Few things bring the level of comfort as a good book. Especially one that makes time pass like nothing – the sort where you flip the page and suddenly it’s dark out. And given that recently most of us have more time then we know what to do with, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best book series to make time flutter by and to unwind after a long day of studying.
1. ‘The Grishaverse’ by Leigh Bardugo.
Consisting of seven – soon to be eight books, and a Netflix adaptation releasing April 23rd this year, the Grishaverse books are widely beloved by many and have amassed the title of #1 NYT bestseller along with various other international accolades. The original trilogy ‘Shadow and Bone’ follows Alina Starkov is a land highly inspired by Russian folklore and occupied by magic individuals known as ‘Grisha’ who, following the release of a dormant power, Alina finds herself a part of.
The spin-off duology ‘Six of Crows’ is set a year after the original trilogy, and is a must-read for any fans of heists and anti-hero protagonists. ‘Six of Crows’ follows Kaz Brekker and his band of thieves known as ‘The Crows’ stealing from the lucrative Ice Court. It’s set in a much darker and dirty setting than that of the palaces of ‘Shadow and Bone’ making it perfect for anyone wishing to depart from wishful magic fantasy and delve into a story of murder, thievery and gambling halls.
‘King of Scars’ is the latest instalment of the Grishaverse novels, and follows a group of familiar faces (without getting into spoilers) closing the doors left open by the end of the original trilogy. The finale to the ‘King of Scars’ duology – ‘Rule of Wolves’ is set to release at the end of the month, and author Leigh Barudgo described it as a finale to the Grishaverse books…tissues at the ready.
2. ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ by Walter Tevis.
Many of you may recognise this title from the smash-hit Netflix adaptation of the same name starring Anya Taylor-Joy. The book follows the same plot of flawed chess prodigy Beth Harmen battling her problems of addiction amidst the male-dominated and brutally competitive world of chess tournaments. It’s a different way to consume the story than sitting in front of the screen but we get a more intimate delve into Beth Harmen’s psyche and the cracks and shadows that lie deep within it.
It’s a short read at only 243 pages making it perfect for anyone looking for a quick one-off to fill the time. In addition to The ‘Queen’s Gambit’, fans may also like ‘The Hustler’ and it’s sequel ‘The Colour of Money’, set in the similarly competitive world of Pool legends.
3. The Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss.
Perfect for anyone looking for the second coming of J.R.R. Tolkein, Rothfuss creates a similarly rich fantasy world. The book follows travelling musician Kvothe as he learns about the mysterious creatures who killed his family – the Chandrian. His travels take him to a magic school – nothing like Hogwarts might I add – where he studies the various magic arts – to which he excels. (Okay, maybe a tad like Hogwarts).
There he meets various companions to help him on his way along with a very Draco Malfoy-esque character who does everything in his power to terrorize him. Though the scope of the novel (without delving into spoiler territory) isn’t limited to just this magic school. Kvothe delves from one end of the world to the other, from one realm to the next in his search for the lucrative Chandrian and his mysterious love interest Denna.
I hope one of these series has piqued your interest for any book worms looking for your next series to binge. The end of lockdown is in sight, and we have nothing else to do but wait. So in the meantime spend it doing something you enjoy, even if it doesn’t involve curling up with a good book!
