Book Series Guide: Find Your Next Long-Running Read

When you’re looking for a story that pulls you in for the long haul, a book series, a connected set of books that build a world, characters, or plot across multiple volumes. Also known as a novel sequence, it’s more than just books released one after another—it’s a commitment to a world that grows with you. Whether you want to dive into a high-fantasy realm, follow a detective across ten novels, or trace a family’s legacy over generations, a good book series gives you something to return to, again and again.

Not all series are made the same. Some, like Lord of the Rings, the fantasy epic that sold over 150 million copies and shaped modern storytelling, are built as a single story split into parts. Others, like the Wheel of Time, a 14-book fantasy saga with a sprawling world and evolving magic system, grow in complexity with each volume. Then there are series like Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot books—standalone mysteries tied together by one unforgettable character. Each type offers something different: depth, consistency, or comfort. The best book series guide doesn’t just list titles—it helps you match the kind of journey you’re looking for.

What makes a series stick? It’s not just length. It’s the way characters feel real, the rules of the world stay consistent, and the stakes keep rising. Readers return to these stories because they feel like home. And if you’ve ever wondered why someone reads 12 books in a row, it’s often because the first one hooked them—not with a flashy cover, but with a voice, a question, or a moment that made them need to know what happens next.

Below, you’ll find real insights from readers and writers who’ve lived inside these worlds. From the oldest adventure tale ever written to the most stolen book in history, from how to start your own story to why some series outlast trends—this collection is your roadmap to finding the next series that won’t let you go.