7 Books Matched to Your Favorite Avenger

With the release of the Captain America: Civil War trailer, we've all got Avenger fever (again). Watching an Avengers movie is the absolute definition of a blast. It's no wonder they're making Stark-level bucks off of these movies; they're just so much fun.

There's no denying that the characters are what make the Avengers franchise more than just a run-of-the-mill superhero story. Each one has their own special flair, their own passions, their own fierce heart. And when they come together, they make the viewer/reader feel like they're your gang of friends. It's incredible to watch them rib each other, disagree, and problem-solve.

No matter who your favorite Avenger is, you'll find a piece of them in these books. Not all of these are superhero books (in fact, only one of them is), but they are all perfectly tuned to the traits that make each Avenger so lovable. From Bruce Banner's need to be in touch with his emotions, to Captain America's experiences in a new era, there's plenty to explore. So, as we all wait on the edge of our seats to see Civil War in May, take the coming weeks to dive into these gripping reads.

1. Captain America: Time and Time Again by Ben Elton

Though he's also not in his own century, ex-soldier and adventurer Hugh Stanton's situation is the exact opposite of the Captain's: he's from the present-day and is stuck in 1914, right on the cusp of World War I. Isolated in a time not his own, Hugh fights to prevent the shot that turned the world upside-down. It's an alternate history you'll gobble up.

2. Iron Man: Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Rich, sassy boy genius tests the limits of technology and powers? Sounds about right. If you haven't let the Artemis Fowl books sweep you up yet, you're in for a treat. Set in a modern-day world in which an advanced fairy race lives underground, these books explain what happens when human mastermind Artemis kidnaps the spunky fairy Captain Holly Short. You'll be absolutely enchanted.

3. The Hulk: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig

So many people swear by this classic, and Bruce Banner would certainly eat it up. It follows a father and son motorcycle trip across the American Northwest, and read dives into philosophical questions about how we choose to live and the meaning of life. Transcendent and inspiring, this is one you'll carry with you.

4. Thor: American Gods by Neil Gaiman

If you love the Norse mythology behind Thor's story, you're going to fall hard for this fantastic book by Neil Gaiman. One of my all-time favorites, American Gods follows an ex-convict, Shadow, as he gets wrapped up in a battle between old gods and new gods. The clash of modern and ancient, the power of belief, and the expansive history of American culture all play their part in this evocative adventure.

5. Black Widow: Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

Like kickass lady spies? GOOD. You'll love this book. Set in occupied France during World War II, this is the story of two women, Maddie and Queenie, who take up a secret mission behind enemy lines. Told by Queenie after she's been captured by the enemy, Code Name Verityis fierce, suspenseful, and filled with wonderfully plucky characters.

6. Hawkeye: The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinley

Robin Hood is one of the world's most famous archers, and in this book, the fantastic Robin McKinley puts her own twists on his tale. In this version, Marian is an archer in Robin Hood's crew — not a damsel in distress. With a crew of characters that will take you in completely, this book is a adventurous exploration of the true nature of heroism.

7. Spiderman: Zeroes by Scott Westerfeld, Margo Lanagan, and Deborah Biancotti

Of course, we were all over the moon to see our friendly neighborhood Spiderman show up at the end of the Civil War trailer. And like Spidey, the characters in this book all have peculiar powers. From a blind girl who can see through other people's eyes to a guy whose voice will say whatever you need to hear to get what he wants (no matter the consequences), this gang of misfits will make Peter Parker's powers seem tame. An addictive, original, and adventure-filled read that any Avengers fan will love.

Images: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures