Imagine curling up in your favorite spot, opening a book, and instantly escaping into another world. The beauty of a book series is its power to weave a story so gripping that you voluntarily surrender hours of your day to “just one more chapter.” Whether you’re craving magic and romance, suspenseful twists, or heartfelt adventures, the right series can hook you and keep you coming back for more.
Here’s a curated list of addictive book series across genres that will make reading an irresistible daily habit. Prepare your imagination for a wild ride!
Fantasy Romance That Casts a Spell
1. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Think lush fantasy worlds, simmering romance, and high-stakes drama. A Court of Thorns and Roses (often dubbed ACOTAR by its legion of fans) is a gateway drug for fantasy romance. The series follows Feyre, a mortal who’s swept into the faerie lands after killing a wolf that happens to be more than it seems.
Why It’s Habit-Forming
Sarah J. Maas masterfully combines court intrigue, steamy romance, and epic battles. The characters feel achingly real, and you’ll find yourself desperately rooting for them (or swearing at them). With its compelling plot and swoon-worthy twists, this series will have you reaching for the next book as soon as you finish the last page.
Perfect For: Fans of sweeping romance with a side of fantastical danger.
2. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Dive into a gritty, enthralling faerie world in The Cruel Prince. Jude Duarte, a mortal girl, navigates the treacherous waters of Elfhame, where scheming nobles and dark magic reign supreme. The twisty power dynamics and sharp dialogue will keep you guessing.
Why It’s Habit-Forming
The morally gray characters and cutthroat world-building are pure binge material. Every chapter is loaded with tension, whether it’s from dangerous alliances, forbidden love, or secret betrayals.
Perfect For: Readers seeking dark fantasies with edge and a dash of romance.
Mysteries That Keep You Turning Pages
3. The Cormoran Strike Series by Robert Galbraith
If you want a modern detective series that’s smart, thrilling, and features some seriously compelling leads, look no further than The Cormoran Strike series. Following private investigator Cormoran Strike and his assistant Robin Ellacott, each book takes you through a complex and satisfying mystery.
Why It’s Habit-Forming
The interplay between Cormoran and Robin makes you almost as invested in their personal journeys as the cases themselves. Add clever twists and a knack for peeling back the layers of human motivations, and you’ve got a series you’ll devour.
Perfect For: Fans of British mysteries with rich detail and gritty realism.
4. Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
For something quirkier, try the Truly Devious trilogy. This YA mystery series centers on Stevie Bell, a true crime-obsessed teen investigating a decades-old cold case at her elite boarding school.
Why It’s Habit-Forming
Johnson sprinkles humor, heart, and a dash of darkness into this whodunit tale. The dual timelines keep the suspense alive, while Stevie’s determination and wit make her an unforgettable protagonist.
Perfect For: Fans of clever mysteries and boarding school drama.
Heartfelt Chronicles You Can’t Put Down
5. The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley
This sweeping historical fiction series follows seven adopted sisters as they unravel the mysteries of their origins. Each book focuses on a different sister, blending their personal stories with rich details about far-flung locations and unique historical periods.
Why It’s Habit-Forming
Lucinda Riley somehow weaves deeply personal journeys with sprawling, history-rich backdrops. The emotional depth and mysterious overarching plot will have you racing from book to book.
Perfect For: Readers who love heartwarming sagas with a touch of history and mystery.
6. The Brown Sisters Series by Talia Hibbert
Meet The Brown Sisters, the relatable stars of Talia Hibbert’s romantic comedy series. Each book features one of the sisters navigating their quirks and passions while finding love in the most charming, laugh-out-loud, and heartwarming ways.
Why It’s Habit-Forming
The humor in these books is on point, the romance sizzles, and the characters? Adorable. Hibbert writes messy, lovable humans who resonate deeply, making this the literary equivalent of your favorite cozy romcom.
Perfect For: Fans of romances that feel like a warm, hilarious hug.
Fantasy Stories Full of Wonder
7. The Grisha Trilogy + Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Dive into Bardugo’s Grishaverse, where a world of elemental magic collides with high-stakes adventure. Start with Shadow and Bone for an epic fantasy story of light versus darkness, then graduate to Six of Crows, a heist duology with unforgettable antiheroes.
Why It’s Habit-Forming
Bardugo masterfully crafts complex characters and vividly immersive settings. Once you’ve been drawn into Ravka and Ketterdam, you won’t want to leave. Plus, the thrill of unraveling each heist in Six of Crows is truly addictive.
Perfect For: Fantasy readers who love a touch of danger, heart-pounding twists, and morally flexible characters.
8. The Nevernight Chronicle by Jay Kristoff
Step into a vividly brutal world where vengeance drives destiny. Mia Corvere isn’t your typical fantasy protagonist. This deadly young woman is training at a school for assassins to handle her business, which happens to be taking down a corrupt government.
Why It’s Habit-Forming
Kristoff’s razor-sharp wit and poetic prose make this series wildly entertaining. Gruesome, gripping, and peppered with surprises, it’s like a Tarantino script came to life in a gothic fantasy world.
Perfect For: Readers looking for dark, electrifying fantasy with a side of snark.
Lighthearted Series to Brighten Your Day
9. The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
A retirement village isn’t where you’d expect a murder-solving squad, but Osman’s endearing characters will charm you as they tackle crime over cups of tea (and the occasional sneaky glass of wine).
Why It’s Habit-Forming
With humor, warmth, and clever plots, this series feels like visiting dear old friends. Each mystery brims with lighthearted twists that’ll keep you smiling (and guessing).
Perfect For: Fans of cozy mysteries with sharp humor and lovable characters.
10. Discworld by Terry Pratchett
Imagine a flat world perched on the back of four elephants, balancing on a giant turtle. Welcome to Discworld, a satirical, magical, hilariously bizarre series featuring misfit witches, inept wizards, and Death (who’s actually pretty chill).
Why It’s Habit-Forming
Pratchett’s humor and profound commentary on human nature make the series equal parts laugh-out-loud funny and surprisingly moving. With over 40 books, you’ll never run out of tales from this quirky universe.
Perfect For: Anyone in need of clever satire and good laughs.