Reading was never my favorite thing to do when growing up, but that changed when I got into middle school and I found books that actually interested me. Each of these book series has a near and dear place in my heart and need to be on your summer reading list.
1. “The Infernal Devices” Trilogy by Cassandra Clare
This book trilogy is number one on this list for a reason. First, it’s my favorite. Second, the characters in each book are well-developed, interesting, and the books take place in 19th century London.
They feature romance: a love triangle between the female lead, Tessa, and the two Shadowhunters, Will and Jem. Action: Tessa is no damsel in distress and with Will and Jem at her sides, there is no stopping them.
There’s even a bit of comedy: Will is afraid of ducks and is just sarcasm with legs and a stele.
The first book is “Clockwork Angel,” then “Clockwork Prince,” and finally “Clockwork Princess.”
2. “All Souls” Trilogy by Deborah Harkness
The only reason this trilogy isn’t the first one on this list is that I haven’t had the chance to begin reading the second book in the series.
Harkness does an excellent job of balancing the fantastical with reality. This book is seeped in witchcraft and tradition, but also in science and history.
Diana Bishop is the female heroine that is needed in today’s pop culture. She is a determined, strong witch that rejects her heritage which comes back to bite her. The first book in this trilogy is “A Discovery of Witcher,” then “Shadow of Night,” and lastly “The Book of Life.”
Also, there’s gonna be a TV show and I’m so excited!
3. “Maximum Ride” Series by James Patterson
This series follows six avian-human hybrid kids trying to save the world while dealing with puberty, being chased by other mutated children and adults, and a six-year-old with mind reading abilities.
With nine books in the series, each one is quick, easy to read, and completely immersive making them unable to be put down. There are plot twists that are truly unexpected and characters that are relatable to any teen.
4. “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” Series by Rick Riordan
This is the series for you if you love Greek mythology and like “Maximum Ride,” each of the five books is a quick read with interesting character arcs and action-packed scenes.
5. “Harry Potter” Series by J. K. Rowling
If you haven’t read at least one of the books from the “Harry Potter” series then I don’t know where you’ve been the past 21 years.
You need to get on it! And summertime is the perfect season to crack open “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone” by the poolside while you get your tan on.
6. “The Immortals” Series by Alyson Noël
This one is very much so a “star-crossed lovers” story with a twist. The main character, Ever, was in a car accident that killed everyone in her family, including herself.
She was brought back, but because of this, it gave her psychic abilities.
She doesn’t want these powers, she tries to tune everything out to no avail. Then Damen comes around and he can suppress the voices intruding in her mind, but has she met him before?
7. “The Giver” Quartet by Lois Lowry
Lowry’s series isn’t that of a conventional one. Each of the four books focuses on a different character that eventually connects to one another.
In “The Giver,” it follows Jonas as he enters slowly begins to realize that his community isn’t all that it seems.
“Gathering Blue” centers on a disfigured teen, Kira, who has a knack for sewing. “Messenger” is the shortest of the stories with its main character, Matty, who has to make a treacherous trip through a forest.
And then there’s “Son” which follows Claire, a girl who’s forced to give up her child and who then goes on a journey to find and reunite with the baby boy that was taken away from her.
8. “The Soul Seekers” Series by Alyson Noël
If you’re into an evil twin brother, spirit animals, and traveling between the worlds of the living and the dead, then this is the one for you.
Daire Santos has visions of glowing people and crows that lead her mother to send her to New Mexico to live with her grandmother.
Daire is the last of the Soul Seekers, beings who can navigate the Lowerworld, Middleworld, and Upperworld.
In the first book, “Fated,” she is confronted with the literal man of her dreams.
The only problem is, she doesn’t know if he’s on her side or with the enemy she’s destined to stop.
9. “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy by J. R. R. Tolkien (+ “The Hobbit”)
Much like “Harry Potter,” “The Lord of the Rings” has been around for ages! But if you’re apprehensive about starting one, I suggest beginning with “The Hobbit.” It’s shorter but still packs in the details that J. R. R. Tolkien is known for.
And who doesn’t love a story about a fuzzy little creature eating two breakfasts then going on an adventure?
10. “The Mortal Instruments” Series by Cassandra Clare
“The Mortal Instruments” is the sequel series to “The Infernal Devices.” Taking place in the modern day, Clary Fray discovers that her whole life is a lie, she’s actually a Shadowhunter.
When her mother is kidnapped, she is thrust into a world full of Downworlders and angelic legacy.
11. “Unfortunate Fairy Tales” Series by Chanda Hahn
I love it when fairy tales are turned on their head. When I first discovered this series I couldn’t wait to start reading it. The main protagonist, Mina, is a descendant of the Brothers Grimm, and she is tasked with completing all of the stories that her ancestors could not finish.
The series begins with “UnEnchanted,” then a short story that is optional, “Jared’s Quest.” Next is “Fairest,” “Fable,” “Reign,” and finally, “Forever.”
12. “Nightshade” Series by Andrea Cremer
If you like werewolves, this is the series for you. Calla’s life is planned out for her. She’ll marry an alpha wolf, Ren, and lead their pack by his side.
Then she saves a human boy and everything is thrown off track. The series begins with “Nightshade,” “Wolfsbane,” “Bloodrose,” and “Snakeroot.”
