I LOVE a good duology, especially when it’s sci-fi or fantasy. One book is never enough, but waiting for a series to be completed can be maddening. That’s why I think duologies are the sweet spot. With a series of two, you don’t have to wait too long to find out what happens to the characters, but you get just enough to really sink into them and get to know them. Sure, I appreciate stand alone novels, but for fantasy or sci-fi specifically, there’s so much to the world that I love being able to spend some extra time appreciating all the nuances.
Here are some of my favorite sci-fi and fantasy duologies!
Addicting Sci-Fi & Fantasy Duologies
1. Wings of Ebony & Ashes of Gold by J. Elle
“Make a way out of no way” is just the way of life for Rue. But when her mother is shot dead on her doorstep, life for her and her younger sister changes forever. Rue’s taken from her neighborhood by the father she never knew, forced to leave her little sister behind, and whisked away to Ghizon—a hidden island of magic wielders.
2. Slayer & Chosen by Kiersten White
Nina was never than interested in the violent lifestyle of a Slayer, preferring, instead, to be a healer. But that all changes because of Buffy, the famous vampire slayer, whom her father died protecting. Now Nina is the Chosen One and the last Slayer ever. Now it’s her job to fight the forces of evil, no matter how reluctant she might be.
3. Shimmer and Burn & Splendor and Spark by Mary Taranta
In order to save her sister’s life, Faris must smuggle magic into a plague-ridden neighboring kingdom with the help of a myserteous magician and a power-hungry princess. But there are things darker than poison that lie in The Burn, and Faris will again be faced with impossible choices. Does she risk everything to save the kingdom of Avinea, even if it means betraying her sister’s trust? Or does she succumb to the poison inside?
4. The Scorpion Rules & The Swan Riders by Erin Bow
Greta is a Child of Peace. The rules are simple: if you want to rule, you must give one of your children as a hostage to Talis, the de facto rule of the world. This Child of Peace now serves as collateral. Should you start a war, your hostage dies. This system, which has worked for centuries, is suddenly threatened by Elian, a hostage form the new American alliance, who pushes the boundaries constantly. Then, Elian’s country declares war on Greta’s, taking the hostages hostage, and infuriating Talis. Greta must find a way to break all of the rules to keep herself and Elian alive.
5. Zero Repeat Forever & Cold Falling White by G.S. Prendergast
Murderous creatures called Nahx invade Raven’s summer camp and kill her boyfriend. Eighth’s job is to evade the humans and let his Offside do the shooting, which only lasts until a human gets her. This fast-paced, thrilling duology follows Raven and Eighth as they venture through this violent new world where survival means needing to trust each other.
6. Shatter the Sky and Storm the Earth by Rebecca Kim Wells
Did someone say f/f romance with dragons?! Oh yea, that’s right, I did! Follow Maren as she sets out to rescue her girlfriend by stealing a dragon from the corrupt emperor and infiltrating the empire in disguise.