Best books by Chris Colfer
Chris Colfer is a Primetime Golden Globe award-winning actor for outstanding performance in a supporting cast role in a comedy series and is listed among other influential people on IMDb. But the former Glee alum again entered the spotlight for a very different reason.
His work behind the scenes, particularly as a writer, made Chris Colfer a household name beyond the Glee fanbase. The young writer’s literary works are not what you would expect and speak to a very diverse audience.
About Chris Colfer
To some, American actor Christopher Paul Colfer is best known for his on-screen work on Glee and his role in Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie. He also wrote, starred, and was executive producer for the film Struck by Lightening. However, most fans know the actor for his role as Kurt Hummel.
This California native’s popularity skyrocketed in recent years thanks to becoming a #1 New York Times bestselling author.
Colfer’s series of children’s books and young adult fantasy fairy tales took the world by storm in recent years. And the young actor shows no signs of slowing down; neither does his following.
Colfer’s Land of Stories book series published by Little, Brown introduced new generations of kids to classic fairy tale characters we all know and love. Colfer’s books feature favorites from Snow White to Goldilocks, Puss in Boots, and many more.
His characters may have different origin stories and different skills and personalities. But that’s part of the charm and what separates him from other authors. Colfer adapted beloved classics for modern readers, hence his immediate success.
Because Colfer is openly gay, he admitted to often being bullied. But writing always served as an outlet and an escape since early childhood. Many of his short stories written as a kid set the tone for what would become Colfer’s masterpieces later in life.
His upbringing and orientation also influenced some of the character development choices. Through his books, Colfer insists on the idea of acceptance, introducing outcasts and showing different perspectives, adding LGBTQ elements, etc.
Best books by the author
Struck By Lightning: The Carson Phillips Journal
High school outcast Carson Phillips blackmails the most popular students at his school. Their literary contributions may get him into Northwestern.
But Carson’s ambitions are even bigger. He wants to be The New Yorker editor.
Stranger than Fanfiction
Colfer’s Stranger than Fanfiction follows four teenagers heading on a road trip with Cash Carter, the star of their favorite show Wiz Kids.
The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell
The first book in the modern fairy tale series follows twins Alex and Conner Baily. The two receive an enchanted fairy tale book from their grandmother. But that’s when they have their first encounter with Froggy. Alex and Conner discover their book is a portal to another world.
The Enchantress Returns
Colfer’s second children’s book in The Land of Stories series introduces more romance into the mix. But Alex, Conner, and Charlotte find that further dangers lurk in the Fairy Tale world, like Ezmia the Enchantress.
A Grimm Warning
While Alex attends her coronation, Conner searches for stories by the Brothers Grimm in the real world. One of the stories contains a secret and dire warning for everyone in the Land of Stories.
Beyond the Kingdoms
The Bailey twins are after the Masked Man, who might be their father. But Alex isn’t in control of her emotions and magic, which makes their adventure take a different turn.
An Author’s Odyssey
Conner’s imagination spawns new realms, and the twins find some unexpected allies after crossing into the worlds created by Conner’s short stories. This book has a fantastic fairy tale crossover cast of characters.
Worlds Collide
It’s Connor’s 80th birthday. He begins reading a book to remember what happened to his twin sister Alex, who was still under the witches’ control 65 years prior.
Queen Red Riding Hood
This novel offers an interesting take on a beloved character, Red Riding Hood. This time she’s a young queen and gives readers her opinion on love, politics, health, and being royalty.
Goldilocks: Wanted Dead or Alive
Colfer fans already met Goldilocks in The Wishing Spell. But this isn’t the same Goldilocks that you know.
This beauty is a tough outlaw, and her dedicated graphic novel takes readers on magical adventures never before imagined.
A Tale of Magic
This is the first fantasy novel in a prequel trilogy for Land of Stories. The story follows Brystal Evergreen in a land where magic isn’t allowed.
A Tale of Witchcraft
The second book in the new Colfer series follows Brystal, her friends, and a new evil witch, Mistress Mara. Whatever fragile peace was left in the Fairy Tale world is close to shattering.
A Tale of Sorcery
Sorcery, magic, and science come together in the final book of the series. Colfer’s storytelling does an excellent job of bringing classic fantasy themes into the modern world.
Movie and TV work
Chris Colfer’s work spans beyond the books mentioned in this article. In fact, here are just a few TV and movie roles he’s shined bright in throughout the years, and you may enjoy if you appreciate his other work:
- Russel Fish: The Sausage and Eggs Incident (2009) – Russel Fish
- Glee (2009–2015) – Kurt Hummel
- Marmaduke (2010) – Drama Dog #2
- Glee: The 3D Concert Movie (2011) – Kurt Hummel
- The Cleveland Show (2011) – Kurt Hummel
- Struck by Lightning (2012) – Carson Phillips
- 8 (2012) – Ryan Kendall
- Hot in Cleveland (2014, 2015) – Tony Chase
Listen to Chris Colfer books with Speechify
Unfortunately, not everyone has time to read books, even if they’re only 200 or 300 pages long. Luckily, audiobooks can help you keep up with your favorite stories even if you have limited time for leisure.
The Speechify Audiobook service could be the best choice for you and your family. The library has a rich offering when it comes to classic titles, fantasy novels, and modern adaptations like the works of Chris Colfer.
You can get many young adult novels and read them on your favorite devices while controlling the playback speed and setting a timer to not miss out on the action.
Try Speechify Audiobooks now, and you can receive your first premium novel for free.
FAQ
Is Chris Colfer like Kurt?
Chris Colfer revealed on many occasions that he barely resembles his Glee TV show character, Kurt Hummel, in real life.
Did The Land of Stories end?
The Land of Stories series ended with its sixth book, Worlds Collide.
Why did Chris Colfer write The Land of Stories?
Initially, interested parties pitched Colfer the idea of writing his autobiography. However, the young actor believed he wasn’t old enough to pen a memorable life story. Instead, he talked about his passion for fairy tales. Eventually, he could exercise his imagination and write the stories he always wanted while enjoying a comfortable schedule.
What is Chris Colfer’s newest book?
A Tale of Sorcery is the last book released by Chris Colfer. It’s part of a prequel series to the bestselling Land of Stories children’s fiction books.