7 book trilogies where every novel is a masterpiece

The idea of trilogies is as old as literature itself, but it’s fair to say The Lord of the Rings was a huge catalyst in popularizing the form in modern literature. Since that landmark release, the practice has become increasingly more prevalent in fantasy, sci-fi, and dystopian literature, with certain exceptions from other genres.

Providing a satisfying narrative, extended world-building, and character arcs spread across three volumes, book trilogies make for the most immersive reading, allowing a strong connection to form between the reader and the characters (and sometimes the writer, too). It’s not an easy feat to get it right, but when it works, it really works. From epic worlds of fantastical beings and sweeping romances to dark worlds of crime and grimy dystopias, here’s our selection of book trilogies where every novel is a masterpiece.

The Falconer (2013–2016)

Written by American author Elizabeth May, The Falconer is a trilogy of romance-fantasy adventure novels, beginning with The Falconer and followed by The Vanishing Throne and The Fallen Kingdom. Set in Victorian-era Scotland, the stories follow one continuous plot, centering on an 18-year-old woman named Aileana Kameron, who is a debutante by day and a monster hunter by night, killing faeries to avenge her mother’s death. What begins as a personal quest for revenge soon spirals into a fight for survival for both humans and the fae against warring magical factions and ancient curses.

A heady mix of hard magic, steampunk technology, Scottish myths, and 19th-century Victorian aesthetics, The Falconer trilogy has the power to keep fantasy fans engaged in every book. Even though the books never became a mainstream success, The Falconer has earned acclaim for its writing and world-building and is often compared to pop culture icons like Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The original trilogy has since been reimagined and republished as a dark romance fantasy for adults, but the first editions of the three books remain the most popular among genre fans.

The Maze Runner (2009–2011)

Written by James Dashner, The Maze Runner Trilogy consists of The Maze Runner, The Scorch Trials, and The Death Cure. Set in a world devastated by solar flares and coronal mass ejections, and a mind-controlling zombie virus called "the Flare," the stories revolve around a group of teenagers who are immune to the Flare. Presented in a non-chronological order, the trilogy explores how they become test subjects for an evil organization that puts them through dangerous obstacle courses to harvest their brain patterns and engineer a cure from the virus.

First published in 2009, The Maze Runner has since evolved into a major sci-fi dystopian novel series, spawning prequels, sequels, and companion books, not to mention film adaptations, but the first three books remain the best of the lot, with the first book winning the ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults Award and the Young Readers' Choice Award. Reviewers and readers have equally praised Dashner’s brilliant storytelling style with a fast-paced, action-driven narrative, though the second and third books have polarized reviews. But overall, The Maze Runner trilogy makes for a thrilling, unputdownable read that leaves the readers wanting more.

Divergent (2011–2013)

A dystopian young adult fiction series by Veronica Roth, the Divergent trilogy is set in a post-apocalyptic Chicago, where society is divided into five virtue-based factions — Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Dauntless, and Erudite — that collectively remove the threat of anyone exercising independent will. Split into Divergent, Insurgent, and Allegiant, the books revolve around 16-year-old Beatrice “Tris” Prior from Abnegation, who possesses the traits of multiple factions, making her a Divergent whose genetic anomaly threatens her society. The trilogy follows Tris and her love interest, Tobias, as they work to save the Divergent from the corrupt faction leaders, igniting a high-stakes revolution.

Since they were first published in 2011, The Divergent novels have received critical acclaim and a huge fan following for their thrilling plot and fast pacing. The storytelling is an exciting blend of dark dystopia and teenage romance with edge-of-the-seat action scenes that make every book in the series a page-turner. The Divergent trilogy has also been adapted as films of the same name, with Shailene Woodley portraying Tris, but the films are distinctly more action-oriented than the books.

Mistborn: Era One (2006–2008)

A set of three epic dark fantasy novels by Brandon Sanderson, Mistborn: Era One is the first era of the Mistborn book series, consisting of The Final Empire, The Well of Ascension, and The Hero of Ages, and is followed by Era Two, consisting of four detective novels, with more to follow. The trilogy is set in a dystopian world covered by mist and ash, and controlled by a tyrannical dark lord. The books chronicle the efforts of a group of secret rebels who devise a plan to overthrow the immortal ruler but accidentally unleash an ancient force of destruction.

Ever since they were first published, the Mistborn novels have been critically acclaimed and bestsellers, evolving into a foundational modern fantasy series and often cited as one of the greatest fantasy novels of the century. With its brilliant writing style and holistic combination of hard magic, politics, love, and loyalty, every story in the Mistborn: Era One trilogy is thrilling and engrossing. After getting several game adaptations and audiobooks, the Mistborn books are set to be adapted for the screen by Apple TV, with Sanderson penning the first screenplay.

Millennium (2005–2007)

A crime novel series by Swedish author Stieg Larsson, the Millennium trilogy comprises the first three books by Larsson: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played with Fire, and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest. The stories center on two key characters: Mikael Blomkvist, an investigative journalist and publisher of the titular magazine, and Lisbeth Salander, a brilliant but troubled computer hacker with a photographic memory. The three books follow their endeavors to investigate brutal murders, expose corruption, and deal with rogue government forces.

Published posthumously after Larsson’s death, the first three books of the Millennium series make up the original trilogy of the franchise and are considered to be his magnum opus. The series has since become internationally popular and is one of the best-selling book series in history, with adaptations into Swedish and American films and comic books. Each of the three books in Larsson’s Millennium trilogy has been critically acclaimed for the gritty plots, dark atmosphere, and unconventional female protagonist, which catapulted the Nordic noir genre of crime fiction to mainstream storytelling.

The Hunger Games (2008–2010)

A YA dystopian fiction series penned by Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games trilogy comprises The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay. The series is set in a post-apocalyptic North American nation called Panem, which consists of 12 districts, each with a varying degree of poverty, and is controlled by the lavishly rich and technologically advanced Capitol. As a punishment for a failed rebellion, the Capitol hosts an annual competition where two children from each district fight to the death in the televised Hunger Games. The stories center on Katniss Everdeen, a teenage girl from the poorest district, and her rebellion against the system.

While it explores similar themes and motifs of YA dystopian fiction as The Maze Runner and Divergent, The Hunger Games is vastly more popular among fans, selling over 100 million copies and winning over 77 awards. The Hunger Games novels are also more critically acclaimed for their deeper political themes and stronger character designs, with their trauma, complex choices, and deep moral struggles collectively making every novel gripping. The original trilogy of The Hunger Games has since remained a timelessly relevant and impactful work of literature that continues to influence the young adult genre and popular culture, inspiring an ever-expanding film franchise.

The Lord of the Rings (1954–1955)

Unarguably the most influential piece in 20th-century fantasy literature, J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings is essentially one story told in three volumes: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King, collectively referred to as a trilogy. Set in the fantastical world of Middle-earth, the story begins with hobbit Frodo Baggins inheriting a mysterious and powerful ring from his cousin, Bilbo, that the Dark Lord Sauron seeks in order to conquer Middle-earth. Filled with lore and song, the books elaborate on the humble hobbit’s perilous quest to destroy the ring and defeat Sauron forever.

An exhaustive tapestry of characters, settings, motifs, and messages, The Lord of the Rings is a high-fantasy epic that overwhelms the reader to the extent that they become a part of Tolkien’s universe. Each volume/book is a masterpiece in the most fantastical world-building and rich character development, culminating in massive conflicts and a deeply satisfying resolution. What began as a sequel to his previously acclaimed novel, The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings evolved into a major icon of mainstream culture across arts, entertainment, and media that continues to thrill fans today.