Kevin Hearne, author of the Iron Druid books, wrote a great post listing some underrated series of books for adults. He wrote this in reaction to having his own series of books listed on this Buzzfeed list of underrated YA series (which lists a bunch of stuff that isn’t YA).
I love this idea, and it has inspired me to create my own list of underrated series, one of which appears on Kevin’s list (he has good taste!).
The Iron Druid Chronicles
I’ll start off listing Kevin’s series: The Iron Druid Chronicles. I’m not generally a fan of Urban Fantasy, it isn’t my bag. However, Atticus O’Sullivan, the ancient Druid who is the last of his kind, is a lot of fun to read about. And his dog is fantastic (this makes sense if you read the books).
Ok, these books aren’t literary gems but they aren’t meant to be. They are fast, fun reads. All I can say is that I read one in a couple of hours and then bought every single available novel right afterwards and devoured them all.
Books in the series:
The Glamourist Histories
Jane Austin with a touch of magic is how I describe Mary Robinette Kowal‘s The Glamourist Histories. That’s true of the first book, though the later entries in the series have a heck of a lot more action than you’ll find in an Austin book.
Jane and Vincent, the main characters, are glamourists (they can create illusions, and do so for installation in manor houses and the like) who are very much in love and end up in many interesting situations. These situations include everything from encountering Napoleon’s army to being fleeced in Venice.
Sadly, the final installment of this series is coming out this month. I’ll read it and look forward to what else Mary Robinette Kowal has in store for us.
Books in the series:
The Athenian Mysteries
I’m a sucker for a period mysteries series, and Gary Corby‘s The Athenian Mysteries fit the bill. Set in ancient Greece, the books follows Nicolaos who has a knack for solving mysteries but has trouble making a living out of it. Pericles is sort of his sponsor, though they have a fragile relationship. Oh, and did I mention Nicolaos has a young brother by the name of Socrates? Yeah, that Socrates.
Once again, these books are fun, light, quick reads that always entertain.
Books in the series:
The Paradox Trilogy
Rachel Aaron, writing as Rachel Bach, wrote a damn fine trilogy of scifi books called The Paradox Trilogy. Devi, the main character, has some sweet power armor and dreams of serving her King. Those dreams don’t work out as she had hoped, but she does get to encounter some “monsters” and fall in love.
I enjoy the fact that these books feature a strong female protagonist who falls in love, but isn’t super happy about it (it is very complicated, as you’ll find out when you read it). Also, did I mention the sweet power armor? It is pretty sweet.
The books in the series:
Engineer Trilogy
I’ve said time and again that K.J. Parker books are great. The Engineer Trilogy follows an engineer who is exiled for creating things that are out of spec, and he get his revenge. A lot of revenge.
This is a fantasy series, but there isn’t any magic to be found. There is a lot of blood, gears, and betrayal. This isn’t a lighthearted read, but man is it compelling.
The books in the series:
One response to “Overlooked Series”
thanks scott. my favorite incomparable episodes are book focused which to my mind are too far/few between. so this plus Hearne’s list are more than welcome.