I’ve never had an affinity for books growing up. Reading wasn’t considered something fun to fill my time when I was bored and if I did end up reading, it was always Junie B. Jones or some 1st grade leveled book. But, on a random October evening on 2019, I randomly got the idea to start reading, and thus my book obsession grew. Only a select few are my absolute favorites and I definitely suggest you try reading them.

Standalones

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

Set during the Greek Heroic Age, it is an adaptation of Homer’s Iliad as told from the perspective of Patroclus. The novel follows Patroclus’ relationship with Achilles, from their initial meeting to their exploits during the Trojan War, with focus on their romantic relationship.

When I first heard of the book, I knew I was going to cry. Majority of the reviews on it talked about how heartbreaking it was and how it’ll leave you feeling lost afterwards (like every book). Despite knowing the book would effect me in such a way, I still read it mainly because it was Greek Mythology and a standalone that I could get through “easily”. It’s a beautifully written book that goes into amazing detail on the characters, settings, and fed more into my imagination on what the Greek Heroic Age was like through fiction. I adore this book and look forwards to reading other pieces written by the author. I read this book earlier this school year and definitely suggest checking it out if you’re into Greek Mythology.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Set in Jazz Age New York, the novel tells the tragic story of Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire, and his pursuit of Daisy Buchanan, a wealthy young woman whom he loved in his youth.

Before reading the novel, I was aware that it was a renown classic and later learned that I would be assigned to read it in English 10. And though being assigned to read a book somehow makes it seem less fun, I surprisingly enjoyed the novel. The decade it was set in, the characters and their personality traits and all of the action left me speechless. To put in simple words, if you’re a fan of the Old Money aesthetic, read this book now!!! This book is one of my favorite pieces of literature assigned by the school and it hold a special place in my heart. I read this around Spring of 10th grade and definitely suggest you read it!!

Series

Legend Triology by Marie Lu

Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

I adore this book with all of my heart. When I first fully got into reading, I had a dystopian/sci-fi phase and I do not regret it at all knowing I read this book during it. This was a series I read during the peak of Covid and I still somehow remember the moment clear as Day (pun intended). But seriously, the writing style, the drama, the characters are all so breathtaking!! Words can’t begin to describe the beauty of this series, and the world building is immaculate! I also adore the author and the effort she puts into her books. Her writing is really underrated and deserves way more hype. It’s quite obvious at this point that you should read it if you like dystopian and science fiction.

Shatter Me Series by Tahereh Mafi

A teenage girl who has never been able to experience human touch. Labelled a freak, she finds herself locked up in an asylum where she is left in complete isolation until The Reestablishment decide that they want to use her as a weapon.

Similar to Legend, I adore this series and feel that the books are super underrated, though it is gaining the attention it deserves through BookTok. This is the longest book series that I’ve read, with it containing around 10 to 11 books, 2 of which are novellas. I read this book during quarantine and it really helped cure any boredom I had. The authors writing style, characters, and action scenes inputted make this book a masterpiece. I also suggest checking out her other series because her writing is beautiful. Overall, the books are so so good and I totally suggest you check them out if you like drama and romance.

The Thousandth Floor Series by Katherine McGee

A hundred years in the future, New York is a city of innovation and dreams. Everyone there wants something…and everyone has something to lose. Manhattan in 2118, the book centers around the lives of five teenagers, all of which have something to hide, living in skyscraper a thousand floors high.

If I had to describe this book in three words to a complete stranger I’d say “Furturistic Gossip Girl”. And although I’ve only read the first book of the series this February, I still suggest you check out the books. The way the author incoorporates the different point of views of FIVE characters living throughout the skyscapers and their connections to one another is outstanding. I love books that allow their readers to see into the minds of different characters, and this book truely outdid it.  The drama, lies, betryals and plot twists left me at the edge of my seat thoughout every chapter, and the world building is amazing! Check out the series if youre a fan of Gossip Girl or like teenage drama.

Shadow and Bone Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo

Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.]

I read this book series in January after getting out of a huge book slump, and hearing that season 2 of the show was coming out I figured I’d catch up. This series is definitely my favorite overall. Leigh Bardugo is such a talented and amazing author with her books containing so much diversity and real-world aspects having that the country of Ravka was inspired by 19th century Russia. The characters are so loveable and I quickly got attached, and the amount of details put into the books storyline and map is oustanding. The action, bantering between characters, and the multiple point of views the series offers is the number one reason why I suggest you read it.

Six of Crows Duology by Leigh Bardugo

Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can’t pull it off alone. . . . (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23437156-six-of-crows)

In addition to Shadow and Bone., Six of Crows takes place within the same universe or grishaverse. The duology follows a crew of thieves (the Crows) and is set in the city of Ketterdam, which was inspired by the Dutch Republic. I love how Leigh Bardugo uses the eras of different countries to inpire the Grishaverse. I read the series earlier this month before the release of season 2, and its another one of my favorites. The characters, multiple point of views and action are the mian reason why I could not stop reading. Overall, Leigh Bardugo’s writing is perfect and the Grishaverse is one of my favority in-book universes that I feel that you should read if you enjoy action and drama.