In recent years, BookTok — the vibrant book-loving community on TikTok — has taken the literary world by storm. From viral trends to new recommendations, BookTok has turned lesser-known books into bestsellers and introduced readers to a wide array of genres. While many titles have received their well-deserved attention, there are still hidden gems that deserve more recognition. In this blog, we’ll delve into the top five most underrated BookTok novels you shouldn’t miss. These novels might not have the massive following they deserve yet, but once you discover them, you’ll see why they’re worth your attention.
1. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
Why It’s Underrated
Though The House in the Cerulean Sea is gaining popularity, it still doesn’t have the widespread fame it deserves. A fantasy novel with a strong emphasis on found families and unconditional love, this story has captured the hearts of readers who enjoy a good magical tale with heart. The novel doesn’t receive the massive BookTok attention like some other bestsellers, but its charm and warmth make it a perfect fit for any BookTok feed.
What It’s About
Linus Baker is a by-the-book government worker who is assigned a mysterious case involving a group of magical children. These children live in a house on an island, and their caretaker, Arthur Parnassus, is a warm and enigmatic man who runs the orphanage. Linus must inspect the house and decide whether the children should remain under Arthur’s care, but as he gets to know them, his strict beliefs begin to soften.
The story’s gentle tone, lovable characters, and themes of acceptance and belonging make it a must-read for fans of heartwarming and inclusive fantasy fiction.
Why You Should Read It
If you’re someone who enjoys uplifting tales with plenty of charm, you’ll fall in love with The House in the Cerulean Sea. This book is perfect for fans of fantasy who enjoy stories about love and found family, with the added bonus of delightful characters you won’t forget. It’s the kind of novel that leaves you with a warm, fuzzy feeling long after you’ve turned the last page.
2. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Why It’s Underrated
Despite the fact that The Priory of the Orange Tree is a monumental achievement in epic fantasy, it often gets overshadowed by other high-profile releases. This standalone epic fantasy novel offers everything fans of the genre could want: dragons, complex political intrigue, and rich world-building. However, it hasn't gained as much traction on BookTok as some of the more popular fantasy franchises, which is a shame because it’s an immersive, unputdownable read.
What It’s About
The world of The Priory of the Orange Tree is divided by centuries-old tensions between dragons and humans. The story weaves together multiple perspectives, including those of Ead Duryan, a dragon-riding guardian of a powerful queen; Tané, a dragon-rider from a distant land; and several others who must unite to prevent the rise of an ancient and deadly dragon. This novel explores themes of power, identity, and duty while offering a complex and beautiful world filled with magical creatures, fierce warriors, and a deep exploration of gender and societal roles.
Why You Should Read It
If you’re a fan of high fantasy, dragons, or stories about powerful women, The Priory of the Orange Tree will captivate you. The world-building is extensive, but it never gets overwhelming. Each character has depth and a strong arc, making it a book you won’t want to put down. The epic scope of this book will keep you turning pages, and its themes of equality, strength, and sisterhood will resonate with readers long after they finish.
3. A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske
Why It’s Underrated
Though A Marvellous Light is a delightful historical fantasy with a slow-burn romance, it hasn’t yet reached the level of attention it truly deserves on BookTok. This novel is an excellent choice for readers who are looking for a historical setting mixed with magic and a bit of queer romance, but it doesn’t have the viral presence of other fantasy novels in the same vein.
What It’s About
The story is set in an alternate version of Edwardian England where magic exists but is kept secret from the public. Robin Blyth, a civil servant, accidentally stumbles upon a magical conspiracy and is drawn into the world of magical intrigue. Along with Edwin Courcey, a wizard who has no patience for Robin’s lack of knowledge about the magical world, Robin must navigate deadly magic, political plots, and uncover the mystery behind his mysterious assignment.
Why You Should Read It
Freya Marske blends magic, historical fiction, and romance effortlessly in A Marvellous Light. The chemistry between Robin and Edwin adds a layer of charm to the story, and the intricately built magical system keeps things exciting. If you enjoy slow-burn romances, a mix of historical settings, and a bit of mystery, this book is a must-read. The first novel in The Last Binding series sets up a captivating world, and readers will be eager to see where the story goes next.
4. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Why It’s Underrated
Although The Silent Patient has been widely praised and became a bestseller, it still remains a bit underrated compared to the large number of psychological thrillers on BookTok. This psychological thriller with a shocking twist has all the ingredients of a page-turner, yet it hasn’t gained as much viral love on BookTok as other thrillers in recent years.
What It’s About
Alicia Berenson is a successful artist who seems to have everything — until one night, she is found standing next to her husband’s dead body, covered in blood, with no explanation. Alicia stops speaking after the incident and becomes a notorious figure in the media. Theo Faber, a criminal psychologist, becomes obsessed with understanding her silence and takes on the case, determined to uncover the truth behind her actions.
The novel is a masterclass in suspense, weaving intricate layers of psychology, motives, and mystery. As Theo delves deeper into Alicia’s life, he unravels shocking truths.
Why You Should Read It
If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, The Silent Patient will keep you on the edge of your seat. The twists and turns in the plot are mind-blowing, and the ending will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew. It’s the perfect book to recommend for fans of suspense and dark, complex characters.
5. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Why It’s Underrated
Madeline Miller’s The Song of Achilles has garnered widespread praise and a loyal following, yet it still doesn’t receive the mainstream attention that other bestselling books do. Despite being a beautifully written retelling of Greek mythology, it remains somewhat underappreciated, especially within the broader BookTok community, which often gravitates toward newer releases.
What It’s About
The Song of Achilles is a lyrical, heart-wrenching retelling of the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus, two of the most iconic figures in Greek mythology. Told from the perspective of Patroclus, the novel explores their childhood, growing bond, and eventual participation in the Trojan War. The story is rich with themes of love, destiny, and tragedy as the characters navigate their roles in a world defined by fate.
Why You Should Read It
If you’re a fan of historical fiction, mythology, or tragic love stories, this novel is a must-read. Madeline Miller’s prose is beautiful and evocative, and the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus is depicted with such depth and sensitivity that it will resonate with readers long after they finish. It’s a heartbreaking yet compelling novel that is both a love story and a meditation on the nature of war and heroism.
Conclusion
While BookTok is a treasure trove of new releases and trending books, there are many underrated gems that deserve more attention. The five novels listed here — The House in the Cerulean Sea, The Priory of the Orange Tree, A Marvellous Light, The Silent Patient, and The Song of Achilles — are books that captivate readers with their rich storytelling, unique premises, and unforgettable characters. If you’re looking to expand your reading list and discover some hidden treasures, these books are definitely worth adding to your shelf.
By sharing these underrated novels with your BookTok community, you’re not just discovering great reads — you’re helping to elevate the voices and authors who deserve the recognition. So, what are you waiting for? Pick up one of these novels and join the conversation today!
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