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Love or Loath Series?
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Interesting question, dj zippergirl. I can think of 1 series recently where I got the first book because it was free, and realised I'd like to read more of the series. It was The Gauguin Connection. It was much better than I expected. I've now bought the next 2 in the series, mind you only for 99p each! I wouldn't have bothered if it was the final book on offer for free.
Cliffhangers can be a pain. I often will wait to read a series until the next book(s) are also available.
On the whole I do not like series. I think they drag and get boring. Cliffhangers are terrible. I don't think I should be forced to buy another book to finish the story.
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For instance Trollope's Barset Series, even if for each book has a different set of main characters, tells the "destinies" of characters of the other books. Nice.
I have read a lot of series, starting as a child with Anne of Green Gables, Nancy Drew etc. I prefer series in which each book can function as a stand-alone because I agree with Chrissie about cliffhanger endings. Though I love the Lord of the Rings trilogy in which a cliffhanger does end the first book so obviously I am flexible.While I have read some very long series (Angela Thirkell's Barsetshire series for example), I don't have any problem with abandoning one if I find the books becoming too predictable or just declining in quality.
Game of Thrones was one of the best series I've read. Although, I did read them all in succession but now waiting for the next one is frustrating.
stand-alone.I like a book to be original.
unique. and a bit of, crazy.
a sequel can never beat the very first volume in originality.
When I look for books I don't go specifically looking for series or standalones but the majority of books I read end up being series or at least connected in some way.I have found quite a few good series on Goodreads that I got the first book free. I don't mind cliffhangers.
Jen wrote: "Game of Thrones was one of the best series I've read. Although, I did read them all in succession but now waiting for the next one is frustrating."That's the reason I haven't read them yet. I won't start a series until it is complete because I can't stand waiting for the next installment.
Ruth wrote: "That's the reason I haven't read them yet. I won't start a series until it is complete because I can't stand waiting for the next installment. ."good point. I started Game of Thrones many years back, but stopped at Book no. 3 because all those names and houses had me overly confused. Plus - yes, I admit - I figured that the tv show was really well-made, too (and less confusing) ;-)
My mother has read them and says she'll probably be dead before he finishes them (she's 86). I told her HE would probably be dead before he finishes them. Lol
Ruth wrote: "My mother has read them and says she'll probably be dead before he finishes them (she's 86). I told her HE would probably be dead before he finishes them. Lol"... L O L , indeed! ;-)
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Books mentioned in this topic
Anne of Green Gables (other topics)The Gauguin Connection (other topics)
(If you see a free book but it's, say, Book FIVE of a series, do you move along?)
I read a lot of fantasy, and have found at least four indie authors who became favorites of mine when I got their first book in a series free, and have since bought everything they write. I do still hesitate though when Book ONE is available, but there is no imminent release date for Book TWO. I will sometimes ask at Amazon or Goodreads if the book ends in a cliffhanger. I need some resolution, particularly if the rest of the series may not happen for months, years, ever.