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45 Hidden Gems for YA Superfans
From the sprawling territories of Erilea to the 12 districts of Panem, YA superfans have covered a lot of familiar ground. To help take these seasoned explorers off the beaten path, we skipped the classics and bestsellers and put together a list of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.
For this roundup, we chose books that have been added fewer than 200,000 times on Goodreads members' shelves. To put this in perspective, members have added The Hunger Games to their shelves more than 6 million times. From there, we only included titles with a minimum four-star rating. Then we broke down the results into recommendations for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Suzanne Collins, John Green, Jenny Han, and Cassandra Clare.
This list is far from exhaustive, so make sure to add your own under-the-radar recommendations in the comments. And don't forget to add what catches your eye to your Want to Read shelf!
For this roundup, we chose books that have been added fewer than 200,000 times on Goodreads members' shelves. To put this in perspective, members have added The Hunger Games to their shelves more than 6 million times. From there, we only included titles with a minimum four-star rating. Then we broke down the results into recommendations for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Suzanne Collins, John Green, Jenny Han, and Cassandra Clare.
This list is far from exhaustive, so make sure to add your own under-the-radar recommendations in the comments. And don't forget to add what catches your eye to your Want to Read shelf!
(or epic fantasies featuring swords, sorcery, and kingdoms in peril)…
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(or tear-inducing contemporary fiction about catharsis and self-discovery)…
(or thrilling sci-fi with dystopian regimes and terrifying tech)…
(or tender romances with humor, drama, and "adorkable" mishaps)…
(or urban fantasies with paranormal activity in modern-day cities)…
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What's your favorite under-the-radar YA novel? Share it with us in the comments!
Check out complete coverage of YA Week:
The Most Anticipated YA Books
The Best YA Books of 2018 (So Far)
The Top 100 YA Books on Goodreads
The Most Anticipated YA Books
The Best YA Books of 2018 (So Far)
The Top 100 YA Books on Goodreads
Comments Showing 51-100 of 106 (106 new)
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead should totally be on here.
So far I've tackled 7 of these. I'm so glad
is getting more attention here!
I feel that Partials by Dan Wells deserved to be mentioned as a hidden gem for those fans of The Hunger Games. I suppose it's just shy of a 4 star rating, but I do believe that if you enjoyed The Hunger Games you would enjoy Partials more than The Testing. The Testing is just a bad rip off of The Hunger Games.
Rebecca wrote: "I feel that Partials by Dan Wells deserved to be mentioned as a hidden gem for those fans of The Hunger Games. I suppose it's just shy of a 4 star rating, but I do believe that if you enjoyed The H..."As a massive Hunger Games fan, the books that I always give to other fans are Mortal Engines and Chaos Walking.
I'm a big fan of Calvin and Keturah and Lord Death, both by Martine Leavitt.
Jeff wrote: "Several years ago, I picked up this book in the library on a whim and was blown away. It's like a sci-fi YA novel written by George Saunders.Feed"
It's pretty fantastic. His book Thirsty is also a classic. Think vampires, but brought in with the autumn wind and a teenage boy terrified of slowly becoming one of them. M. T. Anderson is just so good.
Infinity is great. I DNF'd the series about book, like, 6, though.
Shizuku wrote: "The False PrinceImperial Spy
The Glass Swallow
A Face Like Glass
Barefoot on the Wind
Howl's Moving Castle
The Witching hour
Gullstruck Island
Listen to the Moon
Allies and Assassins
And my absolu..."
I loved Howl's Moving Castle! I have Gullstruck Island in my tbr. Will check out the rest of these.
Elias wrote: "Love that you said Throne of Glass OR epic fantasies featuring swords, sorcery and kingdoms in peril.Because Throne of Glass does not fit that description and is actually a frothy romance novel i..."
I can guaranty you that Empire of Storms (book 5) and Tower of Dawn (Book 6) of the Throne of Glass series fit the description of an epic fantasy with sorcery, swords, and kingdoms in peril. In fact, that description is an understatement when regarding those two novels, but I agree that Throne of Glass (book 1) does focus on romance with a bit of danger (and had its flaws), so I agree with you Elias. But I think that's the point it's a young adult epic it doesn't start out with swords and the battles seen in later parts of the series, it's developed over the course of the novels. If someone wants to read something more immediate and doesn't want to read one where most of the drama, speed and development picks up in the third book, then that is OK. Throne of Glass probably isn't for you.
Although not classified as YA I think Ted Dekkers " The Circle" series is definitely applicable to this category and is my favorite of this genre type.
Alex wrote: "Vodník, Insignia, Hold Me Closer, Necromancer, and In Other Lands are all books I would add to this list. Maybe not all of them are co..."Finally, someone recognized Lish McBride, whose books should have been recognized on this list as well as the top 100!
Sophie wrote: "Picture Us in the LightThe Crown's Game
Scythe
Hidden gems that other people need to read, they're just that amazing. It's upsetting to find out tha..."
Scythe definitely should have been on this list!
Olivia wrote: "Elias wrote: "Love that you said Throne of Glass OR epic fantasies featuring swords, sorcery and kingdoms in peril.Because Throne of Glass does not fit that description and is actually a frothy r..."
Everyone says that Throne of Glass gets better so I read Crown of Midnight, and it was still a frothy romance novel in a fantasy mask starring an assassin who never actually assassinates anyone so I quit. I'm afraid I haven't the patience to go through a couple more books of THIS to get to the good stuff. Also, you can start slowly and still have some swords and sorcery and adventure and make it clear that you're building to more. I love a good slow-burn. You don't have to have two books of love triangles, dancing and trying on frilly dresses to have a slow-burn fantasy. Also, "YA" does not mean "romance".
If you like YA fantasy/sci-fi, you should also check out The Sailweaver's Son by Jeff Minerd. First in a series about sky riders (via airships) living among the clouds on the mountain tops of Etherium. A great adventure story to get lost in!
Ruth Lehrer, Being FishkillMaureen Johnson, Truly Devious
Maureen Johnson, 13 Little Blue Envelopes
Elias wrote: "Love that you said Throne of Glass OR epic fantasies featuring swords, sorcery and kingdoms in peril.Because Throne of Glass does not fit that description and is actually a frothy romance novel i..."
This series started out great and then turned into a sleazy romance series for sure. So sad the author decided to go down this route instead of staying true to the beginning of the series.
This book has over 104 positive reviews on Amazon. This under the radar YA book is The Sailweaver's Son by Jeff Minerd. This book tackles topics with modern relevancy like bigotry, empathy, and compromise in a way that all readers will understand and identify with. A MUST read!
If you liked Hunger Games, I also recommend the Atlantis Grail series by Vera Nazarian. It's about mysterious Atlanteans who show up out of nowhere to rescue 10 million teenagers when an asteroid is about to hit earth, and about the way the teens are selected. The series goes on to describe the journey to a new planet and there's romance and action along the way. The main character, Gwen, is compelling -- she's a total nerd who outsmarts others to solve problems and rescue her family. And falls in love along the way. QualifyAnother dystopian (but not Hunger Games-esque) series that is awesome is Life as We Knew it by Susan Beth Pfeffer.
Life As We Knew It
Red Rising should be on here too. Red Rising
For LGBTQ fans, check out: Of Fire and Stars
If you're looking for something that is romantic but still has strong female characters (and you're an Outlander fan), check out the River of Time series by Lisa T. Bergren, about two girls who travel back in time to 14th century Siena, Italy. Waterfall
Kristen wrote: "Biggest and bestest YA hidden gem: The Wee Free Men I've never seen anybody reading or talking about it and yet it's in my top 5 all time favorites. It's so funny and Pratchett was su..."
I simply *adore* this series! Have you read the rest of them?
I'm so happy someone already mentioned Hold Me Closer, Necromancer and the works of Nancy Farmer and Hilari Bell.I'd like to give some love to Diana Wynne Jones. I noticed that Howl's Moving Castle IS on the "Top 100" list, but her book The Merlin Conspiracy belongs here.
I'd also like to mention Tamora Pierce; her Alanna quartet is on the "Top 100" list but her other series are not, and they should be.
Gracie wrote: "I'd also like to mention Tamora Pierce...Seconded! I read the entire series (both of them) once a year. They keep me strong...and sane...
Parker wrote: Seconded! I read the entire series (both of them) once a year. They keep me strong...and sane..."Have you tried Cinda Williams Chima's work (mentioned on both this page and the "Top 100?" I find it similar in content, and also a good source of sanity.
Adina wrote: "If you liked Hunger Games, I also recommend the Atlantis Grail series by Vera Nazarian. It's about mysterious Atlanteans who show up out of nowhere to rescue 10 million teenagers when an asteroid i..."Red Rising is adult, not YA, even if its protagonist is a teen. Just like how Ready Player One and Prince of Thorns are not YA.
Gracie wrote: "I'm so happy someone already mentioned Hold Me Closer, Necromancer and the works of Nancy Farmer and Hilari Bell.I'd like to give some love to Diana Wynne Jones. I noticed that [boo..."
Gracie wrote: "I'm so happy someone already mentioned [book:Hold Me Closer, Necromancer|8041873] and the works of Nancy Farmer and Hilari Bell.
I'd like to give some love to Diana Wynne Jones. I noticed that [boo..."
You can never go wrong with Tamora Pierce. And she's still got it, too: Tempests and Slaughter is superb.
Valerie wrote: "A lot of these are pretty popular books with thousands of ratings, I don't see how they count as hidden gems."exactly my thoughts!
Sammm wrote: "IDK about other people, but as I type this reply, 
's average rating is 3.99, while close, hardly fair, is it, to be on this list, when you clearly stated a minimum four-star rat..."Being that close to 4 stars, it's likely that the rating was at 4 stars when the list was compiled, but has since gone down as other ratings were added.
Shizuku wrote: "The False PrinceImperial Spy
The Glass Swallow
A Face Like Glass
Barefoot on the Wind
Howl's Moving Castle
The Witching hour
Gullstruck Island
Listen to the Moon
Allies and Assassins
And my absolu..."
I haven't read Barefoot on the Wind yet but I really liked Shadows on the Moon!
Margaret Mahy's The Changeover: A Supernatural Romance my favourite book. Here's my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
❄Elsa Frost❄ wrote: "Ooo, good catch!"
Thanks, though it isn't like the GR staff bothered to respond. =/
Felicia wrote: "Being that close to 4 stars, it's likely that the rating was at 4 stars when the list was compiled, but has since gone down as other ratings were added."
Yes and no. All of the YA blog posts were simultaneously released on 12:00am DST 07/30; I actually was still awake and saw them all appearing. While, yes, obviously the content was drafted before the actual publishing, by the time it was indeed posted for us to view, that particular book was ALREADY below 4-star. It did not go down after a few days, it had already been below the criteria. My reply was posted within 30 mins of this post's existence, and I was actually stretching it, waiting to see if some changes would be made, alas, nope. Nothing was done. IDK what I was expecting; I guess, I just thought they would be more thorough, and at least modify the post if some parts no longer meet their bar, even if it's last minute.
Another one is A Thousnad Nights by E. K. Johnson. It is a bit of a tough read, but the story is like nothing I’ve ever read, and the book itself is a masterpiece. It’s like a VanGogh painting in book form. Also IT IS NOTHING LIKE THE WRATH AND THE DAWN. (Sorry bit defensive about that)
Another good one is the Mark of the Dragonfly. It is a steampunk-ish sci fi and is one of the best books I’ve ever read!
For Hunger Games, Maze Runner, and Ready Player One fans- The Eye of Minds
I've read only The Diabolic from this list so far. And hopefully I loved that. Let's see what you got else
The Art of Escaping by Erin Callahan is excellent.
This list was a little disappointing for me in that these hidden gems are recommendations based on famous books by well-known authors, which means that books not centered around the popular themes from these famous books aren't really featured. So here are some books I have an undying love for and are quite obscure, making them a breath of fresh air and true hidden gems in my eyes.
Running Girl
If you like mystery novels where the protagonist finds clues to uncover the truth, in a manner similar to how the mystery in "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" is solved, then check this one out! The themes are mature and the story is gripping, plus the main character is far from your driven, typical protagonist, which made me root for him even more.
Firebug
Colourful characters, grin-inducing humour, fun character interaction, interesting fantasy setting and some-grittiness-but-not-edgy-in-the-least story sound good? Then this book (and frankly all of Lish Mcbride's writing) is for you!
The Dark Days Club
I was drawn to the 19th century setting, then stayed for the intrigue and writing, and am now obsessed with the plot and adventures of the fascinating female lead who is both a willful, sensible and strong protagonist, but also very much a young lady from the Regency Era.
(Don't mind the length and slower start, the ride will get more exciting and rocky)
Alice Oseman's novels are underrated YA Gems in my opinion, particularly Radio Silence and I Was Born For This.
Jeff wrote: "Y'all forgot the best YA book other than MAYBE Ender's Game that I've ever read (and yes, I've read HUNGER GAMES and DIVERGENT, among many others): Jeremy Robinson's THE LAST HUNTER [book:The Las..."
Ender's Game, for all that it's currently marketed as YA, has been out as straight up science fiction since it first came out in the early 80s.
For sure 'All the Crooked Saints' by Maggie Stievfater
Michelle, have you read Eon and Eona by the same author as The Dark Days Club? They're hidden gems too!
The Fire's Stone by Tanya Huff is retro high fantasy YA, 3.99 rating. The plot and characters are both great, but the best part is the REPRESENTATION! The Fire’s Stone features a gay relationship, and not just as an afterthought, but as an important aspect of the main characters’ character progression. One of my all-time favourites!
Elias wrote: "Olivia wrote: "Elias wrote: "Love that you said Throne of Glass OR epic fantasies featuring swords, sorcery and kingdoms in peril.Because Throne of Glass does not fit that description and is actu..."
To my understanding, YA refers to the age of the protagonist (12-25) and the writing style. YA has nothing to do with romance, although it's a common trope.
Olivia wrote: "Elias wrote: "Olivia wrote: "Elias wrote: "Love that you said Throne of Glass OR epic fantasies featuring swords, sorcery and kingdoms in peril.Because Throne of Glass does not fit that descripti..."
I know that. I was being snarky.
Angelfall By Susan Ee is a hidden gem. I absolutely loved that trilogy.
Yes! I also love Chima's Heir books.