Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, and the Lord of the Rings. If you haven’t read of these series, then you’ve at least heard of their infamous names. Likewise, these fantastical, mainstream series are loved for their excellent worldbuilding, and originality. However, there are millions of other stories that have yet to earn praise for their engaging plots, storylines, and themes. Below, the following underrated novels have not been ranked by reviews, as ratings may not fully reflect the book’s content. Instead, the rankings are based on level of entertainment (how engaging the books’ plots are), as well as personal experiences. Without further ado, let’s dive into the Top 5 Underrated Fantasy Series!
5. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Fictional Novel
Age Group: 9-12
“A secret wildlife preserve for jealous fairies, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and dozens of other mythical and magical creatures, including a giant milch cow!” – Goodreads
Most people’s grandparents spoil them with candy; Kendra and Seth’s grandparents own a wildlife preserve for mythical creatures. Altogether, after learning about Fablehaven’s existence, Kendra and Seth’s family assists in guarding the real-world from magical creatures. However, their lives are threatened by The Society of the Evening Star, whom aim to unleash the horrendous demon lords from prison. Entertainingly, Kendra and Seth are thrown into a journey of magical entanglements, which consequently alter their lives forever.
4. The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer
Genre: Fairytales, Fantasy, Fictional Novel
Age Group: 9-12
“When it comes to imagining the continuing lives of our storybook legends, the author seems to side with the sixth-grade teacher of his main characters – twins lost, literally, in a good book.” – The New York Times
Ever wondered what happened to your favourite fairytale characters after “happily ever after”? Particularly, The Land of Stories follows twins Alex and Connor, who are sucked into the secret world of Grim fairytales. There, they are challenged by the unknown darkness threatening to destroy the peace of the Land of Stories. In response, the twins, along with familiar faces, bravely persevere through the difficulties of growing up, and demonstrate the withstanding immortality of fairytales.
3. Warriors by Erin Hunter
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Fictional Novel
Age Group: 9-12
“The storylines are always cleverly composed, with lots of narrative twists and surprises (even for the adult reader).” – Fantasy Faction
Four clans, one mission: survive. Before, Rusty was an ordinary housecat, oblivious to the generations of warrior cats amongst the dark woods. Now, as Firepaw, he must prove himself worthy by protecting his clanmates from the enemy clans. Along the way, Firepaw is not only required to survive the external forces of nature, but must additionally overcome the woods’ history of war, violence, and betrayal, all of which test his loyalty, and endurance. Undoubtedly, aspiring warriors will become captivated with the woods of Thunder Clan, the waters of River Clan, the fields of Wind Clan, and the secrets of Shadow Clan, as they learn about the true definition of bravery.
2. Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Fictional Novel
Age Group: 9-12
“You don’t have to be a wizard to wrap your mind around why young readers are drawn to stories of invincibility, magic, and wonder.” – The New York Times
Dragons, magical lands, amazing worldbuilding, a history of betrayal, and cryptic prophecies…who could ask for more? For decades, the seven dragon tribes have been raging a bloodspilling war against each other, each alliance and betrayal dictated by their leaders: the three SandWing sisters, who began the war over Pyrrhia’s throne after their mother was murdered. Soon after the NightWings prophesied that five chosen dragonets would decide the rightful SandWing heir, the Talons of Peace gathered the eggs of the prophesied tribes, aiming to save their world from destruction. Years later, once the dragonets of prophecy are forced from hiding, they must overcome tests of loyalty, generosity, family, friendship, ruthlessness, and sacrifice in order to bring peace to Pyrrhia.
1. The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor
Genre: YA, Fairytales, Adventure, Fantasy, Fictional Novel
Age Group: 14+
“The Looking Glass Wars unabashedly challenges our Wonderland assumptions of mad tea parties, grinning Cheshire cats, and a curious little blonde girl to reveal an epic battle in the endless war for Imagination.” – Goodreads
What if the land beyond the rabbit hole never truly existed? Shockingly, Alyss Heart, heir to the throne of Wonderland’s Heart dynasty, is suddenly forced through the Looking Glass, and into 1859 England after her parents are assassinated by her insane Aunt Redd. Frantically, as Alyss’ bodyguard, Hatter Madigan, tirelessly searches for the lost princess in a world of unbelievers, Queen Redd reigns over Wonderland with her terrifying Black Imagination, aiming to execute Alyss’ remaining companions. Over the next lonely, brutally violent decade of their lives, Alyss and her friends must endure through love, loss, and betrayal as they attempt to preserve the power of magic, belief, and Imagination.
Please note that this list does not account for all of the countless other underrated fantasy series. As well, these series have been selected solely based on fantastical story aspects that are popular amongst readers, such as magical creatures, action-packed adventure, and uniqueness.
Additionally, while searching for these books (e.g. Indigo Chapters), please note that some covers may have been updated. Thus, pay close attention to the author(s), as well as the title of the books before purchasing. Moreover, the books within this ranking list have varying page numbers, meaning they are not all the same length. Hopefully, at least one of these books has captured your attention, and are sitting on your bookshelves in the near future!
Enjoy, fellow bookworms!
