Let's Talk With Smash & Kt (3)

Nov 16, 2012 by Kt Clapsadl

Welcome to the Let’s Talk weekly discussion meme!

Originally hosted by Melissa from i swim for oceans, Smash & Kt took her original inspiration, and made it their own, expanding it to more than just books. Let’s get personal (but respectfully so) and learn more about one another!  Each week, a different question will be posted along with a place to link up your posts and visit other people’s responses.This meme is definitely meant to bring out conversation and meet new people. So, Let's Talk!

We'd love to hear any ideas you have for questions. Submit them Here.   

This week's question:
 
What are your thoughts on series? How many books in a series is too many? What authors do you think handle longer series well, as opposed to ones who seem to stretch it out less successfully? (Thank you, Shirley/Creative Deeds! )

My Break Down:

What are your thoughts on series? 

I love them. In fact I'm really not a fan of stand alone novels. While it is great to have everything tied up and not have any nasty cliffhangers to deal with at the end of a book, I still always find myself wanting more when I finish a stand alone novel.

How many books in a series is too many?

I think this really depends on the series. There are some series that I would like to go on forever, but there are also ones that I feel were dragged out far too long. I think it is all about staying true to the characters and ending things on a high note rather than just keep pumping out the books without any real new material. At that point it becomes almost a commercial operation, rather than a creative one. Anything to make a buck I guess. And yes I do get it, authors do this for a living and it is hard to let go of a series that is making them good money. But in all actuality, I would think the most successful authors are not one trick ponies, and their new ideas should be able to make them that needed income as well. Granted, I am not an author, and honestly I have crap for creativity, so I could be completely off base being able to switch gears. I'm just stating my view from a reader's stand point that it turns me off when a series become commercial rather than being about the storytelling.

What authors do you think handle longer series well, as opposed to ones who seem to stretch it out less successfully? 

I think I'll separate my answer into three categories of series that will have more than 6 books. Ones I think are handled really well, ones I'm mediocre about their length, and ones that I think have gone on too long. (Most recent released book in the series is pictured)

Perfect (Or too short):


Medium (Some could go either way depending on how future books, if any, turn out):


Too Long (Pretty self-explanatory ;) :

 

How about you guys? Do you agree or disagree with my choices?


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Comments (10)

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Stand alones are tricky. Done right you end up all happy and complete but others do leave wanting more and with huge questions at the end that are never answered.

I think trilogies might be what has turned me off to series. I honestly don't understand how every single story has to be spread out over three books all the time. Why not two or four or five? Take as many books as you need to tell the story properly of course, but so many trilogies feel artificially stretched out. (not all of course)

BDB is on my medium list too. I haven't been enjoying the past few books and I'm hoping the Band of Brothers as some fresh blood to the mix. I must read Qhuay's book first though lol
My recent post Let’s Talk! Book Series
1 reply · active 650 weeks ago
I cannot agree with you more on trilogies. The 2nd book is always the killer for me. It's either slow because it's been dragged out, and it's the "slump" book. Or it ends in a crazy mean cliffhanger that makes the wait for the final book terrible.

As far as BDB, I haven't read the last two books (at least I think I'm only behind by two). It's just that the books have really started to bore me, and that doesn't lead to a fun reading experience.
My recent post Early Review: Steel's Edge by Ilona Andrews
It's really difficult for me these days to pick a stand alone. I have so many series on my TBR and others I already started are publishing more books.
But I agree with you in some choices. I love Jennifer Estep series and I'm only in book three, but I love the Morganville Vampires and these books are so fun and fast to read.
My recent post Let’s Talk #3
1 reply · active 650 weeks ago
A lot of the time I'm not really thrilled about the first book in a series due to the world building, as the learning curve can really weigh things down. So, stand alones can be really tricky for me.

My issue with the Morganville books is that while each individual book is pretty good, there's a lot of rinse and repeat nature to the series. I'm just getting tired of the vamps constantly forgetting what the humans have done for them.
My recent post Early Review: Steel's Edge by Ilona Andrews
the 2nd book in trilogies can definitely be a killer. They are the reason I have not finished a crapload of YA trilogies! I am just not in a rush to get to them, and of course, I've fraking forgotten all the details now! Ugh.
My recent post Let’s Talk: Series Love…or Hate?
You picked a lot of series that I haven't read yet. I do agree with your 'first book in a series' opinion. Lots of times the first couple featured in a series gets short changed in the world building and set-up that needs to take place in the first book. I love it when it works though
1 reply · active 650 weeks ago
Unless I really really hate the first book, I always try to give each series a two book chance due to the learning curve required due to the world building. There are several good series that I would have missed out on if I didn't try and move past that first book.
My recent post Early Review: Steel's Edge by Ilona Andrews
I totally agree with your choices (at least, the ones I've read). The only one I'm not sure I agree with is The Lords of the Underworld books. There have been a few books in that series I could take or leave. House of Night and Sookie Stackhouse seriously need to end though.
My recent post Let’s Talk about Series!
1 reply · active 650 weeks ago
I can see where some of the Lords of the Underworld books aren't quite as good as the others, but I don't think the series is losing steam. My absolute favorite was Strider's book. And ditto times ten on Sookie and House of Night. I gave up on the later several books ago. I haven't read the most recently released Sookie book, and honestly I'm not sure if I will.
My recent post Early Review: Steel's Edge by Ilona Andrews
I agree that a lot of series end up becoming commercialized and that's sad to me! Money trumps quality a lot. :(
My recent post Let’s Talk: Book Series!

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