Hidden Gems: YA-Fantasy Novels (799 books)

Hidden Gems: YA-Fantasy Novels

Little known YA Fantasy novels (fewer than 10,000 ratings) that are not just Goodreads but Mustreads!

1	Keturah and Lord Death by Martine Leavitt 3.88 of 5 stars 3.88 avg rating — 5,693 ratings score: 10,097, and 105 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
2	The Dark Lord of Derkholm (Derkholm, #1) by Diana Wynne Jones 4.09 of 5 stars 4.09 avg rating — 6,645 ratings score: 9,270, and 97 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
3	The Will of the Empress (Circle Reforged, #1) by Tamora Pierce (Goodreads Author) 4.08 of 5 stars 4.08 avg rating — 9,650 ratings score: 8,020, and 86 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
4	Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones 3.93 of 5 stars 3.93 avg rating — 4,165 ratings score: 7,603, and 80 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
5	Sorcery & Cecelia: or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot (Cecelia and Kate, #1) by Patricia C. Wrede 4.03 of 5 stars 4.03 avg rating — 8,122 ratings score: 7,557, and 80 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
6	Summers at Castle Auburn by Sharon Shinn 4.02 of 5 stars 4.02 avg rating — 4,680 ratings score: 7,517, and 79 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
7	The Darkangel (Darkangel Trilogy, #1) by Meredith Ann Pierce 3.9 of 5 stars 3.90 avg rating — 4,415 ratings score: 7,132, and 75 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
8	The Seer and the Sword (Healer and Seer, #1) by Victoria Hanley 4.1 of 5 stars 4.10 avg rating — 4,903 ratings score: 7,087, and 76 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
9	The Sword in the Stone (The Once and Future King, #1) by T.H. White 3.92 of 5 stars 3.92 avg rating — 7,687 ratings score: 6,295, and 67 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
10	The Hollow Kingdom (The Hollow Kingdom Trilogy, #1) by Clare B. Dunkle 4.15 of 5 stars 4.15 avg rating — 4,099 ratings score: 5,974, and 65 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
11	The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope 4.13 of 5 stars 4.13 avg rating — 3,531 ratings score: 5,698, and 61 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
12	A Curse Dark As Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce (Goodreads Author) 3.55 of 5 stars 3.55 avg rating — 6,594 ratings score: 4,833, and 52 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
13	The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia A. McKillip 4.05 of 5 stars 4.05 avg rating — 5,351 ratings score: 4,769, and 52 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
14	Poison by Chris Wooding 3.94 of 5 stars 3.94 avg rating — 2,922 ratings score: 4,706, and 51 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
15	Un Lun Dun by China Miéville (Goodreads Author) 3.8 of 5 stars 3.80 avg rating — 8,282 ratings score: 4,485, and 48 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
16	Switch! (Kingdoms of Karibu, #1) by Karen Prince (Goodreads Author) 4.67 of 5 stars 4.67 avg rating — 93 ratings score: 4,274, and 43 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
17	Flora Segunda (Flora Trilogy, #1) by Ysabeau S. Wilce 3.67 of 5 stars 3.67 avg rating — 1,869 ratings score: 4,235, and 45 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
18	Son of a Mermaid by Katie O'Sullivan (Goodreads Author) 4.75 of 5 stars 4.75 avg rating — 12 ratings score: 4,191, and 42 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
19	House of Many Ways (Howl's Moving Castle, #3) by Diana Wynne Jones 3.97 of 5 stars 3.97 avg rating — 8,830 ratings score: 3,790, and 41 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
20	Star Crossed (Thief Errant, #1) by Elizabeth C. Bunce (Goodreads Author) 3.85 of 5 stars 3.85 avg rating — 3,289 ratings score: 3,754, and 41 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
21	Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken (Goodreads Author) 3.87 of 5 stars 3.87 avg rating — 4,765 ratings score: 3,749, and 40 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
22	Chronicles of Myriad: Quest for the Oracle by James Nicholas Adams (Goodreads Author) 4.09 of 5 stars 4.09 avg rating — 11 ratings score: 3,683, and 37 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
23	Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George (Goodreads Author) 3.96 of 5 stars 3.96 avg rating — 8,767 ratings score: 3,678, and 40 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
24	The Sherwood Ring by Elizabeth Marie Pope 4.13 of 5 stars 4.13 avg rating — 1,210 ratings score: 3,653, and 40 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
25	Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock 3.7 of 5 stars 3.70 avg rating — 8,789 ratings score: 3,493, and 38 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
26	Lips Touch: Three Times by Laini Taylor (Goodreads Author) 3.8 of 5 stars 3.80 avg rating — 4,613 ratings score: 3,235, and 33 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
27	Dragon's Bait by Vivian Vande Velde 3.97 of 5 stars 3.97 avg rating — 3,332 ratings score: 3,092, and 34 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
28	The Changeover by Margaret Mahy 4.13 of 5 stars 4.13 avg rating — 1,547 ratings score: 3,054, and 34 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
29	The Ordinary Princess by M.M. Kaye 4.18 of 5 stars 4.18 avg rating — 5,937 ratings score: 2,843, and 30 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
30	Tamsin by Peter S. Beagle (Goodreads Author) 3.98 of 5 stars 3.98 avg rating — 1,718 ratings score: 2,802, and 31 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
31	Into the Land of the Unicorns (Unicorn Chronicles, #1) by Bruce Coville 4.0 of 5 stars 4.00 avg rating — 8,485 ratings score: 2,718, and 30 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
32	Heart's Blood (Whistling Tor, #1) by Juliet Marillier (Goodreads Author) 4.11 of 5 stars 4.11 avg rating — 5,040 ratings score: 2,710, and 29 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
33	Blackbringer (Dreamdark, #1) by Laini Taylor (Goodreads Author) 4.08 of 5 stars 4.08 avg rating — 2,204 ratings score: 2,572, and 30 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
34	Mairelon the Magician (Mairelon, #1) by Patricia C. Wrede 4.0 of 5 stars 4.00 avg rating — 4,223 ratings score: 2,485, and 27 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
35	Year of the Griffin (Derkholm, #2) by Diana Wynne Jones 4.08 of 5 stars 4.08 avg rating — 3,871 ratings score: 2,365, and 26 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
36	Peter: A Darkened Fairytale by William O'Brien (Goodreads Author) 4.73 of 5 stars 4.73 avg rating — 15 ratings score: 2,197, and 22 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
37	Black Unicorn (Unicorn, #1) by Tanith Lee 3.83 of 5 stars 3.83 avg rating — 1,984 ratings score: 2,162, and 26 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
38	Dragon Shaman: Taming The Blowing Wind (Dragon Shaman, #1) by Teresa Garcia (Goodreads Author) 4.67 of 5 stars 4.67 avg rating — 3 ratings score: 2,149, and 22 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
39	The Magicians of Caprona (Chrestomanci, #2) by Diana Wynne Jones 3.88 of 5 stars 3.88 avg rating — 4,241 ratings score: 2,080, and 24 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
40	Young Warriors: Stories of Strength by Tamora Pierce (Goodreads Author) (Editor) 3.87 of 5 stars 3.87 avg rating — 2,110 ratings score: 2,068, and 26 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
41	The Frog Princess (Tales of the Frog Princess, #1) by E.D. Baker (Goodreads Author) 3.86 of 5 stars 3.86 avg rating — 8,801 ratings score: 2,066, and 24 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
42	Rose Daughter by Robin McKinley 3.72 of 5 stars 3.72 avg rating — 9,818 ratings score: 2,048, and 24 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
43	The False Princess by Eilis O'Neal (Goodreads Author) 3.79 of 5 stars 3.79 avg rating — 6,608 ratings score: 2,006, and 22 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
44	Eyes Like Stars (Théâtre Illuminata, #1) by Lisa Mantchev (Goodreads Author) 3.75 of 5 stars 3.75 avg rating — 6,836 ratings score: 1,993, and 22 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
45	A Posse of Princesses by Sherwood Smith (Goodreads Author) 3.75 of 5 stars 3.75 avg rating — 1,763 ratings score: 1,949, and 24 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
46	Witch Week (Chrestomanci, #3) by Diana Wynne Jones 3.86 of 5 stars 3.86 avg rating — 5,439 ratings score: 1,944, and 22 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
47	Dogsbody by Diana Wynne Jones 4.05 of 5 stars 4.05 avg rating — 2,689 ratings score: 1,903, and 21 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
48	Cast in Shadow (Chronicles of Elantra, #1) by Michelle Sagara 3.83 of 5 stars 3.83 avg rating — 6,184 ratings score: 1,838, and 22 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
49	Reckless (Reckless, #1) by Cornelia Funke 3.67 of 5 stars 3.67 avg rating — 5,762 ratings score: 1,829, and 19 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
50	Ronia, the Robber's Daughter by Astrid Lindgren 4.24 of 5 stars 4.24 avg rating — 7,810 ratings score: 1,791, and 19 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
51	The Safe-Keeper's Secret (Safe-Keepers, #1) by Sharon Shinn 3.78 of 5 stars 3.78 avg rating — 2,420 ratings score: 1,766, and 19 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
52	The Tough Guide To Fantasyland by Diana Wynne Jones 3.94 of 5 stars 3.94 avg rating — 2,156 ratings score: 1,741, and 19 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
53	Chime by Franny Billingsley 3.6 of 5 stars 3.60 avg rating — 5,894 ratings score: 1,740, and 19 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
54	Ice by Sarah Beth Durst (Goodreads Author) 3.72 of 5 stars 3.72 avg rating — 3,317 ratings score: 1,734, and 19 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
55	Magician's Ward (Mairelon, #2) by Patricia C. Wrede 4.11 of 5 stars 4.11 avg rating — 3,254 ratings score: 1,722, and 20 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
56	My Fair Godmother (My Fair Godmother, #1) by Janette Rallison (Goodreads Author) 3.97 of 5 stars 3.97 avg rating — 6,090 ratings score: 1,684, and 18 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
57	The Magic Thief (Magic Thief, #1) by Sarah Prineas (Goodreads Author) 3.9 of 5 stars 3.90 avg rating — 6,403 ratings score: 1,671, and 19 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
58	Conrad's Fate (Chrestomanci, #5) by Diana Wynne Jones 3.97 of 5 stars 3.97 avg rating — 4,170 ratings score: 1,667, and 19 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
59	The Red Necklace (French Revolution, #1) by Sally Gardner 3.81 of 5 stars 3.81 avg rating — 3,569 ratings score: 1,653, and 20 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
60	Fly by Night (Fly By Night, #1) by Frances Hardinge 3.7 of 5 stars 3.70 avg rating — 2,438 ratings score: 1,606, and 18 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
61	Obernewtyn (Obernewtyn Chronicles, #1) by Isobelle Carmody (Goodreads Author) 3.98 of 5 stars 3.98 avg rating — 4,663 ratings score: 1,598, and 17 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
62	A College of Magics (A College of Magics, #1) by Caroline Stevermer 3.65 of 5 stars 3.65 avg rating — 2,482 ratings score: 1,585, and 18 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
62	Tail of the Devil by Danielle DeVor (Goodreads Author) 4.83 of 5 stars 4.83 avg rating — 12 ratings score: 1,585, and 16 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
64	Mortal Engines (The Hungry City Chronicles, #1) by Philip Reeve 3.99 of 5 stars 3.99 avg rating — 5,550 ratings score: 1,569, and 17 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
65	Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians (Alcatraz, #1) by Brandon Sanderson (Goodreads Author) 3.87 of 5 stars 3.87 avg rating — 5,648 ratings score: 1,558, and 19 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
66	The Cabinet of Wonders (The Kronos Chronicles, #1) by Marie Rutkoski (Goodreads Author) 3.94 of 5 stars 3.94 avg rating — 1,707 ratings score: 1,547, and 17 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
67	Dreams of the Ringed Vale (Luthiel's Song, #1) by Robert Fanney (Goodreads Author) 4.03 of 5 stars 4.03 avg rating — 633 ratings score: 1,533, and 16 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
68	The Changeling Sea by Patricia A. McKillip 4.08 of 5 stars 4.08 avg rating — 2,228 ratings score: 1,529, and 17 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
69	Magic Under Glass (Magic Under, #1) by Jaclyn Dolamore (Goodreads Author) 3.62 of 5 stars 3.62 avg rating — 2,431 ratings score: 1,527, and 17 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
70	Bloodlines (Bloodlines, #1) by Lindsay Anne Kendal (Goodreads Author) 3.77 of 5 stars 3.77 avg rating — 622 ratings score: 1,516, and 16 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
71	Airborn (Matt Cruse, #1) by Kenneth Oppel (Goodreads Author) 4.19 of 5 stars 4.19 avg rating — 9,401 ratings score: 1,513, and 17 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
72	The Goblin Wood (Goblin Wood, #1) by Hilari Bell (Goodreads Author) 3.92 of 5 stars 3.92 avg rating — 1,959 ratings score: 1,511, and 17 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
73	The Divide (The Divide, #1) by Elizabeth Kay (Goodreads Author) 3.85 of 5 stars 3.85 avg rating — 1,549 ratings score: 1,484, and 19 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
74	Deep Secret by Diana Wynne Jones 4.09 of 5 stars 4.09 avg rating — 2,404 ratings score: 1,460, and 17 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
75	Hexwood by Diana Wynne Jones 3.93 of 5 stars 3.93 avg rating — 2,050 ratings score: 1,459, and 16 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
76	The Unlikely Ones (Pigs Don't Fly, #1) by Mary Brown 3.93 of 5 stars 3.93 avg rating — 632 ratings score: 1,410, and 17 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
77	The Dalemark Quartet (The Dalemark Quartet, #1-4) by Diana Wynne Jones 4.18 of 5 stars 4.18 avg rating — 338 ratings score: 1,394, and 15 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
78	The Wind Singer (Wind on Fire, #1) by William Nicholson 3.79 of 5 stars 3.79 avg rating — 6,626 ratings score: 1,365, and 15 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
79	Froi of the Exiles (Lumatere Chronicles, #2) by Melina Marchetta (Goodreads Author) 4.5 of 5 stars 4.50 avg rating — 4,026 ratings score: 1,359, and 14 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
80	Alphabet of Thorn by Patricia A. McKillip 4.05 of 5 stars 4.05 avg rating — 2,639 ratings score: 1,302, and 15 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
81	The Water Mirror (Dark Reflections, #1) by Kai Meyer (Goodreads Author) 3.79 of 5 stars 3.79 avg rating — 2,021 ratings score: 1,266, and 14 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
82	The Ropemaker (The Ropemaker, #1) by Peter Dickinson 3.67 of 5 stars 3.67 avg rating — 1,201 ratings score: 1,234, and 13 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
83	In The Forests of Serre by Patricia A. McKillip 3.92 of 5 stars 3.92 avg rating — 1,617 ratings score: 1,226, and 14 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
84	The Sword of Truth (The Godling Chronicles, #1) by Brian D. Anderson (Goodreads Author) 4.09 of 5 stars 4.09 avg rating — 232 ratings score: 1,196, and 12 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
85	The Crown Conspiracy (The Riyria Revelations, #1) by Michael J. Sullivan (Goodreads Author) 3.99 of 5 stars 3.99 avg rating — 3,382 ratings score: 1,179, and 13 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
86	Dragon's Keep by Janet Lee Carey (Goodreads Author) 3.65 of 5 stars 3.65 avg rating — 3,343 ratings score: 1,170, and 13 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
87	Companions of the Night by Vivian Vande Velde 3.73 of 5 stars 3.73 avg rating — 3,081 ratings score: 1,168, and 13 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
88	Shadow Spinner by Susan Fletcher 3.94 of 5 stars 3.94 avg rating — 3,189 ratings score: 1,158, and 13 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
89	Rapunzel's Revenge (Rapunzel's Revenge, #1) by Shannon Hale (Goodreads Author) 3.76 of 5 stars 3.76 avg rating — 7,300 ratings score: 1,127, and 12 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
90	Winter Rose (Winter Rose, #1) by Patricia A. McKillip 3.83 of 5 stars 3.83 avg rating — 3,638 ratings score: 1,120, and 13 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
91	Of Gods and Elves (The Godling Chronicles, #2) by Brian D. Anderson (Goodreads Author) 4.21 of 5 stars 4.21 avg rating — 158 ratings score: 1,092, and 11 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
92	The Savage Damsel and the Dwarf (The Squire's Tales, #3) by Gerald Morris 4.26 of 5 stars 4.26 avg rating — 2,127 ratings score: 1,072, and 12 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
93	Dragon Shaman Book Two: The Smoky Mirror (Dragon Shaman #2) by Teresa Garcia (Goodreads Author) 0.0 of 5 stars 0.00 avg rating — 0 ratings score: 1,067, and 11 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
94	Personal Demons (Personal Demons, #1) by Lisa Desrochers (Goodreads Author) 3.76 of 5 stars 3.76 avg rating — 5,552 ratings score: 1,049, and 12 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
95	The Cry of the Icemark (The Icemark Chronicles, #1) by Stuart Hill 4.08 of 5 stars 4.08 avg rating — 4,664 ratings score: 1,010, and 11 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
95	Liar's Moon (Thief Errant, #2) by Elizabeth C. Bunce (Goodreads Author) 3.94 of 5 stars 3.94 avg rating — 1,384 ratings score: 1,010, and 12 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
97	Witch Song (Witch Song, #1) by Amber Argyle (Goodreads Author) 3.73 of 5 stars 3.73 avg rating — 1,180 ratings score: 986, and 10 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
97	Relics (The Thulukan Chronicles, #1) by Maer Wilson (Goodreads Author) 4.89 of 5 stars 4.89 avg rating — 28 ratings score: 986, and 10 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
99	The Grand Tour (Cecilia and Kate, #2) by Patricia C. Wrede 3.61 of 5 stars 3.61 avg rating — 3,314 ratings score: 973, and 11 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
100	Riddle-Master: The Complete Trilogy (Riddle-Master, #1-3) by Patricia A. McKillip 4.24 of 5 stars 4.24 avg rating — 5,169 ratings score: 970, and 11 people voted	Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

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799 books · 2,126 voters · list created August 15th, 2008 by Michael Bialys (votes) .

Tags: best, faeries, fantasy, hidden-gems, magic, teen, underrated, ya

149 likes · like

Lists are re-scored approximately every 500 seconds.

People Who Voted On This List (2126)

Wealhtheow
2998 books
459 friends

A.L.
126 books
53 friends

Elyse
982 books
3974 friends

Angel
782 books
26 friends

Marc
390 books
338 friends

Mary
70 books
613 friends

Terry
3019 books
495 friends

Elisabeth
2019 books
103 friends

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Comments (showing 1-46 of 46) (46 new)

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newest »

message 1: by Jenn (new)

May 19, 2010 03:32am

Is Leminy Snicket really fantasy? I mean, really? And I thought this was for 'hidden gems', there are plenty of widely known and read books up there!

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message 2: by Kate (new)

May 21, 2010 02:26pm

Hmm....a lot of the books on this list are definitely well known..isn't this for the HIDDEN gems? Just saying. I feel like a book that's made into a block buster film is no longer hidden;)

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message 3: by Miss Jimenez (new)

Jul 29, 2010 01:48pm

Interesting list. I've got to remember to write some of the titles down later so I can look for them.

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message 4: by Violetcloud (new)

Oct 01, 2010 02:48pm

Im new to this genre.. so this is a great list for me!

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message 5: by Morgan (new)

Nov 18, 2010 03:36pm

I don't think a book with over 20,000 ratings should be considered "hidden".

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message 6: by Anne (new)

Jan 10, 2011 05:36pm

Some of my favorite books are on this list - but not exactly hidden. I compromised by voting for the books I like that didn't already have a lot of reviews!

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message 7: by Breanne (new)

Jul 20, 2011 01:45pm

Tiger saga all the way!!!!

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message 8: by Rebecca (new)

Aug 14, 2011 12:08pm

Green Rider by Kristen Britain is brilliant! It gets off to a slightly slow start but then it gets so amazing that you litrally can't put it down! I'm on book two right now and, if possible, it's even better than the first!

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message 9: by Moira (new)

Nov 09, 2011 02:48am

McKinley's down in the high two hundreds....that's really depressing. Also, Neil Gaiman is not "hidden" in any sense of the word.

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message 10: by Susanna (last edited Nov 09, 2011 11:09am) (new)

Nov 09, 2011 11:05am

Removed for having over 10,000 ratings:

Wolf-Speaker, by Tamora Pierce
The Hero and the Crown, by Robin McKinley
The Last Unicorn, by Peter S. Beagle
Dealing with Dragons, by Patricia C. Wreade
Leviathan, by Scott Westerfeld
The Book of Three, by Lloyd Alexander
Hex Hall, by Rachel Hawkins
Incarceron, by Catherine Fisher
The Looking Glass Wars, by Frank Beddor
Dragonsinger, by Anne McCaffrey
Sabriel, by Garth Nix
Paranormalcy, by Kiersten White
Princess Academy, by Shannon Hale
Ptolemy's Gate, by Jonathan Stroud
The Golem's Eye, by Jonathan Stroud
The Book of a Thousand Days, by Shannon Hale

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message 11: by Kim (last edited Mar 14, 2012 03:04pm) (new)

Nov 30, 2011 05:46pm

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message 12: by Susanna (last edited Nov 30, 2011 09:41pm) (new)

Nov 30, 2011 09:29pm

Removed for having over 10,000 ratings:

The Black Cauldron, by Lloyd Alexander
The Book of a Thousand Days, by Shannon Hale
Stargazer, by Claudia Gray
Graceling, by Kristin Cashore
Abhorsen, by Garth Nix
Poison Study, by Maria Snyder
Dragon Rider, by Cornelia Funke
Howl's Moving Castle, by Diana Wynne Jones
Lioness Rampant, by Tamora Pierce
Stardust, by Neil Gaiman
The Iron King, by Julie Kagawa
Beauty, by Robin McKinley

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message 13: by Kim (last edited Mar 14, 2012 03:08pm) (new)

Dec 21, 2011 04:47pm

Removed for having over 10,000 ratings:

Need
The Summoning
The Book Thief
The Woman Who Rides Like a Man
The Blue Sword
Julie of the Wolves
The Graveyard Book
Unearthly
The Wee Free Men
Dragons of Autumn Twilight
His Majesty's Dragon
Crescendo
Hush, Hush
Trickster's Queen
Beautiful Creatures
The Book of Lost Things
Alanna: The First Adventure

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message 14: by [deleted user] (new)

Dec 21, 2011 06:18pm

Just out, but a great read for older YA fantasy fans, The Ballad of Young Tam Lin. Janet finds true love in the arms of Tam Lin while she is - somewhere else (Summerland, the land of the Elves). However, now she's pregnant, and her true love is on the other side of a portal that she can't cross. Two other problems - he's the lover of the immortal Queen of Summerland and - Janet's not sure he's human.

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message 15: by Louise (new)

Jan 27, 2012 09:27am

if 195 people voted for a book, it is not really a hidden gem

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message 16: by [deleted user] (new)

Jan 27, 2012 10:27am

For some people, it always seems to come down to "I'm gonna vote for my favorite book, and I don't care what the category is." Since anything by Terry Pratchett is a best-seller, I wouldn't say Wee Free Men is obscure. Maybe we need a category of "Hey, this is great, have you read it yet?"

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message 17: by Susanna (new)

Jan 27, 2012 10:52am

Wee Free Men has over 14,000 ratings, so I'd say it wasn't eligible for this list.

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message 18: by Susanna (last edited Jan 27, 2012 11:14am) (new)

Jan 27, 2012 10:56am

Removed for having over 10,000 ratings:

The High King, by Lloyd Alexander
Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side, by Beth Fantaskey
The Secret Hour, by Scott Westerfeld
Demonglass, by Rachel Hawkins
Terrier, by Tamora Pierce
The Adoration of Jenna Fox, by Mary E. Pearson
Silence, by Becca Fitzpatrick

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message 19: by Tyler (new)

Feb 22, 2012 07:48am

There are some other good books on this list check it out if you want to find some more good books to read:

http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/16...

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message 20: by Susanna (new)

Feb 22, 2012 11:58am

Removed for too many ratings:

Daughter of the Forest, by Juliet Mariller

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message 21: by Kim (new)

Apr 08, 2012 07:52pm

Is it just me, or did a whole chunk of this list just disappear? I know The Queen of Attolia used to be number one, but it doesn't appear to be on this list at all anymore.

Anyone know of any other books that used to be on this list and don't seem to be there anymore? I was getting some great reading recommendations from here, and I'd hate to miss out on some of the titles that someone randomly deleted.

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message 22: by Kim (last edited Jun 15, 2012 11:25am) (new)

Apr 17, 2012 01:12pm

Removed for having over 10,000 ratings:

East
Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception
Ironside
My Soul to Take
The Merchant of Death
Sabriel
Poison Study
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs Basil E. Frankweiler
Wild Magic
The Wizard Heir
The Book of Three
Watership Down
First Test
Magic Kingdom For Sale/Sold
Trickster's Choice
The Scorpio Races
The Amulet of Samarkand
The Thief
Furies of Calderon
Daughter of Smoke and Bone
White Cat

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message 23: by Cindy (new)

May 30, 2012 04:56pm

Montmorency is not fantasy.

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message 24: by Kim (new)

May 30, 2012 06:09pm

Cindy wrote: "Montmorency is not fantasy."

I wondered about that, but not having read it, I didn't want to just delete it from the list. Since you're of the same mind---and the reviews and popular shelves seem to imply it's a historical mystery---I went ahead and removed it.

If you're a Goodreads librarian, you can remove titles from lists as well. Just click on the "edit" link attached to the list description at the top of the page, then click "remove particular books." That'll take you to the page where you can delete the titles that don't fit the list parameters.

I've been commenting with the titles of the books I delete since some readers may be using this list as a way to get recommendations. That way, even if the books disappear from the list, itself, they're still named in the comments.

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message 25: by Kim (last edited Sep 06, 2012 01:45pm) (new)

Jul 18, 2012 03:43pm

Removed for having over 10,000 ratings:

Eon: Dragoneye Reborn
Across the Nightingale Floor
Arrows of the Queen
Bloodhound
Peter and the Starcatchers
Spindle's End

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message 26: by Natalie (new)

Aug 17, 2012 05:57pm

I love Behemoth, but it's not really fantasy...more steampunk sci-fi.

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message 27: by Kim (new)

Aug 17, 2012 06:38pm

Natalie wrote: "I love Behemoth, but it's not really fantasy...more steampunk sci-fi."

Steampunk is so tricky. Some of it's more on the fantasy side of the genre, while other titles are definitely sci-fi. I haven't read that series at all; what makes Behemoth more sci-fi?

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message 28: by Natalie (new)

Aug 18, 2012 10:41am

Since a lot of the book is based off of Darwinian culture, all of the "magic" in the books is based off of science and evolution, and is all in either animals or architectural warships.
But you're right, steampunk can definitely go either way.

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message 29: by Kim (new)

Aug 18, 2012 11:39am

all of the "magic" in the books is based off of science and evolution, and is all in either animals or architectural warships

Yeah, that definitely seems more sci-fi than fantasy. :) Are you a Goodreads librarian, yourself, or would you like me to remove Behemoth?

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message 30: by Natalie (new)

Aug 18, 2012 04:26pm

I'm a librarian, and I just took care of it. Thanks, Kim, for helping clarify :D

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message 31: by Natalie (new)

Aug 18, 2012 04:56pm

What do people think about Bad Taste in Boys? Is that really a fantasy? I haven't read it, but it seems to be more than a stretch.

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message 32: by Natalie (last edited Sep 01, 2012 07:18pm) (new)

Aug 18, 2012 05:07pm

Deleted for having over 10,000 ratings:
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Boxed Set
The Thief of Always
The Dark Is Rising
Entwined
Obsidian

Deleted for not being a fantasy:
Behemoth
Revolution
Bad Taste in Boys

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message 33: by Kim (new)

Aug 18, 2012 05:47pm

Natalie wrote: "What do people think about Bad Taste in Boys? Is that really a fantasy? I haven't read it, but it seems to be more than a stretch."

I've not read it either, but the reviews and Library of Congress subject headings seem to indicate it's more horror than straight fantasy. But horror and fantasy occasionally overlap---especially when the horror involves monsters like zombies and vampires and werewolves or elements of the paranormal like ghosts and witchcraft. So where do we draw the line? I'd hate to see books like A Certain Slant of Light disappear from this list when they might be just the sort of thing a reader of YA fantasy is looking for.

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message 34: by Natalie (new)

Aug 18, 2012 06:05pm

Kim wrote: "Natalie wrote: "What do people think about Bad Taste in Boys? Is that really a fantasy? I haven't read it, but it seems to be more than a stretch."

I've not read it either, but the reviews and Li..."

True, true...but I think the "world" that the book is set in can also define it clearer. If the story is more about how supernatural creatures affect modern-day life and existence (like Boys) then it is not a fantasy. If the book is more focused on the supernatural beings themselves, we'll call it fantasy.
Also Library of Congress and reviews, as well as "most popular shelvings" found on the side of the book's page can help define its true genre.

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message 35: by Kim (new)

Aug 18, 2012 06:38pm

I think Library of Congress, reviews, and popular shelves are definitely good sources, but for Boys, they may not be quite definitive enough. Especially since, as of my posting this, 37 users shelved it as Horror and 36 users shelved it as Fantasy. :)

But I see what you're saying about considering the world in which the book takes place and the use of the more fantastic elements. For instance, Buffy the Vampire Slayer---similar in some aspects to Boys---actually illustrates the culture, mythos, and paranormal aspects of vampires, demons, etc. So it would be a fantasy. As would A Certain Slant of Light, which is told from the perspective of the ghosts.

But Boys---which doesn't seem to explore zombie culture or tell the story from a zombie point of view---is more of a humorous horror-adventure tale where the heroine and her friends have to save the town from becoming zombies.

Does that sound about right? And can you think of any exceptions to these qualifications?

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message 36: by Natalie (new)

Aug 18, 2012 07:33pm

Kim wrote: "I think Library of Congress, reviews, and popular shelves are definitely good sources, but for Boys, they may not be quite definitive enough. Especially since, as of my posting this, 37 users shelv..."

That sounds great. It's definitely a hard thing to categorize, but I think this is a good qualification.

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message 37: by serrulatae (girl a) (new)

Oct 20, 2012 08:02am

Deleted for over 10,000 ratings:
Impossible
Nevermore

Deleted for not being fantasy:
Have Space Suit—Will Travel
Runaway
Hikaru's Go 1-23

Deleted for not being YA:
Succubi Like It Hot

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message 38: by Kim (last edited Dec 01, 2012 11:21pm) (new)

Dec 01, 2012 11:06pm

Removed for having over 10,000 ratings:
Wildwood Dancing
The Demon King
Angelfall
Princess of the Midnight Ball
Ever
The Girl of Fire and Thorns
Wondrous Strange
The Alchemyst
The Sorceress
The Magician
Savvy
Magyk
Grave Mercy

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message 39: by Shanna_redwind (new)

Jan 03, 2013 09:56pm

Removed for not being fantasy:
Devil on My Back
Freedom's Landing
Rite of Passage

They are all very good, but they are all very science fiction.

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message 40: by Becky (new)

Jan 13, 2013 11:50pm

Removed for having over 10,000 ratings:

Green Rider
Everlost
A Certain Slant of Light
Shadow and Bone
A Wrinkle in Time

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message 41: by Becky (last edited Jan 14, 2013 12:35am) (new)

Jan 14, 2013 12:26am

Removed for having over 10,000 ratings:

Once upon a Marigold

Maybe we should celebrate when a lesser known book gets kicked off the list because it becomes more popular? :)

Removed for being steampunk (very similar in style to Behemoth that was removed earlier, also these are Children's books, not YA):
Starcross
Larklight

Removed for being science fiction:
Heir Apparent
The Twenty-one Balloons

Removed for being historical fiction (no fantasy elements at all):
Airman

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message 42: by Natalie (new)

Jan 14, 2013 06:26am

Becky wrote: "Removed for having over 10,000 ratings:

Once upon a Marigold

Maybe we should celebrate when a lesser known book gets kicked off the list because it becomes more popular? :)

Removed for being st..."

Eoin Colfer's Airman is a arguably a fantasy...it's just the line between sic-fi and fantasy really. But there's definitely fantastical elements of it.

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message 43: by Becky (new)

Jan 14, 2013 04:51pm

You are free to add it back if the majority of people feel this is true. I did research the book to make sure that my memory of Airman was true. Library of Congress classifies it as adventure/historical fiction, not as sci-fi or fantasy. Yes, the airman builds a spectacular flying machine but it is plausible (more sci-fi). (The book is actually a re-write of The Count of Monte Cristo set in Ireland.)

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message 44: by serrulatae (girl a) (new)

Mar 10, 2013 04:01pm