Despite the fact that summer seemed like it was going to stretch on forever, there’s no doubt that the cold months are finally upon us. The ever-increasing number of Starbucks holiday cups and dwindling recitation attendance marks NYU’s official descent into winter. If you’re wondering how you’re going to spend your time cooped up indoors hiding from the winter chill, then this list is just what you have been waiting for. Below you will find a list of five of the best fantasy series to keep you occupied this winter.
1. House of Night
P.C. and Kristin Cast’s famous vampyre series has more than enough excitement and romance to keep you warm for the next few months. The books follow Zoey Redbird as she attempts to balance classes, a whole hoard of attractive men, and (most importantly) her untimely death and induction into the House of Night.
2. Harry Potter
Harry Potter’s inclusion in this list is just a formality. I would HOPE that everyone and their mother has read the series at this point. If not, STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING IMMEDIATELY and hunt down the nearest copies that you can find. The snow covered Hogwarts castle and glorious feast in the great hall will definitely put you in a cuddly winter mood. Be sure to make yourself some hot chocolate first so that you don’t experience too much butterbeer envy.
3. The Outlander Series:
If you’re in the mood to journey to the Scottish Highlands in 1743 with a feisty feminist heroine then this series is for you. Follow Claire Beauchamp Randall, a WWII nurse and all around badass, as she accidently falls through time smack into the Scottish Uprising. Her efforts to remain alive are sure to speed up your heart rate. The freezing highlands and lack of central heating will make you very grateful for your comfy duvet.
4. Menagerie
The Menagerie series is an evocative commentary on our treatment of creatures that humans deem less worthy than themselves. The series author Rachel Vincent manages to combine stunning imagery and a fantasy world of her own creation with insightful political and societal commentary in a truly remarkable way. Beware, this read may make you feel more than a little bit uncomfortable.
5. Graceling Realm:
The three books in this series, Graceling, Fire, and Bitterblue, can be read as stand alone novels if you so desire, but you’ll miss out on the amazing easter eggs and connections that Kristin Cashore hides within the series’ pages. Each of the three novels center around a different passionate, feminist heroine who has to battle her way through both misogynistic and magical oppression. Cashore’s vibrant worlds will hook you and her fascinating take on society’s failings will keep you glued to the pages.