Top 5 Wednesday is a group on Goodreads hosted by Sam from Thoughts on Tome on Youtube.
Like I said before (HERE ) I really enjoy seeing all the Top 5 Wednesday posts and I don't participate nearly enough but I couldn't resist this topic because there are some books I am really passionate about that many people haven't even heard of or have never picked up, particularly in the fantasy realm. (Warning: I cheat a little because as with most fantasies, you can't read one book without reading the series).
Top 5 Underrated or Forgotten Books:
The White Magic Trilogy by Caitlin Brennan
I read these books years and years ago before I started the blog or even Goodreads because I love horses and fantasy. If you enjoyed the Study series as it progressed into a more adult fantasy you should think about giving this trilogy a shot. It does mature with the relationships and there is a love triangle that may get readers frustrated but this was written before the major onslaught of love triangles in YA. The first book has just over a 1,000 ratings on Goodreads and 52 reviews, the second book has less than 500 ratings and only 10 reviews and the final book has just over 400 ratings and only 9 reviews. Come on folks these books need more reading and more reviews! (I only have my ratings up because I read them before starting to write reviews but I think it is time for a re-read and full reviews).
This is another series I read before I started blogging or reviewing on Goodreads, I did end up re-reading them back in 2012 so I could add my reviews. I LOVED this series when I originally read it, I have always really enjoyed Arthurian Legend re-tellings and books in that world. These books follow a few of the Knights of the Round on their adventures and their discovery of the women to stand by their sides. When I originally read this series, the 4th book was not released in the US and it was extremely difficult for me to get my hands on but it was so worth it! I do suggest going through the effort of finding these original covers though, they are stunning (and so much better than the newer editions). The first book has just under 500 ratings and 48 reviews, the second book has under 400 ratings and 15 reviews, book three has under 300 ratings and only 9 reviews and the final book only has 158 ratings and 9 reviews! So sad, these books are a great combination of historical fiction, romance, Arthurian elements, action & adventure, strong females and fantasy!
Now this one was a pretty popular book at one time, though it is often overshadowed by Graceling (book 1) but in my opinion this book is the best of the series and deserves more attention. I wish I could find a fandom for this book, but there doesn't seem to be as much love for it. Granted this is a much slower paced book and it is darker and more of an internal turmoil type book so it is not for everyone. I am still madly in love with this book and often re-read it each year. Brigan will always remain my book boyfriend.
This was a series from a couple of years ago and with the sudden growing popularity of Norse Mythology this one should be added to a few TBRs. It is a short and light series in the New Adult - Paranormal Romance genres. I rather enjoyed this series a couple of years ago and think that there are a lot more readers out there that would enjoy it as much as me! Book 1 has just over 2,000 ratings and 330 reviews, book 2 has under 1,000 ratings and 109 reviews, book 3 has less than 800 ratings and 79 reviews and the prequel novella has less than 500 ratings and 94 reviews.
For something a little more recent is the Kingmaker Chronicles by Amanda Bouchet. I read the first book last year and it blew me away, it had all the elements I love, fantasy, strong female characters and strong male characters (who butt heads and have fun banter), romance, mythology, it really has it all. I am in the process of reading the second book now and am just as in love as I was with the first. The third book is expected out in January of next year (I know, such a long time to wait). This series is picking up steam with the first book currently having just over 5,000 ratings and nearly 300 reviews and the second book having just over 1,700 ratings and 342 reviews but I don't hear anyone talking them or raving about them!
So there you have it, my top 5 underrated books (well I guess I really cheated and went with my top five underrated series). Have you read any of these books? Did you love them or not so much? If you haven't read them are you going to be adding them to your TBR (if not you should)? What are your top 5 underrated books?
Sadly, besides Fire, I haven't heard of these. There's lots of series I read and loved before blogging or Goodreads. I sometimes wish I could give them more love.
ReplyDeleteThere are some really great books that have been forgotten over the years. I hope to revisit some of them this year.
DeleteI have only read Fire from your list. I agree that is very underrated! I didn't enjoy it at first, but I really liked it the second time I read it, and I love how Bitterblue pieces Graceling and Fire together.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the Study series by Maria V. Snyder. Is that the series you are referring to? If so, I MUST read The White Magic books.
Thanks SO much for sending me A Promise of Fire. I'm SO excited to read it!! You are so kind.
Fire is by far one of my favorite books but I really do love how Cashore wove the books together. Definitely give the White Magic books a try, there is magic, power struggles, a little intrigue and some romance. I hope you like A Promise of Fire!
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