Is there anything a bookworm dreads more than a reading slump?! Once you’re in one, it can be really frustrating and difficult to overcome. In my opinion, the easiest way to get out of one is to read your way out of it.
I know, it sounds a lot easier than it is, but hear me out… We’re readers, it’s what we do! So pick up a book and try to get into it. Your slump could be over with the first book you read… or with the fifth.
I’ve put together a list of 10 books that I recommend to help you get out of your reading slump. I’ve included a range of different genres and authors to help you find something you will enjoy and hopefully break that slump !!
I’ve even included a book that broke my MULTIPLE-YEAR SLUMP. I went through a phase in my early 20s where I just couldn’t get out of a slump. This book broke it, and I rediscovered my passion for reading, which then led into #Bookstagram and eventually creating my business and this website. So enough of this rambling and let’s get stuck in…
A Darker Shade Of Magic by V. E. Schwab
Synopsis:
Most people only know one London; but what if there were several? Kell is one of the last Travelers—magicians with a rare ability to travel between parallel Londons. There’s Grey London, dirty and crowded and without magic, home to the mad king George III. There’s Red London, where life and magic are revered. Then, White London, ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne. But once upon a time, there was Black London…
Thoughts:
“A Darker Shade Of Magic” is book one of the young adult fantasy/adventure trilogy, which is perfect for any lover of the genre. It has wonderful world building and a very unique magic system that is perfect for grabbing your attention. The author has a wonderful way of writing that makes you want to continue reading.
Now this book is the only one in this list that I have personally found to break a reading slump. It helped me rediscover my love of reading and fall in love with the author. V. E. Schwab is now an autobuy author for me, and if you’ve read any of her books before, you’ll understand why.
If you do find yourself wanting to read this series or have read it, you will be pleased to know that the author is currently working on a new trilogy in the same universe as this one named “Threads of Power,” so be sure to check these out when they’re released!
Author Quote: “I was about halfway through [Conjuring of Light] when I realized I wasn’t ready to let go. There was so much of the world unexplored, so many stories left to tell, and I knew I hadn’t seen the last of this motley crew.”
Quote found : https://shadesofmagic.fandom.com/wiki/Threads_of_Power
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The Crucifix Killer by Chris Carter
Synopsis:
When the body of a young woman is discovered in a derelict cottage in Los Angeles, Robert Hunter is thrown into a nightmare case. The victim suffered a terrible death, and on the nape of her neck has been carved a strange double-cross: the signature of a psychopath known as the Crucifix Killer. But that’s impossible. Because two years ago, the Crucifix Killer was caught and executed.
Could this therefore be a copycat killer? Or could the unthinkable be true? Is the real killer still out there, ready to embark once again on a vicious and violent killing spree, selecting his victims seemingly at random, taunting Robert Hunter with his inability to catch him? Hunter and his rookie partner, Garcia, need to solve this case and fast.
Thoughts:
The Crucifix Killer is the first in a series of crime/thriller books that I would say is definitely not for the faint of heart. They’re packed full of suspense, action, and, of course, gore. Carter has a way with words that definitely sets the scene for the reader.
This book is highly recommended for those who enjoy the genre and are looking to break out of a reading slump. With its fast paced action and short chapters, you are bound to read it cover to cover in no time at all… You just may not want to leave the house anytime soon.
The series itself can be read in any order as each book is a different case (except for two; “An Evil Mind” and “Hunting Evil,” which should be read in the order stated), so if the sound of this one doesn’t appeal to you, try another in the series and see what Robert Hunter and his partner, Garcia, get up to!
The author, however, has said that to get the most out of the series, he would recommend reading them in order of publication to fully appreciate the character development over the course of the series.
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The Last Firefox by Lee Newbury
Synopsis:
Between bullies at school and changes at home, Charlie Challinor finds life a bit scary. And when he’s made guardian of a furry fox cub called Cadno, things get a whole lot scarier. Because Cadno isn’t just any fox: he’s a firefox – the only one of his kind – and a sinister hunter from another world is on his trail. Swept up into an unexpected adventure to protect his flammable friend, Charlie’s going to need to find the bravery he never thought he had, if he’s going to save the last firefox . . .
Thoughts:
Now children’s fiction isn’t for everyone, but hear me out…
Children’s fiction read by adults can be a wonderful way of escaping reality and reliving some of your childhood. They’re generally fast paced, easy to read, and can be a lot of fun!
This charming book is ideal for readers who need something lighthearted, charming, and wonderfully written to get them out of a slump.
It’s a heartwarming story about friendship and adventure, with adorable illustrations. Follow Charlie as he tries to help a young firefox escape danger and return home.
If you do read and enjoy this, the sequel is currently available for pre-order at the time of writing this.
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Six Of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Synopsis:
Criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams – but he can’t pull it off alone. A convict with a thirst for revenge.
A sharpshooter who can’t walk away from a wager.
A runaway with a privileged past.
A spy known as the Wraith.
A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums.
A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes.
Six dangerous outcasts.
One impossible heist.
Kaz’s crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction – if they don’t kill each other first.
Thoughts:
This high-risk, high-reward fantasy book is one I recommend often. From page one, you will find yourself gripped by the intriguing story and diverse characters perfect for breaking that dreaded slump. Set in a Game Of Thrones-esque world, this book follows a group of unlikely characters as they attempt to work together to achieve the impossible. Then, if you do find yourself missing the character after you’ve binge-read this one… Don’t worry because theres a sequel following the aftermath of “Six of Crows.”
If you find yourself drawn into this world, there are additional books to read set in this universe, including the Shadow and Bone trilogy (which is now a popular Netflix TV adaptation).
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Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
Synopsis:
Charlie and Nick are at the same school, but they’ve never met … until one day when they’re made to sit together. They quickly become friends, and soon Charlie is falling hard for Nick, even though he doesn’t think he has a chance.
But love works in surprising ways, and Nick is more interested in Charlie than either of them realised. By Alice Oseman, winner of the YA Book Prize, Heartstopper is about love, friendship, loyalty and mental illness. It encompasses all the small stories of Nick and Charlie’s lives that together make up something larger, which speaks to all of us.
Thoughts:
Now, chances are you are already aware of this series. This extremely popular set of graphic novels is now a Netflix TV adaptation that has been streamed worldwide and is loved by millions.
Graphic novels can be a great way to read without feeling like you’re not reading, but you are!With their fast-paced style, you can find yourself reading the entire thing in one sitting without realising it. This series is definitely one of those binge-worthy stories that you won’t be able to put down, and you’ll have broken your slump easily.
Fall in love with Nick and Charlie as they discover how they feel, and prepare for your heart to stop in the most wonderful way possible.
Please note: this series covers a wide range of difficult topics, so check the content warnings before you begin this series.
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It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
Synopsis:
Lily hasn’t always had it easy, but that’s never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She’s come a long way from the small town where she grew up—she graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. And when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily’s life seems too good to be true.
Ryle is assertive, stubborn, maybe even a little arrogant. He’s also sensitive, brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily. And the way he looks in scrubs certainly doesn’t hurt. Lily can’t get him out of her head.
But Ryle’s complete aversion to relationships is disturbing. Even as Lily finds herself becoming the exception to his “no dating” rule, she can’t help but wonder what made him that way in the first place.
As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan—her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened.
Thoughts:
Before I begin, I would like to stress that this book does cover some difficult topics, so please do check out the content warnings before reading this if you are wanting to.
For lovers of contemporary romance, this book may just be for you. While it isn’t my usual read, I absolutely loved it and would recommend it if you are currently in a reading slump.
Wonderfully written by the author from real life experiences, this hard-hitting, emotional book takes you on a journey with the character Lily as she falls for Ryle. Written in a dual timeline, follow Lily’s story as it flits between the past and the present perfectly.
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My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix
Synopsis:
The year is 1988. High school sophomores Abby and Gretchen have been best friends since fourth grade. But after an evening of skinny-dipping goes disastrously wrong, Gretchen begins to act…different. She’s moody. She’s irritable. And bizarre incidents keep happening whenever she’s nearby.
Abby’s investigation leads her to some startling discoveries―and by the time their story reaches its terrifying conclusion, the fate of Abby and Gretchen will be determined by a single question: Is their friendship powerful enough to beat the devil?
Thoughts:
Where to start with this book…?
This book, set in the 1980s, is sure to bring back memories for the older generation of readers. As a 90s child, I was even given some nostalgia due to my love of 80s music and movies. With an interesting and fun plot, this book is one to read to break that slump. Perhaps one of the best book covers I have ever seen which sits proudly on my bookcase, in prime position to be admired. But we aren’t here to just look at it, right?! We’re here to read and break that slump!
I highly recommend the audiobook to accompany your reading of this. I listened to it while reading it, and it really helped me fully immerse myself in the story, and I found myself bingeing it until I finished it.
If you’ve already read this book, you can read our full review here: Review
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Satan’s Affair by H.D. Carlton
Synopsis:
Every Halloween, Satan’s Affair will come to you.
We travel the country, offering terrifying haunted houses, thrilling rides and the tastiest food. And with every passing town, I cleanse this world, one execution at a time.
I hide within the walls, casting my judgement for those that reek of evil, singing lullabies to their rotting souls.
Once you’ve been chosen, there’s no escaping my henchmen—they cater to my every desire.
You can run and you can hide, but it only excites me.
Come.
Take a walk through my dollhouse, where your screams will blend and your cute little pleas will go unanswered.
But I can’t promise it’ll be over quickly…
Thoughts:
Now, before I get into it, I would like to stress that this book is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18, and also to check the content warnings before starting this. It covers a wide range of topics that even made me question whether I was old enough for this book. As a 28-year-old… I don’t have that feeling often.
However, this book had me hooked! I highly recommend this book to any lover of the dark romance genre. It’s a prequel to the main series, so it’s short but grabs your attention immediately.
As mentioned, this book is a dark romance, which is an acquired taste, so I know it’s not for everyone… However, it can be helpful to get out of a reading slump by trying new genres.
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Never Saw Me Coming by Vera Kurian
Synopsis:
Chloe Sevre can be whoever you want her to be. A cool girl, a best friend, someone to tell secrets to over midnight snacks. She has an impressive IQ, loves working out and frat parties.
She’s also a psychopath.In between her university classes and taking part in a secret clinical study of young psychopaths, Chloe is plotting to kill childhood friend Will Bachman.
They say you should never trust a psychopath. But when you hear what Will Bachman did to Chloe Sevre, you might just change your mind…
Thoughts:
This fast-paced mystery novel will, in my opinion, break your slump easily due to its interesting plot and humorous writing style. Follow Chloe, our main psychopathic protagonist, as she sets her eyes on her target, while there’s just one small thing she needs to look out for.
My read-through of this was rather quick due to the shorter chapters and the somewhat loveable qualities of the characters… Does that make me a psychopath? Possibly…
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Call Me Mummy by Tina Baker
Synopsis:
Glamorous, beautiful Mummy has everything a woman could want. Except for a daughter of her very own. So when she sees Kim – heavily pregnant, glued to her phone and ignoring her eldest child in a busy shop – she does what anyone would do. She takes her. But foul-mouthed little Tonya is not the daughter that Mummy was hoping for.
As Tonya fiercely resists Mummy’s attempts to make her into the perfect child, Kim is demonised by the media as a ‘scummy mummy’, who deserves to have her other children taken too. Haunted by memories of her own childhood and refusing to play by the media’s rules, Kim begins to spiral, turning on those who love her.
Though they are worlds apart, Mummy and Kim have more in common than they could possibly imagine. But it is five-year-old Tonya who is caught in the middle…
Thoughts:
I always find a good thriller capable of breaking a reading slump, and this one is definitely one to read. This fast-paced book grips you from page one and holds on tight due to the short, snappy chapters and the intriguing plot.
Written from multiple perspectives, you’ll learn more about each character as you progress through the book.
Please do read the content warning about this book before you read it, as it can be chilling.
Click here to view “Call Me Mummy” on Waterstones*
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So that’s it…
Try one of these, and hopefully your slump will break. Take inspiration from this list and search for similar books, or if in the unfortunate event that none of these take your fancy, I would suggest picking up a book you’ve read before and loved. This always helps me when I can’t decide what to read or have no urge to read.
I’d love to hear if any of these helped you get out of a slump, or if you have any suggestions to add to this list for other people!
Happy reading!
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