I’m sticking with the series theme for another week. Two weeks ago I wrote about series I want to start, the week before that was about series I need to finish, and now this week I’m doing series I gave up on.
I really don’t like giving up on series, that’s why I’m pretty picky when it comes to starting a new one. With that being said, sometimes you just have to cut something loose.
A lot of these are pretty popular series, and at first I really couldn’t figure out why I didn’t like them, but then I just came to terms that we all have different tastes in books and we can’t be expected to like every book ever written. Once I accepted that, it became easier for me to admit that some series I just don’t like and it’s o.k. to stop reading them in the middle. Most of these series I try to at least start the second book, because historically the second book of a series tends to be my favorite, then if by the second I still can’t get into it, I drop it. Seems pretty fair, right?
Ok, here we go!
1. The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
I really liked the first one in this series, but halfway through the second something came up and I stopped reading, and then had absolutely no desire to pick back up. It definitely didn’t capture me as much as the first did, which is a shame. (I’m not giving up on Follett, however, as I just started The Fall of Giants, and I really like it so far).
2.The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Claire
I was very happy to finish the first book of this series, and I didn’t make it past the first chapter of the second. It wasn’t anything major, I just wasn’t entertained. I was pretty disappointed because I had heard so many good reviews about these books and I was so excited to start a big series.
3. Frank McCourt Series
Angela’s Ashes is one of the saddest books I have ever read, yet I really loved it with all my heart. When I heard there was a second book, ‘Tis, I was very excited, yet when I started ‘Tis I kept getting flashbacks of Angela’s Ashes, and I did not want to relive that book with every sentence I read, so I stopped.
4. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
I may have set my record for eye rolls while reading this book. I think the main character was my problem–something about her just irked me. This was another one that was all over my Instagram and blog, that I thought for sure I would like it. After this book I actually took a break from YA for a little bit because I thought maybe it wasn’t the book, but more the genre that I wasn’t thrilled about anymore…I still don’t really know the answer.
5. Earth Girl by Janet Edwards
The first book was decent, a little strange, but not bad, however when it was done, I was also done. It was an interesting premise, but ultimately I was satisfied with the ending. There are just some stories that you don’t need to continue.
I think that wraps up my series friday posts for the time being. Are there any here I should give a second try?
Well-Read Twenty Something 
I read the first three books in the Mortal Instruments series, and own the next two books, but I just haven’t felt very compelled to keep reading just yet, so I know how you feel. My enjoyment of the books definitely dropped after the first one, and I felt like the story was pretty much wrapped up by book 3 so I’m debating continuing as well. I’ve heard the later books are great though so I’m kind of split.
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Never read any of them, so can’t tell you to give a 2nd chance! But I, too, have seen the popularity of ‘Red Queen’. The YA genre has seen a huge influx of these kinda novels and frankly, being bombarded by these similar books just makes you think they’re all formulaic. Fiesty girl, who’s an anomaly in her society, goes up against the Bad Organization(or Big Brother), catching the eye of the Alpha Wolf on the way. Somehow a teenager accomplishes what thousands of wise adults couldn’t. I’ll admit I don’t hate all of those types of books though. I’m interested in the City of Bones series and sometimes I love the book cover more than the story 😛
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Oh, and I lose interest fairly easily once I’m kept away from a book or tv show for sometime but I almost always find my interest renewed once I pick it up and read a few chapters. I’ve got sooo many tv shows I’ve left off for a long time and it just bugs me, especially if I’ve already invested in watching a significant no. of episodes!
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Gosh it’s nice to hear someone else didn’t like Red Queen! I couldn’t continue with the series either no matter what ravings I hear about the series… Such a good post idea! You were braver than I about some of the series you started…
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I 100% agree with you on Red Queen. I barely got through the first book, it just felt like a Hunger Games knock-off. 😦
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I’ve never heard any of the series you mentioned except TMI and Red Queen. I like that you try to at least read the second book before deciding whether to continue with the series or not. It’s really sad to give up on a series, especially if you already own the rest of the books, haha.
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I feel exactly the same about Red Queen, I read King’s Cage when it came out and don’t think I’ll continue, although I’m curious to see how it ends, I just don’t like the characters or enjoy the books. I do love The Mortal Instruments though, but I think you either love or hate Cassie Clare 🙂
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I remember feeling the same way about the second book of the Pillars of the Earth – it was so far removed from the first that I just didn’t care the same. I am looking forward to the third book though – probably because it’s been so long since I’ve read the books that it’s almost like a standalone. The Century Trilogy was so interesting – he put so much effort into those books!
I never got into The Bone Season books. I had to force myself to finish the first book and was so relieved I made it through. I didn’t think I was going to continue with The Queen of the Tearling books either but by the end of the first book, my interest was piqued enough to try for round 2. I have it out from the library now – here’s hoping it’s excellent!
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I am looking forward to the third book though – probably because it’s been so long since I’ve read the books that it’s almost like a standalone. My enjoyment of the books definitely dropped after the first one, and I felt like the story was pretty much wrapped up by book 3 so I’m debating continuing as well.
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