A collection of the pilot books for popular series, for those of us who love to follow a character's journey for as long as an author will let us! Some of the below series have heavily debated starting points and book read orders--in those cases the pilot was selected based on what seems to be the most popular approach.

Fictional books that feel like a warm hug, featuring magic and whimsy and perfectly happy endings. These are lower on stakes and higher on good vibes!

Books that made it on the big screen

The four books in Tolkien’s main Middle-earth saga + several other collections published posthumously.

Listed in the recommended reading order for people who like to read full series.

Gather in these hallowed halls

Competitions for power, notoriety, love, or maybe even your life.