Book Series – What I’m Reading

Reading book series is a great way to become fully immersed in a fictional world. I’m currently sinking my teeth into five book series and, until I finish at least one of them, I don’t plan to start a new one. Whenever I complete a book series, the plan is to replace it with another one of those on my wish list. I’m only mentioning on this post the series that I’m not caught up on (reason why the list below doesn’t feature A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin) and that I want to finish.

 

The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb

This is the first trilogy in a larger fantasy series set in the Realm of the Elderlings. So far, I’ve only read the first book, Assassin’s Apprentice, which is set in the Six Duchies, a land ruled by the Farseers. Fitz, the bastard son of Prince Chivalry, is trained as an assassin and in the traditional magic of the Farseer family – the Skill. Not only is this book full of court intrigue, it also delves into various human emotions.

After finishing this trilogy, I’ll certainly read the other series set in the same world. Although I considered the possibility of reading all the series featuring Fitz first and only afterwards picking up the remaining ones, I’m now more inclined to read them in order of publication.

 

Cormoran Strike by Robert Galbraith

Robert Galbraith is the pseudonym used by J.K. Rowling to write this crime fiction series. In the first book, The Cuckoo’s Calling, the detective Cormoran Strike attempts to solve the possible murder of a famous model. But this isn’t the only mystery that the book entails. The main character himself is enigmatic, and I look forward to discovering more about him in the following books.

 

The Memoirs of Lady Trent by Marie Brennan

The books in this fantasy series delve into how Isabella became a famous dragon naturalist, while touching on current themes, such as women’s rights, social class issues and the ethics behind scientific methods. Isabella’s adventures in order to observe dragons have evident anthropological, scientific and social components. I have read four out of the five books in this series – A Natural History of Dragons, The Tropic of Serpents, Voyage of the Basilisk and In the Labyrinth of Drakes.

 

The Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante

This is a story about female friendship told in the first person by Elena. Through various episodes from Elena and Lila’s life, the first two books that I’ve read (My Brilliant Friend and The Story of a New Name) reflect on class, equality, education and social mobility. The way in which the events are narrated make for an engaging and immersive reading experience.

 

As Areias do Imperador by Mia Couto

Written by the Mozambican author Mia Couto, this trilogy takes place during the 19th century, right before the end of the State of Gaza, the second largest empire led by an African. The first book, Mulheres de Cinza (Woman of the Ashes in the English translation), is told from the perspectives of Imani and Sergeant Germano de Melo. It delves into imperialism, racism and cultural erasure. Imani was part of the VaChopi tribe. Their land was at the centre of a dispute between the VaNguni (rulers of the State of Gaza) and the Portuguese.

 

Have you read any of these series? Which ones are you currently reading? Tell me in the comments!