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Must read books if you love fiction - 5/5 star book recommendations
27
items I’m an avid reader and I have so many favorites! I’ve read thousands of books throughout the years. You’ll find recommendations for fantasy, general fiction, mystery, suspense, historical fiction… pretty much every category of fiction you can imagine...
Sections
5
Historical Fiction
General Fiction
Fantasy
Suspense/Mystery
Mythology
Historical Fiction
According to AI, historical fiction blends fictional characters and plotlines with a specific, recognizable historical setting
Brilliant story that takes place over decades. The characters are deeply moving and you’ll learn a lot from this historical fiction! The first of a trilogy, which has expanded with a prequel and a new release after the end of the trilogy. So five boo...
The Pillars of the Earth (Kingsbridge Series #1) by Ken Follett, Paperback
The second in the Kingsbridge trilogy. Follett digs into the lives of the decedents from Pillars of the Earth.
World Without End (Kingsbridge Series #2) by Ken Follett, Paperback
The final in the original Kingsbridge trilogy! Now following the lives of the descendants of the characters from “World Without End”. Follett has since added a new book, but this was the original end!
A Column of Fire (Kingsbridge Series #3)|Paperback
This book came out after I read the Kingsbridge Trilogy. I was a little apprehensive because I love the trilogy so much, but this prequel did not disappoint at all! It takes place some 100-200 years before “Pillars of the Earth” and is packed full of...
The Evening and the Morning (Kingsbridge Series Prequel)|Paperback
General Fiction
Anything that isn’t a particular genre of fiction
This book gets a lot of hype and it’s totally justified! I flew through this and will read it again. It’s one of those books that I didn’t want to end.
The Wedding People: A Novel: Espach, Alison
In my opinion, this is the best Emily Henry book so far. I love the setting and it makes me want to visit the Great Lakes! A truly delicious love story (and a steamy scene or two - so be warned!)
Beach Read: Henry, Emily - Books
I’ve been a Sophie Kinsella fan for 20 plus years now. This is one of my favorites by her. Delightful shenanigans and complicated familial relationships - this book is heartwarming, fun, and deeper than you think
The Party Crasher: A Novel|Paperback
This is another of my top Kinsella picks. This book is different from her others in that it brings in an element of fantasy to the story. I loved these characters!
Twenties Girl: A Novel|Paperback
This was a very fun book and I learned about a whole US subculture that I never knew about. I love the relationships between the characters and the flashes to the past.
Last Summer at the Golden Hotel
Fantasy
I love to escape to fantasy worlds, from fantasy set in the real world to entirely imagined worlds
With a setting reminiscent of Scotland where elemental spirits interfere in the lives of mortals, the first book of this duology is a must read.
A River Enchanted: A Novel (Elements of Cadence)
“Inkheart” is the first in the ink world trilogy. I read these books as a teenager and loved them. Then I read them again with my 14 year old son and loved them again. So creative
Inkheart: Funke, Cornelia
Number 2 in the ink world trilogy. My least favorite of the three, but still a favorite and must read if you enjoy the first book
Inkspell (Inkheart Trilogy, Book 2) Funke
The final in the ink world trilogy. It was so fun reliving this story again as an adult and seeing my teenager’s perspective on it!
Inkdeath (Inkheart Trilogy): Funke, Cornelia
I am a HUGE Lord of the Rings fan! I first read this book when I was 14 and it’s been a favorite ever since!
The Fellowship Of The Ring: First Part of Lord
Part two and arguably my favorite of the trilogy. Everything happens over just a span of days!
The Two Towers (The Lord of the Rings, Part 2)
The grand finale - don’t forget the appendices at the end for a deep dive into Middle Earth!
The Return of the King (Lord of the Rings 3)
I don’t know if the main genre here would be fantasy or historical fiction, but this is both! This was one of my favorite reads of 2024. A deep look into the Spanish inquisition and what it was like to not be catholic in that era as well as have magi...
The Familiar: A Novel - Bardugo, Leigh: Books
I devoured this book! Well written characters and a colorful reimagining of a fairy tale. Can’t wait to read the second one!
Little Thieves (Little Thieves, 1)
One of my all time favorite books. This is a masterpiece! Live through the centuries with Addie and witness her journey living with her deal with Death.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue|Paperback
Suspense/Mystery
These are more serious mysteries and thrillers. I’ll have another section for cozy mysteries
The twists in this book blew me away! I read several from this author after finding this one, but none of them were as spectacular as this one!
Wrong Place Wrong Time: A Novel - Books
Whew this book was one of those that I didn’t want to end! I LOVED the grandma! Lots of twists and a truly unique story
Listen for the Lie
No author makes you question everyone you know like Freida McFadden and this book is no exception! If you think you’ve had a monster roommate, she’ll make you think again
The Tenant: McFadden, Freida - Books
This was my first ever McFadden book, and probably her best. This story follows a young woman whose life has been less than idea and she gets a great job as a maid for a very wealthy family, but the wife is absolutely awful to her. I actually hated h...
The Housemaid
Mythology
I have been a wee bit obsessed with mythology, especially Greek and Roman, for the better part of my life. I go through phases where I’ll only read mythology based stories. So it felt like mythology needed its own section, because I don’t quite view ...
A deep dive into the heartbreaking myth of Ariadne and her role in defeating the Minotaur, then her life after. Beautifully written and the most in depth telling I’ve ever heard.
Ariadne: A Novel|Paperback
The witch who stole Loki’s heart and brought three strange children into the world of Norse mythology
The Witch's Heart|Paperback
Madeline Miller is a master of her craft. All mythology lovers are familiar with the story of Achilles and the Trojan War, but Miller really brings the story to life and gives depth to the characters like never before. You will read this book more th...
The Song of Achilles: Retelling of Trojan War
I read Circe before Song of Achilles. As soon as I finished Circe, I was desperate for more of Miller’s writing and dove right into Achilles. Greek myths have notoriously unhappy endings. Don’t read these if you want a happy go lucky story. But do re...
Circe