Underrated Reads

My favourite booktuber, KayleyReads, did a video a while ago about her favourite underrated reads as part of a tag and I started thinking about it too. I thought it was a great idea for a post, so here you go!

The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M Danforth

What’s it about?

Cam’s parents die suddenly in a car crash and she’s relieved. Now she doesn’t have to explain why she was kissing a girl. Then she’s sent to live with her conservative aunt in the Midwest where strong religious rules rule the waves. She vows to ignore her burgeoning sexuality, and then Corey Taylor moves to town and her secret is exposed and Aunt Ruth does everything she can to “fix” her niece.

Why you should read it:

There was virtually no buzz about this that I can remember; not including the ravings of CJ Skuse, and it should have been everywhere. I went in to this with very little expectations and it’s ended up being one of those books that I still find myself thinking about it a year after reading it. The Miseducation of Cameron Post made me angry and it made me sad and it made me think. It’s a quirky, shocking and eye-opening coming of age story that blew me away.

My review

A Small Free Kiss in the Dark by Glenda Millard

What’s it about?

A sudden war has left the world in a post-apocalyptic state. Skip has found himself hiding out in an abandoned amusement park with an old tramp called Billy, a teenage dancer and her baby. At first Billy looks after them, but as he starts to lose it, Skip must take control and try and lead them to safety.

Why you should read it:

I can’t begin to explain how beautiful Glenda Millard’s writing it. This novel isn’t written, it’s painted and that comes through as part of Skip’s fascinating character. It’s hauntingly beautiful and his way of seeing the world is so unique and eye-opening. It broke my heart and made me grin like an idiot and now I want to dig my copy out and re-read it.

My review

Lovely, Dark and Deep by Amy McNamara

What’s it about?

After surviving an accident that killed her boyfriend, Wren abandons her plans of college and runs off to stay with her dad at his studios in the forests of north Maine. There she meets Cal who is dealing with problems of his own. Their chemistry threatens to pull her out of her isolation and she must choose between risking a broken heart and losing herself completely.

Why you should read it:

Plain and simple: it’s beautiful. The writing and especially the setting are so vivid and evocative that I felt I was running through the ice cold forests with Wren as she fought to clear her mind of her grief. It’s incredibly powerful and captured me softly and slowly. If Amy McNamara achieved this in her debut, I can’t wait to see what she delivers next.

My review

The Lacey Chronicles: The Other Countess, The Queen’s Lady, The Rogue Princess by Eve Edwards

What it’s about?

The Other Countess: It’s 1582 and Lady Eleanor Rodriguez has an attitude and a worthless title, but that doesn’t stop her catching the eye of the young Earl of Dorset. William Lacey has inherited his father’s title, and his debt, and must find a way to save his family’s fortune and marry rich. Though they can never be, they’ve fallen in love. Love or money: which will William pick?

Why you should read it:

I’ve always been quite unsure about historical novels, but this companion trilogy changed my mind. Fun, easy to read and rich in historical detail, this is great start if you’ve never gone historical before or if you just want a romantic, engaging read!

My reviews: The Other Countess, The Queen’s Lady, The Rogue’s Princess

Tithe by Holly Black

What it’s about?

Kaye has interacted with faeries since she was a little girl, but she never would have thought she was one. She travels around with her mother’s rock band until an attack forces them to New Jersey and Kaye’s grandmother. There she becomes embroiled in a war between two faeries kingdoms that could end in her death.

Why you should read it:

Though Holly Black is best known for The Spiderwick Chronicles and her adult/crossover series, The Curse Workers, this trilogy is by far my favourite. It’s a dark, twisted and sexy look at the Faerie and it’s gritty, dangerous underbelly. Stunningly imagined with writing to match.

Ice by Sarah Beth Durst

What it’s about?

When Cassie was little she regaled with tales of the Arctic and her mother making deals with the Polar Bear King. Now she’s older, she has no time for fairytales. Until she discovers her mother might still be alive, leading Cassie to make her own deal with the Polar Bear King and embarks on a dangerous journey across the frozen wasteland in search of her mother.

Why you should read it:

Ice is an utterly magical novel. It’s strange, beautiful and surprising and based on a fairytale that I’d never heard of before – East of the Sun, West of the Moon. Considering how popular fairytale re-tellings have been lately I was surprised to not see this resurface somewhere. If you’re not sure, read the opening paragraph and then try not to devour the whole novel...

My review

Inside Out by Maria V Snyder

What it’s about?

Trella is a scrub. She keeps the lower levels clean for the Uppers and tries to avoid the wrath of the Pop Cops. Of course, she does occasionally sneak around the Upper Levels in the pipes, but that’s not really that dangerous, right? It turns out that a girl who knows every pipe, every corner and every shortcut is the perfect person to the lead a revolution and find out exactly what lies Outside.

Why you should read it:

Maria V Snyder is most loved for her fantasy trilogies, but this sci-fi duology is by far my favourite. Though a little slow to start, I became thoroughly invested in Trella’s world of pipes, Uppers and scrubs. Snyder created such a unique world and I became lost in it and you really came help but become involved and urge Trella on in her revolution.

My reviews: Inside Out, Outside In

Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr

What it’s about?

When Deanna is caught in the backseat of her car with her brother’s best friend, everything changes. The repercussions and the shame of being branded a slut by her classmates make her clamour to escape and move on from her past.

Why you should read it:

This is Sara Zarr’s first novel and I think it still may be my favourite of hers. Story of a Girl is an emotional and sensitive look at female sexuality and the double standards that stand between guys and girls. Though was shortlisted for the National Book Award in the US (yeah, it’s that good!), it seems to be unheard of over here and that’s wrong!

Drowning Instinct by Ilsa J Bick

What it’s about?

Jenna’s had a bad year and there doesn’t seem to be anyone left who loves her. Apart from her teacher, Mr Anderson, that is. He’s the only one she can trust. So why is she telling her story to a detective?

Why you should read it:

Wow. That’s the impression I was left with after finishing this book. Controversial and difficult issues without a sense of judgement, gorgeous prose and no idea at all who to trust: Drowning Instinct will take your breath away. Promise.

My review

Lucas by Kevin Brooks

What it’s about?

Caitlin is spending the summer on her small, enclosed island as normal, and then she spots Lucas on the causeway and her world changes. Prejudice on the island means that Lucas is quickly accused of a crime which Caitlin becomes involved in.

Why you should read it:

It’ll make you cry, but before that you’ll fall in love, be insanely angry and be so tense that you’ll be clutching the book so hard you’re knuckles will turn purple. Kevin Brooks is a master storyteller and knows how to work your emotions and pack a powerful punch.

Would any of these be on our underrated reads list? Are there any of them you’d take off the list? What do you think are underrated reads in YA?

Sophie