8 book trilogy that suffers from second-book syndrome

Many book series, especially trilogies, are victims The second book is Syndrome. The first book is excellent—it introduces a rich story with compelling characters and an exciting conflict. The third book is well done as everything comes to a head in an epic closing conflict. But the second installment is different. Although it continues the conflict from the first book, it often pauses and prolongs the narrative in anticipation of the final act of the third book. The second book isn’t necessarily bad; They are not as exciting as the first and third installments of a trilogy.

There are some rare exceptions where the second book is the best in the trilogy. Catching fire from The Hunger Games One of the most famous examples in literature. D Star Wars The trilogy is a cinematic example where the second installment is often the best. However, most trilogies are not like that The Hunger Games; Not everyone can create such a compelling narrative Catching fire. actually, Most trilogies suffer from second-book syndromeRegardless of whether the trilogy is notorious for having second-book syndrome.

8 Shadows and Bones Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo

Book Two: Siege and Storm (2013)

D Shadows and bones The trilogy is the first book series by Leigh Bardugo, revolving around the protagonist Alina Starkov, a war orphan who discovers that she is the Sun Summoner, a figure with the power of light to save Ravka. The first book ends with Alina and her best friend running away from Mal, the Darkling. Siege and storm This is the second installment, and it will be up soon. Siege and storm Suffering from second-book syndrome because of what happens when Alina and Mal return to Os AltaCapital of Ravka. Earlier, the Darklings find Alina and Mal, kidnap them, and take them to sea.

that part Siege and storm Exciting because the narrative introduces fan-favorite Nikolai Lantsov. However, this does not change that once Alina, Mal, Nikolai and his team reach Os Alta, the narrative begins to go in circles without progress. Most of the book involves Alina and Mal fighting Because Alina has a duty to Ravka as the Sun Summoner, while Mal becomes bitter, unable to understand his intentions. Their constant struggle exists to postpone the inevitable conclusion Siege and storm When the Darkling storms Os Alta with his unnatural shadow creatures and successfully captures Ravka.

7 The Divergent Trilogy by Veronica Roth

Book Two: Rebels (2012)

D divergent The trilogy contains one of the most notorious examples of second-book syndrome. The trilogy revolves around Tris Pryor, who learns that she is deviant—someone who doesn’t quite fit into the five factions of Chicago. first book, divergentFollows Tris’ journey as she joins a new teamFearless, on election day. As Tris trains to become a permanent member of the Dauntless, her world slowly unravels when she learns of Erudite’s secret plan to stage a coup against the Abnegation, the group Tris grew up with and leads in Chicago.

second installment, the rebelSuffers from second-book syndrome, mainly because so much happens in it divergent It almost feels like there is no story left to tell. the rebel Erudite leader Jeanine deals with the aftermath of the Erudite attack on Abnegation as she takes power. Tris and her friends wander the whole time trying to stop Jeanine. However, the book serves as a setup for the final act rather than its own independent storyline. The final twist the rebel Undoubtedly proving that the main purpose of this book is to set the last installment, going away.

6 The Broken Earth by NK Jemisin

Book Two: The Obelisk Gate (2016)

broken world NK Jemisin’s trilogy is set thousands of years from now, when there is only one continent on Earth, Constance. The story revolves around Esun as he searches for his daughter Nasun. Obelisk Gate Alabaster picks up after revealing his duties for the current fifth season. Obelisk Gate Alabaster trains Issun to advance his Orogeny, the practice of manipulating the Earth. The second installment also features Nasun’s perspective for the first timeDepicting his journey with his father, they make their way to the Found Moon, where they meet Shaffer.

broken world A stunning trilogy and one of the best fantasy book series, but even this story suffers from second-book syndrome. Essun’s chapter exists to fill in more information about the Moon and orogeny. The plot makes little progress until the neighboring Com, Renanis, threatens Castrima’s existence. Nassun and Schaffa’s chapters have the most action, but even they are still a bit slow to begin with. however, Obelisk Gate This is an excellent book despite the second-book syndrome.

5 Shades of Magic by VE Schwab

Book Two: Gathering of Shadows (2016)

D Shadows of magic VE Schwab’s trilogy consists of four parallel universes—more specifically, a world of four different Londons. Gray London has no magic, while Red London, where the protagonist Kell lives, has a healthy dose of magic. White London is sick of dark magic, and black London is already sick of dark magic. Kale is secretly one introvertedA wizard who can travel between the four Londons using blood magic. first book, Dark Shadows of MagicPerfectly sets up this complex universe When introducing compelling characters and conflicts.

second installment, Gathering of ShadowsSuffering from second-book syndrome. Dark Shadows of Magic Ending on a somewhat final note, when Gathering of Shadows The world teeters on the edge of chaos when it ends with a big cliffhanger. However, for most books, Gathering of Shadows Grand finally seems to buy time. The second installment puts more emphasis on character development and dynamicsWhich isn’t terrible, but considering Gathering of Shadows At 500 pages, it might be redundant without a thrilling plot.

4 The Mortal Instruments (The Shadowhunter Chronicles) by Cassandra Clare

Book Two: City of Ashes (2008)

Although The Mortal Instruments Consisting of six books, it was originally a trilogy, with the final book city ​​of glass. But the series can be divided into two trilogies. The first three books center on Clary Frey, a 15-year-old girl who suddenly enters the world of angels and demons. Just as her mother disappears. city ​​of bones You introduce Clary to this new world as she races to find the Mortal Cup ahead of Valentine, her father, and her rival. In the book Valentine successfully retrieves the Mortal Cup and Clary and Jace discover they end up being siblings.

second installment, city ​​of ashes Pick up from that point and Initially dealing with the aftermath of Clary and Jace’s shocked sibling revelations. The third book features a build-up to the final epic battle between the Shadowhunters and Valentine, but City of Ashes A filler installment about Clary and Jace adjusting to their new circumstances. The only exciting part is when Simon Lewis, Clary’s best friend, turns into a vampire and suffers consequences from that ordeal. otherwise, City of Ashes The second book is an excellent example of the syndrome.

3 A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder Trilogy by Holly Jackson

Book Two: Good Girl, Bad Blood (2020)

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder A young adult mystery trilogy by Holly Jackson featuring protagonist Pippa Fitz-Amobi and her incredible detective skills. Each book has its own mystery and all three installments are dramatic, well-paced and engaging. However, in the second book A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Good girl, bad blood There is a mild case of second-book syndrome due to altered kinematics. One of the reasons this trilogy is so compelling is Pippa Fitz Amoeba’s dynamic with Robbie Singh.Her love interest. They work best together when solving cases.

Pip and Robbie are partners in crime who have iconic witty banter, friendship foundations and amazing chemistry. Their relationship adds to the mystery. However, in Good girl, bad bloodPippa’s primary investigative partner is Connor Reynolds because her older brother, Jamie, is missing. Although Pippa and Connor’s friendship is important, Connor often hinders rather than contributes to Pippa’s investigations. This wasn’t a problem at the beginning of the book, but as the narrative progressed it started to slow the narrative down, making it a second book syndrome.

2 Legacy of Orisha by Tomi Adeyemi

Book Two: Children of Virtue and Vengeance (2019)

Legacy of Orissa Tomi Adeyemi is a young adult high fantasy trilogy set in West African mythology about a girl named Jelly, whose people are oppressed because they are maji, who use magic. first book, A child of blood and boneOne of the best first books in a trilogy. The characters are compelling, the action is relentless and the dynamics are complex. Each chapter introduces new twists and plot twists to continue this exciting narrative. However, in the second book, Child of Virtue and VengeanceA major disappointment.

Child of Virtue and Vengeance A jubilation between Zélie, Amarì and Inan. Ultimately nothing happens to matter. Jelly leads Maji, while Amari tries to unite the people of Orissa, failing every time. Inan rots with guilt in the palace, siding with the oppressors. Child of Virtue and Vengeance Could easily be condensed into the first and last few chapters and not change much. Second-book syndrome may even contribute to the five-year wait for the final installment, A child of pain and anarchy.

1 The Conqueror’s Trilogy by Marie Rutkowski

Book Two: Winning Crime (2015)

Winner’s Trilogy A book series by Marie Rutkowski that blends fantasy and romance about an upper-class kestrel unexpectedly falling in love with her purchased slave, Orrin, which turns her world upside down and opens her eyes to the oppression Orrin’s people, the Herani, face. In the hands of the Valorians. second installment, A winner’s crimeFits the second-book syndrome because it is a break between the first and last book. T he winner’s curseThe first book features Kestrel and Orrin falling in love.

the third book, A winner’s kissKestrel is seen in prison after losing everything while Valoria invades Aryn’s house and prepares for world war. Kestrel must find his way home, even without knowing who he is. however, A winner’s crime Exists to create additional tension between Valoria and Heran While the kestrel is a spy for Heran. A winner’s crime Focuses heavily on Kestrel and Orrin’s pining, even though they can’t be together. when A winner’s crime While it’s still enticing, it’s no match for the first and third installments of the trilogy, which are riveting from start to finish.