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Book series that’ll keep you reading
Nothing hits quite like a book that enraptures you right up to the last page. But the best books also bring a pang when they’re over: You’re reluctant to let go of characters you’ve grown to love, and oftentimes, there are stories that simply leave you wanting more. The best book series can satisfy that hunger, prolonging the goodbye and keeping you binge-reading long past lights out.
There’s something comforting about starting a new series, knowing you have three, four or even 13 more installments to keep you going. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the cream of the crop, including new bestsellers, underrated gems and acclaimed classics—everything from fantasy book series to time-tested romances. Many of the series on our list have even been adapted into hit TV shows and films, or come highly recommended by book experts and Reader’s Digest editors.
Ahead, you’ll find great book series for pretty much every taste. Pick whichever speaks to you, and get ready for your next book obsession.
Join the free Reader’s Digest Book Club for great reads, monthly discussions, author Q&As and a community of book lovers.
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The Broken Earth by N.K. Jemisin
Series starter: The Fifth Season
For fans of: Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
This bestselling trilogy (a winner of multiple Hugo Awards!) came out in 2016 and introduced readers to a stunning world where the environment is in apocalyptic chaos, the stakes are survival and magic users called “orogenes” have the ability to cause earthquakes and eruptions. Highly imaginative and epic in scale,The Broken Earthtrilogy is one of the best book series for fans of both science fiction and fantasy.
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Looking for your next great book? Read four of today’s most compelling novels in the time it takes to read one withFiction Favorites. And be sure to join the community!
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His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
Series starter: The Golden Compass
For fans of: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Enter an enchanted world of intensity and magic in this bestselling saga that’s spawned both a film franchise and TV series since the first book was published in 1995. Although this trilogy centers on kids, it’s one of the best book series for adults too, thanks to its timeless themes. (Better yet: Read it to or along with your kids!) If you’re a fan of historical fiction books, you’ll enjoy the alternate history, elaborate world-building and intricate plotting as two children search for kidnappers across a multiverse that includes an another version of Oxford University.
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Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
Series starter: Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood
For fans of: Maus I: A Survivor’s Tale: My Father Bleeds History by Art Spiegelman
If you haven’t heard of the internationally acclaimed graphic memoirPersepolis, or its Academy Award–nominated film adaptation, this is a must-read. And pro tip: While you can buy Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood and its sequel, Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return, separately, it’s worth investing in The Complete Persepolis, which combines the books into a single volume.
“I have read this graphic novel series numerous times since its publication in 2004,” says Barbara Basbanes Richter, the host of the Writing for Immortality podcast and a voting member of the National Book Critics Circle. “Each time, I am struck by Marjane Satrapi’s ability to examine alienation and displacement in the quest for liberation from fundamentalism and fanaticism in her autobiographical account of growing up in Iran and Austria after the Islamic Revolution. A key takeaway: ‘…I believe that an entire nation should not be judged by the wrongdoings of a few extremists.’ An essential read for whenever we feel like the world is on fire and there’s no way to douse the flames. Hope (and humor) endures.”
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Crazy Rich Asians Trilogy by Kevin Kwan
Series starter: Crazy Rich Asians
For fans of:The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
This mega-bestselling trio of witty novels is the perfect rom-com to try if you love laugh-out-loud funny books. The stories follow Chinese American professor Rachel Chu, who finds out her boyfriend is wealthier than she could ever have imagined when she accompanies him home to Singapore for a family wedding. Crazy Rich Asians was adapted into a popular rom-com feature film in 2018, but we suggest starting with the book series.
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The Millennium Trilogy by Stieg Larsson
Series starter: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
For fans of: The Snowman by Jo Nesbø and Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
The late Stieg Larsson finished his crime thriller trilogy shortly before he passed away in 2004. The first novel was published posthumously in 2005 and quickly became an international hit—and one of the bestselling novels of the 2000s. (It got a film adaptation in 2011 too.) In these intriguing page-turners, you’ll follow punk computer hacker Lisbeth Salander, who investigates murders alongside the beleaguered journalist Mikael Blomkvist.
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The Shepherd King Duology by Rachel Gillig
Series starter: One Dark Window
For fans of: Uprooted by Naomi Novik
When the first book of the Shepherd King Duology was released in 2022, it captivated readers with its broody mood, spicy romance and heroine determined to save her kingdom—with or without the help of the ancient spirit trapped in her head. Is it any wonder BookTok raves about the fantasy novel?
“So many fantasy romance books follow the same formula, and no complaints—the formula works! But when someone is looking for something really different, One Dark Window and Two Twisted Crowns are a no-brainer,” says Charlotte Silverstein, a fantasy romance BookTokker who recommends books on TikTok on the account @charlottelikestoread. “The Gothic fantasy elements and unique magic system in these books blew my mind. If you could drop me into any fantasy world, this would definitely be one of my top picks.”
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Ender Sextet by Orson Scott Card
Series starter: Ender’s Game
For fans of: Dune by Frank Herbert
The first book in this popular sci-fi saga introduces Ender Wiggin, one of several kid geniuses being trained to fight the alien “buggers” in an epic intergalactic war zone. But not everything is as it seems in this assumption-challenging series. Since it was published in 1985, thebook series has spawned a franchise that includes a 2013 feature film and multiple additional books set in the same universe. If you’re dazzled by thriller books and militaristic space adventures, give this series a try.
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Mistbornby Brandon Sanderson
Series starter: Mistborn
For fans of:The Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks and The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
If you’re into rich, spellbinding fantasy, fall into the ashy dystopia of Scadrial. Prison escapee Kelsier decides to overthrow a powerful, immortal Lord Ruler and assembles a crew of magical “allomancers” to stage this rebellion. But as Kelsier’s crew learns throughout the Mistborn trilogy, the rebellion is only the beginning. Grab this unputdownable series (you’re in for a major book hangover) to fall deeper into epic adventures of prophecies, political conspiracies and ancient gods.
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Mead Mishapsby Kimberly Lemming
Series starter: That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon
For fans of:Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
With a title like That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon, you can guarantee that this fantasy romance series caught readers’ attention when it was first released in 2021. “Kimberly Lemming’s Mead Mishaps series is genuinely funny and an absolute blast to read!” says Christine Bollow, the co-owner and director of programs for Loyalty Bookstores and a fiction juror for the 2024 Kirkus Prize literary award. “This romantasy series effortlessly blends adventure and intrigue with deliciously steamy scenes and fantastic banter between the main characters and love interests. I love how lived-in this world feels while reading the books and how amazing the characters are—I would genuinely want to be friends with all three of the heroines. If you’re looking for a comfort read that’s also a lot of fun and quite sexy, do yourself a favor and pick this series up.”
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The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Series starter: The Magician’s Nephew
For fans of:A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
The British scholar C.S. Lewis wrote one of the best book series for children—in fact, it’s so good that we’ve ranked The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe one of the 100 best books of all time for readers of any age. Set in the fantastical world of Narnia, a land with talking animals found at the back of a very special wardrobe, these children’s books have remained must-reads since their publication in the 1950s. The Chronicles of Narnia has spawned several films (with another on the way from filmmaker Greta Gerwig) and appeals across generations, thanks to its enchanting tales of children finding themselves becoming royals in the magical land.
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The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Series starter: The Hobbit
For fans of:The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis and Wheel of Timeby Robert Jordan
J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy masterpiece began when The Hobbit was published in 1937. The voluminous Lord of the Rings sequels that follow have enraptured generations of readers with their elaborate, meticulous world-building (Tolkien invented languages for them!) and epic quests across Middle-earth. The quintessential fantasy book series, this masterpiece is filled withhidden complexities and descriptions that’ll make you feel as if you’ve joined Frodo and the crew on their journey to destroy the One Ring.
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Earthseed by Octavia E. Butler
Series starter: Parable of the Sower
For fans of: Kindred by Octavia E. Butler andThe Road by Cormac McCarthy
Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower, like many books by Black authors, offers powerful themes of courage and leadership in the face of profound inequality. In these stories set in a future apocalypse wracked by ecological disaster, teenager Lauren Oya Olamina survives within a gated community where she invents a new religion, Earthseed. First published in 1993 and set in 2024, the saga continues with Parable of the Talents, where Lauren, now an adult, faces a dystopia run by violent fundamentalists who’ve brought back slavery. Butler planned several additional books for this series before her passing in 2006.
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Darius the Great by Adib Khorram
Series starter: Darius the Great Is Not Okay
For fans of: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Adib Khorram’s rich and lovely debut YA novel captures high school sophomore Darius with sensitivity, relatability and a wit readers will fall in love with. Darius is biracial—Persian and white—and suffers from depression and body-image issues made worse by terrible bullying at school. If you’re looking for a good book series for young adults or children’s books about diversity, this duology (2018’s Darius the Great Is Not Okay and 2019’s Darius the Great Deserves Better) is an honest and uplifting pick that has landed on multiple “best of” and award lists.
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Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas
Series starter: House of Earth and Blood
For fans of: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas and Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
If you love fairy tales or Sarah J. Maas’s other popular book series, A Court of Thorns and Roses, you’ll gobble up the Crescent City series. Aimed at readers who love fantasy and romance—emphasis on the romance; the books are spicy—Crescent City is a mix of passion and suspense studded with mythical creatures partying it up in modern times. When her roommate is killed by a demon, half-fae Bryce must investigate the murder with the help of a hunky fallen angel. But what they discover instead is political intrigue, other worlds and, of course, each other.
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Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Series starter: Outlander
For fans of: The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger andA Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
Get ready for time travel, historical settings and passionate romance in this bestselling, ultra-popular nine-book series that’s also an acclaimed TV show. Readers love Diana Gabaldon’s intricate details across vastly different time periods. When the story begins, British nurse Claire Randall is on a second honeymoon with her husband in 1945 but finds herself transported to 1743 Scotland, where she becomes caught up in the midst of more war and finds herself falling for another man.
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Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Series starter: Shatter Me
For fans of: Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Published in 2011, this fast-moving, bestselling YA dystopian book series will catch your attention from the very first page: In Shatter Me, 17-year-old Juliette writes in an almost stream-of-consciousness style that reflects her shaky mental state. The repetition and struck-out text give readers the sense that they’re getting Juliette’s unfiltered thoughts, and they slowly reveal her shifting mindset throughout the book. Author Tahereh Mafi expertly reveals details about the book’s apocalyptic world, which broadens in scope as the series goes on. You’ll get sucked into the story of imprisoned Juliette, who has been forced by the Reestablishment to use her powers for evil. Anyone she touches dies—which is a problem when you’re falling in love.
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Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
Series starter: Heartstopper: Volume 1
For fans of:The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen
Originally published as a web comic online and released asgraphic novels beginning in 2019, Heartstopper is a feel-good YA series and one of the best LGBTQ+ graphic novels for teen readers. But both teens and adults alike will be enamored with its charm, humor and giddy romance—not to mention its Netflix adaptation. Here’s the gist: Shy, sensitive Charlie falls for seemingly straight rugby player Nick in this boy-meets-boy coming-of-age story that will steal your heart.
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The Hunger Gamesby Suzanne Collins
Series starter: The Hunger Games
For fans of:The Maze Runner by James Dashner and Divergent by Veronica Roth
The Hunger Games entered the scene in 2008 and became a cultural phenomenon, jump-starting a decade-long feeding frenzy over of YA dystopian novels. Adult readers were also caught up in Suzanne Collins’s addicting young adult book series (and later film franchise) set in a harrowing dystopia where kids are forced to fight to the death in annual televised games that pit district communities against one another.
“Oh, the grip this series had on me when it hit shelves!” says Tracey Neithercott, Reader’s Digest Books Editor. “I devoured each and every book in a single day, then whined about having to wait a full year for the next. Collins’s world is cold and unforgiving, and in it, readers can see echoes of our own—maybe even more now than when the novel first came out. Not only is this an incredibly fast-paced dystopian story set in a rich world filled with well-drawn characters, but it’s also smart in a way that doesn’t condescend to teens.”
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Crowns of Nyaxia by Carissa Broadbent
Series starter: The Serpent & the Wings of Night
For fans of:The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins andTwilight by Stephenie Meyer
“As someone who grew up reading The Hunger Games and Twilight, I was instantly sold when I was told [theCrowns of Nyaxia series] had vampires, a deadly tournament and spice,” says Silverstein. The first book in thisseries was published in 2022 and features the human daughter of a vampire king who decides to enter a tournament held by the goddess of death.
“My personal favorites are actually the novella, Six Scorched Roses, and stand-alone Slaying the Vampire Conqueror, set in the same world,” she adds. “I always recommend these on BookTok and get amazing feedback from readers.”
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To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
Series starter: To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
For fans of: The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
Jenny Han’s popular teen romance series has been adapted into hit rom-coms on Netflix, but the endearing books are even better—and even easier to binge. Teen Lara Jean is mortified when her kid sister accidentally delivers the love letters Lara Jean had written to her crushes long ago. Part of the mistaken delivery? A letter for her neighbor, who happens to be her sister’s recent ex. She does the only logical thing: pretends to date the popular guy at school (a love note recipient, naturally) in an attempt to convince her neighbor that she’s 100% over him. This heartwarming series captures the intensity of coming-of-age with depth and humor. If you loved Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty series, you’ll devour this one too.
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The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin
Series starter: A Wizard of Earthsea
For fans of: Riddle-Master by Patricia A. McKillip
Ursula K. Le Guin’s classic series, first published in 1968, is considered an influential work in the fantasy and science fiction book genres. The series follows Ged in his studies at a wizarding school, where he unleashes a fearsome shadow. The unique, complex world of Earthsea and its system of magic shine, as does Le Guin’s effortless prose, which is richly philosophical and adventurous. Pro tip: Invest in The Books of Earthsea, which not only allows you to read the entire series in one volume (trust us: you’ll want to) but also includes gorgeous illustrations.
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Sookie Stackhouse by Charlaine Harris
Series starter: Dead Until Dark
For fans of: Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison and Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
Charlaine Harris’s 13-book vampire series was adapted into the hit HBO TV show True Blood, set in fictional Bon Temps, Louisiana. You might remember real-life couple Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer starring as vampire Bill and the titular Sookie, a waitress who’s part fairy and caught up in all manner of mayhem with mythical creatures of all sorts. This is a rollicking, deliciously pulpy and addicting series for those who love vampire books.
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The Wicked Years by Gregory Maguire
Series starter: Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
For fans of:The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
Maybe you love L. Frank Baum’s original Oz series. Maybe you’re a fan of the popular 1939 film adaptation. Or perhaps you’re wild about the hit Broadway musical Wicked—a take on Gregory Maguire’s now-classic tale—and can’t wait for the 2024 film version. Whichever category you find yourself in, you’re going to love this book about one of the most famous witches in literary history. Published in 1995, this revamp of the classic story offers a sympathetic take on Elphaba, the green-skinned girl who’s unfairly judged. You’ll see the Wicked Witch’s side of things in a story where the Wizard is a mad dictator.
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Easy Rawlins by Walter Mosley
Series starter: Devil in a Blue Dress
For fans of:The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler
If you love mystery books, don’t miss Walter Mosley’s noir novels set in and around post-World War II Los Angeles, following hard-boiled detective Easy Rawlins. The first book in the series came out in 1990, and Denzel Washington starred as Easy in the 1995 film adaptation. Inspired by classic crime fiction, Mosley’s series updates the detective genre by offering a Black man’s perspective and experience as a private eye confronting the corruption that intersects with racial injustice.
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The Wormwood Trilogy by Tade Thompson
Series starter: Rosewater
For fans of: Binti by Nnedi Okorafor
This award-winning Afro-futurist series takes place in Nigeria, where once a year, an alien biodome conducts the Opening, which heals those who have gathered around it. The story follows a “sensitive” with a dark past, Kaaro, who must use his abilities to help the government. When other sensitives start dying, he becomes enmeshed in the mysteries of the biodome.
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The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini
Series starter: Eragon
For fans of: Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey and His Majesty’s Dragon by Naomi Novik
Christopher Paolini was just a teen in 2001 when he self-published Eragon, which eventually became a bestselling sensation. The first book inThe Inheritance Cycle follows a farm boy, 15-year-old Eragon, who discovers a mysterious egg and soon finds himself bonded with Saphira, the dragon that hatches from it. The two set out on a quest to avenge the Dragon Riders, a sect killed off by a merciless king. Celebrated for enrapturing readers of all ages, this book will have you racing through to the last page.
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All Soulsby Deborah Harkness
Series starter: A Discovery of Witches
For fans of:The Witching Hour by Anne Rice
Deborah Harkness’s thrilling dark academia series, which launched in 2011 with A Discovery of Witches, merges academic detail with a sprawling romance. In the first book, professor (and reluctant witch) Diana Bishop discovers an ancient text that releases various creatures and entities into the world. Enter the handsome vampire who should be her sworn enemy but instead makes her swoon. Hankering for more after finishing Book Five? The book series was adapted into a hit TV show starring Matthew Goode and Teresa Palmer as the magic couple.
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The Broken Kingdoms by LJ Andrews
Series starter: Curse of Shadows and Thorns
For fans of:A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Published in 2021, bestseller Curse of Shadows and Thorns puts a Viking twist on the fantasy romance genre, and the stories get even better with each sequel. “The Ever King by LJ Andrews took over BookTok last summer (and is still a popular fantasy romance recommendation), but most people do not realize the story started with The Broken Kingdoms,” says Silverstein. “I always recommend these nine books to anyone looking for a complete fantasy romance series filled with Viking vibes, magic, romance, found family and high stakes. The author actually wrote The Broken Kingdoms while watching the show Vikings. LJ’s stories are so well thought-out, and anything she writes, I now automatically purchase.”
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Bintiby Nnedi Okorafor
Series starter: Binti
For fans of:All Systems Red by Martha Wells
You’ll be immersed in this Afro-futurist series as Binti becomes the first of her people to gain entry to the prestigious Oomza Uni, an elite intergalactic college. Attending means leaving her family behind—a hard choice that gets worse once her vessel is attacked by aliens en route and she’s the only one to survive. The first book in the series debuted in 2015, captivating readers and earning Hugo and Nebula awards.
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Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan
Series starter: The Eye of the World
For fans of: A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
This iconic fantasy series debuted in 1990 and has commanded attention ever since, with interest surging even more after Amazon Prime released its TV adaptation. The Eye of the World opens with Moraine, a member of a powerful, matriarchal order who’s on a journey to find the hero who can save the world from the Dark One. You’re in for epic world-building and vast, elaborate plotting. Later books in the series were written by Brandon Sanderson, a titan of the fantasy world, who based the story on notes left by Robert Jordan before his passing in 2007.
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The Montague Siblings by Mackenzi Lee
Series starter: The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue
For fans of:Bridgertonsseries by Julia Quinn
Pick up this witty, delightful Stonewall Honor winner, and you’ll be taken in by a 17th-century bisexual lord who’s out for romance, fun and adventure. One of the best LGBTQ+ books for teens, the story follows Monty as he travels across Europe with his bestie/crush Percy in tow. Each book in the series follows a different Montague sibling—Monty, Felicity and Adrian—on a grand adventure, and all are unbelievably fun romps filled with charming drama and told with addictively wry prose. You can follow up with the related novella, The Gentleman’s Guide to Getting Lucky, in whichMonty’s love story with Percy continues.
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The Dark Tower by Stephen King
Series starter: The Gunslinger
For fans of: The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
In this genre-defying book series (part Western, part sci-fi, part fantasy) from the one and only Stephen King, Roland is the last of a long line of gunslingers who have descended from old-world knights. He searches for a mythical tower, purported to be a cosmic gateway, and the mysterious Man in Black in order to save the world. The first book came out in 1982 and was adapted into a feature film in 2017, starring Idris Elba as the titular lone cowboy.
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Legacy of Orisha by Tomi Adeyemi
Series starter: Children of Blood and Bone
For fans of:The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna
This highly acclaimed bestseller came out in 2018 to huge fanfare. It takes place in a fictional African country where cultures are divided between an oppressive ruling class and the “maji,” who possessed forbidden power that was wiped out. In this exciting YA fantasy series, young maji Zelie collides with the king’s daughter, who possesses a scroll that can restore magic. If you’re interested in diverse books, this is a great book series to add to your TBR pile.
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Forgery of Magic by Maya Motayne
Series starter: Nocturna
For fans of: Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
If you’re looking for great books by Latinx authors, try the Forgery of Magic series by Maya Motayne, which weaves a rich tapestry of Latinx folklore and history. Meet Finn, who can shift her face, and Alfie, a prince, each dabbling in forbidden magic. When they accidentally unleash a powerful force, they must work together to defeat it. This 2019 series is perfect for teenage YA readers, but adults will fall into its mystical adventure just as easily.
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The Trials of Apollo by Rick Riordan
Series starter: The Hidden Oracle
For fans of: Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
If you’re a fan of Percy Jackson, it’s time to try Rick Riordan’s other series, The Trials of Apollo. Celebrated for writing the best book series for kids who love Greek myths and adventure, Riordan doesn’t disappoint with these thrilling middle-grade novels. The Trials of Apollo follows queer teen god Apollo, who’s been tossed into New York City by his angry dad, Zeus. Published in 2016, it features Riordan’s signature humorous style, vibrant world-building and speedy plot that sees Apollo becoming human and making his way to Camp Half-Blood, run by demigods.
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Bridgertons by Julia Quinn
Series starter: The Duke and I
For fans of:Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Before Shonda Rhimes brought the Bridgerton family to Netflix, they existed as part of this bingeable and fanciful romance book series. Hungry for amped-up Austenesque courtship shenanigans? Want a serving of history with a heaping helping of spice? This is the best book series for romantics of all sorts. The first book, The Duke and I, came out in 2000 and introduced Lady Whistledown, a mysterious writer who publishes a Regency-era gossip newsletter about society’s romantic goings-on. A popular topic concerns Daphne Bridgerton and the eligible bachelor and duke Simon—a flirty, seemingly unlandable rogue. Come for the fake romance that blossoms into more, and stay for the other Bridgertons’ love stories.
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The Poppy Warby R.F. Kuang
Series starter: The Poppy War
For fans of: The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang andFourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
This acclaimed trilogy is Asian American author R.F. Kuang’s 2018 debut novel. Set in a fantasy world based on 20th-century China, the book follows impoverished war orphan Rin, who shocks everybody by earning admission to Sinegard, the land’s most prestigious military academy. Once there, she discovers a powerful ability: shamanism, which allows her to unleash the fiery powers of a phoenix god. War, drugs and magic abound in this action-packed tale of fierce determination, gritty militarism and shifting politics.
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The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
Series starter: City of Bones
For fans of: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare and Titheby Holly Black
Meet the Shadowhunters, demon hunters who have angel blood. In this bestselling YA urban fantasy series (yep, it’s the basis for the 2013 movie and 2016 TV series), Clary finds herself enmeshed with angel warriors in a city filled with fantastic beings. Prepare for werewolves, fairies, vampires and Jace, the wisecracking, arrogant Nephilim who pulls Clary into a darkly complex magical world. The first book in this series came out in 2007 and quickly grabbed teen readers’ attention with its breakneck pacing and swoony love story.
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Brooklyn Brujas by Zoraida Córdova
Series starter: Labyrinth Lost
For fans of:Shadowshaper by Daniel José Older
In the first book of this series, published in 2016, you’ll meet Alex—an unhappy teenage witch who does a spell to get rid of her magical powers. Of course, it goes badly. Her family disappears into the underworld, and now she has to get them back and come to terms with her gifts. Rich with cultural mythology, Brooklyn Brujas centers on characters who are enmeshed in family dramas that feel true and relatable within a fantasy landscape.
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The Tensorateby Neon Yang
Series starter: The Black Tides of Heaven
For fans of:The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu
Set in an elaborate fantasy realm filled with mystical creatures, magic and futuristic tech, this series follows twins who take on their controlling mother, known as the Protectorate, who sold the pair at birth to pay off a debt. In this world, people decide their gender when they’re ready, and Neon Yang weaves a powerful story of queer, nonbinary characterization in the time before choosing. Readers love this series for the sensitive, emotional story that’s intimate and epic at once.
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Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Series starter: Anne of Green Gables
For fans of: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Generations of readers still adore this classic book series about fearless redheaded orphan Anne. You’ll root for her in the 1908 novel, the series starter Anne of Green Gables, as she’s adopted by siblings who wanted a boy to help out on their farm—but who ended up with Anne, a spunky girl bent on making the most of her new circumstances. Read along as she wins over even her toughest critics with her imagination and charm.
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A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin
Series starter: A Game of Thrones
For fans of:The Dragonbone Chairby Tad Williams
When you’re in the mood for epic fantasy adventures mixed with political betrayal and magical intrigue, this is the book series (and popular HBO TV series) for you. Look out for House Stark, the Targaryens and the vicious Lannisters, as well as Wildlings and dragons, in this page-turning drama that’s not for the faint of heart—violence, along with winter, is coming.
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About the experts
- Christine Bollow is the co-owner and director of programs for Loyalty Bookstores in Washington, D.C., and Silver Spring, Maryland. A 2022 Publishers Weekly Star Watch honoree, she currently serves on the DEI Committee for the American Booksellers Association and is a fiction juror for the 2024 Kirkus Prize. She is passionate about championing books by marginalized authors both at Loyalty Bookstores and on her Instagram account, @readingismagical.
- Charlotte Silverstein is a fantasy romance BookTokker who recommends books on TikTok on the account @charlottelikestoread.
- Barbara Basbanes Richter is the founder ofDIYBookandIn Ink Ghostwriting. She hosts the podcast Writing for Immortality and is a voting member of the National Book Critics Circle, the Grolier Club and the Ticknor Society. She is also the former managing editor ofLiterary Features Syndicate.
Why trust us
At Reader’s Digest, we’ve been sharing our favorite books for over 100 years. We’ve worked with bestselling authors including Susan Orlean, Janet Evanovich and Alex Haley, whose Pulitzer Prize–winning Roots grew out of a project funded by and originally published in the magazine. Through Fiction Favorites (formerly Select Editions and Condensed Books), Reader’s Digest has been publishing anthologies of abridged novels for decades. We’ve worked with some of the biggest names in fiction, including James Patterson, Ruth Ware, Kristin Hannah and more. The Reader’s Digest Book Club, helmed by Books Editor Tracey Neithercott, introduces readers to even more of today’s best fiction by upcoming, bestselling and award-winning authors. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure theyremainaccurateand up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- Christine Bollow, co-owner and director of programs for Loyalty Bookstores, fiction juror for the 2024 Kirkus Prize and a champion of books on the Instagram account @readingismagical; email interview, June 2024
- Charlotte Silverstein, fantasy romance BookTokker who recommends books on the account @charlottelikestoread; email interview, June 2024
- Barbara Basbanes Richter, founder ofDIYBookandIn Ink Ghostwriting, host of the Writing for Immortality podcast and a voting member of the National Book Critics Circle; email interview, June 2024
Author
Molly Pennington, PhD
Molly is a writer and collage artist with a PhD in film and cultural studies from the University of Pittsburgh. Her professional astrology services and artwork are available at Baroque Moon Astrology. She covers the zodiac, books, movies, TV and culture for Reader’s Digest, and loves to talk about all the ways we make meaning.
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