tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798065526948874468.post8301885080700202492..comments2024-02-25T06:30:53.030-06:00Comments on Alison Can Read: Stand-Alone Books vs. SeriesAlisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10161357580448621274noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798065526948874468.post-75566874647739340572011-08-15T13:02:21.417-05:002011-08-15T13:02:21.417-05:00Great post. Very concise. It would have taken me ...Great post. Very concise. It would have taken me forever to write it.Breehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01289499533606873690noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798065526948874468.post-91796593045539803392011-08-13T13:40:34.728-05:002011-08-13T13:40:34.728-05:00The challenge with stand-alones is satisfying the ...The challenge with stand-alones is satisfying the reader. Can the story be self-contained in just one book? Does it strike the balance between leaving the reader wanting more, yet accepting the story that was told, and the ending? Hmmm.<br /><br />I love series - GOOD series. My pet peeve is authors who do not know when to quit. I read the Wayfarer Redemption series by Sara Douglass and cried my way through the second trilogy because frankly, all the characters she hadn't killed off were ruined, and the storylines were just ridiculous. <br /><br />A good example of the debate is Myra McEntire's Hourglass. This book was everything I wanted - mystery, romance, timey-wimey, inspiring - all in the one book. It could easily have stopped there, but the author is planning at least one sequel - and the story is well-told, so I will read the sequel gladly! <br /><br />But I'll tell you...there is nothing quite like an exceptionally told stand-alone. The Time Traveler's Wife, for example. Gorgeous story, and when it was over, it was over. And I was changed for having read it!Molli @ Once Upon a Prologuehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14817317037277260565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798065526948874468.post-64050157369842433462011-08-13T06:16:02.400-05:002011-08-13T06:16:02.400-05:00Great post!
I do like series but sometimes I feel ...Great post!<br />I do like series but sometimes I feel a book has ended so nicely that I know I will just leave it there and not bother with the second book!<br />With other books I like to read more and feel the story can go more places so will read the second in the series.Books for Companyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12706187916487616627noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798065526948874468.post-5491441429501867462011-08-12T14:07:44.462-05:002011-08-12T14:07:44.462-05:00Wonderful discussion, as always :)
I don't mi...Wonderful discussion, as always :)<br /><br />I don't mind if a book is part of a series or if it's a standalone. What matters most to me is that the book is told in the right amount of books for the story it is telling. I start to get bothered when it feels like a series is stretched beyond its natural limits or when a standalone is so open that I really want more story to help fill in the blanks. <br /><br />I do give out a sigh of relief when I read a standalone now though, but that isn't because I don't like series. It's just that I'm impatient so I want to read the whole book NOW and I have a bad memory, so I can't remember all the plot points between each book's publication. I'm loving the new trend some publishers are doing where they publish all the books in a series a few months apart. Like The River of Time series. That's great for me.Small Reviewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16072352095510905410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798065526948874468.post-91881354194487477842011-08-11T17:32:16.491-05:002011-08-11T17:32:16.491-05:00I like a mix of both. The reason why is because I ...I like a mix of both. The reason why is because I usually blow through a series. I've done this with nearly every series as of late because I've been disappointed mid series. Stand alone books are my chance to breathe a little after gasping though a series. <br /><br />Companion novels I haven't decided on. I like them if they are fantasy or historical. The Forest of Hands and Teeth companion (and suddenly series) was strange.<br /><br />Great post! Love it :)<br /><br />♥ TrishAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798065526948874468.post-66529706600648978052011-08-11T17:13:44.781-05:002011-08-11T17:13:44.781-05:00I don't mind series. In most cases, the first ...I don't mind series. In most cases, the first book ends well enough that if you don't feel like reading on you don't have to. But for the fans who really enjoy the world and characters, it's nice to come back to them.<br /><br />I still don't understand what a companion novel is!Logan E. Turnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06468248031164464546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798065526948874468.post-13023019848555913432011-08-11T09:50:53.450-05:002011-08-11T09:50:53.450-05:00Great post, Alison! I do love me some sequels but ...Great post, Alison! I do love me some sequels but that's just because when I get attached to characters, I just want to keep reading about them. But I definitely do like standalones...and you're right, I do really admire an author when they can capture everything in one book.Jessica Lawlorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16180026942204335132noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798065526948874468.post-53368197469285496832011-08-10T22:04:25.432-05:002011-08-10T22:04:25.432-05:00Thanks all for your wonderful comments! You brough...Thanks all for your wonderful comments! You brought up a lot of things about series v. stand-alones that I hadn't thought of. Especially about the difficulty of waiting for the next book, the cost, and how I often forget the previous book by the time the next one comes out.<br /><br />@Tee I like City of Fallen Angels but I think The Mortal Instruments easily could have ended with book 3 and perhaps should have.<br /><br />@Marce Thanks for the series suggestions!<br /><br />@Ashley Thanks for telling me Finnikin of the Rock has a sequel. I'm curious. I hope it's not as disappointing as Sapphique was after Incarceron.<br /><br />@Amanda Thanks for the series suggestions! I didn't realize that Fire was a companion novel. I still need to read it.<br /><br />@Lyrical Brown Thanks for the suggestions. I've been wanting to read Alex Rider and Young SamaraiAlison Can Readhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17908868606441539344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798065526948874468.post-26447023113738406972011-08-10T21:29:20.131-05:002011-08-10T21:29:20.131-05:00I can't tell if it's my love for contempor...I can't tell if it's my love for contemporary or my love for stand-alones made me love the genre (or vise versa). I feel I start but don't finish TONS of paranormal series (like more than 20) but it's always nice to finish a stand-alone awesome contemp book. I love your post, it's thorough and thoughtful and thanks so much for posting it :) Team Stand-alone? :PAudrey (holes In My brain)https://www.blogger.com/profile/02092399404120477032noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798065526948874468.post-81581302678920246782011-08-10T20:33:09.685-05:002011-08-10T20:33:09.685-05:00What a thorough post! I'm torn between stand a...What a thorough post! I'm torn between stand alones and series. I've read a few books that I'm certain are singles, but I would love to seem them become part of a series. That's hard when you feel like there is more to the story after reading the book. On the other hand, some series tend to lag forever it seems until the conclusion. That's really frustrating. Or, the story just seems regurgitated and stale. That's even more frustrating.The Flashlight Readerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14235526668580595149noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798065526948874468.post-45357475468571249502011-08-10T20:15:07.696-05:002011-08-10T20:15:07.696-05:00I'm getting really weary of series. At this p...I'm getting really weary of series. At this point, I'm wrapped up in so many that are really similar, and I forget the original book while I wait for the next one to come out. There are certain series that I love, like the Sookie Stackhouse books, but overall I just want them to move on.Bibliosaurus Texthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17038437731726542781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798065526948874468.post-44857161331546453472011-08-10T18:17:20.812-05:002011-08-10T18:17:20.812-05:00I really don't mind series as long as if they ...I really don't mind series as long as if they are justified- there is a plot to each book, growing character arc, etc. The "Fallen" series by Lauren Kate seems as if it could be one book (I haven't read the latest one so I can't tell). I'm tired of having an unnecessary book 2 which is only filler until I reach the conclusion of book 3.Rummanah Aasihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12119402559076729383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798065526948874468.post-55745933811783162372011-08-10T18:02:31.651-05:002011-08-10T18:02:31.651-05:00Generally, I much prefer stand-alone books, largel...Generally, I much prefer stand-alone books, largely because I am extremely impatient and don't want to have to wait to find out what happened! But when it comes to a book I <i>really</i> love, I'm always glad to find out that there's more to come :)Agrippina Legithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03359007646937430971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798065526948874468.post-66877084656314829452011-08-10T16:42:06.404-05:002011-08-10T16:42:06.404-05:00The amazing amount of thought put into this post i...The amazing amount of thought put into this post is much appreciated Alison. <br /><br />I have to say I like spending time with well developed characters or lost in worlds that have substance just as much as the next book lover, but sometimes you can totally tell a series book was forced out and it's the kind of bad apple that ruins the tree. Yanno?Missie, The Unread Readerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10548256640926555361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798065526948874468.post-68263449985331777252011-08-10T14:01:11.838-05:002011-08-10T14:01:11.838-05:00I'm no longer a fan of series books. Mainly b...I'm no longer a fan of series books. Mainly because it seems like everything I read is part of a longer series. Most book end on cliffhangers, causing a great deal of trouble for me to remember all the charaters and plots when the next book may not be coming out until the following year.<br /><br />I just would like to read stand alone book. A good book which can be read and enjoyed without the hype of another book coming out. I guess the whole series thing is like breeding rabbits its easy for things to get outta hand.Gina @ My Precioushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01895568426820464572noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798065526948874468.post-82515447134643829402011-08-10T13:52:49.958-05:002011-08-10T13:52:49.958-05:00I'm a big fan of series, although I do like to...I'm a big fan of series, although I do like to intersperse my series reading with great stand-alone books - sometimes I just want a great story that starts and finishes within a couple of hundred pages. I do agree that some series do just drag on and on to the point where the later books lose their interest for me - a big culprit of this in my opinion is A Series of Unfortunate Events, I managed to get to book 9 or 10 but got a bit bored of waiting for plot resolutions. Some series, however, I just can't get enough of such as Alex Rider, Artemis Fowl and Young Samurai - I would keep reading new books in these series to the day I die! I only wish J.K. Rowling would write another 7 books!<br /><br />I think, at the end of the day, a mixture of series and stand-alones makes for healthy reading, it's a bit like a balanced diet. And too much of a bad thing is never good for you!Lyrical Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16367609172093943310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798065526948874468.post-23110305573547835882011-08-10T13:12:51.599-05:002011-08-10T13:12:51.599-05:00I'm such a hypocrit when it comes to this subj...I'm such a hypocrit when it comes to this subject: I am someone who really admires when an author can create, develop, and wrap up a story in one go. That's impressive! And yet, I am also someone who, if I've come to love the characters enough in that one book, really does not want to let go of them. Sure, I can always revisit them by rereading the book but I almost always want to see them come back for another adventure!<br /><br />I know what you mean though when enough is enough. Some series are just dragged out ridiculously long and the only explanation that I can think of is money because the series is so popular in the beginning. I always hear of the Sookie Stackhouse series especially and how it should have been ended books and books ago but hasn't because of the popularity of the TV show.Ayleehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07639250102446794830noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798065526948874468.post-46261818377608342202011-08-10T13:07:49.851-05:002011-08-10T13:07:49.851-05:00The only paranormal standalones I can think of are...The only paranormal standalones I can think of are The Tear Collector and Low Red Moon, and unfortunately I didn't like either. I like both series and stand alones. However, I don't like really long series, mostly because then I can't convince myself to read them when they're already on the 6th out of 9th book. Just too much work. i don't know exactly what makes series work and what makes stand alones work. I like when authors write stand alones because then I get to explore their writing in all kinds of different situations. But I like series because the characters are just so well developed. Also, I've grown to love companion novels. I used to hate them but now I love them. (Kristin Cashore's Fire made up my mind about that one.) <br /><br />Great post.<br /><br />- AmandaShelbie, Amanda and Jennihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02643257688843537920noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798065526948874468.post-69208765225221656072011-08-10T11:32:57.143-05:002011-08-10T11:32:57.143-05:00I think it depends on the type of book. I think co...I think it depends on the type of book. I think contemporary novels are better as stand alone (like Anna and the French Kiss) but paranormal books (such as the Iron Fey series) are better as series!<br /><br />You wrote a great blog post by the way :)<br /><br />http://sarahcatchingbooks.blogspot.comSarah@Catching Bookshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04112069128645526979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798065526948874468.post-22111794629815365942011-08-10T11:27:49.834-05:002011-08-10T11:27:49.834-05:00Just a quick note that 'Finnikin of the Rock&#...Just a quick note that 'Finnikin of the Rock' isn't a standalone. Book 2, 'Froi of the Exiles', is coming out in Australia in October and early next year in North America. =)<br /><br />Anyway, I love series that are well crafted. You're so right about Harry Potter. And I just read all 10 Morganville Vampire books that have been released, and even though I loved some more than others I still enjoyed them all and can't wait to read more about the characters. That definitely takes talent.<br /><br />The books I hate most are the ones that feel like the first 1/3 or 1/2 of a book, which I find most often in paranormal books. I think a lot of times those books could be one longer book, because it's not like Book 1 does anything except introduce the characters and the problem. And to me that's not a well crafted book.<br /><br />I enjoy standalones and I enjoy trilogies and series. But when I see a trilogy or series I want to see well-crafted plots and developed characters in Book 1 that make me look forward to journeying more with the characters instead of just a cheap cliffhanger gimmick to try and entice me to read Book 2.Ashley @ Book Labyrinthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02395484656811182553noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798065526948874468.post-32734205969091887242011-08-10T11:09:10.046-05:002011-08-10T11:09:10.046-05:00John Green's books are standalones. I enjoy th...John Green's books are standalones. I enjoy that they are. So are most of Maureen Johnson's books. Both of these are contemporary. <br /><br />Personally, I like series that are actually going somewhere. Books like Harry Potter and The Hunger Games couldn't be contained in one book, but I feel that Twilight could have ended at 3. Not that I like the series, but I might have enjoyed it more had there not been a fourth one. I keep hearing bad things about Cassandra Clare's decision to continue with the Mortal Instruments series. I think 3 books can successfully carry an arc of a story without losing any momentum. <br /><br />I personally like companion novels where we get to see some familiar characters, but the story isn't about them. Like Perkin's work. I think it was smart that she wrote a story about a different character, but still had familiar characters show up for a glimpse of how they are doing. I just feel that most of the tired series can gain new life and momentum by adopting the companion novel style.Najelahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03529650047480022627noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798065526948874468.post-24339976096597837682011-08-10T10:50:52.226-05:002011-08-10T10:50:52.226-05:00It depends. I read a lot of series, which is fine,...It depends. I read a lot of series, which is fine, but I see two main problems with series. Firstly, I hate waiting for the next book in series. Secondly, one needs a lot of money if you buy books of an entire series. On the other hand, stand-alone books are so hard to come by nowadays, especially in ma favorite genres, which are exactly those you pointed out as "serial" - paranormal, fantasy and historical fiction. Most of all, I like both kinds, if the content is good.Jo Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00917704326736252690noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798065526948874468.post-7715200851779278032011-08-10T10:09:24.189-05:002011-08-10T10:09:24.189-05:00I can understand the dilemma. But honestly, I enj...I can understand the dilemma. But honestly, I enjoy series, except for waiting for the next book. Like a good movie, or TV show, it is sad to see the characters go away. Sure, you could always reread the book, but I like seeing the character progression as they move forward. <br /><br />Stand alones are fun. But they also feel like a short run. I enjoy the ride. <br /><br />I do agree about balancing a fine line though. To many books can push the reader away. Goosebumps was a little different when I was little. The stories where all different but wrapped around the same author and name. I used to watch an Anime called Bleach though, and there are way to many episodes to keep my attention. I have a short attention span. Cowboy Beebop is more my thing, perfect length.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.hippiesbeautyandbooksohmy.com" rel="nofollow">Hippies, Beauty, and Books. Oh My!</a>Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13471619144106102753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798065526948874468.post-38035717260581213592011-08-10T10:02:32.499-05:002011-08-10T10:02:32.499-05:00I like to mix it up, because sometimes I just want...I like to mix it up, because sometimes I just want my story to end & not have to wait another year (or two) to see what happens. Some of my favorite stand alones are Jellicoe Road & The Sky is Everywhere, which are both contemporary. I also really liked Possession by Elana Johnson. It's impressive to be dystopian & stand alone!kathyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11221304377970098013noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1798065526948874468.post-23703971140845060672011-08-10T10:01:56.459-05:002011-08-10T10:01:56.459-05:00I personally am a huge fan of series. I get very a...I personally am a huge fan of series. I get very attached to my characters and I like knowing there's going to be another book where I can go back and visit that world and spend more time with them. I don't always love cliffhangers though I know they serve their purpose and do what they're intended to do: make me pick up book 2, but I do appreciate a book in a series that concludes one storyline while leaving a larger arc open to be continued. I can't even remember the last stand alone book I read!Jennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14199685365145765394noreply@blogger.com