The underrated YA fantasy book series on this list all have one thing in common. Welsh myths, legends, and folklore have influenced them in some way. Even the majestic landscapes of Wales itself helped inspire the authors.
We consider books underrated based on several factors. In the article 5 Underrated YA Books To Fall in Love With, I go more in-depth on how that can happen. In the following list of underrated YA fantasy book series with Welsh influence, it is my humble opinion that some of these novels didn’t receive the fanfare they should have received. Others were published decades ago and haven’t necessarily gained as much traction with younger readers simply because they may not have heard of them. However, that’s okay because you’re getting to see them now!
Regarding the Welsh influence in these novels, in some, like The Chronicles of the Deryni Series, you’ll see the presence of Welsh folklore powerfully portrayed. In others, like The Riddle of Stars Series, it’s not so much Welsh legends that come through the pages as much as an evocation of similar feelings one would get if they were reading the Mabinogion. I hope you enjoy this list of underrated YA fantasy book series by these talented and award-winning authors.
This post is about the best underrated YA fantasy book series with Welsh influence.
Underrated YA Fantasy Book Series
Underrated YA Fantasy Book Series: Tales of Alderley Series
The Weirdstone of Brisingamen by Alan Garner (Tales of Alderley #1)
From the blurb:
When Colin and Susan are pursued by eerie creatures across Alderley Edge, they are saved by the Wizard. He takes them into the caves of Fundindelve, where he watches over the enchanted sleep of one hundred and forty knights. But the heart of the magic that binds them—Firefrost, also known as the Weirdstone of Brisingamen—has been lost. The Wizard has been searching for the stone for more than 100 years, but the forces of evil are closing in, determined to possess and destroy its special power. Colin and Susan realise at last that they are the key to the Weirdstone’s return. But how can two children defeat the Morrigan and her deadly brood?
The Moon of Gomrath by Alan Garner (Tales of Alderley #2)
From the blurb:
Enthralling sequel to The Weirdstone of Brisingamen
It is the Eve of Gomrath—the night of the year when the Old Magic is aroused. Had Colin and Susan known this, they would never have lighted a fire on the Beacon, thereby releasing the uncontrollable ferocity of the Wild Hunt. Soon, they are inextricably caught up in the struggle between their friend, the Wizard Cadellin, and the evil Morrigan.
The strength of their courage will determine whether or not they survive the awaiting ordeal…
Boneland by Alan Garner (Tales of Alderley #3)
From the blurb:
Professor Colin Whisterfield spends his days at Jodrell Bank, using the radio telescope to look for his lost sister in the Pleiades. At the same time, and in another time, the Watcher keeps the stars above the earth.
Before the age of thirteen, Colin’s mind is a blank. After that, he recalls everything: every minute of every hour of every day.
But Colin will have to remember what happened if he wants to find his sister. And the Watcher must find the Woman. Otherwise, the skies will fall, and there will be only winter, wanderers, and moon…
Fionavar Tapestry Series
The Summer Tree (Fionavar Tapestry Book 1) by Guy Gavriel Kay
This fantasy book series might be better categorized with non-YA fantasy books, but it’s too good not to include. Older teens will find this underrated book series by Guy Gavriel Kay to be a delicious escape to a dangerous world.
From the blurb:
Taken to a realm of magic and war, five men and women from our world embark on an epic journey in the first novel in Guy Gavriel Kay’s classic, critically acclaimed fantasy trilogy, The Fionavar Tapestry.
It begins with a chance meeting that introduces the five to a man who will change their lives: a mage who brings them to the first of all worlds, Fionavar.
In this land of gods and myth, each of them is forced to discover what they are and what they are willing to do as Fionavar stands on the brink of a terrifying war against a dark, vengeful god…
The Wandering Fire (Fionavar Tapestry Book 2) by Guy Gavriel Kay
From the blurb:
In the second novel in Guy Gavriel Kay’s critically acclaimed Fionavar Tapestry, five men and women from our world must play their parts in a colossal war, as the first of all worlds confronts an ancient evil…
After a thousand years of imprisonment the Unraveller has broken free and frozen Fionavar in the ice of eternal winter. His terrible vengeance has begun to take its toll on mortals and demi-gods, mages and priestesses, dwarves, and the Children of Light.
The five brought from Earth across the tapestry of worlds must act to wake the allies Fionavar desperately needs. But no one can know if these figures out of legend have power enough to shatter the icy grip of death upon the land—or if they even want to…
The Darkest Road (Fionavar Tapestry Book 3) by Guy Gavriel Kay
From the blurb:
Five men and women from our world face a battle with an evil beyond imagining in the deeply moving conclusion to Guy Gavriel Kay’s acclaimed Fionavar Tapestry.
As the Unraveller’s armies assemble, those resisting him must call upon the most ancient of powers, knowing that if this realm of gods and magic is conquered by evil, the ripples of destruction will be felt across all worlds.
But despite the sacrifices made and courage shown, all may be undone because of one child’s choice. For that one has been born of both Darkness and Light, and he alone must walk the darkest road as the fate of worlds hangs in the balance…
Underrated YA Fantasy Book Series: The Chronicles of the Deryni Series
Deryni Rising (The Chronicles of the Deryni #1) Katherine Kurtz
Next on our list of fantasy book series is The Chronicles of the Deryni, a well-loved trilogy by New York Times bestselling author Katherine Kurtz.
From the blurb:
The classic novel that introduced the Deryni and launched Katherine Kurtz’s career.
In the land of Gwynedd, the Haldanes have long ruled and have long kept a dangerous secret: there are those of their blood who possess the magical powers of the Deryni. To be Deryni in a land ruled by the all-powerful Church is to be branded an outcast.
But now, young Prince Kelson is about to assume the throne after the mysterious death of his father. He must be told of his magical heritage. For his legacy is being challenged by a woman who does not hesitate to lay full claim to her Deryni powers. And to face her in magical combat, Kelson must learn a lifetime’s worth of magic in a few short days.
If he loses, he dies as his father did. And if he wins, he is King—but all the world will know that he is also Deryni…
Deryni Checkmate (The Chronicles of the Deryni # 2) by Katherine Kurtz
From the blurb:
The number of Deryni was small, for they had been hounded for generations and kept their identities secret. Those who managed to retain their arcane powers concealed their background—for bitter persecution once again swept the land of Gwynedd, inspired by a raving fanatic sworn to destroy all Deryni in a final bloodbath.
High Deryni (The Chronicles of the Deryni #3) by Katherine Kurtz
From the blurb:
With young King Kelson on the throne of Gwynedd, the priesthood of the Eleven Kingdoms felt its control deeply threatened. For Kelson was half Deryni—part of that race of humans gifted with extrasensory powers… a race that had ruled two centuries earlier but was dethroned and driven underground.
Now, the final battle for ultimate power was about to break into open conflict, led by the Church, which equated the supernatural powers of the Deryni with witchcraft and heresy!
The Riddle of Stars Series
The Riddle-Master of Hed (The Riddle of Stars #1) by Patricia A. McKillip
From the blurb:
Long ago, the wizards had vanished from the world, and all knowledge was left hidden in riddles. Morgon, prince of the simple farmers of Hed, proved himself a master of such riddles when he staked his life to win a crown from the dead Lord of Aum. But now, ancient, evil forces were threatening him. Shape changers began replacing friends until no man could be trusted. So Morgon was forced to flee to hostile kingdoms, seeking the High One who ruled from mysterious Erlenstar Mountain. Beside him went Deth, the High One’s Harper. Ahead lay strange encounters and terrifying adventures. And with him always was the greatest of unsolved riddles—the nature of the three stars on his forehead that seemed to drive him toward his ultimate destiny.
Heir of Sea and Fire (The Riddle of Stars #2) by Patricia A. McKillip
From the blurb:
By the vow of her father and her own desire, Raederle was pledged to Morgon, Riddle-Master of Hed. But a year had passed since Morgon disappeared on his search for the High One at Erlenstar Mountain, and rumors claimed he was dead.
Raederle set out to learn the truth for herself, though her small gift of magic seemed too slight for the perils she must face. The quest led through strange lands and dangerous adventures. Only her growing powers enabled her at last to reach Erlenstar Mountain. And there, she discovered what she could not bear to accept.
Accompanied by Deth, the High One’s Harper, she fled. And behind them came a pursuer whose name was Morgon, bent on executing a grim destiny upon Raederle and Deth.
Her only hope lay in summoning the Hosts of the Dead, led by the King whose skull she bore…
Harpist in the Wind (The Riddle of Stars #3) by Patricia A. McKillip
From the blurb:
Though Morgon the Riddle-Master was reunited with his beloved Raederle, his purpose in life and the reason for the stars on his forehead remained a mystery. All around him, the realm shook with war as mysterious shape-changers battled against mankind. Without the missing High One, Morgon must assume responsibility for all his world.
This post was about the best underrated YA fantasy book series with Welsh influence.
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