The Series Series: Part 2

Last week I posted Part 1 of The Series Series, discussing series I’ve read from start to finish and whether I’d recommend them to other readers. It was a lot of fun taking a deeper look at the series I’ve read.

Series can be daunting especially when they have a ton of books in them (e.g. The Wheel of Time series, Harry Potter, Outlander). If the whole series hasn’t been written, you agree to wait years before there’s any closure. And, sometimes the ending is horrible and you get mad for investing so much time into the story.

Despite the time, effort, and possible unhappy outcome of series, I still love reading them. I love being able to stay with some of my favorite characters longer than just one book. I love how much we learn about those characters and the worlds they are a part of.

Part 2: Series I’ve Started

Let’s get started with Part 2 of The Series Series. Today I’ll be discussing series I’ve started but haven’t finished.

Alex Stern Series by Leigh Bardugo

Books Read: NINTH HOUSE

Books Currently Released: 2 out of 3+ books

Current Feeling: I love the dark, creepy, paranormal atmosphere of this series.

Continue: Yes.

Artemis Fowl Series by Eoin Colfer

Books Read: ARTEMIS FOWL, THE ARCTIC INCIDENT

Books Currently Released: all, 8 books

Current Feeling: I liked but didn’t love Artemis Fowl. I thought it needed more character and story development. I’ve heard each subsequent book is better than the last.

Continue: Probably.

Ascendance Series by Jennifer A Nielsen

Books Read: THE FALSE PRINCE

Books Currently Released: all, 5 books

Current Feeling: I really enjoyed THE FALSE PRINCE and I’d like to know what happens.

Continue: Yes.

Burning Glass Trilogy by Kathryn Purdie

Books Read: BURNING GLASS

Books Currently Released: all, 3 books

Current Feeling: This trilogy reminded me a little bit of Katherine Arden’s Winternight trilogy. I love the Russian-esque setting and I’d like to see what happens.

Continue: Yes.

Defy Trilogy by Sara B Larson

Books Read: DEFY, IGNITE

Books Currently Released: all, 3 books

Current Feeling: I loved the first two books in this trilogy. I honestly have no idea why I haven’t read ENDURE yet.

Continue: Yes.

The Diviners Series by Libba Bray

Books Read: THE DIVINERS

Books Currently Released: all, 4 books

Current Feeling: I loved THE DIVINERS. I loved its creepy 1920s feel. At the time I read it, the other books in the series hadn’t been released yet and I just haven’t picked the series back up yet.

Continue: Yes.

Dread Nation Duology by Justina Ireland

Books Read: DREAD NATION

Books Currently Released: all, 2 books

Current Feeling: I thought the alternate history of the Civil War with zombies was fascinating. I thought Justina Ireland did an excellent job of showing how systemic racism hurts people of color.

Continue: Yes.

Dune Chronicles by Frank Herbert

Books Read: DUNE

Books Currently Released: all, 6 books

Current Feeling: DUNE is my all-time favorite book. I love it so much. I’ve heard mixed reviews about the rest of the series and I’m afraid that if I hate the other books, then I’ll not love DUNE as much as I do. Fortunately, DUNE ends in a way that I don’t have to continue the series if I don’t want to.

Continue:

Elements of Cadence Duology by Rebecca Ross

Books Read: A RIVER ENCHANTED

Books Currently Released: all, 2 books

Current Feeling: I adored A RIVER ENCHANTED. I meant to read A FIRE ENDLESS last year, but I didn’t get to it. I definitely will this year.

Continue: Yes.

The Glamourist Histories Series by Mary Robinette Kowal

Books Read: SHADES OF MILK AND HONEY

Books Currently Released: all, 5 books

Current Feeling: I thought the first book was only okay. I really liked the concept of glamours; I just couldn’t connect with the characters.

Continue: I might read one more book to see if I like the series more.

Graceling Realm Series by Kristin Cashore

Books Read: GRACELING, FIRE, BITTERBLUE

Books Currently Released: 5 out 6+ books

Current Feeling: I loved the first three books. When I finished reading BITTERBLUE, I wanted more books in this world and I’m so glad Kristin Cashore has written more.

Continue: Yes.

Han Solo Trilogy by AC Crispin

Books Read: THE PARADISE SNARE

Books Currently Released: all, 3 books

Current Feeling: I really enjoyed the first book in the trilogy. I thought it was a good backstory for Han Solo. Even though it’s not cannon anymore, I look forward to reading more.

Continue: Yes.

Heist Society Series by Ally Carter

Books Read: HEIST SOCIETY, UNCOMMON CRIMINALS, PERFECT SCOUNDRELS

Books Currently Released: ?

Current Feeling: Depending on what Ally Carter decides to do with this series, it could be complete. She has said, though, that if a new idea comes to her, she’ll write another book. Anyway, I do love this series. I love Kat and Hale and I need more in this world.

Continue: Yes.

Into the Dark Trilogy by Bree Despain

Books Read: THE SHADOW PRINCE, THE ETERNITY KEY

Books Currently Released: all, 3 books

Current Feeling: I’m a huge fan of Greek mythology and I love the world Bree Despain created. It’s one of my favorite Persephone and Hades retellings. I don’t know why I haven’t read THE IMMORTAL THRONE yet.

Continue: Yes.

Lady Janies Trilogy by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows

Books Read: MY LADY JANE

Books Currently Released: all, 3 books

Current Feeling: I adored MY LADY JANE. It’s hilarious, suspenseful, and romantic. I love the alternate history fantasy.

Continue: Yes.

Lumatere Chronicles by Melina Marchetta

Books Read: FINNIKIN OF THE ROCK

Books Currently Released: all, 3 books

Current Feeling: I really enjoyed reading Finnikin’s story. I thought the world-building in this one was fantastic and I’m curious about Froi’s and Quintana’s stories too.

Continue: Yes.

The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

Books Read: CINDER

Books Currently Released: all, 4

Current Feeling: I loved CINDER. I thought it was a really interesting retelling of the Cinderella fairy tale. I love the science fiction feel to the story and all the characters.

Continue: Yes.

One of Us is Lying Series by Karen M McManus

Books Read: ONE OF US IS LYING

Books Currently Released: all, 4

Current Feeling: I don’t know why, but ONE OF US IS LYING rubbed me the wrong way. I’ll admit it was suspenseful and I wanted to know what was happening. But, when I found out I was really mad.

Continue: No.

Stalking Jack the Ripper Series by Kerri Maniscalco

Books Read: STALKING JACK THE RIPPER

Books Currently Released: all, 4 books

Current Feeling: I’ve always been fascinated by the history and stories of Jack the Ripper and the first book didn’t disappoint. I’m curious what the other books have in store as well.

Continue: Yes.

The Starry-Eyed Universe Trilogy by Alechia Dow

Books Read: THE SOUND OF STARS

Books Currently Released: all, 3

Current Feeling: I thought THE SOUND OF STARS was really interesting. I liked the science fiction world Alechia Dow built and I’m curious how the series resolves itself.

Continue: Yes.

Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J Maas

Books Read: THE THRONE OF GLASS

Books Currently Released: all, 8

Current Feeling: I really loved THRONE OF GLASS. I thought it was an interesting story and world. I also really loved the characters. I’m looking forward to reading more.

Continue: Yes.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before Trilogy by Jenny Han

Books Read: TO ALL THE BOYS I’VE LOVED BEFORE

Books Currently Released: all, 3

Current Feeling: TO ALL THE BOYS I’VE LOVED BEFORE frustrated me so much. I hated how Jenny Han ended (aka didn’t end) the book. Fortunately, I got an ending from the film. It wasn’t enough to get me to read the other two books, though.

Continue: No.

The Tudor Court Series by Philippa Gregory

Books Read: THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL

Books Currently Released: all, 6

Current Feeling: The Tudor Era is one of my favorite historical time periods. I think the story of Henry VIII and his wives is fascinating, even though he was a horrible human being. I read THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL before I knew it was part of a series. I’m excited to delve more into this era. (This series is now part of a larger 15-book series. I’ll have to decide after I read these if I want to read the others.)

Continue: Yes.

The Winner’s Curse Trilogy by Marie Rutkoski

Books Read: THE WINNER’S CURSE

Books Currently Released: all, 3

Current Feeling: It’s been a while since I’ve read THE WINNER’S CURSE but I loved the story, the world-building, and the characters. I look forward to finding out what happens.

Continue: Yes.

The Wolves of Mercy Falls by Maggie Stiefvater

Books Read: SHIVER, LINGER

Books Currently Released: all, 3

Current Feeling: I’m not a huge fan of shapeshifting lore (i.e. werewolves), but I really like Maggie Stiefvater’s take on it. I also love the characters. Again, I don’t know why I haven’t read FOREVER yet.

Continue: Yes.

Conclusions

I was right. There are a lot more series I’ve started and haven’t finished than ones I’ve read from start to end. I didn’t include all the series I’ve started and not finished either because this post would’ve been a lot longer. I might have to swear off starting new series until I finish the ones I want to continue.

Be sure to tune in next Wednesday for part 3 of The Series Series. I’ll be discussing series I’d like to start (if I hadn’t just sworn off starting new ones, lol).

What about you? Have you read any of these series? Do you agree with my comments? Are there series I don’t plan to continue you think I should? What are some series you’ve started but not finished? Do you plan to continue reading them?

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Review: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

Review: The Ballad of Songbirds and SnakesTitle: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Author: Suzanne Collins
Series: The Hunger Games #0.5
Genre(s): Dystopian, Romance, YA
Pages: 541
Source: Own
For: Personal Interest
Rating:
Sexual Content: 0.5 Flames

Add to Goodreads

There's content in this book that may be triggering to some readers. I've tried to include the possible triggers in this book at end of my review.
Goodreads Synopsis

It's the morning of the reaping that will kick off the tenth annual Hunger Games. In the Capitol, eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to out-charm, outwit, and outmaneuver his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute, but the odds are against him because he's been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low.

My Thoughts

I wanted to read THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES before the movie came out last year. Unfortunately, my reading mojo wasn’t where it normally is so I committed the cardinal sin of watching the movie before reading the book. I liked the movie so much I finally decided to start listening to the audio book.

I thought THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES was really fascinating and a fantastic prequel to The Hunger Games trilogy. I especially loved learning about Panem after the first war between the Capitol and the districts. I thought it was interesting to see how the Hunger Games operated before they became what they were in the 74th Hunger Games.

I loved the characters in THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES. Lucy Gray was my favorite, of course. I love how much she loves life, her defiant spirit, her go-with-the-flow personality, and her when-life-gives-you-lemons-make-lemonade outlook. I felt sorry for Sejanus, having to leave his beloved District 2 and become a citizen of the Capitol. I loved learning more about Tigris and I’m curious why and when she and Coriolanus had a falling out.

Watching Coriolanus Snow’s life unfold in THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES is a lot like watching Anakin Skywalker become Darth Vader in the Star Wars prequels. You keep hoping it won’t happen, but know there’s no hope. I thought it was interesting to be in his head, to hear the conflict of remaining loyal to the Capitol and regaining his status and wealth or siding with the districts and Lucy Gray.

Overall, I really enjoyed THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES. However, I’m only rating it 4 stars because I thought Coriolanus’ transition to the “Dark Side” was a little abrupt, especially how fast he and Lucy Gray turned on one another.

I also thought the audiobook was awesome. I loved Santino Fontana’s deep voice. I just wished he sang all the songs in the book, like Jim Dale does in the Harry Potter audio books.

Have you read THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES? If so, what did you think?

Trigger Warning

There is a trigger warning for violence against children, loss of a parent, cannibalism, and animal deaths.

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Sunday News #54

Sunday Post and Sunday Salon are blog news memes hosted at Caffeinated Reviewer and Reader Buzz, respectively. It’s a chance to share news, recap the past week on your blog, and showcase books and other things.
Feeling

I’m feeling a little bit dizzy, headachy, and congested again. It seems that my sinus infection hasn’t gone away. My doctor took a nose swab of each nostril. You know the swab I mean, the ones that go all the way up your nose and feels like it’s scratching your brain for an interminable amount of time?! Yeah, that’s the one. Blech.

The overall results of the swab came back on Friday and it seems that I not only have a bacterial infection, I have 4 fairly resistant bacterial infections. Once he receives the details and finds out what kinds of bacteria I’m playing host to, he’ll prescribe me a compounded antibiotic that goes in a sinus rinse. Hopefully, we can send these buggers on their way sooner rather than later.

Blogging

Here’s what I posted on the blog this week:

My review for THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES will post tomorrow.

Reading

I started reading THIS SPELLS LOVE by Kate Robb yesterday. I would’ve started reading it sooner, but I’ve been distracted by other things (see Loving section below).

I’ve also been listening to THE HUNGER GAMES audiobook. I think the narrator’s different from the “books on CD” version I listening to many moons ago. I like the new narrator a lot.

I also decided to join a buddy read with two of my friends. One of them wanted to read THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO this month for Black History Month. We’re all reading abridged editions. I feel like my edition could’ve been abridged a little bit more.

Listening

I listened to the score for THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS this week. It’s one of my favorites. I’m sharing this particular song, “The Kiss,” because the music in one of the episodes of THE TUDORS reminded us of this song.

Watching

As mentioned above, Corey and I are currently watching THE TUDORS. I’ve wanted to see it for a while. I’m fascinated by that era in history. We just finished season 1. Henry’s trying to get a divorce from Catherine of Aragon so he can marry Anne Boleyn. I think season 2 is going to cover their marriage and her beheading. There are only 4 seasons so I don’t think they can devote one wife per season. Maybe some of the others will be quicker.

Loving

I’m loving TheStorygraph. I decided to join because my friend Suey will be hosting a FAIRY TALE read-along there in March. I wish I had joined sooner because I have always despised Goodreads, as it’s so clunky and ugly. (I was a fan of Shelfari, but Amazon killed it in 2018.) I don’t love everything about TheStoryGraph, but I do love its simplicity, some of the community features, and it’s a lot more pleasing to the eye than Goodreads. Unfortunately, it’s taken me a lot of time to clean up the data I imported from Goodreads. I’m done with that so now I can get back to reading.

If you’re on TheStoryGraph and want to follow me or be my friend, here’s my profile. Also, don’t worry. I’m not quitting Goodreads. I just may spend more time over on TheStoryGraph.

Wanting

I want Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction of an early spring to be right. I need more sun and warmth. Plus, if spring comes early, maybe summer will hold off until it’s supposed to and we’ll get a long spring. That would be the best!

Needing

I need to get out more. I’ve been hibernating in my house a lot over the past few weeks. It’s probably because I haven’t felt very good. The dreary weather also makes it harder for me to get up and out.

How was your week? Anything exciting happen?

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January 2024 Monthly Wrap-up

January has been an awesome month. I’m starting 2024 off right. Not only did I start blogging again, I’ve filled my reading bucket quite full. I participated in Bout of Books at the beginning of the month. I finished one book during the event and three others during the rest of the month.

My favorite book this month is a toss up between REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES by Shelby Van Pelt and BOOK LOVERS by Emily Henry. Two very different stories and genres, but I loved both. I didn’t really have a least favorite book this month.

Books Read
Books Reviewed
Stats

January

Books Read: 4

Pages Read: 1,894

Hours Listened: 16h 16m

Average Rating: 4.75

Year-to-Date

Books Read: 4

Pages Read: 1,894

Hours Listened: 16h 16m

Average Rating: 4.75

February Plans

How did your January go? What are your plans for February?

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The Series Series: Part 1

My blog friend, Melissa at Bookmark Dragon, created The Series Series nine years ago. It consisted of three major discussions all about book series. Unfortunately, she’s no longer blogging and her blog domain has expired. I’ve decided to post something similar to The Series Series because I thought it was an ingenious way to discuss my love of series. The three discussions I’ll be posting are:

  1. Series I’ve finished and whether I recommend them to other readers
  2. Series I’ve started and whether I plan to finish reading them
  3. My top ten series I want to read next
Part 1: Series I’ve Finished

I’m starting off The Series Series by discussing series I’ve read from start to finish and whether I’d recommend them to other readers. Let’s get started.

Anna Duology by Kendare Blake

Number of Books: 2

Overall Feeling: I love the atmosphere. It’s eerie, suspenseful, and feels a lot like a SUPERNATURAL episode.

Recommend: Yes if you like ghost stories, a little bit of horror, and SUPERNATURAL.

The Books of Bayern Series by Shannon Hale

Number of Books: 4

Overall Feeling: It took me a while to get into each book and I didn’t particularly care for the final book. I do enjoy the retelling of a classic fairy tale aspect with THE GOOSE GIRL. I also like the elemental magic in each book.

Recommend: It’s up to you. Go for it if you like fairy tale retellings and elemental fantasy.

The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis

Number of Books: 7

Overall Feeling: There are aspects of this series I love and aspects I don’t. I love Narnia–the characters, the history, the world, all of it. However, I wish there was more character development and more detail in general. I also think the series should be marketed to be read in publishing order. The chronological order is for the birds. (I’ve read the series both ways.)

Recommend: Yes if you like fantasy and allegory.

The Dark Divine Trilogy by Bree Despain

Number of Books: 3

Overall Feeling: I’m normally not a fan of shapeshifting lore (i.e. werewolves). However, Bree Despain’s story completely captivated me from beginning to end. I love her characters and her world.

Recommend: Yes if you like paranormal romance.

Divergent Trilogy by Veronica Roth

Number of Books: 3

Overall Feeling: I love DIVERGENT because of its clever dystopian society. I also love Tris and Four and all the other characters. I think both INSURGENT and ALLEGIANT are good sequels, but I don’t care for the world outside of Chicago and all that entails. I also don’t like being in Four’s head in ALLEGIANT. View Spoiler »

Recommend: It’s up to you. Go for it if you like dystopian societies.

Dragon Prince Trilogy by Melanie Rawn

Number of Books: 3

Overall Feeling: I love this trilogy so much. I’m actually in the middle of a reread. I love Melanie Rawn’s writing, the characters, the setting, the complexity of the story, the political intrigue, and the ethical/moral issues it explores.

Recommend: Yes if you like high fantasy.

Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling

Hogwart’s

Number of Books: 7

Overall Feeling: I love the Wizarding World. I love the characters, the stories, and the magic I feel every time I read this series. Harry Potter’s one of the reasons I read and have a blog.

Recommend: Yes if you like fantasy and coming of age stories and you can get past it being associated with JKR.

I learned in DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) that life is full of dialectics, or two opposing truths. In this case, the two opposing truths are: 1) I don’t agree with JKR’s stance regarding trans people, and 2) I still love Harry Potter.

His Dark Materials Trilogy by Philip Pullman

Number of Books: 3

Overall Feeling: I love this trilogy. I love the clever mythology, especially our souls appearing as animal companions known as dæmons. I love the fight between good and evil, in this case the militant religious vs. free will.

Recommend: Yes if you like non-allegorical theological fantasy.

The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins

Number of Books: 4

Overall Feeling: I love this series so much. I love the characters, even the evil ones. I think the story isn’t that far off if we let it happen. It’s a reminder that we need to fight against fascism and the people who want to rule and destroy the world.

Recommend: Yes if you like dystopians.

The Infernal Devices Trilogy by Cassandra Clare

Number of Books: 3

Overall Feeling: I love love love this trilogy. Not only is it set in one of my favorite literary worlds (Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunters), it’s also set in 19th-century London. View Spoiler »

Recommend: Yes if you like mythology-based urban fantasy and historical fiction.

The Looking Glass Wars Trilogy by Frank Beddor

Number of Books: 3

Overall Feeling: I’m not a huge fan of Lewis Carroll’s Alice duology. I thought it was nonsense with no point to it. I read both of Carroll’s books so I could read this trilogy. I like this trilogy better than the originals because there’s an actual plot that makes sense. However, I’m disappointed in the lack of character development.

Recommend: No unless you like Lewis Carroll’s Alice duology and retellings of classics.

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by JRR Tolkien

Number of Books: 3

Overall Feeling: I love the story of The Lord of the Rings and I love the characters, especially Samwise Gamgee. I do like THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING the best because I don’t like that the other two books are split half and half between Frodo and Sam, and everyone else. I wish Tolkien had interspersed them together so the timing isn’t so jarring.

Recommend: Yes if you like high fantasy, despite my issue with the second and third books.

Matched Trilogy by Ally Condie

Number of Books: 3

Overall Feeling: I think Ally Condie’s dystopian world is really interesting. Before I finished the series, I kept wondering how she was going to resolve the problems. I think the journey from beginning to end is a lot of fun. I also always love the poetic feel to Ally’s writing.

Recommend: Yes if you like dystopians.

The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare

Number of Books: 6

Overall Feeling: I love the world of Shadowhunters. It’s one of my favorite literary worlds as I said above. I love Cassandra Clare’s use of different religious and cultural mythologies to create her stories. I also love the characters, angst, and the fight between good and evil.

Recommend: Yes if you like mythology-based urban fantasy.

The Night Walkers Trilogy by JR Johansson

Number of Books: 3

Overall Feeling: I love the dark, creepy–in a not scary but very suspenseful way–vibe of this trilogy. I also think the concept is very clever.

Recommend: Yes if you like dark, creepy paranormal stories.

Pivot Point Duology by Kasie West

Number of Books: 2

Overall Feeling: I really like the alternate timelines. I think the story’s unique, fun, and suspenseful. I also like that it’s a duology instead of a trilogy.

Recommend: Yes if you like alternate timelines.

The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer

Number of Books: 4

Overall Feeling: It’s no secret that I love the Twilight Saga. I love the characters, the mythology, the romance, etc. I also love the readability of this series and its ability to suck you in right from the start. This series is the main reason I read and have a blog.

Recommend: Yes if you like paranormal romance and character-driven stories.

The Winternight Trilogy by Katherine Arden

Number of Books: 3

Overall Feeling: I love how the fiction intermingled with the medieval time period–the time when paganism and Christianity clashed, rather than trying to coexist together peaceably. I adored the Russian setting–the language, buildings, scenery, clothes, food, everything.

Recommend: Yes if you like mythology-based fantasy.

Conclusions

Whew! That was fun. I’m surprised by how few series I’ve actually finished. I thought there’d be more of them. I’m now curious to see how many series I’ve started and not finished because I think there will be a lot more. I’m not surprised that most of the series I’ve read are YA because that’s what I used to read the most of. I’ve only started reading more adult novels in the last five or so years.

Be sure to tune in next Wednesday for part 2 of The Series Series. I’ll be discussing series I’ve started and whether I plan to finish reading them.

What about you? Have you read any of these series? Do you agree with my comments? If you haven’t read any of these, what series have you read from start to finish?

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