Don’t get me wrong. I love a good series when I come across it. There’s a lot to be said to have multiple books to read, engrossed in the world, the outside cares floating away.

You can argue this is with any piece of literature, but favorite series to me is something like a favorite sweater. You can always re-wear it, appreciating the warmth and softness and love, the frayed edges and the pooling wool. It’s something that screams familiar.   You know these characters like they were real, you know their histories and passions like they told you. And every year when the new book comes out, you eagerly devour it, immersing yourself back into that world.

Of course, you hope this new one is as good as the last one and you’re not grossly disappointed.

I’ve found that Book Series Recap is a wonderful source for refreshing my memory, especially say about a certain series that I love love love but sometimes takes longer than a year for the next on to come out. (Ahem, Ms. Maas)

That said, isn’t there something magical about a standalone as well? And recently, there has been a pick up on duologies.

Sometimes I don’t want to think too hard about what happened in the last book. And as my reading time becomes more and more restricted, I like how it’s this contained story that I can read, enjoy, and part with.

There’s also something special about books within a series that tell individual stories. While I still consider these series books, I enjoy them on a standalone way. New characters and usually different settings though possibly in the same world. (Ravenspire and Grave Mercy series comes to mind).

Though sometimes I’m disappointed in a book, (given my restricted reading time, I only give books about 30 pages to impress me) stand alones are good for those too because I can set it aside and not feel like I’m missing key parts to an overall arc. They’re also a great way of introducing me to a new author and testing the waters, before iving into a larger series written by them.

But overall, I admit I love series books a little bit more. When done right, I find myself gravitating towards long and well thought out plots, intricate worlds and familiar characters. They stay with me longer, I remember them better.

And while standalones are perfect for me in the right mood, series books are usually what I autobuy.

Good thing I don’t have to only pick one!

Favorite series: Immortal Beloved trilogy, Black City Trilogy, The Raven Boys cycle, Holmes and Watson series, Throne of Glass series., All Souls trilogy, Shades of London trilogy…  I could go on.

Favorite Duologies: Daughter of the Pirate King duology Renegades and the forthcoming Archenemies by Meyer, The Girl From Everywhere duology by Hellig, Six of Crows duology by Bardugo.

What do you think? Standalone vs. Series. And what are your favorites?