Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or impress others, finding the perfect book series can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But don’t worry, we’ve sniffed out the best options to suit every genre lover’s taste, budget, and binge-reading appetite!
A Quick Overview:
- Best Coming-of-Age Fantasy Series – Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
- Best Post-Apocalyptic Fiction Series – The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins
- Best Dystopian Sci-Fi Thriller – Divergent Series by Veronica Roth
- Best Historical Romance Saga – Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon
- Best Mystery Series – Sherlock Holmes Series by Arthur Conan Doyle
- Best Young Adult Adventure Series – Percy Jackson & the Olympians Series by Rick Riordan
How to Choose the Best Book Series for Your Next Read
Picking the right book series is a personal journey, much like choosing a travel companion. You want something that’s engaging, immersive, and stays with you long after the last page. Whether you prefer wizards or warriors, star-crossed lovers or dystopian rebels, it all starts with knowing what sparks your interest.
Start by narrowing down your favorite genres—do you lean into fantasy worlds, or do you crave crime-solving mysteries? Consider your reading pace too. Some sagas span decades and dozens of books, while others wrap up in a neat trilogy. If you’re short on time or new to series, try shorter or completed ones so you’re not left hanging.
Most importantly, check out reader reviews and popularity ratings on platforms like ThriftBooks. It’s a goldmine for hidden gems and bestsellers alike—plus, you can score gently used books at unbeatable prices.
Top Series That Deserve a Spot on Your Shelf
We’re diving into some of the most iconic and beloved series from ThriftBooks—covering everything from fantasy realms to historical timelines, sci-fi futures to classic mysteries.
Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
The Harry Potter series needs no introduction. Following the journey of a young wizard and his battle against dark forces, it’s a must-read that shaped a generation.
Pros
- Rich, immersive world-building
- Beloved characters and memorable story arcs
- Suitable for all ages
Cons
- Some themes get darker in later books
- Heavy hype may raise expectations
The Bottom Line
A timeless fantasy series that blends magic, friendship, and growing up in unforgettable ways.
Harry Potter Series Specs:
Books: 7
Genre: Fantasy
Age Group: Middle Grade to Adult
The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins
Dystopia meets reality TV in this gripping tale of survival, rebellion, and sacrifice in a future totalitarian world.
Pros
- Fast-paced and thrilling
- Complex, strong female protagonist
- Powerful political commentary
Cons
- Themes can be intense
- Final book pacing is divisive
The Bottom Line
A high-stakes trilogy that questions power, society, and what it means to fight back.
The Hunger Games Specs:
Books: 3 (plus a prequel)
Genre: Dystopian Fiction
Age Group: Young Adult
Divergent Series by Veronica Roth
In a world where society is divided by personality traits, one girl dares to break the mold—and the system.
Pros
- Unique faction-based world
- Action-packed with emotional depth
- Engaging love story
Cons
- Plot becomes convoluted in later books
- Polarizing ending
The Bottom Line
For fans of dystopian thrillers and brave heroines who defy conformity.
Divergent Series Specs:
Books: 4 (including a companion novella)
Genre: Sci-Fi/Dystopian
Age Group: Young Adult
Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon
Time-travel, historical war, and steamy romance—Outlander is a sweeping saga for readers who love depth and drama.
Pros
- Rich historical detail
- Emotionally driven storytelling
- Strong, mature characters
Cons
- Long, dense volumes
- Some scenes are graphic
The Bottom Line
A genre-blending epic with a passionate fan base and plenty of substance.
Outlander Series Specs:
Books: 9 (ongoing)
Genre: Historical Fiction / Romance
Age Group: Adult
Sherlock Holmes Series by Arthur Conan Doyle
Elementary, dear reader! The world’s most iconic detective stories are as sharp and enjoyable now as ever.
Pros
- Classic, clever mysteries
- Memorable duo: Holmes & Watson
- Great for short attention spans
Cons
- Old-fashioned language
- Some repetition across stories
The Bottom Line
Perfect for fans of classic literature and deductive sleuthing.
Sherlock Holmes Specs:
Books: 4 novels, 56 short stories
Genre: Mystery / Detective Fiction
Age Group: All Ages
Percy Jackson & the Olympians Series by Rick Riordan
Greek mythology gets a modern twist in this action-packed, humorous adventure following demigod Percy Jackson.
Pros
- Fun, witty writing style
- Educational mythological references
- Fast-paced and accessible
Cons
- Geared more toward younger readers
- Simpler themes for seasoned readers
The Bottom Line
An entertaining and educational series perfect for kids, teens, and nostalgic adults.
Percy Jackson Specs:
Books: 5
Genre: Fantasy / Adventure
Age Group: Middle Grade
What Readers & Experts Are Saying About These Series
From critics to fan communities, the praise for these series is practically universal. Readers love the emotional investment and expansive worlds that these sagas offer, often returning to re-read their favorites again and again.
Few experiences match the magic of discovering a new series that hooks you from book one,” says a review from The BookPage. These titles prove that binge-reading is a genre of joy all on its own.
Even publishers and literacy advocates note how vital book series are to cultivating lifelong reading habits.
Series reading encourages deeper comprehension and connection with characters, notes Scholastic’s Reading Report. It’s how readers fall in love with books—and stay in love.
Final Thoughts: Your Next Binge-Read is Just a Click Away
If you’ve been stuck in a reading slump or just need something reliable to curl up with, ThriftBooks has the perfect book series for your vibe. Whether you’re diving into Hogwarts, fighting Capitol injustice, or solving mysteries with Sherlock, your next obsession is waiting—used, affordable, and ready to ship.
And hey—if loving discounted book bundles is wrong, we don’t want to be right.
FAQs
- What’s the best book series to start with if I haven’t read in a while?
Start with something accessible like Harry Potter or Percy Jackson. They’re fast-paced and easy to get hooked on. - Can I buy full box sets on ThriftBooks?
Yes! Many series are available in bundles or sets, but availability may vary. You can also build your set one book at a time. - Are these books new or used?
ThriftBooks sells used books in varying conditions (from acceptable to like new), and some new books too. - Is ThriftBooks a reliable site for collecting series?
Absolutely—ThriftBooks is known for affordability, fast shipping, and a wide selection of titles.