For all of us in the reading community, we know that there are many different categories of books: stand-alones, interconnected stand-alones where each book follows a different storyline with cross-over characters from other books, and series where the one story continues through multiple books.

But what if you mash together several interconnected stand-alones series together? In this case, you get an interconnected, multi-series, or, a universe. How do you know that you’re reading a book within a universe? Typically, there’s a reading order posted on the author’s website, that guides you though how to go about working your way through the many, many books. And, gird your loins, because sometimes there are several ways in which books within a universe can be read from the author suggested order, to the published order, to chronological order.

So why would anyone want to commit themselves to reading an interconnected series universe that could contain upwards of 20, 30, even more books? For me, I want to see what it’s like to live within an imaginary, expansive world, for several months. I want to see through the eyes of multiple main characters, side-characters, and side-characters from the side-character’s stories. I want all of the backstories and future stories. I want to read about multiple generations, extended families, friends, and enemies. Then I want to report back and share my thoughts.

There are two universes that interest me: Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunters and Rina Kent’s Rinaverse. The Shadowhunters universe is a magical, fantasy world and the Rinaverse is dark, contemporary romance, mafia vibes. Shadowhunters is a completed, 21-book universe, whereas Rina’s universe is 32-ish books and counting. I’ve read the first book in each one and they are both really entertaining, so I’m having a hard time deciding on where to start. Ultimately, I think I’m leaning towards Rina’s universe, even though it’s longer and unfinished, mainly because all of the books are available on Kindle Unlimited and I’ve been really drawn to reading on my kindle lately. I can read faster, it’s easier to hold, and I can bring it everywhere. After I work my way through this one, if I’ve enjoyed it, maybe I will tackle the Shadowhunter’s universe later in the year. We shall see.

Anyway, I’m diving in. Wish me luck! If you’re into this kind of reading, let me know what you’ve read, how it went, and if you’d do it again!

Rina Kent’s Rinaverse

• Categories: Dark Romance, Contemporary, Mafia

• Reading Order: Rinaverse Reading Order

Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunter Chronicles

• Categories: Fantasy, Young Adult, Magical Realism
• Reading Order: Shadowhunters Reading Order