I’m always thrilled when a book I love turns out to be part of something bigger. 'Percy Jackson & the Olympians' by Rick Riordan is a perfect example. What started as a fun adventure about a demigod kid grew into a whole universe with spin-offs like 'The Heroes of Olympus' and 'The Trials of Apollo.' It’s amazing how Riordan keeps expanding the world while keeping the heart of the story intact.
Another favorite is 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins. The original trilogy was brilliant, and then we got 'The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,' a prequel that adds layers to the lore. Even 'Six of Crows' by Leigh Bardugo is part of the larger Grishaverse, connecting to the 'Shadow and Bone' series. These franchises make reading so much more rewarding because there’s always more to discover.
I love exploring how standalone novels connect to larger franchises. Take 'The Witcher' series by Andrzej Sapkowski, for example. It started with short stories like 'The Last Wish' and expanded into a massive saga with novels, games, and even a Netflix show. The depth of lore and interconnected plots make it a standout.
Another great example is 'The Stormlight Archive' by Brandon Sanderson, which is part of the larger Cosmere universe. Books like 'The Way of Kings' and 'Words of Radiance' are epic in their own right, but they also tie into other series like 'Mistborn' through subtle crossovers. Then there's 'Dune' by Frank Herbert, a sci-fi masterpiece that spans multiple sequels and prequels, building a rich, expansive world. These franchises offer endless immersion for fans who crave more than just a single story.
Some books are just the beginning of something much bigger. 'The Fellowship of the Ring' by J.R.R. Tolkien is the first part of 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy, which itself is part of a larger Middle-earth legendarium. Then there’s 'The Maze Runner' by James Dashner, a gripping dystopian series with sequels and prequels. 'Divergent' by Veronica Roth also expands into a full trilogy. These franchises turn great stories into unforgettable worlds.
Nothing excites me more than finding out a book is just the tip of the iceberg. Take 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss, part of the 'Kingkiller Chronicle.' It’s a beautifully written fantasy with a promise of deeper mysteries in future books. Similarly, 'A Game of Thrones' by George R.R. Martin is the first in the sprawling 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series, filled with politics, war, and dragons.
I also adore 'The Lies of Locke Lamora' by Scott Lynch, which kicks off the 'Gentleman Bastard' sequence. Each book adds new layers to the world and characters. Even 'Red Rising' by Pierce Brown starts as a standalone-ish story but evolves into a vast saga. These franchises pull you in and never let go.
2025-06-12 16:29:00
16
View All Answers
Scan code to download App
Related Books
The Heaven Hill Series
Laramie Briscoe
10
21.2K
Fall in love with these bad-boy bikers — with steamy stories ranging from second-chance romances to secret hookups.The Heaven Hill Series is created by Laramie Briscoe, an eGlobal Creative Publishing Signed Author.
Ashley Black thought she had it all. The perfect marriage and the perfect husband until one night he came home breaking her heart into a million pieces.
"You will walk out of this marriage as you came into it, with only your clothes. You won't get sent nor will you get a house or a car. Sign them and get lost." I fight back the tears as I signed the papers and when I look at him I almost gasp as I saw the hate he has as he look at me.
"The day you realize you made a mistake it will be too late," I tell him emotionless as I walked to the door just as I was about to step out I feel someone grabbing my arm hard making me whimper, "Why would I want someone as disgusting, ugly as you again? I'm glad I finally got rid of you why would I want to come running back to you Ash?" I feel my heart shattered into a million pieces as I hear him say those hurtful words.
Ashley left the house heartbroken and pregnant after he chased her away.
Five years later Adrian realized the mistake he made back then but the question is will Ashley forgive him?
Find out what will happen between Ashley and Adrian in this romance.
All my life, I thought I had it all figured out — the quiet, obedient girl who did what was expected and stayed in the shadows. But life has a way of turning everything upside down.
I’ve lived with rules, expectations, and secrets I never dared to speak aloud. I’ve tried to be who everyone wanted me to be, but now… I’m starting to ask myself who I really am.
And then there’s Lucas — a presence I can’t ignore, though I’m not sure what he truly means for me. Between past pains, the choices I make, and the life I’m trying to claim for myself, I’m learning that growing up is complicated… and sometimes, it hurts.
Her name was Cathedra. Leave her last name blank, if you will.
Where normal people would read, "And they lived happily ever after," at the end of every fairy tale story, she could see something else. Three different things.
Three words: Lies, lies, lies.
A picture that moves.
And a plea: Please tell them the truth.
All her life she dedicated herself to becoming a writer and telling the world what was being shown in that moving picture. To expose the lies in the fairy tales everyone in the world has come to know.
No one believed her. No one ever did.
She was branded as a liar, a freak with too much imagination, and an orphan who only told tall tales to get attention. She was shunned away by society. Loveless. Friendless.
As she wrote "The End" to her novels that contained all she knew about the truth inside the fairy tale novels she wrote, she also decided to end her pathetic life and be free from all the burdens she had to bear alone.
Instead of dying, she found herself blessed with a second life inside the fairy tale novels she wrote, and living the life she wished she had with the characters she considered as the only friends she had in the world she left behind.
Cathedra was happy until she realized that an ominous presence lurks within her stories. One that wanted to kill her to silence the only one who knew the truth.
I’ll Be Home for Christmas: A Thorntons Christmas Novella
IRIS MORLAND
0
3.4K
"Fall in love with THE THORNTONS, a family filled with sexy alpha males, passionate women, and lots of heart, all set in a delightful small town in the Pacific Northwest.
It’s Christmas time, and the entire Thornton clan is spending the holidays in a cabin deep in the Washington woods.
What could go wrong with twelve adults, four kids, and a dog all staying together in one big cabin?
Only the most chaotic—and memorable—Christmas ever!
Expect kisses under the mistletoe, lots of (spiked) eggnog, and even a surprise wedding as the Thornton clan celebrates the most romantic holiday of all.
Author’s Note: I’ll Be Home for Christmas is set six months after the last book, Till There Was You, ends. It’s recommended that you read the other books first, as this book is an epilogue to the entire series. Merry Christmas and happy reading!
**
This book is a part of the LOVE EVERLASTING series, which is one large series following multiple families and friends. Each book can be read as a standalone (unless otherwise noted), or they can be read in order of publication as one long series. Each book is interconnected, with many of the same characters showing up in multiple books.
LOVE EVERLASTING
THE THORNTONS
The Nearness of You
The Very Thought of You
If I Can’t Have You
Dream a Little Dream of Me
Someone to Watch Over Me
Till There Was You
I’ll Be Home for Christmas (A Thorntons Christmas)
A town with a strange past. A group of teenagers with secrets to hide. A world inside a box and a man who should no longer exist. Will they ever find out where they truly belong?
I can tell you that the 'Here' series is published by HarperCollins under their HarperTeen imprint. HarperCollins is a major player in the publishing world, known for bringing some of the most beloved YA and fantasy titles to readers. The 'Here' series, written by Denise Grover Swank, has gained a solid fanbase thanks to its gripping mix of romance and supernatural elements.
What I love about HarperTeen is their knack for picking up series that resonate with young adults. They've published other hits like 'The Selection' by Kiera Cass and 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before' by Jenny Han, so you know they have a good eye for compelling stories. The 'Here' series fits right into their catalog, offering readers a blend of emotional depth and thrilling twists.
I can confidently say it spans 12 volumes, each delving deeper into its richly crafted world. The first few volumes set the stage with intricate character backstories and world-building, while the middle ones ramp up the tension with unexpected twists. The final volumes tie everything together in a satisfying yet bittersweet way, leaving fans craving more.
What makes this series stand out is how each volume builds upon the last, introducing new layers to the lore and characters. The author’s storytelling evolves noticeably from Volume 1 to Volume 12, making it a rewarding journey for long-time readers. Whether you’re into the political intrigue, the magical elements, or the complex relationships, there’s something in every volume to keep you hooked. The 12-volume count might seem daunting, but trust me, once you start, you won’t want to stop.
The manga 'Here & There' by Akihito Tsukushi is actually a standalone work, not part of a larger series. It's a short but incredibly atmospheric story that blends slice-of-life elements with a touch of surrealism—something Tsukushi does brilliantly in his more famous work, 'Made in Abyss.' What I love about 'Here & There' is how it captures fleeting moments of connection between characters in this almost dreamlike setting. It doesn’t need a series to expand its world because it’s deliberately vague and open-ended, leaving room for readers to fill in the gaps with their own interpretations. The art style has that same detailed yet slightly unsettling quality as 'Made in Abyss,' but the tone is quieter, more introspective. If you’re looking for something with a similar vibe but prefer a complete story in one volume, this is a great pick.
That said, I’ve seen some fans wish it was part of a series because the world feels ripe for exploration. There’s a mysterious, almost melancholic beauty to the setting that makes you crave more. But I think its standalone nature works in its favor—it’s like a perfectly crafted short story that lingers in your mind long after you finish it. Tsukushi’s ability to create dense, immersive worlds in just a few chapters is seriously underrated. If you haven’t read it yet, it’s worth tracking down, especially if you’re into atmospheric, character-driven narratives.