What Is The Best Book To Read This Summer For Fantasy Lovers?

As someone who devours books like candy, I can tell you that some of the best summer reads do indeed have sequels. Take 'The Song of Achilles' by Madeline Miller, for example. It’s a standalone masterpiece, but if you’re craving more Greek myth retellings, Miller’s 'Circe' is a spiritual successor that’s just as captivating. Another great pick is 'The House in the Cerulean Sea' by TJ Klune. While it doesn’t have a direct sequel, Klune’s 'Under the Whispering Door' offers a similar cozy fantasy vibe. For those who love series, 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' by Sarah J. Maas has multiple sequels that dive deeper into its lush fantasy world. If you prefer contemporary romance, 'The Hating Game' by Sally Thorne doesn’t have a sequel, but Thorne’s '99 Percent Mine' is a delightful follow-up. Whether you’re into fantasy, romance, or historical fiction, there’s always more to explore if you fall in love with a book’s universe.

As someone who devours books like they’re going out of style, summer is my favorite time to dive into fresh reads. My top pick for this season has to be 'Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow' by Gabrielle Zevin. It’s a beautifully crafted story about friendship, love, and video games—yes, video games! The characters are so real you’ll feel like you’ve known them forever. The emotional depth and clever storytelling make it perfect for lazy beach days or late-night reading under a fan. Another standout is 'Book Lovers' by Emily Henry. It’s witty, romantic, and packed with bookish references that’ll make any bibliophile swoon. The chemistry between the leads is electric, and the small-town setting feels like a warm hug. For something darker but equally gripping, 'The Maidens' by Alex Michaelides blends psychological thrills with Greek mythology. It’s the kind of book you’ll finish in one sitting, then immediately want to discuss with someone.

Sun, salt, and a paperback — for me the absolute go-to beach romance is 'Beach Read' by Emily Henry. It has that perfect mix of witty banter, emotional payoffs, and a slightly sunburnt melancholy that makes it feel like a summer memory in prose. The pacing is spot-on for lying on a towel: you can breeze through chapters between dips in the water, but the characters stick with you long after you close the book. What I love most is how it toys with expectations. On the surface it's a typical opposites-attract romantic setup, but there's real depth: grief, creative block, and the quiet work of figuring out what you actually want. If you want lighter fare, try 'People We Meet on Vacation' by Emily Henry or 'The Flatshare' by Beth O'Leary for cozy laughs; if you want something that leans into queer best-friend romance with fireworks, 'Red, White & Royal Blue' is a riot. Even 'The Kiss Quotient' can be surprisingly tender between sunbathers. Practical tip: pack a wide-brim hat and switch to the audiobook for the last hour of the day so you can watch the sunset hands-free. Bring a playlist of mellow indie and seaside soundscapes, and don’t be shy about dog-earing lines you want to reread later. Honestly, the book that feels like summer to you is the right one, but if you want my pick for pure, salty-sweet beach romance, I’ll always nudging you toward 'Beach Read'.

As someone who devours books like candy, I’ve been keeping a close eye on the 2024 summer releases, and I have to say, Penguin Random House is absolutely killing it this year. They’ve got a stellar lineup, from the highly anticipated fantasy 'The Familiar' by Leigh Bardugo to the gripping thriller 'The Housemaid Is Watching' by Freida McFadden. But what really sets them apart is their diversity in genres. If you’re into romance, 'Funny Story' by Emily Henry is a must-read, while sci-fi fans will adore 'The Ministry of Time' by Kaliane Bradley. Even their non-fiction offerings, like 'The Demon of Unrest' by Erik Larson, are page-turners. Their curation feels like they’ve got something for every mood, whether you’re lounging by the beach or hiding from the summer heat indoors.

As someone who spends way too much time scouring the internet for hidden literary gems, I can confidently say there are fantastic free books out there for summer reading. Project Gutenberg is a goldmine—classics like 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen or 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' by Arthur Conan Doyle are available legally and free. Many authors also offer free eBooks on platforms like Amazon Kindle, especially debut works or first books in a series to hook readers. For contemporary reads, check out platforms like Wattpad or Royal Road where indie authors post serialized stories. Some hidden treasures there rival traditionally published books. Libraries also provide free digital loans via apps like Libby or Hoopla—bestsellers like 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo' by Taylor Jenkins Reid often pop up. If you’re into speculative fiction, Tor.com frequently releases free short stories that are perfect for a quick summer escape.

As someone who spends way too much time browsing Amazon for my next great read, I can confidently say yes, you absolutely can find the best summer books there! Amazon’s selection is massive, and their recommendations are surprisingly on point if you’ve got a history of buying or browsing books. For a light, fun summer vibe, I’d suggest 'The House in the Cerulean Sea' by TJ Klune—it’s like a warm hug in book form. If you’re into thrillers, 'The Silent Patient' by Alex Michaelides will keep you glued to your beach chair. One thing I love about Amazon is the ability to read samples before buying. I’ve discovered so many gems just by checking out the first few pages. Also, their deals during summer are insane—keep an eye out for Kindle discounts or buy-one-get-one sales. Don’t forget to check the reviews too; they’re a goldmine for honest opinions. Whether you’re into romance, fantasy, or non-fiction, Amazon’s got you covered for summer reading.

Summer is the perfect time to dive into a book that also has a fantastic movie adaptation, so you can enjoy the story in multiple formats. One of my top picks is 'The Martian' by Andy Weir. The book is a thrilling survival story set on Mars, filled with humor, science, and suspense. The movie starring Matt Damon captures the essence of the book beautifully, making it a great double feature. Another excellent choice is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn, a psychological thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The movie adaptation is just as gripping, with stellar performances from Rosamund Pike and Ben Affleck. For something lighter, 'Crazy Rich Asians' by Kevin Kwan is a fun, glamorous read with a movie that’s equally entertaining. The visuals and chemistry between the cast members bring the story to life in a way that’s delightful to watch. If you’re into classics, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee is a timeless novel with a powerful movie adaptation that stays true to its themes of justice and morality. Each of these books offers a unique experience, and their movie adaptations add another layer of enjoyment.

As someone who devours books year-round, summer is the perfect time to dive into something fresh and engaging. For online book shopping, I swear by Book Depository for its vast selection and free worldwide shipping—ideal for beach reads like 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' by Jenny Han or 'Malibu Rising' by Taylor Jenkins Reid. If you prefer e-books, Kindle Unlimited is a goldmine with titles like 'People We Meet on Vacation' by Emily Henry. Don’t overlook Libby for free library rentals; it’s how I discovered 'The House in the Cerulean Sea' by TJ Klune. For curated picks, Goodreads’ summer reading lists are fantastic, and Reddit’s r/books has lively threads with hidden gems. Audiobook lovers should check out Audible’s summer deals—listening to 'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir while lounging is pure bliss.