When I was growing up, I was always a big reader! I read anything I could get my hands on, from Harry Potter to Percy Jackson and everything in between. So when I say that I have some good recommendations, I mean it! Going off of that – everyone seems to be remembering how much they loved series like Harry Potter and finding out new ones like Throne of Glass. And yes, I read and obsessed over these ones as well, but I certainly didn’t stop there! So you did you read those series and now have no idea where to go next? Well, I’m your girl! So here are 4 of my go-to series from when I was younger, and now!
1. Six of Crows
So what do a gangster, an acrobat, a scientist, a sharpshooter, an escaped convict, and someone with magic have in common? This duology by Leigh Bardugo is what! Its the sister series to her Shadow and Bone trilogy – and honestly it’s my favorite of the two. It follows the heist of a mismatched crew with an impossible task. Packed with plot twists, drama, and yes a touch of romance, Bardugo paints the intricate world that is Ketterdam. Her characters are diverse, complex, and unique within their own right. I’ll try to avoid spoilers, but I will say this; her characters are not only diverse in race, but in their abilities, personalities, and sexuality. On top of being a wonderful book series – Bardugo’s work is being adapted into a Netflix series that is expected to be released later in 2020!
2. Inkheart
This is series is kind of old, and by that I mean it was published in 2003. The Inkheart trilogy by Cornelia Funke was a favorite of mine when I was younger, and to this day I still find myself picking up whenever I’m in a slump. This book tells the story of a bookbinder named Mo, his daughter Meggie, and how his past is catching up quickly. Without giving away too much, I can say this – Mo has an ability that whenever he reads aloud, the story comes to life. Unfortunately for him, not every fairytale includes a happily ever after. And while there is a movie based on the book, I guarantee the written story is better than the screenplay. This trilogy was one I read in seventh grade and it’s stuck with me ever since, so if you’ve ever imagined a fictional world existing in our world, imagine no further with Inkheart.
3. The Lunar Chronicles
So we all know the classic tales of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and many other princesses and heroes alike. But what if Cinderella was a cyborg? Marissa Meyer tells a twisted version of the tales that we so often read stories of. And while there is still a happy ending, the road to that end is full of twists and turns, heartbreak and love, and adventure that is out of this world. And I mean that literally, the futuristic setting often goes off-world in the adventures of Cinder and her newfound friends. I know retellings of fairytales may seem to get a little old at times, but Meyer’s stories are refreshing and captivating and I always enjoy them.
4. Graceling
This series is another one that’s a little older, it was published in 2008! I found this series by Kristin Cashore right around the time I was reading Inkheart ironically enough. This fantasy trilogy initially follows Kasta and her adventures in a world where certain people have special powers. The only qualification you need? Have two different colored eyes. Kasta’s journey includes self-discovery, newfound friendships, and a hint of romance. All and all its another great series that you can pick up and enjoy at a moment’s notice.
While everyone has different tastes and ideas of entertainment, these are some of the stories I hoped to share with you. I have many many more where those came from. Reading a book series is a great way to escape the craziness of this world for a while, and enjoy the craziness of a fictional one for a change. These series might not be your cup of tea, but that’s alright – you see that’s the things about books, you can pick them up and devour them or spit them out. Either way, you’ve become just a touch more knowledgeable than you were before. And in the words of Cornelia Funke, “ books have to be heavy – they have whole worlds inside of them.”