Book Blogger Hop: August 18th – 24th

Do you prefer to read standalone or series books? 
(submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)

I actually really enjoy both! As with most books, it depends on the skill of an author. If it feels like a completely contained standalone story, or whether certain elements are left open to proceed with a series. But if it’s supposed to be a standalone that leaves things open, or a series book that answers everything within book, it’s going to end up frustrating for the reader.

There are pros and cons to each, and sometimes I find myself wishing I could spend more time with those characters or in that world when I finish a standalone. Occasionally when reading the first in a series, I’ll feel the opposite, and end up feeling frustrated at an open ending because I maybe kind of want to know what happens next, but also don’t want to continue.

I do struggle to keep up with book series nowadays, too. I try, and sometimes I’m able to pick up the next book in a series I’m really fond of, but it is nice to read a standalone and know I don’t need to do anything to get the rest of the story! I do try and look out for the next book for authors I’ve particularly liked, but I’ve also had it where I’ve been rejected from the next book in a series on NetGalley. Or I’ve had multiple books in a series approved and by the time I read the first one I don’t really like it! (Which is totally my own fault!)

So I guess in answer to the question – I like both, equally, and for different reasons.

What about you? Do you have a preference in standalone or series books?