Most of my favorites lately have been standalones, but I love a good series and thought I’d talk about some that are near and dear to me. As usual, we will start with my sixth favorite and end with my most favorite.
6. The Warlord Chronicles by Bernard Cornwell
Cornwell is my brother’s favorite author, and he suggested I look into this series, which is the author’s take on Arthurian legend. It’s historical fiction set in the Dark Ages during the conflicts between the Britons and the Saxons. I love how he reworks the characters we are all familiar with to create something new. The female characters are especially badass! Ceinwyn and Nimue are probably two of my favorite female characters ever.
5. The Gemma Doyle Trilogy by Libba Bray
This is the third list in a row featuring this series. Oops. 😆 But it combines all my favorite things: the Victorian era, boarding school, and girls with magic. And as we have already established, the titles and covers are simply beautiful. I’ve reread these several times since I first discovered them, and I always have a great time.
4. A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin
Don’t talk to me about the end of the TV series. We do not speak of it here. But I’m holding out hope that Martin finishes the series eventually so I can get a good ending. Even though it does get confusing with so many characters, I love the complexity of the series. Martin has a real knack for character development. The man can make me absolutely despise someone then turn around and make me feel so bad for them that they become my favorite character. This has happened twice!
3. Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling
If you had asked me to make this list a few years ago, Harry Potter would have been number one. The recent issues with Rowling and the hateful opinions she holds have affected my feelings. Because of this, I don’t really post about the series here or on my Tumblr anymore. However, it was still an incredibly important part of my childhood and holds a special place in my heart. While I recognize it’s problems, rereading Harry Potter will always feel like coming home to me.
2. All for the Game by Nora Sakavic
Is it weird that these are my ultimate comfort books? I feel like that’s weird. Oh well. I first read these while I was living in the UK for my master’s degree. I was depressed, homesick, lonely, and numb. And this series became a lifeline. It made me feel something. It was fun and emotional, and I just got so invested. I’ve reread it multiple times, and again, it feels like coming home.
1. Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya
Speaking of coming home, here’s a third one that makes me feel that way. I started reading Fruits Basket in middle school when it was still being released. I adore the characters, and Takaya knows exactly how to make you laugh one minute and crush your soul the next. This is a series I will keep returning to for the rest of my life.
What are your top book series? Do we share any?
A Literary Princess 