I think this is such a refreshing idea to see someone bring some unpopular books to light and talk about them, even if you didn’t particularly loved them. I’m certanly looking for more of this type of content!
I totally recommend The Prince's Poisoned Vow by Hailey Turner. It's a fantasy steampunk novel set in a world plagued by zombie-like monsters with some of the most incredible worldbuilding I've seen. It can be a little bit dense to get through the beginning because of the number of characters introduced, but it all pays off so beautifully. It came out last year and somehow only has just over 700 ratings on Goodreads, so I would love for it to get more of the attention it deserves!
this is my moment to recommend Where our Closure Begins by Alex M. Nájera, it was self published this year and it's sooo amazing, it brings out the question of if you really need closure after something bad happened in your life and you are fine now, plus the MC is bisexual and it has a family that needs healing and URGH SUCH AN UNDERRATED STORY 😭😭😭😭
I recommend A Door in the Dark for a future underrated books video. This is my favorite book this year. A YA Fantasy, A Deadly Education meets One of Us is Lying. Absolutely freakin loved it!
I'm sorry to see you didn't find an outstanding book this video, but I really liked watching you trying out different underrated books. Hope you find an amazing underrated book in the future! An underrated (?) book I quite enjoyed is The Noh Family by Grace K Shim (it has about 1000 ratings on goodreads currently). that book reminded me a little bit of Tokyo Ever After
Loved the concept of this video and would want more personally, intriguing when you said a youtube series just on that. These are some of my recommendations: 1. The Heart Asks Pleasure First by Karuna Ezara Parikh Personally being an Indian I really liked the premise of the book and characters with their individual struggles. A lyrical read if you are in a mood for that. 2. Threads that bind by Kika Hatzopoulou This is my most recent read and a latest release which has less ratings than 1000 rn but I feel is underrated. It is a fantasy story set in a sinking city within a dystopian world. Absolute fun with mystery elements. 3. Journey through fire by Maya Snow Oh what an amazing Historical magical story, this book reached me after a long way through multiple hands but it's a page turner. Whole series is though and so much mystery. This is really underrated.
Love this concept, I think social media has made me desperate for underrated book recs! Also this one is, um, a bit over 1000 reviews but I never hear anyone talk about it and it’s such a unique, fun book. It’s Deep Secret by Diana Wynne Jones.
My recommendation would be Empty Places by Kathy Cannon Wiechman (110 ratings on GR). It follows a girl, Adabel and her family in 1932. At the center we're exploring their mother's disappearance and Adabel grappling with why she can't remember things everyone else does. It really dives into the family dynamic, the quest to remember what was forgotten, and how you can love someone but not want to be with them.
Monsters duology by Amy Tintera! The first book has over a thousand ratings but the second book only has around the 800 mark and the duology is so fantastic! Edit: Definitely do more of these types of videos, it's such an interesting concept and a great way to get underrated books into the spotlight for an audience that may love them
This is so interesting! I looked at my goodread shelf and realized I barely read books with less than 500 ratings. The only one I read in the past year is The Notorious Pagan Jones by Nina Berry. It's kind of a historical, spy thriller, young adult fiction. Not a favorite by any means, but it's quite fun.
A good underrated/ not very well known YA Fantasy series that I found back in the day was The Creepy Hollow series by Rachel Morgan. Found her when she was publishing independently.
I LOVE seeing you react to books, Jesse! I REALLY hope that you do make this into a series; I could watch this all day! If you choose to keep doing them, and if you still want recommendations, maybe you could try Don't by Gabriella Batel (Yes, I know that's me XD), The Blood Race by K.A. Emmons, or Chasing Liberty by Theresa Linden?
An underrated series that I have been reading and enjoying is the Oracle series by C. W. Trisef. It is a children/YA series and the first one is a little confusing as you’re getting used to the world but the series as a whole is pretty enjoyable. I would explain it as a mix between Avatar the last air bender and a Jules Verne novel, the author has also said he took some inspiration from watching Duck Tales as a kid. So if you like any of those maybe give this series a try?!
Shield and the Shadow by A.M. Yates(curently has 60 ratings on goodreads) is an interesting one, I honestly dont remember much of it but i enjoyed it when I first read it years ago.
I actually have a couple ideas for this video series. Some of my favorite underrated standalones are All the Animals on Earth by Mark Sampson, The Pen Name by David Jacob Knight, Born Burning by Thomas Sullivan, and The Quiet Child by John Burley. Also, if you are interest in a trilogy suggestion, one of my favorites is Robin Hood: Demon's Bane by Debbie Viguié.
Definitely keep going ! Lately I define an underrated book is one not mentioned on book tube at all or much lol. Ones I’ve read under 1000 are mainly cozy mysteries or a few nonfictions and middle grade ones but a here’s some suggestions. “A song for Jeffery “ by Constance foland , read it ages ago but I remember it made me cry . A series I feel is underrated is by Spencer’s Quinn Bernie and Chet series , told from dogs point of view.
I love this concept Jesse! Your videos always put a smile on my face. The underrated book I recommend is 'The Anger of Angels' by Sherryl Jordan. It only has 136 ratings on Goodreads. I've given it 4.5 stars. I found it in a discount bookstore and I've read it three times since. I've been watching your videos for about a year and I think you'll really love it. Anyway, keep reading what your heart desires! 😉♥📚
So, I don't know if this counts, but the Modesty Blaise series was a huge hit back when it came out in the 50s BUT it does have under 1000 ratings on GoodReads. I love the series and would love for people to rediscover it! So, if you would consider it, I'd be so happy!
Oh man, this is an excellent concept. Please keep doing it. I recommend: Dream Runners by Shveta Thkrar Godly Heathens by H E Edgmon. I got an ARC of it, but it will be released in November and rocked my world! And lastly, Waterwight by Laurel McHargue. It js marketed as YA but felt more middle grade to me. This was written by a lady in my town.
I highly recommend Stateless by Elizabeth Wein (576 ratings)! I had such a fun time reading it! It’s pretty new, so I guess it’s hard to classify as underrated already but I definitely think more people should read it.
Please!!! Pick up Mark Tufo’s Zombie Fallout series!!! *The audible is the best way to consume this epic story! Mark has several spinoff series that connect to the main character Mike Talbot…it is action packed, pulls on your heart strings, puts you on the edge of your seat, and even has humor sprinkled in so effortlessly! This series, and the author in general, is not given the praise it to rightfully deserves!!! Please bless your ears with this work of art! ❤
Please tell me you know the Holver Alley Crew is one of 4 intertwining series? There is the Maradaine which starts with The Thorn of Dentonhill. Then there is The Maradaine Constabulary starting with A Murder of Mages. Then there is The Streets of Maradaine which starts with The Holver Alley Crew. And lastly, there is The Maradaine Elite starting with The Way of the Shield. The People of the City which is the third book of the Maradaine Elite is a culmination of all the series and books. Kinda like what the first Avengers movie was for the MCU.
Love that, even if Jesse didn't find a great read, he keeps trying them, giving them the chance, that's really cute ✨ Also, it's funny and lovely that, when he finds something he doesn't enjoy, he's like "and that makes me so sad!", I would be like cursing and hating everything XDDD he's made of pure love I guess :3
this is my WHEELHOUSE, I love finding books with very few reviews, it feels like I'm venturing into unknown territories My favorite underrated books: Angel Radio-A.M. Blaushild Sleepyhead Assassins-Mindy Nettifee Desperate Hearts-Gregory Hinton (this is a sequel but I never read the first one and it was an amazing stand alone) WEIRD GIRLS: WRITING THE ART MONSTER-Caroline Hagood
I would recommend Yonder by Ali Standish. It's a middle grade historical fiction that I read this year and I really enjoyed it. As of now it has a little over 500 ratings on Goodreads. 😊 And the cover is beautiful. 😍
Probably too well read for this concept, but I'll recommend a couple of my favorite books: Declare by Tim Powers -- it's some magical realism, some alternate history, spies, and a bit of romance. I adore this book and find Powers very easy to read. I think he's under-read because he straddles genres, but is just so creative and fun. Little, Big by John Crowley -- This book got a lot of critical acclaim when it came out (in 1981), but seems to have fallen out of favor. I never see people talk about it. It's one of Neil Gaiman's favorites. (He invested heavily in the production of a special edition.) It's a long book, but exceptionally well written.
Love this idea! A great way to showcase books that don't get any love. You should try the manga Rainbow and Black by Eri Takenashi or Scripted by Maya Rock.
I don't know if it counts, it has over 7K ratings on goodreads, but I really adore "The devouring" trilogy, at lest the first 2, I haven't read the third one 'cause it was never publish in spanish (that's how I bought them) and I have to read it on kindle (I'm the worst e-book reader XD, but hopefully one day :3). It's a thriller, really short and well constructed, to me as a fan of mr. King. Basically it's how it would be if your worst fears can become reality, if the Oogie Boogie was real but there were a plague that comes one day of the year and drains you out and takes your place, pretending to be you, but you are trapped with your worst nightmares. Descreptive with those nightmares and I love it, sad, dark, broken family and a sister who would do anything to bring back her brother, even if others think she has become mad.
I loved this video idea! This Rebel Heart by Katherine Locke was basically my favorite book of 2022 and it currently only has 981 ratings on goodreads. It's a very interesting young adult historical fantasy based on the Hungarian revolution of 1956
You should try the alchemy of forever. It's very similar to the invisible life of addie larue. I recommend it to everyone who asks. Also, I really loved storm siren. Its one of the best books I've ever read but only has about 800 reviews.
Here are some recommendations for you to check out: The Shuddering City by Sharon Shinn (currently at 361 ratings with a 4.19 score). No Country for Eight Spot Butterflies by Julian Aguon (399 ratings with a 4.30 score). Out of the Flames: The Remarkable Story of a Fearless Scholar, a Fatal Heresy, and One of the Rarest Books in the World by Lawrence Goldstone (869 ratings, 4.11 score).
two series I feel r personally underrated are both manga series. the first one is called visions of escaflowne and it follows a girl who gets teleported to a different world and has to pilot a giant mech robot. the second is called Kamichama Karin and i won't get into that one cause i feel that one is better going into blind
I really loved Blood Metal Bone by Lindsay Cummings! It has just under 500 ratings on Goodreads (and exactly 64 on StoryGraph which I use more frequently). Since I know you’re not a description fan, here are buzzwords to pique your interest: brought back from death - revenge and searching - mix of sci fi and fantasy - mysterious motives. Super great book and disappointed to see so few people enjoying it!
Love this idea! It’s so nice to see underrated books receiving more attention. In terms of recs, might I suggest ‘An Absolute Bloody Disaster’ by Lindsay Clement? 187 ratings on goodreads, paranormal romance, queer rep, murder mystery, San Fran vampires. What’s not to love?!
Black Wings by Sehba Sarwar only has 40 ratings and 4 reviews on Goodreads, but I thought it was a solid read! It's an intergenerational story of family tragedy, trauma, culture, and more. Also has a touch of mysticism/mythology/story-within-a-story, so you might like it! ;)
Hey Jesse just wanted to come on here and say thank u. You made me want to finish up the Percy Jackson series. It's really good so far I'm on the Titans curse don't worry I won't spoil u on it but whenever u get the chance u really should hop on the band wagon. U have a good rest of ur day 💓 happy reading
I used to worry about my rating system, until I realized I don't have to compare books to each other; after all, many books are just unfair to compare! I rate each book in itself.* It competes with itself: what was the potential, how did it deliver? Did it make me laugh? Cry? Feel anything? Did it make me think differently? Did I learn something? Did it annoy me? Was it clunky, hard to follow? And so on. Each book has its own set of questions that makes sense, that would not necessarily make sense for another title. And it's also not about a book meeting my pre-set high expectations or anything. And on top of it there's the subjectivity of it. If for you 3 stars feels right, then it is right. That's how for me The Little Trashmaid can be 5 stars and A Cristmas Carol 3.5 stars, not because I think a comic book with almost no words is objectively better than Dickens. And I feel content with this. *Okay, maybe I would order parts of a series.
Valkyrie rising by Ingrid Paulson is a great YA standalone. 660 reviews on goodreads as we speak. Frogkisser by Garth nix needs more love, as do Invisibility by Andrea cremer and David leviathan. Underrated books Are in my opinion books that Are not mentioned on the bookternet they can be older books as well as newer ones. The named by Marianne Curley is a great time travel series that deserves much more love as well
You started another something fun thing!😆💓 It's a new way to encounter books! So unique! Can't wait to see what your next quest brings! Don’t give up on doing this, Jesse ♪
You should read The King’s Broad Arrow by Kathryn Tone!! It’s a historical retelling if the revolutionary war told by 13 year old Sam! Such a good read!!
I recommend reading Dr. Dredd's Wagon of Wonders. Warning I did read this when I was younger but, BUT!! a lot of its magical qualities still remain vivid in my mind. So that's saying something LOL! 😅😂😂
I went and looked at the least rated books I’d read and only came up with a few! But Exile from Eden by Andrew Smith (511 ratings) is a book I absolutely loved. It is a sequel but functions ok as a stand alone too. Out of the Blue by Sophie Cameron (1,613 ratings) isn’t quite under 1,000 but has a really interesting premise!
The Gilded Girl by Alyssa Colman (mg a little princess retelling with magic), The Wonderland Trials by Sara Ella (ya series, competition, a nod to Alice), The Registration by Madison Lawson (debut, personally would skip the audiobook)
Forget This Ever Happened by Cassandra Rose Clarke has 590 ratings right now. It was possibly one of the weirdest books I've ever read, but I liked it! It's sapphic sci-fi, and it's so strange, but it's fun! I gave it 4 stars.
Air born (under 200 ratings) - in the modern world, some people suddenly grow wings, get hunted, Come home Charlie and Face Them (under 200 ratings) - crime, set in 1920s, main character longs after a woman with her own agenda, Barefoot on the Wind (under 1000 ratings) - Beauty and the Beast retelling set in Japan -out of these books I think you'll enjoy this one the most.
Under 1000 ratings on goodreads? I have a few that actually are favourites of mine. The first one is under 3000 though, and I am mentioning it because it is the first one I searched up and I haven't seen it anywhere on anywhere on these book platforms. It is called Night Theatre and it is by Vikram Paralkar. This book follows a surgeon working at an underfunded clinic. One night, a family of dead people with fatal wounds walks into said clinic. He must stitch them up by sunrise or he will have a brutally murdered family in his clinic that he would have to explain away. If he succeeds they will live again. This was beautifully written with complex characters, but also so detailed particularly in the wounds and the surgeries, to the point where I think you would see it as gory. There are conversations on the afterlife and the direction their lives did take and unsatisfaction and more. I had mixed feelings about the ending, but I still love this book. The next one has under 300 ratings. The Embalmer by Anne-Renee Caillie is a strange novella in which a daughter is taking notes of her father's embalming career. She is writing about strange and brutal cases he had in note format. It is a weird tone to it and at times is horrifying, and there is a mix of emotions that her father had as an embalmer. Again, an odd ending, but I was really here for the ride and I lowkey think that people who really loved Follow Me To Ground, like I did, might get something out of this. Lastly, Love Poems and Death Threats by Samuel Wagan Watson. This is a poetry collection by an Aboriginal author. I don't know how to describe poetry to you but I would describe this as raw and very much about the injustice against the first nation people of Australia and their resilience through it all, and this quote on the back I feel like does describe this collection well: 'Anyone writes a death threat utilises the same passion that can compose a love poem... in the same breath we all have the capacity to smite whilst we are smitten...' which is a direct quote by the author. I have other books outside of my favourites that I may consider underrated. The first again is under 3000 ratings which is not exactly what you are looking for, but I think this will appeal to you in particular. It is another poetry collection and it is called Japanese Death Poems: Written by Zen Monks and Haiku Poets on the verge of Death composed by Yoel Hoffman. This collection is interesting because it does explain the poem to you and what makes it a death poem whether it be symbolism or the subject matter or written on the day of the poet's death. I think because of your interest of death books and your interest in Japan you will like this. Tea With Death by Abigail Wildes is another poetry collection that I love but this is very different and has 70 ratings on goodreads. This is a simplistic and charming collection about things such as a tour through a witch's house, poisoned tea, about meeting death herself and more. It is a fun macabre collection that I love. Another death book of mine is Death: A Graveside Companion edited by Johanna Ebenstein. This doubles as an art book because it is filled of art in relation to death such as a social satire piece called The Dance of Death Modernised and an engraving called Death in Disguise. There is also information that boils down to people's fascination with death and how people engaged with it over time. My apologies for the length of this comment because I am not done yet. Okay I am lowkey getting mad because some I love are so underrated, even ones considered as a success are. And one of these is Air: Sylphs, Spirits and Swan Maidens. Rhonda Parrish is an editor that has an excellent eye for short stories, and I love her collections. This is the third in her elements series, and one of my favourites of hers. The other ones that are high up on that ranking list edited by her are Fae, Sirens (this one is interesting because she goes for the original myths of them instead of modern expectations. So you get stories referring to or about the sirens in certain greek stories and myths, and in many of the stories they have wings instead of being purely ocean creatures. It is partly why I am excited to read her C for Chimaera), and Earth: Giants, Golems and Gargoyles. Each collection has a wide range of different stories that are typically fantasy but has elements of horror and sci-fi. And I have just looked up all of these and none of them have above 40 ratings, I also looked up Arcana which is my current anthology by her and once again it is under 30 ratings. Anyways, here are a few, hopefully you will find one that you like more.
Checking my Goodreads list for recommendations made me realize that very few of my read books have so few ratings. And those are not written (or ever translated) to English so unfortunately I can't recommend them :( To be honest, under 10k ratings I consider books relatively underrated in the modern context, though with older books even that is hardly a good indicator of popularity. The best method is going to the musty section of your library and finding stuff that's not even listed on Goodreads XD
I think you should do this again! Just because none of the books were a banger the first time, that doesn’t mean that will happen the next time. Maybe try by genre or age category (like sci-fi books with less than 1,000 ratings, or romance, or middle grade-or even graphic novels!). For a book recommendation with less than 1,000 ratings (I’m assuming on Goodreads), I recommend Flying Over Water by Shannon Hitchcock by N.H. Senzai (which is a middle grade contemporary)!
If you want more to choose from, going based on the number of reviews on goodreads may be better than going off of the number of ratings since books tend to have a lot more ratings than they do reviews
The first book is one of my biggest prejudice and fears in books: a GREAT concept that sounds so good but so big that the size pf the book makes me doubt about the story XD in my mind is like it seems too much that I don't have too much faith in it 🤣
Two books that I recently read could fit in your challenge, if you like middle grade. I loved them both 😊 "The Book of Stolen Dreams" by David Farr has 693 ratings on goodreads. "The Midnighters" by Hana Tooke has 255 ratings. Hope you find the hidden gem you're searching for ! 😊
I think it's a difficult balance to find when you're talking irl self vs online self and it's a balance I think about a lot. Like, I want the person on the screen to reflect the person I really am, but then you have to think about how much sharing is too much? Because it's good to have some boundary between yourself and literally everyone else on the internet. Obviously, there will be exceptions in the form of genuine friends, but social media just exposes us to too many people to be literal friends with everyone who interacts with us. Even those of us that have smaller accounts. So you a lot of it is just trial and error to see what you're comfortable sharing and how far is far enough to be honest, but not so far that you're sharing details you'd rather keep private. For me, I'll talk unfiltered to the camera about life stuff a lot of the time and then decide just how much I'm cool w people knowing about my personal biz in editing. I'll be interested in seeing how the healthy internet boundaries conversation evolves as this newer generation matures. Millenials were raised w an overcautious approach to internet boundaries and then a lot Gen Z has grown up with a much looser approach to internet boundaries
"There were books about misfits on a heist before six of Crows came onto the scene" THANK YOU! GOD BLESS YOU! I HAVE BEEN SHOUTING THIS SINCE GILDED WOLVES CAME OUT!!!
The only book I can think of that is underrated and great is Dark Places Light Places, which has exactly 2 reviews on GoodReads (one of them being mine) but I think that one’s out of print or something.
📖 Try reading "The Foretelling" by Alice Hoffman, inspired in the Amazon women warriors. My grandmother gave me this book as a gift and I was hesitant if I would like it, after reading it I enjoyed the read not a favorite but a good one.
City of Strife by Claudie Arseneault is one of my favorite fantasy books! It has multiple storylines that all weave around the political drama of a city. Really good characters. All queer cast too! The last book came out eaithis year so it's a great time to start the series. Currently the first book has 587 ratings (the last one only has 27). Support indie authors and publishers!
I just read a book that has around 600 ratings, it's "Shadow Family" by Miyuki Miyabe, it's translated japanese mystery. I thought it was okay and worth a read
One of my favorite books litterally has 62 ratings on goodreads 😂 and it's not even recent, it was published in 2019 ! But... It's in French. I couldn't find any english translation. It's "La Seizième Clé" by Eric Senabre, in case someone is interested.
One book that I think is really underated (or at the very least I don't see anyone talk about it) is The Mystery Of Me by Karen McCombie. It's a short story which means it'll be nice and easy to get through and I love the book and think it's very underated. I won't say much more to leave u to find out for yourself even though there's no way your seeing this😂😂
I'm going to cheat and recommend a sequel that has under 1k ratings. BUT the first book has a little over 1.3k ratings. The duology is Sisters of Shadow and Light by Sara B Larson. Highly recommend the audiobook.
Fun concept, the unfortunate part is that you didn’t have a full set of 4 and 5 star books to give more love! I hate when I have to rate a book with low readership with low ratings 😬
Do you have all of your books on your tbr shelf / on your radar on your goodreads? If you organise the list by number of ratings are there any that fall into under 500 ratings?
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It’s nice to see underrated book recommendations. I feel like a basic b***h sometimes when recommending books.
I think this is such a refreshing idea to see someone bring some unpopular books to light and talk about them, even if you didn’t particularly loved them. I’m certanly looking for more of this type of content!
The way Jessi puts emphasis on the word book every time he says it
I love this concept! Hopefully future quests are more fruitful for you.
Jesse I love your clothing style and how you make it match your books also your bookshelf is beautiful!
I totally recommend The Prince's Poisoned Vow by Hailey Turner. It's a fantasy steampunk novel set in a world plagued by zombie-like monsters with some of the most incredible worldbuilding I've seen. It can be a little bit dense to get through the beginning because of the number of characters introduced, but it all pays off so beautifully. It came out last year and somehow only has just over 700 ratings on Goodreads, so I would love for it to get more of the attention it deserves!
I didn’t even find it on GoodReads 🫠
this is my moment to recommend Where our Closure Begins by Alex M. Nájera, it was self published this year and it's sooo amazing, it brings out the question of if you really need closure after something bad happened in your life and you are fine now, plus the MC is bisexual and it has a family that needs healing and URGH SUCH AN UNDERRATED STORY 😭😭😭😭
I recommend A Door in the Dark for a future underrated books video. This is my favorite book this year. A YA Fantasy, A Deadly Education meets One of Us is Lying. Absolutely freakin loved it!
I'm sorry to see you didn't find an outstanding book this video, but I really liked watching you trying out different underrated books. Hope you find an amazing underrated book in the future! An underrated (?) book I quite enjoyed is The Noh Family by Grace K Shim (it has about 1000 ratings on goodreads currently). that book reminded me a little bit of Tokyo Ever After
Loved the concept of this video and would want more personally, intriguing when you said a youtube series just on that. These are some of my recommendations:
1. The Heart Asks Pleasure First by Karuna Ezara Parikh
Personally being an Indian I really liked the premise of the book and characters with their individual struggles. A lyrical read if you are in a mood for that.
2. Threads that bind by Kika Hatzopoulou
This is my most recent read and a latest release which has less ratings than 1000 rn but I feel is underrated. It is a fantasy story set in a sinking city within a dystopian world. Absolute fun with mystery elements.
3. Journey through fire by Maya Snow
Oh what an amazing Historical magical story, this book reached me after a long way through multiple hands but it's a page turner. Whole series is though and so much mystery. This is really underrated.
I absolutely recommend The Paladin Prophecy trilogy❤ Literally one of the most interesting reads ever 📖
Love this concept, I think social media has made me desperate for underrated book recs! Also this one is, um, a bit over 1000 reviews but I never hear anyone talk about it and it’s such a unique, fun book. It’s Deep Secret by Diana Wynne Jones.
My recommendation would be Empty Places by Kathy Cannon Wiechman (110 ratings on GR). It follows a girl, Adabel and her family in 1932. At the center we're exploring their mother's disappearance and Adabel grappling with why she can't remember things everyone else does. It really dives into the family dynamic, the quest to remember what was forgotten, and how you can love someone but not want to be with them.
This was fun! I would love to see another in this series and a convo about star ratings!
Monsters duology by Amy Tintera! The first book has over a thousand ratings but the second book only has around the 800 mark and the duology is so fantastic! Edit: Definitely do more of these types of videos, it's such an interesting concept and a great way to get underrated books into the spotlight for an audience that may love them
This is so interesting! I looked at my goodread shelf and realized I barely read books with less than 500 ratings. The only one I read in the past year is The Notorious Pagan Jones by Nina Berry. It's kind of a historical, spy thriller, young adult fiction. Not a favorite by any means, but it's quite fun.
A good underrated/ not very well known YA Fantasy series that I found back in the day was The Creepy Hollow series by Rachel Morgan. Found her when she was publishing independently.
I LOVE seeing you react to books, Jesse! I REALLY hope that you do make this into a series; I could watch this all day!
If you choose to keep doing them, and if you still want recommendations, maybe you could try Don't by Gabriella Batel (Yes, I know that's me XD), The Blood Race by K.A. Emmons, or Chasing Liberty by Theresa Linden?
An underrated series that I have been reading and enjoying is the Oracle series by C. W. Trisef. It is a children/YA series and the first one is a little confusing as you’re getting used to the world but the series as a whole is pretty enjoyable. I would explain it as a mix between Avatar the last air bender and a Jules Verne novel, the author has also said he took some inspiration from watching Duck Tales as a kid. So if you like any of those maybe give this series a try?!
It’s always a good day when Jesse posts
Shield and the Shadow by A.M. Yates(curently has 60 ratings on goodreads) is an interesting one, I honestly dont remember much of it but i enjoyed it when I first read it years ago.
I love a good underrated book! Not all good books get the hype they deserve, which I think is a real shame
Please make this a series!
I actually have a couple ideas for this video series. Some of my favorite underrated standalones are All the Animals on Earth by Mark Sampson, The Pen Name by David Jacob Knight, Born Burning by Thomas Sullivan, and The Quiet Child by John Burley. Also, if you are interest in a trilogy suggestion, one of my favorites is Robin Hood: Demon's Bane by Debbie Viguié.
Definitely keep going ! Lately I define an underrated book is one not mentioned on book tube at all or much lol. Ones I’ve read under 1000 are mainly cozy mysteries or a few nonfictions and middle grade ones but a here’s some suggestions. “A song for Jeffery “ by Constance foland , read it ages ago but I remember it made me cry . A series I feel is underrated is by Spencer’s Quinn Bernie and Chet series , told from dogs point of view.
I love this concept Jesse! Your videos always put a smile on my face. The underrated book I recommend is 'The Anger of Angels' by Sherryl Jordan. It only has 136 ratings on Goodreads. I've given it 4.5 stars. I found it in a discount bookstore and I've read it three times since. I've been watching your videos for about a year and I think you'll really love it. Anyway, keep reading what your heart desires! 😉♥📚
So, I don't know if this counts, but the Modesty Blaise series was a huge hit back when it came out in the 50s BUT it does have under 1000 ratings on GoodReads. I love the series and would love for people to rediscover it! So, if you would consider it, I'd be so happy!
Oh man, this is an excellent concept. Please keep doing it.
I recommend:
Dream Runners by Shveta Thkrar
Godly Heathens by H E Edgmon. I got an ARC of it, but it will be released in November and rocked my world!
And lastly, Waterwight by Laurel McHargue. It js marketed as YA but felt more middle grade to me. This was written by a lady in my town.
I highly recommend Stateless by Elizabeth Wein (576 ratings)! I had such a fun time reading it! It’s pretty new, so I guess it’s hard to classify as underrated already but I definitely think more people should read it.
Please!!! Pick up Mark Tufo’s Zombie Fallout series!!! *The audible is the best way to consume this epic story! Mark has several spinoff series that connect to the main character Mike Talbot…it is action packed, pulls on your heart strings, puts you on the edge of your seat, and even has humor sprinkled in so effortlessly! This series, and the author in general, is not given the praise it to rightfully deserves!!! Please bless your ears with this work of art! ❤
Please tell me you know the Holver Alley Crew is one of 4 intertwining series? There is the Maradaine which starts with The Thorn of Dentonhill. Then there is The Maradaine Constabulary starting with A Murder of Mages. Then there is The Streets of Maradaine which starts with The Holver Alley Crew. And lastly, there is The Maradaine Elite starting with The Way of the Shield. The People of the City which is the third book of the Maradaine Elite is a culmination of all the series and books. Kinda like what the first Avengers movie was for the MCU.
Love that, even if Jesse didn't find a great read, he keeps trying them, giving them the chance, that's really cute ✨
Also, it's funny and lovely that, when he finds something he doesn't enjoy, he's like "and that makes me so sad!", I would be like cursing and hating everything XDDD he's made of pure love I guess :3
I really adore 'the space between' by Meg Grehan! It is a a queer love story written in verse and it is soo heartbreaking and heartwarming!
this is my WHEELHOUSE, I love finding books with very few reviews, it feels like I'm venturing into unknown territories
My favorite underrated books:
Angel Radio-A.M. Blaushild
Sleepyhead Assassins-Mindy Nettifee
Desperate Hearts-Gregory Hinton (this is a sequel but I never read the first one and it was an amazing stand alone)
WEIRD GIRLS: WRITING THE ART MONSTER-Caroline Hagood
I would recommend Yonder by Ali Standish. It's a middle grade historical fiction that I read this year and I really enjoyed it. As of now it has a little over 500 ratings on Goodreads. 😊 And the cover is beautiful. 😍
please keep going with this series. it is so fun. I love to find underrated books!
Probably too well read for this concept, but I'll recommend a couple of my favorite books:
Declare by Tim Powers -- it's some magical realism, some alternate history, spies, and a bit of romance. I adore this book and find Powers very easy to read. I think he's under-read because he straddles genres, but is just so creative and fun.
Little, Big by John Crowley -- This book got a lot of critical acclaim when it came out (in 1981), but seems to have fallen out of favor. I never see people talk about it. It's one of Neil Gaiman's favorites. (He invested heavily in the production of a special edition.) It's a long book, but exceptionally well written.
Love this idea! A great way to showcase books that don't get any love. You should try the manga Rainbow and Black by Eri Takenashi or Scripted by Maya Rock.
I don't know if it counts, it has over 7K ratings on goodreads, but I really adore "The devouring" trilogy, at lest the first 2, I haven't read the third one 'cause it was never publish in spanish (that's how I bought them) and I have to read it on kindle (I'm the worst e-book reader XD, but hopefully one day :3). It's a thriller, really short and well constructed, to me as a fan of mr. King.
Basically it's how it would be if your worst fears can become reality, if the Oogie Boogie was real but there were a plague that comes one day of the year and drains you out and takes your place, pretending to be you, but you are trapped with your worst nightmares.
Descreptive with those nightmares and I love it, sad, dark, broken family and a sister who would do anything to bring back her brother, even if others think she has become mad.
I loveeee this idea for books! definitely going to do this!
The Maleficent Seven it is a GrimDark novel and SUPER hilarious and just so well done, more people need to read it! Top Five favorite book for me!
I loved this video idea! This Rebel Heart by Katherine Locke was basically my favorite book of 2022 and it currently only has 981 ratings on goodreads. It's a very interesting young adult historical fantasy based on the Hungarian revolution of 1956
I love love love these underrated book recs. Keep making videos about them.
Also try reading "two summers" by aimee friedman.
Good idea ... Looking forward to part 2 🤍
You should try the alchemy of forever. It's very similar to the invisible life of addie larue. I recommend it to everyone who asks. Also, I really loved storm siren. Its one of the best books I've ever read but only has about 800 reviews.
Here are some recommendations for you to check out: The Shuddering City by Sharon Shinn (currently at 361 ratings with a 4.19 score). No Country for Eight Spot Butterflies by Julian Aguon (399 ratings with a 4.30 score). Out of the Flames: The Remarkable Story of a Fearless Scholar, a Fatal Heresy, and One of the Rarest Books in the World by Lawrence Goldstone (869 ratings, 4.11 score).
two series I feel r personally underrated are both manga series. the first one is called visions of escaflowne and it follows a girl who gets teleported to a different world and has to pilot a giant mech robot. the second is called Kamichama Karin and i won't get into that one cause i feel that one is better going into blind
I really loved Blood Metal Bone by Lindsay Cummings! It has just under 500 ratings on Goodreads (and exactly 64 on StoryGraph which I use more frequently). Since I know you’re not a description fan, here are buzzwords to pique your interest: brought back from death - revenge and searching - mix of sci fi and fantasy - mysterious motives.
Super great book and disappointed to see so few people enjoying it!
Love this idea! It’s so nice to see underrated books receiving more attention.
In terms of recs, might I suggest ‘An Absolute Bloody Disaster’ by Lindsay Clement? 187 ratings on goodreads, paranormal romance, queer rep, murder mystery, San Fran vampires. What’s not to love?!
Black Wings by Sehba Sarwar only has 40 ratings and 4 reviews on Goodreads, but I thought it was a solid read! It's an intergenerational story of family tragedy, trauma, culture, and more. Also has a touch of mysticism/mythology/story-within-a-story, so you might like it! ;)
Love this concept! Do a sci-fi/fantasy one specific one next! 🛸
Hey Jesse just wanted to come on here and say thank u. You made me want to finish up the Percy Jackson series. It's really good so far I'm on the Titans curse don't worry I won't spoil u on it but whenever u get the chance u really should hop on the band wagon. U have a good rest of ur day 💓 happy reading
I used to worry about my rating system, until I realized I don't have to compare books to each other; after all, many books are just unfair to compare! I rate each book in itself.* It competes with itself: what was the potential, how did it deliver? Did it make me laugh? Cry? Feel anything? Did it make me think differently? Did I learn something? Did it annoy me? Was it clunky, hard to follow? And so on. Each book has its own set of questions that makes sense, that would not necessarily make sense for another title. And it's also not about a book meeting my pre-set high expectations or anything. And on top of it there's the subjectivity of it. If for you 3 stars feels right, then it is right.
That's how for me The Little Trashmaid can be 5 stars and A Cristmas Carol 3.5 stars, not because I think a comic book with almost no words is objectively better than Dickens. And I feel content with this.
*Okay, maybe I would order parts of a series.
I see why you’re a book warrior now. You help books get the recognition and love they deserve.
Valkyrie rising by Ingrid Paulson is a great YA standalone. 660 reviews on goodreads as we speak.
Frogkisser by Garth nix needs more love, as do Invisibility by Andrea cremer and David leviathan.
Underrated books Are in my opinion books that Are not mentioned on the bookternet they can be older books as well as newer ones.
The named by Marianne Curley is a great time travel series that deserves much more love as well
You started another something fun thing!😆💓 It's a new way to encounter books! So unique!
Can't wait to see what your next quest brings! Don’t give up on doing this, Jesse ♪
You should read Satellite Love by Genke Ferguson!!! I read it, and couldn’t stop thinking about it for weeks.
You should read The King’s Broad Arrow by Kathryn Tone!! It’s a historical retelling if the revolutionary war told by 13 year old Sam! Such a good read!!
I recommend reading Dr. Dredd's Wagon of Wonders. Warning I did read this when I was younger but, BUT!! a lot of its magical qualities still remain vivid in my mind. So that's saying something LOL! 😅😂😂
I went and looked at the least rated books I’d read and only came up with a few! But Exile from Eden by Andrew Smith (511 ratings) is a book I absolutely loved. It is a sequel but functions ok as a stand alone too. Out of the Blue by Sophie Cameron (1,613 ratings) isn’t quite under 1,000 but has a really interesting premise!
The Gilded Girl by Alyssa Colman (mg a little princess retelling with magic), The Wonderland Trials by Sara Ella (ya series, competition, a nod to Alice), The Registration by Madison Lawson (debut, personally would skip the audiobook)
Forget This Ever Happened by Cassandra Rose Clarke has 590 ratings right now. It was possibly one of the weirdest books I've ever read, but I liked it! It's sapphic sci-fi, and it's so strange, but it's fun! I gave it 4 stars.
Air born (under 200 ratings) - in the modern world, some people suddenly grow wings, get hunted, Come home Charlie and Face Them (under 200 ratings) - crime, set in 1920s, main character longs after a woman with her own agenda, Barefoot on the Wind (under 1000 ratings) - Beauty and the Beast retelling set in Japan -out of these books I think you'll enjoy this one the most.
Under 1000 ratings on goodreads? I have a few that actually are favourites of mine. The first one is under 3000 though, and I am mentioning it because it is the first one I searched up and I haven't seen it anywhere on anywhere on these book platforms. It is called Night Theatre and it is by Vikram Paralkar. This book follows a surgeon working at an underfunded clinic. One night, a family of dead people with fatal wounds walks into said clinic. He must stitch them up by sunrise or he will have a brutally murdered family in his clinic that he would have to explain away. If he succeeds they will live again. This was beautifully written with complex characters, but also so detailed particularly in the wounds and the surgeries, to the point where I think you would see it as gory. There are conversations on the afterlife and the direction their lives did take and unsatisfaction and more. I had mixed feelings about the ending, but I still love this book. The next one has under 300 ratings. The Embalmer by Anne-Renee Caillie is a strange novella in which a daughter is taking notes of her father's embalming career. She is writing about strange and brutal cases he had in note format. It is a weird tone to it and at times is horrifying, and there is a mix of emotions that her father had as an embalmer. Again, an odd ending, but I was really here for the ride and I lowkey think that people who really loved Follow Me To Ground, like I did, might get something out of this. Lastly, Love Poems and Death Threats by Samuel Wagan Watson. This is a poetry collection by an Aboriginal author. I don't know how to describe poetry to you but I would describe this as raw and very much about the injustice against the first nation people of Australia and their resilience through it all, and this quote on the back I feel like does describe this collection well: 'Anyone writes a death threat utilises the same passion that can compose a love poem... in the same breath we all have the capacity to smite whilst we are smitten...' which is a direct quote by the author.
I have other books outside of my favourites that I may consider underrated. The first again is under 3000 ratings which is not exactly what you are looking for, but I think this will appeal to you in particular. It is another poetry collection and it is called Japanese Death Poems: Written by Zen Monks and Haiku Poets on the verge of Death composed by Yoel Hoffman. This collection is interesting because it does explain the poem to you and what makes it a death poem whether it be symbolism or the subject matter or written on the day of the poet's death. I think because of your interest of death books and your interest in Japan you will like this. Tea With Death by Abigail Wildes is another poetry collection that I love but this is very different and has 70 ratings on goodreads. This is a simplistic and charming collection about things such as a tour through a witch's house, poisoned tea, about meeting death herself and more. It is a fun macabre collection that I love. Another death book of mine is Death: A Graveside Companion edited by Johanna Ebenstein. This doubles as an art book because it is filled of art in relation to death such as a social satire piece called The Dance of Death Modernised and an engraving called Death in Disguise. There is also information that boils down to people's fascination with death and how people engaged with it over time. My apologies for the length of this comment because I am not done yet.
Okay I am lowkey getting mad because some I love are so underrated, even ones considered as a success are. And one of these is Air: Sylphs, Spirits and Swan Maidens. Rhonda Parrish is an editor that has an excellent eye for short stories, and I love her collections. This is the third in her elements series, and one of my favourites of hers. The other ones that are high up on that ranking list edited by her are Fae, Sirens (this one is interesting because she goes for the original myths of them instead of modern expectations. So you get stories referring to or about the sirens in certain greek stories and myths, and in many of the stories they have wings instead of being purely ocean creatures. It is partly why I am excited to read her C for Chimaera), and Earth: Giants, Golems and Gargoyles. Each collection has a wide range of different stories that are typically fantasy but has elements of horror and sci-fi. And I have just looked up all of these and none of them have above 40 ratings, I also looked up Arcana which is my current anthology by her and once again it is under 30 ratings. Anyways, here are a few, hopefully you will find one that you like more.
Love the video quest! Sad to see you didn't find any hidden gems yet, but better luck next time! 🍀🍀🍀
Checking my Goodreads list for recommendations made me realize that very few of my read books have so few ratings. And those are not written (or ever translated) to English so unfortunately I can't recommend them :( To be honest, under 10k ratings I consider books relatively underrated in the modern context, though with older books even that is hardly a good indicator of popularity.
The best method is going to the musty section of your library and finding stuff that's not even listed on Goodreads XD
I think you should do this again! Just because none of the books were a banger the first time, that doesn’t mean that will happen the next time. Maybe try by genre or age category (like sci-fi books with less than 1,000 ratings, or romance, or middle grade-or even graphic novels!). For a book recommendation with less than 1,000 ratings (I’m assuming on Goodreads), I recommend Flying Over Water by Shannon Hitchcock by N.H. Senzai (which is a middle grade contemporary)!
I love underrated books I randomly find and like/love! ❤
If you want more to choose from, going based on the number of reviews on goodreads may be better than going off of the number of ratings since books tend to have a lot more ratings than they do reviews
The first book is one of my biggest prejudice and fears in books: a GREAT concept that sounds so good but so big that the size pf the book makes me doubt about the story XD in my mind is like it seems too much that I don't have too much faith in it 🤣
I actually quite like Bravely by Maggie Stiefvater! But when I searched it on Google, I think it only had 400-500 or so ratings 😅
I love this concept. Finding an underrated book is so cool and rewarding. Hope you find many!
The Tyme trilogy! Anything by Karen Rivers, Solace trilogy, the extra ordinary princess, in nightfall, invictus
The Upworld by Lindsey S Frantz is one that I would want to see get more hype!
I recommend the fraternity by Andy mientus. It has some the craft vibe at a boy's boarding school in the 90s. With 3 🌈 guys as narrators.
Two books that I recently read could fit in your challenge, if you like middle grade. I loved them both 😊
"The Book of Stolen Dreams" by David Farr has 693 ratings on goodreads.
"The Midnighters" by Hana Tooke has 255 ratings.
Hope you find the hidden gem you're searching for ! 😊
I think it's a difficult balance to find when you're talking irl self vs online self and it's a balance I think about a lot. Like, I want the person on the screen to reflect the person I really am, but then you have to think about how much sharing is too much? Because it's good to have some boundary between yourself and literally everyone else on the internet. Obviously, there will be exceptions in the form of genuine friends, but social media just exposes us to too many people to be literal friends with everyone who interacts with us. Even those of us that have smaller accounts. So you a lot of it is just trial and error to see what you're comfortable sharing and how far is far enough to be honest, but not so far that you're sharing details you'd rather keep private. For me, I'll talk unfiltered to the camera about life stuff a lot of the time and then decide just how much I'm cool w people knowing about my personal biz in editing. I'll be interested in seeing how the healthy internet boundaries conversation evolves as this newer generation matures. Millenials were raised w an overcautious approach to internet boundaries and then a lot Gen Z has grown up with a much looser approach to internet boundaries
"There were books about misfits on a heist before six of Crows came onto the scene" THANK YOU! GOD BLESS YOU! I HAVE BEEN SHOUTING THIS SINCE GILDED WOLVES CAME OUT!!!
Read mineeeee😅 I’ll send you some!
The only book I can think of that is underrated and great is Dark Places Light Places, which has exactly 2 reviews on GoodReads (one of them being mine) but I think that one’s out of print or something.
📖 Try reading "The Foretelling" by Alice Hoffman, inspired in the Amazon women warriors.
My grandmother gave me this book as a gift and I was hesitant if I would like it, after reading it I enjoyed the read not a favorite but a good one.
City of Strife by Claudie Arseneault is one of my favorite fantasy books! It has multiple storylines that all weave around the political drama of a city. Really good characters. All queer cast too! The last book came out eaithis year so it's a great time to start the series. Currently the first book has 587 ratings (the last one only has 27). Support indie authors and publishers!
I just read a book that has around 600 ratings, it's "Shadow Family" by Miyuki Miyabe, it's translated japanese mystery. I thought it was okay and worth a read
Yes, do more of these videos please! :)
One of my favorite books litterally has 62 ratings on goodreads 😂 and it's not even recent, it was published in 2019 !
But...
It's in French. I couldn't find any english translation.
It's "La Seizième Clé" by Eric Senabre, in case someone is interested.
i have to reccomend bone gap by laura ruby. it's like if midwest emo and gothic horror wrote a book.
A book I recommend would be The Game
Of Secrets by Kim Foster
One book that I think is really underated (or at the very least I don't see anyone talk about it) is The Mystery Of Me by Karen McCombie. It's a short story which means it'll be nice and easy to get through and I love the book and think it's very underated. I won't say much more to leave u to find out for yourself even though there's no way your seeing this😂😂
Very fun idea! Hope it goes better next time
I can't believe this book has less than 1k ratings, but The Many Half-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester is SO GOOD and everyone should read it NOW.
I recommend reading so books from persian authors
(also we're all six of crows trash so its alright 😭)
You could try ink and steel by Elizabeth Bear
I'm going to cheat and recommend a sequel that has under 1k ratings. BUT the first book has a little over 1.3k ratings. The duology is Sisters of Shadow and Light by Sara B Larson. Highly recommend the audiobook.
saint catastrophe. 15 reviews.
jiada. 5 reviews.
my absolute favorite underground books
Okay but I love the cover of face 🥲
A series I love with not many ratings is the Forgotten Five by Lisa McMann.
Nice to know what books to AVOID!
Light Beneath Ferns by Anne Spollen
who needs sleep anyway when Jesse uploades?
Fun concept, the unfortunate part is that you didn’t have a full set of 4 and 5 star books to give more love! I hate when I have to rate a book with low readership with low ratings 😬
Do you have all of your books on your tbr shelf / on your radar on your goodreads? If you organise the list by number of ratings are there any that fall into under 500 ratings?