Why reading a series out of sequence is impossible... for me a least.
Honestly, I think it's hard coded in my DNA or something.
I often come across a new author and read the reviews and no matter how many times the reviewers unanimously state that book 2 or 3 in the series, is the best book ever. And you should do yourself a favour and don't read book 1, because it doesn't live up to later books... well, I'm sorry. I just can't.
Even, if everyone states categorically that jumping feet first several books into the series will not affect the telling of the story in anyway. I 'have' to start with book 1.
Why? Good question. I think it has something to do with being an author. I know with my series I'm doing my best to add layers and depth to all my secondary characters with each book. Dropping little hints about their flaws/strengths/possible love interests.
I've created a whole world. Mapped out the streets (yes, I have), detailed a family tree and how everyone is interconnected (thank god for pencils and rubbers)
Each book is meant to pull you just that little bit deeper into my world.
And I can't imagine any author, not doing exactly the same thing. Otherwise, why call it a series? The characters, the stories, they must have ties from one book to the next... mustn't they?
So for me, at least, the only way I can read an authors' work is to start with book 1. And, sometimes I think that's to my own detriment. As the book/series fails to capture me right there and I can't progress on to book 2 or 3 (which everyone is raving about)
Which is totally my problem. Like I said, I think it's in my DNA or something.
Alternatively, and maybe I'm just being naïve here. Shouldn't the author be bringing their 'A game' to every single book they write? Even more so for the first in the series if they want to capture and keep a loyal reading audience?
How about you? Do you leap into a series? Or, like me, do you insist on starting with book 1?
I'm sure it doesn't matter in the end, either way. There's nothing more precious than finding an author you love and adding their books to your collection.
I often come across a new author and read the reviews and no matter how many times the reviewers unanimously state that book 2 or 3 in the series, is the best book ever. And you should do yourself a favour and don't read book 1, because it doesn't live up to later books... well, I'm sorry. I just can't.
Even, if everyone states categorically that jumping feet first several books into the series will not affect the telling of the story in anyway. I 'have' to start with book 1.
Why? Good question. I think it has something to do with being an author. I know with my series I'm doing my best to add layers and depth to all my secondary characters with each book. Dropping little hints about their flaws/strengths/possible love interests.
I've created a whole world. Mapped out the streets (yes, I have), detailed a family tree and how everyone is interconnected (thank god for pencils and rubbers)
Each book is meant to pull you just that little bit deeper into my world.
And I can't imagine any author, not doing exactly the same thing. Otherwise, why call it a series? The characters, the stories, they must have ties from one book to the next... mustn't they?
So for me, at least, the only way I can read an authors' work is to start with book 1. And, sometimes I think that's to my own detriment. As the book/series fails to capture me right there and I can't progress on to book 2 or 3 (which everyone is raving about)
Which is totally my problem. Like I said, I think it's in my DNA or something.
Alternatively, and maybe I'm just being naïve here. Shouldn't the author be bringing their 'A game' to every single book they write? Even more so for the first in the series if they want to capture and keep a loyal reading audience?
How about you? Do you leap into a series? Or, like me, do you insist on starting with book 1?
I'm sure it doesn't matter in the end, either way. There's nothing more precious than finding an author you love and adding their books to your collection.
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