If you want to read more about the characters and stories you love, or if you don’t want the stories to end,. Then you are in the right place.
Best Books at a glance
Let’s get started with the best of the fictional world!!
Harry Potter, by J. K . Rowling
This is one of the many book series on this list that does not need an introduction.
If you have never heard of Harry Potter, allow this nerd to give you a brief overview of the masterpiece.
The “Harry Potter” book series by J.K. Rowling follows the life and adventures of a young wizard, Harry Potter, as he steps into the magical world. The story begins with Harry finding out (in a wild way) his real identity as a wizard on his 11th birthday and attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Alongside his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, Harry learns about his past, battles dark forces, and confronts the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who wants to rule the wizarding world.
The series spans seven books, each corresponding to a school year at Hogwarts. Throughout the series, themes of friendship, bravery, and the triumph of good over evil are narrated as magically as the series itself.
I read the actual book series last year, and I realized that there was so much more to the characters that the books added that was completely removed from the movies.
Even if you have seen the film series, I assure you that reading the entire book series makes the story a hundred times better.
Here is one of the million reasons why Prof. McGonagall is my favorite (book spoiler).
“He Has Achieved High Marks In All Defense Against The Dark Arts Tests Set By A Competent Teacher.”
Professor McGonagall to Dolores Umbridge
Umbridge should put some ice on that burn!
Buy Harry Potter here
The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien
“The Lord of the Rings” trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien is an epic fantasy saga that occurs in the fictional world of Middle-earth. The story begins with a humble hobbit, Frodo Baggins, inheriting a powerful ring from his uncle Bilbo. The dark lord Sauron created this ring, which holds the key to dominating Middle-earth. Frodo sets about on a dangerous quest in the company of a peculiar group of humans, elves, dwarves, and wizards. Their mission is to destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom, where it was forged.
As they journey through enchanting landscapes and face various challenges, they confront dark forces, including Sauron’s minions and corrupted beings. The trilogy explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the enduring struggle between good and evil, culminating in a climactic battle that determines the fate of Middle-earth.
An adventure-oriented book series that does an amazing job with its primary focus on world building and description rather than character development and plot.
NOTE: If you plan to read The Lord of the Rings, starting with The Hobbit, which tells the story of Frodo’s Uncle Bilbo Baggins and how he got his hands on the ring, will be a better choice.
This is one of those adventures that lies in almost every type of reader’s top 10.
Buy The Lord of the Rings here
The Chronicles of Narnia, by C.S Lewis
The series depicts the gentle, kind nature of the protagonists and the harsh, cruel, and vicious nature of the antagonists in such a manner that it would leave you cheering one side and chewing out the other simultaneously.
C.S. Lewis’s epic fantasy series spans seven engaging volumes. The story starts when the Pevensie siblings find the magical kingdom of Narnia through a wardrobe. There, they go on fantastic adventures with legendary creatures and come across the gentle lion Aslan. Narnia takes on new aspects with each novel, like the White Witch’s icy kingdom in “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” and the naval adventures in “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.”
The books’ recurring themes of bravery, selflessness, and the never-ending struggle between good and evil engage readers as the varied cast of characters and the enchanted setting they live in are revealed. “The Last Battle,” the last episode, offers a moving ending.
The siblings were written with subtle yet visible similarities and striking differences that make each unique in their own way. Whether you are a child or an adult, this series does a great job of catching your attention and letting you walk at your own pace.
Buy The Chronicles of Narnia here
The Lightning Thief, by Rick Riordan
The protagonist, Percy Jackson, discovers that he is a demigod, the mortal son of Poseidon, and embarks on a series of adventures in a world where Greek mythology comes to life. Percy, along with his friends Annabeth Chase and Grover the Satyr, faces various mythical creatures, navigates through dangerous quests, and contends with the power struggles among the Greek gods.
Throughout the series, Percy learns about his divine heritage, encounters legendary creatures from Greek mythology, and confronts formidable enemies who threaten the balance between the gods and their demigod children. The books blend humor, action, and elements of Greek mythology, making them engaging for readers of all ages. The series has gained widespread acclaim for its unique take on classical mythology and its relatable characters, capturing the imaginations of readers around the world.
Buy the Percy Jackson Series here
Now, here’s where it gets a little tricky, or does it?
If you love or want to get into Greek mythology with a fictional element to it, look no further. Percy Jackson and the Olympians is the best place to start. But a little trick you should consider while reading this: there are a total of six books (as of 2023) in this series. But the sixth one, titled The Chalice of the Gods, is something you should read after completing another series in the same universe, The Heroes of Olympus, which consists of five books.
The Heroes of Olympus
This series expands its horizons to include both Greek and Roman mythology, introducing new demigod characters who must unite to prevent the awakening of the Earth Mother, Gaea. As the demigods face ancient prophecies, conflicting loyalties, and the challenges of merging Greek and Roman camps, “The Heroes of Olympus” series offers a thrilling blend of mythology, adventure, and humor, maintaining the captivating storytelling that has made Rick Riordan’s works widely popular among readers of various ages.
Buy The Heroes of Olympus here
The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins
Look no further if you want to live the story of a strong, independent woman portrayed right.
The Hunger Games is a gripping dystopian saga set in the nation of Panem, where the Capitol reigns supreme and the 12 districts are subjected to oppressive rule. The story centers around Katniss Everdeen, a resourceful young woman from District 12, who volunteers to take her sister Prim’s place in the annual Hunger Games, a televised event where tributes from each district must fight to the death. As Katniss navigates the treacherous arena, battling for survival, the series delves into themes of survival, rebellion, and the consequences of unchecked power.
The narrative unfolds with intense action, political intrigue, and a poignant exploration of human resilience, making it a spellbinding experience that captivates readers from the very first page.
As the trilogy progresses with “Catching Fire” and “Mockingjay,” Katniss becomes the reluctant face of a rebellion against the Capitol. The narrative evolves into a complex tapestry of rebellion, sacrifice, and the price of freedom. Suzanne Collins masterfully weaves together elements of suspense, social commentary, and character development, creating a thought-provoking and emotionally charged series that resonates with readers.
The Hunger Games series not only delivers a riveting adventure but also prompts reflection on societal issues, making it a timeless and impactful contribution to the dystopian fiction genre.
Buy The Hunger Games here
Hercule Poirot, by Agatha Christie
If you’re a fan of crime fiction, you’ll have heard Agatha Christie’s name at least once in your lifetime.
Introducing Hercule Poirot, the iconic Belgian detective, a literary legend whose brilliant mind and meticulous methods have made him akin to outstanding deductive skills. First introduced in “The Mysterious Affair at Styles,” Poirot is a retired Belgian police officer with a knack for symmetry and order, which is reflected in both his flawlessly groomed mustache and the accuracy with which he solves even the most challenging riddles. Armed with a keen eye for detail and a penchant for psychology, Poirot approaches each case with a methodical elegance that captivates readers, ensuring that no misstep, no matter how small, escapes his scrutiny.
What sets Poirot apart is not only his exceptional intellect but also his quirky personality and unassuming charm. His insistence on neatness and his almost obsessive love for symmetry are contrasted with a genuine empathy for the human condition, adding depth to his character. Throughout the extensive Poirot series, including classics like “Murder on the Orient Express” and “Death on the Nile,” Agatha Christie masterfully crafts intricate puzzles for Poirot to solve, showcasing his brilliance while keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Hercule Poirot is more than a detective; he is a cultural icon, an enigma in his own right, and his adventures continue to enthrall mystery enthusiasts around the globe.
“Guinness World Records” lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies (that’s a lot!!).
Buy Hercule Poirot series here
Mistborn, by Brandon Sanderson
Book nerds, assemble!!
Brandon Sanderson’s “Mistborn” series takes us through a meticulously crafted world where the ash-covered landscape is dominated by an immortal and tyrannical Lord Ruler.
At the heart of this captivating tale is Vin, a street-smart skaa orphan who discovers latent magical abilities that allow her to manipulate metals.
As she navigates the intrigues of the skaa underworld, Vin becomes entangled in a rebellion against the Lord Ruler’s oppressive regime.
Sanderson’s magic system, Allomancy, where individuals ingest and “burn” metals to unleash various powers, adds a unique and dynamic layer to the narrative, setting “Mistborn: The Final Empire” apart as a fantasy masterpiece.
The exploration of rebellion, sacrifice, and the nature of heroism within a vividly imagined universe showcases Sanderson’s storytelling prowess, making this series a must-read for fantasy enthusiasts craving both depth and excitement in their literary adventures.
Buy The Mistborn Trilogy here
Wax and Wayne
Similar to the Percy Jackson Series, this also has a connected series, also known as the Wax and Wayne Series, named after the main characters. Post-trilogy, the first series, Mistborn, takes place hundreds of years later, with a novella titled Secret History in the middle of them.
Buy Wax and Wayne series here
A Song of Ice and Fire, by George R.R. Martin
Winter is coming – Lord Eddard Stark.
Game Of Thrones
That’s a quote you would have heard everybody talk about in recent times.
George R.R. Martin’s epic fantasy series, “A Song of Ice and Fire,” unfolds across the vast and politically treacherous continents of Westeros and Essos, where noble houses vie for power and ancient threats re-emerge. Kicking off with “A Game of Thrones,” the narrative is rich with complex characters, political intrigue, and a looming supernatural darkness.
The series introduces a sprawling cast, including the honorable Stark family, the cunning Lannisters, and the exiled Targaryens, each with their own ambitions and conflicts. Martin masterfully weaves together a tapestry of power struggles, betrayals, and unexpected alliances, creating a world where no character, no matter how beloved, is safe from the unpredictability of Westerosi politics.
As the series progresses with “A Clash of Kings,” “A Storm of Swords,” “A Feast for Crows,” and “A Dance with Dragons,” the stakes escalate with the impending threat of the White Walkers and the enigmatic Others in the North. Martin’s unapologetic portrayal of the harsh realities of power, the consequences of warfare, and the unpredictable nature of fate sets “A Song of Ice and Fire” apart in the fantasy genre.
The series has become a cultural phenomenon, not only for its intricate storytelling but also for its willingness to defy conventions, keeping readers on the edge of their seats in a world where anyone can meet a horrible end and winter is always coming.
Buy A Song Of Ice and Fire here
The Dark Tower, by Stephen King
“The Magnum Opus of the King of Horror,” The Dark Tower lives up to its name.
This series is a genre-defying mix of fantasy, horror, and western that takes readers on an epic journey across multiple dimensions and realities. Kicking off with “The Gunslinger,” the narrative follows Roland Deschain, the last gunslinger, as he pursues the enigmatic Man in Black through a desolate and ever-shifting landscape.
Roland’s quest to reach the Dark Tower, a mythical focus of existence, becomes a metaphorical and metaphysical odyssey, exploring themes of destiny, sacrifice, and the cyclical nature of time.
The series unfolds through eight books, each revealing more layers of Roland’s past and the interconnectedness of the multiverse.
King seamlessly incorporates elements from his other works into “The Dark Tower,” creating a shared universe that adds richness and depth to the narrative.
“The Dark Tower” stands as concrete evidence of King’s storytelling proficiency and his ability to craft a sprawling and interconnected narrative that resonates with readers across various genres.
Buy The Dark Tower here
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Arthur Conan Doyle
This is a timeless collection of detective stories that introduced readers to the brilliant and enigmatic consulting detective, Sherlock Holmes, and his loyal friend, Dr. John Watson.
Set in Victorian London, these tales capture the essence of the era’s atmosphere and societal nuances while showcasing Holmes’s extraordinary ability to deduce the truth from seemingly insignificant details.
As readers delve into stories like “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” “The Adventure of the Speckled Band,” and “The Red-Headed League,” they become immersed in the intricate puzzles and character dynamics that define the Sherlock Holmes canon.
“The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” not only set the standard for detective fiction but also established a cultural icon whose legacy endures, making this collection a must-read for those seeking the origins of modern crime literature.
A personal note: My introduction to Sherlock Holmes was when I was 14 years old with “The Hound of Baskervilles,” and it scared the life out of me. I still kept on reading to unravel the mystery that lied within, and man, was I totally absorbed!!
Buy Sherlock Holmes Adventures here
Conclusion
There we go!. The 10 Best Fictional Book Series that you’ll love to add to your collection.
If you are new to reading itself, no need to worry; I got you. Check out the list of the best standalone books I am sure you will enjoy.
Happy Reading!!
