I find myself worried to write this post, because I know that, inevitably, it’s going to offend someone. But that’s such a lovely thing about reading, isn’t it? Your favourite book might not be someone else’s and that’s ok! But, I will preface this by saying that I’m not hating on these books – they just weren’t for me, and I could use my time better by reading books I will actually enjoy. But anyway, without further ado, let’s get into the list.
- The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo.
Ok, we’re starting off very controversial. I read the first book, Shadow and Bone, in 2015. I remember finding it mediocre at the time, which was a big deal for me, because I was just getting back into serious reading and finding my love of YA fantasy. I had heard a lot of good things about it, so then to not like it very much? It was very disappointing! I remember having every intention of picking up the second book, but it just never happened, and at this point, there are very very slim chances of it happening. Admittedly, I did buy the box set just after the holidays because it was on sale and the Netflix promotion had come out for the series so I wanted to read them, but I’m coming to terms with the fact that it’s just not going to happen. In fact, I think I’ll add the boxset to my donation pile.
- The Folk of the Air by Holly Black
I’m starting to realise this list might get my bookworm status revoked. When this book first came out, it was everywhere on bookstagram. At that point, I was very new and on my first attempt at having an account (an account that is now deleted, but it served me well!). I had this mindset that, in order to be successful on bookstagram, I had to read everything that everyone else was reading. And so came forth The Cruel Prince. Look guys, it just wasn’t for me. Not only do I think this is a very weak representation of enemies to lovers (nobody should be that awful to their romantic interest, no matter what the trope is), I found this book unremarkable. Nothing stuck with me. Honestly, three years later and I can barely tell you what happened in the book. All I remember is bumping it up to 3 stars on Goodreads for two reasons: one, the cliffhanger ending was good. Second, I felt it would be more acceptable on bookstagram. Lesson learned, and The Folk of the Air just isn’t for me.
- The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
Yeah, I know, I’m sorry. I promise I’m not choosing popular book series on purpose. I read the first three books in highschool, and loved them. My friend Abbie loved them, and convinced me to read them, and I had a good time. But I never kept going. I remember reading the third book feeling that it was a nice ending to the series, but I couldn’t force myself to care about the rest of them. A few years later, I realised that I probably judged it too quickly and that it needed another chance, so I bought the entire set when it was on sale. I read the first two books, hated them, and haven’t touched them since. I’ve been told a few times that I would enjoy The Infernal Devices, but I just don’t find myself drawn to the Shadowhunter world anymore. Perhaps this is another set to put on the donation pile.
- The All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness
I started this series towards the end of last year, and I loved it. I was enjoying them so much, and I got through the first two books in a relatively short amount of time. And then the third book struck. I’m not sure if I slumped, or I just lost interest, but I can’t seem to force myself to pick up the final book. There is nothing in me that is convincing me to read it, and I really don’t care that I don’t know how it ends. It’s unfortunate, because I was enjoying them, but I guess I had a mid-series change of heart. However, that being said, I can see why this is some people’s favourite book series. It’s fun, thrilling and has an interesting enough plot to keep almost anyone reading. Just not me, apparently.
- The Nevernight Chronicle by Jay Kristoff
Another book that’s relatively popular in the bookish community, but I do think this one is more divisive than the others. I can’t explain it – guys, I just wasn’t feeling it. Granted, I did rate it 3 stars, but I think that’s due to the plot twist at the end. If that hadn’t been there, it probably would’ve been lower. Despite being a fantasy lover, I just couldn’t get on board with this book. It wasn’t bad, it wasn’t spectacular, it was just fine. And fine isn’t really what you want from an extremely hyped book on the internet. This is another book that I own a physical copy of, and my goodness, my donation pile is getting bigger and bigger as this post goes on.
And there we have it – five book series I haven’t finished, and probably won’t. Admittedly, there are more, so if you enjoyed this post please let me know and I will start working on a part 2! It’s a shame that I found these books underwhelming, or not living to my expectations, but I know other people love them so it’s not really that much of a loss. Besides, by the sounds of it, my local op-shop is getting some nice new books to sell.
Don’t hesitate to comment below if you have any book series you haven’t finished and probably won’t, I’d love to hear them!
Haha, I totally agree with Folk of Air. It feels like I’m a major minority here with you, I ended up finishing the series, and can say it definitely wasn’t worth it – I knew it wasn’t for me from book 1! I even rated it higher on Goodreads for the same reason like you. 😅
I’m so glad someone agrees! I just never understood what the hype was – but I’m glad it makes some people happy!
Only can think of one- I did read Queen of the Tearling, the first in a trilogy. But, just didn’t work for me
queen of the tearling didn’t work for me either! the first book dragged and i had no interest in the second!
That books felt as if nothing was happening. Only until the last 1/10 or it- loved it when the crystal was doing its magic. If that magic was seen for like the vast majority of the book, might have loved it
I love this post Mary! Sometimes the first book in a series simply works better as a standalone, well that’s my logic at least. I love this post Mary! Quick question though, what exactly came first, Six of crows or Shadow of bone? And is it the same thing?
Out of all of Cassandra Clare’s books, I’ve only read Clockwork Angel and I was so underwhelmed by it. I guess their just not for me, and that’s okay! Another amazing post as always 💗
ahh mary i loved reading this post!! i did end up finishing the grisha trilogy, but it honestly wasn’t that great – and the six of crows duology was way better!! i also recently finished the folk of the air trilogy – and the first book just wasn’t for me (i rated it 3 stars too), but it definitely got better!! ❤️
i’ve heard mixed things about the rest of the folk of the air, but i’m glad you enjoyed it! 💞
I never read the last three series but two are on my tbr.. Will I ever get to them? I don’t know.. They have been on my tbr for years and it is possible I grew out of them.