The book tracker Goodreads should have been.
Updated ranking
The best AI tools for writing and reading
AI for writing and reading better: fiction-writing assistants, book recommenders and reading trackers. We compare what each one does, what it costs and who it is worth it for.
Compare the top 3 side by side · Not sure which to pick? Answer 3 questions
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The ranking
AI story writing and role-play, without creative filters.
Books recommended by people you admire, with verified sources.
AI book recommendations based on what you feel like reading.
Comparison table
| Tool | Price | Free trial | Platforms | Rating | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardcover | From $5 | No | Web, iOS | VisitHardcover (opens in a new tab) | |
| DreamGen | Free trial | Yes | Web | VisitDreamGen (opens in a new tab) | |
| Read This Twice | Free | No | Web | VisitRead This Twice (opens in a new tab) | |
| PagePundit | Free | No | Web | VisitPagePundit (opens in a new tab) |
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Practical guides on Writing & reading
How to write and illustrate a children's book with AI: from idea to published book
Guide to writing and illustrating a children's book with AI: story with DreamGen, line art with KidsColoringPage and HappyPagesAI, layout and publishing.
Frequently asked questions
Which AI recommends books based on my taste?
PagePundit generates lists from a free-form description ('something like X but with Y'); ReadThisTwice collects real recommendations from public figures, with the source for each quote. Both are free and complementary.
Is Hardcover free?
Yes: reading tracking, shelves and reviews are free. There is an optional supporter plan that funds the project and adds small extras, but you don't need it for daily use.
What exactly is DreamGen for?
It is a fiction-writing assistant: it continues scenes, develops characters and keeps open-ended role-play plots going. Its strength is creative freedom — it doesn't trim genres or tones the way generalist assistants do.
Can I move my data from Goodreads to Hardcover?
Yes, Hardcover imports your Goodreads library (and other trackers') in a few minutes, keeping ratings, reading dates and shelves.
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