Goodreads is the largest book site for readers and recommendations, so when it comes to a ranking, you know it’s going to be reliable. But not all books get glowing reviews; in fact, some get quite the opposite. Readers have ranked their least favourite books on the platform, and one author of a certain series has received a staggering four spots in the top five.
Here are the top five worst books of all time according to ratings on Goodreads. Do you agree? Four are by the same author from a very famous franchise which went on to make millions at the Box Office.
5. Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L James
This is the book that had everyone talking. Known for its terrible writing and lustful themes, Fifty Shades of Grey follows literature student Anastasia Steele as she goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Maybe likened this book tothe Twilight Saga, just with added whips and chains.
4. Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
The third installment in the Twilight series, Eclipse takes the fourth spot for worst book of all time. As Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge, Bella once again finds herself surrounded by danger. She is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob but will she choose vampire or werewolf? Fans on Goodreads wrote that they didn’t enjoy the character development and that the book very hard to read.
3. New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
The second part of Meyer’s series, New Moon follows Bella as she realises being in love with a vampire is even more dangerous than she could ever have imagined. Edward has already rescued Bella from the clutches of one evil vampire, but now, as their daring relationship threatens all that is near and dear to them, they realize their troubles may be just beginning… with readers having complaints very similar to Eclipse.
2. Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
In the aftermath of Bella making her choice on who she wants to be with, a startling chain of unprecedented events unfolds with potentially devastating, and unfathomable, consequences. It’s the conclusion to the Twilight series, but clearly these books didn’t get better with time. The book was criticised for being overly long and having a very cliche ending.
1. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
That’s right. The first book in the series was deemed the worst by Goodread’s ratings. This book is an introduction to Bella and Edward and the vampire world. It’s just a coming-of-age story with mystical elements added in there for good measure. Despite it’s top spot on the Goodreads worst books of all time list, the Twilight movie franchise was a huge commercial success and went on the boost the careers of many of it’s cast.