The best underrated fantasy novels usually have a distinct narrative voice. For instance, 'The Thief' has a very matter - of - fact and yet engaging voice. They also often explore moral and ethical themes in a unique way. In 'The Black Company', the characters have to make difficult decisions in a world full of grey areas. And they may have a setting that's not your typical high - fantasy landscape. 'The Night Circus' has a very unusual circus - based setting that adds to its charm.
The 50 underrated novels often have deep and complex characters. These characters are not the typical one - dimensional ones you find in more mainstream books. They can be morally ambiguous, with complex motives and desires. Their settings are also diverse. They can be set in remote places or in specific sub - cultures that are not well - known. Moreover, these novels tend to break the norms in terms of narrative structure. Instead of the traditional linear story - telling, they might jump around in time or use multiple narrators to tell the story, which can make them more challenging but also more rewarding for the patient reader.
One characteristic is that they often deal with complex themes in a concise way. For example, they might explore deep psychological states or social issues within a relatively short number of pages. Another is that they may not have received as much mainstream attention as they deserve, perhaps because their style is more experimental or their subject matter is a bit niche. Underrated short novels also tend to have unique voices that might not conform to popular literary trends at the time of their publication.
I think 'The House of the Spirits' by Isabel Allende is an underrated gem. It's a family saga filled with love, politics, and magic realism. It follows the Trueba family over generations in Chile. Allende's writing is so vivid that you can almost feel the South American landscape and the passion of the characters.
One underrated fantasy novel is 'The Golem and the Jinni' by Helene Wecker. It combines elements of Middle Eastern and Jewish mythology in a unique way. The story follows the lives of a golem and a jinni in 19th - century New York City. Another is 'Uprooted' by Naomi Novik. It has a beautiful, fairytale - like quality with a strong female lead and an interesting magic system. And 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss is also underrated. It tells the story of Kvothe, a gifted young man with a mysterious past and great magical abilities.
Well, 'Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell' by Susanna Clarke is an underrated fantasy novel. It's set in an alternate version of England and is full of magic and mystery. 'The Night Circus' by Erin Morgenstern is often overlooked but it has a dreamy and enchanting atmosphere with a unique love story at its core. Also, 'The Black Prism' by Brent Weeks has a great magic system and a complex political plot that doesn't get as much attention as it should.
Some underrated 19th - century novels often have complex characters. For example, in 'Villette', the main character Lucy Snowe has a very nuanced personality. They also tend to deal with important social issues. 'North and South' looks at the divide between the rich and the poor during the industrial revolution. Another characteristic is their unique narrative styles. 'The House of the Seven Gables' has a somewhat gothic narrative style that sets it apart.
'Boxers & Saints' by Gene Luen Yang. It tells two parallel stories about the Boxer Rebellion in China from different perspectives. The art is distinct and helps to bring the historical events to life in a vivid way.
One great underrated fantasy novel is 'The Golem and the Jinni' by Helene Wecker. It weaves together the stories of a golem and a jinni in turn - of - the - century New York. Another is 'Uprooted' by Naomi Novik. It has a unique take on magic and a captivating heroine. And 'Mistborn' by Brandon Sanderson is also underrated. It features an intricate magic system and a complex plot.
One underrated horror novel is 'The Croning' by Laird Barron. It has a very Lovecraftian feel to it. The mystery and the sense of an ancient evil lurking is really well - done. 'The Only Good Indians' by Stephen Graham Jones is also a great pick. It tells a story about Native American folklore and revenge in a modern - day setting. It's very atmospheric and disturbing. 'The Troop' by Nick Cutter is also quite good. It's about a group of Boy Scouts on an island who encounter a terrifying parasite.
Yes, 'The Name of the Wind' is somewhat underrated. It's the story of Kvothe, a young man with a tragic past and great magical abilities. The way the story is told, with Kvothe narrating his own life, is really engaging. Another is 'The Lies of Locke Lamora'. It has a great setting in a sort of fantasy Venice and a group of thieves with their own code and adventures.