Top Ten Tuesday, as always, is hosted at my other blog — The Broke & the Bookish
This week’s topic: Top Ten Best/Worst Sequels <—– I’m changing my topic! See below!
Here’s the PROBLEM, as you all should now by now, I SUCK AT SERIES. I give you my EMBARRASSING number of series I still am in the middle of and a more embarrassing number of series I HAVE finished in that post. So embarrassing I don’t want to admit it again. haha.
Rather, this week, I’m going to look at my list of unfinished series and do my Top Ten Sequels I Still Haven’t Read (But Definitely Plan To). This isn’t a case of I didn’t finish because I don’t want to keep going with the series.
1. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter #2): Ok, I JUST read the first HP book last month so I can get some slack for this one, yes?
2. Frostbite ( Vampire Academy #2): Again, newbie to this series within the last couple of months. I sorta want to just binge read it but alas review books and library books.
3. Siege & Storm by Leigh Bardugo (Grisha #2): I really loved Shadow & Bone and I should have picked this up immediately with the huge BANG of an ending it had.
4. Scarlet by Marissa Meyer (Lunar Chronicles #2): Everyone says this one is even BETTER than Cinder!
5. It’s Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han (Summer series #2): I read The Summer I Turned Pretty forever ago but I don’t know WHY I haven’t picked this one up. I love me a good contemporary series.
6. The Crown Of Embers by Rae Carson (Fire & Thorns #2): GAH I read The Girl of Fire & Thorns when I was on my honeymoon and I remember DYING to get to this one as soon as I got home and then I got so busy with being a newlywed that I never did. BAD JAMIE.
7. Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready (Shade #2): I really don’t read a ton of paranormal but I LOOOOOVED Shade SO MUCH. Why have I not picked up Shift!!?
8. The Evolution of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer #2): I had complicated feelings about The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. I read it faster than I read most books because I could NOT put it down but I got done and was like IDK HOW I FEEEEEL? It’s such a mindf*ck that I HAVE to finish it.
9. The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson (Millenium #2): I read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo wayy before I started blogging and still, even after owning this one, have not read it. I’m afraid I won’t remember anything could be important to book 2. Is there a huge overlap??
10. City of Ashes (Mortal Instruments #2): I just started this series right before the movie came out and while I didn’t LOVE it I do plan on finishing.
So tell me…which one of these must I ABSOLUTELY pick up first?? Which sequels have you still not read??
Anne says
I really enjoyed the Cinder/Scarlet books and look forward to the next book in that trilogy.
Jen @ Pop! Goes The Reader says
I’m so thankful you came up with this twist on this week’s topic Jamie, and that you were kind enough to allow me to follow suit, as otherwise I know I never would have been able to participate! Like you, I have an absolutely abysmal track record when it comes to completing book series, and I could likely count on one hand the ones I’ve read from start to finish. I either lose my motivation and/or interest along the way, or want to re-read the prior novels in the series before continuing on with the newest instalment, and unfortunately find I have little time to re-read novels these days.
As to your list, Scarlet is one of the many sequels I have yet to read as well! Like most of the books on my own list, there’s absolutely no reason for this – I’ve heard nothing but positive feedback about Scarlet and I absolutely adored Cinder, so I have no idea why I’m dragging my feet! In regards to The Evolution of Mara Dyer, I thought it was a bitter disappointment and it dampened my overall interest in the series and the final instalment in the trilogy in general. That said, I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on the subject as I seem to be in the minority on this one!
Alexia @ Adventures in Reading says
Okay so obviously I already read The Chamber of Secrets. I have Siege and Storm on my nightstand and will probably read some of it tonight.I want to read both Cinder and Scarlet but I think it’ll be awhile before I can get to them.
Kat (AussieZombie) says
Ahhh I haven’t read any of these either – oops. But Siege and Storm is one that everyone tells me is even better than the first, so it’s top of my list!
Kaniesha @ Deux Lectrices says
I haven’t read The Crown of Embers or Siege and Storm yet either! I really hope they’re good, Shadow and Bone is especially one of my favorites.
Chrissi Reads says
I also have so many series that I haven’t finished yet. I really need to try and complete some of them before starting new series. I think the problem is, so many books that are released now become series, so it’s ridiculously hard to avoid series. I agree with others though Scarlet is better than Cinder! I really loved The Evolution of Mara Dyer too.
Erin (@bbburrow) says
I am terrible at reading sequels too. But you MUST read the Rae Carson sequel, like now. It’s amAzing.
Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl says
Scarlet IS better than Cinder! You will love it! And Siege and Storm is crazy good. Definitely get to that one soon. 🙂
Someday I’ll read Harry Potter… maybe. Right now, I’m kind of resisting because of the peer pressure. I don’t like being told what to do. 😛
Trina says
I also started City of Bones right before the movie and didn’t LOVE it. I finally started City of Ashes yesterday and am about 100+ pages in and have to say that so far it has a totally different feeling for me. I’m liking it better than the first one right now.
With VA, Frostbite was a good sequel. It’s not the best of the series, but was one of the more enjoyable installments for me. It made me realize the series was going to be good and not just high school vampire twee (well… mostly).
I can’t wait to get my paws on Siege and Storm! And I still haven’t even started Cinder. *cries*
Meghan says
Please stick with mortal instruments! City of bones and city of ashes didn’t capture me until the end of both books but I continued to plow through. City of glass more than makes up for the slow start with the first two books. I am in the middle of city if fallen angels and have been loving the series since city of glass. Stick with it, I promise it will be worth it.
Melissa @ Writer Grrl Reads says
I should have done the same topic — my series reading is equally sucky. I, too, still have to read Scarlet and the rest of VA and the second Mara Dyer book. I did series that I PREDICT will have the best/worst endings ;). Because, you know, I haven’t actually finished them just yet 😉
Michelle @ In Libris Veritas says
Chamber of Secrets and Scarlet are my two picks for the sequels oyou need to pick up pronto. The Girl Who played with Fire is pretty good as well…and I don’t think you need to know a ton other than the basics.
I haven’t read the others though, but like you I mean to..eventually.
Lisa says
Oh man, I need to read Siege & Storm and Scarlet as well. I have both on my shelf, which makes it worse. I’ve been halfway through Harry Potter for soooo long. I feel like I should probably just restart the series and binge it. It’s such a long series though… I don’t know. I’m terrible at finishing series. *shrugs* Good luck with your reading!
Shannon says
You need to read We’ll Always Have Summer….there is a reason is is on my TTT List of best sequels !
http://adventuresofateenagebookworm.blogspot.ie/2013/10/top-ten-tuesday-best-worst-book-series.html
Kate @ whYAnot says
I liked Scarlet. Not sure I liked it more than Cinder but it’s got some great new characters (zomg… Captain Thorne!) and some great promise of where this series is going to go.
Hannah says
Seeing your list has made my own grow slightly longer again!
I started reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, but don’t think at the time I was mentally prepared for it, would really love to finish that series though.
Also I really LOVE your redesign. Really like the hot air balloons!
Kim says
Everyone that has been saying that Scarlet is ever better than Cinder is absolutely right, because it IS so much better! Especially the new characters are amazing. I’m glad you read the first Harry Potter, but you really have to get going with this series now! Because the further you get in the HP series, the better the books are in my opinion.
Miranda @ Tempest Books says
I just read Shadow and Bone and I NEED to read Siege and Storm like RIGHT NOW. Something that’s helpful for me is that, since I like to pick out my books that I’m going to read each month, I’ll put books on the list that are part of a series that I need to finish reading. This has really helped me catch up, although I still haven’t been able to finish any lately. Luckily, I put Siege and Storm on my November list, so I definitely can’t wait for next month!
Dina says
I love that you have your own twist on this topic. When putting together my own list, I realized how many series I am actually in the middle of. It is really sad but I do feel compelled to finish them. Really just need to stop picking up new series for awhile and get reading.
Even with a large break between The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and The Girl Who Played With Fire, you should be fine. There is some overlap but the book is so detailed it does a good job at reintroducing characters from the first book.
Jennifer aka YA Book Nerd says
Nice Twist on the topic 🙂
MaryKate says
I’m so glad someone else is as bad with finishing series as I am. I have only read the first four Harry Potter books and last year I finally finished the last Stieg Larsson novel in the trilogy (after reading the first, waiting about a year, then reading the second, waiting about a year…). The first one is different from the last two and they’re all amazing–the last two just happen to deal more with Lisbeth.
Ginger @ GReads! says
I still need to read the next Mara Dyer book, too. I bought it awhile ago & it’s just been sitting on my shelf. Story of my life. I will not lecture you about finishing the Summer series OR the Shade series. But just know that I am giving you a look right now.
xxoo
Betty says
#1… slow down, doyke. you read so fast. you’ve barely given me any time to read book 1.
#7 SHIFT —- well here is one i can give you an excuse for—- your copy is sitting on my bookshelf. bahaha 🙂 Feel better about that one now??
#2, 3, 8 , 10.. I have serious problems with. READ THEM. or or or….. ELSE.
meg says
Ahhh!! Read Crown of Embers because then you get to read The Bitter Kingdom which is epic!
It’s been awhile since I read Stieg Larsson, but if I recall correctly there isn’t that much plot overlap between 1 and the rest. Some of the characters stick around but the story goes in a different direction. It’s pretty insane and I definitely recommend finishing at some point (after Harry Potter though.)
The Magic Violinist says
Ha ha, I need to get cracking on Scarlet, too. ;P As well as Beautiful Chaos which I still haven’t read, despite my BFF’s constant nagging.
OMG YOU MUST READ HP#2.!!!!! 😀 (But I’m an obsessive fangirl about it all, so I might be a little biased).
Asheley (@BookwormAsheley) says
Siege and Storm & Scarlet first. I won’t even write a novel today. That is how firm I am in this.
Britt says
I totally have a series finishing problem too, so I stole your idea. The only two series I have started on this list I’m actually caught up with though, so yeah. But, then I’m reminded how many series I want to read but haven’t even started yet. Great list though, I’ll have to check some of these out.
Kim says
Hia! City of ashes is a mediocre read but city of Glass is SO MUCH BETTER!! Seriously it’s a good ‘un! I reviewed the whole series so far on my book blog I can’t remember Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets very well (I read it when I was nine so 7 years ago but the whole series is of course fantastic!
Happy reading! Xxx
Kayla @ The Thousand Lives says
I haven’t finished the Millenium trilogy either – I actually had to force myself to finish the second book, and after ten pages of the third book I gave up. It really loses focus on what I loved from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo! Maybe someday I’ll finish that one too…
Mandy says
Great idea this week. I suck when it comes to series. I have so many books never enough time. I think you came up with a brilliant twist on today’s topic. I had use your idea. Thank you so much for sharing with all of us.
My TT
Caitie F says
You should read Siege & Storm and City of Ashes next. Both are so good!
Rebecca @ The Library Canary says
You must pick up Scarlet and Crown of Embers!! Those series are amazing. Both get better as you go. I can’t wait for Cress! And City of Ashes! That whole series is amazing! I need to read HP. But there’s so many review books and library books, I just don’t have time. But I need to. Because I’m super left out on life.
kimberlyfaye says
Scarlet, Mara Dyer and the Mortal Instruments books are fabulous. And Harry Potter, of course. 🙂
Rissi says
Always enjoy these fun memes, Jamie! Thanks for putting them together. I finally joined in the fun also. 🙂
PS: Love your new header – it’s so cute! I made a hot balloon one a while back and haven’t used it.
Emmah says
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets! <3 I finished it just a few days ago. I'm on the second one now.
And AHH! "It's Not Summer Without You"; you've got to finish that series! I love Conrad haha.
Stephanie says
I bought a gorgeous UK Harry Potter set last month, but I haven’t even read the first book, so you’re doing better than me! I also own Cinder and Scarlet, but I haven’t read them yet. I’m glad to hear that book two is even better! That’s so often not the case.
Stephanie @ Inspiring Insomnia
Lianne @ caffeinatedlife.net says
I totally understand about not reading a lot of series and stuff. I’ve been trying to avoid them in recent years because some can be so long and there are so many other books out there to read! Oh priorities…
Hope you enjoy HP: CoS and the second Stieg Larsson book. The second title was pretty intense, I remember thinking it was far more intriguing a story than book 1, which sort of worked as a standalone.
Elizabeth says
I think your opinions are likely to stay the same in The Evolution of Mara Dyer haha. Although less silly romance in the sequel (although you may have liked it, I’m apparently the only person out there who doesn’t ship Noah. I would be much happier of Noah was simply a bff. Or even a girl for that matter). It’s totally worth it though because your brain has so much AHHH WHAT IS THIS in a good way! I’m still freaking out about the ending of the second book!
You should be able to read The Girl Who Played With Fire without needing a reread of the first book (and you can always just google the plot for a refresher as needed). The series definitely picks up in the second and third books (it becomes more of a long story arc between the two books, and a lot is explained about Salander’s past). I honestly was really not a fan of the first book…that…scene…came out of nowhere and was exceedingly graphic and disturbing. If I’d been somewhat prepared for it I might not have been so shocked (maybe?) but it seems excessive…until you get to the next two books and then for some reason it makes a lot more sense. Or it did to me, anyway!
Mel@thedailyprophecy says
I love the new design :D!
Harry Potter, Siege & Storm, Scarlet, The crown of embers: you have some good things waiting for you <3 All these titles actually belong to my list of favorites! 🙂
Mel@thedailyprophecy.
Sara at WhatANerdGIrlSays says
see, i’m so opposite. I’ll buy all this books but if any of them are the first in a series, I have to finish that series. So sometimes I can’t move on to new books
Jessica says
Ok, it has nothing to do with the list but you use the prettiest graphics. *appreciative sigh*
Scott Pilgrim says
I love Scarlet, Chamber Of Secrets, Siege & Storm, and City Of Ashes! Great twist on the list 😉
-Scott Reads It!
Jess @ Such A Novel Idea says
Absolutely have to finish HP, but since you are only on book 2, I’m going to say pick up Crown of Embers. That is just one fantastic series!
Tirta @ I Prefer Reading says
The Evolution of Mara Dyer will give you MORE FEEEEEEELS than the first book, Jamie. It really crushed my heart in the best way possible when reading. I can’t wait to finish Cinder, so I can quickly move on to Scarlet! <3
Kim says
I can’t even think about the number of series I haven’t finishedyet! But my vote would be for Mara Dyer or Cinder or Siege & Storm. Can’t decide!
Shalena @ Writer Quirk says
I’m going to agree with everyone and say Scarlet is awesome! I was like you and didn’t really care for the first TMI book, but they do get more enjoyable as you go along.
I don’t have a lot of second-book-in-a-series to read, but I’m bad about not finishing series, so I have a lot of third and fourth books to read, like The Savage Grace by Bree Despain, Requiem by Lauren Oliver, Boundless by Cynthia Hand, and Beautiful Redemption by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl.\
Great list! ^_^
Rita @ Weaving Pages says
Would it be too evil for me to just sit here and stare at you until you finish The Harry Potter series AND The Mortal Instruments? No? I didn’t think so… *sits here and stares until you read them* 😀
Great TTT! Rita xx
Johannah Doll says
I’m just as bad with series. Ugh.
Zoni says
I loved the mortal instruments series but even more than that I love, love, loved the prequel series clockwork prince, clockwork princess and clockwork angel. You should totally check those out! 🙂
Molli says
I fail, because I’ve yet to read Scarlet. BUT I have an ARC of Cress that I’m hoping will kick my butt into gear.
Re: Siege and Storm. That one BROKE MY HEART, so maaaaybe wait until closer to Ruin & Rising?
GET ON HP GIRL. 😀
Molli | Once Upon a Prologue
Ellice says
I am in the middle of soo many series too! I have some weird quirk about not wanting to read books in a series back-to-back. I don’t know WHY I do this! Haha. I’m trying to get better about doing that. Really, I am. 🙂
The Summer I Turned Pretty is one of the series I haven’t finished either. And oh my gooodness, if you thought The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer was a mindf*ck, you just wait until book 2. haha. But I really liked it! I didn’t know what the heck was going on half the time, and it was totally creepy, but for some reason I could NOT put these books down! Oh, and I finally read City of Ashes, but I wasn’t majorly impressed with it. I got bored with it a lot. But that may just be me! You’ll have to let me know what you think if you read it!
Jackie Lea Sommers says
I didn’t love City of Bones either, but every TMI book gets better and better and better!
Heather says
Yay yay yay for continuing with Harry Potter! I’m always so excited to see people discovering it for the first time! And I definitely recommend keeping on with Mara Dyer- it gets even crazier in the second book, and I am dying for the third! Although I’m so bad at doing this very thing myself. I have so many series I need to continue with, but there are always so many shiny new books to discover. It’s all about balance though; so I try to keep up with the ones I’ve started and still find time for all the exciting things I hear about. Good luck with your own series endeavors!
JB says
I’d just like to put in my two cents about Scarlet. Yes. Yes you absolutely must read this book. It’s even better than Cinder, and Cress (the not-yet-released third book of the series–the lovely Marissa Meyer gave us an ARC!) is even better than the two before it. The besties and I are now obssessed with this incredible series. We HIGHLY recommend it!
Also, we got to interview Marissa Meyer and she’s awesome and nerdy and wonderful. You can see our interview here if you’d like: http://thegirlsinplaidskirts.com/2013/10/24/interview-with-marissa-meyer/
And also we dressed up as characters from the series: http://thegirlsinplaidskirts.com/2013/10/29/loks-from-books-day2-lunar/
Yeah… I meant it when I said obsessed.