I know the community has already discussed this before. At lenght. But I’ve always been the type to say I don’t mind much as long as a series isn’t 4+ books. Starting series is something that I manage depending on the series, and the author. Maybe I decide to get the books as soon as they come out, and also read them, or I get them and wait, or I just wait for all of them to be out. It depends on my mood too!
But lately, these recent months, I’ve been in a place where starting new series seems just too exhausting. Too much energy.
I’ve been living on standalones and reading only series that I already know I’ll love. So let’s talk a little about standalones. The main thing is that unfortunately, my favorite thing about standalones is sometimes also their biggest flaw!
In fantasy books, standalones can be amazing, but risky
A book can only be so long, and sometimes, let’s be honest, a story deserves to be told in installments. So, it can be risky to have a fantasy standalone, since there’s so much to cover. Fantasy books often span over worlds and years of history. On top of that, there needs to be space for the usual plot and character development.
One fantasy standalone that I liked but felt it was too rushed was An Enchantment of Ravens.
The concept was amazing, and oh my gawd that cover! But I feel like things happened too fast, and I wanted more of this world and these characters!
The book wasn’t bad at all, but it did leave me wanting more, and not in a sequel kind of way, but in a way that made me feel like this particular story was missing some essential elements.
About a year or so ago I discovered C.L. Wilson’s books. She has an amazing series, that is 6 books long, because the story truly needed all that space to develop. She also has a series of standalone books. Each book is its own story, but there’s a greater story at play with different characters. The first book in particular, The Winter King? It feels like you’re reading a series, all in a single book. So many things happen but not one you feel it’s rushed. The pacing is perfect and it takes you through the perfect emotional journey.
In contemporaries, it can be either just perfect, or too simple
A contemporary standalone done right packs as much of a punch as any good ol’ fantasy. And for the same reason: It says what it needs to say.
But sometimes they do feel a bit like they’re not really saying anything. Look, I teach writing workshops and I love story structure. So I know it never makes a story formulaic if there’s an actual story to tell, and you know how to tell it right. It’s like with some books, I can only see the structure, and it’s a formula that gets used over and over again. Still entertaining, but it gets old after a while.
Will I keep prefering them over series?
This shift in my reading preferences feels permanent. I don’t think I’ll ever stop reading series, but I know that in the end, no matter the book, if there’s a good story told right, it can work wonderfully as standalone or a series.
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I always think this is an interesting topic. I have read mostly fantasy and that has been mostly series– my favourite is to read a series in one go so I don’t have to wait for the next one. But I like them being series as they cover so much in terms of world, plot and characters. As sometimes with standalone just when I am invested it ends. But that doesn’t mean standalone can’t be good– I am with you that stories can work wonderfully as a standalone or a series but this needs to be thought of beforehand so you can get the structure right.
I think some times I can feel bogged down with series as I have so many open at once– how can I keep track of them all? That is why I like to read them all in one go. I would like to read more standalone but I still think series are personally my favourite at the minute!! 😊 Great post!!
I’ve been reading more and more standalones lately as well. I think my favorite kinds are books that all connect to each other in some ways but they still stand completely on their own. Those are a perfect blend!
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction recently posted this awesome thing…My Top Ten Unpopular Bookish Opinions
You’re right! Those are a happy middle! We get individual stories that wrap up nicely but get more of the world and characters at the same time.
I agree, sometimes it’s just better to read standalones. I often like sequels and series with multiple books, but not every story needs so many novels. Great stories can also be told in one book, and I often feel obligated to stick with a series once I start the first book. I used to only read series, but now, I find myself reaching for standalones more often. I still like both, but it depends on the characters and the plot.
Great discussion!
Xandra @ Starry Sky Books recently posted this awesome thing…My June 24-Hour Readathon! // Day 1, Part 1
I used to read so many series as well! But steadily over the years my preference has changed. Although you’re right about it depending so much on the story. Or the author too, because I’d totally read any new series by Laini Taylor or Leigh Bardugo ♥
Pamela Nicole recently posted this awesome thing…I prefer standalone books now -#noregrets
I definitely prefer standalones! I’m not sure if there ever was a time where I preferred series. I think future installments leave more room for disappointed. I like when I know a story has ended and that I don’t have to worry about characters being thrust into more danger and angst.
Malka @ Paper Procrastinators recently posted this awesome thing…A Few of My Favorite Things
Sequels have disappointed me so many times! Sure I have my favorites, but most series are just such a huge risk. And I know right? It sucks when at the end of a book everything is alright and then BOOM turns out there’s a sequel. And of course everything just gets worse for everyone and you have to go through an emotional roller coaster again.