I’ve had a thought lately, which is that I sometimes enjoy starting new stories more than finishing them. Which is strange – I get the sense that it’s the opposite for a lot of readers. But I think this is why I can be in the middle of one book and then start looking longingly toward a new one, one with untold secrets for me to discover. 

And then it hit me: yes, I like the discovery. Of course! I enjoy putting the puzzle pieces together. How does this world work, what is this character’s back story, what is their goal? After a certain point, the discovery can feel like it’s over, and now I’m just waiting for the plot to resolve so I can move on. 

Despite the critical importance of ongoing discovery, many series fall into the trap of front-loading all their mysteries and revelations. This can lead to a stagnation where subsequent books feel repetitive or lack the same compelling draw.

Let’s talk about it. 

Sustained discovery keeps it immersive.

When readers are introduced to a new world, their curiosity is piqued. They want to know how this world operates, what its history is, and what makes it unique. Once those questions are answered, there’s not much left to keep a reader invested in the world. (This is partly why info dumping is a huge snore fest – I want to figure it out, not have my hand held). 

A series handles this well when each installment expands in new directions. We either get a new setting or new characters, or perhaps the stakes have changed. Maybe we’re introduced to new magic or something previously unknown. 

I think this is part of the reason why I enjoyed Tower of Dawn, the second to last installment in the Throne of Glass series. It follows different characters in a different location from the rest of the series, and was a much-needed breath of fresh air. 

Character discovery is just as important.

Characters are the driving force of any story, and their backstories are crucial to understanding their motivations and growth. Peeling back these layers slowly and thoughtfully throughout a series boosts engagement and makes us care. 

But if I finally learn every aspect of their tragic past and they come to terms with it by the end of book 1, then it’s harder for me to get excited about book 2. It makes me feel like there won’t be strong character stakes or growth – because we already did that part. 

Which plays into character relationship discovery. 

Character friendships and romantic relationships play an important role in the development and growth they each experience. Disagreements, fights, negotiations, hard conversations, emotional support, and the embracing of vulnerability can all provide important catalysts for change. These relationships fall flat when they no longer have a direct impact on the plot or character arcs, and become uninteresting altogether when they stop discovering new sides to each other. 

If it’s a series, I really enjoy it when couples get together and break up and then form new relationships as the story goes on. It keeps it real, but more importantly, it keeps me interested. I have a whole other blog on the downfalls of established couples. 

Without these things, I find myself delaying reading sequels.

Basically what I’m saying is that I want series that make good use of gradual world building, evolving characters, complex relationships, with plenty of plot twists to keep me hooked. Is that so much to ask?