I want to be a lot more intentional with my reading this year and even though I still have a lot of series I need to continue, there are some that I want to start for various reasons. I only want to read finished series so I don’t have to wait for a year or more to read each book.
To start, I have all of the books in the Camelot Rising series, the first book of the Winternight trilogy, the first book in the Greenbone saga, and books 2 and 3 of the Arc of a Scythe series. I want to prioritize these series because one of my goals for 2026 is to read at least 12 of the books I physically own. I am reading Jade City for a book club, which is why I bought it, so I started with that one. I want to read the Winternight trilogy next because it makes sense to read it in the winter time.
I also have an ebook and eARC of both of the books in the Winter Dark series, which pushes it up on my TBR. I’m planning on reading these in February to keep up with my schedule for reading ARCs and because it’s also a wintery series so I want to read it when it makes sense for me. The second book doesn’t come out until May though, so I might end up rearranging my ARC schedule.
The only one of these series that I don’t own any of the books is the Emily Wilde series. I have been wanting to read it since the first one came out, but I believe it’s completed now so I finally want to read it. It’s not as big of a priority because I don’t own it but I would love to read it over the summer.
... Read moreAs an avid reader myself, setting clear intentions for reading plans in advance has been a game changer for my book journey. Choosing only completed series is such a smart approach, especially when you want to avoid the frustration of year-long waits between installments. For instance, starting with the Camelot Rising series by Kiersten White offers a rich blend of Arthurian legend and suspense that keeps you hooked.
The Winternight Trilogy by Katherine Arden is perfect for reading during the colder months due to its atmospheric, magical setting rooted in Russian folklore. Reading it in winter really enhances the experience, making the story feel immersive and seasonal.
The Greenbone Saga, known for its complex family dynamics and magical elements involving power and honor, is an excellent choice for fans of intricate fantasy worlds. Pairing it with Neal Shusterman's Arc of a Scythe series, which features a thought-provoking dystopian future with moral dilemmas, creates a varied but complementary reading list.
I noticed the author plans to read Winter Dark by Joanna Ruth Meyer in February, aligning well with its wintry themes. Reading ARCs (advance reader copies) along with traditionally published books requires careful scheduling, especially when release dates like the second Winter Dark book in May may cause rescheduling.
Lastly, for those who enjoy a charming academic fairy tale vibe, the Emily Wilde series by Heather Fawcett is a hidden gem, blending faeries and mystery with a scholarly twist. Although not owned physically by the author, summer reading for this series sounds ideal since its lighter tone suits warmer months.
Overall, prioritizing physical owned books helps manage your TBR (to-be-read) pile effectively and supports your goal of reading at least 12 books in 2026. What I love about this strategy is it encourages intentional reading, balancing enjoyment with productivity. If you’re looking to revamp your reading for the new year, selecting completed fantasy series that resonate with seasons or personal interests can make your literary journey more fulfilling and exciting.