Underrated Books You Need to Read But Probably Haven’t Heard Of

There’s nothing quite like discovering a hidden gem of a book. You know, those books that haven’t quite made it to the bestseller lists but deserve all the love? The ones you can’t help but rave about to friends, who then wonder how they’ve never heard of them before? Yeah, those books. Today, I’m here to share some of my personal favorite underrated reads that you might not know, but definitely should.

Trust me, these are the books that will leave a lasting impression long after you’ve closed the cover.

1. “The Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

This book is honestly a love letter to readers. Set in post-World War II Barcelona, it follows a boy named Daniel who discovers a mysterious book that leads him on a whirlwind journey through forgotten stories, hidden secrets, and eerie twists.

If you love books about books (and who doesn’t?), this one will hit home. Zafón’s writing is lush, almost like you’re stepping into the story yourself. It’s atmospheric, a bit dark, and full of intrigue. Plus, it’ll make you wish you could visit the “Cemetery of Forgotten Books.” A must-read for anyone who’s ever dreamed of wandering through endless bookshelves.

2. "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern

Okay, I know, some people have heard of this one, but it’s still vastly underrated in my opinion. This isn’t your typical fantasy novel. It’s all about the whimsical, magical world of a traveling circus that only opens at night. Two magicians are locked in a deadly competition, and the stakes are high—especially when they start falling in love. The descriptions in this book are so vivid you can almost smell the caramel popcorn and feel the cool night air.

If you’re into beautifully written, atmospheric stories that feel like a dream you don’t want to wake up from, add this to your list ASAP.

3. “Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel

Yes, it’s a dystopian novel, but hear me out—it’s not your average “world-ending” book. This one is surprisingly hopeful and heartfelt. The story jumps between life before and after a flu pandemic wipes out most of humanity (a little too close to home now, right?), but it focuses on how people come together to survive, and how art and storytelling still matter even when everything falls apart.

The way Mandel weaves together different timelines and characters is nothing short of brilliant. And the ending? It sticks with you.

4. “The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet” by Becky Chambers

If you’re into sci-fi but don’t want the intense, technical jargon that some space operas throw at you, then this is the book for you. It’s a cozy, heartwarming space adventure that follows a crew of misfit characters on a ship called the Wayfarer.

They’re tasked with creating a wormhole, but really, the story is about the relationships between the crew. It’s got quirky humor, fascinating alien species, and a lot of heart. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll want to hug the book when you’re done. Honestly, it’s the feel-good sci-fi novel we all need.

5. “The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller

This one is an absolute heartbreaker—but in the best way. It’s a retelling of the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus, set during the Trojan War, but you don’t need to be a history buff to get swept up in this love story.

Miller’s writing is raw, emotional, and beautifully detailed. By the end, you’ll be ugly crying and wondering how on earth this book isn’t talked about more. It’s a slow-burn romance filled with tension, tragedy, and so much beauty that it’ll leave you emotionally wrecked. And yes, it’s totally worth it.

6. “The House in the Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune

This is the ultimate comfort read. It’s like a warm hug in book form.

The story follows Linus, a caseworker who inspects orphanages for magical children. When he’s sent to a mysterious island, he finds a group of kids with unique powers—like turning into a Pomeranian or controlling the weather—and an enigmatic man named Arthur, who runs the orphanage.

What makes this book special is how it tackles important themes like acceptance, love, and found family in such a light, heartwarming way. It’s impossible not to fall in love with these characters.

7. “Uprooted” by Naomi Novik

Fantasy lovers, this one’s for you. Imagine a dark, enchanted forest that’s constantly creeping toward your village, swallowing people up. Now imagine that every ten years, a wizard comes and takes a girl from the village as a servant to keep the forest at bay. Sounds like a fairy tale, right? But trust me, this book is anything but predictable. The magic system is unique, the characters are complex, and the forest? It’s terrifying. If you want something that feels both epic and intimate, give this a try.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—seven underrated books that deserve a top spot on your TBR list. Whether you’re in the mood for a whimsical circus, a space adventure, or a heartbreaking love story, I hope you’ve found a new favorite among these picks. There’s something magical about stumbling upon a book that feels like it was meant just for you, and these gems are sure to deliver that feeling.

So, what about you? Have you read any underrated books that you think deserve more love?

Hope you enjoy these underrated gems as much as I did! Happy reading!