Young Adult Series to Read
#1: The Inheritance Cycle
Eragon is a poor farmer living with his uncle and cousin. While out hunting, he finds a strange, blue gemstone. After failing to sell it, he keeps it in his room as a strange trinket... only to be woken up by a baby dragon! Eragon's a dragon rider, the last of his kind. He must go on an epic quest with his dragon Saphira to kill the tyrant king Galbatorix, making and losing friends along the way.
The Inheritance Cycle has four books, ranging from 500 to 800 pages each. While the books follow the standard 'hero's journey' plot, they are well-written, with lots of supporting characters who get their own, smaller story.
#2: His Dark Materials
Lyra Belacqua is a girl, living in a parallel universe. In it, people's souls, called Daemons, take the forms of animals and accompany their humans. When her best friend is kidnapped by the mysterious Gobblers, Lyra goes to rescue him and uncovers a huge conspiracy that could shake the authoritarian Churche's foundations.
At the end of the first book, Lyra is sent through a portal to another Universe where she meets Will, a boy from our Earth, who is also trapped there. Together, they try to find a way to their respective homes.
Three books, 500 pages each. What makes His Dark Materials stand out from other series isn't its length; its the plot. Three stories intertwine, linking entire worlds together in one giant plot to conquer the Multiverse. Any fantasy lover needs to read this.
#3: Henderson's Boys
It's 1940. Germany is invading France. Paul and Rosie Clark are being chased by Nazi operatives. British spy Charles Henderson is sent to help them escape. To do so, he acquires the help of orphan Mark Kilgour. When they make it back to friendly soil, Charles, impressed with Mark's work, starts up Henderson's Boys; a military unit comprised of children. They go on several missions and attack crucial points and people throughout the war.
With seven decently sized books, Henderson's Boys is on par with series like Harry Potter in terms of word count. Unlike Harry Potter, it contains vulgar language, graphic violence and sexual themes. If this doesn't bother you, and you like historical fiction, I strongly recommend this. There's also a chronological sequel that takes place during modern times called Cherub.
#4: The Heir Chronicles
Jack Swift is an ordinary guy, living in a small, ordinary town. Then he finds out he's a magical warrior, and that wizards want him to fight in a death tournament to settle their scores. Fun.
Five long books, each with a different main character, although they all have something to do with Jack. It's a simple series with not much depth, but it's a fun read.
#5: The Old Kingdom
In an alternate world where the dead rise and magic exists, Sabriel's father is the Abhorsen; someone who goes into the nine layers of death to destroy powerful monsters. When a spirit summoned by her father says he's trapped, she goes on a journey to rescue him and save the world.
The original trilogy, two extra novels and four novellas make a formidable stack of books. What makes the Old Kingdom really stand out, however, is the world-building. Exact descriptions of the Abhorsen's power (seven magic bells with different abilities), and stories placed years apart create a realistic portrait of a world. It's easy to get sucked into the books, and so I strongly recommend reading them.
Which series do you want to read the most?
Children's Series to Read p1
- Children's Series to Read
Do your kids ever get sucked into a book, read it and then realize there's no sequel? Show them this article. Five lengthy book series to keep them occupied.
