In a world where bestseller lists dominate our reading choices and popular titles flood our social media feeds, it’s easy for lesser-known gems to slip through the cracks. Yet, some of the most enriching and thought-provoking reads are the ones that don’t always make it to the spotlight. 

Keep reading to uncover some of the books that have been around awhile, yet likely gone under the radar. 

1. Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson – Within the grand halls of libraries, dangerous grimoires come to life, and librarians are tasked with keeping them at bay. Enter Elisabeth Scrivener, an apprentice librarian thrust into a world of dark magic and ancient secrets. Margaret Rogerson weaves a tale of intrigue and enchantment, where books hold power and alliances are tested in the shadows.

2. The Girl of Fire and Thorns series by Rae Carson – In a land threatened by war and ancient prophecies, Elisa bears the burden of being chosen by the gods. But she is not the typical hero – she struggles with her self-worth and must navigate treacherous political machinations. Rae Carson crafts a gripping tale of destiny, courage, and the journey to self-discovery in a world where magic and faith collide.

3. An Ember in the Ashes series by Sabaa Tahir – Set in a brutal, Roman-inspired empire, this gripping fantasy follows Laia, a slave, and Elias, a soldier, as their fates intertwine in a fight against tyranny. Sabaa Tahir’s debut novel is a relentless tale of resistance and sacrifice, where loyalties are tested and darkness lurks at every turn.

4. The Queen’s Thief series by Megan Whalen Turner – Enter the kingdom of Attolia, where political intrigue and cunning schemes shape the fate of nations. Follow the journey of Eugenides, a master thief with a penchant for mischief and a hidden agenda. Megan Whalen Turner’s series is a masterclass in storytelling, filled with twists, betrayals, and unexpected alliances.

5. The Bone Season series by Samantha Shannon – In a dystopian future where clairvoyants are hunted by an oppressive regime, Paige Mahoney possesses a rare and dangerous gift. Captured and enslaved, she finds herself drawn into a secret world of magic and rebellion. Samantha Shannon’s immersive world-building and complex characters make this a thrilling start to a captivating series.

6. The Poppy War series by R.F. Kuang – Inspired by Chinese history and mythology, The Poppy War follows Rin, a war orphan determined to escape her poverty-stricken existence. When she gains admission to Sinegard, a prestigious military academy, Rin discovers her latent powers and is thrust into a brutal war against an empire fueled by dark magic. R.F. Kuang’s debut is a harrowing tale of power, ambition, and the cost of war.

7. Seraphina series by Rachel Hartman – In the kingdom of Goredd, where humans and dragons coexist uneasily, Seraphina Dombegh harbors a dangerous secret – she is half-dragon, half-human. As tensions rise between the two species, Seraphina must navigate court intrigue and uncover a sinister plot threatening to plunge the realm into chaos. Rachel Hartman’s lyrical prose and intricate world-building make this a captivating read for fantasy enthusiasts.

8. The Wrath & the Dawn series by Renée Ahdieh – Inspired by Arabian Nights, this lush retelling follows Shahrzad, a young woman seeking vengeance for her best friend’s murder by the Caliph of Khorasan. But when she becomes his bride and discovers the truth behind his actions, she finds herself torn between loyalty and love. Renée Ahdieh’s atmospheric prose and richly drawn characters make this a compelling tale of love, betrayal, and redemption.

While it’s tempting to gravitate towards the latest bestsellers and viral sensations, it’s important not to overlook the hidden treasures that lie quietly on bookshelves, waiting to be discovered. So, the next time you’re browsing for your next read, take a chance on an author or book you’ve heard nothing about. You never know what you might find when you dare to venture off the beaten path.