Can you recommend some underrated mercenary fiction books?

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

Sure. 'The Wasp Factory' by Iain Banks is a rather underrated twisted fiction. It has a really strange and dark story about a young man and his disturbing family. Another one is 'The Cement Garden' by Ian McEwan. It's not as well - known as some of his other works but has a very twisted family - centered plot.

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

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

One underrated science fiction book is 'The Stars My Destination' by Alfred Bester. It has a unique take on teleportation and a gritty, noir - like future setting. Another is 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons. It weaves together multiple storylines in a complex and engaging way, exploring themes of time, religion, and artificial intelligence. Also, 'Flow My Tears, the Policeman Said' by Philip K. Dick. It presents a dystopian future full of political and social unrest.

There are some underrated YA fantasy books. For example, 'The Girl of Fire and Thorns' by Rae Carson. It has a plus - sized protagonist in a fantasy world full of political drama and magic. The character development is really good. 'Uprooted' by Naomi Novik is also underrated. It has a Slavic - inspired world, a mysterious wizard, and a girl who has to deal with her own power and the threat from the forest. And 'The Winner's Curse' by Marie Rutkoski. It's set in a world with a conquering empire and a slave girl who has more to her than meets the eye, but it doesn't get as much hype as some other YA fantasies.

The 'The Kingmaker's Daughter' is an underrated gem. It focuses on the life of Anne Neville, a key figure during the Wars of the Roses.

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

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

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