Tell Me Something Tuesday is hosted by Rainy Day Ramblings! It's a weekly meme that discusses a wide range of topics from books to blogging.
Q: At what point do you think a series has gone on too long?
I actually have a good example for this one! The other day I was looking back at series I started but never finished, and I was surprised by the number of Mortal Instruments books. I thought it was a trilogy? I remember reading it when it was first released and thinking things had wrapped up by the end, but now there are more books? What are they about? I thought the original trilogy was great from the start, but now I'm hesitant to read the newer books.
Another example would be The Vampire Diaries. This was a long time ago, so my information might be a little off, but didn't they fire the original author? There was something in her contract that allowed them to hire ghostwriters to pump out more books for the series, but the original author no longer had any say in how her story ended. I believe they only did that because the TV show was successful, and not for the sake of literature.
The Percy Jackson series (and all the books that go with it) is a different example. Each of those books is its own story with familiar characters. New things are introduced every book, but the world and people stay (mostly) the same. The Heroes of Olympus was another amazing series set within the same world, but with a new twist. We're with a different group of heroes, but the author regularly makes references to the old. At one point the characters from the two series start working together, and the story is told through their various POVs.
I think a series that has a lot of books told through multiple perspectives has a better chance of doing well than a long series told through a single person's point of view. It offers more variety and allows readers to better understand the world they're reading about. I'm also really hesitant to start a series that has 10+ plus, because it's unlikely I'm going to love every single one. Additionally, it's a huge time commitment.
There are a lot of series that end with me craving more, but that's half the fun! I loved Harry Potter and how it ended, and I will always want more books set in that world, but I think the ending was final. Yes, J.K. Rowling could write additional books, but that would feel forced. I love that they went a different route and decided to publish Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. We get more from the wizarding world without ruining the characters we fell in love with.
My answer for this one is vague, so I'm sorry, but it really depends on the series and what the author is doing with it. Only an author can know when their story should end, and readers wanting more isn't a bad thing, but that doesn't mean we should get what we want. We should appreciate the story for what it is, and an author should know when their story has reached its end. It shouldn't be about the money (though I know sometimes it is), but about the characters we fall in love with.
Another example would be The Vampire Diaries. This was a long time ago, so my information might be a little off, but didn't they fire the original author? There was something in her contract that allowed them to hire ghostwriters to pump out more books for the series, but the original author no longer had any say in how her story ended. I believe they only did that because the TV show was successful, and not for the sake of literature.
The Percy Jackson series (and all the books that go with it) is a different example. Each of those books is its own story with familiar characters. New things are introduced every book, but the world and people stay (mostly) the same. The Heroes of Olympus was another amazing series set within the same world, but with a new twist. We're with a different group of heroes, but the author regularly makes references to the old. At one point the characters from the two series start working together, and the story is told through their various POVs.
I think a series that has a lot of books told through multiple perspectives has a better chance of doing well than a long series told through a single person's point of view. It offers more variety and allows readers to better understand the world they're reading about. I'm also really hesitant to start a series that has 10+ plus, because it's unlikely I'm going to love every single one. Additionally, it's a huge time commitment.
There are a lot of series that end with me craving more, but that's half the fun! I loved Harry Potter and how it ended, and I will always want more books set in that world, but I think the ending was final. Yes, J.K. Rowling could write additional books, but that would feel forced. I love that they went a different route and decided to publish Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. We get more from the wizarding world without ruining the characters we fell in love with.
My answer for this one is vague, so I'm sorry, but it really depends on the series and what the author is doing with it. Only an author can know when their story should end, and readers wanting more isn't a bad thing, but that doesn't mean we should get what we want. We should appreciate the story for what it is, and an author should know when their story has reached its end. It shouldn't be about the money (though I know sometimes it is), but about the characters we fall in love with.
I agree it really does depend on the series and I agree with the MI series, I only read the first three books because I was happy how it ended, I didn't need 3 more books to make it better or more. And yes, some series I would have loved to have more like the H.P. series but at the same time, I think you are right that it would have, in the long run, ruined the rest of the series.
ReplyDeleteFunny how that works sometimes.
Like you said... if J.K. Rowling had written any more books in the Harry Potter series, I think the story would have started to drag on. There's only so much the characters can do before confronting the major conflict that's been around since the beginning. I think Rowling did a marvelous job and left the story in a really wonderful place. Even reading The Cursed Child was weird -- it didn't feel right. I'm left wanting more Harry Potter, but also loving where the story stopped. There were a few deaths I wish had been avoided, but... *sighs*
DeleteI've never read any of the Cassie Clare books, but yeah, it was originally a trilogy and now she's added book after book. I'm not really sure what's what anymore! LOL I think having a series with different point of views, etc. is nice and it does add something else instead of just following the same single person.
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
I've only read the first three, but the original trilogy was good. The ending left a lot open, but I thought that was the intention. There was hope for a better future and whatnot. I have no idea what the other books are supposed to be about...
DeleteI love series that are told from a different perspectives! I also like following a single character when they're lives are too interesting to miss, haha.
I agree. It depends on the series and if more books are necessary to tell the story. Often times it isn't and there is either filler or it seems like a money grab to me (TMI series) but I'm not too fussy about it.
ReplyDeleteKaren @ For What It's Worth
Blargh, I hate it when it feels like the author is just trying to make more money! I'm sure money is important -- everyone has to make a living -- but think of the fans! We follow authors we love because they know how to tell a story. Sometimes those stories end, so the authors write NEW stories. I'm okay when books are set in the same world/time period, but I like for characters and stories to grow as the books progress. Filler books make me stabby.
DeleteI think we all would want more HP but you are right, she ended it at the right time because the series was at a high point. I have no idea how MI books are out now. I read the first three liked them and then the fourth was ridiculous, It should have ended there. The Vampire Diaries is a series I never read, nor do I want to if the orginal author is writing it anymore. Thanks for participanting in TMST this week.
ReplyDeleteI will forever want more Harry Potter, and that's how you know an author wrote their series well. It ended when it should have -- the story concluded, but there was a little hope left on the pages. We were able to envision our own future for the characters we fell in love with. J.K. Rowling did it right! I think that's one of the reasons her series has been so successful. There was never too much of it, you know?
DeleteAhh, the fourth book was ridiculous? Hmm... I'm really on the fence about re-reading the original trilogy and starting the newer books.
I never read The Vampire Diaries, but I watched the show for awhile (it soon became completely ridiculous). I think it's awful the author wasn't able to continue HER story how she wanted to. I know she posted her ending to the series somewhere, so fans would know how she'd meant for things to end.
I'm not sure what happened with Vampire Diaries author, I remember reading those when I was back in middle or high school so mid to late 90s/early 2000s and there were 4 books. Next thing I know they're getting a reboot and a TV series and there are a ton more books lmao I'm betting the newer ones were the ghost writer *nods*
ReplyDeleteRight? I watched some of the show, but never read the books... However, I remember when I worked at a book store there being 3-4 books, but after the TV series -- so many books. I know the author posted her own version of the ending online somewhere. She wanted the original fans to know how she intended for her story to end. It's really sad when an author's work is taken away from them and they are forced to watch someone else twist their story and create something else entirely.
DeleteOkay, YES to all these examples! I don't even read Cassandra Clare's books and I get irritated each time a new one comes out. I have to wonder if she's capable of writing in a different world. I'm also very frustrated with Sarah J. Maas for the same reason. I knew that her Throne of Glass series kept getting extended, but when ACOTAR got dragged out I was really bothered by it. Have you read The Cursed Child? To me that was a continuation that should not have been.
ReplyDeleteI've keep meaning to read the Throne of Glass series... how many books does it have now?
DeleteThe Cursed Child was book/screen play that was written about Harry as an adult? I did read it. It didn't feel remarkable to me. I am obsessed with all things Hogwarts and Harry Potter, but a Cursed Child didn't really fit into that. It was weird. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them -- outstanding. Completely new story with a new set of characters, but the same world. I cannot wait for the second movie!! Also, JUDE LAW AS A YOUNG ALBUS DUMBLEDORE? I'm dying over here! <3
I think when it starts to feel like the author is just cranking them out and the plots are getting more ridiculous, the series should end. But as long as the story and characters are progressing, long series are fine with me. I like the Inspector Gamache series - each book is its own mystery, but there are some storylines that weave along in the background, too.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of the Inspector Gamache series, but I love the idea of a different mystery every book! What is the series up to? I agree! If the story and characters are progressing, there's really no need to stop. I don't mind a long journey, but I like it when a series has a clear goal the characters are trying to achieve.
DeleteI have heard a lot of people say that about TMI, but I read and enjoyed them all.
ReplyDeleteI can't really have an opinion, since I haven't read them! I plan on reading them in the future, so I'm happy to see that you enjoyed them all. I only mentioned TMI because I thought it was only supposed to be a trilogy when I read it years ago, and I was surprised to see so many additional books. I've heard people say both positive and negative things about the newer books, so my interest is piqued. I think I'll have to re-read the original three first, and I'm a little hesitant since I liked how those concluded, but I'm willing to try. :)
DeleteI love long series. I just read a book in the Christine Feehan Dark series and it's the 30th book in the series. If the author can keep each story good and I want to keep reading them I'm all for long series.
ReplyDeleteNice! I haven't heard of that series, but thirty is insane! If an author can keep you engaged and wanting more -- yay! I can image that's pretty hard to do after awhile, so I'll have to look into this series. Thanks for mentioning it. :)
DeleteLet me tell you, The Mortal Instruments was my first encounter with the "trilogy fakeout". And I am not a fan. Like the first 3, they were good, I liked them! The next three were wholly unnecessary and I got more and more angry as it went on- I think I was almost setting myself up for failure at that point? The thing is, I always say 3 or 4 books is my limit, and I honestly think it is because I have never actually loved a series that extended longer? The Sookie Stackhouse series ended up being 13 books and the last at LEAST 4 or so were so, so stupid. So yeah, I mean, I haven't finished HP yet (I am on book 4 hah) but I assume those work out well? I guess it *can* work with more than 4 or 5, but... the likelihood is slim. At least for me!
ReplyDeleteI think the Harry Potter books work so well because of the individual stories that lead to the overall conclusion. Each book builds on the one before it, and we get to grow up with the characters. They are a year older every book (I literally grew up with them -- always he same age, lol), and so their actions and motivations dictate that. They are nervous kids at the beginning trying to find their place, and they grow into adults that have to deal more than they should. I can't believe you're only on the fourth book! Read! I'm re-reading them right now (out loud to my son), and we're on book two. I always read a few things to him between books, but Harry Potter is one of my all-time favorites. I look forward to re-reading them every year! <3
DeleteI didn't read the Sookie Stackhouse series... there was a show, right? I think Harry Potter is the longest series I've read, but Percy Jackson might be a tie. I cannot remember how many books it has total. The Vampire Academy had six, I think. I'm trying to think of what other long series I've read, but... hmm.
DeleteI've still only read the original trilogy for The Mortal Instruments. Eventually I want to try reading the others, but I'm not in a hurry. I liked how things ended the first time, and I'm not sure where the story was supposed to go from there.
The Maximum Ride series fits this so well its sad...but that's mostly because the author couldn't keep things straight and butchered the series after book 3...
ReplyDeleteOuch! I'm not familiar with the series, but I'll keep that in mind! It's always disappointing when an author makes mistakes within their own stories. It makes me feel like they're not very connected to their characters and the world.
DeleteWell at that point they may just be writing more books for the money sadly.
DeleteI agree with you. You can always tell when an author keeps a series going for too long and it’s usually for the wrong reasons.
ReplyDeleteIt's easy to tell when an author is writing out of love for their stories. I feel more invested in the characters and what's happening around them. I wholeheartedly believe that authors should be paid well for doing what they do -- it's not easy -- but I also think they need to have a passion for it. When someone is writing just for the money, it translates into their writing. It feels stiff and like the story itself was unloved by it's creator.
DeleteThis is a tricky question, so I understand the 'it depends' type answer. Each series and author is different.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind reading a new series that is 10+ books, for I tend to just take it one book at a time and if they annoy me, I stop.
However, there are a few series that I absolutely adored but then stopped reading because even though each book was a self-contained story, the over arching plot never seemed to resolve - only thicken. I just felt like, with those series everything was being strung along for the cash and it annoyed me. :/
P.S - For what it's worth, the Shadow-hunters books (the second trilogy with Jace and Clary) isn't bad... Not great but not bad to read. The others are independent of it but linked being in the same world. :)
That's a smart way to go about it... read them until they no longer interest you! I might try that with the longer series that interest me. Ugh, it's awful when you love a series but feel like the major plot doesn't really go anywhere. You have to develop the book as a whole and not just pieces of it -- sorry to hear that happened to you! I have similar feelings about Caraval and Legend... both books had a conclusion that wasn't really a conclusion. Questions are rarely answered, but more are always being asked. I need a little resolution to really enjoy a story, but that series has sooo much going on. I enjoy the world, but grrr.
DeleteI'm planning on reading the rest of the Shadowhunters series... eventually! <3
On the Harry Potter side of things, I think Harry's story is done but I'd like to see a trilogy about the rise of Voldemort and the Order of the Phoenix, that original wizard war, the deaths in the Order, the betrayal of Lily and James, up to the Wizard Trials. I think that story would be great but I doubt we'll ever get it. I'll read any length of series if the standard keeps up and I'm still enjoying it. I have a couple of ongoing series that are at books 16! That's horrible for my bookshelf space though!
ReplyDeleteOh, I would LOVE that!! I was always fascinated by the Order of the Phoenix and curious about how Voldemort became so powerful. I would really like for J.K. Rowling to write a prequal series about everything you mentioned -- that would be sooo amazing! I don't think we'll ever get it, but we can keep our fingers crossed. :)
DeleteMy bookshelves have been crammed for years! I really need a new one... 16?? Wow! I think the longest series I've read was 7.
I'm still at book one on all of them!
DeleteLol!!
DeleteAhh, Mortal Instruments - the original series is a series of six books. Then there was a prequel series (which was the best for me so far!) and these were set in London with a whole new cast of characters and now there is also a sequel series, but again, with new characters. I actually like these companion series type expansions on worlds that I love. Just so much more goodness!
ReplyDeleteThe Vampire Diaries, yet - that was awful! I remember being so excited seeing more books out from that series a few years ago as I had read and loved the originals however I really didn't enjoy the book I bought and I remembered thinking that it was like a different author... Well! Ha ha.
I agree that it really depends on the series and how the author handles it. I like things to be pretty wrapped up and I don't want to see my beloved characters 'ruined'. Very cool discussion post!
Thank you for clearing that up for me! I was a little confused about how the books were ordered and what was happening in them. Now I know! <3 I really enjoy companion/expansion series, because like you said... it's more of the world you love, but with different people. However, it still has to be written well, and I want the story to be meaningful.
DeleteHave you ever read a book and immediately wished you hadn't? That's happened to me once or twice.