Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about book series…
Do you prefer to read stand-alone books, or books in series? Do you stick with a series the whole way through or stop after the first instalment? Are there any particular series you enjoy? (question courtesy of Elena)
Generally speaking, I would prefer stand-alone books over series. That said, I don't dislike series either but it is just that (i) I have to remember all the names of the characters considering new characters might be added in each installment; (ii) I have to be very patient to wait for the next installment to be released, (iii) by the time the next installment is released, I might have forgotten some of the plots, and finally, reading a book and then realized it is part of the series! Urgh! Despite these, I still love reading books in series (life is all about contradiction!).
I think I tend to stop after the first installment (because there are so many books waiting to be read) but I will jump into the next book if the story is really good and that I happen to have the book on hand.
Here are just a few series which I love:
Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer
The Gardella Vampire Chronicles by Colleen Gleason
Annie Seymour Mysteries by Karen E. Olson
The Black Jewels by Anne Bishop
Ice series by Anne Stuart
Jack Caffery series by Mo Hayder
Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris
What about you? Do you prefer stand-alone books or books in series? Which are your favourite series?
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Same here. Stand alone or series, I just READ. :)
arghh! Yah! need to wait for some time before we can get to them :)
ok So I share your love for Twilight and Harry Potter. And most definitely when you read Millennium series[Steig Larrson] .. i m sure u will like that as well :)
Although I love both, I prefer the series books more. Of course you knew that about me *grin* :)
Judy - That's it! :D
Veens - I look forward to reading Millennium series, though I've no idea when! (Too many books, so little time!!)
Julia - Yep! I know you're a fan of series! :P
I prefer stand alone books too. And love the Twilight series too :)
Violet - Glad we share the same sentiments! :)
I'lll admit, I'm a series junkie. I like the feeling of opening a book and reuniting with "old friends". That doesn't stop me from reading stand-alones, but the series do get their hooks in me.
I'm the same as you. I prefer stand-alone books because, a lot of the time, I tend to forget the names of main characters and important plot points (which comes in handy for a nice re-reading surprise). :-)
I like both, really. I likes series stories because you follow the characters longer - get too know them better. Harry Potter wouldn't have been nearly as addictive if Rowling stopped after book one. However, some books just aren't meant for a series. I can't see a sequel for The Time Traveler's Wife!
If I'm reading a series, I do want to read them in order, but I usually read other things in-between the series books. I like a lot of different things, and I have a HUGE tbr list, so pick my reads based on my feelings at that moment.
I just like books, books and MORE BOOKS! I don't care if they're part of a series or not. Here's my full response.
It's waiting for the next book that does it for me. Here is mine
I have the first Gardella vampire book but haven't read it yet. I enjoy series but agree with many of your points. I gave up on George RR Martin's series for now. Each book is huge, has so many characters and it takes him years before he writes the next one. My answer is up here Debbie's World of Books
you have some series on your list I haven't heard of, I'll have to check them out. my musings
I'm not sure if I can pick...series can be frustrating, but at the same time, there's something so comforting about a nice long one.
The only series that I have finished (and re-read) is Agatha Christie. :)
Waiting for the next book is no fun! You've reminded me to get back into the Ice series.
Sandy - I know what you mean!
Ceri - Sometimes, I think it's good to get the books after they're all published! But I don't think I've that patience, hehe.
Lauren - I agree with you some books aren't meant for series. I haven't read The Time Traveler's Wife yet! Have to move this book up the pile!!
Susan - I'll start a book from a series and then read another book after I've finished the former. I want a break unless it is so good that I've to read the rest of the series!!
Bluestocking - Yeah! :P
Debbie - That's one reason why I haven't started on George RR Martin's series!! :P
Kaye - Hope you'll like them when you get them!
Nymeth - Indeed! :)
Matt - I haven't read Agatha Christie's for a long time!!! I think I've three of her books in my pile which I need to catch up on. So many books, so little time! ;)
Nise' - We must have cross-post! ;)
Waiting is definitely not fun, but it sure makes the books to be more worthwhile! :P
Usually stand-alone for me as well. I like books, though, that have the same characters but can be read as stand-alone novels. I like how Anita Shreve carries some of the same elements across her books--almost like she is sharing a secret with those who have read all of her books. And of course, love Harry Potter and am kind of obsessed with Twilight Saga now that I only have one book left. :P
Trish - I love books that are part of the series but could read as a stand-alone as well! I figure there're not many of those around so I'd definitely need some recommendations here!!
I haven't tried Anita Shreve's books so I'll have to check them out.
My listing would've been almost similar to yours!
Alice - I think so too! :P