This weeks discussion is: Do you prefer series or stand-alone novels...and why?
Well that depends on the genre. When it comes to realistic fiction then it would have to be stand-alone novels. Because they are generally more character driven novels and they tend to be a lot more of a emotional story (well the one's I pick are) so I need a ending. I don't want to be waiting and worrying about my favourite character. Some great examples of favourite stand-alone novels:
When it comes to paranormal/fantasy/dystopia genre, then series. So much happens plot wise during these genres, that if they tried to wrap everything up it would seem too rushed. And generally I want more of the plot and the amazing worlds that these authors create. Although I am not a fan of a giant cliffhanger ending either but somehow I can handle it better. I want the ending to be some what resolved but with a few unanswered questions that still leave you craving for more. Some of my favourite series:
Do you prefer series or stand-alone?
Thank you to Melissa at I Swim For Oceans for hosting this meme.
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10 comments:
I completely agree with you here, Nic. With contemporary, realistic fiction, the character depth has to be really deep to work, and it's not so much about plot. I really don't care for realistic fiction series-- but there aren't many to begin with. Fantasy/paranormal/sc-fi series are definitely my favorites, though historical sometimes works.
Love the Hunger Games, of course, and the Darkest Powers Trilogy! Haven't read any of the stand-alones, but Six Impossible Things call out to me. Anyway, cool meme. :) I'm going to check out Swim for Oceans...
You are absolutely right.
Funny because I was just over at Melissa's blog complaining about series, but I really enjoy them if they are done right. Paranormal/dystopia fiction does lend itself better to series because of the multiple angles it can pull from to tell a story, especially if the world building is good.
Sad to say, but I haven't read any of your favorite stand alones. Must fix that. :D
Thanks for participating, Nic! I think you hit the nail on the head here, for sure. With contemporary novels, I think authors have the ability to wrap their stories up in neat little packages with greater ease than authors of paranormal/fantasy, etc.
While I appreciate a good series, I think each novel needs to be able to stand alone, which is the beauty of Harry Potter and the Hunger Games...as well as the Percy Jackson series :)
PS...I totally lovedddd Twenty Boy Summer!
It's really interesting that it divides into genres for you. Now that I think about it, there are way more paranormal/fantasy YA series than there are contemporary. I think perhaps with the fantasy genre the authors have more to work with - like you say, they've created a whole different world, so there's a lot you can do with that. Great point!
I agree with the genre thing completly. I really liked reading your answer. :)
Come check out my answer if you get a chance: http://blackfingernailedreviews.blogspot.com/2011/01/talk-to-me-tuesday-series-vs-stand.html
New Follower! ^-^
I agree about contemps versus fantasy/paranormals. I'm not sure about dystopians. On one hand, I think they often require more than one book, but on the other hand I really dislike it when the entire first book of the trilogy is about the main character realizing their world sucks. I'm just kinda thinking "Hurry up already! I know your world sucks and I know you'll know your world sucks, so let's move on to the fighting against things already!"
I agree that realistic books should be stand-alone. For me, it also depends on the book. There are some fantasy novels that are better off as a stand-alone yet the author drags it on .
I don't have a preference but it seems like a lot of the books I read are part of a series especially for paranormals and fantasy. The downside for me is that sometimes when I return to the series I forget some of the story points or minor characters so have to reread the prior books.
Talk to me Tuesday sounds great, I may have to play next week!
I think I agree with you on stand alone versus series, although I do like companion novels in contemporary like The Piper's Son and Lola and the Boy next door (well I like the idea of the ast one not having read it yet) and I like how Sarah Dessen sometimes references characters from early books.
Most of the time I prefer stand-alone's but when an awesome book comes along, I often find myself crazing a sequel for it.
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