10 Book Trilogies That Provide the Perfect Escape: From Romances to Dystopian Series and More
These three-book series are packed with compelling characters, drama, mystery and more!
There’s no better feeling than finishing an amazing book with characters you love and drama or intrigue you can’t get enough of — and then finding out it’s the first in a series. And book trilogies are the Goldilocks of the book world: They’re not too short and they’re not too long!
We’ve gathered up a list of 10 must-read trilogies. From Elin HIlderbrand’s tropical mystery in the Paradise trilogy to the tale of a strong community in a small town in the Beartown trilogy by Fredrik Backman, there’s a mix of genres and themes for every reader. The best part? These trilogies are all completed, so you don’t have to wait months or years for the next installment to be published! Keep scrolling for books in sets of threes you don’t want to miss.
‘Knockmeout’ Trilogy by Lucy Score (‘Things We Never Got Over’)
Things We Never Got Over is the first in this sweet and spicy small-town romance trilogy. The series follows Naomi, a woman who’s running away from her past. When she has to rescue her estranged twin from poor life choices and take care of a niece she didn’t know existed, her whole world spins on its axis. While staying in Knockmeout, Virginia, Naomi meets Knox—a broody, unattached man who doesn’t do complications or romance. But he can’t help but lend Naomi a hand, especially since her life falls apart right in front of him. Suddenly, the grump who’s sworn off love finds himself falling for the woman who unexpectedly blew into town and everything seems to change.
What readers are saying: “Wow…I just finished Things We Never Got Over…it was a riveting story. So easy to read and get into feeling like you knew the characters and that you were one of the Knockemout community. It had just enough romance to keep you reading and wanting to know what will happen next. And the twist in the story had me thinking one thing but it wasn’t what I expected. My emotions were on a roller coaster towards the end of the book. Great read and I recommend reading.
‘Paradise’ Trilogy by Elin Hilderbrand (‘Winter in Paradise’)
Irene Steele has been fairy-tale happy with Russ, her husband of 35 years, so she’s stunned when she gets a call saying he was killed in a plane crash on St. John…where he was apparently leading a double life! As she investigates the shocking circumstances of his death she finds herself caught up in the lies and deceit of the island.
What readers are saying: “As much as I wish I could spend the winter on a beach, I’ll be stuck at home in the cold,” laughs Patty Bontekoe, Woman’s World Executive Editor. “But I escaped to the islands thanks to this book! The big question of who Russ was kept me hooked. I can’t wait for the sequel!”
‘Kingdom of the Wicked’ Trilogy by Kerri Maniscalco (‘Kingdom of the Wicked’)
Bestselling author Kerri Maniscalco, known for her standout series Stalking Jack The Ripper, delivers another fantastical novel of vengeance and suspense in Kingdom of the Wicked — the first book in her latest trilogy. Emilia and her twin sister are streghe — witches who live quietly among humans. One night Vittoria misses dinner service at their family’s Sicilian restaurant. Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved twin and sets out to find her sister’s killer and to seek vengeance. Then, Emilia meets Wrath, one of the “Wicked” and one of the princes of Hell she has always been warned about. Can Wrath help Emilia with her plan or is he not to be trusted? A richly woven saga that’s sure to draw readers into the dazzling and dangerous world of Sicily and beyond.
What readers are saying: “Loved the book! Great characters with relationship developments. I like how this wasn’t just a romance with a little plot thrown in like most trending books right now. Ready to read the next book!”
‘Maple Hills’ Trilogy by Hannah Grace (‘Icebreaker’)
Competitive sports, enemies-to-lovers banter, scorching chemistry…this BookTok-favorite romance by Hannah Grace has it all. The story follows competitive figure skater Anastasia Allen and hockey player Nate Hawkins. Anastasia has worked her whole life for a spot on Team USA, so she’s thrilled when she receives a scholarship to University of California, Maple Hills and scores a place on their figure skating team. Enter Captain of the hockey team, Nate Hawkins. Nate’s focus is on his team and his team only, but when an incident forces the team to share the rink with the skating team, things turn…icy. And when Anastasia’s partner has to step back, she enlists Nate for help. Can they work together to win it all on and off the ice?
What readers are saying: “This book was so cute. Great characters (I definitely need more of the boys) and just all around good. I laughed, I cried, I got unbelievably angry and the ending was perfection. So so good.”
‘The Infernal Devices’ Trilogy by Cassandra Clare (‘Clockwork Angel’)
From the bestselling author of The Mortal Instruments series comes Clockwork Angel, the first in the Infernal Devices trilogy. It’s 1878 in London when Tessa Gray finds herself swept up in the dark, supernatural underground in search of her missing brother. She quickly finds that her only allies are Shadowhunters (demon hunters), including Will Herondale and Jem Carstairs. Suddenly the trio finds themselves facing the Pandemonium Club, a secret organization of vampires, demons, warlocks and humans. The club is set to rule the British Empire and only Tessa and her companions can help stop them.
What readers are saying: “This is still one of my favorite trilogies of all time. The build-up in each book, the friendships and the love stories are all top-tier. Tessa is a strong female character and Will and Jem are great in their own ways as well. You can’t help but keep going with this one and the ending of book three wrecks me every single time.”
‘The Hunger Games’ Trilogy by Suzanne Collins (‘The Hunger Games’)
One of the most well-known dystopian novels of the 21st century, The Hunger Games takes place in a post-North-American world known as Panem where the capitol is in charge of 12 surrounding districts. Every year one boy and one girl from each district are selected to participate in the Hunger Games—a fight to the death where only one person wins. Enter Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old in District 12 who volunteers as tribute when her sister’s name is called. Survival is second nature for her, but what will happen if she wins the games?
What readers are saying: “The Hunger Games is wildly engaging and shockingly amusing. It’s easy to lose track of time, minutes will turn into hours so beware of the addicting nature of this novel. It’s a blend of science fiction and dystopia, with realistic conditions and futuristic-like advancements. If ever there was a trilogy worth reading it would be this one. The Hunger Games is suspenseful, emotional and a must-read. Collins has written a powerful story with authentic characters, and creates an unbelievably astonishing, and gritty world.
‘All Souls’ Trilogy by Deborah Harkness (‘A Discovery of Witches’)
Yale University historian Diana Bishop unknowingly unlocks a long-lost enchanted manuscript and begins to attract the attention of witches, demons and vampires from around the world—including that of 1,500-year-old vampire Matthew Clairmont. The two embark on a dangerous journey to discover the manuscript’s clues to the past, present and future—and begin to fall for each other along the way.
What readers are saying: “Harkness constructed a unique world full of colorful characters and an intriguing plot. I know that the whole vampire, witch, daemon thing has been done, done, and over done throughout the years…however, it’s the strong characters and premise around the book that make this series for me. This book was fantastic and I can’t say enough good things about it! I highly recommend it! I finished it in 3 days of aggressive reading.”
‘Caraval’ Trilogy by Stephanie Garber (‘Caraval’)
Two sisters. One life-changing competition. Scarlett Dragna has never left the island where she and her sister Tella live with their cruel father. And when her father arranges a marriage for her, the chance to leave and go see Caraval — a once-a-year performance — is gone. However, she receives an invitation to the illustrious event and with the help of Tella, is whisked away on an unexpected adventure. While she’s been told everything is just part of the show, things change when Scarlett finds herself as part of the game.
What readers are saying: “Caraval is one of my favorite trilogies ever,” says Carissa Mosness, FIRST Assistant Digital Editor. “Filled with vivid details I felt like I was competing right alongside Scarlett in the book’s magical world.”
‘Don Tillman’ Trilogy by Graeme Simsion (‘The Rosie Project’)
Don Tillman, a meticulous genetics professor, has life down to a science. When he sets out to find a wife — using an evidence-based questionnaire, of course — he meets spontaneous, carefree and wholly unsuitable Rosie, who turns his life upside down.
What readers are saying: “This is the funniest book I’ve read in ages, but it’s perfectly seasoned with deeper emotion, too: poignancy, bitterness, regret, sympathy, vicarious embarrassment, and a whole lot of sweetness and delight.”
‘Beartown’ Trilogy by Fredrik Backman (‘Beartown’)
A crumbling community nestled deep in the forest, Beartown is home to a junior ice hockey team about to compete in the national semifinals — and all the hopes and dreams of the town rest on the shoulders of these teenage boys. But when a violent act leaves a young girl traumatized, the town is thrown into turmoil.
What readers are saying: “I’m a total sucker for these coming-of-age stories where you get to see characters wrestle with doing the right thing,” says Tara Hans, FIRST Managing Editor. “After the last page, I felt a pep in my step, cheering on the heroes, and full of hope for the future of Beartown and its townsfolk.”
For more books to add to your TBR:
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