In my opinion, 'Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell' by Susanna Clarke is an underrated gem. It's set in an alternate England where magic is real and the relationship between the two titular characters is fascinating. 'The Thief' by Megan Whalen Turner is also worth mentioning. It has a simple yet engaging story with a great deal of mystery. Additionally, 'The Night Circus' by Erin Morgenstern is underrated. The circus setting is magical and the love story within it is beautifully told.
One great underrated fantasy novel is 'The Golem and the Jinni' by Helene Wecker. It weaves together the stories of a golem and a jinni in turn - of - the - century New York. Another is 'Uprooted' by Naomi Novik. It has a unique take on magic and a captivating heroine. And 'Mistborn' by Brandon Sanderson is also underrated. It features an intricate magic system and a complex plot.
One great underrated graphic novel is 'Persepolis' by Marjane Satrapi. It's an autobiographical work that gives a unique look into life in Iran during and after the Islamic Revolution. The simple black - and - white art style is very effective in telling the complex story of a young girl growing up in a changing society.
One underrated horror novel is 'The Ruins' by Scott Smith. It has a really creepy premise. A group of tourists visit an ancient Mayan ruin, and things start to go horribly wrong. The sense of isolation and the unknown is what makes it so terrifying. Another is 'The House Next Door' by Anne Rivers Siddons. It's about a haunted house that affects the lives of those around it in very disturbing ways. And 'The Fisherman' by John Langan. It combines elements of Lovecraftian horror with a unique and haunting story about fishing and the supernatural.
Some great fantasy novels from 2018 include 'Spinning Silver' by Naomi Novik. It's a richly detailed retelling of fairytales with strong female characters. Another one is 'Children of Blood and Bone' by Tomi Adeyemi. It has a unique magic system and a story of revolution in a fantasy world.
One popular fantasy smut novel is 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' by Sarah J. Maas. It has a great blend of fantasy elements like faeries and magic, along with some steamy romantic scenes. Another is 'Fifty Shades of Grey' which, while not strictly pure fantasy, has elements of a fantasy - like relationship dynamic and some rather sensual scenes. Also, 'The Black Dagger Brotherhood' series by J.R. Ward is known for its combination of vampire - based fantasy and some hot romantic encounters.
One of the best is 'The Legend of Condor Heroes' by Jin Yong. It's filled with amazing martial arts, complex characters, and an engaging plot. The story follows the adventures of Guo Jing, a simple but determined young man who rises to become a great martial artist.
The 'Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien also features wizard - like characters such as Gandalf. It's an epic tale of good versus evil in a richly imagined Middle - earth. The magic in it is more subtle in some ways but still very impactful in the grand scheme of the story, especially Gandalf's powers.
One of the best is 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss. It has a great blend of magic and mystery. The main character's journey is full of thrills as he rises from poverty to become a powerful magician. Another good one is 'American Gods' by Neil Gaiman. It combines fantasy elements with a modern - day thriller plot, exploring different mythologies in America. And 'The Lies of Locke Lamora' by Scott Lynch is also great. It features a group of thieves in a vividly imagined fantasy world filled with intrigue and danger.
One of the best rated fantasy novels is 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It's a classic that takes you on an epic journey through Middle - earth. The world - building is extraordinary, with detailed descriptions of different races, languages, and cultures. Another great one is 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series by George R.R. Martin. It has complex characters and a richly woven plot full of political intrigue, battles, and magic. 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling is also highly rated. It follows the adventures of a young wizard and his friends at Hogwarts, introducing a world of magic that is both enchanting and relatable.
Well, 'Good Omens' by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman is a must - read. Although it's not solely focused on London, it has significant parts set in this city. It's a hilarious and thought - provoking take on the apocalypse. Then there's 'The Dark Is Rising' sequence which includes elements of London and is a classic in the fantasy genre, full of ancient magic and a battle between good and evil. Also, 'The London Eye Mystery' is a great choice for younger readers, with a touch of mystery and fantasy set against the backdrop of London.
One great long fantasy novel is 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It's a classic that takes you on an epic journey through Middle - earth. The world - building is extremely detailed, with different races, languages, and cultures. Another is 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series by George R.R. Martin. It has complex characters and a vast, politically charged world. And 'The Wheel of Time' series by Robert Jordan is also a must - read. It has a huge cast of characters and a richly detailed magic system.