Around the Year in 52 Books discussion
Weekly Topics 2020
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05. The first book in a series that you have not started
1. What are you reading for this category? Altered Carbon2. Do you often read books in a series? Yes. I'm a big sci-fi and fantasy reader so it seems those are exclusively series.
3. Are you planning on reading the next books in this series? Why or Why not? No. It was boring and convoluted. When I got to the big revealing ending, it felt that about half the book had been wasted.
1. What did I read for this categoryI had decided on The Tour but i have so much that i need to read that I have had to put that on the back burner. Perhaps i will fit it in later
Instead i read On a Pale Horse 28/01/2020
which i needed to do for the Seasonal reading challenge. I had no intention of reading it as it doesn't really fit into my idea of a good book but.....
2. do you often read books in a series
I think it is hard to avoid books in series as many authors write in sets of 3. I am not necessarily a reader of long series but I have recently become hooked on the JD Robb Naked in Death series. I like them more if you can read out of sequence without necessarily missing out
3. Are you planning on reading the next books in this series? Why or Why not?
NO - as I said this is not my genre.It was my least favourite / hardest to fulfil task in the SRC and unless another task made me read on I cannot see that I would. It is classed as Science fiction but is SO not that genre. It has Fantasy as MPG too which is more appropriate. I would class it as Young adult and feel its appeal lies in that market I could see my grandaughters reading and enjoying this.
Having said all that it is definitely not the worst book i have read this year
I have almost finished Game of Thrones for this prompt - had not watched any of the tv series but am more likely to watch than to read further volumes. This book is 800 pages long and I just don't need a whole series of those!
1. What are you reading for this category?I read The Book Charmer by Karen Hawkins
2. Do you often read books in a series?
Yes. Very Often.
3. Are you planning on reading the next books in this series? Why or Why not?
I'm not sure. I have a least of at least 30 series that I have started, some of which were much more to my liking than this one. I won't rule it out though. By the middle half of the year this year I will be craving a much lighter, happier reading and this one will fit the bill.
1. What are you reading for this category?The Real-Town Murders by Adam Roberts
2. Do you often read books in a series?
No, not intentionally, and especially not long fantasy series. I got burnt by Stephen King, waiting for the rest of the Gunslinger series to be published, and now its G.R.R. Martin.
3. Are you planning on reading the next books in this series?
Probably not. I'm not feeling this book at all. I've liked his other books, though.
1. What are you reading for this category?Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood
2. Do you often read books in a series?
Occasionally, sometimes I don't like starting series because it can be hard to fit them into challenges.
3. Are you planning on reading the next books in this series? Why or Why not?
I am. Margaret Atwood is on the Abe List of 100 Essential Female Writers so I can definitely fit at least one more of the trilogy there.
1. What are you reading for this category? Sleeping Giants2. Do you often read books in a series? No, not really
3. Are you planning on reading the next books in this series? Why or Why not? Yes. I enjoyed the book, especially as an audiobook. I'm already figuring out how to fit the second book into the ATY challenge in the next few months.
1. What are you reading for this category?I read Eggs in Purgatory by Laura Childs
2. Do you often read books in a series? Yes. My favorite subgenre is Paranormal Cozy Mystery but any Cozy works for me! Almost all are in series so I can binge (which I love to do) when there are enough books in the series to start.
3. Are you planning on reading the next books in this series? Why or Why not? Absolutely. I love the whole culinary mystery idea to this book so book 2 is already started!
1. What are you reading for this category?The Golden Compass. Book 1 His Dark Materials
2. Do you often read books in a series?
About the same amount as I do stand alones.
3. Are you planning on reading the next books in this series? Why or Why not?
Yes, I really enjoyed this one.
1. What are you reading for this category?I read Year One by Nora Roberts
2. Do you often read books in a series?
I do. I've read a few series that are 10+ books in and still going strong. (Although that does not compare to Roberts' alter-ego JD Robb and her 8 billion "In Death" novels...)
3. Are you planning on reading the next books in this series? Why or Why not?
No. I was disappointed in the pacing of the first book, and many of the characters felt stilted.
1) I am reading "Beartown" by Fredrik Backman2) Even excluding the series most people read (Like Harry Potter), I've been reading series my whole life, in my early teens I've read
- "Three Musketeers" and "Twenty Years after"
by
Alexandre Dumas
- "Queen Margot" and its two sequels also by Alexandre Dumas
- All of the Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot stories
- Most of Arthur Konan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes adventures
-Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels
3) I don't know yet, depends on my impression of the first book
I'm reading pretty little liars and loving it
1. What are you reading for this category?I read The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson.
2. Do you often read books in a series?
I like both mystery and fantasy genres and they often have series so I would say that I read series quite often. If they really catch my attention, I have been known to binge-read a series.
3. Are you planning on reading the next books in the series?
Definitely. I'm not sure when I'm going to slot them in to my current reading plans - they are long books - but I will definitely read the rest of the series. It was a 5-star read for me - I loved the first book.
1. What are you reading for this category?I read The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal, 5 stars!
2. Do you often read books in a series?
I'd say about half my reading is from series.
3. Are you planning on reading the next books in this series? Why or Why not?
Yes! I loved the lady astronauts and I want to know what happens with the colony on the moon.
I am reading ' Wish upon a Shell' by Kay Correll, number one in the Lighthouse Point series. I do read books in a series and would be quite happy to read more in this series.
Kelly wrote: "1. What are you reading for this category?I read The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson.
2. Do you often read books in a series?
I like both mystery and fantasy genres and they ofte..."
YEA!!! A Mistborn convert! The first trilogy is amazing and then the second (the Alloy Era) has it's own western charm as well. I'm a big fan.
Shelley wrote: "Kelly wrote: "1. What are you reading for this category?I read The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson.
2. Do you often read books in a series?
I like both mystery and fantasy genres..."
I just read this for this prompt as well. I love Sanderson's books!
I went with The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin. I had read another series of hers, and really liked it. I will likely read the next ones at some point, but wasn't totally blown away!
What are you reading for this category? Noughts & Crosses by Malorie BlackmanDo you often read books in a series? No, it's something I tend to avoid. I like starting new stories, meeting new characters...
Are you planning on reading the next books in this series? Why or Why not? Nah, it's a doubly whammy of YA and series. Not really my jam.
I'd heard a lot about this book over the years, and the concept is so simple but totally genius. What would the world and life for those in it look like if we lived in a black supremacist society rather than the white one we're all stuck in? And reading it was fascinating and threw up so many interesting points. It's crazy to me that so many people have shelved this as dystopian, when really it is so close to the lived experience of many people in our society even today. The reading of this book should really make that more than evident, and I'd question anyone who walked away from this book without pausing to think on that.
That this is a YA book really makes me happy, because it doesn't shy aware from such a real topic and instead makes it relevant to readers at an age where their opinions are hopefully still malleable. As an adult reader, the writing and characters didn't do a whole lot for me, but I don't think that matters. It was still an enjoyable read, one I feel is accessible enough for even reluctant readers.
The negative, for me, is the assumption that black people (Crosses) would be just as awful to white people (noughts) as white people have been (and sadly often still are) to black people if the tables of power were turned. Obviously, I understand why Blackman made that supposition - without it there would be no story. But it just made me sad to think like that, especially considering that in some ways the powerful Crosses are actually worse to the noughts - in this world, slavery lasted a lot longer and segregation still exists despite it being set in what I assume to be more modern times. But maybe that says more about my naivety regarding the corruption and malice that comes with power. Perhaps the very fact of gaining and holding power is a great equaliser, in that it makes those who have it act in disgusting ways to those who don't...I hope not, for all our sakes.
1. What are you reading for this category?An Irish Country Doctor
2. Do you often read books in a series?
Not very often, although I'm also working on the Crazy Rich Asian, Gunslinger, and Little House on the Prairie series
3. Are you planning on reading the next books in this series? Why or Why not?
I'm in no hurry to read more of them, but I probably will someday when I need an old-fashioned comfort read
5. The first book in a series that you have not started☒Lilac Girls By Martha Hall Kelly #1 Finished: 02/06/2020
Do you often read books in a series? Yes I enjoy most series!
Are you planning on reading next books in this series? Why or Why not? Yes I will read the next in series. It will be my pick for historical fiction for week 20. This series is unique in that the second book chronological takes place first.
1. What are you reading for this category?I have read A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
2. Do you often read books in a series?
Especially when I read fantasy, but if I like a book I will try to read more in the series/universe when I can.
3. Are you planning on reading the next books in this series? Why or Why not?
I am. I have already started the second book in the primary trilogy.
1. What are you reading for this category? A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton
2. Do you often read books in a series? Yes, when I find a series I like
3. Are you planning on reading the next books in this series? Why or Why not? At some point, I will probably read more of this series. In fact, I might read the 20th book in it for that prompt. I quite enjoyed it, way more than the Janet Evanovich series.
1. What are you reading for this category?The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin
2. Do you often read books in a series?
No, but I do like to find a series I really enjoy.
3. Are you planning on reading the next books in this series? Why or Why not?
I'm not sure. I loved Jemisin's Broken Earth trilogy, but I didn't like this one as much.
Cheri wrote: "1. What are you reading for this category?The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin
2. Do you often read books in a series?
No, but I do like to find a series ..."
I am reading The Fifth Season for this prompt. I've been meaning to read it for a while. Looking forward to it.
1. What are you reading for this category? Adulthood Is a Myth2. Do you often read books in a series? I do but there weren't any series I was excited to start when choosing for this prompt.
3. Are you planning on reading the next books in this series? Why or Why not? The 2 books I had on hold at the library for this were stuck on should be available in two weeks for ages. So when I saw this I decided to give it a go, it was funny so might pick up one the other Sarah's Scribbles books in the future.
Sea of Poppies
is great. This trilogy takes place in India during the 1800's. It is a saga that follows a few different people from different societal classes who make major changes to each others lives. I have only finished the first book, but hope to finish the other two this year. It is so nice to start a series, or trilogy when the entire thing is already published. 😁
I reckon I'm going to try The Hunger Games for this one. I think I've avoided it because I don't like books with so much hype, but it's on my shelf so I'll give it a go...
1. What are you reading for this category?A Song For Bill Robinson: Book One in the Holds End Series by C.E. Atkins
2. Do you often read books in a series?
I don't deliberately seek them out but do enjoy them when I find a good one.
3. Are you planning on reading the next books in this series? Why or Why not?
No. This was a free give-away and did not capture me enough to continue the series.
Mod
It's basically Cutthroat Kitchen but in space with alien chefs and a cute earthling baker. It's not incredible, but I'm down to read the next one.
1. What are you reading for this category?Regular: Night (Read this one because we are reading at school and needed to write lesson plans. Just happened to fit. YAY Me!
ABC: Fellowship of Fear (This one was a difficult find due to there being limited "E" names.)
2. Do you often read books in a series?
Yes, I have several authors that I really like their series. I try not to read them back to back though because then they start running together. I like each book separately so that I can savor the series and development of the characters.
3. Are you planning on reading the next books in this series? Why or Why not? Regular: Yes, we are reading the entire series at school, so I will finish it.
ABC: No, This was definitely not my favorite.
Mod
2. Do you often read books in a series? I do although my pet peeve is writers who write to a series rather than concentrating on one book and a good story
3. Are you planning on reading the next books in this series? Why or Why not? Maybe. If it's not too long. If its as long as this, no because this was too much for one book.
Mod
I like series, whether in mystery, romance, or fantasy. I especially like it when the characters develop and have lives over time. It's like reading one VERY long book, and I love long books. I love to see the same characters come back. The hard part is when authors stop writing or have huge delays between books.
1. What are you reading for this category?Warcross by Marie Lu
2. Do you often read books in a series?
I used to read series more often when I was in middle school and high school, but when I started to pick up reading again in my senior year of college, I transitioned away from series and picked up more standalones. I just went through my read books, and in the past 2.5 years, I've only completed one series (Two if you count The Shining and Doctor Sleep as a true series)
3. Are you planning on reading the next book(s) in this series? Why or why not?
Yes, actually. It helps that Warcross is a duology, so there is only one sequel to pick up. However, the ending of this book surprised me and I'd like to see how the story plays out in Wildcard. Hovering between 3.5 - 4 stars.
I prefer to read series because I fall in love with the characters and want to know what happens in their lives. For me, the larger the books and the longer the series, the better. My favorite book series is Outlander...I'm impatiently waiting for book 9 to be published.My choice for this topic is The Black Prism by Brent Weeks.
I usually search for highly rated fantasy series and have found a few great ones this way. The Kingkiller Chronicles and The Gentleman Bastard series to name a couple. I'm just waiting for the next books in these series to come out.
There are five books to this series and I'll likely read them all.
1)I read The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell2)I'd say it's a mixture. Though before I started doing these types of challenges I was pretty much exclusively reading the Legend of Drizzt series by R.A Salvatore. lol
3)Yes! I actually already finished it. It fit one of the prompts for the PopSugar Reading Challenge.
I read A Curious Beginning, the first book in the Veronica Speedwell mysteries. I tend to read standalones mostly, but when I do start series, I like to start ones that already have a few books so I don't have to wait for the next book. As for this series, I probably would pick up the 2nd book, but I'm not in any great rush to do so.
I read Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. I read this in February and was trying to find a series written by an African-American author. I didn't realize that (a) there are so few series written by African-American authors and (b) that this book was part of a trilogy. I like series and tend to read them quite often. I really liked the first book so I will likely pick up the second one at some point.
1. What are you reading for this category? I read Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson and I also read Legend by Marie Lu2. Do you often read books in a series? I usually start a series not realizing it is a series then end up reading the remainder if I enjoy the first book.
3. Are you planning on reading the next books in this series? Why or Why not? I did finish the Truly Devious series, it was a great series and quick read. I have the remaining books for the Legend series but have several other books lined up first.
Naked in Death was the first Nora Roberts book I ever read, published under her pen name J. D. Robb. I read lots of series, but I won't continue this one because the Harvey-Weinsteinish romantic lead made me physically ill.
1. What did you read for this category?I read The Keeper of Lost Causes for this category, the first in a series about Department Q, looking into cold cases
2. Do you often read books in a series?
Yes! Quite often I do read books in a series.
3. Are you planning on reading the next books in this series? Why or Why not?
Yes I plan to continue reading this series. I like crime books and also I think there is an opportunity for the characters to evolve so look forward to that. I have also heard good things about this series.
For this challenge prompt I read a new author and a new series. I often read series because I enjoy cozy mysteries and they tend to be series. This particular book is the first in the series but the next one is in works and I cannot wait to read it next.Dogs Don't Lie by Lisa Shay
https://titlesurfingwithtraci.blogspo...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit...
I finally took the plunge and read 5. The First Book in a Series that You have not Started: A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
My expectations were high and it wasn't as good as the 1st HP or LOTR in my opinion but I still enjoyed the first book of the series. I have also finish #2 and am Almost done #3.
1. What are you reading for this category?The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare
2. Do you often read books in a series?
No, but when I do I read series that are finished.
3. Are you planning on reading the next books in this series? Why or Why not? Yes there is 3 books in the series.
Are we considering "duologies" eligible for this prompt? OR does a series imply 3+?
I read Caraval by Stephanie Garber. This book wasn't on my radar until April. And I fell in love and read the whole trilogy in 5 days.
I just completed Death By Dumpling (A Noodle Shop Mystery#1) by Vivien Chien. Yes I have 8 series going right now. Many of these I have read for years. I plan on reading the next book in the series. It may be next year but I will read it again.
For this prompt I read The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. It has been on my TBR for quite some time, but its length made it somewhat prohibitive. I am not averse to starting a series, but it must be a really captivating one for me to finish it. As a result, there are only a handful of series that I have completed. This particular book resolved quite nicely, so I do not feel an urge to continue reading its series at the moment.
Around the Year in 52 Books
Books mentioned in this topic
Dorothy Must Die (other topics)Red Queen (other topics)
The Passage (other topics)
The Book Charmer (other topics)
The Cake Therapist (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Karen Hawkins (other topics)Judith M. Fertig (other topics)
Marilynne Robinson (other topics)
Stephanie Garber (other topics)
Tessa Dare (other topics)
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Crime and fantasy are two of my favourite genres and they tend to be series rather than one-offs. I'll be continuing with this one, although I wasn't blown away by it - I've already got the next three, and there was enough here that I liked for me to keep going.