I’m looking for suggestions of fiction novels, series, or writers to expand on my tastes and find areas and genres that would be a good match for me. I’m not sure what genre I’m looking for but thinking elements of fantasy and adventure would be a good place to start.
I’ve enjoyed books such as Harry Potter, Ready Player One, Ender’s Game, and The Hunger Games (particularly the first book). I enjoy the sense of adventure, the mystery and clue finding, and the lessons in matters of personal growth and relationships. I like that they were page turners that kept me wanting to know what happens next.
Some YA books I loved when I was younger were City of Ember, The Chronicles of Narnia series, The 21 Balloons, A Series of Unfortunate Events, The Airborn series by Kenneth Oppel and the Circle series by Ted Dekker. I’m no longer interested in Christian/religious authors but loved the stories. I need more substance than some YA books have but love the feeling they give. I like fantasy elements but not necessarily full fantasy genres. Maybe I need Fantasy Lite? Is that a thing? I’ve considered starting a Sarah J. Maas series but not sure yet if I’d like it.
In the past I’ve enjoyed romance and crime fiction, but I’ve been stepping away from that recently. They all start to feel the same. But I do like the mystery and suspense of crime fiction.
I’m not into historical fiction, things with lots of fighting, general warfare or political struggle. If there’s a big dramatic scene at the end like in the Hunger Games, Harry Potter, or Ender’s Game that’s fine because it’s not the whole book. I like those books more for the concepts and the mental struggles the characters go through. I love an unexpected twist or jaw dropping moment. Good drama always keeps me engaged. I also like things that are more fun and light, not everything has to be serious. If it’s too “the fate of the world rests in my hands” I’m kinda over it.
Let me know if this makes sense and if you need me to expand on what I like/don’t like about certain things. I know I’m ruling out a lot of stuff. Feel free to suggest popular books that you think everyone has read already, I know there are a ton of popular books I still haven’t read. Thanks!
by allisonowell