Tuesday 8 September 2015

Top Ten Tuesday: Wading Through Series (send help)

Hello! For the first time ever I am linking up with The Broke and the Bookish's meme Top Ten Tuesday. 


As a self-confessed list addict I don't know why I've never done this before ... 


Anyway, if you're here via the link-up, welcome! And you're here at a good time because I'm running two giveaways currently -- click here to enter!

This week's prompt: Top Ten Finished Series I Am Yet to Finish.

I am terrible at reading series. I mean, really, really bad. I'm a bookworm! I read a lot! So why is it that, after careful thought, I have only seven finished series to my name??

Reading series is hard, OK? Books come out once a year. I forget the plot.



As such, there is a grand total of one finished series that I've managed to read as they've come out -- the rest were all, or almost all, published when I started.

Skulduggery, you should feel very honoured.

But forsooth! You are a witness today that I am a changed woman, because I have Committed (with a capital C) to reading series. This list is long, but I shall finish everything on it.* This is my solemn vow.

*Except maybe #12. I'm still debating that one.

1. Department 19 by Will Hill
Started series: 2011-ish


That thing I just said about series that come out once a year? My finished count is about to number two, because I have put my name on the library waiting list for Department 19: Darkest Night.


I have never met another book blogger -- or, in fact, another person -- who's read this series. Maybe that is because they are vampire thrillers and the covers are atrocious. But they are actually the best thing since sliced bread and-- and-- I DON'T EVEN HAVE ANYTHING ELSE TO SAY I JUST NEED BOOK 5 I NEED IT

BUT THEN WHAT WILL I DO

AFTER D19

WILL THERE BE LIFE??

2. Georgia Nicolson
Started series: January 2012


Funniest books I've ever read. I adore this series to the power 872349. I don't want to finish it, though, because what will I do then?! (Well, I'll start The Misadventures of Tallulah Casey, Rennison's other series. That's what I'll do.)

3. Anne of Green Gables
Started series: July 2014

The loveliest series ever! I've read the first four and feel that #5 will happen soon ... I might read it after D19: Darkest Night, because I've found that Anne is excellent for filling the gaping holes left by other series.

(I swear, reading Anne of the Island was the only thing that got me through when I finished Skulduggery.)

5. The Leo Demidov trilogy by Tom Rob Smith
Started series: January 2015


I did not realise Child 44 was part of a series when I started it, but I loved it! Crime fiction set in terrifying Stalinist Russia. I'm super excited to pursue The Secret Speech.

6. Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
Restarted series: April 2015


Binge re-read first three whilst ill: best decision I ever made. This was one of the series I read as they came out when I was much younger and forgot all the plot of and generally failed to continue, but I LOVE them! I read #4 in August -- amazing! -- and am hopping for #5.

7. The Wolves of Mercy Falls by Maggie Stiefvater
Started series: July 2015


Maggie, I love you.

Oh, but THIS SERIES! I read Linger in August. Even more perfect than Shiver! And Forever came in the post last week. ~cries real tears of joy~

But can please clear up why you can't get four of the same edition, in the UK at least? And why do the first three say it's a trilogy? My copy of Forever says it's the "heartstopping conclusion" of the series ... what about Sinner? PLEASE EXPLAIN, SOMEONE!

8. The Bartimaeus trilogy by Jonathan Stroud
Started series: July 2015


A funny urban fantasy trilogy that I'll be happy to continue in the hopefully near future.

9. Gone series by Michael Grant
Started series: 2010-ish?


I LOVE THIS SERIES. But a terrible, terrible, thing happened!

I read the first five books as the came out. All was marvellous. But Light? Did the library see fit to get it in for ages? When it did, could my tiny brain do justice to the previous plot? No, and no. But I have a plan! I shall purchase (secondhand, of course, I'm still a miser) all six books ... and the binge read shall be glorious.

10. Threads trilogy by Sophia Bennett
Started series: 2013 or thereabouts


Covers and titles are appalling, I think you'll agree, but I LOVE this trilogy! It's so smart and funny and gritty ... I'm always complaining about lack of female friendship and too much romance, but despite Book 2's misleading title this trilogy has an amazing group of girls who don't spend all their time obsessing over boys. And the clothes! And the art! And it's set in London! 

Unfortunately this, too, fell victim to the library's tyranny -- I couldn't get the last one! -- BUT I have sourced #1 and #3 and as soon as I find #2, I shall binge and it shall be beautiful.

11. Septimus Heap series by Annie Sage
Started series: Like, 2009 (way back in the mists of time)


I loved this high fantasy series so much as a young sprog, but guess what? LIBRARY FAILURES.


No, no, library, I don't mean it! You're very good. Just not for my Septimus Heap reading experience.

Anyway, y'all know I am of the firm belief that a children's book can be enjoyed at any age so ... guess what? I'm buying them. And I'm going to binge! Yay!

12.  Small Blue Thing trilogy by SC Ransom
Started series: June 2015

This one I'm conflicted about. Small Blue Thing was OK .... good in part, distinctly poor in others. To DNF or not to DNF .... that is my burning question! If you've read this trilogy please please tell me ... if someone can assert that it gets better I'll continue, but if not ..... 




Bonus: They're Not Finished ... and Neither Have I

A Song of Ice and Fire by George RR Martin
Started series: July 2014

If I don't read A Dance with Dragons soon I'm actually going to explode. Except, I kind of don't want to, because I'm super super worried about EVERYONE. Tyrion! Jon! JAIME, MY TRUE LOVE! ~runs around in frantic circles~

Comoran Strike by JK Rowling
Started series: May 2015
The Cuckoo's Calling was soooo good! JK Rowling is the forever queen of eternity. Honestly. And I have a copy of The Silkworm ...



Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Started series: April 2015 (You may have noticed by now I am a terrible person who has started a lot of new series this year. Ssshhh ... )



I mean, I don't think Queen of Shadows was the last one? Or was it? I am unforgivably ignorant of this series. But Crown of Midnight came in the post last week! And if I don't get D19 tomorrow, I'll read it next!

Bonus Bonus: The Ongoing Favourite Reread

The Icemark Chronicles by Stuart Hill
Restarted series: January 2015


Started what was meant to be a binge reread in January but only managed the first one. This Christmas, though, it's happening. I love this trilogy so much :')

The Roman Mysteries by Caroline Lawrence
Restarted series: April 2015



BEST! SERIES! EVER!

I have an incredible enduring love for these marvellous, marvellous books.


I loved them aged eight, nine, ten, and after rereading the first three in April that love is only stronger! I read two of them last week, as something nice to read after my emotional trauma at the hands of Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale and they are just the best thing ever. Plots, characters, historical settings all perfect. A children's series that I couldn't recommend too highly to adults!

As you can see, I have a series-ous problem ......

No? Nobody? OK.

But tell me: did you link up for TTT? Drop me your url! And if not, share a couple of series you're yet to finish!
I am especially interested to know if anyone's read D19, the Threads trilogy, the Roman Mysteries or Small Blue Thing (should I continue??) ... or any of them, really. Happy series reading! (And don't forget ... giveaways! Enter!)

28 comments:

  1. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Cormoran Strike Series. Third book comes out next month so you need to get crackin' on The Silkworm:)

    I've never heard of the Georgia Nicolson series but it looks like so much fun so it's getting added to the list.

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    1. I LOVED The Cuckoo's Calling so much! The Silkworm is a high priority :D

      It's amazing! I love them sooo much! They're quite specifically British, if that makes sense, so maybe if you're from the US you won't have heard of them.

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    2. Luckily my city has a pretty awesome library and they have the ebook! Instant gratification.

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    3. Ebook of Georgia? Brilliant! You will love :D

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  2. I have no read/heard of most of these! I just finished Sense and Sensibility this past Saturday, still stunned by its sheer incredibleness.

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    1. They are all super super good, so look out for them! :)

      S&S is sooooo good. I love it so much! Oh, what a book! I'm so glad you enjoyed it :D

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  3. Percy Jackson is amazing. The PJO series was completely finished when I started reading it. The Last Olympian was absolutely wonderful. I hope you can get around to it soon!
    Throne of Glass! ToG is my favorite series <3 And no, Queen of Shadows wasn't the last one. I can't wait to hear what you think of Crown of Midnight! Crown of Midnight is SO amazing and was what really made this series my favorite.
    Olivia @ Fluttering Pages

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    1. I'm so glad to hear it! I'll be making it a priority this autumn :)

      Ooh, really? Gosh, even as a ToG newbie -- even before I read the first one -- I felt secondhand the pain of the blogosphere as you lived through each book! I too can cry "HEIR OF FIRE!" even though I don't know what's in it, I just know there's lots of feels! XD So, wow, another book -- we'll have to go through it all again! (And hopefully by then I'll have read the published ones!) I've heard Crown of Midnight is the best, so I'm really looking forward to it!

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  4. There are a few of these that I want to read eventually. I didn't realize the Gone series was so long!! That many books might be too much of a commitment right now...

    Here are my Top Ten!

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    1. They are, though not as long as some! They're so exciting, though, you'll whizz through them! But, yeah, I understand all too well the problems of committing to a series >.<

      Thanks for stopping by, Tracy! :)

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  5. So many series that i have started or want to start and have yet to start on here :)
    I only have the Shiver series on my list. And i am so happy to hear that i am not the only one confused as to why there is a fourth book if it is a trilogy. And why the heck that book did not came out in the same edition as the other three.
    Great list and reasons and GIFs :)

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    1. I looove Wolves of Mercy Falls! I hope you're enjoying it as well :) But, yes, it's so confusing! Since writing this I've seen Sinner described as a "companion book" .... ???

      Thanks for visiting, Dawnie! :)

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  6. awww Anne of Green Gables IS the loveliest series ever! I completely agree :) My TTT

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    1. I know! So much love for Anne (AND GILBERT! And, just, all the characters!).

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  7. You need to read the Throne of Glass series! I'm reading Queen of Shadows right now and it's so great:D

    Also, I'm so happy you read Cuckoo's Calling! So many people haven't! If it's any encouragement, I found the second book was better (especially if you like Comoran and Robin).

    Happy Reading!

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    1. I'm reading Crown of Midnight right now and really enjoying it! :D

      I LOVE IT! I'm so excited for The Silkworm (I LOVE Cormoran and Robin! Two of my fave new characters this year!).

      Thanks, and to you!

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  8. I'm so glad I just picked up the first Georgia Nicolson book - it's so funny! After I finished it, I immediately put number 2 on hold for myself!

    I never heard of Department 19 until I saw you mention it and then a little while later I found it at a bargain outlet store for like $3! I still haven't gotten around to it yet, but it sounds awesome. Also the American cover is a bit different - I'd say it more hardcore. :)

    Welcome to Top Ten Tuesday! Check out my post here.

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    1. I LOVE THEM!!! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. What a series :'D

      OOooh I'M SO HAPPY! Actually that makes me so glad, like, my reviews and ravings actually have an effect on people! I'm sure you'll love D19. Even the thought of Darkest Night makes me a bit breathless ...

      Will do! :)

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  9. I also have to finish the Percy Jackson Series! I just started the ToG series (I'm currently on Heir of Fire) and I can't wait to read Queen of Shadows! :) Hopefully I'll start Shiver and read its companion books eventually --- its been way overdue. Great post!

    Here's my Top Ten!

    Your GFC follower, Lillie @LittleLillieReads

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    1. I'm reading Crown of Midnight, which I'm really enjoying. I'M SHIPPING CHAOLAENA!!
      Shiver is amazing. Definitely read it!

      Thanks for visiting, Lillie, and thank you so so much for the follow! I will be along to read your Top Ten very soon :)

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  10. Haha! I loved this post. Some great series here. Thanks so much for what you said about mine - I loved your comments. You'll be pleased to know that all the Threads books are being reissued this month in the UK with new covers and new titles for books 2 and 3. You were not alone! I hope you get your hands on Beads sometime ... Sophia xxx

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    1. Wow, I am feeling a little starstruck! Thank you so so much for stopping by!

      But, gosh, I'm so sorry for being overly harsh re the titles/covers! It's easy to forget that authors, too, inhabit the online world and may actually see my words ... ! But seriously, I so so loved the two books I read and every time I see #1 and #3 on my shelf I have that little jolt of excitement knowing I'll return to and finish them. They're such great books, for all the reasons I said -- I love how the fashion is so glorious without being cliched and I LOVE the friendships!

      I'm going to stop gushing now, but again, thank you so so much for visiting (and for writing the Threads series! I must get my hands on your other books, too!).

      Emily xxx

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    2. You weren't harsh at all, Emily. Honesty among bloggers is much appreciated (and I'm thrilled the covers have been changed too; also, it was my idea to change the titles). I'm so pleased that you enjoyed the books you read. Thanks so much for mentioning them, and for liking what you did about them. That's exactly why I wrote them. S xxx

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    3. Thank you, you're very kind :) I'll be sure to pick up the new-covered copies and start my reread!
      Emily xxx

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  11. I never actually finished The Roman Mysteries either. Queen of Shadows is definitely not the last Throne of Glass book, there are going to be another two books in that series (cannot wait to read that book). Percy Jackson and The Olympians is one of my favourite series, so glad you're enjoying it. Hope you like the last book!
    My TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2015/09/08/top-ten-tuesday-21/

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    1. I love RM sooo much ... !! I just finished Crown of Midnight last night and OH MY GOODNESS. It was AMAZING! I'm soooo excited for Heir of Fire!!!
      I can't wait to finish Percy Jackson. So, so good :)

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  12. I've never heard of Department 19. . . actually I've never heard of most of these.

    Except Percy Jackson! I love, LOVE Percy Jackson. It's hilarious and there's always so much going on. I just finished #3 last night.

    But I admit I have a series problem too. I haven't finished Lawhead's King Raven trilogy. Nor the last book of the Lunar Chronicles. Or the Patrick Bowers books. Obviously, I've not finished Percy. Also, the Ranger's Apprentice. I used to hate reading stand alones. But now all I want is a good stand alone where the characters will finally be okay at the end.

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    1. IT'S SO GOOD! I'VE STILL NOT GOT DARKEST NIGHT THOUGH! ~sweats and thrashes on the floor~

      Did you?? Aah, they're so good! #1 and #4 are my favourites, SO FAR. #3 is great though ... (and #2 ... they're just all great ... ) I'm so so excited for The Last Olympian! ~hops~

      THAT'S WHAT I WANT TOO! This is one of the good things about classics, actually ... they're pretty much all standalones. I guess the concept of a series just wasn't really considered, much.

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Thanks for commenting! :)