This post was last updated on August 24th, 2024 at 04:36 pm
Most of us have heard of (and read!) the blockbusters, but what about underrated YA books? What about genuinely worthy gems of literature that, while impressive, maybe didn’t get the same amount of attention, movie deals, or NYT bestseller status? Read on to discover YA book recommendations on underrated books featuring skillfully crafted characters you must meet!
First, what makes underrated YA books “underrated” in the first place, and second, why are they underrated? Several factors contribute, either separately or together, to a book being considered underrated. In other words, reader word-of-mouth or sales didn’t popularize the book as expected.
One way some of the best YA books might be underrated is through reader reviews. Reviews can be beneficial. However, an overall low rating on a book doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not a great book. It also doesn’t mean that you, as a reader, won’t like it. Some books might only gain traction with a small percentage and don’t resonate with the larger body of readers.
This post is about underrated YA books and gives recommendations for YA books to read.
Underrated YA Books
Another way books get underrated is through low sales. This means they never get the popularity and fanfare to reach significant numbers and become blockbusters—even though they may very well be worthy of it! As in the first example, low sales do not equal bad writing or a bad story. There can be many reasons for few copies sold. More often than not, it has nothing to do with anything the author did wrong.
The final reason underrated YA books stay underrated falls into an anomaly category. These books may have indeed won awards or even hit a bestseller list. They just may not have the same household name status as stratospheric hits like The Hunger Games. Because of this, you may not have even heard of them.
The five amazing novels below have all been considered underrated by readers. They are mostly fantasy, but if you know of any YA contemporary or YA mystery that should be added to the list, feel free to let me know.
Sabriel (Old Kingdom Book 1) by Garth Nix
From the blurb:
Dark Secrets, Deep Love, and Dangerous Magic
Sent to a boarding school in Ancelstierre as a young child, Sabriel has had little experience with the random power of Free Magic or the Dead who refuse to stay dead in the Old Kingdom. But during her final semester, her father, the Abhorsen, goes missing, and Sabriel knows she must enter the Old Kingdom to find him. She soon finds companions in Mogget, a cat whose aloof manner barely conceals its malevolent spirit, and Touchstone, a young Charter Mage long imprisoned by magic, now free in body but still trapped by painful memories.
As the three travel deep into the Old Kingdom, threats mount on all sides. And every step brings them closer to a battle that will pit them against the true forces of life and death—and bring Sabriel face-to-face with her own destiny.
What readers are saying:
“Sabriel is a winner, a fantasy that reads like realism. Here is a world with the same solidity and four-dimensional authority as our own, created with invention, clarity, and intelligence.” —Philip Pullman, author of His Dark Materials trilogy
Trial by Fire (The Worldwalker Trilogy Book 1) by Josephine Angelini
From the blurb:
Love burns. Worlds collide. Magic reigns.
This world is trying to kill Lily Proctor. Her life-threatening allergies keep her from enjoying many of the experiences that other teenagers take for granted… which is why she is determined to enjoy her first (and perhaps only) high-school party. But Lily’s life never goes according to plan, and after a humiliating incident in front of half her graduating class Lily wishes she could just disappear.
Suddenly Lily is in a different Salem – one overrun with horrifying creatures and ruled by powerful women called Crucibles. Strongest and cruellest of all the Crucibles is Lillian… Lily’s identical other self in this alternate universe. This new version of her world is terrifyingly sensual, and Lily is soon overwhelmed by new experiences.
Lily realizes that what makes her weak at home is exactly what makes her extraordinary in New Salem. It also puts her life in danger. Thrown into a world she doesn’t understand, Lily is torn between responsibilities she can’t hope to shoulder alone, and a love she never expected.
But how can Lily be the saviour of this world when she is literally her own worst enemy?
What readers are saying:
“The likable Lily is guided by strong convictions, and a startling conclusion will have readers anticipating the next chapter in the Worldwalker trilogy.” ―Booklist
“Readers will be swept into the inner workings of crucibles and witches and left eager for more . . . a richly drawn world of keenly devised magic.” ―Kirkus Reviews
Trial by Fire is a good choice if you’re looking for underrated YA books romance. The love and romance in the story are very well-developed.
YA Books to Read: The Book of Lost Things: A Novel by John Connolly
From the blurb:
High in his attic bedroom, twelve-year-old David mourns the death of his mother, with only the books on his shelf for company. But those books have begun to whisper to him in the darkness. Angry and alone, he takes refuge in his imagination and soon finds that reality and fantasy have begun to meld. While his family falls apart around him, David is violently propelled into a world that is a strange reflection of his own—populated by heroes and monsters and ruled by a faded king who keeps his secrets in a mysterious book, The Book of Lost Things.
Taking readers on a vivid journey through the loss of innocence into adulthood and beyond, New York Times bestselling author John Connolly tells a dark and compelling tale that reminds us of the enduring power of stories in our lives.
What readers are saying:
“The language is wonderful. Mr. Connolly is always good at using English to weave wonderful word-paintings, but he’s especially good in this novel. Several times, I found myself awestruck by the clarity of my mental pictures. For me, that only happens when a writer creates something powerfully descriptive and evocative.” ―Amazon Reviewer
Underrated Books for Young Adults: Race the Sands: A Novel by Sarah Beth Durst
From the blurb:
Life, death, and rebirth – in Becar, who you are in this life will determine your next life. Yet there is hope – you can change your destiny with the choices you make. But for the darkest individuals, there is no redemption: you come back as a kehok, a monster, and are doomed to be a kehok for the rest of time.
Unless you can win the Races.
After a celebrated career as an elite kehok rider, Tamra became a professional trainer. Then a tragic accident shattered her confidence, damaged her reputation, and left her nearly broke. Now, she needs the prize money to prevent the local temple from taking her daughter away from her, and that means she must once again find a winning kehok… And a rider willing to trust her.
Raia is desperate to get away from her domineering family and cruel fiancé. As a kehok rider, she could earn enough to buy her freedom. But she needs a first-rate trainer.
Impressed by the inexperienced young woman’s determination, Tamra hires Raia and pairs her with a strange new kehok with the potential to win – if he can be tamed.
But in this sport, if you forget you’re riding on the back of a monster, you die. Tamra and Raia will work harder than they ever thought possible to win the deadly Becaran Races. And in the process, discover what makes this particular kehok so special.
What readers are saying:
“National Velvet with monsters and a big helping of palace intrigue, Race the Sands is monstrous (literally), heartwarming, and empowering in equal measure. An incredibly fun and inspiring read.” —Katherine Arden, New York Times bestselling author of The Bear and the Nightingale
Underrated YA Fantasy Books: Westmark (The Westmark Trilogy, 1) by Lloyd Alexander
From the blurb:
When Theo agrees to print a traveling showman’s pamphlet, he only thinks of the money it will bring in. Instead, it sets off a chain reaction that results in the smashing of the press and the murder of his master. Caught on the wrong side of the law, Theo must flee the city. Soon, he has teamed up with the traveling showman Count Las Bombas (who is actually a con artist) and his servant. The trio is soon joined by Mickle, a clever, strong-willed girl with a mysterious past. Performing feats that astound and amaze, the motley crew falls into a trap set by Chief Minister Cabbarus, who is determined to wrest power from the grief-stricken king. Now they must not only save themselves-they must save the kingdom…
What readers are saying:
“The wisdom of this book lies in its difficult solution. Good does not triumph over evil simply because it is good… Lloyd Alexander does not answer questions; he raises them… He keeps his adventures spinning and in the end we are happy in how it all turns out.” —The New York Times
Readers also mention that Lloyd Alexander is the best thing that has happened to fantasy books since Tolkien and that novels in this book series are among the most underrated YA books of all time!
For more underrated books to read and YA book recs, check out underrated YA books Reddit and 9 Best Fantasy Books for 13 Year Olds Set in Wales.
This post was about underrated YA books and gave recommendations for YA books to read.
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