The Top 10 Book Series of All Time
I'm often asked for recommendations so I've curated my best!
My favourite thing about epic book series is that, unlike single novels which end, they give us a whole world to return to - much more of a good thing!
I wanted to curate a list that has a bit of everything. So, from pure fantasy to historically accurate, spanning 22,068 years and ranging from ancient Japan to the American Wild West, there should be something here for everyone.
I have left out the classics such as Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and Sherlock Holmes because they need no recommendation, but these are even better... how much I would give to have not read these before!
In no particular order and with an accompanying piece of art - enjoy!
The Top 10
1. Lonesome Dove - Larry McMurtry
Well howdy ma'am. No matter how much I read this series, it will always be in the running for my top spot. Following the lives of two young Texas Rangers, Call and Gus (perhaps my favourite character of all time), as they explore the Wild West and the inevitable conflict with the native Comanche. As the frontier becomes settled throughout the series, a beautifully descriptive and unpredictable labyrinth of a storyline unfolds, climaxing with a cattle drive from Texas to Montana in the 1870s. This is a true epic with all the trimmings and the only Western you will ever have to read. I recommend doing as I did accidentally, start with Lonesome Dove (the crown jewel), then work backwards and forwards. Howdy bitch.
2. The Cicero Trilogy - Robert Harris
Bringing the ancient Roman Republic back to life through Cicero, the best statesman ever to play the game. This incredibly well-researched series gives a rich and nerve-racking play-by-play of one of the most bloody and volatile periods in history (the rise and fall of Caesar and subsequent end of the republic), all navigated by one of history's greatest wheelers and dealers. If I had to pick one series to read about Ancient Rome (however clichéd), this would be it, hands down.
Politicians are not born; they are excreted. Cicero
3. The Kingsbridge Novels - Ken Follett
Becoming obsessed with five huge novels centred around building a cathedral in Ye Olde England sounds weird, right? The magician that is Ken Follett (and I) would tell you that you are dead wrong. This epic series follows several generations of characters from the Dark Ages to the Industrial Revolution, tracing how the country's economy, religion, and culture evolve through gripping storylines. Here, I recommend doing what I did: start with The Pillars of the Earth (the crown jewel), then work backwards and forwards. M'lady.
4. The Penn Cage Novels - Grel Iles
I was actually quite scared at points reading this: exploring a constantly twisting tale of secrecy, love and violence spawned from the legacy of the race war in the American Deep South. Despite being centred around Penn Cage (our lawyer hero), it's also told from the perspective of many different people and generations, which I always love. This is the script for the swamp.
5. The Godfather - Mario Puzo (and others)
It's rare that the films are nearly as good as the books. But the more descriptive, violent, and occasionally simple storytelling still takes the cake as the greatest gangster culture of all time. I recommend reading them chronologically, starting with Ed Falco, then Mario Puzo's originals (I also liked Omerta and The Last Don), and then Winegardner. Each of the authors adds a different style and pace to the series, which is quite unique.
6. The Saxon Stories - Bernard Cornwell
Set in 9th-10th century England, the series follows the ascendancy of England through the plight of King Alfred the Great warring against the roaming Danish Vikings. The protagonist, Uhtred of Bebbanburg (whose real castle is depicted above), is almost the best part; his lands were stolen, and he was captured and raised by the Danes as a child, leaving him trapped in the midst of the war. We watch him grow up as he takes us through the wars and politics. Cromwell is already considered a master of historical fiction, and it's not surprising that the first 10 novels were adapted into The Last Kingdom TV series.
7. The Dune Chronicles - Frank Herbert
As the series that laid the foundations of modern sci-fi and fantasy (it heavily 'inspired' Star Wars), it is a must-read. Probably more known for the recent (pretty damn good) films the books are still leagues better. Set in the far future in a feudal interstellar society, the story is centred around Paul Atreides (Muad'dib) and his battle for control of the universe. It also explores many important themes such as religion (used for manipulation), ecology (overexploitation) and technology (post AI era after it tried to kill us). With one of the most expansive and intricate collections of supplementary lore (my favourite is Buterlian Jihad), there really is no limit to how deep you want to go here.
Out of the main six novels I can only recommend the first four so far as I took a break when we entered the 9th person dimension - unsurprising as Herbert took a lot of shrooms (otherwise known as spice in the books) for inspo!
8. The Asian Saga - James Clavell
Spanning from 1600 to 1979 the 6-part historical fiction series has everything you could want from the epic Asian adventure novels; Japanese culture, romance and ancient Samurai warfare (based on the real sailor William Adams), generational wealth and exploration (based on the real merchant Jardine family) starting in Hong Kong trade and going all the way to Iran and finally to the horrific POW camps in Singapore (which the author lived through first hand).
Anyone with a hint of interest in Asia (it inspired my recent trip to mainland China) or looking to get one has to read the epitome of the beauty (and occasional horror) when East meets West. Recommend reading chronologically, starting with Shogun.
9. The Witcher - Andrzej Sapkowski
Most well-known for the Witcher video games and now the Netflix show, the books are the real deal. This winding epic follows Geralt the Witcher, Yennefer the Witch and Ciri, their adoptive daughter, prophesied to change the course of the entire continent. With his unique and precise writing style and a rich dialogue of Slavic folklore, monsters and politics, this is one of the most expansive and favourite fantasy universes out there - how the hell do you make this stuff up? Occasionally receives mixed reviews from the mid-curve critic, but honestly, I love a proper page-turner, and this is it!
10. The Courtney Novels - Wilbur Smith
As one of the first series I read, I would be remiss to leave this out, as I then read all 50+ of his books (eek). This will inspire anyone, young or old, with a vivid appetite for foreign adventure (Africa 1850s outwards and onwards). With 24 books and an expansive family tree, it is hard to keep it fresh, so I suggest starting at the top with When the Lion Feeds and seeing how you go. For extra, check out the Ancient Egypt series.
Thanks for reading, and I'd better find some more!
There were so many more I wanted to include, but I have narrowed it down to a special few.
Honourable Mentions:
Jeeves and Wooster Series - P. G. Wodehouse
The Saga of Darren Shan - Darren O'Shaughnessy
Outlander - Diana Gabaldon
The Epic Adventure Series - Colin Falconer
The Odysseus Trilogy - Valerio Massimo Manfredi
The Alexander Trilogy - Valerio Massimo Manfredi
The Damned Emperors Series - Simon J. Turney
A Song of Ice and Fire - George R. R. Martin