Top Ten Tuesday is an original blog meme created by The Broke and the Bookish and is currently being hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. This week’s topic is “Characters I’d Love An Update On.” I am basically doing the opposite of what this topic is asking for this week. Instead of listing books whose characters I want an update on, this is a list of sequels that I’ve been avoiding because I am nervous/scared for what the authors have in store. This might have been a terrible idea because while compiling this list, I am becoming aware of just how many series I have yet to finish. Yikes. Covers linked to Goodreads.
1. Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta – I am embarrassed by how long I’ve had this sequel on my shelf. I actually own all three books in this series, but have only read Finnikin of the Rock. I think I may be afraid that it isn’t as good as I remember it to be.
2. Now I Rise by Kiersten White – I loved reading about Lada’s descent into darkness in And I Darken, but it is Radu’s story that has me nervous. I just don’t want to see him suffer and so I have avoided this one.
3. The Dark Days Deceit by Alison Goodman – I absolutely should finish this final book in the series, but the ending of the second book was so heartbreaking for Lady Helen and me too!
4. Capturing the Devil by Kerri Maniscalo – I think I might have lost interest in this series which is why I haven’t finished the final book. The third novel was a bit of a letdown and I find myself wondering if I still care enough about these characters to pick this one up or if I should just let it go.
5. Stormsong by C.L. Polk – I absolutely adored Witchmark, but I have a bone to pick with Grace and am therefore a little hesitant to pick up this sequel where she is the protagonist.
6. The Empire of Gold by S.A. Chakraborty – I have heard things that have made me question whether picking up this final book is a good idea. The second book had me suffering enough.
7. Misfit in Love by S.K. Ali – Saint and Misfits is one of my favorite novels and I think I am afraid of my own expectations for this sequel.
8. The Empire of Dreams by Rae Carson – I am always a little wary when authors return to worlds years later to continue more stories. Sometimes I feel like we should let those worlds alone, you know?
9. The Bronzed Beasts by Roshani Chokshi – Of course I am avoiding this one. I just know Roshani Chokshi is going to tear my heart out. The question is will she piece it back together?
10. Our Violent Ends by Chloe Gong – This is literally a Romeo and Juliet retelling. Of course I’m afraid of its ending.
Have you read any of these? Which sequels are you avoiding? Let me know in the comments and be sure to leave me a link to your own TTT post, so I can visit!
I have SO many series to finish it’s not even crazy. The Gong series I’ve been hearing good things about lately. Seems like that pops up on a lot of blogs in the last few weeks. Sounds great!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, Our Violent Ends just released, so it’s getting a lot of attention.
LikeLike
It is always a risk that sequels won’t go in the direction we hope. Characters I’d like to have an update on
LikeLiked by 1 person
That can sometimes happen as well. Those are the ones I’m always conflicted about.
LikeLike
I haven’t started any of these series, but I am really bad for starting and not finishing series!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s because they require years of commitment, it’s not our fault!
LikeLike
I don’t really avoid sequels on purpose – most of the time. I just have a hard time keeping up with series!! LOL
Lauren @ http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are just so many to juggle, so it’s not surprising.
LikeLike
I’ve avoided so many finales and sequels, its become a problem. 😅 I’m with you on Bronzed Beasts, I read the first few chapters but am taking my time with it because I know its going to emotionally ruin me by the end. What a great topic Alicia! 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so scared of The Bronzed Beasts!!! I might have to read the first two books first though since it’s been so long. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have a bad habit of avoiding sequels, so I really felt this post 😅 I also loved Saints and Misfits and I have been nervous to read Misfit in Love! On the one hand, I’d love to see more of the other characters but on the other hand, I’m nervous that I won’t like it! I’m also scared of the emotional pain The Bronzed Beasts will bring 🥺
LikeLiked by 1 person
One day we will be brave enough to pick up Misfit in Love. Roshani Chokshi is so good and making me hurt, I just know The Bronzed Beasts is going to bring pain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I LOVE this topic! You should recommend it to Jana for one for the future. It made me think of a couple I am avoiding myself — like Ready Player 2.
My TTT isn’t posted yet because I’m migrating blog hosts right now and it’s not done yet. Hopefully later today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I’m going to submit it, thanks for the encouragement!
LikeLiked by 1 person
YAY!!! I hope they use it.
LikeLike
Interesting list! I’m looking forward to reading Witchmark soon, and then I’ll decide about the rest of the trilogy. There are definitely sequels out there that I’ve either avoided or (even worse), wish I’d never read!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh no, yes, some sequels really do let you down!
LikeLike
When I was doing research for this topic, I also could not believe how many series are unfinished. Maybe THAT should be my 2022 project!
Happy TTT!
Lori
LikeLiked by 1 person
It would be quite the project!
LikeLike
Yea I’m avoiding the bronzed Beasts too
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am not alone!
LikeLike
I haven’t read any of these, but you have more willpower than I if you can hold off on finishing the last book in a series. I’m such a wimp. I need to read their last story, even if I don’t like what happens to them.
Great twist on this week’s topic. Hope you have a great week.
https://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/2021/11/top-ten-tuesday-top-ten-characters-id.html
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really admire that. I wish I could commit to finishing more series.
LikeLike
I haven’t read any of these series, so I think I am safe from the torment. LOL!
My post this week is actually the opposite of yours; it’s books I wish had a sequel.
Pam @ Read! Bake! Create!
https://readbakecreate.com/10-books-that-should-have-sequels/
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s great, can’t wait to check out your post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great idea for a post, and great post also! The only sequel book that I have waited to read just yet is the sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale. I have decided to put reading that book to the side for the moment because I figured I’d wait for the television series to be over first.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Understandable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m in exactly the same place with The Dark Days Deceit.
Lauren @ Always Me
LikeLiked by 1 person
Will we ever finish that series, Lauren???
LikeLike
Great list, one of the main book sequels I have been avoiding is The Dragon Republic as I adored The Poppy War so much and know this one is going to destroy me 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not going to lie, The Dragon Republic will indeed destroy you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s what I’m scared of 😂
LikeLike
No because same, I’m actually so scared to read Our Violent Ends… I mean even the title is terrifying! Great post!
LikeLike