This post was originally published in March 2021. It has been updated to share the trilogies that I recommend the most!
Trilogies are a great way to enjoy a series without as much commitment.
Something I’ve noticed over the years is that when it comes to the many genres out there, trilogies are far more prominent in fantasy/sci-fi than they seem to be anywhere else. Since fantasy is my favorite genre, I have read a lot of trilogies. I also totally love trilogies because they don’t take nearly as long as a typical series – which may consist of anywhere between five and twenty (or more) books. I have a hard time making a commitment to read a series for that long, especially because some of the installments are very lengthy!
Most of the trilogies I’ve suggested are fantasy/sci-fi, but I also threw a couple of my favorite romances in there as well. I’d love to see other genres take on trilogies more often because I think they’re so much fun – and it gives us a chance to see more of our favorite characters! Keep reading to find out if any of your favorite trilogies are on my list.
related posts
15 Duologies That Will Totally Hook You // The Best Fantasy Books of All Time // How to Plan a Monthly Reading List
15 Trilogies You Won’t Be Able to Put Down
You can find a synopsis of each trilogy below, along with links to buy them! Make sure to follow me on The StoryGraph to read my reviews and bookstagram to see my aesthetic photos of these titles and more.
All Souls
by Deborah Harkness
You may have heard people call this “Twilight for adults,” but it’s so much more than that. It takes paranormal romance and makes it feel like it could actually be possible. It’s a very dense, academic world with a slower – almost calming – pace. I personally find it to be the perfect October read. I really enjoy the adaptation as well, since they did a great job following the books!
Buy the books: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble
Arc of a Scythe
by Neal Shusterman
When I first joined the bookstagram community, this series was pretty widely revered. I decided to give it a try and I’m so glad I did. It’s a very unique take on dystopian fiction. To this day, I’ve never read anything like it. It’s wonderful in both print and audiobook formats.
Buy the books: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble
Caraval
by Stephanie Garber
Truly, I was lucky to read this trilogy as each book was released – allowing me to be a little ahead of the hype train. It’s a wonderfully magical trilogy that truly provides the best escape. The spin-off series, Once Upon a Broken Heart, is also really intriguing!
Buy the books: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble
Crazy Rich Asians
by Kevin Kwan
Would you believe me if I told you this series was my introduction to audiobooks? Years ago, when I was finding my way back into the wonderful world of reading, I did an Audible trial and flew through this trilogy. It’s so entertaining, dramatic, and fun. The adaptation is also so beautiful!
Buy the books: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble
Renegades
by Marissa Meyer
I don’t see enough people talking about this trilogy, but truthfully, I think it’s Marissa Meyer’s best series! Don’t get me wrong, I love The Lunar Chronicles, but Renegades is on another level. If you enjoy a superhero/villain story where you’re never sure who’s really good or bad, this is perfect for you. It really does a deep dive into the heart of humanity.
Buy the books: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble
Shades of Magic
by V.E. Schwab
To say that I love Shades of Magic would be the biggest understatement. It’s truly top-tier fantasy and the writing and world-building are unlike anything I’ve ever read. I swear that these will be classics one day. Schwab’s magic system and language alone are enough to set this apart. No matter how many times I read it, it’s still just as phenomenal as the first time.
Buy the books: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble
Shadow and Bone
by Leigh Bardugo
Hello, favorite series of all time. These books have my entire heart, no lie. If you grew up with books like The Chronicles of Narnia or The Lord of the Rings, you’ll enjoy this trilogy because it really has the feel of those “classic” fantasies. It’s primarily plot-based but still has phenomenal characters (including my favorite fictional character ever). I could talk forever about this world, which is why I created an entire blog category just to revolve around it! The adaptation is also great!
Buy the books: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble
The Boyfriend Project
by Farrah Rochon
This series is hands down one of my favorites in the romance category. While each book can technically be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend reading them in order. It helps you understand the heart of each character so much better! I honestly can’t speak highly enough about these. My one complaint? That the series is only a trilogy! I wish it went on forever because I love it so much.
Buy the books: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble
The Daevabad Trilogy
by S.A. Chakraborty
Where do I even begin when it comes to this gorgeous trilogy? If you want beautiful world-building, look no further. It’s truly exceptional. The entire time I was reading, I felt like I was in the story, rather than just looking at words on a page. It’s phenomenal as both a physical book and an audiobook. When you’re finished with the trilogy, be sure to pick up The River of Silver to enjoy several short stories told from the perspectives of different characters throughout the world! It’ll bring tears to your eyes.
Buy the books: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble
The Dreamer Trilogy*
by Maggie Stiefvater
*This is a spin-off of The Raven Cycle, but seeing as that’s a 4-book series and not a trilogy, I’m including this instead. Also, no hate to the original series, but I preferred this trilogy! I found this a bit easier to understand and I connected to the characters much more. It’s still got the dark whimsy of TRC and includes a lot of callbacks to that series, but it’s very much its own story as well. The final book made me sob my eyes out, which I was not expecting at all!
Buy the books: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble
The Falconer
by Elizabeth May
Why don’t I see more people raving about this trilogy? I have so many questions! It’s absolutely incredible. Faeries, a badass protagonist, Celtic lore, fantastic side characters, and tons of emotions fill the pages of this phenomenal series. When I finished it, I wanted to immediately turn around and start it again.
Buy the books: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble
The Green Bone Saga
by Fonda Lee
Talk about a wild ride. The Green Bone Saga absolutely blew me away. Thankfully, I buddy-read this series because if I had been going through it alone, I’m not sure I would have survived it, emotionally speaking. It’s true urban fantasy, with elements of martial arts, and a wicked cast of characters. Everyone is morally grey, you can never be sure what’s going to come next, and expect to deal with wracking sobs upon reaching the final book.
Buy the books: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble
The Inheritance Games
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Did you enjoy watching Knives Out? You’ll love this trilogy! This was the series that convinced me to find my way back to mysteries again. It’s so creative and filled with tons of twists and turns. One thing is for sure: you’ll never be bored while reading this one!
Buy the books: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble
The Prison Healer
by Lynette Noni
If you’re feeling stuck when it comes to the fantasy genre, may I suggest this series? Or, more accurately, may I shove this in your face and beg you to read it??? Because it’s a phenomenal series and there’s no doubt in my mind that it will blow you away. I think this will forever be my slump-buster. It’s got elemental magic and wonderful characters, and if you think you know what’s happening – chances are, you don’t. Enjoy!
Buy the books: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
by Jenny Han
Hate me all you want, but I watched the movie first. In my defense, I didn’t know it was an adaptation until after I watched it, because I didn’t grow up reading Jenny Han like so many others did. However, I immediately read all of the books after the first movie and fell in love. They’re so incredibly cute and lighthearted and just pure fluffy goodness.
Buy the books: Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble
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To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before Box Set | coconut wax bookish candles (ESPRESSO10) | wooden cake tray | single-serve French press | cappuccino mugs & saucers | sweater | pine cones
Do you have any favorite trilogies?
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Ah I totally agree, trilogies are such an ideal length. I wrote a post last year that had my top five fantasy trilogies and it was hard narrowing it down when there are so many good ones out there. Loved this – haven’t heard of all of these so definitely looking forward to checking the new ones out.
Crazy Rich Asians is my favorite trilogy novel. I can’t wait for the second movie. Thank you for sharing your list.
I’m just getting into trilogies, especially fantasy trilogies and I love them!! These are great suggestions I’ll be picking some of them up soon!
This is a great list of recommendations! I have actually put reading behind lately but I definitely want to get back into it and put that back into my routine.
I have watched Lord of the rings and Crazy rich Asians but never actually read those books. Thanks for this x
I’ve heard of several of these, and yes, many are well loved! A great list for sure. I’ve read Lord of the Rings, and maybe one or two of the others but only the first novel–I get impatient waiting for the next books, or I just stop reading because I’m afraid of what happens next. As in, will things get ruined?? I do read a lot of romance series however, and I often find trilogies are the best.
I have had a copy of Crazy Rich Asians for a while – I’ll have to start that. You have some great picks here too! Xx
So many good choices! I think my favorite “fun” trilogy here is To All The Boys. And The Lord of the Rings is just a classic.
These are some great recommendations. One of my favorite trilogies is The Swords and Fire series. Based on your recommendations, I think you may enjoy them.
Oh man, quite ashamed to say that I have some of these on my shelves and still haven’t got to them as well as some I had never seen! Will have to fix that asap! The lord of the Rings and Clockwork Angel are some of my favourites too. I am sure you already read it, but The raven cycle by Maggie Stiefvater is great too! Really need to start something from V.E Schwab! Thank you for sharing x
Fab post, I love the layout! There’s a few trilogies on this list that have been on my TBR for so long, including ‘Caraval’ and ‘Shadow and Bone’. I really need to get around to reading these sometime soon hehe 🙂
Some great books here! When i was young, I was obsessed with Girl, Missing by Sophie Mackenzie and that was a trilogy. Haven’t found another since so will absolutely give some of these a go.
Oooh I’ve got these books on my to read list! Thank you so much for the recommendations, I always need them!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Oh these trilogies sound really interesting Stephanie! Some I may add to my TBR list! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
What a great list of awesome trilogies. I will have to check them out in the future. Thanks so much for sharing!
I loved your article on d’urologies and even if I read very few trilogies, I was thrilled to discover new ones! (And they aren’t only fantasy so it’s super cool!!)
Your blog posts are always amazing. Love them!
I’ve read some of these but not all! I think Crazy Rich Asians was my favorite. I never read the sequels of The Thousandth Floor maybe I should give it another chance.
Great post! I think the only one I’ve read all the way through is the To All the Boys series, which is just so cute, I’ll never not love it. I adored the first Crazy Rich Asians, so this is definitely a reminder to look at getting the rest. And so many new titles to look up too!
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
All these years later and Lord of the Rings is, and always has been, my very favorite book series. I personally think it’s one of the most well written and incredible worlds I’ve ever read about. Thank you for including it on this list, I want to check out more of these just because you recommended them – you have excellent taste!
LOTR is a classic! Loved Crazy Rich Asians. Probably one of my favorites. To All The Boys sounds super cute too!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
You know, I have not read any of these. I wouldn’t say I am into trilogies, though I am not averse to them either. The last trilogy I read and enjoyed was the paradise series by Elin Hilderbrand.
❥ tanvii.com
I didn’t know that Crazy Rich Asians was a book let alone a trilogy! I need to read it and then see the movie (which I haven’t done yet). I love the Lord of the Rings movies – I need to read the book. These are fab suggestions! <3
I LOVE when there’s a series! I become to hooked and invested I always want more than just one book. LOVED the crazy rich asian series! I watched the first and second – To All the Boys I’ve Loved movies but never read the books – think I would love them. Thank you for more ideas of books to read!
xo Laura Leigh
https://louellareese.com
Crazy Rich Asians and TATBILF are two of my favorite trilogies! they’re so much fun to read.
I prefer duologies, but I do love trilogies as well. I’ve read a few of these and I really want to read the Scythe series.
I loved To All The Boys and Crazy Rich Asians, they are always my go-to recs for people!
Trilogies are great! I also struggle to commit to a book series so a duology or trilogy is perfect for me. I loved The Hunger Games, Divergent, The Maze Runner and The 5th Wave series. The Arc of a Scythe trilogy has been sat on my bookshelf demanding to be read… I’m hoping to get around to it this summer! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your recs!
I love these suggestions! Caraval is one of my favourites. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I love a good trilogy. My favourite is His Dark Materials, but I also really rate The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner, and Daughter of Smoke and Bone.
Helen
Tea in the Tub
I haven’t read any of these before. But I have heard of crazy rich Asians as I have seen the film advertised. These sound really interesting though. I still have books I need to read before I buy more ha ha! Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Lauren | http://www.bournemouthgirl.com
I really want to get to Crazy Rich Asians soon ! I didn’t know it was a trilogy !
Thanks for the recommendations!s
Thanks for the recommendations !
I didn’t know about The Falconer and Crazy Rich Asians before, I will definitely check it out!
I’m not really a series person, if I’m honest! The first book in the series has to REALLY grip me for me to pick up the next one. I’m familiar with some of these but haven’t read them (I LOVE LotR movies though!) But a few look really good so you might have convinced me to check them out! x
I love to read books in a series, it’s so much fun to get to know the characters over the course of multiple books! Somehow, the only one of these trilogies that I’ve already read is The Lord of the Rings…so I’ve got some reading to do. The Shades of Magic series has been on my list for a little while now, might have to finally start it soon!
I loved Crazy Rich Asians but did not know it was part of a trilogy. Cannot wait to check out the other two books! Also, To All the Boys is a great trilogy too!
I agree, trilogies tend to be the perfect length for a specific storyline. Personally, I really love The Gemma Doyle Trilogy by Libba Bray. Those books will always have a special place on my bookshelf. Thanks for sharing these lovely picks!
xoxo,
Sydney
http://www.thelotuslist.com
These are great suggestions for trilogies! I’ve read the first book in the To All the Boys I’ve Before trilogy and I’m currently reading the second and I love it! I’ll have to check out some of your other recommendations!
We love your suggestions, especially To All The Boys and The Inheritance Games.
Of all the trilogies in your list I have definitely read one, and that’s Lord of the Rings! But I have definitely found some I need to get my paws on, particularly To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before (only listened to the first audiobook!) and Crazy Rich Asians, since I had no clue it came from a book – and have loved the movie! Thank you for having me add yet another book or two to my ever-growing TBR list, Stephanie! x
I still need to read Empire of Gold!
We enjoyed The Inheritance Games and TATBILB!