Summer is here, and so is that dreaded feeling of staring at your bookshelf and these days at your reading apps and not knowing where to begin. Whether you finished a series you loved and can’t move on, or you haven’t found the right one yet, this list is for you. I have curated ten gripping, unputdownable reads across genres such as fantasy, dystopia, mystery, and mythology. Pick one this summer, curl up on your couch, and watch the reading slump disappear.
Author: Tahereh Mafi | Publisher: HarperCollins | Pages: ~400 pages each | Age: Ages 14+
Juliette’s touch is lethal, and the dystopian world she lives in wants to use her as a weapon. The author’s writing style is unlike anything else: it is lyrical, intense, and completely immersive. This series will have you flipping pages at 2 AM and rereading lines to savour them. You will complete one book after another at a never-before-seen pace. I always go back to this to get me out of a slump.
Author: Veronica Roth I Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books I Pages: ~500 pages each I Age: Ages 13+
In a future Chicago, divided into five factions, Tris must choose where she belongs and quickly discovers she doesn’t fit neatly into any of the factions. This book is fast-paced, action-packed, and full of moral questions about identity and courage. Divergent is a brilliant starting point for anyone new to YA dystopia. I am sure you would have come across a reel or shorts about this movie series. Trust me, pick this up first and then get into binge-watching; you can hear the characters thinking 🙂
3. The Infernal Devices Series
Author: Cassandra Clare I Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books | Pages: ~500 pages each | Age: Ages 14+
Set in Victorian London, this prequel trilogy to The Shadowhunter Chronicles follows Tessa, Will, and Jem, a trio bound by fate, mystery, and a love triangle that genuinely hurts. Clare’s world-building is rich, the characters are simply unforgettable, and the ending will absolutely wreck you (in the best way). This series is so addictive and unputdownable. Are your nephews and nieces in a similar age group? These make perfect gifts to encourage reading.
Author: Suzanne Collins I Publisher: Scholastic Press | Pages: ~374 pages each I Age: Ages 12+
The original that launched a thousand dystopias, and it still holds up. Katniss Everdeen is one of fiction’s most compelling protagonists: brave, flawed, and deeply human. If you somehow haven’t read this yet, summer is your sign. If you have, it’s absolutely worth a reread. I read this when reality shows were trending. Imagining being in it for real—that could get you killed—gave me goosebumps.
5. The Shadowhunter Chronicles
Author: Cassandra Clare I Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books | Pages: ~500+ pages I Age: Ages 14+
Demons, warlocks, vampires, and half-angel warriors, welcome to the Shadow World. Starting with City of Bones, this expansive universe rewards readers who love to get completely lost in a series. There are multiple sub-series to devour, so you’ll never run out of reading material. Do not look further—a heart-racing read that will keep you hooked this summer. Pick this up now.
Author: Victoria Aveyard I Publisher: Harper Teen | Pages: ~400 pages each | Age: Ages 13+
In a world divided by the colour of one’s blood, Mare Barrow, a red-blooded girl, discovers she has powers only silver elites are supposed to possess. Political intrigue, betrayal, and twists that genuinely blindside you make this one of the most compelling YA fantasy series around. I read this right around middle grade, and my mom had to literally drag me away to ensure I prepared for my exams. I still remember her saying, “We all have the same blood here in this world, so start preparing for your exams.”
7. Aru Shah and the Pandava Series
Author: Roshani Chokshi Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents / Disney Hyperion I Pages: ~300 pages each Age: Ages 10+
Twelve-year-old Aru Shah accidentally awakens an ancient demon and suddenly has ten days to save the world, with the help of a newfound sister and a talking pigeon. Rooted in Hindu mythology from the Mahabharata, this series is funny, fast-paced, and genuinely imaginative.
If your child loved The Kane Chronicles, this is the next series to devour. At first glance, both series might seem like complete opposites, but the creative component, well-built characters, unexpected plots, and pace are among the similarities that made me pick this up right after the Kane Chronicles. Believe me, you won’t be disappointed. You can read Preethi’s review here.
8. An Ember in the Ashes Series
Author: Sabaa Tahir Publisher: Razorbill Pages: ~400 pages each Age: Ages 14+
Inspired by ancient Rome, this series follows Laia, a slave fighting for her family, and Elias, a soldier who wants nothing more than freedom. Tahir’s world is brutal, gorgeous, and morally complex. Dual perspectives, high stakes, and breathtaking prose make this one of the best fantasy series of the decade. I suggested this book to many of my classmates, and every single one of them loved it. It is truly gripping.
Author: James Dashner Publisher: Delacorte Press Pages: ~375 pages each Age: Ages 12+
Thomas wakes up in a giant maze with no memory of who he is or why he’s even there. That opening hook alone will drag you through the first book in one sitting. Dashner keeps the tension relentless, the mysteries piling up, and the revelations coming at just the right moments. Great for reluctant readers who need momentum. The movie did not do this series justice. Getting into the characters’ minds and imagining the maze and the danger surrounding it are the most fun parts. Take a break from OTT and delve into this series.
Author: Rick Riordan Publisher: Disney Hyperion Pages: ~500 pages each Age: Ages 10+
Siblings Carter and Sadie Kane discover they’re descended from Egyptian pharaohs and that the gods of ancient Egypt are very much alive and causing chaos. Riordan is the master of making mythology accessible and hilarious, and this series is every bit as fun as Percy Jackson. A perfect gateway series for younger readers.
There you have it. Ten books guaranteed to shake off any reading slump. From Indian mythology and ancient demons to dystopian arenas and magical London streets, this list has something for every kind of reader. Pick one that calls to you, and don’t be surprised if you finish the whole series by the time school starts. That’s the magic of a truly good book.
Happy Reading!
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