Top Ten Hidden Gems of 2016
(Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish)
Making lists of underrated books is always kind of hard because you gotta look outside your social bubble and consider if they really are as under-hyped as they seem (because spoiler: they often aren’t. The number of times I’ve seen Chaos Walking called under-hyped… LMAO).
The Lost & Found by Katrina Leno
I actually know quite some people have read (and loved) this book but taking every opportunity to shout from the rooftops how good this book is. A LOVE LETTER TO INTERNET FRIENDSHIPS basically.
Invasive by Chuck Wendig
This book was so much better than Zer0es (which is set in the same world, but has a different set of characters) and even though it’s not even close to being as epic as his Miriam Black and Star Wars books, I still think it should get a lot more attention.
Pax by Sara Pennypacker
Not really a surprise considering it’s a MG novel but OMG it’s so cute and the feeeels, I really wish more people would read it.
The Trees by Ali Shaw
Super interesting mix of post apocalypse and magical realism. I’m surprised it’s not getting more attention. I mean, LOOK AT THAT COVER.
Revenger by Alastair
Kickass female MC in space. No romance, much sisterly love. Lady villain. Why isn’t everyone reading this???
Lost Gods by Brom
I thought Brom would be more popular but I didn’t really see anyone talking about this book even though it was really good (and looks stunning)
The Sudden Appearance of Hope by Claire North
This is somewhat more popular BUT STILL NOT ENOUGH. Such a tragically sad story.
Riverkeep by Martin Stewart
I might be biased because this was the first book that ever depicted Alzheimer’s in a way I liked and think was good but PEOPLE, YOU GOTTA READ THIS. (it’s also giving off some light Chaos Walking/Todd vibes)
The Interminables by Paige Orwin
It makes me sad how HIGHLY underrated this book is. Friendship to more between such great but very different characters + magic and mayhem!
Ninefox Gambit by Yoon Ha Lee
Okay, so I didn’t LOVE this book (“only” gave it 3-stars) but I’m pretty sure I’ll give it at least 4 once I reread it. The world building just went over my head at times but the overall ideas and characters were GREAT and it’s definitely not your average space opera so more people should give it a go.
Gotta mention some short fiction too even though they are mainly under-hyped because many people just don’t read short fiction but they were just so good, I have to have them on this list:
Hammers on Bone by Cassandra Khaw
Cold-Forged Flame by Marie Brennan
The Burning Light by Bradley P. Beaulieu
Leave a Comment
Petra
I haven’t read any of these, but The Sudden Appearance of Hope is on by TBR. Great list, and thanks for sharing. :)
Here’s my TTT
Cait @ Paper Fury
*whistles innocently like she didn’t call Patrick Ness underhyped in her post* ?? I mean, I know he’s a bestseller and famous and has movies and ALL THAT…but I so rarely see people reading and flailing over his books in the blogosphere?!? It’s so weird.
And omg Katrina Leno is SO UNDERHYPED IS CRIMINAL. The Lost & Found is pure gorgeous brilliance. <3 And also Pax was great right up until the end where it broke my heart.??
Sana
Let’s not talk about how I’ve yet to read The Lost and Found.
I’m slowly making my way through Chuck Wendig’s books so next up is Atlanta Burns and so eventually, I’ll get to this series.
I totally forgot about Lost Gods being a thing!
Ugh, I really need to get on reading Riverkeep because it’s been way past time. Same with Revenger especially because it’s sci-fi and I’m still somehow only 12% done with it.
Oh yes, The Interminables is definitely super underrated.
I’m glad to know your thoughts on Ninefox Gambit as I was a little unsure about reading it but now I’m excited to get to it.
Greg
The Lost and Found and Pax both look great. Revenger looks good just going by the cover and your description definitely makes me curious. And Brom- I didn’t realize he was writing now but his art is always interesting.
Lisa @ Captivated Reader
Nice list of books. Many new book titles for me to check out!!
Here’s a link to my TTT post for this week: http://captivatedreader.blogspot.com/2017/01/top-ten-tuesday-ten-underratedhidden.html
Maraia
I picked books for my list based on the number of Goodreads reviews/ratings. I was actually shocked at how few reviews TL&F has. =/
I still want to read Invasive, even though I’m skipping Zer0es. I also need to read Riverkeep, obviously, and I do want to read Pax and Revenger. I’m not sure I actually want to read The Trees, or if I just want to stare at the cover, lol.
Sebastian
I’m still not sure if I should read “Invasive” or not since “Zer0es” was SO disappointing but the fact that the sequel has different characters than the first book definitely still makes me curious about it because the boring protagonists were the main reason why I didn’t like “Zer0es”.
I haven’t read “Lost Gods” yet but it definitely seems not to get a lot of attention compared to how popular “The Child Thief” is (have you read that one already, btw?)
Claire North left me a bit disappointed with “The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August” but I already have “Touch” on my TBR, so we’ll see how that one goes for me :D
I’m not sure if “giving off some light Chaos Walking/Todd vibes” is a winning argument for me after my latest TAatA experiences XD (Sorry /o\)
Rinn
I thought ‘How can Revenger be under-hyped?’ and then I looked at GR and oh. WHAT.