Let’s Talk Bookish is a weekly meme originally created and hosted by Rukky @ Eternity Books starting in August 2019, and was then cohosted by Dani @ Literary Lion from May 2020 to March 2022. Since April 2022, the meme moved to another host, Aria @ Book Nook Bits.
Let’s Talk Bookish is a meme where participants discuss specific topics, share their opinions, and share their love by visiting each other’s posts.
Hello!
Today’s topic is: Second Book Syndrome
Prompts: Second book syndrome is often seen in series where the sequel, or second book, isn’t as good as the first, making the sequel less interesting or engaging. Do you notice this frequently in books you read? What are some of the best sequels you’ve read that avoid this entirely?
If you’re a writer, you may be familiar with the “second book syndrome” (SBS).
But what exactly is it?
Second book syndrome, also known as “middle book syndrome” or “second book slump,” is the term used to describe the situation where an author’s second book falls short of their first, especially if the books are in a series.
It is seen in sequels that don’t have the same “magic” as the first book—stories that only operate as a transitional piece between the 1st book and the following one or continue a little too slowly regarding storyline, tempo, or character development.
Do you notice this frequently in books you read?
SBS can occur within a book for a variety of reasons, and I have to say that i noticed it in some book series (but not so much).
The author may have given in to external pressure after the first book’s popularity or may not have given enough thought to the series’ development to avoid a weak second book.
Whatever the reason, though, one thing is for sure: no writer wants their follow-up work to be ignored, or viewed as a letdown. Their goal is for it to surpass their previous book in quality, if not beyond it.
What are some of the best sequels you’ve read that avoid this entirely?
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater
The Dark Artifices Series by Cassandra Clare
Summer Series by Jenny Han
The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer
The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before Series by Jenny Han
Have you ever noticed this in books you’ve read? which one?
Let’s chat in the comments below!
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