to run 10 sessions then growth will be very limited in any game, but if you plan to run for a year then it may be a good idea to start low and go up.
PCs start just a cut or two above the man in the street and progress from there. No "super heroes" like Aragorn and Legolas in the LOTR movies. A beginning party of four should think twice before taking on a dozen bandits.