Series Vs Standalones

[Jordyn, Organizer Lieutenant]

I like both! But it's more exciting really getting to know the characters and seeing their development through a series(:

[Riya]

I normally like series since I can see more of the characters, but many of my favorite books end up being standalones??

[[deleted user]]

It really depends on the book like the fault in our stars was a stand alone but harry potter is a series and I love them both

[Jordyn, Organizer Lieutenant]

Yeah I guess it does because ii hated plotless dragged out series

[Ron]

One thing about a well written series is that you can expect a character to act a certain way in a given situation because of past experience. You don't have that nearly as much with a stand alone

[electra, Champion of the Challenges]

I like all that you guys said about a series, but these days authors seem to think writing a series is "in" and so everyone is writing a series, even though their plot is too weak even when it's not stretched out through three books. There's a whole bunch of young adult dystopias that were written as a series just for the sake of it, when they could have been much better if they were just smushed into a standalone (The Selection, Matched (according to most reviews), The Chemical Garden (again, judging by reviews), etc.)
Also, standalones are very underrated in the dystopian writing world, but I guess series work the most for that genre. On the complete opposite, I don't think series work very well with contemporaries (there are exceptions, but they mostly don't).

[[deleted user]]

@ Amee you're right about that. The matched trilogy was a good standalone as was wither

[Erin, Director of Fun and Games]

I really depends on what type of book it is and how the first book ends.

[Riya]

Amee wrote: "I like all that you guys said about a series, but these days authors seem to think writing a series is "in" and so everyone is writing a series, even though their plot is too weak even when it's no..."

There are definitely more standalones in romantic/contemporary genres. I feel like the trilogy has become overused in the dystopian world. Even fantasy books (which are often series) consist not just of trilogies, but of 4 or 5 or 6 books (I can think of series of all these lengths off the top of my head). However all dystopian series now have this plot: Protagonist and Love Interest (or 2) introduced and have a fun story that pulls you in. Then bad stuff happens and the Protagonist/Love Interest begin to fight against the system for more than just themselves. Lastly they fight the government and succeed (many times unrealistically) and then happy ever after (maybe insert some important/protagonist deaths in there for a 'wow' factor)

[[deleted user]]

Yes it depends on the first book

[electra, Champion of the Challenges]

Riya wrote: "Amee wrote: "I like all that you guys said about a series, but these days authors seem to think writing a series is "in" and so everyone is writing a series, even though their plot is too weak even..."

Haha exactly! Don't forget the fact that most of the time the plot is overshadowed by the romance (most likely insta-love).

[Lyndsay]

I like both for different reasons. I love a good series when it is a world I enjoy being in. Every time a new book comes out in a series I like getting to go back to somewhere I loved but going with new friends. The issue comes when the plot can't truly handle being spread so thin. There are series that I didn't really enjoy much that I probably would have liked better if they were condensed into one cohesive story without as much filler. There are also series that I love and cannot get enough of no matter how many books are in them.
As far as stand alone novels go, I love a good story no matter how long or short it is. Sure, there are times when I finish a book and wish it was a series so that there would be more but that is what re-reads are for.

[Rachel]

I've read very few stand alones. It's pathetic!

[Rachel]

I like series more because it allows for more character development & growth and more books to read about your favorites!

[Riya]

Amee wrote: "Riya wrote: "Amee wrote: "I like all that you guys said about a series, but these days authors seem to think writing a series is "in" and so everyone is writing a series, even though their plot is ..."

Ugh- Insta love is the WORST!

[[deleted user]]

I know some series just shove it in your face

[Riya]

Haha don't even remind me!

[electra, Champion of the Challenges]

ikr

[Rachel]

For some reason I feel that series have more insta-love. Stand alones can mark themselves as romance/contemporaries and spend the whole book focused on the romance while series have a lot going on. It's always go!go!go! The romance is a side thing while the actually main plot is going on. It's a hard thing to balance. It seems that most books develop and start the relationship by midway through Book 1.

[[deleted user]]

Yes I think romances should stick to stand alones

[electra, Champion of the Challenges]

tbh, even in standalones there is insta-love. Believe me. I feel like it's not really the problem with the book's genre or format, but with the authors. You can develop a good romance while there is also a solid plot and make it work - but only if you're a good writer.

[[deleted user]]

I really love series,, unless I have to wait longer than a day to read the sequel!..but I also love standalones cuz its immediate closure!..with series though you can get a more detailed story and more plot twists and adventure,,which is what I love:)

[Rachel]

Amee wrote: "tbh, even in standalones there is insta-love. Believe me. I feel like it's not really the problem with the book's genre or format, but with the authors. You can develop a good romance while there i..."

Yup that's the key, a good writer!

[Madeline]

I do enjoy series, but standalone books kinda force the author to get to the point which I like. But it gives less to time for character development. Overall I do prefer stand alone!

[Jordyn, Organizer Lieutenant]

Yeah exactly in standalones authors are forced to fit loads of characterization where as series you get to see characters grow as change. I choose series (:

[Dawyn.S.]

yeah series, are awesome and i hate when i finish ,letting go is really hard

[Jordyn, Organizer Lieutenant]

Dawyn-same!!

[[deleted user]]

I know. I part of me is gone

[Jordyn, Organizer Lieutenant]

Exactly

[Maya]

That is so right. You get so so attached, and then....It's OVER. And you're totally depressed and nobody gets it!

[Jordyn, Organizer Lieutenant]

I know right!! ):

[Jordyn, Organizer Lieutenant]

I know right!! ):

[Alison]

I love both. I may like series a hair more because of really getting to know the characters but sometimes it's nice to just read a stand alone. I like going back and forth

[Alison]

I love both. I may like series a hair more because of really getting to know the characters but sometimes it's nice to just read a stand alone. I like going back and forth

[Maya]

That's pretty much my thoughts.

[Jordyn, Organizer Lieutenant]

Alison- I feel the same way! Series you get to see characters grow and mature and you get this connection with them that by the end of a series you're heartbroken. But I like re-reading standalones! I wouldn't reread a series though.

[Kristy]

Personally, I love both.

With a series you get to see the characters grow and mature throughout it and you get to spend more time with them. That is an advantage to series.
But also with series for the most part the second and third and all of the rest in the series are never as good in comparison to the first book. Sometimes I've also found that in the first book nothing is as serious, but then with the rest of the books everything gets more intense and there is more drama, by the end of the series your favorite charecter is no longer who you felt they were before.
Like with the book Slide by Jill Hathaway, it was a great book, one of my favorite. But then when she added a second book the series wasnt as good in my opinion, my favorite charecter became someone who I disliked.

Standalone books are great reads but somtimes they leave you wanting another book because the first felt unfinished, it ended well but there was a few loose ends that should have been tied up. Or you are just in love with the charecters so much that you want their story to continue.
But sometimes, if the author is great they leave you with a single book that ends exactly how you wanted it, no loose ends, no frustration with the charecters, a perfect stand alone that you can read time, and time again.

So as a lover of both series and standalones, I think that both have advantages and disadvantages.

[Nila]

I prefer series because with a stand-alone you're left wondering what will happen...at least with series, you have some type of closure :)

[Miriam]

I prefer series too