My Heart is Booked Blog

Today, I’ve decided to share my favorite series of all time. Because there are many series that I love that are not completed or I have not finished reading, I am only counting series that I have read in their entirety. Hopefully, in the coming years, I can look back on this list and see how my tastes have changed.

The following series are in no particular order. It was hard enough picking 15 of them. I don’t have it in me to rank them as well.

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The Daevabad Trilogy by S. A. Chakraborty

This is topping my list because I just finished Empire of Gold today and I cannot wrap my brain around the magnificence that is this trilogy. Chakraborty expertly combines exotic atmospheres, powerful themes, and complex characters to create a breath-taking historical fantasy. I can’t believe this is her debut work and am eagerly anticipating her next adventure.

The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare

Everything that Clare has written takes place in the Shadowhunters universe, which can become a bit tedious after more than 15 books. However, I first fell in love with her writing in the Infernal Devices trilogy, which combines the magic and lore found in all of her books with the Victorian setting and steampunk additions. This trilogy also features one of the few (the only?) successful love triangles.

Shades of Magic by V.E. Schwab

This trilogy was my first introduction to Schwab and it remains my favorite (although I am eagerly awaiting Addie LaRue). The combination of unforgettable characters and a unique magic system make for a fantastic read. I’ve heard she plans to write more in this universe (following Luc and Rhy), but I am considering this series completed for the purposes of this list.

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Ok, so technically this is part of the larger Grishaverse series AND Leigh Bardugo has gone on record to say that she does plan to write a third Six of Crows book sometime. BUT this was originally intended as a duology, and it can stand alone as a duology, so it stays on the list. I thought the initial Grisha trilogy was good, but Six of Crows is by far my favorite of Bardugo’s books thus far (I haven’t read Ninth House yet) and it has everything to do with the cast of characters. Kaz, Inej, Nina, Matthias, Wylan, and Jesper are everything. I’m actually very grateful that we are getting more of this story however much it messes with the integrity of this list.

Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas

I love a series that grows with you. Sarah J Maas wrote Throne of Glass when she was 16 and, granted, it shows (but it’s a whole lot better than I could do at 16). The beauty of this series is that it matures with each book becoming more and more complex. I wasn’t in love with this series until the third book, but I will gladly count all 7 (8 with Assassin’s Blade) among my favorites.

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

Say what you will about Rowling. Frankly, she’s not one of my favorite people at the moment, but I will forever hold a special place in my heart for the Harry Potter series. This was the series that got me hooked on Fantasy. I have so many great memories of reading the books, seeing the movies, waiting for releases, and buying all the merch that it will always be one of my favorite series.

The Bartimaeus Sequence by Jonathan Stroud

This is a Middle Grade series that has stood the test of time for me. I was older when I started reading these books, but I love them just the same. A brilliant magician’s apprentice teams up with a sarcastic djinni to exact revenge. This series is non-stop fun, adventure, and magic. This was originally a trilogy, but Stroud has since written a fourth book, a prequel.

The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice

Move over Edward Cullen and Bill Compton, Lestat will always be my favorite fictional vampire. I started reading the Vampire Chronicles in Middle School, which is probably way younger than the recommended age, but nothing could keep me away from the drama and atmosphere Rice’s New Orleans. Is this a completed series? There is a “Complete Collection” of books 1-12, but then Rice published a 13th. So, who really knows?

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

This is another Middle Grade series that has stayed with me over the years. I bought my first Artemis Fowl book at a Scholastic Book Fair in Middle School and the last book came out when I was 24. I adore the criminal mastermind MC combined with a twist on traditional Irish fae lore. The books are exciting and heart-warming. I only wish the movie did them justice. You can find my review of the movie here and a reaction thread here.

The Winternight Trilogy by Katherine Arden

This historical fantasy series is deeply rooted in Slavic lore. It is an irresistibly enchanting tale of family, tradition, magic, and self-discovery set in Medieval Russia. If you get a chance to listen to it on audiobook, I highly recommend that you do.

Tairen Soul by C.L. Wilson

This Fantasy Romance has some pretty unfortunate covers, but they only serve to preserve the hidden gem that this series is. I first picked up the Lord of the Fading Lands (book 1) based on the recommendation of Sarah J Maas (she named her son Taran after all). If you’re into romance and shifters (think medieval Mercy Thompson or Kate Daniels), you should definitely check out these books.

Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor

The Fallen Series meets City of Brass in an unexpected twist of the angels and demons romance. I first fell in love with this series for Karou, the quirky artist with blue hair and magic wish beads, but this series is so much more than your typical YA fantasy romance. Expect exotic landscapes, feisty demons, and epic battles.

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas

I’m cheating a little bit by including this series since there are 3 more planned books. I look at this as more of a completed trilogy within the larger series (ala Shadowhunters or Grisha). Basically, my list my rules. I love ACOTAR for the romance(s) really. The world-building, magic, and battles are amazing, but they all come second to the love story for me. I love that SJM’s characters don’t stick with one love interest for the entirety of the series. It makes it feel more realistic.

The Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning

This is another series that was finished, but the author decided to add to it (and I’m not mad about it). However, if I’m being honest, this series will actually be completed in January of 2021. You can still read just the first 5 books as its own series, but the books get even better after the initial ending. Sometimes this series is marketed as Romance, sometimes as Fantasy. It seems to fit best in the Paranormal Romance/ Urban Fantasy genres. Taking place in modern Dublin, an American transplant seeks answers to her sister’s untimely death and gets wrapped up in a world overrun with fae. This is quite possibly my favorite series.

Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

If you love Fantasy and have never read a Sanderson book, you are doing yourself a disservice. The Misborn trilogy is another instance of a trilogy within a longer series set in the same world. Sanderson’s writing is lyrical and dramatic, poignant and uplifting. His character development, magic system, and world building are beyond compare. These books are intelligent, but not over-your-head. They’re thoughtful and adventurous and captivating. I honestly cannot say enough good things about his writing. I need to finish more of his series so I can add them to this list.

Well, there you have it. My current list of must-read completed series. I fully expect to be making some changes to this list in the coming years. I already anticipate adding Arc of a Scythe, Ember in the Ashes, Illuminae, and The Great Library. While a few of those are completed (or soon will be), I have yet to finish them. However, I highly recommend you check them out for additional reading.

Are any of your favorites on my list? Do you have any book recs based on my preferences? I’m always looking to add to the #neverendingtbr.