Finding free and legal ebooks online used to be a straightforward task thanks to sites like OceanofPDF. However, as of recent years, OceanofPDF has faced legal takedowns and domain changes, making it increasingly difficult and potentially risky for users to access content from there. Fortunately, there are several legitimate and user-friendly alternatives that can help you dive into your next favorite novel without spending a dime—or risking malware. Whether you’re a fan of thrillers, fantasy, romance, or self-help books, there’s a platform out there that’s right for you.
TL;DR
If accessing free ebooks was your main goal with OceanofPDF, several safe and legal alternatives are available today. Platforms like Project Gutenberg, Open Library, and ManyBooks offer thousands of public domain or open-licensed ebooks. For modern titles, consider Libby and Internet Archive. These websites ensure you’re downloading books securely while supporting authors and publishers through legal means. Keep reading to find your next go-to ebook site!
1. Project Gutenberg
Best for: Classic literature lovers
Project Gutenberg is the gold standard when it comes to free ebook websites. With over 60,000 titles, it primarily offers books that are in the public domain, which means they’re free to download, read, and even redistribute. From Jane Austen to Mark Twain, it’s a treasure trove of timeless reads.
What we like:
- No registration required
- Available in multiple formats – EPUB, Kindle, plain text
- Completely ad-free and legal
Drawbacks: Limited to public domain works; don’t expect modern bestsellers.
2. Open Library
Best for: Borrowing millions of ebooks across genres
Open Library, an initiative of the Internet Archive, aims to have a web page for every book ever published. It offers millions of books, including more recent editions, which can be borrowed digitally using a free account.
Features worth noting:
- Borrow digital books for 14 days
- Includes more contemporary titles
- An open catalog anyone can contribute to
Drawbacks: Some books might have waitlists; borrowing limits apply.
3. ManyBooks
Best for: Curated ebook collections and indie titles
ManyBooks offers more than 50,000 free ebooks across various genres—historical fiction, sci-fi, horror, and more. It includes both public domain works and titles by independent authors who choose to distribute their work for free or at a low cost.
Highlights:
- Beautiful UI and user reviews
- Easy filtering by genre, author, title
- Supports many ebook formats
Drawbacks: Premium signup required for some advanced features.
4. Libby, by OverDrive
Best for: Access to modern library books via your library card
Libby is a free app developed by OverDrive that connects you to your local library’s digital collection. With nothing but a valid library card (which you can usually get online), you can borrow thousands of ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines.
Why readers love it:
- Elegant and intuitive reading app
- Syncs across devices
- Offline reading supported
Caution: May have waitlists for popular releases.
5. Internet Archive
Best for: Research, out-of-print books, and rare content
Internet Archive is more than just videos and the Wayback Machine. Its ebook section offers access to over 20 million freely downloadable books and texts, including academic resources, niche topics, and hard-to-find publications.
Perks:
- Advanced search tools
- Accessible formats including DAISY and PDF
- Borrow or download permanently, depending on copyright status
Limitations: User interface is slightly dated.
6. Smashwords
Best for: Discovering hidden gems from indie authors
Smashwords is a platform where indie authors publish their work, and many choose to offer books for free as part of promotions or to gain reader feedback. It supports a variety of genres from fantasy to erotica, and is home to some truly creative writing.
Features:
- Multiple formats: EPUB, PDF, MOBI
- User and author reviews
- Advanced filtering and tagging system
Heads up: Not all books are free; some are priced, but affordable.
7. BookBub
Best for: Free and discounted bestseller ebooks
BookBub is less of a library and more a discovery tool. By signing up and selecting your favorite genres, you receive personalized deals—including free and heavily discounted ebooks—from popular authors and publishers, often via Amazon or other retailers.
Why it stands out:
- Daily curated deals
- High-quality titles and covers
- Great for discovering new favorites
Con: Requires email signup, and not all deals remain forever.
8. Google Books
Best for: Previewing and accessing scanned book versions
Google Books offers a huge archive of scanned books, many of which are freely available depending on public domain status or publisher permission. You can read them online or download certain titles.
Usefulness:
- Great for previewing before purchasing
- Academic and niche titles included
- Free access where permitted
Shortcoming: You often can’t download the entire book unless it’s in the public domain.
9. PDF Drive
Best for: Variety of topics including non-fiction, textbooks, how-tos
PDF Drive aggregates a massive collection of free PDF books across wide-ranging categories like health, business, self-help, science, and fiction. Its simple interface and direct downloads make it popular among students and general readers.
What’s great:
- No registration required
- Download or preview in browser
- Search engine–like functionality
Keep in mind: Not all content is verified for copyright; use discretion.
Conclusion
Although the closing of OceanofPDF has been a letdown for many digital bookworms, there’s no shortage of fantastic platforms where reading remains accessible and (most importantly) legal. From classic literature on Project Gutenberg to the broad public library loans via Libby, each platform brings something unique to the table. Whether you’re searching for a gripping novel, a new indie favorite, or educational material, the above options will more than satisfy your reading needs.
The key point is: always choose legitimate sources to honor the labor of authors and publishers. Happy reading!