World Literature

1. The Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind
“It’s an action-packed, 11-book saga with amazing character development, an epic romance, and every kind of magical creature you can think of!”
Suggested by Sarah G., via Facebook

2. Percy Jackson & the Olympians by Rick Riordan
“They are some of the most exciting adventure books I’ve ever read. They speak to my inner 12-year-old self.”
Suggested by Matt M., via Facebook

3. The Unwind Dystology by Neal Shusterman
“The series provides a unique framing for contemporary issues like abortion and organ donation.”
Suggested by xxx

4. Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz
“It was pretty much James Bond for kids. I might be one of the few American kids who has read the whole series.”
Suggested by Sasha V., via Facebook

5. Books of Bayern series by Shannon Hale
“I definitely recommend these books to everyone, they are as timeless as Harry Potter. The books are similar to fairy tales, but don’t worry — it’s not another retelling of Cinderella.”
Suggested by Hannah G., via Facebook

Wizards First Rule by Terry Goodkind

Tor Fantasy

Unwind by Neal Shusterman

Simon & Schuster

The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale

Bloomsbury Press

6. All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness
“Witches and vampires may make you roll your eyes, but it’s a damn good bit of fiction. The author is a history professor first and foremost, so the period bits are especially good.”
Suggested by Apollina V., via Facebook

7. The Noughts and Crosses series of Malorie Blackman
“I like that she flipped historical events on their heads and invented a society where black people are the elite oppressors, and white people the oppressed minority.”

8. Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne
“They’re relatively unknown, but the series is a fantastic mix of action, sentiment, and hilarity. It’s a more fun version of Neil Gaiman’s American Gods.”
Suggested by Dustin C., via Facebook

9. The Protector of the Small quartet by Tamora Pierce
“Like her other works The Immortals and The Song of the Lioness the main character is a heroine that is trying to push past social norms of the society.”
Suggested by Karen P., via Facebook

10. The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini
“These were the first books I read that were longer than 1, 000 pages each. I already loved reading, but those taught me that reading 700 pages in one sitting wasn’t impossible.”

11. The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander
“Once beloved, now mostly forgotten, but these belong with Narnia and The Hobbit as essential children’s fantasy. They are also a great intro to Welsh mythology.”
Suggested by Jennifer J., via Facebook

Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman

Random House

Protector of the Small: Squire by Tamora Pierce

The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander

12. The Chicken Soup for the Soul series
“Don’t laugh at me. This series is among my favorites, because each story carries a special sort of weight. This series has always been a great companion to me.”

13. Seven Realms Cycle by Cinda Williams Chima
“It’s an amazing high-fantasy book series with twists and turns. You will be begging for more by the end. She just announced a new spin-off series too.”
Suggested by Kirby W., via Facebook

14. The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan