# Underrated 2026 Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Releases Discover seven hidden gems in the speculative fiction genre before the year concludes. - **Source:** [Book Riot](https://bookriot.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/501bcc77-9601-438d-a3b5-3336b06fe309 ## Defining Underrated Literary Works The selection criteria for these recommendations focus on speculative fiction titles published in 2026 that have garnered fewer than 10,000 ratings on Goodreads. This threshold identifies high-quality narratives that remain under the radar of mainstream audiences. These seven books offer unique perspectives, ranging from noir-inspired science fiction to complex supernatural thrillers. ## Identity and Supernatural Mystery Sunyi Dean’s The Girl with a Thousand Faces follows Mercy Chan, a ghost talker in Hong Kong haunted by a murderous spirit. Meanwhile, Leslye Penelope’s The Inevitable Undoing of Zahara Douglass explores a reality-bending mystery surrounding a missing twin sister. Both novels utilize personal trauma as a catalyst for larger, genre-defying investigations. ## Sci-Fi Thrillers and First Contact Daniel H. Wilson draws upon his background as an Air Force threat forecaster in Hole in the Sky. The narrative tracks three distinct characters preparing for potential first contact with an unidentified object. This grounded approach to science fiction emphasizes the logistical and psychological pressures inherent in responding to extraterrestrial threats. ## Noir Elements in Speculative Fiction Adrian Tchaikovsky introduces a unique noir aesthetic in Green City Wars, featuring a genetically enhanced raccoon detective named Skotch. The story blends hardboiled investigation tropes with an underground city setting, beginning with a missing mouse case. It serves as a creative fusion of classic detective fiction and imaginative world-building elements. ## Immigration and Existential Duality Isabel J. Kim explores the concept of identity through the lens of immigration in Sublimation. The story imagines a world where individuals are split into two halves upon moving abroad, with one remaining behind. The protagonist’s reunion with her instance in Korea highlights the emotional complexities of fragmented selfhood and ambition. ## Portal Fantasy and Childhood Games Sarah Maria Griffin’s Strange Is the Light centers on four friends reunited after two decades to finish a dangerous childhood game. Their past actions accidentally opened a portal to another dimension, and they must now defeat a malicious entity. The plot examines themes of nostalgia, unresolved history, and high-stakes supernatural consequences. ## Adrenaline and Moral Ambiguity The Found Object Society by Michelle Maryk follows Greta Davenport, who gains the ability to experience an object owner's final moments. While initially an escape from grief, the adrenaline rush creates a dangerous dependency. Greta must eventually confront the society's true motives, questioning the ethics behind her unique and haunting experiences. ## Expanding Your Reading Horizons These selections provide a diverse range of sub-genres for readers looking to diversify their collections before 2027. By focusing on titles with limited mainstream exposure, readers can discover innovative storytelling techniques and fresh voices. Engaging with these underrated works ensures that significant literary contributions do not remain overlooked by the public. ## Sources covering this story - https://bookriot.com/underrated-2026-sff-books/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._