Reading recommendations - Fiction
Science fiction, mystery, adventure and more - find your next favourite read at the library.
Explore our section devoted to fiction. You'll find staff picks and recommended reading in a range of genres, award-winners, local book events and more.
Can't find what you're looking for? Request a custom reading list.
Looking for something more factual? Try our Non-fiction Reading Recommendations.
NoveList Plus
Find new authors & reading options using your favourite writer, book or genre as a starting point. Your next great read is just clicks away.
Liam's 20 Best Graphic Novel Reads of 2025
Twenty of Liam's favourite manga and graphic novel books and series read this year.
Paris's Best of 2025
Paris's favourite fiction read in 2025, in no particular order. Mostly contemporary fiction.
Jem's top fiction reads of 2025
Jem's absolute favourite books read in 2025. A mix of general fiction and romance titles, some YA, and some with LGBT characters.
NoveList Plus
Find new authors & reading options using your favourite writer, book or genre as a starting point. Your next great read is just clicks away.
Liam's 20 Best Graphic Novel Reads of 2025
Twenty of Liam's favourite manga and graphic novel books and series read this year.
Paris's Best of 2025
Paris's favourite fiction read in 2025, in no particular order. Mostly contemporary fiction.
Jem's top fiction reads of 2025
Jem's absolute favourite books read in 2025. A mix of general fiction and romance titles, some YA, and some with LGBT characters.
New fiction
New, on order, and recent fiction that library borrowers have given 5-star ratings.
New, just ordered and top-rated fiction titles in the catalogue
Return to Reading
Has it been a while since you spent time reading? Get back into it with our lists of the most readable and enjoyable books.
Genre reading guides
Whatever kind of fiction you're into find lists, new authors to try, and staff picks.
Featured fiction
Short stories reading guide
Looking for something you can read easily in a lunch break? Find short stories in a range of genres, hand-picked by librarians.
Fiction reading guides
Fantasy fiction reading guide
Find Fantasy authors you might like to try and reading lists for a range of Fantasy sub-genres including Epic, Grimdark, and Romantasy.
Romance reading guide
Like your Romance fiction modern or historical, rural or fantastical, restrained or raunchy? Our guide can help you find 'The One'.
Horror fiction reading guide
Recommended reading lists for a range of horror fiction sub-genres, horror authors to try, and other horrific resources.
General fiction reading guide
Whether you prefer books that are lighthearted or serious, literary or more down to earth our guide can help you find your next read.
Science fiction reading guide
Gazing toward the stars? If you like stories set on alien worlds, inter-species politics, and space travel try our science fiction guide.
Mystery fiction reading guide
From historical whodunnits and cosy crime to psychological thrillers and Scandi noir - our guide will help you find your next mystery read.
Short stories reading guide
Looking for something you can read easily in a lunch break? Find short stories in a range of genres, hand-picked by librarians.
Adventure fiction reading guide
Go on a mission full of suspense and action, loaded with obstacles and dangers - our guide will help you find your next adventure read.
New Zealand fiction reading guide
Explore adult fiction by New Zealand writers. Stories in a range of genres revealing something of our national character.
Saga fiction reading guide
Stories of dynasties spanning generations and sometimes continents - our Saga fiction guide recommends epic tales to lose yourself in.
Western fiction reading guide
Gunfights, outlaws, and the pioneering life. If you like novels set in the American west have we got some reading lists for you, pardner.
Historical fiction reading guide
Recommended titles and authors for readers who love royal intrigue, fans of sagas, or those gripped by the action in historical adventure.
Graphic novels and comics reading guide
LGBTQIA+ reading guide
Teen fiction reading guide
Award winners
For books that are a cut above - find shortlisted and award-winning titles of international and New Zealand literary prizes.
Award winners
Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction
Recognises the best fiction for adult readers published in the USA during the previous year. The 2026 shortlist has been announced.
The Dublin Literary Award
The 2026 nominations for this international book prize for a novel written in or translated into English have been announced.
Booker Prize 2025
The 2025 Booker Prize winner is Flesh by David Szalay. See our list of winners and shortlisted titles.
Request reading recommendations
Not sure what to try next? Try our reading guides, or tell us your preferences and we'll make a custom reading list just for you!
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More books, reading and literature
- New titles - Fiction
- Graphic novels and comics
- Printable author lists in a range of genres
- Tamariki - Kids
- Rangatahi - Teens
- Book clubs and reading groups
- Interviews and short biographies of authors, poets and journalists
- Best of the year
- Poetry
- Writing
- WORD Christchurch Festival and events
- Literary events
New For You
New For You - December 2025
New For You is a monthly selection of new books, topical titles, and hidden gems - chosen especially for you by our book buyers!