I love me a good binge read!!! I just love getting just catapulted into a world and then finding myself so immersed and invested in the world and the characters that I can barely come up for air. I just love the intensity that comes with a binge read because I’m still so deeply inside the world and the character’s plight versus being taken out of it when I read other things in between (or have to wait for new books in a series to be out). It’s the perfect escape right now especially and I’ve been asked a lot for good young adult book series to binge (my fave to binge) for that reason so I figured I’d share what I think are the best YA / teen book series to binge.
All of these series are completed already or WILL BE like this year. I want you to be able to compulsively read the books in the series for an optimal binge reading experience. I love anticipating a next book in a series but sometimes its nice to just be able to have that instant gratification and gobble all the books up in a finished series.
Please leave your suggestions in the comments!!
[Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links which means that if you click on a link and purchase something I’ve talked about or recommended, I’ll receive a very small percentage of the sale (which I’m always so appreciative of). Please see my disclosure policy for more info]
Best YA Series To Binge Read
Best YA Fantasy & YA Paranormal Trilogies To Binge
Is the idea of a very long series too daunting for you? I love love love to binge trilogies because I feel accomplished because it doesn’t take me as long as a really long series and I love that feeling of each book being the beginning that hooks me, the middle where all the crazy stuff really happens and that definitive conclusion.
I just love reading them when I want to dive into a world but I don’t want to make a long commitment at the moment. Here are some of my favorites teen fantasy/paranormal type series that make good binge reads!
The Winner’s Trilogy by Marie Rutkoski: With dizzying political drama and a tense slow burn (forbidden) romance, this one cemented itself as a fave easily — not to mention Marie’s prose is *chef kiss*. It was a wild ride through all this political maneuvering and rebellion that takes place through the course of this series. You can check out my overview of the The Winner’s Trilogy for more info. FIND IT: (AMAZON // BOOKSHOP.ORG)
Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard: A criminally underrated series that would make the best binge read because you will love these characters and it is so action-packed and full of steampunk-y goodness. It’s a great mix of magic and adventure and the stakes just seem to get higher and higher as the series moves forward to the point you think you won’t be able to handle it. It’s set in the late 1800’s where the dead are rising and the main character and a ragtag group need to figure out who the necromancer is that is making them rise and stop them. Check out my overview of Something Strange and Deadly series. FIND IT: (AMAZON // BOOKSHOP.ORG)
Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta: This is one of my all time favorite series EVER. Ever. Hello I named my dog Finn after this series. This one isn’t as fast-paced as many on this list but this is fantasy at its finest and I can’t tell you how invested I was. Definitely a character-driven one (with mighty good bits of action too!)! Just incredible. I was bursting for love after finishing this one — I have rarely loved fictional characters as much as these ones. What it is about? A kingdom. A horrific attack. A curse. A people group in exile. A people group finding their way home. AND THEN SO MUCH MORE. I can’t spoil it for you at all. I loved book 1 SO MUCH and the book 2 and 3 blew it out of the water. If book 1 isn’t your fave, I beg you to keep going. FIND IT: (AMAZON // BOOKSHOP.ORG)
Unearthly by Cynthia Hand: If you love paranormal stuff, this one is one I ACTUALLY binged and it was the best sort of binge read. Very romance-y and action-packed in this trilogy about a teenage girl who finds out she’s actually half human and half angel and then all the things that ensue after that. It’s a story of angels, love, destiny and free will and I loved the world-building of the angel world. I’m not a big love triangle person but this one was SO GOOD. I really, really enjoyed this series. FIND IT: (AMAZON // BOOKSHOP.ORG)
Legend by Marie Lu: One of my most recommended series to people looking for a fast-paced series that will hook them! If you love dystopian, this is a great one! I’m always recommending it to people looking for books like the hunger games. FIND IT: (AMAZON // BOOKSHOP.ORG)
The Young Elites by Marie Lu: If you love a good villain origin story, you NEED this series in your life. It features outcasts, survivors of a deadly illness with superpowers that people want to destroy, rebellion and found family. A dynamite series that is dark, complex and totally unpredictable with a main character who is so compelling. You gotta meet Adelina and the rest of this crew! (My book review of The Young Elites). FIND IT: (AMAZON // BOOKSHOP.ORG)
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black: If dark, brutal YA fantasy is your thing, The Cruel Prince trilogy is a more recent series to binge like RIGHT NOW. It’s about a human girl and her sisters whose parents were murdered by the fey and they were whisked off to live in their world where they are despised because they are human. The main character just wants to fit in and makes it her mission to be accepted as one of the Court and defy those who wish her dead. Lots of political intrigue with this one too! FIND IT: (AMAZON // BOOKSHOP.ORG)
Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi: I feel like this was such an underrated series outside of the book community online! If science fiction/dystopian is your thing, this fast paced series will be the perfect binge read for you! The main character, Aria, lives in Reverie — a protective dome where people live to escape the environmental dangers of Earth — where they spend a lot of time in Pods where they do a lot of virtual reality. When she uncovers some secrets, she is kicked out of Reverie and into the wild. It’s a fantastic series to read quickly! (My review of the Under the Never Sky trilogy!) FIND IT: (AMAZON // BOOKSHOP.ORG)
The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo: If high fantasy is what you are looking for, this unique Russian-inspired trilogy will be a good one for you! One of the greatest strengths of this series is the vivid world-building that will absolute transport you! PLUS there’s a spinoff set in the same world to look forward to after your binge. FIND IT: (AMAZON // BOOKSHOP.ORG)
Shade by Jeri Smith Ready: This was such an underrated paranormal trilogy when it came out. If you are looking for a paranormal ghost story with a romance — this is a great series to binge if you secretly (or not so secretly over here!!) want something that feels like Twilight a bit. You KNOW what I mean. (my review of Shade) FIND IT: AMAZON
The Selection by Kiera Cass: If you love outrageous reality tv and dating shows (I do! I do!), this is an absolute must to binge read. It’s the ultimate addictive series that you are almost ashamed of enjoying (or hating but can’t look away) but NOT REALLY because over here we aren’t ashamed of what we read and don’t believe in guilty pleasures. FIND IT: (AMAZON // BOOKSHOP.ORG)
Young Adult Fantasy & Paranormal With 4+ Books
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead: I’m telling you…this series is going to hook you! It’s so easy to get lost in this world! Full disclosure I haven’t finished the series yet myself but I plan to as the first few books really got me. PLUS there is a spinoff series so you really can have the most marathon binge reading experience. It kinda is one of those series that are so bad it’s good? If you know what I mean! FIND IT: (AMAZON // BOOKSHOP.ORG)
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The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater: I can tell you this is a great binge read from experience! A little less quick paced than some of the others on here but Maggie’s writing and the supernatural elements in this book are so mesmerizing and you will LOVE hanging out with this gang! (my review of The Raven Boys) FIND IT: (AMAZON // BOOKSHOP.ORG)
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The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken: If dystopian is your thing, this is a GREAT series to binge. It’s technically a trilogy but there is a newly released-ish 4th book that follows some people from the first three books. I binged this one and it was the kind of story that had me staying up til 3am because I couldn’t find a good stopping point and needed to know what happened next. FIND IT: (AMAZON // BOOKSHOP.ORG)
The Program by Suzanne Young: This series is one I don’t understand didn’t get more popular because it is addictive and intriguing! It sounds a little gimmicky from the summary but I swear it’s so much better! It’s so suspenseful and interesting! (my review of The Program) FIND IT: (AMAZON // BOOKSHOP.ORG)
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An Ember in Ashes by Sabaa Tahir: This brutal fantasy series is not one to skip with its ancient rome inspired setting. Although anxiety-inducing at times with its intensity and whiplash pace, it will suck you in and leave you absolutely panting for the final installment which will come out December 2020 at which point you will beg all your friends to read before then. (my review of An Ember in The Ashes) FIND IT: (AMAZON // BOOKSHOP.ORG)
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi: The writing style of book 1 takes a lot to get used to but once you are IN..you will be in. Mafi’s writing and this world is imaginative and captivating and her characters are so fascinating! It is pretty romance heavy if you are looking for a more dystopian romance but the world and the action are great too! It’s a fast read! Originally a trilogy, the series added 3 more books and the last installment came out this year! (my review of Shatter Me) FIND IT: (AMAZON // BOOKSHOP.ORG)
The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer: This is one of the coolest series I’ve ever read! Love fairytales? Love sci-fi? This is the perfect mismash! Each book takes on a new fairytale (continuing on with the story) but with a sci-fi twist full of androids and cyborgs. (my review of Cinder) FIND IT: (AMAZON // BOOKSHOP.ORG)
The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting: If you love mystery/thrillers with a supernatural twist…this is is a REALLY fun series to read in one gulp — the main character helps to solve crimes because she hears the “echos” of those who are murdered and senses the connection to the person who killed them. FIND IT: (AMAZON // BOOKSHOP.ORG)
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld: I will be honest I don’t think these are very good objectively. But I won’t deny they make a good binge read when you REALLY need something fast, addictive and easy but a COMPLETELY different world to dive into. An OG dystopian/futuristic series! FIND IT: (AMAZON // BOOKSHOP.ORG)
Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children: If you are looking for something very unique and strange, check this fantasy series out! Very atmospheric and well written. I loved the photos that went a long with the book — such a cool reading experience. FIND IT: (AMAZON // BOOKSHOP.ORG)
YA Contemporary Series To Binge
The Jessica Darling Series: What a hilarious series! It starts out when she’s a teenager but goes into adulthood. I can’t think of many series I love as much as this one. It’s seriously a quick read — super bingeworthy! The first book DID come out in 2000 so just be prepared for SOME outdated stuff and definitely some stuff said that is not so politically correct for today’s time. But it’s snarky and very voice-y and following Jessica from teenage years to adulthood (and okay her saga with MARCUS FLUTIE!!) is seriously a good time. (my review of the Jessica Darling series) FIND IT: (AMAZON // BOOKSHOP.ORG)
To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before: If a delightful teen romance is what you seek, this is the one! I promise you that you’ll get swept up in this story of first love and sisterhood and the ups and downs of high school. THEN go watch the two movies on Netflix which are absolutely delightful!! (my review of To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before) FIND IT: (AMAZON // BOOKSHOP.ORG)
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Books On MY Personal To Binge List:
–Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor: I’ve owned this one forever and after reading her book Strange The Dreamer…I NEED to get to this! FIND IT: (AMAZON // BOOKSHOP.ORG)
– Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater: I loved, as you know above, The Raven Cycle and I have owned this for a ridiculously long time. I’m ready for some old school paranormal! FIND IT: (AMAZON // BOOKSHOP.ORG)
– Red Queen: This series has been very popular and I’ve heard it’s a good binge! FIND IT: (AMAZON // BOOKSHOP.ORG)
– Falling Kingdoms: I’ve heard this YA high fantasy series is addictive so I’m here! FIND IT: (AMAZON // BOOKSHOP.ORG)
– The Remnant Chronicles by Mary E. Pearson: This one, about a princess fleeing on the day of her wedding, is beloved by many trusted friends!! FIND IT: (AMAZON // BOOKSHOP.ORG)
– His Fair Assassin Series — assassin nuns!! It’s been on my list for forever! FIND IT: (AMAZON // BOOKSHOP.ORG)
– Truly Devious series by Maureen Johnson — most of the series I read are fantasy but this is a Agatha Christie-esque mystery series! FIND IT: (AMAZON // BOOKSHOP.ORG)
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– Scythe by Neal Shusterman: This series has the COOLEST premise and some of my friends just binged it and said it was the perfect binge read! It’s a dystopian world (utopian maybe?) where society has conquered the many of the things that plague us — hunger, disease, war…and even death. Death is only happened via people, scythes, who choose who dies to control the population which is what the main characters are training to be. FIND IT: (AMAZON // BOOKSHOP.ORG)
– Insignia by SJ Kincaid: I don’t read a ton of sci-fi but this sci-fi adventure series has rave review from people I trust. World War III, space, virtual reality games and sparse natural resources. FIND IT: (AMAZON // BOOKSHOP.ORG)
What YA series do you think make great binge reads??
P.S. Really love YA books? Check out the must read YA books for 2021!
SAVE IT FOR LATER!
Lisa @ Reading, Writing, and Random Musings says
I LOVED the Truly Devious series and highly recommend you pick it up! There is so much to love!
Jenna- JK I'm Exploring says
I’ve read so many of these! I find YA a lot easier to read as audiobooks than adult books so normally I pick them up in that format and save adult for reading physically.
Uglies definitely isn’t good objectively but it brings back so many memories of when I first read it that I love rereading them.
Annemieke says
A lof of these are just so binge worthy! The Lockwood & Co books by Jonathan Stroud are super binge worthy as well
Amy says
Yes! Definitely enjoyed the series!!
Amy says
Loved so many of the books you listed! The Selection by Kierra Cass is absolutely brilliant! Really enjoyed vampire academy too!! Some of the series you mentioned, I’d stay awake on school nights binge reading & be so immersed in it I wouldn’t even realise it’s daybreak! I really enjoy reading your blog! Thanks Jamie!
Syamira says
I started reading the Truly Devious series just this weekend and I’m already on the final book! It’s so easy to get sucked in to, the mystery is great! Happy to see it included and I’m definitely putting some of these on my TBR list! 🙂
Linda says
I went back and re-read the Jessica Darling series recently and I had to stop in the middle of the 4th book. The homophobia was pretty terrible and – as a grownup – I grew weary of Marcus Flutie’s shenanigans. But the first few were still pretty good!
I don’t like reality TV or dating shows, but I loved The Selection series so much! I listened to the audio, which was pretty fantastic and got me through many miles on the treadmill.
There are several other series on your list that I read the first book, really liked it, and didn’t read any more of them. I really fail at series!
Amber says
So many throwbacks here, Jamie! I loved the Body Finder series so much back in the day!
Pam Avoledo says
I’m going old school here but Sweet Valley High. There are over a hundred books and it becomes ridiculous once they started to do limited story arcs. However, the prime of the series is really early on with #40, On The Edge. I also have to add Private, which was almost turned into a television series. Again, the first part of series is good. However, once the second mystery begins, it starts to go off the rails.
Kylie says
I flew through the Daughter of Smoke and Bone series and the Truly Devious series. Both ones to look forward to! I also really liked the Nyxia series if you want to add another accessible science fiction series to your TBR.
Theresa says
I LOVED the Jessica Darling series!! I don’t think I read Perfect Fifths! I need to add that to my list!!
Matt says
I’m hooked on The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid, book 1 of a trilogy. I’m halfway through the book and I just started yesterday. An original, fast-paced story with plenty of twists to keep the pages turning.