Month: September 2019

Ongoing Series I LOVE

Okay, so we talked about why readers and writers love series, the series that are complete that I adore, and the series I NEED to finish…but that leaves out one major category of books: series that are not yet complete but are on my auto-buy or will-eventually-buy list.

Ongoing series I adore! Let’s finish this series (ha!) strong!

The Others, by Anne Bishop

This is a world full of vampires, shifters, elementals, and other dangerous creatures…and oh yeah, they’re in charge. It’s such an interesting twist on urban fantasy and lovable characters! (Adult)

The World of the Others, by Anne Bishop

This is a spinoff of The Others, following different characters but set in the same world. I’ll be the first to say I was leery of this, because I loved Meg and Simon so much, but I read the first one this summer and I was in love!!! (Adult)

Mercy Thompson, by Patricia Briggs

At this point, this may as well be a classic of urban fantasy. This follows mechanic and history graduate Mercy Thompson…who is also a coyote shifter and lives next to a werewolf pack. There are also fae, ghosts, and vampires, as well as other unique creatures. Every book is a new adventure, and I’m in love with these characters! (Adult)

Alpha and Omega, by Patricia Briggs

This is a spinoff of Mercy Thompson and follows the North American werewolf law enforcer, Charles, and his mate, an omega wolf named Anna. Their relationship is so sweet, and it’s a very different view from Mercy’s world. (Adult)

Victoria Cage, Necromancer, by Eli Constant

This is one of those books that kept me up late reading. It’s incredibly well-written and is a completely unique take on zombies (uh, yeah, the Rising was accidentally caused by necromancers, who are now illegal). I can’t wait to keep reading these! I thought the series was over with book 3, but it seems there’s another one in the works? (Adult with Adult Situations)

Legendary Magic, by Stella Dorthwany

I just read book one in an online book club, and I love these characters, the world, and the magic system. I’m super excited to keep reading! (uh…Adult? But clean it seems?)

Steel City Genie, by Janeen Ippolito

As the name would suggest, this follows a genie in a world of shifters and other cryptozoological entities. And it’s set in Pittsburgh. So home state advantage for me! Though I’ve never been there… Anyway, very good, highly recommend! (Adult)

October Daye, by Seanan McGuire

This follows a fae detective and has all kinds of really old faerie folk from Celtic lore. These are fantastic, and every book is something different. Also, there aren’t so many series that have selkies… (Adult)

Desert Nights, by Helena Rookwood and Elm Vince

I just read the prequel, and I was hooked. This is a desert fantasy serial (short novels/novellas? I think?) that is well written and grabbed my interest right away. I can’t wait to continue! (uh…young adult? Adult? Not sure.)

The Stormlight Archive, by Brandon Sanderson

This is definitely one of the best fantasy series I’ve ever read. The worldbuilding is unique, and I love the characters! But be ready for the length. Book 3 is over 1200 pages… (Adult)

Concluding Thoughts

This about wraps up our series on series! So to end it all, let’s get out any other series you’re currently reading, have read, or want to read in the comments below! I want to know if you’ve read any I have, or if any of these discussions the past few weeks have introduced you to something new.

Let’s chat!

Series I NEED to Finish

Two weeks ago, we discussed why book series appeal to readers and writers, and last week I spent a lot of time diving into some of my favorite series that I’ve finished reading.

But what about all those lost, lonely stories I haven’t gotten around to completing yet??? I mean, the series are completed, so what am I waiting for?

Let’s not put it off any longer. Here are the book series I’ve started and absolutely NEED to complete. (PS, did you know I read such varied series? Lots and lots of genres represented this week and last week!)

Unlike last week, unless I know they are absolutely adult, I cannot provide content ratings since I haven’t finished the series. Read at your own risk!

The Bone Witch, by Rin Chupeco

This is a wonderful, intense, and rich fantasy series for young adults that follows a girl who accidentally found out she was a necromancer when she raised her brother from the dead. It’s got lots of magic woven into society and a great sibling relationship, as well as political intrigue and revenge! (Young adult)

Alpha Girl, by Aileen Erin

I started this with a free book, and I honestly loved it. It’s an indie fantasy about a girl who accidentally gets turned into a werewolf, except she was already a bruja…a forbidden combination. (Young adult)

Ivory and Bone, by Julie Eshbaugh

This is historic fantasy? I’m not sure. But it’s got a really big Ice Age vibe going and is told in second person. Very cool storytelling and captivating story! (Young adult)

Firebird, by Claudia Gray

This is a sci-fi with alternate dimensions and science! The main character uses a device created by her father (I think?) and travels into another dimension. I only got to read book one so far, but it’s so different, and the covers are GORGEOUS! (Young adult)

Dreamblood, by N.K. Jemisin

This is a really unique fantasy about dream-based magic, and it has a non-European fantasy setting, which was really cool. Can’t wait to finish it! (Adult)

Portland Hafu, by K. Bird Lincoln

I started this one with a free book as well, and it is an indie urban fantasy about a girl who finds out she is a dream eater (takes the dreams of people she comes in contact with). This awakens some ancient forces, and danger ensues! (Adult-ish? College age)

A Court of Thorns and Roses, by Sarah J. Maas

These are very good, but they are bricks. Like, so long. And I’m actually really intimidated by long books. They are based mostly in Fae courts, but the main character is a human thrown into all kinds of unwinnable situations. Caution: these are marketed as young adult, but they are very much NOT. Very graphic.

Mark of the Lion, by Francine Rivers

I only have one left, but it follows a different character than the first two, so I keep putting it off. But these are Christian historical fiction set in the early days of the church in…Rome? I think? Very good, very emotional. (Adult)

The Fourth Element, by Kat Ross

Another indie, yay! These books follow an interesting non-European mythology that I kind of fell in love with. I’m not sure what the age range is, and I don’t know how to explain it. Follow the link, sorry! XD

Monsters of Verity, by Victoria Schwab

This is a duology in which monsters actually exist in the city, sometimes brought about by violence and horrible circumstances…but you really start to question who the real monsters are. (Young adult)

Strange the Dreamer, by Laini Taylor

This is a high fantasy with a very interesting cultural setting in which “gods” appeared in a floating city, tormented the people, and then the people lashed out and killed them…all except a small group of half-god children. (Young adult)

Concluding Thoughts

As you can no doubt see, I have started many series. But I have trouble binging an entire series at once, so now I have many incomplete series. Woo!

What series are you currently reading? Are you loving them? Hating them? Let’s talk in the comments!

Series I’ve Completed (and Loved!)

Last week, I talked a bit about the appeal of a book series to both readers and writers. We discussed the learning curve of a story, binge culture and episodic fiction, and the love of a world, as well as a few models authors can use to take advantage of reader habits.

This week, I want to dive into some of my favorite completed series. I have finished more series than these, but today I only want to discuss the things I love. There have absolutely been series I completed that I didn’t love, but I don’t believe in calling those out. It’s not so fair to the author, and everyone has their own taste in fiction!

So without further ado, my favorite series (that I’ve completed). Buckle up, ‘cuz we are going to talk about a TON of books this month! Check out the end of each description to learn about the age level and/or how clean it is, if that concerns you.

Passenger, by Alexandra Bracken

This is a duology about a violinist who just happens to also be from a time-traveling family. The main character gets tied up in the evil-doings and excitement of the time travelers, moving from time and place while trying to find her way home again. This is young adult and pretty clean.

The Darkest Minds, by Alexandra Bracken

Okay, so I LOVE Alex Bracken. She writes great stories, and she is such a nice human. This is the series that first introduced me to her (yes it was a movie, but trust me, the books are much better!). If you don’t know, this is about a plague that sweeps through the US, killing most children. The ones who survive develop psychic abilities, and this is their story, one of fear and struggle and triumph! This is young adult and fairly clean to read.

Weather Warden, by Rachel Caine

This is one of my favorite urban fantasy series! The earth is protected and controlled by wardens and their enslaved djinn…only the djinn are tired of being trapped. Every book gets better and better, and I am in love with this world and magic system! Caution: for older readers (includes on-page sex).

Artemis Fowl, by Eoin Colfer

I started this series way back in middle school and completed it in college, and it is absolutely delightful! It follows child evil genius Artemis Fowl and his tricks on the fairy folk. Middle grade, clean for all ages.

Diamond of the Rockies, by Kristen Heitzmann

This one was from my Western/historical fiction craze when I was younger. It follows the journey of an Italian-American woman as she moves out West to the frontier and ends up starting her own restaurant…while also dealing with a bothersome, cranky man. Some adult situations, but is Christian fiction.

Elemental Origins, by A.L. Knorr

This is a delightful indie urban fantasy series intended for young adults. Each book in this series follows a different character with a different elemental ability, starting with mermaids. Clean and good for all ages.

Cheney Duvall, M.D., by Lynn & Gilbert Morris

I must have read this series three times through, at least. This is a Christian historical fiction starring Cheney Duvall, one of the first female doctors, and follows her around the country with her trusty nurse, ex-pugilist Shiloh Irons! Cheney is from a well-to-do family but struggles to be recognized as a real doctor while struggling to understand people who don’t belong to her class. It’s so, so good! There’s even a few books in a spinoff series, The Inheritance. Hmm, may be time for another read-through… Clean, but there are marriage situations/discussions as the series progresses.

Ashfall, by Mike Mullin

By far, this is one of the best trilogies I have read. It’s a sci-fi that takes place after the Yellowstone supervolcano erupts, and the main character is separated from his family and must find his way in a new, and incredibly dangerous, world. It also has one of the BEST endings I’ve ever seen in a series. Young adult, but very adult dangers. You have been warned.

Zenta and Matsuzo, by Lensey Namioka

This is a middle grade, but it’s historical fiction. It follows a ronin (masterless samurai) and his sidekick as they solve mysteries in feudal Japan. I loved reading these in the summer and eventually collected the whole series. Clean reads for kids!

The Cooper Kids, by Frank Peretti

This is a Christian middle grade that follows the two children of an archaeologist. My dad used to read these to us, so it’s got some great sentimental value to me. I loved all the adventures they had and the places they got to visit. Clean read!

Lost Voices, by Sarah Porter

This is BY FAR one of my favorite mermaid series. It follows a girl who gives up on the world, so the sea changes her into a mermaid. Now, she must learn this new life and deal with her fellow mermaids, their hatred of humanity, and humanity’s hatred of them. Fairly clean, but some discussion related to adult situations.

Harry Potter, by J.K. Rowling

I don’t need to explain this, but of course it had to be on the list. I didn’t read these until college, but I was sucked into the world like everyone else and was actually surprised to find so many moral and religious themes sprinkled throughout, particularly in the last book. Clean, but gets darker as the series progresses, in case you didn’t know.

Tales of Goldstone Wood, by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

This is a Christian high fantasy series that was slated to have another book or two, but I’m not sure if that’s going to happen, so I’ve included it as complete. It’s a traditional feeling fantasy, but each book follows different characters and stories (with a few consistent characters woven throughout) and has plenty of warm, Christian themes. One of the best fantasy series I’ve ever read! Clean!

The Raven Cycle, by Maggie Stiefvater

I. Love. This. Series. I’d call this a young adult magic realism. It follows Blue, the non-psychic daughter of a psychic who meets a group of boys from the nearby school and joins in their quest to find an ancient lost Welsh king supposedly buried somewhere in the area…and if you find him, he’ll grant you a wish. Clean!

Saga of the Sierras, by Brock & Bodie Thoene

This is another from my Western days. It’s a Christian historic fiction and follows a bunch of different characters out in 1800s California, through all the danger and intrigue they face, as well as dealing with living on a frontier. Clean!

The Castle in the Attic, by Elizabeth Winthrop

Finally, this one is another childhood favorite. Much like The Indian in the Cupboard, it involves a tiny toy that turns out to be real! The children get to visit the castle kingdom by visiting a toy castle in the attic, and they have adventures! Yay! Clean!

Concluding Thoughts

These are only a fraction of the series I’ve finished. If I wrote them all here, it’d take us forever to get through it! I did enjoy other series as well, but these are some that really stand out to me, even years after I read them.

So tell me below: what series have you completed and loved? Are there any I’m missing out on?

Why Readers (and Writers) Love Book Series

Why are we so drawn to series?

It’s no secret: there are TONS of book series out there. And for a lot of people, that’s a great thing!

But why is it that readers love series so much?

This week, let’s explore the popularity of book series, as well as a few publishing models that play into the motivations for a series. Then, in the next couple of weeks, I’ll discuss some of my favorite completed (or not) series!

Be sure to hop down to the comments and let me know if you agree or disagree with any of my points. Or, if you absolutely hate series, let’s talk about that, too!

What makes book series so popular?

Now, this isn’t a how-to. I’m not here to tell you how to rocket your book series to the top of bestseller lists. Honestly, I don’t know . And that’s a completely different post. But I do want to explore a couple of characteristics of series that make them so popular.

So let’s dig in!

The Learning Curve

This week I actually got to a very apropos video on YouTube that talks about learning curves in books. You see, I’ve been watching Brandon Sanderson’s lectures on science fiction and fantasy writing (just search for Camera Panda and Brandon Sanderson on YouTube), and this video in particular discusses worldbuilding, one aspect of a book that readers need to learn to understand a story.

And the thing is, particularly in fantasy, there is a STEEP learning curve for readers. There are new terms to decode, an entire world and culture to understand, and characters to get to know. Sometimes, often depending on the age category, the learning curve is shallow and you get to learn things slowly. But other times, the author will throw everything at you very quickly.

The thing is, once you’ve learned what you need to understand the world and the story, you can just enjoy the book without having to learn more details that set the stage. You can put your reading on cruise control, and you can start to guess and extrapolate what’s going on!

But if the book is a standalone, that may mean you don’t get much time to really savor all your newfound knowledge.

In a series, much of the learning curve is set up and established in book one. After that, readers can enjoy the rest of the stories without having to start all over! And that is one great appeal of a series. No more origin stories after book one!

Episode and Binge Culture

Here’s another not-secret: our society loves binging on entertainment. Usually that’s in the form of streaming TV shows, but it’s extended into the literary world as well.

Series provide great ways to make episodic installments into a group of characters and a world. This happens a lot with urban fantasy, where a plucky hero/heroine fights different creatures in a (mostly) self-contained story every book. Each book feels fresh, but we know the people in the story and already love (or hate) them, and we’re invested in their adventures. We also get the chance to see them grow and develop as their new adventures force them to confront new things.

Traditional publishing can be slow, and it may take a long time for these books to come out (one per year or less). I’ve heard many, many people complain about books not releasing fast enough (particularly after all of the Game of Thrones delays). Some readers even go so far as to refuse to buy an author’s books until the entire series has been released. (Pro tip: don’t do this, please. I know it can be frustrating, but if not enough people buy the book(s), there will NEVER be an end to the series. Once it stops being profitable to the author/publisher, they may drop it, and it will stay incomplete forever.)

But some publishers, particularly indie authors, have embraced binge culture with the rapid release model. In this model, authors will write several books or an entire series, then release them in quick succession, usually within a few weeks to a month of each other. It keeps the buzz going on the story, satisfies binge readers, and can be more profitable for the author in the long run.

Other indie authors have taken advantage of this mindset by releasing smaller, bite-sized stories in serial. This allows them to publish fast and follow an episodic model of storytelling. I’m specifically thinking of stories like Coffee and Ghosts by Charity Tahmaseb and my own Seasons of Magic stories (though those are not connected; each is a standalone). Readers can read these stories much like they would watch a TV show: in short, rapid-release episodes that follow a Hollywood model of storytelling (same characters, but each season follows a different major arc, and individual episodes address part or none of the overall arc). They can also be anthology series that explore a different shorter story each episode (if I could remember that one on Netflix, I’d share it…).

New Adventures in Worlds Readers (and Writers) Love

And finally, let’s not forget the biggest reason that readers and writers love series: it allows them to spend more time in a world they love. Writers spend a ton of time with their characters and building their worlds, and sometimes we just fall in love. Readers also grow attached to the worlds we build, and every chance to read a new adventure is like catching up with an old friend.

It’s all about love.

Concluding Thoughts

I know not everyone is a fan of all these models. Personally, I used to hate serialized fiction, but… I get it now. I do. And I actually find it kind of fun! But there are lots of reasons (besides money) why people love series so much and why they continue to persist. I’m sure there are plenty more beyond what I discussed today!

So now it’s your turn. Do you love series? Hate them? Why? Let’s chat in the comments!