We don't know about you, but we think book duos are the best to read when you want to start a series, yet don't want to make a huge commitment! They're the perfect in between when you don't want to dedicate yourself to a super long series, yet you still want to follow the characters you meet a bit longer than in just one book. To help you find the duo that's perfect for you, we've rounded up some of our faves that range from duologies to companion books by the same author. So, keep scrolling to find your duo for the holiday season!

The Book of Tea Duology by Judy I. Lin

In this unique duology, follow Ning, a girl who blames herself for killing her mother with poisoned tea, as she enters herself in a brutal competition to become the next shennong-shi— a master of the ancient and magical art of tea-making. When her sister becomes sick by a similarly poisoned tea that is spreading across the kingdom, Ning is willing to do anything to save her sister, even if it means navigating the palace's dangerous court and its secrets. Pick up A Magic Steeped in Poison and A Venom Dark and Sweet if you're a fan of: • lush magic system • deadly competition • tense court politics • swoon-worthy romance

World at the Lake's Edge Duology by Lyndall Clipstone

Violetta and her brother Arien find themselves taking refuge in the Lakesedge estate after the notorious Rowan Sylvanan, often known as the Monster of Lakesedge, discovers Arien's forbidden black magic. When they arrive, they expect to see the terrible monster and estate that has been rumored, but quickly discover that not is all as it seems. As Leta slowly falls for Rowan and discovers his bond to the Lord Under, the sinister death god lurking in the black waters of the lake, she becomes determined to break the curse. Pick up Lakesedge and Forestfall if you're a fan of: • gothic romance • dangerous bargains • mysterious curses

Alexandra Christo's Retelling Companion Books

Dive into Alexandra Christo's two modern retellings this holiday season! In To Kill a Kingdom, a siren is ordered to kill the prince who is responsible for hunting multiple sirens in this thrilling Little Mermaid retelling. As the two work together to find a key capable of destroying all sirens and separately plot to take the other down, they find themselves falling for each other. In Princess of Souls, her Rapunzel retelling, a teenage witch has been groomed to steal souls for the immortal king she serves. When she discovers that her fate is tied to Nox, a solider determined to kill the immortal king and his court, she decides to work with him to escape both of their deadly fates. Pick up To Kill A Kingdom and Princess of Souls if you're a fan of: • enemies to lovers and the "I'm meant to kill you" tropes • a unique twist of The Little Mermaid and Rapunzel • witches and mermaids

Gilded Duology by Marissa Meyer

Marissa Meyer is back with another modern retelling of a fairy tale classic! In this Rumpelstiltskin retelling, Serilda is known for spinning lavish tales that are wholly untrue. When her storytelling lands her in the way of Erlking and his undead hunters, she finds herself in a new and terrifying world. Placed in a cursed castle, Serilda must spin straw into gold and finds help in a mysterious boy... for a price. Pick up Gilded and Cursed if you're a fan of: • retellings • spooky castles • gripping adventure • a love worth fighting for

Bladesmith Duology by Tricia Levenseller

Ziva prefers to be in her forge more than anything else, especially since it helps her with her social anxiety. When a powerful warlord requests that she make a new and terrifying weapon, she discovers that this sword is capable of toppling kingdoms and placing the world under the warlord's rule. Ziva and her sister flee and find themselves on the run with a handsome mercenary and a young scholar with the intent to find one who is worthy of wielding the sword or a way to destroy it entirely. Pick up Blade of Secrets and Master of Iron if you're a fan of: • mental health rep • slow-burn romance • sisterly bonds • saving the world