"Or perhaps in Slytherin

You'll make your real friends,

Those cunning folk use any means,

To achieve their ends."

-The Sorting Hat

If you have been sorted into Slytherin, you may have a mixed amount of emotions. Are you inherently evil because of the house you've been sorted into? Are you truly meant to be a villain? The answer to these two questions is no. Being a Slytherin is about being cunning, resourceful, ambitious and clever. Also to add onto that, you are fiercely loyal to the people who are closest to you. None of these traits are negative in any way, which can show how amazing being a Slytherin truly is. In fact, these traits tend to make up the most interesting characters to read about! If you're a Slytherin and you love to read, check out these books that will truly speak to your ambitious spirit.

1. Watchmen by Alan Moore

Watchmen brings a different light to superheroes. If you enjoy morally gray characters, this book should definitely speak to you! Even the most morally aligned characters struggle with the fight between what's right and what's truly wrong to do in order to save the world.

2. Emma by Jane Austen

Emma is one of the most ambitious characters that Jane Austen created. She is constantly looking for some way to meddle in the lives of others, without realizing that she's doing more harm than good. While she does make a mess of things, she typically tries to do them with good intentions. If you need to read something clever and romantic, this is the book for you!

3. It's Kind of A Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

This book is about a boy named Craig Gilner. He is ambitious, incredibly intelligent and driven. However, he begins to work himself into depression and is then hospitalized due to suicidal thoughts. This book may speak to Slytherins who feel as if their ambitious nature drives them too far.

4. An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

Is it a successful book list without a John Green novel? I don't think so! Follow Colin and his best friend, Hassan, as they go on a road trip that changes their lives forever. Colin is a former child prodigy that believes that he has discovered an algorithm that can predict the outcome of a relationship. Love doesn’t have to be logical, my fellow Slytherins. Sometimes it just happens.

5. Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos

This French novel is the basis for the movie Cruel Intentions. This novel is about the art of manipulation and morality. It was seen as scandalous when it was first written, but still, the story has stood the test of time. The characters within this novel struggle with their own ambitions and what it truly means to love.

6. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games trilogy is a magnificent read! This book has characters that are resourceful, clever and cunning. If you're ever in the mood for an adventurous read, check out these books if you haven't already!

7. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

This book has adventure, redemption and courageous themes that run throughout it. If you're looking for a fun read, this is definitely the book for you.

8. Wicked by Stephen Schwartz

Elphaba is one of the most cunning characters within this novel as she fights for what she believes is right. While love and happiness may be at stake, she gives her all to do the right thing. This is a story all Slytherins can probably relate to.

9. Wild by Cheryl Strayed

This is such a powerful book. Watching Cheryl’s journey as she hikes through the Pacific Crest Trail is so empowering. The way she finds ways to face all of her problems while she’s climbing mountains and hiking through deserts shows her strength and resilience through her journey. This is a great read for an adventurous Slytherin.

10. Beastly by Alex Flinn

This modernized twist on Beauty and the Beast is such an amazing story. In Beastly, the readers get to dive into the Beast’s side of the story. Not only is it tragic, but it shows that the Beast is a three-dimensional character with problems that are not much different from anyone else’s. If your Slytherin likes fairy tales, definitely get them this book.

11. A Series of Unfortunate Events

I loved reading these books as a kid! Follow Violet, Klaus and Sunny survive against greedy Counts, leeches, pin-striped pantsuits and other very unfortunate things! If you like adventures, and books without happy endings, this is the book series for you.

12. Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

While this book is a nonfiction book, it still tells a great story about success and how to get there. This book is for the incredibly driven Slytherin.

13. If I Stay by Gayle Forman

I think I cried for three hours straight after reading this book. Okay, that’s a little over-dramatic. While this book is a pretty fast read, it manages to hit you right where your heart is. Sometimes Slytherins can be softies, right? Definitely, give this book a read if you need something a little different from the norm.

14. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

During winter break, I read this book within four hours. It had such a moving story and it was so unique to read. The main character is completely unlikable within the first half of the story, but as it progresses she starts to grow on you. Give this book a read if you’re interested in character development!

15. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

If you haven’t read the Harry Potter series yet, what are you doing? Jump into the series and see how Slytherin is described within the books. I promise, not all Slytherins are villains. You should definitely give the series a chance if you haven’t read them yet! They are truly magical!