With the pandemic stranding many of us at home, we’ve started looking for ways to occupy our time. As a student, my schedule hasn’t changed much other than the shift to online classes. If I did have the time, however, I would read a long-running series—or more, now that the shelter-in-place order has been extended.
These series, especially the ongoing ones, feel difficult to tackle because I have so many books to read to catch up on them. Now that we’re limited to home entertainment, this is the perfect time to start a long-running series. Following include 10 long-running science fiction / fantasy series to start this spring.
10 Long-Running SF/F Series to Start This Spring
The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher
Harry Dresden, professional wizard, investigates paranormal cases at reasonable rates. Seems pretty straightforward, until you meet some of his clients.
Why I want to read it: I love books that blend fantasy and crime. Plus, Dresden has a snarky voice. While it looks like Dresden will get involved in some pretty big cases, this book implicitly explores the everyday implications of magic. Not everyone gets their career started by saving the world. Some magical beings solve petty crimes and try not to go broke.
The Expanse by James S.A. Corey
Humanity has colonized the solar system—Mars, the Moon, the Asteroid Belt, and beyond. The discovery of alien life shifts the balance of powers. In the midst of political tensions, a small crew finds itself playing a crucial role in humanity’s hope for the future.
Why I want to read it: I’m a fan of the Amazon show. It’s beautifully written and translates well to television. My brother has read book one: he says that, while the show follows the major storylines, small changes differentiate it from the books. The show makes revisions for drama’s sake; the books focus more on the mysteries and suspense.
Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson
Vast legions of gods, mages, humans, dragons and all manner of creatures play out the fate of the Malazan Empire.
Additional series set in the same world: The Tales of Bauchelain and Korbal Broach, The Kharkanas Trilogy, and Witness Trilogy by Steven Erikson. Novels of the Malazan Empire and Path to Ascendancy series by Ian Cameron Esslemont, co-creator of the world.
Why I want to read it: Epic in scope, this series features a large cast of characters spanning thousands of years and multiple continents. All-powerful beings clash with each other; the world suffers tragedies and devastation; men rise and fall.
Realm of the Elderlings by Robin Hobb
FitzChivalry Farseer, among other protagonists, must rise to protect his land and loved ones as world-shaking developments threaten all he knows.
Why I want to read it: Robin Hobb demonstrate a profound understanding of what motivates people to do the things they do and how others will react. So far, I’ve read the first three series set within this world, and I binge read each one. As soon as I finish this series, I have plans to reread it.
The Saxon Stories by Bernard Cornwell
The Saxon Stories chronicles the epic making of England as King Alfred, then his son and grandson, defeat the Danish Vikings who have occupied three of the four English kingdoms.
Why I want to read it: I’m a fan of the Netflix series. It features complex, compelling characters, including strong heroines who find ways to influence a male-dominated world. While Uhtred, the protagonist, is a fiction character, the overarching plot follows historical events.
The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson
In a world that has been abandoned by its age-old protectors, four individuals hold the key to change the world. One may redeem it; another will destroy it.
Why I recommend it: Prepare for large-scale tragedy and devastation, but also hope in unexpected places. As I’ve come to expect from Sanderson, The Stormlight Archive features complex characters, extensive world building, and a cinematic magic system. As an added bonus, this series features Easter Egg appearances by characters from other works set in the Cosmere Universe.
The Sword of Truth by Terry Goodkind
As ancient debts come due, shattering his world and beliefs, Richard Cypher must pick up the sword and, along with his allies, challenge those who hold dominion—or become their next victim.
Why I want to read it: In searching for some older epic fantasy series, I came across The Sword of Truth series. So far, I’ve read book one (Wizard’s First Rule). While it wrapped up the initial conflict, it explores enough of the world to show the scope for future world building, and the revelation at the end has me curious about Richard Cypher’s future.
Tortall series by Tamora Pierce
In a time when girls are forbidden to be warriors, Alanna of Trebond disguises herself as a boy and begins her training as a page—with the goal of becoming the first female knight in centuries.
Why I recommend it: Tamora Pierce’s Tortall books feature strong heroines from different walks of life. While you can read the various series independent of each other, they connect to build a larger picture of the world.
The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan
Following an attack, five villagers flee their home only to get drawn into a fight with an ancient evil.
Why I want to read it: I read and loved book one. As added motivation, Amazon is making a T.V. show. With production postponed due to the pandemic, now is a great time to get caught up on the series.
The Witcher by Andrzej Sapkowski
As a witcher, Geralt of Rivia’s sole purpose is to destroy the monsters that plague the world. But not everything monstrous-looking is evil and not everything fair is good… and in every fairy tale there is a grain of truth.
Why I want to read it: I want to read The Witcher series because of the Netflix show. While season one introduces the main characters’ back stories, it weaves back and forth in time, and I felt like I didn’t really got to know the characters, especially Geralt. I hear that the books reveal more of his thoughts.
Let’s Chat
📚 Have you read, or plan to read, any of these series?
📚 What are some of your favorite long-running series?
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction says
You know I love Robin Hobb!! And I’m really excited about the Wheel of Time series that’s coming on Amazon!
Crystal (Kester) says
Robin Hobb is a fantastic writer! And yes, it’ll great to see the world of Wheel of Time come to life!
Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight says
I REALLY want to start The Expanse too! I have the first book, I just don’t have the TIME, it seems. I mean, it took me ages to get to S4 of the show and I LOVE the show! Hopefully we can both get to it soon!
Crystal (Kester) says
I can relate to feeling like I don’t have time to read a book! I keep adding books to my TBR list faster than I can read them.
Sammie @ The Writerly Way says
Oooh, yes, this post is wonderful! So many good fantasy series. *drools* Now I just need more time in my day, please. Several of these are on my list, and you’ve just reminded me that I really need to get to them, sooner rather than later! I want to read The Witcher series … and I should probably watch the Witcher series, too, while I’m at it. xD I definitely need to read Brandon Sanderson’s series … but I need to read Mistborn first. If I don’t read that this year, my husband will likely divorce me haha. Jim Butcher seems like a good one, too! I actually picked up the first book in his series the other day and I read the first chapter and really liked his voice, so I think I’ll probably at least start his series this summer. :3 Brilliant list!
Crystal (Kester) says
Yes to more time in the day! I don’t know how long it’ll take me to read all of these awesome-looking series! The Witcher show is pretty good. Season 1 feels more like a prologue to season 2, but I’d recommend it to fantasy lovers. Mistborn is a great way to jump into Sanderson’s works. It’s pretty thought provoking. I was fortunate to read it around the same time as a friend, and we had some good discussions about the books. So it’s great your husband loves the books! I read the first chapter of Storm Front a while back; I agree that the voice is fantastic. I hope to get to it soon too!
Lydia says
I hope you enjoy all of these series!
My TTT .
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks 🙂
ShootingStarsMag says
Thanks for sharing. I’m most interested in The Dresden Files. I feel like that would be a series I’d really enjoy.
-Lauren
Crystal (Kester) says
It looks like a great read! I look forward to starting it!
Lydia says
I read the first Dresden Files book and liked it. Enjoy!
Crystal (Kester) says
That’s great to hear, Lydia!
Angela (Angel's Guilty Pleasures) says
Nice recommendations. I started Butcher – Dresden Files back in 2018 and still not caught up, but it’s one I highly recommend reading or listening too. The others I’ve not tried, but I’m always on the look out for something new.
Crystal (Kester) says
It’s great to hear that you’ve enjoyed the Dresden Files! I started listening to the audiobook a while back; it translates great to audio.
Natalie Aguirre says
I’m taking advantage of this time to read more and try to read a few series from start to end, so thanks for the list. I’ve been wanting to read something by Jim Butcher and Brian Sanderson, two authors I’ve never read.
Crystal (Kester) says
It’s wonderful that you’re taking this time to read a few series from start to end. I hope you find some new books to love off this list!