Favorite Series of All Time

I’ve been taking a break from reading book series this year and focusing mainly on all my unread standalone novels. I have a love-hate relationship with series. I like them when they’re planned out from the beginning, but more and more often there are standalones that get turned into a series, or a trilogy that expands into 5-6 books. Although it sounds like a good idea (yay more books from in a series I love!) a lot of the time it ends up ending poorly, or the storyline goes too far from the original idea, or the author just tries to tackle too much.

Sometimes a concrete, solid ending is a good thing. I personally, really enjoy endings.

So since I haven’t actually been reading and series lately, I wanted to go over some of my favorite ones that I have read! (and despite my liking of endings, quite a few of these are still unfinished)

Shadow of The Fox by Julia Kagawa

This series is absolutely amazing. It’s a fantasy tale based upon Japanese folklore, and although it is a little trope-y, its a great story. I love the journey Yumeko goes on, the mythology created around the scrolls, and her relationship with Kage Tatsumi. If you’re a fan of mythology based stories, I highly recommend this one.

A Song Of Ice and Fire by George RR Martin

Ah A Game of Thrones. Although the show ended with a less than stellar end, the book series hasn’t ended yet. I first struggled to get into these books because there’s SO MANY characters, but once I got to know them all, I was in love. Even if you’ve seen the show, this series I a must read. There ton’s of awesome charters (like my love, Lady Stoneheart) who didn’t make the show, and some additional plot lines and places the show doesn’t include. I love these books, and I cannot wait until the rest of the series to come out.

The Stormlight Archives by Brandon Sanderson

Another incomplete series! But I love these books and my boy Kaladin. I’m slowly working my way through all of Sanderson’s books, and I love how the worlds are connected – and even a few characters. Sanderson is amazing at world building, and I truly felt like I knew the world of Roshar. There is so much depth and history with this world, and the fantasy elements are truly amazing. From Shardblades to Knight Radiants to spren, its such a unique and fantastic story.

His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman

Now this fall between complete and incomplete I guess. The original trilogy is finished, but only the first two of the second trilogy are out so far. A main part of the reason I love this story is because its the first “older” series I read. I was told by a librarian that it wasn’t “appropriate” for me, I was told by teachers and trusted adults that I wasn’t mature enough to read it. But my parents trusted my judgement, and let me read what I wanted to. Since then I’ve read these books over and over again, and they’ve become a comfort to me. Its also a great story about growing up, first loves, and of course, overthrowing the patriarchy.

The Illuminae Files by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

These books were recommended to me quite a free times before I finally read them. I despise epistolary novels usually, and I didn’t understand how I could possible connect with the characters or the plot for three whole books written in this style. And then I picked them up, fell in love with Kady, Ezra, Nik, Hanna, and all the other amazing characters. I barely slept or ate and binged this series in two days. Even if you don’t like sci-fi, this is such a cool story and I really enjoyed reading it.

BearTown by Fredrik Backman

Backman is one of my favorite authors, so this one is no surprise. A heartbreaking story about a hockey town and what happens when the town takes sides – between their love of hockey and their golden boy, versus the girl who is speaking out against them. These books deal with so many difficult themes, and has a really unique writing style. This story is about people, doing what they need too to live their lives, and it’s truly a beautiful tale.

Feverwake by Victoria Lee

This story messed me up. It takes place in the not-so-distant future where a magical virus has killed a lot of the population, and infected others. I adored Noam and Dara, and watching them learn how to use their magic and who they are. This series explores the grey area between right and wrong, and how to come back to yourself after crossing that line.

Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

Another series in the Cosmere. I like what I like okay? One thing I love about this world is that the “good guys” are not the greatest people. Neither Vin or Kelsier make good decisions, but they’re still the heroes you want to root for. The fantasy elements in this story and the Lord Ruler are unique enough to this series, but also have similar elements to the Stormlight series, malinger it believable that they are in the same universe. I loved all the characters so much and finding about the Lord Ruler and the magic in this land.

The Nevernight Chronicles by Jay Kristoff

And yes more Kristoff too. Nevernight and Mia’s story is a phenomenal tale and I love the idea of a deadly assassin actually being the character we’re rooting for. A girl who can talk to shadows, seeking vengeance for those who’ve wronged her. I don’t even know how to put this series into words. Its amazing, incredible, and I just really freakin love it.

Shades of Magic by VE Schwab

Magic. Four separate London’s in different worlds. A magical boy with a fake eye. A girl in a world she doesn’t belong. Shades of magic has EVERYTHING. There’s romance, there’s pirates, travel between worlds, magic, betrayals, secrets. It. Has. Everything. I never know what to say for my favorite book or series, but ADSOM is definitely in my top five favorite books. This is such an amazing fantasy world, and I love how part if it is our world.

So there’s a few of my favorite book series! Which ones are your favorites? And which ones should I pick up next?