Monday, March 30, 2020

Series To Binge

If you're not trying to finish writing your book, like I am, you probably have more time for reading and watching TV right now. So I thought I'd share some book and TV series I like that are available on various digital platforms. Most are subscription based, like Disney+ and Audible, but if you live in GA, you should have access through your library to eRead Kids (I LOVE this resource), and you can always check your library's standard eLibrary collection (most likely Libby/Overdrive or RB Digital). 

Note: I don't actually have Audible or Kindle Unlimited, but they've got a lot of great stuff. Also, Prime Reading no longer limits you to one book a month, but allows you to borrow 10 books at a time, which makes me super excited. Additionally, if I wouldn't recommend a series for children, I'll rate it Teen+.

Ranger's Apprentice by John Flanagan
Available on eRead Kids and Audible
You knew I was going to say it. This is a fantabulous series that I've raved about enough times you should have read it already. ;)  Will wants to go to battle school, but instead is trained as a Ranger. And lots of awesome adventures ensue.

Ilyon Chronicles by Jaye L. Knight
Available on Kindle Unlimited, Book 1 Available on Audible
Teen+ 
Again, you should know I'd recommend these. Non-magical fantasy where people are persecuted for believing in the one true God, gladiators and dragons and awesomeness and Jace and Kyrin. <3

The Blades of Acktar by Tricia Mingerink
Available on Kindle Unlimited, Books 1-3.5 Available on Audible
Teen+
Leith is a trained assassin for King Respen, and he'd never questioned his loyalty...until he meets Renna and Brandi, whose family he helped destroy. Forbidden faith and questions of loyalty and LOTS of injuries, and Leith is awesome and I can't wait for the next book to come out!

The Underland Chronicles by Suzanne Collins
Available on eRead Kids and Audible
I'm only on book 2, but my sisters really liked the whole series. Gregor and his two-year-old sister Boots fall down a hole in the laundry room and find themselves in the Underland, where there are enormous cockroaches, talking bats, and rats who are at war with the people of Regalia. And a prophecy that might mean Gregor can rescue his missing dad, but also means he could die.

The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins
Available on Kindle Unlimited and Audible
Teen+
If you don't know what this series is about, you've been living under a rock, but in case you don't, Katniss volunteers in a fight to the death to save her sister, and inadvertently sets off a rebellion against the Capitol. I love this series so much. But then, I am a big fan of evil government stories. But I will never forgive Suzanne Collins for what she did to Peeta.

Firmament Series by J. Grace Pennington
Available on Kindle Unlimited, Book 1 Available on Audible
You've definitely heard me talk about these too. It's Star Trek inspired outer space adventure, and even though I never could get into Star Trek, Firmament is one of my absolute favorite series. Andi's adoptive father starts losing his mind, mutiny breaks out, and secrets from her past come to light, and that's only the beginning!

The Shadow Children by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Available on Audible, Books 1-3 Available on eRead Kids
In a world where families are limited to two children, subsequent children live in hiding, under false identities, and wish for a day when they can legally exist. But what will it take? This series was my first introduction to Margaret Peterson Haddix, and I now consider her one of my favorite authors.

Jedi Quest by Jude Watson
Available on Prime Reading and Kindle Unlimited, 
Books 1-4 Available on Audible, Books 6-7 Available on eRead Kids
I LOVED these as a kid and really enjoyed them when I reread/finished the series a few years ago. They're about Anakin as a Padawan, so they take place between Episodes I and II. Good stories, lots of adventure, plenty of Obi-Wan, and I will never get over what happened to Darra in the last book. Legends is so much better than the new books.

Last of the Jedi by Jude Watson
Available on Prime Reading and Kindle Unlimited
Anakin's former rival Ferus Olin left the Jedi Order at the end of Jedi Quest. Now, after Order 66, Obi-Wan is recruiting him to gather the remaining surviving Jedi. Adventure and secrets and double agents and Ferus wants to know: Who is Darth Vader? And there's death and pain, but anyway...

Rebel Force by Alex Wheeler
Available on Prime Reading and Kindle Unlimited
Books 1, 5, and 6 Available on eRead Kids
It takes place between Episodes IV and V, and builds off of Last of the Jedi. The Empire is determined to find the identity of the pilot who destroyed the Death Star, and they manage to send an undercover assassin into the Rebel Alliance. Luke's life is in danger (as always). As are the lives of his friends.

Time Captives by Morgan Elizabeth Huneke
Available on Kindle Unlimited, Books 1-2 Available on Audible
Yup, I'm going there. Go check out my books. ;)

Merlin (BBC Series)
Available on Prime Video and Netflix
This is my favorite TV show. It's also the only King Arthur thing I've really gotten into. In this version, Merlin is about Arthur's age and works as his manservant, Uther is alive for several seasons, and magic is illegal because of SPOILERS. It's funny and sad and heartwarming and heartbreaking and I just love the brotherly relationship that grows between Arthur and Merlin. Plus Guinevere/Lancelot is handled very well.

Monk
Available on Prime Video
Teen+
It's a jungle out there. Gotta love OCD detective Adrian Monk. Yes, I've seen every single episode. It's a great show. Lots of murders, of course, he's a homicide detective, but he always figures it out. "Here's what happened." I have to say though, I tend to straighten pictures a lot more when I've been watching a lot of Monk. XD

The Flash
Seasons 1-5 Available on Netflix
Teen+
Literally the only DC thing I like. Barry Allen develops superspeed when he's struck by lightning during the particle accelerator explosion, and everything just gets crazier from there. I love these characters so much. I'd approach the crossover events (especially "Crisis on Earth X") with caution, though.

The Andy Griffith Show
Available on Prime Video and Netflix
This show is my childhood. Sheriff Andy Taylor, Deputy Barney Fife, Opie, Aunt Bee, Helen Crump, Thelma Lou, Otis Campbell, Floyd the barber...they're all old friends. And I've seen most of the episodes multiple times. I especially like the episode where Bill Bixby is a spoiled rich kid.

The Incredible Hulk (1977-1982)
Free with ads on IMDb TV
Dr. David Banner, physician, scientist, searching for a way to tap into the hidden strengths that all humans have. Then an accidental overdose of gamma radiation alters his body's chemistry. Now whenever David Banner grows angry or outraged, a startling metamorphosis occurs. The creature is driven by rage and pursued by an investigative reporter. "Mr. McGee, don't make me angry. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry." The creature is wanted for a murder he didn't commit. David Banner is believed to be dead. He must allow the world to think that he is dead until he can find a way to control the raging spirit that dwells within him.

Yup, I did that entirely from memory. And it's been years since I watched an episode. Great show.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Available on Disney+
My sister and I only got about halfway through season 2 before we started over with the rest of the family, but I love this show. The dynamic between Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Ahsoka is awesome and Anakin and Padmé trying to be subtle about their relationship? Oh, goodness. XD Oh, yeah, and the Clone Wars are going on.

The Mandalorian
Available on Disney+
Teen+
Everybody's already seen this, right? But just in case you haven't, go watch The Mandalorian. It's a really cool adventure set in the Star Wars universe, has more of an Expanded Universe feel than anything else Disney's put out there, and BABY YODA!!!!!!!!!

Agent Carter
Available on Disney+
Teen+
We just watched this not too long ago, and I loved it! I love Peggy, and I love this type of sci-fi. Now, I haven't quite figured out how I'm reconciling it with Endgame, because I really do like Daniel Sousa, but I was rooting for Cap to go back in time to be with Peggy since the first time I saw Captain America: The First Avenger. Lots of action and danger and sci-fi weirdness and just awesome.


Now, there are other series I love, but I can't find them all on streaming or other subscription platforms (like Gilligan's Island). But I figured this was probably enough for now. ;)

What are your favorite series?

4 comments:

  1. I'm thinking of rereading the entire Little House on the Prairie series. It might make me feel like all of this isn't so bad, especially The Long Winter.

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  2. Leave it to Beaver and Gilligan's Island!

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    Replies
    1. I love both of those, but unfortunately I couldn't find them on any streaming service. :(

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  3. I thought of one you forgot...Pick of the Litter on Disney+.

    And, no, before you ask, this doesn’t mean we are getting a puppy. Although, if I were to get another dog, a “career changed” guide dog would be something to look into.😊

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