One underrated genre is historical fiction set in less - explored time periods. For example, novels set during the Byzantine Empire can offer a really unique reading experience. You get to learn about a different culture and time while enjoying a fictional story.
Literary fiction from non - Western countries is often underrated. There are so many amazing novels from Asian, African and South American countries that don't get as much attention as they should. These novels can offer different perspectives on life, love and society that you might not find in more mainstream Western literature.
The genre of epistolary novels, which are written in the form of letters, is also underrated. It gives a very personal and intimate feel to the story. 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker is an example of a great epistolary novel. Reading novels in this genre can be a refreshing change from the more common narrative styles.
One underrated light novel is 'Kumo desu ga, Nani ka?'. It has an interesting premise of a girl reincarnated as a spider in a fantasy world. Another is 'The Rising of the Shield Hero'. While it has gained some popularity, it's still relatively underrated compared to some huge mainstream light novels.
One great genre is the mythological genre. Stories about Hindu gods and goddesses like Rama and Sita from the Ramayana or Krishna's tales are very popular. They are full of moral values and cultural significance.
Mystery stories are also very engaging. They keep you on the edge of your seat as you try to figure out who the culprit is. Agatha Christie's novels are masterpieces in this genre.
You can start by asking for recommendations from friends who have similar reading tastes. They might know some great novels that you haven't discovered yet.
Good underrated novels usually have deep characters that are not fully appreciated. 'The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao' by Junot Díaz is one such novel. The main character Oscar is a complex and relatable figure, but it might not have reached as many readers as it should. The setting can also play a role. If it's set in a less - known or less - popular location, like 'Half of a Yellow Sun' by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie which is set in Nigeria during the Biafran War, it might not get as much attention. And sometimes, it's just a matter of bad timing. A book might be released when there are a lot of big - name releases, and it gets overshadowed, like some small - press novels.
Well, 'Kokoro Connect' is an underrated one. It has a bit of action when the characters face some unusual situations. The romance is quite subtle and develops gradually among the group of friends. The fantasy part comes from the strange phenomenon that makes them switch bodies and share emotions. And there are some elements that can be considered science - fiction as it involves some psychological and abnormal physical concepts.
There are many great story genres to explore. Fantasy stories, for example, often take us to magical worlds filled with mythical creatures and extraordinary powers. Science - fiction stories can transport us to the future or other planets, exploring advanced technologies and alien civilizations. Mystery stories keep us on the edge of our seats as we try to solve the puzzles along with the characters. Adventure stories are full of excitement, with characters going on thrilling quests and facing various challenges.
In the science - fiction genre, 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons is quite underrated. It has a complex and multi - layered story with a diverse set of characters. Each character's tale is like a mini - masterpiece, and when combined, they create a grand epic set in a far - flung future universe.
Another one is 'Kaiba'. It has a very unique art style and an amazing story. The anime is set in a world where memories can be transferred and stored in cards. The main character, Kaiba, has lost his memories and goes on a journey to find out who he really is. It touches on themes like identity, love, and the value of memories in a very thought - provoking way.