We’re always looking for hidden gems. Books that do not make it to the mainstream media and therefore do not get the recognition they deserve. And if we do find a book that most people are not talking about, then we kind of feel it like an accomplishment, at least I feel like that. So here I have 7 books which I believe are hidden gems. They might not be, but since I’m always late to the party, I think they are hidden gems. I’ll stop rambling now, and give you guys my 7 picks for hidden gems.
The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White
This is book 1 in The Codebreaker series and follows our two main characters Margot and Drake as they find themselves in the midst of the war between England and Germany. Though Margot is smart enough to break codes in order to save her country, she is forced to work with Drake in order to fight off a German enemy who is dead set on seeking revenge.
The unique aspect of this book was how Margot thought in numbers. Numbers were her best friend and if she was unable to quantify or number a particular thing or situation, then that’s where lay her Kryptonite. I’ve never read about a character who thought like that and for someone for whom numbers are the bane of her existence aka me, I found it really interesting.
Moreover, the plot and the writing style were perfect. The conflict was on point and I really enjoyed how Margot and the enemy played a game of Go and how he lured her through the game. It was action packed and downright thrilling. Do give this book a read if you want a unique perspective on this historical event.
Revolution Is Not a Dinner Party by Ying Chang Compestine
This is a fiction book about an event that’s not so fictitious which happened to be Maoism in China. The story is told from the perspective of Ling—a nine year old girl who endures the horrors of communism under General Mao. Her beautiful life turns upside down when her own family suffers under the tyrannical rule and she’s forced to watch.
It hurt reading this story. The horrors inflicted upon the people who so much as dared to breathe without the permission of General Mao were downright painful. It’s not an easy read, however, it does give you insight about a culture other than your own and you get glimpse of just how different and difficult things can be in different parts of the world. I highly recommend you to read this book and know that injustice like this should never be encouraged.
Scarlet by A. C. Gaughen
This is book 1 in the series by the same name and follows Scarlet with a band of thieves whose job is steal from the rich and give to the poor. But Scarlet is a woman of secrets and it’s due to these secrets that she’s forced to hide her identity. However, she can’t hide from her past when it’s constantly chasing her and when it finally catches up to Scarlet, she has to do everything she can to not only save herself but all those she loves as well.
The Robin Hood narrative that takes place in this book was something I found very interesting. However, the thing that fascinated me the most was the unique color of Scarlet’s eyes. I wish I had that eye color but I do not, sadly.
Moving on, the plot and the pacing really kept me flipping page after page and the climax really had my jaw dropping. I had to say I did not see that coming. If you want to read a book about hidden identities and secret relationships then do give this book a chance.
The Blood Gospel by James Rollins
This is book 1 in The Order of the Sanguines series and follows an archaeologist, a forensic military officer and a priest, who is hiding his real identity, as they are forced to embark on a life altering quest where realities shift and thousand year old practices come into the forefront, threatening the lives of those in the present.
I was blown away by this book. The way the author paints religion into this story was absolutely fantastic. I just… I don’t know, I don’t know how to praise this author; I just know that I need to learn how to write from this author. I wish I had half a brain James Rollins has so my stories can be half as good as his.
You guys need to find out how amazing this book is. Nothing I say will ever do it justice, so pick up this book if you haven’t already because you’re going to regret not reading this book. And I will do myself a favor and read the next book in the series, as soon as possible.
Rotherweird by Andrew Caldecott
This is book 1 in the series of the same name and follows twelve children who have been raised with considerable power in the town of Rotherweird. But no one expected the arrival of a rich man who has the wealth to buy the entire town but comes with secrets that could potentially threaten everything that town stands for.
It took me a while to get into and understand this book. I don’t know if it was the writing style or I was just bored, but it took me some time to understand what was happening and who was who. However, towards the end I did understand what was going on in the story and I really enjoyed the ending.
I haven’t seen or heard about this book, and I found it interesting enough to want to recommend it to others and that is why this book is on this list.
Our Little Secret by Roz Nay
This is a stand alone psychological thriller and follows Angela and a crazy tale of love and revenge. Angela finds herself in the middle of a police interview being questioned about her ex’s missing wife. Though she recounts everything and knows that she’s innocent, a strange turn of loyalty and love leaves her in the middle of her own personal hell.
I have no words for this book. Everything about this book, the plot, the characters, the pacing and the climax just messed with my mind in the worst way. So much so, that I literally ended up questioning everything and everyone I know.
The antagonists were the worst and I really wanted to destroy them in the worst way possible. I wasn’t even the protagonist in the book and I felt betrayed by what they did to Angela. That’s how amazing and messed up this book is and it’s one you people need to read immediately. I highly recommend it.
Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman
This is book 1 in the series by the same name and follows Gretchen Müller who happens to be the niece of none other than Adolf Hitler. Her thoughts regarding Jews are pretty clear until she meets a handsome Jewish boy and starts to understand the monstrosities taking place against them and finally seeing the truth about her uncle. And knowing the truth just might endanger her and those she loves.
Reading about Adolf Hitler and all that he’s known for has never been comfortable for me but I had a great time reading this book. This story had a strange thrill about it and all the events that take place and the perfect pacing made this book a definite page turner for me. I haven’t read the second book in this series yet but I plan on getting to it this year. Do give this book a chance if you want a perspective on someone who not only loved Adolf Hitler but had no choice but to be close to him and support him.
So there you have it. Here are some books which I consider to be hidden gems and need to be read and discussed more often. Let me know if you’ve read any of these or if any of these piqued your interest. I’m telling you, you guys will not regret giving any of these books a chance.
Nothing More Beyond 