Sequels : yes or no?

For the longest time, the opinion that sequels should not be an option lingered in my head. They always left me with many more questions than I had begun with, and the feeling of disappointment as the story did not meet my expectations, seemed to be a trend. For this reason, I steered clear of sequels and instead forced myself to be content with the ending of a book. However, a recent read changed that. Namely, ‘Good Girl, Bad Blood’ by Holly Jackson; sequel to A Good Girls Guide to Murder.

I find that after reading a book, I get so attached to the characters that I want more knowledge of their lives; a deeper insight to what happens in the future. However, more times than not in my experience, the author does not portray the story in a way that it lives up to the original. I find that authors become ‘tired’ of the work, and so look for words to just complete and be over with the book. This is one of the main reasons for my hesitation in picking a sequel up.

Holly Jackson’s first book created characters that were lovable and relatable, all that a reader could ask for really, and so it was quite difficult to not purchase the book that followed it. Upon completion of the novel, it was safe to say that I was far from disappointed. The book was extremely enjoyable, more so than the first one, and in fact, left me wanting more; another case that the main character would be involved in. wanting to know more of Pip and Ravi’s relationship, the sequel displayed it in a way that was both expected and unexpected. The author ensured to not focus entirely on them, but knew when to add just the right amount; as the book leans more towards the crime/mystery genre. All in all, it ticked off all of my boxes pertaining to a good sequel.

A well-written sequel to me, is one that keeps up the same standard as the first book; it does not steer away from the writing style and technique that the writer originally used. It answers questions that a reader might have thought up towards the end of the first novel in an understanding manner, that does not further confuse the reader. A good sequel develops the original characters in a way to fit their ‘future’ selves, but also keeping their bases covered, so as to easily relate to their past personalities.

What are your opinions on sequels?