July Reading Challenge: Let’s Begin – Series to Start
After finishing a really good book, there are few better feelings than knowing the story is not over. It’s part of what we love about reading: getting lost in a series. So this July, we’re challenging you to begin a series you haven’t read before. We’ve curated a list of books and graphic novels that are the first title in a series. Choose one that grabs you and enjoy the summer, title after title!
Here are a few highlights.
eBooks
The House Witch by Delemhach
Fin’s a total mystery, content working as a royal cook and whipping up magical meals with his cute kitten. But when the court discovers he’s actually a house witch, he gets tangled in palace spy drama, rival mages, and a complicated love life.
Murder by Cheesecake: A Golden Girls Cozy Mystery by Rachel Ekstrom-Courage
Yes, the Golden Girls are solving mysteries! When Dorothy’s terrible date ends up dead in a freezer (ruining a great cheesecake), the Golden Girls must find the killer. Between a chaotic St. Olaf-themed wedding, Blanche’s hot flashes, and everyone being a suspect, the four besties have to solve the murder and save the big day.
The Marlow Murder Club by Robert Thorogood
Meet 77-year-old Judith, a whiskey-drinking crossword solver living in a crumbling mansion. When she hears a neighbor murdered, the cops won’t listen, so she teams up with a dog-walker and a vicar’s wife. This unlikely trio must trap a real-life serial killer before they become the next victims.
Wild Love by Elsie Silver
Billionaire Ford Grant is busy opening his recording studio when his best friend’s chaotic sister, Rosie, begs for a job. Just as he hires her, a surprise 12-year-old daughter appears. Now Miller must balance instant fatherhood with the blistering temptation of the one woman he strictly shouldn’t touch.
Audiobooks
Quicksilver by Callie Hart and read by Stella Bloom and Anthony Palmini
Thief Saeris Fane survives a harsh desert by stealing water and hiding her magic. But after a run-in with Death himself, she’s accidentally transported to a frozen Fae realm. Stuck in a brutal conflict, she mistakenly binds herself to Kingfisher, a handsome warrior who is her only ticket home.
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden and read by Lauryn Allman
Taking a maid job at the Winchesters’ mansion is Millie’s last chance for a fresh start. But behind the perfect family facade lie dangerous secrets. As she deals with a toxic boss and a handsome, broken husband, she learns too late that her attic bedroom door only locks from the outside.
Game Changer by Rachel Reid and read by Tor Thom
Pro hockey star Scott Hunter believes a smoothie made by sexy barista Kip Grady broke his game slump. Their chemistry is red hot, but Scott keeps their relationship strictly behind closed doors. With the playoffs approaching, Kip wonders how long he’ll have to remain his boyfriend’s best-kept secret.
Murder in Tuscany by T.A. Williams and read by Simon Mattacks
Retired detective Dan Armstrong wanted a quiet Tuscan vacation, but his writing retreat turns messy when famed author Jonah Moore is stabbed with his own award-winning dagger. Teaming up with an Italian commissario, Dan has 11 suspect guests to grill before this real-life killer strikes again.
Comics & Manga
Absolute Batman Vol. 1: The Zoo by Scott Snyder and illustrated by Nick Dragotta and Gabriel Walta
Gotham’s being terrorized by masked killers, and a new vigilante is fighting back…but it’s not the Batman you know. Born from an apocalyptic cosmic battle, this Absolute Universe features a young Bruce Wayne with no mansion, no Alfred, and a totally different approach to being the Dark Knight.
Transformers Vol. 1 written and illustrated by Daniel Warren Johnson
With Cybertron’s fate totally unknown, the Autobots and Decepticons have landed on Earth, bringing their epic war with them. As lines are redrawn and wild new alliances form, humanity’s absolute only hope for survival is Optimus Prime.
Attack on Titan Vol. 1 written and illustrated by Hajime Isayama
Humanity hides inside a massive, three-walled city to escape Titans—bizarre, giant humanoids who love devouring people. Everyone thought the walls were safe, but after a century of peace, a colossal Titan suddenly appears, threatening to smash their defenses.
The Margraves Daughter and the Enemy Prince Vol. 1 written and illustrated by An Ogura
Tired of rigid court life, Anna spends her time mastering the sword rather than looking for a nobleman husband. But when her home is invaded and her brother captured, she is traded to the enemy prince to save him. Trapped by tragedy, Anna still has plans of her own.
Dive into a Popular Book Series Today
If you want to get lost in a good series but don’t know where to begin, start with our curated collection highlighting the first book in some of the most talked-about series available. Map out your summer reading roadmap before you even turn the first page. Our July Reading Challenge is designed to keep you reading all summer long.
*Titles may vary by library
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