General Terms:
* Series: This is the most general term and can refer to any group of books with a shared theme, characters, or setting.
* Collection: This term emphasizes the gathering of individual works into a cohesive group.
* Anthology: This term is more specific and usually refers to a collection of short stories, poems, or essays, often by different authors, but it can also be used for a single author's work.
More Specific Terms:
* Cycle: This term emphasizes the cyclical or interconnected nature of the stories in the series.
* Saga: This term implies a long, epic narrative that spans generations or covers a significant historical period.
* Canon: This term is used for a body of works that are considered essential to an author's output or a particular genre.
Examples:
* "The Chronicles of Narnia" by C.S. Lewis is a series of fantasy novels that follow a common theme of good versus evil.
* "The Sherlock Holmes Stories" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is a collection of short stories featuring the famous detective.
* "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien is a saga that spans several volumes and tells the story of a vast epic battle.
* "The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson" is a canon of works that represent the entirety of Dickinson's poetry.
Ultimately, the most appropriate term depends on the specific characteristics of the books and the author's intent.