As this year is coming to a close, I have come to the realization that I have a lot of books. And by a lot of books I mean a lot of unread books. You know what else I have a lot of? Unfinished series. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve grown more and more fond of standalones and duologies. So, in the past week the stacks of books in my bedroom have become more and more pressing as I considered how many series I still have to finish. Naturally, rather than cracking down and reading said books I instead made a list of all the series I need to finish (and still want to). Below are my Top Five (which I will explain in more detail) and then the list will continue after that.
The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer // Book(s) left to read: Winter and Stars Above // I’ve been a fan of this series since I was twelve years old. I’ve met Marissa Meyer several times and she knows me personally. I’ve re-read the books in the series many times. And yet last winter, when, ahem, Winter came out, I didn’t read it. I bought it––even re-read the three preceding books in preparation and yet couldn’t bring myself to read it. I just…didn’t want the series to be over. Now, that being said, I’m not going to NEVER finish it. I’m actually looking forward to finishing up the series and putting it to rest. I’m currently reading Heartless (Meyer’s new standalone) and am anxiously awaiting news about her newest series (superheroes?) so while it may be hard to let go of an old friend, I couldn’t be more excited for the future.
The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater // Book(s) left to read: Blue Lily, Lily Blue and The Raven King // I absolutely adored the first two novels in this series. I’ve read them several times–even gone as far as to specially order copies from the bookstore in Kentucky (?) that Stiefvater specially signs in. I also really like the audio books, because i think that the narrator’s voice could not match the setting of the novels any better. And yet I think I reached a point in which I needed to just wait until all the books were out. Luckily… this past summer The Raven King was released and the series was concluded. Which means I can finally speed through the entire series and soak up the awesomeness.
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi // Book(s) left to read: Unravel Me and Ignite Me // I was very very fond of the first novel in this trilogy (Shatter Me) when I read it back in 2014. But (as usual) I followed my usual pattern of getting caught up in other books and other series and sort of left this one in the dust. However, all the of the novels have been out since 2014 so there is truly nothing stopping me from picking up the novels now–especially because I so liked the first novel.
Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor // Book(s) left to read: Days of Blood & Starlight and Dreams of Gods & Monsters // This is one of the (notably many) series that I truly regret not finishing up until this point. Looking back on the first novel of the trilogy I really really enjoyed it and honestly can’t think of any reasons to not finish the series (other than the fact that they are kind of ginormous). Size aside, the unique fantasy world introduced by Taylor could not be more appealing and I’m looking forward to visiting it again.
Graceling Realm by Kristen Cashore // Book(s) left to read: Fire // I’m only one book away from finishing this series, so I really gotta do it! (lol) BUT in all seriousness I have absolutely adored the first two books in this series AND because they are a trilogy of companion novels I don’t have to worry about remembering nitty gritty details of the first two because they won’t likely be relevant. It should be noted that I won’t have read the books in order of release, but there isn’t a specific read-order that is required. (For example) although Bitterblue takes place after Graceling… you don’t have to necessarily read Graceling first. I could also be read as a prequel. From what I understand Fire functions even more on a tangent to the other two books and can be read at any time.
Winger by Andrew Smith // Book(s) left to read: Stand–Off
Just One Day by Gayle Forman // Book(s) left to read: Just One Year
The Internment Chronicles by Lauren DeStefano // Book(s) left to read: Burning Kingdoms and Broken Crowns
Breathing by Rebecca Donovan // Book(s) left to read: Out of Breath
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs // Book(s) left to read: Hollow City and Library of Souls
Thank you all for tagging along with me as I created this gigantic list. I feel as though I should note that this is by no means a complete list of all of the series that I have started and never finished–rather, this a list of the series that I have started, never finished, and want to pursue in the new year.
xoxo
Chrissi Reads says
Good luck with finishing these series in 2017. I really want to try and read Stars Above. I really need to finish Lauren DeStefano’s Internment Chronicles too. Eek! Too many series left unread…
Mary says
Thanks and good luck to you as well! I definitely feel your despair.. there are ALWAYS too many series left unread. Happy New Year!
Lauren @ Always Me says
The Raven Cycle and The Lunar Chronicles are two of my all time favorite series – I hope you’ll enjoy them! And, Stand-Off is excellent!
Mary says
Oh I’m SO GLAD that you have positive things to say about Stand-Off. It’s always such a disappointment when the second book in a duology is underwhelming… Thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂