One underrated dystopian novel is 'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood. It presents a terrifying vision of a future where women are subjugated and used for reproductive purposes. Another is 'Station Eleven' by Emily St. John Mandel, which shows a post - apocalyptic world where a traveling troupe of actors tries to keep art and humanity alive. And 'Parable of the Sower' by Octavia Butler is also underrated. It depicts a future California filled with chaos, environmental disasters, and social inequality.
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.
One underrated visual novel is 'The House in Fata Morgana'. It has a beautifully complex story that unfolds across different time periods, exploring themes of love, loss, and redemption. The art style is also quite unique and adds to the overall atmosphere of the game. Another is 'Raging Loop'. It combines elements of mystery, horror, and Japanese folklore in a really engaging way. The characters are well - developed and the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat.
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.
Some underrated Batman graphic novels include 'Batman: Birth of the Demon'. It delves into the origin of Ra's al Ghul, which is an important part of Batman's world but often overlooked in terms of graphic novels. 'Batman: Dark Victory' is also underrated. It's a sequel to 'The Long Halloween' and continues to explore Gotham's crime families and Batman's relationships in a really engaging way. Additionally, 'Batman: Arkham Asylum - A Serious House on Serious Earth' is a great one. It has a really trippy and psychological take on the inmates of Arkham and Batman's place within that chaos.
Yes, 'Octopath Traveler' is somewhat underrated in terms of its story. It has a unique structure where you follow the stories of eight different characters. Each character has their own distinct plotline, from a thief seeking revenge to a cleric on a quest to heal the land. The stories are told in a classic - style RPG way with great character development.
One of the most underrated crime novels is 'The Alienist' by Caleb Carr. It's set in 1896 New York City and follows a team investigating a serial killer. The detailed historical setting and complex characters make it a great read. Another is 'Gone, Baby, Gone' by Dennis Lehane. It delves deep into the seedy underbelly of a neighborhood while exploring moral and ethical issues related to a missing child case. Also, 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' by James M. Cain is often overlooked. It has a simple yet gripping story of passion and murder that was quite revolutionary for its time.
For me, 'A Fire Upon the Deep' by Vernor Vinge is underappreciated. It has an amazing universe and story. Also, 'The Left Hand of Darkness' by Ursula K. Le Guin is great but doesn't get all the praise it deserves. And 'The Book of the New Sun' by Gene Wolfe is another one that's not as well-known as it should be.