The Book Wench

If I got a dollar for every time I said “You should check out this book. I know you haven’t heard of it, but….” I would have a hefty chunk of change (to use for buying books, of course).

There are so many amazing books (and series) out there that I am surprised not as many people talk about or even know of.

These underrated (and sometimes lesser-known) are the topic of this week’s T5W!

In case you aren’t familiar with T5W, it’s this great community on Goodreads created by Youtube book blogger Gingerreadslainey and hosted by Sam of Thoughts on Tomes. Every month group members are given topics for every Wednesday of that month to discuss on their respective platforms (blog, vlog, etc).

The Queen of the Tearling Trilogy by Erika Johansen

Okay, so I am still working on the third book (was originally doing it as a co-read with a friend from work but she gave me the go ahead to move forward because she hasn’t been able to read much lately). But having read the first two (multiple times) I can say that this trilogy will not only be an absolute favorite but an auto-recommend as well. Considering the hype around it with Emma Watson being attached to the film, I’m surprised more people haven’t read it.

The Bloody Jack Series by L. A. Meyer

I have waxed-poetic on this series before but I can never not mention this series, especially when talking about underrated favorites. I have never met, in person, someone else who has read this series prior to me talking to them about it. Generally, most people I talk to haven’t even heard of it. I have had several friends read and love the series after I recommended it to them, but it would be awesome to meet someone who has heard of the series before I came along, you know? What’s not to like? A strong, if a little wayward, female lead, pirates, adventure, and historical references galore. Please go pick up this series!!

The Darren Shan series by Darren Shan

For those who know me, this will probably be a bit of a surprise. I’m not one for horror-type books. In fact, and this is kinda embarrassing, I hadn’t even heard of these until about a year after the first three were published in America (originally published in the U.K.) and not until Tom Felton (yes, Draco) mentioned them as some of his favorite books in a magazine article where the HP cast talked about non-Potter books. So, yes, Tom sorta kinda (not really) recommended these to me. I absolutely loved them even if they gave me nightmares sometimes. Darren is such a compelling character and Darren (the author) is a fantastic writer. Check them out!

The Cormoran Strikes Series by Robert Galbraith

In case you haven’t heard of these books, they are fantastic. Also, in case you haven’t heard, they were written by J. K. Rowling under her pseudonym Robert Galbraith. I was not much of a detective novel reader growing up but, and I’ll be honest, when I found out Jo wrote The Cuckoo’s Calling (the other two weren’t out yet) I knew I had to have it. Totally turned my opinion of detective novels (though, with Jo’s signature character-writing style, I was a little spoiled and have yet to find any detective mystery I enjoy as much as these). I am surprised at how little I see them mentioned on blogs and blog social media sites.

His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman

Remember that magazine article I mentioned earlier where I got a recommendation (sorta) from Tom Felton AKA Draco Malfoy? Yep, you guessed it. The His Dark Materials trilogy was another recommendation from that magazine, this time from the Head-Witch-in-Charge herself, Emma Watson. This is, in my opinion, a reading necessity. Yes, there is some controversy around the trilogy, and if you are interested feel free to do research, but don’t let it prevent you from the great experience that is reading this trilogy. I am personally looking forward to the BBC One series that should be coming out….eventually and the purported The Book of Dust that Pullman is working on currently and is supposed to act as a “sequel” (wish).
 

Well there you have it! These are my Top 5 favorite underrated books (series)! If you have read any of these, let me know! I would love to discuss any of them! And if you end up reading them based on my recommendations, let me know that too (even if you hate them)!

Until next time!

xTheBookWench