8 book trilogies that suffer from second book syndrome

Many book series, especially trilogies, fall victim to Second book syndrome. The first book is excellent – it introduces a rich story with compelling characters and a riveting conflict. The third book is well done as everything comes to a head in one epic concluding conflict. However, the second installment is different. While it continues the conflict of the first book, it often stalls and prolongs the narrative in anticipation of the final act in the third book. Second books are not 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 of The Hunger Games is one of the most famous examples in literature. The Star Wars Trilogies are a cinematic example of where the second installment is often the best. However, most trilogies are not like that The Hunger Games; Not everyone can produce a compelling story like that Catching fire. actually, Most trilogies suffer from second book syndromeRegardless of whether the trilogy is notorious for second book syndrome or not.

8

The Shadow and Bone Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo

Second Book: Siege and Storm (2013)

The Shadow & Bone Trilogy is Leigh Bardugo’s first book series, revolving around protagonist Alina Starkov, a war orphan who discovers that she is the Sun Summoner, a figure with light powers destined to save Ravka. The first book ends when Alina and her best friend, Mal, escape the Darkling. Siege & Storm is the second installment, and it picks up soon after. Siege & Storm Suffering from second book syndrome because of what happens when Alina and Mal return to Os AltaThe capital of Rebecca. Earlier, the Darkling finds Alina and Mal, kidnaps them and takes them out to sea.

The part of Siege & Storm is exciting because the story introduces fan-favorite Nikolai Lantsov. However, it does not change that once Alina, Mal, Nikolai and his crew arrive in Os Alta, the story begins to go in circles without progressing. Most of the book involves Alina and Mal fighting Because Alina has a duty to Rebecca as the Sun Summoner, while Mal becomes bitter, unable to figure out his purpose. Their non-stop fighting exists to stall the inevitable conclusion Siege & Storm When the Darkling storms Os Alta with his unnatural shadow creatures and successfully takes over Rebecca.

7

Divergent Trilogy by Veronica Roth

Book Two: Insurgent (2012)

The Divergent Trilogy has one of the most notorious examples of second book syndrome. The trilogy revolves around Tris Pryor, who learns that she is Divergent – someone who doesn’t fit into one of Chicago’s five factions. The first book, DivergentFollow Tris’ journey as she joins a new factionDauntless, on the day of the choosing ceremony. As Tris trains to become a permanent member of Dauntless, her world slowly unravels when she learns about Erudite’s secret plans to stage a coup against Abnegation, the faction Tris grew up in, and the faction that runs Chicago.

The second instruction, get upSuffering from second-book syndrome, mainly because so much occurs in Divergent That it almost feels like there is no story to tell. get up Primarily deals with the aftermath of Erudite’s attack on Abnegation as Jeanine, the leader of Erudite, rises to power. Tris and her friends are running around the whole time in an effort to stop Jeanine. However, the book acts as a setup for the final act rather than its own independent storyline. The latest twist in get up Undoubtedly the point of this book is to set the final installment, Allegiant.

6

The Broken Earth by NK Jemisin

Book Two: The Obelisk Gate (2016)

The broken earth NK Jemisin’s trilogy takes place thousands of years from now, when there is only one continent on Earth, the Silence. The story revolves around Essun as she searches for her daughter, Nassun. The obelisk gate Picks up after Alabaster has revealed his responsibility for the current fifth season. The obelisk gate Features Alabaster training Essun to advance her orogeny, the practice of manipulating the earth. The second installment also features Nassun’s point of view for the first timeDescribed her journey with her father, making their way to find Moon, where they meet Shafa.

The broken earth is a stunning trilogy and one of the best fantasy book series, but even the story falls victim to second book syndrome. Essun’s chapters exist to fill in more information about the moon and orogeny. There is little plot progression until a neighboring commissar, Rennanis, threatens Castrima’s existence.. Nasun and Shafa’s chapters have the most action, but even they are still somewhat slow in the beginning. nevertheless, The obelisk gate Is still an excellent book despite the second book syndrome.

5

Shades of Magic by VE Schwab

Second Book: A Gathering of Shadows (2016)

The Shades of Magic Trilogy by VE Schwab features a world with four parallel universes – more specifically four different Londons. Gray London has no magic, while Red London, where the protagonist, Kel, resides, has a healthy dose of magic. White London has become ill from dark magic, and Black London has already fallen to dark magic. Kell is secretly Ann AntariA magician who can travel between the four Londoners with blood magic. The first book, A darker shade of magicPerfectly set up this complex universe while introducing compelling characters and conflict.

The second instruction, A collection of shadowsSuffering from second-book syndrome. A darker shade of magic Ends on a somewhat conclusive note, though A collection of shadows Ends with a big cliffhanger as the world teeters on the edge of chaos. However, for most of the book, A collection of shadows Just seems to buy time until the big ending. The second installment focuses more on character development and dynamicsWhich is not terrible, but consider that A collection of shadows Is 500 pages, it could be redundant without a thrilling plot.

4

The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare (The Shadowhunter Chronicles)

Book Two: City of Ashes (2008)

Although The Mortal Instruments Consisting of six books, it was initially a trilogy, with the final book City of glass. However, the series can be divided into two trilogies. The first three books focus on Clary Fray, a 15-year-old girl suddenly thrust into a world of angels and demons. Just as her mother disappears. City of bones Introduces Clary to this new world as she races to find the Mortal Cup before Valentine, her father and the antagonist. The book ends with Valentine successfully retrieving the mortal coil and Clary and Jace discovering that they are siblings.

The second instruction, city ​​of ash Picks up from that point and Primarily deals with the aftermath of Clary and Jace’s shocking sibling revelation. The third book features the build-up to the final epic battle between Shadowhunters and Valentine, however City of Ashes is a filler installment for Clary and Jace to adjust to their new circumstances. The only exciting part is when Simon Lewis, Clary’s best friend, turns into a vampire and the fallout from this ordeal. Otherwise, City of Ashes is an excellent example of second book 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 by Holly Jackson is a mystery trilogy for young adults featuring the protagonist Pippa Fitz-Amobi and her incredible detective skills. Each book contains its own mystery, and all three installments are dramatic, well-paced, and compelling. However, the second book in A good girl’s guide to murder, Good girl, bad blood Had a mild case of second book syndrome because of the change in dynamics. One of the reasons the trilogy is so compelling is because of Pippa Fitz Amobi’s dynamic with Ravi SinghHer love interest. They work best together when solving cases.

Pip and Ravi are partners in crime who have iconic mischievous butterflies, a foundation of friendship and amazing chemistry. Their relationship adds to the mystery. However, in Good girl, bad bloodPippa’s primary investigation partner is Connor Reynolds because his older brother, Jamie, is missing. Although Pippa and Connor’s friendship is important, Connor often hinders Pippa’s investigation rather than contributing to it. It wasn’t an issue at the beginning of the book, but as the story progressed, it started to slow down the narrative, turning it into second book syndrome.

2

Legacy of Orïsha by Tomi Adeyemi

Second Book: Children of Virtue and Vengeance (2019)

Legacy of Orisha by Tomi Adeyemi is a young adult high fantasy trilogy with West African mythology about a girl named Zelie, whose people are oppressed because they are maji, people who use magic. The first book, Children of blood and boneis one of the best first books in a trilogy. The characters are compelling, the action is non-stop, and the dynamic is complex. Each chapter introduces new stakes and plot twists to keep the story exciting. But the second book, Children of virtue and revengeis a big disappointment.

Children of virtue and revenge is a live-round between Zelie, Amari and Inan. Nothing of substance occurs until the end. Zelie leads the Magi, while Amarì tries to unite the people of Orïsha, failing each time. Inan rolled with guilt in the palace, having chosen the side of the oppressors. Children of virtue and revenge Could easily be condensed into the first and last few chapters, and not much would change. The second book syndrome may have even contributed to the five-year wait for the final installment, Children of pain and anarchy.

1

The Wiener Trilogy by Marie Rutkoski

Second book: The Winner’s Crime (2015)

The Winner’s Trilogy by Marie Rutkowski is a book series that blends fantasy and romance about the upper kestrel who unexpectedly falls in love with a slave she acquires, Arin, who turns her world upside down and opens her eyes to the oppression of Arin’s people, the Herroni. In the hands of the Valorians. The second instruction, The winner’s crimeFits second book syndrome because it is an interlude between the first and last book. THe wins the curseThe first book, features Kestrel and Erin falling in love.

the third book, The winner’s kissFeatures Kestrel in prison after losing everything while Valoria invades Aryn’s home and the world prepares for war. Kestrel must find her way home, even though she doesn’t even know who she is. however, The winner’s crime There is still tension between Valoria and Herran While Kestrel is a spy on Herron’s behalf. The winner’s crime Focuses heavily on Kestrel and Arin’s pain, even though they can’t be together. While The winner’s crime Still enticing, it’s no match for the trilogy’s first and third installments, which are riveting from start to finish.