The Ultimate Stranger Things book series review

Ready to get to know your favorite Hawkins residents as never before? Read more about the Stranger Things book series before setting off to the Upside Down.

Shortly after Stranger Things first aired in 2016, the Netflix show became a global phenomenon. Stranger Things fans can't seem to get enough of the lovable ragtag group of misfits and their hair-raising adventures. Netflix took no time in capitalizing on this craze, translating its genius to every imaginable market.

As a result, you can find Stranger Things tie-in books, graphic novels, comics, video games, podcasts, spin-off series, and the list goes on.

Here we'll take a closer look at the Stranger Things book series and how individual titles tie in with the show.

Stranger Things books by show seasons

There are currently five young adult novels in the Stranger Things book series. Each was written by a different author who isn't directly related to the Netflix series.

Before season 1

Stranger Things: Suspicious Minds by Gwenda Bond
Suspicious Minds is the first official Stranger Things novel and a prequel to the Netflix series. It takes you back to 1969 and introduces you to Terry Ives, a college student living in Indiana.

Terry hears about a government experiment code-named MKULTRA taking place in the small town of Hawkins. Determined to uncover the mystery behind the project, she signs on as a test subject.

However, Terry soon realizes she's way over her head, as the conspiracy hidden behind the walls of Hawkins National Laboratory is beyond her wildest imagination. Follow Terry as she enlists the help of her fellow subjects to take down the project, with ruthless director, Dr. Martin Brenner, standing in their way.

If wondering how Terry ties in with the Stranger Things universe, she's none other than Eleven's biological mother.

Main characters of “Suspicious Minds”:

• Terry Ives
• Dr. Martin Brenner
• Alice
• Gloria

Stranger Things: Darkness on the Edge of Town by Adam Christopher
Fast forward to 1984, Chief Jim Hopper, Eleven's adoptive father, is trying to enjoy a quiet Christmas dinner. His plan comes crashing down when Eleven finds a box labeled "New York." Naturally, Eleven starts pestering Hopper with endless questions about the box's contents.

Although he'd choose fighting Demogorgons over talking about his past any day, Hopper caves in. He lets Eleven - and you - in on all his well-kept secrets from when he was a detective in New York City.

Main characters of “Darkness on the Edge Town”:

• Jim Hopper
• Officer Marvin
• Trish
• Frank Bishop

Before season 2

Stranger Things: Runaway Max by Brenna Yovanoff
The year is 1984, and Max Mayfield and her family have just moved from California to Hawkins. Max isn't exactly thrilled about being dumped in the middle of Indiana. To make matters worse, she has to deal with her bully stepbrother, Billy. Not to mention a bunch of weirdos in Hawkins Middle School.

Learn more about Max's backstory in this must-read novel to see how she comes to terms with her circumstances and even discovers a newfound sense of home in Hawkins.

Main characters of “Runaway Max”:

• Max Mayfield
• Billy Hargrove
• Roman
• The Silver Cat

Before season 3

Stranger Things: Rebel Robin by A. R. Capetta
As if high school isn't hard enough for Robin, her Odd Squad friends do a one-eighty in their sophomore year, desperately trying to fit in. As a sarcastic horn player with a bad perm, Robin isn't exactly a poster child for popularity.

Feeling rejected by her friends, Robin sets out to experience real life and discover her true self. While teeny-tiny Hawkins doesn't seem like the perfect place to go on a whole self-discovery journey, it's the best Robin can do with no money and no friends.

Follow Robin on her journey of discovering that she's the only person who needs to accept herself.

Main characters of “Rebel Robin”:

• Robin Buckley
• Theo
• Dr. Ray
• Kristen

Before season 4

Stranger Things: Lucas on the Line by Suyi Davies
Lucas Sinclair has been fighting evil forces in his town for years now, which isn't exactly ideal for anyone, let alone a 15-year-old. Throw in constant bullying and feeling like an outsider, and it really seems like Lucas can't catch a break.

Luckily, he connects with another black student at his high school and starts understanding his identity and learning how to accept and love himself.

Main characters of “Lucas on the Line”:

• Lucas Sinclair
• Billy
• Max
• Erica

Stranger Things comics and graphic novels

If the novels can't satisfy your hunger for Stranger Things content, there are always graphic novels and comics. These exciting titles will take you on a visual journey to the Upside Down and back.

Here are Stranger Things graphic novels in an in-universe chronological order:

1. Stranger Things: SIX
2. Stranger Things and Dungeons & Dragons
3. Stranger Things: The Other Side
4. Zombie Boys
5. The Bully
6. Tomb of Ybwen
7. Stranger Things: Into the Fire
8. Science Camp
9. Erica the Great

As for comics, you can enjoy the following one-shot editions:

1. Stranger Things: Halloween Special
2. Stranger Things: Winter Special
3. Stranger Things: Summer Special

Other books like Stranger Things

For those who crave more of the strange and supernatural, there are plenty of books out there that capture the same exciting and eerie vibe as 'Stranger Things'. Some notable titles include Stephen King's 'It', H.P. Lovecraft's 'The Call of Cthulhu', and 'The Dark Tower' series by Stephen King. These books offer readers an immersive experience filled with suspense, mystery, and horror that is sure to satisfy any fan of 'Stranger Things'.

Another great book that captures the same eerie atmosphere as 'Stranger Things' is 'The Outsider' by Stephen King. This novel follows the investigation of a gruesome murder that seems to defy all logical explanations. As the case unfolds, the detectives begin to uncover a dark and supernatural force at work, leading them down a path of terror and uncertainty. With its blend of crime, horror, and the supernatural, 'The Outsider' is a must-read for fans of 'Stranger Things'.

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FAQ

Was Stranger Things inspired by books?

Stranger Things wasn't inspired by any particular books. However, the TV show's creators, the Duffer Brothers, were influenced by famous horror fiction writers like Stephen King and R.L. Stine.

What age are Stranger Things books for?

Stranger Things books are aimed at young adults. However, people of all ages can enjoy the exciting adventures of Will Byers, Dustin Henderson, and the rest of the gang.

What is the first book of Stranger Things?

Stranger Things: Suspicious Minds is the first book of the Stranger Things book series. It was written by Gwenda Bond and published by Random House Worlds in 2019.

What is the name of the Stranger Things book series?

The Stranger Things series consists of five novels: Suspicious Minds, Darkness on the Edge of Town, Runaway Max, Rebel Robin, and Lucas on the Line.