Can you recommend some underrated science fiction novels?

Sure. 'The Atrocity Archives' by Charles Stross is an underrated gem. It combines Lovecraftian horror with comedy and science - fiction in a unique way. Another is 'The Long Earth' by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter. It has a lot of subtle humor and interesting science - fiction ideas that often get overlooked. 'The Company' series by Kage Baker also has some great comedic moments within its time - traveling science - fiction plot.

Sure. 'Blindsight' is an underrated gem. It has a really unique take on alien intelligence. The story is complex and the idea of an alien species that is so different from our understanding of intelligence that it becomes truly frightening.

Definitely. 'Kamandi: The Last Boy on Earth' is an underrated gem. It's set in a post - apocalyptic future where animals have evolved and taken over, and Kamandi, a human boy, is trying to survive. It has a really unique and interesting science - fiction concept. Another one is 'Metamorpho: The Element Man'. His powers are based on the ability to transform into different elements, which gives a lot of scope for science - fiction - inspired stories and adventures that haven't been fully explored in mainstream DC stories.

Sure. 'Astra Lost in Space' is an underrated gem. It's about a group of students who are stranded in space and have to find their way back home. It has great character development and some interesting science - fiction concepts like different planetary environments.

In fantasy, 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss is somewhat underrated. It has a great story about a young man's journey to become a powerful wizard. The world - building is detailed and the characters are engaging. For science fiction, 'Snow Crash' by Neal Stephenson is underrated. It combines elements of cyberpunk, with a virtual reality world called the Metaverse. Another underrated fantasy book is 'Uprooted' by Naomi Novik. It has a unique take on the fantasy genre with a dark forest and a wizard - like figure.

Sure. 'The Time Machine' by H.G. Wells is a great start. It's an oldie but a goodie. It's simple to understand and introduces the concept of time travel in a very engaging way. Another one is 'The War of the Worlds' also by Wells. It shows an alien invasion and how humans react, which is a classic science - fiction theme. And 'I, Robot' by Isaac Asimov. It has short, easy - to - read stories that introduce the idea of robotics and ethics in a really accessible way.

'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' is a somewhat underrated WW2 fiction novel. It tells the story through letters and shows the impact of the war on the small island of Guernsey. It has a charming and heartwarming story about the power of literature and friendship during difficult times.

There are several reasons for science fiction novels to be underrated. Sometimes, the cover art or the title doesn't attract readers. A dull or unappealing cover can make a potentially great book be passed over. For example, some older science fiction novels with cheesy or uninformative covers might not get the attention they deserve. Also, if a novel doesn't fit neatly into an established sub - genre category, it can be overlooked. A book that combines elements of cyberpunk and space opera in a unique way might not have an obvious audience. Moreover, if the author is not well - known or part of a big - name literary clique, their work might not get promoted as much. This was the case for many indie - published science fiction novels in the past, which often had great ideas but little exposure.

Sure. 'The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making' by Catherynne M. Valente is a good start. It has a charming and whimsical story that's easy to get into. Another is 'The House in the Cerulean Sea' by TJ Klune. It's a heartwarming fantasy with a simple yet engaging plot. And 'The Dark Is Rising' by Susan Cooper is also great for beginners. It has elements of magic and adventure.

One underrated WWII historical fiction novel is 'City of Thieves' by David Benioff. It's about two young men in Leningrad during the siege, on a mission to find a dozen eggs for a wedding cake. Another is 'The Zookeeper's Wife' which tells the true story of how the keepers of the Warsaw Zoo helped save Jews during the war in a very unique way, but it's not as widely known as it should be.