The 30 Best Unknown Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Horror Books Since 1970

Think you’ve read all the best fantasy, science fiction, and horror novels? Think again. In this episode, I’m counting down 30 spectacular but little-known books published since 1970—hidden gems you probably haven’t read, but absolutely should. From eerie Southern Gothic to brain-bending science fiction, and from dark, lush fantasy to inventive horror, these are the books that deserve a spot on your shelf.

Whether you’re a lifelong genre reader or just looking for something fresh to add to your TBR, this list has something for you. I’ll share the spoiler-lite summaries, why each novel is worth your time, and what makes them shine despite flying under most readers’ radar.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

📚 30 brilliant but overlooked novels from 1970–2024

⚔️ A balanced mix of fantasy, science fiction, and horror

💡 Why each book is a hidden gem worth seeking out

🔍 Award-nominated and cult-favorite titles you may have never heard of

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💬 Have you read any of these? Or do you have a favorite under-the-radar book you think belongs on this list? Drop your suggestions in the comments—let’s grow this list together.

👍 Like & Subscribe for more book lists, reviews, and deep dives into fantasy, science fiction, and horror.

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Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?

Ammonite: https://t.ly/2Oqd-

Beneath the Rising: https://t.ly/Ru9_W

The Birthgrave: https://t.ly/dayRA

The Bone Doll’s Twin: https://t.ly/ccxFH

Bridge of Birds: https://t.ly/S6lru

The Ceremonies: https://t.ly/bmv6B

The Cipher: https://t.ly/pw21z

The Descent: https://t.ly/x_xKu

The Devil is Dead: https://t.ly/eFvRz

The Door Into Fire: https://t.ly/mO_sY

The Elementals: https://t.ly/Jj3lv

The Emperor’s Knife: https://t.ly/9JSRE

Engine Summer: https://t.ly/yIv_J

The Etched City: https://t.ly/VqUrj

Experimental Film: https://t.ly/BGWMu

The Iron Dragon’s Daughter: https://t.ly/dcrcs

The Lesser Dead: https://t.ly/ktelD

The Mount: https://t.ly/87seF

The Red Tree: https://t.ly/cpdyh

The Remaking: https://t.ly/b7WJN

Sarah Canary: https://t.ly/he7Ri

Soft Apocalypse: https://t.ly/nQD2z

Software: https://t.ly/owaQh

Soldier of the Mist: https://t.ly/BYEtO

The Summer Dragon: https://t.ly/Dcza7

Summer Sons: https://t.ly/_Qm1r

Tech Heaven: https://t.ly/OWzE8

The Vampire Tapestry: https://t.ly/ZzkoV

Vast: https://t.ly/dSJiz

The Unspoken Name: https://t.ly/rfUCh

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