5 Addicting YA Series — kendra lee adams

With a sensational series inevitably comes hours of voracious reading, neglected errands, and days of isolation from the real world. I am a serious sucker for a good young adult series, but lack the time necessary to rip through these collections in an efficient manner. As a result, I have not completed many series (though this may be a result of the fact that I insist on re-reading Harry Potter regularly instead of branching out). Regardless, I am delighted to share some of my most binge-worthy YA series to date!

Harry Potter series

I couldn't not put this series on my list--my wedding invitations were Marauders' Maps for crying out loud! This is the only series I have read countless times. J.K. Rowling, a true mastermind, has brilliantly created a world that us muggles can only dream of inhabiting. I did say this list is in no particular order, but this series is, hands down, number one. Harry Potter is an orphan living with his miserable relatives, the Dursley's. When a half-giant pounds down his front door and delivers the news that Harry is a wizard being hunted by the all-powerful Lord Voldemort, his world is forever changed. At least he delivered this earthshaking news with a side of birthday cake! 7 books total.

Mortal Instruments series book covers. City of Bones, city of ashes, city of glass, city of fallen angels, city of heavenly fire, and city of lost souls.

City of Bones (Mortal Instruments #1)

This is my most recently completed series, and it probably ranks just below Harry Potter, which is truly saying something. After witnessing an oddly tattooed trio of teenagers murder a boy, fifteen-year-old Clary is stunned as the victim simply disappears into thin air - was he even human? She soon discovers that these bizarre teens are Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. As it turns out, all the fantastical creatures that litter our stories are all real, from vampires to faeries to warlocks. If you're looking for a fantastical world in which to immerse yourself, chock-full of demon hunting, warlocks, and--of course--a touch of romance (okay, maybe slightly more than a touch), then you've come to the right place. 6 books total.

Divergent series

Although this series was absolutely marred by the poor attempt at an on-screen adaptation, do not let that deter you from indulging in this incredible trilogy. Tris lives in apocalyptic dystopian Chicago, a city split into five factions based on one's disposition that dictate societal responsibilities and expected conduct. At the age of sixteen, children participate in a ceremony to choose which faction in which they desire to live out the rest of their lives: Candor for honesty, Abnegation for selflessness, Amity for peacefulness, Erudite for intellect, or Dauntless for bravery. Though Tris was born into Abnegation, her test results show that this is not where she truly belongs. On Choosing Day, its time to decide whether to stay with her family or select another faction. And did I mention Four, arguably the fictional world's dreamiest boyfriend? *swoon* 3 books total.

Inheritance Cycle by christopher paolini. Eragon, eldest, brigingr, inheritance.

Eragon (Inheritance Cycle #1)

YA novels are addicting and quick reads, but their plots often lack depth. Eragon couldn't be more opposite! It is addicting like its YA counterparts, yet the story line is so intricately crafted. The true kicker is that this sophisticated, fantastical work of art was written by Christopher Paolini before he even turned 18! He tells the story of Eragon, a young farm boy who discovers a "stone" that turns out to be a dragon egg. Eragon is blessed with his very own pet dragon, but the evil King Galbatorix wants the creature for himself. Yes, it is the classic child-desires-the-downfall-of-the-government story, but not in the way you'd expect! I do need to fully disclose the fact that I haven't read the final book, however. I read the first three in high school before Inheritance was released, and then got busy with college prep before I got around to finishing the series. Now that it's been a few years, I definitely want to re-read the first three books before tackling the fourth, because I know there is a ton of details I need to brush up on! 4 books total.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians

I guess everyone and their mom has read these books, so I recently decided to jump on the wagon and give them a try. Although I haven't finished the series yet, they definitely deserve a place on this list considering I tore through the first three books in less than a week. Percy Jackson is just a normal preteen until he learns that all the stories of mythological Greek gods are not only true, but he even has a spot in the family tree (because if you've read the classics, you'll know the ancient characters slept with everyone and their mother, sometimes literally if you've indulged in the work of Sophocles). Just as Percy finds the one place he fits in, he's been accused of stealing Zeus' lightening bolt and must embark on a dangerous quest to clear his name and discover the true thief. 5 books total.

What are your favorite YA series?