Great Adventures in Short Packages

Note: I classify a short series as six books or less. 

#1. The Furies of Calderon by Jim Butcher

Tavi has always felt different. He lives in a world where everyone has a fury, the ability to manipulate some kind of element. He has been born with no furies. He lives an ordinary life, or at least, he did. He manages to get himself sucked into an adventure that will change his life and those of the people around him.

Time Commitment: 100% worth it! Though this series is at six books, it is the perfect length for the story and doesn’t feel like a long-time commitment.  

This series is completely worth all six books of reading. It has such depth in story, character development, and world that it is almost sad that it ends after only six books. It is on the higher amount of a short series, but the story is very engaging and develops into a very epic journey with growth for the world and the main characters. The time commitment is a lot less than Butcher’s other series, The Dresden Files, and takes the reader on an amazing adventure. Definitely worth the time commitment.

#2. The Belgariad by David Eddings

A very important orb has been stolen, a war is on the horizon, and a boy who doesn’t know the truth of his destiny is venturing out from the safety of his farm. Garion is discovering that his Aunt Pol is not who is always thought she was, and the storyteller that used to visit is more than he seems to. Danger is on the horizon and suddenly he’s on a great journey learning exactly what the world has in store for him.

Time Commitment: Okay with five books. This series is a slower moving story, but it is a good one. It is worth the time commitment if you’re looking for an interesting long journey adventure with magic and mystery.

This series is a bit longer for a short series, and I’ll admit it is a slower moving story. This adventure takes it’s time with a lot of journeying through different places with different cultures and different monarchs. The reader slowly learns about what exactly is going on and the world develops with each reveal of new information. If you are looking for something light hearted, simple, and a grand journey, you will think this is a good fairly low time commitment series.

#3.  The Darksword Trilogy by Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman

Joram was born without magic which is the same as being born with no life. He was left to die. However, he managed to survive and grow up with his secret intact, until it’s suddenly leaked, and he is forced to flee. When he discovers an outlaw group of Technologists, things start to change, and a magic absorbing sword is forged.

Time Commitment: Low and the story is excellent. With three books for the main story, and a fourth for wrap up, this series is a great low commitment story with lots of depth and adventure.

This series is completely worth reading and with only three stories to the main story, it is a very low commitment to finish it. There is so much detail to the world and its people. The story is rich and has a lot of layers to dig through to get the full picture. If you like high fantasy adventures, I think this one is a definite must. 

#4. Darkest Powers by Kelley Armstrong (YA)

Chloe Saunders starts to see ghosts and doesn’t know what to do. She tries to ignore it, but instead, she gets moved to Lyle House, a place for troubled teens. Unfortunately, Lyle House doesn’t help her handle her problems, instead it seems that she only ends up with more of them.

Time Commitment: Low with a good story. With only three books of average length, these books are a fairly quick read. The story is very solid and fits nicely in the trilogy format.

This story is a very low time commitment story since it has only three books to complete the story, and it is a fairly easy read for both young adults and adult readers. It has a good story with a lot of good fantasy elements. It also incorporates teen related problems and dealing with friends and other teens.

#5 Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl (YA)

Lena Duchannes has magically powers that she is determined to keep hidden. Ethan Wate meets her the second she moves into town. He feels unbelievably drawn to her and is determined to understand the connection between them. What will happen if he discovers Lena’s secret?

Time Commitment: Fair with only four books to complete the story. It is an engaging adventure that makes you want it to keep going. However, wrapping up the story after four books does feel right for the story being told.

This series is super fun, and a fairly low time commitment with only four books to complete the story. It is a very smooth read with a lot of mystery. The story is actually fairly sophisticated for a young adult series, and has a lot to offer readers of all ages. I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a short urban fantasy series.