28 Of The Best Book Series For Adults

A good book series is one where the first book concludes well but leaves room for the reader to want to discover what else happens to the characters. Does the main character bring justice in an unjust world, travel the seven seas, and still have time to fall in love?

Think of some of the best young adult series as they follow the protagonist as they grow up and become an adult. But book series written for adults need to go above and beyond learning about a world they already know. 

Binge-watch Netflix? How about reading an entire book series in a limited amount of time instead! The following series are some of the best books for adults to enjoy this weekend. If you can finish a whole series in three days, let us know!

1. The Millennium Series by Stieg Larsson

The author that made his debut with The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo comes with five more books that follow punk prodigy Lisbeth Salander in what he called the Millennium Series. 

After Harriet Vanger, a descendent of one of Sweden’s wealthiest families disappears, the family hires a journalist to figure out what happened to her. Salander joins him, and together they unravel a horrible and violent past exposing the social injustice that occurred. 

In each book, you learn more about Salander and her own past that explains her passion for bringing those responsible to justice. Mystery, crime, and thriller are all interwoven into a fantastic series for adults to enjoy.

2. The Dragonriders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey

For an excellent science fiction series, Irish-American author Anne McCaffrey hit the nail on the head with The Dragonriders of Pern, a 23-book series that takes place on the planet Pern. 

Pern resides in the Rukbat star system and is where humans have come to colonize the planet. Orbiting nearby is Thread, threatening Pern and all those who have built a life there. Soon, the people of Pern train dragons to fight Thread. 

There is so much detail McCaffrey includes in her stories. Everything from the hierarchy of men and women to the types of crops and technology is ahead of its time when she first concocted the tale in the late 60s. 

3. A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin

George R.R. Martin will forever be the author of a must-read book series. A Song of Ice and Fire follows nine great houses in battle, love, and drama. Nine may not seem like a lot, but the complexities Martin gives them make the books even more scandalous! 

Just when you think you know what family is at battle with another, an exciting twist comes about, and families start to turn on one another. A word of advice, have a pen and pencil ready to track who is who! 

4. Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice

Anne Rice is one of the most widely read authors of our time and an expert in writing best-selling novels in multiple genres. She is best known for her Vampire Chronicles series, which focuses on love, death, immortality, existentialism, and the human condition. 

The series features Lestat de Lioncourt, a French nobleman who became a vampire in the 18th century. The series consists of 13 books, the first published in 1976, and the most recent one in 2018. 

Many of the books have already become movies too! But, of course, we recommend you read the books before watching the Hollywood adaptation.

5. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

A love story that spans centuries means that one book isn’t enough to tell the whole tale! 

In 1945, Claire is back in Scotland from the war and reunited with her husband for a second honeymoon. One wrong turn and Claire finds herself in 1743. Lost, she meets Jamie, a warrior, and learns that he is the only one she can depend on to get her back to her own time. After getting to know Jamie, does Claire want to return to her old life and husband? 

Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series consists of eight books following the complicated relationship between Claire and Jamie. Historical fiction and romance fans will enjoy this tale!

6. The Dark Tower Series by Stephen King

It comes to nobody’s surprise that the most prolific writer of our time ends up on this list! Stephen King’s Dark Tower series begins with Gunslinger Born. Roland of Gilead is a haunting figure trapped in a world that mirrors ours. He is after “The Man in Black” when he meets Alice and Jake. 

The ten-book series was inspired in part by the Robert Browning narrative poem, “Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came.” Read both to find out what about the poem made King want to base his books on it.

7. Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

The literary world was first introduced to London-based detective Sherlock Holmes in 1887. His adventures totaled 56 short stories altogether, published in a series of collections. Doyle went on to release four full-length novels of Sherlock Holmes. 

The series was such a success that multiple films and TV adaptations have appeared over the years, the first one as early as 1955. You could say that Doyle set the standard of what makes for a good mystery novel long ago, giving writers these days something to live up to. 

8. Angels and Demons Series by Dan Brown 

The 2000 best-selling thriller Angels and Demons explores the adventures of a university professor, Robert Langdon. After Leonardo Vetra was found dead with an ambigram of the word “Illuminati” on his chest, Robert confirms that the ambigram is authentic. 

His life would never be the same after stumbling upon the ancient secret society and a secret weapon of mass destruction. 

9. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas 

The teenage assassin Celaena Sardothien embarks on a mission to defeat 23 thieves, warriors, and killers. Whoever wins the competition becomes free and is named the king’s champion. Throne of Glass debuted in the literary world in August 2012 and has become one of the best fantasy novel series ever written.

Celaena’s journey as she faces the evil lurking within King Adarlan’s castle of glass will have you sitting on the fence.

10. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games trilogy comprises the books The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay. It is the story of young characters Peeta Mellark and Katniss Everdeen. The first two books are New York Best Sellers, and the last one is a US Best Seller.

With the feat these books have achieved, it’s no surprise that they made it to this list of best book series for adults. The Hunger Games broke the selling record of Harry Potter on Amazon.

11. The Lady Sherlock Series by Sherry Thomas 

The Lady Sherlock is a must-read for lovers of crime stories. The author introduces a feminist perspective of the popular Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Both characters, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson, are played by women, making it a fun book to read.

12. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

The novel series Twilight consists of four novels: Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn. Based on a fantasy romance, Twilight is a popular hit book series about vampires and various other supernatural things. The book series has sold over 120 million copies and was among the biggest-selling novels in 2008.

Twilight is a love story between a girl named Isabella “Bella” Swan and a 104-year-old vampire Edward Cullen.

13. The Zion Covenant by Brock and Bodie Thoene 

Brock and Bodie Thoene tell Hitler’s story as he rose to power in the years leading up to World War II. The Zion Covenant series comprises nine books focusing on the plight of Jews and refugees.

Jewish violinist Elisa Linder had to flee Berlin following her father’s detention by the Gestapo. With her musician friends, Elisa finds her way out of the raging fire of World War II. 

14. The Broken Earth Series by NK. Jemisin

The inhabitants of “The Stillness,” a planet composed of only one supercontinent, struggle to survive a “Fifth Season” of tragic climate change. It is an award-winning series of fantasy, science fiction, dystopia, and post-apocalyptic stories. Launched in 2015, The Broken Earth Series has three parts: The Fifth Season, The Obelisk Gate, and The Stone Sky.

The opening shows three terrible things happening in Essun’s life. Her daughter has been abducted and her son killed by her own husband. While all these things are happening, the innovative empire Sanze collapses.  

15. The Mars Trilogy by Kim Stanley Robinson

The author of the hit series The Mars, Kim Stanley Robinson, gives you an idea of what life on Mars would look like if humans succeeded in colonizing the planet. 

The trilogy comprises these books: Red Mars, the debut book where a colony begins to settle on Mars; Green Mars, the second book continues with what happens thirty years after the first colonizers arrive; and lastly, Blue Mars, which explores the long-term repercussions arising from colonizing the planet.

16. The MaddAddam Trilogy by Margaret Atwood

The MaddAddam trilogy is a dystopian series comprising the books Oryx and Crake (2003), The Year of the Flood (2009), and MaddAddam (2013). MaddAddam is the continuation of Margaret’s first two books, focusing on what the future looks like following the wipeout of humanity. With genetic engineering, floods, and plagues, MaddAddam takes you through the journey of a few survivors.

17. Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake 

Kendare Blake tells the story of three sisters, each one having a unique magical power. Three Dark Crowns opens on the fantasy island of Fennbirn with Katharine, who can consume the deadliest poisons without any reaction, Mirabella, a strong-willed elemental, and Arsinoe, a naturalist capable of blooming the best flowers and taming the deadliest of lions. 

18. The Malazan Book of the Fallen Series by Steven Erikson 

Steven Erikson tells the story of the Malazan Empire in the Malazan Book of the Fallen Series. The story involves endless wars with ancient sorcerers and is a top choice for fantasy lovers. This 10-book epic series features vast legions of gods, humans, mages, dragons, and all manner of creatures.

19. Bollywood Series by Sonali Dev

Sonali Dev’s Bollywood series features four love stories: A Bollywood Affair, The Bollywood Bride, A Change of Heart, and A Distant Heart. The debut book features the story of Mili, a young girl from a small town who was betrothed to a man at four years old. 

Mili’s family sends her off to school in the United States as part of her marriage preparations. But the man she’s supposed to marry moves on and finds another girl. Bollywood director Samir Rathod flies to the US to file a divorce on behalf of his brother, meets Mili, and finds himself falling for her.

20. The Folk of the Air by Holly Black 

The fantasy trilogy, The Folk of the Air, follows the story of Jude Duarte, a mortal girl who tries to win a place in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Following the murder of her parents, someone kidnaps Jude alongside her two sisters.

21. The Beautiful Series by Christina Lauren 

Christina Lauren’s #1 international bestselling and New York Times Beautiful Series comprises ten hilarious love stories. The story follows the relationship of hardworking intern Chloe with her strict boss Bennett Rya. While Bennett is a very demanding boss, he is also very handsome.

22. The Loyal League Series by Alyssa Cole 

The Loyal League is an epic love story set during the Civil War. Former slave Elle Burns becomes an undercover spy helping the Union Army. She finds danger, intrigue, and unexpected romance during the mission.

23. The Southern Reach Trilogy by Jeff Vandermeer

A group of women, including an anthropologist, a surveyor, a psychologist, and a biologist, forms the 12th expedition to a location no one has ever been in many decades. All previous explorations to Area X have been in vain, but these women must make their way to a fate that seems inevitable.

24. Dublin Murder Squad by Tana French 

The Dublin Murder Squad series comprises six novels. Tana French won the 2008 Edgar Award for Best First Novel for In the Woods. Three friends wander into the woods, but only one, a twelve-year-old named Adam, returns.

The Dublin-based murder squad sets out to solve the mystery after Adam returns shivering from the cold. Each book in Tana’s award-winning series focuses on a different character as the detective.

25. Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien

Lord of the Rings is an epic fantasy-themed novel series that portrays a world you wish could be true. The three parts of the book series are The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and finally, The Return of the King.

With over 150 million copies sold, Lord of the Rings is one of the best-selling books ever.

The story follows Frodo Baggins as he journeys to destroy a ring capable of defeating the antagonist Sauron.

26. The War of the Roses Series by Conn Iggulden

Explore the happenings in the historical War of the Roses through the pages of Conn Iggulden’s The War of the Roses series. Stormbird, the first book, opens after King Edward III’s death in 1437. The story transitions into the peaceful regime of Henry VI until everything goes into chaos. 

27. The Broken Empire Trilogy by Mark Lawrence

The fantasy series The Broken Empire Trilogy comprises three books: Prince of Thorns, King of Thorns, and Emperor of Thorns. These books take you through the journey of Jorg Ancrath as he experiences a lot of mental and emotional ups and downs. 

Jorg is a royal child, raised by a loving mother, but evolved into the Prince of Thorns, an immoral boy leading a band of outlaws that go about committing atrocities. The series is a must-read if you love adventure and fantasy-based novels.

28. The Wolf Hall Series by Hilary Mantel

The Wolf Hall is the story of Thomas Cromwell, a trusted advisor to Henry VIII. Hilary Mantel captures an interesting time in British history through Cromwell’s life. The series opens with Cromwell’s humble beginning, traces his rise to power, and transitions into his downfall.

Wrapping up

Many of these book series have reoccurring characters, but for some, like A Song of Fire and Ice, you’ll need some extra help with remembering everyone’s names. If you forget names easily in the real world, take a look at our How To Remember Names Effectively video-based training. You’ll learn how politicians and professionals are able to remember so many names! 

Click the link to find out more today and learn how you can impress others at a networking event simply by remembering their name.

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