Last Updated on by Nishil Prasad
Not many things can match the thrill of binge-reading a book Series throughout a weekend or a week or a month or a year, well, you get the drift. There’s something incredibly wondrous in immersing yourself in a different world for a long period of time, and looking at each aspect in depth. No wonder some of the most popular books over decades have been ones belonging to series, be it Sherlock Holmes or Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings.
Today we’re going to look at some of the best series that you can get into, and that you’ll hopefully fall in love with. The list consists of some popular, some underrated works so you find a new Story for yourself easily.
1) Wars of the Roses: Stormbird by Conn Iggulden
15th century England. Two rival families. One Throne. A decades long civil war. This is historical fiction at its finest. Conn Iggulden brings to life the rivalries of these two branches, one represented by the white rose and the other by red [the reason behind the title of the actual wars]. When Henry VI, the Lancaster king, ascends the throne of England, murmurs begin everywhere.
Henry VI is of a more gentle and pious disposition, in contrast to his father’s warrior nature, and secret truces are formed, revolts begin. The rival family, the House of York, sees an opportunity in their favour. Thrilling, mesmerizing, and a plot that keeps you on your toes throughout, the series is bound to delight your inner conspiracy cracker. John Curless narrates in an enchanting manner that’s going to make sure you keep coming back for more.
2) Feed by Mira Grant
The first part of the sci-fi horror Newsflesh series, Feed revolves around two bloggers in a world ravaged by zombies. The cure for cancer turned out infectious with the virus taking over with just one command: Feed. As Georgia and Shaun Mason unravel a story, a conspiracy comes to light that can destroy their lives.
Filled with political tension and the tidbits of blogging, Feed is not just another gory, violent zombie thriller. It’s intricately plotted, and Grant does a wonderful job of carving out each facet of this multilayered story. Paula Christensen and Jesse Bernstein bring the story to life with their powerful narration.
3) The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang
The first part of the best-selling Poppy War trilogy, this tale is part military fantasy, part historical fiction. Kuang takes you to 20th century China with the story based on the second Sino-Japanese war. Mixed with societal issues such as sexism, racism, and status quo, the story is violent and brutal to the very core, is based on one of the bloodiest times of Chinese history.
With some great characterization and excellently plotted scenes, The Poppy War is a thrilling experience in itself. There are many Chinese and Japanese influences in the story that serve to make it rooted in history and culture. Emily Zoo Weller does a splendid job of narrating the story that brings out the different pronunciations and intonations of the story really well.
4) Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson
An ambitious project written with exhaustive research, Red Mars is the first part of the Mars trilogy. A team of 100 men and women is sent to Mars to make it better suited for human life. Kim explores every aspect of the mission in extreme detail, be it scientific, political or psychological. As conflicts arise due to clashing interests, the tale gets more and more complex.
Kim speculates on several questions: would human greed stop at a threshold? Would humans be able to start from a clean slate or would all the problems arise there as well? It’s an expansive plot that draws you in, and Richard Ferrone does an amazing job for adapting it in the audio format.
5) Area X: The Southern Reach Trilogy—Annihilation, Authority, Acceptance by Jeff VanderMeer
Sci-fi fantasy meets horror in this trilogy about a secret agency called the Southern Reach that carries out expeditions in an isolated region called Area X. Eleven previous expeditions have resulted in disaster. The series follows the twelfth expedition as the members come across a landscape that is beyond all understanding.
With a plot that is as dreadful as fascinating, this trilogy is the perfect pick for a weekend binge read. Jeff has a classic sci-fi style of writing and coupled with the horror elements, you’re in for an atmospheric read. The trio of Carolyn McCormick, Bronson Pinchot, and Xe Sands narrates this tale in a compelling manner that heightens the story’s eeriness.
6) Beasts Made of Night by Tochi Onyebuchi
In the magical city of Kos, sin-beasts come forth from a sinner by corrupt mages. The story follows Taj, an aki or a sin-eater, who kills the sin-beasts. But killing these beasts has a price that Taj is more than willing to pay. As he’s thrust into a dark conspiracy inside the royal family, he’ll have to fight for his own sake and for the sake of his love.
A Nigerian-inspired fantasy, Beasts made of the night is vivid and detailed in its worldbuilding. Onyebuchi does an applaudable job at describing every little thing, be it the magic, food, or aroma. Prentice Onayemi presents this story in a delightful manner with his voice and narration style.
7) We Set the Dark on Fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia
Set in a dystopian country, the book follows Daniela Vergas, a top student in the Medio School for Girls, a school that trains women for two roles, either to raise their husband’s children or do the household chores. But she hides a lie about her pedigree. As she gets a choice to be a spy and a chance at prohibited romance, will she risk it all?
The first part of the series by the same name, We Set the Dark on Fire mixes adult fantasy with social commentary on immigration and sexism. A tightly crafted plot and lyrical prose make sure that you’re captivated throughout the story. With the beautiful voice of Kyla Garcia, the audiobook rendition captures the essence of the tale perfectly.
8) Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Percy Jackson has trouble at school. He can’t fit in and is easily distracted. But a crazy school accident where his teacher turns into a monster leads him to Camp Half-Blood, a school for demigods or offsprings of gods and humans. Bringing alive the enchanting world of Greek Mythology, Rick presents a delightful tale that is certain to make you laugh and scream.
Greek gods have never been more fun and accessible than this, and the fusion of ancient mythological elements with the modern world is seamless and enchanting. Part one of the five-part series, this book is fun, magical, and very enjoyable, made even more brilliant by Jesse Bernstein.
9) Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
Part one of the best-selling murder mystery series by the same name, Truly Devious is set in Elingham Academy, an institution for the brightest kinds. Stevie Bell, a true crime lover, decides to solve one of the greatest mysteries of American History, a streak of murders signed “Truly, Devious”. But past rushes to the present as another murder is recorded in Elingham Academy after all these years.
As exciting as it’s mysterious, you won’t be able to stop yourself once you begin this story. The light prose intermingles aptly with the tightly sketched plot to provide a thrilling experience. Kate Rudd instantly draws you in with her mesmerizing narration that serves to elevate the storytelling.
10) Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
Welcome to the England of the 1520s. Henry VIII wants to break his marriage of 20 years against everyone’s wishes to marry Anne Boleyn. Enter Thomas Cromwell, a very clever man of several talents, who helps Henry get rid of all opposition. But what would be the price? Disaster awaits at every turn in this first installment of the critically acclaimed Wolfhall trilogy.
Mantel imagines the era with detail and magnificence, with some brilliant characterization and exquisite plot. With the first two parts winning the Booker Prize and the third installment longlisted, this series is a force of literature and imagination in itself. Simon Slater takes you in that era here with his powerful and magical narration.
