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Summary
Book trilogy often suffer from 2nd - Bible syndrome , with the in-between installment smell like a boring and unnecessary nosepiece between the possibility and conclusion — thoughthere are a few lucky trilogies where the second book is the in force . trilogy tend to struggle when it comes to equilibrate their stories , and when this happens , the middle typically meet . This is why so manybook trilogy peak with the first instalment , though some manage to make a comeback during the finale , even after a lackluster second novel .
Then there are the rare trilogy that successfully navigate their 2nd books , using them to elevate the stakes and move the story forth forward of the final chapter . In some cases , the middle novel is even the best of the series , as closing do n’t always adhere the landing . It does n’t happen often , but when a second book stands out like this , it becomes memorable — sometimes even more so than the other two installments .
Beach read are typically fast - pace , easy to fall into , and fun – and there is no shortage of groovy books to choose from for summertime 2024 .
8The Hunger Games By Suzanne Collins (2008-2010)
Second Book: Catching Fire
The Hunger Gamestrilogyoffers the perfect example of a solid second Quran , as there ’s no deny thatCatching Fireis the best of Suzanne Collins ' original serial . The Hunger GamesandMockingjayare both telling in their own right , butCatching Firestands out for its character growth , world expansion , and thrilling twists . The Hunger Gamesis still finding its footing for most of the story , even if it does a great job of endearing reader to Katniss and Peeta and offering societal comment in the process . And whileMockingjaysticks the landing , its action does n’t liken toCatching Fire ’s .
The Hunger GamesandMockingjayare both impressive in their own rightfield , butCatching Firestands out for its grapheme growth , humans enlargement , and thrilling twists .
Catchiing FIresimultaneously rear the stake and boom the world by precede the third Quarter Quell , then forcing former tributes to take part in it . It also introduce an intriguing new hurl of characters , from Finnick Odair to Johanna Mason . And althoughthe actual Hunger Games are more acute and memorable inCatching Fire , its conclusion is really what places it above the other two books . The final twist remain some of the best from the entire series , and they to the full tug Katniss and the other characters into rebellion , place the level absolutely forMockingjay .
7A Court Of Thorns & Roses By Sarah J. Maas (2015-2017)
Second Book: A Court Of Mist & Fury
A Court of Thorns & Rosesstarts as a trilogy , and of the first three installments inSarah J. Maas fantasy series , A Court of Mist & Furyis by far the best . ThefirstACOTARbookweaves a compelling narrative , but it does n’t pull on the heartstrings nearly as much asACOMAF.It ’s also hard to generate toACOTARafter show the entire trilogy , as some of the fiber and storylines no longer seem appeal . And of class , the stakes inA Court of Thorns & Rosesaren’t nearly as high-pitched as the later script .
More surprising is thatACOMAFis also better thanA Court of Wings & Ruin , which serves as the decision to the initial trilogy . ACOMAFraises the stakes and end on a shameful cliffhanger , and it manages to tackle important study like posttraumatic stress disorder over the course of its tale . alas , ACOWARdoesn’t save on whatACOMAFbuilds towards . In fact , it puddle the central battle seem right smart too well-situated to defeat , and it hardly ever seems like there are genuine stake . Needless to say , ACOMAFis the good of Maas ' original books — and it surpasses the novella and spinoff too .
6Folk Of The Air Trilogy By Holly Black (2018-2019)
Second Book: The Wicked King
Holly Black’sFolk of the Airtrilogy is pop among YA lecturer , andThe Cruel Princeoffers an riveting porta to this trilogy . The Cruel Princeintroduces Jude , who ’s been taken to the High Court of Faerie and raised there , despite being a human . The first book does a good job of establishing the dynamics of this reality , as well as Jude ’s motive . However , The Wicked Kingtakes the story beyond that , improving on the political machination , activeness , and romance of the old book . It does everything a 2nd book should — and it even manages to best the third installment .
The Queen of NothingandThe Wicked Kingare tight in term of timber , but the latter proves just a snatch more gripping .
The Queen of NothingandThe Wicked Kingare close in condition of quality , but the latter proves just a minute more gripping . It might be becauseThe Queen of Nothingloses the intensity of the trilogy ’s central romance , whichThe Wicked Kingdoes an excellent job of portray . The Queen of Nothing’sending also feel a bit too tidy , and it comes off as disappointing . This makesThe Wicked Kinga stiff instalment , especially with its exciting termination promising so much more thanThe Queen of Nothingdelivers .
5The Dark Artifices By Cassandra Clare (2016-2018)
Second Book: Lord Of Shadows
The Dark Artificesis one of several trilogies inCassandra Clare’sShadowhunter Chronicles , and it ’s unique because its 2nd book is the best of the gang . The Infernal DevicesandMortal Instrumentsseries boast strong finish , andThe Last Hourspeaks with the first installment . However , Lord of Shadowsis the clear highlight ofThe Dark Artifices , even though all three novels are impressive . Lady Midnightfeels like apparatus , featuring a smaller conflict that leads into the trilogy ’s greater story . And whileQueen of Air and Darknesshas many high full stop , it does n’t touch the tiptop of book two .
Lord of Shadowsproves the fresh spot forThe Dark Artifices , fully digging into the trilogy ’s overarching plot and ride home the stakes of the news report . The second book ’s ending is among the most tragical of all Clare’sShadowhunterbooks , and it packs an emotional punch that the other installation fail to . Additionally , the prohibited love story ofThe Dark Artificesis at its best in the 2nd novel . By the time readers reachQueen of Air and Darkness , the central relationship no longer feel as tense , and that works against the close .
4The First Law Trilogy By Joe Abercrombie (2006-2008)
Second Book: Before They Are Hanged
The entireFirst Lawtrilogy is suitable of praise , and it ’s consider as Joe Abercrombie ’s best serial publication — and by some readers , one of the best fantasy serial of all clock time . But even though all three installments shine , it ’s obvious thatBefore They Are Hangedis the highest stop of the trilogy . The Blade Itselfdoes a solid line of put in the complex plaster bandage of graphic symbol , but it feels like very little happens in the trilogy ’s opening . There ’s a lot of apparatus for future books , and lecturer may not see how the various storylines connect until later on .
It strike beyond the first book ’s slow suntan , but it does n’t have the monolithic responsibility of trying everything together , likeThe Last Argument of king .
Before They Are Hangedhas the advantage of an established world and mould , soit ’s capable to do more thanThe Blade Itself . It go beyond the first book ’s sluggish suntan , but it does n’t have the massive responsibility of trying everything together , likeThe Last Argument of Kings . AndThe Last Argument of Kingsdoes a seemly Book of Job in this regard . However , there are a few disappointing aspects of the final novel that makeBefore They Are Hangedthe strong of Abercrombie ’s trilogy .
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3Red Rising Trilogy By Pierce Brown (2014-2016)
Second Book: Golden Son
Piece Brown’sRed Risingtrilogy is one of the most popular sci - fi dystopian news report out there , and it ’s turn into a full - blown saga , which is still ongoing . Of the original trilogy , Golden Sonstands out as the most impressive installment . This is saying something , as all three books are truly striking — but the 2d is just a bit good thanRed RisingandMorning Star . Red Risinghas a much different chronicle and vibe thanGolden Son , even if they undertake similar idea . Golden Son ’s approach to power feels more mature and high - stakes thanRed Rising ’s , if only by a lilliputian .
Golden Sonalso has better pace thanRed Rising , potential because it does n’t have to place up an intact chronicle . It also manage to feel more put together thanMorning Star , which falter a bit towards the ending . Golden Soncomes out feeling like the most thoughtful and carefully craft of the three Holy Writ , testify that second books can be winners .
2The Broken Empire Trilogy By Mark Lawrence (2011-2013)
Second Book: King Of Thorns
The Broken Empiretrilogy by Mark Lawrence take readers on a dark journeying as its anti - hero claws his room to index , andJorg ’s account peaks in the second Quran . The first installment , Prince of Thorns , struggles with the same issues as many other possibility . It takes its time prove the world and Jorg ’s part , and Jorg is n’t very compelling until readers infer what drive him . Until then , Prince of Thornscan be difficult to get through — though it ’s deserving push through fork of Thorns . Christian Bible two does a better job characterizing Jorg , and its story feels more fully formed .
unluckily , King of Thornsalso feels more put together thanEmperor of Thornsas well , despite the latter delivering a satisfying conclusion . While both instalment are proficient , King of Thornsis just a fleck more impressive . Emperor of Thornshas a reasonably divisive ending , and it involve referee to sit with it . It also leaves a few loose ends , which will doubtlessly lead to some dashing hopes . The 2d book is well-to-do to make love , if only because there ’s more to arrive .
1The Farseer Trilogy By Robin Hobb (1995-1997)
Second Book: Royal Assassin
Robin Hobb’sFarseer Trilogyis considered a fantasy classic , and while all three books deserve their reputations , Royal Assassinstands out as the good . The Farseer Trilogytells the tale of Fitz , and it proceed well beyond this series . But this trilogy sets the stage for the balance of theElderlingsbooks , and it does a compelling line of work of it . Assassin ’s Apprenticeis a great commencement , but the later book pass by it . Again , the first book in any trilogy have a bun in the oven the core of enclose characters and world - build element that make it slow and more difficult to get into .
Royal Assassinproves more interesting , and whileAssassin ’s Questexpands the world importantly , it does n’t live up to the 2d book . Perhaps this is because Fitz ’s decisions and journey are far more frustrating in book three . It does n’t help that he pass so much time aside from the beloved supporting cast . thing pick up towards the end of the third installment , butRoyal Assassin’sstory feels balance all the way through . This makes it another superscript 2nd Good Book in a trilogy , and it ’s not the only 2nd book from Hobb ’s lineup to try out a winner .
