Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy discussion

First of all, I might wanna say this is about series that continue with the same set of main characters - not those that have different protagonists.

A lot of people I have talked to often claim they cannot get enough of series X.

Me on the other hand, I get totally exhausted when I look at a series with 7+ books (quite frankly 6-7 books is already on the edge of things).
Exceeding 6-7 books always makes me wonder how great the plot will be by the end of it. And how much unnecessary drama I am going to have to endure on the way.

Take, for instance, the Kate Daniels series. I absolutely LOVED this series. I'm in the process of reading book 5, however, the spark that I once associated with these books has left. I still love the characters, I still think each 'internal' plot of each book is good but I simply grow tired of the continuous journey. I believe I could stick around for two more books, but when I see that there are 5 more books planned I literally feel exhausted and don't really want to read on.

Another example is the Mercedes Thompson series, which I also adore. However, I am so happy that the series ends with book seven. No matter how awesome these books where, I really want it to come to an end by now.

How do you guys feel about this? Do you prefer fewer books in a series - maybe Trilogies? - or do you rather have an 'endless' supply of books in a series? :)
Would really love to hear opinions of others about this!

Sometimes it seems like the quality of the books deteriorates as a series goes on. I can’t help but wonder if the authors get tired of writing about the same characters after a while.

Jani wrote: "First of all, I might wanna say this is about series that continue with the same set of main characters - not those that have different protagonists.

A lot of people I have talked to often claim ..."

I agree with you for the most part. But even books with a different protagonist can become tiresome as well (I'm thinking of Lora Leigh's Breeds--way too many now).

But there are a few authors who take risks and do totally different stories each time and I like that. I have only read to book 6 but the Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole seems to have a completely different plot and characters for each book so I don't think I'll get tired of it.

I am reading right now and Lara Adrian gets props from me. She has completely changed the series. She's wrapped up the old story line and started a completely new one. She's even changed the "world" they exist in. It's a very brave move and I love that she had the guts to do it.

@Rachel:
Yes, right? I think that sometimes, too. Like I said, its not that I don't actually love the characters or the plot - but somehow they no longer provide that enjoyable refreshing breeze :P

@P.A.
That sounds like an interesting concept. It definitely makes an old plot interesting again when the author dares to do a total renewal :D Gotta say, haven't met many of those yet.

I do tend to stick to series with different characters/different plots longer than to ones with the same protagonists and continuous plot. But at some point I do still get bored (or well, "exhausted").
However, the series that I currently tend to like the most always seem to be about 3-5 books with the same characters.

I am not saying it's not possible to write a hell load of books :D AND to keep the readers entertained :P
I just think its a damn hard job and I have yet to find an author that does it for me. (Others might ofc disagree :))
Edit: I think the problem often is that the world building doesn't always provide enough to keep the reader on his/her toes. I really love a strong plot; something that surprises me with knocking my socks off :P

Yes, Anita Blake comes to mind. Those books are maddening but I have to finish a series. HAVE.TO. it sucks. And I'm finding that even though I absolutely LOVE Jeaniene Frost I'm thinking by the end of any new ones, "Just give them their happily ever after already!" Keri Arthur I thought did a good job with her Riley Jensen Series because there was an end goal, you knew it was coming and everything was building up to that point.
I've been finding myself drawn to series with different characters each book, but even then it's like the same book, different characters. The ones I've enjoyed the most with those lately are like Anya Bast's Elemental Witches or Dark Magick series...series that have an end game. Through out the entire series it's building to 1 final goal. Oh and Royal House of Shadows Series...that was an interesting one because each book was written by a different author; working towards 1 final goal and wasn't dragged out.

@P.A. I just finished that one and I think it's my favorite out of the whole series by far. I love how she made such a ballsy move and brought in a new world, new characters, new enemies. It's like a new series but not.

I think for some series (like the Sookie series) it is true. Sometimes they just lose something over the course of the books.

But others, like the In Death Series by J.D. Robb are still fantastic after 30 releases (yes in the 30's).

It is rare but it does happen.

I have to agree, I almost always want to pass on the series containing more than 5 books. Even 5 books is one too many in my opinion. I do often crave to know more of the characters and to continue the story, but I also want to have the time to move on to other/new things... I hate not finishing something to the end and that is why I usually don't want to invest my time in something that will drag on for longer than necessary. Plus there is certainly the matter of quality over quantity.

Huh... That is a tough question. Both long series and trilogies have their own positive and negative qualities.
For example, in longer series like in Black Dagger Brotherhood, we get to see all of the characters go therefore we get attached to them more. Like right now Lover at Last will be released, it's a good feeling to know that the supporting characters that used to be in the sidelines are now getting their own book. I personally, loved this because I got to witness how they became who they are now from the scrawny pre-trans. Now on the other hand, it is also true that longer series tend to get repetitive and boring. So I suggest you find a really good series so even if it's long you won't get bored with it.

Now what I like about shorter series/trilogies is their closure. I mean it's really nice to have a closure from all of those stories. Besides, the feeling you get when you finish a short series/trilogy is just priceless. But on the flip side, whenever I'm too engaged with a trilogy I seem to want more of it, like I don't want it to end just yet. If that makes sense.


Ughhh! now I'm confused :)) Oh well, I'll just say I like both of them.

Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) wrote: "I think for some series (like the Sookie series) it is true. Sometimes they just lose something over the course of the books.

But others, like the In Death Series by J.D. Robb are still fantastic..."
WOW. 30? Gonna have to check that out o.O

Victoria wrote: "I have to agree, I almost always want to pass on the series containing more than 5 books. Even 5 books is one too many in my opinion. I do often crave to know more of the characters and to continue..."
That's exactly how I feel!
Really long series I simply cannot bring myself to start. Kate Daniels kinda was an accident - did not see the amount before I started. Chicagoland vampires on the other hand I cannot bring myself to begin.

I think any author can tell the story about our heroes and heroines in 3 books. Maybe 4. Fever was fine with 5. (Not sure I will continue to read the rest.)

So glad I'm not the only one that feels that way :o

C.C. wrote: "Huh... That is a tough question. Both long series and trilogies have their own positive and negative qualities.
For example, in longer series like in Black Dagger Brotherhood, we get to see all of ..."

There are actually so many different opinions about the Black Dagger Brotherhood. I think I read four books a very long time ago, and then got distracted and have never picked up again.
But most others I know have been sticking to it up until now :P (Teasing me with what I am missing out on :P)

I do understand what you mean with trilogies :) For instance, I am going to be quite sad when Divergent comes to an end, however on the other hand I always love having reached a well deserved HEA :P
As long as I then find a new read. :P

Jani wrote: "C.C. wrote: "Huh... That is a tough question. Both long series and trilogies have their own positive and negative qualities.
For example, in longer series like in Black Dagger Brotherhood, we get t..."

Yups, I agree that there were a lot of mixed opinions with BDB. It has its ups and downs but so far it's the only long series( and by long I mean more than 6/7 books) that I'm hanging on to.

"As long as I then find a new read. :P"
You and me both :) I don't usually look if the book is part of a series/trilogy or stand alone as long as it's good and I have something to read then I am so there :)

I thought BDB was over-done at book 1--but that's just me. (I am not a fan of the writing style or plotting of this series.)

LKH should have ended the Anita books about 9 or 10 (or more) books ago, as that is another series that has gotten to the Oh my GOD is there another one of those things coming out point.

My favourite series is also about 30 books long--but it is not all the same characters, and strictly speaking is more fantasy than PNR or UF. And it's set in another universe/world, altho there are people from "our" world who get transported there. It's by Andre Norton primarily, altho some books in the series are partnerships with other writers. (It's the Witch World series--first book called Witch World amazingly enough. :oP)

However, some series are more than finished at 3 books--others it does take the entire 8 or 9 books. But anything more than say 7 books is waaayyyyy to long usually. Especially if you are dealing with the same sets of characters.

Having said that--I also read mysteries, and, well, a lot of those series run to many, many, many books. But they are also usually about the CRIME, which can be, and often is, different. So those I tend to not get tired of, altho I do have to admit to finding a few of the crime solvers and their partners (if any) tiring. I've dropped one or two after books 10 or 12 because I felt like the characters were not developing at all.

I don't mind a long series if its different characters and plots being set in the same world (ala Norton's Witch World). If I'm going to read a series with the same protagonists from book to book, then I usually find three or four books are enough (unless they're mysteries where the crime is different in each book). I find I don't have much patience for an endless series of "adventures" for h/H with no resolution in sight.

Sandra J wrote: "I don't mind a long series if its different characters and plots being set in the same world (ala Norton's Witch World). If I'm going to read a series with the same protagonists from book to book,..."

I agree with you. If the protagonists are the same I like a really good plot. Something besides the romance to keep it going. I love books like the Downside Ghosts or In Death series because the plots can carry it along and there is just enough romance in it.

I hated for 3/4 of the book because it felt like the couple was just going back and forth with stupid jealousies and misunderstandings. I hate that. And, I think if a couple is seeing a couples counselor before a month of dating is up there is a problem LOL

Yesh--not even a MONTH of dating. Definately a problem, one that says to ME--we should not be dating, and possibly shouldn't even be FRIENDS.

Kristin wrote: "Yes, Anita Blake comes to mind..."

Oh yes, Anita Blake has been going on for tooooo long. However, I don't feel that way about Jeaniene Frost's series.' I feel like I would never get tired of the series.. maybe because she does have the spinoffs on it.

I know what you mean about Kate Daniels and Mercy, for me unless she combines the alpha and omega series with the Mercy series it is going to get old fast. The last book was meh. Kate Daniels I think still has more story line to cover especially if it is to end with the big show down between Kate and her Daddy. So while it will change I think the Andrews team can keep it fresh.

Typically I like UF books to have 7-9 books that is enough to get me into your story line and then you need to wrap it up.

Honestly I am ready for the Dark Hunters to be over I liked the series but after Ash I am like why why are we continuing??

Sookie just sucks and I swear CH hates her.

Mery Gentry should have ended at book 7 but now there are nine...really it should not have lasted until book 7 but that is another story.

Books that are longer but still doing well is the Hallows/Rachel Morgan I think they tend to get better as books go on but she needs to get ready to wrap that up as well.

I also love the Kitty series but CV needs to wrap that up as well.

I liked how Kelley Armstrong handled it with Women of the Underworld I think there are 13 books in the series and it came to a natural end.

Here is my think if a publisher says we will give you a five book deal then the author should be prepared to tell that story in those five books. If they ask to extend it to seven or nine unless you are dang sure you have a great story then just say no. To often I end up getting a filler book which I just hate...but that is my two cents.

I actually find this to be so surprising - When I see that a series is to 6 or 7 books, I find myself going, "Oh, that's it?" I want more than that! (Especially with the Kate Daniels series, which is possibly my fave series.) I'm about to start book 10 in the Anita Blake series & I'm not sick of it at all! In fact, I find that I take longer to start short series that the end-total is only 3 or 4 books. I have a theory that it could be because I really like to draw a series out and I can't do that with shorter series.

I don't like episodic series, but I also think the plots of longer series can be meandering or padded, or even if they're following different protagonists, they can be extremely repetitive. *coughNaliniSingh* But if the overarching plot is strong, and you actually see the status of that plot change/progress in each book, that helps, as well as different kinds of relationships and characters.

I love series that have a minimum of 6-7 books, if not more. I love getting attached to the characters and being immersed in the world. I don't really like trilogies; I tend to never read the last book in a trilogy because it either is way too slow, or the author crams everything they can into the book.

I absolutely LOVE reading series, but I have to agree that 6-7 books in the series is about all I can take. There are a few exceptions where the series has me so hooked that I would keep reading forever, but for the most part it's overdone once it hits around the seventh or eighth book.

Sarah wrote: "I absolutely LOVE reading series, but I have to agree that 6-7 books in the series is about all I can take. There are a few exceptions where the series has me so hooked that I would keep reading fo..."

I can't have too many nbooks in a series either. Though I do plan on attempting the WHOLE Black Dagger Brotherhood series~ ^^ Long as it's in my hands and it intersts me, I'll read it. c:

I think it depends on how the series is set up. I’m not a fan of the strict traditional romance novel which continues with the same couple over multiple books. I don't know why, I just don't like the idea. The book's main focus is supposed to be about their romance, so if it's spread over several books, that means there's probably a lot of filler in there.

For series which feature the same group of people but each book features a different main couple, if properly written, I see no reason why it couldn't continue indefinitely. Of course, it all depends on how the story is constructed. If there is only one main thing the group is trying to do (stop the apocalypse, kill the head bad guy, eat a unicorn, etc), then sooner or later, that thing is going to have to get done or I'll get pretty bored. If the series is set up into arcs though, each with a beginning and a conclusion, then it would stay fresh and continue to be enjoyable over many books. Authors don't like doing it that way though, because it's a lot harder to construct, since everything has to be planned out ahead of time. It's just easier to set up one mega-super-bad-evil guy and have all the couples struggle to overcome his insidious machinations.

I do stop when i get bored with the sameness of the series. This is where the author has to inject new blood or more creativity with each succeeding novel which is tough to do to keep us interested.
However, no author would continue extending a series past 6 or 7 unless there is a fan base buying 8 and 9.

No matter how good a series or trilogy is I do have to take a break in between novels. Sometimes I get too wrapped up in the story and just need that break from it, especially is the series is pretty intense.

Jani wrote: "C.C. wrote: "Huh... That is a tough question. Both long series and trilogies have their own positive and negative qualities.
For example, in longer series like in Black Dagger Brotherhood, we get t..."

Exactly! I'm actually reading BDB at the moment, based on recommendations...and I'm not too impressed with this series, but I'm on book 3 at the moment, not sure I will be sticking with it for much longer.

And I also love, love Divergent, will hate it end, but as long as I have something else to look forward to I will still be happy to move on. :) There are way too many great books and authors to pass it up!

Usually after I finish a series I really enjoy, I want to read more of it, and if there is no more books in the said series, then I try to find something similar, which usually helps, or move to something completely different. But when I know there are many books to come still, at a certain point you do start questioning how many more can you take...at least I do. :)

Cindy wrote: "I actually find this to be so surprising - When I see that a series is to 6 or 7 books, I find myself going, "Oh, that's it?" I want more than that! (Especially with the Kate Daniels series, whic..."

I think I just find that the longer the series lasts, the more predictable it gets. You get to know the characters so well, and I start to find it boring to being able to anticipate what the character will say or do. It looses its spark and my interest.

Jani,

I completely agree with you and I was just thinking about this today. There should be an end to the entire journey before it grows stale.

The urban fantasy series I'm writing will end after 7 books. I have summarized 7 books and have come up with an ending to the series.

I didn't know that the Mercy Thompson series will end after 7 books. Wow. I love that series!

Great post!

On Patty's web site they have listed the proprosal for the title for the next Mercy book. So it will definately make it to 8 books. I'm not ready for that to end yet either.

The Kate Daniels seriess still has more to tell. In the last book she just found out about her Mum. Now she has to learn what the Russian witches and Priests can teach her, or she will die VERY quickly when she meets Daddy Dearest.

Altho after the meeting with her Auntie, I'm kind of wondering just exactly what Daddy is going to be like. (And, speaking of Daddy Dearest--you'd think he'd have learned that he needs a different parenting paradigm by now, wouldn't you? After all, that would be much easier on everyone than killing off your kids is.)

I have the "please end this!!!" gripes with all of Christine Feehan's series, Laurell K Hamilton and Charlaine Harris. A single character series' limit should always be under 6 books.

I'm currently reading Mercy Thompson's 7th book but I felt she actually get better as you go on. Kate Daniels' series started to go on about the minor characters to keep things fresh.

There's only some authors I enjoy reading after they push 7+ books in a series like Sherrilyn Kenyon and Kresley Cole. I guess, the key is to keep every character different rather than one static character.

I might have been misinformed ;) I always thought Mercedes Thompson would end after book 7. But I havent exactly kept myself uptodate about that :p

Many times its actually not the plot that becomes stale after "too many books" but rather the romance.
Kate Daniels, for instance: we have yet to find out what her "daddy issues" are about; this will definitely bring us a great showdown. However, I never thought Curran and Kate had the greatest love story I ever read - they had their moments but I dont think theyd make my top ten. While Kate kicks enough ass to make up for that, Im not sure how their romance will continue.
While ofc there generally are a lot of thinks an author can do to make a couple "more interesting", I believe that the overly use of unnecessary drama (denial, jealousy, etc) is misplaced in a PNR. Voz then I might aswell just read contemporary romances.

KMM did it well for Mac and Barrons I think. She waited until the end to give us their HEA (until now). Without making it annoying.
Kate and Curran on the other hand have been together since... book 4 I believe? Theres still a darn long journey until book 10. And that frightens me.

Urgh. You're right. Mercy 8: Night Broken, 2014.
Sigh. kill me now.

Jani wrote: "Kate and Curran on the other hand have been together since... book 4 I believe? Theres still a darn long journey until book 10. And that frightens me. "

It obviously depends on the author and their writing, but I actually like series that continue after a couple gets together. It's kind of unrealistic for everything to be hunky-dory just because two people realized they're in love.

As far as Kate and Curran go, I'm not worried. They officially got together at the end of book 4, and the most recent book was our first full look at their relationship. They clearly have a lot of stuff to work out between them even now, which makes sense as they're both very stubborn and bullheaded. ;)

I'm glad I finished with Laurell K Hamilton's Anita Blake series at book 11!

There are some I feel this way towards. The Sookie series, Lora Leigh's breed series, and even Stephanie Plum series. They all had different events with each book, but started feeling more repetitive the farther they went.

Then there are other series (Kresley Cole's Immortal series), that I can't get enough of. I think it's just how the author can spin the stories to tie them together, but make them different enough to keep it interesting.

I think i never get enough from the Kim Harrison Hollow series.
But some series become suck after some novels like the Earth's children books.

Authors are pushed to writer series.
For my part, I like series if there is a valid reason for writing a series. I liked the Twilight books, the Hunger Games books, and the Mortal Instruments books that I've read so far. Those were all trilogies. I liked the Charlaine Harris series as well. And I never get tired of the Stephanie Plum books. I laugh every time her car gets blown up or Lulu puts on another outrageous outfit.
It's true that looking at a series when buying the first book can be daunting. But if I like the characters, I'll keep going. It really depends on the skill of the author.

Some series do tend to drag, like House of Night... I'm not even sure how many books are out now.

But, then you have those great series that have amazing characters. Like Morganville Vampires. I love the friendship there and the constant action. Also, The Mortal Instruments have continued into more and I can't ever seem to get enough.

It just depends on how well the author can expand and fill in the plot. The character's personality have a lot to do with it, too.

I'm surprised nobody mentioned The Argeaneau series. I love this series and it's one of the few that I get as soon as the new book comes out.

I haven't read the new Mercy, Breeds, Morganville, House of Night or Sookie books. I just can't get the energy to read them. I'm starting to feel like I read some of these books only because I feel like I am obligated after putting so much time in each series.

I used to not read any series unless there were at least 3 books. Now I spend more time just trying to find something interesting and pay less attention to the number of books. I never have read Anita Blake due to so many people complaining about it. I prefer the main couple to change with each book. If they don't change there's usually so much drama it's depressing.

I prefer series that have 4 or 5 books to them. Not that I don't like longer series it's just that sometimes they tend to drag in the middle. An example (for me) is the Black Dagger Brotherhood, which I really enjoyed for the first 4 or 5 books then lost interest in it. I've read the last couple of books in the series but, like OP said, the original 'spark' is gone.

I do think that the more books in a series, the more daunting it is to start. A quartet or trilogy is much easier to tackle and usually is sufficient time for the author to wrap up that story line.

Some of my favorite series have had more than 4 books however, I was 'lucky' to have picked up the series while it only had a few books already published so when the new ones came out it wasn't a big deal (if that makes any sense)