Underrated Books That Deserve More Hype

Let’s face it—some books get all the love, and others get tossed into the literary void, waiting for someone to stumble upon them like hidden treasure. Meanwhile, the same few bestsellers keep hogging the spotlight like the lead singer of a rock band who refuses to let the drummer have a solo.

But today, we’re turning the tables and shining a spotlight on some books that have been tragically overlooked. These hidden gems deserve to be paraded down Main Street with confetti cannons and a full marching band. If you’re looking for something fresh, fantastic, and underappreciated, read on.

1. The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins

Imagine if Neil Gaiman and Stephen King had a bizarre, brilliant love child. That’s The Library at Mount Char. This book is a dark, mind-bending fantasy that follows a group of orphans raised by a mysterious godlike figure who teaches them unspeakable knowledge. It’s violent, weird, and absolutely gripping. Yet, somehow, it remains criminally underrated. Where’s the fandom? Where’s the booktok obsession? Justice for Mount Char!

2. The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers

Sure, sci-fi can be action-packed and filled with terrifying alien overlords, but The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet is the kind of cozy, character-driven space adventure that makes you feel like you’ve been adopted by a spaceship full of lovable misfits. It’s Firefly meets found family goodness. Becky Chambers writes with such warmth and humor that you’ll wish you could actually hop aboard the Wayfarer and join the crew. More people need to talk about this book!

3. Horrorstör by Grady Hendrix

Ever thought IKEA was just a little too creepy? Well, Grady Hendrix took that feeling and cranked it up to eleven with Horrorstör, a horror novel set in a furniture superstore that may or may not be haunted. Bonus: It’s designed to look like an actual IKEA catalog, complete with fake product descriptions and diagrams. It’s both terrifying and hilarious—a rare combo that deserves way more recognition.

4. The Fisherman by John Langan

This book is what happens when cosmic horror meets deep emotional storytelling. The Fisherman starts as a quiet tale about two widowers who take up fishing to cope with their grief, but it quickly spirals into something dark, eerie, and absolutely unforgettable. If you’re a fan of Lovecraftian horror but want something with more heart, this is the book for you. Why isn’t this required reading for all horror fans?

5. Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

Yes, the Studio Ghibli movie is fantastic, but have you read the book? If not, you’re missing out on a whimsical, witty fantasy adventure filled with sass, magic, and a fire demon named Calcifer. Diana Wynne Jones deserves way more credit as a fantasy powerhouse, and this book is proof that she was ahead of her time. It’s like a warm cup of tea for your imagination.

6. The City & The City by China Miéville

Ever wanted to read a crime novel that also bends reality? The City & The City is a detective story unlike any other. It takes place in two cities that occupy the same physical space, but residents are trained to “unsee” the other city entirely. It’s a mind-bending, genre-defying masterpiece that more people need to experience.

7. A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

Okay, so Schwab is finally getting the recognition she deserves, but A Darker Shade of Magic should have been a phenomenon yesterday. This book features parallel Londons, a powerful magician, and a stylishly cutthroat thief. It’s fast-paced, inventive, and downright addicting. The fact that this book isn’t on every fantasy lover’s shelf is a crime against literature.

Final Thoughts

Listen, the literary world is vast, and there’s more to life than whatever book is trending on social media this week. Some of the best stories are lurking just out of the spotlight, waiting for someone to crack them open and give them the love they deserve. So, next time you’re looking for a book that will surprise, delight, or downright haunt you—give one of these underrated masterpieces a shot.

And if you have a hidden gem of your own, shout it from the rooftops! Or, you know, just drop it in the comments. Either works.