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Want more recs? Check out more books to read if you love the Shadowhunters! 

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Series That Are Worth Re-Reading Over and Over

1. The Last Hours by Cassandra Clare

Reunite with a few fan-favorite Shadowhunters and meet new ones in Cassandra Clare’s latest series, The Last Hours. Set in Edwardian London this dangerous and romantic series is a must-read! The series starts with Chain of Gold, continues with Chain of Iron, and ends with Chain of Thorns.

2. Arc of a Scythe by Neal Shusterman

With so many details weaving into every plot twist and unexpected reveal, you’ll need to reread this one several times just to catch everything. I’d even argue that this series is even better when you’re returning to it—a perfect series for re-readers everywhere. Start with Scythe, continue onto Thunderhead, and finish the trilogy off with The Toll.

3. The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid

This fast-paced, action packed series is an easy re-read. Filled with interesting characters in a well-built sci-fi world, it’s easy to pick up, and hard to put down. The series starts with The Diabolic, continues with The Empress, and ends with The Nemesis.

4. The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

This series is the perfect reread for anyone who’s looking to dive deep into a world and not come out. It’s just long enough that it will feel new again even if you restart it immediately after finishing! This series has two parts. The first includes: City of Bones, City of Ashes, and City of Glass. The second part includes: City of Fallen Angels, City of Lost Souls, and City of Heavenly Fire.

5. Crown of Feathers by Nicki Pau Preto

Tell me you wouldn’t reread a series about a world run by fierce warrior queens. You can’t. This cutthroat world is easy to get lost in, and even easier to crave re-entering. Added bonus, it’s a trilogy, but it’ll keep you busy for as long as you’d like it to—if you can put it down! This trilogy includes Crown of Feathers, Heart of Flames, and Wings of Shadows.

6. This Mortal Coil by Emily Suvada

This wild ride is not one to miss—and definitely one to revisit. A scifi world with genetic hacking and a conspiracy involving a plague, there are so many details in this that come together beautifully—and will make you want to reread ASAP. This trilogy includes This Mortal Coil, This Cruel Design, and This Vicious Cure.

7. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

This heart-warming series is an easy binge-read, which you can follow with a binge of the movies on Netflix! If you’re in need of a smile, or a go-to comfort re-read, this series is the one for you. This series includes To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, P.S. I Still Love You, and Always and Forever Lara Jean.

8. The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare

This series is one of the easiest rereads on the list. It has the unputdownable quality you need to want to pick something back up, and the added bonus of being a part of a much larger universe that makes it feel familiar and new all at the same time. This trilogy includes: Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince, and Clockwork Princess.

Need more book recs? Check out these fan-favorite books everyone should read! 

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Clever Retellings of Classic Stories

1. Spin by Rebecca Caprara

The Song of Achilles and Circe get a sapphic, young adult twist in this gorgeously lush retelling of the myth of Arachne spun in moving verse. If you love Greek mythology be sure to add this feminist reimagining to your must-read list!

2. Ravensong by Cayla Fay

Ravensong is the first book in a contemporary fantasy duology that puts a sapphic, grumpy/sunshine twist on Celtic mythology! Add this read to your TBR to find out what happens when a demi-god who refuses to cohabitate with humans accidentally falls in love with one.

3. A Pho Love Story — Romeo & Juliet

You may have heard of the bestselling fantasy Romeo & Juliet retelling, These Violent Delights. But have you read this contemporary retelling of the classic tale? Against the backdrop of two neighboring, competing pho restaurants, Bao Nguyen and Linh Mai have avoided each other most of their lives.  But when a chance encounter brings them together and sparks fly, the root of their family rivalry comes to light—and nothing is as they expect. . .

4. Legendborn — King Arthur

In Legendborn, Tracy Deonn has expertly blended the legend of King Arthur with the history of the American South while addressing issues of systematic racism, microaggressions, and much more.  The main character, Bree, is incredibly funny and the love triangle in this book is a personal favorite of mine. The pacing and action is this book will have you at the edge of your seat by the time you read the last page.

5. Lies Like Poison — Snow White

Lies Like Poison is a queer Snow White retelling with some thrilling twists! But that’s not all! There are many characters in this book that pull inspiration from some classic fairy tales, such as Jack & the Beanstalk and Beauty & the Beast!

6. These Violent Delights— Romeo & Juliet

Picture this: It’s the 1920s and a monster is loose in the streets of Shanghai. This is where this stunning Romeo & Juliet retelling takes place. Juliet and Roma, former lovers and heirs to rival gangs now must join together to stop the monster before it’s too late. Find out the conclusion to Juliet and Roma’s story in Our Violent Ends, out now!

7. Cursed — King Arthur

There have been many retellings of the King Arthur legend over the years but never one quite like this. Cursed by Thomas Wheeler and Frank Miller reimagines this classic story and introduces a strong leading lady who in the past sat on the sidelines of this epic legend. Nimue (more commonly known as the Lady of the Lake) is a young druid girl who is tasked by her dying mother to bring the Sword of Power to Merlin. Along the way, Nimue will discover her inner strength and that maybe this legendary sword of Kings past is no longer in need of a king but instead a queen to unite England.

8. Sky Without Stars — Les Miserables

This new fantasy novel is a retelling of the crowd favorite, Les Misérables. Focusing on the characters Marcellus (Marius), Alhoutte (Cosette), and Chatine (Eponine), the new spin takes place in a French Colony in space, bringing a whole new element to the revolution. Vive la France!

9. Ever Cursed — Grimm’s Fairy Tales

Ok, I’m cheating a bit by putting this book on this list because it’s not a retelling in the strictest sense. Ever Cursed is an entirely original fairy tale where a cursed princess and the witch who cast the spell must work together to break the curse. Even though it’s not a retelling, it pulls a lot of inspiration from the tropes of fairy tales, so you will surely love this one!

10. Unhooked — Peter Pan

This dark twist is a new look at Peter Pan. Unhooked blurs the line between good and evil, making Neverland a place where you can’t tell who to trust and who to run from. With memories slipping away so fast Gwen is forgetting who she is, it’s almost impossible to help herself. Would you choose to face the truth about yourself to escape the island of Neverland, or would you just let the memories of who you were slip away?

11. When You Were Mine — Romeo & Juliet

When You Were Mine is one of my favorite Romeo & Juliet retellings because it’s told from the perspective of Rosaline, Romeo’s former lover. This outside perspective of the fateful relationship between Romeo (or in this case, Rob) and Juliet might be even more heartbreaking than the original.

12. Of Curses and Kisses — Beauty & the Beast

Everyone loves a good boarding school story, am I right? That’s why this Beauty & the Beast retelling is so good! When Jaya finds out that the heir to the Emerson clan, her family’s enemy, attends the same school as her, she decides to seek revenge for the wrongs his family has done to hers. Her plan? Make him fall in love with him only to break his heart.

13. The Cold Is in Her Bones — Medusa

Drawing inspiration from the myth of Medusa, this tale is anything but dull. Featuring demons, curses, and sacrifice, it has everything you need for a thrilling and suspenseful twist on a classic. This novel is full of dark twists and high stakes, but it’s not the Medusa you know. It also explores love, pain, and the desperate desire to be seen and understood.

14. Blackhearts — Black Beard

This debut novel is an origin story for everyone’s favorite pirate, Blackbeard. With all the origin stories that have been coming out in the last decade, this is hands down one of the best. Everyone loves to see the human side of the villains they know and love, and learn what made them so deliciously evil. In Blackhearts, Blackbeard’s true colors are revealed—as is his path to darkness.

15. Sasquatch, Love, & Other Imaginary Things — Pride and Prejudice

Okay, I know this one sounds a little questionable, but trust me: this is a Pride and Prejudice retelling. Samantha is horribly embarrassed by her family who are members of the Ohio Bigfoot Society. When they are dragged into the spotlight and in front of an aristocratic prep-school, she crosses paths with a rich boy from the school who is basically Mr. Darcy, but younger. It’s Pride and Prejudice meets some fantasy intrigue, and one you won’t want to miss.

16. Of Dreams and Rust — Phantom of the Opera

This Phantom-inspired novel is complete with a ghost, a love triangle, and a lot of drama. The sequel to Of Metal and Wishes, this book is a fresh take on the Opera you know. Set in another world where war has erupted, find the drama and lust of the Phantom of the Opera spiced up with the suspense and emotion of a dystopian novel in this read.

17. Feral Youth — The Canterbury Tales

The Canterbury Tales meets modern day in this novel. Ten teens, like the 30 pilgrims in The Canterbury Tales, tell stories to each other throughout the course of the read. Instead of on a walk to Canterbury, though, they’ve been dropped off alone in the wilderness as a means of correcting their disciplinary issues. Makes it much more enticing, don’t you think?

18. The Summer of Chasing Mermaids — The Little Mermaid

This spin on the classic tail (again, couldn’t resist) takes the voice-less aspect of the Little Mermaid and makes it the true focus of the story. Instead of giving up her voice for a chance at love, this talented singer loses her voice in a boat accident, and finds love running from that truth. A story full of magic that could or could not be real, this is a must-read to rediscover one of your favorite stories.

19. Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman

Sephy is a Cross, Callum is a nought. They’ve been friends since they were children, and they both know that’s as far as it can ever go. Noughts and Crosses are fated to be bitter enemies—love is out of the question.

20. Of Princes and Promises by Sandhya Menon

From the New York Times bestselling author of When Dimple Met Rishi comes the second installment in a brand-new series set an elite boarding school that’s a contemporary spin on fairy tales, this one a delightful, romantic twist on The Frog Prince.

Looking for more reads that put a bit of a spin to the classics? Check out these books that will get you excited for your required school reading!

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2021 Bestsellers That You Should Definitely Read

1. All This Time by Mikki Daughtry and Rachael Lippincott — New York Times Young Adult Hardcover Bestsellers List

From the team behind #1 New York Times bestseller Five Feet Apart comes a gripping new romance that asks: Can you find true love after losing everything?

Add this to your Goodreads shelf here.

2. Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare — New York Times Young Adult Hardcover Bestsellers List, USA Today Bestsellers List, Publishers Weekly Bestsellers List

From #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Cassandra Clare comes the first novel in a brand-new trilogy where evil hides in plain sight and love cuts deeper than any blade. Chain of Gold is a Shadowhunters novel.

Add this to your Goodreads shelf here.

3. Chain of Iron by Cassandra Clare — New York Times Young Adult Hardcover Bestsellers List, USA Today Bestsellers List, Publishers Weekly Bestsellers List

The Shadowhunters must catch a killer in Edwardian London in this dangerous and romantic sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling novel Chain of Gold, from New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Cassandra Clare. Chain of Iron is a Shadowhunters novel.

Add this to your Goodreads shelf here.

4. Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han — Publishers Weekly Bestsellers List

Lara Jean’s letter-writing days aren’t over in this follow-up to the bestselling To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and P.S. I Still Love You. Stream the movies on Netflix now!

Add this to your Goodreads shelf here.

5. Wings of Ebony by J. Elle — New York Times Young Adult Hardcover Bestsellers List & Indie Bestsellers List

In this riveting, keenly emotional debut fantasy, a Black teen from Houston has her world upended when she learns about her godly ancestry and must save both the human and god worlds. Perfect for fans of Angie Thomas, Tomi Adeyemi, and The Hunger Games!

Add this to your Goodreads shelf here.

6. Legendborn by Tracy Deonn — New York Times Young Adult Hardcover Bestsellers List & Indie Bestsellers List

Filled with mystery and an intriguingly rich magic system, Tracy Deonn’s YA contemporary fantasy Legendborn offers the dark allure of City of Bones with a modern-day twist on a classic legend and a lot of Southern Black Girl Magic.

Add this to your Goodreads shelf here.

7. These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong — New York Times Young Adult Hardcover Bestsellers List & Indie Bestsellers List

Perfect for fans of The Last Magician and Serpent & Dove, this heart-stopping debut is an imaginative Romeo and Juliet retelling set in 1920s Shanghai, with rival gangs and a monster in the depths of the Huangpu River.

Add this to your Goodreads shelf here.

8. Yolk by Mary H. K. Choi — Indie Bestsellers List

From New York Times bestselling author Mary H.K. Choi comes a funny and emotional story about two estranged sisters and how far they’ll go to save one of their lives—even if it means swapping identities.

Add this to your Goodreads shelf here.

9. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz — Indie Bestsellers List

This Printz Honor Book is a “tender, honest exploration of identity” (Publishers Weekly) that distills lyrical truths about family and friendship. Don’t miss the sequel Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World!

Add this to your Goodreads shelf here.

10. Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds — New York Times Young Adult Paperback Bestsellers List

An ode to Put the Damn Guns Down, this is New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds’s electrifying novel that takes place in sixty potent seconds—the time it takes a kid to decide whether or not he’s going to murder the guy who killed his brother.

Add this to your Goodreads shelf here.

11. The Witch Haven by Sasha Peyton Smith — New York Times Young Adult Bestsellers List

The Last Magician meets The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy in this thrilling and atmospheric historical fantasy following a young woman who discovers she has magical powers and is thrust into a battle between witches and wizards.

Add this to your Goodreads shelf. 

12. Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Sáenz — New York Times Young Adult Bestsellers List

The highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed, multiple award-winning novel Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is an achingly romantic, tender tale sure to captivate fans of Adam Silvera and Mary H.K. Choi.

Add this to your Goodreads shelf.

13. Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson — New York Times Young Adult Bestsellers List

From the New York Times bestselling author of Sorcery of Thorns and An Enchantment of Ravens comes a thrilling new YA fantasy about a teen girl with mythic abilities who must defend her world against restless spirits of the dead.

Add this to your Goodreads shelf.

14. Our Violent Ends by Chloe Gong — New York Times Young Adult Bestsellers List

Shanghai is under siege in this captivating and searingly romantic sequel to These Violent Delights, which New York Times bestselling author Natasha Ngan calls “deliciously dark.”

Add to your Goodreads shelf. 

Looking for more? Check out our favorite YA fantasies of 2021!

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Your Favorite Disney Plus Series Will Tell You What to Read Next

1. High School Musical: The Musical: The Series – As If on Cue by Marisa Kanter

This is a match made in heaven—both take place on the set of a high school play, both involve drama, romance, and kids just trying to find themselves. For a cheesy and heartfelt romcom featuring all your favorite theater references, this is the book for you.

2. Loki – For All Time by Shanna Miles

This book is all about bouncing around in different timelines—sound familiar? On top of that, it stars two characters who are drawn together by fate, or possibly something else. If you loved Loki, you’re going to love this book too, we promise.

3. The Mighty Ducks – Winger by Andrew Smith

If you’ve been waiting years for the revival of this series, you’ll love Winger by Andrew Smith. All things hockey meets all things teen boy drama in an explosive and entertaining way in this fun and unique read.

4. Encore – Stay Sweet by Siobhan Vivian

This uplifting series is so full of heart and kindness, that if this is your favorite, you absolutely have to read Stay Sweet. The heart-warming energy is baked right into the title in this one!

5. WandaVision – Blood Like Magic by Liselle Sambury

Magic, Romance, grief—this a perfect pair. This book follows Voya, a young witch who must kill her first love to come into her full powers. The struggle between power and love and how the two can intersect parallel’s Wanda’s journey perfectly.

6. The Bad Batch – Ruse by Cindy Pon

Star Wars fans will love this atmospheric sci-fi that’s all about tech falling into the wrong hands. This action-packed read can apply to any of the Star Wars original series, but especially The Bad Batch and Clone Wars. We hope you love it!

7. Any of the Docuseries – When Can We Go Back to America?  by Susan H. Kamei

Disney Plus has a plethora of offerings for documentary lovers, from behind-the-scenes looks to national geographic nature docs. If nonfiction is your jam, you should check out this poignant and timely narrative.

8. What If…?  – The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell

Traveling through time to save the known world, another perfect match! This book is all about time-jumping, ominous villains, and the journey to save the present and everything we know and love in it. If you loved What If, you’ll go crazy for this read!

9. Just Beyond – Winterwood by Shea Ernshaw

This dark and witchy read is sure to give you Just Beyond vibes, and is a perfect fall read. If you’re into the witchy theme, you won’t regret picking up this book.

10. Alternate: Runaway (Fear Street) by R.L. Stine

If you’re watching Just Beyond for the R.L. Stine effect, you should read Runaway, from the Fear Street series. This thrilling read has that same magic and mystery vibe of Just Beyond, with that R.L. Stine flair.

Don’t stop there! Pick your favorite Ted Lasso character to get a book rec. 

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Your Favorite Ted Lasso Character Will Tell You What to Read Next

1. Ted Lasso – Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz

Ted, while outwardly just a kind and positive soul, but he’s much, much more complex than that. The kind of guy who can warm your heart and make you cry all at once, he’s got a lot in common with the book Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. Read this for Ted Lasso vibes that will have you feeling every emotion.

2. Rebecca Welton – Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson

Rebecca Welton just seems like she would befriend a demon. No really, she’s got that same powerful woman, self-sufficiency that Artemisia wields so expertly in Vespertine. Only these two fierce female characters could build a bond with such a dangerous, powerful being.

3. Coach Beard – Rabbit & Robot by Andrew Smith

Andrew Smith has the same dark humor and lovingly bizarre wit that Coach Beard gives us 24/7. If you’re in the mood for a Coach Beard romp, this space-cruiseship dystopian adventure should absolutely be your next read.

4. Roy Kent – Vampires, Hearts, and Other Dead Things by Margie Fuston

This book just has the vibes of all black and dead inside energy but is a really sweet and deep story about family and grief. Since Roy is the gruff tough guy with a mushy gushy heart, it seemed like an apt pair.

5. Keeley Jones – Drawn That Way by Elissa Sussman

A fun and flirty rom-com starring a strong female lead trying to establish herself in a male-dominated industry? This book SCREAMS Keeley, change my mind.

6. Jaimie Tartt – City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Jaimie has mad Jace vibes and that is my whole argument. If you love Jaimie, you will lose yourself in this book. Do it.

7. Sam Obisanya – The Sky Blues by Robbie Couch

Another ray of sunshine but very deep character, Sam is a heart-melter for sure. As is Robbie Couch’s debut novel, The Sky Blues. Trust me when I say you’ll be happy crying with fervor by the end of this book.

8. The Pub Guys – Take Me Home Tonight by Morgan Matson

If you love the pub guys, you’ll love this wacky city adventure about friendship, self-discovery, and exploring—and getting lost in—a big, grand, unfamiliar city. This book will bring as much of a smile to your face as watching the pub guys watch bake off.

9. Dani Rojas – Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

Dani Rojas is just a smile factory. I could swear his entire role in the show is just to brighten everyone’s day all the time. If you love him the most, then you love getting the warm fuzzies, and believe us, this book is guaranteed to give you all the warm fuzzies.

10. Trent Crimm – The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds Reed

If Trent Crimm, The Independent, is your favorite character, you must read this book. Trent is after nothing but the facts—while also showing us his (very slightly) softer side of appreciating the goodness in people that Ted Lasso brings out. This book is a fantastic look at a time in history when things weren’t so clean cut or easy—it’s a story I imagine Trent Crimm would love to cover.

11. Higgins – These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong

If Juliette Cai could see me comparing her story to a British TV character, she’d probably stab me. But let’s be honest, would I even mind? Higgins is the perfect partner in crime, the guy who will always tell you the truth, who is always there when you need a second. If you love that reliable sidekick trope, you’ll love Marshall, Benedict, and Kathleen.

All in all, we love these books, and we love Ted Lasso and AFC Richmond.

Want more book recs? Your perfect movie night will determine what book you should read next!

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Supernatural Books That Will Make Your Spine Tingle

1. Dire Days of Willowweep Manor by Shaenon Garrity

This inter-dimensional adventure is filled with gothic motifs, creepy characters, and all creepy things you could possibly want. The art is just as cute and fun as the story, and will have you craving costume parties and pumpkin carving in no time!

2. Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson

There could not be a better October read than this one. Complete with religious corruption, demonic possession, action-packed battle scenes, and eerie symbolism through ravens and bonfires, this book has the perfect fall vibe—move it to the top of your October TBR ASAP.

3. Vampires, Hearts, and Other Dead Things by Margie Fuston

If you had the chance to become a vampire, would you take it? This book follows Victoria, a young vampire-obsessed girl who vows to turn to save her terminally ill father. But is vampirism all it’s cracked up to be? You’ll have to read to find out!

4. The Curse Workers by Holly Black

This eerie tale features people with the power to alter emotions and memories. These people have been forced to hide their powers, criminalizing them. Can you imagine what a group of criminals could accomplish if they could alter your memories?

5. Night World by L.J. Smith

Death, romance, magic, and a really eerie tone throughout? It a recipe for spine-tingling fun! This start to the popular series from L.J. Smith is a creepy, enthralling read that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

6. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Toeing the line between psychological and paranormal thriller, this fast-paced read from an unreliable narrator is enough to chill anyone to the bone. You’ll be questioning what’s real in your own life by the end!

7. Slayer by Kiersten White

Nothing says Halloween quite like Buffy. In this fresh tale from the Buffy universe, a new Slayer is on the rise—and not everything is as it seems. Kiersten White spins a perfect tale for your Halloween reading needs: pick this one up now.

Can’t get enough of these eerie reads? Check out this article to get more creepy book recs!

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