Solomon and the Dreaded Second Book of a Trilogy

After reading my latest manuscript, my agent decided that–to do this new story concept justice–I needed to split my baby in half and make it two books, possibly three. I know, very King Solomon of her, wasn’t it? (yes, I had to google that)

After my initial disappointment, I realized that she was absolutely right. I went to town on that puppy and ended up with what I feel is a much better story. Hooray for Amy Jameson and her blunt love. We are getting ready to send this newly divided baby out into the world and Amy pointed out that I might be asked to stretch the book into a trilogy in keeping with the current trend of YA publishing.

There is only one problem: I hate trilogies. More specifically, the second book of a trilogy. I’m sitting here, wracking my brain for a series in which I loved the second book of a series and I just can’t think of one. (Even Solomon didn’t ask the baby to be divided three ways)

Why do I despise them so? Because they are nothing more that a tease. A tricky way to take a reader invested in a cast of characters and draw out their pain and suffering, leaving them with little resolved until the third book comes out. A mere bridge between a good beginning and a good ending.

So what if I’m asked to write one? (This is where you come in!) I need some examples of good second books in a series for research purposes. Convince me that I’m wrong and that something good can come from a three book commitment. Ready. Set. Go.