I have been finding myself reading a lot of different series lately. And though I like the fact that the author does not have to rush through the events that the main characters go through, I am finding it hard for the author to keep my interest for more than a few books. I feel like they mess with the main characters too much that it goes beyond believable and tries my patience.
I do understand that it is part of the main characters job description is to have the story line revolve around them. But in the books I am finding myself reading, The Mortal Instruments Series, the author puts the main two characters in a series of difficult situations. Can she please just let them be in love for at least one book without messing it up? Allow someone in their inner circle to get in trouble and have them fight to make it right. I feel like some authors get captivated with the main love interests and try to figure out how they can mess with them and only them. I say let the love birds stop proving their love to each other and show how dynamic they can be as a couple and take on the world!! That's the hard part in life, am I right? It is the living as two people not the showing that you are desperately in love with that person no matter what evil comes their way that makes a real story.
Anyone else ever feel like this?
I find a book that is not part of a series to be a breath of fresh air sometimes when I do not want to have an anxiety attack about the characters. It is sometimes short and sweet and able to be finished between 300-600 pages. You are given a plot and it is beautiful to see the beginning and the end in a timely manner.
I do not think this applies to all series, I want to make that clear. Harry Potter would not have been the same if there was not 7 books. It would have been quite a let down in my opinion, kind of like the movies. But the way Rowling wrote the stories and events around Harry were exciting to read about. It was like an adventure with every turn of the page. I do not feel that way with a lot of series, I feel like some authors are reaching to find something to make more money...
I will always read both I enjoy the idea of a series I fancy the attention to detail the authors are at liberty to give because they are not confined to 300 pages. But unless the series author offers up some kind of imagination as to the plot of a story I do find myself, as of late, leaning towards non-series types of books.
What do you think? Do you prefer series or a stand alone book?
Happy Reading!
I feel quite the same way Liz. There are very few series that I feel are actually worthy of being a series. I think what happens a lot of times now is that series have started becoming the norm because many authors look at it as an easy money ticket. Like, "Hey, why come up with original characters and settings when I can milk these characters for 5 books?" Plus they probably feel if the first book did well they already have a fan base hooked for at least the next two books.
ReplyDeleteIt is a rare series that will hold my attention for the whole thing. You mentioned one, Harry Potter, that I was actually sad there weren't more than 7. The Dark Tower series by Stephen King was another that I really enjoyed all of the books in that very long series. Same thing with Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings. But these are all exceptional stand out and stand alone series. Most that get turned into 3 or more books aren't worth a blip on the radar, for me.
Exactly! Thank you Mitch!!
ReplyDeleteI have been very disheartened with series lately. I have started maybe half a dozen only to find out there is no story. I can't wait 3 or 4 books in to finally come to the end of a plot line. I've been sticking to the stand-alone singles, and it has been more fulfilling. When a good series gets it right, you never want it to end, but it seems to be like catching lightning in a bottle lately.
ReplyDeleteRachel
Agreed! Thank you Rachel.
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