It's that time of the year again! To look back at all the amazing books we've read or didn't get to yet, and to start looking forward to all the exciting releases of 2019. While I didn't read as much as I wanted to this year, I did read some great books. More than anything, I read some amazing books which I felt were painfully underrated this year. So here are 13 books you probably missed or didn't read, but should totally add to your list because they are absolutely fantastic and shouldn't be missed!
P.S. My criteria for underrated were a combination of numbers ( from Goodreads ) and also great and important reads which I felt should be talked about more.
P.S. My criteria for underrated were a combination of numbers ( from Goodreads ) and also great and important reads which I felt should be talked about more.
1. Running With Lions by Julian Winters
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository
Running With Lions was a book with so much heart that I doubt anyone can ever not like it. The cast is precious, every character is complex yet pure, and the romance is so adorable that I wanted to protect Sebastian and Emir at any cost. It's beautifully diverse and queer, and such a positive and soft read and all of you need to experience this bundle of warmth and sunshine in your lives.
2. A Room Away From the Wolves by Nova Ren Suma
Trigger warning for the concept/idea of suicide
A tight knit mystery, A Room Away From the Wolves made it clear why people love Nova Ren Suma's writing. The book is a page turner and the writing is both gorgeous and twisted, lush and spooky. Fans of creepy, intriguing stories will love this.
Check out my full review here
3. A Spark of White Fire by Sangu Mandanna
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository
Are you tired of me flailing about A Spark of White Fire? I have no shame, I'll do it again. This book is probably my favourite read of this year, and I won't be in peace until I make everyone read it. A magnificent space opera that retells the story of Karna of Mahabharata in the most thrilling and emotional way possible, A Spark of White Fire is an underrated gem that all of you need to read!
4. Empire of Sand by Tasha Suri
Trigger warning for torture
I cheated here because Empire of Sand is technically not YA, but it definitely reads like one. A lush fantasy inspired by the Mughal Empire, it is a perfect choice for fans of Wrath and the Dawn, City of Brass and Library of Fates. Mehr's struggle against tyranny and discrimination is inspiring while the romance will break and warm your heart like no other.
5. Darius the Great is Not Okay by Adib Khorram
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository
Darius is a precious cinnamon roll and if I ever meet him I want to give him the biggest hug. Dairus the Great is Not Okay is a heartbreaking and authentic exploration of depression, sexuality and connecting to your roots. The book takes you to Iran, and will give you a new respect for tea.
6. My So Called Bollywood Life by Nisha Sharma
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository
I remember reading the book on the NYC subway, and almost forgetting my stop. My So Called Bollywood Life is such a fun romance with the most adorable love interest. It's also an unapologetic ode to Bollywood movies, and a quintessential desi book that I will always consider special to my heart.
7. Girl Made of Stars by Ashley Herring Blake
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository
Trigger warning for sexual assault and victim blaming
It's been months since I read this book, but I can still remember and feel all those powerful emotions that were invoked in me when I first read Girl Made of Stars. The book is an important read in the wake of #MeToo and asks the uncomfortable question : "what will you do when someone you know and love is accused?" It's a haunting and heartbreaking novel that is a must read.
Check out my full review here
8. Song of Blood and Stone by L.Penelope
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository
Trigger warning for abuse and attempted rape.
Song of Blood and Stone was the biggest surprise of 2018 for me. I wasn't expecting much from this fantasy, but I was completely swept away by the lush writing and the racial symbolism. The book explores the conflict of identity and loyalty of a biracial girl in the midst of racism, and the sweet and beautiful romance is so pure and breathtaking.
Check out my full review here
9. Chaotic Good by Whitney Gardner
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository
Whitney Gardner is one of my favourite people ever, and here's why. Chaotic Good is a brave narrative that questions and undermines every boy geek that has ever shamed a girl for not being "true fans" of a fandom. The book challenges fandoms and the sexism that prevails in them and assures that one doesn't have to be an encylopedia of a fictional universe to be a fan.
Check out my full review here
10. Blood and Sand by C.V.Wyk
Trigger warning for abuse and violence
Blood and Sand is a glorious, brutal and action packed genderbent retelling of Spartacus that also features the most progressive romances I've seen in a historical fantasy. The book is emotional as much as it is thrilling, and it's impossible not to be in complete awe of Attia, or fall in love with the cinnamon roll that is Xanthus.
Check out my full review here
11. A Taxonomy of Love by Rachael Allen
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository
This book is special to me personally as it features a protagonist with Tourette Syndrome. A Taxonomy of Love is a wonderful exploration of first love and heartbreak. A story that tracks 7 years of Spencer's life as he navigates through love, family, grief, his disability, self discovery, heartbreak and hope, this book is authentic, cute yet poignant.
12. Not Even Bones by Rebecca Schaeffer
Trigger warnings for gore, sadism, torture, dissection, cannibalism, gruesome murders, body horror
I was sold the moment when I saw that the book was marketed as Dexter meets This Savage Song. Not Even Bones is disturbing, dark and every character's morality is questionable and messed up. This book is not for everyone, but if you like grim narratives that are wonderfully horrible, then this is an amazing choice for sure.
13. A Girl Like That by Tanaz Bhathena
Trigger warnings for child abuse, rape and sexual assault
There are "unlikeable" heroines, and there is Zarin. Tanaz' portrayal of the teenager is so authentic, flawed, real and heartbreaking and while you will hate or not agree with everything she does, you can't help but feel for Zarin. A Girl Like That is another hard book to read, but it's still an important narrative for those who can stomach it's brutal reality.
Have you read any of these titles? Did you feel that they deserved more love? What books from 2018 do you think are underrated?
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