Top 5 Book Series

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I’m willing to give a lot of different books a try but I’ll only stick around for more if the writing is good and the characters are interesting. I’m not the fastest reader by a long shot so I’m woefully behind and there are many books that I would love to read but I hope to get caught up one day.

Here are my Top 5 Book Series that you really need to read. They have all affected me or stuck with me over the years for some reason.

Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice. Book 1 of The Vampire Chronicles.

The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice. This is without a doubt my favourite series of all time. There’s just something very comfortable and familiar about Rice’s writing style. She has a great ability to build the scene, it’s as if she’s splashing paint on a canvas. The allure of the Vampire and the blending of characters from different times and mindsets is compelling. Rice finally returned to the series this past year and it was great to go back for another visit.


A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin. Book 1 of A song of Ice and Fire Series.

A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin. I’m a huge fan boy of this series. There, I admit it. The sheer size and scope of this story is staggering, it’s more a story of the realm than a story of any particular character. The story is told from the first person perspective of many different characters which means you have to keep in mind who is talking when something is presented as good or bad. I also like that Martin assumes a level of intelligence and doesn’t just spell everything out in simple terms.


The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. Book 1 of the Hitchhiker Series.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. This is a strange and sometimes wacky look at the tribulations of Arthur Dent after his home is destroyed. Hiding behind the weirdness are many insights into human nature and how we fit into the universe. There are plenty of memorable moments such as making tea, eating junk food and 42. Don’t forget to take your towel.


The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum. Book 1 of The Bourne Series.

Jason Bourne by Robert Ludlum. These are great action, adventure, spy thriller type novels with a fast pace and lots of excitement. The first book was intrigueing as Bourne struggled with his memory loss and all his problems as bits and pieces came back to him. Eventually the trilogy was continued by another author but they were never quite the same.


Virtual Light by William Gibson. Book 1 of The Bridge Trilogy.

The Bridge Trilogy by William Gibson. It’s a kind of technological and bleak future where the San Francisco Bridge was taken out of use after an earthquake and wound up becoming a shanty town. Gibsons writing is always good, if not a bit of a chore sometimes, and this one really got me thinking of different futures that might unfold someday.


Do yourself a favour and pick up a book by any of these authors. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. If you have read any of these then drop me a line and let me know what you thought. Good, bad or otherwise.

What is your favourite series? What is your favourite author? Leave a comment below.


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