Best books to read when you’re in a reading slump

The cursed reading slump. We’ve all been through it. Whether it came on because you just slogged through a book that you hated or because you finished the best story you’ve ever read in your life. The reading slump is bound to take you in its grasp. I’ve collected a few books below that I hope will get you out of your reading slump. These books are either super fast-paced and exciting or just a fun ride, making them the perfect cure to the disease that is the reading slump.

I’m in a bit of a reading slump myself these days and would very much appreciate any of your recommendations. Save me!!!! As always, I’d appreciate it if you used my affiliate links below to support my blog! <3

The Illuminae Files | Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

This series is so insane lol. These books are told in mixed media, so I would really recommend getting the physical book to get the full experience. Each book follows a different set of characters amid a bit of a space crisis. They are so fast-paced and fun. The second book specifically blew my mind. Will always recommend them and will always go back to them when I need a fun book series to get me out of a reading slump. (I’ve also heard the audiobooks are really good, so maybe listen while you read along with the physical copy?)

The Inheritance Games | Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Phewwww another YA series that is just such a fun ride. This mystery series is full of riddles and puzzles and just a tad of romance. I had such a fun time reading these books, and if you like solving puzzles, this is definitely the series for you. I know there’s a spin-off series that came out recently that I really need to get my hands on.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder | Holly Jackson

If you like your mysteries with a bit more thriller/horror vibes, this is the one for you. Rather than fun puzzles and riddles, this series is about a murder case. Our main character doesn’t believe the man who went down for the crime is the true culprit, so she decides to search for the true criminal for a school project. Things get a little crazy and just a tad dangerous. The twists and turns in this series are top-tier (this is coming from someone who always guesses the twist lol) 10/10 recommend this book to get out of your reading slump.

Love & Gelato | Jenna Evans Welch

AHHH the sweetest little YA romance series. Each book centers around a different couple and in a different location. The first book in the series is set in Italy (hence the gelato). Our main character travels to Tuscany the summer after her senior year after her mother’s last wish is for her to spend time with her father. After discovering her mother’s old journal, she learns more about her mother’s past and herself. So so cute! I would recommend the whole series.

The Deal | Elle Kennedy

Elle Kennedy’s books always get me out of a reading slump. She is so so good at writing her characters and dialogue that in almost every single book she’s able to make me laugh out loud. While I know hockey romances aren’t for everyone, I’d recommend giving this series or one of her newer ones a chance. If you usually read heavier books, these are the perfect palate cleanser to clear your mind and get you back into reading after a slump.

Beach Read | Emily Henry

my queen! Emily Henry will be on every list I write lmao. While these books aren’t quite as light as Elle Kennedy’s above, her character and plots always suck me in right from the beginning, ensuring I don’t have time to even think about falling back into my reading slump. She will have you contemplating whether you should quit your job to live in a beach house for the summer to find your life-long nemesis/one true love. An absolute must-read if you’re in a reading slump.

The Love Hypothesis | Ali Hazelwood

My girl, Ali Hazelwood. Another author that has yet to do me wrong. I eat up all of her books the moment I get my hands on them, and each time they are able to pull the reading slump right out of me. If you like science, I recommend starting with the Love Hypothesis, but if you’re into fantasy (and maybe some omegaverse???) then you should try reading Bride. It’s just a little teaser, but still a fun time.

Corrupt | Penelope Douglas

These books are a little traumatizing. I’m not going to lie. If you’re a dark romance girly, these need to be on your tbr asap. I’m telling you!!!! They are the best insane, toxic men you will ever read about. I love them all with my whole heart, and I will not be ashamed!!! I think I read the entire five-book series in like 3 or 4 days this year lol. Absolutely the cure to your reading slump.

Flock | Kate Stewart

Yet again another series that I just cannot shut up about. Yes, I know this series is a little wild. Maybe it’s a little traumatizing. I will still be saying with my whole chest that you need to be reading this. Just a bit of a warning: the main character might piss you off a bit because she is incredibly naive and annoying lmao. But the series is worth reading. I promise!!!! (I scream as they drag me away).

They Never Learn | Layne Fargo

This is your classic thriller with a little twist. Rather than being the hunted in this one, she is the hunter. I love a mystery thriller that turns the genre on its head a bit. You’re guaranteed to eat this one up, and it will most definitely pull you out of that reading slump. I really don’t want to give too much away as that will spoil all of the fun!

Ahhh my baby. I love this book so much. If you’re able I would 100% recommend reading the audiobook version. It adds so much to the story that I think it’s worth going out of your way to get a copy! (I did it with my free audible trial hehe) All you need to know about this before going in is that it has to do with space travel and isolation. Everything else will be better learned through the book itself. Omg it’s so good.

Dark Matter | Blake Crouch

If you like sci-fi thrillers, my man Blake Crouch is the author to read. I read Dark Matter years ago, but it’s still hard to top for my favorite sci-fi. If you’re looking for something fast-paced, mysterious, and the perfect amount of twists and turns, look no further because you will not be finding anything better. Ugh! Truly amazing and the perfect thing to get you out of a reading slump.

The Will of the Many | James Islington

I just read this book a couple of weeks ago. While a high fantasy may not be the cure for everyone’s reading slump, if you’re an avid fantasy reader, I would definitely recommend this one. The book starts off right out of the gate, and the unique society and magic system will have you hooked right away. I read this book so fast because I kept needing to solve the mystery and see where the story took me. An absolute 5-star read for me. (The only downfall is that we now have to wait until November for the sequel rip)