I’ve never been someone that reads book series. I’m not sure why, but recent history shows that I prefer stand alone novels instead.
Back when I was a teenager, I did read the Harry Potter series, the Hunger Games trilogy, the Twilight series and Divergent series. So what changed?
Perhaps it’s the commitment, the size of the books (they’re usually huge) or just not knowing what series to read as I got older.
But there are now 10 book series that I have on my list that I want to read and I’m hoping to get around to them in 2024 as I should have more down-time than usual.
1. If Love Series by Ana Huang
The “If Love” book series by Ana Huang is a captivating and emotionally charged New Adult romance series that explores the complexities of love, friendship, and personal growth. The series introduces readers to a diverse cast of characters, each dealing with their own challenges and insecurities. From the self-assured Max, who appears to have everything together, to the reserved Kieran, whose quiet strength hides a world of hidden pain, the series delves deep into the intricacies of human relationships and the unexpected bonds that can form between people.
Ana Huang’s writing is known for its authenticity and its ability to capture the genuine emotions and vulnerabilities of her characters. The “If Love” series is a beautifully crafted exploration of love, friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit, making it a must-read for those who enjoy heartfelt and character-driven stories filled with emotional depth and relatability.
2. Shatter Me Series by Tahereh Mafi
The “Shatter Me” series by Tahereh Mafi is a captivating young adult dystopian saga set in a world where a young woman, Juliette Ferrars, possesses a deadly touch. Imprisoned in an asylum for her entire life, Juliette’s world is upended when she is unexpectedly released by the ruling authority known as the Reestablishment, who view her unique ability as a potent weapon.
As the series unfolds, it delves into the themes of power, rebellion, and love, with Tahereh Mafi’s poetic yet compelling writing style. Readers follow Juliette’s journey as she navigates a complex and morally ambiguous world, grappling with her evolving powers and her relationships with the enigmatic Warner and the rebellious Adam.
Throughout the books, the series weaves a compelling narrative filled with unexpected twists and moral dilemmas, creating a richly developed world that explores what it truly means to be human. The series is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction with a touch of the supernatural, as well as those who appreciate a strong focus on character development and the complexities of love and power in a challenging world.
3. The Inheritance Games Series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
“The Inheritance Games” book series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a thrilling and suspenseful young adult mystery series that follows the intriguing adventures of Avery Grambs. It all begins when Avery unexpectedly inherits a massive fortune from a reclusive billionaire, Tobias Hawthorne, despite having never met him.
The catch is that in order to claim her inheritance, Avery must live in the Hawthorne mansion and navigate a complex web of puzzles, riddles, and secrets left by the enigmatic billionaire. The more she delves into the mysteries of the Hawthorne family, the more she realises that her inheritance is not just about money; it’s about uncovering the truth behind a web of family intrigue and betrayal.
As Avery delves deeper into the enigma of the Hawthornes, she forms alliances, faces dangerous adversaries, and unlocks hidden truths that have far-reaching consequences. “The Inheritance Games” series is a page-turning adventure that keeps readers guessing until the very end, making it an ideal choice for fans of gripping mysteries and intricate family dramas.
4. The Summer I Turned Pretty Series by Jenny Han
“The Summer I Turned Pretty” book series by Jenny Han is a heartfelt and coming-of-age young adult trilogy that beautifully captures the transformative experiences of Belly Conklin, a young woman whose life changes every summer when she visits Cousins Beach with her family and their close friends.
Throughout the trilogy, readers witness Belly’s journey as she transitions from the awkward girl who used to be sidelined by her older brother and his best friend, to a young woman who becomes the centre of attention and embarks on her own romantic adventures. As she navigates her complex relationships with the two Fisher brothers, Jeremiah and Conrad, the series explores themes of first love, personal growth, and the ties that bind families and friends.
“The Summer I Turned Pretty” series is a bittersweet and nostalgic exploration of the summers that change us, beautifully capturing the poignant moments of growing up and falling in love under the sun. It’s a heartwarming and relatable tale that speaks to the universal experiences of adolescence, first love, and the enduring bonds of family and friendship.
And if you’d rather watch the TV series first, you can find that on Prime Video or find my review here.
5. Caraval Series by Stephanie Garber
The “Caraval” book series by Stephanie Garber is a mesmerising and enchanting young adult fantasy trilogy that invites readers into a world of magic, mystery, and illusion. The series follows the adventures of two sisters, Scarlett and Tella Dragna, who have always dreamt of attending the legendary and enigmatic game, Caraval.
When they receive invitations to the annual event, they seize the opportunity, hoping to escape their oppressive lives. However, Caraval is not just a game; it’s a realm of spellbinding performances and cryptic challenges where nothing is as it seems. As Scarlett embarks on her journey, she finds herself caught in a web of illusions and secrets, and her quest to find her missing sister Tella leads her into a world of intrigue, betrayal, and romance.
The world of Caraval is a place of enchantment and danger, where participants must distinguish between reality and illusion to succeed. It’s a must-read for fans of imaginative and spellbinding fantasy with a strong focus on the bonds of family and the allure of the unknown.
6. A Court of Thorns and Roses Series by Sarah J. Maas
Sarah J. Maas’s “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series is a spellbinding and enthralling young adult fantasy series that introduces readers to the lush and complex world of Prythian. The series centres around the life of Feyre Archeron, a mortal huntress who, after killing a wolf in the woods, is taken from her human realm to the dazzling yet perilous world of the faeries.
There, she discovers that the world she thought she knew is filled with treacherous politics, ancient magic, and a growing threat that could bring about the end of all faerie and mortal realms. As she navigates this enigmatic world, Feyre encounters powerful faerie lords, courtly intrigue, and unravels her own latent powers.
As the story unfolds, readers are swept away by the intricate relationships, breathtaking settings, and high-stakes adventure that make “A Court of Thorns and Roses” a must-read for fans of richly woven fantasy worlds.
7. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before Series by Jenny Han
The “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” book series by Jenny Han is a charming and heartwarming young adult trilogy that revolves around the life of Lara Jean Covey. The series begins when Lara Jean’s secret love letters, penned to all the boys she’s ever had a crush on but never intended to send, are accidentally mailed out.
This incident sets off a chain of events that turns Lara Jean’s world upside down. What ensues is a delightful exploration of love, family, and self-discovery as Lara Jean navigates her way through the complicated world of romance.
As the series progresses, readers follow Lara Jean through her high school years and watch her relationships with the recipients of her letters evolve.
The “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” series is a delightful and heartwarming tale of first love and self-discovery that resonates with readers of all ages. Jenny Han’s storytelling is both genuine and relatable, making it an essential read for those who enjoy stories of teenage romance, personal growth, and the enduring bonds of family and friendship.
8. The Atlas Six Series by Olivie Blake
“The Atlas Six” book series by Olivie Blake is a captivating and intricately crafted fantasy series that explores the lives and ambitions of six exceptionally gifted individuals who are chosen to join an exclusive and enigmatic group known as the Atlas.
The story revolves around their journey to unlock their immense magical potential, but also delves deep into their complex personalities, desires, and the moral dilemmas that come with wielding immense power. As these prodigious individuals vie for a position among the Atlas, the series unfolds in a realm of secrets, ambition, and a high-stakes race to master the ancient arts of magic.
“The Atlas Six” is a spellbinding series that appeals to fans of complex and morally ambiguous characters, as well as those who revel in tales of intellectual and magical mastery.
9. Twisted Series by Ana Huang
The “Twisted” book series by Ana Huang is a compelling and emotionally charged New Adult romance series that delves into the lives of complex and relatable characters. The series begins with the story of Mikey Jones, a young man dealing with the repercussions of a traumatic past and struggling to find his place in the world.
When he crosses paths with the spirited and determined Cullum, their unexpected connection sets the stage for a journey of healing, self-discovery, and intense, evolving emotions. As the series progresses, readers follow Mikey and Cullum, and later other characters, as they navigate the complexities of love, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness.
The “Twisted” series is a beautifully crafted story that takes readers on a rollercoaster of emotions and showcases the resilience of the human spirit as it finds solace and connection in the midst of life’s challenges.
10. One of Us is Lying Series by Karen M. McManus
The “One of Us Is Lying” book series by Karen M. McManus is a gripping and suspenseful young adult thriller series that unravels a web of secrets, lies, and murder in a high school setting.
The series kicks off with the mysterious death of Simon, a student with a knack for exposing secrets, during detention. As the investigation unfolds, four classmates find themselves under suspicion, each harbouring their own secrets. In a gripping whodunit narrative, readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of deception and betrayal as the truth behind Simon’s death slowly emerges.
The “One of Us Is Lying” series is a tantalising exploration of the hidden depths within seemingly ordinary teenagers, filled with suspense and moral dilemmas. As readers become entangled in the lives of these complex characters, they’re invited to decipher the intricate puzzle of guilt and innocence, trust and betrayal, and the far-reaching consequences of choices.
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