best unknown novels

Another one could be 'Uprooted' by Naomi Novik. It has a unique blend of Slavic folklore and a coming - of - age adventure. The main character, Agnieszka, is taken from her village by a powerful wizard known as the Dragon. She has to learn magic and face various dark forces in the enchanted forest that surrounds the wizard's tower.

One great unknown novel is 'The Shadow of the Wind' by Carlos Ruiz Zafón. It's a mystery set in post - war Barcelona, filled with complex characters and a plot that weaves through the city's history. The atmosphere is beautifully created, making the reader feel as if they are walking the cobbled streets along with the characters.

One great unknown mystery novel is 'The Chalk Man' by C. J. Tudor. It has a really engaging plot that involves a mystery from the past resurfacing in the present. The characters are well - developed and the twists keep you guessing until the end.

One great unknown fantasy novel is 'The Golem and the Jinni' by Helene Wecker. It weaves together the stories of a golem and a jinni in 19th - century New York. Another is 'Uprooted' by Naomi Novik. It has a unique take on magic and a captivating heroine. And 'Among Others' by Jo Walton is also excellent, with a blend of Welsh folklore and a coming - of - age story.

One great unknown horror novel is 'The Fisherman' by John Langan. It weaves a complex and terrifying tale around a fishing trip that goes horribly wrong, with elements of Lovecraftian horror. Another is 'Bird Box' by Josh Malerman. It has a unique concept where people must avoid looking outside or they'll go insane from seeing some unknown horror. And 'The Troop' by Nick Cutter is also a great pick. It involves a group of Boy Scouts on an island facing a parasitic horror that slowly consumes them.

'The Ryuo's Work is Never Done!' is also a good unknown light novel. It focuses on the world of shogi, a Japanese board game. The story is not just about the game itself but also about the relationships and growth of the characters involved. It has a charming protagonist who is a shogi master and his interactions with those around him, especially his young protege, make for an engaging read.

Well, 'Bluebird, Bluebird' by Attica Locke is a great unknown crime novel. It combines elements of racial tension and crime in a small - town setting in the South. Then there's 'The Widows of Malabar Hill' by Sujata Massey. This book is set in 1920s Bombay and features a female lawyer investigating a mystery. And 'Before the Fall' by Noah Hawley is also a good pick. It has a plane crash as the starting point for a complex web of mystery and intrigue.

One of the best unknown classic novels is 'The House of Mirth' by Edith Wharton. It offers a profound exploration of New York society in the early 20th century, with a complex and tragic heroine. Another is 'The Return of the Native' by Thomas Hardy. It delves deep into rural English life, with themes of love, fate, and the unforgiving nature. And 'The Portrait of a Lady' by Henry James, which tells the story of an independent - minded American woman in Europe and her journey through love and self - discovery.

The best unknown romance novels often have unique settings. For example, they might be set in a small, idyllic town that gives a sense of coziness and intimacy. The characters are usually complex and not the typical one - dimensional romance characters. They have their own flaws, dreams, and pasts that make their love stories more believable. Also, the plotlines can be unexpected. Instead of the usual boy - meets - girl - and - they - live - happily - ever - after, there could be twists like long - distance relationships in a magical world or dealing with family secrets while falling in love.

They can also be more experimental in their writing styles. Since they are not as widely known, the authors may have had more freedom to deviate from the traditional narrative structures. Take 'Infinite Jest' by David Foster Wallace, for instance. It's a long and complex work that plays with form and content in ways that many well - known novels don't. The less - known American novels in this category can be a treasure trove for those who want to explore different literary frontiers.