From time-honored GoodReads lists to overnight BookTok sensations, many readers crave the discovery of a new favorite author. However, in the whirlwind pace of online communities, the vast majority of authors often go overlooked. A shout-out or two goes a long way, and it’s the least that we can do to express our gratitude for the incredible books we have found and loved — so here are seven hidden gem authors you might be missing out on.
Kao Kalia Yang
Residing in the heart of Minnesota, Kao Kalia Yang wields many genres with impressive ease, not only as an author but also as a public speaker and educator. With over twelve published works for children and adults, the focal point of much of Yang’s writing is the Hmong-American immigrant experience. Her work for adults features three deeply intimate memoirs and several creative nonfiction collections, in the latter of which she seeks to give a platform to marginalized refugees and immigrants across the United States. Yang’s first novel, titled The Latehomecomer: A Hmong Family Memoir, follows her parents’ escape from Laos during the Vietnam War, continuing through memories of her childhood as a first-generation immigrant. Her latest adult work, Where Rivers Part: A Story of My Mother’s Life, concludes the memoir trilogy with Yang writing from her mother’s perspective as a survivor of war.
Victoria Wlosok
As a senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Victoria Wlosok serves as an exemplar of possibilities for young authors hoping to publish before graduation. For now, Wlosok’s niche interest is sapphic mystery novels — and her 2023 debut, How to Find a Missing Girl, fulfills that niche perfectly. The novel follows amateur sleuth Iris Blackthorn as she investigates the disappearances of her older sister and her ex-girlfriend, finding herself caught in more suspicious — and dangerous — circumstances than ever before. Wlosok herself is also at the ideal age to connect on a genuine level with her Young Adult audience, having gained over 15,000 followers total across several social media platforms.
Joanna Hathaway
For those seeking a first-rate history enthusiast, Joanna Hathaway and her historical fantasy works may be the perfect fit. Inspired by the memoirs of her great-grandfather, a survivor and soldier of the First World War, Hathaway grew up as an avid reader of both history records and Young Adult fiction novels. Her Glass Alliance trilogy, beginning with Dark of the West, is a masterful intertwining of the two, following a princess and pilot on opposite ends of an impending political war. Hathway herself, however, is an advocate for non-violence, stating that war is a tragedy above all justifications. Committed to supporting artists, Hathaway also runs the Substack newsletter Pangur Bán, sharing her writing journey and responding to questions from aspiring writers.
Jamison Shea
From flautist to linguist to author, Jamison Shea has collected skills applicable to each corner of the world, but writing has remained their core passion since childhood. An expert horror aficionado, Shea debuted in 2023 with the Young Adult novel I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast Is Me, the first in a duology following ruthless ballet student Laure Mesny as she strikes a deal with powers beyond control. The novel’s sequel, I Am the Dark That Answers When You Call, is forthcoming, and Shea’s future work will include an arcane thriller titled Roar of the Lambs — so one new read can be quickly followed up by another. Shea, originally from New York, resides now in Finland, and often provides updates on both personal and writing news on their social media.
Zoe Hana Mikuta
A creative writing graduate from the University of Washington, Zoe Hana Mikuta balances the fantasy, science fiction, and horror genres with a kind of talent many find enviable. Since debuting in 2021 with her queer sci-fi novel, Gearbreakers, Mikuta has released three others: Godslayers — the sequel to Gearbreakers, a standalone fantasy retelling titled Off With Their Heads, and a fantasy horror novel slated for publication in 2025. Her debut novel follows rebel Eris Shindanai and spy Sona Steelcrest, who are forced into an uneasy partnership in order to survive — and beat — an apocalyptic society. At this time, Mikuta is plotting at least two other standalone novels, presently titled Harvest of the Rabbits and Winter is the Realest Season.
Who are some of your favorite underrated authors? Let us know, and you might just find them on our lists next.
If you’re still hungry for recommendations, check out 4 Deliciously Spooky Books You Can Read in One Afternoon!
To find the best deals for these books and more, take a look at Bookstr’s Bookshop lists.
