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.
Read Poorhara by Michelle Rahurahu on Libby now!
A tragicomedy set in the confines of a 1994 Daihatsu Mira, Poorhara is a journey of epic proportions. No wait list for our featured eBook.
Most Popular in 2024: Fiction for adults
Lee and Andrew Child take out the top two spots in 2024. See who else features in the top 20 titles of the year.
Michael Bennett & Dervla McTiernan at Tūranga: Tues 13 May
WORD Christchurch hosts two authors who are HUGE in crime writing. Book your tickets; it's on at Tūranga on Tuesday 13 May, 6pm to 7pm.
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.
Read Poorhara by Michelle Rahurahu on Libby now!
A tragicomedy set in the confines of a 1994 Daihatsu Mira, Poorhara is a journey of epic proportions. No wait list for our featured eBook.
Most Popular in 2024: Fiction for adults
Lee and Andrew Child take out the top two spots in 2024. See who else features in the top 20 titles of the year.
Michael Bennett & Dervla McTiernan at Tūranga: Tues 13 May
WORD Christchurch hosts two authors who are HUGE in crime writing. Book your tickets; it's on at Tūranga on Tuesday 13 May, 6pm to 7pm.
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
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 Urban Fantasy.
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 Urban Fantasy.
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 reading 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
2025 Pulitzer Prizes
Winners and finalists in the categories of biography, memoir or autobiography, drama, fiction, poetry, history and general non-fiction.
Edgar Allan Poe Awards
The winner of best novel in the Edgar Allen Poe Awards, as decided by the Mystery Writers of America.
Sir Julius Vogel award winners 2025
Find out the winners in the annual awards for science fiction and fantasy creators from New Zealand.
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 - May 2025
New For You is a monthly selection of new books, topical titles, and hidden gems - chosen especially for you by our book buyers!