I’d be interested in your views on the concept of authors giving up on series without completing them. At the end of the day an artist’s work is their own and if they don’t want to write further books in a particular series they don’t have to (unless they are under contract to a publisher I guess).
However, fans often feel that they have somehow bought books on the basis of a misrepresentation by the author that they will get the “end of the story”.
The most obvious example of this is George RR Martin and his Game of Thrones books – which I very much doubt he’ll ever finish since he’s obviously lost interest and wants to write Wild Cards books instead.
I’m most interested in what your views are on whether an author should allow someone else to finish a series if they lose interest in it. I know the situation with Brandon Sanderson finishing off Wheel of Time was somewhat different in that Robert Jordan died – but would you ever consider allowing another author to finish off your work if you lost interest in something?
Ruth
First things first: no bashing of any authors in the comments. Please feel free to express your disappointment with any unfinished series, but let’s keep it to series only. Any comments calling author lazy etc will be removed.
I hated the fourth Edge book. Hated. I was in a terrible place emotionally because one of the children had issues and writing a book about a healer was like torture. I cried a lot during that point, and I’m not a crier. To this day, when I have to reread passages from it, I get this gnawing sense of dread. There are many reasons why that was the final book, but my mental state was definitely one of them. So when we talk about final books in a series, we have to take into account the writer’s emotional state.
As an author, you know that your final book in the series will be hated. No matter how good it is, some readers will shred it. Everyone has preconceived notions about how the favorite series should end. Look at some of the reviews for STEEL’S EDGE, WILDFIRE or MAGIC TRIUMPHS. Readers are upset because we killed too many people, didn’t kill enough people, killed the wrong people… Fans are upset because the series ended. Haters are gleeful that the series has ended and can’t wait to tell you that they’ve read all of it, it always sucked, and now you finally ruined it. đ
Writers are human. Most writers don’t want to just write a final book. We want to write the final book. We want to knock everyone’s socks off. Setting the bar that high can be paralyzing. Writing comes from the place of play. It’s enormously entertaining for the writer. There should be joy in it if it’s done right. But the weight of expectations and self-imposed pressure can make it into a soul-draining grind. Fortunately, the readers can’t tell when the book was difficult. I’ve seen all sorts of speculation about our mental state on various books and I promise you it’s usually laughably off the mark. But reader enjoyment doesn’t change the fact that writing the final book can be like pulling a load of bricks across a parking lot.
When it comes to George R. R. Martin, I think we can all agree that HBO ruined the finale of that series. There are hundred of thousands of fans who are now looking to him to “fix” it. That’s a ton of pressure for the man who by his own admission was never a fast writer. I don’t know him personally, so I won’t speculate about the reason for the delay. Perhaps writing Wild Cards meanwhile is keeping him sane. I know that I have to switch between series. If you ask me to write two Innkeeper novels in a row, I will hate it and probably give up.
As to your second question, about letting someone else finish our work, if something happened and I was physically unable to finish the series, then yes, I would want someone to write a conclusion. But if I was still of sound mind and body, no. That’s my work. They can get their own.
Most readers don’t care what difficulties and pressure the writer is facing and neither should they. If you are reading this, you’re in a somewhat unique position because if you ask me something, I will try my best to answer honestly, but most people don’t frequent writer blogs. As a reader, dealing with an unfinished series is extremely frustrating. I’ve been that reader. If you promise me a story and then don’t stick the landing, bitter butthurt will flow.
But as a writer, I would rather do the story justice and take my time than throw something out there just to be done.
MaryF says
Thanks for writing this. It was so insightful it hurt. Sometimes, I feel a series peter out and still, we expect the writer to finish it. It’s probably better if they don’t. If there were more good writing out there, I don’t think the BDH would be so persistent. However, you guys have captured the genre and mastered the craft. So we are demandng. If a series becomes boring or painful, I say let it go. We’ll all be better for it.
Stephanie moser says
Itâs a privilege not a right to read a good book. Writing is an art form it canât be forced. Be great full for the books you get to read . I am.
Sarah says
+1
Shelli says
Completely agree!
Jessica says
If you’re hearts not in it as an author you dont owe your audience any ending…. however I can say as a reader, even a terrible ending is better than none. Closure is cathartic. I always try to remain thoughtful of the authors point of view vs tv (like the witcher books or sookie stackhouse series, Outlander etc) I loved all the kate Daniels books and thought it a perfect ending.. and would love that as a show
ShellyB says
+1
Amy says
Sigh…….I’m never gonna see the end of the Nightworld series by LJ Smith…even if someone else finishes it I’d rather just have the memories of trying to imagine the end.
Bobbie says
+1
Elissa says
+1
Andrew Crossman says
I agree in general but the other side of the coin is that I paid for the privilege.
Nana Rudolf says
You may have paid for the book you are currently reading but thats all. You haven’t purchased “future rights” . I have been frustrated by long waits for books or having a much loved series end, but I’ve never felt like I owned the author.
Ista in Sydney says
well, not absolutely. If it’s called part one of a trilogy. Then I buy it anticipating 3 parts. Especially if there is clearly a 3-part story arc, rather than an episodic series which has complete stories with the same character/s.
I would rather be given a synopsis of the final book than nothing.
galen says
I will always GLADLY pay for the privilege of reading the great authors who bring me hours of (insert every happy word in the world here) reading their books. Flip side to that is that is that i have, at times, been seduced by awesome cover art and a well-written blurb on the back cover. Wow, some of the awfulness i have read… i don’t begrudge the money although sometimes I wish i could unsee some of it lol
Carey says
Wow what an interesting question, as an avid reader I have experienced this in verying degrees. Several series where the author has died and there final book has never and will never be released per the wish/will of author and family. Another author in her will gave permission for her daughter to finish her last book (still waiting on that one). Then the estate from another author I read who sadly passed, gave permission to another author to write the final book from notes the author had begun to collate for her next book, in and of itself it’s not bad but it’s just not the same. I felt annoyed because of, that dumb I know not the finishing author’s fault, but my expectation of it and a big part of that was because it wasn’t the same voice and you could glaringly, so apparently and obviously tell that. Personally I prefer conclusions to series I will often not start or even stop reading that particular series because of unfinished works, I am the same with TV series too but that’s just me ????. I think whatever an author needs to keep themselves healthy, happy etc do it, at the end of the day family health, sanity always comes before work, I think if you look after yourselves whatever that looks like then the creativity for your work will follow that’s just my thoughts though????ââď¸ take care
Linda says
Yes I at both love and hate the last book in a series. I started Michelle Sag…. Elena series thinking it was all done. But no now I have to wait on more. Jennifer Estep the same. It’s both wonderful and annoying to wait for the next book. I should stop moning and get back to the book I’m in…..
Pristine says
Yes :’)
Terry says
Well said!
Jennifer Berlin says
I am capable of enjoying a very good meal without desert. If someone offers something I dislike I can always walk away from the table. I certainly do not want to be enjoying Italian cruisine and someone offer me a egg roll, those flavor profiles are not compatible.
Meghan Smith says
Yeah, but for some it is that they tell you it is going to be a 5 course meal. They end the second course with a roasted pepper that tastes good, but leaves you with your mouth on fire and no way to put it out. And the waiters never come back with that third course
galen says
awesome way to describe it
Rick says
I DO know George and Paris Martin, I have for decades. And he’s not lying when he says he’s a slow writer. I think the problem, in this case, is that HBO’s final season was such a car wreck that he simply can’t bear to think about Game of Thrones.
I also think, given enough time for the emotional wounds to heal, George will finish HIS story.
Mary Beth says
+1
I hope he does. (Finish his story.)
Another writer who didn’t finish is Rob Thurman (nome de plume for a lady writer).
Her Cal Leandros series was quite good, and the last book vanished during pre-orders. Right afterwards her author page stopped. Since it was so sudden and odd I looked into it further and found that she’d been in a terrible car crash and couldn’t finish it. I love her work, and I do re-read her series and still love them. Sometimes shit happens.
And I loved the Edge series. My husband and I both love the whole world you built there. I think the last book rounded it out well.
Angela Knight says
She was? Oh NO! I loved that series!
Vinity says
Robyn did write more Cal Lendros after her car crash. As I recall, the reason the series stopped was her publisher dropped her and she struggled with the concept of all that goes into self publishing. It was something she just couldn’t handle. I always thought her Trick of the Light series was fantastic
Denisetwin says
oh no! I had no idea about Rob Thurman, I loved that series and always wondered why she stopped it.
Marnie says
I have followed the Cal Lendro series also and wondered what happened. I kept waiting. Thanks for the update.
Marjory says
I agree about the Edge series. Would I read another book in that series, you bet, but the last book was a good ending to the series. I am sorry it was so painful to write.
LaVaughn says
What’s the name of the last book?
Aman Sidhu says
I think people often forget that authors are human. They feel the same things about their work that we do. Just giving them space to be in a place where they can come back to the worlds that we love and give us more, is a kindness I’m willing to offer. I wish more readers would do that. I often have things about my job I dislike, I do them because I have to, but the parts of my job I love, I want to do it justice so I like taking my time and doing it right. I can give the same courtesy to authors that I am afforded in my work.
sharon b-s says
I understand your sentiments about “being done”. As an avid reader, another author wrote the first 2 books of a series and they were AMAZING! I have now been waiting years for the next. She is willing but as a business person, she makes much more on her other series. I totally get that but mourn the amazing and unique series beginning that is unfinished and has drawn me in. I think of Wheel of Time series that was ended by another writer and I felt the second writer seamlessly finished the last few books. The advantage there is that there was already so much development, the second writer had a lot to build off. I would love if the other writer (the first one mentioned) could collaborate with another writer and finish the series. I respect the craft and effort, so I don’t begrudge anyone taking care of him/herself. I will be honest that I do become more hesitant to buy from that author because as a reader, I don’t like being left hanging…. sad but true
Cathy Parker says
Collaboration! Great idea.
peggy berg says
Our world doesn’t finish (we hope). People die, new people emerge, history keeps on happening, but we don’t really want a finish to the life around us. I want the worlds of Ilona Andrews to be like that. I want to enjoy segments and I want to feel the world goes on even if it doesn’t happen to recorded in a place I see.
Marianne says
+1
What a perfect way you expressed that Peggy. Those are my feelings exactly, but I doubt I could have said it so well!!! ????
Tracy says
I recall feeling bereft when I realized there were no more Mistress in the Art Of Death books. RIP Arianna Franklin. You created an amazing world. Given what happened with the Millenium series Iâm glad no one else took up the …erm, scalpel?
T says
The older I get the less Iâm upset when a series is unfinished or ends. I figure events happen for a reason or a season. I appreciate the story and the time it takes to tell it to me. As long as you enjoy writing Iâll enjoy reading….
Terry says
I always find last books painful because, well it is the last book.
Lee Schuvie says
I don’t have a right to demand anything from an author. If they do not want to right any more books in a series, I will get over it. The only thing I would ask is for the authors or publishers to announce that there will be no more books for the series. I have a list of series that I started to read but that have not produced a book in over three years. I check on them once every six months.
Gloria says
I am grateful that you allow us to peek into your writing life. It helps me remember that my favorites are not machines dammit and there are real life reasons for things like delays and stoppages. I am so sorry you feel that way about any edge book cuz I love them. Love those characters. Sometimes I have been sad to say farewell to certain series, but I can tell when the author is kinda out of things to say about it. I can see the same on some of my fave tv series. I try to prepare myself emotionally. Shows like Star Trek and all its iterations are hard for me to say goodbye to. Thanks for sharing those things. I remember when the author of a series about a town which caters to supernaturals allowed guest authors. I was so happy! I wasnât finished with those characters and had more to read. I loved it especially since she allowed it. I wish I could get more good books about crystal singers, threadfall, and dragonriders. Man do I miss that legend. I can understand your feelings though.
Carolyn says
Amazon does a thing where they Take a popular book series and open up the “world of” the series and they invite other authors to write books about that Universe. Would you ever think of letting them do that with one of your worlds?
Ilona says
No. It dilutes the brand. Look at James Patterson. He is a book factory at this point.
Michael Cain says
Kindle worlds is over. All the authors got their rights back. Some of the world creators have opened up a shared world of their own. Like Susan Stokes and Milly Taiden. LMBPN has a ton of secondary writers in their shared universes.
Liz says
Agreed. I would loath that. From a readers perspective, you can certainly tell when there is a shift in voice and it automatically brings me out of a series.
Erin D says
…With the exception of the way “Another Lady” finished Jane Austen’s Sanditon. That was absolutely brilliant! I can tell the difference, but barely.
Km says
Yes! Go Marie Anne Dobbs!
JudeC says
I totally respect authors that take the decision to finish a loved and hopefully profitable series. It’s a massive decision. I’d love Eileen Wilks to bring out her final Lupi book.
strangejoyce says
Codex is still on for getting published soon (I hope). I faithfully stalk….er…..follow EW’s website and author updates.
Rabid fan girl here for all works of IA, EW and P Briggs. Yay!!!!!
judecooper@talktalk.net Jude Judeude Cooper says
love them all – and Kelley Armstrong
Teh Gerg says
I can name several of my favorite authors who have paired with a collaborator to continue a series or extend a story, but the result has been the ruination of his/her work. Sometimes it’s from a radical change in vision, sometimes the collaborator’s ability to write his/her way out of a paper bag. I never read collaborative extensions any more.
Robin L Smith says
I agree. Anne McCaffrey’s world is one. Every new book just seems to stab spears in what was a fascinating world. I wish they would just drop it and let the original books be. Yes, I will always want more stories about Pern, but the point is that I want good stories.
Chris says
I disagree. I loved what Tod did both with his mother and then alone.
Anne said that Tod knew the P.E.R.N. world as well as she did because he had grown up in it and had contributed ideas to the books for most of his life.
If she loved his work, that’s enough recommendation for me. I mean no disrespect for your opinion,Robin, I just feel sorry that they were , for you, like a cheap, waxy substitute, when you were expecting great, rich chocolate.
But I see your point, completely. Recently I read a book of one of my favorite authors who has started writing under a new umbrella name aspart of a group who contributes on books together on series. It is truly annoying that the type of content and the voice is so inconsistent. Two of the series were fine, while one was pure trash with a plot that was completely explored in the jacket blurb. If authors want to do that kind of writing, they must write together as one voice and one writing style, or else publish an anthology. Then , at least, we know which authors to follow.
Also, I think we wouldn’t feel so cheated if books weren’t written with deliberate cliff hangers at the end to get you interested in the next book only to cheat you out of a next book. I have never felt cheated one bit by
Ilona A. When they are done with a series, it means they have given it their all.
Sandra says
Sandra
Nona says
Good article, thanx! Jo Clayton picked the author to finish her last book, but he still wasnt her. Robert B Parker…i dont know who chose to farm his series out but STOP. No one can ever take up his pen. So no, if the author dies – let it be.
If the author is alive and just goes insaneâ True Blood / Anita Blakeâ yeah, pissed off fans. Do the fans have a right to expect well-crafted closure? I would hope so. And Ilona, you 2 DID write one hell of an amazing finale to KD… LOVE U 4 THAT!
Bill W says
I too enjoyed the last book. I understand an author moving on to new characters. As a reader, the existing characters are real so unless they died off, I still wonder what is happening in their lives. So if an author is enticed to return to the characters she left behind, I rejoice. New is good, but old has wonderful memories. That is why I re-read the books I love.
Vonnie says
I believe, according to what I’ve read in the books, it’s his wife who chose the writer. I can tell he’s trying to be Parker, but not really making it.
The last Peter Wimsey book though- I thought the new author did a decent enough job.
Ericka says
+1 on Robert B Parker. I miss him so much.
Tess says
Ann McCaffrey had been one of my favorite authors. I did like some of her collaborations. The ones by her son were OK but the one by her daughter didnât do anything for me. They didnât have the same heart to them or the underlying flavor of her characters. I get that though. Each personâs humanity flows through every book they were involved with.
Rebecca says
It is your property. You own it. We pay the price of admission, like a movie or a carnival ride, but we don’t own it and can’t do with it as we please. To me that’s the point of copyright, obviously not a legal opinion. When I get irritated, pissed, or whatever with an author I remind myself that if it was so easy I could do it. I can’t, so I moderate my expectations. Real life, it can suck.
Debie says
+1
Mad Hamish says
It’s kind of ironic that you’re writing that on a blog by a writing collaboration
Laura says
I think it is different when a series or world starts as a collaboration and when it starts as one author and collaborators join later. I agree that there is a shift in tone that can be jarring. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. If there was always a collaboration, there isn’t that shift.
V. Farris says
I loathe shared world stories, so I’m glad to hear you wouldn’t consider it! There always seem to be timeline continuity issues, characters who aren’t who they were in the last story (even if it’s only a cameo), and so forth. It’s just too frustrating and distracting, like the way grammatical errors in poorly edited books yank you right out of the flow of a story.
Ute Vilfroy says
I agree. Dick Francis was one of my favorite mystery writers. When he began collaborating with his son, the mysteries were lukewarm at best. Now that he is deceased the continuing novels are, IMHO, not worth reading.
Patrick Hales says
The story I heard was that the Dick Francis books were a collaboration/ghost written? with his wife and when she died his son took over.
Joss says
So true
Yugesthree says
Hi Ilona,
I’m currently flying through the series by Will Wright that you recommended recently. Do you have any other good reads ….desperate for great books series like yours.
Laura says
I feel your pain… I just reread the Will Wight books, and so badly want to know what happens next.
I just finished reading the Threadbare series by Andrew Seiple. It did remind me of the Cradle series, though the worlds are very different. The characters start off in similar places, and the series watches them grow.
I found the trilogy a delight to read and will start on the next trilogy, set in the same world, after I finish work today. đ
Best of luck with the book hunt!
Siobhan says
Thereâs a thread of books that got so big, it became its own category. I found several series I liked through this, and saw many of my favorites recommended:
https://ilona-andrews.com/category/bdh-recommends/
Aman Sidhu says
I love the cradle series!! I’m reading his other series now. I would love more recommendations like this. I also read Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox which was awesome. I couldn’t get into the space operas though, I like Anne Aguirre for my space opera series.
Vonnie says
Tanya Huff’s Enchantment Emporium series is pretty cool. I’m not into her Four Quarters books, but Bloodline was alright. Enchantment Emporium is my favorite though. And the InCryptid books by McGuire are totally fun.
Connie says
I met Will Wright at a Disney event just before the pandammit (my word for the pandemic) and have just started his Cradle series!
K D says
Try the arcane ascension series by Andrew Rowe. The reading order is a bit messy,but makes sense within the context. Is not finished yet, he’s working on book 3
nrml says
Yeah, which is why I quit bothering to see if he has any new books out.
Cathy Parker says
Why yes. Yes he is.
Joyce Pinson says
I quit reading James for that reason. Your series are works of art with characters that I care about to the point that I hurt, cry and laugh with them. It takes work to keep writing from becoming a formula where you plug in names and locations. Each one of your characters is a fully developed person to me. I love watching them grow in each new book.
Dru says
And his multitude of coWriters
I stopped reading him when he was only 2-3 âhelpersâ with their programmed set-ups
Jennifer says
Amazon does not have the right to do that unless the world is old enough for its copyright to have expired. Only the original author of that world does. Recently Penny Reid has done something like what you describe but I believe she is acting as a type of publisher managing the authors/ books in her world/universe. You can find more details on her website on how it works.
Tina says
While still alive, Marian Zimmer Bradley did that with her Darkover series, and there have been more stories since she died.
Andrea says
Wouldn’t that be the same as fanfic basically?
Meg says
Actually, Amazon stopped doing that because it caused too many legal issues. One of my friends was the author of a series involved and it’s been a right mess getting it straightened out.
Sleepy says
Interesting thoughts. Sad to hear writing the 4th book in the edge series was so difficult, it really wasn’t apparent at all from the book, I had really liked it.
To be honest, it doesn’t bother me so much if an author decides not to finish a series (I mean it’s annoying as a reader, but I understand it… personal issues come up etc. Plus, writing a book you don’t want to probably won’t be that good anyway.)
What does bother me are authors that keep on you on the hook. As in, they keep pushing out the deadline, promising that they will finish this book at a certain time. Next year, then the next, then in 3 years. And it’s obviously lie, they aren’t interested in writing more. And I said earlier, that’s fine. Life happens. But I don’t like when they lie about it so people won’t get mad.
Alysia says
I agree. I know life happens and sometimes even worse 2020 happens but their are authors who actively promise books for years. I follow a self published author, that while I still love her writing. I won’t buy a single book until the series is complete. I hate to do it since I know they need the sales and reviews to help future sales but it saves me from being angry and dissapointed about the constant pushbacks and not leaving snarky remarks on their instagram.
Andie says
Completely agree. I think a big one to me is KC (initials so as not to call out the author but if you follow authors similar to Ilona you probably know who Iâm talking about). She fell of the grid for almost a year, no posts on social media by her or her publishers, and a lot of her fans were genuinely concerned. She came back with two loose dates for her next two books and the comments on her facebook were split pretty 50/50 between âitâs about timeâ and âglad youâre okâ. Both ongoing series are pretty old (one started 8 years ago, the other 14) and her last published book was 3 years ago. Now the due date for the first of the two has come and gone and people are mad that thereâs radio silence again. I think in this case an explanation is better, especially in this era of updating people constantly , and it might keeps fans happier and more interested. KMM recently postponed her latest (and final) book in a long-running series and posted why and the comments were nothing but positive. I guess it comes down to how much do authors owe their fans? Do they owe us an explanation when books get pushed off for years? I think in the case of GRRM he wrote himself into a corner and has so many loose threads he canât pull them together in a way thatâll satisfy the fans. I donât envy him.
Rita says
+1
Vanessa says
In the case of KC, fans were told she was having health issues, but I guess not everyone got that memo.
Andie says
I hadnât heard that, I hope sheâs doing ok. I looked online on various platforms but never saw anything about her health. Was that through a newsletter?
Mel says
I agree. As long as the author is upfront with their fans Iâm good. Even if it is bad news. Whatâs frustrating is buying books 1-through whatever in a series only to be left hanging at the end like we arenât important. I know the authors arenât at our beck and call, but as the customers that were their foundation some respect is due.
Terri says
I had to stop reading the Edge Series. Too dark and sad…..
Amy says
Iâm sorry writing the last Edge book was so rough. I learned a lot from that book. Much of it was related to how adults view and should interact with minors. I know that sounds dry as hell, but itâs something thing that has stayed with me ever since. And Iâm so glad you wrote about infertility, how it can take over relationships, and how the weight of it is something that women lug around long after they have stopped âtrying.â I thought the Christina/Johanna concept was really cool too. Life can be hard, particularly in the US right now. Thank you for writing when life is tough.
Roger Thomas says
Another scenario where I would be disappointed about a serieas not continuing is when the author has put out a teaser for a future adventure and has then pulled back. An example is the last paragraph of Sweep of the Blade. Now that definitely leans toward another book/novelette promised for Innkeeper, although with no guaranteee as to when it may come.
Travis says
I can’t stand timeline jumps. I know people like prequels, but I personally could do without them unless they are absolutely necessary and then it would be “Use Flashbacks.” There are series that I absolutely loved, like the Owl series of Valdemar. Could have kept going, but the books just kept being about 100 – 1000 years prior to the Owl series or Mage Winds series. Imager series, could have kept going, or at least explained stuff that happened in the last book, nope, went back 1000 years, then 500 years, then back 700 years, then forward to 400 years…… ???? Drives me nuts but it is the Author’s playground, I just won’t read them anymore. Unless I am just slobbering over the series, then I will wait until the Author says, “Done.” and then I will read them in the proper timeline format.
Dee says
I have read the series you are talking about many time. That writer is and has been my favorite since I was 14. I read anything from Valdemar as the series are published, otherwise, I feel the reader misses details and gets lost.
I really do not like when an author finishes a series but rushes through the final book.
If an author chooses not to finish a series, that is their prerogative. Please let readers know and do not string them along with false hope.
Paul says
Timeline jumps (and time travel) are very very rarely done well, only one i can think of that i actually like is Michelle Sagara’s Chronicles of Elantra where a couple of the books jump around a bit.
Danny Lim says
Oh, I hate timeline jumps. Like Star Trek. You have the original series, then it rebooted with TNG. Then DS9, and then Voyager. Everything great…the last three series running concurrently or at least moving forward in time. But, then Star Trek: Enterprise is set about 150 years earlier. And Discovery is set ten years before the original series. WTF? So, for me, the series ended at Voyager. I can’t even bring myself to watch Picard.
Tammy says
Iâm a big Trekkie and I despise Enterprise and Discovery. For me TOS, the original series will always be the best but I like, Next Generation, Deep Space Nine and Voyager. I was pleasantly surprised with Picard, I was prepared to hate it but itâs very well done with an interesting story, since it seems we agree on the other series you might want to give it a try, itâs set after Picard retires in protest of the Federations treatment of Romulans and thatâs all Iâll say about the plot.
Bill from nj says
Give yourself a great and try Picard and Discovery,they are worthwhile as a trek fan. Both took a while to get going, but once they did it was brilliant (Picard took a long time to get there,I almost stopped watching it).
V. Farris says
So sorry to hear about what happened during the 4th Edge book. There is some lovely music, which I used to allow myself to sleep during a bad time in my Kid 1’s life, which I can no longer listen to without a sense of dread (2 decades later).
Jess says
Mercedes was actually my favorite author before I found Ilona (and Gordon). Loved the world building and unique stories but yeah the timeline jumping started to wear on me to. Still love the old stuff though…need to reread them again at some point…
Eli says
Depends on the author.
There are some authors where I wonât buy a series until it is completely written and published. I may even need to read reviews for the series first, for a few authors.
There are other authors (like you) where I will buy without care. Even if you had or chose to abandon a series, your individual books have some sense of closure. I may be excited to know what happens to Catalina next, but the ending of book #1 closed enough that I can be satisfied and imagine my own end, if needed. For the record, I have never imagined what will happen next, successfully, for any books in any series youâve written. Iâm always wrong in the details and evolution, but thatâs also why I pre-order when the glimmer of a new book appears.
Christy says
I believe that a book should be a story. I enjoy your books partly because, as Eli says, each story is complete. There may be unanswered questions, but I can live with that, even if the series is never finished off. I hate cliffhangers, because I feel like the author has published half or a quarter or a nineteenth of a book rather than a complete work. Some just seem to stop at a certain page count. This tends to happen with less quality writing – and feels like manipulation. It’s a cheap way to get me to keep reading. So when you say ‘series’ , my answer depends on whether it’s a series that’s one big story, or one in which each book is a story within an overarching story. The occasional trilogy as one story is ok (and many of those are really the length of, say, a Dickens novel), if it’s plotted and planned and actually finished – but those I wait until it’s done, if I know!
Christina says
Similar for me. Plenty of series do good jobs with each book being a complete story. When those series end, I might be a bit disappointed there is not more to read about those characters and in that world, but I don’t feel let down by the authors.
The only time I’m bothered is when an end is advertised – by the author, by the set up of the books – and then it is never delivered. Then it’s almost more like someone wrote a very long book and just failed to complete the last few chapters. When a single book doesn’t wrap up and pay off, it’s generally poor writing and it feels incomplete, and sometimes jarring. It can be just as much of a letdown to a reader when a series with an overarching plot arc does the same. E.g., Wheel of Time was clearly from early on building towards a big finish. I’m glad someone was able to pick up the threads and complete it.
I’m absolutely sympathetic to not being on the right headspace to write, or not having the heart to continue, and setting aside things for work that brings more joy (or money). A lot of jobs have their own versions of this (mine has a huge issue of burnout, for instance). I get *why* ends to series arcs might not be written. But I’m only human, too, and it’s still going to make me sad.
Simone says
I agree – I was reading the Murderbot series and enjoying it. Book 2 ended after 160 pages with no big ending or cliff hanger for the book. Book 2 cost $10 on kindle. I then looked up Book 3 – $11 on Kindle and also 160 pages. Book 4 is the same. I don’t know if this was the author’s choice or the publisher’s but basically paying $10 for a novella is too pricey for me. There were a number of reviews complaining about this . I dropped the series.
BookDevouringHordeMember950 says
I recommend that you reconsider. I found all of the novellas available on Overdrive from my local library. I plan to purchase the consolidated book (hoping!!) in the future.
Anne-Marie McRoberts says
I found the Murderbot last week and promptly bought the whole lot, and pre-ordered the novel coming out next year. I did think they were expensive, but the author has to make a living, and if she has to do other things to keep body and soul together while writing, I will have to wait longer for the next book. I think they are wonderful and the full length novel that is the last in the series, Network Effect is great. The thought of an android learning to be a human by watching endless reruns of a sort of Star Trek series just floats my boat.
Cheryl says
I love Murderbot and am saving the new novel as a particular treat. These aren’t self-published, which means the author is not the one setting the prices. It’s unfortunate that reviewers are taking Martha Wells to task for something that isn’t up to her.
Denisetwin says
Ditto the person here who suggested library, my Library’s book service had all the Murderbot stories in hard back form and I was able to read them there. Being a speed-reader I could not justify spending $10 on a half hour of read time.
I understand when an author promises a book series end but doesn’t deliver and they explain why, but I do hate it. I really loathe it however when the whole time the books in the series have been one cliff-hanger after another and and they leave the series on the cliff hanger, no explanation, no this is what I had planned, just oh it stopped selling well. Got burned twice that way and now I will not read a book that has a cliff hanger ending unless all the books in that series are out and the series is finished.
Pam says
Murderbot is terrific audiobook series too- I managed to get the first three on sale at Audible, though not all at once. I did preorder Network Effect and loved it.
Ericka says
My former favorite author is no longer my favorite author because her last book was due years ago, and she just lost the mojo, I guess. She also has a blog, and I know life happened to her too, but sheâs spent years playing with collages and fooling around with her characters and not writing the book. Itâs very frustrating.
Thereâs another author whose work I love, and he started a new series and it is amazing and Iâve reread the first book nearly a dozen times because it is one of my comfort books – like yours – where I flee when life gets to be too much. But then he got distracted with life and also playing with graphic novels and he is also years late.
So I have to say that I really appreciate you guys keeping us in the loop with delays and also that you really try to make deadlines.
Travis says
The Song of Ice and Fire kept beating the drum of “If you are a good person, you will lose over and over again until you become evil. Then you will win.” Over and over and OVER again. I don’t like that theme. Former Navy. I’ve seen crud rise to the top, but I’ve also watched it fall and those that do their job properly rise. I don’t mind a series that has bad guys winning at times. But the constant and incessant failure of a hero due to stupidity or naivety no matter how old, mature, or wise they are drives me away. At this point, I no longer have an appetite to even finish the series even if it is completed.
Jules says
I had the same problem. I started the GOT when it was first published 20 some years ago and put it down because it was too dark. I was surprised when my non book reading friends started raving about it until I saw some of HBO’s imagery. I can appreciate the artistry of the author but I won’t pick it up again even after I watched the adaption.
Edie says
This reminds me of that moment in Catalina’s book where she’s standing next to Heart and he gives her the world’s most deadpan pep talk. Terrible paraphrasing but he basically said, Abarca didn’t get it. It’s about learning the job, executing the job, and then training someone else to do the job well so that you can tackle the next job.
One of the appealing aspects of the IA books is that they value and rely on quietly competent people.
Sherry says
Ha! I was just posting in a discussion on your FB page (3 min ago) about how while we hated to see the KD series end, but your reasoning resonated (describing Unicorn Lane for the eleventh millionth time).
Also, Iâll admit I can sometimes verge into the not so nice territory, but I swear, I would actually thank the âhaters who read every oneâ for funding your writing endeavors, and âhere is a link for our upcoming book going on sale X date, Please feel free to purchase so you can also tell us how you hate it.â
Also I didnât know the background of the Edge series – it was wonderful & I love the way youâve incorporated George & Jack into the InnKeeper series.
Also, also – I was a GOT reader from way before the series, so Iâm voting he didnâât not finish it because of the series, The series gave him the excuse to not finish. Which is okay, but still grrrrrr.
Cherylanne Farley says
Sorry about steeles edge. There was so much heart and soul in that book I adored it and think its one of all your best. I will resist mentioning all the scenes that were so memorable but as terrible as the cliche is deep pain can create an open space for outstanding work to enter. I totally understand authors wanting to sell their brands rest on their hard earned laurels. What I don’t like is when the books seem so obviously causally farmed out to either relatives ghosts then sold under authors name. Like readers can’t tell! My favorite game is to SECRETLY PLAY which one of you all are leading.
GinaColette says
Every few months, for the last 10 years, I check to see if there is any news about the Kingkiller Chronicle and Patrick Rothfuss. I still have hope!
Kunwar Rai says
I was waiting for someone to mention this. I seem to have mostly forgotten the storyline, other than the nagging feeling that the story is incomplete.
Tina says
Same here.
Lesley says
SAME.
Tina says
Same here.
Simona says
Same
HM says
My problem with Kingkiller, which BTW may be my all time Fantasy favorite, is that Pat has said numerous times that when he published the first book, he had the whole series mapped. I think itâs been 9 years since book two…in the meantime heâs been an active speaker, and with his charity work etc. heâs sold the rights for tv and a movie, but no news on book three. I find it depressing and disappointing.
Mad Hamish says
My recollection was that the publicity when The Name of the Wind was released was that the series was actually all written
I think I read him say that it was written but they reworked book 1 and once that was published they found that the changes they’d made there meant book 2 didn’t work anymore so they had to rewrite that…
But the marketing implying “it’s ready, you’ll see it all quickly” was a real problem
Marina says
In Patrick’s defense, he has been very vocal about his struggle with depression and as someone who also struggles with it I empathize. It’s hard to accomplish anything whilst dealing with a mood disorder, let alone write a book with so much pressure attached to it…
jewelwing says
+1 Those books are intricate. NOTW was an incredible achievement for anyone, let alone someone who considers himself a chronic underachiever. It has to be really hard to live up to. “Mapped out” is a long, *long* way from written in a book of that complexity.
Sleepy says
Yeah honestly I don’t want to write negative comments about an author but I don’t think this particular author has respected readers. After owning the first two in paperback and audiobook…. I won’t be buying the last one, would definitely wait for library or something. But to be honest, it wont be written so it’s kind of a hypothetical situation lol
Stacy Mcknight says
I feel you GinaColette! Doors of Stone -book three- is supposedly in revisions but -shocker- no release date yet. You should read the âreviewsâ on Goodreads they are hysterical!
Myrine says
I just went over to Goodreads to read a few of the reviews and discovered one from the author himself (from last month). He assumes the 5 star reviews to be written by time travelers and ends with:
“Lastly, if any of you happen to have a digital copy of the book you’d like to e-mail me, I’d really appreciate it. I’d love to see the five-star version of the book, because right now, the one I’m toiling away at is about a three an a half-in my opinion. It would save me a lot of work if I could just skip to the end and publish it. ”
It seems like it will take some more time before the book finally comes out… Must be quite annoying for the author as well, to have a “finished” book that’s been awaited for so long, yet you are unhappy about how it turned out.
Stacie says
Me too.
Kelley J Donaghy says
Haha – me too!
Son says
Yes Rothfuss final book was my first thought on reading this blog post. According to Amazon itâs scheduled for August 2020 ????????ââď¸
Thankfully Iâll have Catalinaâs new story to keep me entertained instead!
nrml says
Yeah, me, too. If you look at Amazon’s author page on him, he somehow got tangled up with charity work, and he’s been writing short stories about whatever to donate profits to charity. Fine. I support charity, too. But before I do, I have to do things only I can do. I thought that because he wrote about so many things in the second book, since he said at the start that he was the one who did all these things, got kicked out of school at an age when most people haven’t even started it, and on and on, then said, “Maybe you’ve heard of me.” he had a plan and an outline for what he would write for the final book in that series. It was supposed to be 3 books. Yes, he wrote somewhat detailed tales about one character and turned that into a book, which explained nothing at all about what made her so obviously insane, but he did write about her. Then, nothing.
I have long suspected that he can’t write that last book because the first two promised so much, and putting a ribbon on it to seal it is frightening. The two he wrote kept my attention firmly in place, and I would love to know how it ends. His writing is so well-done that I do wish he’d start doing it again. Then I wonder how he eats, without book sales to support himself. Then I wonder if the whole third book has been delayed so long because he is arguing a contract with his publishers. Then I wonder if I’ll live long enough to wait him out. Then I wonder if he’ll live long enough to publish it.
And yet, we wait.
Jessica says
I immediately thought of the Name of the Wind series as well. Most of the people I know have given up hope it will ever be finished and we wonder if he just doesn’t know how to complete it. Perhaps it is a case of becoming a victim of one’s own success that he feels he needs to turn in something close to perfection and no human is capable of that.
I’ve joked with friends that he should give it to Sanderson to finish. He seems to write at a pace so extreme, I wonder if he doesn’t have a time machine.
Meg says
My first thought was Patrick Rithfus as well, and I think his book The Silent Way of Things tells us much about himself and how he perceives the world. His first two books in the series have been so overly dissected and analyzed it’s mind boggling. With rapacious fans like that, it would be daunting for anyone to write the final book. If he gets it dine, wonderful. If not, he,still created an amazing world.
Elisabet says
Arg saaaame!
Breann says
While unfinished story lines annoy me, it’s almost worse (in my opinion) when they keep dragging it out when it seems like they don’t really care anymore. Sometimes a story line needs to end and a new begin. Dragging it out for 30 books if they’ve run out of enthusiasm or ideas at, I don’t know, 15 is like beating a dead horse. It’s been run into the ground and maybe the person just needs to walk away. (By the way, I don’t feel like you’ve phoned any of yours in, it seems like you’ve got the magic never-ending pot of ideas! ???? Although I’m sure it has more to do with the amount of work you both put into them!) ????
Thank you for all of your work with both the stories and the blog!
Melanie says
That is SO true. Turning it into more of a money-making process and less of an artistic process. Everyone wants to make money off their books. But dragging things out when you’re phoning it in. Not so good. There have been series that I haven’t finished because at some point, I don’t care what happens to the characters anymore. Now, I’d take another ten Kate Daniels books anytime.
Sally says
100% agree with this. I’d much rather my favourite series finish at book 3 of quality content, tight storylines and logical plot progression, than continue to book 9, when its obvious the passion from the author is gone. As a reader, I keep buying the books, hoping for a return of the early magic until I just can’t take the disappointment any longer. I’m probably not going to rush into purchasing a new series by that author. If the series was short, but kept the light burning, I’ll gobble up the next series, and the next and tell all my friends.
Anne (Germany) says
So absolutely +1!
I have 3 favorite authors in this genre (IA obviously, also Kim Harrison & Kelley Armstrong). All three finished their series and did a great job (at least I think so). There are other authors were I HAD to stop reading a series because it literally hurt me to continue (I still mourn early Anita Blake and early Sookie Stackhouse). To me, there is a difference between a character growing throughout a series and doing a 180…the last I find jarring. Last but not least there are series that I really really REALLY hope will find a conclusion sometime – for me that is mostly Charlie Madigan. Still, I totally understand the author (Kelly Gay) when she stated that she had to write what put food on her table.
Amy says
I would have been perfectly happy for Kim Harrison to end the series at Ever After. Itâs one of my top 5 books and Iâve read it so many times I can quote it. That being said, I hope American Demon is true to the best parts of the world.
Anne (Germany) says
OMG that is so true. I’m somewhat afraid because I feel the same about Ever After. I just recently found out that the end of the series isn’t the end of it…
megan says
I know of at least one author who didn’t finish a series because there was no money in it – while readers loved it, the publisher wasn’t interested. Very valid, they would like to be paid for their time and effort and writing is their job. Sad as the reader, but valid. I do appreciate that they explained *why* the series was a dead end.
The series which I would dearly, dearly love to have finished is by Lorna Freeman – my vague understanding of haunting the internet for news for the last 10+ years is that life upheaval happened. I still re-read the series and hope for the next book.
DB says
Lorna Freeman’s Borderlands series and Doris Egan’s Ivory series are two that I still wish we could get more books for!!!
Sky says
Yes so yes to both!
Sky says
Yes, so very yes to both
Gsg says
I admit that I like to know that there is a definite end to a series. In my opinion, it harms a series if a movie or show deal is made and the movie or series starts before the book series is completed. I think the author is pressured into continuing the books beyond where they originally intended and into a direction they never intended to go. The Sookie Stackhouse books are a good example of this. Loved those books until True blood came out on HBO then it felt like the tone of the books changed.
Laura says
Yes, yes, yes! Or even be able to buy all published versions for ebook or Kindle, so I don’t have to dig out my paper copies to re-read. I know Doris Egan went on to do screen writing, specifically for House TV show, but no idea on Lorna Freeman. Her last blog post is 2011. But I don’t go online to verbally abuse them or beat them up, I just keep hoping, and checking, every once in a while. OH, and Tara K Harper!
Rikki says
Me too!
Marjorie Best says
I have waited on that series also. I tried contacting the publisher several years ago when I managed a bookstore, they had no answers.
Stacie says
Oh, yes. I just finished another reread of The Borderlands series. I so hope she will eventually let us have more of Rabbitâs story.
Marsha says
I guess as a excessive reader I always thought the author had to write what came to them. I would rather read a story that was created with interest And passion than one that was created from Public pressure. Write what you love and enjoy. Life is too short to hate what you are doing.
MagicTrix says
Loved the Borderlands series. Just thought that the publisher nixed future books in the series, and was greatly disappointed. Lorna Freeman is a talented writer, and even if she doesn’t finish this series, I hope she comes back and writes more books.
Marcia B-C says
I feel the same way about Eileen Wilks, and her World of the Lupi series. They are fantasy stories with romantic elements, but I don’t think the author has gotten the support or following this series merits. She has built the peril in this world into expectations of a huge final confrontation, but I think the publishers are in no hurry to produce the last book.
Theresa says
Eileen Wilks has stated that the last book was intended to be a 3 book arc to finish everything up. Publishers said the series didn’t make enough money, pressured her to finish in one. They agreed to 2 but health and financial issues have gotten in the way.
JenM says
Good to know. I love this series also and think it is WAY underrated. I always wondered why it never got the attention it deserved.
Ute Vilfroy says
I agree about Eileen Wilks âWorld of the Lupi â series. I really enjoyed the world she created! And I love both her main characters and her secondary characters. But, according to her FB page, her publisher dropped her before the final book. Apparently, she is struggling to write, first because of the rejection, and secondly with the reality of having to earn a living.
I love ALL the IA series, and would love more stories in any of those worlds! But, I honestly doubt I would enjoy any finished by another author.
Tish says
I love that series also!
mz says
I LOVE the Borderlands and I, too, was happy when the third book came out and then ……..nothing. I think that if we, the Readers, get some idea about what happened to the author, thatâs one thing. But to just disappear, that is terrible if you love a series.
Kerri says
Love the Lorna Freemanâs books and still holding out hope. And the covers are gorgeous- wish theyâd brought them out in hardback
Egosumcignus says
A hearty “yes” to Lorna Freeman’s Borderlands series. What makes it doubly sad in the case of that series is that the first two books are not available as e-books. I had to order a new (not cheap) paperback copy of the first book recently because I gave my copy away, thinking it would always be easy to find a new one (ha). Based on the general chatter out there, plus the absolute silence from the publisher, it makes me wonder if there was a dispute with the publisher that soured the whole experience for her (and possibly resulted in her deliberately not continuing with the work and/or not being permitted to say anything about it).
Colleen R says
Thank you for the thoughtful and succinct insights. FWIW, I was pleased with Magic Triumphs. You gave sufficient closure of story arcs and character developments without slamming doors on any of my daydreams or any future explorations of most of the characters.
Karen says
+1
Teresa says
If I donât like the last or any book then it is usually me no t the author. Just as an author may be in a difficult place in time so may the reader. I cannot tell you how many times I have reread a book and wondered why I was disappointed ( probably my expectations were running amok). Most of the time these books turn out to be my favorites. Go figure. I am very thankful for all authors. What would I do without you. What and when you write is strictly your province. I still reserve the right to nudge if you ask. Please ignore me if I become obnoxious. Thank you for your blog and everything you do write.
Linda says
Oh, I remember reading a children’s book as a kid that was just magical. It was about how doors sometimes open into the room behind it, but sometimes open into different rooms, countries, world. I loved it and it was the first book that transported me into another world (as books do). Maybe that is why I remember it so well. In the book it mentioned a sequel by name and I immediately ran to the library (pre-internet) and found out that the sequel wasn’t written yet, even though the first book was already 10 years old. So disappointing. 20+ years later, this no sequel. Sometimes I still wonder what would have happened…
seantheaussie says
Steel’s was EASILY my favourite romance book of yours until Iron and Magic⌠sorry.????
I am a, “journey” rather than a, “destination” man. If a book series doesn’t get finished due to another series paying more, author disinterest, whatever⌠then so be it.
Mar says
I appreciate your honesty and your perspective. I have read some authors who have series and some books are terrible like they had to get it out there so they can make money but the final product was crap. I finally stopped reading the series.
I know how hard it is to write and I am only talking about a four page essay. I canât imagine writing a book with dialogue and scenes from a world I made up. And have 10 books out of it.
Jenn says
I read a space opera series that was really fun but the author didn’t finish. The main arcs of all the ship’s characters were left open ended. I tried one book of a new series she started… And yeah, it was so ridiculous .. Matchmaker Abduction: Aliens in Kilts. I tried the sample and that was as far as I got with that. It did provide me with a picture and topic for a funny text msg thread w my husband! But I don’t think that author will go back to the other series that was actually well written … Which is a bummer, but what can you do? I agree w your points on GOT!
MacGrani says
I’m so sorry to hear that the 4th Edge book brought you so much misery. It’s one of my favorites of the series. I would much rather have a series end than the writer create a formula and just phone it in. You create such amazing worlds that you both must feel like Atlas as you carry not only the world of your family but the worlds that you create.
The world of family/parent is the heaviest of them all as our hearts are forever tethered to its center. The outside world is upside down and full of sickness (spiritual and viral). With Kid #2 moving to another city you no longer have the ability to throw yourself in front her to protect her. As my oldest son approaches his 40’s that urge to protect has not lessened. You have had a beloved dog pass on – that rips a sizable chunk out of your soul as well.
House repairs bring on dancing dollar signs that will make you dizzy and can be crushingly heavy. My husband is currently on the phone with AC company for our 2 year old system that is not working in 100 degree heat. Right now he is jury rigging it with a foil pan and a turkey baster.
If you need to step away for a while then do so. From what I’ve seen most of the people in the BDH are very nice and will understand. You cannot create if you are exhausted and empty. Take time to care for each other and yourselves.
PS: the turkey baster had a crack in it so he wrapped it in duct tape . . . .
Gail says
+1
Oh, and that turkey baster fix! LOL and May The Force Be With you both!
Dave says
I was just looking at my shelves today thinking about series that stopped in the middle (mostly fringe books where the series discontinued in the middle) I dont like series that never end, where there does not seem to be an end point. My favorite edge book might be #4 but I couldn’t tell you why
Adrianne says
As a reader, I’m often saddened when series I enjoy ends abruptly. Your Edge series is one of them. That said, I’ve read enough books by authors who were done with a series, even though their publisher/contract/fan base weren’t, that I totally support your decision to abandon a series. Often those books-written-under-duress turn out so poorly that I abandon the author entirely.
Alan says
Interesting question. First and foremost what happens is the writers choice. I am a fan o having an ending to a series even if I find the ending unsatisfactory.
As a fan I am keen on endings within a series. Raymond Fiest did this well with his riftwars saga. Anne McCaffrey was another that also did it well. This allows the writer to ‘finish’ their work and move onto other things, but also allows the possibility of returning to the work and creating additional story lines.
If they walk away from a series (as appears to be the case with GRRM) then negative feedback is a given, as long as it is not abusive. We are after all fans, which is short for fanatic, which is really just another word crazy. In this case I believe their should be consideration by the author to farm out an ending, but I finish how I started. It’s their choice
Sky says
I would read another author’s series finish though I might complain.  I can think of two series I would absolutely, totally love to see any authors finish as the dead stop in the story drives me crazy. It’s almost better if it was publisher choice to end before conclusion as it would mean the next books were written and just might surface one glorious day. It’s not ideal to have another writer finish them, but it’s horrible to be left hanging when it was clear more was planned and what was published was so lovely.
The series are “Song of Naga Teot” by Heather Gladney and “Borderlands” by Lorna Freeman. I think the worst part is that both these authors seemed to have fallen off the planet. Not a clue what happened. Further books in each series were said to be coming, but what’s happened after all these years? Plus as much as I hate the idea the publishers dropping an ongoing series as it’s rather a d… jerk move, I worry that the authors might not be ok given the resounding silence. No active social media, nothing but hints.Â
Then there are authors that surprise you over and over, fighting through every road block to keep an amazing series moving forward, like Laurie J. Marks of the “Elemental Logic” series or P.C. Hodgell of the “Kencyrath” series. Both writers struggled and have succeeded in getting more in each of their series out, letting nothing stop them.Â
Hodgell is a champion at like 3 decades.  How I love her books and so admire her tenacity in the face of so much bad luck. It’s selfish of me, but Pat, please don’t fall off another horse! You deserve to see your final book in the series in print! You are so close to the final volume.  There should be a lifetime achievement award from Locus or SFWA or something. Her amazing female lead Jame was born in a time when strong, smart sff characters were a rarity. It was love at first read for me.
And speaking of female characters with more than average meat on their bones as with your own, the female characters of James H. Schmitz. I really appreciate Eric Flint’s and Dave Freer’s great love of The Witches of Karres and Teltzy, that led to new collections and new novels.Â
This does remind me of the days of the introduction of popular shared world, like Martin’s Wild Cards you mentioned, Magic the Gathering, Liavek, and Thieves world, where authors formed a kind of group writing gestalt.  I seem to recall back then rumors among fans that authors would have to sell character rights to get published and maybe have to write for characters they didn’t own to get work, like a comic book sweat shop. Publishers would own character rights and then farm out the stories to a stable of writers. Interesting how Wild Cards wends on out of those rumored days.
Marcia McGinley says
I’m so glad someone mentioned Heather Gladney’s Naga Teot books – they are my first thought when the discussion is unfinished series. I have scoured the internet and have never found even a hint about the author continuing to write. At this point I’d be happy to be able to buy the two I have in ebook before the paper in my print copies disintegrates.
I should add there was a ten year period when I was waiting for the Liaden books to be continued when they were the top of the sad-its-not-finished list. But then they reappeared and haven’t stopped since. I think they stopped in the late eighties because their publisher said there was no market for their books!
And yes, Godstalk is fabulous and Jame was one of my first bench-mark heroines.
Katep says
I also thought immediately of Gladney’s Teot stories in this discussion -and you’re right, I’d like to at least get them in ebook as the pages are coming unstuck and I have to keep them in zip-top bags to keep them together. Love the story, but it’s like there’s a jagged edge broken off when it just stops.
Kelticat says
Kerrelyn Sparks and Lisa Shearan are two more authors that were dropped by publishers and went on to finish their series, either via self publishing or finding a new publisher.
François says
Hi normally, I am not a big commentators but I will do a exception. I will most if not all the book that I read that have a rush finish was a book that I did like. You can tell that the author doesn’t like it. I think that is better to have a second person coming to help. Maybe he can help bring back the flame so the author can finish or a mix of both.
Ilona says
No, you can’t. đ Thirteen years of experience here. You think you know when the author had a problem, but you don’t.
François says
Not that the author have a problem but that he or she doesn’t like to write about the series. You can see it when the ending is rush or not properly explain. At the last chapter the hero learn a new think or somethings happen and win against the enemy.
Siobhan says
Readers CAN tell, though, when the author is pushing zirself or phoning it in. Or even if not phoning it in, writing something that they have practice writing, thatâs easer for them to write vs. something where they are stretching themselves.
I offer as examples Robin McKinleyâs Spindleâs End, which was very much in her regular style, vs. Sunshine, which was not. She has others that were not her ânormal brand,â but Sunshine felt like she was trying something new and struggling a bit (it was a better book for it). We have no idea what was going on in her life at the moment, but the true interaction is through her art, and we can generally tell.
Consider also (since Game of Thrones was brought up), the difference in quality between Game of Thrones (book one) and A Dance with Dragons (the most recent). In this case, we know a lot of what was going on in the authorâs life â at least that he was fully distracted by writing for the TV show. But you can also tell that GoT was much more tightly written and targeted than aDoD. Was that because he was busy elsewhere or for other reasons? (Iâm going with #2, and itâs the reason I dislike him so much personally).
We may not ever have any idea why, but we can definitely see the differences in the product.
Nebilon says
But I LOVE Spindleâs End….
Siobhan says
Spindleâs End is great! Robin McKinley is never less than fabulous. But Spindleâs End was also very like Rose Daughter and very like Chalice, etc. Sunshine was a radically different book.
Syntaxian says
“Sunshine” is pretty much the only vampire romance that has actual literary merit, so good for McKinley for pushing herself.
Dru says
Agree with you, but the other side of the coin is when an author wants to end the âseriesâ and chooses to end all the characters. Was one of my favorite writers.. after all the good, bad, and ugly characters put out a novel that made me want to puke. The writer decided to âend it allâ by suddenly stopping; then going forward and writing what the future held for each character.
Mentally?: âReally tired of this. âEnd them allâ. ?
I am just a reader. But this was unforgivable. From a great talent to a great loss.
Yeh, I would have preferred to have them ride off into some sunset, their fates unknown, maybe to be resurrected at a later date
Lynn Thompson says
Thank you, Ilona Andrews. For the post. For the stories.
People change. Itâs life. My favorite books 10 years ago are not my favorites today. The thing I like most about your stories is that your characters change/ evolve/ live.
Happy Reader says
I know this isn’t really the point, but just wanted to say that I’ve always enjoyed how you wrap up series. The final books of your series have always satisfied while leaving the door cracked open for more stories. Do all those negative reviews hurt you? I don’t have a Good Reads account, but hearing about all these people complaining (honestly I had no idea so many people talked about hating the end books) makes me wonder if it would help if more people like me made a point of leaving reviews? Or does it not matter that much?
Ilona says
No, negative reviews are standard fair, especially for the final book. If a book doesn’t generate at least some negative reviews, it isn’t a good book. đ
Marianne says
I had such a chuckle at your statement, “Haters are gleeful that the series has ended and canât wait to tell you that theyâve read all of it, it always sucked, and now you finally ruined it.”! ????????Perfect!!???????? I think one of the MANY reasons why I love your writing so much is your ability to analyze humans and human nature, and use what you have discerned to help breath life into your characters and make them real to the reader. I also enjoy your humor and razor-sharp wit!! I have observed and known several people (“Haters” is the ideal label) who act in the manner which you described!! I have also read series by other authors who could use your intelligence, mixed with a bit of your dry wit and sarcastic humor, to help me believe in and care about their characters. I am going to leave that statement as genetic as possible, and not even use initials. I don’t want to bash other authors. I do want to say how much I enjoy your work, and have never felt anything but pleasure and excitement when learning you are releasing a new book (or even novella). I am saddened when a series of your’s ends, like KD, but you lessen the blow by leaving that “world” open for me to visit in my imagination. Of all the authors and series I enjoy reading the most, you are by far the best at gentling the blow of a series ending. I am certain it takes a great deal of talent, mixed with a hearty helping of hard work, to accomplish. Thank you for that, and for all the world’s and characters you have created that I have enjoyed and grown to care about so much. ????????
cheryl z says
I don’t mind waiting for a book, but seriously Jonathon Renshaw’s second book is as bad as GOT. Write it or tell your fans you’re done.
Annabelle says
I understand that writers are people with lives and stresses outside of writing. Thereâs a small list of authors whose work I donât keep tabs on, nor do I anticipate the release of their work, BUT I would be glad if they ever did decide to release another book and happy to buy it. Martin is definitely on that list, as is Rothfuss and sadly Iâve recently put Kresley Cole on that list too. Iâm sure authors approach series with every intent to finish them, but life does get in the way and while Iâm disappointed, they donât owe me their stories.
Gaylin says
I must be weird. I have never thought about hating on an author for writing the last book of a series.
Their books, they can do what they want.
And I loved Magic Triumphs!
Belinda says
Personally, I don’t really care if you don’t want to “finish” a series: I will just make up my own damn ending. BUT!! BUT!! If you tell me there are 8 books, then by damn, THERE BETTER BE 8 BOOKS. OK? You didn’t have to, but you promised, and by God, I am holding you to that.
I have been known to wait more than 10 years, so it’s not like I’m impatient (thank you, Ms. Auel) but if you promised, you promised. I have to assume you knew where you were going and I am not going to be happy if you just sloughed it off because you already made your little bundle of cash (GRRM) and now you don’t give a damn. I don’t care: we had a damn deal. You said there was going to be resolution and I bought the books expecting to see that resolution played out.
So if you’re an author and you are embarking on some grand scheme of an arc that you expect to take X number of books, my advice to you is don’t promise what you can’t deliver (and that applies to you, too, Mr. Scott Lynch)
Jennifer m Green says
Hey be kind to Jean she was going through a divorce I think.. I started with her Valley of Horses still have not read Clan of the Cave bear (movie ruined that) and you are right it took forever for her books to publish.
Tina says
Scott Lynch struggles with depression. (He explained once that this is why he doesn’t always get a book done.) I think maybe you could not judge him so harshly.
Sabrina says
It’s not always the author’s decision – if it doesn’t sell, the publisher can pull the plug by not offering another contract. It is a rare author that gets an 8-book-deal… Nowadays, self-publishing might be an option for some authors to finish a series if they feel really strong about it and they don’t need an advance to live on and and and, but that hasn’t always been the case.
Carysa Locke says
Wow, okay. so first of all, you should know that stories are not set in stone, and an author saying that they expect a series to be x number of books in’t a promise of x number of books to the reader. It’s what their current vision or outline of the story is and how many they think it will take. Which can change as the series progresses and the story naturally changes as they go, or x subplot didn’t take as many words as the author expected, or i9n the case of traditional publishing, their publisher decided they only wanted 3 books instead of six. It isn’t always in the author’s control at all. I think you are taking something every personally that isn’t personal. Writing books is business. If a series isn’t selling well, you can bet an author or publisher isn’t going to spend the time, effort, and money to produce 9 books for it. They’re going to end it sooner.
Gail says
I think thatâs a very valid point that perhaps shines some light on the push-pull between the publisherâs marketing department and the author. I have to wonder if the marketers donât encourage the author to say âThis is book 1 of the Stirring Series Nameâ even if the authorâs ideas might not be sufficient for more than 1 or 2 more booksâ Much less the âbook 1 of an x book seriesâ note some titles carry. Then, when the âseriesâ turns out to be two books, the audience (and letâs call this an audience) justifiably feels a bit hoodwinkedâit seems like false advertising. But who is in charge of advertising books these days? Sometimes itâs the author, but a lot of times (as with many of the series alluded to in this thread), itâs the publisher.
Maybe IA already addressed this elsewhere in their insights about the industry, but perhaps pressure to have everything in UF/SFF be a series is shooting everyone in the proverbial foot (reading glasses?). I surmise this pressure is present, maybe Iâm wrong.
Surfergirl says
I love, love, LOVE Scott Lynchâs Gentlemen Bastards series. I know weâve been waiting for years for the next book, but the author suffers very badly from depression and crippling anxiety, so I just go on checking every so often, sigh, and carry on waiting. Iâm sure he will finish the book(s) as soon as he is able
pearl says
IMO, death and/or contractual obligations shouldn’t be the only legitimate reasons for a series to remain incomplete. I’m sure that most of us have experienced books from a once-beloved writer who is now going through the motions of writing on auto-pilot. It’s disappointing and probably painful to the writer as well as the reader. I’ve read parts of series that intrigued me but never saw completion and awaited endings with both anticipation and sadness. Kate Daniels was one of those series that I will re-read because it is so much fun as both the individual books and as the sum of its parts. I’ve also read many books that begged for sequels, but never had them and yet, I enjoyed the stories because they were so well done. For me, as a reader, so long as I can lose myself in the experience until that last page, the author has done the job. I don’t think that a reader has a right to demand more than that. I’d much rather deal with a great story that was never fully wrapped up than be cringing through a book that tries to force one more zombified breath from a tale that was dead two volumes ago.
Ree says
Personally I don’t think anyone could do justice to your worlds but you. ???? and I’d be offended on your behalf if they tried. ???? I’ve had to learn patience the hard way by falling in love with Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series – I understand why it takes so long to write one, because they’re really long and have a mind boggling amount of research in them, but oh, I want to read the next one already ???????? You two are, and always will remain, my absolute favorite authors. âşď¸
V.Farris says
+1
Jess says
I have read series that have been finished by another author and its never the same. I would rather imagine the series continue in my head then another finish. Who knows I also know of an author continuing a serious that stoped over 8 years ago and it was like old times.
On another not I have read books that the author cowrites an ending of a series with a like minded weighted and it was good.
AP says
After discovering the first KD book, I looked up your website, started reading and havenât stopped since. Yours is the only writerâs blog I follow. It is clear in your posts that you care immensely for your family, for your readers and just plain have âa good head on your shouldersâ, as they used to say. Even for subjects I have no real interest in (sorry, but yarn just doesnât do it for me ????), I canât help reading the post and then find Iâve learned something from it and enjoyed it! And that you take time to answer reader questions like this one… House Andrews is very generous with their time and efforts and itâs really appreciated.
I canât say Iâm not disappointed when I find a series that I enjoy only to find, as I look for the next book, that the author either has lost interest or has found the market has changed too much to continue (thereâs a steampunk series I really liked that sadly falls in this second category) but thatâs the author choice so I have to just shrug and move on.
Fortunately there are also wonderful series that are complete that I am happy to re-read: all of your books of course, Vorkosigan Saga, Honor Harrington, Liaden Universe, to name a few of the best out there IMHO.
Jessica A says
I have to admit, Iâve never been particularly upset about the end of a series. If it feels finished, then itâs finished, and thereâs satisfaction in that. Magic Triumphs is one of my favourite books in the KD series, and while I was sad that Saiman died never understanding love, the rest wrapped up so beautifully. It also threw out feelers for Hugh and for Ryder, so it became a gift that keeps on giving. lol
That said, I have lost interest in series that didnât end when they should have. The author just keeps throwing more shit at the cast until it becomes ridiculous, and kills the story. When the horse is dead, let it be.
I think people forget too, that authors are people. They have lives and mess and emotions and bad days. Itâs hard to live in a world of your own making when you donât have the brain space for it. Iâm never going to judge someone for ending a series without closure. Iâm not living their life and they donât owe me anything.
Mary says
This made me laugh because I guess Iâve never really thought it was out of the ordinary to read a writers blog. I canât remember when I didnât read it and Iâve enjoyed all the stories about your life and family and pets and happenings. Thanks for sharing.
Iâve already forgotten so much from GoT books and never watched the show so if he did finish, Iâd feel like I had to read from the beginning and I just donât have the desire to do it.
Never would have guessed you felt so poorly for Richardâs book. I love that series so much. I just realized the other day that part of the attraction to me is how often the characters have to think about their financial situation and itâs something I can relate to and not something I see a lot in the fiction I read. Like Rose is amazing and having to dig deep to replace a pair of kids shoes is so relatable
Stephanie says
Phew! I read this title and thought you were going to tell us you’d decided to scrap Ryder. I would have remained an adult about it but I’m so relieved to see it’s something totally different!
As for series. It’s all about the journey for me. When an author doesn’t finish for whatever reason it’s an excuse for me to make my own ending. I couldn’t write a book so I don’t feel a need to tell others how to do it. I’m just grateful when they do. Thanks as always for being so generous! I love these Q&A posts.
Sarah D says
Your comments on what itâs like to be a writer are extremely meaningful to me. Iâd love to write a book, Iâm scared to, maybe I never will. But thank you.
Melinda says
I read a lot of books in a year. Last year on my kindle alone, I read roughly 125 books. I try to go into any book series with no other expectation than to be entertained by the stories and characters the author has created. Sometimes that happens, and sometimes it doesn’t, but I never bash the author, nor do I leave negative reviews because I was not a fan of that particular book. In a good series, it’s easy to become invested in the characters and what’s happening in the fictional world and take it personally if something doesn’t turn out the way you want it. However, I never lose sight that I’m not the one writing the series, and if I am so outraged, then I can write my book (which isn’t happening).
I read a book series called Dragon Kin. I LOVED that series. I LOVED the snarky way the author wrote the stories, and I laughed out loud, and anytime I was feeling down and needed a pick me up, I’d re-read that series. Then one day, she decided to stop writing the series and didn’t give it an ending. I’m sure she had her reasons, but I’d rather have an ending I don’t like than to have no end at all. I noticed she was going to come out with a new series that looked very interesting, but I decided that I was done investing in her as an author. I couldn’t trust that she wouldn’t do it again. There is always the possibility that in the future, I may change my mind.
Sandy says
You should not give up on this author. She has brought me so many laughs and joy with all her series. I would love to read more dragon kin too, but the ending had me very hopeful about it.
Kathryn says
In response to your comment, if you go to the author’s website she discusses the Dragon Kin’s last book. She states that she attempted to finish the story yet also left an opening for further books. I mention this so you don’t give up on her. đ She is still writing entertaining books. Overall great discussion today on this topic!
DianaInCa says
I didnât mind how she left the Dragon series. Really enjoying the start to her new one plus her shifter series.
Karin says
Short and simple. I absolutely love your books. Every series is excellent. Thanks for sharing your worlds!
Barbara Paine says
While I might be disappointed, you are the author- I dont think you are obligated to finish if you dont want to. The books and characters are your creations.
I’d rather have a series remain unfinished with some great books, then one that drags on way, way, too long. I’m thinking of Janet Evanovich and Charlaine Harris as examples.
I did enjoy the Edge books, and I’m sorry they became so difficult for you. I’m glad you were able to bring a few of the characters over into the Inkeeper series.
30 book a month reader says
I understand all the personal issues and frustrations that HAS to bug authors upon occasion. That said, if an author doesnât finish a series, I never buy from them again. Never. In fact I have ditched authors who write obvious cliffhangers, start a new series, and come back and finish the first series. I get that some authors simply have to jump around, but I donât have to jump with them.
Natasha says
The Halfblood Chronicles by Andre Norton and Mercedes Lackey. The first three are brilliant, but its been almost 18 years since the Elvenborn so I’ve mostly given up hope. I know there was an ugly court case and the rights reversed to Mercedes Lackey in 2017, but I don’t know if she still wants to actually finish it.
CharisN says
Poor Andre Norton. The number of authors who supposedly “cowrote” with her ranged from “respectable and recognizable” to “who the heck is THAT”? She was so great, one of the early early female fantasy\sf writers but in later years it just wasn’t her voice – her name but not her words. Witch World is my all time favorite.
Paul says
Thank you for the reminder, I’m going to go back to reread these(and enjoy them) even knowing they’re unfinished.
Jennifer m Green says
Loved Robert Jordan and was devestated when he was diagnosed he planned ahead for his fans, but the female characters lost something in the final book.. Tara K Harper I have read her forever, but she just disappeared after starting a new off shoot to her Wolfwalker series. I keep looking and wishing so far no luck its been over 10 years. I love all you authors my own father writes and is published (historian) he has old timers now and even though he type’s on the computer morning, noon, and night it is not readable. They will be finished by someone else.
Sarah says
A fellow Tara K Harper fan! Iâm with you. You are not alone. I do the approximate yearly search to see if sheâs surfaced/still alive. I think at one point (years ago) she was going to try living mostly off the grid in Alaska (from Facebook if I remember correctly). But it is the radio silence that kills.
nrml says
Thank you. Jennifer, for being ahead of me to say how disappointing the final 3 books of Robert Jordan’s best work were. Many many things were left just hanging in the air, dangling, and it still feels very unfinished to me. So many questions, delved into throughout the entire Wheel of Time series were never addressed at all. I realize that Brandon Sanderson had to work from notes and scenes already written before Robert Jordan left this world, but I felt that a lot of things got left out entirely in the rush to bring it to a close. When it ended, I thought, ‘What? No! Wait! What about…” and that was that. The finale was the single book in that series that I read once, and will not pick it up again.
Geunita Ringold says
I must say that when I heard Robert Jordan had died, I was like no!!! I had invested a lot of time into his books and he was so close to finishing. I was happy with the way his wife and Brandon Sanderson finished it. GOT is never going to be finished. I think GRRM doesn’t know how to finish it and I think the tv series just made it worse. I’ve watched very few of those shows, but I have read all the books. I’ve enjoyed all your series and I’ve gone back and re-read the Edge and the two Shark books in the last month. KD I is next. I think it’s hard because if you’re an avid reader, you run out of things to read and its hard to find new authors. I have left series though. I got where I couldn’t read Grisham any more. The Stephanie Plum series lost me at about number sixteen or seventeen. I like that you all have different things going. Keep up the good work.
TaLynn Kel says
I really enjoyed Steel’s Edge so it’s fascinating that you don’t like it because you were going through a traumatic emotional experience while writing it. I like it better than Fate’s Edge by a lot. Interesting thing to find out…
Traveler says
Greetings.
Yes, I can sometimes tell when someone else pen for the author. It can be very painful if the person doesnât have the artist flair to copy their style. I picked up the âMagicâ series because another author decided to end her series that makes game of thrones ending kind.
Iâm sorry Steel Edge was hard for you but it told a beautiful story. Yes, I hoped her mixing her blood with her love would allow her one miracle baby. But you gave me a little taste of the Edge in the Innkeepers Series, so Iâm okay.
As for someone to pick up your story and continue for you, donât. Your team is very unique. Your style allows âloveâ to shine. Your marriage vows in the Magic Series should be framed on a background of the Milky Way and sold! So, if you are exhausted, you need to take a few coals out of the fire. A healthier you is a happier you.
PS. I lost 5 friends and relatives to Covid 19. and cancer this year. Yes it is crushing but I have to remember the love they have shown me and the joy and laughter we shared. Peace
bittergeek says
If I like a series, I of course am disappointed when a series doesn’t reach a planned conclusion. But I understand that there are millions of reasons why the author never finished, and unless I personally had a contract with him/her/they, I am owed nothing from them regarding the matter, not even an explanation. (If an author made a public promise and didn’t come through, I will be disappointed in them as people, but I’m still am not owed a damn thing.) Maybe they just got tired of it, or were excited more by a different shiny, or their life isn’t at the time conducive to writing on that specific topic. I read at a terrifying speed, so I consume novels at a ridiculous rate. I always want *more*. But decent authors are people*, and we’re weird and random and inexplicable. Just celebrate the books we get.
Honestly, the ones that hurt me the most is the books that an author actually wanted to write, but the publisher won’t pay for or release them to write it independently. The internet has enabled a lot of authors to publish works that a big house passed on, but if the publisher who owns the setting and/or characters isn’t interested, no matter how many folks you get signed up on Patreon, the book isn’t going to get written. (If I win the lottery, “Give Scholastic enough money to publish Tamora Pierce’s long desired book with Tris at Lightsbridge” is in my top 50 goals. Who needs a fancy sports car? Book!)
* Crappy authors can in fact be replaced by computers, but who cares? No matter how many times you click on the icon for mack_bolan.exe, the book will still be garbage.
Margaret says
Tris at Lightsbridge is a book I was hoping for, too. But I think this is probably an example of another reason for terminating a series when it was originally intended to go on a little longer. I truly don’t think this book would have ever been written even if Scholastic released it’s interest in the series. Let’s assume that Tris is allowed to test out of the first two years of course work. How are you really going to keep Tris’s identity hidden for even one year? In Battle Magic, the author struggled unsuccessfully with the parameters she had set up for Briar’s journey in the Will of the Empress and had to end up ignoring some of it. If the book you projected is unwritable, then for goodness sake don’t try to write it.
That’s not addressed to House Andrews – I enjoy all their books.
Pete says
I enjoy some series, but I have also read some series that should have been finished 10 or 20 books earlier. I cannot remember the author, but the series was released in the late 1960s and was about a man and woman from an advanced stellar civilization coming to earth. The woman fell in love with an earth man….and so on and so on. It was into book 45 and was being published in double novels before I quit reading them.
I believe authors have the absolute right to quit a series if they want or need to.
HMC says
“Finishing” a series isn’t important. What seems to me to be important is that at the end of each book in a series, there is some kind of closure for at least part of what that particular book felt like. Many series take place where the MCs are young. In many series, at the end, a couple gets together, or almost does with signs being favorable.
The question is, do I REALLY want to read about the rest of their lives? Answer: Nope. Let me move on to another series and let those characters live the rest of their lives without interference.
What seems most important is that the author can say at the end of each book. “OK. I did the best I could with this one.” At that point, just let it go and move on to whatever project calls to you. If you pick up a series again that you’ve dropped, that’s fine too. As you said yourself earlier in the blog. The joy of being an author is in the writing. If you don’t enjoy a particular project, put it aside until it calls to you again. If it never does, then that’s the way it is. You don’t live for the fans. You live for yourself and your family. We’re just along for the ride.
Roxanne Montgomery says
My first experience with an incomplete story was the Karavan series. To this day, I still search in hopes that it will one day have an ending. My current heartbreak is a dearly loved series by a dearly loved writer and… the publisher wonât contract for the fourth and final book despite the fact that the first three were bestsellers. Itâs mind boggling! WHY? So, yes… someone needs to grant these stories a conclusion. Please???
Jessica Winn says
Interesting post. Thanks for sharing! This has made me think of a couple series lately. I won’t name authors.
One was one who wrote YA and Adult. I loved her books, but I started to notice she bombed every series’ final book. The mystery ‘villain’s’ reasons were either plain dumb and/or they came out of no where, there would super problematic elements, or in one of them I couldn’t even finish because it felt like the characters went in a pure fan service direction in the final novel. She had several series and they all had just anger inducing ends. I can’t read her any more, I lost all trust.
Another author has a series that was supposed to last 10 books, but it’s never happened and I’ve given up hoping it would. That was upsetting.
But for the most part, I normally like the last book of series and I’m normally not disappointed. I know love your books and I haven’ been disappointed in a single one. And I never would have guessed that about the last Edge book (I adore that series). I find it sad that so many readers usually end up upset at the end. It does seem to happen too often unfortunately.
Edie says
I don’t mind series fizzling out (but do get sad when the quality markedly diminishes but like a sucker I keep reading)
It is extremely unsettling when an author dies without completing their work. I mean, obviously it’s tremendously sad for the author and their community of loved ones, but there is something particularly melancholy about death interrupting their creative vision as well. Often I didn’t even know about the death until I googled why there weren’t more books – I’m thinking of Kate Ross’s Julian Kestrel mysteries, or even the Daddy Long Legs/Dear Enemy books by Jean Webster.
Mary says
I would never demand an author to finish a series. It never turns out well. It also helps that I have a creative mind and will often finish the series in my own head when I know the author has stated there will be no more written in that world. It’s actually a fun exercise for me.
Michelle says
I once read a book that made me GLAD that the author didn’t finish what was supposed to have been a two-book series. The first one was a really good book, better than that author’s usual. It ended in a cliff-hanger. A few years down the road, the author announced that she had decided not to write the second book. WHAT?!!! That’s no fair! Then I thought about it. How would I want the story to end? I couldn’t even begin to imagine that one. The set-up was too big. Pulling it together in a tidy conclusion might have been done in ten books or so. I was really glad that the author didn’t try to do it in just one! It would have ruined it for sure. I don’t have an end to the story, but I can pretend that it does have a good one. I just haven’t gotten around to reading it yet.
Featherybubbles says
I LOVE steelâs edge and reread it second most frequently after bayou (because Iâm a sucker for a swamp ????), and personally Iâd rather wait a decade (fingers crossed Patrick Rothfuss) for a series to continue or be finished by the original author(s) than have someone else with a different vision interfere… but I donât know if Iâd want to wait forever, if an author canât finish it might be better to call it quits on the series and surprise everyone later if they get a second wind
Big Mike says
Seeing a series end is both liberating for me â sorry, but if an author has more than one series going I almost never start a second series until the first is completed â but sad if I have gone to think of the characters as friends. You are one of only three authors I make an exception for, because I picked up the first Innkeeper novella in an airport bookstore for in-flight to occupy during a delay and the two of you set the hook brilliantly. Truth to tell I was sorry to see Kate and Curranâs story arc end, but although I treat Iron Covenant and Julieâs stories as part of the Magic series, I am looking forward to starting the Edge series at last.
Candace Korasick says
I would rather a series be unfinished than rushed or forced. If the author is unable to meet the standards they have set for themselves, then they should move on to the next thing until they are ready. If they are never ready, they are never ready.
I read a series that I thought ended poorly, not because I didn’t like the storyline, but because it was poorly written. (I suspect the author had to meet contract obligations and was rushed.) That “ruined” the series for me far more than not getting the ending for which I had hoped.
Annamal says
I know that I’m really grateful to authors who continue to self publish their series after a publisher has dropped it (I’m really digging on Karen Chance’s series at the moment and am profoundly happy that it continues). I know it’s not easy and it is a gamble and I appreciate it.
TeejSD says
I can think of several different series that I wish the author would write more books in, or at least finish the series. Most were books where I cared about where the characters were going next. And then there’s the series where there were so many books and the stories all start to sound the same, or start kicking out fluff to fill a book with only 1 plot point, that I just quit reading them (20 books in a series, all about the same characters?! Yeah no thanks). So for the good unfinisheds, yep a longing for more or at least wrap up! And for the promising series that dudded out into boredom, disappointment and skepticism that I will read more from that author.
But I’ve always figured I really expressed my opinion with my $$$! If I like it, I buy it, otherwise not. But aside from that, never really figured I had a right to tell an author HOW they should write a series. Though I will certainly cheer the good ones on! đ
Em says
For me, it is an author’s choice what they write and no need to get up in arms about it. However, as a reader if an author consistently doesn’t finish series (i.e., years and years later no change) it affects my willingness to read what they write… or at least, start anything new until I know it is from a series that actually has been completed. To follow up on your example, I stopped reading Game of Thrones after book 3 when it became clear that we could expect years between book releases, intending to pick it back up once it was finally completed. Still waiting, but not offended if GMM never finishes.
Richard says
A lot depends on the author. People change and sometime an author can’t recapture the spirit of her earlier work. In that case I don’t want a conclusion. On the other hand, I really like how Brent Weeks ends both his Night Angel and Lightbringer series. I look forward to buying his books because I can trust him to provide a satisfying resolution while still leaving some things to the imagination. As a final note, 23 years later and I’m still waiting for Tris to go to Lightsbridge!
Bethany says
Tamora’s mentioned that the issue with Tris lies with Scholastic – they hold the copyright to the circle of magic world đ
Danielle says
I did not know The Edge series was done. I always figured you would rotate back to it. I started reading your blog this year. I tried to go back and read all your posts but it is too difficult on my kindle. If you lose your place, you have to start over clicking through all your pages. Yours is the only author blog I read. I like the mix of topics, from your home life and recipes and hobbies to the snippets and free fiction. I still wish I could find the Nevada pregnancy LoLs. I saw a reference to them but I never figured out how to find them. Your blog helps me remember authors can’t magic books to me and I try for patience. ????
Renee P says
Steel’s Edge felt much more …. Heavy, then the rest of the books in the series, and since I read for escapism, I didn’t enjoy it as much as the other Edge books. So, I can see where it would be a difficult book to have written.
There are authors who I wish had finished a series, and others I wish had stopped writing sooner. I’ll typically grouse for awhile, then find another book to read.
DianaInCa says
This is how I feel about Steelâs Edge also. I also feel that things hit you as a person differently depending on what is going on in your own life. I have found since quarantining that I have tended towards books that werenât too dark.
Harriet says
I donât actually mind so much that the series isnât finished per se, but I really do mind when the book ends on a huge cliffhanger. For example, if KD ended anywhere between book 2-6. It probably would have been ok for me. I wouldâve like to see how the Kate/Roland conflict ended, but it ended on a semicolon, where the thought has finished, and I can kind of imagine the world goes on. Innkeeper is a good example, the immediate is always resolved, the characters always have some kind of personal development, and it feels like a good pause. If we never got another Innkeeper, I would be mega-sad. But I will keep rereading all the previous Innkeeper and still be really happy.
I have had authors go into the book, decided it was not enough words to âdo the story justiceâ and end the book on a huge cliffhanger, and say, sorry, itâs now – 4 book trilogy. That stings.
I am sorry you didnât like writing Edge 4. It was a difficult read because every chapter of the book was gut wrenching. The deaths, the losses, the depravity of the privileged, the betrayal of a loved one. But it was all the more beautiful an ending because of it.
Tamar says
I was a huge fan of Sue Graftonâs Kinsey Millhone alphabet series, âA is for Alibiâ, â B is for Burglarâ, etc. She passed away in 2017, after finishing âY is for Yesterdayâ and left notice with her family that under no circumstances, that anyone was allowed to ghostwrite âZ is for Zeroâ. While it was a little maddening to know that Iâd never âcompleteâ her series, she always ended her books as if there wasnât going to be another written so to speak. I think she always expected that she would never be able to complete the whole alphabet and I also think that another writer wouldnât be able to achieve her vision of the book. Other authors can be a little formulaic in that they just keep churning out the same characters because everyone wants that. It gets to the point where I just power through the books because I want to reach then end of the series or I just give up on the series. Your books are far from that and the twists and turns of the magical word of KD & Co keep me hooked.
Ayla says
I think it really depends on my interest in the series. If I like it, Iâm disappointed if it isnât finished, yet also sad when it is. Like with Jean M. Auelâs Earthâs Children series, I was not a fan of the last book. Or When Jeanine Frost finishes with Kat and Bones, I was really sad because it is a great series. However, I understand when there is burn out. It sucks. Iâm just grateful that there are people out there opening up their imagination and sharing it with the public because their writing is a deeply personal thing. I love you guys!
Emily says
I liked the Edge books but they are my least favorite of your work, which I love and am listening to on audio…again to help get thru lockdown. I can completely understand why you would abandon the series if it made you unhappy to write it. I was, however, thrilled to see George, Jack, Gaston, and Lark in Innkeeper and would love more glimpses of them as it goes on if youâre so inclined.
Jen says
I think you need to be true to you and your vision of the characters and the story. I am often not satisfied with endings….usually that is because life is not neat and tidy.
I would much rather read an authors passion than something forced.
Obviously work is work and there are good days and bad. Life has hardship and it can impact work.
I will always want to know more. But that does not mean I am entitled to more.
Aerin says
I understand that writing and publishing books is complicated, like any other business. I have always wondered if a publisher can have rights over a series and if the publisher doesnât want to publish any more books, can the author take it somewhere else or self publish? Also people change, and writing is something that takes work and the right frame of mind.
Even though I know it is inevitable and inescapable, every time I hear about negative, unhelpful, and even cruel comments made by anyone towards Ilona and Gordon, I just feel sad and it makes me want to send an email saying all the things I love about all the books I have read. The only ones I havenât read are the ones Iâm saving for a rainy day when I need a serious pick me up. I look forward to Ryder every week. The tension in it is fantastic and delicious in a way nothing else is right now. It makes me feel normal for a few minutes. I love guessing where all my favorite characters are and it gives me something good to think about it all of the chaos right now. Thank you! Please donât let the criticism get to you.
Liz says
There’s a handful of authors that I follow that have not put out a book in several years. I’ve been following these authors, and whatever they are willing to put out in their social media for so long that I almost feel just as invested in their lives as I do their books. I’m not sure I could be comfortable with demanding progress on a series at the expense of a person that has brought me so much joy, and it’s disheartening when I see posts asking them to “write faster, damnit!”
I don’t want anyone else to write your books. But if you want that, it’s cool. I’m not a fan when there’s a tonal shift, but you and other artists should be able to do what you want with your works. I’m even less of a fan, though, of authors feeling pressured to write what they aren’t ready for, and when they are not ready for it. Take your time. If I never get my sequel that’s fine with me, I have a rich imagination.
Krystine says
+1
Liz says
Also, I’m just going to leave this here.
https://youtu.be/4H0hRTGfVfA
Susan says
Well, I can think of several series where the author had a great world but ended up stuck telling the same story in different settings over and over without progressing. I will happily Anne Bishop’s next book about the Others, but only if something new happens. I read and enjoyed Charlaine Harris’s books but not the “and then this minor character had this happen.”sequel. Same reason I don’t read Rowling’s Pottermore website. If it’s important, it ought to be in the books. And, unfortunately, the mountains of fan fic in her world made the last few books feel like well-done but derivative fan fic. I do get sad about Lorna Freeman not finishing Rabbit’s books, and I wish there were follow-up books to several in Robin McKinley’s works, but I still love and reread them. Much sadness over series that ended by publisher not continuing the solid B list author, like Rob Thurman. I am grateful you and Gordon take time and get contracts lined out in advance. I hope they pay you well do you can keep delighting us. And as a Julie fan, I can really happy with Ryder, even if I never saw the TV show to laugh at Knight Rider.
Andie says
I just recently started reading the blog and I was wondering why the Innkeeper series was so tough for you (if itâs not too rude). I honestly read that one before the KD series and I love it so much.Iâve binge-read all your books except the Edge series since January, and those are next! Iâm sorry to hear the last book in that series was hard for you, Iâll treasure it more now that Iâve read your post.
Ilona says
The Innkeeper isn’t tough. It’s very fun. I wouldn’t want to write two Hidden Legacy or Kate novels back to back either.
Andie says
Thanks for replying! I love the 3 series Iâve read so far and canât wait to see where you guys take them in the future!
Barbara Barroso says
I feel the need to add that the last Edge book was my favorite of all four. Iâve read ALL your books, short-stories and novellas and although KD is my all time favorite book series, I think the Edge book 4 is one of your best works. Iâm sorry it was so difficult for you though. Itâs a beautiful and very emotional story. It touched me deeply and itâs the one I reread the most of that series. Itâs a really special book. Thank you so much for it!!! Itâs a masterpiece, in my humble opinion.
Elsie says
Every few years, I reread the Patrick Rothfuss books. But when friends ask if I can recommend them, I say no. It’s hard to recommend something that may result in so much disappointment.
I think an author’s voice is integral to a series. I can’t think of a single time where an author picks up from another one and the series improved. WoT, the Hitchhikers Guide, the Dragon Tattoo books, Dune, Pern – I far preferred the original voice and vision in these.
Despite how much I want to read the last Kingkiller and Gentlemen Bastards books, I’ll wait. And I won’t be on the internet railing against the authors; that’s cruel and counter-productive. But I may not read them if another author picks them up. I’d rather be disappointed in expectation than in reality.
That said, I’m genuinely worried about Robin Mckinley. I don’t think she’s published anything since her husband’s death. Several of her books would benefit from a sequel, but I’m more worried about her health than her delivery schedule.
Tasnim says
If the author goes out of the way to end each book on a cliffhanger, not resolving any plot lines and dragging them out, making sure that the reader invests in another book. Then he/she should try to finish the series. GRRM really put me off reading a series before all books are published. The readers time and investment should mean something.
If the author really can’t finish a series, then stop promising that they will and maybe write a post about how they imagined it ending. Don’t string the readers along for years. I doubt I will ever pick his books again even if he does finish the series because I don’t think they will be on par with the earlier books.
Jaime says
Me too! Sometimes I look at her last blog update and just stress and hope that she’s ok.
Shan says
I was following her blog too and she just sort of … slid away. I worry about her – and all her books are lovely to read.
Rachel says
I am also worried about Robin McKinley, in fact the main reason I am reading through all these comments is in the hope someone would mention her. Her writing is a precious gift to the world. As are yours Ilona and Gordon.
Stacy McKnight says
This is a touchy subject for me. Intellectually I think that of course since this the authors world/work and their life that it is their decision. So donât ask me about the stuffs I have muttered to myself waiting for say Ippos King! I actually have a love hate relationship with series. If itâs really good I want the whole series now! Start to finish! That almost never happens lol! I also hate for series to end before Iâm done wanting to know more. ( House Andrews trips this switch. I really want more Edge. I wanted more Nevada and Rogan before I got to Catalina. The KD ending was damn near perfect except I really want tons more in that universe. Iâm consoling my self with the knowledge that there are 2more Iron Covenant books and now Ryder. It was dark but I really saw potential for expansion from Alpha Origins. Iâm trying not to look and see if there will be more Kinsmen as I want some more lol) I still mourn the loss of Frank Herbert and I feel like a selfish douche -his family friends and fans all lost so much at his death -but I just really want the book he set up in Dune: Chapterhouse . I started reading stuff his son was writing/co writing but they went the prequel route. Sigh. I want an ending. I want the author to write the ending before the series jumps the shark. I want the author to write good books and if they say it will be 20 books I want them to write 20 good books. All true but the most important thing is mostly I need authors to write good books they love all the other considerations pale beside this point.
Zaz says
The number of times another author continuing a series or writing in the same world worked I can count in one hand. That would be David Webber and the Manticore Ascendant series since that is a complement If figure it is ok to say . Honestly I would rather an author quit writing. I feel cheated when I pick up an eagerly awaited book to find it is just a retread of a previous book or worse a famous classic duplicated scene for scene and some times phrases but the author has been dead for years and there is no copyright to violate. What. I like about your books is that they finish. The over arching story can continue but if it doesnât I donât feel cheated. When an author doesnât write a book that finishes It ticks me off. For example there are many books that theorize about a Yellowstone explosion. One got to the point where the caldera was about to blow and just stopped. Every book in the series was that way! Five cliffhanger. Even the finale, did not have a resolution, wonât ever get a book from that author again
Jenny says
Firstly, I love everything you have ever written, I have re-read them all so many times and every time I get completely hooked. However if you ever wanted to stop, that’s OK because you have created worlds that I can almost touch, almost smell and that is a gift. If a series doesn’t finish then I don’t mind, honestly, I’d rather read something wonderful than something forced.
Putting your work out there for others is hard! I can’t see why people feel the need to comment negatively on it but people do. There will always be some. But if it ever stops making you happy to write then do what’s best for you.
There’s an author I used to read and he published a book every 2 months but the books just got… Frustrating to read it was too much, you barely had time to absorb the first one when the 3rd one was out and already talking about the next.
Anyway, love what you do, no negatives from me
laj says
I think ending a series is a good thing but also if an author looses interest in a series I would support them in going on without finishing to something they enjoy writing.
Janet Chapman who wrote the Highlander time traveling series died in 2017 and the book she had been working on was published just recently. It was obviously finished by another author and I’m happy for the family that they were able to get her last book out to readers, but it just wasn’t the same. Janet had such an unusual take on the world and her sense of whimsy was missing in that last book. So it’s bittersweet to be sure for me as a reader to lose someone like Janet.
Another series which was just a drop in what could of been even more fantastic was Kate Ross’s Julian Kestral. It’s such fine writing and I wouldn’t want another author to pick it up and continue, it would not be right.
FWIW Steel’s Edge was also dark and difficult for me to read and it’s your only book that I’ve just read one time.
The reader and the author have a sort symbiotic relationship, if one lets go the relationship just stops, so it’s time to reassess and change and see what happens next.
Whatever you decide to do I may grumble to myself about the change of direction, but listen, I will always feel excited to read what you offer, even if it’s with that lowdown polecat Hugh d’Ambray. Stay well, take a swim and get some sleep. ????
Maria says
This has happened with Patrick Rothfuss as well. It has been 9 years since the middle book in his trilogy came out and people are really angry he is taking so long with the third. I think what made it worse was that he mentioned all of them are basically already written and just need editing when he started publishing. With every year that passed people got more and more vicious about it.
I mean, I understand the frustration. I loved the first 2 books and really want to read the third one. Have I at some point fantasized about kidnapping him and standing next to him with a pointy stick until he finished it? Sure, who hasn’t? However, he has been very open about his struggles with depression and his newfound fame and how this has made it very hard to write due to the pressures of making sure the last book in the trilogy is perfect. He is a human being with his own worries and problems so attacking him for doing stuff he likes and taking his time is kinda crappy. Maybe he will someday finish it, maybe he won’t. Being mean to him won’t really help anyone and it just makes fans look like spoiled brats.
Susan says
There is one series that I would love to have even one more book to complete the story: the Fire Dancer series written by Ann Maxwell aka Elizabeth Lowell. It is a sci fi/fantasy with two very interesting characters and their developing relationship, but did not go beyond the third book that ended with a cliffhanger, literally in the middle of intense action… the demand was not there so it was abandoned. I absolutely love those books and it was painful not getting the complete story. It has been decades, but I have been hoping that someday the rest would be self published or something… I would buy it in a flash and highly recommend if it is ever completed.
Shan says
I know what you mean! I own the trilogy but am going to drop it off to the charity shop as have given up hope for the final book.
redmuninn says
Yes! Yes! Yes!
Diane says
The same. I finally sent mine to a charity shop, with regret.
Shan says
Itâs a sad moment when you realise youâve owned all the books for 13 years with no sign of a final book đ
Wendy says
The author of my favorite manga series ‘nana’ got really sick and never finished it. I would love to know the ending, but I don’t think it will ever happen. Also, I really did love all the Edge books. Thank you for finishing them, even though it was hard.
Rebecca says
I get really irritable and miserable if a storyline doesnât end happily. I mean a tragic event, and sad death or two in the wind up is fine, but it needs to be mostly happy, positive and hopeful.
I have had a couple of series not finish.. either because the author sadly died, or just didnât finish. Some authors voices canât be replicated, and any attempt would feel wrong to me… others are more generic (in the most polite terms), and another voice could finish the story if needed.
I canât imagine trying to read an Ilona Andrews story written by someone else…. you guys are too unique, and far too talented to replicate.
Wilbur Ringo says
As long as the story of the book I am reading has an ending, it doesnât matter to me if the author never writes book three of the trilogy. What I do hate is when authors write cliffhangers – and then never write the next installment. Several KU writers have done this cliffhanger ending, only to abandon the series and start another one. My response has been never to read them again. Why invest time when there is no emotional resolution to a book/series? I want and need an emotional ending to a book. I donât want to be left hanging. For example, if you never finished Catarinaâs or Hughâs story, and just left them where they are at now, I would not be happy. We are mid story in both those series. If however you finished the emotional arc of the story in book two, (Catarina and Alejandro have solved the problem and they are together, Hugh and Elgarâs finally see they make a good team and finish off the problem with the flesh eating aliens), then I am ok with there never being a book three. The story takes as long as it takes. Any longer, and itâs just filler.
Also, I *loved* The Edge series. (Interestingly enough, book four was not my favorite..) I like the interplay between the Weird and the Broken. I liked the idea that there was a parallel world complete with magic, which we could access if only we had enough magic in our blood. I would have loved to see a story there were the heroine was a resident of the Broken who accidentally got caught up in the weird…
Finally, why get caught up in writing a âfinalâ book. Just end the emotional arc and move on. If you feel like revisiting the world ten years down the line, then great. If you are done with it forever, then thatâs ok too.
Thirza says
I don’t mind if a series remains ‘unfinished’ when the seperate books can (more or less) be read as such – he, I’ ve become fedup with series too, even after reading 15+ episodes
I do mind if the story feels realy unfinished. Ofcourse I could immagine how I would finish things, but it’s just not the same
Smeech says
Author Alyssa Day has 1 book out in her Cursed series. The hero is amazing. I loved the heroine too. I’ve been waiting for another book about this couple forever. Book 1 is on my keeper shelf and I’ve reread it so many times I’ve lost count. There is a short story featuring a different couple which is good but not on the same level. I signed up for her newsletter on the off chance I get any news about this series. Humor, romance that is so beautiful, good world building details, magic, fighting.
HopeT. says
I believe there might have been contractual issues with that one, plus health issues. Keep watching!
Susie Q. says
I know that an author can lose their enthusiasm for a world and end the series. I prefer them ending a series rather than writing badly to fill out an obligation. I am frustrated when there is a publication date and the book never arrives. Please let us know as readers that the series is over instead of just moving out the publication date for it and starting new series and leave us hanging sometimes for years. There can be successful collaborations between authors Weber/Flint are an amazing together and separately that’s more an exception then the rule. End things when you still love your characters. Don’t write something you hate or turn it over to a lesser talent to finish it. Let us know what is going on. Most of us worry about authors who suddenly go dark. Steel did have a different feel from the other Edge books but it was still great. I would love to see a short short story about their first date from Swine and Rose’s. It makes me smile every time I reread it.
T says
When I read this sentence “Most readers donât care what difficulties and pressure the writer is facing and neither should they, ” it made me really sad. I, for one, actually think readers should remember that writers are people who actually have lives. This means sometimes they have crises, etc., just like non-writers. I’d rather they got through whatever is going on and then write a great book than throw it together, say I’ve had enough of that, and forget what might have been a great series. I do agree with you that it’s the writer’s choice whether or not to have someone finish a series. I sure wish we could have made it to Z for the Sue Grafton books, but would rather she was alive and the one to write it. Thanks again for all the fun and insights! Enjoying Ryder!!!
kesabeth says
I read and loved the first three books of a fantasy series which then just, stopped.
It’s been years since that third book and those of us who care about the series enough to investigate have now moved to the stage where really, all we want to know is if the author is okay. Nobody seems to know what’s happened.
To me, that’s the worst unfinished series.
Shan says
Can I ask the name of the series?
Julia Brough says
I think there is a difference between series where something is in progress of needs to be solved e.g. The Wheel of Time or a series where each story enlarges on the characters but is a new episode in their life. e.g. Mercy Thompson. (I am e.ging from not OUR Authors). I hate it when a series that is working towards a point does not finish as I am left hanging. I think that Brendon Sanderson did a brilliant job with The Wheel of Time. I love the ending and was left feeling satisfied with the whole process. Where the series is a collection of episodes set in a particular world, whilst sad if no more turn up I am not not left feeling cross and unhappy. BTW I have never disliked any of the last books from OUR Authors.
Judy says
Honestly, for me, I really only get annoyed when I’ve been promised a trilogy and only two books ever get published (my ongoing fear with Patrick Rothfuss & Kingkiller Chronicles). But otherwise, if an author hasn’t specifically indicated that there will be a certain number of books, I don’t understand fan anger over it. Would I like a nice, neat ending and closure for every book & series I read? Sure. But I don’t get that in my real life or in a lot of books and that’s okay.
On a different note, I loved the Edge books and I’m sorry to hear the fourth one was so emotionally tough for you to write. When I read it, it didn’t seem as lighthearted as the others, but it hit on important themes and gave us updates on George, Jack, Sophie and Gaston, which made me happy.
So, I guess if your books or a particular series or world don’t make you happy, there’s no reason to keep writing them. You can’t live your life trying to make other people happy (I’m pretty sure that’s at least doubly true as an author) so the best you can do is try to keep yourself from being unhappy.
Thanks for creating things that are an important part of my life <3
Michiel says
Thank you for the explanation, I’m one of the addicted readers of many series who, while knowing it is off course the personal choice of a writer, considers it bad manners to end a series without some kind of closure. Either a final book or explanation such as you’ve given. It gives me actual stress to not have closure, possibly an autistic tick that I have or maybe I’m just narcisistic enough to think that the universe owes me some kind of ending. Being an adult I have worked out a working theory that as a customer I’m owed a minimal amount of service which includes closure. I give you money and get a book with the understanding that I will not be left with an eternal craving for a next novel … (A simple “It is unlikely that the author will publish a follow up” is basically enough.) I love the fact that some authors take care to finish their series like The Wheel of Times and Discworld. I also admit that some series that have continued ‘post mortem’ like the Dune series often are missing a certain spark that was present in the original books. I also feel like some authors are ‘stuck’ in a series because the fans or publisher ‘demand’ more of the same or because of financial necessities/the need for an income. It’s an interesting subject to think and talk about though there will probably never be an answer that satisfies all. Especially because there are some very basic differences between the author and readers.
That said, I believe that in this modern day and age, with publishers and authors using multimedia to generate interest and push for series, (because these are in demand and financially interesting) it should also be part of this time to be honest and transparent if a next book is unlikely to be published. In this communication goes both ways ….
As both you and your husband do, and for that, again, thanks.
Jf says
I think as a reader there is a legitimate expectation as a reader that if you buy a book in a series especially of a defined length ie a trilogy that the author âintendsâ to finish the series however life happens and while a reader is allowed to feel hard done by I think my golden rule of the internet still applies if you wouldnât say it to someoneâs face then donât type it.
Becky says
It would be nice if more people followed your golden rule of the internet. Or the golden rule in person.
Lizzy says
I’m so sorry the last Edge book was so difficult for you. It’s my favourite of the series and I’ve read it the most, the characters were complex, older, with baggage and they spend so much time needing hope. It was an HEA but they really earned it, no rose tinted specs. Long winded way of saying thank you!
So the Warhammer books rethe Gotrex and Felix Saga worked with author exchange although I definitely have my favourite author.
Sometimes an author isn’t able to complete a series, like David Gemmell and ill always wonder what he had planned for the War of the Twins. I wouldn’t want any author to try and complete his works.
In contrast I adore that Terry Pratchett’s last book was completed. But that is again a full stop. It wouldn’t be the same if someone tried to carry on.
My person feeling is that George RR Martin wrote himself into a corner then got super caught up in the show. Which was then butchered. I stopped watching it mid way through season 7 because suddenly it was easy to predict what was going to happen and I lost interest.
Books belong to their authors and we’re lucky to have them. Authors that don’t finish a series don’t annoy me too much. It’s series where you end up with years and years between books. I won’t mention names because I don’t want to bash anyone, but one of my favourite series I started reading over 20 years ago and the gaps between books jeep getting longer so now I’ve just…. given up. Ironically the first book was a great stand alone novel.
Lizzy says
I’m so sorry the last Edge book was so difficult for you. It’s my favourite of the series and I’ve read it the most, the characters were complex, older, with baggage and they spend so much time needing hope. It was an HEA but they really earned it, no rose tinted specs. Long winded way of saying thank you!
So the Warhammer books rethe Gotrex and Felix Saga worked with author exchange although I definitely have my favourite author.
Sometimes an author isn’t able to complete a series, like David Gemmell and ill always wonder what he had planned for the War of the Twins. I wouldn’t want any author to try and complete his works.
In contrast I adore that Terry Pratchett’s last book was completed. But that is again a full stop. It wouldn’t be the same if someone tried to carry on.
My person feeling is that George RR Martin wrote himself into a corner then got super caught up in the show. Which was then butchered. I stopped watching it mid way through season 7 because suddenly it was easy to predict what was going to happen and I lost interest.
Books belong to their authors and we’re lucky to have them. Authors that don’t finish a series don’t annoy me too much. It’s series where you end up with years and years between books. I won’t mention names because I don’t want to bash anyone, but one of my favourite series I started reading over 20 years ago and the gaps between books jeep getting longer so now I’ve just…. given up. Ironically the first book was a great stand alone novel.
I think I speaks to the author’s storytelling ability when they know to end a series. I can think of several authors who are now effectively “flogging a dead horse” and should have ended a series books ago.
Scott says
I absolutely hate it when an author doesn’t finish what they started. My general response is simply to stop reading them. It’s a drop in the ocean, but if they don’t give me closure on the story I’ve invested in, I’m not going to give them my money.
Where it gets odd though, is that in quite a few cases I’ve been unable to bring myself to read the final volumes of series I really love. Especially when it’s a long one, I just don’t want to end it, and most of all I don’t want to be let down by the ending. It’s like, I’ve spent years reading these books, hanging out for the new volumes, caring what happens to the characters, and I don’t want to find out that they don’t get the ending I think they deserve or maybe I just don’t want to say goodbye to them.
GaĂŤlle from France says
Is it frustrating to wait on a book that’s never come ? Of course yes !!!!
Does it mean people can be jackass about it ? Absolutely not.
I’m waiting for the next Locke Lamora (Scott Lynch) since forever, but it never even occured to me to complain on facebook,instagram or goodreads or wherever people put their hate on…
But it is what some people do now… Internet is wonderful, but it created a place where to put your frustration and hate. It’s scary how people can be sometimes. I don’t even read the comment’s section of youtube anymore… creepy people give me the chills.
David Donahoe says
Now this question actually pains me. The final book of Patrick Rothfuss’s KingKiller Chronicle has allegedly had the first draft complete since 2013. I adored the first two books: The Name of the Wind (March 27, 2007), The Wise Man’s Fear (March 1, 2011). If the book was realeased in 2015 or 2016 I could accepts it as that was time between his first two books. We are now in 2020 and I am more angry than anything else. Mainly because the author has promised the book would be completed within a year or two on multiple occasions. I have no problem with an author killing off a series if they are open and up front about it. Just don’t promise a book and never release it.
Vonnie says
Oh nooo! I love these books and was thinking the next was going to come out soon.
Kathi Moran says
Wow! So much has been said, I feel Iâve come too late to the party. I do have strong feelings about this. I am not upset at Patrick Rothfuss for how long he has taken for writing the next book. I am upset at my brother-in-law for recommending the books! No, really, I have to agree with most of the earlier comments… if there is a cliffhanger or if there is a promised number of books, I feel let down when there is a huge gap between them or when the author drifts away. If there is an ongoing series or multiple series from a certain âworldâ with no predetermined number of books then Iâm okay with the author jumping into other books or ending where they think they should. I have almost always liked the ending of series, but I think Iâm pretty easy to please, Iâm usually content to go on the ride the author wants to take me on. However, the only bad review I have ever written for a book is for a series that one of my favorite authors collaborated on with another author. For the latest book in the series, the 2nd author changed. It was so awful and disappointing I couldnât even finish the book. To date it is the only book from that very prolific author I couldnât finish. I always hope that an author is happy writing their books as I am nearly always happy reading them. I can usually tell when another author is trying to write in a different voice, I must confess Iâm looking forward to seeing how the Reacher books will change when Lee Childâs brother starts writing them. I find this whole discussion interesting and I am glad to see the comments from others. Itâs interesting to hear your perspective as readers as well as writers. Thank you!
Katherine says
PR is another. Though I was disappointed to hear talks of making his books into a tv show. Feels like a guarantee heâll never finish.
I would like it if authors arenât going to finish a series if they could at least write a couple sentences or paragraphs of high level how they saw the conclusion so we get some resolution. LF has two books published out of what was supposed to be a trilogy – first was Carrier of the Mark.
And contrary to some people here, I actually hate when authors keep going and wonât finish a series. How many bad things can a character go through before they break? Looking at you LKH with your vampires and shapeshifters and one main female for her ever growing harem of males. Think sheâs up to book 28 maybe? If the author likes the universe or characters that much, please let one series close and start other stories in the same universe. I very much appreciate switching to Julie or Hugh to give Kate a break/her happy ending.
Surfergirl says
I agree about Anita Blake. The first 13 or so books were absolutely brilliant …. and then it went downhill fast. Books filled with group sex, no plot line, no character development. I stuck with the series hoping it would get better, but after slogging through the next 6 I finally washed my hands of it. It seemed like all the author was interested in was using the series as a cash cow, and just churned our boom after book of turgid crap. Very disappointing
Phyllis Lamken says
Personally, I get way too attached to characters and their stories. And I want more, more, more. But that isn’t my decision. It is the author’s. I feel bad that an author feels compelled to continue a series. In one case, the series was finished, but the fans and publisher wanted more. Just keep writing. I will read your books.
Fee Bricknell says
I think it depends whether it is an ongoing project where every book is a story in it self with a sort of finish. Many years ago I read the Sunrunners series by Melanie Rawn. Loved it and couldn’t wait for the next book. Yes, I was sad when the series was finished but accepted it and would recommend the series. However, because I loved the sunrunner series I started the next of her series, the exiles. It is ONE story that was supposed to spread over 3 books. The third book never arrived. So I was left hanging mid story and I to me it feels like a broken promise.
Melissa Balok says
+1. I google it from time to time but no major updates. I’ve read that she had some mental health problems that she was working through while writing her previous series and she just doesn’t want to revisit that mental space any more. I wouldn’t mind so much if she hand left so many questions. I fell like you could really read the first in that series as a standalone and almost call it good.
Lacey says
YES! The Exiles series is what gave me Literature Trust Issues. Itâs one story in three books so leaving it unfinished for 23 years is heartbreaking. I absolutely understand the delay. Melanieâs mother passed away, she struggled with depression, contract/publisher issues. Makes total sense that even years went by. HOWEVER, Rawn has written several other books and even gave an update that she was working on Capitalâs Tower then silence. This was the âbetrayal â in my mind. Donât make promises if you arenât going to follow through and if something happens update the people who have been waiting 20 years & supporting you!
Thatâs the thing about books, itâs a symbiotic relationship. Authors need readers and readers need authors. Without readers, authors donât get paid! I have to carefully budget to buy books but itâs where my heart lies so I will borrow books from the library, buy physical copies, buy ebooks, get the audio books. Heck, I rebuy books when it gets damaged or worn out. I will support authors in any way I can, just treat me with respect & donât play with my heart! ????
Nayara says
I just finished the Edge series and I’m sorry you feel this way about Edges’s Stell. Sometimes we as readers forget that the people who give us these amazing stories are, well… people. For what is whort, this is my favorite book of the series (and possibly one of my favorite books, period). Thank you so much for writing despite everything.
Monique says
Iâd really like to thank you for steels edge especially after this post. To have a character like Charlotte is so rare. Most HEAâs involve meeting the girl/boy of your dreams and a kid or 2. While infertility is more common than people think it is so under represented in any kind of media especially in one that it isnât the main subject. So thank you for giving a character in this situation a HEA
Elenariel says
I found myself on the opposite side: a series I adored, being declared finished, then, years later, the author decided to come back to it but – to me – the characters felt as they underwent a personality transplant: that ruined the pleasure of rereading all the previous books.
I admit I would be annoyed, but I’d prefer an incomplete series to an endless wait for nothing or being disappointed by a “bad” work.
So, I think the point, as in all matters, is honesty: it’s okay to loose interest/drive – for whatever reason – in what you’re writing, but be honest about it and inform the readers so they will not wait in vain.
On a manga forum fequented also by publishers, we often had discussions about series that got interrupted: the publishers justified it by saying they’re not a charity, but neither is the reader.
Readers invest time and money: if you publish only part of the (originally completed) series, than you sort of cheat me.
I think it’s different for books, since they’re usually written and published progressively, but readers invest a lot – emotionally and financially – in them too, so if an author is in doubt, it would be nice to take every side into consideration and trying to find the better (or less worse) solution for everyone.
Sarah says
Writing Steel’s Edge was painful for you, and I understand why you would still feel so emotional about it, but, to me, it’s one of the most amazing books you’ve ever written. I just rerereread it, and feel like rererereading it again. That’s how much I love it ????. So thank you for writing it, despite the pain and the hurt ????.
Donna Waltz says
Some one earlier mentioned Doris Egan’s Ivory series. That was one that I really wanted another book. But another heart-breaker for me was that we only got 3 books in Barry Hughart’s The Chronicles of Master Li and Number Ten Ox series. I’ve heard that was more due to the publisher than the author, though. But I want to mention that sometimes when you just about given up hope you do get the last book you were hoping for. My example, is Elizabeth’s Peter’s Vicky Bliss series. It was a series where every so often over the course of 20 years she come out with another book (it started in 1973!). The fifth book – Night Train to Memphis came out in 1994. This is a series that dropped lots of hints about the characters and their relationships to characters in another of her series. So it left me wondering and speculating for years. 14 years after Night Train came out, when I had given up hope that she would write another book, The Laughter of Dead Kings came out and not only answered all my unanswered questions but also ended the series on high note. So don’t give up hope! Sometimes you do get the final book.
Mad Hamish says
I think there are quite different situations
For a start authors can be in a situation where the publisher stops releasing their books
There can be a situation where due to illness or injury an author can’t write (I think this happened to Melanie Rawn with the Exiles Trilogy
There’s also a huge difference between a series of books where each book largely a self-contained story and a continuing epic.
I’ll admit to being annoyed at John Ringo, the Troy Rising series had books in 2010, 2011 & 2011 and then nothing, The Looking Glass series in 2005, 2007, 2008 & 2008 and then killed it, The Council Wars series had 2003,2004,2005,2006 releases and then nothing, I think his Black Tide Rising left things well before a resolution but maybe the 4 co-written anthologies he’s done have advanced the story
I think everything he’s written has been published with Baen so it’s hard to believe that he was being stopped from continuing them (it’s possible that they were selling badly enough that they’d have affected orders for his other books)
Horacio Serrano says
It largly depends on the series. But yeah i consider an unfinished series a serious black mark against the author, specially if he went on to write other series.
Why do i say that, take you Kate Daniels series, from book 1 there is the big over arching plot of her relationship with her father, if you would have ended the books on say book 5, that would have left a sour taste. On the other hand the Edge series (and i love those too) dont have an over arching story arch, its more like a serial with reapearing characters, so it does not really matter where series cuts off.
Having said that, while i enjoy both formats, the Marvel cinematic universe has probed beyond any doubt that the former format is far more engaging than the latter.
Summ says
Concerning your own series: In felt that the Edge series books were always very much standalone material. Did I look up if there werde sequels? Yes. Did I expect them because I felt that major storyarcs were left unfullfilled? No.
I can’t really tell what the problems with Wildfire are supposed to be. It’s entirely in line with the first two books, so what do I know. But in my opinion it this series would have been lessened without it, since the major storyarc was left without a conclusion without it.
I don’t know how you could have done much better with the Kate Daniels series. Was Magic Triumphs a perfect ending? No. But it was adequat and I think I have read on this blog that you thought that you wrote yourselves into a corner concerning the final conflict between Kate and Roland. I don’t think you can get a much better ending after something like that happens and I at least appreciate the conclusion to the major conflicts in the story.
In general, as long as central storyarcs are opened up and not brought to at least a somewhat satisfactory point (not necessary a conclusion) I at least am strongly disappointed in corresponding series.
For the example of GRRM I can say that I am disappointed because nothing is brought to conclusion with there being too many large and important cliffhangers and I won’t ever read the books again as long as that is the case.
I know he stated often that he didn’t lose interest but with the fifth book taking six years and the next one at least ten, if it ever comes out, I can’t say that there’s much of a difference. I mean the whole HBO-series from the first to the last episodes was produced without Martin finishing one book, so I don’t think that the apparent messing up of the last season by HBO is to blame for there not being a sixth book. Maybe for there not being a seventh and an overall conclusion but it is Martins fault for there being too many cliffhangers at the end of the fifth.
In contrast somebody else has brought up Scott Lynn and the Lies of Locke Lamora. I never thought that the book needed a sequel because the central conflicts in the story are resolved enough that there can be a continuation but there doesn’t need to be. (overarching plot |= central plot)
In short: My opinion is that as long as there are major cliffhangers in a series that yes the author does promise by implication that they will finish it or at least bring it to a place where there it is acceptable to pause. Even if it is never resumed.
Alison says
I honestly think the IA books are the only series I will ever finish! So many series start off amazingly but the author either can’t see a way to finish them or perhaps doesn’t have any other ideas. I can think of three authors I just don’t pick up any more because the books got progressively more ridiculous and tired. Really disappointing as I had invested time, energy and money in each of the series but when they got to like book 7 with more of the same I just didn’t care. One of the series is onto book 21 I think without resolving anything!
Paul says
Funny thing I don’t much like Brandon Sanderson’s personal writing but i love the way he finished Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time where he had tons of content, story arcs(that had gone off the rails in places) and depth of world to work with that he had to somehow weave back together into some sort of satisfying culmination(I expected very unsatisfying).
This is a bit of an odd case since Jordan prepped him to finish it but my set expectations of someone taking over an in depth world were extremely low because it’s so shallow and badly done every other one I’ve read.
HBO game of thrones the actual story arc/direction to culminate the series i didnt mind. The cinematography and sudden stupid every character survives every rediculous outlandish thing to try and keep all fans happy of the last season less of a fan. At the start of the series you’re disappointed when a cool character dies, by the end of the series you’re hoping most of them die.
Connie says
This may have already been asked/commented on, but how do you feel about authors who publicly started promoting later parts of a series for their books and then just disappear? And/or the only thing being published is actually re-publishing of previously written books? I’m thinking of a couple of authors but off the top of my head and current im thinking of Maya Banks and her KGI series. Fans have reached out numerous times asking if everything is ok and will the series continue and no word has been given by the author, publisher, her team, etc. Everyone is entitled to their privacy, for sure, but at the same time, wouldn’t it be more…..responsible is not the right word….to at least have their person who is still pitting content out at least assure readers and fans that things are ok (or not) and what to expect? I’d love your perspective!
Ilona says
Connie, sometimes authors are diagnosed with cancer. Sometimes there is a surprise divorce and they have to change their name. Sometimes there are legal issues that must be resolved before a series continues. Fans are not always owed an explanation. I don’t know Maya’s situation, so I can’t comment, but everyone is entitled to their privacy and not everyone is as forthcoming as we are.
Connie says
Very true! I don’t disagree with the privacy part at all. I think I’m specifically referring to when the author (or maybe its the author’s team) keeps the fans/readers on the hook, as someone else commented earlier. But no explanations, generic or otherwise, are given as to why a publication date keeps getting pushed out and 5 years later the book(s) still aren’t out but they do keep republishing older works.
I love that you are as open with your readers as you are, and in no way expect everyone to be so. I was thinking more along the lines of a statement from the publisher, or even the team who puts the content on the website and blog, such as ” we apologize for the lengthy delay. Due to unforseen circumstances…” or anything really, just so readers and fans know there will be an end to the wait, or not, so if you’ve placed a pre-order they don’t get more and more frustrated and then the negative reviews for a book that’s not even published yet aren’t (hopefully) as critical.
Ready to Read says
I love this blog. I have at least 3 authors that have a series in limbo.
I hope they get around to some kind of ending… but I won’t hold my breath.
I had a author a few years ago that had a cliff-hanger ending that left the lead pregnant with twins and drama… fade to black.
4 yrs went by and I was going insane checking the authors’ site and asking politely in by the info for contacts if the follow up book was coming out. She was awesome in a response that it was on the back burner but she would get to it but that she changed genre’s and had a commitment to do that new series and it paid the bills. So it finally came out and still would love more in that universe but I figure it will never happen. Sigh.
I swear when I follow a book series .. it kind of reminds me of watching “soap opera’s” as kid with my Mom as I was growing up
… you feel like every character is member of your extended family and you can’t wait to find out what happens next.
House Andrews: Thank you… your books are more satisfying than when I used to watch “As the World Turns” with my Mom ( a treasured memory of her since she has been gone for 10yrs). Thank you and good luck with your repairs on the electrical wiring and AC cords… that thing definitely looks like a can of worms.
Connie says
There have been two series. One the author took a 20 + year break where I donât believe they wrote anything. In the last decade they have restarted writing and have written ab0ut five more stories in the series. I am just grateful.
For the author of the other series, I am sad. The previous to last book that came out just wasnât at the authorâs usual standard. It didnât evoke the depth of feeling towards the story or the characters. I reread it a few times with breaks in between to see if it was me. When the next book in the series was posted for presale I was excited. The blurb looked like the author was back in his/her groove. I really wanted to know what happened just from the blurb. The characters were new but the world was the same. The book was delayed and then cancelled. I had some time one day so I searched to see if the author had written something else, instead I found his/her obituary, cancer. It has been a few years now and I still have feelings of guilt for not liking the last work as well as the rest and for feeling frustrated that I will never know how that last story that I was teased with ends.
Vicki LENOIR says
Hello, I agree with the general consensus that most people can accept an unfinished series as long as the writer is up front and says ,”hey, I can’t do this right now; don’t wait for anything (or anything soon as the case maybe)” It would be nice in the former if they could provide a little closure if there are unresolved issues concerning main characters. I watched the show Coupling and when they cancelled, Moffat posted somewhere online his brief plot endings for each of the main characters. I had to hunt for it, but I am one who prefers to “know the cannon ending”. I would have liked to have Larssons’s sketchy plotlines for the Millenium series….
mj says
It depends on how the end of the last book has been written .. often i’m satisfied with an epilogue. It coul even be a novella or a short story on the writer website.. I don’t like finishing a book with a sense that there’s more unless a second book is on the way. I am very satisfied with KD series but for Julie and Derek because of the story in Magic Stars and the fact that Julie leaves at the end Magic Triumphs. That is why i’m oh so grateful for Rider’s chapters on you blog. As for Iron Magic, if there is no second book i feel the story is complete because of the caracters apperance in the last KD book. It’s sad when the writer is forced to write immediatly a series because they may not be in the right frame of mind … wich might burn a serie before it could of. .. like with Jack and Gorge in the Edge đ … But i love your work guys! All your of it!
Patricia Schlorke says
I respect an author’s decision on whether or not to finish a series. There were authors I really liked and thought there would be another book to find out the author died or went on to do something else besides writing.
When Nalini Singh started to end her arc of the Psy-Changling series to the Trinity series, people lost their minds. The comments generated on her website was so bad she had to close the comments and make an announcement to people that this was a different direction in her writing. I just shook my head and kept reading her books.
There are other authors I started reading their series, but stopped because the direction of the writing went off or confusing (LKH anyone????). However, there are other authors’ series I read now even if it’s one book in the series.
Maria Z says
Totally agree I have followed some series to the end and then never picked up anything else the author wrote. Some I dropped as the series was the same book over and over and over again and I just lost interest. There are some authors who got into this cycle of abuse and torture for both their male and female leads that it just became unhealthy mentally to read them .
Dee says
I enjoy this topic. It is fascinating what some authors wishes are regarding their stories, their characters, their worlds.
I have heard of a famous author that left it in his will that all of his unfinished works be burned after his passing. Others take apprentices like some great scientists do so the work may continue in the vein it was intended. One author got tired of his most beloved character and haggled to write more and more of him said do what you want with him. I believe many others wrote of this character in books, plays, and movies.
If a book and characters just end and they have become a part of my inner landscape I create an ending for them that makes sense to me. It is only in my mind.
Of course it is up to the author/s as it is their work. Why should someone torture themselves with continuing a series that may be very real in their minds, painful at times or joyous or satisfying.. or boring?
I am sure there are many readers that just stop reading a series before the end because they are just over it. No one says you must finish reading this series.
I enjoyed reading the other answers as well. Thank you.
David Kay says
Readers do not change their lives, their goals, their dreams to suit the authors they read – there is no reason or obligation for authors to change their lives and careers to suit their readers. I love and appreciate everything the two of you write, but I also recognized you have to live your lives to meet your own and your family’s needs and to seek your own fulfillment in your own ways. I hope you write stories until I leave this mortal coil, but if you switched to writing true crime or biographies (not my personal reading choices) I would still always appreciate the many hours of pleasure that you have given. [I am 69 and writing “leaving this mortal coil” was a bit unnerving]/
Amy says
I forgot to say this. The only time I get grumpy about an unfinished series is if the author stops mid-scene. T.A. White is amazing at this and always makes the cliffhanger worth the wait. But there is another series that set up cliffhangers where the protagonists were in the middle of a fight. It soured me towards the series , even though the subsequent books got better.
Anna Carven and Nadine Mutas are two authors I would follow anywhere and both of them have series I love that were set up for another book. And both of them have chosen to write something else in the meantime. I will be sad if they donât return to the series, but not resentful.
PL says
STEEL’S EDGE was actually my favorite book in THE EDGE series????
I really did love it though, but I’m sorry that you felt so much pain from writing it and had to listen to mountains of hate because of it.
I think I’ll reread it now that we’re talking about it…
Ally says
The only series that immediately came to mind was Kristen Britain’s Green Rider series. She takes a loooong time to write her books. No end in sight and many, many years go by waiting.
I don’t mind a book series that keeps on going with probably too many books in the series if each has a finished feeling to it, no cliffhangers unless the author is ready to release the next one in less than a year. I’ve read books like that and the frustration is REAL. The Honor Harrington series I think is a good example of what I mean about concluding each book. No cliffhangers really and while I always read the next one, I’m not getting impatient.
I think part of the problem is that when authors take a long time to write, the readers have more time to build up expectations and thus if it didn’t “land”, that is when the disappointment happens. That puts pressure on the author as well- the longer it takes, the more they feel the readers’ expectations mounting and probably feel more emotional pressure to “get it right.” Just assuming here as I am not an author.
Tweed says
To me it depends on if each book is a complete story, or if there are unresolved mysteries or cliffhangers. The amazing Elfhome series by Spencer started 17 years ago and has been building to a final battle over 5 books. I had to take it out of my yearly rereading cycle because it was too painful to get to the dangling âendâ that may never resolve. Mercedes Lackeyâs valdemar series which I started reading 33 years ago has tidy endings in each book. Itâs hard to wait for the next one because I love them so much but thereâs no worry for characters that have been abandoned in Unsafe places. The KD books each left the characters in safe holding place-the world had evolving issues but I was satisfied at the end of each book. But I wonât be happy putting Innkeeper down until I know Gerard and Helen are safe and Kraus is safely reunited with his sisters. Having explained that-if IA decided they couldnât face finishing Innkeeper-Iâd rather the authors posted a bullet list of what happened than have someone else pick up the story to finish. It wouldnât really be innkeeper if someone else wrote it.
Sandra says
Indeed, if someone has lost the will to plot the books out, give us snippets or something just to cover the key points.
Iâm like you, I need to know whatâs happened to Dinaâs Parents, if I never find out I will be an unhappy reader, if the book was to not happen for some reason, at least a this is why, this is how, this is when it was resolved etc… would keep me happy.
Pat Knuth says
Spencer is definitely working on the next Elfhome book. I subscribed to her Patreon and she shares snippets nearly every week. I’m also waiting for Diane Duane’s last “Door Into” book and she started that series in the 70s. Loved that series and part of me is afraid that I’ve changed too much to feel the same way about the last one. In the meantime, she’s writing stories/novellas about the main characters to bring them to the point in time for the new book.
Mary Cruickshank-Peed says
You can tell, sometimes, when an author is pretty sick of a character but the publisher waved too much money at them to stop the series. I felt sorry for Anna Pidgeon in the last book… the author did everything but strap her to a rocket and blow her into space…
And then there are the authors who have an excellent idea for a series and the first and sometimes the second book are excellent… then it kind of tapers off because they lost momentum or didn’t quite think the idea thru (Incantations of Immortality, which has both one of “my top 10 books I’ve ever read” and a “bottom 10 books I’ve ever read”, one right after the other.) It may pick back up again (Incantations did) and then trail off into a “why did I finish this series” kind of thing.
And then there’s the series where the author started out strong, wrote a couple of good books, then life interfered and when he got back to the story, it had no relationship to the original except the names of the characters… (Alvin Maker)
And then there are the authors where I’m going “Wait, wait! What do you mean this is the last book? What about this person and that thread? Hey! I’ll be happy to give you more money if you just tell me what happened to this person who should obviously be next in the story!!” (Firefly, and The Consortium Rebellion are at the top of that current list).
Of the authors who had a story arc and who finished a series, I think Kate Daniels is probably the best. I love the universe and I want to know more about some side characters (Ryder being the most current) but the Magic Truimphs was an excellent end for the series… it wrapped up all the long running threads, it took care of the HEA, and I can see the characters I love continuing on… maybe still having adventures, but not in THIS EXACT way.
SJ Powol says
I love to read and create things. I have a healthy appreciation for the artist that develops the worlds in which we escape when our own is just too much. But there is one thing we must always remember:
There Is No Such Thing As A True Happily Ever After.
The book/ series may have ended, but the Characters in it (most of the time) are still very much alive.
There are so many times when I have come to the end of a book and let out a scream/moan/growl of irritation because I’ve just found a new series, or that I’ve found the end of that series. That “There. Is. No. More.” Period. (Or in cases like Robert Jordan, Stieg Larsson, and Alice Borchardt, they passed before their art was completed. Sometimes I mourn for the loss of the next book, but mostly I mourn for the loss of those great minds that have left us such as Douglas Adams. ) The Edge quartet, I will admit, was not my favorite. It was often gut wrenching and hard to read, the final book held its sad ring and the weight of it made it feel as though it were in truth the end. This blog has confirmed what I felt, I’m glad that has reached its finish line.
Honestly, I have a mind of its own and it likes to take off. I’ve written a few private fanfic’s myself of these worlds, including your own, Illona. I find them to be great exercises in the development of my own stories because the stories and the character’s in them that I have read in my lifetime have become part of me, whether they be bad or good.
At the end of all this an artist or author will do what they do, they are human beings no more no less, and if they don’t want to finish something then let them be. Let your own mind do the rest.
Laura Mast says
As a reader, I am always disappointed when a series I enjoy ends. I would rather the original author write the ending though if at all possible. Its rare to have the same “voice” when someone else takes over although I have read some that were very close.
For writers, I think it would be difficult to turn over your “world” to someone else. I have had trouble just hearing people narrate mine when I feel like the emphasis or mood is being portrayed incorrectly (not a professional writer or even a writer per se but still very possessive lol).
I am ever hopeful of more Edge stories whether they be post or pre as well as the Innkeeper. I am aware there are some dark times ahead for the Innkeeper and can understand that some fortitude is needed to face that. Difficult when the balance of our real world is tilted to the dark as well.
However I satisfy myself by rereading all your series periodically. One of the few authors I do that with. So, even though I may be frothing at the bit a little, I won’t scream and yell about it (out loud) Be well Be safe Be happy
Carolyn says
There are a few authors where I would take ANY new book, even if a series never resumes or finishes. Several of Linnea Sinclair books are on my regular re-read list, and “Hope’s Folly” in the Dock 5 series is one of my favorite SF romances ever. I would love to see anything from her, even if the story arc in the Dock 5 world is never revisited.
Nice to see someone else remembers the Fire Dancer series from Anne Maxwell! My thought was that she wrote herself into a corner, but I still would have liked more.
Josee says
When I was in grade 8 I was gifted the night world series by L.J Smith. The last few books kept hinting at and leading up to a big exciting finale that never came. I read the whole series in under a week and felt so invested in the characters and then it ended and I felt so disappointed an even angry . This was my first experience with a series with no ending but as an adult I might still feel disappointed if a author decides not to or is unable to finish a series I wouldn’t get angry because I understand the authors are people
Robyn says
Iâm so glad you brought up the night World Series Josee. I think the thing that really made me feel anger about this though was that it really felt like author kept on stringing along the fans for YEARS (heck, decades at this point) that she was going to finish the final book (strange fate). There would be release dates for the book on Amazon and she would make announcements on her website and then the date would come and go with nothing left but broken hopes.
Once her other series got picked up by tv (vampire diaries and secret circle) I finally decided to stop hoping for that final book. Overall though I love l.j. Smith. All of her series are great. The forbidden game series is still At the of my lists of favorites along with the secret circle.
cooper says
Something that you need to keep in mind is that the completion, or not, of a series also relies upon the publisher. A prime example of this is the Lee & Miller Liaden series. Del Rey decided that the numbers weren’t good enough to continue with the series and therefore did not offer another contract to continue the series. It wasn’t until Meisha Merlin offered them a contract to reprint and continue the series that it was “completed”; i.e. “Plan B” and “I Dare” were published. This brings us to another point Beth Hilgartner started a series with Meisha Merlin and the first two books of the series were published before MM went out of business.
So don’t blame the author(s) it might not be up to them.
Erin Valentine says
I respect the rights artists to do what they will with what they create. But I will have to say that when an author kills a character, and it’s just too much for me emotionally, I will stop reading that series. If they extend a series to the point where it’s monotonous and very little growth is made, I will stop reading that series. And if an author starts a series that I’m invested in emotionally and economically, and they don’t finish it, I’m not likely to read anything else that author writes. Because I don’t want it to happen again.
Carolin says
It makes perfect sense to finish your series when you as its creator feel it derserves/needs to be finished. This sense of balance transfers from you to us readers.
Of course we are very lucky if some plot lines that are still adrift and not fully tied up end up being amazing new stories like Ryder.
I love the Edge series as a whole (started with Kate though) and I am very sorry that Steel’s Edge still is difficult for you. It was a bittersweet one for me as well for the time I read it was emotionally fraught for me. In that it is unique among your books for me as all the others elicit purely positive memories and are a pure joy to re-read.
I am and will always remain deeply thankful for every book you put out there into the world for us to read as they are all treasures.
Erin Valentine says
The best part about Ryder for me is I didn’t need it. I thought the series was wrapped up masterfully. My only questions centered around Hugh, and I have faith that we’ll get to see that story when it’s ready. Especially given Ilona’s comments about the Edge ending.
Any writer who powers through a personal morass to finish for her/their readers will not let us down. Ryder is like that extra Christmas present that was hidden way at the back of the tree, under a bunch of discarded paper, when you thought you were all done.
Ripper Moore says
You asked for an honest opinion, and mine is that while, yes, I feel the author ‘owes’ the reader an end to the story(s) they begin, I would rather wait as long as needed for the author(s) to write a good book, for their heads to be in the right place, I suppose I mean,rather than get a book that was a cookie-cutter churned out chore.
Having said that, in my opinion, for my tiny part of the record, you are NOT guilty of that. I am very sorry you found Steel’s Edge difficult to write, but I love the book! Partly because healing magic is one of my favourite daydreams, but also because you in no way stinted on the rich, descriptive characterization that makes your books so enjoyable.
Robin De Tota says
For me if an author states that a series will be X number of books long I hope that they will be able to fulfill that, unless the publisher decides not to continue publishing. If that happens the author should be given back the rights to those books. One author I read had stated that the series would have a certain number of books in it and the publisher cancelled the series before the last three books could be published but the author self published the final 3 books and finished the series which I was grateful for. The author is also trying to get the rights back for two other series. I donât really like reading series that are finished by someone else, the characters donât feel right. I loved Magic Triumphs, even though I was sad that some characters died but it felt right the way you ended it. I really appreciate the way the two of you interact with your readers and the snippets that you post, it helps fill the time between your books, although I gobble each new book right away and then keep having to reread until the next one. Please take all the time that you need for you to write books that you are happy with. Thank you you all the hours of enjoyment that I find in your worlds.
elwood handy says
I won’t get specific, but I have seen some favorite series turn to trash because the author was under contract to continue ( after losing interest). Sad. Better no book than wasted effort (by the writer) and wasted money (by me).
Jacqueline says
+1
Chris says
I also hate a stand-alone book where the author gets bored with it or has a deadline and finishes the book one chapter early or without an epilogue to tie all of the loose ends together. I feel so strung-along.
I also feel the same with TV series that just cancel mid series without one more segment to give you a finish.
Most of the time when someone else takes over s popular book series, it just feels co-opted for the Money.
Siobhan says
First let me say that I didnât think it could be done â ending KD in a way that was satisfying. And yet, you did it. It was the single most satisfying ending of a series that I have ever read. Including The Edge and Wildfire. You guys outdid yourselves with Magic Triumphs.
Second, I personally dislike George RR Martens as a person, despite mostly enjoying his books. So I am deliberately restraining myself from saying anything to the subject, beyond that I wish he would let his editor edit.
Finally, a lot of it for me depends on the author. For example, Cassandra Gannon seems to have stopped writing her Phase books, and I will await another in hope, but if she canât write more, she canât. Her reasons are hers, although if I donât get a reason from the author, I generally file stuff like this as âpaying the rent is hard when self-publishing and paying the rent comes firstâ. Another author, who will remain nameless, ended her last book on a cliffhanger, the publisher didnât renew the contract, and she came out railing at her readers that it was their fault they didnât buy enough books (were we supposed to buy 2-3 each)? I wouldnât read the final book now, even if she self-published. Karen Chanceâs contract was cancelled, and she DID manage to self-publish the final book without yelling at us. (And it was very good, if not as wholly satisfying as Magic Triumphs).
How the author handles it matters a great deal. Openness is always appreciated (I am glad Ilona shared with us why we are getting Ryder instead of Iron & Magic II), but if they at least manage to avoid having a fit at the people actually reading their books, that leaves me more open to reading more later.
Tamara says
If you are not inspired to continue writing a series then you should be able to stop. I do like closure so a summary in your blog explaining what you think would happen in the world you created would work for me.
Judy Schultheis says
There are two sets of books I have that seem to me to be each be two-thirds of a planned trilogy and the third never written. The author of one set is an almost life-long friend of mine and I still occasionally feel the urge to thump him for not finishing.
On the other hand, I am well aware that my tastes can be a bit odd compared to most others, so I have always assumed that the books which did get written didn’t sell very well, and authors do have bills to pay.
GaĂŤlle from France says
We french people have additionnal trouble. There’s nothing more upsetting than having the translation stop, when the author keep writing the series. Take the Kelley Armstrong’s Cainsville series for example, it stopped after only one book. Fortunately I’m really good at reading english !! (Much better than writing it lol)
It happened with your KD books during a time too ! Then your fans keep demanding and demanding and it started to be republished. That is wonderful really, because I have to say that they’re doing an amazing job, with the beautiful covers AND with the translation. This is very faithful to your words, humor, etc…
And as a reader of both english version and french version (new and former), I say good job to the editor. I really prefer the last ones,
the 2009 version was a lot less good.
Well, I lost my train of thought… where was I ? Ah yes, translation stopping is bad.
Julie Miller says
Please continue to give the stories justice. I can tell when a story was just thrown together to meet a deadline. A really good book can come to bad ending when the last chapters are rushed. You have provided great books consistently. Yes I wish you could write a book a month, but I glad to know your stuff is quality. Take as long as you need just Please keep sharing. P.S. I didn’t like the last edge book either.
Dylan says
I think there is a difference between a series that is based around building a world (e.g. Eric Flint’s 1632 series) and a series based around a specific plot/conflict (e.g. David and Leigh Edding’s Belgariad). Now of course all fantasy/sci-fi series incorporate both of these elements, and in the best ones, I find a good balance between them. But I think that a series that is weighted towards a specific plot creates more specific expectations from readers, and is therefore more disappointing when it is not brought to a satisfying conclusion, whereas a series with a looser overarching plot/conflict is less dependent on “sticking the landing.”
To use the examples from above, I loved the Belgariad’s ending, to the point where I was significantly disappointed with the follow-up series, the Mallorean, because it changed/blurred it for me. On the other hand I loved the stand alone stories the Eddings did exploring the Belgariad’s world from other perspectives. Conversely, I loved the 1632 series, but after reading the first 8-10 books, I lost interest because it became obvious that there could never be a conclusion that would wrap up the central conflict of the series (between the society/technology of the 1600’s and today), and I am not enough of a history buff to enjoy the more obscure historical settings that the series went on to explore.
To take this back to unfinished series, I think that a series which is more focused on character development and/or plot conflicts and then is never finished is much more unsatisfying to read than a series which is more focused on world-building and exploration. A series which balances these two facets is frustrating to find unfinished, but still enjoyable.
Finally, while thinking about this topic, I realized that I used to spend a lot of time after finishing a series or stand-alone book that I really enjoyed, creating a “what happened next?” story in my head. I don’t do this very much anymore. It makes me wonder if I have lost some of my youthful creativity (almost certainly), if I just have less time to spend on this internal writing (until the last few months, again for sure), or if I’m just getting lazier in my old age (I hope not!). Anybody else have any experience with this?
DeeDee says
I like to see one series finished before another starts. It’s too hard to follow more than 2 series from the same author. I want to start a series with stone names but I want to finish up more of a series about an innkeeper and her family ** hint, hint, wink, wink**.
Dawn says
I have no problem with authors writing or not writing final books. As long as they don’t, in previous books, lead you to believe another book is coming. I have seen that, way too many times. An author will end a book with a ‘teaser’ line of sorts, and then never write another book in that series. I have authors I absolutely loved do that, then I won’t pick up another of their books. I’ve even read series where it ends with the words ‘To be continued…’ and no, it is not continued. Either write a final book or don’t, but don’t tease then not follow through. That is all I ask.
Katherine c Davenport says
As a reader, it is sad and constantly frustrating when an author doesn’t complete a series, but it is tragic when the characters/story dries up on them, and they write it anyway.
Ashley Underwood says
I just want to throw out there that Steel’s Edge is my favorite Edge book. I go back and re-read it more than any of the others. I can feel struggle in it, and maybe that’s why I love it so much. I realize it’s technically the last Edge book, but it never felt like the end, so while we never got another Edge book, I still like to imagine everyone’s lives going on in the Weird and their stories just never got written down. Besides, we get George, Jack, Gaston and Sophie in Innkeeper. I’ll take it.
I love you guys. Thank you for being awesome.
Thirza says
I don’t mind if a series remains ‘unfinished’ when the seperate books can (more or less) be read as such – I’ ve become fedup with series too, even after reading 15+ episodes
I do mind if the story feels realy unfinished. Of course I could immagine how I would finish things, but it’s just not the same
I generaly don’t like other authors taking over, I read the stories not just for the storyline but also for the style of the author , the humour, the lines of thought… and I don’t want someone trying to copy that
Quickbeam says
My husband had a series he adored but not being internet savvy, asked me to find the next book. The author had died leaving the series unfinished. I had to break the bad news. However if someone would take up the mantle, I think he would find that satisfying. Sometimes I love a book so much I want more, but thatâs just selfish.
Korey says
“I’ve learned to love the sound of my feet walking away from something not meant for me”
That saying can be extrapolated to I can enjoy what’s presented without judgement or conditions. Conditional love isn’t really love. Becoming upset because your conditions haven’t been met, well that’s on the reader, not the author.
Authors and producers are sharing a part of themselves. That’s a rather personal gift and I accept it on those terms. Even if my conditions aren’t met.
Jacqueline says
Sometimes in my job I get tired of working on the same project for weeks in row, and I just have to step away for a while in order to gain back my perspective and do a good finish. As such, I understand that authors will have similar challenges.
Having said that, I think it is unfair for authors to promise a series and not deliver – at the very least, it is bad for business, and from a reader’s perspective, it can adversely affect the trust one has in a favourite author.
On the other hand, some books are really not series material, and authors also need to recognize this and just stop, as this too can really damage their appeal to discerning readers.
I actually think the myriad of strong emotions experienced by different readers at the end of a series is a testament to the skill of the author – the ability to provoke analyses, debates and strong emotions through one’s work are some of the things that determine which authors I follow. It’s not necessarily a bad thing to be hated on while being loved/revered by others for the same work (yeah, I know there are some fans who take things too far).
Finally, please, if someone must finish your work, please, choose carefully – just recently I got mad because of the poor quality of the second in the series of a three-book set. It was quite disappointing to me that the initial author had not taken greater care to ensure the one who followed her would uphold the very high standard that she had set.
Michael says
I often regret the end on a series I love. As long as the author writes something else, it lessens the pain. And I go back and re-read whole series, so I can always visit again. If a writer no longer wants to write in a universe, I am ok with them allowing others to do so, but with different characters hopefully, since another author is not going to do them justice in most cases. The hardest part is if the author then comes back and negates the other writing. I like happy ever after, as long as new characters, or series follow. There are never enough books from my favorite authors! This is actually a good year: Andrews: 2, Singh: 2, Feist: 1, Butcher: 2.
l says
i was beginning to despair of ever seeing the continuation from butcher! it’s been years.
Nicole says
This may be an off opinion, but I love to go and read book series from the 80s where the author is already retired or dead. I can get all of the books quickly and I know that the series is complete. No âwhat happens next?!â The final book is written whether planned or unplanned. It helps me feel like life has happend and sometimes people donât make decisions we expect them to make, but it has already happened so Iâm hardly upset about it.
If it is a book like yours, it feels so in the moment like I could go to the next book and there would be a psyche! And all of my emotions were meaningless. That has happened on other book series and I eventually dropped those series.
When it feels like the story is happening, there is more of a sense of you need to yell at the character that they are making a mistake. But usually we just end up yelling at the author. It isnât helpful.
We love you lots Ilona, keep doing what you do and we will keep devouring your amazing work.
HopeT. says
Most of the time, I am patient or resigned when series “peter out” or go on hold. Life happens, art can be difficult, etc. I did have one series that drove me nuts– it was very unique, each book showed huge improvement, and after the one book I was panting for the next– it showed so much promise and set up amazing character growth! Nothing. Even the crickets were silent. I spent a few days seriously digging and discovered that the author had to go back to her day job to feed her family and felt she would probably never go back to writing. I was so disappointed. But, family first.
George Gunshefski says
First. My wife and I love you. So much joy from your collective works that we just support you. On your side, end of story, where are we burying the body ? Stop, take a break, finish or leave it hanging. You earned our loyalty, we don’t give it easily and once you earn it, you get to keep it.
Each author and each situation is different. You brought up George. Loved his first few books in the series. They didn’t make me feel as good as yours did. I enjoyed them but would not read a second time. I did not enjoy the last one. Don’t care that he hasn’t finished. Might not read it anyway. I will let people I trust read it and get back to me.
I want more Kate & Curran, specifically more Conlan. If you never write about them again, you are still my favorite and always will be. Ignore the bullshit, ass kicker. Do what you want, plenty of people love you. To hell with rest.
Kris H says
It depends on the series, no? I am thinking of things like Robert B. Parker’s Spenser novels. Some growth, some permanent world changes, but not really ever at a point where the last book published couldn’t stand as a last book (however unsatisfying). If there is no UBG, no Ultimate quest to accomplish, no crescendo arcing over several books, then I don’t feel like there is an issue with lack of a final book. But if there is a cliff hanger, yeah that is annoying. This is difference between Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.
Sandra says
I like the completion of a finished series, however if said series just stops one day I donât mind too much.
My problem is when an author tells you there are going to be all these books and gives you names for the books and gets you really excited then never writes them. Then I feel upset and honestly a bit angry with the author.
This happened to me with the Keltiad books that I love so very much and I really really wanted to know more.
Sheeta says
I just came to say that I loved Magic Triumphs. I just imagined so many opportunities for spin off books that it didnât feel like an end-end to me. But I get the sentiment about ending series. Then again thereâs a such thing as a series lasting too long. One of my beloved series has more than 20 books and every book from the 10th book onward is more or less the same; so much so that I did not read the last one and Iâm uncertain if Iâll read the next one thatâs due to come out relatively soon. (Iâm not sharing which series it is intentionally)
There comes a time when a series should end. Sometimes itâs because the characters have outgrown the series, or the writer has outgrown the characters or itâs just time. I hate series ending but sometimes I hate them continuing when they need to end more.
R.J. Blain says
Thank you so much.
I have to rotate between books, too. If I write two books in a series back to back, I usually end up hating both. Writing at least one other title between books in series keeps me sane–and makes the books better for it. (That plus I have to re-read things before I start back up, which helps me stay consistent and true to the world and characters I’m trying to write.)
Writing is hard.
Avoiding crucifixion from fans? Even harder.
You’re a fantastic author, and personally… I want you to write what makes you happy. (That just makes the book even more of a joy for me, when I know you enjoyed writing it.)
harukogirl says
There was this small fantasy series I loved as a teen – I got to third and waited for the 4th. And waited. And waited. The publishered cancelled the contract, and eventually the author turned to self publising other series. I have no idea if the series would still hold up for me, but 20 years later I still occasionally google the author’s name to see if she decided to self-pub the ending.
I don’t know what the author’s situation was as far as rights & personal life go, ect, so I’ve never been mad at them. But….a part of me has always REALLY wanted to know the ending. Even if I can’t appricieate the books now as passionately as teen me did, I would still buy a final book in that series in a heartbeat
Keith says
I am rarely satisfied with the final book. (Although Magic Triumphs is great.) The best you can hope for is that they tie up most of the loose ends, but still leave enough unanswered that there is still hope for a future spin-off. At least a short story or two. The worst final books are when they spring an ending out of left field with no real prep or logical lead up. It is as if the author just said, “F*(k it, I’m done!”
Worse is when the author refuses to end the series and drags it on book after book. You want to stay loyal to what was a great series, but you find it harder and harder to pick up the next book.
Carysa Locke says
All. Of. This. All of it. Series writing is honestly so much pressure in general. Each book builds the audience, and builds that audience’s expectations. The pressure builds with each one, too. I hope I don’t choke on the ending of mine, but time will tell. As I finish each book, before it publishes I have total panic, convinced readers will hate it despite the fact that they loved the previous books. I am a ball of stress and anxiety until the first reviews come in.
People keep telling me to stop reading my reviews. It’s good advice. I wish I could follow it, but I’m not there yet, wherever that place is.
I can’t imagine not finishing. Because as much as I love that people read the books and seem to enjoy them, I’m writing the story, ultimately, for myself. I want to know how it ends, too. I have a plan, of course, but things always, always change organically as I write. The best laid plans, and all of that.
With George RR Martin, I feel for him. The world has seen one ending to his series, and almost universally hated it or were disappointed by it. As you said, the pressure must be enormous. Paralyzing. I don’t know if I could write those final books in the same circumstance. As authors, we know that we will never please everyone all of the time, but we want to please most readers. When we write and share our stories, it’s a bit like parading naked in front of people. We are showing a part of ourselves publicly that is deeply personal, and of course we want people to like it.
I can only think of one series I loved as a reader that just stopped and has never picked back up, and I know the author un question was experiencing serious depression at the time. She’s back writing now, but I think will never go back to that series, and honestly, I don’t blame her. Going back will probably put her right back into that same depressive place, which is not good for her or her health. I’m sad, but also grateful for the books I have by her, and I understand. Authors should be free to make the best choice for their own health, safety, and happiness. As I often tell readers, we are not automatons. We’re people, with the same problems, highs and lows in our lives as everyone else.
Gale M says
If I am sad when a beloved series ends abruptly, it’s not really about wanting the end of the story. Can’t imagine any all through the plants to do this and something has to be going on with them too make this happen. Or maybe they change their mind to lost track. Someone else stated that it’s a privilege to read a story not a right. And I agree. If I got to read three fantastic books that I enjoyed that kept me going, and there is never a fourth or fifth, I can miss knowing what happens next but it’s not going to take away my enjoyment of what I’ve already read. Do any of us read a book just to see what happens next? You can read a three paragraph synopsis and get that. You wouldn’t even need to read a whole book and experience the world the author created. So I am sad if an author finds herself, or himself, not able to move on with the series for whatever reason. But I am sad because I think it’s a sign that something is not working out for them somewhere.
Shlomi Harif says
Great topic! I think Jim Butcher is, from a purely reader perspective, a good example. He got to book 16 out of a professed 20, and then stopped for… years. (He’s coming out with the next two books in the series in 2020.) I’m not getting into reasons on his side, or anything else, but from a reader’s perspective, I’ve got an emotional investment in not just the characters, but the dynamic results of the worldbuilding. For full disclosure, I’ve got all the Dresden books, even {shudder} the graphic ones. Some things are best left, IMHO, YMMV, to the imagination. The Dresden TV series, which lasted all of one season, was pretty good as well, and it was a pity it was canned.
But TV and graphic novels aren’t the issue. The issue is that, for readers, there’s an implicit contract between the reader and the author that they’ll buy the next book in the series — and that it’ll get written. There are caveats to that statement. The Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Sherlock books, Agatha Christie’s books… even the Rabbi Smallman books, are, similar to the Simpsons, episodic. There’s a reset button. There’s previous history that accrues, but the end of one book does not insist on a continuation.
George R.R. Martin’s series also doesn’t, in my opinion, require additional books. So many characters come and are killed in each novel that, once the saga reaches a certain point, it can stop. There’s a joke I’ve heard many times that Martin could write a 900-page book just describing snow and people would buy it because it’s in the GoT series.
There’s a flip side to all this. I think there are authors who wrote one last novel in a series to cap it all. (Or for other, less-understood reasons.) Louise Bujold McMaster’s last book in the Barrayar saga, “Gentleman Jole and the Red Queen,” feels to me like an afrterbirth: the essence but not the substance of previous novels. Elizabeth Moon, for all that I’ve loved her space operas and “The Deed of Paksennarion,” ended her Serrano space opera with a pair of novels that, while they were entertaining, were less credulous, and lacked some of the real tension in the previous books in the series.
But I bought them anyway. Because of the author, because of the worldbuilding. But… I won’t buy the next in those series, if there is one, because the joy I felt in the previous books wasn’t matched in their latest.
Hopping back up to the Dresden series, it, at least for me personally, got less and less interesting as Dresden the person became Dresden, the Man Who Talks with Gods (or, at least, the royalty of the Faerie). The tension, the personal loss, the existential danger of Dresden as a human person, has dissipated. Leaving the novels more space opera-esque and less about the man. And yes, again, this is all IMHO.
A long response, but a very interesting subject.
nrml says
Yeah, Jim Butcher really kind of went “out there” with Harry and Molly both in the clutches of Mab. I’m kind of eager to see if he can resurrect them from the frozen lands and get them back down to earth now. He started a different series about something else — Cinder Spires — The Aeronaut’s Windlass — but only wrote one book. I have to wonder if he has it in him to write about someone other than Harry Dresden. To continue with a series where the entire world has been established and the characters are developed has to be easier than trying to imagine all the details of a new world.
Ditto Kim Harrison and her Hollow’s series ending. I felt it ended well. She tried to write about Peri Reed, but … *yawn*. Not enough background in anything to understand all the erasures of memories and who hates whom and on and on. I tried to read it. Now she’s going back to the Hollows for a while, it appears. I’ll read it. The entire series was so much fun to read that I hope this next one will work well, too.
Nebilon says
Well, if we are talking Jim Butcher, there is always the furies of Calderon series….
Surfergirl says
I really enjoyed the Cinder Spires book, and was surprised there was only one book. Hoping heâll write some more in the future
Heidi says
ME TOOOOOO!!!!! I was sooo looking forward to it.
Susan Doubek says
I beg to differ with Shlomi Harif’s opinion of “Gentleman Jole and the Red Queen. The Barrayar saga begins with Cordelia Naismith then turns to following her son Miles through childhood to his becoming probably the 2nd most powerful man in Barrayar’s government. Her husband died of a heart attack and now she is free to retire and pursue her own goals. To me, it is Lois’s way of bringing the saga around full circle and completing it.
Sarah says
One of my favorite authors seemingly abandoned their series. The next book of their Wolfwalker series had a title, release date, cover, Isbn… and then the date vanished. And then the book vanished. And the author vanished. No information on their website. Nothing but radio silence. Will that book ever eventually come out? Did the author abandon it or was there some dispute with the publisher? I just want to know if I should keep an eye out. I check every year or so to see if they have resurfaced, but nothing. It is sad. I want to know what happens, but at the same time, I wouldnât want that next book to come out if the author wasnât happy with it.
And you know never know, some authors take 12 years to get to the next book in their series (looking at you Clan of the Cave Bear and the Unicorn Chronicles). But while I can hope that Iâll get the next book, if it takes time, it will (theoretically) be worth it. And if I donât like where the eventual book goes, that is on me and I stop reading at that point.
As for being mad at endings, I usually know way before the ending if Iâm going to hate it. If the author can pull me into the world, I will go along with whatever ride they take me on. I may be sad so-and-so died, but I can understand it plot/story-wise. If they canât pull me in, no matter what happens, I wonât enjoy the ending. (That is usually on me and my writing style tastes.)
Bill G says
I’ve always tended to believe that if a series stops that it’s because sales fell off, and the publisher didn’t offer to buy another book. (This concept was formed long before today’s Independent Publishing option; I’m an old far … er, fogy.)
And then there was the case of Roger Zelazny. He went and died, and apparently either did not leave enough to show where he was going with the Amber books, or there was some legal obstruction to another author finishing it. Someone did write three in the Amberverse, but of an earlier time; not an end to the issues.
neal bravin says
Wow. Lots of comments. Didn’t read through them all but good points where I did. The sense of my own 2 cents: Ultimately the only person the author owes anything to is themselves. John Ringo had a hard time “completing” some of his most excellent series and eventually “farmed’ at least one out. Stirling wrote an incredible series of alternate future and then ended with a “I gotta finish this and this is what you get” book, which was OK and ended the series but as a reader I sure felt like I got stiffed- my problem, not the author’s. I can only imagine what it’s like to have to continue something you no longer want to do. Yes there is a coda to this in terms of legal obligations but assuming those had already been met, the audience will love your next series just as much, if not more because you have that much more experience.
Simone says
i hate when a loved series ends. đ
i get really emotionally when it doesn’t get an end at all but i always try to understand that an author doesn’t owe me anything. i pay for a book at the time not for their time in the future.
i appreciate when an author at least makes the effort and get out some words into the www for me to find so i would know that i can stop waiting or level my expectations and its intensity. i have quite a few series that are very promising but the author seem to have vanished from earth. i hope they are well. i wish i could cope better with uncertainty.
Mark N. says
First, I should say that I can’t read Kate Books 9 and 10 yet because I don’t want that series to end. However, I was quite happy with the Hidden Legacy trilogy and the way that it ended. Even more delighted when you decided to start a second trilogy with Catalina and will read a third trilogy if and when you decide to write it. Further, I’ve loved all of the Innkeeper series, especially Maude’s story.
What I most object to is not an unfinished series, but novels that end in cliffhangers that require you to buy the next book — I regard that as an unfinished novel. That seems to me to be the cheapest sort of ripoff. I do not view ANY of your novels in that way because while there are more books in the series, each book is somewhat self-contained.
As for other authors finishing works, the first that comes to mind is Stieg Larsson’s Girl with the Dragon Tattoo trilogy. The fourth book in the “trilogy” was welcome because it filled in some of the missing information from the first three books. The fifth book is where the new author begins to “stretch” the series and character to places the original author would perhaps have not intended. But undoubtedly, they are still selling the books and making money, so we have Book 6 now.
Megan says
So well said! I don’t think an author can ever fully meet all readers’ expectations b/c every reader has a different set of expectations! It’s impossible. And, as an author, we have our own vision for the series that affects us too. It’s difficult to manage it and it somehow doesn’t always translate. So hard to make everyone happy.
As to GRRM, I can’t imagine the pressure he must have felt for that series. The blessing and curse of a successful TV series….
Anne-Marie McRoberts says
Two different issues here. Someone else finishing a series can be problematic, but just occasionally there is a seamless join. The Jill Paton Walsh continuation of Dorothy Sayers series about Lord Peter Wimsey is a case in point. As for series that get left, that can be really frustrating. I searched for 20 years or so for more of Stella Riley’s series set in the English Civil War. She just stopped writing and then just as suddenly started again. We’ve had four books in the series, I would love a fifth and if you like historical novels do look her up, they are wonderful and the story arc in each is properly completed. I am writing a series myself, but I haven’t even thought about publishing it, as I am only about a third of the way through vol IV and I cannot bear the thought of sending it out into the world unfinished. It should have five volumes if all goes to plan.
Brooke Frazier says
In my honest opinion as a reader. I’d rather get a blunt ending or end an unfinished work than to read a series that a writer feels obligated to write. I’ve read series where a lot feels like the author just chugs out the end of a series because it’s required and it feels forced and flat. I loved the edge and I mourn the loss of future stories but I understand and support the ending of it. And in all things in life I fully support the putting of self first. For only when we put ourselves first is our cup full enough to share with others in any way.
Angela says
At the end of the day it is a writers world, and we are privileged to have been on the outside looking in. We can bitch, moan, and gnash our teeth, but our butthurt is irrelevant. These are the writers creations, and we have absolutely no say on what goes in within them.
Lizzy says
There was only one time I was upset about a book/series. ANd a part of me says it should have never been published. It was years ago so don’t remember the exact title or author. It was something like “I was a werefolf supermodel”. That was the first and only book. I loved it and was ready to read tons more, but the author died and according to the publisher she didn’t leave enough notes to even think of having someone write the second book.
I am not fond of other authors finishing someone’s work and have felt that way since I read “Scarlet” in elementary school. It upset me that the new author couldn’t even stick to the same tense.
I mean I was even ok thinking that Jim Butcher was never going to finish writing the Harry Dresdan series. And although it’s been 5 years between books in that series I’d gladly wait twice that then someone else finish the work.
I wish publishers would put out the authors outline rather than someone else finish a book after their death.
melanie says
George r.r martin makes me crazy.If he hadn’t said yes its coming year after year i promise.If he would have said its taking a long time im not sure if it will ever get done.I could have stopped reading the books on the 3rd one and watched the show i dont think i would have been happy with the ending and that the worst part i just knew he would have done something epic.Sure everybody would have been dead but at least it would have gone out with a bang not a whimper.at this point all i can hope is he will give his manuscripts to somebody he trusts to finish them.
DianaInCa says
I would like a series to finish if possible. It is hard for me to expect an author to keep working on a series if they canât get the mojo working. I have stopped reading series before so why canât authors fizzle out? That said, it is annoying to have someone say there is going to be more and nothing comes out.
I also wonder about the affects of the internet and social media have on authors trying to write and the public saying are you done yet? We live in such way now that we easily know when books are supposed to come out and when they donât it is such a big disappointment. But I have learned from this blog about the publishing industry, how the they introduce new books to us. So I just try to be patient and reread. ????
Pam says
I am so sorry that the last book of the Edge series was so hard for you. I want you to know that I enjoyed it so very much and will never look at a small side road off a main highway ever again. I always, always, imagine that it is a route to a different world.
As to last books, I will be forever grateful to Terry Pratchett for finishing the Discworld series, which could not have been easy. And it was easily one of his best.
From a personal standpoint, I think I’d rather have a novella or epilogue to tie up a book arc, rather than to pass it on to another author to continue. It’s just not the same. However, if another author wanted to write stories using completely new characters in the universe – in their own voice – that would be different.
I really like what Penny Reid has done with her Pennyverse. I read two of those books this week by April White, and they were fabulous, particularly the second one. If you have time to read and want to laugh, I recommend Code of Honor.
Dan Wylie-Sears says
“I would rather do the story justice and take my time than throw something out there just to be done”
Long live House Andrews.
—
Magic Triumphs is one good way of ending a series. It didn’t end. It transitioned to Iron and Magic, and to Ryder. I was hoping for more to be resolved in MT than was, but having the continuations is better.
Marcia Glenn says
As a reader I always wish for another book in a series I love, no matter if the author thinks it is finished. Take Thomas Perry and his Jane Whitefield novels. His last one for 7 years was Blood Money, then finally Runner in 2009 then Poison Flower in 2012 then nothing for another 8 years.
We hope another book but then the writer starts another series and while we don’t forget about the last series, most of the time we love the new series.
Sorry it was agony for you to write the last of the Edge. It was pure pleasure to read it.
Amy R says
I read. I read A LOT. Some series some not, and of course like most folks I have ~opinions~. That said I try my best to keep in mind that they are my opinions and I am just a visitor has had to good fortune to stumble upon the worlds that a good writer (such as yourselves) can create.
Wendy S says
Well this post received a lot of comments! I didnât try to read them all. I would say I am in the league that opposes other writers finishing a series. I canât stand when authors open up their worlds to others or when they supposedly collaborate with a new writer on a book. Anne McCaffrey did that a lot and I could tell the difference. Stopped reading her work. It isnât just the world or the characters for me – itâs the authorâs voice, the authorâs vision and morals and inner strength that Infuses their characters and outcomes that matter to me.
Your books are so creative, but that is only a portion of why I love to read and reread them. I feel like some of us readers want the Master Chef experience and nothing less, while the rest are just as happy with McDonalds. The McDonalds crowd are the foot stompers and complainers, in my opinion, because they donât value the quality of the product you are offering. Theyâll buy it and read it, but they will buy and read any Kindle Unlimited writer offering a knock off product and be just as happy. (Iâve discovered some great writers through Kindle Unlimited but boy, there are a lot of really poor quality books offered on that venue! You have to wade through the grunge to find the gems).
If you died or couldnât finish a series, Iâd be devastated, but Iâd rather read a plot outline of your last book than have it ruined by another, well intentioned author. (I hope you have a plot outline in a safe somewhere of Ryder and the Sisters storyline for the second Legacy series.).
Best scenario- stay healthy! Finish your series and take a few years off or retire if possible. Better yet- Live!
trisha says
Magic Triumphs was awesome, just for the record. I have reread it many times. I thought it was the perfect ending.
Simone says
While it can be disappointing when a series does not finish it happens and life goes on. Sometimes it is for reasons out of the author’s control and sometimes by their choice. If they know they won’t be revisiting the series again it would be nice if they posted an Epilogue or summary of where they had envisioned the story going. However, as you mentioned endings may lead to a bunch of negative comments – this is the age of social media and entitlement after all – and they may not wish to deal with all the negativity.
I can also understand why a writer or actor my want a change after years of writing / performing in the same universe.
I have an imagination and I can use it to wrap things up in my head if necessary. đ
Readers do get invested in a series and, therefore, feel a connection to the author. If you hear nothing more about them you may wonder if they are okay. They are entitled to their privacy and I realize that I am not on their “need to know” list.
Julie says
I believe that ultimately the book belongs to the author. We, the readers, are allowed to enjoy the writerâs world. As an avid reader, it generally irks me when a series does not finish. I can spend years wondering what happened to certain characters. I can hold a grudge when my favorite characters are killed off- and my favorites almost always get killed. So, Iâm one of those people who get very attached to loved books. I once held the final book to a series for 7 years before I read it because I wasnât ready for it to end. But, thatâs my problem and I recognize it as such.
Ann says
As a reader I will always hope Kim Harrison returns to her Dawn Cook books, but no artist is obligated to create unless they sign a contract. And apart from their spark, artists have bills to pay tooâif one series is making more, itâs natural to focus energy there.
PS – You gave me a coronary thinking this was about Ryder.
Diane says
I have been waiting nearly 30 years for the final book in DD’s ‘Door’ series. I thought it would eventuate some years ago, and she changed some of the previous books and republished them to bring them in line with what was planned for the last book, but then the publisher went broke. Not her fault, of course. Since then she has continued to write, and has produced some short stories in the same world, so it is still on the cards. Will I still enjoy the series when I re-read them in preparation for the last book? I don’t know. My tastes have changed in 30 years.
Mercedes Lackey and Andre Norton worked together on the Halfblood Chronicle series. I gather the last book was written but when Andre Norton died everything was put on hold because of all the court cases. It was supposed to be finished in 2017 but I don’t know.
It was interesting to read about the way an author’s life can impact on a series. I do have compassion for their personal lives but there are some authors whose work I won’t read until the whole series has been finished, because of this feeling of breaking my trust. House Andrew’s work, however, I read as soon as it is published!
Maria (BearMountainBooks) says
As a writer and a reader I agree with everything you said. As a reader, I guess I’d rather a writer not force a finish. When she is done, she’s done. That may mean no finale. I’d rather that than a painful book struggling across the finish line. I still get questions about whether I will write more Sedona stories (cozy mysteries). There’s no huge finale. It ends on an upbeat note and sure, there’s room to write more. But I was mentally done with that series . I don’t want to write more that don’t fit the series or that force some kind of grand finale. It’s a good series. It stands. I don’t want to ruin it.
And yes, there will always be readers who aren’t happy with the turn of a series (sometimes midway, sometimes ending, etc). That’s okay too. If a series doesn’t go where you want it to go, feel free to pen your own series and dream it and turn it into the greatest masterpiece ever!!!
Jacqueline says
I always prefer that a writer completes their own work. I know that sometimes everything flows, then all of a sudden it just stops. When the creativity stops, you can’t force it. No amount of sitting in front of a screen is going to make something flow if it’s not there. Sometimes it starts again within a few hours or days. Sometimes it takes months. Maybe it never comes back. Whether it’s picked up by someone else or just dies has to be the decision of the original writer.
As a reader, I would not be happy having a series finished by a different writer unless that writer had the same vision and writing style as the writer who allowed the completion of the series, and that the original writer reviewed and approved the completed work.
It’s the same in the case of a writer dying before completion of a series. The people who commissioned the work should work very hard to make sure that a writer who completes the work has the same writing style. L.A. Banks’ “Neteru Academy” is worth finishing, though it might be hard to find a writer to complete it. L.A. Banks was special and I’m still grieving her loss.
It would be hard to find a writer to complete your work too. I would grieve the loss of your brilliance, but I’m thankful for everything you’ve given us. So, I guess my answer is yes and no.
Stephen Whyde says
I liked and agree with the ending of the edge series. You have good balance of light and dark and that last book was great but felt off like you said. I feel that the inn keeper series is your homely safety net and should stay that way as your other two series are getting more intense. You are the only authors I follow daily for good reason. Thank you and stay safe.
Jaime says
I was reading a series and the author got dropped by her publisher. She had a very lucrative day job and wrote as more of a hobby. Honestly the publisher did her dirty because the book covers looked like cheesy romance novels when her writing was not. Most of the reviews started with “ignore the cover”. She has a small but very loyal following. A few years after she got dropped she spent money out of pocket to have the final book professionally corrected and edited, then self published. Her readership may have been small but it was loyal, and thanks to goodreads we were able to express our gratitude to her directly.
Things happen. Life gets in the way. Writing is a career and if you look at a series as a place of employment you can understand why someone may leave that particular job. I prefer an author finish a series. Even if it’s not the best at least there is a clear end. What I don’t like is cliffhangers. As long as those aren’t there any book can be a final book in a series.
kommiesmom says
I have series that I would love to see finished – or at least continued – also. Lorna Freeman’s “Covenants” probably tops the list. (I also wish I could get the original 3 books in ebook, since I am afraid my current paperbacks will fall apart. The ebooks are no longer available on Amazon, at least the last time I checked.)
I understand Wen Spencer is working on her next “Tinker” book, but, as I am not on her Patreon list, I can’t give concrete evidence of it. I have hopes and understand her personal difficulties.
I have no problems when “open-ended” series stop, though I hate being left with a cliffhanger ending. Your policy of writing one book and finishing it properly is always a great relief, however.
I don’t read a book if I don’t find someone in the cast to care about. It is not always the main character, especially at first, but I won’t just keep reading about a bunch of nasty people doing reprehensible things. (As far as I was concerned, the Grinch was about the dog for most of the book…)
That means that I want to know what happens to the folks I like – which translates to “WHAT COMES NEXT, DARN IT!?
I read like that, too. I have to read every book twice because I don’t get the “nuances” the first time past. I go through at least a book a day, but there’s a lot of rereading involved.
Thank you for giving me so much fascinating plot and even more great nuance.
Diane says
And then there are the series that are not completed because the publisher won’t commission another one.
I would love to have the loose ends tied up in Mercedes Lackey’s Hunter series. I was sorry that the publisher called an end to that. The current storyline reached an end but there was a lot more that needed to be done with the major arc.
I was impressed with Moira Moore’s attitude when she could not get a deal for her final book. She satisfied her reading public by writing a final book, tying together a lot of loose ends, and publishing an e-version free. Of course, not all authors can do this. In her case she practises family law and writing was a sideline. She does not seem to have published anything since that final book in 2011.
Gail says
I wanted to chime in that I was very grateful to Moira Moore’s decision to self-publish a free final ebook to tie up that series (which was a personal favorite). I keep hoping she will pick up writing again.
This blog has made me realize how difficult it must be to be an author not just in terms of creativity but the nuts and bolts of making a living out of writing with publishers suddenly deciding to cancel contracts mid-series and the even harder slog of trying to make a go of it through self-publishing.
Beth says
The only issue I have with a Author ending a series if they end it in a Cliffhanger and do not write the next one. I have a Author I love do this with a book. He wrote the first book in what was to be a series, ended it in a Cliffhanger and never wrote the next one. I totally understood why he did not continue but still makes one crazy. All good series must come to a end. If you keep writing a series you do not like it will show in your work. I would rather a series end on a good note.
Henry says
I enjoyed reading the responses. I was surprised about the problems you had with Steel’s Edge, thank you for telling the Horde. I am a few years beyond my actuarial age and I may not be around to finish some series.
The only one that saddens me on possibly missing is Rothfus’s third day of the King Killer Chronicles. The second day book probably was a premonition of his problems because of the too repetitious violin battles, sword fights and giving blood as collateral for borrowing. I enjoyed his third book in that world; and there was no dialog, just that silent woman’s soliloquy.
Of the books you have written that needed sequels for me, were the first and second books in the arcs of the Hidden Legacy series.
Brenda Julian says
The way a series ends has not been a problem for me. So far đ I have a much bigger problem with individual books that donât end, they just quit. Leaving multiple plot lines dangling. And youâre left going âWha? Wait! What about this or him or her?â That is truly annoying to me.
Jordan Summers says
Iâve been on both ends. There were series that a few authors never finished and I felt disappointed. I have also promised readers three books (in different series) that I have havenât managed to write. I suffered crippling burnout for nearly 3 years. Iâm just now coming out of it. Iâd like to believe I can write those books now, but honestly, I just donât know. I wouldnât blame any reader for not trusting me at this point. đ
Jenni Ebba says
Thank you for such an insightful post. I always get melancholy when a series comes to either an abrupt end or is dropped, but I never questioned it too deeply. I am in the camp that loves hearing an author’s voice through their work. I’ve read series that were taken over by others and it wasn’t the same. An author’s story is theirs to share or not, I try not to question too much about what happened.
I’m sorry book 4 of the Edge series is so hated; due to personal reasons this book is very near and dear to my heart. The main character was relatable and while tears flow endlessly as I read it (and I’ve read it quite a bit), it’s a beautifully told story. I was given difficult news right before this book came out and this book helped me get through it. So thank you yet again for your dedication to your readers and for what you do for all of us.
Alan says
I think having a series have an ending is a bonus . I would point out the âDuneâ series by Frank Herbert, of which Iâm a big fan, it was winding up to a suitably grandstand finish when the author died before the last book was even started. I think it was decades later when his son found some papers with a story outline and got together with another author to publish the âfinaleâ otherwise we might still be waiting .
Duffi McDermott says
I love Magic Triumphs. Such a satisfying ending.
I prefer series with endings, rather than those that peter out. I could quote you at least three that are still hanging fire.
Love you, Ilona. Thanks for all you do.
PS. I’m so sorry about the last Edge book.
Jill says
I’m sorry you had such a bad experience writing the 4th Edge book. I’m selfishly grateful you were able to push through it because I really enjoyed the book. The whole series was fun, and it’s very amusing when some of the characters appear in the Innkeeper books.
Cynthia Dalton says
There are many valid reasons that a series may not be finished. I have noticed that some people are not satisfied when the author finishes an obvious story arc and decides for whatever reason to move on to different characters. In my opinion as long as the series wasn’t advertised as being longer and didn’t end on a cliffhanger, it is the author’s choice. It bothers me a lot more when the series ends because the publisher doesn’t want anymore for whatever reason. I know some people don’t want to buy any books in a series until they are all published but believe that that philosophy actually leads to fewer finished series as low sales will cause a publisher to cancel the contract. Being excited about an author’s work and looking forward to more from them does not mean a license to abuse said author because he/she is not fulfilling your expectations in what you think is a timely manner. I wish people would be more generous and forgiving.
nrml says
I think that because you are a team, you can create and populate and explore so much more than one world with one set of characters. That’s the absolute beauty of what you two write and publish. When The Edge ended after 4 books, I was OK with that. There comes a time when there’s just not much more to say, so why say nothing at all and ask us to invest in it? But I loved the series, other than Bayou Moon. Of course, without that, we’d have no Sophie staying at the Inn, would we? And no Steel’s Edge with Richard. When Kate Daniels was left behind, I was a little heartbroken, but really, what else was there for her to do with her father out of the picture, locked in a world of his own? It felt good to me to read Magic Triumphs, because she DID, in fact, win. And I love the fact that you jump from world to world and every new book feels so fresh, because you aren’t tired of exploring that world after you took a break from it. Then you came up with Hidden Legacy, and created even more characters for me to wonder about. Most of your books end well. Plots resolved, no major questions left unanswered. I mean, some, you obviously have plans to continue, but as I read KD, which was my introduction to you, I never closed one and wondered what would come next to the point where it bothered me. I mean, yes, there were things left dangling for the next installment, but it wasn’t a bother to wonder what else should be resolved. I love that about your writing.
But, OMG! Please don’t stop writing altogether, because no one could possibly do justice to the worlds and characters you have created to end any series you have in the works. Please stay healthy and strong and keep writing for us all.
Johanna J says
Having another writer finish a series doesnât usually work very well. Something just doesnât ring true. For the most part, I generally donât feel motivated to read those.
So sorry to hear that a book you hated writing (the last Edge book) is the one I enjoyed most in the series. Real life does get in the way sometimes. Despite everything, you still did good. Guess that just shows how talented you two are.
It makes sense that working on several series keeps things fresh. I have no problem following multiple series. If you feel forced to trudge through to the end on something just because you have to – whereâs the joy in that? I love the way some of your âfinishedâ series sometimes spawn new story arcs. And the overlap in the final KD book and Iron and Magic was, well…magic. đ
Lisa says
I think youâve mentioned before that the Edge series was not universally beloved. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and after re-reading ALL your books during quarantine I realized that 1) there is a reference to Alphas in one of them, and 2) you revisited the childrenâs characters in the innkeeper series, a detail that had flown by me originally.
I think there’s a sense of betrayal when an author leaves you hanging in a series, and that’s a purely selfish emotion that doesnât allow for the fallibility of human authors. It doesnât allow for their personal lives, which is just as likely to be in a mess as the rest of us.
I was in a poetry group once where we would give another member a line of poetry that weâd written but had gotten nowhere with, and that person had license to use that line (s) to create something new with your words. It was an amazing exercise. So yeah, I can see allowing another author continue your work with your express permission.
The Star Wars books are all written by different authors, and rather than suffering, they have thrived. But donât get me started as to what is considered Canon in the Star Wars universe…
Claire says
Of course, the adult me can understand why authors are not finishing their series. And I am not sure whether someone else should finish it.
It may also depend on the new author and the skill as well as relationship with the former one. Even though it is about a TV adaption and the book was a joined project, but I think Neil Gaiman did Terry Pratchett full honor with Good Omens.
The inner child in me actually hates when a series is not finished. I read a book as a young child. It was from the library and the second in a series. I loved it (sadly only available in German). It became and still is one of my favorite books ever. I searched for years for the first one and got it only being an adult in a second hand store. There was never the promised third one. It was so long ago that the publisher (yes, I contacted them) couldn’t even tell me why anymore. The author never seemed to have published anything else.
Add some more years and I got the information that it was a pseudonym for Wolfgang Holbein. I would never have guessed. I know his other work and the style differs. When he wrote the children fantasy books he was still an unknown author. Nowadays he is well known and earns a lot. And he writes so fast. Still, he never finished his old series and since that is nearly 40 years ago, I don’t think he ever will.
It still hurts. I still deeply love the characters. I still can evoke my emotions reading it the first time. I still am angry at him as childish as I know that is.
Of course, I would never write something bad at him or anything else in that matter. But I think one reason people get so angry is sometimes due to a simple reason: The written world meant something to them, resonated with them. It is never an excuse for bad behavior but maybe takes a little bit the sting out of it. Because if the series was bad, no one cares about an end.
Glenda Allison says
I think you have friends that come and go in your life. You don’t always get to know what happens to them. I look at your books as friends. I always enjoy them while I am with them. I enjoy being with them when they come back. I would rather a friend drift away than be replaced by a clone. I say that if you want to move on then do so. Enjoy new friends, I know I will. Keep up the good work.
mz says
There can be happy endings, though. I remember in the 80âs buying my first Liad book by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller. And then nothing … until we were told that a new publisher wanted more books. So now itâs many books later, and that makes me happy bc I love those books too.
So I guess when your publisher stops publishing or doesnât want to publish, you can get an end to a series before its time, eh?
Ali says
wow, I must be older than I thought, I remember being excited to go into a bookstore or library and find a book from an author I love. I was really excited when my sister got me turned on to fantastic fiction.com so I could get information on authors books and their order of publication. now I feel privileged to have found an author that is so amazing and shares with her fans, snippets and everything!! one of my favorite authors disappeared and it was because her publisher dropped her and no one picked her up so she started self publishing, . I always wonder if someone disappears after a book or two if life just got in the way like it does with everyone else, but they are not obligated to tell me why they do things.(darn it) so I just enjoy the words and books and excellent imaginations!! Once again, Thank you for your hard work, extras and in site into the publishing world
Susan Conrad says
I figure you are done reading responses by now, considering how many people responded, but here’s my opinion:
When you (as the author) lose interest in writing a series, I have probably lost interest in reading it. I would not mind if you CHOSE someone to write the last book, as long as you approved what they wrote word by word. And as long as you made it amply clear to everyone what the whole situation is, and who you chose to write and why. I do sometimes just need closure on some characters.
Jessie says
Not long ago I picked up and began to re-read the last book in a series that I had not been impressed with when I originally read it. This time I thoroughly enjoyed it. Maybe if writers are not always in the right place for a certain book, readers may be the same. Obviously the book hadn’t changed, but everything about the author that I had enjoyed in the beginning was there and I had missed most of it.
melanie says
i also wanted to say Jean m auel had horrible things happen to her when she divorced her husband and it took years of court battles before she could ever begin to write the next book.I think as readers we just want the next book and forget that there is a real live person out there with a life besides writing the next best thing.
Nicole says
This is such a fascinating topic! Initial comment: how people say some of the things they do about and to authors is beyond me. Iâm so sorry about âSteelâs Edgeâ, and would not have guessed where you were at emotionally when writing it. I also loved âMagic Triumphsâ because it wrapped things up in a way that made sense for the KD world. (And because, well, itâs you guys and I love your writing and I just loved the book.)
Thoughts on finishing/not finishing/having others write:
Iâm heartbroken that Sue Grafton died. And that she died before she could write âZ is for Zeroâ and end her Kinsey Millhone series as she wanted to end it. Iâm happy the family is basically saying the alphabet ends at âYâ for them because I donât know how itâd be to have someone elseâs voice wrap up our years of adventures with Kinsey.
But I love reading the new author for Robert B. Parkerâs âSpencerâ series; that person has found a way to capture the tone and feel that Parker put into those characters. Another author, one who did a few of his Jesse Stone books, was okay, but his tone and writing and direction wasnât what I was used to when Parker was writing the books. But I still read them, because I love the characters.
Everyone is going to have an opinion, and they wonât be the same, and every author can and should do and write what they feel works for them and their characters. As long as you two are writing, I will be devouring the words you put down on the page!
Jean says
Two authors finished series that I liked, and would have happily read more books in those series. Both of them said that they wanted to go in different directions with their writing. Both of them got complaints, but stood firm in their decisions. I found that the new series/styles of writing were not my kind of story telling, BUT they had every right to make those moves for themselves. (One author still writes short stories for anthologies and I am glad to read them when they come out, as they are in the style of the series that I liked.)
The worlds of House Andrews are all very different and complex. And as many people have posted, my favorite is always the one I’m currently reading!!
And then there are the Household Andrews stories, with all the chapters of daily life – pets, kids, cooking and baking, yarn and other arts, crazy hi-jinks with Jeaniene F, etc. – which you very generously share with us.
Thank you for sharing your talents, your family and this space with your readers!!
Ali says
C J Cherryh did a book called Angel with the sword, then it was followed by 7 anthologies set in that world. It was a great look into her world I really enjoyed it and got to love certain characters and plot lines that were developed by the other authors that contributed.
pete says
Every book can be different, even if they are part of a series. But that’s good. I don’t want to read the same story twice, just with different window dressing. I’ve encountered that and it doesn’t hold my interest. If Nevada and Catalina were the same except for one being blond and the other brunette, they would be much less cool. And come on, watching Catalina worry about Arabella is wonderful. Some readers may not find Catalina’s struggles and motivations as compelling as Nevada’s. This may cause them to be disappointed at future books in the series. But the alternative is one real character in a room of cardboard standees.
Bat says
I waited and waited for the second in a series for a book i found in a used hookstore or got in a batch off eBay or sonething. I eventually found a way to contact the writer and asked if he had another book planned. He was kind enough to write back that his focus and writing style had changed and no, he had no plans to continue on with that story line or world.
Did i want more of that world? Absolutely, but heck you can’t force a writer to produce. And even if you could it wouldn’t be the same because he flat out stated his writing style had changed, and i had tried to read some of his later stuff and could not get into it. As much as we might want more story, if an author tried to force it then it would be a substandard work anyway.
And i do not really want to read the end of a series if it is finished by a different author. If i liked it so well that I am salivating for another installment, then it would be like eating a favorite meal that your mom used to cook, but made by someone who who uses some of the same ingredients but a competely different recipe. It may not be bad, but it is different enough not yo be satisfying if that is not what you are craving.
Anne K McMullen says
To me, the author owns their universe and it’s up to them on whether to continue finish a series or not. I’ve read books that were written by other authors (and one but the surviving author when their writing partner died) and it’s not the same. I’d rather the new author write create their own world.
Laura says
I just have an issue when I feel lied to or when I feel like an author is just leading me on. It may not necessarily be their fault, but it’s just a frustrating situation. The whole situation with the 10th Nightworld book was irritating because they kept on putting out release dates and then taking them back without sending out any clear and concise updates about what exactly was going on. If you’re not going to be able to publish a book or if you’re going to delay the publication please have the decency to let your fans know. By contrast, while I had to search for it PC Cast has a specific post on their Facebook page addressing that the 4th New World would be delayed and specifically why it would be delayed.
Kenneth Burkenheim says
I would love to see all series come to a conclusion of some sort. However, It isn’t always possible to close all threads.
Also all authors unfortunatly do die or have life changing events. With permission, I don’t object to read more in the series. The Valdemar series has a lot of contributions, some of which aren’t quite following the script, but enjoyable at the same time and they do have permission.
I loved the OZ books when I was a child and the several sequals which were written by unauthorized authors after Baum’s death. I was actually upset when I found the sequels were removed by circulation, due to copywrite laws.
So, mixed feelings on the whole subject. I enjoy your work and don’t want to see anyone else writing on that world without your permission.
I don’t see the possibility of it coming to a conclusion.
Keep up the good work and continue keeping us thinking on these real thought provoking posts.
Kathryn says
As much as it makes me sad, I think sometimes itâs better if a writer abandons a series.
There is a writer (I will not name them), that was writing a really dynamic and well received high fantasy series that developed a complicated in-world mythos. After 4 books, books 5 and 6 took much longer to write. Suddenly book 7 came, it was ostensibly the same series but the main character woke up with amnesia on a different continent during a different time period in a steam punk society. Said character was not âreturnedâ to the original time/place until the end of the final chapter.
It made it really hard to enjoy the book as it destroyed several aspects of the original verse in that last chapter and the character just acted super different throughout the book due to amnesia. From kick-ass horse warrior to Victorian maiden in distress.
Clearly the author was burnt out. I wish they had just taken a break and written a separate steam punk novel like they clearly wanted. I would have read the shit out of that with no cognitive dissonance and unhappiness. Who knows, maybe they were trying to do that but had a publishing contract demanding another novel in their first series?
Iâd rather an author drop a series or take a big break than write work of a lower quality or swerve the series in such a different direction that itâs essentially a new series anyway.
Kim says
Not an author and just saying, but I loved all of the Edge series. I also love when an author comes back, sometimes even a decade later to pick up characters they decided to age and finish up a series. The only thing that REALLY ticks me off is when I am really into a series and the Publisher decides they’ve had enough and won’t let the writer finish it. I’ve had that happen several times and it is always off putting enough that I have a hard time sticking with other authors in the same publishing group unless I’m really a fan.
Vanessa says
This a pet peeve of mine. Iâm fine if each book is a contained story, but not if each book ends on a cliffhanger for the next book AND the author keeps promising theyâre going to write it. GK has done this for her biggest series (weâre about three promised books behind now) and another series where she just stopped after the first cliffhanger book in the series. I get her very sporadic newsletters where she mainly talks about her horror group and their suggestions and reminds us sheâll get to the promised next book soon. She REMINDS us. Of a book we know was at least started because the beginning of it was the end of the previous and it had a cover and I had pre-ordered it. Her publisher had even agreed to publish another six books in the series. She doesnât owe me a book, but the updates honestly feel like taunting at this point.
Another author, DDB, left the series on a cliffhanger, said he was going to finish, but started a new series under a different name DL and a different genre and didnât finish that one either! All cliffhangers. I didnât know they were the same person until I checked to see if DL was okay and learned DL was also DDB. I honestly wouldnât have read the series if Iâd known they were the same person.
Iâm actually okay with not finishing what you start or taking a long time to finish. Itâs the teases and constant broken promises that irritate me like a popcorn hull in my gums.
Oh, and I never read The Edge series because it seemed like more than I could handle at the time. Iâm sorry writing it was a bit more than you could handle at the time and Iâm glad you got through it.
Tammy says
Iâm sorry to hear you didnât like the fourth Edge book, I loved it like I love all your books. Iâve read and own in both print and hard copy most if not all your books (I may be missing one hard copy). While I was upset that Saiman and Adora died, it was part of what made Magic Triumphs such a good book. Just like I thought Julie was an idiot for ignoring Kate and getting herself into situations where she endangered others but it was part of the story and Iâm loving Ryder so obviously at least the writers know best. Youâre like a drug, I get mad when you end a series and tell myself, thatâs it, Iâm not reading Ilona Andrews anymore they keep breaking my heart by ending series but as soon as I see a new Ilona Andrews series/book is coming out, the sun shines, angels sing, and all is right with the world again. Thank you for the very many hours of pleasure and escape you have given me, but Iâm greedy and want more.
Randy says
Granted Steel’s Edge was a bittersweet book/ending. Now, if there was another book that wrapped everything up in a grand finale , it might take the edge off the last book.
Ok, now to go listen to the books again.
Sharon Fletcher says
I cried when Robert Jordan died, largely for selfish reasons. I wanted the end of the series. I think Brandon Sanderson did a great job. Honestly he might have been better than Robert Jordan. Therefore, I am all in favor of authors allowing other people to finish their series. Particularly people whom they choose.
You and Jeanine Frost could switch last books! LOL
George RR Martin can’t finish his series. HBO changed the story line after the Red Wedding, when people rebelled against favorite characters dying constantly. George RR Martin had every intention of killing every favorite character.
Different series have different degrees of needing an ending. Faith Hunter had intended to finish her Skinwalker series a book ago, but her publisher insisted on drawing it out for 3 more. I love that series and will buy each one with glee, but honestly I would not be let down if it didn’t get written. It is pretty much over in a satisfactory manner.
Jana De Leon’s Fortune Hunter series is one of my favorites, but it doesn’t really have big buildup toward anything. So if she stopped I would be sad, but not let down. Same with Patricia Briggs’s Mercy Thompson series. Very sad. But not let down.
I loved Wildfire and Magic Triumphs. If I don’t get to see what happens with Catalina I will feel let down, but the next one is already written, so I am okay. I had my hopes dashed when you had said we wouldn’t have a Julie story, but now that we are getting one it is a super treat.
Authors are human and sell their imagination. When they don’ t want to imagine any more we are out of luck. That’s life.
Kgor says
I think streaming services and Amazon have created unrealistic expectations of authors. Instead of writing one great book, they are churning out series that could probly have been 3 books instead of 10. I am not talking about a particular author here, but I am sure we have all bought those books and wondered why it was a series instead of one book. If War and Peace were published today it would be a 10 book series. I love reading, but I also love good books and I get flustrated digging through the clutter to find good stuff. As for GRRM, if he has not finished GOT at this point, he probably won’t. Maybe he will pick someone to finish it for him. Who knows? HBO has trashed more than one good book series. So nothing new there.
Pamme says
Personally, I hate when I invest money & time into several books of a series only to have the author drop it. WTH? So many lose ends and no resolution to the story.
I have had that happen with 3 different authors and I ended up dropping ALL 3 of them from my reading list. I can no longer trust that they won’t suck me into another series and once again, leave me stranded.
I agree The Pern series should have been left alone after Anne McCaffrey passed away. The writing style now is not the same and jars on my mind when I tried to follow along. Seldom can anyone pick up where another author left off without a noticeable difference.
I will say that The Witches of Karres by James H. Schmitz was the exception to this.
Mercedes Lackey, Eric Flint and Dave Freer did a wonderful job of continuing for 3 books before wrapping it the loose ends.
My personal opinion is if a writer stops a series midpoint, it’s more than likely the kiss of death for me because I can no longer trust them.
Jessica says
Personally it not about the series. If you enjoy the way the author or in your case authors write, then series are awesome because theyâre as close to a guarantee that author is going to write more as you can get. I love you guyâs stories (like that English?). You cover 4 or 5 different genres in every book! Iâve get a little mystery, a little romance, little action, more about weapons than I ever thought Iâd know, a little family and friends, all wrapped up in phantasy and Syfi. So as long as you keep writing anything but a text book, Iâll be happy. I was sad the King Killer series hasnât had another book for this same reason, the author is an amazing writer and Iâve never read another book like these.
Bill from nj says
A really great post and thank you for writing this,it is very easy to forget as a reader that books are usually an emotional thing for an author. I know from my own feeble attempts at writing how my emotional state controls whether I can write, a major setback in my life basically put it on hiatus,prob forever. There are writers I consider hacks who I suspect aren’t affected,but that is a different story.
What I find with series is that it is better that the last book(s) not be written rather than just putting it out. I loved (still do) the foundation trilogy by Asimov, but when he returned to them years later I was disappointed (and the last one,written when he was dying, was especially sad,you could tell). As much as I wanted to see what happened to the Foundations, Asimov went the route of tying together his robot and empire series and it didn’t work,severe cognitive disconnect.
I see that with a lot of authors,sometimes it works,lot of time it doesn’t. there is a romance writer who when they finish a series tends to try and tie together characters from different series, so you have the end of a series about a motorcycle clubs epic showdown w a drug kingpin that ends up mixing characters from an alternate sexuality series and another series set in the same city as the club,and to be blunt it was a mess.
As far as another writer taking over rarely have I seen it work. I love Raymond Chandler, and Robert Parker (of Spenser fame) was approached by the estate to finish an unfinished novel and write a couple more,and it really didn’t work. The writer Robert Osbourne recently did a take in it,though,with Marlow in the 1980s retired in Mexico and it worked for me.
As far as what an author owes us,I would say nothing. That said,all I would wish to see is the author being honest with their readers about the state of a book and if they honestly can’t finish it for the foreseeable future, just let folks know the status. In terms of finishing a series where the heart isn’t in it,that is hard,bc I understand the author may not have the freedom not to finish it if they are under contract and the publisher employs attack parrots or worse,lawyers:)
The saddest thing to me is when an author gets sick or dies and cannot finish a beloved series.In the nonfiction world Manchester’s ‘The Last Lion’ about Churchill comes to mind, he started the third volume and never finished it when he became too old and sick to finish it.He found a writer to finish it, but it disappointed,you could clearly tell where the other author took over, it didn’t work well.
Vianney says
Let’s not forget the other side of the coin: The series that continues well past their “used by date”. The kind of series that had a summit followed by a lengthy agony.
I do understand the frustration of an unfinished series, I strongly resent when it happens but when a series get axed (be it from the author or the publisher) then too bad.
I’m often sad when a series get to the point the author is reduced to beat the series’ poor abused corpse.
I’m rarely going to be upset if a series is concluded. It may not bef the end some reader wanted but it is a conclusion. The only caveat is when the conclusion doesn’t felle like a conclusion: The author was juggling with a dozen or so balls and by the end of the conclusion book half a dozen are still in the air. That’s when I’m yearning for an additional book.
Tery Gohsman says
I would rather an author published a book they “liked” than that they try to sludge through a manuscript they detest, for whatever reason. A couple of series I really enjoyed have been ruined for me by late in the series editions that,to me, didn’t fit the series. When an author is tired of a series it often shows. If this has happened to you, you hide it well.
miscanon says
There haven’t been very many series that have an ending that I just absolutely could not stand; I’m almost always going to prefer some kind of closure. A proper ending is ideal, but an announcement that the series won’t be continued is okay. Never hearing anything about a series and constantly hoping it might continue, year after year… That’s pretty bad, but not quite the worst. (Even the author saying it’s “unlikely” to be continued would be nice; I don’t have that flickering hope, and if they do continue it, well, that’s a really nice surprise!)
The worst is when a series takes a sudden right turn and goes in a completely different direction than before, before crashing into a brick wall, leaving me reeling and fully expecting someone to walk into my room at three o’clock in the morning and say, “Just kidding, here’s the real book.” (This has only happened to me twice, both with YA series, and I’m pretty sure that one of them had a ghost-written ending and the actual author did end up trying to fix it with a continuation- but I was so baffled by the first ending that I no longer cared, and I will likely never read anything by that author again.)
Sometimes, an ongoing series being abandoned would be a mercy, because it’s reached a point where it’s become obvious the storyteller has bitten off more than they can chew (I didn’t watch/read it, but GoT seems to be this way) or where there’s just no way for there to be any believable conflict/suspense. (I think this is an escalation problem; either there’s no way for the next Big Bad to believably be more dangerous than the previous was, or the main character is too powerful to believably be in any danger, without constantly taking away their abilities- I had a professor who called that “The Superman Problem.”) At that point, if I’m no longer enjoying a series, I just stop reading it, so it’s effectively over for me. (This is less frustrating than the crash-into-a-brick-wall endings, because at least with these I don’t have whiplash! My disinterest is usually a gradual thing.)
If an author frequently starts series and doesn’t finish them, I am not likely to keep reading them, unless they switch to stand-alones. However, if they at least said, “Hey, this series won’t be continued,” I’m more likely to forgive it, and if it happens to one or two series but they have five finished ones, then I’m still more likely to continue reading them.
This is mostly for series that are following a specific character/group, though. For series that have a new main character each book (like most romance series), there’s not usually as much of a big story being told over the course of many books, so if an author doesn’t finish it, it doesn’t matter as much to me, mostly because there’s not going to be as much of an unfinished story left behind.
I’m not very likely to start a series that I know won’t be finished, unless it comes very highly recommended from people who have similar reading tastes, it’s an author I enjoy who has nothing else I haven’t read, or it’s a romance series without a big multiple-book storyline in the background.
Proud Bookworm says
Thank you for this insightful post. For what itâs worth, I loved the Edge series. I agree that the last book rounded it out well. Sorry that it was painful for you!
Deborah says
I think it makes a difference whether or not there is an ungoing unfinished plot line. I have at least three times read a novel in which the main character was narrating past events from the books “present” and the first or second book brought the reader only part of the way to “present” with the idea that the next book or books (which never came) would finish the story. It was very disappointing and I think about those books many years later. In all three cases the authors moved on to something other than writing novels.
In a long series a good final novel is a delight, but not always necessary. It depends what plot lines are left dangling. If the most recent book wraps up that books narrative fairly well, more is delightful, but not necessary.
Heidi says
Ok… trying to keep this neutral.. readers often forget that authors don’t just pull a book out of thin air… well they do, BUT ITS HARD WORK!!!! ever tried to write a short story? it’s hard! a book? yikes! ok, onto the next comment. I bawled my eyes out when Terry Pratchett died. why? because I realised that there would be no more discworld books! at the same time, I was glad the series died with him. another author would not have been the same. on a lighter note.. Ilona, Andrew…. I’m still waiting for your version of red riding hood.. (hint hint???) that teaser when you were talking about the mechanics of writing a book…..
May says
Interesting post, thank you.
I will admit that Steel’s Edge was my least favourite in the series (Bayou Moon is my number one, but maybe that’s because I knew William from the OWW, I remember rooting for him already in On the Edge).
In my experience the second book in a trilogy is often the weakest as it often tends to become some kind of place holder, and for longer series, both novels and T.V. series, they often tend to fizzle out the longer they continue (none of which I’ve noticed in your writing, though).
I get that there is a lot of pressure to finish a story, but yes, it’s definitely better to take one’s time or even not finish it at all if the alternative is to just throw something out there, whether it’s rushed or not, because that can really kill story love and create a back-lash. There have certainly been some novel and television series where I’ve felt that the frustration of no-ending would still have been better than the ending it GoT (pun intended) đ
Stacy says
Okay I feel the need to add my two cents. First I love that you keep us posted on issues with your books. Hughes storyline and why it’s on a back burner. Ryder love you’ve decided to expand it to book (can’t wait to read what happens). The fact you told us about the delay between Burn for Me and White Hot, and the fact you posted small snippets and side stories (emails, other POV in any your series, wish I could reread some of those or find them) have made you my all time favorite authors. I admit I love a good series/book, and I like a finish, love my HEA. Also prefer them if the author is good with it too. I admit awhile ago if an author didn’t have a finished series I wasn’t in the mood to read anything but stand alone book by them to decide on reading the series. New authors had to have several books and be recommended or catch my attention before I tried the series. Lol had to buy them, (library, didn’t go for fantasy and ebook wasn’t a big thing yet yes I’m old) I hated series that just went poof, be that stopped or sputtered out, so took me time to even try them. Feel bad that maybe why several did go poof.
Jen K says
Itâs definitely disappointing sometimes when an author doesnât finish a series but I will echo a lot of people – my reaction is very different depending on how much the novels have been mostly self contained stories with closure between books vs. series with books that very clearly canât stand on their own/hinted at closure in another book.
I know the author doesnât owe the reader more books (or a network doesnât owe viewers more episodes of a show) but sometimes I wish that if the author for sure knows they wonât finish the series, they would at least share the broad strokes of where they intended to take the story, especially for something that ended on a cliffhanger, even if we donât get to see the whole journey and the details.
J.Lee Conaway says
When I get invested in a series, I hate to see it end. I don’t like that whatever book is the last one. However, that’s only because while the series is ongoing, I (in a metaphorical way) live in that world, and having the series end is like being evicted. đ I do understand an author ending the series, whether or not I understand the ‘why’ behind it. And, at least when the author ends the series, it ties up all the lose ends, and doesn’t leave the fans hanging or leaving them to wonder what happened for the rest of their lives. When a series isn’t finished, and there are just no more books forthcoming? I really hate that. The fans of a series invest their time, and in many cases, their money, in support of the author and the authors books based on the authors promise of telling them this story through to the end. It’s a major let down. It’s also a broken trust, in a way. A sort of “you led us on and then you dumped us” type of thing (which is the closest I can explain it). Then too, if the author suddenly comes up with another series, the fans might not show support of that series, fearing to get burned again. Understanding does not always walk hand in hand with feelings.
Celia says
As a reader invested in a series I would be disappointed if it was abandoned but I would much rather have that then have a forced bad ending. I would just hope that the series was just on hold and someday the writer may get back to the series.
Marnie says
I would rather an author not finish a series if their heart is not in it. If someone else finishes it, I don’t really feel the story is authentic. Not long ago a favorite author finished a 13-book series by essentially killing off the heroine and hero. I was so disappointed I almost cried. Now, I don’t trust that author and probably won’t read their future books.
AlaneW says
When I was young I wanted series that ended tied into a nice bow, if I agreed or not to the bow or how it ended. Then I read the Xanth series, and then the Adept series from the same author, along with other authors and series one author had a breakdown and stopped writing other retired and others would just stop writing a series without any expiation, this was the time before internet. Then I went to collage, afterwards took care of a terminally ill family member during which time I was lucky to complete 3 books in a year, and during those 10 years I found great series I was able to read a book or two from and then forgot the name of the author, book, and series, stress does crazy things to your memory. Now being older and, I wont say wiser, more understanding. I get it, life happens and nothing is tied in a pretty bow.
Jaime Bolton says
Ann Maxwell (aka Elizabeth Lowell) wrote science fiction in the eighties. She wrote a few stand alone books, and one series (Fire Dancer series). The series ended as a trilogy, but the actual story was not finished and left a couple of big plot developments hanging. I would absolutely pay a premium for a book (or books) that continued that series with the same quality and in the same vein. She’s posted on her website previously, as time passed, she moved on as a writer and wasn’t interested in revisiting, even if she could legally do so. I think the original disconnect was a switch in publishers. And who knows, maybe they didn’t make enough money to continue. I totally understand. And I still re-read that series every year. I love it, even with the ending still hanging 38 years later (I discovered then in the nineties at least, lol). It was fill me with joy if she ever decided to pick them back up and finish them, but it’s not going to happen and I’m okay with that. Another favorite of mine is a fantasy series by P.C. Hodgell. She’s a slow writer, but part of that was the fact that she still worked full-time when her series (Kencyrath) first started. I don’t know what kind of money she brings in from writing, but I don’t think it’s “quit your day job” money even though she’s an awesome writer. She’s since retired and her publishing schedule has picked up. We’re in the last stretches and the series should wrap up in two (I think two) more books. I’m both excited and kind of dreading it. Not because I’m afraid the ending will be bad, but because I’ve lived with this series so long that I pretty much don’t want it to end now. Her first book, Godstalk, was written in 1982 (I discovered in 1992 in my high school library) and book 9 (By Demons Possessed) was published in 2019. There were 12 years between the 3rd and 4th book. I don’t have a point, just sharing.
C Lee says
As a former military brat, I have lost touch with huge quantities of people and places that I adored. I will never know the rest of their stories and I live with it, no matter how bittersweet. I think of books in the same way. Sometimes I am lucky to spend a lifetime with some characters and sometimes it is just a season. Each is precious.
Many years ago, before writers were so accessible, I emailed Carole Nelson Douglas about the 3rd book in her Cup of Clay series. I donât remember how I found a way, maybe on her or publisherâs website; she actually replied, much to my amazement and gratitude. She let me know there would never be a 3rd book. I was saddened but also happy to know so I could stop searching, worried that I had missed it.
It is what it is. I will never finish all the stories that I want. I just do my best and am thankful for the ones that capture my heart and imagination.
Donna A says
I read this blog at about 10:50am this morning, when there were about 170 odd comments which I scrolled through, and I’ve been debating all day whether or not to add my thoughts. It’s almost 12 hours later and I figure I may as well. Lord knows I’ve had to try and describe my feelings about almost this exact thing to enough different medical experts over the years.
I was born different. Sure, you’re not supposed to say that, it’s all ‘what is normal anyway’ and ‘who says you have to conform’, ‘who makes these rules’ etc, but let’s face it we’re not living in a utopia.
(this is tough to write, I’m doing a lot of deleting and rewording)
(in fact it’s now an hour later and I’ve just deleted several paragraphs of oversharing and baring my soul that thankfully I read over before hitting post. I’m going to try and put in my conclusion while cutting out my embarassing parts.)
Basically what I’m getting at is that throughout anything and everything in a readers life, there are books. There are beloved characters.
These are our friends, they are real to us. I don’t really go around thinking about the authors. I don’t really care about the authors, inasmuch as I don’t want them to die or stop writing and take away my friends. They are like the parents of your friend who you might vaguely recognise and say hello to, but they aren’t your actual friend who you chat to and go out with.
And because these are our friends we don’t want them to suffer, we want what we think is best for them and we have strong feelings about them.
Because unlike with other humans, we can see inside their heads and feel close to them.
A fiction book isn’t like most consumer products, books aren’t just a physical item, they aren’t used and consumed and done. They remain in your head, they infiltrate your heart. And readers and writers have a more symbiotic relationship, it’s not a necessity but a bad writer won’t succeed and a good writer needs to listen to the readers to connect to them and become great.
This is not a subject you can just be mild about because it’s about feelings and about real life people and fictional people and how books get in your soul and make you live.
Susan says
I understand how you feel! There are varying degrees of how people feel, think, invest themselves and immerse themselves when reading and that can be influenced by the books themselves. I posted earlier about a series left at a cliffhanger that I still miss and would want even one more book to bring closure and hopefully a satisfying finish… it was definitely incomplete so the three books were not a complete story.
I was so fascinated by the relationship of Clarice Starling and Hannibal Lecter that when I stumbled upon fanfiction.net, I discovered some really great stories that were very satisfying, though the book had a more definite conclusion, unlike the movie which had me wanting more. I even wrote some fanfiction in that genre and made friends through that site.
Something I have discovered to be true, with at least some, is if you have an active imagination where you can picture and hear things in your mind, you are able to enjoy and get immersed in a book to a greater degree and depth though it may not be every book, but something that grabs hold of you and resonates in some way… that is why well written books that appeal are such treasures and greatly valued so yes, if something happens, it can be a big blow. Not an excuse to beat up the author, but the feelings are real.
As for authors, they can become real like Ilona Andrews with websites like this, the posts, blogs, interaction with fans, but without it, there is more of a disconnect between the books you love and the authors who write them so I appreciate this site, the books, the authors, and the many fans who comment… it is very enriching! I do not have a lot of time to invest in searching for other authors, though I have visited Jeaniene Frost’s site which is really good and I love her books!
Therese says
Sometimes at the end of a series ie, Kate Daniels, I never want them to finish. I feel there is sometimes so much more I want to know but also understand that they canât go on for ever, sadly ????
PS loving Ryder â¤ď¸
Dan says
I expect you have zero ability to influence this, but Joel Rosenberg was a favorite author of mine when I was younger. He died unexpectedly, in the midst of a couple of series, but the Paladins series published by Baen, was one that I will continue to regret not getting more of. I know the death had to be horrible for the family, so I never expected much. However, I keep hoping that someone will work out a deal with the family/publisher etc. to continue the series or his Keepers of the Hidden Ways series for that matter.
You’ve written before about the types of series that an author does, such as the Kate Daniels series, that is constantly building, with larger stakes and more powerful foes. I do love that. However, I love a good story more, and if it never has a definitive ending, I’m ok with that. I wish there were more series that followed the sitcom model, where at the end of the book, most things are reset to status quo. I expect good stories in this vein are hard to write. Discworld being one of the examples, where this is sort of what Sir Terry Pratchett did, but then you have take into account the scope of his setting and the cast he had to create to do so.
Regardless, thanks for what you do and for sharing. I enjoy the stories, the blogs, even the photos. This is often a bright spot in what can be a very sad world.
Rose says
I stopped reading a lot of series because they got stale, but the only one I really wanted to continue reading and the writer didn’t finish it was the series canceled by the publisher due to poor sales. Author wasn’t interested in continue as self published since it wasn’t worth her while. Not getting paid is definitely valid reason to stop writing. So are health issues. So are pretty much anything an author decides. Readers aren’t owed another book.
Barbara says
This is a tough subject for me. There is a popular author that continues to publish books on a regular basis. Years ago he started a trilogy. I read the first two books and was waiting for the third book and it never came. As far as I know it has never been written and no explanation from the author on why and I waited years for one. I no longer read this author. Some of his earlier works are still some of my all time favorite books and I will re-read them every few years but I don’t want to get invested in new characters and get left hanging so I don’t pick up anything new of his. This is my choice. I’ve never felt the need to “yell” at the author or leave negative comments, I’ve just moved on with my reading choices.
On the other hand there are authors of series that I’ve stopped reading after I felt a few books did not advance the story line and kept telling the same story over and over again and was at the same point at the end of the book as we were at the beginning of the book and this went on for several books. Again, this was my personal choice and other readers seemed to continued to enjoy the series.
I was disappointed when the Kate Daniels series ended because I enjoyed the world and will miss the characters but I would rather have it end when you felt it needed to end than having you write books you don’t want to write or turning it over to someone else to write.
If something happens to the author and someone else finishes the current series, I’m okay with that but I don’t like it when new stories are written under the original author’s name.
Again, just my feelings.
I hope you continue to write what you want to write and on your time table. I look forward to seeing what you are going to come up with next. I can always go back and visit my favorite characters by re-reading the old books while waiting on the new ones.
Jill Dolbeare says
Probably not worth it to comment, since so many others have! However, if a series must end, I want the original author to finish it. If they are dead, like Robert Jordan and Anne McCaffrey, then if the series was unfinished I just want to read more in it, and I will take what I can get (although I’ll probably feel cheated).
My very favorite series was only 2 books. I don’t know what happened and why there were never more. That loss is real! Since those books were published in the late 70s (my childhood) and I didn’t pick them up until the late 80s, I have felt the end of that series hanging there unfinished and dead in my heart for those ensuing years since. So the grief is real. However, I have never tracked down the authors to belittle them or break their ankles (or even beat them up on a blog). I appreciate what I get and hold my anguish in my heart!
Just please keep writing! You are appreciated!
strangejoyce says
Jill Dolbeare: What are the 2 books in that series? …always on the trail for the next good read…..
Jess says
The only time i remember ever truly being upset at a series being unfinished was with the Star Wars Republic Commandos books by Karen Traviss. She got 4 books in before the clone wars cartoon changed Mando lore and the whole “books arent lore” anymore and she just lost heart. I didnt blame her, and she did more than most by outlining how they would have gone, but whenever i reread that series i never read book four since that was a kind of pt 2 to the series. Ive been sad but never faulted an author for not finishing…but then i write in my free time (only my bestie ever gets to read my work though) so I know how draining it can be. But i still check a few different authors every once in a while on the off chance theyll surprise me.
Debbie B. says
I know of an author that promised a 3rd book in a Series, that their spouse, also an author, died and here it’s been a number of years since both,nothing further has been published. I suspect their muse and assistant spouse’s passing just hasn’t gotten over it as it happens; so sad. That author had another series that never felt complete or had any fill-ins between 2 novels set same’world/country’. There are authors that had such promising books, that I awaited The Next, that just don’t seem that they will ever materialize; The Well ran dry, so to say. I’m so glad that you, have mapped where you want your series to go, with details you desire to reveal at junctions, though sad to hear that some of your writings have left deep psyche impressions for you, that just revisiting them still evokes the negative echos, time on. Love ya and just so very grateful for what we still receive, and they are YOUR Worlds, that how anyone ‘else’ could tell You what-what about them, isn’t a reader(s) prerogative to dictate, only to accept.
Esther says
As a reader, the most glorious thing to read is a satisfying ENDING. Single books almost always have an ending. Book in a series…. only the LAST one has an ending, so all the ones before have these frustrating cliffhangers and loose ends. And so many authors just keep putting off the ending for so long… they simply run out of time to ever write it! (Anne McCaffrey has mulitple series like that) It was always frustrating to run out of pages in a book… realize the ending was not included… and be unable to find further books in the local bookstore.
Pre-internet, there was very little a reader could do besides A) whine for a bit to vent your frustrations and then B) write the dang ending YOURSELF because that was the only way to get it. Now it just takes a quick search to find if the end of the series exists, and buy it online. And if you are not a good enough writer, the fanfiction sites can provide satisfying endings. But that means all the whineing of readers who hit the end of an unfinished series are ALSO transmited to the authors now. (sorry) Don’t worry – the readers will be perfectly fine. And don’t bother feeling guilty about adding to the pile of unfinished series that already exist. Just feel amazing if you manage to add to the (rather short) list of series that HAVE a proper ending.
PS – George RR Martin got himself in a plot hole years before the show runied his original idea. That might have been a good thing. Now he has an option to toss it out and let the story find a fitting ending or… just allow the show to take all the blame and NEVER admit he doesn’t have a better ending to give the fans.
PPS – I ah… may have left a whiny comment here when I ran out of pages in Saffire Flames. It got rightfully deleted and next time I’ll try and keep my venting to myself.
Smmoe1997 says
It always amazes me how entitled people can be about books. I love books, I’m a voracious reader and re-reader, I usually read around a 100+ books a year, but I have never felt that authors owe me anything. I personally try to avoid books that are cliffhangers if the continuation isn’t available. But I have authors that I will read no matter what, House Andrews are one of those authors. The very first book I picked up by IA was Born For Me, the year it was published. I loved it and I was disappointed that at the time there was no release date for the next book. So I found and read and loved the other series, I’m still working my way through all of the available series. But HL remains my absolute favorite, it is my comfort read during hard times. But if it ended with the books that are out, I would be ok with that. Would I mourn not getting more in the HL series? Yes, but it wouldn’t ruin my enjoyment in the books already written. As authors you don’t owe me anything, I’m grateful for what I get. As for series, I feel that authors should write them for as long as they want to, if I don’t like the direction the series is going, I have the right to stop reading. Authors are artists, it’s their vision that matters, I view their work through the lenses of my own experience, which is different from other readers, but their vision is what matters.
I want to finish by saying “Thanks!” I love reading your books, the snippets, and the blog.
Jeff says
“The Saga of Thorgrim” by Gerald Earl Bailey was supposed to be a trilogy. No 3rd book ever arrived. I was greatly disappointed and as it was a loooong time ago (1979), there was no internet to aid my search. To this day, I wish for an ending, but many other works have filled the void.
Cindy says