Standalones That Need Sequels (MOAR BOOKS! *smashes mug*)

Posted March 12, 2019 by Sammie in book list, chat with me, top ten tuesdays / 11 Comments

One book is good, but do you know what’s even better? Aside from all the books, because naysayers tell me that’s not possible. That’s right, more than one book.

I’m gonna let you go ahead and quantify that however you’d like. Books are social things. They get lonely. Don’t do that to your books. They should be kept with like creatures, okay?!

I love reading series. I love reading standalones. I love reading. I’m not really all that picky. Okay, yes, I am most definitely picky, but not about this.

Sometimes you read a book that is just so good that you don’t want to leave the world or the characters or that cute little talking sword you’ve decided needs to be yours, even though its insatiable blood lust would likely require you kill everyone you meet. Eh, sometimes sacrifices must be made. Still worth it.

This week’s Top Ten Tuesday is standalone books that really need a sequel.

The Girl Who Chased The Moon: The ending of this book actually sets up a sequel. So it was incredibly frustrating (and actually made me enjoy the book a heck of a lot less) that there’s not a sequel. Basically, the entire last chapter is pointless and meaningless. But I so want it to have meaning! I enjoyed this book so much when I read it that I went looking and was so disappointed to find no sequel and no sequel planned.

Warbreaker: Look, readers were promised a Nightblood book aaaages ago and still nothing to show for it. AND WHY NOT? Nightblood was a beast. Of all the talking swords I’ve encountered in my time reading (which I bet is surprisingly more than you think), Nightblood is in my top three. Look, I’m not saying that kidnapping authors, chaining them to a desk, and forcing them to write is advisable (or even legal). I’m just saying it’d be understandable in this case.

The Astonishing Color of After: I’m not saying I want a sequel to this, necessarily, but maybe a companion piece? This particular story feels complete, but I want to revisit the world. I want the beauty and heartache and self-revelation back. Or even a prequel would work. We never do get the complete story of her mother, and it feels like there may be so much more there to explore. What I’m saying is, I don’t care what form it takes, I just want more.

My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She’s Sorry: This book was perfect. How do you build on perfection? Darned if I know, but I’m sure Fredrik Backman could do it. The real world is infused with these fairy tales that Granny makes up, and it’s a big, wild adventure where fantasy meets reality, and neither are particularly pretty. Also, I love, love, LOVE these characters. Britt-Marie has a book. Why not some of the others?

The Art of Racing in the Rain: Let’s be honest, this couldn’t have wrapped up more spectacularly. So I don’t really want a sequel for this book. I want it to become a series like A Dog’s Purpose. The idea is just so well tailored for this type of anthology series. Cute puppers? Check. Heart-wrenching situations? Check. Happy endings? Check. What’s missing here? Oh yeah, MOAR BOOKS!

1984: Okay, so, probably this one isn’t going to happen until someone masters necromancy. Get working on it, peons! 1984 is so last century. Even if it’s still terrifyingly 100% applicable to today. Therefore, I demand a 2084. Someone should pick up the mantle and make this happen, please.

Chat With Me

What are some standalone books you’d love to see sequels for?

11 responses to “Standalones That Need Sequels (MOAR BOOKS! *smashes mug*)

  1. Brooke Lorren

    It’s so sad when you want to read more and there isn’t! That’s why I sometimes write fanfiction.

    • Yes! I love reading a good fanfic that scratches that itch you have when you just aren’t ready to quit a certain world or characters. xD

    • There’s a movie based on the book coming out this year! Maybe that’ll convince the author to turn it into an anthology series. 😉 We can hope!

  2. I never would have imagined a book like An Astonishing Color of After would be on a list like this, but seeing it hear makes me want to pick it up more. I’ve heard so many good things about the writing. Hopefully the author writes another book soon.

    • The writing was just gorgeous! I highly recommend it (though, trigger warning for suicide). I’ve had someone in my life commit suicide, so for me, it was really easy to relate to the main character, and it was just such an emotional ride. The author has another book coming out … next year, I think? Maybe the end of this year? I’m ready for it, for sure!

    • I only read it because hubby kept insisting I would like it! And shucks, he was right (but don’t tell him). I’m disappointed that it’s been so long and no sequel for it. D: Sanderson has hinted that *maybe soon,* but I wouldn’t hold my breath, if I were you lol.

  3. I REALLY need to read The Astonishing Color of After! So it is good to know it’s sequel-worthy! 1984 is one of the only classics I have ANY interest in, so again, good to hear! The one book I would LOOOOVE a sequel to is Rite of Passage by Joy N Hensley. SO GOOD and so much left to tell!

    • Yes, you do! The magic realism and lore is so on point, and it was such a great look into Taiwanese culture and grief and self-discovery.

      Oooh, that book sounds good! Reminds me a bit of GI Jane, and I loved that movie.

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