You know when you go and see a film and you can’t believe how good it is? In some cases, it’s actually a film that uses some incredible film technique that you haven’t seen before (The Matrix) or introduces you to a character you can’t help but like (Die Hard).
A few years later you find out that there’s going to be a sequel and you were so enamoured with that first film that you just know the next one is going to be amazing, because how could it not be?
Think about those two films again; The Matrix and Die Hard.
Now, if you can bring yourself to, remember the sequels; The Matrix Reloaded and Die Hard: Die Harder.
Not great, right?
That’s, for me at least, what Sequel Syndrome is. It’s when the first book was so incredible that I go in expecting something as good, or better, and end up with something that just sinks, disappointing me to the point where I start to doubt whether the first book was actually even that good!
There are a number of books that have, luckily, surpassed all expectations and been, not exactly an improvement on the first, but much better than I thought they would be. But I have started to go into sequels with a bit of caution.
In November, probably my most expected sequel of the year is released. I really enjoyed Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros – like a considerable number of fantasy readers in the general populace. And here I have to be honest and say that I wasn’t sure I would. What did I need with another massively over-hyped fantasy novel with dragons in it?
The sequel is due for release on the 7th of November and I can’t wait. But there is also a small part of me that is feeling anxiety. What if the book doesn’t live up to the image I have in my mind? What if it’s not as good? What if the characters just regurgitate their first book experiences? What if the story is just a repeat? What if…what if…what if???
Sadly, I have been a victim of Sequel Syndrome a few times in the last few months. It’s not been as bad as it could have been, but I went into some of these books with a mental high from reading the first books and the sequels fell flat. The story was just the same as the first book over again, or the characterisation felt different, dryer, lacking in what had made the first book so good (for me).
Of course, the second book could always be a Terminator 2: Judgement Day or Aliens if you’re really lucky. But you never know what you’re going to get until you’ve made it through the first few chapters (you have to give the author some time to set the scene).
So, there you have it. Sequel Syndrome:
A book that doesn’t live up to the promise of the first book in a sequence.
What’s your biggest sequel disappointment?
