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.
New For You - Aotearoa New Zealand - November 2026
Have a taste of home-grown books! Here are some of our best NZ new arrivals for this month. Fiction, Biography, Non-Fiction, and more.
New For You - Children's - November 2026
A selection of new fiction and nonfiction for younger children.
New for You - Contemporary Fiction - November 2026
Explore modern life in all its fictional glory with this selection of new contemporary fiction titles.
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.
New For You - Aotearoa New Zealand - November 2026
Have a taste of home-grown books! Here are some of our best NZ new arrivals for this month. Fiction, Biography, Non-Fiction, and more.
New For You - Children's - November 2026
A selection of new fiction and nonfiction for younger children.
New for You - Contemporary Fiction - November 2026
Explore modern life in all its fictional glory with this selection of new contemporary fiction titles.
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.
New Zealand fiction reading guide
Explore adult fiction by New Zealand writers. Stories in a range of genres revealing something of our national character.
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
If you like stories set on alien worlds, inter-species politics, or space travel try our science fiction guide.
Mystery fiction reading guide
From whodunnits and cosy crime to psychological thrillers and trending titles - our guide will help you find your next mystery read.
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.
Historical fiction reading guide
Recommended titles 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
American National Book Awards
The finalists for 2026 have been announced in Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Translated literature and Young people’s literature.
World Fantasy Awards
The winner of the World Fantasy Awards (best novel category) has been announced.
Anthony Awards
Find out the finalists and winner in the best novel category of the Anthony Awards, announced each year at the World Mystery Convention.
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!
Library Newsletters
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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: October 2026
New For You is a monthly selection of new books, topical titles, and hidden gems — chosen especially for you by our book buyers!