Series I Started in 2021… Will I continue them?

OH MY GOD. I have written a new blog post after many months!

2021 has been a whirlwind year for me, and it’s been a struggle to keep up with my reading schedule while doing school-related stuff that constantly demands my time and attention. Hence, as much as I’m more of a series type of gal when it comes to books, I have somewhat excelled at starting new series yet failed to be caught up in the next books within the series or trilogy. But it is not stopping me from reading them, and discovering new ones which I may or may not end up continuing on.

So this post is dedicated to all the first of its series books that I started this 2021, and my verdict on whether I will be pursuing the next books in the future.

Disclaimer: This list only includes fantasy and science fiction titles only, and those I’ve at least started the first book in the series. I have not included any romance series even though I have been able to start its first installments, as majority of them can be read as standalones.

Grave Mercy by Robin Lafevers – this has been on my physical TBR for a long time, and when I finally had a chance to get to it, I was disappointed. It didn’t exactly match my expectations, given that it was about assassin nuns and had all these gorgeous cover remakes.

Verdict: NO

City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty – This trilogy has always been one of those that I always wanted to read because of my friends’ good opinions about it. While the first book had a bit of a slow start, the world-building and plot were enough to keep me interested in finishing this series in the future.

Verdict: YES

A Trial of Sorcerers by Elise Kova – I have received an ARC of this book before, and while it was said to be a spin-off of the Air Awakens series, I would have preferred to have read the original series first to get a better background on the story. However, both series are not in my priority TBR list as of now.

Verdict: NO

Mistborn Era 2 by Brandon Sanderson – While some might consider this not the first within the Mistborn worl, this new Mistborn series is a still first for me. I’ve managed to read all three books released so far, and thoroughly enjoyed it as the books went on. I’m definitely excited for the fourth book to be released next year!

Verdict: YES

Songs of Insurrection by J.C. Kang– This new series installment from the author set in the same fantasy world he created had perked up my interest. While the first book was just okay for me, the second one was definitely so much better. I can’t wait to return to this world soon when my free time allows me!

Verdict: YES

All Systems Red by Martha Wells– I absolutely adored Murderbot from the very start of the book. I’ve read the first two novellas so far, and it’s an action-filled yet hilarious set of novellas that I often use as breaks in between heavy fantasy reads.

Verdict: YES

All the Stars and Teeth by Adalyn Grace – It has been a while since I read mermaid and/or pirate-centered novels, so I was expecting something from this book. In the end, it was just not compelling enough for me to continue on, and even a close friend told me that the story went downhill in book 2, which makes me more likely not to pick the next one up.

Verdict: NO

Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco – This is one of the most disappointing reads I’ve read for 2021, and to think I love the author’s Stalking Jack the Ripper series. I’m still currently debating whether or not I will read the next book, which was released last month.

Verdict: NO – for now

Forest of Souls by Lori M. Lee– I really enjoyed my time reading this book, even though it was full of tropes and cliches. Its sequel, Broken Web, just recently came out this year, and I’m still deciding whether to continue on for this one, as well.

Verdict: NO – for now

The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch – Let’s just say that I adored this book and the various types of emotions it gave me, and the next two books in the series are all patiently waiting on my shelf.

Verdict: YES

Skyward by Brandon Sanderson – This is my initial introduction to Brandon Sanderson’s non-Cosmere works, and I absolutely enjoyed my time with it. I’m mostly caught up with the series, having just finished the second novella ReDawn last month, and have yet to pick up the newest release that came out late last month, Cytonic.

Verdict: YES

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn – I’ve put off reading this book because of the sheer amount of hype that surrounded it, but once I finally did, I’m glad that I was not disappointed. It was full of YA tropes and cliches, but the magic system and characters were what drew me into it, and made me forget the rest of my issues with it.

Verdict: YES

Red Rising by Pierce Brown – Red Rising is actually a reread for me this year, but it’s been more than 5 years since I read it and I could barely remember what happened. I actually appreciate it more after that reread, and had eventually continued on with Golden Son. The things that happened in book 2 were more than enough to convince me to pick up the rest of the books in the series.

Verdict: YES

Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse – The lovely cover of this book was what attracted me to it in the first place, but the contents of it was just pure *chef’s kiss*. I’ll be immediately reading The Fevered Sun when it comes out in 2022!

Verdict: YES

She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan – This is my top 1 most anticipated release of the 2021, and I’m so glad that it did not disappoint, and had even exceeded my expectations. Whenever the second book will come out, I will be ready.

Verdict: YES

The Mask of Mirrors by M.A. Carrick – This is another “good friend recommended it to me” book scenario, to which I ended up absolutely loving. The sequel, The Liar’s Knot, just recently came out this month, and my hands are already itching to get to it.