What are some underrated fantasy speculative fiction books?

The Abhorsen series by Garth Nix. It has a unique magic system and interesting characters. Not as well - known as some big names but still really good. Another is 'The Raven Cycle' by Maggie Stiefvater. It combines mystery and fantasy elements in a story about a group of teens.

One underrated adult fantasy book is 'The Golem and the Jinni' by Helene Wecker. It tells the story of a golem and a jinni in New York City at the turn of the 20th century. It has a unique blend of fantasy and historical fiction. Another is 'Uprooted' by Naomi Novik. It has a great female protagonist and a really interesting magic system that is tied to the forest. It doesn't get as much attention as some of the more well - known fantasy books but is really good.

The 'October Daye' series by Seanan McGuire is quite underrated. It follows a changeling in a world full of fae. Another is 'The Iron Druid Chronicles' by Kevin Hearne. It has a really unique take on druids in the modern world. And 'Shadow's Edge' by Brent Weeks, which combines elements of magic and a sort of noir - like urban setting.

'The Coldest Girl in Coldtown' by Holly Black. It has a unique take on vampire society, with Coldtowns being places where vampires and humans co - exist in a strange way. It's not as well - known as some of the big names in vampire fiction but is really good.

A really underrated science fiction and fantasy book is 'Lilith's Brood' by Octavia Butler. It's a trilogy that explores human evolution and alien - human relations in a very unique way. Another one is 'Perdido Street Station' by China Miéville. It's a dark and complex fantasy set in a steampunk - like world filled with all kinds of strange creatures and magic. And 'The Left Hand of Darkness' by Ursula K. Le Guin is also somewhat underrated. It delves deep into themes of gender and politics in a science fiction context.

One underrated book is 'The Giver'. It presents a dystopian world where a boy named Jonas discovers the truth about his society. Another is 'The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making'. It has a really imaginative and unique take on fairyland. And 'Howl's Moving Castle' is also somewhat underrated among teen fantasy books. It has a great story about a girl who gets cursed and her encounter with the wizard Howl.

I think 'The Anubis Gates' by Tim Powers is quite underrated. It combines historical settings with elements of magic and time travel in a really engaging way. 'The Worm Ouroboros' by E.R. Eddison is another. It has a very different style of fantasy writing with a detailed and elaborate world. And 'The Black Company' by Glen Cook is underrated. It has a gritty and realistic take on the fantasy genre with a focus on a mercenary company.

The 'Graceling' by Kristin Cashore is quite underrated. It has a strong female lead with a special ability in a world full of political intrigue. Another is 'The Scorpio Races' by Maggie Stiefvater. It's set on an island with a unique horse - racing tradition that involves deadly water horses.

One of the most underrated fiction books is 'The Golem and the Jinni' by Helene Wecker. It weaves together the stories of two mythical creatures in New York City. Another is 'Station Eleven' by Emily St. John Mandel. It has a unique post - apocalyptic setting that is more about the human spirit than just the end of the world. And 'The Night Circus' by Erin Morgenstern is also underrated. Its magical circus setting and the love story within it are truly captivating.

Some underrated historical fiction books are 'The Birth of Venus' by Sarah Dunant. It's set in Renaissance Florence and follows the story of a young girl coming of age in a time of great artistic and social change. 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is also underrated. It offers a unique perspective on the court of Henry VIII. And don't forget 'A Place of Greater Safety' by Hilary Mantel as well, which focuses on the French Revolution.