Thankfully, there is a happy medium for readers who want a broader plot line but also may not want to dedicate themselves — either money- or time-wise — to thousands of pages of plot. I’ve mentioned before that I prefer books that have “volume 1” printed on the spine, but lately I’ve been feeling scatterbrained both in my regular life and my book choices. There’s so much to read out there, and the world is so strange these days that it’s tough to focus on anything for hours upon hours. My friends, I am here to suggest the duology, or what those in the British Regency period might have called a “double-decker.” Fantasy duologies are usually two full-length novels set in the same world. They may follow the same protagonist(s) or not, but one thing is certain: they neatly solve the issue of “how much time do I have to invest in this world.” Here are eight new worlds to explore over the course of 16 books.
Book 2: The Shadowed Sun Book 2: Crown of Thunder Book 2: This Wicked Fate Lauren Olamina lives in an enclave with her family in the post-apocalyptic Los Angeles of 2025 (eep). She suffers from hyperempathy, making her extremely sensitive to the pain of those around her. When a fire destroys both her compound and her family, Lauren is forced out into the world on her own. Book 2: Parable of the Talents Book 2: Our Dark Duet Book 2: The Thanatos Syndrome Book 2: The Night Country Yes, this is a Romeo + Juliet retelling, and it’s great. Also, that cover?!? Book 2: Our Violent Ends Fellow Rioter Kelly also penned a piece with some delectable YA fantasy duologies back in February, so if you’re looking for even more inspiration, head over there!
