Anything leap to your mind for Best Sequel Ever?

This post by Angie at Angieville caught my eye.

I know that second books are frequently considered not as good as the first in the series. Angie provides a set of exceptions. Of the ones I’m familiar with, I agree most fervently with The Queen of Attolia, which to me seemed like a pretty huge step up from first book — which I liked, but didn’t think was all that and a bag of chips.

Not sure I agree about Speaker for the Dead. I liked it very much but it’s hard to match Ender’s Game.

Other sequels that match or outdo the first book: The Dark is Rising series by Susan Cooper! The first book was quite forgettable compared to the actual The Dark is Rising, which was the second book.

What else?

Of EON / EONA, I thought the second book was much better, but I admit it is really all one story.

I don’t think Ilona Andrews hit their stride till the third Kate Daniels book, but Angie was restricting herself to second books only, so I guess that doesn’t count.

Okay, one more, though: I will say, my opinions about my own books are highly changeable, but I do think the second Griffin Mage book is my favorite.